Goldman Sachs Raises Target on Rolls-Royce Amid Defense Sector Momentum

Goldman Sachs has joined a chorus of bullish analysts by increasing its price target for Rolls-Royce, setting it at 1,350 pence. This move reflects a growing consensus that the British engine manufacturer is capitalizing on unprecedented tailwinds within the defense industry. However, following a period of extraordinary share price appreciation, investors are questioning how much potential for further growth remains.

The broader context for Rolls-Royce's performance is a surging aerospace and defense sector. Since the start of the year, the Developed Europe Aerospace & Defense Index has climbed 13.5%, according to Morningstar data. This rally is being driven by heightened geopolitical tensions—including a U.S. military operation in Venezuela in early January—and proposals for substantially larger U.S. defense budgets in 2027.

European peers are posting even stronger gains, with Rheinmetall up 20% and Leonardo advancing 18%. As a key supplier of military propulsion systems, Rolls-Royce is being carried upward by this powerful sectoral dynamic.

Analyst Conviction and Valuation Concerns

On January 15, Goldman Sachs analysts reaffirmed their "Buy" rating on the stock while lifting their price objective from 1,290 to 1,350 pence. Shares closed that day at 1,273 pence, just below the previous day's 52-week high of 1,306.60 pence.

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

The investment bank is not alone in its optimism. Deutsche Bank and RBC have also issued "Buy" recommendations. The overall analyst consensus currently stands at "Moderate Buy," a view supported by the stock's approximate 11% gain since the beginning of the year.

A significant point of discussion, however, is the company's valuation. With an estimated price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 39 for the current fiscal year 2026, Rolls-Royce trades well above its historical averages. Proponents point to its robust free cash flow generation and dominant market position. Skeptics, meanwhile, caution that the valuation multiples appear stretched after three years of explosive returns: a 222% surge in 2023, followed by a 90% rise in 2024, and a further 104% advance in 2025.

Corporate Initiatives Underpin Confidence

Rolls-Royce itself is taking action to bolster investor confidence. On January 5, the company announced a share buyback program covering 10% of its share capital, equivalent to roughly 850.5 million shares. Just three days later, it revealed plans for a new engine maintenance center in partnership with Turkish Technic, a strategic move to expand its service capabilities.

The coming trading sessions will test whether the stock can sustain its position above the 1,300 pence threshold. Technically, the buyback initiative and Goldman's endorsement provide support. Yet the elevated valuation remains a key topic for debate. Upcoming quarterly results will be scrutinized to determine if the market's high growth expectations are indeed justified.