tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Valvoline Inc (VVV)
NYSE:VVV

Valvoline (VVV) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
284 Followers

Top Page

VV

Valvoline

(NYSE:VVV)

69Neutral
Valvoline's overall score reflects strong revenue growth and strategic expansion efforts, balanced by high financial leverage and modest cash flow. Positive earnings guidance and strategic corporate actions like acquisitions support future growth, though caution is advised due to financial leverage.
Positive Factors
Earnings
Strong 2Q comps and a strong start to 3Q are positives, setting up a solid second half and increasing the likelihood of reaching the high-end of the annual growth range.
Growth Strategy
Valvoline Inc is seen as a fast-scaling pure-play quick lube market share grower with a strong top-line algorithm driven by normalized unit growth and consistent store growth.
Market Position
VVV's defensive characteristics are appreciated as the company is mostly insulated from tariffs and should be better positioned in a softer macro.
Negative Factors
Acquisition Impact
The acquisition has resulted in a pause of share buybacks, which could last over two years, aligning negatively with investor preference for a consistent and methodical approach to shrinking share count.
Investor Sentiment
Shares could remain rangebound in the near term despite a maintained positive bias and Buy rating.
Margins
Margins came in softer and will remain pressured, with adjusted EBITDA margin missing expectations and showing a year-over-year decline.

Valvoline (VVV) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Valvoline Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionValvoline Inc. manufactures, markets, and supplies, engine and automotive maintenance products and services. It operates through two segments, Retail Services and Global Products. The company offers lubricants for passenger car, light duty, and heavy duty; antifreeze/coolants for original equipment manufacturers; functional and maintenance chemicals, such as brake fluids and power steering fluids, as well as specialty coatings for automotive and industrial applications; and oil and air filters for light-duty vehicles. It also provides batteries, windshield wiper blades, light bulbs, serpentine belts, and drain plugs. In addition, the company operates Valvoline instant oil change service centers. As of September 30, 2021, it operated and franchised approximately 1,594 quick-lube locations under the Valvoline Instant Oil Change brand in the United States and the Great Canadian Oil Change brand in Canada. The company also serves car dealers, general repair shops, and third-party quick lube locations, as well as through distributors and licensees. It has operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.
How the Company Makes MoneyValvoline makes money primarily through two key revenue streams: product sales and services. The product sales segment includes the manufacturing and distribution of high-performance lubricants and automotive chemicals under the Valvoline brand, which are sold to consumers, auto parts retailers, and professional installers. The services segment generates revenue through the operation of company-owned and franchised quick-lube centers under the Valvoline Instant Oil Change brand. These centers offer a comprehensive suite of preventive maintenance services, including oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid exchanges. Significant partnerships with automotive retailers and distributors, as well as a strong franchise network, contribute to Valvoline's earnings by expanding its market presence and customer reach.

Valvoline Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Valvoline demonstrates strong revenue growth and robust return on equity, but faces risks due to high leverage and modest free cash flow growth. The company must manage its debt levels to maintain financial stability.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Valvoline shows a strong revenue growth trajectory with an increase from $1.44 billion in 2023 to $1.66 billion in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). Gross profit margin is healthy at 38.36%, and net profit margin at 13.73% indicates solid profitability. However, the recent decline in EBITDA margin to 32.05% from 22.67% is concerning and needs monitoring.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a high debt-to-equity ratio of 5.68, which poses a risk. Return on equity is robust at 99.15%, showcasing effective use of equity. The equity ratio of 9.78% indicates a heavy reliance on liabilities, which may affect long-term financial stability.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.26 indicates efficient cash generation relative to net income. However, free cash flow growth is modest, with a recent figure of $50.7 million. The free cash flow to net income ratio at 0.22 suggests limited cash available after capital expenditures.
Breakdown
Sep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
1.62B1.44B1.24B1.04B727.00M
Gross Profit
618.80M544.50M476.40M432.30M301.00M
EBIT
367.20M247.20M220.30M240.10M160.20M
EBITDA
367.20M363.60M284.70M430.40M591.00M
Net Income Common Stockholders
211.50M1.42B424.30M420.30M316.60M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
68.30M756.60M23.40M122.60M760.00M
Total Assets
2.44B2.89B3.42B3.19B3.05B
Total Debt
1.37B1.83B1.92B1.86B2.19B
Net Debt
1.31B1.42B1.89B1.74B1.43B
Total Liabilities
2.25B2.69B3.11B3.06B3.13B
Stockholders Equity
185.60M203.20M306.60M134.50M-76.00M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
40.70M-221.30M152.20M300.80M277.70M
Operating Cash Flow
265.10M-40.80M284.20M403.90M371.70M
Investing Cash Flow
136.80M2.04B-207.60M-399.90M-222.60M
Financing Cash Flow
-746.30M-1.67B-218.90M-535.50M450.30M

Valvoline Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price33.00
Price Trends
50DMA
34.60
Negative
100DMA
35.84
Negative
200DMA
38.51
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.17
Negative
RSI
41.38
Neutral
STOCH
57.44
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VVV, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 33 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 34.05, below the 50-day MA of 34.60, and below the 200-day MA of 38.51, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.17 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 41.38 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 57.44 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for VVV.

Valvoline Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (56)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$6.14B35.13-1.49%5.86%-11.17%-109.60%
VVVVV
69
Neutral
$4.46B16.82186.35%9.56%64.10%
UGUGP
68
Neutral
$3.34B7.6214.87%3.71%-4.58%-23.88%
65
Neutral
$2.53B5.14-54.48%5.64%3.12%-822.66%
56
Neutral
$7.06B3.68-4.87%5.83%0.28%-51.94%
PBPBF
51
Neutral
$2.17B-18.01%5.22%-16.30%-160.78%
CVCVI
46
Neutral
$2.09B268.82-27.14%9.37%-16.21%-130.18%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
VVV
Valvoline
33.00
-8.82
-21.09%
CVI
CVR Energy
21.34
-6.66
-23.79%
DINO
HF Sinclair Corporation
34.11
-19.49
-36.36%
UGP
Ultrapar Participacoes SA
2.92
-1.67
-36.38%
PBF
PBF Energy
20.13
-26.23
-56.58%
CSAN
Cosan
5.57
-5.22
-48.38%

Valvoline Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -4.54%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Valvoline Inc. reported strong sales growth and store expansion, along with successful strategic initiatives and positive customer feedback. However, challenges remain with declining gross margins and increased SG&A costs due to refranchising. Despite these challenges, the impact of tariffs is expected to be minimal. Overall, the positive aspects outweigh the negative, suggesting a resilient business performance.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong System-Wide Sales and Store Growth
System-wide sales increased by 11% to $826 million, with same-store sales growth of 5.8%. The total net sales rose by 11% to $403 million after adjustments. The company expanded its store count by 8% to 2,078 locations.
Operational Efficiency and Strategic Initiatives
Valvoline Inc. successfully transitioned its customer and marketing database to the cloud, enhancing marketing efficiency. The company also launched university athletic partnerships in Ohio and Tennessee to boost customer acquisition.
Refranchising and Strategic Partnerships
New franchise partners increased their store opening pace, with some ramping from one store every couple of years to four new stores this year. This has been a part of Valvoline Inc.'s strategy to accelerate network growth.
Positive Customer Feedback and Brand Strength
Valvoline Inc. received a customer satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over a million surveys, highlighting strong customer service and brand loyalty.
Minimal Impact from Tariffs
Valvoline Inc. expects the impact of tariffs to be minimal, estimating an operating cost impact of less than $4 million system-wide for fiscal year 2025.
Negative Updates
Gross Margin Decline
Gross margin rate decreased by 30 basis points year over year to 37.3%, primarily due to deleverage on product cost and store expenses.
SG&A Cost Pressures
SG&A as a percentage of sales increased by 150 basis points to 19.3%, driven by the impact of refranchising and technology investments.
EBITDA Margin Decline
Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 110 basis points over the prior year, with a noted 6% increase on a recast basis when considering refranchising.
Company Guidance
During Valvoline Inc.'s second-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings call, the company reported a robust performance with a system-wide sales increase of 11% to $826 million and same-store sales growth of 5.8%. Total net sales rose by 11% to $403 million, adjusted for refranchising impacts, and the adjusted EBITDA grew by 6%. Valvoline's system-wide store count reached 2,078, marking an 8% increase over the previous year. The company addressed tariff impacts, estimating a minimal fiscal year 2025 operating cost impact of less than $4 million system-wide, with an expected 1-2% increase in cost of sales. Strategic priorities included marketing sophistication and talent management, contributing to a strong customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Valvoline reaffirmed its guidance, emphasizing confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and maintaining the growth trajectory.

Valvoline Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesM&A TransactionsFinancial Disclosures
Valvoline Appoints New CFO Amidst Financial Growth
Positive
May 8, 2025

On May 8, 2025, Valvoline announced the appointment of J. Kevin Willis as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective May 19, 2025, succeeding Mary E. Meixelsperger, who is retiring. The company also reported its second-quarter financial results, with a 4% increase in sales to $403 million and system-wide store sales growth of 11%. Despite a decline in income from continuing operations and EPS, Valvoline remains optimistic about its growth prospects, including the acquisition of Breeze Autocare to accelerate growth and earnings potential.

Spark’s Take on VVV Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, VVV is a Neutral.

Valvoline’s overall score reflects strong revenue growth and strategic expansion, balanced by high leverage and cash flow constraints. Positive earnings guidance and strategic acquisitions support future growth, but caution is advised due to financial leverage.

To see Spark’s full report on VVV stock, click here.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Valvoline Expands Market with Acquisition of Breeze Autocare
Positive
Feb 20, 2025

On February 17, 2025, Valvoline Inc. announced its agreement to acquire OC IntermediateCo, which owns Breeze Autocare, a business with nearly 200 quick lube oil change stores under the Oil Changers brand, for approximately $625 million. This acquisition is expected to significantly expand Valvoline’s market presence, bringing its total number of locations to over 2,200, and is projected to close in fiscal Q3 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The deal aims to accelerate Valvoline’s growth and enhance its cash flow profile, leveraging Breeze Autocare’s strong track record and geographic reach.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.