Transaction overview
Valvoline (NYSE: VVV) Chief Legal Officer Julie Marie O’Daniel filed a Form 4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing several equity transactions executed on February 20, 2026. On that date O’Daniel sold 4,312 shares of common stock at $38.55 per share, producing proceeds of $166,227.
Stock appreciation rights and tax-related sale
Also on February 20 O’Daniel exercised stock appreciation rights for 15,810 shares at an exercise price of $23.01, the exercise producing a total value of $363,788. Following the exercise she disposed of 11,498 shares to satisfy tax obligations; those shares were sold at $38.53 each for proceeds of $443,017.
Holdings after transactions
After these transactions O’Daniel directly holds 17,979 shares of Valvoline common stock. She additionally retains an indirect holding of 3,042 shares through the Valvoline 401(k) Plan, as stated in the filing.
Market context and valuation signal
The insider activity occurred while Valvoline stock was trading close to its 52-week high of $41.33, with the share price up 34% year-to-date. An InvestingPro analysis cited in the filing places Valvoline at a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.38 at current levels and highlights the availability of a Pro Research Report for further company analysis.
Recent quarterly performance and analyst responses
Valvoline’s first-quarter fiscal 2026 results showed mixed outcomes. The company reported adjusted earnings that exceeded analyst expectations while revenue fell short of estimates. Same-store sales grew 5.8%, above the Street’s 4.8% estimate, and earnings per share rose 16% year-over-year to $0.37.
Analyst reactions were divided. JPMorgan downgraded Valvoline from Neutral to Underweight, citing potential margin pressures in fiscal 2026 related to integration costs from the recently acquired Breeze stores. By contrast Stephens raised its price target to $44 and maintained an Overweight rating, pointing to the company’s strong earnings showing. Stifel increased its price target to $40 while retaining a Hold rating, reflecting confidence in the quarter’s results despite lingering uncertainties.
Takeaway
The filings detail material insider activity by Valvoline’s chief legal officer that coincided with near-record share prices and followed an earnings report that delivered stronger-than-expected adjusted earnings but weaker revenue. Analyst responses vary, underscoring a split view on the company’s near-term margin trajectory amid integration-related costs from recent acquisitions.