Key Highlights
- Standalone total income rises 11 percent YoY to ₹1,096 crore in FY26.
- Standalone net profit for FY26 increases marginally by 1 percent to ₹468 crore.
- Consolidated net profit declines 14 percent YoY to ₹455 crore.
- Q4 standalone profit falls 15 percent YoY to ₹69 crore.
- CDSL crosses 18 crore demat accounts adding 2.71 crore new accounts in FY26.
- Final dividend of ₹12.75 per share recommended for FY26.
Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) announced its audited financial results for the fourth quarter and full financial year ended March 31, 2026, reporting steady income growth alongside mixed profitability trends.
According to the company’s press release, standalone total income for FY26 increased by 11 percent year-on-year to ₹1,096 crore, compared to ₹985 crore in FY25. However, standalone net profit saw only a marginal rise of 1 percent to ₹468 crore. On a consolidated basis, total income grew 3 percent to ₹1,239 crore, while net profit declined 14 percent to ₹455 crore.
Quarterly Performance Shows Pressure on Profitability
In the March quarter (Q4 FY26), CDSL reported standalone total income of ₹215 crore, up 5 percent year-on-year but down 23 percent sequentially. Standalone net profit fell 15 percent year-on-year to ₹69 crore and declined 43 percent quarter-on-quarter.
Consolidated Q4 total income stood at ₹268 crore, reflecting a 5 percent annual increase, while consolidated net profit dropped 21 percent year-on-year to ₹80 crore.
Demat Account Growth Remains Strong
CDSL continued to expand its user base significantly, surpassing 18 crore demat accounts as of March 31, 2026. The company added approximately 2.71 crore new accounts during the financial year, reinforcing its position as a key market infrastructure institution in India’s securities ecosystem.
Management highlighted that less than 10 percent of India’s population currently participates in the securities market, indicating substantial growth potential in the coming years.
Strategic Initiatives and Investor Awareness Efforts
During FY26, CDSL undertook several initiatives aimed at strengthening investor engagement and market innovation. The company hosted the third edition of its Reimagine Symposium focused on data-driven transformation in the securities market.
It also launched its first Reimagine Ideathon to encourage innovation among young participants and collaborated on investor education initiatives, including multilingual content to improve financial literacy.
Additionally, CDSL conducted over 3,600 investor awareness programs across India during the year, supporting broader participation in capital markets.
Dividend Announcement
The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of ₹12.75 per equity share of face value ₹10 for FY26, subject to shareholder approval.
Outlook
Despite global uncertainties and market volatility, CDSL indicated that the underlying market infrastructure remains stable and reliable. The company emphasized continued investments in technology and operational capabilities to enhance investor experience and maintain secure and efficient market functioning.