London, January 28, 2026, 08:22 GMT — Regular session
- Compass Group shares climbed 0.3% following an early dip to a 52-week low on Wednesday
- The stock has fallen roughly 21% in the last year; investors are eyeing the AGM on Feb. 5 and the Q1 update.
- Traders are closely monitoring if easing inflation will dampen growth driven by pricing in 2026
Compass Group shares found some footing on Wednesday following a drop to a new 52-week low. Investors are now turning their attention to the caterer’s first-quarter trading update next week, seeking insight into demand and pricing trends.
This move is significant as Compass faces mounting pressure to prove itself. The stock has slipped far from last year’s peaks, and the upcoming update comes at a time when clients are tightening their belts and price increases are losing steam.
If the update reveals steady volumes in workplace dining and major U.S. contracts, it might ease some of the pressure. If those numbers disappoint, the shares could slide further.
Shares of Compass edged up 0.28% to 2,187 pence by 08:22 GMT, after dipping as low as 2,176 pence earlier. The stock dropped 1.93% on Tuesday, closing at 2,181 pence. Over the past 52 weeks, its price has ranged between 2,176 and 2,853 pence, marking a decline of roughly 21% in the last year. 1
According to the company’s calendar, the annual general meeting and first-quarter trading update are scheduled for Feb. 5. The dividend payment is planned for Feb. 26. 2
Compass flagged in November that revenue growth would slow in 2026 as inflation eases, despite robust demand and fresh wins in the U.S. Finance chief Petros Parras noted on a post-earnings call that “we’re seeing inflation slowing down a fraction faster than what we thought last year.” Still, J.P. Morgan analysts warned the lack of upgrades “might not be enough for the shares.” RBC Capital Markets’ Karl Green described the results as “all solid stuff,” but said they’re “unlikely to excite” investors. 3
Compass faces stiff competition. U.S. rival Aramark has signaled a promising 2026, but France’s Sodexo cautioned about slower revenue growth, underscoring how contract gains and losses can rapidly shift sentiment in this space.
Risks loom on both fronts. A sharper fall in food and wage inflation could erode the pricing boost behind sales. Meanwhile, dips in office attendance might dent volumes well before reflecting in headline figures.
Compass will publish its first-quarter trading update on Feb. 5 at 07:00 GMT. The company has scheduled an analyst call for 09:00 GMT the same day, according to its invitation. 4
