The week’s best buys

CRH Investors Chronicle

Global materials group CRH is reaping the rewards of dealmaking: the expanded group is highly cash-generative, with falling debt. Strong US trading and signs of recovery in Europe are a boon. Buy. £25.78.

National Grid The Daily Telegraph

The utility’s future earnings growth is unexciting and shares aren’t cheap. But National Grid is tightly regulated, with captive customers. It yields over 4%, and is increasing dividends “for the foreseeable future”. Buy. £10.58.

Provident Financial The Sunday Times

The “Provvy” lends to people who have difficult credit histories. Profits have surged, owing to crisis-stricken banks reining in risky loans, and shares have roared ahead of their pre-referendum level. Yields over 4%. Buy. £31.90.

Revolution Bars Group Investors Chronicle

Demand for premium drinks has boosted margins at the bar operator by 40%; volumes are also up, and cash generation is helping fund expansion. A 38% return on investment in five recent openings is impressive. Buy. 153p.

Sky The Daily Telegraph

Recent share price weakness reflects worries over rising competition. But the TV provider is very cashgenerative, with strong positions in Italy and Germany, and its UK football deal runs until 2020. Buy. 914p.

Topps Tiles The Times

Shares in the flooring firm have tumbled on concerns of a housing slowdown. Yet forecast revenues remain intact, and margins should benefit with the switch from cheap wooden floors to more expensive tiles. Buy. 101.75p.