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SoftBank Reports First Profit in Four Years, Accelerates AI Investments

The tech giant posted a $7.8 billion annual profit, driven by telecom and late-stage startup gains, while committing billions to AI ventures like OpenAI and Stargate.

FILE - A woman walks in front of SoftBank store in Ginza shopping district in Tokyo, Jan. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)
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Overview

  • SoftBank Group recorded a 1.15 trillion yen ($7.8 billion) profit for FY2025, reversing a 227.6 billion yen loss the previous year.
  • Telecom holdings and late-stage startup valuations contributed significantly, with a 517 billion yen gain in the January–March quarter.
  • Vision Fund 1 posted a 940 billion yen quarterly gain, while Vision Fund 2 saw a 526 billion yen loss, reflecting mixed performance across investments.
  • The company announced plans to acquire semiconductor firm Ampere for $6.5 billion and invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI, highlighting its strategic pivot to AI.
  • SoftBank warned of potential challenges from U.S. tariff policies and geopolitical tensions, which could impact its ambitious investment strategy.