OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed in September 2026 that an IPO will not occur this year, citing the need to prioritize AI safety and alignment work before scaling advanced large language models. The company confidentially filed for a listing earlier but now views 2026 timing as ill-advised amid rapid capability gains and regulatory scrutiny, opting instead for a potential $30 billion private round targeting a $1.4 trillion valuation. Strong revenue growth, exceeding $40 billion annualized, bolsters its position against rivals like Anthropic, which has advanced its own IPO plans. Traders are watching for safety milestones, regulatory updates, and any shifts in competitive funding dynamics that could influence 2027 readiness.