Viking names Leah Talactac as new president

LOS ANGELES - Viking Holdings Ltd (NYSE: VIK), a global leader in experiential travel with a market capitalization of $21.17 billion, announced the promotion of Leah Talactac to President. Talactac, who has been with the company since 2006, will retain her role as Chief Financial Officer while taking on her new duties.

Talactac has been a key figure in Viking’s executive team and played a pivotal role in the company’s successful initial public offering (IPO) in 2024, which was noted as the largest of the year on the New York Stock Exchange. The company’s stock has shown remarkable performance, delivering an 88% return over the past year according to InvestingPro data. Her new position will have her leading the executive committee, a seasoned group of executives who have been integral to Viking’s performance pre and post-IPO.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, praised Talactac’s contributions to the company over the years and expressed confidence in her ability to steer Viking into its next phase of growth.

In conjunction with Talactac’s appointment, Viking also announced its plans to expand its fleet, underscoring its commitment to long-term growth strategies. InvestingPro data shows the company’s strong revenue growth of 14% and moderate debt levels, supporting its expansion plans. Get access to 7 more exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis with an InvestingPro subscription. The company has ordered eight new river ships set for delivery in 2027 and 2028. This expansion is in addition to the 16 river ships scheduled for delivery by 2026 and nine additional ocean ships expected by 2030. By 2028, Viking’s river ship fleet will total 107, and by 2030, the company will operate 21 ocean and expedition ships.

Viking, founded in 1997, is recognized for its destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes worldwide, catering to travelers interested in science, history, culture, and cuisine. The company has garnered over 450 awards, including top ratings for rivers, oceans, and expeditions by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

The press release also contains forward-looking statements regarding business prospects, strategy, and fleet additions. These statements are subject to various factors and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Viking’s forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions but are not guarantees of future performance.

This article is based on a press release statement from Viking Holdings Ltd. While analysts predict profitability this year, investors should note that Viking is currently trading above its Fair Value according to InvestingPro’s comprehensive analysis. Access the full Pro Research Report, available for 1,400+ US stocks, to make more informed investment decisions.

In other recent news, Viking Holdings has reported robust Q3 results, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.89, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.82. Revenue for the quarter was reported at $1.68 billion, slightly higher than analyst projections of $1.67 billion. The company continues to expand its fleet with the addition of the new ocean ship Viking Vela, designed for potential future retrofitting with hydrogen-ready capabilities.

Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on Viking Holdings with a Neutral rating, expressing caution despite the company’s strong bookings and impressive revenue growth. Citi, however, initiated coverage with a Buy rating, citing the company’s strong position in the cruise industry. Barclays (LON:BARC) adjusted its rating from Overweight to Equalweight, citing slower potential for earnings growth in 2025 compared to its peers.

Truist Securities increased the price target for Viking Holdings to $49.00, maintaining a Hold rating on the stock. Viking Holdings continues to demonstrate promising advance bookings, selling 95% of its capacity for the 2024 season and 70% for the 2025 season. These are the latest developments in Viking Holdings’ operations and market outlook.

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