Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) Given Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” by Analysts

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) has been assigned an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the ten brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $44.89.

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on VVV shares. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Valvoline from $46.00 to $42.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $52.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. Morgan Stanley restated an “equal weight” rating and set a $38.00 price objective (down previously from $42.00) on shares of Valvoline in a report on Tuesday, January 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $46.00 to $44.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 20th.

Valvoline Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE VVV opened at $36.86 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.75 and a beta of 1.45. Valvoline has a 52-week low of $33.86 and a 52-week high of $48.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.77, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 0.72. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $37.10 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.98.

Insider Transactions at Valvoline

In related news, Director Charles M. Sonsteby bought 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 25th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $39.50 per share, with a total value of $395,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 26,437 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,044,261.50. This trade represents a 60.84 % increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CTO Robert Travis Dobbins sold 1,914 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.00, for a total transaction of $76,560.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief technology officer now directly owns 14,956 shares in the company, valued at $598,240. This represents a 11.35 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.66% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Valvoline

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in VVV. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its stake in Valvoline by 92.1% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 630 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 302 shares during the last quarter. Prospera Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valvoline in the third quarter worth about $41,000. Centricity Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Valvoline during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. ORG Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Valvoline by 466.7% during the 4th quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 1,050 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in Valvoline by 83.0% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,332 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $58,000 after acquiring an additional 604 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.13% of the company’s stock.

About Valvoline

Valvoline Inc engages in the operation and franchising of vehicle service centers and retail stores in the United States and Canada. The company, through its service centers, provides fluid exchange for motor oil, transmission and differential fluid, and coolant; parts replacement for batteries, filters, wiper blades, and belts; and safety services, such as tire inflation and rotation, bulbs, and safety checks.