Finance

Masayoshi Son's Foresight: Nvidia's AI Valuation Soars to $5 Trillion

2025-11-04

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's earlier assessment that Nvidia Corporation was undervalued has been validated as the chip giant's market capitalization recently exceeded $5 trillion. This achievement underscores the significant shift in the technology landscape, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. Son's vision, articulated during a conference in late 2024, highlighted the immense potential of AI, suggesting that current market valuations barely scratch the surface of what the future holds for companies at the forefront of this revolution. His insights pointed to a future where AI would demand massive investments in infrastructure and processing power, transforming various industries and generating unprecedented wealth.

During his address at the Future Investment Initiative conference in October 2024, Masayoshi Son confidently dismissed the notion of an impending AI market bubble. He argued that the true scope of the AI economy was largely underestimated, emphasizing that companies like Nvidia were merely at the beginning of their growth trajectory. Son projected an ambitious future where artificial superintelligence would necessitate an astonishing 400 gigawatts of data center capacity and approximately 200 million AI chips, culminating in an estimated capital expenditure of $9 trillion. Despite the colossal figure, he maintained that such an investment was not excessive but rather a necessary and potentially conservative estimate for the transformative power of AI.

Son further elaborated on his perspective by asserting that the substantial investments flowing into AI were justified, particularly when considering even modest gains in real-world productivity. He challenged critics who viewed the surging interest in generative AI and semiconductor stocks as mere hype, instead framing it as a strategic investment in future economic growth. The SoftBank CEO envisioned a future dominated by four major corporations, which he referred to as the 'new GAFA'—a nod to the traditional tech giants. These companies, he predicted, could collectively generate an astounding $4 trillion in annual profits from the AI revolution. When questioned about SoftBank's aspirations to join this elite group, Son's immediate and unequivocal response was, 'Of course.' This exchange highlighted his deep conviction in the strategic importance of AI and SoftBank's ambition to be a leading player in its development and commercialization.

Today, Jensen Huang's leadership has propelled Nvidia to new heights, solidifying its status as the most valuable semiconductor company ever. This remarkable surge is primarily attributable to the escalating demand for AI accelerators and data center chips, which are critical for powering the expansive models utilized by tech behemoths such as Microsoft, Meta, and Google. Industry analysts, including Dan Ives from Wedbush, have characterized Nvidia's contributions as the very 'fuel for the AI revolution.' However, some experts, like Kevin Gordon of Schwab, have voiced caution regarding Nvidia's valuation, noting that it now represents an extraordinary 16.5% of the U.S. nominal GDP, a figure that significantly surpasses the peak valuations seen during the dot-com era, exemplified by companies like Cisco. Despite these concerns, Nvidia's stock has seen a remarkable 49.58% increase year-to-date, demonstrating robust momentum, growth, and quality across short, medium, and long-term performance metrics, as indicated by Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings.

In conclusion, Masayoshi Son's prescient observation about Nvidia's undervaluation has materialized into a reality where the company stands as a titan in the technology sector, driven by the relentless march of artificial intelligence. His detailed projections for the AI economy, including massive capital expenditures and the potential for immense profitability, have largely been confirmed by the market's response. While some analysts advise prudence regarding current valuations, the sustained demand for AI-enabling hardware suggests that the AI revolution is not merely hype but a fundamental shift in technological and economic paradigms. Nvidia's journey from being considered undervalued to achieving a $5 trillion valuation serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of AI and the foresight of visionary investors.

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