Strong brand makes Valvoline a buy

Article Excerpt

Dear Client: In September 2016, chemical maker Ashland sold a 17% stake in its better-known subsidiary Valvoline. Through an initial public offering (IPO), investors bought 30 million shares at $22.00 each. In May 2017, Ashland handed out its remaining Valvoline shares to its own investors. Since the IPO, Ashland stock has gained 35%, while Valvoline is down 11%. We think both companies have strong businesses and prospects. Still, we feel Valvoline’s solid brand and moderate market cap make it a an attractive takeover target. VALVOLINE INC. $21 (New York symbol VVV; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 200.1 million; Market cap: $4.2 billion; Dividend yield: 1.4%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.valvoline.com) is a leading maker of motor oil, lubricants and other automotive chemicals like antifreeze. The company also operates 1,100 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centres in the U.S. International markets supply 27% of its sales. As a separate company, Valvoline’s revenue rose 8.0%, from $1.9 billion in 2016 to $2.1 billion in 2017 (fiscal years end…