SoftBank Group Corp. has sold its complete stake in Nvidia Corp. for $5.83 billion, a bold divestment announced on November 11, 2025, as the Japanese tech investor shifts capital toward new AI ventures. The sale of 32.1 million Nvidia shares, executed in October 2025, marks SoftBank’s full exit from the AI chip leader that powered much of its Vision Fund’s gains. This SoftBank Nvidia stake sale 2025 comes amid SoftBank’s first-half profit tripling to $16.6 billion, driven by AI valuations, and coincides with CEO Masayoshi Son’s aggressive bets on OpenAI and the Stargate supercomputer project. Nvidia shares dipped more than 2% in response, closing at $140.50, while SoftBank stock rose 1.5% to ¥9,500 in Tokyo trading. The move has sparked debate about AI bubble fears, with analysts questioning if SoftBank’s timing signals caution or confidence in alternative plays. As SoftBank repositions for the next AI wave, this divestment underscores the dynamic shifts in the $3 trillion semiconductor market.
The SoftBank sells Nvidia shares 2025 transaction represents a strategic pivot for the Vision Fund, which built its Nvidia position in 2017 before partially exiting in 2019. The remaining 32.1 million shares, valued at $5.83 billion at October prices, were liquidated to fund Son’s “all-in” AI strategy, including a $500 billion Stargate initiative with OpenAI and Microsoft. SoftBank’s earnings report confirmed the sale had no bearing on its AI optimism but provided liquidity for “high-conviction opportunities.” This exit, after Nvidia’s stock rose 150% year-to-date, locks in massive gains for SoftBank, which saw its stake peak at $20 billion earlier in 2025.
SoftBank’s profit surge, more than doubling to $16.6 billion in the first half, was bolstered by AI holdings, but the Nvidia sale frees capital for direct investments like OpenAI, where SoftBank leads a $6.6 billion round valuing it at $157 billion. The move aligns with Son’s vision of funding AGI development, even as Nvidia remains the AI enabler.
SoftBank’s Financial Performance: Profit Triples on AI Valuations
SoftBank Group’s first-half 2025 results showcased remarkable strength, with net profit tripling to $16.6 billion from $5.5 billion a year ago, primarily from unrealized gains on AI investments. The Vision Fund reported $15.4 billion in investment income, up 200%, driven by Nvidia and OpenAI stakes before the sale. Operating income rose 25% to ¥1.2 trillion ($8 billion), reflecting Arm Holdings’ 40% revenue growth to $2 billion on AI chip demand.
The company also announced a 4-for-1 stock split effective January 1, 2026, to broaden investor access, and a ¥100 share dividend. CEO Son emphasized “AI’s transformative potential,” noting SoftBank’s $40 billion committed to AI startups in 2025. The Nvidia sale, while reducing exposure to the chip leader, provides $5.83 billion for OpenAI and Stargate, a $500 billion supercomputer project.
This financial picture reveals SoftBank’s agility in reallocating from mature plays like Nvidia to frontier bets, where Vision Fund’s 20% IRR since inception validates the strategy.
Nvidia Stock Reaction: 2% Dip Amid SoftBank Exit
Nvidia shares fell more than 2% on November 11, 2025, closing at $140.50 after the SoftBank news, as traders weighed the signal from one of its earliest backers. The chipmaker, with a $3.4 trillion market cap, has risen 150% year-to-date on AI demand, but the sale SoftBank’s full exit of 32.1 million shares raised questions about momentum. Trading volume hit 400 million shares, 50% above average, with options put/call ratio spiking to 1.2.
Nvidia’s fundamentals remain robust, with Q3 revenue projected at $35 billion (+90% YoY) on Blackwell ramp. CEO Jensen Huang dismissed the sale as “portfolio rotation,” noting SoftBank’s OpenAI focus complements Nvidia’s GPU supply. The stock’s 40x forward P/E, versus semis average of 25x, reflects premium pricing, but analysts see support at $135.
Observing Nvidia’s resilience, SoftBank’s exit feels tactical, where the chip leader’s 80% AI GPU share endures, but it highlights diversification needs in a concentrated trade.
SoftBank’s AI Strategy: OpenAI and Stargate as Next Bets
SoftBank’s SoftBank Nvidia sell off 2025 frees capital for AI’s next phase, led by OpenAI where Son leads a $6.6 billion round. The Stargate project, a $500 billion supercomputer with Microsoft, demands $100 billion in 2026, where SoftBank’s $5.83 billion funds 10% equity. Vision Fund’s $40 billion 2025 AI commitments target AGI startups, with 20% IRR since inception.
Son’s “all-in” approach, after Arm’s 40% revenue growth, bets on software over hardware, where OpenAI’s $157 billion valuation rivals Nvidia’s ecosystem. This shift, post-Nvidia sale, positions SoftBank for 30% profit growth in FY2026.
Analyst Views: SoftBank Buy Ratings Amid AI Pivot
Analysts praised SoftBank’s timing. JPMorgan reiterated Overweight with ¥11,000 ($72) target, up from ¥10,500, citing the Nvidia sale’s $5.83 billion liquidity for OpenAI as “strategic.” Morgan Stanley kept Overweight at ¥10,800, noting profit tripling to $16.6 billion validates AI bets. Consensus FY2026 EPS ¥450, up 15%, with 80% Buy ratings.
Barclays maintained Neutral at ¥10,000, cautioning on Stargate risks but acknowledging Vision Fund’s 20% IRR. The stock’s 25x P/E, below tech’s 30x, offers value.
Observing these views, SoftBank’s pivot from Nvidia to OpenAI echoes 2017’s Arm IPO, where hardware bets funded software scale. The sale locks gains at peak, funding the AGI race.
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia Sale: SoftBank sold 32.1M shares for $5.83B in October 2025; full exit.
- Profit Surge: H1 net profit triples to $16.6B from AI gains.
- Stock Split: 4-for-1 effective January 1, 2026; ¥100 dividend.
- Nvidia Reaction: Shares -2% to $140.50; volume +50%.
- AI Bets: Funds OpenAI $6.6B round, Stargate $500B project.
- Analyst Consensus: 80% Buy; JPMorgan ¥11,000 Overweight PT.
Future Outlook: AI Investments and Market Impact
SoftBank’s FY2026 earnings on February 12, 2026, will detail OpenAI progress, with consensus profit ¥2T ($13B). Stargate’s $100B 2026 spend could yield 30% returns if AGI advances, with Vision Fund targeting $100B AUM.
Challenges include regulatory scrutiny on OpenAI and Nvidia competition. If AI bets pay off, SoftBank could double valuation to $200B by 2028. In AI’s high-stakes game, SoftBank plays boldly.
In conclusion, SoftBank’s $5.83 billion Nvidia stake sale funds AI’s next frontier, where profit tripling affirms strategy. As Son reallocates, SoftBank navigates innovation’s edge. In tech’s relentless pursuit, SoftBank charges forward.
