C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG)
A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and Intuitive Surgical, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: AI is classified in Technology; ISRG is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
AI
C3.ai, Inc.
$10.54TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
ISRG
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
$369.15HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AI vs ISRG
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6yAI -88.7% (-30.4%/yr)ISRG +41.3% (+5.9%/yr)ISRG compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AI ISRG
AI vs ISRG: by the numbers
- •ISRG is the larger company ($130.41B vs $1.60B market cap).
- •ISRG is profitable (28.45% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-192.10%).
- •ISRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.41% vs 3.56% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AI | ISRG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 42.00 |
| Forward P/E | N/A | 34.18 |
| P/S ratio | 6.89 | 11.82 |
| P/B ratio | 2.30 | 7.18 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 30.16 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 2.47% |
Profitability
| Metric | AI | ISRG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 29.09% | 66.68% |
| Operating margin | -198.43% | 31.28% |
| Net margin | -192.10% | 28.45% |
| ROE | -64.24% | 17.28% |
| ROIC | -61.51% | 15.11% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AI | ISRG |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 3.56% | 16.41% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 21.51% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 14.17% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -26.86% | 1.11% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, AI or ISRG?
- Over the past five years, ISRG grew revenue faster — AI at a 3.56% CAGR versus ISRG at 16.41%.
- Is AI or ISRG more profitable?
- ISRG runs the higher net margin — AI at -192.10% versus ISRG at 28.45%.
- How have AI and ISRG total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, AI delivered -26.86% and ISRG delivered 1.11% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Intuitive Surgical P/E ratioC3.ai ROEIntuitive Surgical ROEC3.ai operating marginIntuitive Surgical operating marginC3.ai revenue growthIntuitive Surgical revenue growthC3.ai free cash flowIntuitive Surgical free cash flow
C3.ai & Intuitive Surgical appear in these rankings
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 September 10, 2026.