SoftBank Group is making a significant move to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities, acquiring digital infrastructure investor DigitalBridge Group for $4 billion. This cash deal, priced at $16 per share, aims to secure crucial physical systems for advanced AI. DigitalBridge, which manages approximately $108 billion in assets like data centers, cell towers, and fiber networks, will continue to operate independently under CEO Marc Ganzi. This acquisition directly supports SoftBank's broader AI initiatives, including the ambitious Stargate project, a collaboration with OpenAI and Oracle targeting 10 gigawatts of AI computing power. The transaction is expected to finalize in the second half of 2026.Meanwhile, the AI hardware market sees dynamic shifts. AMD has shown a strong comeback in 2025, with its stock rising 80% compared to Nvidia's 35%. Its ROCm software downloads increased tenfold by November 2025, and with Nvidia's cloud GPUs reportedly sold out, AMD sees an opportunity to expand its market share. AMD's management anticipates 60% growth in its data center business by 2030. However, recent market movements saw AI stocks, including Nvidia, Palantir, and AMD, decline after Intel confirmed a $5 billion private share sale to Nvidia on December 26. Microsoft, also linked to AI spending, experienced an easing in its stock.Alphabet's stock has surged, rising 48% since September 1 and 60.5% this year, now priced over $300 per share. This growth is largely attributed to its new Gemini 3 AI model, which outperforms rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT with its multi-modal features. Alphabet also utilizes its own Tensor Processing Units for AI, despite limited production. Across the broader industry, AI startups have secured a record $150 billion in funding from various investors, signaling strong confidence in the sector. Despite this, some AI stocks like MongoDB, AppLovin, and SoundHound AI recently traded down due to profit-taking, and analysts suggest a potential slowdown in AI stock growth for 2026 as other market sectors expand. Venture capital firms are actively watching for new industrial AI applications, particularly in regions like Houston.
Key Takeaways
- SoftBank Group will acquire DigitalBridge Group for $4 billion ($16 per share) to enhance its AI infrastructure investments.
- DigitalBridge manages $108 billion in assets, including data centers and fiber networks, crucial for AI development.
- The acquisition supports SoftBank's Stargate project, a collaboration with OpenAI and Oracle aiming for 10 gigawatts of AI computing power.
- AMD's stock rose 80% in 2025, and its ROCm software downloads increased tenfold by November 2025, capitalizing on Nvidia's sold-out cloud GPUs.
- AMD's management projects 60% growth in its data center business by 2030.
- Intel completed a $5 billion private share sale to Nvidia on December 26, leading to a decline in AI stocks including Nvidia, Palantir, and Microsoft.
- Alphabet's stock surged over 60% this year, driven by its Gemini 3 AI model, which outperforms OpenAI's ChatGPT.
- Alphabet uses its own Tensor Processing Units for AI, with Google Search contributing 30-40% of its business value.
- AI startups have received a record $150 billion in funding from venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors.
- Market analysts suggest a potential slowdown in AI stock growth for 2026, with recent profit-taking observed in some tech stocks.
SoftBank Buys DigitalBridge for 4 Billion Dollars to Boost AI
SoftBank Group will acquire digital infrastructure investor DigitalBridge Group for 4 billion dollars. This deal aims to deepen SoftBank's investments in artificial intelligence. DigitalBridge manages about 108 billion dollars in assets like data centers and cell towers. Marc Ganzi will continue to lead DigitalBridge as a separate company. This acquisition supports SoftBank's larger AI initiatives, including the Stargate project with OpenAI and Oracle.
SoftBank Acquires DigitalBridge for 4 Billion Dollars
SoftBank announced it will acquire DigitalBridge for 4 billion dollars, paying 16 dollars per share. This move helps SoftBank gain control of important AI infrastructure like data centers and power systems. DigitalBridge manages 108 billion dollars in assets, including companies like Vantage Data Centers and Switch. SoftBank is also a main investor in the Stargate project, which aims to build 10 gigawatts of AI computing power. The deal should finish in late 2026.
SoftBank Buys DigitalBridge for 4 Billion Dollars to Build AI
SoftBank will buy DigitalBridge for 4 billion dollars in cash, paying 16 dollars per share. This deal adds a major digital infrastructure investor to SoftBank's AI plans. DigitalBridge, led by CEO Marc Ganzi, will continue to operate on its own and manages 108 billion dollars in assets like data centers and fiber networks. The acquisition helps SoftBank get direct access to physical systems needed for advanced AI. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
SoftBank Expands AI Investment with DigitalBridge Purchase
SoftBank Group plans to buy DigitalBridge Group for 4 billion dollars, paying 16 dollars per share in cash. This deal will help SoftBank expand its investments in data centers that support artificial intelligence. DigitalBridge backs companies like DataBank, Vantage Data Centers, and Switch, which are developing AI infrastructure. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said this strengthens the base for new AI data centers. DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi will continue to lead the company, and the deal should close in late 2026.
Will AMD Be a Top AI Stock in 2026
AMD is making a strong comeback in the AI market, with its ROCm software downloads increasing tenfold by November 2025. Nvidia's cloud GPUs are sold out, which gives AMD a chance to gain market share. AMD's management expects 60% growth in its data center business through 2030 and a 35% companywide growth rate. While AMD's stock did well in 2025, it currently trades at a higher price compared to Nvidia based on future earnings. Investors are watching to see if AMD can continue this success into 2026.
AMD's Strong AI Comeback in 2025
AMD showed a strong comeback in 2025, with its stock rising 80% compared to Nvidia's 35%. Its ROCm software has greatly improved, seeing a tenfold increase in downloads by November 2025. With Nvidia's cloud GPUs sold out, AMD has a chance to expand its market share. AMD's leaders predict 60% growth in its data center business by 2030. However, AMD's stock currently costs more than Nvidia's based on next year's earnings.
AI Stocks Fall After Intel Sells Nvidia Shares
AI stocks saw a decline today, led by Nvidia which fell about 1.7%. This happened after Intel confirmed it completed a 5 billion dollar private share sale to Nvidia on December 26. Other major AI companies like Broadcom, Palantir, and AMD also experienced drops. Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta, which are linked to AI spending, also eased. Thin trading during the holiday week likely made these market swings bigger.
AI Startups Get Record 150 Billion Dollar Funding
Large artificial intelligence startups have received a record 150 billion dollars in funding. This huge investment shows strong confidence in AI technologies. The money comes from venture capital firms, private equity, and corporate investors. This funding will boost research and development, speed up AI deployment, and create new AI products. Companies in AI infrastructure and application development are seeing significant capital.
Alphabet Stock Rises on AI Success
Alphabet stock has surged, rising 48% since September 1 and 60.5% this year, now priced over 300 dollars per share. This growth is largely due to its new Gemini 3 AI model, which outperforms rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT with its multi-modal features. Analyst Malik Ahmed Khan notes that strong performance in Google Search and Cloud is key for continued success. Alphabet also uses its own Tensor Processing Units for AI, but production is limited. Google Search still makes up 30-40% of Alphabet's business value.
S3 Ventures Watches Houston AI Startups
Austin-based S3 Ventures is closely watching Houston for new digital health and energy AI startups. A venture capitalist from the firm believes that a possible slowdown in the AI market could actually help entrepreneurs in Houston working on industrial AI applications. The firm is interested in how AI adoption is spreading across different sectors in the region.
MongoDB AppLovin SoundHound AI Stocks Fall
Stocks for MongoDB, AppLovin, and SoundHound AI all traded down today as the technology sector pulled back. Investors are taking profits after a strong market rally. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.5%, and the S&P 500 Index dropped 0.3%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a small gain of 0.2%. Investors are now looking at economic data and company earnings reports, and they are waiting for the Federal Reserve's next meeting.
Top 10 AI Stocks Under 20 Dollars
Tim Seymour of Seymour Asset Management discussed the future of AI stocks, suggesting they might slow down in 2026 as other market sectors grow. He noted that many investors are heavily invested in AI stocks, leading to recent profit-taking. This article provides a list of 10 AI stocks priced under 20 dollars that are popular with hedge funds and analysts. One example is Veritone Inc., trading at 5.03 dollars, which partners with Armada for AI computing solutions and data management.
Alphabet Shows Strong Results Amid AI Growth
Alphabet (GOOG) reported strong financial results in the third quarter of 2025, according to Artisan Partners. The company's performance contributed to a wider equity market rally. This success occurred despite changes in the AI sector and was supported by increasing investments in artificial intelligence. Strong corporate earnings and potential economic support from US fiscal policy also helped boost the market.
Sources
- SoftBank to acquire DigitalBridge for $4bn in move to deepen ties to AI
- Why SoftBank is betting $4 billion on DigitalBridge as AI infrastructure heats up
- SoftBank Buys DigitalBridge for $4B to Build Out AI Infrastructure - The National CIO Review
- News | SoftBank expands AI investment with $4 billion acquisition of DigitalBridge
- Will AMD Be a Must-Own AI Stock in 2026?
- Will AMD Be a Must-Own AI Stock in 2026?
- AI stocks slide today as Nvidia drops after Intel confirms $5 billion stake sale
- Large AI Startups Secure Record $150 Billion Funding
- Alphabet Stock Has Surged on AI Momentum. Is It Still a Buy?
- Why Austin-based S3 Ventures is keeping an eye on Houston as AI adoption spreads
- MongoDB, AppLovin, and SoundHound AI Stocks Trade Down, What You Need To Know
- 10 AI Stocks Under $20 to Buy Now
- Alphabet (GOOG) Reported Strong Results Despite AI Disruption
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