Valvoline’s shares rose 4.2% following a quarter that delivered better-than-expected sales growth, margin expansion, and improved free cash flow, with management raising full-year same-store sales, EBITDA, and EPS guidance.

• Net sales increased 25% to $504 million, driven by core growth and full-quarter contribution from Breeze Auto Care.
• System-wide same-store sales rose 8.2%, supported primarily by higher ticket average rather than transactions alone.
• EBITDA grew 28% to $134 million, with margin expansion of 60bps to 26.5%, aided by improved SG&A leverage and cost efficiencies.
• Free cash flow improved by roughly $57 million year-over-year to $45 million, while net debt to adjusted EBITDA edged down to 3.1x.
• Management noted rising product costs entering Q3 due to the Middle East conflict but are mitigating impacts through pricing actions and expect to sustain growth momentum.