AI Giant Anthropic Reports $80.7 Billion Loss Amidst Data Center Backlash

Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic reported a significant net loss of $80.7 billion in the first half of 2026, largely attributed to accounting charges, as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at up to $2 trillion. The company also expressed concern over growing opposition to data centers, which could pose a risk to its business.

In a filing reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Anthropic noted that resistance to data centers has become more organized and coordinated across different jurisdictions. The company indicated that its high public profile might attract increased scrutiny to projects associated with it. Much of Anthropic's data center capacity is located in the United States, but it is also pursuing additional facilities internationally. Recent months have seen a rise in public opposition and protests against data center construction in the U.S.

Despite these concerns, Lior Prosor, a partner at Deep33 Ventures, suggested that the backlash is unlikely to derail Anthropic's IPO or significantly impede its near-term growth. Prosor explained that data centers currently in the permitting process would not be operational for several years, but acknowledged that regulatory hurdles could become a more substantial issue in the long term.

Anthropic has reportedly sought more computing capacity than its major cloud partners have been able to provide. The company faces substantial future costs for cloud computing and chip leasing, with potential additional deals under negotiation. Prosor commented that Anthropic is taking on significant risks with its large computing commitments, even as demand for AI has benefited companies that secured capacity early. He advised Anthropic to raise as much capital as possible to navigate potential challenges in a maturing market.

The substantial first-half loss, an increase from $13 billion a year prior, included approximately $72 billion in accounting charges related to changes in the valuation of convertible notes and other financing instruments. Separately, the base salaries of CEO Dario Amodei and company president Daniela Amodei in 2025 were around $655,000 each. However, when stock and option awards are included, Dario Amodei's total compensation reached approximately $18 million, and Daniela Amodei's was valued at about $16.5 million.

These compensation figures are generally in line with the median CEO pay across the S&P 500, though lower than the median for technology companies within the index, according to data cited by the Journal. The Amodei siblings could receive additional equity if certain performance milestones are met. Anthropic's co-founders have committed 80% of their stakes to philanthropy, and the company plans to allocate 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund.

Anthropic's revenue saw a substantial increase, surging to $16.3 billion in the first half of 2026 from $1.1 billion in the same period the previous year. Concurrently, computing and infrastructure expenses rose to nearly $9 billion from $2.3 billion. The company also highlighted its reliance on a limited number of large clients, with two customers accounting for about one-fifth of its revenue in the first half of the year, and anticipates this concentration will continue.

The disclosures come as Anthropic prepares to tap public investors to fund its expansion. The company declined to comment to The Journal, and The Post has sought comment from Anthropic.