General Motors vs Tesla (GM vs TSLA)
General Motors (GM) vs Tesla (TSLA) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
General Motors (GM) and Tesla (TSLA) compete in automotive. Here are General Motors 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 General Motors or Tesla.
General Motors vs Tesla: the figures
| Figure | General Motors | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $92.43 (November 4, 2026) | $385.19 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $78.5 billion | $1.52 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | 20.2x | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 6.2x | 178.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +2.9% | -0.2% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 2.1% | 3.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 5.5x | Net cash |
| Dividend yield | 0.82% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 1.42 | 1.74 |
General Motors and Tesla figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that General Motors or Tesla figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between General Motors and Tesla
- Debt: General Motors owes 5.5x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Tesla holds more cash than debt.
- Size: Tesla is worth $1.52 trillion on the stock market, about 19.4 times General Motors ($78.5 billion).
- Volatility: Tesla stock moves more (beta 1.74) than General Motors (beta 1.42); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
General Motors or Tesla: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: General Motors 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): General Motors 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 General Motors 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 General Motors and Tesla make money
General Motors (GM)
General Motors sells cars, pickups and SUVs under the Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac brands. GM North America is its largest segment and main profit driver, GM International includes its joint ventures in China, and GM Financial provides auto loans and leases to buyers and dealers. Full General Motors 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: General Motors vs Tesla
Is General Motors or Tesla the better stock?
Choosing between General Motors and Tesla depends on what you are looking for. General Motors is growing faster right now. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy General Motors or Tesla: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, General Motors or Tesla?
As of November 4, 2026, General Motors yields 0.82% and Tesla pays none. Also check how much of their profit General Motors and Tesla pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Can I own both General Motors and Tesla?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as General Motors 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 General Motors or Tesla.
More comparisons with General Motors or Tesla
More companies like General Motors and Tesla: automotive stocks. Educational content about General Motors and Tesla, not investment advice.