The Compass Group Plc dividend policy is to grow the dividend in line with growth in underlying constant currency earnings per share.
In determining the level of dividend in any year in accordance with the policy, the Board also considers a number of other factors that influence the proposed dividend, which include but are not limited to:
the level of available distributable reserves in the Parent Company
future cash commitments and investment needs to sustain the long term growth prospects of the business
potential strategic opportunities
the level of dividend cover
Further surpluses, after considering the matters set out above, are distributed to shareholders over time by way of special dividend payments, share repurchases or a combination of both.
Other financial highlights include:
Strong organic revenue growth of 6.4%, above target range of 4-6%
Excellent performance in North America with broad based organic revenue growth of 7.7%
Europe growth of 4.1% with strong performances in UK Defence and Sports & Leisure offsetting Business & Industry volume weakness
Rest of World growth of 4.3% driven by strong performances in Turkey, India and Spanish-speaking LATAM
Operating profit of £1.9 billion; up £84 million or 4.7% on constant currency basis
Operating margin was maintained at 7.4%
Strong balance sheet, earnings and dividend growth
Free cash flow increase of 9.3% to £1.2 billion resulting in net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.3x
