Could the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price be worth looking at for its FY21 dividend yield?

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS) is expected to pay a sizeable FY21 dividend. Could the Telstra share price worth jumping on?

| More on:
map of australia with golden 5G sitting on it representing telstra share price profit result

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

At the current Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price, the FY21 dividend yield might be quite sizeable. Could Telstra shares be worth owning?

How big is the Telstra dividend going to be?

Telstra has a few different objectives regarding its capital management framework.

It wants to maximise returns for shareholders. Telstra wants to maintain financial strength. The telco also wants to retain financial flexibility.

With that in mind, there are four principles that are guiding Telstra.

The first is that it's committed to balance sheet settings that are consistent with an A band credit rating.

The next principle is that it's going to pay 70% to 90% of underlying dividends as fully franked ordinary dividends.

Third, it's targeting a capital expenditure to sales ratio of around 12%, excluding spectrum, from FY23.

Finally, Telstra is going to maintain its financial flexibility for portfolio management and strategic investments.

Telstra also intends to pay special dividends. It's returning in the order of 75% of net one-off NBN receipts to shareholders over time through fully franked special dividends.

In the FY21 half-year result, it declared an interim dividend of 8 cents per share. Telstra also said that it intends to pay total dividends of $0.16 per share in FY21.

Profit guidance

Telstra now expects its total income to be in a range of $22.6 billion to $23.2 billion.

FY21 second half underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is expected to be in the range of $3.3 billion to $3.6 billion, compared to $3.3 billion in the first half.

The underlying EBITDA guidance for FY21 of between $6.6 billion to $6.9 billion includes an in-year NBN headwind of approximately $700 million. There's also an estimated COVID-19 FY21 impact of approximately $400 million.

The guidance range for free cashflow after operating lease payments was recently increased from the range of $2.8 billion to $3.3 billion, up to a range of $3.3 billion to $3.7 billion due to working capital management and the impact of lower hardware revenue.

Is the Telstra share price worth looking at?

Morgan Stanley rates Telstra shares as a buy, with a price target of $4. The broker expects the FY21 and FY22 dividend is going to be $0.16 per share, which translates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.7%. Morgan Stanley noted that there was a little boost to funding of mobile networks in the regions within the federal budget.

However, not every broker thinks that Telstra is a buy. Morgans only rates Telstra as a hold with a price target of $3.33 – which is lower than where it is right now. However, Morgans has noted the restructure will enable the telco to realise the value of its infrastructure assets. According to Morgans, Telstra shares are valued at 28x FY22's estimated earnings.

Should you invest $1,000 in Retail Food Group Limited right now?

Before you buy Retail Food Group Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Retail Food Group Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Blue Chip Shares

A businessman hugs his computer and smiles.
Blue Chip Shares

3 excellent ASX shares I would buy and hold for the next 10 years

Analysts think these quality companies could be in the buy zone right now.

Read more »

A group of people in suits watch as a man puts his hand up to take the opportunity.
Blue Chip Shares

The ultimate blue chip portfolio: 3 ASX 200 stocks to anchor your investments

Starting your investment journey? Here are three stocks that Goldman Sachs rates very highly.

Read more »

Happy shareholders clap and smile as they listen to a company earnings report.
Blue Chip Shares

3 quality ASX stocks that could lead the next market rebound

These stocks are highly rated by analysts for a reason. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »

Happy woman in front of padlocks
Blue Chip Shares

3 of the best ASX 200 blue chip shares to buy now

Analysts think these quality stocks would be top picks right now.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Blue Chip Shares

3 quality ASX shares to buy before the market rebounds

These shares are highly rated by analysts. Let's see why they are bullish.

Read more »

Male building supervisor stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site with workers behind him.
Blue Chip Shares

3 reasons to buy this 'high-quality' $14 billion ASX 200 stock today

A leading expert forecasts a big potential turnaround for this beaten down ASX 200 stock.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Blue Chip Shares

3 leading ASX 200 blue chip shares to buy after the market selloff

Let's see which shares analysts are recommending to clients.

Read more »

Three business people join hands in strength and unity
Blue Chip Shares

3 unstoppable ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold forever

Analysts think these blue chips could be strong buys.

Read more »