S&P: SoftBank Group Upgraded to 'BB+'

The logo of SoftBank Group Corp is displayed at SoftBank World 2017 conference in Tokyo, Japan, July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
The logo of SoftBank Group Corp is displayed at SoftBank World 2017 conference in Tokyo, Japan, July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
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S&P: SoftBank Group Upgraded to 'BB+'

The logo of SoftBank Group Corp is displayed at SoftBank World 2017 conference in Tokyo, Japan, July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
The logo of SoftBank Group Corp is displayed at SoftBank World 2017 conference in Tokyo, Japan, July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo

Credit ratings agency S&P said SoftBank Group was upgraded to 'BB+' and subordinated debt to 'B+' on improvement in asset Quality. According to the agency, the outlook is stable for the next one to two years.

SoftBank Group is likely to continue to stabilize its investment income and improve the quality of its investment portfolio to a greater degree than we had forecast, S&P said.

"We expect the company to maintain investment portfolio quality and steady key financial metrics at around their current range over the next one to two years by managing with a degree of discipline, even as it increases risky new growth investments."

S&P also raised the long-term issuer credit rating on Softbank Group to 'BB+' from 'BB'. It also raised to 'B+' from 'B' their rating on the company's subordinated debt.

"The outlook is stable, reflecting our expectation that the company can maintain a relatively stable financial position over the next year or so."



Saudi Industry Minister Explores Latest Mining Technologies at MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)
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Saudi Industry Minister Explores Latest Mining Technologies at MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visits the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef visited the MINExpo International 2024 Las Vegas, the largest mining exhibition in the world.

He reviewed the latest technologies in mining operations and discussed the most promising opportunities in the mining sector with participating global mining companies, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.

He was accompanied by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer.

Alkhorayef visited the Saudi pavilion during the tour of the exhibition that is organized by the National Mining Association (NMA). The exhibition features several prominent Saudi mining companies alongside the National Industrial Development Center.

Alkhorayef met with several leading global mining companies. He explored collaboration opportunities in the mining sector, highlighting the relative advantages of investing in mining in Saudi Arabia.

Since 1996, the MINExpo has been held every four years and attracts the leading mining companies from around the world. It showcases all mining operations' latest technologies and equipment, including safety equipment, drilling machinery, and mineral exploration machines.

The exhibition serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and the latest innovations in the mining sector, fostering effective partnerships between government and private institutions interested in mining.

Its events and exhibits cover all mining sectors, including precious metals, non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals, industrial minerals, stone and quarry mining, sand, gravel, and coal.

Alkhorayef is on an official trip to the US that aims to develop industrial and mining cooperation, strengthen bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia, and attract quality investments to the Kingdom. The visit also explores mutual investment opportunities in promising industrial sectors, particularly aviation and space.