** 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;))