As has been widely publicized, Compass has reported a strong six month performance to 31 March – such that the Board is not only increasing the dividend by 10% but also returning £1 billion to shareholders.
Compass had a ‘good first half year’ in which good levels of organic growth in North America and Fast Growing & Emerging markets were achieved, and economic conditions in Europe & Japan are starting to improve. Expectations for the full year are positive despite the impact of movements in foreign currencies.
Richard Cousins, Group Chief Executive, commented:
“This has been another period of consistent delivery for Compass. Organic revenue growth of over 4% has been driven by strong growth in North America and Fast Growing & Emerging. Encouragingly, economic conditions and new business in Europe & Japan are starting to improve. The operating efficiencies we’ve generated have enabled us to invest in the many growth opportunities we see, as well as deliver an improvement in the operating margin of 10 basis points, taking it to 7.4%.
“Strong cash generation has underpinned our investment in the business and our commitment to reward shareholders. Based on the ongoing strength of our performance, the Board is proposing to increase the ordinary interim dividend by 10% to 8.8 pence per share and return a further £1 billion of cash to shareholders through a special dividend. Looking forward, the outsourcing proposition remains compelling and I’m positive about the opportunities for further revenue and margin progression.”
Highlights
Positive first half year with good organic revenue growth
- Organic revenue growth of 4.2%, driven by strong new business growth
- Excellent performances in North America and Fast Growing & Emerging markets
- Economic conditions and new business growth in Europe & Japan starting to improve
- Healthy pipeline of new business across all regions
Further efficiencies enabling investment and delivering margin progression
- Operating profit margin increased by 10 basis points to 7.4%
- MAP programme continuing to drive operating efficiencies across all geographies
- Reinvesting for growth
Growth, performance and returns to shareholders: a proven and sustainable model
- £6 billion of announced returns to shareholders since 2006
- Proposed interim dividend of 8.8 pence, 10% ahead of last year
- Proposed capital return of £1 billion via a special dividend and ongoing £500 million share buyback
- Longer term, Compass remains well placed to capitalise on exciting structural growth opportunities in all its markets
| Underlying | Year on yearchange | Reported | |
| Revenue | £8.7 billion | +4.2% | £8.7 billion |
| Operating profit | £647 million | +5.5% | £634 million |
| Profit before tax | £608 million | +5.7% | £595 million |
| Earnings per share | 25.3 pence | +10.0% | 24.8 pence |
| Free cash flow | £345 million | -10.6% | £324 million |
| Interim dividend per share | 8.8 pence | +10.0% | 8.8 pence |