CSL Full Year Result: Bumper 2017 result but 2018 forecast underwhelms investors

Blood products maker and distributer, CSL Limited (CSL), has lifted its full-year net profit after tax (NPAT) by 24% in constant currency terms, otherwise up 7.6% to A$1.7 billion in official reported terms. 

The headline NPAT was slightly below what the market was expected even with the firm listing solid growth in its market share and increased sales in its primary product lines. 

Total sales increased by 12% over the year with total revenues, sales plus royalty and other payments up 13.2%. CSL’s Immunoglobulin (Ig) division is world leading and the company is looking to refine its commercial execution over the next year to boost sales. Sales, excluding hyperimmunes, grew 16% over the year boosted by Hizentra® sales up 10% and Privigen® up 21%. The roll out of more plasma collection centres in the U.S. and Europe helped boost sales. 

Haemophilia sales increased 4% on strong demand for IDELVION® but CSL’s well documented patent infringement lawsuit from a competitor over its IDELVION® did hit sales and earnings in this division. The company said its CSL Behring division hit two milestones, the FDA approval of Haegarda® and the continued expansion of our next generation recombinant coagulations therapies, especially Idelvion. 

CSL is delivering on its influenza strategy and the unit is now on track to be a profitable business with shipping commenced for >50 million doses to the US. 

CSL’s Specialty Products unit will receive a boost from HAEGARDA®, a product that treats hereditary angioedema. CSL said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved HAEGARDA® 

CSL recently acquired a majority stake in Chinese plasma fractionator, Ruidea, which will help build is market share in China and in line with the company’s expansion plans. 

CSL said it expects to record a net profit after tax increase of 18% to 20% on a constant currency basis in FY18, 

Today the company said it will launch a private placement to raise US$ 600 million over the next year and told the market is has now completed 91% of its planned buy-back of US$500 million worth of shares. 

CSL will pay its final dividend for the year of US$0.72 a share on 13th October 2017. 

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