Why did the Telstra share price jump today?

Shares rose after Telstra posted a $1.2 billion half‑year profit, up 8.1%, beat expectations, lifted the interim dividend to 10.5 cents, and expanded its buyback to A$1.25 billion. Stronger mobile margins and clearer capital returns supported sentiment. Traders also reacted to heavy volume and improving momentum readings.

What is the new Telstra dividend and is it sustainable?

The interim Telstra dividend is 10.5 cents. Sustainability hinges on mobile earnings, NBN receipts, and free cash flow. The payout ratio is high near 98%, so future growth likely needs stronger cash generation. Spectrum fees could reduce headroom, but a phased approach would help maintain current settings.

How large is the Telstra buyback now?

Management expanded the on‑market Telstra buyback to A$1.25 billion. This can reduce the share count and lift per‑share metrics over time, supporting total returns. The scale of future buybacks will depend on free cash flow, spectrum costs, and the pace of savings from the Enterprise restructuring program.

Could spectrum fees hit the Telstra share price?

Yes. The proposed $7.2 billion industry charge, with Telstra’s share around $2.7 billion, could pressure free cash flow. Telcos may lift pricing to offset the impact, but timing and structure matter. A softer or phased outcome would be less negative, while a large upfront cost could weigh on sentiment.

Global Market Insights

TLS.AX Stock Today: Profit Beat, Bigger Buyback Lift Shares — February 21

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 21, 2026

The Telstra share price jumped nearly 4% on 21 February after Telstra (TLS.AX) posted a $1.2 billion half‑year profit, up 8.1% year on year. Management lifted the interim dividend to 10.5 cents and expanded the on‑market buyback to $1.25 billion. We see a stronger cash return story, but investors must weigh deeper Enterprise job cuts and the communications regulator’s proposed $7.2 billion spectrum charge, with Telstra’s share estimated at about $2.7 billion. Here is what today’s move means for Aussie portfolios.