Operational Improvements Key Focus for Compass

Overall results point to a modest rebound in the company's business, which is no small achievement given current economic conditions

Lauren DeSanto 25 November, 2010 | 9:23AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Full-year results from Compass Group Plc (CPG), reported Wednesday morning, revealed a significantly healthier back half of the year for the food services firm. With operating profit growth outpacing revenue growth, operational improvements continue to be a key focus and our recently increased fair value estimate for the firm's shares remains intact. Total sales at the firm increased 7.6% for the year, with a 2.9% benefit from foreign exchange. Organic sales growth increased 3.2% from last year, when sales were essentially flat compared to fiscal 2008. North America and Compass' emerging market Rest of World segment delivered healthy organic sales growth of 5.8% and 6.1% compared to the prior year. Management sees the most potential for expansion in the United States market, given receptivity to outsourcing and the infrastructure already in place, but developing markets should offer robust revenue growth with significant margin improvement opportunity over time. Offsetting these strong revenue gains were declines in the United Kingdom and Ireland of 3.3% from last year (reflecting at least a slower rate of decline from the 5.7% decrease in the segments' first-half results), and flat year-over-year sales in Europe. Excluding the impact of currency, operating profits increased 10.1% to just over 1.0 billion pounds, and operating margins were up 40 basis points to 6.9% for the year, with improvement in all of Compass' regions. Overall results point to a modest rebound in the company's business, which is no small achievement given current economic conditions.

Lauren DeSanto is an equity analyst with Morningstar.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Compass Group PLC2,650.00 GBX0.99Rating

About Author

Lauren DeSanto  Lauren DeSanto is Morningstar's chief operating officer for equity research.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures