Is the Telstra share price a buy for that 4.8% dividend yield?

Here's what a leading broker is saying about the telco giant's shares and its dividend.

| More on:
A woman standing in a blue shirt smiles as she uses her mobile phone to text message someone

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 has been a strong performer over the last three months.

During this time, the telco giant's shares are up a sizeable 16%.

This leaves them trading at $3.97, which is not too far away from their 52-week high.

Given that many see Telstra shares as a great option for dividend income, let's see what this recent rally means for its dividend yield.

Telstra dividend yield

The good news for income investors is that decent dividend yields are still expected in FY 2025 and beyond.

For example, according to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 19 cents in FY 2025, 20 cents in FY 2026, and 21 cents in FY 2027.

Based on the current Telstra share price, this will mean attractive dividend yields of 4.8%, 5%, and 5.3%, respectively.

To put that into context, a $10,000 investment would yield approximately $480, $500, and $530 of dividend income across the three years.

Is the Telstra share price good value?

As well as forecasting some attractive dividend yields, Goldman Sachs sees room for the Telstra share price to keep rising.

The note reveals that it has a buy rating and $4.35 price target on the company's shares. This implies potential upside of 9.6% for investors from current levels.

Combined with its expected dividends, this would mean a total potential 12-month return of over 14%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Goldman Sachs said:

Telstra is the incumbent telecom operator in Australia. We believe the low risk earnings (and dividend) growth that Telstra is delivering across FY22-25, 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 monetize its InfraCo Fixed assets – which we estimate could be worth between A$22-33bn.

Although there is some debate around the strategic benefits, we see a strong rationale for monetizing the recurring NBN payment stream, given its inflation linked, long duration cash flows could be worth $14.5bn to $17.9bn, with no loss of strategic benefit. Although at a headline level, Telstra valuation appears relatively full (vs. peers and vs. 10Y yield), we note: (1) Adjusting out NBN recurring payments (a unique asset), Telstra trades at a much more compelling multiple; (2) Although its yield spread is compressed vs. history, when factoring dividend growth this is more attractive. Hence in an uncertain 2024 we rate Telstra Buy.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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 Dividend Investing

A happy elderly woman smiles and cheers as she looks at good investment news on her laptop.
Dividend Investing

Invested $8,000 in CBA shares in 2021? Here's how much passive income you've already earned

The passive income delivered by CBA shares has been on the rise over the past three years.

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach through their hands up in the air.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX dividend shares projected to offer handsome yields in 2025

Experts are predicting that the dividends from these two shares will keep rising...

Read more »

supermarket asx shares represented by shopping trolley in supermarket aisle
Dividend Investing

1 fantastic ASX 200 dividend stock down 25% since 2022 to buy for life-long passive income

I think this stock is worth putting in the shopping basket.

Read more »

Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.
Dividend Investing

How much cash do you need to quit work and live off dividend income?

Dividend income can unlock a well-funded life.

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
Dividend Investing

Buy these ASX dividend shares for 5% to 6% yields

Analysts expect these shares to provide investors with larger than average yields.

Read more »

Two men standing on a balcony cheers their bottles.
Dividend Investing

15 ASX 200 shares that will trade ex-dividend next week

Do you own any of these shares that are about to pop?

Read more »

A happy older couple relax in a hammock together as they think about enjoying life with a passive income stream.
Dividend Investing

I'm considering buying 600 shares in this ASX 200 dividend gem to aim for $212 a month in passive income!

if you're after an income boost, consider this dividend beast.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in businessman pocket suit, symbolising ex dividend day.
Dividend Investing

Want the supersized dividend from AGL shares? Here's the story

Time is running out to secure AGL's massive dividend.

Read more »