SoundHound vs. C3.ai: Which AI Stock Has More Upside Now?

Core Insights - The article compares two AI companies, SoundHound AI and C3.ai, highlighting their contrasting financial trajectories and execution challenges amid the AI boom [1][2]. Group 1: SoundHound AI - SoundHound is experiencing rapid growth in voice AI, with its platform deployed in over 14,000 restaurant locations and significant automotive partnerships, including a recent win in China [3][4]. - The company reported a 217% year-over-year revenue increase in Q2 2025, reaching $42.7 million, and raised its full-year revenue guidance to $160–$178 million, nearly doubling 2024's revenue [5][9]. - SoundHound has diversified its client base, with no single client contributing over 10% of revenues, and strategic acquisitions are enhancing its product offerings and revenue streams [4][8]. - Despite strong revenue growth, profitability is under pressure, with GAAP gross margin at 39% and adjusted EBITDA showing a loss of $14.3 million due to rising operating expenses [6][8]. - The company maintains a solid balance sheet with approximately $230 million in cash and no debt, allowing for continued investment in growth initiatives [7][8]. - SoundHound's stock has increased by about 52% over the past three months, indicating strong market performance [15][16]. Group 2: C3.ai - C3.ai focuses on enterprise AI applications, providing a platform for large-scale implementations across various sectors, including government and manufacturing [10][12]. - The company has established a partner ecosystem, with 90% of closed deals in the recent quarter being partner-led, enhancing its market reach [11]. - However, C3.ai faced a 19% revenue decline in Q1 of fiscal 2026, with a non-GAAP operating loss of $57.8 million, attributed to weak sales execution and leadership changes [13][29]. - The company has a strong balance sheet with $711.9 million in cash and securities, providing flexibility for growth despite recent operational challenges [14]. - C3.ai's stock has decreased by 26.9% over the past three months, reflecting its struggles in the market [15][16]. Group 3: Valuation and Estimates - SoundHound's market cap is approximately $5.8 billion, with a forward price/sales ratio of 28.95, indicating high expectations for future growth [19]. - In contrast, C3.ai has a market cap of around $2.41 billion and a forward price/sales ratio of 7.52, suggesting a lower valuation compared to SoundHound [19]. - Recent estimates indicate that SoundHound's loss per share for 2025 has improved, while C3.ai's loss per share estimate has widened, reflecting differing investor sentiments [21][26].