Mercedes-Benz vs Volkswagen (MBG.DE vs VOW3.DE)
Mercedes-Benz (MBG.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.
Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE) and Volkswagen (VOW3.DE) compete in automotive. Here are Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen.
Mercedes-Benz vs Volkswagen: the figures
| Figure | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €42.33 (November 4, 2026) | €71.20 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €40.2 billion | €35.7 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 7.3x | 33.7x |
| Forward P/E | 7.1x | 3.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | -4.5% | -6.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 4.2% | 0.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 5.9x | 7.4x |
| Dividend yield | 8.50% | 7.49% |
| Beta | 0.74 | 0.96 |
Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen
- Valuation: Volkswagen trades at 33.7x its annual earnings and Mercedes-Benz at 7.3x; the market pays more for each dollar of Volkswagen profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Debt: Volkswagen owes 7.4x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Mercedes-Benz owes 5.9x its EBITDA.
- Dividend: Mercedes-Benz yields 8.50% at today's price and Volkswagen yields 7.49%.
Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen: 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: Mercedes-Benz trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen make money
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.
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: Mercedes-Benz vs Volkswagen
Is Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen the better stock?
Choosing between Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen depends on what you are looking for. Sales at both are falling right now, less so at Mercedes-Benz, and Mercedes-Benz trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen?
As of November 4, 2026, Mercedes-Benz yields 8.50% and Volkswagen yields 7.49%. Also check how much of their profit Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen?
On P/E, Volkswagen (33.7x) is more expensive than Mercedes-Benz (7.3x) 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 Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen.
More comparisons with Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen
More companies like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen: automotive stocks. Educational content about Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, not investment advice.