Valvoline Investor Update Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Valvoline (NYSE: VVV) - **Industry**: Automotive Services, specifically oil change and vehicle maintenance - **Date of Update**: December 11, 2025 Core Points and Arguments 1. **Strategic Focus**: Valvoline aims to clarify its strategy and financial plan to enhance long-term shareholder value, emphasizing a disciplined approach to capital allocation and operational excellence [3][4][9] 2. **Historical Context**: Valvoline has a rich history of nearly 160 years, transitioning to a pure-play retail services provider in 2019 after divesting its global products business, which has allowed for focused growth in high-margin services [4][5] 3. **Growth Metrics**: The company has over 2,300 locations and aims to expand to over 3,500 stores by 2028, with a current market share of only 6% in the oil change segment, indicating significant growth potential [5][25] 4. **Financial Commitments**: Valvoline projects net sales growth of 9%-11% over the next three years, driven by same-store sales growth and new store openings [21][22] 5. **Operational Efficiency**: The company has improved its operational efficiency, with a 270 basis point increase in four-wall margins in mature stores, and aims to leverage technology and data for further enhancements [44][60] Key Financial Insights 1. **Earnings Growth**: Valvoline is focused on increasing operating margins through various strategies, including operational efficiencies and a shift towards premium products, which are expected to drive higher margins [23][60] 2. **Customer Retention**: The company boasts a high customer retention rate, with over 80% of customers returning, supported by a strong Net Promoter Score (NPS) above 80% [12][46] 3. **Franchise Partnerships**: Valvoline's franchise partners have committed over $1 billion in future growth, with an average tenure of 26 years, indicating strong relationships and stability in the franchise model [20] Market Dynamics 1. **Fragmented Market**: The market for oil changes is highly fragmented, with over 70% of oil changes still performed at dealerships and general service providers, presenting an opportunity for Valvoline to capture market share [13][25] 2. **Aging Vehicle Fleet**: The average age of vehicles is increasing, leading to higher maintenance needs, which benefits Valvoline's service offerings [59] 3. **Convenience Factor**: Customer preference for convenience is driving demand for quick and easy service, which aligns with Valvoline's operational model [14][15] Innovation and Technology 1. **Fleet Business Growth**: Valvoline's fleet business has grown at a 17% compound annual growth rate since 2022, with continued investment in technology to streamline account management and service delivery [26] 2. **Data-Driven Decisions**: The company utilizes over nine billion data points to optimize service delivery, pricing, and customer engagement, enhancing operational efficiency [19][55] 3. **Service Menu Adaptation**: Valvoline is adapting its service menu to include premium synthetic lubricants and other high-margin services, responding to evolving customer needs [28][29] Conclusion - **Investment Opportunity**: Valvoline presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its established market position, operational excellence, and significant growth potential in a fragmented industry. The company is committed to disciplined capital allocation and innovation to drive shareholder returns [33]