Vodafone (VOD) lifts dividend for first time in 8 years, launches €500m buyback and targets top‑end FY26 guidance
Vodafone Group Plc (LSE: VOD; NASDAQ: VOD) set out a markedly more shareholder‑friendly playbook today, guiding to the top end of its FY26 outlook, signalling its first full‑year dividend increase since 2018 (up 2.5%), and starting a new €500 million share buyback. The stock jumped ~5% toward 94p, helping push the FTSE 100 to a fresh record intraday high. The Standard+3Reuters+3investors.vodafone.com+3 What changed today Why it happened: Germany turned, UK integration accelerated, Africa remained strong Capital returns: dividend details & buyback mechanics Market reaction Shares rose around 5% to ~94p after the release, and the FTSE 100 notched a record