CDSL Shares Plunge 4% After Disappointing Q4; Profit Drops Over 22%

Central Depository Services Ltd. (CDSL) shares witnessed a sharp drop on the bourses after the company announced a double-digit drop of 22% in net profit levels. Consolidated income of CDSL declined from Rs 298 crore reported in Q3FY25 to Rs 298 crore in the quarter ending March, marking a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) decline of 14%.

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) figure also declined to Rs 114 crore in Q4FY25 from Rs 146 crore recorded in the previous quarter.

As of March 31, 2025, CDSL became the first depository to cross 15.29 crore demat accounts. Around 3.73 crore new accounts added during FY 2024-25.

However, despite the growth in account numbers, the value of securities in demat custody declined for the second consecutive quarter, falling to Rs 71 lakh crore from Rs 75 lakh crore in the December quarter. The recent market correction witnessed across Dalal Street a few months back might have led to this drop.

At 11:30 am, the shares of the depository firm were trading at Rs 1,283 price level, down by 3.34% on the National Stock Exchange. On a year-to-date basis, CDSL shares have dropped from Rs 1,808 price level to Rs 1,287 (currently), marking a sharp plunge of around 28% on the National Stock Exchange. However, in the last month alone, the shares of the depository firm have surged over 12.5% on the bourses.

CDSL Dividend

The company board has announced a dividend payout of Rs 12.5 per share for FY25. Last year, CDSL also issued a bonus share in the August month.

In the last 6 months, the shares of the depository firm have struggled to remain in the green territory, experiencing a drop of over 16% on the National Stock Exchange.

"The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of Rs12.50 per equity share of the face value of Rs 10 per share for the financial year 2024-25, subject to the approval of the Shareholders. CDSL issued bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1 in August 2024. Considering the bonus issue, the proposed final dividend rate is the highest for CDSL," the company said in a release.