Morgan Stanley Issues Pessimistic Forecast for Valvoline (NYSE:VVV) Stock Price

Valvoline (NYSE:VVV) had its price target cut by stock analysts at Morgan Stanley from $46.00 to $42.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an “overweight” rating on the basic materials company’s stock. Morgan Stanley’s target price would suggest a potential upside of 8.64% from the stock’s current price.

VVV has been the subject of a number of other reports. Robert W. Baird started coverage on Valvoline in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $48.00 price target for the company. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Valvoline from $50.00 to $46.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on Valvoline from $54.00 to $48.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Stephens initiated coverage on Valvoline in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $49.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Baird R W upgraded Valvoline to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. One 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. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $47.25.

Valvoline Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:VVV opened at $38.66 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.57. Valvoline has a twelve month low of $33.86 and a twelve month high of $48.26. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $41.43 and its 200-day moving average is $41.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.43 and a beta of 1.46.

Valvoline declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, July 30th that allows the company to repurchase $400.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the basic materials company to buy up to 7.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally a sign that the company’s board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of VVV. UMB Bank n.a. grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 92.1% during the 3rd 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. grew its stake in shares of Valvoline by 57.9% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 728 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the period. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Valvoline during the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. Mather Group LLC. grew its stake 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 worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 760 shares during the period. Finally, Prospera Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Valvoline during the 3rd quarter worth $41,000. Institutional investors own 96.13% of the company’s stock.

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.