SoftBank profit jumps on AI investments, gain on OpenAI bet

Japan-based SoftBank Group reported a fourfold increase in annual net profit, reaching $32 billion (five trillion yen) for the fiscal year ending March 2026. The surge was primarily fueled by its investments in artificial intelligence, particularly its stake in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, which contributed over six trillion yen in gains. The company had previously announced a $30 billion increase in its OpenAI investment in February, raising its ownership to 13%. SoftBank remains committed to OpenAI despite growing competition, with CFO Yoshimitsu Goto emphasizing the company’s focus on its partnership. The firm is also expanding its AI infrastructure, including plans for a major gas-fired power plant in Ohio, U.S., to support AI data centers. Additionally, CEO Masayoshi Son has reportedly discussed a potential $100 billion investment in AI-focused data centers in France with French President Emmanuel Macron. To diversify its AI-related holdings, SoftBank made strategic acquisitions last year, including U.S. semiconductor designer Ampere Computing and the robotics division of Swiss-Swedish industrial giant ABB. In December, it also agreed to acquire DigitalBridge, a U.S. private equity firm specializing in technology infrastructure, for $4 billion. SoftBank’s earnings are volatile due to its heavy investments in tech startups and semiconductor firms. The company did not provide a forecast for the upcoming fiscal year, maintaining its typical approach to financial transparency. The AI sector remains a key driver of growth, with global demand for data centers and infrastructure accelerating.