IONOS launches €60M share buyback amid AI-driven growth strategy

IONOS has unveiled a €60 million share buyback programme while reaffirming its strategic focus on AI-driven growth. The company aims to repurchase up to 2.2 million of its own shares, representing around 1.6% of its share capital. This move comes as part of broader plans to strengthen its market position through AI integration and financial discipline.

The programme will start in the coming days and run until August 25, 2026, at the latest, supporting employee stock ownership plans and aligning with long-term financial targets. IONOS reported solid financial results for 2025, with revenue rising by 5.5% to €1.317 billion and EBITDA climbing 18.5% to €485 million. The company also added 310,000 new customers, bringing its total to 6.63 million. These gains were driven by its IONOS Momentum strategy, which combines infrastructure, automation, and AI-powered services.

The firm's AI push includes a modular ecosystem featuring an AI phone assistant, an AI-driven CRM system, and tools for automated content creation. A centralised AI knowledge hub taps into existing customer data hosted by IONOS, enabling personalised solutions. This approach positions the company as a one-stop digitalisation partner, offering DSGVO-compliant services with open-source models like Llama and Mistral.

Looking ahead, IONOS has set ambitious targets for 2026, including 7% revenue growth and an EBITDA margin of 37–38%. Over the medium term, it aims for annual revenue increases of 10% and an EBITDA margin of 40%. The strategy shifts IONOS from a pure infrastructure provider to an integrated service partner, boosting revenue per user through operational AI tools.

This isn't the first time IONOS has repurchased shares. Under previous authorisations, it acquired 4.35 million treasury shares. The new €60 million programme will further support its financial flexibility and employee incentives. The share buyback programme and AI investments highlight IONOS's dual focus on financial strength and technological leadership. By integrating AI into its core services, the company aims to attract more customers and increase revenue per user. The initiative also reinforces its position as a key player in Europe's digital transformation market.