Should you buy Telstra shares for their 'defensive qualities'?

What's the outlook for the ASX's big telco?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The Telstra share price has slid 2%  in the year to date 
  • One broker is recommending investors sell Telstra shares for better gains elsewhere 
  • The ACCC has recently dealt a blow to Telstra's network-sharing deal with TPG

The Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price has risen slightly in the last month, but is it a buy or sell?

Telstra shares have climbed 2% in the last month and are currently fetching $4.02. On Wednesday, Telstra shares closed 0.5% lower for the day.

Let's take a look at the outlook for the Telstra share price.

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, and holding a mobile phone in his other hand.

Image source: Getty Images

Is Telstra a buy or sell

Telstra is the largest telecommunications company in Australia by market share. However, broker coverage on the Telstra share price is mixed.

Seneca investment adviser Tony Langford is recommending investors look elsewhere for more attractive share price growth. Yet, he highlighted Telstra's "defensive qualities" and dividend yield. Commenting on The Bull, he said:

Telstra appeals for its defensive qualities and dividend yield in volatile markets. At its full year results, Telstra forecast total income to range between $23 billion and $25 billion in fiscal year 2023.

But we believe investors can find more attractive share price growth elsewhere. The shares were priced at $4.26 on January 18. The shares were trading at $4.04 on December 15.

On the flip side, Morgans recommended shareholders buy Telstra in December. The broker placed a $4.60 price target on the company's shares.

As my Foolish colleague James reported, Morgans is positive on the telco's earnings momentum and balance sheet. The broker also believes Telstra's InfraCo business can generate more value for shareholders. Morgans is also tipping Telstra to pay fully franked dividends of 16.5 cents per share in FY 2023 and FY 2024. Analysts said:

After a major turnaround, TLS has emerged in good shape with strong earnings momentum and a strong balance sheet. In late CY22 shareholders vote[d] on Telstra's legal restructure, which opens the door for value to be released. […] TLS currently trades on ~7x EV/EBITDA.

However some of TLS's high quality long life assets like InfraCo are worth substantially more, in our view. We don't think this is in the price so see it as value generating for TLS shareholders.

In news on Wednesday, the Australian and Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has blocked Telstra's proposed regional mobile network deal with TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) due to competition concerns.

The agreement would have provided TPG with access to 3,700 of Telstra's mobile network assets. Telstra would also have gained access to TPG's spectrum on the 4G and 5G network, delivering between $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion over 10 years.

Share price snapshot

The Telstra share price has descended 2.66% in the last year.

Telstra has a market capitalisation of about $46.6 billion based on the current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended TPG Telecom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Communication Shares

A couple makes silly chip moustache faces and take a selfie on their phone.
Communication Shares

How high can Telstra shares really climb from here?

Brokers don't expect a surge, but rather a slow grind.

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Communication Shares

$8,000 invested in Telstra shares 1 month ago is now worth…

The telco has enjoyed a good share price rally over the past year.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Communication Shares

After a big acquisition what are Nine Entertainment shares worth?

The company has made a major foray into outdoor advertising.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, and holding a mobile phone in his other hand.
Communication Shares

Is Telstra stock a buy at $5.37 a share?

Telstra shares haven't been this high since 2017.

Read more »

Young couple standing next to a sold sign after buying a house.
Communication Shares

Are the glory days over for REA shares?

The key will be how quickly the property market bounces back.

Read more »

A kid and his grandad high five after a fun game of basketball.
52-Week Highs

Telstra just hit a 10-year high. Has this ASX income giant still got more to give?

Telstra’s breakout to a multi-year high is turning heads.

Read more »

A gavel is placed on a stand on a desk with a legal representative wearing a suit in the background.
Communication Shares

The Kyle and Jackie O saga continues, with a massive new legal claim filed

ARN Media has fielded its second massive legal claim in as many weeks.

Read more »

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
Communication Shares

Forget Telstra shares! Buy this fast-rising ASX 200 telco stock instead

A top fund manager expects this surging ASX 200 telco stock could deliver more earnings upgrades.

Read more »