How to Buy SoftBank Group Shares in Australia [2025]

Key Takeaways

• SoftBank Group (SFTBY) is a Japanese tech-focused conglomerate with major investments in AI and companies like ARM, Ampere, and OpenAI.
• Australian investors can buy SFTBY via US trading platforms like moomoo, supporting fractional shares and simplified onboarding.
• The stock recently experienced volatility, with a 52-week range of USD 69.27–88.66 and a significant 2025 earnings rebound.
• SoftBank’s dividend yield is low (0.20%), prioritizing growth over income.
• A 4-for-1 stock split is scheduled for January 2026 to improve accessibility and liquidity.

SoftBank Group (ADR) (SFTBY) is a diversified Japanese holding company that operates across telecommunications, technology investments, semiconductor design, and international fund management, including the renowned SoftBank Vision Fund and chip designer Arm. Founded by Masayoshi Son, the company has made bold strides in AI and tech with significant stakes in global innovators, making it a compelling consideration for Australian investors exploring exposure to digital transformation and next-gen computing.

How to buy SoftBank Group (SFTBY) stock in Australia?

If you're an Australian-based employee keen on expanding into international markets, adding a strategic tech conglomerate like SoftBank Group (SFTBY) to your portfolio could be a smart move. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored to time-poor professionals looking to buy SoftBank stock from Australia with ease.

Step 1: Pick the best share trading app for US markets

Choosing the right stock trading platform is the first essential step. For Australians looking to invest in US-listed stocks like SoftBank Group, moomoo stands out as a user-friendly, feature-rich option. It offers low-cost access to the US market, in-depth stock analysis tools, and a simplified onboarding process—ideal for busy professionals who want powerful tools without complexity.

When selecting a trading platform, assess these factors: ease of use, access to US markets, quality of real-time data, fees and transparency, and mobile support for on-the-go investing. Moomoo ticks all these boxes, and it also supports financial education with built-in learning modules and AI-backed research tools.

Step 2: Choose the correct account type and open a share trading account

To buy SoftBank stock in Australia, you need to open a brokerage account. Moomoo offers several account types suited to different investor needs:

• Individual account: Most common for personal investing.
• Company account: For investing under a business entity structure.
• Trust account: Suitable for family or discretionary trusts.
• SMSF account: Allows self-managed super funds to invest in global equities.

To open an account, Australian investors typically need to provide ID verification (such as a driver's license or passport), tax file number (TFN), and proof of address. Trading US stocks also requires completing a W-8BEN form, which formally declares that you are not a US tax resident.

Step 3: Fund your account

Once your brokerage account is approved, you must deposit funds into it. Most platforms including moomoo support local bank transfers in AUD, which are then converted to USD for trading US equities like SFTBY. Be aware of international conversion rates and potential FX fees when funding your account.

Step 4: Research SoftBank Group's fundamentals

Before buying any stock, understanding the fundamentals is crucial. SoftBank Group's value is largely driven by its investments via the Vision Fund and its equity holdings in tech companies, especially the ARM business and ambitious AI ventures. Key metrics to review include recent earnings reports, revenue segments, PE ratio, and debt-to-equity structure to make a well-informed choice.

Step 5: Set a budget for your SoftBank stock purchase

Define a budget that considers your overall asset allocation. Avoid overexposing your portfolio to one stock, especially in a sector as volatile as technology. Build an emergency fund before investing discretionary capital. If SoftBank's share price exceeds your budget, platforms like moomoo offer fractional shares so you can still invest in smaller amounts.

Step 6: Decide when to buy SoftBank stock

Timing can be influenced by various factors including macroeconomic trends, currency fluctuations, and SoftBank’s operational performance. Look for dips, earnings updates, or news about key investments like OpenAI or ARM. You don’t need to perfectly time the market, but having a strategy such as dollar-cost averaging can reduce risk over time.

Step 7: Monitor your stock portfolio

After purchasing SoftBank stock, stay updated on company announcements, US market trends, and macroeconomic developments that may affect your investment. Use moomoo’s dashboard tools and real-time data alerts to track performance and adjust your holdings as your portfolio goals evolve.

What is SoftBank Group (SFTBY)?

SoftBank Group Corp. (ADR) is a Tokyo-headquartered multinational conglomerate best known for its expansive portfolio in telecommunications, investment management, and cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and Internet of Things. Through subsidiaries like Arm and its Vision Funds, SoftBank plays a pivotal role in shaping the global tech landscape, backing companies such as OpenAI, Ampere, and more. Originally founded in 1981 by visionary entrepreneur Masayoshi Son, who remains the largest individual shareholder with a stake of over 34%, the company operates globally yet maintains core operations in Japan. Aside from its investment arms, SoftBank also provides mobile, broadband, and enterprise services through its telecom division.

How has SoftBank Group (ADR) stock price performed?

SoftBank Group (ADR), trading under the ticker symbol SFTBY in U.S. markets, has captured investor attention due to its dynamic exposure to high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and semiconductor technologies. Over the past year, the SoftBank stock price has experienced considerable volatility, driven by both internal strategic shifts and external market factors.

SoftBank’s aggressive investment strategy—including its significant stakes in ARM Holdings, OpenAI, and Ampere—has made its ADR shares particularly sensitive to market sentiment around the tech sector. The stock reached a 52-week high of USD 88.66 in late October but has since pulled back to close at USD 75.00 on November 11, 2025. The latest trading session, as of November 12, saw the SoftBank Group (ADR) price slide to USD 70.60, marking a -5.87% day change. This decline followed news of profit-taking after a record-setting earnings report and SoftBank’s divestment from Nvidia, which may have raised concerns regarding capital allocation strategies amid frothy AI valuations.

Investors in Australia monitoring the SoftBank stock price should be aware of its responsiveness to developments in the AI and tech investment space, as well as the company’s bold capital deployment choices. The recent four-for-one stock split and long-term earnings prospects could introduce additional liquidity and attract both institutional and retail interest globally, including from Australian markets.

Key financial metrics for SoftBank Group (ADR)

Source: moomoo, data as of 25-11-12.

SoftBank Group (ADR) price forecast

Forecasting the SoftBank Group (ADR) stock price depends heavily on its upcoming earnings performance, especially within its Vision Funds and AI-related segments. Currently, analysts offer cautious optimism, with a Hold consensus and an average target price of USD 56.00. Market watchers will focus on how SoftBank’s aggressive investments deliver earnings growth and affect shareholder value. Australian investors looking to enter may want to assess upcoming quarterly results and macroeconomic influences before taking a position.

SoftBank Group (ADR) earnings 2025FY analysis

Source: SoftBank Group FY2025 earnings, data as of 2025-06-04.

SoftBank Group (ADR)'s FY2025 results show a strong rebound, with full-year net profit skyrocketing to ¥1.6 trillion after three consecutive years of losses. That’s like a football team coming from a losing streak to win the championship by a wide margin. According to the latest SoftBank earnings call held on June 4, 2025, the company attributed this turnaround to substantial gains from strategic investments and a revitalized AI-focused vision. Revenue increased to ¥7.24 trillion, up 7.1% quarter-over-quarter and 10.1% year-over-year, driven largely by the performance of domestic telecom and Arm's expanding presence post-IPO.

One key highlight from the SoftBank earnings date disclosures was the growth in diluted EPS, jumping from a negative $0.39 to a positive $2.55. This is the financial equivalent of moving from underwater breathing to high-altitude flying. Leadership emphasised that this recovery was powered by asset appreciation, notably in AI-oriented subsidiaries and Vision Fund investments. Although gross profit margin slightly declined to 51.83%, operational efficiencies brought operating profit up to ¥729.79 billion, a 30.3% increase from the previous year. The earnings call also spotlighted major moves like the $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere and up to $30 billion commitment to OpenAI, solidifying SoftBank’s strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Does SoftBank Group (SFTBY) pay dividends?

As a prominent Japanese conglomerate and investment holding company, SoftBank Group (SFTBY) maintains a dividend policy that serves as a strategic complement to its long-term capital allocation model. While its business structure is heavily anchored in high-growth investments, particularly across artificial intelligence, technology development, and global venture ecosystems, SoftBank still distributes regular dividends to shareholders. Compared to traditional telecom operators or utility companies with stable cash flows, SoftBank's dividend yield remains modest due to its aggressive capital deployment strategies.

For income-focused investors considering SoftBank Group from Australia, understanding its dividend history and yield trends is essential. While not considered a high-yield stock, SFTBY's consistent albeit small dividend payouts reflect a commitment to shareholder returns, even amid substantial fluctuations in net asset value driven by activities within its Vision Fund and tech holdings. Investors should analyse key metrics like dividend yield (TTM), payout ratios, and annual distributions to determine how SoftBank's dividend profile aligns with their portfolio goals.

Dividend summary of SoftBank Group (SFTBY)

Source: Company filings and Yahoo Finance, data as of 2025-11-12

How SoftBank Group's dividend compares to competitors

In terms of dividend yield, SoftBank Group (SFTBY) sits on the lower end of the spectrum when compared to other global telecom or diversified investment holding peers. As of the latest data, SoftBank's dividend yield TTM is approximately 0.20%, which is significantly below the industry median of around 1.67% for Japanese telecommunications and investment companies.

The relatively low yield is a reflection of SoftBank's reinvestment-first strategy, where earnings are often recycled into high-growth technology and AI ventures through its Vision Fund initiatives. When compared to traditional dividend-paying stocks in Japan such as NTT or KDDI, which regularly offer yields between 2% to 4%, SoftBank's payout is modest. However, this approach may appeal to growth-oriented investors who expect capital appreciation over income. For Australian investors seeking exposure to technology-driven growth with token dividend benefits, SoftBank Group provides a distinct balance within a diversified international portfolio.

When is SoftBank stock split?

The next SoftBank stock split is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, following a resolution announced on November 11, 2025. The SoftBank Group (SFTBY) will execute a 4-for-1 stock split, meaning each existing share will be converted into four shares. This SoftBank stock split aims to enhance liquidity and make the shares more accessible to retail investors, particularly in Japan where rising prices have pushed per investment units beyond ¥2 million. The record date for this split is officially set for December 31, 2025, but due to non-business days, the effective record date is December 30, 2025. This follows historical splits by SoftBank in 2019 and 2011, reflecting its ongoing efforts to democratize shareholder participation.

What ETFs hold SFTBY?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that include SoftBank Group (SFTBY), the U.S.-listed American Depositary Receipt (ADR) of SoftBank Group Corp, offer exposure to the company as part of a diversified holdings basket. Below are examples of ETFs that currently have exposure to SoftBank Group:

• iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) – This ETF provides exposure to large- and mid-sized Japanese companies and includes holdings in SoftBank, reflecting its position among Japan’s prominent multinationals.
• Franklin FTSE Japan ETF (FLJP) – Designed to track the performance of the FTSE Japan RIC Capped Index, this fund holds SoftBank as part of its allocation to Japan’s equity market.
• Xtrackers MSCI Japan Hedged Equity ETF (DBJP) – Offers exposure to Japanese equities, including SoftBank, while hedging against currency fluctuations between the yen and the U.S. dollar.
• iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) – Though broader in geographic scope, this ETF includes SoftBank among its top constituents representing leading companies in Asia.

Which stocks are similar to SFTBY.US?

If you're interested in SoftBank Group (ADR) (SFTBY.US), you may also want to consider other stocks in the technology investment and telecommunications sectors, or companies with exposure to venture capital and global tech holdings.

• Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA.US) – A major e-commerce and cloud computing company in which SoftBank has historically held a significant stake.
• Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL.US) – The parent company of Google, investing in various innovative tech ventures, similar to SoftBank's Vision Fund strategy.
• Tencent Holdings Ltd (0700.HK) – A Chinese tech conglomerate with diversified investments in gaming, social media, and fintech, paralleling SoftBank's approach to tech exposure.
• Prosus NV (PRX.AS) – A global consumer internet group with investments in online classifieds, food delivery, and fintech, resembling SoftBank’s portfolio style.
• Telefonica SA (TEF.MC) – A multinational telecom firm with broad exposure in Europe and Latin America, comparable to SoftBank’s telecom operations like SoftBank Corp.

Is it a good time to buy SoftBank Group stock

SoftBank Group’s recent earnings have caught investor attention, with the company reporting a record interim net profit of 2.92 trillion yen as of November 12, 2025, nearly tripling year-over-year. However, despite strong income, its stock (9984.JP) fell from ¥21,910 to ¥20,890, reflecting a broader market caution following its full divestment of NVIDIA shares for $5.8 billion—a move aimed at funding AI ventures like OpenAI. Technically, momentum indicators such as the MACD and RSI show weak sentiment, with RSI-6 hovering around 35.16 on November 12, suggesting the stock is in oversold territory—like a sprinter catching his breath after a marathon rally. Meanwhile, the PE ratio has come down to 9.76 (TTM), which may signal a bargain for long-term believers in the AI theme.

That said, investors should tread carefully. The current ratio remains below 1 at 0.93, indicating potential short-term liquidity concerns, and free cash flow is still in negative territory for the latest quarter. The stock’s sharp pullback and a KDJ figure below 30 further highlight underlying volatility. For retail investors in Australia, it’s essential to remember that SoftBank’s global exposure—especially to AI—brings high upside but also elevated risk, much like riding a rollercoaster with occasional dips that feel sharper than expected. If you're considering entry, dollar-cost averaging could smooth out the bumps and help mitigate timing risks.

What is the SoftBank Group outlook for 2025?

Looking ahead to 2025, SoftBank Group stands at a pivotal crossroads. The company has pivoted sharply toward AI-focused investments, including its high-profile ties with OpenAI and the $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere Computing. Despite a strong net profit of ¥1.15 trillion in FY2025—its first in four years—SoftBank must navigate choppy waters. The tech sector remains volatile, and SoftBank's net asset value has swung dramatically—from ¥25.7 trillion at last fiscal year’s end to ¥27.4 trillion more recently. Like investing in a start-up café in a competitive downtown district, SoftBank’s big AI bets offer massive potential but come with risk-laden exposure to shifting valuations and regulation in emerging tech.

At the same time, rising global economic uncertainties, including potential U.S. tariffs and tech decoupling pressures, could pose headwinds. Internally, although SoftBank improved its quick ratio from 0.66 in 2025 to 0.78 in Q2 2026, its free cash flow remains negative at -¥107.74 billion, suggesting capital strain amid aggressive investment. With SoftBank’s EPS skyrocketing 547.42% year-on-year in FY2025 and further increasing in Q2 2026, investors may be optimistic—but only if the AI narrative holds strong. For Australians considering SFTBY stock, it's like boarding a bullet train: promising speed, but the track ahead winds through an unpredictable landscape.

Final thoughts on how to buy SoftBank Group stock

Buying SoftBank Group (SFTBY) stock from Australia is a practical way to gain exposure to a high-growth technology giant with a global footprint across AI, semiconductors, and venture capital. From choosing the right trading platform like moomoo, to opening an account with the correct structure and funding it with AUD, the process to buy SoftBank stock is more accessible than ever. For those seeking to invest in a strategic tech holding company with a record of bold moves and long-term vision, SoftBank offers a compelling mix of innovation and potential.

Before you buy SoftBank Group stock, make sure to research its business fundamentals, monitor recent performance, and set a clear investment budget. Consider implementing a dollar-cost averaging strategy to manage volatility and stay informed on market news and earnings reports to refine your position over time. Whether you're hoping to capitalise on the AI megatrend or diversify internationally, SoftBank’s diversified portfolio—combined with tools like fractional shares—gives Australian investors a flexible, forward-focused opportunity in global markets.