Apple vs Tesla (AAPL vs TSLA)
Apple (AAPL) vs Tesla (TSLA) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Apple (AAPL) and Tesla (TSLA) are companies from different sectors (hardware and devices and automotive) that many people compare. Here are Apple and Tesla side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Apple or Tesla.
Apple vs Tesla: the figures
| Figure | Apple | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $349.51 (November 4, 2026) | $385.19 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $5.08 trillion | $1.52 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | 38.9x | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 32.8x | 178.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +11.7% | -0.2% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 27.6% | 3.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.1x | Net cash |
| Dividend yield | 0.33% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 1.09 | 1.74 |
Apple and Tesla figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Apple or Tesla figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Apple and Tesla
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Apple keeps 27.6 as net profit and Tesla keeps 3.1.
- Debt: Apple owes 0.1x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Tesla holds more cash than debt.
- Growth: Apple grew sales +11.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against -0.2% for Tesla.
Apple or Tesla: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Apple is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Apple pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Tesla has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
Neither Apple nor Tesla wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Apple and Tesla make money
Apple (AAPL)
Apple breaks out sales by product: iPhone, its largest source of revenue, plus Mac, iPad, Wearables such as Apple Watch and AirPods, and Services, which covers the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music and advertising. It sells worldwide, with the Americas, Europe and Greater China as its biggest regions. Full Apple analysis.
Tesla (TSLA)
Tesla makes most of its money in Automotive, selling electric vehicles like the Model Y, Model S, Model X and Cybertruck, plus regulatory credits and driver assistance software. Energy Generation and Storage sells Megapack and Powerwall batteries, and Services and Other includes Supercharger charging, insurance and repairs. Full Tesla analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Apple vs Tesla
Is Apple or Tesla the better stock?
Choosing between Apple and Tesla depends on what you are looking for. Apple is growing faster right now. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Apple or Tesla: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Apple or Tesla?
As of November 4, 2026, Apple yields 0.33% and Tesla pays none. Also check how much of their profit Apple and Tesla pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Can I own both Apple and Tesla?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Apple and Tesla, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Apple or Tesla.
More comparisons with Apple or Tesla
More companies like Apple and Tesla: hardware and devices stocks and automotive stocks. Educational content about Apple and Tesla, not investment advice.