compass group stock guide
Compass Group PLC (stock)
This article covers compass group stock — the publicly traded securities of Compass Group PLC — including primary listings, ADRs, market data, valuation metrics, dividend policy, investor considerations and where investors can trade. Readers will learn how compass group stock is listed, how ADRs work, the main financial and market indicators investors monitor, and practical points for U.S. and international investors.
Company summary
Compass Group PLC is a global foodservice and support services company operating in hundreds of countries and thousands of client sites. The group provides catering, facilities management and related services across sectors including education, healthcare, corporate, sports and leisure, and defence. Compass Group’s contract-based business model produces recurring revenue streams tied to long-term client agreements and large-scale operations, which are relevant to investors assessing revenue stability and margin drivers.
Compass Group PLC was founded decades ago and is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Its scale and geographic diversification make compass group stock of interest to investors seeking exposure to the foodservice and outsourced support services sector without pure-play commodity risk.
Listings and tickers
- Primary listing: London Stock Exchange (LSE) — ticker: CPG.
- U.S. ADR tickers commonly shown in market data: CMPGY and CMPGF (sponsored ADRs/US quotes representing underlying LSE shares).
- ISIN: GB00BD6K4575 (for underlying ordinary shares listed on the LSE).
Note: The LSE listing is the company’s primary market and price reference; U.S. ADR quotations reflect cross-listing mechanics, currency conversion and ADR trading venue liquidity. U.S. ADRs may trade on OTC venues or via sponsored ADR programs; check your broker for the specific quote symbol (CMPGY or CMPGF) and venue before trading.
Market data and capitalization
Market capitalization for compass group stock fluctuates with the LSE share price and exchange rates. Market cap is calculated by multiplying the total number of issued ordinary shares by the market price per share on the primary exchange (LSE: CPG). Typical metrics investors monitor include:
- Market capitalization (approximate range): Compass Group has historically been a large-cap UK company; consult real-time market-data providers for the current figure. Market capitalization will vary intraday with the CPG LSE price and GBP exchange moves.
- Daily trading volume: Liquidity is highest on the LSE for CPG; U.S. ADR volumes (CMPGY/CMPGF) can be materially lower, creating wider spreads for ADR trades.
- Free float and share count: Outstanding share counts and free-float percentages are disclosed in the company’s investor relations materials and regulatory filings; these determine float-adjusted metrics used by index providers.
Source note: For live market capitalization and intraday volume, see data aggregators such as MarketScreener and Morningstar and the LSE company page; official share counts are in Compass Group plc regulatory filings.
Historical share price performance
Compass group stock price history should be reviewed across multiple horizons: intraday, 1 month, year‑to‑date (YTD), 1 year, and multi‑year (3–5 years). Key historical drivers include:
- Earnings releases and trading statements: Quarterly and annual results and margin commentary often move the stock.
- Macroeconomic cycles: Demand for foodservice and corporate catering can vary with economic activity, affecting revenues and margins.
- COVID‑19 pandemic impact: Compass group stock experienced significant volatility during the pandemic due to site closures, contract pauses and changes in client behaviour; subsequent recovery and cost management also influenced performance.
- M&A, contract wins or losses: Large new contracts, disposals or acquisitions that change the revenue mix can produce step changes in investor sentiment.
When reviewing historical performance for compass group stock, compare LSE (CPG) returns with ADR prices (CMPGY/CMPGF) and consider currency translation between GBP and USD.
Financials and valuation metrics
Equity investors in compass group stock commonly track these financial metrics:
- Revenue and revenue growth: Reported in the company’s annual and interim financial statements; revenue splits by geography and segment are important to assess concentration risk.
- Operating profit and margin: Efficiency in operations and contract pricing influence operating margins and trends over time.
- Net income and EPS (earnings per share): Underlying EPS and adjusted EPS figures help compare performance across periods.
- P/E ratio (price/earnings): Market price divided by trailing or forward EPS; P/E for compass group stock should be compared to peers such as other global foodservice firms.
- Price/Sales and Price/Book: Valuation multiples used to assess relative value when earnings are volatile.
- Dividend yield: Annual dividend per share divided by current share price; Compass Group has historically paid regular dividends.
Analyst fair-value commentary: Research houses such as Morningstar, MarketScreener and broker research provide valuation models and fair-value estimates for compass group stock. Use those sources alongside company filings for a full picture.
Source: Financial statement figures are available in Compass Group’s annual report and regulatory filings; valuation snapshots are published by Morningstar and MarketWatch.
Dividends and capital allocation
Compass Group has a history of distributing dividends and communicating a capital allocation framework balancing shareholder returns and reinvestment. Key points for dividend-focused investors in compass group stock:
- Dividend policy: The company typically targets a sustainable dividend supported by recurring operating cash flows; policy details are in annual reports and investor presentations.
- Recent dividend history and timing: Refer to the company’s investor relations calendar for ex‑dividend dates and record dates; actual dividend amounts and yields vary with profit and retained capital decisions.
- Share buybacks and M&A: Compass Group may use buybacks or acquisitions as part of capital allocation; such actions are announced through regulatory filings and RNS (Regulatory News Service) notices.
Check official company announcements for confirmed dividend amounts and timing rather than relying on secondary summaries.
ADR program and U.S. investor information
U.S. investors often encounter compass group stock via ADR quotes (CMPGY or CMPGF). Important considerations for ADR investors:
- How ADRs work: An American Depositary Receipt represents a specified number of underlying ordinary shares held by a depositary bank. ADR prices reflect the underlying LSE price adjusted for the ADR ratio, FX conversion, and depositary fees.
- ADR tickers: CMPGY and CMPGF are common ADR identifiers used in U.S. market‑data systems. Confirm whether the ADR is sponsored or unsponsored and the depositary bank managing the program.
- Trading venue and liquidity: ADRs may trade OTC or on an exchange depending on sponsorship and program structure. ADR liquidity can be lower than the LSE primary listing, causing wider bid‑ask spreads and less efficient price discovery for compass group stock via ADRs.
- Currency and settlement: LSE trades settle in GBP; ADRs settle in USD. Cross‑border settlement, FX conversion, and withholding tax on dividends are practical items U.S. investors should understand.
- Taxes and withholding: Dividends paid on the underlying UK shares may be subject to UK withholding tax rules for non‑resident investors; ADR holders should check the ADR prospectus and local tax guidance.
For U.S. investors unfamiliar with ADR trading, consult your broker and the ADR depositary documentation for CMPGY/CMPGF to understand conversion ratios, fees and tax treatment.
Share structure and major shareholders
- Share classes: Compass Group primarily issues ordinary shares; any special share classes or voting structures are documented in the company’s articles and filings.
- Outstanding shares and free float: The company’s annual report and regulatory filings list the issued share count and changes during the year.
- Major shareholders: Institutional owners (for example large asset managers and index funds) commonly hold material stakes in compass group stock; public data providers like Morningstar and MarketWatch list major institutional holdings and disclosure updates.
Investors should consult the company’s regulatory disclosures for up‑to‑date large‑shareholder filings and changes to insider holdings.
Corporate filings and regulatory disclosures
Where to find official documents for compass group stock:
- Company investor relations: The primary source for annual reports, interim results, presentations and corporate governance information.
- Regulatory News Service (RNS) filings: For UK‑listed companies, RNS publishes trading updates, director dealings and regulatory announcements.
- Companies House and UK Listing Rules: Official statutory filings and reporting obligations are available via Companies House and are governed by UK Listing Rules for LSE‑listed entities.
Reporting calendar: Compass Group’s fiscal year end and regular reporting dates (annual results, half‑year results, interim trading statements) are published on its investor relations page; check these dates to anticipate market‑moving disclosures for compass group stock.
Analyst coverage and market consensus
Compass group stock is covered by a range of sell‑side and independent research houses. Typical items in analyst coverage:
- Consensus recommendations and price targets: Aggregated by data providers; revisions can move the share price when significant.
- Earnings estimates and forecasts: Analysts model revenue, margins and EPS to produce forward valuations.
- Coverage breadth: Major UK and international brokers publish research notes on Compass Group; Morningstar provides independent fair‑value commentary.
When reviewing analyst commentary, note the date and whether forecasts are consensus or single‑broker projections. Investors should combine analyst reports with company filings for a complete view.
Investment considerations and risks
This section outlines the primary considerations and risk factors that typically affect compass group stock.
Investment thesis elements for compass group stock:
- Scale and market position: Large global footprint and diversified client base can provide resilience and contract scale advantages.
- Contractual revenues: Long‑term contracts with institutional clients provide recurring cash flows and predictability compared with spot markets.
- Operational leverage and procurement scale: Centralized procurement and buying power can support margins and mitigate input cost inflation to some degree.
Key risks for compass group stock:
- Client concentration and sector exposure: Large contracts or sector exposures (e.g., education, healthcare) can amplify risks if clients reduce spend.
- Labour and food input inflation: Wage pressures and food cost inflation can compress margins if contract pricing and pass‑through mechanisms lag.
- Contract loss or renegotiation: Competitive tendering can result in lost contracts or lower margin renewals.
- Macroeconomic sensitivity: Reduced corporate travel, office attendance or events can lower demand for catering services.
- Regulatory and compliance risk: Operating across many jurisdictions increases exposure to local regulation, employment law and safety standards.
Investors should review the company’s risk disclosures in annual reports and track sector trends when evaluating compass group stock.
Corporate actions, events and news that influence the stock
Events that commonly move compass group stock include:
- Earnings releases and trading updates: Profitability, margin trends and guidance are high‑impact events.
- Major contract wins or losses: Large client contracts or terminations can materially affect near‑term revenue forecasts.
- Dividends and share‑buyback announcements: Changes to capital allocation affect yield and shareholder returns.
- Mergers, acquisitions or disposals: Strategic M&A or asset sales reshape the business and are market events.
- Management changes: CEO or CFO announcements and succession plans can alter investor confidence.
Market sources of news: Use official RNS filings, the company’s investor relations announcements and reputable market-data providers for timely updates affecting compass group stock.
Exchange‑traded instruments and holdings
- ETFs and funds: Compass Group PLC commonly appears in UK large‑cap and global consumer services ETFs and mutual funds. Data providers list major ETFs that include CPG by weighting.
- Retail brokerage availability: CPG is widely available on platforms that offer LSE trading. ADRs (CMPGY/CMPGF) provide a route for U.S. investors; confirm availability and liquidity with your broker.
- Liquidity differences: LSE trading in CPG typically offers deeper liquidity than ADR quotes; U.S. investors should be aware of possible execution and spread differences for compass group stock when trading ADRs.
If an investor prefers a specific trading venue or consolidated pricing, check the LSE order book and ADR quotes before executing trades.
Tax and accounting notes for investors
Tax considerations for compass group stock:
- Dividend withholding: Non‑UK residents receiving dividends on underlying UK shares or ADRs should confirm applicable withholding taxes and any relevant tax treaties.
- Local tax reporting: U.S. investors must report dividend income and any applicable foreign tax credits; consult a tax advisor for personal situations.
Accounting and reporting conventions:
- Currency translation: Compass Group reports in GBP; consolidated results include currency translation effects for international operations that can affect reported revenues and margins.
- Adjusted measures: The company reports underlying/adjusted operating metrics alongside statutory figures to exclude one‑offs; compare like‑for‑like measures when analysing compass group stock.
Always cross‑check accounting definitions in the company’s annual report to ensure comparability across periods and peers.
See also
- Comparable companies: Sodexo, Aramark and other multinational foodservice firms.
- Topics: American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), London Stock Exchange listings, sector reports on foodservice and facilities management.
References and data sources
Primary and commonly used sources for compass group stock data and commentary:
- Compass Group plc investor relations and annual reports (official filings for ISIN, share counts, dividend policy).
- MarketScreener — LSE quotes and metrics for CPG.
- Morningstar (UK and US) — share price, fair‑value commentary and ownership data.
- MarketWatch and Seeking Alpha — ADR/US quotes, earnings transcripts and analyst commentary.
- Regulatory filings and RNS announcements for material corporate disclosures.
External links
- Compass Group plc investor relations (official source for filings, presentations and contact details).
- LSE company page and ADR depositary documentation (check broker/registrar for CMPGY/CMPGF details).
As of January 27, 2026, per the Associated Press most‑active stocks reporting, market liquidity and investor attention vary widely across exchanges; ADR quotes for international companies can show lower volume versus primary listings. For U.S. investors considering compass group stock via ADRs (CMPGY/CMPGF), this means spreads and execution may differ from the LSE (CPG) price.
Further reading and next steps: if you want real‑time quotes for compass group stock, check live market data on your brokerage platform and review the latest Compass Group PLC regulatory filings and investor presentations. To trade or custody ADR or LSE shares via a platform that supports multi‑venue access, consider trading tools and wallet custody options; for Web3 wallet needs, Bitget Wallet is available for self‑custody and managing digital assets, and Bitget’s trading platform supports global equity access where local listings are accessible via partnered brokerage services.
Explore Bitget features to see how institutional‑style market data and execution tools can support cross‑border investing and keep track of compass group stock price movements in real time.
Disclaimer: This article is informational and does not constitute investment advice. All data and descriptions are factual summaries; verify numerical figures with primary filings and live market data providers before making investment decisions.
