ASX dividend shares are an easy way to earn direct income for Australian investors seeking passive income passive income.
When it comes to choosing the right ASX dividend stock for your portfolio, you don’t want to just invest in the companies that offer the highest yields. Savvy investors also consider a company’s dividend history and its strength and growth projections.
Here are three ASX dividend shares that are on my list right now, and they all yield around 5% or so.
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APA is Australia’s largest energy infrastructure company, owning and operating a broad portfolio of gas, power, solar and wind assets. This is a long gone ASX dividend-Paying stock that is different from the rest
The company is the principal owner and operator of Australia’s gas distribution network, including pipelines, gas-fired power stations and storage facilities, which transports more than half of the natural gas used in Australia.
Since listing on the ASX in 2000, APA Group has significantly increased its energy assets. In recent times, it has added solar farms to its portfolio.
The company is highly regarded for delivering strong, consistent dividends with revenues derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets.
APA paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents for the first half of fiscal 2026 and is guiding for a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. This partially translates to a forward dividend yield of around 5.6%. FrankAt the time of writing.
The ASX iron ore miner’s shares are relatively volatile as it closely tracks changes in the price of iron ore.
But the commodity traded at a multi-year high in May, and is expected to remain relatively stable through 2026 before gradually falling through 2030 as supply increases.
The good news for investors is that Fortescue is a low-cost producer, meaning it can remain profitable even if prices fall, although its dividend 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 of $1.22 per share. It translates to forward dividend yield Around 5.6% including franking credits at the time of writing.
Origin Energy Limited (ASX:Organization)
Origin is another leading energy company that provides electricity, natural gas, solar and LPG to Australian homes and businesses.
ASX dividend shares are a great choice for passive income as they generate ample cash flow, especially when energy prices are high. This means the company can then pay higher returns to shareholders.
Origin’s assets are operated under long-term contracts, often with rising income, meaning it can also be considered a defensive stock.
In the first half of FY26, Origin Energy paid its investors a full 30 cents per share.
Brokers estimate the business’s annual payout will rise to 61 cents in FY26, which translates to a forward yield of around 5.3% including franking credits at the time of writing.