Press Releases

Valvoline Inc.™ Reports Preliminary Financial Results for Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016
Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

  • Completed initial public offering of 34,500,000 Valvoline Inc. shares on September 28th at $22.00 per share, raising $759 million in equity capital; Valvolinealso completes $750 million in corporate debt issuance
  • Net income of $65 million leads to earnings of $0.32 per diluted share
  • Adjusted earnings grow 4 percent to $0.29 per diluted share
  • Lubricant volumes increase 2 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $111 million, an increase of 12 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales increases 200 basis points

Fiscal 2016 Financial Highlights

  • Net Income of $273 million leads to earnings of $1.33 per diluted share
  • Adjusted earnings grow 6 percent to $1.31 per diluted share
  • Lubricant volumes increase 4 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $457 million, an increase of 9 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales increases 230 basis points

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Valvoline Inc.™ (NYSE: VVV), a leading supplier of premium branded lubricants, today announced preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

In its first quarter as a public company, Valvoline reported increases in lubricant volumes and sales of 2 percent, or 43.5 million gallons to 44.5 million gallons and $484 million to $494 million, respectively. Net income for the quarter was $65 million, leading to earnings per diluted share of $0.32. The Company also reported a 12 percent increase in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) and adjusted earnings per diluted share growth of 4 percent from $0.28 to $0.29.

These solid fourth quarter results were driven by growth in premium product sales, sound execution with channel partners, significant increases in same store sales and store count, and by the February acquisition of 89 Oil Can Henry’s stores. Continued volume growth in emerging markets also contributed to Valvoline’s productive quarter.

For fiscal 2016, Valvoline reported a 4 percent increase in lubricant volume to 174.5 million gallons. Net income for the year was $273 million leading to earnings per diluted share of $1.33. The Company also reported a 9 percent increase in adjusted EBITDA, reaching $457 million, and adjusted earnings per share diluted share (EPS) growth of 6 percent from $1.24 to $1.31. Sales mix was strong during the year with premium lubricant volume growing in both Core North America and Quick Lubes. Reduced product selling prices reflecting lower raw material costs offset favorable mix, leading to a 2 percent decline in sales.

Valvoline’s strategy to invest in and grow market share across its three business segments – Core North America, Quick Lubes and International – has produced strong results through enhanced distribution to retail and installer customers; 10 straight years of same-store sales growth at Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC); and continued strength in international growth markets, including ChinaIndia and Mexico.

Adjusted Results and the Use of Non-GAAP Data

Certain items in this news release are presented on an adjusted basis as the Company believes this more accurately reflects the ongoing performance of the business. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP data, please refer to tables 5, 6, 7 and 8 in this news release.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, two key items produced a net favorable impact of $17 million to operating income. The first was a $23 million gain due to remeasurements of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. The second was a $6 million reduction related to costs associated with the separation of Valvoline from Ashland. The year ago quarter included one key item, a $44 million loss on remeasurements of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

For fiscal 2016, the same two key items affecting fourth quarter results led to a net gain of $12 million to operating income whereas fiscal 2015 included two key items resulting in a net reduction of $60 million to operating income.

Separation from Ashland and Initial Public Offering

On September 28, 2016Valvoline completed the initial public offering of its common stock at a price of $22.00 per share, taking the first step in separating from Ashland and establishing a new shareholder base, reflecting the midcap consumer brand nature of the business. In addition to raising $759 million in equity capital at the time of the IPO, Valvoline raised $750 million of corporate debt. Ashland continues to own 83 percent of Valvoline’s outstanding common stock.

“Our operational separation from Ashland is a seminal event in Valvoline’s 150-year history as it gives us the agility to pursue growth opportunities unique to a stand-alone company in our industry,” said Chief Executive Officer, Sam Mitchell .

“Valvoline’s strong leadership team, supported by its dedicated employees, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition, while delivering a record year and maintaining the strong performance needed to position the Company for future success,” Mr. Mitchell continued.

The following is a summary of key fourth quarter and fiscal 2016 financial highlights. Details on business segment financials are highlighted below.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2016 Financial Overview

           
(in millions except per-share amounts)   Quarter Ended     Year Ended
    September 30     September 30
    2016   2015     2016   2015
Operating Income   $ 118     $ 45       $ 431     $ 323  
                           

Key items*

    17       (44 )       12       (60 )

Adjusted operating income*

  $ 101     $ 89       $ 419     $ 383  
                           
Net income   $ 65     $ 33       $ 273     $ 196  
                           
Adjusted EBITDA*   $ 111     $ 99       $ 457     $ 421  
                           
                           
Diluted Earnings per share (EPS)                          
                           
From net income   $ 0.32     $ 0.16       $ 1.33     $ 0.96  
Key items*     (0.03 )     0.12         (0.02 )     0.28  
Adjusted EPS from net income*   $ 0.29     $ 0.28       $ 1.31     $ 1.24  
                           

Cash flows provided by operating activities

  $ 125     $ 62       $ 311     $ 330  
                           
Free cash flow*   $ 91     $ 43       $ 245     $ 285  
                           

* See Tables 5, 6 and 7 for Valvoline definitions and U.S. GAAP reconciliations.

 

Reportable Business Segment: Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2016 Performance

“Our FY16 strategy for Valvoline focused on growing volumes across our segments, enhancing product mix, managing changes in base oil costs and driving same-store sales growth. Our fourth quarter and full year results reflect successful execution against those drivers,” said Mr. Mitchell.

Core North America

Core North America delivered volume gains in a number of its channels to market, including the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and Heavy Duty markets. DIY was driven by expanded distribution and strong marketing and promotion campaigns, while Heavy Duty was driven by expanded distribution. Growth of branded lubricant volume was offset by lower private label volume, leading to a modest 1 percent lubricant volume decline for the segment. Sales declined 3 percent due to reduced selling prices reflecting lower raw material costs. Operating income was $42 million in both fiscal 2016 and 2015 fourth quarters.

Quick Lubes

The Quick Lubes business segment reported quarterly growth in lubricant volume, sales, and operating income of 22 percent, 19 percent and 38 percent, respectively. These results were driven by strong performances from each of the business segment’s three platforms: VIOC company operations, VIOC franchise operations and Express Care, Valvoline’s program for smaller independent operators. Company operations generated 5.4 percent same-store sales growth, while adding 16 stores to the network. Franchise operations generated 7.4 percent same-store sales growth, while adding 21 stores to the network. The February acquisition of Oil Can Henry’s added 89 stores to the network, 47 to company operations and 42 to franchise operations. In total, VIOC added 126 stores, growing from 942 at the end of fiscal 2015 to 1,068 at the end of fiscal 2016.

      Fiscal Fourth Quarter     Fiscal Year
     

Same-store
sales

   

Net Store
Additions

   

Same-store
sales

   

Net Store
Additions
(including Oil Can
Henry's)

Company     5.4%     2     6.2%     63
Franchise     7.4%     11     8.0%     63
                         

In addition, 19 stores were added to the Express Care platform, bringing the total number of stores in that network to 347.

Strong execution of Valvoline’s SuperPro model, our proprietary service process, providing “Quick, Easy, Trusted” service to customers, remains the key contributor to results from the Valvoline Instant Oil Change network, both company-owned and franchised units. These fourth quarter results once again reflected successful execution of that model.

International

Lubricant volume growth of 8 percent in the emerging markets was offset by softness in the mature markets of Europe and Australia, leading to 2 percent lubricant volume growth within the business segment. This compares with a strong quarter in the prior year where lubricant volume grew 15 percent year-over-year creating a challenging comparison. Sales declined 2 percent due to reduced selling prices reflecting lower raw material costs. Operating income was consistent with the prior year, as higher earnings from consolidated affiliates were offset by reduced joint venture (JV) income, which is accounted for using the equity method. Currency had no material effect to segment sales or earnings.

Equity and royalty income from unconsolidated JVs, including the Cummins JVs, totaled $3 million for the quarter, bringing the total for the full fiscal year to $19 million.

Fiscal 2016 Performance

In fiscal 2016, Valvoline posted a 4 percent lubricant volume increase as compared to fiscal 2015, a 39 percent increase in net income and a 9 percent increase to adjusted EBITDA. Sales for the year declined 2 percent.

“Valvoline delivered strong results in fiscal 2016 in what was a very demanding year for the team,” said Chief Executive Officer Sam Mitchell .

“We are now looking ahead to fiscal 2017 and laying the foundation for accelerated growth by making targeted investments in digital marketing and infrastructure, while ramping up our store growth plans.”

Fiscal 2016 lubricant volume and profit growth reflect market share gains across Core North America, driven by increased distribution and effective marketing at key retail accounts and expansion of our installer distribution network; an increase in premium product sales; strong same-store sales growth and store additions in Quick Lubes, including the Oil Can Henry’s acquisition; and, continued strong gains in select emerging markets. The Oil Can Henry’s acquisition contributed $34 million to sales and $8 million to adjusted EBITDA for the year. Currency had a negative effect to sales of $31 million and adjusted EBITDA of $4 million.

Valvoline’s balance sheet finished the year with total debt of $749 million, and $172 million of cash and cash equivalents, yielding a net debt position of $577 million. The Company’s cash position was enhanced by the underwriter’s execution of the over-allotment option of the initial public offering, which generated $94 million of proceeds. The Company generated $311 million in cash from operating activities, while making $66 million in capital investments, resulting in $245 million of free cash flow. Valvoline’s balance sheet and free cash flow profile remain strong, giving the Company flexibility to invest organically, pursue opportunistic bolt-on acquisitions and evaluate additional returns of capital to shareholders. The Company also continues to evaluate strategies to reduce risk and administrative costs of the $904 million of net unfunded pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations Valvoline assumed as part of the separation from Ashland.

Fiscal 2017 Outlook

In fiscal 2017, Valvoline anticipates delivering 2 to 3 percent lubricant volume growth with sales increasing 3 to 5 percent, driven primarily by same-store sales growth of 3 to 5 percent, increasing the number of Valvoline Instant Oil Change retail units (5-10 company owned and 15-25 franchised), growing premium lubricant sales and continued penetration of core international growth markets.

Valvoline expects adjusted EBITDA margin of 24 percent to 25 percent, which includes expected income generated from pension and other post-retirement benefit plans of $66 million, but excludes $25 million to $30 million of anticipated one-time separation-related costs. As a result, the Company expects diluted, adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.28 to $1.38.

Capital expenditures are expected to increase in fiscal 2017 to $70 million to $80 million, supporting investments in digital marketing and infrastructure, and new store growth. Fiscal 2017 free cash flow is projected to be approximately $90 million to $100 million, which includes approximately $30 million of expected separation related cash costs.

For the fiscal 2017 first quarter, Valvoline anticipates year-over-year sales growth of 4.5 percent to 6 percent and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5 to 24.5 percent, which includes $17 million of estimated net pension and other post-retirement benefit income, but does not include anticipated one-time costs related to the separation.

Conference Call Webcast

Valvoline will host a live webcast of its fourth-quarter fiscal 2016 conference call at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. The webcast and supporting materials will be accessible through Valvoline's website at http://investors.valvoline.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast and supporting materials will be available for 12 months.

Initial Public Offering and Basis of Presentation

In September 2016, in connection with the IPO, Ashland Inc. contributed the capital stock of its business unit Valvoline to Valvoline Inc., which is now a controlled, public subsidiary of Ashland. Prior to this time, Ashland held substantially all of the assets and liabilities related to Valvoline’s current business.

Valvoline’s fourth quarter, year-ended September 30, 2016 and prior periods information has been prepared on a stand-alone basis, derived from Ashland’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records using the historical results of operations, and assets and liabilities attributed to Valvoline’s operations, including allocations of expenses from Ashland. The historical financial results in this release differ from the results of the Valvoline segment for the same periods previously reported by Ashland. A reconciliation between the results reported in this release and the Valvoline segment results reported by Ashland is included in table 9. Our consolidated and segment results are not necessarily indicative of our future performance and do not reflect what our financial performance would have been had we been a stand-alone public company during the periods presented.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to our net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we evaluate operating performance using certain non-GAAP measures including adjusted income measures such as EBITDA, which we define as our net income, plus income tax expense (benefit), net interest and other financing expenses, and depreciation and amortization, and adjusted EBITDA, which we define as EBITDA adjusted for losses (gains) on pension and other postretirement plans remeasurement, net gain (loss) on acquisitions and divestitures, impairment of equity investment and separation costs. These measures are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes the use of non-GAAP measures on a combined and reportable segment basis assists investors in understanding the ongoing operating performance of our business by presenting comparable financial results between periods. The non-GAAP information provided is used by our management and may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies, because of differing methods used by other companies in calculating EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA provide a supplemental presentation of our operating performance on a combined and reportable segment basis. We have also given prospective guidance using non-GAAP measures, determined in the same way described above, but have decided it is not practicable to reconcile that information.

We use free cash flow as an additional non-GAAP metric of cash flow generation. By deducting capital expenditures from operating cash flows, we are able to provide a better indication of the ongoing cash being generated that is ultimately available for both debt and equity holders, as well as other investment opportunities. Unlike cash flow from operating activities, free cash flow includes the impact of capital expenditures, providing a more complete picture of cash available to capital providers. Free cash flow has certain limitations, including that it does not reflect adjustments for certain non-discretionary cash flows, such as allocated costs. The amount of mandatory versus discretionary expenditures can vary significantly between periods. Our results of operations are presented based on our management structure and internal accounting practices. The structure and practices are specific to us; therefore, our financial results and free cash flow are not necessarily comparable with similar information for other comparable companies. Free cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flows provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of these limitations, you should rely primarily on cash flows provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and use free cash flow only as a supplement.

About ValvolineTM

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) is a leading worldwide producer and distributor of premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants and automotive chemicals. In 2016, it ranks as the #2 quick-lube chain by number of stores and #3 passenger car motor oil in the Do-It-Yourself market by volume brand in the United States. The brand operates and franchises approximately 1,068 Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM centers in the United States. It also markets ValvolineTM lubricants and automotive chemicals; MaxLifeTMlubricants created for higher-mileage engines, SynPowerTM synthetic motor oil; and ZerexTMantifreeze. Visit www.valvoline.com to learn more.

C-VVV

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Valvoline™ has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "is likely," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should" and "intends" and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. In addition, Valvoline™ may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual report, quarterly reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), news releases and other written and oral communications.

These forward-looking statements are based on Valvoline’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, as of the date such statements are made, Valvoline’s future operating performance and financial condition, including Valvoline’s separation from Ashland (the “separation”), the expected timetable for Ashland’s spin-off of its remaining Valvoline common stock to Ashland shareholders (the “spin-off”) and Valvoline’s future financial and operating performance, strategic and competitive advantages, leadership and future opportunities, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. Valvoline’s expectations and assumptions include, without limitation, internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, operating efficiencies and economic conditions (such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases), and risks and uncertainties associated with the following: demand for Valvoline’s products and services; sales growth in emerging markets; the prices and margins of Valvoline’s products and services; the strength of Valvoline’s reputation and brand; Valvoline’s ability to develop and successfully market new products and implement its digital platforms; Valvoline’s ability to retain its largest customers; potential product liability claims; achievement of the expected benefits of the separation; Valvoline’s substantial indebtedness (including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect Valvoline’s future cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and Valvoline’s ability to repay debt) and other liabilities; operating as a stand-alone public company; Valvoline’s ongoing relationship with Ashland; failure, caused by Valvoline, of Ashland’s spin-off of Valvolinecommon stock to Ashland shareholders to qualify for tax-free treatment, which may result in significant tax liabilities to Ashland for which Valvoline may be required to indemnify Ashland; and the impact of acquisitions and/or divestitures Valvoline has made or may make (including the possibility that Valvoline may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions). These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this news release may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although Valvoline believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, Valvoline cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. In addition, neither Valvoline nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Valvoline or any other person that Valvoline will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, Valvoline assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Please see the Risk Factors Section of Valvoline’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC, which is available on Valvoline's website at http://investors.valvoline.com or on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties mentioned above and for discussion of other risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements attributable to Valvoline are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this news release, and hereafter in Valvoline’s other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by Valvoline in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

Financial results are preliminary until Valvoline's Form 10-K is filed with the SEC.

TM Trademark, Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
SM Service mark, Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries

Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 1
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME                        
(In millions except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                           
      Three months ended   Year ended
      September 30   September 30
      2016   2015   2016   2015
                           
Sales   $ 494   $ 484     $ 1,929     $ 1,967  
Cost of sales     300     326       1,168       1,282  
GROSS PROFIT     194     158       761       685  
Selling, general and administrative expense     60     96       270       291  
Corporate expense allocation     19     21       79       79  
Equity and other income     3     4       19       8  
OPERATING INCOME     118     45       431       323  
Net interest and other financing expense     9     -       9       -  
Net loss on acquisition and divestiture     -     -       (1 )     (26 )
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES     109     45       421       297  
Income tax expense     44     12       148       101  
NET INCOME   $ 65   $ 33     $ 273     $ 196  
                           
                           
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE   $ 0.32   $ 0.16     $ 1.33     $ 0.96  
                           
                           
BASIC AND DILUTED COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING     205     205       205       205  
                           
SALES                        
  Core North America   $ 239   $ 246     $ 979     $ 1,061  
  Quick Lubes     125     105       457       394  
  International     130     133       493       512  
      $ 494   $ 484     $ 1,929     $ 1,967  
                           
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                        
  Core North America   $ 42   $ 42     $ 212     $ 200  
  Quick Lubes     33     24       117       95  
  International     21     21       74       65  
  Unallocated and other     22     (42 )     28       (37 )
      $ 118   $ 45     $ 431     $ 323  
                           
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION                        
  Core North America   $ 4   $ 5     $ 16     $ 17  
  Quick Lubes     5     4       17       16  
  International     1     1       5       5  
      $ 10   $ 10     $ 38     $ 38  
                                 
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries               Table 2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                
                       
          September 30   September 30
          2016   2015
ASSETS                    
  Current assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $   172     $   -
    Accounts receivable       363         335
    Inventories       131         125
    Other assets       56         17
  Total current assets       722         477
                       
  Noncurrent assets                
    Property, plant and equipment                
      Cost       727         628
      Accumulated depreciation       403         374
    Net property, plant and equipment       324         254
                       
    Goodwill and intangibles       267         171
    Equity method investments       26         29
    Deferred income taxes       389         8
    Other assets       89         39
  Total noncurrent assets       1,095         501
                       
  Total assets   $   1,817     $   978
                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
  Current liabilities                
    Current portion of long-term debt   $   19     $   -
    Trade and other payables       177         174
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities       191         125
  Total current liabilities       387         299
                       
  Noncurrent liabilities                
    Long-term debt       730         -
    Employee benefit obligations       886         13
    Deferred income taxes       2         24
    Other liabilities       137         25
  Total noncurrent liabilities       1,755         62
                       
  Stockholders’ (deficit) equity       (325 )       617
                       
  Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity   $   1,817     $   978
                     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 3
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS                        
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
        Three months ended   Year ended
        September 30

 

September 30

        2016   2015   2016   2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                        
  Net income   $ 65     $ 33     $ 273     $ 196  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities                        
    Depreciation and amortization     10       10       38       38  
    Debt issuance cost amortization     4       -       4       -  
    Deferred income taxes     13       (9 )     13       (9 )
    Equity income from affiliates     (1 )     (2 )     (12 )     (12 )
    Distributions from equity affiliates     5       4       16       18  
    Net loss on divestitures     -       -       1       26  
    Impairment of equity investment     -       -       -       14  
    Pension contributions     (2 )     -       (2 )     -  
    (Gain) loss on Valvoline stand-alone pension plan measurements     (42 )     2       (42 )     2  
    Change in operating assets and liabilities (a)     73       24       22       57  
Total cash provided by operating activities     125       62       311       330  
                             
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                        
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (34 )     (19 )     (66 )     (45 )
  Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     -       -       1       1  
  Purchase of operations, net of cash acquired     (13 )     -       (83 )     (5 )
  Proceeds from sale of operations     -       -       -       23  
  Other investing activities     -       (1 )     -       -  
Total cash used in investing activities     (47 )     (20 )     (148 )     (26 )
                             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                        
  Cash contributions from parent     60       -       60       -  
  Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering costs     719       -       719       -  
  Net transfers to parent     (1,419 )     (42 )     (1,504 )     (304 )
  Proceeds from borrowings, net of issuance costs of $15     1,372       -       1,372       -  
  Repayments on borrowings     (637 )     -       (637 )     -  
Total cash provided by (used in) financing activities     95       (42 )     10       (304 )
 

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    (1 )     -       (1 )     -  
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     172       -       172       -  
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period     -       -       -       -  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD   $ 172     $ -     $ 172     $ -  
                             
(a)   Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.
     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                         Table 4
INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT                          
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                          
                               
        Three months ended     Year ended
        September 30     September 30
        2016   2015     2016   2015
CORE NORTH AMERICA                          
  Lubricant sales (gallons)     25.1     25.4       101.2     99.9
  Premium lubricants (percent of U.S. branded volumes)     42.3%     36.8%       41.4%     36.6%
  Gross profit as a percent of sales (a)     37.0%     37.2%       41.2%     36.6%
QUICK LUBES                          
  Lubricant sales (gallons)     5.6     4.6       20.2     17.4
  Premium lubricants (percent of U.S. branded volumes)     58.2%     55.2%       57.1%     54.5%
  Gross profit as a percent of sales (a)     41.7%     38.4%       41.6%     39.8%
INTERNATIONAL                          
  Lubricant sales (gallons)     13.8     13.5       53.1     50.1
  Premium lubricants (percent of lubricant volumes)     28.9%     31.8%       29.0%     30.9%
  Gross profit as a percent of sales (a)     33.0%     31.1%       31.4%     30.2%
                             
(a)   Gross profit as a percent of sales is defined as sales, less cost of sales divided by sales.
     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 5
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - NET INCOME AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE                    
(In millions, except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                             
        Three months ended   Year ended
        September 30

 

September 30

        2016   2015   2016   2015
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                        
  *Gains (losses) on pension and other postretirement plan remeasurements   $ 23     $ (44 )   $ 18     $ (46 )
  *Separation costs     (6 )     -       (6 )     -  
  *Impairment of equity investment     -       -       -       (14 )
  All other operating income     101       89       419       383  
  Operating income     118       45       431       323  
                             
NET INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING EXPENSE                        
  *Accelerated debt issuance cost amortization due to repayment     4       -       4       -  
  All other Interest and other financing expense     5       -       5       -  
  Net interest and other financing expense     9       -       9       -  
                             
*NET LOSS ON ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE     -       -       (1 )     (26 )
                             
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)                        
  Income tax expense (benefit) of key items*     7       (18 )     4       (28 )
  All other income tax expense     37       30       144       129  
          44       12       148       101  
                             
NET INCOME   $ 65     $ 33     $ 273     $ 196  
                             
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE   $ 0.32     $ 0.16     $ 1.33     $ 0.96  
  Diluted earnings per share impact from key items     (0.03 )     0.12       (0.02 )     0.28  
ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM NET INCOME   $ 0.29     $ 0.28     $ 1.31     $ 1.24  
                             
                             
* These items are considered "key items".                        
                         
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 6
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - FREE CASH FLOW                        
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                           
      Three months ended   Year ended
      September 30   September 30
Free cash flow (a)   2016   2015   2016   2015
Total cash flows provided by operating activities   $ 125     $ 62     $ 311     $ 330  
Less:                        
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (34 )     (19 )     (66 )     (45 )
Free cash flows   $ 91     $ 43     $ 245     $ 285  
                                 
(a)   Free cash flow is defined as cash flows provided by operating activities less additions to property, plant and equipment.
     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 7
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - ADJUSTED EBITDA                        
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                           
      Three months ended   Year ended
      September 30   September 30
      2016   2015   2016   2015
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - Valvoline                        
Net income   $ 65     $ 33   $ 273     $ 196
Add:                        
  Income tax expense     44       12     148       101
  Net interest and other financing expense     9       -     9       -
  Depreciation and amortization     10       10     38       38
EBITDA     128       55     468       335
  Separation costs     6       -     6       -
  (Gains) losses on pension and other postretirement plan remeasurements     (23 )     44     (18 )     46
  Impairment of equity investment     -       -     -       14
  Net loss on acquisition and divestiture     -       -     1       26
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 111     $ 99   $ 457     $ 421
                           
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - Core North America                        
Operating Income   $ 42     $ 42   $ 212     $ 200
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization     4       5     16       17
  Other adjustments     -       -     -       -
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 46     $ 47   $ 228     $ 217
                           
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - Quick Lubes                        
Operating Income   $ 33     $ 24   $ 117     $ 95
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization     5       4     17       16
  Other adjustments     -       -     -       -
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 38     $ 28   $ 134     $ 111
                           
                           
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - International                        
Operating Income   $ 21     $ 21   $ 74     $ 65
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization     1       1     5       5
  Impairment of equity investment     -       -     -       14
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 22     $ 22   $ 79     $ 84
                             
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 8
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - NON-PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT OPERATING INCOME    
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                             
        Three months ended     Year ended
        September 30     September 30
        2016   2015     2016   2015
Operating Income   $ 118     $ 45       $ 431     $ 323  
                             
Pension and other postretirement plans' impact on operating income:                        

Gains (losses) from remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans

   

23

      (44 )       18       (46 )

Net pension and other postretirement plans' income exclusive of service cost (a)

   

6

      2         17       9  
Service cost for pension and other postretirement plans     (4 )     (2 )       (10 )     (9 )
Total impact to operating income     25       (44 )       25       (46 )
                             
Operating Income excluding pension and other postretirement plans' impact   $ 93     $ 89       $ 406     $ 369  
(a)   Represents the non-service related components of the pension and post retirement plans. The non-service related components include interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs.
     

Balance Sheet Data

                 
  Projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2016               $ 3,211
  Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2016                 2,307
  Net pension and other postretirement plan liability               $ 904
                     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries   Table 9
RECONCILIATION OF VALVOLINE INC. TO ASHLAND-VALVOLINE SEGMENT DATA    
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)    
     
Quarter Ended September 30, 2016
   

Valvoline
Inc.

  Adjustments  

Valvoline
Segment of
Ashland Inc.

Sales   $ 494   $ -     $ 494
                   
Operating Income                  
Core North America     42            
Quick Lubes     33            
International     21            
Unallocated and other     22     (22 ) (a)    
Operating Income   $ 118   $ (22 )   $ 96
(a)   Adjustments represent costs reported in the Ashland Unallocated and other segment that are attributed to Valvoline. These adjustments were pension and other postretirement benefit income of approximately $28 million offset by $6 million of separation costs.
Year Ended September 30, 2016
   

Valvoline
Inc.

  Adjustments  

Valvoline
Segment of
Ashland Inc.

Sales   $ 1,929   $ -     $ 1,929
                   
Operating Income                  
Core North America     212            
Quick Lubes     117            
International     74            
Unallocated and other     28     (28 ) (b)    
Operating Income   $ 431   $ (28 )   $ 403
                     
(b)   Adjustments represent costs reported in the Ashland Unallocated and other segment that are attributed to Valvoline. These adjustments were primarily pension and other postretirement benefit income of approximately $35 million offset by $6 million of separation costs.

Source: Valvoline Inc.

Valvoline Inc.

Investor Relations:

Jason L. Thompson, 1-859-357-2158

jlthompson@valvoline.com

or

Media Relations:

Sara K. Stensrud, 1-859-357-3078

sstensrud@valvoline.com

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

  • Completed initial public offering of 34,500,000 Valvoline Inc. shares on September 28th at $22.00 per share, raising $759 million in equity capital; Valvolinealso completes $750 million in corporate debt issuance
  • Net income of $65 million leads to earnings of $0.32 per diluted share
  • Adjusted earnings grow 4 percent to $0.29 per diluted share
  • Lubricant volumes increase 2 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $111 million, an increase of 12 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales increases 200 basis points

Fiscal 2016 Financial Highlights

  • Net Income of $273 million leads to earnings of $1.33 per diluted share
  • Adjusted earnings grow 6 percent to $1.31 per diluted share
  • Lubricant volumes increase 4 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $457 million, an increase of 9 percent
  • Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales increases 230 basis points

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Valvoline Inc.™ (NYSE: VVV), a leading supplier of premium branded lubricants, today announced preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

In its first quarter as a public company, Valvoline reported increases in lubricant volumes and sales of 2 percent, or 43.5 million gallons to 44.5 million gallons and $484 million to $494 million, respectively. Net income for the quarter was $65 million, leading to earnings per diluted share of $0.32. The Company also reported a 12 percent increase in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) and adjusted earnings per diluted share growth of 4 percent from $0.28 to $0.29.

These solid fourth quarter results were driven by growth in premium product sales, sound execution with channel partners, significant increases in same store sales and store count, and by the February acquisition of 89 Oil Can Henry’s stores. Continued volume growth in emerging markets also contributed to Valvoline’s productive quarter.

For fiscal 2016, Valvoline reported a 4 percent increase in lubricant volume to 174.5 million gallons. Net income for the year was $273 million leading to earnings per diluted share of $1.33. The Company also reported a 9 percent increase in adjusted EBITDA, reaching $457 million, and adjusted earnings per share diluted share (EPS) growth of 6 percent from $1.24 to $1.31. Sales mix was strong during the year with premium lubricant volume growing in both Core North America and Quick Lubes. Reduced product selling prices reflecting lower raw material costs offset favorable mix, leading to a 2 percent decline in sales.

Valvoline’s strategy to invest in and grow market share across its three business segments – Core North America, Quick Lubes and International – has produced strong results through enhanced distribution to retail and installer customers; 10 straight years of same-store sales growth at Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC); and continued strength in international growth markets, including ChinaIndia and Mexico.

Adjusted Results and the Use of Non-GAAP Data

Certain items in this news release are presented on an adjusted basis as the Company believes this more accurately reflects the ongoing performance of the business. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP data, please refer to tables 5, 6, 7 and 8 in this news release.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, two key items produced a net favorable impact of $17 million to operating income. The first was a $23 million gain due to remeasurements of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. The second was a $6 million reduction related to costs associated with the separation of Valvoline from Ashland. The year ago quarter included one key item, a $44 million loss on remeasurements of pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

For fiscal 2016, the same two key items affecting fourth quarter results led to a net gain of $12 million to operating income whereas fiscal 2015 included two key items resulting in a net reduction of $60 million to operating income.

Separation from Ashland and Initial Public Offering

On September 28, 2016Valvoline completed the initial public offering of its common stock at a price of $22.00 per share, taking the first step in separating from Ashland and establishing a new shareholder base, reflecting the midcap consumer brand nature of the business. In addition to raising $759 million in equity capital at the time of the IPO, Valvoline raised $750 million of corporate debt. Ashland continues to own 83 percent of Valvoline’s outstanding common stock.

“Our operational separation from Ashland is a seminal event in Valvoline’s 150-year history as it gives us the agility to pursue growth opportunities unique to a stand-alone company in our industry,” said Chief Executive Officer, Sam Mitchell .

“Valvoline’s strong leadership team, supported by its dedicated employees, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition, while delivering a record year and maintaining the strong performance needed to position the Company for future success,” Mr. Mitchell continued.

The following is a summary of key fourth quarter and fiscal 2016 financial highlights. Details on business segment financials are highlighted below.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2016 Financial Overview

           
(in millions except per-share amounts)   Quarter Ended     Year Ended
    September 30     September 30
    2016   2015     2016   2015
Operating Income   $ 118     $ 45       $ 431     $ 323  
                           

Key items*

    17       (44 )       12       (60 )

Adjusted operating income*

  $ 101     $ 89       $ 419     $ 383  
                           
Net income   $ 65     $ 33       $ 273     $ 196  
                           
Adjusted EBITDA*   $ 111     $ 99       $ 457     $ 421  
                           
                           
Diluted Earnings per share (EPS)                          
                           
From net income   $ 0.32     $ 0.16       $ 1.33     $ 0.96  
Key items*     (0.03 )     0.12         (0.02 )     0.28  
Adjusted EPS from net income*   $ 0.29     $ 0.28       $ 1.31     $ 1.24  
                           

Cash flows provided by operating activities

  $ 125     $ 62       $ 311     $ 330  
                           
Free cash flow*   $ 91     $ 43       $ 245     $ 285  
                           

* See Tables 5, 6 and 7 for Valvoline definitions and U.S. GAAP reconciliations.

 

Reportable Business Segment: Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2016 Performance

“Our FY16 strategy for Valvoline focused on growing volumes across our segments, enhancing product mix, managing changes in base oil costs and driving same-store sales growth. Our fourth quarter and full year results reflect successful execution against those drivers,” said Mr. Mitchell.

Core North America

Core North America delivered volume gains in a number of its channels to market, including the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and Heavy Duty markets. DIY was driven by expanded distribution and strong marketing and promotion campaigns, while Heavy Duty was driven by expanded distribution. Growth of branded lubricant volume was offset by lower private label volume, leading to a modest 1 percent lubricant volume decline for the segment. Sales declined 3 percent due to reduced selling prices reflecting lower raw material costs. Operating income was $42 million in both fiscal 2016 and 2015 fourth quarters.

Quick Lubes

The Quick Lubes business segment reported quarterly growth in lubricant volume, sales, and operating income of 22 percent, 19 percent and 38 percent, respectively. These results were driven by strong performances from each of the business segment’s three platforms: VIOC company operations, VIOC franchise operations and Express Care, Valvoline’s program for smaller independent operators. Company operations generated 5.4 percent same-store sales growth, while adding 16 stores to the network. Franchise operations generated 7.4 percent same-store sales growth, while adding 21 stores to the network. The February acquisition of Oil Can Henry’s added 89 stores to the network, 47 to company operations and 42 to franchise operations. In total, VIOC added 126 stores, growing from 942 at the end of fiscal 2015 to 1,068 at the end of fiscal 2016.

      Fiscal Fourth Quarter     Fiscal Year
     

Same-store
sales

   

Net Store
Additions

   

Same-store
sales

   

Net Store
Additions
(including Oil Can
Henry's)

Company     5.4%     2     6.2%     63
Franchise     7.4%     11     8.0%     63
                         

In addition, 19 stores were added to the Express Care platform, bringing the total number of stores in that network to 347.

Strong execution of Valvoline’s SuperPro model, our proprietary service process, providing “Quick, Easy, Trusted” service to customers, remains the key contributor to results from the Valvoline Instant Oil Change network, both company-owned and franchised units. These fourth quarter results once again reflected successful execution of that model.

International

Lubricant volume growth of 8 percent in the emerging markets was offset by softness in the mature markets of Europe and Australia, leading to 2 percent lubricant volume growth within the business segment. This compares with a strong quarter in the prior year where lubricant volume grew 15 percent year-over-year creating a challenging comparison. Sales declined 2 percent due to reduced selling prices reflecting lower raw material costs. Operating income was consistent with the prior year, as higher earnings from consolidated affiliates were offset by reduced joint venture (JV) income, which is accounted for using the equity method. Currency had no material effect to segment sales or earnings.

Equity and royalty income from unconsolidated JVs, including the Cummins JVs, totaled $3 million for the quarter, bringing the total for the full fiscal year to $19 million.

Fiscal 2016 Performance

In fiscal 2016, Valvoline posted a 4 percent lubricant volume increase as compared to fiscal 2015, a 39 percent increase in net income and a 9 percent increase to adjusted EBITDA. Sales for the year declined 2 percent.

“Valvoline delivered strong results in fiscal 2016 in what was a very demanding year for the team,” said Chief Executive Officer Sam Mitchell .

“We are now looking ahead to fiscal 2017 and laying the foundation for accelerated growth by making targeted investments in digital marketing and infrastructure, while ramping up our store growth plans.”

Fiscal 2016 lubricant volume and profit growth reflect market share gains across Core North America, driven by increased distribution and effective marketing at key retail accounts and expansion of our installer distribution network; an increase in premium product sales; strong same-store sales growth and store additions in Quick Lubes, including the Oil Can Henry’s acquisition; and, continued strong gains in select emerging markets. The Oil Can Henry’s acquisition contributed $34 million to sales and $8 million to adjusted EBITDA for the year. Currency had a negative effect to sales of $31 million and adjusted EBITDA of $4 million.

Valvoline’s balance sheet finished the year with total debt of $749 million, and $172 million of cash and cash equivalents, yielding a net debt position of $577 million. The Company’s cash position was enhanced by the underwriter’s execution of the over-allotment option of the initial public offering, which generated $94 million of proceeds. The Company generated $311 million in cash from operating activities, while making $66 million in capital investments, resulting in $245 million of free cash flow. Valvoline’s balance sheet and free cash flow profile remain strong, giving the Company flexibility to invest organically, pursue opportunistic bolt-on acquisitions and evaluate additional returns of capital to shareholders. The Company also continues to evaluate strategies to reduce risk and administrative costs of the $904 million of net unfunded pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations Valvoline assumed as part of the separation from Ashland.

Fiscal 2017 Outlook

In fiscal 2017, Valvoline anticipates delivering 2 to 3 percent lubricant volume growth with sales increasing 3 to 5 percent, driven primarily by same-store sales growth of 3 to 5 percent, increasing the number of Valvoline Instant Oil Change retail units (5-10 company owned and 15-25 franchised), growing premium lubricant sales and continued penetration of core international growth markets.

Valvoline expects adjusted EBITDA margin of 24 percent to 25 percent, which includes expected income generated from pension and other post-retirement benefit plans of $66 million, but excludes $25 million to $30 million of anticipated one-time separation-related costs. As a result, the Company expects diluted, adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.28 to $1.38.

Capital expenditures are expected to increase in fiscal 2017 to $70 million to $80 million, supporting investments in digital marketing and infrastructure, and new store growth. Fiscal 2017 free cash flow is projected to be approximately $90 million to $100 million, which includes approximately $30 million of expected separation related cash costs.

For the fiscal 2017 first quarter, Valvoline anticipates year-over-year sales growth of 4.5 percent to 6 percent and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5 to 24.5 percent, which includes $17 million of estimated net pension and other post-retirement benefit income, but does not include anticipated one-time costs related to the separation.

Conference Call Webcast

Valvoline will host a live webcast of its fourth-quarter fiscal 2016 conference call at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. The webcast and supporting materials will be accessible through Valvoline's website at http://investors.valvoline.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast and supporting materials will be available for 12 months.

Initial Public Offering and Basis of Presentation

In September 2016, in connection with the IPO, Ashland Inc. contributed the capital stock of its business unit Valvoline to Valvoline Inc., which is now a controlled, public subsidiary of Ashland. Prior to this time, Ashland held substantially all of the assets and liabilities related to Valvoline’s current business.

Valvoline’s fourth quarter, year-ended September 30, 2016 and prior periods information has been prepared on a stand-alone basis, derived from Ashland’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records using the historical results of operations, and assets and liabilities attributed to Valvoline’s operations, including allocations of expenses from Ashland. The historical financial results in this release differ from the results of the Valvoline segment for the same periods previously reported by Ashland. A reconciliation between the results reported in this release and the Valvoline segment results reported by Ashland is included in table 9. Our consolidated and segment results are not necessarily indicative of our future performance and do not reflect what our financial performance would have been had we been a stand-alone public company during the periods presented.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to our net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we evaluate operating performance using certain non-GAAP measures including adjusted income measures such as EBITDA, which we define as our net income, plus income tax expense (benefit), net interest and other financing expenses, and depreciation and amortization, and adjusted EBITDA, which we define as EBITDA adjusted for losses (gains) on pension and other postretirement plans remeasurement, net gain (loss) on acquisitions and divestitures, impairment of equity investment and separation costs. These measures are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes the use of non-GAAP measures on a combined and reportable segment basis assists investors in understanding the ongoing operating performance of our business by presenting comparable financial results between periods. The non-GAAP information provided is used by our management and may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies, because of differing methods used by other companies in calculating EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA provide a supplemental presentation of our operating performance on a combined and reportable segment basis. We have also given prospective guidance using non-GAAP measures, determined in the same way described above, but have decided it is not practicable to reconcile that information.

We use free cash flow as an additional non-GAAP metric of cash flow generation. By deducting capital expenditures from operating cash flows, we are able to provide a better indication of the ongoing cash being generated that is ultimately available for both debt and equity holders, as well as other investment opportunities. Unlike cash flow from operating activities, free cash flow includes the impact of capital expenditures, providing a more complete picture of cash available to capital providers. Free cash flow has certain limitations, including that it does not reflect adjustments for certain non-discretionary cash flows, such as allocated costs. The amount of mandatory versus discretionary expenditures can vary significantly between periods. Our results of operations are presented based on our management structure and internal accounting practices. The structure and practices are specific to us; therefore, our financial results and free cash flow are not necessarily comparable with similar information for other comparable companies. Free cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flows provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of these limitations, you should rely primarily on cash flows provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and use free cash flow only as a supplement.

About ValvolineTM

Valvoline Inc. (NYSE:VVV) is a leading worldwide producer and distributor of premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants and automotive chemicals. In 2016, it ranks as the #2 quick-lube chain by number of stores and #3 passenger car motor oil in the Do-It-Yourself market by volume brand in the United States. The brand operates and franchises approximately 1,068 Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM centers in the United States. It also markets ValvolineTM lubricants and automotive chemicals; MaxLifeTMlubricants created for higher-mileage engines, SynPowerTM synthetic motor oil; and ZerexTMantifreeze. Visit www.valvoline.com to learn more.

C-VVV

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Valvoline™ has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "is likely," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should" and "intends" and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. In addition, Valvoline™ may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual report, quarterly reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), news releases and other written and oral communications.

These forward-looking statements are based on Valvoline’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, as of the date such statements are made, Valvoline’s future operating performance and financial condition, including Valvoline’s separation from Ashland (the “separation”), the expected timetable for Ashland’s spin-off of its remaining Valvoline common stock to Ashland shareholders (the “spin-off”) and Valvoline’s future financial and operating performance, strategic and competitive advantages, leadership and future opportunities, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. Valvoline’s expectations and assumptions include, without limitation, internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, operating efficiencies and economic conditions (such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases), and risks and uncertainties associated with the following: demand for Valvoline’s products and services; sales growth in emerging markets; the prices and margins of Valvoline’s products and services; the strength of Valvoline’s reputation and brand; Valvoline’s ability to develop and successfully market new products and implement its digital platforms; Valvoline’s ability to retain its largest customers; potential product liability claims; achievement of the expected benefits of the separation; Valvoline’s substantial indebtedness (including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect Valvoline’s future cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and Valvoline’s ability to repay debt) and other liabilities; operating as a stand-alone public company; Valvoline’s ongoing relationship with Ashland; failure, caused by Valvoline, of Ashland’s spin-off of Valvolinecommon stock to Ashland shareholders to qualify for tax-free treatment, which may result in significant tax liabilities to Ashland for which Valvoline may be required to indemnify Ashland; and the impact of acquisitions and/or divestitures Valvoline has made or may make (including the possibility that Valvoline may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions). These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this news release may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although Valvoline believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, Valvoline cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. In addition, neither Valvoline nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Valvoline or any other person that Valvoline will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, Valvoline assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Please see the Risk Factors Section of Valvoline’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC, which is available on Valvoline's website at http://investors.valvoline.com or on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties mentioned above and for discussion of other risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements attributable to Valvoline are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this news release, and hereafter in Valvoline’s other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by Valvoline in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

Financial results are preliminary until Valvoline's Form 10-K is filed with the SEC.

TM Trademark, Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
SM Service mark, Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries

Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 1
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME                        
(In millions except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                           
      Three months ended   Year ended
      September 30   September 30
      2016   2015   2016   2015
                           
Sales   $ 494   $ 484     $ 1,929     $ 1,967  
Cost of sales     300     326       1,168       1,282  
GROSS PROFIT     194     158       761       685  
Selling, general and administrative expense     60     96       270       291  
Corporate expense allocation     19     21       79       79  
Equity and other income     3     4       19       8  
OPERATING INCOME     118     45       431       323  
Net interest and other financing expense     9     -       9       -  
Net loss on acquisition and divestiture     -     -       (1 )     (26 )
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES     109     45       421       297  
Income tax expense     44     12       148       101  
NET INCOME   $ 65   $ 33     $ 273     $ 196  
                           
                           
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE   $ 0.32   $ 0.16     $ 1.33     $ 0.96  
                           
                           
BASIC AND DILUTED COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING     205     205       205       205  
                           
SALES                        
  Core North America   $ 239   $ 246     $ 979     $ 1,061  
  Quick Lubes     125     105       457       394  
  International     130     133       493       512  
      $ 494   $ 484     $ 1,929     $ 1,967  
                           
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                        
  Core North America   $ 42   $ 42     $ 212     $ 200  
  Quick Lubes     33     24       117       95  
  International     21     21       74       65  
  Unallocated and other     22     (42 )     28       (37 )
      $ 118   $ 45     $ 431     $ 323  
                           
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION                        
  Core North America   $ 4   $ 5     $ 16     $ 17  
  Quick Lubes     5     4       17       16  
  International     1     1       5       5  
      $ 10   $ 10     $ 38     $ 38  
                                 
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries               Table 2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS                
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                
                       
          September 30   September 30
          2016   2015
ASSETS                    
  Current assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $   172     $   -
    Accounts receivable       363         335
    Inventories       131         125
    Other assets       56         17
  Total current assets       722         477
                       
  Noncurrent assets                
    Property, plant and equipment                
      Cost       727         628
      Accumulated depreciation       403         374
    Net property, plant and equipment       324         254
                       
    Goodwill and intangibles       267         171
    Equity method investments       26         29
    Deferred income taxes       389         8
    Other assets       89         39
  Total noncurrent assets       1,095         501
                       
  Total assets   $   1,817     $   978
                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
  Current liabilities                
    Current portion of long-term debt   $   19     $   -
    Trade and other payables       177         174
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities       191         125
  Total current liabilities       387         299
                       
  Noncurrent liabilities                
    Long-term debt       730         -
    Employee benefit obligations       886         13
    Deferred income taxes       2         24
    Other liabilities       137         25
  Total noncurrent liabilities       1,755         62
                       
  Stockholders’ (deficit) equity       (325 )       617
                       
  Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity   $   1,817     $   978
                     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 3
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS                        
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
        Three months ended   Year ended
        September 30

 

September 30

        2016   2015   2016   2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                        
  Net income   $ 65     $ 33     $ 273     $ 196  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities                        
    Depreciation and amortization     10       10       38       38  
    Debt issuance cost amortization     4       -       4       -  
    Deferred income taxes     13       (9 )     13       (9 )
    Equity income from affiliates     (1 )     (2 )     (12 )     (12 )
    Distributions from equity affiliates     5       4       16       18  
    Net loss on divestitures     -       -       1       26  
    Impairment of equity investment     -       -       -       14  
    Pension contributions     (2 )     -       (2 )     -  
    (Gain) loss on Valvoline stand-alone pension plan measurements     (42 )     2       (42 )     2  
    Change in operating assets and liabilities (a)     73       24       22       57  
Total cash provided by operating activities     125       62       311       330  
                             
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                        
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (34 )     (19 )     (66 )     (45 )
  Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     -       -       1       1  
  Purchase of operations, net of cash acquired     (13 )     -       (83 )     (5 )
  Proceeds from sale of operations     -       -       -       23  
  Other investing activities     -       (1 )     -       -  
Total cash used in investing activities     (47 )     (20 )     (148 )     (26 )
                             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                        
  Cash contributions from parent     60       -       60       -  
  Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering costs     719       -       719       -  
  Net transfers to parent     (1,419 )     (42 )     (1,504 )     (304 )
  Proceeds from borrowings, net of issuance costs of $15     1,372       -       1,372       -  
  Repayments on borrowings     (637 )     -       (637 )     -  
Total cash provided by (used in) financing activities     95       (42 )     10       (304 )
 

Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    (1 )     -       (1 )     -  
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     172       -       172       -  
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period     -       -       -       -  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD   $ 172     $ -     $ 172     $ -  
                             
(a)   Excludes changes resulting from operations acquired or sold.
     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                         Table 4
INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT                          
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                          
                               
        Three months ended     Year ended
        September 30     September 30
        2016   2015     2016   2015
CORE NORTH AMERICA                          
  Lubricant sales (gallons)     25.1     25.4       101.2     99.9
  Premium lubricants (percent of U.S. branded volumes)     42.3%     36.8%       41.4%     36.6%
  Gross profit as a percent of sales (a)     37.0%     37.2%       41.2%     36.6%
QUICK LUBES                          
  Lubricant sales (gallons)     5.6     4.6       20.2     17.4
  Premium lubricants (percent of U.S. branded volumes)     58.2%     55.2%       57.1%     54.5%
  Gross profit as a percent of sales (a)     41.7%     38.4%       41.6%     39.8%
INTERNATIONAL                          
  Lubricant sales (gallons)     13.8     13.5       53.1     50.1
  Premium lubricants (percent of lubricant volumes)     28.9%     31.8%       29.0%     30.9%
  Gross profit as a percent of sales (a)     33.0%     31.1%       31.4%     30.2%
                             
(a)   Gross profit as a percent of sales is defined as sales, less cost of sales divided by sales.
     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 5
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - NET INCOME AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE                    
(In millions, except per share data - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                             
        Three months ended   Year ended
        September 30

 

September 30

        2016   2015   2016   2015
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                        
  *Gains (losses) on pension and other postretirement plan remeasurements   $ 23     $ (44 )   $ 18     $ (46 )
  *Separation costs     (6 )     -       (6 )     -  
  *Impairment of equity investment     -       -       -       (14 )
  All other operating income     101       89       419       383  
  Operating income     118       45       431       323  
                             
NET INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCING EXPENSE                        
  *Accelerated debt issuance cost amortization due to repayment     4       -       4       -  
  All other Interest and other financing expense     5       -       5       -  
  Net interest and other financing expense     9       -       9       -  
                             
*NET LOSS ON ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE     -       -       (1 )     (26 )
                             
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)                        
  Income tax expense (benefit) of key items*     7       (18 )     4       (28 )
  All other income tax expense     37       30       144       129  
          44       12       148       101  
                             
NET INCOME   $ 65     $ 33     $ 273     $ 196  
                             
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE   $ 0.32     $ 0.16     $ 1.33     $ 0.96  
  Diluted earnings per share impact from key items     (0.03 )     0.12       (0.02 )     0.28  
ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM NET INCOME   $ 0.29     $ 0.28     $ 1.31     $ 1.24  
                             
                             
* These items are considered "key items".                        
                         
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 6
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - FREE CASH FLOW                        
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                           
      Three months ended   Year ended
      September 30   September 30
Free cash flow (a)   2016   2015   2016   2015
Total cash flows provided by operating activities   $ 125     $ 62     $ 311     $ 330  
Less:                        
  Additions to property, plant and equipment     (34 )     (19 )     (66 )     (45 )
Free cash flows   $ 91     $ 43     $ 245     $ 285  
                                 
(a)   Free cash flow is defined as cash flows provided by operating activities less additions to property, plant and equipment.
     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 7
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - ADJUSTED EBITDA                        
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                           
      Three months ended   Year ended
      September 30   September 30
      2016   2015   2016   2015
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - Valvoline                        
Net income   $ 65     $ 33   $ 273     $ 196
Add:                        
  Income tax expense     44       12     148       101
  Net interest and other financing expense     9       -     9       -
  Depreciation and amortization     10       10     38       38
EBITDA     128       55     468       335
  Separation costs     6       -     6       -
  (Gains) losses on pension and other postretirement plan remeasurements     (23 )     44     (18 )     46
  Impairment of equity investment     -       -     -       14
  Net loss on acquisition and divestiture     -       -     1       26
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 111     $ 99   $ 457     $ 421
                           
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - Core North America                        
Operating Income   $ 42     $ 42   $ 212     $ 200
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization     4       5     16       17
  Other adjustments     -       -     -       -
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 46     $ 47   $ 228     $ 217
                           
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - Quick Lubes                        
Operating Income   $ 33     $ 24   $ 117     $ 95
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization     5       4     17       16
  Other adjustments     -       -     -       -
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 38     $ 28   $ 134     $ 111
                           
                           
                           
Adjusted EBITDA - International                        
Operating Income   $ 21     $ 21   $ 74     $ 65
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization     1       1     5       5
  Impairment of equity investment     -       -     -       14
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 22     $ 22   $ 79     $ 84
                             
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries                       Table 8
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP DATA - NON-PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT OPERATING INCOME    
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)                        
                             
        Three months ended     Year ended
        September 30     September 30
        2016   2015     2016   2015
Operating Income   $ 118     $ 45       $ 431     $ 323  
                             
Pension and other postretirement plans' impact on operating income:                        

Gains (losses) from remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans

   

23

      (44 )       18       (46 )

Net pension and other postretirement plans' income exclusive of service cost (a)

   

6

      2         17       9  
Service cost for pension and other postretirement plans     (4 )     (2 )       (10 )     (9 )
Total impact to operating income     25       (44 )       25       (46 )
                             
Operating Income excluding pension and other postretirement plans' impact   $ 93     $ 89       $ 406     $ 369  
(a)   Represents the non-service related components of the pension and post retirement plans. The non-service related components include interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of prior service costs.
     

Balance Sheet Data

                 
  Projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2016               $ 3,211
  Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2016                 2,307
  Net pension and other postretirement plan liability               $ 904
                     
Valvoline Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries   Table 9
RECONCILIATION OF VALVOLINE INC. TO ASHLAND-VALVOLINE SEGMENT DATA    
(In millions - preliminary and unaudited)    
     
Quarter Ended September 30, 2016
   

Valvoline
Inc.

  Adjustments  

Valvoline
Segment of
Ashland Inc.

Sales   $ 494   $ -     $ 494
                   
Operating Income                  
Core North America     42            
Quick Lubes     33            
International     21            
Unallocated and other     22     (22 ) (a)    
Operating Income   $ 118   $ (22 )   $ 96
(a)   Adjustments represent costs reported in the Ashland Unallocated and other segment that are attributed to Valvoline. These adjustments were pension and other postretirement benefit income of approximately $28 million offset by $6 million of separation costs.
Year Ended September 30, 2016
   

Valvoline
Inc.

  Adjustments  

Valvoline
Segment of
Ashland Inc.

Sales   $ 1,929   $ -     $ 1,929
                   
Operating Income                  
Core North America     212            
Quick Lubes     117            
International     74            
Unallocated and other     28     (28 ) (b)    
Operating Income   $ 431   $ (28 )   $ 403
                     
(b)   Adjustments represent costs reported in the Ashland Unallocated and other segment that are attributed to Valvoline. These adjustments were primarily pension and other postretirement benefit income of approximately $35 million offset by $6 million of separation costs.

Source: Valvoline Inc.

Valvoline Inc.

Investor Relations:

Jason L. Thompson, 1-859-357-2158

jlthompson@valvoline.com

or

Media Relations:

Sara K. Stensrud, 1-859-357-3078

sstensrud@valvoline.com