10:55 AM EDT, 10/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Valvoline ( VVV ) shares appear "de-risked" heading into fiscal Q4 results next month, despite slightly softer consumer demand, RBC Capital Markets said in a Tuesday note.

The company is set to report its fiscal Q4 financial results on Nov. 18.

RBC trimmed its estimates for the company's system-wide same-store sales, now expecting a 5.4% rise from a year earlier, down from 6% previously, citing broad-based consumer softness in September and October.

The brokerage expects Valvoline ( VVV ) to issue fiscal 2026 guidance calling for same-store sales growth of 4% to 6% and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $525 million to $545 million, excluding the planned Breeze Autocare acquisition.

"Importantly, with shares off [about] 14% since mid-Sept highs, we believe buyside expectations have appropriately been recalibrated, ultimately de-risking shares into the print," according to the note.

The firm said Valvoline's ( VVV ) proposed acquisition of Breeze Autocare from Greenbriar might be modified after a second request from the US Federal Trade Commission for additional information in April. Valvoline ( VVV ) could also withdraw from the deal, "which would unlock significant potential for share repurchases," the note added.

RBC has an outperform rating on the stock and a $48 price target.

Price: 35.14, Change: +0.24, Percent Change: +0.69