CPG27 Mar 2012 08:42
Trading Update
This statement updates investors on the Group's progress in the current year, ahead of the announcement on 16 May 2012 of its results for the half year to 31 March 2012.
Group
Compass has had a good first half of the year. The positive performance in the first quarter has continued into the second quarter and our expectations for the full year remain unchanged. Total revenue growth is expected to be around 8.5% in the first half of the year and organic growth is set to increase by nearly 5%, driven by further good performances in North America and Fast Growing & Emerging Markets. We have continued to see good levels of new business wins and a consistently high level of retention across the Group. Overall, like for like revenue growth is positive, although it is below the levels of the first half of last year, as challenging economic conditions continue to impact like for like volume in the UK and parts of Europe.
Through the ongoing application of MAP, we are continuing to generate cost efficiencies across the business. These efficiencies are, in part, being reinvested in exciting growth opportunities around the world, helping us to manage the effects of difficult economic conditions in some of our markets, and underpin our expectations of future improvement in the operating margin. Overall, the operating profit margin for the first half is expected to be at the same level as the first half of last year. We continue to see good levels of free cash flow conversion.