Why is the CSL share price on the slide today?

Shares in the ASX healthcare giant are holding their own on Tuesday.

| More on:
A scientist examining test results.

Image source: Getty Images

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 ASX 200 is in the green so far this Tuesday
  • Not so the CSL share price although, curiously, it's holding up rather well
  • That's despite CSL shares trading ex-dividend today

It's been a wavering start to the trading day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) so far this Tuesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has gained just 0.09% and is back below 6,860 points. But it's still ahead of the CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price.

CSL shares are down 0.1% at the time of writing. The ASX 200 healthcare giant closed at $294.80 a share yesterday. It opened at $294.42 this morning and is now trading at $294.50 at the time of writing.

This doesn't exactly appear to be a strong session for CSL shares, given the ASX 200 is slightly outperforming these gains so far. But it is if we factor in what has just happened to the CSL share price. The company has just traded ex-dividend today for the upcoming final dividend payment for FY22.

When CSL revealed its full-year earnings report for FY22 last month, it declared a final dividend of US$1.18 per share. That translates to $1.68 per share, partially franked at 10%.

As we discussed yesterday, this was flat in US dollar terms on last year's final dividend. But thanks to favourable currency exchange rates, ASX investors will enjoy a 5.6% boost from what they received last year.

The dividend is scheduled to be paid out next month on 5 October, so investors will have to wait until then to see the cash.

CSL share price rises, despite ex-dividend date

But CSL shares traded ex-dividend for this upcoming final payment today. That means that any new investors in CSL from today are not eligible to receive this dividend.

Normally, when a company trades ex-dividend, we see a corresponding drop in the company's share price. This reflects the reality that CSL shares are less valuable, thanks to the fact that the dividend is no longer available for new investors.

Today, we have seen no such obvious drop. That means that CSL is having a fairly strong day – if it weren't for the ex-dividend date, the company would probably be enjoying gains.

So arguably, this is a very happy day for CSL investors.

At the current CSL share price, this ASX 200 healthcare share has a dividend yield of 1.02%.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL Ltd. 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

A hipster dude leaps in the air with glee, seeing positive news on his tablet.
Healthcare Shares

Which ASX 200 stock is jumping 11% on big news?

Investors are responding very positively to a big announcement.

Read more »

Senior woman using cpap machine to stop choking and snoring from obstructive sleep apnoea with bokeh and morning light background.
Healthcare Shares

Up more than 75% since October 2023 — are ResMed shares a buy, hold or sell?

ResMed shares have surged more than 75% since October 2023, but is it too late to buy? We break down…

Read more »

Stethoscope with a piggy bank in the middle.
Broker Notes

Australian health insurance: Does Macquarie prefer Medibank or NIB shares?

Medibank and NIB shares have both surged in 2025. Here’s what Macquarie expects now.

Read more »

Two brokers analysing stocks.
Healthcare Shares

Why does Macquarie think Fisher & Paykel shares are a buy?

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) shares have been on form over the past 12 months. During this…

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Healthcare Shares

Which small cap ASX share is jumping 10% on strong results

Investors have been bidding this stock higher today. But why?

Read more »

Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Why Macquarie forecasts 30-50% upside for these ASX All Ords healthcare stocks

Macquarie updated its target price on these three ASX All Ords healthcare stocks.

Read more »

A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is jumping 10% on big news

This stock is catching the eye with a strong gain on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

a young woman holds her hand to her ear and leans sideways as if to listen to something that's surprising her as her eyes and her mouth are wide open.
Healthcare Shares

Down 15% since January, are Cochlear shares now a buy?

Let's see what analysts are saying about this blue chip.

Read more »