Compass Group Plc

Compass Group plc is the world's leading food service company and the largest contract foodservice provider in Europe, headquartered in Chertsey, England. Founded in 1941 as a British catering business serving wartime factories, the company has grown into a global leader operating in around 50 countries with over 580,000 employees and generating $42 billion in revenue for fiscal 2024. Compass Group provides comprehensive food services and support services to millions of people daily across diverse sectors including business and industry, healthcare and senior living, education, sports and leisure, and defense, offshore, and remote locations. The company's extensive portfolio includes contract catering services, office cleaning, reception services, light maintenance, security, grounds and garden services, and clinical equipment services. Operating in locations ranging from corporate offices and factories to schools, universities, hospitals, major sports venues, mining camps, prisons, and offshore oil platforms, Compass Group has established itself as an essential service provider across the global economy. Listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 100 constituent under ticker CPG, the company maintains one of the highest market capitalizations on the exchange at £44.99 billion. In fiscal 2024, Compass delivered exceptional performance with underlying revenue growth of 10.6% and underlying operating profit growth of 16.4%, driven by new business wins, volume increases, and strategic pricing initiatives. The company's underlying operating margin improved by 30 basis points to 7.1%, with strong margin progression across all geographic regions. Compass Group's strategic vision focuses on being 'a world-class provider of contract food services and support services, renowned for great people, great service, and great results,' supported by robust cash generation with underlying free cash flow of $1.74 billion representing an 85% conversion rate.