CSL shares are up more than 40% in a month. What just happened in the US?

The stock's huge rebound is getting another boost.

| 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

It has been a remarkable month for CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shareholders, and the stock is pushing higher again on Tuesday.

The CSL share price is up 2.09% to $175.15 at the time of writing, extending a rally that has driven the stock up more than 40% over the past month.

That recovery has wiped out most of its losses from earlier in the year, leaving CSL shares roughly flat in 2026.

So, what has investors looking at the stock again today?

Two scientists looking at a tablet.

Image source: Getty Images

CSL reaches deal with the US government

According to the release, CSL has reached two agreements with the Trump administration covering drug pricing and its manufacturing plans in the United States.

The first is with the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Under the deal, CSL will give the Medicaid program access to its medicines at prices comparable with those available in other developed countries.

It has also agreed to take a similar approach with any newly launched therapies across US payers.

The second agreement is with the US Department of Commerce and relates to CSL's US$1.5 billion expansion in Kankakee, Illinois.

That project was first announced in April and is designed to increase the company's capacity to produce plasma-derived therapies in the US.

CSL said the agreements give it "greater certainty regarding exposure to U.S. drug pricing and certain Section 232 tariffs".

Despite the new arrangements, the company does not expect them to have any material financial impact in FY27.

Why this could be a relief for investors

US drug pricing has been one of the issues hanging over global pharmaceutical companies this year.

The agreement gives investors more clarity around how CSL will operate in its biggest market, while also tying in with its existing plan to increase US manufacturing.

And this announcement comes just after a difficult period for the company.

CSL reported a statutory net loss of US$2.58 billion in FY26 after recording major impairments, although underlying profit came in at US$3.1 billion.

Revenue increased 1% to US$15.8 billion, while management is targeting around 5% underlying profit growth in FY27.

The company has also been dealing with weaker US vaccination rates and softer sales in parts of its plasma business.

Has the rally gone too far?

After a move of more than 40% in just over a month, CSL shares have already come a long way from their July lows.

The stock was trading below $125 in late July and is now back above $175, which changes the conversation a little.

Yes, the latest US deal is another positive step, but a lot of the easy recovery has already happened.

From here, I think investors will be looking more closely at whether earnings can start doing some of the heavy lifting.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. 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

Three scientists wearing white coats and blue gloves dance together in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

$10,000 invested in CSL shares in June is now worth…

After plunging to a nine-year low in June, CSL shares have gone gangbusters.

Read more »

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Healthcare Shares

Forget CSL shares. 3 ASX healthcare stocks with bigger upside

Brokers see better opportunities beyond CSL shares.

Read more »

Two scientists analysing results on a computer screen.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares to buy with 25% to 100% upside as sector rebound races higher

After slumping to a 9-year low on 3 June, healthcare shares have rallied by an extraordinary 42%.

Read more »

A female scientist in a laboratory setting using a tablet to review data, with a male scientist working in the background.
Healthcare Shares

Are CSL shares still cheap after almost doubling since June?

The healthcare giant is no longer dirt cheap, but let's find out if the current valuation leaves room for long-term…

Read more »

Buy the dip written on a yellow sign.
Broker Notes

Down 43%! 4 reasons to buy the BIG dip in Pro Medicus shares today

A leading expert believes Pro Medicus shares are well-place to rebound.

Read more »

A woman researcher holds a finger up in happiness as if making the 'number one' sign with a graphic of technological data and an orb emanating from her finger while fellow researchers work in the background.
Healthcare Shares

CSL led the ASX healthcare shares rebound. Can it continue?

The rebound of healthcare stocks looks promising, but proving the recovery is real remains.

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Healthcare Shares

Ingenia Communities Group rejects takeover offer, backs growth strategy

Ingenia Communities Group has rejected a takeover offer from Warburg Pincus, reaffirming its strategy and Peet acquisition plans.

Read more »

a man in a shirt and tie holds his chin in thoughtful contemplation and looks skywards as if thinking about something while a graphic of a road with many ups and downs unfurls behind him.
Healthcare Shares

CSL shares are up 94% from their low. What are brokers forecasting next?

Can CSL’s improving fundamentals justify the optimism now priced into shares?

Read more »