C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs The Kroger Co. (KR)

KR leads on 6 of 9 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and The Kroger Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AI vs KR

growth of $100 · last 6y
AI -88.1%KR +104.2%KR compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001kStart $100202120222023202420252026$12$204
AI KR

AI vs KR: by the numbers

  • KR is the larger company ($39.41B vs $1.56B market cap).
  • KR is profitable (0.69% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-187.95%).
  • AI grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.44% vs 2.19% CAGR).
  • KR pays a dividend (2.16% yield) while AI does not currently pay one.

Which is better, AI or KR?

Metric tally: AI 3 · KR 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthAI(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityKR(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAIKR
P/E ratio42.02
Forward P/E11.55
P/S ratio6.440.28
P/B ratio2.476.89
EV / EBITDA10.80
FCF yield8.64%

Profitability

MetricAIKR
Gross margin30.92%23.30%
Operating margin-194.86%1.28%
Net margin-187.95%0.69%
ROE-71.95%17.14%
ROIC-68.71%4.70%

Dividends

MetricAIKR
Dividend yield2.16%
Payout ratio89.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAIKR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.44%2.19%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-13.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-2.23%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-28.06%13.42%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AI or KR?
It depends on your goal. growth: AI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: KR (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, KR leads 6 to 3.
Which has grown faster, AI or KR?
Over the past five years, AI grew revenue faster — AI at a 6.44% CAGR versus KR at 2.19%.
Does AI or KR pay a bigger dividend?
KR pays a dividend (2.16% yield) while AI does not currently pay one.
Is AI or KR more profitable?
KR runs the higher net margin — AI at -187.95% versus KR at 0.69%.
Which has been the better investment, AI or KR?
Over the past 5-year, KR delivered the higher annualized total return — AI at -28.06% versus KR at 8.20%. 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 15, 2026.