• EBITDA up 6.0% to $4.2 billion
• Profit for the period up 7.1% to $1.1 billion
• Earnings per share up 6.0% to 8.9 cents

Telstra Group Ltd has reported a strong set of financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2025, delivering a fourth consecutive year of first half underlying growth. Key highlights include EBITDA up 6.0% to $4.2 billion, profit for the period up 7.1% to $1.1 billion, and earnings per share (basic) up 6.0% to 8.9 cents. Return on invested capital (ROIC) also increased by 0.2 percentage points to 8.0%. The company's FY25 guidance remains unchanged, and Telstra is committed to increasing earnings, capital discipline, and portfolio management to further improve ROIC. On the back of the earnings growth, the Board has resolved to pay a fully franked interim dividend of 9.5 cents per share, representing a 5.6% increase on the prior corresponding period. Telstra also announced an on-market share buyback of up to $750 million, which supports earnings and dividend per share growth and demonstrates the Board and management's confidence in the company's financial strength and outlook. The results were driven by strong performances across Telstra's mobile, InfraCo Fixed, Fixed - C&SB, Fixed - Enterprise, and International businesses, as well as continued cost discipline. The company's T25 strategy is on track, including progress on key initiatives such as expanding mobile coverage, growing 5G penetration, and extending the intercity fibre network.

Underlying EBITDA of $8.5 billion to $8.7 billion for FY25, business-as-usual capex of $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion, strategic investment of $0.3 billion to $0.5 billion, and free cashflow after lease payments (before strategic investment) of $3.0 billion to $3.4 billion.

Telstra remains committed to its T25 strategy, focused on increasing earnings, capital discipline, and portfolio management to further improve ROIC. The company is on track to meet its T25 targets, including growth in underlying EBITDA, earnings per share, and ROIC.