Valvoline Inc
Q3 2026 Earnings
Market Reaction
Did VVV Beat Earnings? Q3 2026 Results
Valvoline delivered a strong fiscal third quarter of 2026, beating Wall Street expectations on both the top and bottom lines as accelerating store growth and robust same-store sales momentum drove results well ahead of forecasts. The quick-lube operator posted adjusted earnings of $0.57 per diluted share, ahead of the $0.50 consensus estimate by 13.57%, while revenue climbed 24.1% year-over-year to $544.60 million, edging past the $543.61 million analyst expectation. The primary engine behind the growth was the transformative Breeze Autocare acquisition completed earlier in the fiscal year, which expanded the company-operated store base and helped push the system-wide count to 2,456 locations, up 15.6% year-over-year, with system-wide same-store sales rising 8.0%. Adjusted EBITDA grew 25% to $162.40 million, reflecting strong operational leverage even as rising finished lubricant costs pressured margins. Looking ahead, management raised its same-store sales growth outlook to 7.5%-8.0% and lifted the lower end of adjusted EPS guidance to a $1.70-$1.75 range, signaling continued confidence in the company's pricing strategy and expansion trajectory.
- System-wide same-store sales growth of 8.0% driven by pricing actions
- 24% net revenue growth year-over-year
- 47 net new store additions in the quarter (22 company-operated, 25 franchised)
- Improved SG&A leverage
- System-wide store count grew 15.6% year-over-year to 2,456
- Adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.8%
- Year-to-date free cash flow of $112.3 million, improvement of $93 million over prior year
“We delivered another strong quarter, with sales and profit growth in line with our expectations. Top-line sales grew 24%, with system-wide same-store sales growth of 8.0%, benefiting from pricing actions taken in the quarter. We generated healthy profit growth, solid margins and improved SG&A leverage. The team continues to manage the business effectively through the changing supply and macro environment. Our results demonstrate the strength, resilience, and growth in our business.”
Valvoline CEO, on the earnings call
Forward Guidance & Outlook
Valvoline narrowed its fiscal 2026 full-year guidance and raised same-store sales expectations. Updated outlook: system-wide SSS growth of 7.5%-8.0% (up from 5%-6.5%); net revenues of $2.05-$2.1 billion (narrowed from $2.0-$2.1 billion); adjusted EBITDA of $550-$560 million (narrowed from $540-$560 million); adjusted EPS of $1.70-$1.75 (raised from $1.65-$1.75); capital expenditures of $240-$260 million (lowered from $250-$280 million); system-wide store additions unchanged. Management noted increasing finished lubricant costs as a headwind being addressed through pricing actions and operational discipline.
VVV YoY Financials
VVV Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.