Compass Group PLC (LSE:CPG) shares fell 3.4% despite the catering group reporting first-half results in line with expectations, hiking the dividend 9% and maintaining its full-year outlook.
Revenue came to $22.6 billion for the six months ended 31 March 2025, an increase of 8.8% compared to the same period last year.
Compass completed the reshaping of its portfolio, including divestments in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Kazakhstan, while also securing $3.6 billion in new business over the past 12 months, with a client retention rate of over 96%.
Underlying operating profit rose 11.6% to $1.6 billion, while statutory operating profit increased 4% to $1.5 billion, with the difference reflecting acquisition-related charges.
Free cash flow swelled 5.5% to $743 million, and the company board upped the interim dividend per share 9.2% to 22.6 cents.
Looking ahead, Compass maintained its full-year outlook, expecting high single-digit underlying operating profit growth driven by organic revenue growth of over 7.5%.