Want $3,000 a Year in Passive Income? Just Buy $2,500 Worth of These 2 Dividend Growth Stocks

Building Wealth with Dividend Growth Investing

Dividend growth investing offers a powerful strategy for building long-term wealth, providing a reliable income stream for a comfortable retirement. By selecting companies with a history of consistently increasing dividends, investors benefit from rising payouts and the compounding effect of reinvested dividends. 

This approach not only generates passive income but also hedges against inflation, as growing dividends maintain purchasing power. Unlike high-yield stocks, which may signal risk, dividend growth stocks balance yield, stability, and growth, making them ideal for retirees seeking financial independence. 

With disciplined saving and a diversified portfolio, investors can achieve substantial income over time, ensuring a secure and stress-free retirement.

The Power of Patience and Compounding

Achieving significant dividend income doesn’t happen overnight unless you have substantial capital to invest. For most investors, building a retirement income stream requires regular contributions and the magic of compounding. 

By consistently investing in dividend growth stocks with yields of 4% to 6% and annual dividend increases of 10% or more, a modest investment can grow significantly over time. For example, a $2,500 investment today can leverage reinvested dividends to multiply shares and income. Over 10 years, the compounding effect of dividends and growth can transform a small portfolio into a robust income generator. 

The key is patience. Starting early and reinvesting dividends maximizes returns, while extending the timeline to 20 or 30 years amplifies results exponentially. To generate $3,000 in annual dividend income, or $250 a month, investing just $2,500 in two carefully selected dividend growth stocks can achieve this goal in 10 years with reinvested dividends. With a 20- or 30-year horizon, the income potential grows even larger, offering a path to financial freedom.

MPLX (MPLX)

MPLX (NYSE:MPLX) is a master limited partnership (MLP )operating in the  midstream of the energy sector. Its assets, such as pipelines and storage, generate stable cash flows through long-term contracts. 

With a current yield of 7.5%, its distribution of $3.84 per share has delivered over 11% dividend growth over the past decade, supported by acquisitions and a 1.5x coverage ratio.Investing $1,250 in MPLX stock (24 shares at $51) yields around $91.80 a year in income initially. Reinvesting dividends at 11.07% growth increases shares, contributing approximately $1,450 to $1,600 a year to the $3,000 goal in 10 years.

MPLX’s energy infrastructure focus diversifies from real estate, though its K-1 tax forms require extra reporting, so consult with a tax professional to ensure this is an investment right for you. However, this high-yield, high-growth stock bolsters the portfolio’s income potential for retirement.

Ternium (TX)

Ternium (NYSE:TX) is a leading Latin American steel producer serving the automotive and construction industries. It has prospered by capitalizing on global demand for steel products. 

Its 8.42% yield and 13.67% dividend growth over 10 years reflect strong cash flows. However, it should be noted the steelmaker’ growth has not been a straight line as it has cut the payout at least once over the past decade. In May, shareholders approved an annual dividend of $2.70 per ADS, which includes an interim dividend of $0.90 per ADS, below the prior year’s annual dividend of $3.10 per ADS.

Still, the historic record has been one of growth, even if it is in fits and starts, and allocating $1,250 (39 shares at $32 per share) generates around $105.30 a year that first year. With reinvested dividends and 13.67% growth, it contributes between $2,200 and $2,400 a year to the $3,000 target in 10 years, allowing us to actually exceed the goal. 

Ternium’s materials sector diversifies from energy, balancing cyclical risks. Its high yield and strong growth make it a powerhouse for achieving the retirement income goal, though you may have to deal with an occasional dividend reduction.

Key Takeaway

Together, these two investments — split between energy and steel — leverage 7% to 8% yields and 10% or more compounded annual growth to achieve $1,200 a year in 10 years. For investors with an even longer investment horizon, say 20 to 30 years, the benefits of the strategy are  amplified further and can set you up  for a comfortable retirement with a diversified portfolio.