Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $500 Per Month?

These passive income stocks are yielding over 6% and are set to benefit enormously from the expanding natural gas demand environment.

| More on:
woman looks at iPhone

Source: Getty Images

Key Points

  • • Lower-risk energy exposure through royalties: Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRY) offers a 7.24% yield ($0.09 monthly) through its diversified North American oil and gas royalty portfolio, providing energy exposure without drilling risks and dividend support down to $50 oil (currently above $57).
  • • $90,500 investment for $500 monthly income: Combining Freehold Royalties and Peyto Exploration (TSX:PEY, 6.09% yield, $0.11 monthly) creates a portfolio positioned to benefit from LNG Canada's ramp-up, with Peyto's 20-year dividend track record and recent 65% EPS growth despite weak natural gas prices.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than Freehold and Peyto

Many investors would like to build an investment portfolio that provides regular and growing passive income. Thankfully, finding the right stocks for this is easier than you might think. Focus on companies with a healthy track record, balance sheet, cash flows, and, of course, outlook. This can make your search for a healthy monthly income stream extremely rewarding.

So how much do you need to invest to make $500 per month? And which stocks can help you get there?

Freehold Royalties

As a Canadian royalty, Freehold Royalties Ltd. (TSX:FRY) has special advantages for investors. Simply put, its royalty model allows investors to gain energy exposure with a lower risk profile.

This is because Freehold does not do its own drilling or exploration. It basically owns a portfolio of mineral titles and royalties on a diversified set of oil and gas properties across North America. These properties have high netbacks, strong production profiles, and are set to benefit from the rapidly expanding liquified natural gas, or LNG, industry.

Freehold Royalties is a dividend stock that’s currently paying a monthly dividend of $0.09 per share. This equates to a very generous dividend yield of 7.2%. Natural gas and oil prices have weakened in the last year, and this has taken Freehold’s payout ratio to 75%, higher than the company’s 60% target. However, it’s important to note that Freehold’s dividend is supported down to $50 oil. Oil is currently trading at more than $57.

Peyto Exploration and Development

Peyto Exploration and Development Corp. (TSX:PEY) is a dividend stock that is currently paying out a dividend of $0.11 per share every month. This translates into a very generous yield of 6.1%. It’s a yield that’s backed by the company’s strong balance sheet, operational profile, and of course, a strong outlook.

Peyto is one of Canada’s lowest cost natural gas producers. The company’s track record of dividend payments is both long and impressive. For example, Peyto has been paying a dividend for more than 20 years. Even in difficult times in the natural gas cycle, the dividend kept coming. And although it has been adjusted depending on the environment, Peyto has kept it as a priority.

This monthly dividend payor is currently facing a very positive outlook. You see, the Canadian natural gas industry is in the process of shifting as LNG Canada is currently ramping up. This ramp up will last some years, and it will bring a demand boost that we haven’t seen since the early 2000’s. This demand boost will benefit Peyto tremendously and it will ensure that its dividends keep coming.

In Peyto’s most recent quarter, production increased 8%, earnings per share (EPS) increased 65%, and funds from operations increased 22%. This was all despite a backdrop of low Canadian natural gas prices and production setbacks due to weather. Imagine what it could do when Canadian natural gas prices are higher.

How to earn $500 in monthly income

In closing, to answer the question, you would need to invest $90,500 in these two stocks in order to make $500 in monthly income. This would set you up with a meaningful passive income stream that you could build on with time.

passive income, stocks, dividend

Fool contributor Karen Thomas has a position in Peyto Exploration and Development. The Motley Fool recommends Freehold Royalties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Energy Stocks

An analyst uses a computer and dashboard for data business analysis and Data Management System with KPI and metrics connected to the database for technology finance, operations, sales, marketing, and artificial intelligence.
Energy Stocks

Dividend Investors: Premier Canadian Energy Stocks to Buy in December

These three Canadian energy stocks with yields of up to 5% are solid dividend buys in preparation for the new…

Read more »

stock chart
Energy Stocks

This Undervalued Stock Is Surging, and It’s Still a Buy on the Way Up

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) shares might be too cheap to ignore despite industry challenges.

Read more »

how to save money
Energy Stocks

Better Energy Stock: Canadian Natural Resources vs. Suncor

Let's do a compare and contrast on Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) and Suncor (TSX:SU), and see which company is the…

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Energy Stocks

A Top Canadian Dividend Stock to Buy in December 2025

Investors seeking defensive, growing income should consider Fortis as a top Canadian dividend stock.

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Where Will CNQ Stock Be in 3 Years?

CNQ’s next three years look less cyclical and more compounding, here’s why dividends, buybacks, and cash flow could keep rising…

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Energy Stocks

Buy This Little-Known Cash Machine for Your TFSA

This TSX dividend stock might be an excellent holding for your TFSA portfolio to generate tax-free dividend income.

Read more »

golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system
Energy Stocks

The 3 Canadian Energy Companies Holding Strong Even as Oil Prices Fall

Some Canadian energy companies are faring better than others as oil prices continue to fall. Here’s a look at three…

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Canadian Natural Resources vs. Suncor

Two Canadian energy giants pay big dividends, but which one is better for steady income when oil swings?

Read more »