CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)Share Price and News
About CSL
CSL is a multinational biotech powerhouse headquartered in Melbourne and one of the largest companies on the ASX (the 3rd biggest as of early June 2025 - only trailing CBA and BHP).
CSL, has two primary businesses: flu vaccines and blood products. In the latter instance, it takes plasma from donors and turns it into life-saving therapeutics, particularly immunoglobin products. Plasma is the substance that carries red and white blood cells through the body – these therapies are relevant for disorders such as hemophilia, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema and inherited respiratory disease.
The company makes and sells other drugs too. To this end it has an extensive R&D division that develops drugs. One of its latest is Hemgenix, the first gene therapy for the treatment of Hemophilia B.
CSL Company History
CSL stands for Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, originally established during World War One to produce vaccines and antivenoms for the Australian public. The company has a proud history, enabling many of the 20th century medical advances to reach our shores such as insulin, penicillin and flu vaccines.
The transition to a publicly listed entity occurred in 1994, marking the start of CSL's transformation into a global biopharmaceutical company. Its 1994 IPO was done at A$2.30 per share, and a 3 for 1 stock split in 2007 means those original shares are about $0.77 each.
A pivotal moment in CSL's history was its acquisition of Novartis' influenza vaccine business in 2015, rebranded as Seqirus. This move significantly expanded CSL's footprint in vaccines, complementing its plasma therapies and strengthening its position in the global health market.
Another moment came in late 2021 when it bought Vifor, a Swiss renal therapy and iron deficiency products company. It paid a whopping US$11.7bn and investors have been skeptical that it has obtained (or that it ever will obtain) a value for money.
Future Outlook of CSL (ASX: CSL)
CSL's future growth looks promising at first glance. In FY24, delivered US$14.8bn in revenue and a $2.9bn post-tax profit, both up 11% from FY23. The company anticipates its profit to be $3.2-3.3bn for FY25 and for revenues to be 5-7% higher. CEO Paul McKenzie proclaimed the company was in a strong position to deliver annualised double-digit earnings growth.
But investors are skeptical about the company for a number of reasons including that:
- The jury is still out on Vifor,
- There's worry about what Trump's tariffs will mean for the company's supply chain,
- There's uncertainty about the potential impact of Ozempic, in that if you can reduce obesity, you reduce the risk for many health conditions it causes and thus reduce CSL's markets;
- Vaccine skepticism in the US meaning lower rates; and that,
- Market conditions for the blood plasma business were are difficult in the short-term. The company has to pay for blood plasma donations and has had to pay higher donor fees. Donor fees may have peaked, but are unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels. The company has told investors it is seeking to use digital technology and more flexible labour to more effectively manage donors.
Is CSL (ASX: CSL) a Good Stock to Buy?
CSL presents a compelling investment case for those looking to balance defensive stability with growth exposure in the healthcare sector.
As noted above, the company expects a post-tax profit to be $0.3-0.4bn higher than FY24 and revenues to be 5-7% higher. We are optimistic about improved conditions in the sector, not to mention CSL's new products. It just launched Hemgenix in the last 12 months and while it hasn't provided sales figures for that drug, sales from the relevant division were up 11%. Not bad considering it is the world’s most expensive drug, at US$3.5m per dose.
In our view, any fears over Ozempic are overblown. Even if the claims are completely true, Ozempic does not aid those already suffering from conditions. We also aren't as concerned about the impact of US tariffs, even if it may need to increase its presence in the US.
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Frequently Asked Questions
CSL offers a dividend yield near 1.1%, backed by a consistent history of dividend growth, reflecting strong cash flow and management's commitment to shareholder returns.