Zoom Zoomed: How an AI Investment Could Multiply Stock Value

On a recent Monday, shares of Zoom Video Communications zoomed higher, gaining more than 11% as investors reacted to an analyst's take on the company's hidden AI asset. That asset—a strategic stake in Anthropic, the company behind the prominent Claude AI platform—could be worth significantly more than what Zoom initially invested, opening a potential windfall scenario.

A Strategic Position in a Rising AI Star

Back in May 2023, Zoom made a prescient move by investing in and partnering with Anthropic, even as the broader AI investment landscape remained uncertain. The deal wasn't heavily publicized at the time, with few details released about the financial terms. However, on Monday, analyst William Power from Baird published research suggesting that Zoom's commitment to Anthropic represented a $51 million investment, which placed the company's stake in an intriguing light when evaluated against Anthropic's estimated $350 billion valuation.

The mathematics caught investors' attention: if Anthropic's valuation holds and Zoom retains its ownership percentage, the company's stake could potentially be worth anywhere from $2 billion to $4 billion—a substantial multiple of the original investment. This possibility alone was enough to drive a meaningful rally in Zoom's stock price.

$51 Million Investment, Billions in Potential

What makes this scenario particularly compelling is the trajectory of Anthropic itself. Claude, the AI platform developed by Anthropic, has gained significant traction in the competitive AI landscape. The company has begun signaling its intentions toward going public, including reportedly hiring advisors experienced in IPO processes. While Anthropic management hasn't announced concrete plans yet, the company's moves suggest that a public offering is increasingly likely rather than speculative.

Should Anthropic proceed with an IPO, the event would likely generate enormous market interest. As a pure-play AI company with a well-regarded AI product, Anthropic would probably be positioned as a marquee offering—similar to how major technology IPOs have captured investor enthusiasm in the past.

The IPO Question and What It Means for Zoom

Historically, early investment in pre-IPO companies can generate remarkable returns. Baird's analysis highlights this potential in Zoom's case. While the analyst emphasized that organic business growth should remain the primary consideration when evaluating any stock investment, the possibility of a significant near-term catalyst cannot be ignored.

The analyst's note essentially reframes how investors should think about Zoom's valuation. Rather than viewing the company solely through the lens of its core teleconferencing business, there's now a concrete reason to account for what could become a transformative financial event if Anthropic's public debut materializes within the next couple of years.

Evaluating the Investment Case

It's worth noting that Motley Fool Stock Advisor analysts have identified what they view as more attractive opportunities for investors right now, and Zoom Communications did not make that list. Historically, when Motley Fool identified Netflix in December 2004, a $1,000 investment at that recommendation would have grown to $464,439 by January 26, 2026. Similarly, Nvidia, recommended in April 2005, turned a $1,000 investment into $1,150,455 over the same period.

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor portfolio has delivered average returns of 949% compared to the S&P 500's 195%, demonstrating the potential value of expert stock selection. The recent surge in Zoom's stock zoomed the conversation back to the company, reminding investors that hidden assets and strategic partnerships can unlock significant value when the right catalyst emerges.

Before making any investment decision in Zoom Communications or any stock, it's prudent to consider both the company's core business fundamentals and potential catalysts like the Anthropic stake. The analyst community continues to evolve its perspective on how to value these hidden assets, and investors should stay informed as developments unfold around Anthropic's trajectory and potential public market entry.

*Stock Advisor returns as of January 26, 2026.