Zoom is back in the market spotlight after its early investment in Anthropic turned into a major AI windfall. As of May 23, 2026, Zoom Video Communications Inc. has recorded a return exceeding $1 billion from a strategic AI bet made through Zoom Ventures in May 2023.
The original investment was about $51 million, while the holding is now valued at nearly $1.3 billion, according to recent filing-based reports. That marks a sharp gain for a company better known for meetings, webinars, and enterprise communication tools.
The timing also matters. Zoom reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue of $1.239 billion, up 5.5% year over year. Enterprise revenue reached $755.7 million, rising 7.2%, while online revenue came in at $483.3 million, up 2.8%. The stock closed at $105.64 on May 22, 2026, gaining $8.89, or 9.19%, during the session.
Zoom’s Anthropic Stake Delivers a Major AI Windfall
A $51 Million Bet Becomes a Billion-Dollar Asset
Zoom made its Anthropic investment in May 2023 through Zoom Ventures. The stake was not just financial. It also supported Zoom’s plan to integrate Claude’s large language models into its federated AI architecture. That approach lets Zoom use different AI models across products, rather than relying on only one provider.
The value change is striking. A roughly $51 million investment now stands near $1.3 billion. That implies a gain of more than $1 billion before any new valuation increase from Anthropic’s next funding round. For Zoom, this creates a balance-sheet asset that is separate from its core subscription revenue.
Key numbers behind the Anthropic gain include:
- Initial investment: about $51 million in May 2023.
- Current reported value: nearly $1.3 billion.
- Reported gain: more than $1 billion.
- Strategic purpose: Claude integration across Zoom’s AI platform.
- Funding catalyst: Anthropic’s expected fresh capital raise.
This matters because Zoom’s AI strategy now has both product and financial value. The Anthropic position strengthens the company’s AI credibility at a time when enterprise software buyers are demanding automation, summaries, and productivity tools.
Anthropic Funding Round Could Lift the Valuation Story
Anthropic is reportedly preparing a new funding round that could close as early as next week. Reports say the AI startup is seeking up to $30 billion at a total company valuation of $900 billion. Sequoia Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, Altimeter Capital, and Greenoaks Capital Partners are expected to co-lead the round with $2 billion contributions each.
Existing backers, including Founders Fund and General Catalyst, are also expected to participate. If the round closes near the reported valuation, Zoom’s minority holding may receive another markup. That would make the Anthropic stake even more important inside Zoom’s broader financial picture.
Zoom Q1 Results Show Core Business Improvement
Revenue, Margins, and Enterprise Growth Beat Expectations
Zoom’s Anthropic gain would matter less if the core business were weak. But the latest quarter showed steady operating progress. First-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue reached $1.239 billion, up 5.5% year over year. Constant-currency revenue was $1.2288 billion, rising 4.6%.
Enterprise revenue reached $755.7 million, up 7.2%, while online revenue rose 2.8% to $483.3 million. Zoom also reported a GAAP operating margin of 25.1%, up 450 basis points from last year. Non-GAAP operating margin reached 41.1%, improving 130 basis points.
The company’s enterprise net dollar expansion rate improved to 99%, compared with 98% in the same quarter last year. That shows customer retention and expansion are stabilizing after years of slower post-pandemic growth. Zoom still faces competition from Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and other collaboration platforms, but the numbers show better execution.
Guidance and Buyback Add More Context
Management Raised Full-Year Expectations
Zoom also raised its full-year fiscal 2027 outlook after the earnings beat. Management now expects adjusted earnings of $5.96 to $6.00 per share. Total revenue guidance stands between $5.08 billion and $5.09 billion. For the fiscal second quarter, Zoom expects revenue between $1.265 billion and $1.27 billion, with adjusted EPS between $1.45 and $1.47.
The company also authorized a new $1 billion share buyback program. That buyback gives management another tool to manage capital while AI-related assets grow in value. It also signals confidence in cash generation, even as Zoom spends on product development and AI expansion.
Important current figures include:
- Q1 fiscal 2027 revenue: $1.239 billion.
- Q1 adjusted EPS: $1.55.
- Enterprise revenue: $755.7 million.
- Online revenue: $483.3 million.
- Full-year revenue guidance: $5.08 billion to $5.09 billion.
- Full-year adjusted EPS guidance: $5.96 to $6.00.
- New buyback authorization: $1 billion.
Zoom Stock Reaction and Analyst Updates
Shares Jumped After Earnings and AI Stake News
Zoom shares closed at $105.64 on May 22, 2026, up 9.19% for the session. The stock opened at $108.50, reached a high of $113.73, and touched a low of $105.09. Volume reached 9,632,558 shares, which showed heavy market attention after the earnings update and Anthropic reports.
Wall Street also responded quickly. Morgan Stanley raised its target to $105 from $92. Rosenblatt lifted its target to $130 from $115. Benchmark increased its target to $125 from $121. These moves reflected stronger earnings, improved guidance, and the added value of Zoom’s Anthropic exposure.
Still, the market reaction should be viewed with balance. The Anthropic holding is a private company stake, so its value can change with future funding terms. Zoom’s core business still needs steady enterprise growth to support long-term revenue momentum. The AI windfall improves the story, but execution remains important.
Conclusion
Zoom’s $1 billion-plus Anthropic gain has changed how the market views the company’s AI position. The original $51 million investment now carries major strategic and financial weight, especially as Anthropic seeks fresh funding at a reported $900 billion valuation. At the same time, Zoom’s first-quarter fiscal 2027 results showed real business progress, with revenue up 5.5% and enterprise revenue up 7.2%.
Disclaimer:
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