**Summary of Compass Group PLC Q1 2026 Trading Statement**
Compass Group PLC, a global leader in food services, reported strong first-quarter results for the period ending 31 December 2025, highlighting consistent growth and strategic progress. Key highlights include
1. **Financial Performance**
Organic revenue growth of 7.3% in Q1, driven by strong performances across North America (7.3%) and International (7.1%) regions.
Sports & Leisure (S&L) and Business & Industry (B&I) sectors led growth, with B&I achieving double-digit growth in North America due to first-time outsourcing (FTO) wins and technology sector expansion.
Net new business growth of 4-5%, with annualised new business wins totalling $4 billion (up 10% year-on-year).
2. **Strategic Acquisitions**
Completed the $1.7 billion acquisition of Vermaat, a leading Dutch food services company, in December 2025, enhancing capabilities in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
Total Q1 M&A investment reached $1.9 billion.
3. **Operational Updates**
Strong client retention <mark style="background-color:yellow">above</mark> 96%, with pricing moderating in a lower inflation environment.
Volumes continued to contribute positively to growth.
4. **Currency and Trading Changes**
Compass will change its LSE trading currency from GBP to USD effective 1 April 2026, aligning with its reporting currency and reducing FX volatility.
Dividends will remain in GBP unless shareholders opt for USD.
5. **Guidance and Outlook**
Reaffirmed 2026 guidance, expecting ~10% underlying operating profit growth (constant currency), driven by
~7% organic revenue growth
~2% profit growth from M&Aand
Ongoing margin progression.
CEO Dominic Blakemore highlighted strong momentum, strategic integration of Vermaat, and confidence in long-term value creation.
6. **Future Events**
A virtual deep dive on sectorisation strategy, including Vermaat integration, is scheduled for 9 February 2026.
Financial calendar includes half-year results on 11 May 2026, Q3 trading update on 21 July 2026, and full-year results on 24 November 2026.
Compass Group remains focused on disciplined execution and strategic growth, with a positive outlook for 2026 despite global economic uncertainties.