ASX dividend shares are an easy way for passive-income-seeking Australian investors to earn a straightforward passive income.
When it comes to picking the right ASX dividend stocks in your portfolio, you don't want to simply invest in the companies which offer the highest yield. Savvy investors also consider a company's dividend history and its strength and growth projections.
Here are three ASX dividend shares I'd have on my list right now, and they all yield around 5%, or even higher.
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APA Group (ASX: APA)
APA is Australia's largest energy infrastructure company, owning and operating an extensive portfolio of gas, electricity, solar, and wind assets. It's a long-standing ASX dividend-paying stock which stands apart from the rest
The company is the major owner and operator of Australia's gas distribution network, including pipelines, gas-fired power stations, and storage facilities which transports more than half the natural gas used in Australia.
Since listing on the ASX in 2000, APA Group has substantially grown its energy assets. In more recent times, it has added solar farms to its portfolio.
The company is highly regarded for paying strong, consistent dividends, with revenue derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets.
APA paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents in the first half of FY26 and is guiding a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. That translates to a forward dividend yield of around 5.6%, partially franked, at the time of writing.
Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)
The ASX iron ore miner's shares are relatively volatile because it closely tracks iron ore price changes.
But the commodity is trading at a multi-year high in May, and it is expected to be relatively stable through 2026 before gradually declining through to 2030 as supply increases.
The good news for investors is that Fortescue is a low-cost producer, which means it can remain profitable even when prices fall, though its dividends may fluctuate.
The ASX dividend stock paid investors 62 cents per share for the first half of FY26. Brokers at Commsec expect Fortescue to pay an annual dividend per share of $1.22. That translates to a forward dividend yield of around 5.6%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.
Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)
Origin is another leading energy company which provides Australian homes and businesses with electricity, natural gas, solar and LPG.
The ASX dividend shares are a great option for passive income because they generate substantial cash flows, especially when energy prices are elevated. This means the company can then pay high yields to shareholders.
Origin's assets operate under long-term contracts, often with rising income, which means it can also be considered a defensive stock.
In the first half of FY26, Origin Energy paid its investors 30 cents per share, fully franked.
Brokers predict the business to increase its annual payout to 61 cents in FY26, which translates to a forward yield of around 5.3%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.
