Own CSL shares? Here's what brokers are saying about its R&D pipeline

What are analysts saying about CSL's R&D pipeline?

| More on:
medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up

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

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) shares are pushing higher on Monday.

At the time of writing, the biotherapeutics giant's shares are up 0.5% to $276.85.

Why are CSL shares rising?

CSL shares are rising on Monday after brokers responded positively to the company's research and development (R&D) update.

One of those brokers was Morgans, which has responded by retaining its add rating and $312.20 price target on the company's shares.

Morgans was pleased with the update and notes that a decent proportion of the pipeline has the potential to become standard of care treatments. It commented:

Internal efforts and the Vifor acquisition have seen the R&D pipeline grow c70% with the majority late-stage programs. Management is optimistic of the future "conservatively" estimating at least 10 compounds (c20% of the total pipeline) having the potential to be standard of care for the targeted patient group.

Key catalysts include: potential approval and launch of the first-ever hemophilia B gene therapy EtranaDez; Phase 3 data for anti-FXIIa antibody garadacimab in HAE; and Phase 2 recruitment completion of CSL112 for reducing secondary heart attacks.

What else are brokers saying?

The team at Citi was equally positive and has retained its buy rating and $340.00 price target. Like Morgans, the broker has highlighted the CSL112 therapy as a key highlight. It stated:

CSL held its annual event updating the market on its R&D programs. The R&D budget is significant at US$1.16bn in FY22 or ~11% of revenue. CSL will continue to spend ~10-11% of revenue on R&D annually. The pipeline now includes assets from recently acquired Vifor with two assets in Phase 3. Our $340 TP includes $22.40 for the R&D portfolio (down from $23 on delays) – the main asset remains CSL112 (cardiovascular) at $20/share on which we will get Phase 3 data in Q1 CY24. Maintain Buy, $340 TP.

Finally, Goldman Sachs responded by maintaining its neutral rating and $291.00 price target. Its analysts note that the garadacimab (CSL312) product has the potential to be a "pipeline in a product" thanks to multiple end use possibilities. The broker explained:

CSL312 is a humanised anti-factor XIIa monoclonal antibody in development for multiple indications including as a subcutaneous therapy for HAE, with the potential for administration every 4 weeks (vs. every 2-3 days for Haegarda). Given its early position in the coagulation cascade, there is also potential application in various other disorders (including fibrosis, cardiovascular and inflammatory indications).

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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

Doctor doing a telemedicine using laptop at a medical clinic
Healthcare Shares

Up 34% since April, ASX 300 healthcare stock lifts off again today on new milestone

The ASX 300 healthcare stock has been on a tear since hitting one-year lows in April.

Read more »

Shot of a scientist using a computer while conducting research in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Should I buy the dip on CSL shares?

A leading fund manager gives his verdict on the growth prospects for CSL shares.

Read more »

A woman relaxes on a yellow couch with a book and cuppa, and looks pensively away as she contemplates the joy of earning passive income.
Healthcare Shares

NIB shares have soared 24% this year. Does Macquarie expect this to continue?

Will this private health insurer continue to deliver big returns? Let's find out.

Read more »

Woman presenting financial report on large screen in conference room.
Healthcare Shares

Up nearly 30% in a year, should I buy Fisher & Paykel shares before its earnings result?

Will the ASX 200 healthcare stock continue to outperform?

Read more »

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

CSL shares among most expensive on ASX. Is now a good time to buy?

Analysts predict CSL share price growth will keep on coming.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Healthcare Shares

Should you buy the dip in the ResMed share price?

Let's see what one leading broker is saying following yesterday's pullback.

Read more »

A woman puts up her hands and looks confused while sitting at her computer.
Healthcare Shares

Down 5%: What's going on with the ResMed share price?

Let's see what has spooked investors today and caused them to push the sell button.

Read more »

Beautiful young woman drinking fresh orange juice in kitchen.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX 300 stock is jumping 11% on big news

This stock is having a day to remember on Thursday. But why?

Read more »