The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is out of form in 2021 and underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
Since the start of the year, the biotherapeutics company's shares are down 2% to $279.14.
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Could it be time to consider buying CSL shares?
A number of Australia's leading brokers have given their verdict on the CSL share price in recent months. And as you might expect due to COVID-19 uncertainties, opinion is largely divided on whether now is a good time to consider buying CSL shares.
Below is a summary of what brokers are saying about CSL shares in July 2021.
Citi
Citi currently has a neutral rating and $310.00 CSL share price target. This implies potential upside of 11% over the next 12 months. Citi is also forecasting a CSL dividend of $3.14 per share in FY 2021.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs has a neutral rating and CSL share price target of $305.00. If CSL shares hit this level, it will mean a gain of 9.2%. In addition, Goldman has pencilled in a CSL dividend of $2.81 this year.
Morgans
Morgans currently has an add rating and CSL share price target of $301.10. This represents a potential return of 7.9%. The broker is also forecasting a CSL dividend of $2.86 per share in FY 2021.
UBS
UBS is the most bullish broker with a buy rating and CSL share price target of $330.00. This implies potential upside of 18.2% over the next 12 months. UBS' analysts are forecasting a CSL dividend of ~$2.33 per share in 2021.
Broker comments
The team at Goldman Sachs explained why they are neutral on the CSL share price.
Goldman said: "We are Neutral rated on CSL. Our 12-month TP of A$305 is based on our target NTM EV/EBITDA multiple of 28.9x. Key upside risks include: (1) Faster-than-expected recovery in plasma collections; (2) More supportive pricing dynamic than we already expect; (3) Positive results from the pipeline. Key downside risks include: (1) Extent of disruption to plasma collections; (2) Threat of mRNA/competitive approaches to Seqirus vaccine business; (3) Competitive product launches; (4) Plasma donor fee inflation."
