CSL

About CSL

CSL Limited (CSL) is a global biotechnology company engaged in research, development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of biopharmaceutical products and vaccines. CSL's operating model is based around four key value creation activities: early stage research, product translation, manufacturing, and patient access. CSL's commercial and functional areas operate globally.

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What does CSL Limited (CSL) do and how does it make money?

We're talking about the fifth largest biotech company in the world right now. Headquartered in Melbourne, CSL Limited (CSL) is a researcher, developer, manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of biopharmaceutical and allied products. When it comes to protein therapies and influenza vaccines, it is the world's first and second largest company.

This global biotech leader predominantly operates in Australia, the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and China, and also has a strong presence in the Netherlands, Japan and Hong Kong.

CSL records revenue via two distinct businesses: CSL Behring and Seqirus. 

CSL Behring

CSL Behring’s medicines help to treat people with rare and/or serious immunological, haematological, respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It also conducts early stage research on plasma and non-plasma therapies, excluding influenza.

CSL Behring has markets in more than 100 countries across the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. It commercialises intellectual property to receive licence and royalty income and undertakes the bulk of administrative and corporate functions to support CSL as a whole.

CSL Behring’s revenue makes up more than 80% of CSL’s overall revenue.

Seqirus

Seqirus researches, develops, manufactures and distributes non-plasma biotherapeutic products. It's a leading influenza vaccine provider and a major contributor to the prevention of influenza, globally. It is also a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness. 

Utilising both egg-based and cell-based manufacturing technologies, Seqiris offers a broad range of seasonal, pre-pandemic and pandemic influenza vaccines to people all over the world.

With commercial operations in more than 20 countries, Seqirus aims to “lessen the severity and impact of influenza, which can reach epidemic or even pandemic proportions with life-threatening consequences”.

Seqirus is also the world’s only supplier of a unique range of products made for the Australian Government, including antivenoms and Q fever vaccine.

What does CSL stand for?

CSL stands for Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. 

CSL was founded in 1916 with the purpose of providing Australians with quick access to 20th century medical advances such as insulin, penicillin, vaccines against influenza, polio and other infectious diseases.

Is CSL a profitable company?

Yes, CSL is a profitable company.

Between FY2012 and FY2021, the company’s revenue grew at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from A$6.41b to A$14.51b.

The company’s net income also grew at a steady CAGR of 10.01% from A$1.42b to A$3.36b for the same period.

At the end of FY2021, CSL held A$2.76b of free cash flow on its books.

Is CSL a good buy?

CSL has grown its numbers along its top and bottom lines for an entire decade without fail. The company is also a consistent dividend payer. For long-term investors, CSL may be a good stock to buy and hold. 

Other investors may be wary of inflationary pressures, escalating interest rates and the knock-on effects of geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and even China and Australia at this time.

Does CSL stock pay dividends?

Yes, CSL has distributed dividends to shareholders twice a year since 2010.

In 2021, CSL paid a dividend of $1.35 in April and another dividend of A$1.59 in September. The total for the year came to $2.94 per share.

In 2022, CSL paid its first dividend of A$1.42 in April. The company paid the final dividend on 5 October 2022, of $1.86.

The company does not offer a dividend reinvestment plan to owners of the stock.

Who owns CSL stock?

The general public holds 73.1% of all CSL stock. Institutions hold 26.8% and individual insiders own 0.1%.

Some institutions with the largest ownership include BlackRock (5.68%), The Vanguard Group (4.26%), BNP Paribas Arbitrage Sa, Asset Management Arm (1.7%), Norges Bank Investment Management (1.43%), WCM Investment Management, LLC (1%), Colonial First State Investments Limited (0.92%), Capital Research and Management Company (0.83%), Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (0.64%) and Geode Capital Management, LLC (0.53%).

How do I buy CSL stock?

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