London, Jan 25, 2026, 07:57 GMT — Market closed
- On Friday, Compass Group shares hit a 52-week low before ending the day down 0.7%.
- Investors are now eyeing the Feb. 5 AGM, where the company will also release its first-quarter trading update.
- Trade concerns in Europe dampened risk appetite heading into the weekend.
Shares of Compass Group PLC (CPG.L) dropped to their lowest in a year on Friday before rallying slightly near the close. The FTSE 100 caterer ended down 16 pence, or 0.7%, at 2,239 pence, after hitting a low of 2,211 and a high of 2,257 during the session. Roughly 6.0 million shares changed hands. (Hargreaves Lansdown)
With London markets closed over the weekend, focus turns to Compass’s annual general meeting and Q1 trading update set for Feb. 5. The dividend payment date is Feb. 26, but shares have been ex-dividend since Jan. 15, so anyone buying now won’t be eligible for the upcoming payout. (Compass Group Corporate Website)
That February update is key since Compass operates across workplace dining, schools, and venues—sectors that can shift fast as companies and households tighten budgets. Traders are looking for an early glimpse at volumes, pricing, and labor costs following the holiday lull.
The broader market dragged on Friday. The STOXX 600 fell 0.1%, ending a five-week winning streak with a weekly loss. Investors are rattled by fresh trade jitters sparked by U.S. tariff talk concerning Greenland. “We’ve seen a general increase in uncertainty this year,” noted Michael Field, chief European equity strategist at Morningstar. (Reuters)
UK-listed travel caterer SSP Group (SSPG.L) maintained its annual forecast on Friday, following a first-quarter report showing like-for-like sales growth, which tracks performance at existing locations. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets highlighted “particularly strong trends” in the UK and suggested SSP’s update might boost sentiment for other travel-related stocks. (Reuters)
Compass provides food and support services spanning business dining, healthcare, education, sports venues, defence, and remote locations, operating in roughly 30 countries. Its reporting is divided primarily between North America and an international segment. (Reuters)
Friday’s low landed the stock exactly on its 52-week low, around 22% off the year’s peak. That often attracts bargain hunters, though short-term traders may hold back until new data emerges.
Costs continue to be the key variable. Wage expenses in catering can shift quickly, while contracts don’t always adjust at the same pace; if client volumes falter simultaneously, margins risk getting squeezed.
The risk lies in office attendance and event activity falling short through spring, while pay and food costs remain stubborn. Even if revenue holds steady, profit forecasts could soften, prompting rating revisions.
Up next, Compass will update the market and meet shareholders at its AGM on Feb. 5. Shortly after, the dividend payment is scheduled for Feb. 26.
