London, Jan 31, 2026, 08:09 GMT — Market closed
- Rolls-Royce shares closed Friday 0.8% higher at 1,211p, wrapping up the month with a gain.
- The company revealed it repurchased more shares, continuing its £200 million buyback program
- Attention turns to February earnings and whether the civil-aerospace rally can hold up
Rolls-Royce shares ticked up 0.8% on Friday, closing at 1,211 pence (£12.11). With the London market closed over the weekend, investors are now eyeing Monday’s session.
The stock rallied late in the week as the FTSE 100 closed January on its longest monthly winning streak in over 12 years, boosted by bank shares and a softer pound, which usually benefits exporters.
Rolls-Royce revealed another move in its buyback scheme, acquiring 650,824 shares on Jan. 29, with plans to cancel them, according to a filing.
The repurchases form part of a £200 million interim buyback set to start on Jan. 2 and wrap up by Feb. 24 at the latest. UBS is handling the programme on a non-discretionary basis.
Why it matters now: the buyback provides steady support for the stock ahead of a busy February earnings season, with Rolls-Royce’s own results looming and already influencing investor moves. The company’s financial calendar marks full-year 2025 results for Feb. 26.
Rolls-Royce has slipped back from its 52-week peak of 1,306.5p, yet the stock remains mostly above the 1,200p mark that investors are keeping an eye on.
The company has relied on civil-aerospace services as flying hours picked up, also highlighting demand in defence and power systems. Chief executive Tufan Erginbilgiç said in a November trading update that results were “in line with our expectations,” while noting “continued supply chain challenges.” The firm maintained its full-year guidance at that point. rolls-royce.com
The supply-chain risk remains very much alive. Fresh bottlenecks in parts, labour, or maintenance capacity could disrupt engine deliveries and timing of shop visits. Those changes can quickly impact cash flow, especially for a business so reliant on aftermarket services.
Macro trends remain a key swing factor heading into next week. A stronger dollar and shifting rate expectations have rattled sectors worldwide, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s nomination for Federal Reserve chair, which raised concerns over future policy moves. This could ripple through UK cyclicals and the pound.
As London trading picks up again, investors will be eyeing if the buyback momentum holds steady and whether the stock can maintain its footing above 1,200p ahead of the full-year results on Feb. 26.
