Artificial intelligence has been a buzzword for years, with the technology mostly focused on generating text. 

In recent months, generative AI has given way to agentic AI, in which models are learning to use tools that go far beyond text-based data. These agents can now edit and generate images and videos, browse websites, and write and deploy snippets of code. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is planning to launch an AI browser that will transform how we search the web. 

This is a level of automation that was unthinkable even two years ago, and it could disrupt the software industry significantly if AI companies keep making breakthroughs. Pure-play AI companies will be the biggest beneficiaries if agentic AI becomes more advanced. If you believe that’s inevitable, it’s a good idea to look into agentic AI stocks. Here are three leading the charge:

Agentic AI Stock #1: SoundHound AI (SOUN)

SoundHound AI (SOUN) specializes in generative audio. AI has been successful in generating text, images, and audio that is almost indistinguishable from human-made content. However, one place where the tech is still behind is perfecting voices, which still sound artificial and aren’t always very accurate.

SoundHound AI is trying to fix this by making AI-based voice interactions smoother and more accurate. This will allow for more reliable hand-free smart assistants in EVs, restaurants, and home devices. Price action has largely been bullish due to the company advancing its agentic AI capabilities.

Revenue grew 151.2% to $29 million in Q1 2025. True long-term profitability is far-fetched at the moment, but SoundHound AI has managed to make use of the higher stock price by offering shares and building up a cash reserve, and paying off debt.

It had $246 million in cash in Q1 2025 and just $5 million in debt. This should be a multi-year cash runway. In the meantime, SOUN stock could soar more if the broader AI rally continues.

Agentic AI Stock #2: BigBear.ai (BBAI)

BigBear.ai (BBAI) has soared over 72% in just the past month due to a flurry of positive catalysts lining up. Military spending is expected to increase sharply, especially in areas where partnerships with AI software companies are needed. Palantir (PLTR) has seen tremendous success due to this, and BBAI stock could be next.

A prolonged AI rally could still lift it much higher. This is a company well-positioned to capture contracts from the military and dozens of federal agencies racing to integrate AI into their systems.

Its backlog is already at $385 million, compared to sales of $34.76 million in Q1 2025. You should still keep in mind that unexercised options constitute the majority of that backlog. I’d be more cautious here due to that, plus the fact it had just over $107 million in cash and equivalents as of the end of the first quarter, less than half of SoundHound. 

Agentic AI Stock #3: C3.ai (AI)

C3.ai (AI) was the quintessential AI pure-play stock early on during the rally, but it has since underperformed. It is still down 21% year-to-date, but price action has been trending more positively due to the agentic AI rally. Shares are up 35% over the past three months. 

The company is doubling down on its agentic AI tech by reporting more than 100% year-over-year revenue growth in Generative AI sales. The U.S. Navy became a client late last month, and further defense partnerships could earn it more love on Wall Street.

C3.ai remains capital-intensive. It reported $389.1 million in revenue and $289 million in losses in its fiscal 2025. The current cash balance of $743 million gives it a cash runway of around three years based on its net losses. That may be enough time for management to transition it into a profitable, high-growth agentic AI company.