SoftBank

Basic Information

Stock Code
9434
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Telecommunications Services
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
December 1986
Listing Year
December 2018
Official Website
https://www.softbank.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Soracom, JT, Meek, AIR-U, Vision, Japan Communications, NTT, KDDI, Okinawa Cellular Telephone, FiberGate, SBG

Overview

SoftBank is a major Japanese telecommunications carrier founded in 1986, serving as a leading company in the telecommunications industry with a diverse range of businesses centered on mobile communications and digital services.

Current Situation

For the fiscal year ended March 2024, SoftBank recorded consolidated revenue of approximately 6.84 trillion yen and operating profit of approximately 876 billion yen, holding a high market share both domestically and internationally as a telecommunications carrier. Centered on mobile communications, it offers a wide range of services including fixed-line communications, internet connectivity, and payment services, with major brands SoftBank, Y!mobile, and LINEMO. The company is actively developing cutting-edge technologies such as 5G services, AI, and automation robots, while also focusing on sustainability initiatives like the Carbon Neutral 2030 Declaration. In addition to strengthening domestic telecommunications infrastructure, it is advancing numerous new businesses through partnerships such as MONET Technologies and BOLDLY. It is pursuing growth in digital finance, cloud, and IoT sectors through collaborations and capital alliances with major companies. While diversifying its business to enhance competitiveness, it has faced challenges such as network outages and scandals in the past, and is working to improve its operations and governance. Looking ahead, against the backdrop of intensifying market competition and technological innovation, it aims to expand its revenue base through further network enhancements and diverse service offerings.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Has origins tracing back to the Japanese National Railways' railway telephone business
  • Rare company simultaneously operating multiple brands in the domestic mobile phone market
  • Contributed to the commercialization of Japan's first camera-equipped mobile phone
  • Holds Japan's leading smartphone payment service PayPay under its umbrella
  • Actively commercializes AI and robot technologies, demonstrating forward-thinking approach
  • Ended 3G services in 2024, consolidating to 4G and 5G
  • Acquired LINE Mobile to target digital native users
  • Has experienced communication outages and credit information registration errors in the past

Hidden Connections

  • Collaborating with Toyota and Honda on automotive-related technologies using 5G
  • Linked in capital and technology as a consolidated subsidiary of SoftBank Group
  • Incident involving former Rakuten Mobile employee leaking 5G information gained attention
  • Competes and collaborates with other major IT companies in internet advertising and payments
  • Revolutionizing customer touchpoints through robotics business including Pepper
  • Entered smartphone securities field with PayPay Securities
  • Track record of significantly expanding base stations for mobile communication equipment
  • Acquired former Vodafone Japan in the past and rebuilt the brand

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Acceleration of 5G and next-generation communication technology普及
  • Customer base expansion and retention through multi-brand strategy
  • Growth in digital payments and financial services
  • Commercial deployment of AI, IoT, and robotics technologies
  • Increasing demand for corporate ICT infrastructure
  • Strengthened sustainability対応 and ESG investments
  • Expansion of new mobility services market
  • Business enhancement through domestic and international M&A and partnerships
  • Growth in digital advertising and media business
  • Increased demand for cloud-related services
  • Growing communication needs accompanying regional DX promotion
  • Expansion of smart home and smart city initiatives

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
  • Nationwide network coverage rate of over 99%
  • Double the revenue ratio from corporate services
  • Establish domestic leadership in AI and robotics fields
  • Reach 100 million PayPay payment users
  • Develop new markets in digital financial services
  • Strengthen optimal service deployment for diverse customer segments
  • Promote global technology investments and collaborations
  • Achieve industry-top evaluation in sustainability metrics
  • Expand smart mobility services business

Business Segments

Corporate Telecommunications Services

Overview
Provides telecommunications infrastructure and related services to corporate customers to support business efficiency.
Competitiveness
Nationwide network and diverse solution offerings
Customers
  • Large corporations
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Government agencies
  • Local governments
  • Medical institutions
  • Educational institutions
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution
Products
  • Mobile communication lines
  • Fixed-line services
  • Cloud services
  • IoT solutions
  • Security services
  • Network construction support

Logistics IT Services

Overview
Provides IT systems and services for efficient logistics.
Competitiveness
Utilization of advanced mobility technologies
Customers
  • Logistics providers
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Transportation
Products
  • Delivery management systems
  • IoT logistics equipment
  • Mobility services

Cloud & Network Equipment Distribution

Overview
Distribution and sales agency for diverse ICT equipment and software.
Competitiveness
Extensive product lineup and distribution network
Customers
  • IT companies
  • System integrators
  • End-user companies
Products
  • Servers
  • Storage
  • Network equipment
  • Software

Payment Processing Services

Overview
Corporate services supporting diverse payment methods.
Competitiveness
Enhanced convenience through integration with PayPay
Customers
  • Retail
  • Food and beverage
  • E-commerce operators
  • Financial institutions
Products
  • Credit card payments
  • Electronic money support
  • QR code payments
  • Payment platforms

Robotics Services

Overview
Business efficiency support utilizing robot technology.
Competitiveness
Advanced technology and extensive implementation track record
Customers
  • Retail stores
  • Logistics warehouses
  • Public facilities
Products
  • Pepper robot sales
  • Automatic cooking robots
  • Cleaning robots

Media Advertising Business

Overview
Media and advertising services centered on digital.
Competitiveness
Precise targeting based on vast user data
Customers
  • Advertising agencies
  • Digital marketing companies
  • Corporate advertisers
Products
  • Internet advertising
  • Video advertising
  • Data analysis services

Corporate Technology Support

Overview
Supports IT infrastructure construction and operations across a wide range of industries.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive technology solution provision
Customers
  • IT development companies
  • System construction companies
  • General companies
Products
  • System integration
  • Cloud support
  • Operation and maintenance services

Energy Supply Services

Overview
Electricity supply and environmentally considerate energy services.
Competitiveness
Smart energy linked with telecommunications infrastructure
Customers
  • Residential users
  • Commercial facilities
Products
  • Electricity retail
  • Renewable energy utilization

Financial Services

Overview
Digital financial services targeting emerging markets.
Competitiveness
Reliability through partnerships with industry leaders
Customers
  • Individuals
  • Investors
  • Small and medium enterprises
Products
  • Smartphone securities
  • Cashless payments
  • Remittance services

Automotive and Mobility-related Business

Overview
Development of automotive and transportation services using next-generation communication technologies.
Competitiveness
Extensive technology collaborations and network infrastructure
Customers
  • Automobile manufacturers
  • Mobility operators
Products
  • Connected technologies
  • MaaS platforms

Cloud Computing

Overview
Supports high-performance cloud services and data protection.
Competitiveness
Large-scale infrastructure and advanced data management technology
Customers
  • IT companies
  • General companies
Products
  • Cloud services
  • Data center operations

New Technology R&D

Overview
Focuses on development and commercialization of next-generation technologies.
Competitiveness
Innovation promotion leveraging internal and external collaborations
Customers
  • Research institutions
  • Related companies
Products
  • AI technologies
  • Automation technologies

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • One of Japan's leading telecommunications infrastructure networks
  • Broad customer base through multi-brand strategy
  • Ample financial resources and collaborations with major companies
  • Proactive introduction and development of cutting-edge technologies
  • Diversified operations across a wide range of fields
  • High brand recognition
  • Robust sales channels and customer support systems
  • Revenue stability through diverse service offerings
  • Large-scale user data assets
  • Flexible marketing strategies
  • Focus on investments in cloud and AI technologies
  • Commitment to social responsibility and ESG initiatives
  • Nationwide wide-area coverage
  • Stable trend of customer growth
  • Proprietary robotics technologies

Competitive Advantages

  • Maintaining high service quality through robust networks
  • Customer segmentation対応 through multi-brand approach
  • Stable management leveraging ample capital and overseas investments
  • Top-class market share position in the domestic market
  • Competitiveness via cutting-edge technologies like AI, robots, and 5G
  • Service integration through diverse subsidiaries
  • Leading presence in digital finance
  • Reduced communication outage risks with network backups
  • Comprehensive provision of corporate ICT services
  • Automation technologies promoting business efficiency
  • New business development leveraging group synergies
  • Promotion of sustainable management incorporating environmental measures
  • Stable revenue generation from large customer base
  • Growth opportunities through active M&A
  • Construction of comprehensive payment platforms

Threats

  • Intensifying price competition in the domestic telecom market
  • Customer churn due to increasing new entrants and MVNOs
  • Pressure for rapid response to technological innovations
  • Business restriction risks from strengthened regulations and legal amendments
  • System failures such as large-scale communication outages
  • Security incidents and data leakage risks
  • Revenue stagnation due to low overall market growth
  • Uncertainty in overseas economy and exchange rate fluctuations
  • Competitive alliances and capital offensives by rivals
  • Increased operational costs from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Risks of loss of social trust
  • Obsolescence due to rapid changes in digital technologies

Innovations

2024: Enhanced nationwide rollout of 5G services

Overview
Expanded 5G service infrastructure targeting major cities nationwide.
Impact
Improved customer satisfaction through普及 of high-speed, low-latency services

2023: Customer support reform utilizing AI technologies

Overview
Achieved efficient customer response through introduction of AI chatbots.
Impact
Reduced inquiry response time by 30%

2022: Commercial rollout of CHEFFY robot

Overview
Began introduction of ramen automatic cooking robot CHEFFY.
Impact
Improved store operations efficiency and created new business models

2021: Expansion of cloud business

Overview
Expanded enterprise cloud services through SB Cloud.
Impact
Strengthened corporate customer base and created recurring revenue

2020: Establishment of new company in MaaS field

Overview
Established MONET Technologies through joint investment with Toyota.
Impact
Entry into next-generation mobility services market

2024: Implementation of Carbon Neutral 2030 Declaration

Overview
Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in telecommunications networks.
Impact
Achieved reduction in environmental impact and enhanced corporate value

Sustainability

  • Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
  • Promotion of energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact
  • Resource savings and business efficiency through AI technologies
  • Strengthened CSR activities promoting diversity and inclusion
  • Social contribution through provision of safe and secure communication environments