The Rolls-Royce share price is booming — investing £1k in 2022 would be worth £5.2k today

Our author says the Rolls-Royce price has been surging for good reasons. But he’s convinced most of the big money has already been made… for now.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Investing for explosive growth always comes with one core risk: the valuation. I’ve mentioned this problem before with the Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR) share price, but the investment just keeps on surging.

In fact, if I’d invested £1k in June 2022, I’d be sitting on roughly £5.2k today after a nearly 420% gain in price.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Rolls-Royce Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL19 Jun 202019 Jun 2024Zoom ▾Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '23Jul '23Jan '2420212021202220222023202320242024www.fool.co.uk

Business is strengthening

After a new CEO took the helm in 2023 after a disastrous pandemic period, the company began to shift its gears.

Should you invest £1,000 in Barclays right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Barclays made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Suddenly, the focus was not so much on growth but on efficiency. The business began selling off divisions that weren’t crucial and in high demand, and layoffs of up to 2,500 jobs began.

Management is executing this lean strategy in an effort to quadruple profits within four years. The evidence is mounting that this is working. Its recent year-on-year revenue growth was 22% compared to a five-year average of 2%. Earnings before interest and tax have grown at a staggering 142.5% year-on-year.

Are these results sustainable?

As with any business restructuring, a period of high growth doesn’t last forever. Instead, profits begin to plateau once management has maximised what it can.

Many analysts are still giving Buy ratings to Rolls-Royce and it’s clear that lots of investors want to get in on the action. However, it’s possible that towards the end of 2025, internal profit growth will start to slow, according to leading forecasts. This is likely to dampen shareholder returns.

This is a typical turnaround play, where management is looking to drive the share price higher through internal restructuring. Maybe the business will be able to maintain the high growth it’s presently delivering. However, in my opinion, most of the big share price gains have already been made.

Holding Rolls-Royce long-term

On the other hand, the company could surprise me and be more agile and innovative business-model-wise over time than I expect. If this is the case, it’s fair to assume that while the big profits have already been made, continued stable growth is on its way.

Yet it’s very hard for businesses with a lot of physical infrastructure to adapt quickly to market trends and opportunities. And selling off hangars and manufacturing divisions isn’t easy. A business may have to swallow big losses if it sells such items at a time when demand is low. Therefore, timing and strategy are crucial here.

Whatever the plan, I think that the shares will experience some price volatility soon. This is likely to come at the first sign of a contraction in earnings growth. If I then decide that I believe in the company’s long-term strategy, this would be around the time I’d consider buying.

I only say yes 20% of the time

The world-famous Pareto principle states that 20% of our investments are likely to generate 80% of our profits. I try to flip this on its head. I say no to 80% of the investment opportunities the market presents me with. That’s in an effort to lock in more money with the big opportunities.

I don’t feel confident enough to pull the trigger just yet on this one.

AI Revolution Awaits: Uncover Top Stock Picks for Massive Potential Gains!

Buckle up because we're about to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of AI.

Imagine this: you make a single savvy investment in some cutting-edge technology, then kick back and watch as it revolutionises entire industries and potentially even lines your pockets.

If the mere thought of riding this AI wave excites you and the prospect of massive potential returns gets your pulse racing, then you’ve got to check out this Motley Fool Share Advisor report – 'AI Front Runners: 3 Surprising Stocks Riding The AI Wave’!

And here’s the kicker – we’re giving you an exclusive peek at ONE of these top AI stock picks, absolutely free! How’s that for a bit of brilliance?

Get your free AI stock pick

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Oliver Rodzianko has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Rolls-Royce Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

4 REITs Fools own for passive income

REITs often have higher-than-average dividend yields compared to other stocks, making them a solid choice to consider for passive income…

Read more »

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

Up 272% in just a year, is Palantir stock just getting started?

This writer recognises that Palantir has grown its business very well -- but does the stock price offer him an…

Read more »

Runner standing at the starting point with 2025 year for starting in new year 2025 to achieve business planing and success concept.
Investing Articles

Up 50%? The Aston Martin share price forecast is mind-blowing! 

If analysts are right, the Aston Aston Martin share price could absolutely rocket in the year ahead. Harvey Jones says…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the S&P 500 drops, here are 2 Stocks and Shares ISA holdings I’m watching

Our writer has different views on how President Trump's tariffs might affect these two US holdings in his Stocks and…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Tesla stock at Christmas is now worth…

Tesla stock has been one of best-performing investments of the past decade. But things haven't gone to plan for investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 279% in 5 years, could Meta stock keep soaring?

Meta stock has more than tripled in five years. This writer sees lots to like about the business but also…

Read more »

Pink 3D image of the numbers '2025' growing in size
Investing Articles

25% total return in a year? Is now the perfect time to buy BP shares?

BP shares are on the front line of today's global economic and political uncertainty but analysts think they can still…

Read more »

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

With Cash ISA changes coming, could now be the time to consider buying shares?

Changes to the Cash ISA could lead to greater investment in the stock market. This could be a good thing…

Read more »