The week’s best buys

Hilton Food Group Investors Chronicle

The meat packer is expanding into seafood and convenience food with the acquisition of Icelandic Group. It has signed a deal with Tesco Central Europe, and should benefit from supermarkets slimming down their supply chains. Buy. 835p.

RELX The Times

The information and analytics firm continues to deliver consistent growth, with revenue up 4% across all divisions. Reliable and on track to hit forecasts. “Expensive defensive”. Buy. £17.20.

Stmicroelectronics NV The Mail on Sunday

Liberum has raised its price target after some positive Q3 results. Brokers reckon that the chipmaker’s revenues are set to rise thanks to the use of its components in Apple’s iphone and new growing industries. Buy. 19.8p.

Serco Group The Times

This governments-focused outsourcer has big new contracts, including a prison in Australia and the maintenance of St Barts Hospital in London. Revenues are growing and margins will repair as legacy contracts unwind. Buy. 117p.

The Mail on Sunday

Swallowfield makes personal care and beauty products for leading global brands. In 2016 it bought Brand Architekts, the owner of trendy brands including Dirty Works. Profits have doubled, but there’s “still lots of potential”. Buy. 337.5p.

Whitbread Investors Chronicle

Although there are concerns about Costa Coffee, sales at the group have increased and profits have risen thanks to higher room rates at Premier Inn. Expansion prospects are good in both China and Germany. Buy. £37.52.