SoftBank’s Next AI Move? DigitalBridge Rockets 46% on Takeover Buzz

Core Viewpoint - DigitalBridge's significant leasing activity and its control over power resources position it as a critical player in the AI infrastructure market, attracting interest from major investors like SoftBank [1][2][3][13] Company Performance - In Q3 2025, DigitalBridge leased a record 2.6 GW of data center capacity, representing about one-third of the U.S. hyperscale leasing market [1] - The company's Q3 GAAP revenue was reported at $3.8 million, but this figure was skewed by a $120.2 million non-cash accounting item, indicating stronger underlying performance [7] - Fee-Related Earnings (FRE) grew by 43% year-over-year, showcasing the company's ability to generate stable, recurring profits [8] Market Reaction - On December 5, shares of DigitalBridge surged by 46%, closing at $14.20, driven by reports of SoftBank's advanced acquisition talks [3][4] - The stock's valuation has been significantly impacted by the takeover interest, highlighting a shift in market perception regarding the company's value [4] Strategic Importance - DigitalBridge controls 20.9 GW of power across its global assets, providing a competitive advantage in an industry where energy access is critical [2][5] - The potential acquisition by SoftBank is seen as an acceleration strategy to gain immediate access to essential infrastructure for AI development [5] Future Scenarios for Shareholders - Scenario 1: If the acquisition succeeds, shareholders could see an immediate premium, with the stock price still below the rumored takeout range [11] - Scenario 2: If the acquisition does not materialize, the attention from SoftBank could lead to a re-evaluation of DigitalBridge's fundamentals and attract other potential buyers [12]