I think that Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is one of the most appealing ASX blue-chip shares to consider for passive income because of how much the business is paying.
As a very profitable business, Telstra is rewarding investors with large and growing dividend payments.
Dividends aren't guaranteed, of course, but in a defensive industry like telecommunications, the payouts are more reliable and resilient than in many other sectors, in my view.
Let's get into how Telstra could deliver $1,000 of annual passive income in 2027.
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Telstra dividend projection
The business delivered strong dividend growth in FY26, increasing its annual dividend per share by 10.5% to 21 cents. Not many ASX blue-chip shares grew their payout by that much in FY26.
Things could get even better for shareholders in the 2027 financial year, and that's what I think investors should focus on for the current financial year. FY26 is now the past.
According to CommSec, analysts are now projecting the annual dividend per share could grow to 22 cents per share. That would be a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.5%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.
Not many ASX blue-chip shares are offering that sort of potential yield, with further growth projected to come in the following financial year (FY28).
What would it take for $1,000 of passive income in 2027?
The amount required for $1,000 of annual dividends in FY27 depends on whether franking credits are included in the income.
With a passive income projection of 22 cents per share in the 2027 financial year, it would require 4,546 Telstra shares to generate that much dividend cash.
If we include franking credits as part of the dividend income, it would take 3,182 Telstra shares to reach the $1,000 grossed-up dividend income goal.
Is this a good time to invest in Telstra shares?
Analysts are largely positive or neutral on the business right now. According to CommSec's collation of expert ratings, there are currently seven buys, eight holds, and one sell rating on the business.
Telstra expects both of its measures of operating profit (underlying EBITDAaL and cash EBIT) to rise in the single digits in FY27. Underlying EBITDAaL could come between $8.5 billion and $8.8 billion, while cash EBIT could reach between $4.75 billion and $4.95 billion.
While faster growth would be preferred, the company continues to demonstrate its ability to grow earnings, whether that's during good times or not.
Australia's ongoing digitalisation and growing population are both demand drivers for connection to the company's mobile network or its fibre network, which can help earnings and the dividend in the coming year.
