Risk Factors

SoftBank Group Corp. (“SBG”) is a strategic investment holding company that manages an investment portfolio formed through investments, made either directly or through investment funds, in a large number of companies. The investment portfolio encompasses SBG’s subsidiaries and associates (“Group companies”) and investments not included in the former (collectively, “portfolio companies,” including Group companies). These portfolio companies operate in a wide range of markets globally. Accordingly, a variety of risks accompany the execution of SBG’s investment activities and the portfolio companies’ business activities. The major risks that SBG believes could significantly affect investors’ investment decisions as of June 24, 2022 are outlined below. However, these risks do not include all the risks that SBG and portfolio companies could face, and additional risks may arise in the future. Forward-looking statements were determined as of June 24, 2022, unless otherwise stated.

Based on its unique organizational strategy, the Cluster of No.1 Strategy (see “Medium- to Long-term Strategies” under Management Policy), SBG endeavors to enhance NAV^*1 through its investment portfolio consisting of companies engaged in diverse businesses in the information and technology field harnessing artificial intelligence (AI). SBG’s portfolio includes investments made through direct investments (including investments made through subsidiaries), such as in Group companies (for example, SoftBank Corp., Arm, and Alibaba), as well as those made through investment funds (SoftBank Vision Fund 1 (“SVF1”) and SoftBank Vision Fund 2 (“SVF2” and, together with SVF1, “SVF”), and SoftBank Latin America Funds (“SBLAF”)).
For this reason, SBG’s investment portfolio is significantly affected by market trends in each sector of the information and technology field where portfolio companies operate. It is also significantly exposed to the market environment surrounding initial public offerings (IPOs), as investments are made primarily in unlisted companies in the investment businesses of SBG (including investments made through subsidiaries) and SVF and SBLAF. Due to these impacts, a decrease in the equity value of SBG’s holdings could lead to a decline in NAV and deterioration in LTV.^*2 In parallel, the recording of valuation losses on assets such as SBG’s equity holdings could cause SBG’s consolidated results of operations and financial position to deteriorate, thereby adversely affecting SBG’s ability to make new investments and the success of its financial strategies.
SBG recognizes that building a diverse investment portfolio is a crucial management priority; however, as Alibaba shares accounted for just over 20% of the equity value of SBG’s holdings as of March 31, 2022, fluctuations in the investment value of Alibaba shares could affect the equity value of SBG’s holdings as well as its NAV and LTV.

SBG aims to meet the funding requirements for new investments on an ongoing basis, through measures such as selling equity assets, receiving dividends from portfolio companies, obtaining distributions from investment funds, and raising funds through asset-backed financing. This also applies to SBG’s wholly owned subsidiaries that procure funds for SBG. However, if SBG is unable to dispose of equity assets or procure funds when the funds are needed for new investments, it could miss investment opportunities and its ability to continue to increase NAV may be compromised. For certain asset-backed financing using equity holdings, in the event that the value of its eligible holdings declines due to a deterioration in the stock market or other factors, SBG may be required to post additional cash collateral or incur prepayment obligations. In addition, SBG could find it difficult to raise new funds.
SBG may also raise funds through sources including loans from financial institutions and the issuance of bonds to meet the funding needs of its investment activities. For this financing, if interest rates rise due to changes in monetary policies or in financial markets, or SBG’s creditworthiness declines due to a decrease in the value of owned assets or a deterioration in its results of operations, which could lead to a downgrade in SBG’s credit ratings, SBG’s financing costs could increase, thereby adversely affecting SBG’s consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations. Further, an inability to raise funds at the planned timing, scale, or conditions could adversely affect SBG’s investment activities and financial position.
SBG (including wholly owned subsidiaries that procure funds) may raise new funds, refinance, sell some of its assets, or take other measures to secure resources to repay its debt. SBG strives to maintain a sufficient cash position in a stable manner with financial discipline, by raising funds at times it deems appropriate based on careful monitoring of market conditions. However, if faced with prolonged unfavorable funding conditions, SBG may be forced to dispose of equity assets on unfavorable terms or to execute unplanned equity asset disposals in order to secure resources for repayment, which could adversely affect the equity value of SBG’s holdings, NAV, and consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations.
Various covenants may be attached to SBG’s debt, including loans from financial institutions and corporate bonds. If the possibility of a breach of any of these covenants arises and SBG is unable to take steps to avoid such breach, SBG may forfeit the benefit of the term with respect to such obligations and, accordingly, may also be requested to make lump-sum repayments with respect to other obligations. As a result, SBG’s creditworthiness may decline, and its financial position could be significantly adversely affected.

SBG is managed under the leadership of a management team centered on Masayoshi Son, who serves as Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Chairman & CEO of SBG. The major portfolio companies and investment funds, in which SBG invests, are run autonomously by management teams led by their respective CEOs and other leaders. For example, Junichi Miyakawa serves as President & CEO of SoftBank Corp., and Rene Haas serves as CEO of Arm. In addition, Rajeev Misra (Corporate Officer, Executive Vice President of SBG) serves as CEO of the managers of SVF and SBLAF.
SBG has adopted the management structure described above. Moreover, if an unforeseen situation were to befall key members of the management team, the decision-making process could be affected. To minimize this impact, SBG has drawn up contingency plans, including action guidelines and proactive measures. Furthermore, SBG’s Nominating & Compensation Committee regularly discusses medium- and long-term policies and succession plans. However, there is no assurance that these measures will be successful. Unforeseen situations with respect to members of the SBG Group’s management, particularly Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Chairman & CEO Masayoshi Son, could impede the overall activities of SBG.

SBG engages in investment activities such as corporate acquisitions, establishment of subsidiaries and joint ventures, and investments in operating companies (including listed and unlisted companies), holding companies (including companies that effectively control other companies through various contracts), and investment funds. These investment activities are subject to risks such as those stated in subsections a. through d. below, and if these risks materialize, the asset value of portfolio companies (i.e., the equity value of SBG’s holdings) could decrease, resulting in a decrease in NAV and deterioration of LTV. In parallel, the recording of valuation losses on assets, such as SBG’s equity holdings, could adversely affect its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Among the portfolio companies, there are risks associated with investment funds and SoftBank Corp. that are considered to be highly material because they could have a particularly large impact on consolidated operating results. For information on those risks, please see “(5) Investments Made through Investment Funds” and “(6) SoftBank Corp. Group.”

SBG invests in entities that operate not only in Japan, but also in countries and regions overseas, such as the U.S., China, India, Europe, and Latin America. Therefore, due to changes in the external environment, such as changes in political, military, or social circumstances, monetary and fiscal policies, and international conditions (for example, stricter regulations and trends surrounding the economic security of various countries, due to factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict or intensified U.S.-China rivalry), the investment activities of SBG and the business activities of portfolio companies may not develop as expected. For example, SBG’s execution and realization of investments could be delayed, the terms and conditions for recovering investments could deteriorate, or the businesses and results of operations of each portfolio company could be adversely affected by a decrease in demand for, or a stagnation in the supply of, their services and products. Further, with respect to investments in unlisted companies with low liquidity, if market conditions deteriorate sharply or other similar issues arise, SBG may not be able to sell its interests in such companies at the timing, scale, or conditions desired by SBG. As a result, the equity value of SBG’s holdings, NAV, LTV, and consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations may be adversely affected.
Apart from this, SBG’s foreign currency-denominated investments in overseas companies could incur losses due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Further, in the preparation of SBG’s consolidated financial statements, the local currency-based revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities of Arm and other overseas Group companies are converted into Japanese yen. Consequently, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could adversely affect SBG’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.
In addition, SBG collects information about the changes in the external environment described above and considers the impact they may have on investment activities. Concurrently, SBG continuously monitors the concentration of investments in specific countries or regions, and business sectors, within its investment portfolio. Through these and other efforts, SBG strives to identify risks, and has a system in place to report the results of this risk identification process to management.

The investment activities of SBG may require approvals and permissions from regulatory authorities of relevant countries, or the involvement of SBG in portfolio companies may be restricted. In addition, new or stricter regulations on investment activities may be enacted in relevant countries. SBG addresses each of these regulations by ensuring close cooperation with concerned parties, including external advisers. However, if the necessary approvals and permissions cannot be obtained or other restrictions cannot be avoided, SBG may be unable to successfully implement its investment or divestment plans as expected.
For example, with respect to certain U.S. investments, SBG has entered into national security agreements with the companies that are considered covered investments (herein subsection b, the “covered companies”) and the relevant regulatory authorities and agencies of the U.S. government. Pursuant to these national security agreements, SBG and the covered companies have agreed to implement measures to safeguard U.S. national security. Implementing these measures could result in increased costs or constraints on business operations within the U.S.

Even after making investments, SBG has a system in place in which major risk factors of portfolio companies are continuously monitored and reported to management, including financial and management information, key performance indicators, differences between business plans at the time of the investment decision and actual progress, and the status of corporate governance. In addition, based on the findings of the monitoring, SBG takes the necessary measures to improve the management of portfolio companies, such as providing necessary advice, dispatching human resources at various levels (including officers and managers), and introducing business partners.
However, portfolio companies may be unable to develop businesses as envisioned by SBG at the time of the investment decision, due to factors including the obsolescence of portfolio companies’ technologies and business models and intensified competitive environments, in addition to the changes in the external environment described in “a. Trends in the external environment, including political circumstances, monetary and fiscal policies, and international conditions.” This may lead to a significant deterioration in business performance or a drastic revision of their business plans. There is also a possibility that the portfolio companies may increase their capital, which could result in a significant dilution of the per-share value of such portfolio companies’ shares. In such cases, the asset value of portfolio companies may decrease, and SBG may record valuation losses on financial assets such as shares or impairment losses on goodwill, property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets acquired through investment, and may not receive the expected returns, such as profit sharing, from portfolio companies or be able to recover the investment. Consequently, the equity value of SBG’s holdings and NAV could decrease, thereby leading to a deterioration of LTV. In parallel, the recording of valuation losses on assets such as SBG’s equity holdings could adversely affect its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
In addition, SBG may provide loans, loan guarantees, additional investment or other forms of financial support to portfolio companies as deemed necessary to improve their shareholder value, if they are unable to develop businesses as envisioned at the time of the investment decision, are unable to create desired synergies with other portfolio companies, or need more funds than anticipated for business development. This could increase SBG’s exposure to those companies. Nevertheless, SBG has a general policy of not making investments solely for the purpose of providing relief to the portfolio companies of investment funds.
Moreover, on a non-consolidated basis, any decline in the value of assets that were acquired through investment activities, including equity interests, could cause SBG to recognize a valuation loss, and a deterioration in the results of operations of portfolio companies could result in an inability to receive dividends from portfolio companies as expected, which could adversely affect SBG’s results of operations and the distributable amount.

SBG may make direct investments (including investments through subsidiaries) without going through investment funds. In the investment decision-making process for these cases, SBG seeks to appropriately estimate the investment target’s equity value and to assess risks related to the target’s businesses, finances, corporate governance, compliance, and internal controls, by conducting due diligence on the target’s business, technology, business model, market size, business plan, competitive environment, financial condition, and legal compliance, etc. For this purpose, SBG obtains the cooperation of, for example, outside financial, legal and tax advisers, as necessary, in addition to the cooperation of relevant internal departments. Moreover, an objective review of the adequacy of the due diligence findings is carried out by a dedicated review department. Based on the results of such reviews, investment decisions are made by the Board of Directors or the Investment Committee to which authority is delegated by the Board of Directors (see Corporate Governance System).
However, even with such a prudent investment decision-making process in place, there is still a possibility of overestimating the corporate value, technology, business model, or market size of an investment target, or underestimating risk. Investment decisions could also be made while misjudging the integrity of founders and managers who have crucial influence. Consequently, after making an investment, the asset value of the investment (i.e., the equity value of SBG’s holdings) could decrease, thereby leading to a decrease in NAV and deterioration of LTV. In parallel, the recording of valuation losses on assets such as SBG’s equity holdings could adversely affect its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

SBG makes investments through investment funds such as SVF1, SVF2 and SBLAF to companies leveraging AI in the information and technology sector. SBG invests in these investment funds as a limited partner. Also, the wholly owned subsidiaries who manage these funds (SBIA, which manages SVF1, as well as SBGA, which manages SVF2 and SBLAF, collectively the “Managers”) are respectively entitled to receive management fees and performance fees, each of which is measured by reference to the investment activities of the investment funds.
The investment funds and their Managers are subject to particular material risks, including those stated in subsections a. through i. below. The Managers have established a Risk Management Framework (“RMF”) to embed risk management in their business and decision-making procedures globally, but it may not be able to fully avoid the emergence of such risks. If any of these risks were to emerge, they could adversely affect the value of the investment portfolio of the investment funds, thereby deteriorating the financial results of the investment funds and the Managers. A decrease in the value of investments in the investment funds could also adversely affect the equity value of SBG’s holdings and thereby lead to a decline in NAV and deterioration in LTV, therefore adversely affect SBG’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.
In this section (5), the term “portfolio companies” refers to the investees of the investment funds.

All entities that comprise the investment funds are consolidated by SBG. Investments held by the investment funds are measured at fair value at the end of every quarter. With respect to unlisted companies, fair value is measured by combining multiple methods, such as the price of recent transactions, discounted cash flow, and market comparable companies. Fair value of listed companies is determined by the market price at which they trade. A decline in the fair value of the investments—due to factors such as a deterioration in the results of operations of portfolio companies or a downturn in financial markets and economic conditions—could lead to a deterioration in the results of operations of the respective investment funds, which could have an adverse effect on SBG’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. Further, on a non-consolidated basis, a deterioration in the results of operations of each fund could cause SBG to record a valuation loss on investment made as a limited partner, which could have an adverse effect on its results of operations and distributable amount.
The portfolio companies in which the respective investment funds have invested that SBG is deemed to control under IFRS, are treated as subsidiaries of SBG. The results of operations as well as assets and liabilities of said subsidiaries are reflected in SBG’s consolidated financial statements. Therefore, a deterioration in the results of operations of said portfolio companies that are subsidiaries could have an adverse effect on SBG’s consolidated results of operations and financial position. Gain and loss on investments in said subsidiaries that are recognized at the investment funds are eliminated in consolidation.
To ensure the appropriateness of fair value measurements, the investment funds have a robust valuation process, which is overseen by the Managers’ respective Valuation and Financial Risk Committees (“VFRCs”). The VFRCs follow the Managers’ Global Valuation Policy which is in line with IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement and the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines to value the relevant investment fund’s investments on a quarterly basis. In addition to this, independent valuations of SVF1’s portfolio companies are conducted on a semi-annual basis by independent third-party valuation firms who have been appointed and engaged by SVF1’s investor advisory board. SBIA is required to consider (to the extent appropriate in accordance with SBIA’s regulatory obligations) all valuations received from such independent third-party valuation firms.

Net proceeds from the investment performance of the investment funds are distributed to their respective limited partners. If the investment funds experience a deterioration in investment profitability and are unable to generate investment performance as planned, SBG could be unable to receive performance-based distributions as a limited partner in accordance with its expectations or could be unable to recover its capital contributions.
In addition, as net proceeds from the investment performance of SVF1 are distributed to SBIA as performance fees, SBIA may be unable to receive performance fees in accordance with expectations. Further, as the SBIA receives performance fees on the realization of gains, including after the disposition of investments, receipt of dividends from investments, and monetization of shares, SBIA could make more speculative investments than they would otherwise make in the absence of such performance-based fees. Performance fees paid to SBIA by SVF1 are subject to a clawback provision (a provision requiring the return of performance fees received in the past), which is triggered under certain conditions based on future investment performance. Therefore, if the investment performance at the time of liquidation of SVF1 does not exceed a certain level, the amount of performance fees that have been received by SBIA up until then could be reduced, or SBIA may not be able to receive performance fees.

Due to the illiquid nature of many of the investments that the investment funds may acquire, the Managers are unable to predict with complete certainty what the exit strategy will ultimately be for any given positions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the investment funds will be able to realize such investments in a timely manner. Consequently, the timing of cash distributions to investors is uncertain and unpredictable. Exit strategies that appear to be viable when an investment is initiated may be precluded by the time the investment is ready to be realized due to economic, legal, political, or other factors. The investment funds may be prohibited by contract or other limitations from selling certain securities for a period which may mean that the investment funds are unable to take advantage of favorable market prices.
Approval of an exit strategy is a key part of the Managers’ Investment Committees’ considerations and exit strategies are regularly reviewed and updated by the Managers’ investment teams. Exit strategies are also stress tested under various market conditions by the investment risk team to allow for forward planning. In setting up a long-term fund structure, it was anticipated that multiple economic downturns could occur and that some investments may take longer to exit than others.

The investment funds may hold non-controlling interests in certain portfolio companies and, therefore, may have a limited ability to protect its interests in such companies and to influence such companies’ management. In addition, the investment funds may invest alongside financial, strategic, or other third-party co-investors (including Group companies) through joint ventures or other entities which may have larger or controlling ownership interests in such entities or portfolio companies. In such cases, the investment funds will rely significantly on the existing management and board of directors of such companies, which may include representatives of other financial investors with whom the relevant investment fund is not affiliated and whose interests may at times conflict with the interests of the relevant investment fund.

The Managers seek to maximize the equity value of the investment funds that it respectively manages, by carefully selecting investments and promoting growth after investment through the provision of a wide range of support. For the success of these investment activities, it is essential to secure and retain capable personnel who possess broad knowledge of technology and financial markets as well as specialized skills in managing investment businesses. The Managers have broad investment and management capabilities, and aim to ensure staff retention through various HR support programs; from training and development to moving staff across the organization to ensure they fulfil their potential. However, the potential inability of the Managers to secure or retain an adequate number of capable personnel could have an adverse effect on the maintenance or expansion of the investment scale and future investment performance of the investment funds it manages.

The investment funds’ portfolio includes companies that are advancing the use of or are conducting research and development in relation to new technologies such as AI and big data and companies that are rolling out new business models that are different from existing business models. The business fields in which these types of new technologies and business models are offered may be subject to specific and strict regulations and licensing regimes in many countries and regions. With the development of related laws, the introduction of, or changes in, regulations could have an adverse effect by creating financial burdens or restrictions on portfolio companies’ business development and their results of operations by, for example, requiring portfolio companies to change, suspend, or discontinue the deployment of technologies, business models, or related research and development plans. Licenses and permits required to provide certain technology related services are subject to various conditions and there is no assurance that investment funds’ portfolio companies will be able to satisfy such conditions.

The investment funds hold investments in multiple companies in specific business fields, which in some cases leads to a high level of concentration of investments in said business fields. In such business fields, a deterioration in the business environment, such as sluggish demand or intensified market competition (including competition among portfolio companies), could result in a deterioration in the results of operations, such as a decrease in the profitability of a portfolio company, an inability to develop a business in accordance with expectations at the time of the investment, or a deterioration in the market’s valuation of said business fields. Such developments could adversely affect the results of operations or the fair value of portfolio companies.
Concentration risk is measured and reported by the respective Manager’s investment risk team to senior management and considered by the relevant members of the Managers’ Investment Committees and boards. Diversification is implemented or the risk is accepted through the investment process, including review by the Managers’ respective Investment Committees and, as required, by SVF1’s investor advisory board.

The investment funds’ investment portfolios may contain securities and debt issued by listed companies. Such investments may subject the investment funds to risks that differ in type or degree from those involved with investments in privately held companies. Such risks include greater volatility in the valuation of such companies resulting from the availability of quoted market prices, increased obligations to disclose information regarding such companies, limitations on the ability of the investment funds to dispose of such securities and debt at certain times, increased likelihood of shareholder litigation and insider trading allegations against such companies’ executives and board members, including employees of the Managers, and increased costs associated with each of the aforementioned risks. In addition, securities traded on a public exchange are subject to such exchange’s right to suspend or limit trading in certain or all securities that it lists. Such a suspension could render it temporarily impossible for the investment funds’ positions to be liquidated, and thereby expose such funds to losses.
The primary mechanism employed to mitigate the market risk following a liquidity event is to follow a deliberate plan for selling down the positions to minimize the market impact and to maximize the value of the proceeds. In some cases, the Managers will also reduce its exposure by entering derivative contracts (for example, by selling a covered call option). The Managers also examine whether to hedge the foreign-exchange risk should the securities be denominated in a currency whose exchange rate relative to USD is volatile.
The operational and compliance risks that arise while managing the investment funds’ listed securities positions are managed through an appropriate control framework involving the Managers’ middle office, compliance, and operational risk functions, including the investment risk teams. These controls include pre-trade approval processes, such as the approval of trading counterparties, and post-trade reconciliations and monitoring.

To potentially pursue a wider range of investment opportunities, SBG’s subsidiaries may form a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses that the company has not yet identified at the time of the offering and it aims to complete such business combination within two years from the closing of each offering. However, investment in a SPAC as sponsor entails risks, such as litigation risk due to the failure to identify and address risks of a target company prior to business combination, or the risk of failure in finding a SPAC target thus no business combination will occur. Such risks may result in a decline in the sponsor’s reputation.

SoftBank Corp. and its subsidiaries (Z Holdings Corporation, for example) (collectively herein (6), “SoftBank Corp.”) mainly conduct telecommunications, internet advertising, and e-commerce businesses. There are risks associated with SoftBank Corp. that are considered to be highly material, including those stated in subsections a. through c. below. If the following risks materialize, SoftBank Corp.’s results of operations could deteriorate, which could result in a decrease in asset value (i.e., the equity value of SBG’s holdings), and thereby lead to a decrease in NAV and deterioration of LTV. In parallel, the recording of impairment losses on goodwill, property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets acquired through investment and the incorporation of SoftBank Corp.’s performance could also adversely affect SBG’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In its business operations, SoftBank Corp. handles customer information (including personal information) and other confidential information. This information could be leaked or lost, or may be used inappropriately in breach of laws and regulations or policies, or involved in a similar incident, either intentionally or accidentally by SoftBank Corp. (including officers and employees and people related to subcontractors) or through a cyberattack, hacking, computer virus infection or other form of unauthorized access by a third party with malicious intent or through other means. Such an occurrence could reduce SoftBank Corp.’s competitiveness and impose significant costs on SoftBank Corp. for payment of damages and modification of security systems, in addition to having an adverse impact on SoftBank Corp.’s credibility or corporate image and making it difficult to retain and acquire customers. These outcomes could adversely affect SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position, and results of operations.
The business integration of Z Holdings Corporation and LINE Corporation has led to a dramatic increase in the amount of data, including personal information, handled by SoftBank Corp. Looking ahead, SoftBank Corp. will work to strengthen governance regarding the appropriate handling of personal information. However, if such measures to strengthen governance do not function effectively, SoftBank Corp. could be subject to administrative sanctions by the authorities, sustain damage to its credibility, or suffer a decline in demand for its services. In addition, SoftBank Corp. may need to formulate and implement additional measures or may experience a leakage of data or an event with the risk of such a leakage, and so forth. Consequently, these outcomes could affect SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position, and results of operations.
SoftBank Corp. strives to build a framework to protect and manage information assets appropriately, including the appointment of a Chief Information Security Officer and education and training sessions on information security for officers and employees. SoftBank Corp. maintains and controls this level of information security through various measures. Specifically, SoftBank Corp. implements physical security control measures such as restricting access to work areas that involve customer information and other confidential information, and establishing room access management rules specific to those restricted areas. SoftBank Corp. has strengthened its AI-based predictive detection (behavior detection) system for internal misconduct. Certain conditions, such as the use of business PCs and the intranet and the status of access to internal servers by officers and employees, are monitored. SoftBank Corp. also conducts monitoring and defensive measures against unauthorized access via cyberattacks from outside the company. Moreover, SoftBank Corp. partitions and sets apart access rights and networks to be used for various types of information, according to the information security level. Furthermore, SoftBank Corp. has established policies and rules on the management and strategic use of data from within and outside the company, thereby strengthening the internal management system concerning matters such as the confidentiality of telecommunications and the handling of personal information. Additionally, as it develops business in Japan and overseas, SoftBank Corp. undertakes the necessary responses to laws and regulations concerning the protection of personal information and related matters in each country.

To maintain and enhance the quality of its telecommunications services, SoftBank Corp. needs to, and systematically plans to, increase the capacity of its telecommunications networks (by securing required spectrum, for example) based on the forecast of future network traffic (communication volume). However, if the actual traffic is significantly higher than expected, or if SoftBank Corp. fails to increase network capacity in a timely manner, the quality and reliability of its services and corporate image may deteriorate, which may adversely affect its ability to retain and acquire customers. Moreover, additional capital investment may be required, which may adversely affect the business development, financial position and results of operations of SoftBank Corp.

If human error, equipment or system problems, cyberattacks by third parties, hacking or other unauthorized access occurs in the various services provided by SoftBank Corp., such as telecommunications networks and systems for customers, there is a possibility that a serious problem could occur, including an inability to provide services continuously or a decline in the quality of services. SoftBank Corp. has taken measures such as building redundancy into systems, clearly defining restoration procedures in preparation for incidents such as system faults, and creating appropriate capabilities that facilitate rapid recovery from system faults and similar problems should they occur. Even with these measures in place, if such disruptions or a decline in quality are not avoided and/or if significant time is required to restore services, SoftBank Corp.’s credibility or corporate image could deteriorate, making it difficult to retain and acquire customers. This could adversely affect SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position and results of operations.

SoftBank Corp. constructs and maintains telecommunications networks, information systems, and other systems necessary for the provision of various services, including internet and telecommunications services. In the past few years, there has been a heightened risk of sustaining damage from major natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, owing to factors such as the increased likelihood of the occurrence of a Nankai Trough earthquake or an earthquake directly under the Tokyo metropolitan area and the progression of climate change. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall, or volcanic activity; the amplification of those natural disasters due to climate change in recent years; other unexpected disruptions such as fires or power outages or shortages; and unpredictable events such as terrorist attacks or the spread of infectious diseases could interfere with the normal operation of telecommunications networks, information systems, and other systems. This could hinder the provision of various services by SoftBank Corp. In order to ensure that it can provide a stable telecommunications environment even in the aforementioned circumstances, SoftBank Corp. has introduced measures to build redundancy into networks and mitigate power outages at network centers and base stations. In addition, SoftBank Corp. has implemented measures such as strategically placing network centers, data centers, and other key facilities throughout Japan, as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the aforementioned circumstances on the provision of various services. Even with these measures in place, if the provision of various services is hindered, and these impacts become widespread and/or if significant time is required to restore services, SoftBank Corp.’s credibility or corporate image could deteriorate, making it difficult to retain and acquire customers. Moreover, significant costs may be incurred by SoftBank Corp. for recovery and repair of telecommunications networks, information systems, and other systems. This could adversely affect SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position and results of operations.

SoftBank Corp. consigns certain sales activities, retention and acquisition of customers, and network construction and maintenance mainly for telecommunications services, and execution of other related operations in whole or part to subcontractors. In addition, SoftBank Corp.’s information search services make use of other companies’ search engines and paid search advertising placement systems. When selecting suppliers, including subcontractors, SoftBank Corp. evaluates and selects suppliers in accordance with its purchasing rules. At the time of commencement of new business transactions, SoftBank Corp. concludes a basic contract for business transactions that incorporates its Supplier Ethics and Rules of Conduct. Even after commencement of business transactions, SoftBank Corp. strives to reduce risks in the supply chain by establishing a PDCA cycle that includes conducting risk assessments through sustainability procurement surveys, assessing suppliers and identifying issues, and conducting interviews with suppliers. If these subcontractors (including officers and employees and related parties) are unable to execute operations in line with SoftBank Corp’s expectations, or if they cause problems involving human rights violations, such as the unauthorized acquisition of information concerning SoftBank Corp. and its customers, or the use of such information for purposes other than intended, SoftBank Corp.’s business development could be adversely affected.
As these subcontractors carry SoftBank Corp’s services and products, damage to the credibility or corporate image of these subcontractors due to events like those described above would also have a negative impact on SoftBank Corp.’s credibility or corporate image, which could affect the retention and acquisition of customers. As a result, SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Furthermore, if these subcontractors should commit any acts in breach of laws and regulations, SoftBank Corp. could be investigated and held accountable for non-fulfillment of its supervisory responsibility by, for example, receiving a warning or administrative guidance from the relevant regulatory authorities. SoftBank Corp.’s credibility or corporate image could deteriorate as a result, making it difficult to retain and acquire customers. Consequently, SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

SoftBank Corp. makes use of certain telecommunications lines and facilities owned by other operators when constructing the telecommunications networks required for providing telecommunications services. While SoftBank Corp. uses the telecommunications lines and facilities of multiple operators, in principle, SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position, and results of operations could be adversely affected if it becomes difficult to continue to use the facilities of these operators, or if usage agreements are revised on disadvantageous terms for SoftBank Corp., by, for example, increasing utilization or connection fees for those facilities.

SoftBank Corp. procures telecommunications equipment, network devices, and so forth (including but not limited to radio equipment for mobile phone base stations, for example). As a general rule, SoftBank Corp. has adopted a policy of procuring equipment from multiple suppliers to build its network. Even so, SoftBank Corp. expects that it may remain highly dependent on specific suppliers for equipment. SoftBank Corp. may be unable to switch suppliers or equipment in a timely manner without requiring large cost outlays should problems occur with the procurement of equipment in a case where SoftBank Corp. relies heavily on a specific supplier. Such problems could include supply interruptions, delivery delays, order volume shortfalls, and defects. Suppliers may also cease to provide the maintenance and inspection services required for telecommunications equipment to maintain performance. Either of these situations could impede SoftBank Corp.’s provision of services, making it difficult to retain and acquire customers; cause SoftBank Corp. to incur additional costs for changing a supplier; or lead to a decline in sales of telecommunications equipment. This could adversely affect SoftBank Corp.’s business development, financial position and results of operations.

SBG conducts investment activities pursuant to laws, regulations, systems and so forth (“laws and regulations”) in each country. Moreover, portfolio companies conduct business activities in compliance with laws and regulations in various fields in each country. Specifically, these laws and regulations cover an expansive range of areas. Among them are laws and regulations pertaining to investments and various laws and regulations pertaining to businesses such as telecommunications services, internet advertising, e-commerce, energy, AI, robotics, ride sharing, finance and settlement services, and other corporate business activities (including but not limited to laws and regulations related to business permits, national security, import and export activities, protection of personal information and privacy, the environment, product liability, fair competition, consumer protection, anti-bribery, labor affairs, intellectual property, prevention of money laundering, taxation, and foreign exchange). SBG and its portfolio companies are affected by these laws and regulations both directly and indirectly.
Revisions to laws and regulations, the enforcement of new laws and regulations, or new interpretations and applications of laws and regulations (including amendments thereof) could hinder SBG’s investment activities or its portfolio companies’ business activities. For example, SBG may be unable to develop its investment activities and portfolio companies may be unable to develop their business activities in accordance with expectations, new investments or businesses may be restricted, or recovery of investments may be delayed or become impossible. In addition, incurring a new or increased financial burden could adversely affect SBG’s consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations. The legal department of SBG collects information on new or revised laws and regulations, mainly related to investment activities, and receives advice from outside advisers.
Furthermore, in countries and regions in which SBG or its portfolio companies conduct business activities, tax laws and regulations may be newly introduced or amended, or their interpretation or enforcement may be revised. Views differing with that of tax authorities may give rise to additional tax burdens. In these cases, SBG’s consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations or financial position could be adversely affected.
Apart from this, SBG has been undertaking measures to strengthen its Group compliance structure for complying with laws and regulations and to facilitate an improvement in the knowledge and awareness of officers and employees through training sessions and other means. In spite of such efforts, if SBG and its portfolio companies (including officers and employees) conduct activities in breach of those laws and regulations, regardless of whether they were aware of the breach or not, SBG and its portfolio companies may be subject to administrative sanctions or guidance by government agencies (including deregistration, revocation of licenses and fines), or may face cancellation of business agreements by business partners. As a result, the credibility and corporate image of SBG and its portfolio companies may be impaired, or its business activities may be hindered. In addition, SBG may incur a financial burden, which could adversely affect SBG’s results of operations and the asset value of its portfolio companies.

Infringement of SBG’s SoftBank brand by a third party could impair the corporate image or credibility of SBG and subsidiaries that employ the SoftBank brand. Additionally, infringement of the intellectual property of portfolio companies such as Arm by a third party could have a negative impact on these companies’ business development and results of operations. On the other hand, if portfolio companies were to unintentionally infringe on intellectual property rights held by a third party, such portfolio companies may be prevented from using the intellectual property or subjected to claims for compensatory damages, license fees, and so forth from the third party. In all cases, the equity value of SBG’s holdings, NAV, LTV, and consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations could be adversely affected.

SBG faces the possibility of lawsuits by third parties claiming compensatory damages for the alleged infringement of rights or benefits. These third parties may comprise shareholders (including current and past shareholders of portfolio companies), portfolio companies, customers, business partners, and employees (including current and past employees of portfolio companies). Such lawsuits could hinder SBG’s investment activities or may impair SBG’s corporate image, as well as create a financial burden that could adversely affect SBG’s consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations.

SBG believes that it is crucial to take the lead and implement essential activities to address Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) factors. SBG has a Sustainability Committee chaired by the Chief Sustainability Officer (“CSusO”), the manager responsible for sustainability. The Sustainability Committee strives to mitigate and avoid ESG risks by regularly discussing ESG-related matters and countermeasures, while strengthening ESG-related disclosure. In investment activities, SBG has adopted a Group policy of formulating management plans for evaluation processes at each investing entity and carrying out comprehensive investment evaluations, in order to analyze the opportunities and risks associated with the sustainability aspects of portfolio companies. However, SBG’s ESG activities may diverge significantly from the expectations of stakeholders. In these cases, SBG’s public approval may deteriorate and adversely affect its investment and financing activities. In addition, SBG may be unable to adequately assess the opportunities and risks associated with the sustainability aspects of portfolio companies. In these cases, portfolio companies may be unable to develop their businesses as expected. This could have the effect of reducing the equity value of SBG’s holdings.

SBG has a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who is responsible for information security. Under the leadership of the CISO, SBG identifies vulnerabilities and risks that could threaten information security, and implements information security measures focused on organizational, physical, personnel-related and technical dimensions according to risk. Through these efforts, SBG endeavors to protect its information assets.
However, even with these measures in place, SBG may be unable to completely prevent cyberattacks, hacking, computer virus infections or other forms of unauthorized access or internal misconduct. The inability to prevent such events could lead to the leakage, alteration, or loss of information, or cause other such information security incidents.
Such occurrences may impair the credibility and corporate image of SBG and its portfolio companies and may hinder their business activities. SBG and its portfolio companies may incur financial losses or additional cost outlays or other responses may be needed to address such occurrences, which could adversely affect SBG’s consolidated and non-consolidated results of operations.