Statistical news focuses on the latest figures and trends in Danmarks Nationalbank’s statistics. Statistical news is targeted at people who want quick insight into current financial data.
High level of repurchases of Danish stocks
Danish listed companies have repurchased their own shares for significantly larger amounts over the past three years than in previous years. The repurchases are concentrated in a few companies: The three companies Novo Nordisk, A.P. Møller - Mærsk, and DSV have accounted for around 75 percent of the total repurchases in the past three years. Companies can use share repurchases as a supplement to paying dividends to shareholders, for example, in years with exceptionally large profits. Typically, companies make decisions about repurchases and dividend payments at the annual general meeting at the beginning of the year based on the previous year's financial statements.
Three companies accounted for the majority of repurchases in recent years
Note:
Annual repurchases of Danish listed stocks. Share repurchases are estimated based on companies' net transactions in their own shares and end-of-month prices. Employee shares may be included in the calculation and repurchases in months with capital reductions may be missing. In 2024, there have been repurchases totaling kr. 12 billion in the first two months.