SoftBank Sells Entire NVIDIA Stake for $5.8 Billion

In a major shift in its investment strategy, Japan’s SoftBank Group, led by Masayoshi Son, has sold its entire holding in NVIDIA Corporation, divesting approximately 32.1 million shares in October 2025 and raising about US$5.8 billion in the process.

Strategy behind the move

SoftBank disclosed the sale in its quarterly report for the period ending September 2025, which also revealed a net profit of about ¥2.5 trillion (roughly US$16.6 billion) for the company, driven in large part by its investments in artificial-intelligence ventures.

According to the company, the proceeds from the NVIDIA stake sale will help fund its aggressive AI strategy—most notably its stake in OpenAI and large-scale AI infrastructure projects such as the “Stargate” data-centre build-out in the U.S.

Market reaction and implications

The sale sparked concerns among market watchers about the valuation of AI-related equities. NVIDIA shares fell over 2 % following the announcement, with some analysts interpreting SoftBank’s move as a signal that the AI chip rally may have reached a peak.

While SoftBank remains heavily exposed to AI via other investments, its exit from NVIDIA marks a notable pivot away from the chip-maker that has long been a cornerstone of its technology portfolio.

Why this matters

Funding for AI expansion: SoftBank is reallocating resources to fund its AI ambitions, including large capital commitments and infrastructure build-out.
Portfolio realignment: Exiting NVIDIA suggests a shift in how SoftBank is positioning itself in the technology sector—less reliant on chip-maker upside and more focused on broader AI ecosystems.
Signal to investors: The timing and scale of the divestment have raised questions about how SoftBank views future growth prospects in AI hardware vs other segments.
Valuation caution: With some firms warning of a possible “AI bubble,” this sale may indicate heightened caution among major tech investors.

In summary: SoftBank’s decision to sell its entire NVIDIA stake for US$5.8 billion in October 2025 marks a bold move. While the company retains deep commitment to artificial-intelligence opportunities, the divestment highlights a shift in strategy, raising both questions and intrigue about where SoftBank is placing its next major bets.