Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) Given Consensus Rating of "Moderate Buy" by Brokerages

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV - Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from the eleven ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $44.40.

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an "equal weight" rating and set a $38.00 price objective (down from $42.00) on shares of Valvoline in a research note on Tuesday, January 21st. Mizuho dropped their target price on Valvoline from $46.00 to $42.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Valvoline from $37.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 13th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Valvoline from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Friday, February 7th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Valvoline in a research note on Friday, December 20th. They issued a "hold" rating and a $42.00 target price on the stock.

Insider Buying and Selling at Valvoline

In other Valvoline news, insider Julie Marie O'daniel sold 6,000 shares of Valvoline stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.41, for a total transaction of $224,460.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 15,305 shares in the company, valued at approximately $572,560.05. The trade was a 28.16 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.66% of the company's stock.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Huntington National Bank grew its position in Valvoline by 1,004.9% during the 4th quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 895 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 814 shares during the period. Centricity Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valvoline in the fourth quarter worth about $36,000. Prospera Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Valvoline during the third quarter worth about $41,000. ORG Partners LLC raised its position in Valvoline by 466.7% during the fourth quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the basic materials company's stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 1,050 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd purchased a new position in Valvoline during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $49,000. 96.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Valvoline Trading Up 1.4 %

NYSE:VVV traded up $0.47 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $35.32. The stock had a trading volume of 1,024,692 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,580,493. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.39. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $36.86 and a 200 day moving average of $38.66. The company has a market capitalization of $4.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.90 and a beta of 1.48. Valvoline has a one year low of $33.90 and a one year high of $48.26.

Valvoline (NYSE:VVV - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.01. Valvoline had a return on equity of 143.64% and a net margin of 16.34%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Valvoline will post 1.63 EPS for the current year.

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.