Viking expands Nile fleet with new Viking Amun shi

LOS ANGELES - Viking® (NYSE: VIK), a global leader in river and ocean cruising with a market capitalization of $17.78 billion and strong revenue growth of 13.2% in the last twelve months, announced the float out of its latest Nile River ship, the Viking Amun. According to InvestingPro analysis, Viking maintains a "GREAT" overall financial health score, positioning it as a prominent player in the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. The ceremony, held at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, signifies the vessel’s entry into the final stages of construction. Scheduled to set sail in September 2025, the Viking Amun will become the seventh ship in Viking’s Nile River fleet, offering the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.

The Viking Amun, accommodating 82 guests in 41 staterooms, mirrors the Scandinavian design of its sister ships, including a square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. It joins a fleet that features the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Sobek, Viking Hathor, Viking Ra, and the MS Antares. Viking has ambitious plans to add five more ships in Egypt by 2027, aiming to increase its Nile fleet to 12 vessels. With an EBITDA of $1.32 billion in the last twelve months, the company demonstrates strong operational performance to support its expansion plans. InvestingPro subscribers can access 8 additional key insights about Viking’s growth potential and financial outlook through exclusive ProTips.

Guests on the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey will experience a blend of hotel stays and river cruising. The itinerary begins with a three-night stay in Cairo, visiting landmarks like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Travelers then fly to Luxor to explore ancient temples before embarking on an eight-day cruise. The cruise includes visits to the Valley of the Queens, the Valley of the Kings, and other historical sites, culminating with a return flight to Cairo.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, expressed pride in the expanding Egypt fleet, which he considers the most elegant on the Nile. He emphasized Egypt’s allure as a travel destination and Viking’s commitment to bringing more travelers to the region.

Viking, founded in 1997, is renowned for its destination-focused journeys and has received numerous accolades, including top rankings for rivers, oceans, and expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

The company’s forward-looking statements about fleet additions and business strategy are subject to uncertainties and risks, as detailed in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Analysts maintain a positive outlook on Viking’s prospects, with consensus targets suggesting potential upside, while detailed financial analysis and comprehensive research reports are available through InvestingPro’s premium research platform.

This news article is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, Viking Holdings has been making headlines with several key developments. The company received an Outperform rating from BNP Paribas Exane, which set a price target of $47, citing Viking’s strong position in the river cruise industry and its expanding presence in ocean cruising as significant growth drivers. Meanwhile, Jefferies initiated coverage with a Hold rating and a $45 price target, noting Viking’s horizontal integration but expressing concerns about its ownership structure. S&P Global Ratings upgraded Viking Cruises Ltd.’s issuer credit rating from ’BB-’ to ’BB’, reflecting strong performance and expected deleveraging, with a stable outlook.

Viking has also expanded its fleet with the introduction of the Viking Nerthus, a new river longship equipped with hybrid propulsion and solar panels, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. The ship will sail itineraries on the Seine River, including a Christmastime voyage. The company plans to introduce 25 additional river ships by 2028 and nine more ocean ships by 2030. This expansion is expected to contribute to the company’s growth and revenue visibility.

Despite these positive developments, Viking was not immune to the broader market downturn affecting travel and hospitality stocks. The sector experienced significant declines following Delta Air Lines’ profit forecast reduction, which raised concerns about consumer spending and travel demand. As Viking continues to navigate these challenges, its strategic initiatives and financial performance remain under close watch by investors and analysts alike.

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