Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. Boosts Stake in Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV)

Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. boosted its holdings in Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV - Free Report) by 39.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 47,972 shares of the basic materials company's stock after acquiring an additional 13,581 shares during the quarter. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C.'s holdings in Valvoline were worth $2,008,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. UMB Bank n.a. grew its stake in shares of 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 during the period. Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in Valvoline by 57.9% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 728 shares of the basic materials company's stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 267 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Valvoline during the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Mather Group LLC. lifted its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 1,617.0% during 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 period. Finally, Prospera Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Valvoline in the 3rd quarter worth $41,000. 96.13% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Valvoline Price Performance

Shares of VVV traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $38.57. 1,541,945 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,198,816. Valvoline Inc. has a 52-week low of $33.86 and a 52-week high of $48.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.77. The company has a market cap of $4.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.80 and a beta of 1.46. The company's 50-day moving average price is $41.38 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $41.94.

Valvoline announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, July 30th that authorizes the company to buyback $400.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the basic materials company to buy up to 7.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually an indication that the company's board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Analyst Ratings Changes

VVV has been the subject of a number of research reports. Baird R W upgraded Valvoline to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Valvoline from $46.00 to $42.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Stephens began coverage on shares of Valvoline in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. They issued an "overweight" rating and a $49.00 price objective on the stock. Mizuho reduced their target price on shares of Valvoline from $50.00 to $46.00 and set an "outperform" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on shares of Valvoline from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $46.25.

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.