Does it make sense to buy Telstra shares at 52-week highs?

Telstra shares are at new highs. But could brokers see them going higher?

| 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 ASX 200 has had a great run over the past fortnight
  • But Telstra shares have done even better
  • Just today, the telco hit a new 52-week high

It's no secret that the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has been having a top run of late. Including today's modest gains, the ASX 200 has now lifted an impressive 4.6% since 20 March. As such, many ASX 200 shares have also been enjoying some time in the sun over the past fortnight or so. One such share is Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).    

Telstra shares seem to be going from strength to strength. It was only a month ago that the ASX 200 telco was asking $4.08 a share. But today, Telstra has risen by another 0.83% at the time of writing to $4.26 a share, a good 4.3% above what it was asking a month ago.

Today's share price also represents a 7.85% rise for the company over 2023 so far. Yes, Telstra started the year at $3.95 a share:

But it gets even better for shareholders. Telstra shares have also hit a new 52-week high this morning. Just after market open, the company climbed as high as $4.27 a share. That's Telstra's new 52-week high watermark.

So this is unquestionably good news for Telstra shareholders, who last witnessed the company at these kinds of levels way back in 2017.

But it also poses a question that many investors might be grappling with right now: is Telstra a buy at these levels?

Two laughing male executives wearing dark suits chat across a timber lunch room table while one of them holds up his phone to show information.

Image source: Getty Images

Are Telstra shares a buy at a new 52-week high?

Well, to answer that question, let's look at some of the opinions of the ASX's most prominent brokers.

Last month, we looked at the views of ASX broker Goldman Sachs. Goldman has taken a look at the Telstra of 2023 and liked what it saw. Last month, the broker retained a buy rating in Telstra, complete with a 12-month share price target of $4.60 per share. If realised, that would mean another 7.73% upside from today's new 52-week high.

Goldman likes Telstra's T25 cost-cutting plans, as well as its pricing power and competitive position. The broker is also pencilling in further dividend increases for investors, predicting a total of 17 cents per share in fully franked dividends in FY2023, and 18 cents in FY2024.

So that's one ASX broker who is calling Telstra shares a buy right now. But it's not the only one.

Just yesterday, my Fool colleague also looked at the opinion of fellow ASX broker Morgans. Morgans also has an add rating on Telstra right now, with an even higher share price target of $4.70.

Morgans likes Telstra due to "the strongest tailwinds in a decade with an increasingly rational market, price rises across the majors and the criticality of telco increasingly recognised".

So Telstra's recent run of good form is nowhere near its end if these two ASX brokers are to be believed. But let's wait and see what the next 12 months bring for Telstra shares.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Group. 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 has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Communication Shares

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
Communication Shares

If I invest $8,000 in Telstra shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

Telstra is now providing investors with pleasing dividend stability.

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

Should I invest $5,000 in Telstra shares in July?

Telstra shares have slumped recently. Will they keep falling, or is an upside ahead?

Read more »

Two male ASX investors and executives wearing dark coloured suits sit at a table holding their mobile phones discussing the highest trading ASX 200 shares today
Communication Shares

Why Telstra shares could be a top ASX buy for the new financial year

The appeal is simple: essential services, network scale, and a dividend profile that has become easier to understand.

Read more »

A man wearing a colourful shirt holds an old fashioned phone to his ear with a look of curiosity on his face as though he is pondering the answer to a question.
Communication Shares

Here's what brokers tip for Telstra shares over the next 12 months

Have Telstra shares now reached fair value?

Read more »

Young woman using computer laptop smiling in love showing heart symbol and shape with hands. as she switches from a big telco to Aussie Broadband which is capturing more market share
Communication Shares

Should I buy Telstra shares for passive income?

And find out what brokers are tipping for the telco over the next 12 months.

Read more »

A happy man looks at his smart phone, indicating a share price rise for ASX tech shares
Communication Shares

5 years ago, $10,000 bought 2,801 Telstra shares. But how many would it buy now?

Telstra shareholders have seen very positive returns.

Read more »

A picture of a satellite orbiting the earth.
Communication Shares

Could Elon Musk's SpaceX take a bite out of Telstra shares?

Telstra shareholders are keeping an eye on Elon Musk’s newly listed US$2.1 trillion SpaceX.

Read more »

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Communication Shares

Shares in this ASX 300 company are charging higher as takeover bids increase

Multiple parties are interested in buying this company out.

Read more »