OpenAI vs Anthropic: Which AI IPO Could Be the Better Stock to Buy?

TLDR

• OpenAI has filed confidentially for a U.S. IPO, targeting a valuation of up to $1 trillion
• OpenAI generated $5.7 billion in revenue in Q1 2026 but burned $3.7 billion in the same period
• Anthropic filed for its IPO on June 1, shortly after raising $65 billion at a $965 billion valuation
• Anthropic’s annualized revenue surpassed $30 billion, ahead of OpenAI’s then-disclosed $24 billion figure
• Analysts suggest Anthropic may offer a cleaner IPO entry point based on enterprise strength and revenue multiples

Both OpenAI and Anthropic have confidentially filed for U.S. IPOs, setting up one of the most watched public market events in recent memory. The two companies are often mentioned together, but they tell different stories for investors.

OpenAI is the more recognizable name. It owns ChatGPT and has built the strongest consumer AI brand in the world. Reuters reported the company could target a valuation of up to $1 trillion, with a potential listing as early as September 2026.

The company’s revenue is already large. OpenAI brought in $5.7 billion in Q1 2026 alone. But it also spent $3.7 billion in that same quarter, showing that growth is still coming at a high cost.

That spending gap is one of the main things investors will need to weigh. The brand is powerful, but the cost structure is aggressive.

OpenAI’s Consumer Strength

ChatGPT remains the most widely used AI product in the world. That reach gives OpenAI an edge in consumer mindshare that Anthropic does not have at the same scale.

OpenAI also has broad product ambitions beyond the chatbot. It is pushing into enterprise, developer tools, and platform services. That makes it a wide-ranging bet on AI adoption across many sectors.

The risk is the price. At a $1 trillion valuation, investors would be paying a large premium for future growth. That works if OpenAI stays at the top of the market. It gets harder if competition closes in.

Anthropic’s Enterprise Focus

Anthropic has taken a more focused approach. Its Claude models have gained ground in enterprise software, coding tools, and business workflows.

Reuters reported that Anthropic’s annualized revenue crossed $30 billion, ahead of OpenAI’s then-disclosed $24 billion figure. The comparison has caveats, as both companies count revenue differently, but the trend points in a clear direction.

Anthropic raised $65 billion at a valuation of roughly $965 billion before filing. That puts it close to OpenAI in private market value.

Breakingviews estimated Anthropic’s valuation implies a revenue multiple of around 30x. Depending on how OpenAI’s run-rate revenue is calculated, that could make Anthropic the less stretched of the two at IPO.

Enterprise software businesses tend to attract more stable valuations than consumer growth stories. That works in Anthropic’s favor if its revenue mix holds.

Investors focused on IPO pricing may find Anthropic the more straightforward case. Its enterprise momentum is strong and its valuation may leave slightly more room compared to OpenAI’s potential pricing.

OpenAI remains the bigger platform story with the broader consumer reach. Anthropic looks like the steadier bet if you are focused on value at entry.

Both IPOs are expected to draw heavy investor interest when they arrive.

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