OpenAI's Operating Loss Surges to Nearly $21 Billion in 2025, Leaked Financials Show

Earnings Impact 4
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Summary · why it matters

Leaked audited financial documents reveal that OpenAI's operating loss surged 138% to nearly $21 billion in 2025, up from $8.78 billion in 2024. Revenue grew 253% to $13.07 billion, but research and development costs more than doubled to $19.18 billion, while sales and marketing expenses increased fivefold to $5.73 billion. The documents, viewed by independent tech journalist Ed Zitron and independently verified by the Financial Times, also show that OpenAI paid Microsoft over $10.5 billion in 2025 for R&D, likely for training large language models. A one-time non-cash charge of $41.55 billion related to the company's transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity inflated the net loss, but operating losses remain the key concern. The financials come as OpenAI has confidentially filed for an initial public offering, at a time when many large AI companies are seeking significant capital.

Impact on stocks 1

Artificial Intelligence · 1 stocks
Microsoft Corporation
MSFT
▼ NegativeCapitalrelevance

OpenAI's large operating loss and reliance on Microsoft for R&D funding may raise concerns about Microsoft's investment returns.

Theme Impact 1

Off-coverage companies 1

OpenAIPrivate▼ Negative
Capitalrelevance

Operating loss surged 138% to nearly $21 billion, despite revenue growth, indicating heavy spending on R&D and sales.

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