All It Takes Is $4,000 Invested in Each of These 3 Dividend Stocks to Help Generate Over $300 in Passive Income per Year

Group 1: Lockheed Martin - Lockheed Martin has a record backlog of $176 billion, representing 2.4 years of sales based on 2025 guidance [4] - The company has a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 times in 2024, indicating strong order momentum across all business areas [5] - Management expects mid-single-digit sales growth in 2025, with earnings per share guidance of $27-$27.30, comfortably covering the dividend per share of $13.20 [5] - Lockheed Martin's customers are primarily governments, ensuring reliable demand even during economic slowdowns [8] Group 2: Air Products & Chemicals - Air Products has increased its dividend for over 43 consecutive years, with a forward dividend yield of 2.4% [9][11] - The company has a strong infrastructure, including 1,800 miles of industrial gas pipeline and over 750 production facilities, creating high barriers to entry [10] - Air Products has achieved an approximately 8% compound annual growth rate in dividends from 2014 to 2025, with a payout ratio averaging 61% over the past five years [11] - The stock is currently trading at 17 times trailing earnings, below its historic P/E of 27, making it an attractive option for passive income [12] Group 3: FedEx - FedEx reported adjusted revenue of $22.2 billion, a 2.3% increase year-over-year, but has faced challenges with a poor near-term outlook [13] - The company has lowered its full-year guidance, projecting adjusted earnings per share of $18 to $18.60, which is below previous forecasts [14] - Despite near-term challenges, FedEx offers a dividend yield of 2.3%, comparable to well-known dividend stocks like Procter & Gamble and McDonald's [17] - The dividend payout of $5.52 per share is less than a third of its earnings guidance, indicating a safe payout ratio [18] - FedEx is considered a value stock for long-term investors with a three to five-year investment horizon [19]