Infosys Shares Jump as Promoters Opt Out of Record ₹18,000 Crore Buyback

Infosys Ltd has announced that its promoters and promoter group will not participate in its recently approved ₹18,000 crore share buyback programme, prompting a noticeable uptick in the stock price. 

Buyback details

In September 2025, Infosys approved its largest-ever buyback: up to 10 crore shares (approximately 2.41% of its paid-up equity) at ₹1,800 per share, amounting to ₹18,000 crore in total. 
The buyback is being executed via the tender-offer route, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.

Promoter decision & its implications

The promoters’ decision to stay out of the buyback was formally disclosed in a regulatory filing. As of the announcement, the promoter and promoter group holding stood at around 13.05%.  The company promoters, including Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani, retained their holdings and said that they wouldn't be part of Infosys' Rs 18,000 crore share buyback. The stock responded positively on 23 October 2025, as Infosys shares climbed approximately 4.12% to a high of ₹1,533.10 on the NSE. 

Why this move matters

Promoters opting out of the buyback means that the benefit of the share repurchase is more concentrated among non-promoter shareholders. Retail and institutional investors who are eligible for the tender offer may thus receive a proportionately larger share of the cash distributed through the buyback. 
Because the buyback is at a premium (about 19% above the previous trading price) this is considered an attractive return opportunity for exiting shareholders. 

Furthermore, the decision helps maintain promoter shareholding intact, suggesting continuity of promoter commitment while enabling the company to return excess cash to the market.

Conclusion
Infosys has launched a major share buyback offer of ₹18,000 crore. With promoters choosing not to participate, the move appears to favour public shareholders, and the market has reacted positively with a share price uptick. This development signals a dual message of disciplined capital allocation and retained promoter confidence in the business going forward.