Valvoline stock climbed 8.7% to $36.17 during Wednesday morning trading, a significant move for a company that had seen its share price slip 1.2% over the previous 12 months. The market reaction followed a quarterly report that showed a net loss of $32.8 million, or 26 cents a share, a stark contrast to the $91.6 million profit recorded during the same period last year.

However, investors looked past the GAAP figures to the company's underlying performance. Excluding one-time items, Valvoline posted adjusted earnings of 37 cents per share, according to the company. This result cleared the 33-cent estimate projected by analysts surveyed by FactSet. Revenue for the quarter rose 11% to $461.8 million, up from $414.3 million a year earlier.

Growth in Service Volume

The company attributed much of its momentum to a 15% increase in adjusted sales, a figure that accounts for the strategic sale of 39 stores to franchise operators. Performance across the existing network remained robust according to the report:

• System-wide same-store sales grew by 5.8%.
• Total revenue reached $461.8 million.
• Franchise transitions bolstered top-line growth.

Management indicated that the underlying business remains healthy as it shifts its store ownership model, focusing on high-margin service growth and expanded franchise partnerships.