This analysis examines the relationship between Mercedes-Benz Group AG ($MBG (-0,26%)) and Tesla Inc. (TSLA) through statistical covariance analysis, covering the period from February 2024 through June 2025. Our findings reveal a negative covariance of -20.58, indicating these two automotive leaders tend to move in opposite directions, creating potential diversification benefits for investors.
Introduction
As the automotive industry undergoes its most significant transformation since the invention of the internal combustion engine, two companies represent different approaches to the electric vehicle revolution. Mercedes-Benz, a century-old luxury automaker, and Tesla, the electric vehicle pioneer, offer contrasting investment profiles that warrant detailed statistical analysis.
Company Performance Overview
Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBGAF)
Mercedes faced significant headwinds throughout the analysis period:
- Monthly Average Return: -1.17% (February 2024 - June 2025)
- 2024 Financial Results: Adjusted EBIT fell to €8.7 billion from €14.3 billion in 2023
- Return on Sales: Declined to 8.1% from 12.6% in 2023
- Key Challenges: Lower volumes in China, negative pricing pressure, unfavorable product mix
- Volatility: 4.64% monthly standard deviation
- Current Position: Trading around $58.97 as of June 2025
Tesla Inc. (TSLA)
Tesla demonstrated remarkable volatility and mixed performance:
- Monthly Average Return: 4.69% (February 2024 - June 2025)
- 2024 Total Return: 62.52% for the full year
- 2025 Performance: Highly volatile with dramatic swings
- Volatility: 15.76% monthly standard deviation (3.4x more volatile than Mercedes)
- Current Position: Trading around $344.19 as of June 2025
- Market Cap: Over $1.1 trillion
- Notable: Hit all-time high of $479.86 in December 2024, then declined significantly in early 2025
Methodology: Covariance Analysis
Formula Used:
Cov(Mercedes, Tesla) = Σ(Mercedes Return - E[Mercedes])(Tesla Return - E[Tesla]) / (n-1)
Data Period: 17 months from February 2024 to June 2025 (17 monthly return observations)
Complete 17-Month Analysis (February 2024 - June 2025):
Monthly Returns Data:
Expected Returns:
- Mercedes Average: -1.17% (monthly)
- Tesla Average: 4.69% (monthly)
Covariance Result: -20.58
Key Findings
1. Negative Correlation Pattern
The negative covariance of -20.58 indicates that when Mercedes stock rises, Tesla typically falls, and vice versa. This relationship suggests:
- Different market dynamics affecting each company
- Contrasting investor sentiment toward traditional vs. new automotive players
- Potential portfolio diversification benefits
2. Volatility Analysis
- Tesla: Extremely volatile with standard deviation of 15.76% monthly (ranging from -25.15% to +38.85%)
- Mercedes: More stable with standard deviation of 4.64% monthly (ranging from -7.56% to +10.02%)
- Risk Comparison: Tesla is 3.4x more volatile than Mercedes
3. Correlation Analysis
- Correlation Coefficient: -0.28 (moderate negative correlation)
- Statistical Significance: The negative relationship is consistent but not perfectly predictable
3. Market Response Patterns
Tesla Benefits From:
- Electric vehicle adoption momentum
- Technology and innovation narratives
- Regulatory support for EVs
- Elon Musk's high-profile initiatives
Mercedes Struggles With:
- Traditional automaker transformation challenges
- Chinese market pressures
- Higher costs of EV transition
- Trade tension impacts
Industry Context
The Great Automotive Transition
The period analyzed captures a critical inflection point in automotive history:
Traditional Automaker Challenges (Mercedes):
- Legacy manufacturing costs
- Dealer network transitions
- Supply chain disruptions
- Consumer behavior shifts
EV Pioneer Advantages (Tesla):
- First-mover advantage in EVs
- Vertical integration benefits
- Software-defined vehicle approach
- Direct-to-consumer sales model
Market Forces Driving Divergence
Regulatory Environment: EV mandates favor Tesla's pure-play approach
Consumer Preferences: Younger buyers gravitating toward Tesla brand
Technology Integration: Tesla's software-first approach vs. traditional hardware focus
Global Expansion: Different geographic exposure and market penetration
Investment Implications
Portfolio Construction Benefits
The negative covariance of -20.58 and correlation coefficient of -0.28 suggest these stocks could work well together in a portfolio:
- Risk Reduction: Opposing movements can reduce overall portfolio volatility
- Sector Exposure: Capture automotive industry growth through different approaches
- Hedging Opportunity: Mercedes position could hedge against Tesla-specific risks
Risk Considerations
- Industry Disruption: Both face uncertainty from autonomous driving technology
- Economic Sensitivity: Different exposure to economic cycles and trade policies
- Execution Risk: Success depends on management's ability to navigate transition
Future Outlook
Mercedes-Benz Transformation
- Product Pipeline: New CLA model launching in 2025, followed by S-Class upgrade in 2026
- Performance Program: "Next Level Performance" initiative targeting 10% cost reduction by 2027
- Electric Strategy: All-electric GLC and C-Class models planned
Tesla's Evolution
- Robotaxi Launch: Planned for Austin market in 2025
- Production Expansion: Scaling manufacturing to meet growing demand
- Energy Business: Growing storage and solar operations
Conclusion
The negative covariance between Mercedes and Tesla reflects the broader transformation occurring in the automotive industry. While Tesla has capitalized on the EV revolution, Mercedes faces the complex challenge of transforming a century-old business model.
Key Takeaways:
Strong Diversification Value: The -20.58 covariance provides significant portfolio diversification benefits
Contrasting Risk Profiles: Tesla offers high-risk/high-reward potential (4.69% monthly average, 15.76% volatility); Mercedes provides stability (-1.17% monthly average, 4.64% volatility)
Industry Transformation Capture: Together, these stocks represent the full spectrum of automotive industry evolution from traditional luxury to electric innovation
Real-World Evidence: The most dramatic example occurred in January 2025 when Tesla plummeted -25.15% while Mercedes surged +10.02%, demonstrating the powerful diversification effect in action.
Investment Strategy Considerations:
- Consider pairing these stocks for balanced automotive exposure
- Monitor covariance changes as industry transformation progresses
- Evaluate position sizing based on risk tolerance and market outlook
The statistical relationship between these automotive giants offers investors a unique window into one of the most significant industrial transformations of our time. The -20.58 covariance, derived from 17 months of actual market data, provides a data-driven foundation for understanding how different approaches to automotive innovation translate into market performance and portfolio construction opportunities.