DFDS Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
DFDS' CEO is Karen Boesen, appointed in Jul 2024, has a tenure of 1.83 years. total yearly compensation is DKK9.91M, comprised of 51.5% salary and 48.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.01% of the company’s shares, worth DKK800.14K. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 2.7 years and 4.2 years respectively.
Key information
Karen Boesen
Chief executive officer
DKK 9.9m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 51.46% |
| CEO tenure | 1.8yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.01% |
| Management average tenure | 2.7yrs |
| Board average tenure | 4.2yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 21
DFDS: Execution Risks Around 2026 EBIT Outlook Will Pressure Future Returns
Analysts have lifted the DFDS fair value estimate from DKK 80.00 to DKK 91.00. This reflects updated assumptions around discount rates, expected revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E levels.Analysis Article • May 08
Analysts Are Updating Their DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS) Estimates After Its First-Quarter Results
As you might know, DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) recently reported its first-quarter numbers. Revenues were kr.7.4b, with DFDS...
Narrative Update • May 03
DFDS: Refined EBIT Outlook And Leadership Transition Will Support Future Upside
The analyst price target for DFDS has been adjusted from DKK 150 to DKK 160. Analysts attribute this change to updated assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate and future P/E following recent revisions to their research views.
Narrative Update • Apr 18
DFDS: Future Returns Will Depend On Execution Risk Under New Leadership
DFDS’s analyst price target rises from DKK 105 to about DKK 120. Analysts point to updated views on fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and forward P/E as key drivers of the change.Narrative Update • Apr 04
DFDS: Future Returns Will Reflect Reset Expectations And Leadership Transition Execution
Analysts have trimmed their price target on DFDS by DKK 3.33 to DKK 105, reflecting updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and a lower assumed future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts view the revised DKK 105 price target as still offering upside potential if DFDS delivers on revenue and margin expectations embedded in their models.Narrative Update • Mar 21
DFDS: Future Returns Will Balance Earnings Uncertainty And Cost Execution Under New Leadership
Analysts have lifted their DFDS price target from DKK 107 to about DKK 108, reflecting modest adjustments to fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and a higher assumed future P/E in their models. What's in the News DFDS reported operating results for February 2026, with freight lane metres of 3,525,000 compared with 3,424,000 a year earlier, and passengers of 177,000 compared with 286,000 a year earlier (company announcement of operating results).Narrative Update • Mar 07
DFDS: Modest Freight Progress And Leadership Transition Will Support Future Upside
Analysts are keeping their DKK 150.00 price target for DFDS unchanged, pointing to slightly higher projected revenue growth and profit margins, along with a modestly lower assumed future P/E multiple as the key drivers behind their updated view. What's in the News DFDS reported operating results for January 2026, with freight lane metres at 3,324,000 compared with 3,283,000 a year earlier, and passengers at 221,000 compared with 263,000 a year earlier (company announcement of operating results).Narrative Update • Feb 21
DFDS: New Leadership And Earnings Reset Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have kept their DKK 150.00 price target for DFDS unchanged, citing revised assumptions that now reflect lower revenue growth, a tighter profit margin profile, and a higher future P/E multiple in their models. What's in the News DFDS reported operating results for January 2026, with freight lane metres at 3,324,000 versus 3,283,000 a year earlier and passengers at 221,000 versus 263,000.Narrative Update • Feb 07
DFDS: Cost Controls And New Leadership Will Support Future Earnings Quality
Analysts have maintained their fair value estimate for DFDS at €150.00. They have applied a slightly higher discount rate and updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E, reflecting revised views on the company’s risk profile and earnings potential.Analysis Article • Feb 04
Does DFDS (CPH:DFDS) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Narrative Update • Jan 24
DFDS: Weaker Passenger Trends And Lower Guidance Will Pressure Future Returns
Analysts have revised their price target for DFDS from €98 to €80, reflecting updated assumptions for slightly higher discount rates, more measured revenue growth, a lower profit margin, and a modestly higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News DFDS reported operating results for December 2025, with freight lane metres of 2,961,000 versus 2,925,000 a year earlier, and passengers at 340,000 versus 387,000 a year earlier.Narrative Update • Jan 08
DFDS: Cost Controls Will Support Earnings Quality Despite Recent Guidance Cut
Narrative Update on DFDS Analysts have cut their DFDS price target to DKK 87, citing updated expectations for more moderate revenue growth, slightly higher profit margins, and a marginally lower future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent research points to a more cautious stance on DFDS, with the latest published target sitting at DKK 87 and accompanied by a downgrade to Sell.Narrative Update • Dec 24
DFDS: Cost Controls And Route Optimization Will Drive Medium-Term Upside Potential
Analysts have reduced their fair value estimate for DFDS from DKK 170 to DKK 150, citing more cautious assumptions on growth and valuation following recent bearish Street research and a lower DKK 87 target from the sell-side. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary has introduced a more cautious tone around DFDS, particularly following a downgrade and a materially lower target price of DKK 87, which now serves as a reference point for downside scenarios in valuation work.Narrative Update • Dec 10
DFDS: Future Returns Will Reflect Balanced Earnings Risks And Cost Execution Opportunities
Analysts have lowered their price target on DFDS to DKK 87 from DKK 107, reflecting a more cautious outlook on the company’s risk reward profile, despite largely unchanged long term fundamental assumptions. Analyst Commentary Bearish analysts highlight that the reduced price target reflects concerns about the balance between potential upside and downside, even though long term assumptions on volumes, margins and strategic positioning remain broadly intact.Narrative Update • Nov 26
DFDS: Improved Margins And Cost Cuts Will Drive Stronger Earnings Ahead
The analyst price target for DFDS has been revised downward from DKK 113.33 to DKK 107.00. Analysts cite lower earnings expectations, even though there are slightly improved revenue growth and profit margin projections.Narrative Update • Nov 07
DFDS: Expanded Ferry Routes And Logistics Deals Will Drive Long-Term Upside
Analysts have revised DFDS's fair value estimate downward from DKK 126.33 to DKK 113.33. They cite lower profit margins, slower revenue growth, and a higher discount rate as primary drivers of this change.Analysis Article • Oct 11
Take Care Before Diving Into The Deep End On DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS)
DFDS A/S' ( CPH:DFDS ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.2x may look like a pretty appealing investment opportunity...Analysis Article • Aug 23
DFDS A/S Earnings Missed Analyst Estimates: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Now
The second-quarter results for DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) were released last week, making it a good time to revisit its...Narrative Update • Aug 22
Advancing Mediterranean And Logistics Projects Will Unlock Future Value
DFDS’s consensus price target has been notably revised upward, driven by a significant improvement in net profit margin alongside a reduced future P/E, indicating enhanced profitability and more attractive valuation; the fair value is now DKK141.33. What's in the News DFDS reported year-to-date freight lane metres growth, reaching 41,591,000 vs 40,309,000 prior year, with passengers at 5,846,000 vs 5,757,000.Analysis Article • Aug 03
Here's Why DFDS (CPH:DFDS) Is Weighed Down By Its Debt Load
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Analysis Article • Jul 08
Is It Time To Consider Buying DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS)?
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a significant share price rise of 51% in the...Analysis Article • May 21
A Piece Of The Puzzle Missing From DFDS A/S' (CPH:DFDS) 26% Share Price Climb
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great month, posting a 26...Analysis Article • May 19
DFDS' (CPH:DFDS) Problems Go Beyond Weak Profit
Despite DFDS A/S' ( CPH:DFDS ) recent earnings report having lackluster headline numbers, the market responded...
New Narrative • Feb 14
Launching Italy-Egypt Route Will Improve Future Logistics Efficiency
DFDS’s investments in strategic logistics and fleet management focus on improving operational efficiency and driving revenue growth through new routes and capacity adjustments.Analysis Article • Feb 04
DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS) Not Doing Enough For Some Investors As Its Shares Slump 27%
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow with a 27% share...Analysis Article • Jan 27
Is There Now An Opportunity In DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS)?
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ), might not be a large cap stock, but it saw significant share price movement during recent months...Analysis Article • Nov 10
DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS) Third-Quarter Results Just Came Out: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For Next Year
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) came out with its quarterly results last week, and we wanted to see how the business is...Analysis Article • Nov 02
Not Many Are Piling Into DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS) Just Yet
When close to half the companies in Denmark have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") above 15x, you may consider DFDS...Analysis Article • Oct 04
Is Now An Opportune Moment To Examine DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS)?
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ), might not be a large cap stock, but it saw significant share price movement during recent months...Analysis Article • Aug 21
We Think That There Are More Issues For DFDS (CPH:DFDS) Than Just Sluggish Earnings
A lackluster earnings announcement from DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) last week didn't sink the stock price. We think that...Analysis Article • Aug 17
DFDS A/S Just Missed EPS By 18%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) last week reported its latest quarterly results, which makes it a good time for investors to dive...Analysis Article • Jul 04
Investors Aren't Entirely Convinced By DFDS A/S' (CPH:DFDS) Earnings
When close to half the companies in Denmark have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") above 16x, you may consider DFDS...Analysis Article • May 12
DFDS A/S Just Missed Earnings; Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Now
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) came out with its quarterly results last week, and we wanted to see how the business is...Analysis Article • Apr 05
Is Now An Opportune Moment To Examine DFDS A/S (CPH:DFDS)?
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ), might not be a large cap stock, but it received a lot of attention from a substantial price...Analysis Article • Mar 09
It's Probably Less Likely That DFDS A/S' (CPH:DFDS) CEO Will See A Huge Pay Rise This Year
Key Insights DFDS will host its Annual General Meeting on 15th of March Salary of kr.9.00m is part of CEO Torben...Analysis Article • Mar 08
DFDS' (CPH:DFDS) Shareholders Will Receive A Smaller Dividend Than Last Year
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) has announced that on 20th of March, it will be paying a dividend ofDKK3.00, which a reduction...Analysis Article • Feb 23
DFDS' (CPH:DFDS) Dividend Is Being Reduced To DKK3.00
DFDS A/S' ( CPH:DFDS ) dividend is being reduced from last year's payment covering the same period to DKK3.00 on the...Analysis Article • Feb 14
DFDS A/S Just Missed EPS By 8.9%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
DFDS A/S ( CPH:DFDS ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell 7.4% to kr.215 in...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | -DKK 276m |
| Dec 31 2025 | DKK 10m | DKK 5m | -DKK 427m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | -DKK 413m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | -DKK 121m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | DKK 255m |
| Dec 31 2024 | DKK 6m | DKK 2m | DKK 534m |
Compensation vs Market: Karen's total compensation ($USD1.55M) is below average for companies of similar size in the Danish market ($USD2.72M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Karen's compensation has increased whilst the company is unprofitable.
CEO
Karen Boesen (54 yo)
1.8yrs
Tenure
DKK 9,910,000
Compensation
Ms. Karen Dyrskjot Boesen is Independent Director of Ørsted A/S from April 9, 2026. She serves as Director at Green Hydrogen Systems A/S since July 18, 2022. She serves as Chief Financial Officer of DFDS A...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interim CEO | 1.8yrs | DKK 9.91m | 0.010% DKK 800.1k | |
| Executive VP of Technology & Innovation Division and CTO | 6.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Vice President of IR & Corporate Board | no data | no data | no data | |
| Executive VP of People Division & Chief People Officer | 1.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Executive VP & Head of Logistics Division | no data | no data | no data | |
| Executive Vice President & Head of Ferry Division | 3.6yrs | no data | no data | |
| Head of Sustainable Fleet Projects | no data | no data | no data | |
| Head of Decarbonization | no data | no data | no data | |
| Secretary | no data | no data | no data |
2.7yrs
Average Tenure
52yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: DFDS's management team is considered experienced (2.7 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Director | 6.8yrs | DKK 575.00k | 0.019% DKK 1.5m | |
| Independent Director | 8.2yrs | DKK 625.00k | 0.0065% DKK 514.9k | |
| Director | 25.1yrs | DKK 500.00k | 0.0088% DKK 696.8k | |
| Independent Chairman | 14.2yrs | DKK 1.23m | 0.019% DKK 1.5m | |
| Vice Chair of the Board | 1.2yrs | DKK 562.50k | 0.015% DKK 1.2m | |
| Independent Director | 4.2yrs | DKK 475.00k | 0.00031% DKK 24.6k | |
| Deputy Director | 4.2yrs | no data | no data | |
| Staff Representative Director | 13.2yrs | DKK 375.00k | 0.0019% DKK 151.8k | |
| Deputy Director | 4.2yrs | DKK 94.00k | no data | |
| Deputy Director | 4.2yrs | no data | no data | |
| Staff Representative Director | 4.2yrs | DKK 375.00k | 0.00032% DKK 25.4k | |
| Staff Representative Director | less than a year | no data | no data |
4.2yrs
Average Tenure
60.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: DFDS's board of directors are considered experienced (4.2 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/29 21:22 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/29 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
DFDS A/S is covered by 6 analysts. 4 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Marcus Bellander | Carnegie Investment Bank AB |
| Ulrik Bak | Danske Bank |
| Dan Jensen | DNB Carnegie |