Cautious Hold Recommendation on SoftBank Group Amid Modest Vision Fund Returns and Strategic Uncertainties

In a report released today, Atul Goyal from Jefferies maintained a Hold rating on SoftBank Group (SFTBF – Research Report), with a price target of Yen7,780.00.

Atul Goyal has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors influencing SoftBank Group’s financial performance. The company’s recent net income was bolstered by investment gains from T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom, yet the overall returns from the SoftBank Vision Funds (SVF) have been modest relative to their substantial investments.
Additionally, the company’s net debt to equity ratio is relatively moderate, but the lack of a definitive share buyback strategy and uncertainties surrounding AI investments contribute to a continued discount to the net asset value. These elements collectively suggest a cautious approach, justifying the Hold recommendation.