The Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price closed 1.23% higher on Monday afternoon, at $4.95 a piece. Over the past year the Australian telecommunications company's shares have jumped 23.5% higher.
What's impressive is that after a 21% increase for the first 6 months of 2025, the share price has remained incredibly stable with just small fluctuations.
When compared to ASX powerhouses like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) or evening banking giant Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd (ASX: WBC), the Telstra share price has far outperformed.
Over the past 12 months, BHP shares have climbed 9.56%, Coles shares have risen 14.52%, and Westpac shares have stormed 16.34% higher. These are all fantastic annual gains, but none are as steep as Telstra's red hot 23.5% increase.
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What has pushed the Telstra share price higher this year?
Telstra is a defensive stock, which means the company that tends to perform steadily, regardless of the stage of the economic cycle. After all, mobile and internet connections in households and businesses are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Investors are aware of this and many have been buying the stock to help hedge against potential volatility elsewhere.
This is evident in the company's financial results this year too. The business has reported strong growth throughout 2025. Its first half FY25 results in February showed strong earnings growth across almost all of its products, improved operating profit, higher returns for shareholders and plans to improve its network coverage.
The telco giant's full-year results in August also showed stronger underlying growth and financial performance. At the time the company also said it expected year-on-year growth to continue.
The Telstra share price has also been supported by the company's dividends, which give its investors a reliable passive cashflow. As one of the most reliable passive income stocks on the index, it's a popular choice with investors seeking passive income. Telstra has paid out a steadily increasing dividend yield for several years, including during the COVID pandemic period.
Is there any more upside ahead?
After a robust 2025, analysts are pretty optimistic about the outlook for Telstra shares over the next 12 months too. TradingView data shows that out of 8 analysts, 4 have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. Another 4 analysts have a hold rating.
Analysts expect the share price could rise as high as $5.40, which implies a potential 9.09% upside for investors at the time of writing.
