SoftBank AI Bet Ignites Record Quarterly Profit in 2026 Rush

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On May 13, 2026, SoftBank had turned the AI frenzy into a blockbuster earnings moment as soaring OpenAI valuations lifted the Japanese giant’s quarterly profit far beyond forecasts.

SoftBank Profit Soars as OpenAI Stakes Deliver Windfall

SoftBank stunned investors after fiscal fourth-quarter profit surged to 1.829 trillion yen from 517.18 billion yen a year earlier, fueled by booming returns tied to artificial intelligence investments. The company’s Vision Funds powered a 3.043 trillion-yen investment gain, while its OpenAI stake reached $79.6 billion by March-end.

The group has invested $34.6 billion into OpenAI as founder Masayoshi Son deepens his long-term AI strategy.

Debt Rises Alongside AI Ambitions

Still, SoftBank’s rapid expansion came with heavier borrowing. The company retains $17.5 billion outstanding from a $40 billion bridge loan used to support OpenAI investments, while finance costs climbed to 229.4 billion yen.