Valvoline Inc. reported financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2022.

“Valvoline’s top-line growth in Q3 highlights the continuing robust demand for our products and services,” said Sam Mitchell, CEO. “Record volume in Global Products and strong same-store sales growth in Retail Services illustrate the strength in both of our businesses and the performance of our global team. These results position us well for future margin expansion in the period beyond current raw-material inflationary cycle.

“Retail Services sales grew 16% led by same-store sales growth of nearly 10% — on track for what we expect to be our 16th consecutive year of same-store sales growth in fiscal 2022. While operating income was down slightly, adjusted EBITDA grew 1% year over year. The pricing actions we took in Q3 normalized our margins on a per-transaction basis, while product sales to our franchisees remain dilutive to overall margin percentage due to the price pass-through of higher raw material costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin rates improved 230 basis points sequentially, and we are confident in returning to our long-term margin target over time, although we do not expect a significant change in Q4 due to ongoing price pass-through.

“Global Products continues to generate strong top-line results and improving profitability. Sales increased 24% driven by record volume and successful price pass-through of raw material cost inflation. Volume growth was 9% as we continue to gain share and meet customer demand, despite ongoing challenges from COVID-19, particularly in China, and geopolitical disruption. Top-line demand and ongoing price pass-through drove strong growth in profitably both sequentially and versus last year.”

Separation Update: Announced Sale of Global Products

As previously announced on August 1, 2022, Valvoline signed a definitive agreement to sell its Global Products business to Aramco for $2.65 billion in cash and anticipates net proceeds of approximately $2.25 billion. Valvoline expects to use the net proceeds to accelerate return of capital to shareholders through share repurchases with the remainder used for debt reduction and to invest in growth opportunities in Retail Services.

“The sale of Global Products will represent the successful outcome of our strategy to unlock the full, long-term value of our strong but differentiated Retail Services and Global Products businesses,” said Mitchell. “We have built two leading business that are well-positioned for continued success as they pursue their individual strategic priorities.”

The transaction is expected to close in late calendar year 2022 or early 2023 subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approval.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

• Total debt of $1.7 billion and net debt of approximately $1.6 billion
• Year-to-date cash flow from operations of $191 million and free cash flow of $89 million
• Returned $38 million of cash to shareholders via share repurchases and $22 million via dividends during the quarter

Outlook

 “The core, underlying performance of our two segments continues to deliver results in the face of a challenging macro environment including the impacts of raw material inflation, Mitchell continued. “With inflationary pressure continuing, we expect impacts to profitability in Q4 while maintaining a strong outlook for fiscal 2022. We are modestly updating our full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA and now anticipate between $670 million to $680 million. At the midpoint, this represents 7% growth on a consolidated basis and low-double digit growth for the Retail Services segment driven by share gains, pricing actions and strong execution. 

“With our announced separation, we are excited about the compelling opportunities to drive shareholder value as a best-in-class, pure-play automotive retail service provider. With increased management and Board focus on Retail Services, we expect to continue driving growth, accelerating our evolution to a powertrain agnostic service provider and optimizing our capital structure and capital allocation policies.”

For Valvoline’s full third-quarter report, visit: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valvoline-reports-third-quarter-results-301599479.html