Geneva Capital Management LLC Makes New $32.67 Million Investment in Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV)

Geneva Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV - Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 780,644 shares of the basic materials company's stock, valued at approximately $32,670,000. Geneva Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.61% of Valvoline at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in shares of Valvoline by 57.9% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 728 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 267 shares in the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its holdings in Valvoline by 92.1% in the third 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. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 0.7% in the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 47,602 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $1,992,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 6.1% during the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 6,292 shares of the basic materials company's stock valued at $272,000 after acquiring an additional 359 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Park Place Capital Corp raised its position in shares of Valvoline by 29.3% in the 3rd quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 1,608 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 364 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.13% of the company's stock.

Valvoline Stock Performance

Shares of VVV traded up $0.21 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $42.82. The stock had a trading volume of 472,101 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,173,866. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.52 billion, a PE ratio of 34.75 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.57, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.62. Valvoline Inc. has a 12 month low of $33.19 and a 12 month high of $48.26. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $41.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.03.

Valvoline announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Tuesday, July 30th that allows the company to buyback $400.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the basic materials company to purchase up to 7.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the company's management believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

VVV has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Stephens started 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. Robert W. Baird began coverage on shares of Valvoline in a report on Thursday, August 15th. They set an "outperform" rating and a $48.00 price target on the stock. Baird R W upgraded shares of Valvoline to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Citigroup increased their target price on Valvoline from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on Valvoline from $54.00 to $48.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $47.75.

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.