Japan's technology investor SoftBank Group sees profitability return on AI boom

February 12, 2026 - 13:43

Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank Group has announced a dramatic return to profitability for the final quarter of the fiscal year, crediting the artificial intelligence boom for reversing its recent losses. The company's substantial strategic bets on leading AI enterprises, including OpenAI, have begun yielding significant returns.

This financial turnaround marks a pivotal moment for the investment giant, which had faced considerable challenges in its Vision Fund portfolio over preceding years. The surge in global interest and valuation of artificial intelligence technologies has revitalized the performance of these key assets. Company executives highlighted that the accelerating adoption of AI across various industries is creating substantial new value in their holdings.

The profitable quarter signals a potential new growth phase for SoftBank, allowing it to strengthen its balance sheet and pursue further opportunities in the tech sector. Analysts suggest this rebound underscores the company's focus on positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, moving beyond earlier investments in consumer-tech startups. The results are seen as a validation of its renewed investment strategy centered on foundational AI technologies.