Insider Activity Spotlight: C3.ai’s Executive Chairman Buys Shares Amid a Steep Decline

The recent purchase of 53,125 Class A shares by Executive Chairman Thomas Siebel on February 1 2026—executed at 0.02 % above the $10.75 price on the trading day—arrives while the stock is trading near its 52‑week low of $10.62 and down 22.66 % for the month. Although the trade volume (≈5 % of the daily volume) is modest, it is noteworthy as part of a broader pattern of mixed buying and selling by Siebel and other insiders over the past months.


What the Current Trade Signals

Siebel’s latest purchase follows a series of smaller sells earlier in January and a large sale of 566,125 shares on September 15, 2025. The net effect of his recent activity is a net buying position of roughly 775,487 shares, representing about 5 % of the outstanding Class A shares (≈15.6 million). For an executive who has been the company’s primary growth driver, this incremental stake indicates continued confidence in the long‑term AI strategy, even as the stock remains under pressure from broader market sentiment and sector rotation.

The trade’s timing also coincides with a sharp decline in the stock’s weekly performance (‑14.68 %) and a negative price‑earnings ratio of –4.30, suggesting that the market is still grappling with profitability concerns. Yet Siebel’s willingness to add to his position—despite the low price—implies that he believes the valuation will recover once the company’s AI platform gains wider adoption.


Implications for Investors

ItemAnalysis
Insider confidence is a bullish flagEven a modest purchase by a top executive can boost sentiment, especially when the rest of the board is also buying. The overall insider buying ratio for C3.ai in the last quarter was 1.8:1 (buys to sells), above the market average for high‑tech companies.
Potential short‑term volatilityThe stock’s recent price decline and negative earnings outlook could lead to increased volatility. Investors should monitor subsequent insider trades; a sudden reversal to selling could signal a shift in sentiment.
Long‑term upside remainsSiebel’s continued involvement, combined with the company’s deep AI expertise and a pipeline of enterprise contracts, suggests that the valuation may rebound. However, the negative P/E indicates that profitability remains a hurdle that could delay upside.

Thomas Siebel: A Profile of Strategic Insider Moves

Thomas Siebel has been the principal architect of C3.ai’s growth since its founding. His transaction history demonstrates a balanced approach: large sales of tens of thousands of shares—often linked to vesting schedules or tax‑withholding—coupled with periodic purchases that reinforce his commitment. Key patterns include:

  1. Vesting‑linked sales – Many of Siebel’s sell orders (e.g., 566,125 shares on 15 Sep 2025) align with the vesting of restricted stock units, typically settled at current market prices. These are routine and reflect standard compensation practices.
  2. Periodic replenishment – Siebel regularly buys shares—sometimes in bulk, such as the 212,586 shares purchased on 13 Jan 2026—suggesting a long‑term holding horizon.
  3. Use of trusts and funds – A significant portion of his holdings is held through the Siebel Living Trust and various asset‑management entities, indicating a sophisticated approach to wealth management and tax planning.
  4. Share‑holding concentration – After the recent trade, Siebel’s net position is approximately 775,487 shares, accounting for roughly 5 % of outstanding shares. This concentration is substantial for a single insider and signals confidence in the company’s trajectory.

Broader Insider Activity at C3.ai

Beyond Siebel, other insiders—including the CEO, CFO, and board members—have shown modest buying activity in recent months. For example, the CEO’s purchases of 10,000–20,000 shares in November 2025 and the CFO’s purchase of 20,000 shares in December 2025 indicate that senior management is not only committed but also actively supporting the share price. Conversely, some executives have sold shares to meet tax obligations, a common practice that does not necessarily reflect a lack of confidence.


Conclusion

Thomas Siebel’s February 1 purchase, while small in absolute terms, is a meaningful signal of executive conviction at a time when C3.ai’s stock is struggling. For investors, the trade offers a bullish cue amid negative fundamentals, but it should be interpreted as part of a broader context of mixed insider activity and a challenging valuation environment. Long‑term investors may view this as an endorsement of the company’s AI vision, while short‑term traders should stay alert to potential volatility triggered by future insider trades or earnings updates.


Summary of Recent Transactions

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026‑02‑01SIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Buy53,125.000.00Class A Common Stock
2026‑02‑02SIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Sell27,605.0010.81Class A Common Stock
2026‑02‑03SIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Sell25,520.00N/AClass A Common Stock
2026‑02‑03SIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Buy25,520.00N/AClass A Common Stock
N/ASIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Holding9,216.00N/AClass A Common Stock
N/ASIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Holding170,294.00N/AClass A Common Stock
N/ASIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Holding72,695.00N/AClass A Common Stock
N/ASIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Holding1,237,115.00N/AClass A Common Stock
2026‑02‑01SIEBEL THOMAS M (Executive Chairman)Sell53,125.00N/ARestricted Stock Units