Should I buy Softbank stock in 2025?

Why trust HelloSafe?

At HelloSafe, our expert has been closely monitoring the performance of Softbank for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us to break down market trends and highlight the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In keeping with our ethical guidelines, we have never received, and will never receive, any compensation from Softbank.

What is Softbank?

How much is Softbank stock?

The price of SoftBank stock is rising this week. As of today, SoftBank Group trades at ¥7,405 per share, up 1.23% over the last 24 hours and increasing 0.66% for the week.

SoftBank's beta value of 0.62 indicates lower volatility than the market. Investors will want to watch upcoming earnings, as the stock combines moderate risk with potential for long-term growth.

Our full analysis on Softbank stock

SoftBank Group Corp. (9984.T) has recently released its full-year financial results, capping a volatile but transformative period for the technology behemoth. Our analysis, which synthesizes SoftBank’s latest financial disclosures with a three-year performance review and incorporates quantitative insights from proprietary algorithms drawing on sector comparables, technical signals, and market data, suggests a marked shift may be taking shape. So, why might SoftBank stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global technology and innovation sector as we move towards 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

SoftBank’s share price as of May 2, 2025, stands at ¥7,405, reflecting a positive daily move of +1.23%. Although the Year-to-Date (YTD) return remains negative at -19.38%, and the one-year return is slightly negative at -4.98%, recent market signals indicate stabilization and recovery following a challenging 2024 characterized by tech sector volatility and cyclical investment write-downs. Notably, SoftBank’s six-month return of -17.39% illustrates a period of correction after an earlier high, but recent price action—approaching key support and resistance levels in a narrow range—suggests consolidation and decreasing downside risk.

Positive recent events are beginning to spark renewed investor attention:

• The company’s upcoming earnings report, slated for May 13, 2025, carries consensus estimates of a turnaround to a net profit of ¥234 billion ($1.54 billion).
• SoftBank’s strategic reinvestment in artificial intelligence, highlighted by a follow-on investment in OpenAI, has resonated powerfully with markets.
• Plans to raise $4.1 billion via retail bond issuance underscore robust access to capital, a critical advantage as investor appetite for high-growth tech rebounds globally.

Broader macroeconomic conditions also provide a supportive backdrop. The global tech sector is showing renewed vigor in 2025, underpinned by the accelerating adoption of AI, rising enterprise digitalization, and a more benign interest rate outlook. As one of Asia’s most influential technology holding companies, SoftBank is uniquely positioned at the intersection of venture investments and core telecommunications, bolstering its defensive and growth characteristics.

Technical Analysis

Technically, SoftBank displays compelling momentum. The stock trades decisively above all its key moving averages:

• Short- and Medium-Term MAs: The 5-day (¥7,396), 20-day (¥7,284), and 50-day (¥7,143) simple moving averages all sit below the current market price, reinforcing a sustained upward trend.
• Long-Term MAs: 100-day and 200-day simple moving averages of ¥6,966 and ¥7,099, respectively, also remain supportive, confirming the breakout from medium-term consolidation.

Signals from oscillators remain notably bullish:

• The Relative Strength Index (RSI 14) at 68.08 is approaching overbought territory but suggests strong positive sentiment.
• The MACD is solidly positive (81.7), with both signal line and histogram supporting continued upside momentum.
• Stochastic %K indicates bullishness in the current time frame.

Key support levels—¥7,357 and ¥7,374—have proven resilient, while resistance is close (¥7,418, ¥7,445), hinting at an imminent test of higher ground. The overall technical score, based on a blend of oscillators and trend-following models, remains “strong buy”—indicating that SoftBank could be entering a new bullish phase, particularly if catalysts such as earnings or strategic announcements materialize.

Fundamental Analysis

From a fundamental perspective, SoftBank’s unique hybrid structure—blending core Japanese telecommunications with a globally diversified portfolio of venture and tech investments—remains its defining strength.

Revenue and Profitability:

Although volatility persists in quarterly results due to the mark-to-market nature of Vision Fund holdings, SoftBank is expected to return to profit in its upcoming release. The previous net loss of ¥369.2 billion in October-December 2024 was largely the result of non-cash investment revaluations, masking the underlying strength of its core telecom and broadband businesses. Prior to this, Q2 delivered a substantial gain of ¥608.5 billion, demonstrating SoftBank’s prowess in capturing cyclical tech upside.

Valuation:

The current P/E ratio of 12.77 positions SoftBank attractively within the global tech universe; this is notably conservative compared to the multiples commanded by North American and Asian tech peers. A dividend yield of 0.6% (¥44/share) further enhances the stock’s appeal for yield-focused investors—a rarity in tech-led portfolios—and the low beta (0.62) suggests less systematic volatility than might be expected given the diversified portfolio.

Strategic Expansion and Structural Strengths:

• SoftBank’s commitment to emerging technologies, particularly AI through additional capital allocations to OpenAI, sets it apart as a forward-leaning innovator.
• Market share in Japanese telecom remains robust, anchoring revenues and providing steady cash flows.
• The company’s unmatched access to global deal flow through Vision Fund and its brand recognition across Asia bolster long-term growth prospects and strategic optionality.

In summary, current valuation levels seem to underprice SoftBank’s potential for value realization as portfolio companies mature or list and as investments in digital infrastructure and AI yield scalable returns.

Volume and Liquidity

Daily trading volume sits at nearly 7 million shares (with a three-month average of 8.58 million), demonstrating deep liquidity and consistent institutional participation. This sustained volume underscores market confidence even during periods of price correction. The healthy float—neither excessively concentrated nor dilutive—supports a dynamic valuation environment, potentially amplifying upside when positive catalysts appear.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Looking ahead, several identifiable drivers could significantly re-rate SoftBank’s shares:

• Vision Fund Upside: Several portfolio companies are reaching critical mass or preparing for public offerings; any successful exits or revaluations could sharply enhance NAV and earnings.
• AI and OpenAI Investments: New AI-focused investments—especially the follow-on with OpenAI—may emerge as key value creators as enterprise AI adoption accelerates globally.
• Crypto and Alternative Assets: Renewed, prudent entry into digital assets signals a commitment to capturing emerging growth themes, differentiating SoftBank from more risk-averse incumbents.
• Balance Sheet Optimization: Raising $4.1 billion in retail bonds improves capital structure, ensuring ample dry powder for opportunistic investments and strategic buybacks.
• Regulatory and Sector Tailwinds: In Japan, supportive 5G/AI infrastructure policy, and globally, rising demand for digital transformation, favor SoftBank’s twin pillars of telecommunications and tech investment.

The context for upward re-rating appears favorable—both within the technology super-cycle and in terms of SoftBank’s own restructuring, innovation, and liquidity position.

Investment Strategies

The current technical and fundamental setup provides multiple compelling angles for portfolio positioning:

• Short-term traders may see an opportunity in the upcoming earnings catalyst (May 13, 2025), particularly as price action shows early signs of breakout above key resistance.
• Medium-term investors can capitalize on the attractive valuation (low P/E, resilient dividend), entering at a time when momentum is reversing higher from a multi-month bottom.
• Long-term strategists stand to benefit from SoftBank’s expansive exposure to next-generation technologies, ongoing value creation from the Vision Fund, and sustained telecom cash flows. Strategic entry near identified support levels or upon positive earnings surprise could maximize risk-adjusted returns.

Current levels (close to ¥7,400) seem to represent an excellent opportunity for accumulation ahead of anticipated operational and portfolio catalysts. Technical structure is supportive, and the risk/reward skew appears favorable for both tactical and strategic investors.

Is it the Right Time to Buy SoftBank?

In summary, SoftBank Group exhibits a rare confluence of factors: an undervalued share price relative to its earnings potential, strong technical indicators, and imminent business catalysts linked to AI innovation and global tech leadership. The company’s deep liquidity, improving operational profile, and proactive strategic vision justify renewed investor interest as the industry enters a new growth cycle.

With technical momentum turning convincingly higher and forthcoming milestones poised to unlock value, SoftBank stock may be entering a new bullish phase, well-positioned to capture upside within both the Japanese and global technology arenas. Investors searching for differentiated growth and innovation exposure may find SoftBank’s multi-dimensional strengths and disciplined capital deployment particularly compelling at current levels.

The opportunity to participate in a potential next phase of value creation—anchored by visionary management, diversified assets, and emerging catalysts—makes SoftBank a stock that deserves serious consideration for any technology-focused portfolio as we look ahead to 2025.

How to buy Softbank stock in Canada?

Buying SoftBank Group Corp. (9984.T) shares online is a straightforward and secure process for investors in Canada, especially when using a regulated brokerage platform. You have two primary ways to gain exposure to SoftBank: spot buying (cash purchase of actual shares) and CFD trading (using contracts for difference to speculate on price movements). Both methods offer unique advantages and are accessible from most Canadian online brokers. To help you choose which method suits you best, you’ll find a detailed broker comparison further down this page.

Spot Buying

Spot (or cash) buying means you purchase actual shares of SoftBank Group on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in Japanese yen, held in your brokerage account. As a Canadian investor, you’ll need a broker that allows access to international markets—many now offer global trading, often for a fixed commission per order (typically around CAD $5–$15 for Japanese stocks).

Important Information

Example: Suppose SoftBank’s share price is ¥7,405 (about CAD $64 at an exchange rate of 1 JPY = 0.00865 CAD). With a CAD $1,000 investment, after a CAD $5 brokerage fee, you can buy approximately 15 shares (CAD $995 ÷ CAD $64 ≈ 15 shares).

✔️ Gain Scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth CAD $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, a +10% return on your original investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on SoftBank’s share price movements without owning the physical shares. This method is popular for its leverage—meaning you can control a larger position with less capital. With CFDs, fees typically include the spread (difference between buy and sell price) and overnight financing costs if you keep positions open for more than a day.

Important Information

Example: You open a CFD position on SoftBank with a CAD $1,000 deposit and use 5x leverage. Your market exposure is now CAD $5,000.

✔️ Gain Scenario: If SoftBank’s share price rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +$400 gross gain (excluding fees), based on your CAD $1,000 margin.

Final Advice

Before investing, it’s vital to compare the fees, foreign exchange policies, and trading platforms of different brokers to make sure they fit your needs and budget. Whether you prefer straightforward ownership (spot buying) or more dynamic trading with leverage (CFDs), the right choice depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. For detailed comparisons of top-rated brokers accessible to Canadians, please consult the broker comparison table further down this page.

Platforms

Minimum Deposit

Discover

#1

Tier 1 regulation, including ASIC and FSA

#1

Star Trader

4.9

Minimum Deposit

$50

Discover

with our partner Star Trader

#2

Broker specializing in Forex and CFDs

#2

IFC Markets

4.8

Minimum Deposit

$1

Discover

with our partner IFC Markets

#3

Broker regulated since 2006

#3

Avatrade

4.8

Minimum Deposit

$100

Discover

with our partner Avatrade

Our 7 tips for buying Softbank stock

The latest news about Softbank

SoftBank's stock delivered robust positive technical momentum, with all major moving averages and oscillators signaling a strong buy.
In the last week, SoftBank’s Tokyo-listed shares have consistently closed above key short- and long-term moving averages, while bullish indicators like the RSI (68.08) and MACD (81.7) corroborate this upward trend. These signals point to sustained demand and healthy liquidity, a constructive sign particularly for global investors seeking international equity exposure. The strong buy rating from technical frameworks could attract portfolio inflows from Canadian institutions and ETFs targeting high-momentum stocks in Asia.

SoftBank’s upcoming annual earnings on May 13, 2025, are anticipated to showcase a return to profitability, with consensus forecasts projecting a net profit of ¥234 billion ($1.54 billion).
Consensus analyst models from multiple reputable financial institutions, including those with Canadian coverage, highlight growing confidence in SoftBank’s ability to rebound after a challenging quarter. A solid earnings print could further strengthen sentiment and increase interest among Canadian institutional investors and pension funds, many of which maintain allocations to international telecom and technology giants.

SoftBank’s renewed focus on AI and follow-on investment in OpenAI positions it at the forefront of the generative AI ecosystem, a sector of particular interest to Canadian tech leaders and venture capital.
On March 31, 2025, SoftBank entered into a definitive agreement to deepen its stake in OpenAI, signaling commitment to AI-driven infrastructure and solutions. This coincides with growing AI adoption across Canadian industries, and may spur opportunities for cross-border collaborations or investments. The initiative bolsters SoftBank’s longer-term growth narrative and aligns with the increasing demand for intelligent automation in North America.

SoftBank’s stable valuation, moderate P/E (12.77), and low volatility (beta 0.62) currently present a compelling risk-return profile amid global market uncertainty.
For Canadian asset managers, both the current P/E and below-market beta are attractive as a defensive play within diversified international equity allocations. This is especially relevant as market participants in Canada seek resilient companies during times of heightened volatility, and SoftBank’s broad portfolio exposure offers a measure of downside protection absent in many of its high-growth peers.

The company’s global stature and exposure offers indirect connectivity for Canadian investors, despite SoftBank having no direct operational footprint in Canada.
While SoftBank’s core telecom and investment businesses are not directly active in Canada, the firm’s equity interests in global tech players are represented in numerous Canadian institutional portfolios—often through secondary holdings, ETFs, or index constituents. Therefore, positive sentiment, such as the upcoming earnings optimism and strategic AI initiatives, may have a ripple effect on Canadian investment vehicles with international mandates.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.