** Shares of Telstra Group Ltd TLS.AX, Australia's largest telecom firm, rise 4.7% to A$4.105, their highest levels since August 17, 2023
** TLS rose as much as 5.9% to A$4.150, marking its biggest intraday pct jump since November 12, 2020
** TLS among top 10 gainers in the ASX200 benchmark index .AXJO
** TLS reports 1H25 profit of A$1.03 billion ($654.05 million), in line with Visible Alpha consensus estimate and ahead of last year's A$964 million
** Co declares interim dividend of 9.5 Australian cents per share, up from 9 Australian cents the prior year
** Announces A$750 million ($476.25 million) on-market buyback
** Says will invest A$800 million over the next four years to upgrade its mobile network
** Jefferies says increase in dividend, buyback show management is confident about the outlook
** TLS stock up 3% this year, including the day's move
($1 = 1.5748 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru)
((Sameer.Manekar@thomsonreuters.com;))
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