CSL warns of lower profit

CSL (CSL) says its net profit is likely to grow less than forecast if a court settlement in the United States is approved.

At 1115 AEDT, shares in CSL were 1.25% higher at $66.195, against a slight benchmark index lift of 0.06%.

Chairman John Shine told the group's annual general meeting that although fiscal 2014 net profit was forecast to grow 10%, settlement of the court case would represent a one-off charge reducing net profit by $US39 million ($41.2 million), reducing profit growth to 7%.

The outlook is subject to a number of other variables, Mr Shine said. 

CSL has signed an agreement to settle US antitrust class action litigation filed by American and Puerto Rican hospital groups which has been ongoing since 2009.

The settlement includes a $US64 million payment and is subject to US Federal Court approval.