C3.ai Shares Slide 17.5% as Q1 Loss Forecast Rises to $0.29
C3.ai shares have plunged 17.5% over the past month as analysts forecast a current-quarter loss of $0.29 per share (-141.7% y/y) and revenue of $75.82 million (-23.2% y/y). Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) and an F value grade reflect unchanged fiscal EPS and sales estimates.
1. Recent Stock Performance
C3.ai shares have underperformed peers, falling 17.5% over the last month versus a 14.5% drop in the Computers-IT Services industry. This steeper decline reflects growing investor concern over widening losses and slowing sales growth.
2. Earnings Estimate Revisions
Analysts project a Q1 loss of $0.29 per share, down 141.7% from a year ago, with the fiscal 2026 EPS consensus steady at -$1.21 (a 195.1% decline y/y). The Q2 fiscal 2027 EPS estimate of $1.00 suggests a 17.6% rebound, though it has dipped 2% in the past month.
3. Sales Estimates and Last Results
The consensus sales estimate for Q1 is $75.82 million, down 23.2% y/y, matching the full-year fiscal 2026 forecast of $298.63 million (-23.2%), while fiscal 2027 sales are seen at $331.68 million (+11.1%). In the last quarter, C3.ai reported $75.15 million in revenue (-20.3% y/y) and EPS of -$0.25 versus -$0.06 a year earlier, beating consensus by 0.04% on revenue and 21.9% on EPS.
4. Valuation Metrics and Zacks Rank
C3.ai holds an F value grade, indicating a premium valuation relative to peers based on P/E, P/S, and P/CF metrics. The company’s Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) signals potential underperformance versus the broader market in the near term.