Is C3.ai Positioned to Win as Generative AI Scales Globally? - September 30, 2025

This analysis by Zacks examines C3.ai's challenging Q1 fiscal 2026 performance and its competitive position in the generative AI market against key rivals like Palantir Technologies and BigBear.ai.

C3.ai reported a 19% revenue decline to $70.3 million due to softer license demand and organizational disruptions, yet the company remains optimistic about AI solution trends globally. Despite the weak quarterly start, C3.ai is actively engaged in approximately 60 large-scale customer projects across government, defense, and manufacturing sectors, leveraging its integrated C3 Agentic AI platform to address critical generative AI challenges.

• C3.ai's new Strategic Integrator Program aims to expand platform adoption through systems integrators and OEM partnerships
• The company faces intense competition from Palantir's platform-first approach and BigBear.ai's defense-focused specialization
• C3.ai's partnership with Microsoft and industry-specific applications position it well for broad enterprise generative AI adoption
• Success in translating technology partnerships into consistent growth could establish C3.ai as a long-term winner in the global generative AI landscape