Travel food operator SSP sees sales rise despite yellow vest protests
Travel food operator SSP posted a rise in sales for the first quarter, despite seeing its European sales pulled down by protests in France.
SSP, which runs food concessions in airports and railway stations, said total revenues rose 7.7 per cent in the three months to the end of December, with like-for-like sales up 2.5 per cent and net contract gains up 3.8 per cent.
Read more: Patisserie Valerie exodus continues as deputy chairman steps down
The firm, which operates brands including Upper Crust, Burger King and Starbucks, said its acquisition of German catering firm Stockheim boosted sales 1.3 per cent.
The positive sales came despite the impact of yellow vest protests in France and the redevelopment of some of the company’s sites.
“The new financial year has started well and the pipeline of new contracts is encouraging,” the company said.
“Whilst a degree of uncertainty always exists around passenger numbers in the short term, we continue to be well-placed to benefit from the structural growth opportunities in our markets.”
SSP said it expects net gains for the full year to be slightly ahead of its previous three per cent guidance thanks to a string of new contract wins in the first quarter. The company's share price ticked up just over half a per cent following the update.
Read more: City Pub Group toasts sales rise as it splashes out on new sites
Broker Shore Capital reiterated its buy recommendation, with a target price of 680p.
“SSP remains a high quality play in a structurally attractive growth market, with scope for further margin accretion and cash returns to shareholders,” said Shore Capital analyst Greg Johnson.