Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL)

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Summary from August 2024

Key HighlightsDate of Call: August 5, 2024 • Market Growth: • Indian capital markets exceeded USD 5 trillion in market capitalization. • 110% year-on-year increase in average daily turnover.

Company PerformanceDemat Accounts: • 42% increase in registered demat accounts, totaling 12.5 crores. • Over 77% of new accounts opened with CDSL. • Financial Results: • Total income rose by 65% to INR 287 crores. • Net profit increased by 82% to INR 134 crores. • Bonus Share Issuance: • Proposed 1:1 bonus share issuance pending shareholder approval.

Management InsightsTechnology and Human Resources: • Emphasis on proactive technology investments for competitiveness. • Clarification on regulations for dematerialization of shares. • Revenue Streams: • Significant contributions from e-voting and eCAS services.

Future OutlookTechnology Investments: • Commitment to building a robust platform without specific forward-looking statements. • Transaction Charges: • Recent rate cuts only partially impacted the first quarter. • Ongoing assessment of transaction charges based on economies of scale.

Regulatory and Market DevelopmentsReal-Time Settlement: • Clarification that real-time settlement is still in development. • Insurance Repository: • Engaged with 46 insurance companies, processing 1.4 million policies.

Q&A HighlightsGrowth Prospects: • Discussion on the insurance repository industry and regulatory decisions. • Technology Charges: • Historical variation between 10% to 12% of revenue. • IPO and Corporate Action Charges: • Significant growth attributed to increased IPOs and market dynamics. • T+0 and Instant Settlements: • T+0 implemented on an optional basis with ongoing market feedback.

Conclusion • Management expressed optimism about future growth while remaining cautious about regulatory changes.

Summary from May 2024

Key Management Participants • Nehal Vora (MD and CEO) • Girish Amesara (CFO)

Financial Performance HighlightsQ4 FY '24 Results: • 126% year-on-year growth in equity turnover • Total income increased by 86% to INR 267 crores • Net profit rose by 105% to INR 129 crores • Full Fiscal Year Results: • Total income up by 46% to INR 907 crores • Net profit increased by 52% to INR 420 crores • Dividends: • Final dividend of INR 22 per equity share proposed, pending shareholder approval

Operational UpdatesDemat Accounts: • Over 1 crore new demat accounts opened • Employee Count: • Increased from 279 to 335 • Regulatory Costs: • Increased from INR 26 crores to INR 38 crores for the financial year

Future Outlook • No forward guidance provided • Dematerialization deadline for unlisted companies set for September 2024 • Ongoing regulatory changes in the insurance sector

Technology and Infrastructure • Investments in technology and personnel emphasized for growth • Infrastructure development for insurance repository acknowledged as time-consuming

Q&A HighlightsCorporate Actions: • Discussion on potential buybacks or special dividends • Insurance Repository: • Pricing structure clarified; charges directed at insurance companies • Transaction Charges: • Clarified as influenced by various transaction types • Tech Costs: • Increase from INR 38 crores to INR 63 crores discussed, with some costs related to insurance technology

Conclusion • CDSL remains focused on strategic investments while navigating regulatory changes and market dynamics. The call concluded with gratitude for participant inquiries.

Summary from February 2024

Key HighlightsDate of Call: February 7, 2024 • Participants: Managing Director Nehal Vora, CFO Girish Amesara

Financial PerformanceQ3 Results: • Total income: INR 236 crores (47% increase YoY) • Net profit: INR 107 crores (44% increase YoY) • Nine-Month Results: • Total income: INR 640 crores (34% increase) • Net profit: INR 290 crores (36% increase)

Strategic Initiatives • Focus on enhancing market accessibility and financial inclusion. • Introduction of new services in multiple languages.

Operational InsightsOperating Income: Increased variable expenses due to volume growth. • Demat and Broking Accounts: Growth impacts KYC processes.

Regulatory ChangesUpcoming Regulations: Companies must dematerialize shares before raising or transferring capital by September 2024. • Settlement Transition: Move from T+2 to T+1 settlement periods to reduce systemic risk.

Investor EngagementCash Balance: Approximately INR 700 crores. • AI Utilization: CDSL employs AI tools to enhance operations. • Shareholder Returns: Discussions on buybacks to be considered by the Board.

Revenue and ExpensesDemat Accounts: Growth does not directly correlate to proportional revenue increases. • Operational Expenses: Increases tied to operational growth, not one-off costs.

Additional InquiriesAnnual Issuer Charges: Calculated based on slab-based and folio-based criteria. • e-Voting Revenue: Typically peaks in the second quarter; slight year-over-year increase noted.

Conclusion • Nehal Vora thanked participants and emphasized ongoing efforts to adapt to market changes and regulatory requirements.

Summary from November 2023

CDSL Q2 FY 2023-24 Conference Call Summary

Financial PerformanceTotal Income: Increased by 35% to INR 230 crores. • Net Profit: Rose by 35% to INR 109 crores. • Demat Accounts: Total reached 12.96 crores, with CDSL holding 9.62 crores. • Market Trends: • 8% increase in market capitalization. • 33% rise in daily turnover. • CDSL Ventures: Operating income up by 67%.

Management InsightsGrowth Drivers: • IPOs are market-driven and unpredictable. • KYC KRA performance linked to market conditions and demat activity. • Technology Costs: Ongoing investments necessary for growth and regulatory compliance. • Revenue per Demat Account: Decline noted despite increased account additions; focus on sustainable ecosystem.

Analyst InquiriesRevenue Breakdown: • eCAS revenue: INR 7 crores (up from INR 5.5 crores). • e-voting revenue: INR 15 crores (up from INR 14 crores). • Annual Issuer Charges: Increased due to more private companies and folios. • Private Company Demat: Deadline set by MCA for dematerialization by September 2024.

Strategic FocusLong-term Growth: Emphasis on sustainable strategies over short-term targets. • Employee Costs: Stabilized, but future hiring anticipated to support growth. • KRA Charges: No breakdown provided; KYC income linked to overall market participation.

Market PositionKYC Business: CDSL holds approximately 65% market share. • T+1 Settlement: Ongoing investments to meet SEBI requirements.

ConclusionCommitment to Inclusion: CDSL does not charge for demat services to encourage retail investor participation. • Future Outlook: Challenges in predicting trends due to market fluctuations; final assessments to be made at year-end.

Summary from August 2023

Conference Call Overview • Date: August 10, 2023 • Participants: MD and CEO Nehal Vora, CFO Girish Amesara • Purpose: Discuss financial performance and industry trends in compliance with SEBI regulations.

Financial PerformanceConsolidated Income: Increased by 19% to INR 174 crores. • Net Profit: INR 74 crores for the quarter. • Market Trends: Strong growth in Indian capital markets, increased retail participation, and demat accounts.

Management InsightsDemat Accounts Growth: Attributed to buoyant market conditions and IPO activity. • Operational Costs: Rising due to regulatory expenses and increased annual issuer fees. • Technology Focus: Commitment to enhancing investor experience through innovative technology.

Q&A HighlightsMarket Cycles: Growth in folios linked to overall market participation. • Subsidiary Revenue Concerns: Recent muted performance explained by less active months, no significant pricing pressure. • E-Voting Adoption: Emphasis on technology and value propositions to drive adoption. • Insurance Repository: Potential for growth acknowledged, but current participation remains voluntary. • Transaction Income: Muted growth attributed to low delivery volumes in early quarter months. • Employee Costs: Significant year-on-year increase due to specialized human resources and regulatory compliance needs.

Future OutlookNew Services: Potential for new income sources related to insurance depository and loans against insurance policies. • Technology Investments: Ongoing upgrades to maintain high-quality services and support market participation. • Regulatory Notices: Recent SEBI notices confirmed to have no financial implications.

Conclusion • Nehal Vora expressed gratitude to participants and emphasized the commitment to technological advancement for stakeholders. • The call concluded with thanks from the moderator on behalf of HDFC Securities.

Summary from May 2023

Conference Overview • Date: May 3, 2023 • Participants: Key management including MD Nehal Vora and CFO Girish Amesara • Focus: Discussion of Q4 FY2023 earnings and capital market performance

Financial PerformanceDemat Accounts: • 32% increase in registered demat account investors (over 8.3 Crores) • Standalone Income: • Rose by 13% to Rs. 544 Crores • Net Profit: • Increased by 3% to Rs. 272 Crores (standalone) • Consolidated net profit fell by 11% to Rs. 276 Crores

Key Issues DiscussedEmployee Costs: • Increased by 60% in 2023, now 15% of sales • Due to increased manpower and regulatory requirements • KYC Business Impact: • 30-35% decline in new demat and broking accounts affecting KYC revenues • Capex and Technology Spending: • Ongoing investments aligned with regulatory reforms and business growth

Market InsightsInvestment Portfolio: • Dominated by listed spaces due to higher investor numbers • Revenue Challenges: • Attributed to a 33% drop in delivery volumes on exchanges • Growth Potential: • High potential for growth among India's young and expanding middle class

Questions and ResponsesTransaction Income: • Decline in average realizations despite new accounts due to reduced delivery volumes • Account Aggregator Model: • Ongoing discussions about benefits and revenue model • Provisioning Costs: • Reversal of Rs. 2.4 Crores in debtor provisions reported

Conclusion • The call concluded with management emphasizing their commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance, while addressing various concerns raised by participants.

Summary from February 2023

Key Executives and Financial PerformanceDate of Call: February 3, 2023 • Participants: Nehal Vora (Managing Director), Girish Amesara (CFO) • Demat Accounts: Increased to 7.78 crores, a 40% rise YoY. • Total Income: ₹160.87 crores (Q3 FY '23), down from ₹162.93 crores (Q3 FY '22). • Net Profit: ₹74.77 crores, compared to ₹83.63 crores in the prior year.

Market Conditions and ChallengesTrading Volumes: Muted due to geopolitical issues and rising interest rates. • Active Accounts: Specific numbers not disclosed for privacy. • Revenue Decline: Noted in CDSL Ventures Limited and new demat/broking accounts.

Capital Expenditures and TechnologyCapital Expenditures: ₹17 crores spent up to December, in line with budget. • Technological Investments: Ongoing enhancements post-ransomware attack; focus on integration and compliance.

Revenue Streams and Future OutlookE-voting Income: Dropped from ₹14.18 crores to ₹3.78 crores. • KRA Records: Decrease in record creation and fetches. • Future Capex: No specific outlook provided; discussions on technology investments ongoing.

Employee Costs and Regulatory ConcernsEmployee Costs: Significant increase noted; focus on regulatory and operational functions. • Price Adjustments: No changes in transaction or issuer charges; future adjustments depend on regulatory decisions.

Security Measures and Customer ServiceData Security: Robust measures in place, including transaction pins and two-factor authentication. • Customer Service: Monitoring of customer queries; growth in demat accounts indicates satisfaction. • Transparency: Emphasis on long-term infrastructure despite current market challenges.

ConclusionMarket Recovery: Dependent on market activity; customer feedback will be considered for service improvements.