Here's how I'd aim for a tonne of passive income from $20,000 in an ASX share portfolio

You might be surprised how much passive income you could earn from $20,000 invested in ASX dividend shares.

| More on:
A woman in a hammock on her laptop and drinking a smoothie

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

There's nothing quite like a regular passive income stream from ASX shares to help boost your bank balance.

Not to mention opening the door for some of those discretionary items or travels you may have been eyeing.

And you might be surprised by how much passive income you could earn from $20,000 invested in ASX dividend shares.

That's especially true if you don't need the money right away and are able to reinvest those dividends to take advantage of the magic of compounding.

And you can achieve an added boost by targeting ASX shares paying franked dividends. That should enable you to hold onto more of that passive income at tax time.

With that said, here's how I'd aim for a tonne of passive income from a $20,000 ASX share portfolio.

Raking in passive income from ASX dividend shares

Keeping brokerage fees in mind, with $20,000 I'd split my investment between five companies.

I'd make sure these are all operating in different sectors. This way, if any one sector comes under temporary pressure, it won't have too dramatic an impact on my passive income stream.

I'd also stick to larger stocks listed on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) with long track records of reliable dividend payouts. These tend to be less volatile than small caps. And there's more readily available research for them.

Finally, I'd keep in mind that the yields I'm looking at are trailing yields. Future yields may be higher or lower depending on a range of company-specific and macroeconomic factors.

But by diversifying across five sectors, I hope to smooth out those payouts over time. And, of course, I'll be hoping to see the companies' share prices rise in time as well.

With that in mind, the first ASX dividend share I'd buy for tonnes of passive income is ASX 200 bank stock Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

Over the past 12 months, ANZ has paid out $1.75 a share in partly franked dividends. At the recent ANZ share price of $27.97, that equates to a trailing yield of 6.3%.

Next up we have ASX 200 utility share AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL).

AGL has paid out a total of 49 cents a share in unfranked dividends over the past year. At the recent share price of $9.48, the stock trades on a trailing yield of 5.2%.

The third ASX share I'd buy to aim for tonnes of passive income is ASX 200 coal stock New Hope Corp Ltd (ASX: NHC)

Over the past 12 months, New Hope has paid out 47 cents in fully franked dividends. At the recent share price of $4.55, New Hope shares trade on a fully franked trailing yield of 10.3%.

Which brings us to ASX 200 retail stock Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN).

Harvey Norman has paid out a total of 22 cents a share in fully franked dividends over the past year. At the recent share price of $4.47, the ASX 200 retail stock trades on a trailing yield of 4.9%.

And the fifth ASX dividend share I'd buy to aim for tonnes of passive income is ASX 200 energy stock Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

Over the last 12 months, Woodside has paid out $2.16 a share in fully franked dividends. At the recent Woodside share price of $27.55, Woodside trades on a fully franked trailing yield of 7.8%.

To the maths!

So, just how much passive income can I earn from $20,000 invested in this ASX dividend share portfolio?

Assuming I invest the same amount in each stock, I'd be looking at an average yield (mostly franked) of 6.9%.

That means I'd expect to bank $1,380 in annual passive income from this portfolio. Plus some potential share price gains.

And as mentioned up top, if I don't need the money right away, I can reinvest those dividends and let the magic of compounding boost that payout over time.

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

More on Dividend Investing

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Dividend Investing

These top ASX dividend shares offer 5% to 10% yields

Analysts are expecting very generous dividends from these buy-rated shares.

Read more »

A hand holds up a rotten apple in an orchard.
Dividend Investing

What's going on with the Woolworths dividend?

Woolworths dividend is at a multi-year low.

Read more »

A wad of $100 bills of Australian currency lies stashed in a bird's nest.
Broker Notes

Up 40% in a year, why Macquarie expects this ASX 200 dividend stock to keep outperforming in 2026

Macquarie forecasts more outperformance from this fast-rising ASX 200 dividend stock.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

1 magnificent ASX dividend share down 19% to buy and hold for decades

The stock looks like a bargain right now.

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Dividend Investing

Buy BHP, Woolworths, and these ASX dividend shares

Let's see why these shares could be top picks for income investors.

Read more »

Traveller in hammock relaxing on the beach.
Dividend Investing

Lazy investor: this ASX dividend growth stock deserves a spot in your portfolio

I think this stock is perfect for all investors, even the laziest...

Read more »

A young farnmer raise his arms to the sky as he stands in a lush field of wheat or farmland.
Dividend Investing

I'd buy 40,921 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $400 a month of passive income

This business is a top option for large and consistent payouts.

Read more »

A person holds their hands over three piggy banks, protecting and shielding their money and investments.
Dividend Investing

2 Australian dividend giants that belong in any portfolio

You can't go wrong with these ASX veterans.

Read more »