SoftBank profit surge tied to OpenAI gains

SoftBank Group reported a record annual profit for the fiscal year that ended in March 2026, underscoring the financial impact of its growing focus on artificial intelligence investments. The company’s revenue rose nearly 8% to about ¥7,800 billion, while earnings per share surged to 873 yen, more than four times the level recorded a year earlier.

The strong performance marks one of SoftBank’s most profitable years, reflecting both its operating businesses and the contribution from its large technology portfolio. The latest results have drawn close attention from investors tracking global AI and late‑stage tech exposure.

Despite the record headline figures, SoftBank’s share price fell more than 4% following the earnings announcement. The stock move highlighted investor unease over the nature of the profit surge, particularly the extent to which it was driven by unrealized gains.

According to the company’s disclosures, a substantial portion of the profit was linked to unrealized gains from its stake in OpenAI. Some investors are focused on how much of the earnings reflect mark‑to‑market revaluations rather than cash realizations, adding scrutiny to the durability of the reported profit levels.

SoftBank has invested over $30 billion in OpenAI, securing an 11% stake as of December 2025. This position has become a central element of SoftBank’s portfolio, and the unrealized valuation gains on this holding have been a key driver of the latest fiscal year’s profit figures.

The group is planning to invest an additional $30 billion in an upcoming OpenAI funding round. That round is expected to value OpenAI at approximately $750 billion to $830 billion, further increasing the financial importance of the holding within SoftBank’s broader investment strategy.

The scale of SoftBank’s commitment to OpenAI underscores a wider strategic pivot toward AI‑focused assets. Management has positioned the group as a major backer of cutting‑edge AI platforms, aligning its capital deployment with what it views as a key long‑term technology trend.

Alongside AI, SoftBank maintains exposure to telecom and late‑stage technology ventures, making its portfolio a notable conduit for investors seeking access to US technology markets. The company’s latest financial results and ongoing investment plans have reinforced its role as a focal point for US investors interested in AI‑related opportunities.