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The food and support services business reports another quarter of sustained growth in its trading results for the third quarter ended 30 June 2026.
The strong performance saw a growth in organic revenue of 7.1%, and net new business growth accelerated into the group’s 4 – 5% target range as expected. Compass states that it remains on track to deliver net new growth at this level for the fifth consecutive year.
Client retention remained excellent at 96 per cent and the Group’s pipeline of opportunities continues to support confidence in future growth. Like-for-like growth was in line with its expectations, with volumes in North America benefiting modestly from the Football World Cup. In International, like-for-like growth moderated, reflecting lower inflation and Sports & Leisure calendar timings.
The fragmented $360bn outsourcing food services market remains highly attractive, with Compass continuing to capture a significant share of this large and growing opportunity. Over the last 12 months, the Group secured $4.3bn of new business wins, up 16% year-on-year, with 50% of new business wins from first time outsourcing.
Compass reports that Business & Industry remains its strongest performing sector, delivering double-digit organic growth and generating more than $2bn of new business across different industries. The Group is continuing to support leading AI hyperscalers across the data centre ecosystem, providing food and support services across both construction and operational phases.
Sports & Leisure in Compass’ International region continues to grow strongly, with a significant contribution from first-time outsourcing, highlighting the sizeable opportunity in an underpenetrated market as venues invest to elevate the fan experience and unlock the full commercial potential of their operations.
Education continues to build momentum following a record selling season across K-12 and Higher Education. The recent University of Kentucky win is Compass’ largest in the sector to date, which it says highlights the growing demand for integrated solutions across campus and healthcare environments, and further demonstrates the power of its sectorisation strategy, with multiple Compass brands working together at scale.
Healthcare & Senior Living continues to represent a significant long-term opportunity. In North America, six of Compass’ top 20 new business wins this year were in the sector, while Defence, Offshore & Remote continues to benefit from increased investment in defence and energy infrastructure.
Reiterating its guidance for 2026, Compass states that strong execution and continued growth momentum provides confidence in delivering underlying operating profit growth of above 11% in constant currency.
Dominic Blakemore, CEO of Compass Group, said: “Our business continues to perform strongly, driven by the strength of our sector-focused model, disciplined execution and resilient client demand. We are winning market share across multiple sectors, supported by the strongest pipeline of opportunities we have ever seen.
“With an addressable market exceeding $360 billion and significant opportunities to further increase penetration, we remain confident in delivering another year of strong earnings growth and continued margin progression.”
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