VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Stock Comparison

Auto Trader Group plc vs Microchip Technology Incorporated

Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.

Auto Trader Group plc

AUTO · London Stock Exchange

Market cap (USD)
Gross margin (TTM)
Operating margin (TTM)
Net margin (TTM)
SectorCommunication Services
Industry
CountryGB
Data as of2026-01-10
Moat score
96/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Auto Trader Group plc's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View AUTO analysis

Microchip Technology Incorporated

MCHP · NASDAQ

Market cap (USD)$40.5B
Gross margin (TTM)50.1%
Operating margin (TTM)1.4%
Net margin (TTM)-4.4%
SectorTechnology
IndustrySemiconductors
CountryUS
Data as of2025-12-29
Moat score
71/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into Microchip Technology Incorporated's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View MCHP analysis

Comparison highlights

  • Moat score gap: Auto Trader Group plc leads (96 / 100 vs 71 / 100 for Microchip Technology Incorporated).
  • Segment focus: Auto Trader Group plc has 2 segments (93.3% in Autotrader (UK automotive marketplace & data platform)); Microchip Technology Incorporated has 3 segments (51.1% in Mixed-signal Microcontrollers).
  • Primary market structure: Quasi-Monopoly vs Oligopoly. Pricing power: Strong vs Moderate.
  • Moat breadth: Auto Trader Group plc has 4 moat types across 2 domains; Microchip Technology Incorporated has 6 across 3.

Primary market context

Auto Trader Group plc

Autotrader (UK automotive marketplace & data platform)

Market

UK digital automotive marketplace (new & used) with retailer advertising/data products

Geography

United Kingdom

Customer

Consumers, vehicle retailers, OEMs/advertising agencies

Role

Two-sided marketplace + advertising/data & workflow tools

Revenue share

93.3%

Microchip Technology Incorporated

Mixed-signal Microcontrollers

Market

Embedded microcontrollers & microprocessors for embedded control

Geography

Global

Customer

OEMs and distributors (embedded system designers)

Role

IDM / hybrid manufacturing semiconductor supplier

Revenue share

51.1%

Side-by-side metrics

Auto Trader Group plc
Microchip Technology Incorporated
Ticker / Exchange
AUTO - London Stock Exchange
MCHP - NASDAQ
Market cap (USD)
n/a
$40.5B
Gross margin (TTM)
n/a
50.1%
Operating margin (TTM)
n/a
1.4%
Net margin (TTM)
n/a
-4.4%
Sector
Communication Services
Technology
Industry
n/a
Semiconductors
HQ country
GB
US
Primary segment
Autotrader (UK automotive marketplace & data platform)
Mixed-signal Microcontrollers
Market structure
Quasi-Monopoly
Oligopoly
Market share
75%-80% (reported)
6%-12% (implied)
HHI estimate
n/a
n/a
Pricing power
Strong
Moderate
Moat score
96 / 100
71 / 100
Moat domains
Network, Demand
Demand, Supply, Legal
Last update
2026-01-10
2025-12-29

Moat coverage

Shared moat types

No overlap yet.

Auto Trader Group plc strengths

Two Sided NetworkData Workflow LockinHabit DefaultEcosystem Complements

Microchip Technology Incorporated strengths

Training Org Change CostsOperational ExcellenceSwitching Costs GeneralScope EconomiesIP Choke PointDesign In Qualification

Segment mix

Auto Trader Group plc segments

Full profile >

Autotrader (UK automotive marketplace & data platform)

Quasi-Monopoly

93.3%

Autorama (vehicle leasing marketplace)

Competitive

6.7%

Microchip Technology Incorporated segments

Full profile >

Mixed-signal Microcontrollers

Oligopoly

51.1%

Analog

Oligopoly

26.3%

Other (FPGA, memory, timing systems, manufacturing services, SuperFlash licensing)

Oligopoly

22.6%

Want the full wide moat stocks list?

Browse the full ranking of wide moat stocks, updated with moat scores and segment context.

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Proven models entering the expansion stage with unit economics that work.

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Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.