SoftBank (SFTBY) Stock: Exits Nvidia and T-Mobile Positions for OpenAI Funding

TLDR

• SoftBank is working to deliver $22.5 billion to OpenAI before year-end through massive asset sales
• The company liquidated its complete $5.8 billion Nvidia position and $4.8 billion in T-Mobile holdings
• Masayoshi Son now personally approves all Vision Fund investments over $50 million
• SoftBank can tap $11.5 billion in undrawn margin loans backed by Arm Holdings shares
• PayPay’s IPO moved to Q1 2026 after delays, expected to generate over $20 billion

SoftBank Group Corp. is scrambling to meet its $22.5 billion funding obligation to OpenAI. The clock is ticking with a year-end deadline looming.

SoftBank Group Corp., SFTBY

The Japanese conglomerate has already liquidated massive positions. It sold off every share of its Nvidia holdings, worth $5.8 billion.

The selling didn’t stop there. SoftBank also shed $4.8 billion in T-Mobile stock.

These moves show how committed CEO Masayoshi Son is to this OpenAI bet. He’s restructuring the entire company around it.

Son has essentially hit the brakes on other Vision Fund activities. Most dealmaking has slowed to nearly nothing.

Stricter Controls on New Investments

The approval process has changed dramatically. Any investment above $50 million now requires Son’s direct sign-off.

That’s a significant shift in how Vision Fund operates. It shows where priorities lie right now.

But selling stocks isn’t the only funding source available. SoftBank has built-in financial flexibility through its Arm Holdings position.

The company holds $11.5 billion in undrawn margin loans. These loans are backed by its stake in the chip designer.

Arm’s stock performance has been strong since going public. Shares have more than doubled in value.

This price surge gives SoftBank extra collateral room. That means potentially more borrowing power if needed.

PayPay IPO Pushed Back

SoftBank had another cash injection planned for this month. PayPay, its payments app business, was set to go public.

The U.S. government shutdown derailed those plans. The IPO is now scheduled for Q1 2026.

When PayPay does list, expectations are high. The offering could bring in more than $20 billion.

SoftBank is also eyeing exits from other holdings. The company wants to sell some of its DiDi Global stake.

The ride-hailing platform investment is another potential source of cash. Every bit helps when you’re racing to fund $22.5 billion.

SoftBank’s Vision Fund staff is shrinking too. Layoffs have hit the team as resources get redirected.

This aggressive reshuffling reveals Son’s strategy. He’s betting big on artificial intelligence through OpenAI.

The company’s portfolio is vast and varied. It owns 40% of a Japanese telecom operator.

SoftBank also controls 90% of Arm Holdings after its 2023 IPO. The Vision Fund invests in internet and e-commerce startups globally.

But right now, everything else takes a back seat. OpenAI is the main focus as the year-end deadline approaches.

Son is known for massive tech bets. This OpenAI commitment might be his biggest yet.

The question is whether liquidating proven winners like Nvidia will pay off. Time will tell if this AI gamble delivers returns.

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