Lithia Motors (LAD) 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 Lithia Motors (LAD) over the past year, gaining 38.4% versus a loss of 4.2%. Over five years, MUSA leads with a +212.4% price change compared with -14.3% for LAD. Murphy USA is the larger company by market cap ($9.86 billion vs $6.33 billion), about 1.6 times the size, while Lithia Motors is growing revenue faster (+4.0% vs -4.2%).
On valuation, Lithia Motors trades at a lower forward P/E (6.8x vs 17.5x for Murphy USA). Lithia Motors offers the higher dividend yield (0.82% vs 0.45%). Murphy USA converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.4% versus 2.2%.
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 | LAD | MUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $287.81 | $536.36 |
| Market cap | $6.33B | $9.86B |
| 1-day change | -0.37% | +3.50% |
| YTD return | -13.08% | +28.42% |
| 1-year return | -4.19% | +38.39% |
| 5-year return | -14.34% | +212.39% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 9.53 | 16.37 |
| Forward P/E | 6.75 | 17.49 |
| EPS (TTM) | $30.19 | $32.76 |
| Dividend yield | 0.82% | 0.45% |
| Annual dividend | $2.37 | $2.43 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $37.63B | $19.38B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +4.00% | -4.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $819.60M | $470.60M |
| Gross margin | 15.23% | — |
| Operating margin | 4.24% | 3.71% |
| Net margin | 2.18% | 2.43% |
| 52-week high | $439.49 | $636.05 |
| 52-week low | $239.78 | $349.83 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -34.51% | -15.67% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +50.63% | +15.18% |
| Average volume | 303.75K | 263.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 21.98M | 18.38M |
| Employees | 30,000 | 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 LAD by 42.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Murphy USA trades at a higher earnings multiple (16.4x vs 9.5x trailing P/E).
- Lithia Motors grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+4.00% vs -4.25%).
About Lithia Motors
LAD stock →Lithia Motors, Inc. operates as an automotive retailer in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Consumer Discretionary · Retail-Auto Dealers and Gas Stations · 30,000 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
LAD vs MUSA FAQ
Which is bigger, Lithia Motors or Murphy USA?
Murphy USA (MUSA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $9.86B compared with $6.33B for Lithia Motors (LAD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LAD or MUSA?
MUSA returned +38.39% over the past 12 months, compared with -4.19% for LAD (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LAD or MUSA?
LAD has the lower trailing P/E at 9.5, versus 16.4 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, Lithia Motors or Murphy USA?
Lithia Motors has the higher yield at 0.82%, compared with 0.45% for Murphy USA.
Are Lithia Motors 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.