The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price has been one of the ASX's best performers since early June 2026, rising about 90%. We're going to look at the potential returns CSL could deliver in the year ahead.
The ASX biotech share had a difficult FY26, but FY27 looks much more positive.
In FY26, total revenue declined 1% to $15.8 billion, underlying net profit (NPATA) declined 2% to $3.1 billion, operating cash flow fell 1% to $3.5 billion and its net profit worsened by 184% to a net loss of $2.6 billion.
To go from a business regularly generating double-digit growth to a business seeing its underlying financials fall wasn't appealing to investors.
However, FY27 looks much more positive for the business. We'll look at the guidance for the upcoming year ahead and then look at what analysts are projecting for the CSL share price.
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FY27 guidance
In the 2027 financial year, CSL expects revenue to be in line with the prior year and underlying NPAT growth of approximately 5%.
The CSL Behring division expects mid-single-digit revenue growth, with Ig growth in the mid-to-high single-digits. CSL said Behring will continue to focus on core plasma collection efficiency and manufacturing productivity.
CSL Seqirus expects low single-digit revenue growth. Immunisation rates in the United States are expected to decline, but at a slower rate than recent seasons.
The company also said that Vifor expects revenue to decline by approximately 25%, driven by "generic competition in iron products, the conclusions of the TDAPA period for VELPHORO, and the revocation of the marketing authorisation for TAVNEOS.
The company's interim CEO and managing director Gordon Naylor gave some positive commentary with the outlook:
CSL is positioned for a return to sustainable growth, supported by solid plasma market fundamentals, a simplified business and targeted investment in our commercial capabilities and development programs.
The company's ongoing strong cash flow and balance sheet have enabled us to announce a further A$1.1 billion share buy-back program and maintain our dividend.
What could happen with the CSL share price?
The CSL share price has risen enormously, and analysts seem to think it has peaked for now.
According to CMC Invest, the business has received 11 ratings in the last three months. The average price target is $175.02, implying it could trade at the same price a year from now.
The most optimistic price target is $213, implying a 12% rise. However, the most negative price target is $133, suggesting a possible 24% decline.
If it is flat over the next 12 months, there could be better ASX shares to buy today.
