0924 GMT - Vodafone having Xavier Niel as its biggest shareholder is a positive for the telecommunications giant, Berenberg analysts say in a note. The 16% stake will raise investors' hopes that acquisition vehicle Vega's presence on Vodafone's shareholder register--and, potentially, the board--will drive incremental future cost-cutting and free cash flow growth, Berenberg says. The move could drive an acceleration in the improving operating performance of Vodafone's main European operations in the U.K. and Germany, Berenberg says. "The complexity in Vodafone's group structure is much reduced, and we believe that investors can increasingly focus on the operating assets," Berenberg says. Shares rise 11% to 108.65 pence and are up 34% over the past 12 months. (anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 10, 2026 05:24 ET (09:24 GMT)

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