SoftBank is accelerating its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a major AI infrastructure and digital services provider, delivering strong revenue growth, stable subscriber metrics, and a clear capital investment shift toward AI and sovereign cloud.
SoftBank revenue and profit rise in FY2025
SoftBank reported total revenue of ¥5.2 trillion for the first nine months of FY2025, representing an 8.0 percent year-on-year increase. Growth was driven by continued execution of the company’s Beyond Carrier strategy and strong performance across multiple business segments.
Key financial highlights include:
Operating income: ¥884.1 billion, up 7.6 percent
Net income: ¥485.5 billion, up 11.2 percent
Consumer segment revenue: ¥2.24 trillion, the largest contributor
Financial segment revenue: ¥203 billion, up 23.3 percent
The rising contribution from financial services, digital transformation, and media businesses shows SoftBank’s shift toward diversified revenue streams beyond connectivity.
Mobile subscribers continue to grow with strong retention
SoftBank’s telecom foundation remains strong, with continued expansion of its mobile customer base.
Key subscriber metrics:
Total mobile contracts: about 41.5 million
Smartphone subscribers: more than 32 million
Smartphone churn rate: low at 1.41 percent
The company’s multi-brand strategy across SoftBank, Y!mobile and LINEMO continues to attract customers across price segments, while PayPay ecosystem integration strengthens customer retention and engagement.
ARPU stabilizes as value-added services expand
SoftBank reported mobile ARPU of approximately ¥3,720, showing stabilization following previous price-plan changes.
ARPU performance is supported by:
Bundled telecom and fintech services
Increased data consumption from smartphone users
Growth of digital services and ecosystem integration
Higher customer lifetime value through cross-selling
This approach reflects SoftBank’s shift toward monetizing services rather than relying solely on connectivity pricing.
AI-first growth strategy drives transformation
The defining theme of SoftBank’s FY2025 strategy is its rapid move toward becoming an AI-first infrastructure company.
Major AI initiatives include:
AI computing platform
SoftBank is building a large-scale AI computing platform in Japan, including Cloud PF Type A, scheduled to launch in April 2026.
OpenAI partnership
Through SB OAI Japan GK, SoftBank is developing Japan-focused large language models and “Crystal Intelligence” tools tailored to local enterprise and government needs.
Sovereign cloud deployment
SoftBank is collaborating with Oracle to build a sovereign cloud across East and West Japan, aimed at secure data processing for public sector and enterprise customers.
AI-RAN innovation
The company is pioneering AI-powered Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN), which optimize telecom infrastructure for AI workloads and could enable new AI-as-a-Service revenue streams.
Capex shifts toward AI and next-generation infrastructure
SoftBank is reshaping its capital allocation to support long-term AI infrastructure growth.
Investment highlights:
9-month CapEx: ¥516.1 billion
Year-on-year change: down ¥71.5 billion overall
Dedicated AI investment allowance: ¥100 billion
The company is directing investment toward:
AI data centers and high-performance GPUs
Renewable energy for sustainable computing
Advanced data center infrastructure
Next-generation telecom and cloud platforms
This disciplined approach balances cost control with aggressive investment in future growth areas.
Beyond Carrier strategy reshapes business mix
SoftBank’s transformation is evident in its evolving revenue mix. By the end of 2025, 63 percent of revenue comes from non-telecom businesses, including digital transformation, fintech, and media and e-commerce, up from 47 percent just a few years ago.
With strong revenue growth, stable ARPU, rising subscribers, and a bold AI infrastructure strategy, SoftBank is positioning itself as a critical technology and digital infrastructure provider for Japan’s AI-driven economy.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
