Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) Director Charles M. Sonsteby Buys 10,000 Shares

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) Director Charles M. Sonsteby acquired 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $39.50 per share, for a total transaction of $395,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 26,437 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,044,261.50. This trade represents a 60.84 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Valvoline Stock Performance

Valvoline stock opened at $38.79 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $4.98 billion, a PE ratio of 23.94 and a beta of 1.46. Valvoline Inc. has a twelve month low of $33.86 and a twelve month high of $48.26. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $41.26 and its 200-day moving average price is $41.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.77.

Valvoline announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, July 30th that authorizes the company to buyback $400.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the basic materials company to reacquire up to 7.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally a sign that the company’s board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

VVV has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on Valvoline from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 20th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of Valvoline from $52.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 20th. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Valvoline from $50.00 to $46.00 and set an “outperform” 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. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Valvoline from $46.00 to $44.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $46.25.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Valvoline

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co raised its stake in Valvoline by 5.2% in the first quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 101,282 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $4,515,000 after buying an additional 5,002 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Valvoline by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 554,316 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $24,707,000 after purchasing an additional 34,467 shares in the last quarter. Caxton Associates LP purchased a new position in Valvoline in the 1st quarter worth $309,000. Tidal Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 97.6% during the first quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 29,843 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $1,330,000 after purchasing an additional 14,739 shares during the period. Finally, Vista Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valvoline in the 1st quarter valued at $203,000. 96.13% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.