C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL)
A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and Old Dominion Freight Line, 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; ODFL is classified in Industrials. 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
ODFL
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
$179.79IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AI vs ODFL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6yAI -88.7% (-30.4%/yr)ODFL +76.7% (+10.0%/yr)ODFL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AI ODFL
AI vs ODFL: by the numbers
- •ODFL is the larger company ($37.39B vs $1.60B market cap).
- •ODFL is profitable (19.44% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-192.10%).
- •ODFL grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.12% vs 3.56% CAGR).
- •ODFL pays a dividend (0.63% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AI | ODFL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 34.64 |
| Forward P/E | N/A | 30.87 |
| P/S ratio | 6.89 | 6.67 |
| P/B ratio | 2.30 | 8.22 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 20.44 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 2.98% |
Profitability
| Metric | AI | ODFL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 29.09% | 31.70% |
| Operating margin | -198.43% | 25.84% |
| Net margin | -192.10% | 19.44% |
| ROE | -64.24% | 23.95% |
| ROIC | -61.51% | 20.81% |
Dividends
| Metric | AI | ODFL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 0.63% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 21.97% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AI | ODFL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 3.56% | 4.12% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 11.14% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 12.67% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -26.86% | 4.92% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, AI or ODFL?
- Over the past five years, ODFL grew revenue faster — AI at a 3.56% CAGR versus ODFL at 4.12%.
- Does AI or ODFL pay a bigger dividend?
- ODFL pays a dividend (0.63% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is AI or ODFL more profitable?
- ODFL runs the higher net margin — AI at -192.10% versus ODFL at 19.44%.
- How have AI and ODFL total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, AI delivered -26.86% and ODFL delivered 4.92% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Old Dominion Freight Line P/E ratioOld Dominion Freight Line dividend yieldC3.ai ROEOld Dominion Freight Line ROEC3.ai operating marginOld Dominion Freight Line operating marginC3.ai revenue growthOld Dominion Freight Line revenue growthC3.ai free cash flowOld Dominion Freight Line free cash flow
C3.ai & Old Dominion Freight Line 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.