Is AustralianSuper buying or selling Telstra and CSL shares?

Australia's largest super fund recently revealed its biggest recent trades.

| More on:
A woman holds up hands to compare two things with question marks above her hands.

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

Key points

  • AustralianSuper has significantly increased its holding in Telstra, purchasing 200 million shares.
  • CSL shares were offloaded by AustralianSuper.
  • Other notable trades by AustralianSuper include increased investments in Medibank Private, which has risen 28% year to date, and a reduction in Woolworths.

Telstra and CSL shares are among the most popular ASX 200 stocks. 

For the year to date, Telstra Ltd (ASX: TLS) has risen 21%, while CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) has fallen 26%. 

Twice a year, Australia's largest superannuation fund, AustralianSuper, reveals its most popular "balanced" portfolio, which holds around $250 billion in retirement savings.

As reported by the Australian Financial Review, AustralianSuper revealed that Telstra shares and CSL shares were among its biggest trades over the past 6 months. 

Did AustralianSuper buy or sell Telstra and CSL? Let's find out. 

Telstra

Telstra shares have performed strongly this year, while offering an attractive dividend yield of nearly 4%. 

Following its FY25 result, JP Morgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) released a new research note with an updated price target of $4.75 and a neutral rating. 

However, according to AustralianSuper's latest disclosure, the superannuation fund has been buying the telecommunications stock. 

According to the disclosure, AustralianSuper bought 200 million shares in Telstra in the first six months of the year. That brings its total holding to around $1 billion, up from $80 million at the end of 2025.

CSL

CSL has attracted significant investor interest this year. 

With the big four banks trading at record levels for most of the year, the healthcare giant was seen as an attractively valued alternative. 

However, sentiment appeared to shift in August when CSL reported its FY25 results

Investors were spooked by a surprise restructuring, job cuts, and strategic demerger, sending the CSL share price down 17%. This marked the company's single biggest fall since it listed in 1999. 

Since then, many brokers have released updated research notes, with the majority suggesting the company has been oversold and has significant upside potential from here. 

JP Morgan currently has a price target of $282 on CSL shares. Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is more optimistic, with a price target of $295.90. 

However, according to AustralianSuper's most recent disclosure, the fund has been offloading CSL shares. The value of AustralianSuper's CSL holding in its balanced plan fell by around $500 million, due to a combination of selling and a falling share price. 

What other big trades did AustralianSuper make?

In its disclosure, AustralianSuper also revealed that it had been buying Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares and selling Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

Medibank Private is up 28% for the year to date. 

Meanwhile, Woolworths has fallen 13%, with the majority of this decline coming after it reported its FY25 results.

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, JPMorgan Chase, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Superannuation

Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.
Superannuation

Here's the average Australian superannuation balance at 50

How does your balance stack up? Let's compare them.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in a nest, symbolising a nest egg.
Superannuation

Here's the average superannuation balance at age 64 in Australia

Are you on track for a comfortable retirement?

Read more »

An older man with white hair in an Elvis-style white suit rocking out.
Superannuation

Here's the average Australian superannuation balance at pension age

See how your super stacks up at pension age and what it might really take for a comfortable retirement.

Read more »

A mature aged couple dance together in their kitchen while they are preparing food in a joyful scene.
Superannuation

Here's the average Australian superannuation balance at 60

Are you on track for a comfortable retirement? Let's find out.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
Superannuation

Solid superannuation gains continue to roll in

Let's take a look.

Read more »

Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.
Superannuation

Finally got access to your superannuation? Here's what other people choose to do

Once you gain full access to your superannuation, AustralianSuper says there are two main options.

Read more »

A man stands in front of a chart with an arrow going down and slaps his forehead in frustration.
Superannuation

8 common superannuation mistakes costing you a fortune

And here's how to fix it.

Read more »

Two elderly people smiling with their fists pumping and with a cape on.
Retirement

5 ASX dividend stocks that could supercharge your super fund

These five stocks are perfect for funding a comfortable retirement.

Read more »