greatest stock on the asx, page-10

sandminer,

"There is also the slight possibility that Gillard might keep her promise and give TLS that $9bn."

That is a cheap, sloppy, and unnecessary slur on Julia Gillard.

Here are the reasons:

1/ "$9bn" is wrong. The deal is $11 billion post-tax NPV. Yes, Telstra will spend about $2 billion, but this amount is covered within the existing 14% capex and operational expenses. (Read Telstra Shareholder letter 23 June 2011)

2/ This deal is not a promise made by the PM. It is a commercial deal between Telstra and NBN co and the federal government. And the government has had all the necessary legislation passed through both houses. It just needs the ACCC approval.

3/ Now let's assume that what you write is right: that it is just a promise by the PM and that there is only a slight possibility that she might keep her promise. That means there is a bigger possibility that Telstra will not get the 11 billion. And if there is a bigger possibility that Telstra will not get the 11 billion, then your argument that Telstra will be "the greatest stock for investors" in the short to medium term is on a very shaky ground.

In other words, by saying "There is also the slight possibility ...", you undermine your own assertion that Telstra will be "the greatest stock for investors".