CSL share price in focus
Previously a government body, CSL is today a publicly-listed global biotechnology company that develops and delivers innovative medicines that save lives, protect public health, and help people with life-threatening medical conditions live full lives.
The company is divided into three core business units: CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor. Behring, acquired in 2004, manufactures and distributes blood plasma products. Seqirus is responsible for making flu-related products and performs pandemic-related services for governments. Finally, Vifor makes products for iron deficiency and nephrology (renal/kidney care).
CSL has developed a strong reputation with Australian investors over many decades as being a reliable company and a consistent dividend payer. With the continual rise in healthcare costs and the consistent historical performance, interest in CSL shares remains high today.
DOW shares
Downer is the leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand, specialising in the construction, maintenance, and operation of transit systems, utility services, and public infrastructure.
While the name might not instantly recognisable, their work is highly visible. For instance, Downer operates Melbourne’s Yarra Trams and manufactures the passenger trains you see in most states.
The company’s operations are divided into three primary segments: Transport, Utilities, and Facilities. The Transport division accounts for just over 50% of Downer’s revenue, with Utilities and Facilities contributing approximately 20% and 30% respectively.
CSL share price valuation
One way to have a ‘quick read’ of where the CSL share price is could be to study something like dividend yield over time. This can give us a sense of the stability of the company and whether they can consistently pay out a percentage of profits.
Remember, the dividend yield is basically the ‘cash flow’ to a shareholder, but it can fluctuate year-to-year or between payments. Currently, CSL Ltd shares have a dividend yield of around 1.44%, compared to its 5-year average of 1.50%. In other words, CSL shares are trading lower than their historical average dividend yield. Be careful how you interpret this information though – it could mean that dividends have fallen, or that the share price is increasing, or both. In the case of CSL, the annual report shows last year’s dividend was greater than the 3-year average, so the dividend has been growing.
DOW is offering a historical dividend yield of around 2.96%, which compares to its 5-year average of 3.74%. Of course, this is just one of many ways you could put a value on DOW shares. The Rask websites offer free online investing courses, created by analysts explaining valuation methods like Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Dividend Discount Models (DDM). They even include free valuation spreadsheets! It’s important to look at multiple methods when you’re trying to value the DOW share price.
