Are CSL shares a bargain buy with big return potential?

Is CSL a blue-chip bargain and destined to deliver big returns for investors.

| More on:
two men smiling with a laptop in front of them, symbolising a rising share price.

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 dropped with the market on Thursday.

The biotherapeutics giant's shares ended the day almost 1% lower at $234.34.

This latest decline means that its shares are now down over 25% from their 52-week high.

Are CSL shares in the bargain bin?

A number of brokers believe there could be some big returns on the cards for CSL shares over the next 12 months.

For example, last week the team at Citi reiterated its buy rating and $325 price target on its shares. This implies a potential upside of approximately 39% for investors over the next 12 months.

Citi believes CSL is well-positioned to deliver strong earnings growth through to FY 2028. It said:

CSL remains confident in its ability to generate double-digit EPS growth over the medium-term, in-line with consensus/Citi forecasts of 14%/15% EPS CAGR over FY23-28e.

In light of this, the broker feels that its shares are undervalued at current levels. Citi notes that "CSL is trading on a PE FY25 of ~23x, a 5x discount to historical average."

What else is being said?

Over at Morgans, its analysts retained their add rating and $328.20 price target on CSL's shares last week. This implies over 40% upside for investors from current levels. It commented:

Management expressed confidence in CSL's resilience (ie no material impact from GLP-1s) and competitive advantages in scaled operations, reiterating FY24 guidance and calling for annual double-digit earnings growth over the medium-term.

This growth is underpinned via a leading position in large, growing markets, and focus on improving plasma yields, lowering costs, a disciplined approach to digitalisation, and new drug launches to improve Behring GMs (3-5 years to pre-COVID levels), with ROIC improving over time.

Elsewhere, Macquarie has an outperform rating and $321 price target, Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating and $334.00 price target, and UBS has a buy rating and $340.00 price target.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. 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

Two scientists in a Rhythm Biosciences lab cheer while looking at results on a computer.
Healthcare Shares

2 ASX healthcare shares having a stellar run today

The ASX healthcare sector is down today but these two stocks are bucking the trend.

Read more »

A company manager presents the ASX company earnings report to shareholders at an AGM.
Healthcare Shares

Why this $13 billion ASX 200 healthcare stock is surging today

A change in sentiment for the healthcare player.

Read more »

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

This ASX 200 stock hit a 52-week low and a top broker thinks it can rebound

Patient investors may see this stock make a pleasing recovery.

Read more »

A couple smile as they look at a pregnancy test.
Healthcare Shares

Why this sold-off ASX healthcare share could be an exciting dividend buy

This could be a healthy stock for dividends.

Read more »

a smiling woman sits at her computer at home with a coffee alongside her, as if pleased with her investments.
Healthcare Shares

Is CSL the best ASX 100 share to buy now?

Bell Potter has good things to say about this blue chip star.

Read more »

Scientists in a laboratory look at a computer screen with anticipation on their faces representing a potential change in the performance of ASX biotech shares in FY23
Healthcare Shares

Down 10% in a month, are CSL shares feeling the sting of a potential disruption?

Brokers are still bullish.

Read more »

One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.
Healthcare Shares

Doubled in a year! Does this booming ASX share have another 24% upside?

Let's take a look.

Read more »

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX All Ords share is diving 18% as inflation pain draws blood

This healthcare company delivered a trading update at its annual general meeting today.

Read more »