Pre-Market 21 Jan 2026: C3.ai (AI) NYSE $12.49, model sees 44.12% upside to $18.00
C3.ai (AI) trades pre-market at $12.49 on the NYSE in United States, making it a headline AI stock for 21 Jan 2026. The stock is down 4.22% on the session with volume at 6,304,301.00 shares. Investors focused on AI stock need a clear read on valuation, cash runway, and contract momentum ahead of the next earnings date on 2026-02-25. This piece gives price context, key ratios, broker sentiment, and a model-backed outlook to help frame risk and opportunity in the AI stock.
AI stock market snapshot and trading setup
C3.ai (AI) opened at $12.65 and traded between $12.35 and $12.92 today on the NYSE. Market cap is $1,714,289,970.00 and average volume is 5,993,624.00. The 50-day average is $14.36 and the 200-day average is $19.52, signaling the stock is below both trend filters.
AI stock financial health and valuation
C3.ai reports EPS -2.84 and a trailing PE of -4.40, reflecting persistent losses. Price-to-sales is 4.87 and price-to-book is 2.25. The company holds $4.87 cash per share and book value per share is $5.57, while current ratio is 6.47, indicating a strong short-term liquidity position.
AI stock recent news and catalysts
Recent wins and partnerships have boosted the narrative, including U.S. government and health sector selections and expanded cloud integrations. Coverage and company announcements are driving interest; see the latest quote and background at CNBC and the company profile at Markets Insider. Upcoming catalysts include the fiscal earnings release on 2026-02-25.
AI stock technicals and risk profile
Technicals show a neutral to weak momentum mix: RSI 41.03, MACD -0.36, and ATR 0.61. Bollinger Bands sit at 12.87 to 15.91. The price sits near the lower band and below the 50-day MA, which implies downside risk if volume spikes to the downside.
Meyka AI grade and model forecast
Meyka AI rates this AI stock with a score of 65.88 (Grade: B, Suggestion: HOLD). This grade factors in S&P 500 and sector comparisons, financial growth, key metrics, forecasts, analyst consensus, and fundamentals. Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a monthly price of $12.55 (implied +0.48% vs $12.49) and a 12-month figure of $11.85 (implied -5.15%). Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees.
AI stock analyst consensus and price targets
Broker signals show 4 holds and 1 sell, consensus score 2.00, while a separate company rating flagged C- / Strong Sell on 2026-01-20. Realistic price targets framed by market scenarios: conservative $12.00 (implied -3.92%), base $15.00 (implied +20.10%), and bull $18.00 (implied +44.12%). These targets reflect revenue recovery assumptions and contract delivery.
Final Thoughts
C3.ai (AI) is a high-volatility AI stock trading at $12.49 on the NYSE in USD as of pre-market 21 Jan 2026. The balance sheet shows $4.87 cash per share and a strong current ratio of 6.47, which limits near-term liquidity risk. However, negative EPS -2.84 and a trailing PE of -4.40 keep valuation under pressure. Technical indicators are mixed with RSI 41.03 and price below the 50-day and 200-day averages. Meyka AI’s model gives a near-term monthly projection of $12.55 (+0.48%) and a 12-month projection of $11.85 (-5.15%), while scenario targets range from $12.00 to $18.00. For AI stock investors, the key trade decision is whether recent contract wins and product integrations will translate into sustainable margin expansion and revenue growth before the next earnings report on 2026-02-25. Use tight risk controls given the mixed analyst signals and elevated price volatility. Meyka AI is an AI-powered market analysis platform and these grades are informational, not investment advice.
FAQs
What is the immediate outlook for this AI stock?
Short-term outlook is neutral to cautious. Meyka AI projects $12.55 monthly for C3.ai (AI), a modest +0.48% move from $12.49. Watch earnings on 2026-02-25 and deal announcements for a clearer directional trigger.
How expensive is C3.ai compared with peers in the AI stock group?
On price-to-sales C3.ai sits near 4.87, higher than many mature software peers. The negative EPS and high R&D spend make valuation comparisons mixed. Focus on revenue growth and contract cadence.
What are the main risks when trading this AI stock?
Primary risks include continued negative earnings, revenue execution, and volatility around earnings. Technical risk is also material given the price below the 50-day and 200-day averages with RSI 41.03.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.
