C3.ai, Inc. (AI) vs United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. (USLM)

A side-by-side comparison of C3.ai, Inc. and United States Lime & Minerals, 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; USLM is classified in Basic Materials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnAI vs USLM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
AI -88.8% (-30.5%/yr)USLM +417.3% (+31.5%/yr)USLM compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001kStart $100202120222023202420252026$11$517
AI USLM

AI vs USLM: by the numbers

  • USLM is the larger company ($3.38B vs $1.60B market cap).
  • USLM is profitable (35.66% net margin) while AI runs a net loss (-192.10%).
  • USLM grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.51% vs 3.56% CAGR).
  • USLM pays a dividend (0.21% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAIUSLM
P/E ratioN/A25.23
Forward P/EN/A23.38
P/S ratio6.898.97
P/B ratio2.304.86
EV / EBITDAN/A16.14
FCF yieldN/A2.72%

Profitability

MetricAIUSLM
Gross margin29.09%48.46%
Operating margin-198.43%42.11%
Net margin-192.10%35.66%
ROE-64.24%19.32%
ROIC-61.51%16.98%

Dividends

MetricAIUSLM
Dividend yieldN/A0.21%
Payout ratioN/A5.14%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAIUSLM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.56%16.51%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A36.22%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A21.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-26.86%33.71%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, AI or USLM?
Over the past five years, USLM grew revenue faster — AI at a 3.56% CAGR versus USLM at 16.51%.
Does AI or USLM pay a bigger dividend?
USLM pays a dividend (0.21% yield), while AI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is AI or USLM more profitable?
USLM runs the higher net margin — AI at -192.10% versus USLM at 35.66%.
How have AI and USLM total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, AI delivered -26.86% and USLM delivered 33.71% 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.