** Shares of Cadbury-parent Mondelez International MDLZ.O down 3.7% at $64.06 premarket
** Co announces an up to $9 bln share buyback program
** Share buyback program set to start on Jan. 1, effective until the end of 2027, replacing current $6 bln plan
** Co says it remains committed to an acquisition strategy that is focused on "bolt-on" deals
** Shares of HSY down ~5% premarket
** Up to Tuesday's close, MDLZ stock has fallen 15% YTD
(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)
((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))