Rolls-Royce Shares Plunge 12%—Is It Time to Buy Now?

UPDATE: Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR.) shares have dropped a staggering 12% from their recent highs, raising urgent questions for investors. As of now, potential buyers are contemplating whether this decline presents a *unique buying opportunity*.

Just recently, Rolls-Royce has made headlines for its impressive operational momentum, driven by a strategic overhaul under CEO Tufin Erginbilgiç. In mid-November, the company projected an underlying operating profit between £3.1 billion and £3.2 billion for 2025, alongside free cash flow estimates of £3.0 billion to £3.1 billion. This strong outlook comes despite ongoing supply chain challenges that have impacted many industries.

Erginbilgiç stated,

“We are continuing to progress our transformation programme, delivering profitable growth, and further strengthening our balance sheet.”

The strong growth indicators are particularly significant as they suggest the company is not just recovering but thriving in several key markets, including civil aerospace, defense, and nuclear sectors.

However, the current valuation raises concerns. Despite the share price decline, Rolls-Royce’s forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at a high 32, outpacing many tech giants in the “Magnificent 7.” Only Tesla boasts a higher earnings multiple among that group, indicating that while Rolls-Royce has potential, investors should tread carefully.

Adding to the intrigue, earlier this week, Jorg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, sold approximately £2 million worth of shares. This move raises questions about the company’s short-term outlook and whether investors should expect further declines.

Given this context, experts suggest that potential investors might consider taking a closer look at Rolls-Royce while its shares are down. However, caution is advised regarding the high valuation and limited dividend yield of 0.9%.

As market conditions fluctuate, many analysts are suggesting that there may be better investment opportunities elsewhere. While Rolls-Royce has shown promise, the risk of a slowdown in one of its markets could impact future returns significantly.

Investors are advised to keep a close eye on developments as the financial landscape continues to evolve. For those eager to find out if Rolls-Royce makes the cut among recommended stocks, expert opinions suggest now could be the time to act—but only with careful consideration.

Stay tuned for further updates on this rapidly shifting situation in the stock market.