C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN)

ALGN leads on 8 of 9 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and Align Technology, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AI vs ALGN

growth of $100 · last 6y
AI -91.6%ALGN -65.6%ALGN compounded faster
050100150Start $100202120222023202420252026$8$34
AI ALGN

AI vs ALGN: by the numbers

  • ALGN is the larger company ($12.52B vs $1.55B market cap).
  • ALGN is profitable (10.50% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-187.95%).
  • ALGN grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.78% vs 6.44% CAGR).

Which is better, AI or ALGN?

Metric tally: AI 1 · ALGN 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthALGN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityALGN(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricAIALGN
P/E ratio29.34
Forward P/E15.37
P/S ratio6.373.06
P/B ratio2.443.02
PEG ratio51.80
EV / EBITDA14.55
FCF yield5.48%

Profitability

MetricAIALGN
Gross margin30.92%67.68%
Operating margin-194.86%14.44%
Net margin-187.95%10.50%
ROE-71.95%10.36%
ROIC-68.71%9.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAIALGN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.44%7.78%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-24.16%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-29.02%-22.14%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AI or ALGN?
It depends on your goal. growth: ALGN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ALGN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ALGN leads 8 to 1.
Which has grown faster, AI or ALGN?
Over the past five years, ALGN grew revenue faster — AI at a 6.44% CAGR versus ALGN at 7.78%.
Is AI or ALGN more profitable?
ALGN runs the higher net margin — AI at -187.95% versus ALGN at 10.50%.
Which has been the better investment, AI or ALGN?
Over the past 5-year, ALGN delivered the higher annualized total return — AI at -29.02% versus ALGN at 8.29%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 13, 2026.