C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL)

ODFL leads on 5 of 8 compared metrics.

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 June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AI vs ODFL

growth of $100 · last 6y
AI -91.6%ODFL +147.4%ODFL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001kStart $100202120222023202420252026$8$247
AI ODFL

AI vs ODFL: by the numbers

  • ODFL is the larger company ($51.11B vs $1.55B market cap).
  • ODFL is profitable (18.46% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-187.95%).
  • AI grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.44% vs 5.60% CAGR).
  • ODFL pays a dividend (0.46% yield) while AI does not currently pay one.

Which is better, AI or ODFL?

Metric tally: AI 3 · ODFL 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricAIODFL
P/E ratio51.41
Forward P/E38.80
P/S ratio6.379.43
P/B ratio2.4411.69
PEG ratio4.62
EV / EBITDA29.99
FCF yield1.98%

Profitability

MetricAIODFL
Gross margin30.92%30.91%
Operating margin-194.86%24.57%
Net margin-187.95%18.46%
ROE-71.95%22.89%
ROIC-68.71%19.91%

Dividends

MetricAIODFL
Dividend yield0.46%
Payout ratio23.51%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAIODFL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.44%5.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.53%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-29.02%14.94%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AI or ODFL?
It depends on your goal. growth: AI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ODFL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ODFL leads 5 to 3.
Which has grown faster, AI or ODFL?
Over the past five years, AI grew revenue faster — AI at a 6.44% CAGR versus ODFL at 5.60%.
Does AI or ODFL pay a bigger dividend?
ODFL pays a dividend (0.46% yield) while AI does not currently pay one.
Is AI or ODFL more profitable?
ODFL runs the higher net margin — AI at -187.95% versus ODFL at 18.46%.
Which has been the better investment, AI or ODFL?
Over the past 5-year, ODFL delivered the higher annualized total return — AI at -29.02% versus ODFL at 29.03%. 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.