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.

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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.

Total returnAI vs ODFL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
AI -88.7% (-30.4%/yr)ODFL +76.7% (+10.0%/yr)ODFL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001kStart $100202120222023202420252026$11$177
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

MetricAIODFL
P/E ratioN/A34.64
Forward P/EN/A30.87
P/S ratio6.896.67
P/B ratio2.308.22
EV / EBITDAN/A20.44
FCF yieldN/A2.98%

Profitability

MetricAIODFL
Gross margin29.09%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

MetricAIODFL
Dividend yieldN/A0.63%
Payout ratioN/A21.97%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAIODFL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.56%4.12%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A11.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A12.67%
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.

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.