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

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) has been assigned an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the ten brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $45.33.

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $46.00 to $42.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 20th. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of Valvoline in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $49.00 price target for the company. Mizuho cut their price objective on Valvoline from $46.00 to $42.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Valvoline from $46.00 to $44.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 20th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Valvoline in a research note on Friday, December 20th. They issued a “hold” rating and a $42.00 price target on the stock.

Insider Transactions at Valvoline

In other news, CTO Robert Travis Dobbins sold 1,914 shares of the 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 sale, the chief technology officer now owns 14,956 shares in the company, valued at $598,240. This represents a 11.35 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Lori Ann Flees acquired 2,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $39.64 per share, with a total value of $99,100.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 38,428 shares in the company, valued at $1,523,285.92. The trade was a 6.96 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 0.66% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Valvoline

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its stake in Valvoline by 92.1% during the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 630 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 302 shares during the period. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valvoline during the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Prospera Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in Valvoline during the third quarter valued at approximately $41,000. ORG Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Valvoline by 466.7% in the fourth quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,050 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Valvoline by 83.0% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,332 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 604 shares during the period. 96.13% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Valvoline Price Performance

VVV opened at $34.80 on Tuesday. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $4.46 billion, a PE ratio of 21.48 and a beta of 1.45. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $38.64 and its 200-day moving average price is $40.93. Valvoline has a 52-week low of $33.86 and a 52-week high of $48.26.

Valvoline Company Profile

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.