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.

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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.

Total returnAI vs ISRG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
AI -88.7% (-30.4%/yr)ISRG +41.3% (+5.9%/yr)ISRG compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001kStart $100202120222023202420252026$11$141
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

MetricAIISRG
P/E ratioN/A42.00
Forward P/EN/A34.18
P/S ratio6.8911.82
P/B ratio2.307.18
EV / EBITDAN/A30.16
FCF yieldN/A2.47%

Profitability

MetricAIISRG
Gross margin29.09%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)

MetricAIISRG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.56%16.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A21.51%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A14.17%
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.

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.