General Motors vs. Tesla: Revenue Overview
General Motors: Maintaining Steady Revenue Scale
General Motors (GM) primarily generates its revenue through designing, manufacturing, and distributing trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, and automotive parts aimed at both retail consumers and commercial fleets. Additionally, GM provides financing, insurance solutions, and subscription-based services globally. Recently, GM entered a strategic partnership with 3M for advanced materials in racing and teamed up with PG&E to offer a residential charging bundle in California.
Tesla: Experiencing Higher Revenue Growth and Volatility
Tesla (TSLA) earns revenue mainly from developing and selling electric vehicles and energy systems, as well as offering vehicle maintenance and regulatory credits. Tesla recently launched its Cybercab autonomous vehicle in Texas and secured a contract for 2,500 electric commercial tractors, with initial deliveries set for late 2026.
GM & TSLA: Performance Comparison
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric | General Motors (GM) | Tesla (TSLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Price | $81.79 (+0.98%) | $370.57 (-1.92%) |
| Market Cap | $71B | $1.5T |
| 52-week Range | $54.33 – $91.85 | $297.38 – $498.83 |
| Gross Margin | 5.74% | 18.85% |
| P/E Ratio | 40.85 | 351.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.98 | $1.08 |
| Dividend & Yield | $0.69 (0.85%) | N/A |
Quarterly Revenue for General Motors and Tesla
| Calendar Quarter | General Motors Revenue | Tesla Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 2024 | $48.8 billion | $25.2 billion |
| Q4 2024 | $47.7 billion | $25.7 billion |
| Q1 2025 | $44.0 billion | $19.3 billion |
| Q2 2025 | $47.1 billion | $22.5 billion |
| Q3 2025 | $48.6 billion | $28.1 billion |
| Q4 2025 | $45.3 billion | $24.9 billion |
| Q1 2026 | $43.6 billion | $22.4 billion |
| Q2 2026 | $48.0 billion | $28.2 billion |
(Source: Financial Modeling Prep as of September 25, 2026)
Why Revenue Matters for Investors
Revenue is crucial for investors as it indicates a company’s financial health, market presence, and growth prospects. It enlightens investors about a company’s ability to generate income before expenses and supports guesswork on future earnings.
Foolish Take
The revenue trends between GM and Tesla show Tesla’s robust growth. Tesla’s Q2 revenue of $28.2 billion represented a dramatic 26% year-over-year increase, contrasting with GM’s $48 billion, which was only a modest 2% increase. Tesla’s revenue growth persists even after EV tax credits expired, while GM is struggling with its EV sales, down 43% year-over-year.
As GM focuses on traditional and hybrid vehicles, it is also adapting to trends by enhancing its OnStar brand with AI technologies. Meanwhile, Tesla’s recent quarterly deliveries surpass expectations, reinforcing its position as a leader in the EV market and indicating a trajectory of continued revenue growth.
