SoftBank Group Corp. Raises ¥260 billion in New Bond Sale Amid AI‑Driven Momentum

SoftBank Group Corp. (SFTBY), the Japanese holding company that operates the wireless telecom subsidiary SoftBank and manages investment businesses, has announced a subordinated bond issuance worth ¥260 billion ($1.6 billion). The bonds, which will mature in 35 years and include a call option after five years, are part of the company’s effort to secure additional capital for its expanding artificial‑intelligence (AI) projects.

The announcement follows a similar bond offering just two months ago, underscoring the firm’s growing need for funding to support AI initiatives. Bloomberg reported the new issuance on 25 May 2026, and the company has confirmed the terms through a general announcement on the Singapore Exchange and a press release in Japan.

Share Price Response

In Tokyo trading on 25 May 2026, SoftBank’s shares reached a record high, rising 4.6 % to a price of 6,757 JPY. The advance was driven by optimism surrounding the potential public listing of the company’s stakes in OpenAI and SB Energy Corp. The two‑day surge that followed reports of an impending OpenAI IPO pushed the shares’ gains from 20 % on 20 May to 40 % on 25 May, elevating the market value of the company above ¥40 trillion ($252 billion).

The broader Japanese market reflected the AI‑driven enthusiasm, with semiconductor and technology stocks such as Advantest also benefiting from the rally.

Context of AI and Energy Investments

SoftBank’s investment portfolio includes significant stakes in AI‑related firms and power‑infrastructure units. The company’s focus on AI aligns with its recent financing decisions and the rising valuation of its technology assets. SB Energy, a subsidiary involved in power infrastructure, announced plans to go public, which further contributed to investor sentiment.

Market Conditions

Asian equity markets were buoyant on 25 May 2026, with the Nikkei‑225 index breaking 65,000 for the first time and the Topix index recording record highs. The rally was supported by falling oil prices and positive signals regarding the Middle‑East conflict, which lifted investor appetite across the region.

Financial Snapshot

  • Market Capitalisation: ¥38,594,956,503,552
  • Price‑Earnings Ratio: 7.73
  • 52‑Week High: 6,923.75 JPY (28 Oct 2025)
  • 52‑Week Low: 1,835.25 JPY (5 Jun 2025)

The bond issuance is expected to strengthen SoftBank’s balance sheet and provide liquidity for continued investment in AI and related technology sectors.