The ASX healthcare share Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) could be one of the best picks within the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) for retirees wanting dividends.
Sonic Healthcare describes itself as one of the world's leading medical diagnostic companies. It operates in nine countries, including Australia, the UK, Germany, the US, and Switzerland, with 330 laboratories and 47,000 employees. Impressively, it's the number one player in six countries.
For multiple reasons, I think it's a great option for retirees.
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Defensive earnings
Healthcare is a defensive sector because of the nature of the types of services it provides.
People don't choose when to become sick or injured – healthcare demand doesn't change like discretionary spending does. I'd imagine most people (and governments) would prioritise spending on health over most other categories.
Sonic Healthcare provides an essential service in the healthcare process, so I think its earnings are very defensive.
The ASX healthcare share reported an impressive set of numbers in FY26, considering the economic uncertainty.
Revenue grew 13% to $10.9 billion, underlying operating earnings (EBITDA) climbed 11% to $1.9 billion, and underlying earnings per share (EPS) grew 14% to $1.256.
Profit growth is key for a business to deliver a stable and rising dividend because profit pays for passive income. Therefore, even retiree passive income investors need to look at the earnings outlook.
Good dividend credentials
The ASX healthcare share has paid dividends since 1994. It has increased its dividend almost every year since 1994, except in 2011 and 2012, when it maintained it.
There are very few ASX businesses out there that have increased their payout as consistently over the last 25 years.
I expect the business will be able to continue growing its payout for the foreseeable future.
In the 2026 financial year, Sonic Healthcare continued its progressive dividend policy, hiking the payout by 1 cent per share to $1.08. That translates into a dividend yield of 5.4% excluding franking credits and around 7% including franking credits.
That's a really attractive starting yield for retirees, in my opinion.
The ASX healthcare share has earnings tailwinds
I expect the business will be able to increase its payout in the coming years because its earnings could grow materially.
Demand for its services could grow for the foreseeable future, driven by the ageing and growing population in the company's core markets.
Another way that the company can grow its earnings is by making the occasional acquisition. Its focus in recent times has been Europe. This tactic gives the business a much stronger scale in that market, boosting profit margins.
Over time, I think this business can continue to grow its profits and dividends, making it a compelling pick for investors.
