ZACKSยท2025-06-12 15:21Core Insights - C3.ai and SoundHound AI are both focused on artificial intelligence, with C3.ai specializing in enterprise AI applications and SoundHound in voice and conversational AI technology [1][11] - Over the past three months, C3.ai's stock increased by 17.8% and SoundHound's by 9.3%, outperforming the industry average of 7.4% and the S&P 500's growth of 9.2% [2] C3.ai Overview - C3.ai is positioned as a leader in enterprise AI, offering over 130 applications that address various business challenges, including predictive maintenance and fraud detection [5][10] - The company secured a significant $450 million contract with the U.S. Air Force for its PANDA predictive maintenance platform, enhancing its presence in government sectors [6][7] - C3.ai's partner ecosystem is a key growth driver, with 73% of agreements secured through partnerships, leading to a 419% increase in partner-led bookings in Q4 fiscal 2025 [8][9] - The collaboration with Microsoft has been particularly beneficial, resulting in 28 new deals in Q4 fiscal 2025 [9] SoundHound Overview - SoundHound reported a 151% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, reaching $29.1 million, driven by strategic acquisitions and partnerships [11][16] - The Houndify platform enables voice experiences across various industries, positioning SoundHound as a competitive alternative to major tech companies [12] - Recent acquisitions, including Amelia, are expected to contribute significantly to revenue, with forecasts suggesting total revenues could exceed $150 million in 2025 [13] - SoundHound has a strong financial position with $246 million in cash and no debt, allowing for continued innovation and growth [14] Valuation Comparison - C3.ai has a forward price-to-sales ratio of 6.87, below its three-year median of 8.32 and the sector average of 5.76 [17] - SoundHound's forward earnings multiple is 21.25, above its three-year median of 12.12, indicating a higher valuation premium compared to C3.ai [18] Earnings Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for C3.ai's loss per share for fiscal 2026 has narrowed to 36 cents, while for fiscal 2027, it has narrowed to 12 cents [19] - SoundHound's loss per share estimates for 2025 have also narrowed to 16 cents [20] Conclusion - C3.ai is better positioned in the enterprise AI market with strong federal partnerships and a broad application suite, making it attractive for investors seeking sustainable growth [22][23] - SoundHound, while showing impressive revenue growth, faces competitive pressures and a higher valuation, which may impact its investment appeal [23]