London, Feb 10, 2026, 09:44 GMT — Regular session
- Compass Group traded close to 2,080 pence in the morning session, barely moving from its previous close. 1
- The stock dropped 2.07% on Monday, lagging behind as the FTSE 100 edged higher. 2
- This week, Compass circulated new investor slides detailing its “sectorisation” approach, an effort to reframe the narrative following last week’s share drop. 3
Compass Group PLC (CPG.L) shares slipped 0.14% to 2,078 pence on Tuesday, with trading volume thin following last week’s drop to the lowest level since 2026. Shares moved between 2,073 and 2,099 pence during the session. 4
The world’s largest caterer remains in the crosshairs. Although first-quarter organic revenue growth topped forecasts, the results didn’t spark a turnaround in sentiment. Investors, according to Reuters, are homing in on worries that artificial intelligence could threaten Compass’ office-based contracts—a significant slice of the company’s business. JPMorgan analysts cautioned the latest update is “unlikely to be sufficient to improve sentiment.” 5
Compass insists it’s still expanding, pointing to outsourcing contracts and moves into fresh markets. Organic revenue climbed 7.3% in the first quarter, the company reported, sticking with its target of roughly 10% underlying operating profit growth for 2026—lifting forecasts on the back of better margins and recent deals. “We have delivered a strong start to the year with broad based growth across every region and sector,” CEO Dominic Blakemore said. 6
There’s also a technical but globally relevant wrinkle coming up: on April 1, Compass will shift the trading currency for its London-listed ordinary shares to U.S. dollars. The company pointed to its switch in reporting currency to dollars earlier in 2024 as the reason. Dividends, though, stay in pounds—unless shareholders choose a different option. 7
Management has also been emphasizing structure and execution in its messaging. Over on its investor page, Compass highlighted a “Sectorisation Deep Dive”—regional heads there discussed how the brand portfolio feeds into the group’s growth plans. 8
Compass calls its approach “sectorisation”—that is, structuring operations by end-markets instead of regions. The company has five sectors, targeting everything from corporate offices to hospitals, education, and events, all pitched as a way to better align services with what clients want. 9
The bear case still lingers. Should office attendance dip once more—or if AI pushes white-collar job cuts faster than firms can react—workplace catering volumes might stumble, and investors could keep their distance even with Compass hitting its targets.
Compass will reveal its “GBP rate” this Tuesday, ahead of a Feb. 26 dividend payout. Investors looking for more detail on performance will have to wait for the half-year numbers, which land May 11. 10
