C3.ai Stock Below 50- & 200-Day SMAs: Turnaround or More Pain?

Core Viewpoint - C3.ai, Inc. has experienced a significant decline in stock value, underperforming key industry benchmarks, and facing challenges in sustaining recent performance levels due to economic uncertainties and operational losses [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - C3.ai shares have dropped 40.8% year to date, compared to a 14.9% decline in the Zacks Computer & Technology sector and a 17% decrease in the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry [3]. - The current stock price reflects a 54.8% discount from its 52-week high of $45.08 and a 19.7$17.03 [4]. Group 2: Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for C3.ai's fiscal 2025 and 2026 loss per share has improved to 45 cents (from 62 cents) and 46 cents (from 55 cents), respectively, indicating a positive shift in analysts' sentiment [7]. - For fiscal 2025 and 2026, the sales growth estimates are 29.7% and 22.4%, respectively [8]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - C3.ai's partnerships with major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon are crucial for revenue generation, with 71% of fiscal third-quarter agreements facilitated through partner engagements [9][11]. - The collaboration with Microsoft has led to 28 new deals across nine industries, with sales cycles shortened by approximately 20% [9]. - The partnership with Amazon's AWS focuses on delivering advanced enterprise AI solutions, while a new relationship with McKinsey's QuantumBlack aims to combine strategic consulting with C3.ai's technology [10]. Group 4: Revenue Growth - C3.ai reported total revenues of $98.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, marking a 26$85.7 million [15]. - Revenue from software demonstration licenses reached $28.6 million, significantly contributing to overall revenue [15]. Group 5: Valuation and Investment Outlook - C3.ai is trading at a slight premium relative to its industry but at a discount to historical metrics, with a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 5.71X, compared to the sector's 5.39X [16]. - The current stock decline presents an attractive buying opportunity, supported by strong fundamentals, strategic partnerships, and leadership in Generative and Agentic AI [18].