Questor share tip: Ashtead benefits from constrained construction budgets This demonstrates the company's leverage to any improvement in the construction market as it has a relatively high fixed-cost base. Despite these costs and the continued investment, the company was always profitable during the financial crisis. The total dividend is 3.5p, with the final payment of 2.5p slated for September 7. The shares trade without this payment from August 15 and the prospective yield in the current year is 1.4pc. Trading on a current year earnings multiple of 13.3, falling to 11, the shares are at a premium to its US-listed peer United Rentals. However, upgrades are likely, as is more infrastructure spending. Buy.