Japanese holding company SoftBank has had a particularly rough go in 2022, losing $23 billion USD in April-June and another $7.2 billion in Q3.
Much of the issue seems to stem from the management style and high risk appetite of CEO Masayoshi Son. Other factors include the departures of many key managerial staff members and the fallout left in the wake of those exits.
For the time being, SoftBank is opting for a defensive strategy. Son has purchased more than a third of the stakes in the company, with a potential buyout on the horizon. The company now appears to be focusing on B2B fintech for its investments.
Do you think SoftBank’s new approach will solve the company’s problems? How likely is it that ongoing internal discord and risky bets from Son will continue to compromise the company’s returns?
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