However, the company noted actual earnings are significantly lower due to free web and app access, lower V3 model costs, and discounted developer rates during off-peak hours.
This is the first time the Hangzhou-based company has disclosed profit margins from inference tasks, where trained AI models generate responses or perform functions like chatbot interactions.
Authenticity and enterprise impact
Analysts say DeepSeek’s focus on scalability and efficiency is notable, but caution that it is too early to view its claims as an industry benchmark applicable to companies in or outside China.
“Also, in theory versus practice, there is a significant difference, as cost metrics are also highly subjective to geography, resources, and revenue generation,” said Neil Shah, partner & co-founder at Counterpoint Research. “However, we don’t know the purpose of these public claims, but they will definitely put pressure on Western companies to at least reveal and/or internally optimize their costs.”
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