Is the business of frontier AI companies selling tokens? Value capture and equity prices

Andrew J. Peterson

Papers from arXiv.org

Abstract: We examine business models that could support frontier AI companies' valuations and the public evidence of plans to earn income beyond selling model access. Reverse cash-flow calculations for OpenAI and Anthropic yield combined year-ten revenue requirements of \$2.79 trillion or \$733 billion, depending on financial assumptions. Public documents identify proposed payments and ownership interests that could supply additional income, such as through partnerships on pharmaceuticals, robotics, or materials science. We discuss how these arrangements relate to firm boundaries and value capture.

Date: 2026-10
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