If you've been tracking CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) shares lately, you might be wondering whether now is the right time to invest in this Australian biotech heavyweight.
The share price is hovering around $285.72 at the time of writing, and it is trading near its lowest levels in three months.
However, the biotech giant recently reaffirmed its forecasts for FY25, adding a potential thrust of optimism for those seeking clarity on the company's direction.
Let's see if the experts say whether CSL deserves a spot in your portfolio.
CSL shares offer value after FY25 guidance affirmed
CSL reaffirmed its guidance for FY25 in its annual general meeting (AGM) in October. In it, management projected CSL will hit net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) between US$3.2 billion and US$3.3 billion.
This represents a constant currency growth of 10% to 13%. It sees this from revenue growth of 5% to 7% for the year when looking at USD only.
According to Ord Minnett, fluctuating exchange rates will cause a US$50 million currency headwind for the biotech's FY25 numbers, but this should be a minor blip.
The broker is bullish on CSL, rating it a buy, according to The Bull. Analyst Tony Paterno notes:
CSL is a global biotechnology company. CSL recently reaffirmed fiscal year 2025 guidance. It's forecasting net profit after tax and amortization (NPATA) to range between $US3.2 billion and $US3.3 billion, reflecting constant currency growth of between 10% and 13%…
…According to our analysis, this headwind implies consensus NPATA of $US2.27 billion, which is 0.6 per cent above the top end of guidance.
Brokers are bullish on aggregate
It's not just Ord Minnett on the bullish gravy train for the biotech. Several top brokers are bullish on CSL shares, and for good reason.
Bell Potter believes now might be a good time to add this biotech leader to your portfolio. In a client note this week, the broker highlights that CSL is entering a margin recovery phase, which could drive above-market earnings growth in the coming years.
It says CSL "presents an attractive buying opportunity" as it enters this margin recovery phase.
Bell also notes that CSL trades at a discount to its 10-year average of 31 times forward earnings and that it "will continue to deleverage the balance sheet over the next few years".
Meanwhile, Citi analysts share the enthusiasm, retaining the bank's buy rating and setting a price target of $345 on CSL shares.
Each of these brokers joins the consensus view on CSL, which says it is a buy, according to CommSec. No analysts recommend selling CSL shares at this moment.
Foolish takeout
CSL shares have long been a darling of the ASX, boasting a stellar track record on the chart and in plasma therapies.
Experts continue to see further upside in the biotech stock, more so with its reaffirmed FY25 numbers.
The stock is up 13% in the last 12 months despite remaining flat for the year to date.
