SoftBank smashed profit forecasts ahead of its $100 billion fund launch

SoftBank smashed earnings forecasts as its net profits more than tripled in the first quarter.
The Japanese tech titan's gains were linked to sales of Alibaba shares.
SoftBank is preparing to launch its $100 billion investment fund, and seeking to raise cash from investors including Microsoft, Apple, and Japanese financial groups. 
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SoftBank smashed analysts' earnings expectations for the first quarter after it more than tripled net profits to a r