28,151 Shares in Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) Purchased by GSA Capital Partners LLP

GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in shares of Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 28,151 shares of the basic materials company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,178,000.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. UMB Bank n.a. grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 92.1% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 630 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 302 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in Valvoline by 57.9% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 728 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valvoline in the second quarter worth $34,000. Mather Group LLC. increased its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 1,617.0% during the second quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 807 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 760 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in shares of Valvoline by 46.5% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,465 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 465 shares during the last quarter. 96.13% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Valvoline Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of Valvoline stock opened at $42.86 on Friday. Valvoline Inc. has a 1-year low of $33.86 and a 1-year high of $48.26. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $41.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $42.03. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $5.52 billion, a PE ratio of 34.85 and a beta of 1.46.

Valvoline declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback 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 repurchase up to 7.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually a sign that the company’s board believes its shares are undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have issued reports on VVV. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Valvoline from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on shares of Valvoline in a report on Thursday, August 15th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $48.00 price objective for the company. Stephens initiated coverage on Valvoline in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. They set an “overweight” rating and a $49.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Valvoline from $54.00 to $48.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Baird R W raised Valvoline to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $47.75.

Valvoline 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.