Anthropic faces potential junk rating after IPO amid financial concerns

According to a report by the Financial Times, Anthropic is anticipated to receive a high 'junk' credit rating from agencies following its initial public offering. Blackstone, a major investor in Anthropic's $63 billion chip financing deal, has revised its stance, now predicting a double B rating, the highest tier of speculative 'junk' grade. Previously, Blackstone had expected an investment-grade rating before 2027. TechCrunch attempted to contact both Anthropic and Blackstone, but neither responded. The anticipated junk rating could complicate Anthropic's ability to raise funds for its ongoing high-spending operations. The company recently filed to go public, sparking discussions about its IPO's potential impact on the AI sector. Anthropic's recent spending on compute power has raised investor concerns. The FT report highlights Blackstone's shift in outlook, noting its previous confidence in an investment-grade rating. The potential junk rating may increase borrowing costs and make fundraising more challenging for the AI lab. The IPO filing has generated significant speculation about its broader implications for the AI industry.