Here's the earnings forecast out to 2029 for Telstra shares

Are further Telstra share price gains possible? Let's consider the earnings outlook.

| More on:

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

sdf

The Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price has performed admirably in 2025 to date, rising by 21%, outperforming the 4% rise for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Investors may be wondering whether the ASX telco share can deliver ongoing pleasing results for shareholders.

The market usually values a business based on how much net profit it's making and what it expects to make.

Let's take a look at what profit Telstra is expected to make in the coming years. I'll refer to the projections from broker UBS for the telco over the next few years.

FY25

The 2025 financial year is nearly over, but what the company achieves in this financial year is very important.

UBS' most recent analysis of Telstra shares came after the ASX telco share held its Connected Future 30 strategy day which highlighted growing demand, Telstra's competitive advantages and an execution track record.

The broker noted Telstra is investing in AI and setting new key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarking against the top 25% of international companies.

However, the broker said the "jury is still out" on whether the industry can lift the return on invested capital (ROIC). Telstra is forecasting ROIC could increase from 8% to 10% by FY30, and UBS is projecting it could reach between 12% to 13%.

While depreciation, amortisation and spectrum costs in FY27 and FY28 will impact ROIC over the next five years, according to UBS, while AI could help reduce costs and improve productivity.

UBS also noted that Telstra has "undergone significant restructure of its enterprise products division over the last 12 months by removing 50% of its product portfolio" with a target to remove two-thirds in total.

However, the broker is cautious because the enterprise and government sector continues to be structurally challenged with budget cuts and increasing competition.

For the 2025 financial year, UBS is projecting that Telstra could generate $23.9 billion of revenue and $2.28 billion of net profit.

FY26

In the mobile division, Telstra recently announced a postpaid monthly price rise of between $3 to $5 per month from July 2025. That was the highest price rise since 2022.

This suggests a $2 per month postpaid average revenue per user (ARPU) rise for FY26 because it only applies to consumers and small to medium enterprises. Telstra also has to fund large Starlink direct-to-handset licensing costs.

On the intercity fibre initiative, Telstra announced the first of its fibre routes to be opened during this month (June 2025), followed by a second route which is expected to be ready in the first quarter of FY26. UBS' forecasts assume an additional $200 million of operating profit (EBITDA) for InfraCo by FY30. Management is confident on delivering "mid-teens IRR" [internal rate of return].

In FY26, UBS is predicting that Telstra's net profit could rise by 10% to $2.51 billion, with $24.4 billion of revenue. That sounds good for Telstra shares, in my view.

FY27

In the 2027 financial year, UBS is projecting that Telstra could make further financial progress. Revenue is predicted to increase to $25.0 billion.

This year could see Telstra's net profit increase by 5.6% to $2.65 billion.

FY28

The 2028 financial year could get even better for the business.

Telstra is predicted by UBS to deliver $25.5 billion of revenue, which could help net profit rise a further 12.7% to $2.99 billion.

FY29

The business could have its best year of this series of projections. The 2029 financial year could see the ASX telco share deliver $26.3 billion of revenue.

Telstra's net profit could increase could rise by another 10% year over year to $3.29 billion. If the company achieves the profit numbers UBS is projecting, Telstra's net profit could increase by 44% between FY25 and FY29, which would be an excellent tailwind for the Telstra share price, in my opinion.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 man surrounded by huge piles of paper looks through a magnifying glass at his computer screen.
Communication Shares

Why this fundie sees 'a potential turning point' for Seek shares

Blackwattle Investment Partners says Seek management appears to be refocused on shareholder returns.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Communication Shares

Up 100% in a year, can the Superloop share price continue to deliver solid returns?

Superloop continues to generate momentum as its customer base expands.

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

Is the Telstra share price a buy right now?

Telstra shares have steadily risen over the last few months. Are they still good value?

Read more »

A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.
Dividend Investing

Up 38% in a year, is it too late to buy Telstra shares for the dividends?

A leading expert gives his verdict on Telstra’s passive income appeal following the stock's 38% 12-month share price gains.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie forecasts this ASX All Ords media company is set to surge 19%

Up 42% in 2025, here’s why this ASX All Ords media stock could keep racing higher into 2026.

Read more »

A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.
Communication Shares

Where will Telstra shares be in 3 years?

How much business growth can Telstra shareholders look forward to?

Read more »

Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses.
Communication Shares

Should I buy News Corporation or REA Group shares?

News Corporation is the majority owner of REA Group.

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

Own Telstra shares? Here's what brokers are saying about its new strategy

Let's see what they are saying about this telco giant's bold new plans.

Read more »