AutoNation (AN) vs Murphy USA (MUSA)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Murphy USA (MUSA) has outperformed AutoNation (AN) over the past year, gaining 44.1% versus a loss of 27.9%. Over five years, MUSA leads with a +219.0% price change compared with +34.6% for AN. Murphy USA is the larger company by market cap ($9.73 billion vs $5.20 billion), about 1.9 times the size, while AutoNation is growing revenue faster (+3.2% vs -4.2%).
On valuation, AutoNation trades at a lower forward P/E (6.6x vs 17.2x for Murphy USA). Murphy USA pays a dividend yielding 0.46%, while AutoNation does not currently pay one. Murphy USA converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.4% versus 2.3%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AN | MUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $157.38 | $529.14 |
| Market cap | $5.20B | $9.73B |
| 1-day change | +0.20% | +2.11% |
| YTD return | -23.78% | +31.13% |
| 1-year return | -27.88% | +44.07% |
| 5-year return | +34.58% | +218.97% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 7.28 | 16.15 |
| Forward P/E | 6.57 | 17.25 |
| EPS (TTM) | $21.63 | $32.76 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.46% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.43 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $27.63B | $19.38B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.24% | -4.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $649.10M | $470.60M |
| Gross margin | 17.91% | — |
| Operating margin | 4.49% | 3.71% |
| Net margin | 2.35% | 2.43% |
| 52-week high | $235.81 | $636.05 |
| 52-week low | $152.86 | $349.83 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -33.26% | -16.81% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +46.41% | +16.76% |
| Average volume | 504.21K | 263.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 33.06M | 18.38M |
| Employees | 24,800 | 5,900 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations | Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- MUSA has outperformed AN by 71.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Murphy USA trades at a higher earnings multiple (16.2x vs 7.3x trailing P/E).
- AutoNation grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.24% vs -4.25%).
About AutoNation
AN stock →AutoNation, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Domestic, Import, Premium Luxury, and AutoNation Finance.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 24,800 employees
About Murphy USA
MUSA stock →Murphy USA Inc., together with subsidiaries, engages in marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company operates retail stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek brands, as well as operates non-fuel convenience stores.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 5,900 employees
AN vs MUSA FAQ
Which is bigger, AutoNation or Murphy USA?
Murphy USA (MUSA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $9.73B compared with $5.20B for AutoNation (AN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AN or MUSA?
MUSA returned +44.07% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.88% for AN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AN or MUSA?
AN has the lower trailing P/E at 7.3, versus 16.2 for MUSA. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, AutoNation or Murphy USA?
Murphy USA pays a dividend yielding 0.46%, while AutoNation does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are AutoNation and Murphy USA in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.