As we enter the ultimate months of the 12 months, it’s value reflecting on the super development in Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR.) shares in 2023. The long-lasting British firm was one of many pandemic’s largest losers. However, it has delivered a sustained inventory market turnaround this 12 months.

Spurred by a restoration within the firm’s Civil Aerospace division and ongoing power in Defence, the Rolls-Royce share worth has elevated 122% since January — and 223% over 12 months. This stellar efficiency begs the query: will Rolls-Royce be the best-performing FTSE 100 inventory in 2023?

Let’s see how the inventory compares in opposition to different high-performing shares within the UK’s main index.

The highest FTSE 100 performers

The highest 5 best-performing FTSE 100 shares this 12 months up to now (YTD) embody corporations spanning quite a lot of sectors. Rolls-Royce leads the pack. It’s adopted by retailer Marks and Spencer, which was just lately re-admitted to the index after a four-year hiatus within the FTSE 250.

To finish the quintet, vitality big Centrica, specialist manufacturing investor Melrose Industries, and personal fairness agency 3i Group have all delivered stellar returns for shareholders too.

With three months left of buying and selling in 2023, Rolls-Royce has constructed a commanding lead over different FTSE 100 shares by way of its efficiency since January.

Granted, that may change rapidly within the risky world of inventory market investing. Nonetheless, it’s honest to say, the enterprise is a robust contender within the race to grow to be this 12 months’s prime Footsie inventory.

It’s additionally value mentioning that Marks and Spencer plans on re-introducing its dividend in November. As such, M&S will be a part of the opposite three corporations in rewarding buyers with passive revenue. Rolls-Royce is the one inventory within the bunch that gained’t pay a dividend this 12 months.

The place subsequent for Rolls-Royce shares?

Looking at Rolls-Royce’s half-year outcomes, there are many causes for optimism. Underlying working revenue skyrocketed from £125m to £673m. Plus, group income superior from £5.3bn to £7bn, propelled by will increase throughout all divisions.

The outlook for the corporate’s largest unit — Civil Aerospace — has improved significantly from the gloomy days of the pandemic. Engine flying hours have recovered to 83% of 2019 ranges as pent-up demand for worldwide journey helps the airline business.

Nonetheless, this quantity nonetheless hasn’t made a full rebound to its pre-Covid ranges. Lengthy-term shareholders can attest to this. The Rolls-Royce share worth is down 33% on a five-year foundation regardless of this 12 months’s outstanding rally.

Lowering internet debt and attaining an investment-grade score have been recognized as key objectives by the board. Progress on these metrics has been strong to date. Potential buyers ought to monitor additional developments intently to make sure the momentum continues.

General, it’s value allowing for that few engine manufactures can rival Rolls-Royce’s market place and distinctive experience — both in civil or navy settings. These excessive boundaries to entry give the corporate some key benefits.

I personal Rolls-Royce shares and I’ll proceed to carry them. I imagine there’s a very good probability the corporate may very well be the top-performing FTSE 100 inventory this 12 months. Nonetheless, potential buyers ought to think about notable draw back dangers at at present’s share worth.