Valvoline Inc. today announced it is accelerating its continued transformation by pursuing a separation of its two business segments, Retail Services and Global Products.
“Following a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives by the Valvoline Board of Directors and executive management, we believe that a separation of our business segments will create significant and sustainable value for our shareholders, employees and other stakeholders, and will best position the Retail Services and Global Products businesses for continued long-term success,” said Stephen Kirk, chairman of the board.
Sam Mitchell, CEO, added, “Our confidence in separating these two strong businesses reflects the tremendous progress we have made in our strategic transformation. Retail Services now generates more than half of our adjusted EBITDA and is growing at an exceptional pace. The separation will allow Retail Services to continue its growth and focus on leveraging its world class service model. Global Products is a market leading, high cash generating business, which we believe will thrive well into the future with the opportunity to focus and allocate capital to its own strategic priorities.”
Valvoline is working with its outside advisers on determining the best way to accomplish the separation. No timetable has been established for the completion of the separation, and Valvoline does not intend to disclose further developments with respect to this process, unless and until its board approves a specific transaction or action.
Valvoline will report full year fiscal 2021 financial results on Nov. 3, 2021. Based on information currently available, the company expects to report sales of $3 billion for fiscal 2021, up 27% versus the prior year. Valvoline also currently expects adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS for fiscal 2021 to be within the guidance range for each measure as provided in the company’s earnings announcement on August 4, 2021. In addition, based on currently available information, Retail Services ended the fiscal year with 1,595 system-wide stores, and the company believes Retail Services experienced fourth quarter and full year system-wide same store sales growth of 20% and 21%, respectively, compared to the same prior year periods.
Retail Services Segment Overview
The Retail Services segment services the passenger car and light truck quick lube market in the United States and Canada with a broad array of preventive maintenance services and capabilities performed through Valvoline’s retail network of company-operated, independent franchise and Express Care stores that service vehicles with Valvoline products. Valvoline operates the second-largest quick lube service chain by number of stores in the United States with Valvoline Instant Oil Change and the third largest quick lube service chain in Canada with the Valvoline Great Canadian Oil Change brand. With its strong brand awareness and a loyal, growing customer base, Valvoline believes the Retail Services business is well-positioned for continued exceptional growth and operational excellence. Based on currently available information, the Company expects to report Retail Services segment sales of $1.2 billion for fiscal 2021, up 38% versus the prior year.
Global Products Segment Overview
With a presence in more than 140 countries and territories, Valvoline’s Global Products segment sells lubricants and other automotive and engine maintenance products primarily to automotive retailers, installers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Valvoline has established itself as the world’s No. 1 supplier of battery fluids to electric vehicle manufacturers, offering tailored products to help extend vehicle range and efficiency. Within the U.S., Valvoline is the No. 3 branded motor oil in the Do-It-Yourself market by volume. The business has low capital intensity and is differentiated from competition due to its leading brand, product quality, and strong distribution partnerships. Based on currently available information, the Company expects to report Global Products segment sales of $1.8 billion for fiscal 2021, up 20% versus the prior year.
Advisers
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as financial adviser and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP as legal adviser to Valvoline.
