finance & tech•Thu, August 20, 2026•4 min read

Why Masayoshi Son Just Put 67% of SoftBank’s US Portfolio Into Intel

SoftBank Group has disclosed a massive $12.1 billion stake in Intel, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its US equity portfolio. The move represents a high-conviction bet on the American semiconductor turnaround.

A Massive Vote of Confidence

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Wall Street, SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son has executed one of the most concentrated trades of his career. According to the firm’s latest 13F filing as of June 30, 2026, SoftBank holds 86,956,522 shares of Intel, valued at approximately $12.1 billion. This single position represents 66.81% of the conglomerate’s entire disclosed US equity portfolio, signaling an aggressive, long-term commitment to Intel’s future.

SoftBank's recent filing reveals a deep pivot toward semiconductor manufacturing.

Building on a Foundation

This $12.1 billion stake is not a sudden reaction to market volatility, but rather a significant escalation of an existing strategy. In the third quarter of 2025, SoftBank completed an initial $2 billion strategic investment in Intel. At the time, Son emphasized that his decision was rooted in the fundamental importance of the chip industry.

SoftBank holds roughly $12.1 billion worth of Intel stock.
The Intel position makes up nearly 67% of the firm's US portfolio.
Previous strategic investments in 2025 laid the groundwork for this expansion.
Intel’s role in American semiconductor manufacturing is central to the thesis.

Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry. For more than 50 years, Intel has been a trusted leader in innovation. This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role.
— Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group

The Logic Behind the 'All-In' Bet

While such a high concentration in a single stock is rare for a firm of SoftBank's scale, the investment underscores Son's confidence in the US chip manufacturing revival. Despite significant fluctuations in Intel’s share price—including a 27% drop prior to the latest filing—Son appears to be buying into a long-term turnaround story. With the recent rally in chip stocks and Intel's reported year-over-year revenue growth in the second quarter, SoftBank is positioning itself to capture the potential upside of a re-industrialized US semiconductor sector.

Key Takeaways

SoftBank has invested $12.1 billion into Intel, its largest single US holding.
The stake represents approximately 67% of SoftBank's total disclosed US equity portfolio.
The move builds upon a $2 billion strategic investment initiated in 2025.
Masayoshi Son views semiconductor manufacturing as the fundamental pillar of future industry growth.
The firm is doubling down on a long-term turnaround strategy for the American chipmaker.

FAQ

How large is SoftBank's current stake in Intel?

As of June 30, 2026, SoftBank held 86,956,522 shares of Intel, valued at approximately $12.14 billion.

What percentage of SoftBank's portfolio is in Intel?

The Intel stake accounts for 66.81% of SoftBank's disclosed US equity portfolio.

When did SoftBank first invest in Intel?

SoftBank closed an initial $2 billion strategic investment in Intel during the third quarter of 2025.

Why is Masayoshi Son investing so heavily in Intel?

Son believes that semiconductor manufacturing is the foundation of all industries and views Intel as a critical player in the expansion of US chip production.