Shares digital

Carluccio’s (CARL:AIM) 145p

Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s has fought against tough leisure sector conditions to increase revenue by 18% over the 16 weeks to 13 January. (Read the full story: www.sharesmagazine.com/node/3120)

Shares says: The combination of quality food in a restaurant and accompanying deli still appeals to consumers. It is still at risk if punters are watching their wallets more, so don’t get too carried away by its current positivity. HOLD

The Independent says: The shares of restaurant operators are like front-line troops when times get tough. They are the first to feel the flak. So the sector has suffered badly from profit warnings as people spend less on eating out. The big issue for Carluccio’s is whether it is sufficiently different from other eateries to weather the storm. The signs look reasonably encouraging. A fairly safe hold. HOLD

The City - Charles Stanley says: Positive signs in a struggling market, which should be viewed as generally positive. Turnover growth looks lower but the opening programme of new restaurants appears on target for this year and next. BUY