MetaCap

AutoNation (AN) vs Rush Enterprises (RUSHA)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.

Summary

Rush Enterprises (RUSHA) has outperformed AutoNation (AN) over the past year, gaining 36.3% versus a loss of 27.4%. Over five years, RUSHA leads with a +112.6% price change compared with +33.8% for AN. Rush Enterprises is the larger company by market cap ($5.27 billion vs $5.16 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while AutoNation is growing revenue faster (+3.2% vs -4.7%).

On valuation, AutoNation trades at a lower forward P/E (6.5x vs 14.8x for Rush Enterprises). Rush Enterprises pays a dividend yielding 1.12%, while AutoNation does not currently pay one. Rush Enterprises converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 3.5% versus 2.3%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

AN-27.40%RUSHA+36.26%
+71%+20%-32%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
AN+32.25%RUSHA+116.97%
+173%+73%-27%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

AN versus RUSHA key metrics
MetricANRUSHA
Share price$156.21$45.13
Market cap$5.16B$5.27B
1-day change-1.22%-4.08%
YTD return-24.35%+25.50%
1-year return-27.40%+36.26%
5-year return+33.84%+112.57%
P/E ratio (TTM)7.2420.42
Forward P/E6.4914.78
EPS (TTM)$21.59$2.21
Dividend yield0.00%1.12%
Annual dividend$0.00$0.507
Revenue (latest FY)$27.63B$7.43B
Revenue growth (YoY)+3.24%-4.75%
Net income (latest FY)$649.10M$263.78M
Gross margin17.91%19.65%
Operating margin4.49%5.30%
Net margin2.35%3.55%
52-week high$235.81$55.74
52-week low$152.86$30.45
Distance from 52-week high-33.76%-19.03%
Analyst consensusbuystrong_buy
Avg. price target upside+47.51%+30.36%
Average volume496.35K671.10K
Shares outstanding33.06M91.71M
Employees24,8007,858
SectorConsumer DiscretionaryConsumer Discretionary
IndustryRetail-Auto Dealers and Gas StationsRetail-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

  • RUSHA has outperformed AN by 63.7 percentage points over the past year.
  • Rush Enterprises trades at a higher earnings multiple (20.4x vs 7.2x trailing P/E).
  • Rush Enterprises offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.12% vs 0.00%).
  • AutoNation grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.24% vs -4.75%).

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 Rush Enterprises

RUSHA stock →

Rush Enterprises, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retailer of commercial vehicles and related services in the United States and Canada. The company operates a network of commercial vehicle dealerships under the Rush Truck Centers name.

Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 7,858 employees

AN vs RUSHA FAQ

Which is bigger, AutoNation or Rush Enterprises?

Rush Enterprises (RUSHA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.27B compared with $5.16B for AutoNation (AN).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, AN or RUSHA?

RUSHA returned +36.26% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.40% for AN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, AN or RUSHA?

AN has the lower trailing P/E at 7.2, versus 20.4 for RUSHA. 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 Rush Enterprises?

Rush Enterprises pays a dividend yielding 1.12%, while AutoNation does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are AutoNation and Rush Enterprises in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.

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