Skip to main content
EquitiesTechnology

Telstra Group (TLS): Optionality provides upside

Earnings growth outlook

The Mobile and Infrastructure businesses of Telstra together generated c.92% of underlying EBITDA in FY23 (note Infrastructure includes International, InfraCo Fixed and Amplitel). In our view this is a good thing as Mobile is growing (the company’s aim is mid-single digit growth in service revenue to FY25) and Infrastructure is underpinned by an average 24 year contracted period with nbn (which includes annual CPI adjustments). The remaining c.8% of underlying EBITDA was generated by the Fixed business and while there are headwinds in this area – most notably in Enterprise – the contribution is not large enough to cause a significant drag on earnings. The overall outlook, therefore, is continued growth over the short to medium term and the guidance for underlying EBITDA is mid-single digit CAGR between FY21 and FY25.

Dividends also expected to grow

Our underlying EBITDA forecast of $8.3bn in FY24 is consistent with the guidance of $8.2-8.4bn and our forecast CAGR in underlying EBITDA between FY21 and FY25 is 6.8%. Our forecast CAGR in underlying EPS between FY21 and FY25 is much higher
at 20.2% but note this is generally consistent with the guidance of “high teens”. Telstra has said it aims to “maximise” the fully-franked dividend and “grow” it over time. On the back of these statements and the expected growth in EPS we forecast the fully franked dividend to increase from 17.0c in FY23 to 18.0c in FY24 and 19.0c in FY25.

Investment view: $4.15 PT, Initiate with HOLD

Our price target for Telstra is $4.15 which is determined through a blend of four valuations: PE ratio, DCF, DDM and SOTP. This PT is a modest premium to the share price and, combined with the forecast yield of 4.7%, equates a total expected return of 12.8%. This is less than the required 15% or more for a BUY so we initiate with a HOLD recommendation. In our view the stock looks fairly valued on an FY24 PE ratio of c.21x with CAGR in underlying EPS between FY21 and FY25 in the high teens. Notably, the forecast yield of 4.7% is not dissimilar to current six to twelve month term deposit rates though the dividend is fully franked.

To read the full report click the button below.

View Detailed Report
Authored by Chris Savage – Analyst – at Bell Potter Securities, 20 November 2023
Important Disclaimer—This may affect your legal rights: Because this document has been prepared without consideration of any specific client’s financial situation, particular needs and investment objectives, a Bell Potter Securities Limited investment adviser (or the financial services licensee, or the proper authority of such licensee, who has provided you with this report by arrangement with Bell Potter Securities Limited) should be consulted before any investment decision is made. While this document is based on the information from sources which are considered reliable, Bell Potter Securities Limited, its directors, employees and consultants do not represent, warrant or guarantee, expressly or impliedly, that the information contained in this document is complete or accurate. Nor does Bell Potter Securities Limited accept any responsibility to inform you of any matter that subsequently comes to its notice, which may affect any of the information contained in this document. This document is a private communication to clients and is not intended for public circulation or for the use of any third party, without the prior approval of Bell Potter Securities Limited. In the USA and the UK this research is only for institutional investors. It is not for release, publication or distribution in whole or in part to any persons in the two specified countries. This is general investment advice only and does not constitute advice to any person.
Disclosure of Interest: Bell Potter Securities Limited receives commission from dealing in securities and its authorised representatives, or introducers of business, may directly share in this commission. Bell Potter Securities and its associates may hold shares in the companies recommended.