CSL's (ASX:CSL) fiscal-year earnings guidance downgrade was not surprising with the documented issues in immunoglobulin in the US and albumin in China, Jefferies said in a Monday note.
The biotechnology company now expects fiscal-year revenue of around $15.2 billion and net profit after tax adjusted to exclude amortization of around $3.1 billion, both on a constant-currency basis.
The revision is mainly due to a $300 million hit from excess immunoglobulin inventory in US hospitals and a $200 million shortfall from aggressive albumin price competition in China.
However, Jefferies believes that both markets remain underpenetrated, indicating potential growth for the industry in the medium term.
Following the downgrade, Jefferies wants to see if the company can provide a clear profit growth outlook for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
The firm maintained its buy rating on CSL and lowered its price target to AU$195 from AU$212.
CSL shares fell 2% in midday trade on Tuesday and earlier hit their lowest since October 2015.