SSP Group (LON:SSPG) reported solid early-year performance, with first-quarter sales rising 6% year-on-year and like-for-like growth of 5% by 31 December.
The food-to-go operator highlighted strong momentum across its UK and Ireland business, where total and like-for-like sales climbed 8%, driven by airport and rail sites in partnership with Marks & Spencer at over 50 Simply Food locations.
North American sales rose 4% year-on-year, driven by net gains from the group’s presence in 57 airport sites. Continental Europe grew 1–2%, held back by weaker consumer sentiment and slower retail traffic, particularly in rail outlets under review. The Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Middle East segment recorded total growth of 14%, or 10% like-for-like.
Chief Executive Patrick Coveney said, “We have made a good start to the financial year. We are on track against our ‘Focus 26’ operational plan, with programmes underway to improve profitability, cash and returns on capital. Given this momentum, we remain confident in our prospects for the balance of FY26 and beyond.”
SSP reiterated full-year earnings per share guidance at the upper end of the 12.9–13.9p range, up from 11.9p last year. The group has completed £24 million of its £100 million share buyback launched in October 2025.
The company releases its half-year results on 19 May, with shares down 0.3% by lunchtime after an initial 1.7% rise.