The Telstra share price sank 5% in April and is now at 2-year lows. Time to buy?

With the Telstra share price at two-year lows, is now the time to buy the ASX 200 telco?

| More on:
A man in shirt and tie uses his mobile phone under water.

Image source: Getty Images

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

The Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price had a rough month in April.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) telco closed out March trading for $3.86 apiece. When the closing bell sounded the end of trading on 30 April, shares were changing hands for $3.67, down 4.9%.

This performance lagged the 3.0% losses posted by the ASX 200 in April.

Both the ASX 200 and the Telstra share price caught headwinds in April as investors began to dial back expectations on the timing and pace of interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia and the US Federal Reserve.

Inflation, it seems, is not as easy to tamp back down as it was to stoke higher.

With a fully franked dividend yield of 4.9%, Telstra has been taking a harder hit than the benchmark index. That could be driven by income investors pulling money out of the ASX 200 telco in favour of lower-risk investments, like bonds or cash deposits.

Unfortunately, the pain has continued over the first two trading days in May.

Yesterday saw the Telstra share price close down 0.8%. In afternoon trade today, shares are down 0.8% trading for $3.61 apiece.

That represents a new two-year (plus) low for the stock.

So, is it time to pounce?

Is the Telstra share price a buy at two-year lows?

A number of analysts have a bullish outlook for the Telstra share price in 2024 and heading into 2025.

That includes the bunch over at Goldman Sachs, who noted, "Telstra is the incumbent telecom operator in Australia."

According to the broker:

We believe the low-risk earnings (and dividend) growth that Telstra is delivering across FY 2032 to FY 2025, underpinned through its mobile business, is attractive.

We also believe that Telstra has a meaningful medium-term opportunity to crystallise value through commencing the process to monetise its InfraCo Fixed assets, which we estimate could be worth between AU$22 to $33 billion.

Goldman's analysts added, "We see a strong rationale for monetising the recurring NBN payment stream, given its inflation-linked, long-duration cash flows could be worth $14.5 billion to $17.9 billion, with no loss of strategic benefit."

Goldman has a 'buy' rating on the ASX 200 telco with a $4.55 12-month target for the Telstra share price.

That represents a potential upside of 26% from current levels. And it doesn't include the upcoming dividend payments.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Communication Shares

A young bank customer wearing a yellow jumper smiles as she checks her bank balance on her phone.
Communication Shares

Aussie Broadband shares sink 2% on ACCC report

The ruling is expected to result in a small reduction of the company’s EBITDA in the coming years.

Read more »

a man in a shirt and tie looks to the horizon holding his hand above his eyes as if to shield the sun so he can see better.
Communication Shares

Why is everyone talking about Telstra shares this week?

All eyes are on the telco this week.

Read more »

A woman wearing headphones looks delighted and animated on news she's receiving from her mobile phone that she is holding close to her face.
Communication Shares

Superloop versus Aussie Broadband shares: Buy, sell or hold?

There is one winner among the two telcos.

Read more »

a line up of job interview candidates sit in chairs against a wall clutching CVs on paper in an office setting.
Communication Shares

Seek shares tipped to storm 45% higher next year: Here's why

Macquarie shares its view on the latest employment report for November.

Read more »

A handful of Australian $100 notes, indicating a cash position
Communication Shares

$30,000 of Telstra shares can net me $1,671 of passive income!

Investors can call on Telstra to deliver major income.

Read more »

Man holding a smartphone with an internet router in front of him.
Communication Shares

Could 2026 be a turning point for TPG? Here's what I'm watching

TPG has had a rough run, but the roadmap for 2026 offers a few important moments that could shift sentiment.

Read more »

woman on phone
Communication Shares

Up 24% in a year! The red-hot Telstra share price is smashing BHP, Westpac and Coles

The Aussie telco's shares stormed higher over the past 12 months.

Read more »

A TV remote in focus with a screen of Netflix options in the background.
Communication Shares

Where to from here for these 2 ASX 200 media shares

Brokers see upside, but are more cautious.

Read more »