BMW vs Mercedes-Benz (BMW.DE vs MBG.DE)
BMW (BMW.DE) vs Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
BMW (BMW.DE) and Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE) compete in automotive. Here are BMW and Mercedes-Benz 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 BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: the figures
| Figure | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €60.98 (November 4, 2026) | €42.33 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €36.5 billion | €40.2 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 5.9x | 7.3x |
| Forward P/E | 7.1x | 7.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | -7.9% | -4.5% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 4.9% | 4.2% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 7.3x | 5.9x |
| Dividend yield | 7.48% | 8.50% |
| Beta | 0.81 | 0.74 |
BMW and Mercedes-Benz figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that BMW or Mercedes-Benz figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between BMW and Mercedes-Benz
- Valuation: Mercedes-Benz trades at 7.3x its annual earnings and BMW at 5.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Mercedes-Benz profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Debt: BMW owes 7.3x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Mercedes-Benz owes 5.9x its EBITDA.
- Dividend: Mercedes-Benz yields 8.50% at today's price and BMW yields 7.48%.
BMW or Mercedes-Benz: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: right now sales at both are down on a year ago; Mercedes-Benz is falling less, but neither shows growth today.
- If you want income (dividends): Mercedes-Benz pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Mercedes-Benz has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: BMW trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither BMW nor Mercedes-Benz 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 BMW and Mercedes-Benz make money
BMW (BMW.DE)
BMW earns most of its money in its Automotive segment, selling BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce cars. It also has Motorcycles (BMW Motorrad) and Financial Services, which provides loans and leases to its car buyers. Its biggest markets are Europe, China and the US. Full BMW analysis.
Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE)
Mercedes-Benz reports three segments: Mercedes-Benz Cars, the main one, covering Mercedes, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach passenger cars; Mercedes-Benz Vans, with commercial and private vans; and Mercedes-Benz Mobility, which finances and leases its vehicles. Its key markets are Europe, China and the US. Full Mercedes-Benz analysis.
Frequently asked questions: BMW vs Mercedes-Benz
Is BMW or Mercedes-Benz the better stock?
Choosing between BMW and Mercedes-Benz depends on what you are looking for. Sales at both are falling right now, less so at Mercedes-Benz, and BMW trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy BMW or Mercedes-Benz: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMW or Mercedes-Benz?
As of November 4, 2026, Mercedes-Benz yields 8.50% and BMW yields 7.48%. Also check how much of their profit BMW and Mercedes-Benz pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, BMW or Mercedes-Benz?
On P/E, Mercedes-Benz (7.3x) is more expensive than BMW (5.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both BMW and Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, 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 BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
More comparisons with BMW or Mercedes-Benz
More companies like BMW and Mercedes-Benz: automotive stocks. Educational content about BMW and Mercedes-Benz, not investment advice.