Valvoline, Inc. (VVV)

In the past six months, Valvoline's stock has been influenced by several key events. Valvoline reported its fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings, with an adjusted diluted EPS of $0.37, surpassing analyst consensus estimates of $0.34, leading to an 8.7% increase in VVV shares. While reported revenue was slightly below consensus, strong system-wide same-store sales growth and the ongoing integration of the Breeze acquisition contributed to a positive outlook. The total return for VVV stock in 2025 was -19.68%, and in 2024, it was -3.72%. As of January 30, 2026, the share price was $32.72, a decline of 10.72% from February 3, 2025.

Demand for Valvoline's products and services is characterized by its resilience and non-discretionary nature. The company benefits from recession-insulated, recurring maintenance demand, having achieved 19 consecutive years of positive system-wide same-store sales growth. This consistent demand is driven by consumers prioritizing routine automotive maintenance. Additionally, the increasing average age of vehicles contributes to higher transaction counts and increased ticket sizes, suggesting a relatively stable demand throughout the year.

Valvoline, Inc. is an American retail automotive services company operating in the Consumer Cyclical sector, specifically within the Vehicles & Parts industry, and is also involved in chemical manufacturing and distribution and car repair. Valvoline specializes in providing quick and preventive automotive maintenance services through its network of company-operated and franchised service centers, predominantly under the "Valvoline Instant Oil Change" brand. Its core offerings include oil changes, tire rotations, and various fluid exchanges. Valvoline licenses its brand name for a wide range of automotive products sold through retail and commercial channels.

Valvoline operates over 2,000 service centers across the United States and Canada, completing more than 28 million services annually. The company's presence in Canada includes the "Great Canadian Oil Change" brand. Valvoline is actively expanding its geographic reach and signed an agreement to acquire Breeze Autocare for $625 million, adding nearly 200 quick-lube stores primarily in California, Texas, and the Midwest. This acquisition is expected to expand Valvoline's network towards 3,500 locations.

Valvoline has maintained a strong brand reputation over the past year, marked by several accolades and community initiatives. Forbes ranked Valvoline Instant Oil Change among the best in customer service. Valvoline Instant Oil Change was recognized as the #1 Automotive Services Retailer in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for the fourth consecutive year. Valvoline Great Canadian Oil Change ranked highest among aftermarket service facilities in J.D. Power's 2025 Canada Customer Service Index for the second consecutive year. Valvoline also successfully raised $1.8 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Valvoline Inc. has a significant institutional ownership base, with 729 institutional owners and shareholders holding a total of 171,378,325 shares. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc. and BlackRock, Inc. As of September 30, 2025, The Vanguard Group, Inc. held 9.62% of the company's shares, and BlackRock, Inc. held 9.47%. Individual insiders have shown mixed activity in the past three months, with more shares bought than sold.