Is buying CSL shares right now a smart move?

Experts are tipping a strong recovery for the healthcare stock.

| 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 could be about to embark on a green streak if bullish experts are to be believed
  • The stock is still trading around 20% below its pre-pandemic highs
  • But one expert thinks that, if all goes well for the stock, it could rocket beyond its previous record high

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price still hasn't recovered to its pre-pandemic level, which saw it trading solidly above the $300 mark.

Indeed, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock is nearly 20% lower than the record high of $342.75 it posted in February 2020.

Could things be about to turn around for the CSL share price? Some experts are tipping it to do big things from here.

Right now, the CSL share price is $275.98.

A scientist examining test results.

Image source: Getty Images

Is now a good time to buy CSL shares?

It's been a rough couple of years for the CSL share price despite plenty of exciting happenings at the company.

Most obviously, it completed its $16 billion acquisition of Swiss giant Vifor Pharma earlier this year.

The ASX-listed healthcare favourite also recently revealed that, Vifor Pharma's contribution included, it expects to post between US$2.7 billion and US$2.8 billion of net profit before tax and amortisation for financial year 2023.

The team at Morgans was pleased by the news, retaining its buy rating and adjusting its price target for CSL shares to $312.20, my Fool colleague James reports. That represents a potential 13% upside.

The broker said strong plasma collections and demand, as well as the addition of Vifor Pharma, "portends strong growth momentum".

Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs remained neutral on the stock following its most recent announcement, tipping it to lift to $291 – a potential 5% gain.

Tribeca Investment Partners portfolio manager Jun Bei Liu is also hopeful about the stock. She said it was one of numerous in the space trading at a reasonable valuation, saying, courtesy of Livewire:

We do think healthcare will perform very well in an uncertain environment. These companies will deliver very strong earnings growth regardless of the economic outlook.

But the most bullish expert is Fairmont Equities founder Michael Gable. My Fool colleague Tony quoted the expert as telling media:

In some ways, CSL might have dropped off people's radar because since the COVID lows [the share price] hasn't really done anything.

It bottomed in February… and now it's starting to outperform the broader index.

You could see CSL with a four in front of it potentially by the end of next year, if it breaks out.

To reach the $400 mark, the CSL share price would have to gain around 45%. No doubt plenty of investors will have their fingers crossed for such a rise.

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. and Goldman Sachs. 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 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 »

A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Pro Medicus shares today

Two leading investment analysts believe Pro Medicus shares are primed for a rebound.

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Healthcare Shares

Should I invest $10,000 into CSL shares? Yes or no

Is it time to pick up this fallen giant? Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

A woman scratches her head, thinking is this a no-brainer?
Healthcare Shares

Does this ASX 200 stock's fall make it a no-brainer buy?

Despite a major transformation, this stock is down more than 20%. Is this an opportunity?

Read more »

Scientist looking at a laptop thinking about the share price performance.
Healthcare Shares

ASX 200 healthcare shares down 33% in a year as heavyweights hit multi-year lows

Eight of the 10 largest healthcare shares are trading at or close to multi-year or 52-week lows.

Read more »

Stock market chart in green with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.
Healthcare Shares

Up 2,075% in a year, why is the 4DMedical share price rocketing again on Friday?

Investors just sent 4DMedical shares surging another 20% on Friday. But why?

Read more »