AutoZone vs Valvoline: Which Stock Could Rally?
Even as AutoZone fell -15% during the past Month, its peer Valvoline may be a better choice. Consistently evaluating alternatives is core to sound investment approach. Valvoline (VVV) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs AutoZone (AZO) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in VVV
- VVV’s quarterly revenue growth was 4.2%, vs. AZO’s 0.6%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 7.5%, ahead of AZO’s 2.4%.
- VVV leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 26.0% and 3-year average of 21.8%.
A single stock can be risky, but there is a huge value to a broader, diversified approach we take with the Trefis High Quality Portfolio. That is one way to look at stocks. The Trefis High Quality Portfolio evaluates much more, and is designed to reduce stock-specific risk while giving upside exposure.
AZO retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, operating over 6,700 stores across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. VVV manufactures and supplies engine and automotive maintenance products, operating retail quick-lube locations in the U.S. and Canada under franchised brands.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| AZO | VVV | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 16.6 | 9.1 | VVV |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 0.6% | 4.2% | VVV |
| Last 12 Months | 2.4% | 7.5% | VVV |
| Last 3 Year Average | 5.3% | 262.7% | VVV |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 19.1% | 26.0% | VVV |
| Last 3 Year Average | 19.8% | 21.8% | VVV |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 44.3% | 8.7% | AZO |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: AZO Revenue Comparison | VVV Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: AZO Operating Income Comparison | VVV Operating Income Comparison
But do these numbers tell the full story? Read Buy or Sell VVV Stock to see if Valvoline’s edge holds up under the hood or if AutoZone still has cards to play (see Buy or Sell AZO Stock).
Historical Market Performance
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| AZO Return | -0% | 77% | 18% | 5% | 24% | 12% | 208% | <=== | |
| VVV Return | 11% | 64% | -11% | 15% | -4% | -9% | 63% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 112% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| AZO Win Rate | 42% | 75% | 50% | 50% | 67% | 60% | 57% | ||
| VVV Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 33% | 42% | 33% | 40% | 47% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 70% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| AZO Max Drawdown | -39% | -6% | -15% | -6% | -2% | -0% | -12% | <=== | |
| VVV Max Drawdown | -57% | -2% | -32% | -10% | -8% | -13% | -20% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -12% | ||
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year up to 11/3/2025 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read VVV Dip Buyer Analyses and AZO Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Whatever your view on either of these stocks, investing in one or two stocks remains a risky proposition. Instead, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 — the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.