Why did the CSL share price go backwards in the March quarter?

Here's how CSL performed over the first quarter of 2022.

| More on:
A medical researcher rests his forehead on his fist with a dejected look on his face while sitting behind a scientific microscope with another researcher's hand on his shoulder as if giving comfort.

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 CSL share price slipped 7.7% in the first quarter of 2022, closing March at $270.05
  • That's despite only seemingly good news having been released by the company
  • Over the three-month period, CSL released its half-year results and updated the market on its acquisition of Vifor Pharma

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price struggled through the March quarter despite plenty of good news being released by the company.

In fact, the biotechnology giant's stock tumbled 7.76% last quarter, ending the period trading at $270.05.

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the quarter trading relatively flat with where it started, recording a gain of just 0.74%.

So, what moved the CSL share price over the three months ended 31 March? Let's take a look.

What happened to the CSL share price last quarter?

The CSL share price had some notable ups and downs over the course of the March quarter.

The first came with the announcement of the completion of CSL's share purchase plan on 14 February.

The share purchase plan – first announced in December – raised $750 million for CSL's acquisition of Vifor Pharma.

The company received applications of $942.7 million for the capital raise, which offered new shares in the company for $253.57 apiece. As a result, it had to scale the offer back.

However, as The Motley Fool Australia's James Mickleboro reported, the company was hit with a negative note from S&P Global Ratings that same day.

All in all, the CSL share price fell 1.99% on 14 February. Fortunately, it was soon boosted by the release of the company's half-year results.

Over the six months ended 31 December, CSL's revenue rose 5.3%, while its net profit after tax (NPAT) slipped 2.8%. The company's dividend stayed at US$1.04 per share.

However, its bullish view on plasma collections and its financial year 2022 earnings likely helped lift the CSL share price.

It gained 8.51% on the day of its earnings' release and a further 5.05% the following day.

The final piece of price-sensitive news released by the company last quarter dropped after the market closed on 3 March.

Then, CSL announced 74% of Vifor Pharma's shares were tendered under a public tender offer.

That was slightly less than the company's goal of 80%. Nevertheless, CSL said it would waive its acceptance rate condition and declare the offer successful.

Following the tender offer, CSL commenced a tender period for subsequent acceptance of the offer. As a result, the acquisition was on track to be finished by the middle of 2022.

The CSL share price gained just 0.31% on the news.

What else might have driven CSL's stock last quarter?

That's all the price-sensitive news released by CSL in the March quarter. However, there were a few more happenings that might have helped boost market sentiment toward its shares.

The company reportedly ditched efforts to create an antiviral treatment for COVID-19 in January. It will instead be focusing its $1 billion-a-year research program on other projects.

Additionally, CSL's influenza vaccine was granted new approvals by regulators in March. As a result, it can now be administered to children above the age of two.

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. owns 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Healthcare Shares

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Healthcare Shares

ResMed share price jumps 10% on strong quarterly update

ResMed has impressed the market with its third-quarter update.

Read more »

Happy healthcare workers in a labs
Healthcare Shares

Up 74% in 6 months, guess which ASX 200 healthcare stock just hit another all-time high

This company has busily deployed cash over the past six months while growing at a phenomenal pace.

Read more »

medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up
Healthcare Shares

Broker says this ASX biotech stock could almost double in value

Bell Potter is feeling very bullish about this risky stock.

Read more »

drug capsule opening up to reveal dollar signs signifying rising asx share price
Share Gainers

If you invested $6,000 in Mesoblast shares a month ago you'd have $15,636 now!

Mesoblast shares have been on a tear this past month. But why?

Read more »

Woman going for a scan reassured by doctor
Healthcare Shares

How AI could boost this ASX 300 healthcare stock

The Firetrail investment management team see AI providing a 'material tailwind' for this stock.

Read more »

A man in a white coat holds a laptop in one hand and his head in the other, it's bad news.
Healthcare Shares

Why is the ResMed share price diving 5% today?

Weight loss wonder drugs are weighing heavily on this stock.

Read more »

a doctor in a white coat makes a heart shape with his hands and holds it over his chest where his heart is placed.
Healthcare Shares

Why is the Telix share price jumping 15% to a record high?

This healthcare stock is scaling new heights on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Stressed thoughtful old female general practitioner doctor physician looking in distance, considering difficult medical problem solution or illness treatment, working on computer in clinic office.
Healthcare Shares

How much do you need to invest in CSL shares for $8,000 in annual dividends?

CSL's dividends are exponentially more valuable for long-term investors.

Read more »