Since reporting in August, Telstra's (ASX: TLS) share price has slid more than 8% into the red - with investors disappointed by the telco giant's shock decision to maintain ownership of its fixed infrastructure business, InfraCo.
But CFO and Group Executive Michael Ackland is adamant that maintaining the status quo was the right decision. He argues there are two major reasons why retaining the stake will benefit shareholders over the long term - particularly in the current inflationary environment.
In this interview, Ackland outlines the opportunity Telstra is seeing in the digital ecosystem, discusses the company's bid for Versent, and shares why retail shareholders should keep holding the stock over the next five years.
Note: This interview was filmed on 11 October 2023.
[ Ссылка ]
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - Key results for FY23
1:38 - Cash flow down 78% - where TLS has spent the majority of this cash
2:55 - Dividend sustainability
4:20 - The InfraCo decision
6:10 - The impact of inflation and higher rates on TLS
7:30 - Response to price hikes
9:09 - M&A activity - on growth in Digicel Pacific and the Versent bid
11:45 - How TLS avoids "diworsifying"
13:40 - TLS's T25 strategy
15:20 - Why retail shareholders should keep holding
16:43 - Reader question from Bernard: Why not pursue a Starlink-type strategy
*Follow us:*
Linkedin: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Google: [ Ссылка ]
![](https://s2.save4k.org/pic/vzFmEhG4Fzo/maxresdefault.jpg)