Vodafone franchise reports lead government to examine 'power imbalance'

Vodafone Group PLC (LSE:VOD) shares showed no reaction to a spotlight being shone in Parliament about the treatment of franchisees. During business questions in the House of Commons, MP Justin Madders said: “I'm sure the department will have been aware of the coverage this week of some of the harrowing stories of the treatment of Vodafone franchisees,” and asked whether ministers would consider measures such as a statutory code or arbitration system to measures to redress a "power imbalance".

Proactive Investors • Dec 12, 2025

Investment bank upgrades Vodafone as turnaround hopes build

Vodafone Group PLC (LSE:VOD) shares rose 1.6% to 95.38p after Barclays upgraded the group to 'overweight' from 'equal weight' and lifted its price target to 120p from 100p, arguing the company is finally showing signs of regaining a “challenger mindset”. The bank says 2026 could mark a shift after years of declining earnings, with improving trends in the UK, Germany and Africa.

Proactive Investors • Dec 8, 2025

Vodafone to take control of Safaricom in €1.8bn deal

Vodafone Group PLC (LSE:VOD) is set to take charge of Safaricom, Kenya's biggest telecoms group, after its African arm agreed to buy an extra 20 % stake for a combined €1.81 billion. The move will give Vodafone and Vodacom a controlling 55 % shareholding and allow both companies to fully consolidate Safaricom's results.

Proactive Investors • Dec 4, 2025

Vodafone to gain control of and fully consolidate Safaricom

Vodafone's African subsidiary, Vodacom, to acquire 20% of Safaricom, taking its stake to 55% 15% will be acquired from the Government of Kenya and 5% from Vodafone LONDON, Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vodafone Group's African subsidiary, Vodacom Group Ltd (“Vodacom”) has agreed to acquire an effective 20% of the issued share capital in Safaricom Plc (“Safaricom”), Kenya's leading telecoms operator (the “Acquisition”). Vodacom will acquire 15% from the Government of Kenya (the “GOK”) for a cash consideration of €1.36 billion1 (KES 204 billion2), and 5% from Vodafone3 for a cash consideration of €0.45 billion (KES 68 billion).

GlobeNewsWire • Dec 4, 2025

Vodafone: Has the irrational exuberance gone too far?

Vodafone Group PLC (LSE:VOD) second quarter brought signs of operational improvement, but UBS argues the market has taken the good news too far. The shares have rallied more than 35% this year, helped by buybacks and a cleaner portfolio after the sale of Spain and Italy, yet the bank keeps its 'sell' rating and 80p price target.

Proactive Investors • Nov 21, 2025

Portuguese telcos plan to invest $4.9 billion in 5G, satellites over 5 years

Portuguese telecoms operators plan to spend 4.2 billion euros ($4.9 billion) on high-speed 5G networks and satellites over the next five years to support major projects such as data centres and AI, the Infrastructure Ministry said on Wednesday.

Reuters • Nov 12, 2025

Vodafone still a 'sell' for UBS, sees progress as driven by timing and one-offs

UBS maintained its 'sell' recommendation on Vodafone Group PLC (LSE:VOD) despite second-quarter results that impressed elsewhere, arguing the stock has little room for upside. Group service revenue grew 5.8% in Q2, with earnings beating the City consensus by 2.2%, helped by a better-than-expected contribution from Europe.

Proactive Investors • Nov 12, 2025

Vodafone: Strong Quarter, Questionable Dividend Timing

Vodafone surged 8% after Q2 2026 results, fueled by a 2.5% dividend hike and a new progressive dividend policy. Despite operational improvements and positive EBITDAaL growth, VOD's fundamentals remain weak, with negative net income, negative ROIC, and negative free cash flow. Management's dividend increase appears premature given ongoing asset write-downs and cash flow challenges, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 12, 2025

Bloomberg Watch Shows 5 Ideal "Safer" November Dividend Dogs

Bloomberg's 2025 Dividend Focus list highlights 36 dividend payers, with 16 qualifying as 'safer' due to free cash flow yields exceeding dividend yields. Top ten dividend stocks, including OZK, SLB, WM, and SUBCY, are projected to offer 12.5%-26.5% net gains by November 2026 based on analyst targets. Five 'IDEAL' stocks—CHHQF, VODAF, SUBCY, ITVPY, AVIFY—offer dividends from $1,000 invested that exceed their single share price, signaling potential buy opportunities.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 12, 2025

Vodafone to increase dividend for first time in eight years

Vodafone's shareholders will be rewarded with the first dividend increase in eight years after a return to growth in Germany helped the European mobile and broadband operator upgrade its earnings outlook.

Reuters • Nov 11, 2025