Why these ASX retirement shares could be top picks in January

Retirees might want to check out these shares that Bell Potter rates highly.

| More on:
Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

When you are constructing a retirement portfolio, it is important to focus on companies with defensive qualities, strong business models, positive long-term outlooks, and a history of dividend payments.

By prioritising these attributes, it is possible to create a portfolio with the potential for solid, sustainable growth while also generating a reliable and increasing source of passive income to support you in retirement.

But which ASX shares could be good options for a retirement portfolio? Let's take a look at two that Bell Potter is tipping as buys. They are as follows:

Qualitas Real Estate Income Fund (ASX: QRI)

Bell Potter is a big fan of Qualitas Real Estate Income Fund and named it as one of its top picks for 2025.

The broker notes that "QRI provides investors exposure to the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans, secured by real property mortgages that are diversified by borrower, loan type, property sector and location."

It sees opportunities for the company to grow its market share and deliver good returns for investors in the coming years. It said:

The manager uses their extensive experience in the CRE sector and portfolio size to optimise loan selection to ensure a steady stream of distributions to unitholders whilst managing risk. Since the GFC and the implementation of the Basel III regulatory framework, the share of traditional financiers in the CRE sector has been steadily declining, creating more investment opportunities for QRI, which is further strengthened by the continued growth of the Australian property market.

The trust trades near its Net Tangible Asset (NTA) value and at a net yield of 8.4%. During the current elevated interest rate environment, the trust has generated pre-tax NTA returns of 9.1% over the last year and 7.8% p.a. over the last 3 years.

In FY 2024, the company paid a 14 cents per share dividend. This equates to an 8.4% dividend yield at current prices.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX share that could be a good option for a retirement portfolio is Transurban Group. It is toll road operator that owns a collection of high quality road across the globe.

Transurban could be a good fit because it offers a combination of defensive qualities, long-term growth potential, and an attractive yield.

Bell Potter, which has Transurban on its Australian equities panel, highlights that the company is benefiting from the current inflationary environment. It explains:

We believe the current inflationary environment is favourable for Transurban given its inflation-linked revenue stream with annual escalators. Moreover, TCL provides low risk cash flows over the long term, with long concession duration (30+ years), and relative traffic/income resilience. The group's current pipeline of growth projects is $3.3 billion (TCL's share of total project cost) and further huge development opportunities are expected over the next few decades, supported by population and economic growth.

The broker is forecasting a dividend yield of approximately 5% over the next 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retirement

A happy elderly woman smiles and cheers as she looks at good investment news on her laptop.
Retirement

3 ASX dividend shares paying more than the pension in retirement

How much money would you need to have invested to receive more in ASX dividends than the pension?

Read more »

An older woman gazes over the top of her glasses with a quizzical expression as if she is considering some information.
Retirement

Government warning to retirees over Centrelink age pension misinformation

We reveal an example of what the Centrelink age pension misinformation circulating online looks like.

Read more »

A young couple in the back of a convertible car each raise a single arm in the air whilst enjoying a drive along the road.
Retirement

How to invest your first $10,000 in ASX shares towards an early retirement

Your first move could be an important one when it comes to building a retirement portfollio.

Read more »

Superannuation written on a jar with Australian dollar notes.
Superannuation

3 essential tips to maximise a superannuation fund at any age

Some simple changes can make a big difference...

Read more »

A couple sit on the deck of a yacht with a beautiful mountain and lake backdrop enjoying the fruits of their long-term ASX shares and dividend income.
Retirement

How to retire early using ASX shares

Want to retire early? Take a look at this guide.

Read more »

Smiling elderly couple looking at their superannuation account, symbolising retirement.
Retirement

If I were a retiree, I'd buy these 2 ASX shares straightaway

Retirees may do well with these investments in their portfolio.

Read more »

Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.
Retirement

The best ASX 200 retirement shares to buy in May

Bell Potter thinks these shares could be top options for retirees. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Retired couple hugging and laughing.
Retirement

2 wonderful ASX 200 retirement shares I'd buy in May

I’m very positive on these stocks for retirees.

Read more »