SoftBank Group

Basic Information

Stock Code
9984
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Telecommunications Services
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
September 1981
Listing Year
July 1994
Official Website
https://group.softbank/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Soracom, Meek, AIR-U, Sony Group, Advantest, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toyota Motor, Nintendo, Tokyo Electron, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Vision, Japan Communications, NTT, KDDI, SoftBank, Okinawa Cellular Telephone, FiberGate, Fast Retailing

Overview

SoftBank Group is an investment holding company founded in 1981 that leads the information and communications industry, globally expanding with subsidiaries in AI, semiconductors, and telecommunications technology companies.

Current Situation

SoftBank Group achieved consolidated revenue of ¥6.7565 trillion in the fiscal year ended March 2024, but recorded a net loss of ¥227.6 billion. Its main businesses are information and communications, AI technology, and semiconductor design, with a focus on advanced technology R&D centered on UK-based ARM Holdings and Graphcore. It has 1,254 subsidiaries and also operates investment funds in various IT and communications companies. In 2021, Z Holdings and LINE merged, contributing to digital democratization in Japan. In sustainability, it actively promotes renewable energy businesses and engages in community contribution activities. Its mid-to-long-term strategy toward 2030 emphasizes strengthening AI-related technologies and semiconductors, and expansion into emerging markets. Recently, it announced plans to acquire U.S. semiconductor company Ampere Computing, aiming to secure a core position in future technologies.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981
  • Acquired ARM Holdings for approximately ¥3.3 trillion
  • SoftBank Vision Fund is one of the largest in the IT industry
  • Parent company of Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
  • Fully acquired Graphcore to strengthen AI semiconductors
  • Played central role in LINE-Yahoo management integration
  • Announced acquisition of Ampere Computing in 2024
  • Implemented Japan's first pure holding company transition
  • Known for diversified investments in information and communications
  • Invested in numerous global IT companies

Hidden Connections

  • Holds multi-layered funding schemes utilizing Alibaba shares
  • Originated in Fukuoka but relocated headquarters to Tokyo for international hub
  • Links with other industries via Vision Fund and Latin America Fund
  • Disperses numerous robotics-related companies within the group
  • Established a limited liability company for managing group investments
  • Domestic telecommunications operated by subsidiary SoftBank Corp., group is holding company
  • Strengthened group consolidation through stock swaps and numerous absorptions
  • One of the major shareholders in U.S. ride-hailing service Uber

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Global demand growth for AI technology and semiconductors
  • Expansion of global telecommunications infrastructure market
  • Popularization of next-generation mobile technologies 5G/6G
  • Promotion of corporate adoption of IoT and cloud services
  • Innovative investments via SoftBank Vision Fund
  • Rapid growth in mobile payments and e-commerce markets
  • Rising demand for digital transformation
  • Expansion of green energy businesses
  • Strengthening domestic and international digital platforms
  • Growth in robotics and automation markets

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain world-top-class technology in AI and semiconductors
  • Full transition to sustainable renewable energy
  • Further expansion of global investment fund scale
  • Complete 5G/6G rollout of domestic telecommunications infrastructure
  • Double the number of digital payment service users
  • Strengthen efficient group management under holding company structure
  • Expansion of entertainment and digital services businesses
  • Promotion of CSR activities with focus on coexistence with local communities
  • Market launch and commercialization of innovative robotics products
  • Contribute to AI technology普及 worldwide and solving social issues

Business Segments

Telecommunications Infrastructure Provision

Overview
Provides high-speed and secure telecommunications infrastructure to corporations, supporting digital transformation across various industries.
Competitiveness
Extensive area coverage and advanced network security
Customers
  • Mobile carriers
  • Internet service providers
  • Large corporations
  • Local governments
  • Cloud service providers
Products
  • Mobile network equipment
  • Data center services
  • IoT communication platforms
  • Cloud integration services

Advanced Semiconductor Development

Overview
Provides the latest semiconductor design technology, leading the development of next-generation AI processors.
Competitiveness
Integration of ARM's technological foundation and Graphcore's AI processing technology
Customers
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • AI research institutions
  • Technology startups
  • Automakers
Products
  • Processor IP licenses
  • AI accelerators
  • Chip design tools

Investment Fund Management

Overview
Operates large-scale investment funds in the technology sector, supporting the growth of global tech companies.
Competitiveness
Abundant funding and diverse investment portfolio
Customers
  • Institutional investors
  • Venture companies
  • Corporate alliances
  • Government funds
Products
  • SoftBank Vision Fund
  • SoftBank Vision Fund 2
  • Latin America Fund

Logistics and Distribution Services

Overview
Deploys distribution and IT services centered on mobile devices for corporate clients.
Competitiveness
Global logistics network and IT system integration
Customers
  • Mobile device manufacturers
  • Retailers
  • Wholesalers
Products
  • Mobile device distribution
  • IT equipment sales
  • Logistics services

Corporate Payments and Finance

Overview
Provides advanced payment solutions to promote corporate cashless operations.
Competitiveness
Utilization of the highly attractive PayPay brand
Customers
  • Financial institutions
  • Retail businesses
  • E-commerce operators
  • Corporate entities
Products
  • Mobile payment platforms
  • Financial consulting
  • Credit card services

Robotics and AI Solutions

Overview
Provides AI-equipped robots and software to improve business efficiency.
Competitiveness
Diversified robotics technology and integrated AI capabilities
Customers
  • Manufacturing
  • Services
  • Logistics
  • Medical institutions
Products
  • Business robots
  • AI analysis tools
  • Automation software

Internet Services and Advertising

Overview
Operates large-scale internet services like Yahoo! JAPAN and advertising businesses.
Competitiveness
Experience operating major web platforms
Customers
  • Advertising agencies
  • Web service providers
  • E-commerce operators
Products
  • Portal site operations
  • Online ad delivery
  • Data analysis services

Education and Training Services

Overview
Contributes to IT education普及 through an online education platform.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive online course offerings
Customers
  • Students
  • Working professionals
  • Educational institutions
Products
  • Cyber University online courses
  • AI-utilizing learning tools

Environment and Energy Business

Overview
Actively invests in green energy technology and infrastructure.
Competitiveness
Operation of large-scale clean energy projects
Customers
  • Renewable energy operators
  • Public institutions
  • Private companies
Products
  • Solar power generation
  • Wind power generation
  • Energy management systems

Mobile Accessories Sales

Overview
Supplies mobile phone-related accessories worldwide.
Competitiveness
Global procurement network and brand diversity
Customers
  • Mobile shops
  • E-commerce sites
  • Electronics retailers
Products
  • Smartphone cases
  • Chargers
  • Earphones

Cloud Computing

Overview
Builds large-scale cloud infrastructure to support corporate DX.
Competitiveness
Highly reliable data center infrastructure
Customers
  • Corporate IT departments
  • Startups
  • Public institutions
Products
  • Data center operations
  • Cloud services
  • IT outsourcing

Content Delivery and Media

Overview
Plans, delivers, and monetizes diverse media content.
Competitiveness
Multinational content delivery network
Customers
  • Video production companies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Online platforms
Products
  • Video streaming services
  • Digital content production
  • Marketing support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Abundant funding and investment portfolio
  • Global network expansion
  • Advanced technology R&D
  • Diversified business portfolio
  • Innovative AI and semiconductor technology
  • Strong brand recognition
  • Operation of the world's largest investment funds
  • Collaborative structure with diverse subsidiaries
  • Advanced telecommunications infrastructure
  • International market access
  • Specialized robotics technology
  • Digital transformation promotion
  • Advanced mobile payment platforms

Competitive Advantages

  • ARM Holdings' dominance in semiconductor IP market
  • Ownership of innovative AI accelerators like Graphcore
  • Strong foundation in domestic telecommunications carrier business
  • Broad cutting-edge investments via SoftBank Vision Fund
  • Flexible capital strategy utilizing global investment resources
  • Unique ecosystem integrating telecommunications, IT, and investments
  • Pioneer in mobile robotics business
  • Strengthened digital platform through LINE-Yahoo integration
  • Diversified financial services
  • Advanced investments in clean energy sector

Threats

  • Risk of intensified overseas market regulations
  • Fierce technology competition
  • Potential risk of rising capital costs
  • Adapting to rapid changes in AI technology
  • Fluctuations in investment fund returns due to economic conditions
  • Market entry by competitors
  • Expanding geopolitical risks
  • Strengthened personal information protection regulations
  • Risk of obsolescence in emerging technologies
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations
  • Semiconductor supply instability

Innovations

2024: Full subsidiary acquisition of Graphcore's AI accelerator

Overview
Acquired all shares of UK AI chip developer Graphcore to strengthen AI semiconductor sector.
Impact
Significantly improves AI processing performance and enhances business competitiveness

2024: Ampere Computing acquisition announced

Overview
Plans to acquire U.S. fabless semiconductor company Ampere Computing, focusing on AI server market.
Impact
Aims to expand share in AI-related server market

2023: ARM Holdings Nasdaq listing

Overview
Subsidiary Arm Holdings plc listed on NASDAQ, raising capital and enhancing shareholder value.
Impact
Improves market valuation and capital-raising capabilities

2022: Vision Fund 2 established

Overview
Established second-generation SoftBank Vision Fund to expand investments in new technology companies.
Impact
Achieves portfolio diversification and increased funding capacity

2021: Z Holdings and LINE management integration

Overview
Built Japan's largest internet platform and expanded services.
Impact
Strengthens business through expanded platform user base

2020: Business restructuring after Sprint divestiture

Overview
Sold Sprint following merger with U.S. T-Mobile US, advancing asset streamlining and capital efficiency.
Impact
Improves financial health and business focus

2023: Core telecommunications business reorganization and IoT strengthening

Overview
Advances IoT and 5G service enhancements amid domestic telecommunications consolidation.
Impact
Promotes new customer acquisition and service diversification

2022: Renewable energy business expansion

Overview
Advances large-scale solar and wind power projects domestically and internationally via SB Energy.
Impact
Reduces environmental impact and enables sustainable business expansion

Sustainability

  • Promotion of large-scale renewable energy projects
  • Reduction of supply chain environmental impact
  • Sustainable development through collaboration with local communities
  • Strengthening corporate governance and improving transparency
  • Waste reduction and recycling promotion
  • Energy optimization using digital technology
  • Building diverse and inclusive workplaces
  • Establishment and operation of environmental investment funds
  • Implementation of smart city-related technologies
  • Formulation of climate change risk response strategies