London, Feb 1, 2026, 08:38 GMT — Market closed.
- Vodafone shares closed up on Friday, ahead of the weekend market shutdown.
- A new buyback filing revealed the group continued to repurchase shares.
- Investors are focused on a quarterly trading update due later this week.
Vodafone shares (VOD.L) ended Friday 0.9% higher, closing at 107.40 pence. The stock had dipped earlier in the week as investors digested a sparse flow of updates. (Yahoo Finance)
Sunday’s London market closure puts the spotlight on what’s next: a quarterly update on the docket, alongside new figures on cash returns that could shake the stock once trading kicks off again.
The company has relied heavily on buybacks and dividends to hold investor interest, while traders await clearer signals that revenue and cost trends are stabilizing. This takes on extra weight with the next update due in early February, a key time when positioning typically shifts.
Vodafone revealed on Friday it acquired 1,567,099 shares on Jan. 29 at a volume-weighted average price of 106.66 pence. The trades fluctuated between 105.95 pence and 107.65 pence under a programme managed by Merrill Lynch International. For clarity, a volume-weighted average price reflects the average paid per share, adjusted for the size of each trade. Vodafone said these shares will be held in treasury, meaning they remain with the company rather than being cancelled. (Investegate)
Separately, Vodafone’s carrier division announced new network upgrades in Greece, teaming up with NetIX to expand wholesale internet capacity in and out of the country. Fanan Henriques highlighted that this blend of partnerships and fibre expansion “enables Vodafone to deliver new digital services” and strengthens resilience. Dean Belev expressed that NetIX was “delighted” to be chosen by Vodafone as a partner. (Vodafone)
Such announcements rarely shift a stock by themselves. Yet, they do add some context before the upcoming earnings, particularly for investors focused on stable wholesale and business revenue streams.
Axel Rudolph of IG flagged in a preview note on Friday that investors will focus on the upcoming “organic service revenue” update. This metric excludes currency effects, portfolio shifts, and handset sales, offering a clearer picture of recurring telecom income. (IG)
Yet the update could still catch traders off guard. If the group’s main European markets weaken again, or currency shifts hit faster-growing areas, cash flow will come under scrutiny fast — turning the buyback from a sign of momentum into a safety net.
Vodafone’s Q3 FY26 trading update lands Feb. 5, followed by the full FY26 results on May 12. An interim dividend payment is also penciled in for Feb. 5, according to the company’s investor site. (Vodafone)
