Algert Global LLC Reduces Stock Position in Valvoline $VVV

Key Points

• Algert Global LLC reduced its stake in Valvoline by 39.6%, selling 41,220 shares and leaving it with a total of 62,778 shares worth approximately $2.18 million.
• Several institutional investors have increased their positions in Valvoline, including Raymond James Financial, which boosted its stake by 121%, and Boston Partners, which acquired a new position valued at $82.75 million.
• Valvoline's stock recently opened at $38.82 and has experienced a range of $31.01 to $43.74 over the past year, reflecting a significant performance in the market.

Algert Global LLC lessened its stake in Valvoline (NYSE:VVV - Free Report) by 39.6% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 62,778 shares of the basic materials company's stock after selling 41,220 shares during the quarter. Algert Global LLC's holdings in Valvoline were worth $2,185,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Valvoline in the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. American National Bank & Trust bought a new stake in shares of Valvoline in the 1st quarter worth approximately $40,000. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 221.8% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,181 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 814 shares during the period. CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 50.8% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,440 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 485 shares during the period. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. raised its holdings in Valvoline by 145.4% during the 1st quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,531 shares of the basic materials company's stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 907 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 96.13% of the company's stock.

Valvoline Trading Up 0.8%

NYSE VVV traded up $0.32 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $39.65. 1,409,140 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,721,527. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $37.81 and a two-hundred day moving average of $36.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.37, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.60. Valvoline has a 12-month low of $31.01 and a 12-month high of $43.74. The firm has a market cap of $5.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.44 and a beta of 1.17.

Valvoline (NYSE:VVV - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.01. Valvoline had a net margin of 16.43% and a return on equity of 84.85%. The business had revenue of $439.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $436.35 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.45 earnings per share. The company's revenue was up 4.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Valvoline will post 1.63 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Valvoline

In other Valvoline news, CFO J Kevin Willis purchased 12,725 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 14th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $39.41 per share, for a total transaction of $501,492.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 12,725 shares in the company, valued at approximately $501,492.25. This represents a ∞ increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.66% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Cfra Research raised shares of Valvoline to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, July 7th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Valvoline from $41.00 to $39.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 9th. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Valvoline from $41.00 to $38.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 29th. Stephens boosted their target price on shares of Valvoline from $40.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Tuesday, July 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Valvoline from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and boosted their target price for the company from $40.00 to $45.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Valvoline currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $42.31.

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.