CSL shares push past $200: Is $250 next?

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are climbing higher into the green again in Thursday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX biotech company's shares are up around 2% and changing hands for $200.71 apiece.

The increase is small, but CSL shares have staged an incredible 188% recovery from hitting a 10-year low in June.

They've also now recovered losses shed earlier this year, and now up around 17% for the year-to-date and 14% higher than 12 months ago.

There has been a rebound in investor confidence in CSL shares over the past couple of months, driven by an impressive FY26 result, news of an new exclusive deal, and a new CEO appointment.

The company reported total revenue of US$15.8 billion and underlying NPAT of US$3.1billion for FY26, in mid-August. 

Management described FY26 as a 'reset year' for CSL, and said that it expects FY27 to be the year the company returns to growth.

Earlier this month, CSL also announced a new deal with Alentis Therapeutics for lixudebart, a treatment targeting rare kidney and liver conditions. CSL is expected to make an initial upfront payment of US$355 million, with the agreement valued up to US$1.6 billion.

Also last month, CSL announced Deborah Waterhouse will become its new CEO and Managing Director from 1 February 2027, following a comprehensive global search. 

What do the experts tip next for CSL shares?

Analysts are mostly positive on the biotech shares going forward. But after such a huge rebound from the June-low, it looks some think the shares have now passed fair value.

TradingView data shows the majority of analysts (11 out of 19) still maintain a buy/strong buy rating. Another seven rate the shares as a hold and one has a sell rating on CSL.

The average $194.37 target price has risen from the $188.53 average target price I reported around a week ago, but it still implies a potential 3% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

But not everyone agrees that CSL shares have reached a ceiling. Some more bullish experts still think the shares have the potential to climb up to a maximum target price of $227.35 over the next 12 months, which has also increased from $215.41 around a week ago.

The lifted maximum target price is short of $250. But it still implies a potential upside of around 13% over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Can CSL shares climb to $250? Here's my take

There has clearly been a huge rebound in confidence for CSL shares over the past five months.

The company's FY26 results helped to gather more investor interest, too.

CSL guided revenue of US$15.2 billion and underlying NPAT of US$3.1 billion earlier in the year. Underlying NPAT came in exactly in line with guidance, but revenue surpassed expectations by around 4%.

CSL said that for FY27, it expects revenue to be in line with FY26. Meanwhile underlying NPAT is expected to grow by approximately 5%.

As CSL management said, FY27 is expected to be the year for growth. 

But is $250 in sight? Possibly. But not until CSL reveals its next half year earnings update on the 10th of February next year.

If the result comes in line with, or above, expectations, I think $250 could be well within reach.

The post CSL shares push past $200: Is $250 next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

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