SoftBank’s annual profit quadruples as it doubles down on OpenAI bet

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SoftBank’s full-year net profit surged fourfold to 5 trillion yen, largely due to increased investments in OpenAI. The move signals a major strategic shift and confidence in AI technology. Details on future plans remain forthcoming.

SoftBank Group reported a full-year net profit of 5 trillion yen ($31.6 billion) on May 13, 2026, quadrupling its profit from the previous year, driven by increased investments in OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT.

According to the company’s official financial statement, SoftBank’s extraordinary profit growth is primarily attributed to its strategic focus on AI investments, particularly in OpenAI. The Japanese conglomerate has significantly increased its stake in OpenAI, which has contributed to its Vision Fund’s gains. CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized that this move reflects confidence in the future of generative AI technologies and their commercial potential. The company did not specify the exact amount invested but confirmed that its holdings in OpenAI have grown substantially over the past year.

Financial disclosures indicate that SoftBank’s Vision Fund, which holds large equity stakes in multiple AI and tech startups, saw notable gains. The firm’s total assets under management have also increased, bolstered by the rising value of AI-related investments. The report also highlighted continued commitments to AI ventures, including billions of dollars allocated specifically to OpenAI and its ecosystem, aligning with Son’s long-term vision for AI dominance.

Why It Matters

This development is significant because it signals a major shift in SoftBank’s investment strategy towards AI, positioning the firm as a key player in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector. The quadrupling of profits underscores the financial impact of its AI bets, especially in OpenAI, which is considered a leader in generative AI technology. For investors and competitors, this demonstrates confidence in AI’s commercial viability and could influence broader investment trends in the tech industry. The results also reinforce the importance of strategic, large-scale investments in AI startups for financial growth.

Background

SoftBank’s Vision Fund, launched in 2017, has historically invested heavily in tech startups globally. Over recent years, the company has increasingly pivoted towards AI and machine learning, reflecting industry trends and the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Masayoshi Son’s aggressive investment in OpenAI, announced in late 2024, marked a turning point, with SoftBank doubling down on its stake amid rising AI adoption across sectors. Prior to this, SoftBank’s profits were more diversified across various tech sectors, but the recent surge highlights AI as a core focus.

“Our increased investment in OpenAI is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of AI technology. We are confident that this will generate significant value for our shareholders.”

— Masayoshi Son, SoftBank CEO

“The substantial increase in profit is primarily driven by our expanding holdings in OpenAI and related AI ventures, reflecting our commitment to leading the AI revolution.”

— SoftBank Financial Report

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how sustained this profit growth will be or what proportion of the gains are attributable to specific AI investments versus other business segments. Details about future investment plans and the exact valuation of SoftBank’s OpenAI stake remain undisclosed.

What’s Next

SoftBank is expected to continue expanding its AI investments, with upcoming reports likely detailing its stake sizes and strategic plans. The company may also announce further capital commitments to AI startups and partnerships. Market analysts will be watching for how these investments influence SoftBank’s future earnings and valuation.

Key Questions

How much has SoftBank invested in OpenAI?

The exact amount invested by SoftBank in OpenAI has not been publicly disclosed, but the company confirmed that its holdings have increased significantly over the past year, contributing to its profit surge.

Will SoftBank continue to prioritize AI investments?

Yes, SoftBank’s recent financial results and statements from CEO Masayoshi Son indicate a strategic focus on expanding AI investments, particularly in OpenAI and related ventures.

What does this mean for the AI industry?

SoftBank’s increased profits and investments highlight AI’s growing importance and potential for substantial financial returns, signaling a shift in industry investment patterns toward large-scale AI ventures.