If you're thinking about starting to build your retirement nest-egg, it can be hard to know what to buy. Although we're all different, here are five diverse companies you could add to your portfolio.
1. Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) is a household name for telecommunications services and, as a result, forms the cornerstone of many Australians' retirement portfolios. With a market capitalisation of $66 billion it should be considered a core stock i.e. one which fills a large proportion of your portfolio. It is forecast to pay a 5.4% dividend in the coming year.
2. Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is Australia's leading investment bank with overseas operations accounting for over 68% of revenues. With a healthy global economy and share markets flying higher, Macquarie will be a direct beneficiary. It is forecast to pay a 4.9% dividend in the next year.
3. Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) is our biggest personal injury (PI) law firm with offices extending throughout the country. Currently it is busy growing its presence in the UK and expanding into personal legal services (PLS) here in Australia. It is forecast to pay a 1.4% dividend in the coming 12 months.
4. Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO) is a diversified resources company with operations in zinc, copper, gold and nickel. Yesterday it announced FY14 production surpassed guidance, making the likelihood of higher earnings growth likely. It currently trades on a forecast dividend yield of 1.5%.
5. ADMEDUS FPO (ASX: AHZ) is somewhat of a high-risk investment (high-risk investments should account for no more than 20% of retirees' portfolios). It is a junior diversified biotechnology stock involved in the development, manufacture and distribution of vaccines and tissue engineering technology. With its hallmark Cardiocel regenerative technology now hitting worldwide markets, sales revenue is expected to jump significantly over coming years.
The BEST ASX dividend stock
Of these five businesses, the two blue-chips (Telstra and Macquarie) are the only ones which offer generous dividend yields but, given their enormous size, their share prices lack the ability to grow significantly in short periods of time.
