Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) Shares Acquired by Confluence Investment Management LLC

Confluence Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV - Free Report) by 101.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 506,205 shares of the basic materials company's stock after purchasing an additional 254,814 shares during the period. Confluence Investment Management LLC owned 0.40% of Valvoline worth $17,621,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Barclays PLC grew its stake in Valvoline by 52.4% in the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 53,580 shares of the basic materials company's stock valued at $2,242,000 after purchasing an additional 18,414 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 1.0% during the fourth quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,642,754 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $59,435,000 after acquiring an additional 16,912 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valvoline during the fourth quarter worth about $223,000. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 33.7% during the fourth quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 15,909 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $576,000 after acquiring an additional 4,013 shares during the last quarter. Finally, VELA Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 39.8% during the fourth quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC now owns 84,273 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $3,049,000 after acquiring an additional 24,001 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.13% of the company's stock.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Lori Ann Flees acquired 3,000 shares of Valvoline stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $33.78 per share, with a total value of $101,340.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 46,614 shares in the company, valued at $1,574,620.92. This trade represents a 6.88% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.66% of the company's stock.

Valvoline Stock Performance

Valvoline stock traded down $0.44 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $34.15. The company had a trading volume of 501,626 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,426,499. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.39. Valvoline Inc. has a 12-month low of $31.02 and a 12-month high of $48.27. The company's fifty day moving average is $34.15 and its 200-day moving average is $36.16. The company has a market capitalization of $4.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.35 and a beta of 1.20.

Valvoline (NYSE:VVV - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 8th. The basic materials company reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.02). Valvoline had a return on equity of 143.64% and a net margin of 16.34%. The company had revenue of $403.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $405.38 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.37 EPS. The company's revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Valvoline Inc. will post 1.63 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup dropped their price target on Valvoline from $41.00 to $38.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 29th. TD Securities initiated coverage on shares of Valvoline in a research note on Friday, April 4th. They set a "buy" rating and a $40.00 price objective for the company. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $44.00 to $42.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $41.00 to $39.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler reiterated an "overweight" rating and issued a $44.00 target price (down previously from $45.00) on shares of Valvoline in a research report on Friday, May 9th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $42.33.

Valvoline 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.