Commerce Bank Acquires 21,369 Shares of Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV)

Commerce Bank raised its holdings in shares of Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV - Free Report) by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,232,013 shares of the basic materials company's stock after acquiring an additional 21,369 shares during the period. Commerce Bank owned approximately 0.96% of Valvoline worth $51,560,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its stake in shares of Valvoline by 92.1% during the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 630 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 302 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Valvoline by 57.9% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 728 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in Valvoline in the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Mather Group LLC. boosted its position in Valvoline by 1,617.0% in the 2nd quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 807 shares of the basic materials company's stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 760 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prospera Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Valvoline in the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. Institutional investors own 96.13% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on Valvoline from $52.00 to $46.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Valvoline from $46.00 to $42.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on shares of Valvoline from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. 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. Finally, Stephens initiated coverage on shares of Valvoline in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. They set an "overweight" rating and a $49.00 price objective on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Buy" and a consensus price target of $46.25.

Valvoline Price Performance

Shares of NYSE VVV traded up $0.22 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $38.87. 926,259 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,190,256. Valvoline Inc. has a 1 year low of $33.86 and a 1 year high of $48.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.57, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $41.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $41.99. The company has a market cap of $5.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.82 and a beta of 1.46.

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

About Valvoline

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.