3 ASX dividend shares perfect for passive income

Here are three shares that I think could be top additions to an income portfolio.

Passive income can be a good reason to invest in ASX dividend shares.

And fortunately for Aussie investors, there are plenty of options on the local share market.

But which ones could be buys?

Here are three ASX dividend shares that I think could be well suited to investors looking to build passive income.

Numerous Australian dollar notes laid out.

Image source: Getty Images

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA could be a strong option for passive income. It owns and operates a large portfolio of energy infrastructure assets across Australia, including gas pipelines, processing facilities, storage assets, and electricity transmission infrastructure.

This gives APA a fairly defensive earnings base. Its assets are used to move energy around the country, and a large portion of earnings is supported by long-term contracts and regulated revenue. That can provide a level of visibility that is useful for dividend investors.

APA also has a long history of increasing its distributions over time (around two decades of increases), which adds to the appeal for investors looking to build an income stream that can grow gradually.

In light of this, for investors who want steady income without relying heavily on consumer spending, APA could be worth a closer look.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is another ASX dividend share that could be well suited to passive income. It owns and operates toll roads in Australia and North America.

These are valuable infrastructure assets in major cities where congestion is a long-term problem.

That gives Transurban an attractive position. As urban populations grow, more people need to move around cities. Well-located toll roads can help reduce travel times, which supports demand for the company's roads.

The company also benefits from tolling structures that can provide some protection against inflation. That does not mean traffic volumes will rise every year, but the long-term nature of the assets gives the business a strong income profile.

Its regular dividends could make it a useful option for income investors who want infrastructure exposure alongside passive income.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is a different type of ASX dividend share. It does not offer the same kind of dividend yield as many infrastructure or property stocks, but it brings defensive earnings and a strong market position.

The company sits at the centre of everyday household spending. Groceries remain a core expense whatever is happening in the economy, which gives Woolworths a more resilient revenue base than many retailers.

The company has faced cost pressures and intense competition, but its position in Australian food retail remains strong and its outlook is positive.

As a result, for investors looking for passive income backed by a large, mature, cash-generating business, Woolworths could be a solid long-term option.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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