Invested in Telstra shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026

The ASX 200 telco is trading on a forward dividend yield of 4.1%.

| More on:

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
  • Telstra's fully franked dividend is expected to increase to 20 cents per share in FY26, with key dividend announcement dates set for February and August.
  • Analysts from UBS and Jarden give Telstra a hold rating, with a $4.80 price target, while Macquarie rates it as outperform with a $5.04 target, predicting potential growth.
  • UBS anticipates dividends rising annually through FY30, while Macquarie sees a potential upside for the share price over the next year.

The Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is $4.90, up 0.2% at the time of writing on Friday.

In FY25, Telstra shares paid a fully franked dividend of 19 cents per share.

Based on today's share price, that equates to a trailing dividend yield of 3.9%.

Analysts expect a slightly bigger payment from the ASX 200 telco stock next year.

The consensus expectation among analysts on the CommSec platform is for Telstra to pay a 20-cent dividend for FY26.

That equates to a forward dividend yield of 4.1%.

Telstra has released its corporate calendar for 2026, which includes when the dividends will be announced.

Get your diary out.

A woman in yellow jump holds a coffee and writes in a diary.

Image source: Getty Images

Dividend dates for Telstra shares in 2026

Telstra will announce its FY26 half-year results and interim dividend on 19 February.

The ex-dividend date for the interim Telstra dividend will be 25 February.

The record date will be 26 February.

If you'd like Telstra to use your dividends to buy more stock on your behalf, you can enrol in the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP).

The DRP form must be lodged by 27 February.

Telstra shareholders will receive their dividends on 27 March.

The telco will announce its FY26 full-year results and final dividend on 20 August.

The ex-dividend date for the final Telstra dividend will be 26 August.

The record date will be 27 August, and the DRP deadline will be 28 August.

Telstra will pay its shareholders on 24 September.

The telco will hold its annual general meeting on 13 October.

What do the experts think of Telstra shares?

The Telstra share price is up 21.3% in 2025.

This compares to a 4.9% bump for the market benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

UBS and Jarden both have a hold rating on Telstra shares with a 12-month price target of $4.80.

This implies a potential downside of 2% over the next 12 months.

UBS predicts a slightly higher dividend for FY26 than the consensus estimate on CommSec.

The broker is tipping that the telco will pay 21 cents per share in FY26.

UBS also reckons Telstra's annual dividend could increase every year thereafter until it reaches 30 cents per share in FY30.

This is why my colleague, Tristan, considers Telstra shares a 'retiree's dream'.

Macquarie is more ambitious on Telstra shares.

The broker has an outperform rating on the ASX 200 telco stock with a price target of $5.04.

This suggest a potential upside of 2.85% over the next year.

Macquarie predicts that Telstra will pay 20 cents per share in dividends for FY26.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and 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

Media newspapers and tablet reporting the news online.
Communication Shares

Is there still opportunity in ASX media shares?

ASX media shares have had a tough run, but should investors be looking beyond the headlines?

Read more »

Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.
Mergers & Acquisitions

oOh!Media shares rocket 40% higher on takeover offer

A big takeover premium has reset expectations, but the market isn’t treating it as a done deal.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Communication Shares

Is the Telstra share price a buy for its 5.4% dividend yield?

Telstra is an intriguing business to look at for dividends and growth.

Read more »

A man sits in contemplation on his sofa looking at his phone as though he has just heard some serious or interesting news.
Communication Shares

Are Telstra shares a good deal at $5.32?

Telstra's growing share price is starting to lower its dividend yield...

Read more »

Woman on phone cheering while sitting at computer
Communication Shares

3 reasons I'd buy Telstra shares today

The telco giant continues to evolve. Here’s why I think Telstra shares still look appealing today.

Read more »

Man holding phone to ear shouts while hjolding out hand in stop motion
Communication Shares

Up 22%, are Telstra shares still worth a buy?

Telstra stays a dependable income stock, but won't be a rocket ship.

Read more »

Group of friends trading stocks on their phones. symbolising the 3 most traded ASX 200 shares today
Communication Shares

Have Telstra shares peaked, or is there more upside ahead?

Pricing power and income support steady, not explosive, gains

Read more »

A couple makes silly chip moustache faces and take a selfie on their phone.
Communication Shares

How high can Telstra shares really climb from here?

Brokers don't expect a surge, but rather a slow grind.

Read more »