OpenAI tells investors annualized revenue nears $50 billion, $20 billion below prior reports
OpenAI recently informed investors that its annualized revenue was approaching $50 billion at the end of September, roughly $20 billion below the $70 billion figure previously reported in media accounts.
According to the Financial Times, OpenAI recently informed investors that its annualized revenue was approaching $50 billion at the end of September. The updated figure is about $20 billion below the $70 billion annualized run rate reported late last month by media outlets based on documents provided to investors.[1][2][3][5][7]
A person with knowledge of the matter cited by the FT said the discrepancy arose from attempts by OpenAI's own investors to produce a direct comparison with rival Anthropic's annualized revenues. The gap reportedly stems from differing approaches to counting cloud partner revenue between the two companies. OpenAI declined to comment on the figures.[2][4]
The revised revenue level could dampen broader market optimism regarding artificial intelligence demand and raise questions about revenue trajectories amid massive infrastructure spending. The lower figure may also increase investor caution, potentially affecting future funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.[2][4][6]
Key facts
- OpenAI told investors that its annualized revenue was approaching $50 billion as of the end of September, according to the Financial Times.
- The $50 billion figure is roughly $20 billion less than the $70 billion previously reported across media outlets based on investor materials.
- A person with knowledge of the matter stated the discrepancy resulted from OpenAI's investors attempting to benchmark directly against Anthropic's annualized revenues.
- The reporting gap reportedly involves differences between OpenAI and Anthropic regarding how cloud partner revenue is calculated.
- OpenAI declined to comment on the reported revenue discrepancy.
- The lower estimates may heighten investor caution and potentially affect OpenAI's strategic partnerships and funding opportunities, per Crypto Briefing.
Sources · 8 sources
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*Walter Bloomberg@DeItaonePost on X ·
OPENAI RECENTLY TOLD INVESTORS ITS REVENUES WERE APPROACHING $50BN ON AN ANNUALISED BASIS AT END OF SEPTEMBER, FAR SHORT OF THE $70BN REPORTED - FT
Open source - CH
Chubby♨️@kimmonismusPost on X ·
OpenAI’s annualised revenue was approaching $50 billion at the end of September, rather than the previously reported $70 billion, according to the FT. "According to a person with knowledge of the matter, the discrepancy arose from attempts by OpenAI’s own investors to produce a direct comparison with Anthropic’s annualised revenues." Right now, it is not good for OpenAI to compare itself with Anthropic.
Open source - FT
Financial Times@FTPost on X ·
OpenAI annualised revenues $20bn less than previously signalled https://t.co/9QE2dJpZUW
Open source - CB
Coin Bureau@coinbureauPost on X ·
🚨JUST IN: OpenAI's annualized revenue is $20 BILLION BELOW previous reports, per FT. OpenAI told investors revenue was approaching $50 BILLION in September, well below the $70 BILLION previously reported. The gap reportedly stems from differences in how OpenAI and Anthropic count cloud partner revenue. The discrepancy raises questions about AI revenue projections amid massive infrastructure spending. OpenAI declined to comment.
Open source - TE
Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·
Docs: OpenAI told investors its annualized revenue was nearing $50B at the end of September, well below the $70B reported by media based on investor docs (Financial Times) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)
Open source - CB
Crypto BriefingArticle ·
OpenAI revenue $20B below previous estimates, raising financial concerns: FT The revised revenue figures may heighten investor caution, potentially affecting OpenAI's funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. The post OpenAI revenue $20B below previous estimates, raising financial concerns: FT appeared first on Crypto Briefing .
Open source - UW
unusual_whales@unusual_whalesPost on X ·
BREAKING: OpenAI’s annualized revenue is actually approaching $50 billion, roughly $20 billion less than the $70 billion figure widely reported by media outlets in late September 2026, per FT
Open source - EV
Evan@StockMKTNewzPost on X ·
OPENAI REPORTEDLY TOLD INVESTORS ITS REVENUES WERE APPROACHING $50 BILLION ON AN ANNUALISED BASIS AT END OF SEPTEMBER - Financial Times
Open source