C3.ai Inc vs Paycom Software Inc — how do they compare? C3.ai Inc trades at $10.58 (market cap $1.59B), while Paycom Software Inc trades at $211 (market cap $9.62B). The key difference: Paycom Software Inc is far larger — about 6.1× C3.ai Inc's market cap, and Paycom Software Inc pays a 0.7% dividend while C3.ai Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AI | PAYC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $1.59B | $9.62B |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $19.66 | $233.89 |
52-Week Low | $7.76 | $113.59 |
Enterprise Value | $1.02B | $10.41B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.7% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
C3.ai (AI) trades at $10.22, up 3.65% with a bullish technical signal. The company shows revenue growth to $389M in 2025 but continues significant losses with a -187.95% net income margin. Recent recognition as a leader in AI platforms by Forrester Research (August 10, 2026) provides positive momentum, though cash flow remains negative. Analyst consensus is mixed with 21% buy ratings and a $10.20 price target slightly below current levels.
The outlook remains challenging with persistent losses offset by strong market positioning in enterprise AI. Investment opportunity lies in the company's leadership recognition and sector growth potential, while risks include unsustainable cash burn and competitive pressures. The stock faces near-term resistance at $11 with support at $10.
Paycom Software (PAYC) trades at $214.94, down 0.48% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The stock exhibits strong fundamentals, including a 22.78% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, most recently with Q2 2026 EPS of $2.78 versus $2.38 expected. Recent news highlights AI-driven demand and raised 2026 guidance, fueling positive sentiment.
Outlook remains favorable due to robust profitability and growth initiatives, though risks include high valuation multiples and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $219.22 price target, suggesting modest upside potential from current levels amid balanced buy/hold ratings.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
C3.ai Inc is an enterprise artificial intelligence company. The company provides software-as-a-service applications that enable customers to rapidly develop, deploy, and operate large-scale Enterprise AI applications across any infrastructure. It provides solutions under three divisions namely, The C3 AI Suite, is a comprehensive application development and runtime environment that is designed to allow customers to rapidly design, develop, and deploy Enterprise AI applications of any type
Read more on AI →Paycom is a fast-growing provider of payroll and human capital management, or HCM, software primarily targeting clients with 50-10,000 employees in the United States. Paycom was established in 1998 and services about 18,000 clients as of 2021, based on parent company grouping. Alongside its core payroll software, Paycom offers various HCM add-on modules, including time and attendance, talent management, and benefits administration.
Read more on PAYC →