ASX healthcare shares are showing renewed momentum, with two of the sector's biggest names staging notable rebounds in recent weeks. At the time of writing, both CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) are trading higher.
CSL shares have been one of the standout movers in the sector. The stock is up around 7% over the past five trading days and 34% over the past month, reflecting a sharp improvement in sentiment after a brutal sell-off. Despite this recovery, CSL remains heavily out of favour on a longer horizon, still down 28% year to date and nearly 49% over the past 12 months.
ResMed has also begun to recover, although its rebound has been more gradual. The ASX healthcare share is up about 10% over the past five trading days and 13% over the past month. Even so, it remains down 14% year to date and roughly 21% over the past year, leaving it well below its recent highs.
Now, the key question for investors is whether this marks the start of a sustained recovery or just a short-term bounce.
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CSL: sentiment improves, but challenges remain
Earnings downgrades, acquisition concerns and a broader reset in market expectations drove the sharp decline in CSL shares. This led to a significant de-rating as investors reassessed what was once considered one of the ASX's most reliable compounders.
The underlying business remains strong. CSL maintains its position as one of the world's largest plasma-derived therapies companies. However, the market is now focused on whether management can restore consistent earnings momentum. Particularly as supply constraints and pricing dynamics continue to weigh on performance in key markets.
Morgans continues to support the stock. It retains a buy rating on the $58 billion ASX healthcare share with a price target of $147.59. This points to a 19% upside at current price levels.
The broker notes that the long-term story remains intact. However, a sustained recovery in sentiment may take several quarters to fully materialise as investors wait for clearer evidence in the numbers.
ResMed: growth remains intact despite volatility
The price weakness of the $44 billion ASX healthcare share has been driven more by valuation compression than by any meaningful deterioration in business performance. Broader concerns around healthcare growth stocks have also weighed on sentiment, contributing to the stock's decline over the past year.
Despite this, the company's fundamentals remain solid. In Q3 FY26, ResMed reported revenue rising 11% to US$1.43 billion, while non-GAAP earnings per share were up 21% to US$2.86.
Even after its recent rebound, ResMed remains at its lowest valuation level in more than a decade. It's trading on approximately 16 times forward earnings despite expectations for double-digit earnings per share growth.
Morgans has retained a buy rating with a price target of $41.72, implying around 36% upside from current levels. The broker highlights that the current valuation may underestimate the company's long-term growth potential.
