Announcement no 04/2008 Copenhagen, 11 March 2008 Annual Report 2007 for the DFDS Group DFDS had one of its best years ever DFDS increased its profits by a third to DKK 526 million In 2007 DFDS managed to make sea transport of trailers, paper, steel, containers, new cars and passengers in Northern Europe an even better business than it was in 2006. The DFDS Group consequently achieved one of its best results ever in 2007, a total pre-tax profit of DKK 526 million. This is 31% more than in 2006 and considerably above the expectations at the start of the year. Turnover rose by 10% to DKK 8.3 billion. “We made a good profit in 2007,” says CEO Niels Smedegaard. “Our cash flow is strong and we have a solid financial basis.” The first half of the year in particular was marked by strong economic conditions, though this was less the case in the second half. Nevertheless, DFDS' management expects to be able to maintain the high level of earnings in 2008 that was achieved in the previous year. The good result in 2007 was particularly due to the Group's freight-based business areas: Ro- Ro Shipping (the largest business area), Container Shipping and Terminal Services. Trailer Services also saw a positive development. Only Passenger Shipping did not live up to expectations in 2007. DFDS has therefore implemented a project to streamline operations and strengthen the results in this business area, which accounts for 22% of turnover. “In 2007 we initiated an extensive efficiency-boosting programme,” says Niels Smedegaard. “Many specific measures in all business areas will ensure a durable and structured process for improving the entire Group's operations. In 2007, we also put forward the Group's strategy ‘From Routes to Network', which outlines ambitious plans for DFDS.” “The first step has been to change the structure to five focused business areas: Ro-Ro Shipping, Container Shipping, Passenger Shipping, Terminal Services and Trailer Services. We have subsequently adjusted the Group management to match this structure so that with the financial strength we have achieved, we will be in a good position to realise our strategy and reach our growth targets.” Yours truly, DFDS A/S Key figures DKK m 2005 2006 2007 Revenue 6.278 7.524 8.310 Operating profit (EBITDA) 890 1.137 1.316 EBITDA-margin % 14,2 15,1 15,8 Profit before tax 231 402 526 Cash flow from operating 711 1.167 1.264 activities Total equity 2.904 3.265 3.653 Equity ratio % 34,3 32,7 38,0 Return on equity p.a. % 6,8 11,7 14,5 Return on invested capital 6,0 7,0 8,6 (ROIC) Earnings per share (EPS) DKK 23 46 52 Dividend per share DKK 7,5 11 15 Average number of employees 4.215 4.346 4.427 Further information: Niels Smedegaard, CEO & President, tel: +45 3342 3400 The DFDS Group operates a leading, sea-based transport network in Northern Europe that is based on a fleet of 64 ships: comprising Ro-Ros, combined freight/passenger ships and container ships as well as terminals and a trailer network linked to the routes. The company has 4,400 employees in 14 countries. DFDS is headquartered in Copenhagen and is listed on OMX The Nordic Exchange Copenhagen.