BMW vs Volkswagen (BMW.DE vs VOW3.DE)
BMW (BMW.DE) vs Volkswagen (VOW3.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 Volkswagen (VOW3.DE) compete in automotive. Here are BMW and Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen.
BMW vs Volkswagen: the figures
| Figure | BMW | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €60.98 (November 4, 2026) | €71.20 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €36.5 billion | €35.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 5.9x | 33.7x |
| Forward P/E | 7.1x | 3.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | -7.9% | -6.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 4.9% | 0.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 7.3x | 7.4x |
| Dividend yield | 7.48% | 7.49% |
| Beta | 0.81 | 0.96 |
BMW and Volkswagen figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that BMW or Volkswagen figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between BMW and Volkswagen
- Valuation: Volkswagen trades at 33.7x its annual earnings and BMW at 5.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Volkswagen profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, BMW keeps 4.9 as net profit and Volkswagen keeps 0.5.
- Volatility: Volkswagen stock moves more (beta 0.96) than BMW (beta 0.81); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
BMW or Volkswagen: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: right now sales at both are down on a year ago; Volkswagen is falling less, but neither shows growth today.
- If you want income (dividends): Volkswagen pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: BMW 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 Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen 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.
Volkswagen (VOW3.DE)
Volkswagen groups its brands into Brand Group Core (Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT and Cupra), the largest by sales; Progressive (Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Ducati); Sport Luxury (Porsche); and Commercial Vehicles (Traton, including Scania and MAN). Volkswagen Financial Services funds car purchases. It sells across Europe, China and the Americas. Full Volkswagen analysis.
Frequently asked questions: BMW vs Volkswagen
Is BMW or Volkswagen the better stock?
Choosing between BMW and Volkswagen depends on what you are looking for. Sales at both are falling right now, less so at Volkswagen, and BMW trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy BMW or Volkswagen: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMW or Volkswagen?
As of November 4, 2026, Volkswagen yields 7.49% and BMW yields 7.48%. Also check how much of their profit BMW and Volkswagen pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, BMW or Volkswagen?
On P/E, Volkswagen (33.7x) 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 Volkswagen?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as BMW and Volkswagen, 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 Volkswagen.
More comparisons with BMW or Volkswagen
More companies like BMW and Volkswagen: automotive stocks. Educational content about BMW and Volkswagen, not investment advice.