Compass Group's First Quarter Revenue Rises

By Dave Simpson
Compass Group's First Quarter Revenue Rises

Britain's Compass Group has said that its first-quarter revenue rose on continued strength in its North American operations.

Compass, which provides 5.5 billion meals for office workers, armed forces and school children in more than 50 countries, said that its first-quarter organic revenue grew 5.3% year-on-year.

The company, which counts Alphabet Inc's Google, Coca-Cola, Shell and Nike Inc among its customers, maintained its 2020 forecast of organic growth in the range of 4%-6%.

"In the longer-term, we remain excited about the significant structural growth opportunities globally, and the potential for further revenue and profit growth combined with returns to shareholders," the company added.

The FTSE 100 company said that its cost-cutting plan, announced late last year, is progressing as expected and the benefits are offsetting slower demand in Europe.

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The company had warned of hundreds of job cuts as a part of the programme in November to stem costs.

In the past, the British caterer had also cut food, labour and overhead expenses, and raised prices of their meals to boost profit, while operating margins took a hit from lower volumes and higher costs at its UK business.

North America Revenue

In North America, which is the catering giant's biggest market, revenue rose 7.5% in the quarter.

Japanese Highways

Compass said that it recently sold half of its Japanese Highways business for £55 million pounds as a part of its disposal programme.

News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.