What happened to the CSL share price in May?

We look at what might have helped the biotech giant to outperform this month.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The CSL share price has outperformed this month, sliding 0.03% to trade at $273.22
  • That's despite the company releasing news of delays facing its Vifor Pharma acquisition
  • Though, it did update the market on its plasma collection business' COVID-19 recovery amid positive broker sentiment

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price has outperformed this month despite the company releasing potentially disappointing news.

The biotechnology stock has slipped 0.03% since the end of April. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen 2.22%.

At the time of writing, the CSL share price is $273.22.

Let's take a look at all the market has heard from the company this month.

Two happy scientists analysing test results.

Image source: Getty Images

What's been going on with CSL this month?

The CSL share price has seemingly shrugged off the downturn spurred by a delay to the company's $17.2 billion acquisition earlier this month.

The biotech giant announced its planned takeover of Vifor Pharma had hit a hurdle on 12 May.

Regulatory approvals are expected to drag the process out for a few months longer than was previously planned.

The news dragged the CSL share price 1.8% lower. Though, it lifted another 3.3% the following day.

The news also wasn't enough to throw the stock off the course of the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ).

TradingView Chart

As the above chart shows, CSL shares – represented in orange – have been trading closely in line with the company's sector – represented in teal – over the last month.

Meanwhile, the ASX 200 – represented in blue – has been underperforming both.

There were a number of other happenings that might have bolstered market sentiment in CSL's stock this month.

The company announced its plasma collections had reached pre-pandemic levels in early May.

Additionally, plenty of brokers are bullish on CSL's stock. Notably, Citi slapped it with a $335 price target and Bell Potter expects big things to come.

CSL share price snapshot

While CSL's stock has outperformed over the last month, it's struggled over the longer term.

The company's shares have slipped 8% year to date. They have also fallen 6% since this time last year.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

Five healthcare workers standing together and smiling.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout

The experts are backing these stocks for price growth.

Read more »

Researchers and doctors with futuristic 3D hologram overlay for body anatomy or DNA in hospital clinic.
Healthcare Shares

Are investors taking a big gamble chasing 4DX shares higher and higher?

Investor interest in this ASX healthcare tech stock is booming.

Read more »

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today

A leading analyst expects Ramsay Health Care shares to keep outperforming in the months ahead.

Read more »

Half a man's face from the nose up peers over a table.
Healthcare Shares

If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be…

This stock looks underpriced and oversold to me.

Read more »

woman testing substance in laboratory dish, csl share price
Healthcare Shares

CSL shares slide again in March — but is a comeback brewing?

Brokers remain upbeat and see upside up to 95% for the biotech stock.

Read more »

A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great
Broker Notes

Up 57% since February, why Telix shares could keep leaping higher in 2026

A leading analyst believes investors are undervaluing Telix shares. But why?

Read more »

A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.
Healthcare Shares

Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?

This ASX healthcare giant is out of favour, but that may be where opportunity starts.

Read more »

Stressed, unhappy, and tired scientist with a headache working on a computer in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows

Does this present a buying opportunity?

Read more »