Ford vs Tesla (F vs TSLA)
Ford (F) vs Tesla (TSLA) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Ford (F) and Tesla (TSLA) compete in automotive. Here are Ford 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 Ford or Tesla.
Ford vs Tesla: the figures
| Figure | Ford | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $12.67 (November 4, 2026) | $385.19 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $50.6 billion | $1.52 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | N/A | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 6.7x | 178.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | -2.0% | -0.2% |
| Net margin (TTM) | -4.2% | 3.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 17.9x | Net cash |
| Dividend yield | 4.87% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 1.91 | 1.74 |
Ford and Tesla figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Ford or Tesla figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Ford and Tesla
- Debt: Ford owes 17.9x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Tesla holds more cash than debt.
- Dividend: Ford pays a dividend yielding 4.87% and Tesla pays none.
- Size: Tesla is worth $1.52 trillion on the stock market, about 30.1 times Ford ($50.6 billion).
Ford or Tesla: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: right now sales at both are down on a year ago; Tesla is falling less, but neither shows growth today.
- If you want income (dividends): Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford and Tesla make money
Ford (F)
Ford reports by business unit. Ford Blue, the largest by revenue, sells gas and hybrid vehicles such as the Bronco, Explorer and Mustang. Ford Pro serves commercial customers with Transit vans, Super Duty trucks and fleet services. Ford Model e handles electric vehicles, and Ford Credit finances buyers and dealers. Full Ford 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: Ford vs Tesla
Is Ford or Tesla the better stock?
Choosing between Ford and Tesla depends on what you are looking for. Sales at both are falling right now, less so at Tesla. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Ford or Tesla: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ford or Tesla?
As of November 4, 2026, Ford yields 4.87% and Tesla pays none. Also check how much of their profit Ford and Tesla pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Can I own both Ford and Tesla?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Ford 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 Ford or Tesla.
More comparisons with Ford or Tesla
More companies like Ford and Tesla: automotive stocks. Educational content about Ford and Tesla, not investment advice.