Should I buy C3.ai stock in 2025? NZ perspective

What is C3.ai?

How much is the C3.ai stock?

The price of C3.ai stock is rising this week. As of now, the stock trades at $27.80 USD, up 20.76% over the past 24 hours and gaining 27.11% for the week. C3.ai holds a market capitalisation of $3.69 billion, with a 3-month average daily volume of 4,775,883 shares.

The P/E ratio is currently not available as the company is not yet profitable, and there is no dividend yield (0.00%). The stock beta stands at 1.96, signalling relatively high volatility—an important factor for NZ investors considering opportunities in the dynamic AI sector.

Our complete analysis of the C3.ai stock

After an in-depth review of C3.ai’s most recent financial results and a thorough assessment of the stock’s trajectory over the past three years, our integrated models—built upon financial metrics, technical analysis, market sentiment, and a comparative sector framework—deliver unique insight into this next-generation AI pure play. Drawing upon an array of proprietary and third-party sources, this analysis seeks to illuminate why C3.ai stock may be emerging as a strategic entry point into the AI software sector for 2025 and beyond.

Recent Performance and Market Context

C3.ai (NYSE: AI) has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid a rapidly evolving AI landscape. On 30 May 2025, the company closed at USD $27.80, registering a stunning daily surge of +20.76% (+$4.78) and a robust weekly gain of +27.11%. The 12-month return stands at +16.22%, a notable outperformance compared to many software peers, especially considering a more volatile six-month drawdown of -25.23%. This recent price trajectory signals renewed investor interest, underpinned by tangible operational achievements.

Several notable catalysts have informed this upswing. The Q4 2025 earnings release revealed 26% year-on-year revenue growth and a narrower than anticipated non-GAAP loss per share (-$0.16 vs. expectations of -$0.21). These figures not only surpassed consensus estimates but also signaled a meaningful stride towards operating efficiency. Moreover, major contract renewals and strategic partnerships—including Baker Hughes (extended through 2028), an expanded US Air Force contract ($450 million ceiling for the PANDA platform), and significant alliances with Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud—underscore C3.ai’s increasingly entrenched position at the heart of enterprise AI adoption.

From a macro perspective, the global momentum behind artificial intelligence remains intense. Investment and demand for robust, enterprise-grade AI platforms are accelerating, reinforced by stable regulatory frameworks in New Zealand, Australasia, and key international markets. This fortifies the outlook for listed AI-focused technology firms and justifies a constructive stance.

Technical Analysis

Recent markers on the C3.ai chart reinforce a positive tactical setup.

• Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 51.89 denotes a neutral stance, suggesting the sharp rebound has not yet led to overbought conditions—leaving room for further upside.
• MACD (12,26,9) at 0.33 has turned positive, confirming a fresh buy signal and highlighting a change in the momentum regime.
• Moving averages: Both the 20-day ($22.97) and 50-day ($21.90) moving averages now serve as support, underscoring bullish short- to mid-term structure. Price robustly crossing above these levels in high volume further validates this dynamic.
• Support zone: $22.14–$22.70, recently tested and held, offering a technically solid base.
• Resistance: Anticipated at $24.48–$25.04, but recent action suggests this former ceiling has transitioned to support, with room toward higher targets.

The 100-day and 200-day averages ($25.72 and $27.05 respectively) are in play, and a sustained close above the 200-day average particularly could unlock renewed optimism. The 52-week price range ($17.03 – $45.08) highlights both volatility and the latent upside potential intrinsic to the name.

Collectively, the technical landscape positions C3.ai as a candidate for further appreciation, especially as buyers step in at historically significant inflection points.

Fundamental Analysis

C3.ai’s underlying fundamentals justify renewed optimism, especially given the company’s rapid transformation and outsized growth in a sector experiencing exponential expansion.

• Revenue Growth: For fiscal 2025, revenue reached $389.1 million (+25% YoY), with Q4 sales accelerating to $108.7 million (+26% YoY). Subscription revenue, the recurring core, advanced 9% YoY—indicative of substantial client stickiness.
• Profitability Trajectory: While still operating at a net loss (GAAP EPS: -$0.60), the narrowing of the non-GAAP loss per share is noteworthy. Importantly, the gross margin remains robust (70% non-GAAP), underscoring the underlying scalability of the model as topline expansion persists.
• Cash Position: A formidable $742.7 million in cash and equivalents offers ample runway for R&D, strategic ventures, and resilience through cycles—critical in a high-growth, innovation-driven industry.
• Valuation Context: While the price-to-sales ratio (9.22x) suggests a premium to broad software sector averages, it is justified by the enterprise’s strong growth visibility, sector leadership, and rarefied competitive moat. The beta of 1.96 highlights volatility, rewarding risk-tolerant investors with potential for significant return.
• Structural Advantages: With >130 enterprise AI applications, an entrenched seat at the table with technology megacaps, and presence in 19 different verticals, C3.ai effectively hedges concentration risk while harvesting diversified sectoral growth. The 38% YoY increase in new agreements (264 signed in 2025) and leadership in agentic AI innovation sustain this view.

The leadership under founder and CEO Thomas Siebel, coupled with an agile partnership-driven model (73% of agreements via partners), further serves to multiply scale and global reach—key attributes for long-term compounding.

Volume and Liquidity

The recent trading session featured 53.7 million shares exchanged, nearly 10x the three-month average (4.77 million), signaling extraordinary institutional and retail conviction. Such sustained surges in volume, particularly on positive earnings and key contract news, often reflect the start of a new momentum phase, as market participants reposition for anticipated growth.

With 132.74 million shares outstanding and a public float of ~117.4 million, the stock maintains a high degree of liquidity. This dynamic float structure is conducive to healthy price discovery and supports dynamic valuation readjustments, offering nimble investors and larger funds ample scope to build or rebalance positions efficiently.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Multiple forward-looking catalysts stand to underpin C3.ai’s upside scenario:

• AI Generative Platform Expansion: With generative AI revenue doubling in 2025, C3.ai is well-positioned to capture demand from both commercial and public sectors aiming to deploy intelligent automation.
• Broad Market Diversification: Activity now spans 19 industries, from energy to defence, financial services to logistics. Such sectoral breadth reduces idiosyncratic risk and opens doors to vast addressable markets.
• Landmark Strategic Partnerships: The rekindled Baker Hughes agreement, US Air Force contract expansion, and deep technical integrations with Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud build enterprise stickiness and credibility.
• Product and Innovation Pipeline: The launch of C3 Agentic AI and continued expansion of the application suite set the stage for further growth. These advances place C3.ai at the bleeding edge of real-world enterprise AI adoption.
• Upbeat 2026 Guidance: Leadership projects annual revenue of $447.5–$484.5 million, translating to 15–25% growth, in line with and often exceeding global AI software benchmarks.

The confluence of technological, financial, and operational strengths situates C3.ai in a compelling position as a core holding for those aiming to participate in the ongoing AI revolution.

Investment Strategies

C3.ai’s stock structure and near-term operational developments support a variety of portfolio strategies, each capitalising on unique aspects of its risk–reward profile:

• Short-term:
• Recent technical triggers (MACD crossover, RSI in neutral zone, price break above short-term moving averages) suggest a tactical opportunity for those targeting momentum trades or earnings chase strategies.
• Placement just above key support zones ($22.14–$22.70) now converted to a springboard for further moves.
• Medium-term:
• With the robust pipeline of sectoral deployments, substantial upcoming contract milestones, and the prospect of operating leverage as revenues expand—and with the consensus price target ($29.58) and an upside scenario projecting towards $36—the current entry price appears attractively positioned ahead of further confirmation of financial guidance delivery.
• Long-term:
• C3.ai’s dominant position in enterprise AI, high-profile partnerships, and deep product innovation create a compelling thesis for buy-and-hold investors seeking to capture transformative growth over the next market cycle.
• The ample cash position and strong strategic roadmap provide not only operational flexibility but the means to weather cyclical software valuations.

Given the cloud of volatility attendant to early-stage AI leaders, disciplined position sizing and risk management remain crucial. Nevertheless, the base case supports adding on technical lows or ahead of key anticipated catalysts (product launches, earnings, regulatory clarifications).

Is it the Right Time to Buy C3.ai?

Combining powerful recent momentum with increasingly robust financial and strategic footing, C3.ai appears to be entering a new bullish phase in 2025. Key strengths include:

• Accelerating revenue growth well above sector averages
• Industry-leading partnerships and sectoral diversification
• Strong innovation track record in enterprise AI
• Large, liquid float and robust trading volumes reflecting heightened investor interest
• Solid fundamental outlook supported by ample cash reserves and improved operating efficiency

While valuation remains elevated, it is justified by both C3.ai’s unique positioning and the extraordinary potential for AI to redefine multiple industries globally—including in Australasia and New Zealand, where digital transformation remains a high-priority agenda. The current technical structure, reinforced by impressive recent results and diverse partnerships, seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors to consider exposure to a company at the epicenter of AI’s next wave.

For those seeking to benefit from the structural growth of artificial intelligence, C3.ai’s stock may be entering a new period of outperformance—making the present moment particularly attractive for thoughtful, risk-informed allocation. The convergence of technical, fundamental, and thematic strengths positions C3.ai as a standout opportunity within the global technology universe.

Ultimately, in the fast-evolving world of enterprise AI, C3.ai stands out as a prime candidate for investors seeking innovative growth, exposure to secular megatrends, and robust capital market support—attributes that argue convincingly for careful consideration in any forward-looking technology portfolio.

How to buy C3.ai stock in New Zealand?

Buying C3.ai shares online is simple and secure for New Zealand investors when using a regulated broker. You can directly purchase C3.ai stock ("spot buying") to become a shareholder, or trade C3.ai via Contracts for Difference (CFDs) to benefit from price movements without owning the shares. Each method has unique advantages depending on your strategy and risk profile. Below, we break down both buying options in detail, followed by a comparison of different brokers further down the page to help you make an informed choice.

Cash buying

A cash, or "spot," purchase of C3.ai shares involves buying the stock outright on the NYSE. This makes you a direct shareholder, giving you exposure to any price movement (up or down) and the right to any future dividends (though C3.ai does not currently pay dividends). New Zealand brokers offering access to US shares typically charge a fixed commission per trade—commonly around NZ$5–10.

Example with a NZ$1,000 investment

Suppose the C3.ai share price is US$27.80 and the current NZD/USD rate is 0.62 (NZ$1 = US$0.62), so NZ$1,000 = US$620.
Without factoring in minor currency conversion fees and a standard $5 commission, you could buy approx. 22 shares (US$27.80 × 22 = US$611.60 + US$5 fee = US$616.60).

✔️ Gain scenario:
If C3.ai’s share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth around NZ$1,100.
Result: That’s a NZ$100 gross gain—a +10% return on your investment (before currency fluctuation and any taxes or additional fees).

Trading via CFD

CFD trading allows you to speculate on the price movement of C3.ai shares without actually owning the underlying stock. With CFDs, you can use leverage—meaning with a smaller deposit you can gain larger market exposure. Instead of a commission, CFD providers earn through the "spread" (the difference between buy and sell prices) and may charge overnight financing if you hold positions open beyond a day.

Example with NZ$1,000 and 5x leverage

You commit NZ$1,000 as a margin, giving you exposure to NZ$5,000 worth of C3.ai shares.
If the stock price rises by 8%, your total position gain is 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: That’s a NZ$400 gain on your original NZ$1,000 (excluding spread and overnight fees).

Final advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare broker fees, minimum investment, access to US shares, and support for NZD funding. Some platforms charge higher FX fees or offer better execution than others. Your choice between spot buying and CFD trading should depend on your investment horizon, risk appetite, and objectives. For a tailored overview, consult our detailed broker comparator further down the page. With the right broker and method, accessing C3.ai stock is more accessible than ever for New Zealand investors.

Our 7 tips for buying C3.ai stock

The latest news about C3.ai

The C3.ai stock surged over 27% in the past week, driven by strong Q4 fiscal results. The company reported Q4 2025 revenue of $108.7 million, an increase of 26% year-over-year, with subscription revenues up 9%. Net loss per share (non-GAAP) was -$0.16, beating analyst expectations of -$0.21. The company’s annual revenue reached $389.1 million, up 25% from the prior year, with strong cash reserves totaling $742.7 million. This financial outperformance triggered a large jump in trading volume to over 53 million shares in a single day, well above the 3-month daily average, signaling a renewed optimism among investors. This positive earnings surprise is particularly relevant to New Zealand investors who are exposed to global technology trends and U.S. equity market performance via managed funds, ETFs, or direct overseas holdings.

C3.ai renewed and expanded several key strategic partnerships, strengthening long-term business prospects. The company renewed its partnership with industrial giant Baker Hughes until June 2028 and expanded its contract with the U.S. Air Force, raising the deal ceiling for the PANDA platform to $450 million. New partnerships were also formed with major technology leaders including Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, and McKinsey QuantumBlack, underpinning C3.ai’s integration into the global AI ecosystem. These alliances support C3.ai’s continued innovation and enterprise adoption, factors of interest for New Zealand institutional investors seeking exposure to leading-edge AI platforms through international equities.

Technical indicators have turned positive, with strong buy signals from short-term moving averages and MACD. As of 30 May 2025, the 20-day and 50-day moving averages both signal buy, while the MACD (0.33) also confirms a bullish outlook. The stock has rebounded well above its key resistance levels, closing at $27.80, after briefly trading much higher earlier in the year. This renewed upward momentum, supported by high trading volumes, aligns with the incremental adoption of AI technology in Australia and New Zealand, suggesting the potential for regional market interest in C3.ai’s performance.

C3.ai’s guidance for fiscal 2026 remains robust, with projected revenue growth of 15-25% and market sentiment optimistic. The company forecasts revenues between $447.5 and $484.5 million for FY2026, building on its momentum in generative AI (100% growth in 2025) and diversification across 19 industries. Analyst consensus price target stands at $29.58, offering additional upside. C3.ai also reported a 38% increase in new customer agreements in 2025, reinforcing confidence in its commercial pipeline. For New Zealand market participants with a strategic focus on high-growth, innovation-led companies, this outlook may strengthen the case for C3.ai exposure in global thematic funds.

C3.ai’s strategic expansion and innovation in enterprise AI position it as a key player in the sector, relevant for NZ investors tracking digital transformation trends. With more than 130 enterprise AI applications and a focus on “agentic AI” platforms, C3.ai is recognized as a leader in enterprise software infrastructure. Its partnerships with cloud giants, strong cash position, and rapid contract signings enhance its global footprint, increasing its relevance to New Zealand investors monitoring global digital transformation. Access to C3.ai remains available on the NZX via overseas custody services, and large KiwiSaver schemes may already hold U.S. AI innovators in portfolios, making these developments directly pertinent to the New Zealand investment landscape.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.