CDSL Reports 24% Drop in Q1 Profit Despite Marginal Revenue Growth
Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL) reported a 23.7% decrease in consolidated net profit to Rs 102.40 crore for Q1, despite a 0.55% increase in revenue to Rs 258.81 crore. Total expenses surged by 27.35% to Rs 143.60 crore. Depository Services contributed Rs 221.85 crore to revenue, while Data Entry and Storage Services declined to Rs 36.94 crore. CDSL shares have declined 11% this year but delivered 32% returns over the past 12 months. Analysts maintain a 'Hold' rating with an average target price of Rs 1,446.

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Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL), a leading securities depository in India, has reported its financial results for the quarter ended June, showing a significant decline in profit despite a slight increase in revenue.
Financial Performance
CDSL's consolidated net profit for the quarter stood at Rs 102.40 crore, marking a substantial 23.7% decrease from Rs 134.16 crore reported in the same period last year. Despite the profit decline, the company managed to achieve a marginal growth in revenue from operations, which increased by 0.55% to Rs 258.81 crore.
The company's financial performance can be summarized in the following table:
Metric | Q1 Current Year | Q1 Previous Year | Change |
---|---|---|---|
Consolidated Net Profit | Rs 102.40 cr | Rs 134.16 cr | -23.7% |
Revenue from Operations | Rs 258.81 cr | Rs 257.39 cr | +0.55% |
Total Expenses | Rs 143.60 cr | Rs 112.76 cr | +27.35% |
Segment-wise Performance
CDSL's revenue streams showed mixed results:
- Depository Services: This segment contributed Rs 221.85 crore to the revenue.
- Data Entry and Storage Services: Revenue from this segment declined to Rs 36.94 crore from Rs 58.87 crore year-over-year, indicating a significant drop in this business area.
Challenges and Expenses
A notable concern for CDSL is the sharp increase in total expenses, which surged by 27.35% to Rs 143.60 crore compared to the previous year. This substantial rise in expenses appears to be a key factor in the company's reduced profitability despite the marginal increase in revenue.
Market Performance and Analyst Outlook
The market's reaction to CDSL's performance has been reflected in its stock price:
- CDSL shares have declined nearly 11% in the current year.
- However, the stock has delivered 32% returns over the past 12 months, indicating overall positive long-term performance.
Analysts maintain a 'Hold' rating on CDSL stock, with an average target price of Rs 1,446. This target suggests potential downside from current levels, reflecting a cautious outlook based on the recent financial results and market conditions.
Conclusion
While CDSL has managed to maintain slight revenue growth, the significant drop in profit and the sharp increase in expenses present challenges for the company. The contrasting performance of its business segments, with Depository Services showing resilience while Data Entry and Storage Services declined, highlights the need for strategic focus on high-performing areas. As the company navigates these challenges, investors and market watchers will be keen to see how CDSL adapts its strategies to improve profitability and maintain its market position in the coming quarters.