CSL shares have had an up-and-down start to the year. Shares in the Aussie biotech company are down 1.9% year-to-date and closed at $279.52 per share on Tuesday.
Despite falling 8% in the last month, CSL still boasts a $127.2 billion market capitalisation. That makes it one of the largest shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and a perennial index mover and shaker.
But one leading fundie doesn't have a great outlook for CSL shares in 2021. Yarra Capital Management recently released a May 2021 investment and portfolio update for its Yarra Australian Equities Fund and CSL was notably "underweight".
Why one leading fundie isn't bullish on CSL shares
CSL was noted as one of the key detractors to portfolio performance in the fund's most recent update. That's despite Yarra Capital noting that CSL outperformed as many expected the company to benefit from a re-opening of the US economy.
Foot traffic at CSL's collection centres reportedly increased in recent weeks but that hasn't changed Yarra Capital's position. The fund remains underweight the Aussie biotech share, based on its forward valuations.
According to the update, CSL shares are trading at a 44.2 times price to earnings (P/E) ratio and 29.7 times enterprise value to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EV/EBITDA) multiples on a forward basis. In the fund's view, this relative valuation captures its earnings outlook for CSL right now.
However, Yarra did note the growth outlook for CSL's key plasma products remains "robust". Although it doesn't look like it'll be snapping up more CSL shares anytime soon.
Foolish takeaway
CSL shares have been under pressure in the last month or so. Shares in the Aussie biotech have slumped while the benchmark ASX 200 index has edged 0.6% lower.
While investors hope for a change in fortunes for the Aussie biotech's valuation, the Yarra Australia Equities Fund looks content to avoid CSL for the time being.
