CarMax (KMX) 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 CarMax (KMX) over the past year, gaining 44.1% versus a gain of 21.3%. Over five years, MUSA leads with a +219.0% price change compared with -60.7% for KMX. Murphy USA is the larger company by market cap ($9.73 billion vs $7.47 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while CarMax is growing revenue faster (-1.8% vs -4.2%).
On valuation, CarMax trades at a lower forward P/E (14.7x vs 17.2x for Murphy USA). Murphy USA pays a dividend yielding 0.46%, while CarMax does not currently pay one. Murphy USA converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.4% versus 1.0%.
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 | KMX | MUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $52.61 | $529.14 |
| Market cap | $7.47B | $9.73B |
| 1-day change | -2.19% | +2.11% |
| YTD return | +39.21% | +31.13% |
| 1-year return | +21.26% | +44.07% |
| 5-year return | -60.68% | +218.97% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 24.93 | 16.15 |
| Forward P/E | 14.75 | 17.25 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.11 | $32.76 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.46% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.43 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $25.88B | $19.38B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.79% | -4.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $247.29M | $470.60M |
| Gross margin | 10.84% | — |
| Operating margin | — | 3.71% |
| Net margin | 0.96% | 2.43% |
| 52-week high | $65.28 | $636.05 |
| 52-week low | $30.26 | $349.83 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.41% | -16.81% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.03% | +16.76% |
| Average volume | 2.60M | 263.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 141.94M | 18.38M |
| Employees | 28,000 | 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 KMX by 22.8 percentage points over the past year.
- CarMax trades at a higher earnings multiple (24.9x vs 16.2x trailing P/E).
About CarMax
KMX stock →CarMax, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles and related products in the United States. The company operates in two segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 28,000 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
KMX vs MUSA FAQ
Which is bigger, CarMax or Murphy USA?
Murphy USA (MUSA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $9.73B compared with $7.47B for CarMax (KMX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KMX or MUSA?
MUSA returned +44.07% over the past 12 months, compared with +21.26% for KMX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KMX or MUSA?
MUSA has the lower trailing P/E at 16.2, versus 24.9 for KMX. 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, CarMax or Murphy USA?
Murphy USA pays a dividend yielding 0.46%, while CarMax does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are CarMax 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.