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

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 »

Two people jump and high five above a city skyline.
Superannuation

When can you access your superannuation?

Did you know you don't need to retire to gain access to your superannuation savings?

Read more »

golden egg in a nest representing a SMSF investment
Retirement

5 US stocks to consider for your SMSF

These world-class stocks could deserve a spot in your super.

Read more »

Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.
Superannuation

How much you really need in superannuation to retire comfortably

Let's see how much superannuation is needed if you want a comfortable retirement.

Read more »

A couple working on a laptop laugh as they discuss their ASX share portfolio.
Retirement

More Australians living off superannuation than the pension in retirement

We reveal how much superannuation you need in order to fund a comfortable retirement.

Read more »

Three generations of male family members enjoy the company as they plan future financial goals together on a trek outdoors.
Superannuation

This is what happens if you start taking superannuation seriously before 40

You don’t need property to build wealth. Time, compounding, and smart investing can take you there.

Read more »

A trendy older hipster guy with a long white beard and headphones pulls rockstar hand sign with his hands.
Superannuation

Superannuation riches: 2 stocks I'd hold until retirement and beyond

The smartest superannuation strategy isn’t chasing hype stocks but owning assets built to thrive through every cycle.

Read more »