Unlocking Passive Income: Australian Investment Examples
Table of Contents
Introduction to Passive Income
What is Passive Income?
Passive income refers to earnings derived from sources that require minimal effort to maintain. Unlike active income, where you trade time for money, passive income allows you to generate revenue while dedicating your time to other pursuits or simply enjoying more leisure.

Importance of Passive Income in Australia:

In Australia, the rising cost of living and the desire for financial freedom make passive income a valuable asset. It provides a safety net, boosts savings, and can enhance your quality of life by reducing financial stress.
Passive income refers to earnings derived from rental property, limited partnerships, or other enterprises in which a person is not actively involved. Here are some examples of how one might generate passive income through investments in Australian companies:
1. Dividend Stocks

Diving into the realm of dividend stocks can offer investors a steady stream of passive income, provided they choose wisely among well-established Australian companies. Here’s a closer look at some notable examples:
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
As a titan in the Australian banking sector, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) stands tall, renowned for its hefty dividends that consistently reward its shareholders. This financial institution is a linchpin in numerous investment portfolios, especially those seeking dependable income.
Calculating Residual Income for CBA:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Imagine receiving a handsome sum of $10,000 annually in dividends from your CBA shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in CBA shares totals $100,000.
- Average Operating Assets: Assuming no additional investments or withdrawals, your average operating assets remain stable at $100,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Let’s peg the required rate of return at a modest 5%.
- Target Income: Calculating your target income: $100,000 × 5% = $5,000.
- Residual Income: Substracting the target income from the dividends received, we find the residual income to be $10,000 – $5,000 = $5,000. This indicates that your investment in CBA shares is generating returns surpassing your minimum required rate of return.
Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC)
Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC) emerges as another heavyweight in Australia’s banking landscape, consistently doling out substantial dividends. Its financial robustness and reliability make it a magnet for investors seeking income.
Calculating Residual Income for WBC:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re delighted to receive $8,000 annually in dividends from your WBC shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in WBC shares stands at $90,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain steady at $90,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return maintains at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income calculates to $90,000 × 5% = $4,500.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your investment in WBC shares amounts to $8,000 – $4,500 = $3,500, indicating healthy returns above the minimum required rate.
Wesfarmers Limited (WES)
Wesfarmers Limited (WES) emerges as a versatile conglomerate, spanning retail, chemicals, fertilizers, and coal mining sectors, all the while maintaining a consistent record of dividend payouts. Its diversified business model offers stability in dividend distributions.
Calculating Residual Income for WES:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Imagine pocketing $7,000 annually in dividends from your WES shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in WES shares stands at $85,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain at $85,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return stays put at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income calculates to $85,000 × 5% = $4,250.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your investment in WES shares totals $7,000 – $4,250 = $2,750, indicating commendable returns surpassing your required rate.
Telstra Corporation Limited (TLS)
Telstra Corporation Limited (TLS), Australia’s telecommunications behemoth, consistently dishes out dividends thanks to its strong market position in the industry. This robustness ensures its capability to reward shareholders with steady income.
Calculating Residual Income for TLS:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re pleased to receive $6,000 annually in dividends from your TLS shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in TLS shares stands at $80,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain at $80,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return holds firm at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $80,000 × 5% = $4,000.
- Residual Income: The residual income from your investment in TLS shares tallies up to $6,000 – $4,000 = $2,000, signaling satisfactory returns exceeding your stipulated rate.
2. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) present an enticing avenue for passive income, allowing investors to partake in real estate ventures without the burden of property ownership. Let’s delve into some notable examples and how to calculate residual income for each investment:
Goodman Group (GMG)
Specializing in industrial property and logistics space, Goodman Group strategically focuses on high-growth sectors like e-commerce logistics, positioning itself as an attractive option for passive income seekers.
Calculating Residual Income for GMG:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re delighted to receive $9,000 annually in dividends from your GMG shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in GMG shares stands at $95,000.
- Average Operating Assets: Assuming no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $95,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Let’s maintain a modest required rate of return at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $95,000 × 5% = $4,750.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your investment in GMG shares amounts to $9,000 – $4,750 = $4,250, indicating healthy returns surpassing your required rate.
Scentre Group (SCG)
As the owner and operator of Westfield shopping centers in Australia and New Zealand, Scentre Group benefits from the steady foot traffic in these centers, ensuring consistent rental income, which translates to reliable dividends.
Calculating Residual Income for SCG:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re pleased to receive $7,500 annually in dividends from your SCG shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in SCG shares stands at $90,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $90,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return holds firm at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $90,000 × 5% = $4,500.
- Residual Income: The residual income from your investment in SCG shares amounts to $7,500 – $4,500 = $3,000, indicating satisfactory returns exceeding your stipulated rate.
Dexus (DXS)
Dexus focuses on office and industrial properties in Australia, boasting a portfolio of premium properties in key locations that underpin its ability to generate stable income.
Calculating Residual Income for DXS:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re content with receiving $8,500 annually in dividends from your DXS shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in DXS shares stands at $92,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $92,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return stays put at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $92,000 × 5% = $4,600.
- Residual Income: The residual income from your investment in DXS shares amounts to $8,500 – $4,600 = $3,900, signaling commendable returns surpassing your required rate.
3. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) present an efficient and convenient way to attain passive income through a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. Let’s delve into two notable Australian ETFs focusing on high-yield dividends:
Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY)
VHY is tailored for investors seeking exposure to top dividend-paying firms within the Australian market. By concentrating on companies with higher forecast dividends relative to others, VHY offers a diversified approach to passive income generation.
Calculating Residual Income for VHY:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Imagine receiving $6,500 annually in dividends from your VHY shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in VHY shares totals $85,000.
- Average Operating Assets: Assuming no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $85,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Let’s set a modest required rate of return at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $85,000 × 5% = $4,250.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your investment in VHY shares amounts to $6,500 – $4,250 = $2,250, indicating healthy returns surpassing your required rate.
SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Listed Property Fund (SLF)
SLF provides investors with exposure to the Australian REIT market, allowing them to benefit from income generated by some of the most profitable real estate ventures in Australia.
Calculating Residual Income for SLF:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re content with receiving $5,500 annually in dividends from your SLF shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in SLF shares stands at $75,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $75,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return stays firm at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $75,000 × 5% = $3,750.
- Residual Income: The residual income from your investment in SLF shares amounts to $5,500 – $3,750 = $1,750, signaling satisfactory returns exceeding your stipulated rate.
4. Managed Funds

Managed funds serve as a collective investment vehicle where funds from multiple investors are pooled together to construct a diversified portfolio of assets. Let’s delve into two prominent managed funds geared towards income generation:
Australian Foundation Investment Company (AFIC)
AFIC stands as an investment company with a keen focus on Australian equities, offering investors regular income through dividends. With its long-term track record and dedication to quality investments, AFIC emerges as a reliable choice for income seekers.
Calculating Residual Income for AFIC:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Imagine receiving $7,000 annually in dividends from your AFIC shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in AFIC shares amounts to $88,000.
- Average Operating Assets: Assuming no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $88,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Let’s maintain a modest required rate of return at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $88,000 × 5% = $4,400.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your investment in AFIC shares tallies up to $7,000 – $4,400 = $2,600, indicating commendable returns exceeding your required rate.
Plato Income Maximiser Limited (PL8)
PL8 zeroes in on Australian companies with high dividend yields, aiming to maximize income through strategic investments in dividend-paying stocks. This emphasis on income maximization ensures attractive returns for investors.
Calculating Residual Income for PL8:
- Operating Income (Dividends Received): Suppose you’re content with receiving $8,000 annually in dividends from your PL8 shares.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Shares): Your initial investment in PL8 shares stands at $90,000.
- Average Operating Assets: With no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $90,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Your required rate of return holds firm at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $90,000 × 5% = $4,500.
- Residual Income: The residual income from your investment in PL8 shares amounts to $8,000 – $4,500 = $3,500, signaling satisfactory returns exceeding your stipulated rate.
5. Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending platforms offer individuals the opportunity to lend money to borrowers and earn interest income in return. Platforms like RateSetter, now rebranded as Plenti, facilitate such investments. While this modern approach to lending can yield higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, it also comes with its own set of risks.
Calculating Residual Income:
Investing through Plenti and earning interest can be a lucrative venture. Let’s dive into the calculations:
- Operating Income (Interest Received): Suppose you invest through Plenti and receive a handsome sum of $9,000 annually in interest income.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Loans): Your initial investment in loans stands at a solid $100,000.
- Average Operating Assets: Assuming no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $100,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Let’s set a modest required rate of return at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $100,000 × 5% = $5,000.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your investment in Plenti loans amounts to $9,000 – $5,000 = $4,000, indicating commendable returns surpassing your required rate.
6. Rental Properties

Investing in rental properties in flourishing urban areas can be a lucrative avenue for generating ongoing rental income. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane boast active rental markets, offering investors ample opportunities for income generation. With the assistance of property management companies handling day-to-day operations, rental property investment becomes a more passive endeavor. The consistent demand for rental housing in these metropolitan areas ensures a steady stream of income for property owners.
Calculating Residual Income:
Let’s delve into the calculations for residual income derived from owning a rental property:
- Operating Income (Rental Income): Suppose you own a rental property in Sydney and receive a handsome sum of $20,000 annually in rental income.
- Operating Assets (Investment in Property): Your initial investment in the property stands at a substantial $400,000.
- Average Operating Assets: Assuming no significant changes, the average operating assets remain stable at $400,000.
- Minimum Required Rate of Return: Let’s set a moderate required rate of return at 5%.
- Target Income: Your target income computes to $400,000 × 5% = $20,000.
- Residual Income: The residual income derived from your rental property investment amounts to $20,000 – $20,000 = $0. In this scenario, your residual income is $0, indicating that the investment is meeting your minimum required rate of return but not exceeding it.
The Bottom Line
Passive income can be generated through various means, including dividends from shares, returns from REITs, interest from P2P lending, rental income from properties, and distributions from managed funds and ETFs. Each of these avenues offers different levels of risk and return, and it is essential to consider your financial goals and risk tolerance when choosing the right investment for passive income.
Calculating residual income for each investment helps in understanding whether the returns exceed your minimum required rate of return, providing a clear picture of the investment’s profitability. By diversifying across multiple passive income streams, investors can build a robust portfolio that generates consistent returns over time, contributing to financial stability and long-term wealth accumulation. Whether you prefer the stability of dividend stocks, the diversification of ETFs, or the potential for high returns from rental properties, there are plenty of opportunities to create passive income with Australian companies.
Resource:https://www.starinvestment.com.au/australian-passive-income-investment-examples/
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