Back in 2007, CSL's share price broke through the $100 mark, in response the board proposed a 3-for-1 share split suggesting that it would benefit shareholders by increasing the liquidity and affordability to retail investors. Adjusting for this share split, CSL's recent high of $68 per share is also an all-time high and values the company at over $33 billion.
Next week on Wednesday, 14 August, CSL is expected to release its full-year results. Having reported interim results back in February that saw profit up 24%, earnings per share up 30% and dividends up 33%, expectations for the full-year result are high. Guidance from management has shareholders expecting to see full year profit growth of approximately 20% and earnings per share growth of 24%. Assuming CSL meets its guidance next week and also offers a positive outlook for 2014 there is a good chance CSL shares will trade higher, breaking through the $68 mark and reaching a new all-time high.
Source: Google Finance
CSL has been at outstanding investment for shareholders and that situation looks set to continue. Since 1999 the stock price has increased by over 1400%, in comparison the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is up 61%. Over this time frame shareholders have also benefitted from sound capital management policies including dividends and significant share buybacks.
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Motley Fool contributor Tim McArthur does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article.
