Which has grown faster, AI or POWL?

Over the past five years, POWL grew revenue faster — AI at a 3.56% CAGR versus POWL at 20.49%.

Does AI or POWL pay a bigger dividend?

POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Is AI or POWL more profitable?

POWL runs the higher net margin — AI at -192.10% versus POWL at 16.49%.

How have AI and POWL total returns compared?

Over the past 5 years, AI delivered -26.86% and POWL delivered 92.30% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs Powell Industries, Inc. (POWL)

A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and Powell Industries, 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; POWL is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

C3.ai, Inc.

$1.60B

$10.54TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

POWL

Powell Industries, Inc.

$6.65B

$182.50IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

Total return — AI vs POWL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y

AI -88.8% (-30.5%/yr)POWL +2376.7% (+70.7%/yr)POWL compounded faster over this window

Log scale — wide-divergence pair

AI POWL

AI vs POWL: by the numbers

•POWL is the larger company ($6.65B vs $1.60B market cap).
•POWL is profitable (16.49% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-192.10%).
•POWL grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.49% vs 3.56% CAGR).
•POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

Metric	AI	POWL
P/E ratio	N/A	34.98
Forward P/E	N/A	33.89
P/S ratio	6.89	5.74
P/B ratio	2.30	8.79
EV / EBITDA	N/A	25.48
FCF yield	N/A	3.67%

Profitability

Metric	AI	POWL
Gross margin	29.09%	30.08%
Operating margin	-198.43%	19.67%
Net margin	-192.10%	16.49%
ROE	-64.24%	25.24%
ROIC	-61.51%	22.63%

Dividends

Metric	AI	POWL
Dividend yield	N/A	0.20%
Payout ratio	N/A	6.87%

Growth (annualized)

Metric	AI	POWL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)	3.56%	20.49%
EPS CAGR (5Y)	N/A	59.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)	N/A	38.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)	-26.86%	92.30%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, AI or POWL?: Over the past five years, POWL grew revenue faster — AI at a 3.56% CAGR versus POWL at 20.49%.
Does AI or POWL pay a bigger dividend?: POWL pays a dividend (0.20% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is AI or POWL more profitable?: POWL runs the higher net margin — AI at -192.10% versus POWL at 16.49%.
How have AI and POWL total returns compared?: Over the past 5 years, AI delivered -26.86% and POWL delivered 92.30% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Go deeper

Full AI analysis Full POWL analysis Interactive comparison tool

Dig into the metrics

Powell Industries P/E ratio Powell Industries dividend yield C3.ai ROE Powell Industries ROE C3.ai operating margin Powell Industries operating margin C3.ai revenue growth Powell Industries revenue growth C3.ai free cash flow Powell Industries free cash flow

C3.ai & Powell Industries appear in these rankings

Fastest Revenue Growth Stocks Highest ROE Stocks Highest ROIC Stocks Highest 10-Year Total Return Stocks

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.