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.
Dividends of kr. 70 billion in Q1
Danish listed companies paid out dividends of kr. 70 billion in the first three months of the year, which is when most annual dividends are typically distributed. As in the first quarter of 2025, dividend payments were concentrated among a small number of large companies. Danske Bank and A.P. Møller - Mærsk account for the largest changes compared with the same quarter last year: Danske Bank paid higher dividends, while A.P. Møller - Mærsk paid lower dividends. Foreign investors received 55 per cent of total dividend payments in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 52 per cent in the same quarter the year before. Dividend payments are typically decided at companies’ annual general meetings at the beginning of the year. As a result, a large share of total dividends is paid in the first months of the year, although some companies distribute dividends later in the year or in multiple instalments.
Dividend payments in Q1 2026 are at the same level as last year
Note:
The figure shows dividend payments from Danish listed companies. The following extraordinary dividends are excluded from the data, as they primarily reflect changes in ownership structures: TDC and ØK with DKK 43.5 and 7.7 billion, respectively, in 2006; Danisco with DKK 10 billion in 2011; A.P. Møller – Mærsk with DKK 36.7 billion in 2015; and Danske Bank with DKK 5.5 billion in 2024. You can find figure data in the Statbank.
New table
Today, Danmarks Nationalbank publishes an updated table showing dividends paid on Danish shares and investment fund shares. As a new feature, the table now shows who receives the dividend payments. You can find the updated table here.