SoftBank profits almost wiped out by Vision Fund losses
13-February-2020
Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank Group has seen its quarterly profit being almost wiped out for a second straight quarter by losses at its $100 billion Vision Fund focused on tech companies like Uber and WeWork.
The poor results have dented investor confidence in founder Masayoshi Son's big bets on new start-ups.
Addressing a news conference, Son said SoftBank had turned a corner while he also acknowledged the anxiety caused to investors and also said he has been forced to scale back a second Vision Fund.
"We have caused a lot of concern," Son said, adding he needs to "give everyone a piece of mind" to secure outside funds for Vision Fund 2.
The tech conglomerate on Wednesday reported operating income of 2.59 billion yen ($23.6 million) for the three months ended in December, a plunge of 99% compared to the same period a year earlier.
SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son's closely watched $100 billion Vision Fund was the biggest driver of those losses. The Vision Fund and a related fund reported an operating loss of 225 billion yen ($2 billion) for the quarter, blaming unrealized losses in WeWork and Uber for the hit.-IANS
Mumbai Dethrones Beijing as Asia's Billionaire Capital, India Climbs to Third Globally
Jungle House: A Royal Summer Getaway Perched Amidst Shimla's Ancient Woods
Kangana Ranaut In Mandi Says Politics For Her Is A Way To Work For Society
Bizarre Poll Promise By Trinamool's Celebrity Candidate Draws Criticism
Mining Baron-Turned-Politician Janardhan Reddy Merges Party with BJP Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections