Goldman Sachs Raises the Stakes on Rolls-Royce Shares

Goldman Sachs has increased its price target for Rolls-Royce to 1,350 GBX, reinforcing its confidence in the British engine manufacturer. This bullish stance arrives as a growing chorus of market observers warns the stock may be overvalued, with shares trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 39 for 2026.

On Thursday, analysts at the US investment bank reaffirmed their "buy" rating, lifting their target from 1,290 GBX. The new target suggests an approximate 6% upside from the current trading level of 1,273 GBX. This move aligns Goldman with a series of positive assessments issued in early January by other major institutions, including RBC, Deutsche Bank, and UBS.

Contrasting this optimism is the analysis from Morningstar. Their experts assess the stock as trading "significantly above" its fair value estimate of 1,120 GBX, diagnosing "limited upside potential." The elevated valuation, underscored by that forward P/E of 39, is seen as leaving little room for any operational disappointments.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Rolls-Royce?

Defense Sector Provides a Tailwind

The European defense industry is currently benefiting from heightened geopolitical tensions and anticipated increases in government spending. Rolls-Royce, which manufactures engines for both civilian and military applications, is capturing this trend. Since the start of the year, its share price has advanced by 10.7%.

Further support stems from an ongoing share buyback initiative. The company plans to repurchase up to £200 million of its own shares by February 24th, a move scheduled just ahead of the release of its full-year 2025 results.

Navigating a Key Psychological Level

The stock is hovering near its 52-week high of 1,306 GBX. The psychological barrier of 1,300 GBX now represents a critical juncture: will the rally sustain itself, or will the ambitious valuation trigger profit-taking? The answer is likely to hinge on upcoming quarterly earnings. Should Rolls-Royce fail to meet the market's high profit expectations, the recent gains could prove vulnerable.