The week’s best shares

Ashtead Group Investors Chronicle

The equipment hire group is capitalising on an immature US market. Cyclical vulnerability should be offset by the structural shift towards rental. Buybacks offer returns to shareholders and reinforce momentum. Buy. £26.29.

GlaxoSmithKline Investors Chronicle

GSK is spinning out its consumer healthcare division to focus on biopharma. A £3.3bn investment in R&D has led to six potential drug approvals this year. Given potential growth, shares look cheap. Buy. £17.71.

Grainger The Times

The UK’s largest privatesector landlord has completed a £187m share placing to double its portfolio of 9,000 flats. Well set to benefit from demand; the larger portfolio will boost earnings and income. Buy. 312.2p.

Howden Joinery Group The Sunday Times

With a growing portfolio of 740 out-of-town stores, Howden kitchens are favoured by builders and tradesmen... and the Queen – it was granted a warrant in 2015. A market leader with a healthy balance and rising profits. Buy. 727.6p.

Rank Group Shares

The casino-to-bingo operator is generating strong revenues and rising profits. The acquisition of online bingo outfit Stride Gaming, and investment in marketing, should boost growth and provide financial muscle. Buy. 301.5p.

Tate & Lyle Shares

The cash-generative food producer is well-aligned with current trends, thanks to its plant-based ingredients, corn-based and zero-calorie sweeteners. Set for global growth and yields an attractive 3.7%. Buy. 786.6p.