SoftBank

SoftBank sold its entire Nvidia stake for $5.83 billion in October, not necessarily due to valuation concerns. Instead, the move signals a strategic shift, with proceeds reinvested into generative AI, specifically OpenAI. This reallocation underscores SoftBank’s confidence in generative AI’s long-term potential over a diverse tech portfolio. The decision highlights a concentrated approach, prioritizing transformative AI solutions and reflecting their conviction that substantial investment is needed to unlock these technologies.

SoftBank divested its Nvidia stake for $5.83 billion to reallocate capital to OpenAI, signaling a firm belief in generative AI’s potential. Despite market discussions on AI valuations and concerns raised by figures like Michael Burry, SoftBank’s decision reflects a strategic prioritization of investment, aiming to capitalize on perceived greater opportunities within OpenAI. This move underscores SoftBank’s conviction that OpenAI is poised for significant growth across various sectors, making the increased investment a strategic imperative.

US equities rose amid optimism for a government shutdown resolution. The Nasdaq saw its biggest gain since May, driven by AI stocks. Bitcoin surged past $105,000. SoftBank reduced its chip sector exposure, focusing on OpenAI. Paramount Skydance announced cost cuts and layoffs. Air travel faced disruptions from the shutdown, and Warren Buffett plans to accelerate charitable giving, preparing Greg Abel for succession at Berkshire Hathaway.

SoftBank Group divested its entire $5.83 billion stake in Nvidia, selling 32.1 million shares in October. This move aims to bolster SoftBank’s AI investments, including its significant backing of OpenAI. While Nvidia shares saw a slight dip, analysts suggest the sale is driven by SoftBank’s need to rebalance its portfolio and fund ventures like the $500 billion Stargate AI data center project. SoftBank’s Vision Fund reported a $19 billion gain, contributing to doubled profits in the fiscal second quarter, reflecting its aggressive expansion in the AI sector.

SoftBank Group will acquire ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion, abandoning ABB’s spin-off plan. SoftBank aims to fuse AI and robotics, driving a new era of “Physical AI.” The acquisition strengthens SoftBank’s AI portfolio, including Arm and OpenAI, and expands its robotics capabilities alongside investments like AutoStore and Agile Robots. ABB will use the proceeds from the sale to invest in its electrification and automation businesses. The deal is seen as beneficial for both companies.

SoftBank and Intel are partnering to develop an AI-specific memory chip, Saimemory, aiming to reduce AI computing power consumption by up to 50%. This stacked DRAM chip, utilizing an innovative wiring architecture, promises improved energy efficiency and supports sustainable AI data centers. With an estimated $64 million investment, a prototype is expected within two years, targeting commercial deployment in the late 2020s, starting with SoftBank’s AI data centers. Other research institutions and the government are expected to offer support as the project progresses.