Central Depository Services (India) FY26 Annual Earnings Summary
3 quarters covered · ₹892 Cr revenue · ₹341 Cr PAT · 0.0% average EBITDA margin.
Quarter-by-quarter progression
Management promises made during the year
Promise tracking available after 2+ quarters of coverage.
Risks flagged during the year
SEBI-mandated reduction in KYC fetch (-20%) and creation (-75%) charges from April 2026 will pressure CVL's revenue and profitability.
Q2 FY26 · mediumAn analyst raised concerns that a potential SEBI circular might reduce the number of KYC fetches required from KRAs, impacting CVL's revenue. Management advised waiting for the circular.
Q2 FY26 · mediumCDSL's share of new demat account additions fell to 82% in Q2 from 93% in Q3FY25, suggesting competitive pressure from NSDL.
Q2 FY26 · mediumManagement acknowledged that technology and employee costs are rising and will continue, potentially compressing EBITDA margins.
Q3 FY26 · mediumTechnology costs have risen sharply and management declined to provide a breakdown or guidance on future trajectory, raising concerns about margin pressure.
Q3 FY26 · mediumAnalysts raised concerns about possible capping of KYC charges or changes in fetch rules, which could impact CVL's revenue. Management acknowledged the risk but said no changes are imminent.
Q4 FY26 · mediumAnalyst noted a slight decline in incremental market share; management acknowledged competition but did not provide specific countermeasures.
Q4 FY26 · mediumThe new code could alter the regulatory framework for depositories; management said they are studying it but gave no specifics.
Q4 FY26 · mediumTechnology spend has grown 4x in three years and now exceeds employee costs; management declined to provide future cost trajectory.
Q3 FY26 · lowAn analyst noted a slight drop in incremental market share; management attributed it to seasonal factors but did not provide detailed data.
What changed through the year
Q2 FY26 · No specific revenue or earnings guidance
Management reiterated that CDSL does not provide specific revenue or earnings guidance, as per standard practice.
Q2 FY26 · Annual issuer charges may increase subject to SEBI approval
Management indicated that discussions with SEBI regarding a potential increase in annual issuer charges are ongoing, but no timeline was provided.
Q2 FY26 · Continued technology and talent investments
Management expects elevated technology and employee costs to persist as CDSL invests in scalability and regulatory initiatives.
Q3 FY26 · No specific revenue or earnings guidance provided
CDSL does not provide specific revenue or earnings guidance, as stated at the start of the call.
Q3 FY26 · Issuer fee hike pending with regulator
Management indicated that a proposal for an issuer fee hike (first in 10 years) is with the regulator and may be approved at an appropriate time.