Could these 3 FTSE 100 shares soar in 2026?

Our writer identifies a trio of FTSE 100 shares he thinks might potentially have more petrol in the tank as we head towards another year.

| 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.

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.

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on

Image source: Getty Images

As always, this year has seen mixed performances in the stock market. Some shares have done brilliantly, while others have been disappointing. Overall though, British blue-chip shares have had a solid showing. The flagship FTSE 100 index is up 20% since the start of 2025.

Might there still be bargains in the index? I think so! Here are three FTSE 100 shares that I think could potentially do well next year.

JD Sports

Retailer JD Sports (LSE: JD) strikes me as a British success story.

It has built a huge network of shops in many markets around the world. Sales growth has been strong and the company grew its pre-tax profit in the first half by 10% year-on-year.

But while the company decided its H1 results were strong enough to deploy some spare cash on a share buyback, the dividend was held flat. Given JD’s measly dividend yield of 1.1%, that was disappointing.

So far this year, the FTSE 100 share has fallen 11%.

The growth story here strikes me as strong. If it plays out in 2026, with lower expenditure on new openings potentially helping profitability, I think the share could do well. That is why I continue to own it.

But as this year demonstrates, JD has its work cut out to restore credibility in the City following profit warnings in recent years.

Weak consumer spending in key markets like the US is a risk to profitability next year.

Rolls-Royce

Can aeronautical engineer Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) do it again?

The Rolls-Royce share price has been among the top FTSE 100 performers for several years in a row. Since the turn of 2025, it has soared no less than 95%.

From a bearish perspective, such strong ongoing momentum could seem hard to justify for a long-established firm in a mature market.

But the share price momentum has been strong in recent years – and so has the business performance. Customer demand is growing across all of Rolls’ business areas and the price-to-earnings ratio of 17 does not look outrageous to me.

Could Rolls move markedly higher again in 2026? I think it could.

Ongoing positive investor sentiment may help. Raising its financial goals has propelled the company’s share price upwards in recent years and that could happen again next year. Meanwhile, any big contract wins might also push the price upwards.

But while I do not think the price is outrageous, it does not offer me the margin of safety I would like for the risk of a sudden downturn in civil aviation demand. Recent history shows that is always a risk. I will not be buying the share.

Endeavour Mining

One FTSE 100 share that has done even better than Rolls-Royce this year is Endeavour Mining. It is up 162% since the start of 2025.

With ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, the gold price has recently hit all-time highs. For Endeavour, that has been a boon. Its gold mines have literally been a gold mine!

If the yellow metal keeps moving up in the current complex geopolitical environment, that could also move Endeavour’s share price up more.

But I do not like investing in miners when we are already at a high point in the precious metal pricing cycle. So I will not be buying Endeavour.

C Ruane has positions in JD Sports Fashion. 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

Two business people sitting at cafe working on new project using laptop. Young businesswoman taking notes and businessman working on laptop computer.
Investing For Beginners

Is Aston Martin going to be a penny share by the end of this year?

Jon Smith explains his concerns around Aston Martin following the latest results, and mulls whether the company is on the…

Read more »

Female Tesco employee holding produce crate
Market Movers

With an astonishing 7.5% yield, is this ‘defensive’ REIT worth buying today?

Due to its massive yield and sole focus on a niche part of the commercial property market, is this REIT…

Read more »

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

As well as an 8.9%-yield, is there another reason to buy Legal & General’s shares after today’s results?

James Beard has long admired Legal & General shares for their generous passive income. But could investors be overlooking something…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

Will the Iran war cause a stock market crash? Here’s what history says

History offers some reassurance to investors when it comes to geopolitical events and stock market crashes. Ben McPoland explains more.

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

I still like Nvidia, but right now, I like this legendary S&P 500 stock more

Edward Sheldon is bullish on Nvidia stock at today’s share price. However, right now, he sees more investment appeal in…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

£1,000 now buys 1,013 Lloyds shares. Worth it?

With £1,000, investors can pick up a stack of Lloyds shares. But is this a good deal? And are there…

Read more »

Exterior of BT Group head office - One Braham, London
Investing Articles

4 reasons why the BT share price could surge 45% over the next year!

Could BT's share price really surge to 300p over the next year? One broker thinks so, though Royston Wild sees…

Read more »

Landlady greets regular at real ale pub
Investing Articles

Here’s one of my favourite cheap shares to consider buying today

Zaven Boyrazian's on the hunt for cheap shares and was surprised to see a big-name FTSE stock trading at a…

Read more »