- Appointment of Leah Talactac as CEO following her successful tenure as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
- Transition of founder Torstein Hagen to Executive Chairman to focus on long-term strategy and brand vision.
- Strategic move toward leadership continuity following the company’s transition to a publicly traded entity.
- Sustained focus on fleet expansion across the river, ocean, and expedition cruising sectors.
Viking has officially announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Leah Talactac as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. She succeeds Torstein Hagen, the company’s founder, who will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. This change marks a pivotal moment for the cruise line as it moves from its long-standing founder-led era into a new phase of executive management. Talactac previously served as the Chief Financial Officer at Viking, a role in which she played an instrumental part in the company’s recent initial public offering and its continued financial expansion.
During his tenure as CEO, Torstein Hagen was credited with transforming Viking from a small river cruise operation with four ships into a dominant global brand featuring river, ocean, and expedition fleets. As Executive Chairman, Hagen is expected to remain involved in the company’s long-term strategy and brand vision, ensuring that the core philosophy of the “thinking person’s cruise” remains intact. The transition is described by the company as a natural evolution of its leadership structure, intended to provide stability and continuity following its successful entry into the public markets.
Talactac is widely recognized within the maritime and financial sectors for her disciplined approach to growth and her deep understanding of the company’s operational complexities. Her appointment is seen by industry analysts as a strategic move to reassure investors of management stability while maintaining the premium service standards that define the brand. As the company continues to expand its global footprint and introduce new vessels to its fleet, the leadership team will focus on navigating the evolving demands.
Tor, Over The Years
PRESS RELEASE
Viking Announces CEO Transition and Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
May 14, 2026 7:00 am EDTDownload as PDF
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LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Viking Holdings Ltd (the “Company” or “Viking”) (NYSE: VIK) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Leah Talactac, President and Chief Financial Officer, as Chief Executive Officer. Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO, has been appointed as Executive Chairman and will continue to serve as Chairman of Viking’s Board of Directors. The Company also announced that Linh Banh, Executive Vice President of Finance, has been appointed as CFO.
Since joining Viking in 2006, Ms. Talactac has been a key leader on the executive team. Alongside Mr. Hagen, she led Viking’s initial public offering in 2024, which was the largest offering on the NYSE that year, and she was appointed President in January 2025 while retaining her responsibilities as CFO. Starting today, Ms. Talactac will report to the Board of Directors and continue to lead Viking’s executive committee, a highly experienced group who have been integral to Viking’s sustained success. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Hagen will focus on long term strategy and continue to support Ms. Talactac in her role as CEO.
“This leadership transition reflects the strength and depth of Viking’s management team and the succession planning we have built over many years,” said Mr. Hagen. “Leah’s appointment as CEO is a natural next step, and the Board and I have full confidence in her ability to lead Viking with the same continuity, discipline and vision that have guided us since Viking was founded. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we congratulate Leah, and I look forward to partnering closely with her and the Board as she guides Viking forward in this next chapter.”
“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful for the trust of the Board and Tor,” said Ms. Talactac. “Tor and our entire executive team have built a phenomenal company over the last 29 years, and I am delighted to lead Viking as we continue to deliver meaningful experiences for our guests and execute our long-term strategy. I also want to take a moment to congratulate Linh on her new appointment as CFO. Linh is a trusted leader within Viking, and her financial stewardship will ensure a smooth transition.”
Today, the Company also reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, and provided an update on operating capacity and bookings.
Key Highlights
- Total revenue was $1,053.7 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Gross margin increased 21.2% and Adjusted Gross Margin increased 16.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Net Yield was $596, an increase of 9.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $104.8 million, an increase of 43.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Diluted EPS was $(0.12) and Adjusted EPS was $(0.11).
- Net Leverage improved from 1.1x as of December 31, 2025 to 1.0x as of March 31, 2026.
- As of May 3, 2026, for its Core Products, Viking had sold 92% of its Capacity Passenger Cruise Days for the 2026 season and 38% of its Capacity Passenger Cruise Days for the 2027 season.
“2026 is off to a strong start and we are very pleased with our first‑quarter results. Total revenue for the quarter grew 17.5% driving a 43.9% year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA, underscoring the demand for our product and our operational discipline,” said Mr. Hagen. “Moreover, we are already 92% booked for 2026 which positions us very well for the remainder of the year. During the quarter, we also continued to make progress increasing our fleet and destination-focused offerings, further enhancing the experiences and value we offer our guests. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering on the strong demand while continuing to invest in our future and generate sustainable, profitable growth.”
First Quarter 2026 Consolidated Results
During the first quarter of 2026, Capacity PCDs increased by 6.6% over the same period in 2025. This year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the growth of the Company’s fleet, which included one additional ocean ship. Occupancy for the first quarter of 2026 was 94.7%.
Total revenue for the first quarter of 2026 was $1,053.7 million, an increase of $156.6 million, or 17.5%, over the same period in 2025 mainly driven by increased Capacity PCDs and higher revenue per PCD in 2026 compared to 2025.
Gross margin for the first quarter of 2026 was $297.6 million, an increase of $52.1 million, or 21.2%, over the same period in 2025 and Adjusted Gross Margin for the first quarter of 2026 was $717.2 million, an increase of $103.9 million, or 16.9%, over the same period in 2025. Net Yield was $596 for the first quarter of 2025, up 9.5% year-over-year.
For the first quarter of 2026, vessel operating expenses were $357.5 million and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel were $316.1 million. Compared to the same period in 2025, vessel operating expenses increased $47.6 million, or 15.4%, and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel increased $47.9 million, or 17.9%, mainly driven by timing of maintenance and repair costs and the increase in the size of the Company’s fleet in 2026 compared to 2025.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 improved to $54.2 million compared to a loss of $105.5 million for the same period in 2025. Adjusted Net Loss attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd for the first quarter of 2026 improved to $49.2 million compared to a loss of $105.5 million for the same period in 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA was $104.8 million, an increase of $32.0 million, or 43.9%, over the same period in 2025. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by increased Capacity PCDs and higher revenue per PCD.
Diluted EPS was $(0.12) and Adjusted EPS was $(0.11) for the first quarter of 2026, compared to Diluted EPS and Adjusted EPS of $(0.24) for the same period in 2025.
Our first quarter results reflect the seasonality of our business. While our ocean, expedition and Mississippi products operate year-round, the primary cruising season for our river product is from April to October.
“We are very encouraged by the financial results of the first quarter. Increasing capacity together with Net Yield improves our profitability and further strengthens our market leadership,” said Ms. Banh. “In this dynamic macroeconomic environment, we remain focused on delivering superior experiences, optimizing revenue and maintaining disciplined cost management, while prudently investing to support long‑term growth.”
Update on Operating Capacity and Bookings
For our Core Products, operating capacity is 7% higher for the 2026 season compared to the 2025 season and 15% higher for the 2027 season compared to the 2026 season.
As of May 3, 2026, for our Core Products, we had sold 92% of our Capacity PCDs for the 2026 season and 38% for the 2027 season. We had $6,225 million of Advance Bookings for the 2026 season, 13% higher than the 2025 season at the same point in time; and we had $3,403 million of Advance Bookings for the 2027 season, 31% higher than the 2026 season at the same point in time. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2026 season was $842, 5.5% higher than the 2025 season at the same point in time, and Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2027 season was $986, 11.0% higher than the 2026 season at the same point in time.
“With 2026 mostly booked, our focus has shifted to the 2027 season, which is off to a great start. Capacity for our Core Products is increasing by 15%, and is already 38% booked, with Advance Bookings 31% ahead of last year,” said Ms.Talactac. “Our booked positions for 2026 and 2027 demonstrate the resilience of our loyal customer base and the sustained demand for our product reflecting that travel remains a priority for our customers. These results also underscore the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives including an extended booking window, targeted direct marketing, a broader itinerary offering and a compelling value proposition.”
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of March 31, 2026:
- The Company had $4.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn revolver facility of $1.0 billion.
- Scheduled principal payments are $174.4 million for the remainder of 2026 and $197.4 million for 2027.
- Deferred revenue was $5.4 billion.
In March 2026, S&P upgraded Viking Cruises Ltd’s corporate rating to BB+ from BB.
New Build and Capacity
Since our fourth quarter 2025 earnings release, the Company:
- Took delivery of the Viking Eldir, a river vessel that operates in Europe.
- Announced it would build two additional river vessels to operate in Egypt scheduled for delivery in 2028.
- Acquired the Viking Yidun, an ocean ship, from China Merchants Viking Cruises Limited.
Based on the committed orderbook, the Company expects to take delivery of two ocean ships and nine river vessels during the remainder of 2026.
Conference Call Information
The Company has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss first quarter 2026 results and provide a business update. A link to the live webcast can be found on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.viking.com/. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the same website for 30 days after the call.
About Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. For additional information, visit www.viking.com.
Definitions
“Adjusted Earnings per Share” or “Adjusted EPS” represents Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd divided by Adjusted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding.
“Adjusted EBITDA” is EBITDA (consolidated net income (loss) adjusted for interest income, interest expense, income tax benefit (expense) and depreciation, amortization and impairment) as further adjusted for currency gains or losses, share-based compensation expense and other financial income (loss) (which includes forward gains and losses, gain or loss on disposition of assets, certain non-cash fair value adjustments, restructuring charges and non-recurring items).
“Adjusted Gross Margin” is gross margin adjusted for vessel operating and ship depreciation and impairment. Gross margin is calculated pursuant to IFRS Accounting Standards as total revenue less total cruise operating expenses and ship depreciation and impairment.
“Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd”represents net income (loss) attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd excluding certain items that we believe are not part of our primary operating business and are not an indication of our future earnings performance. We believe that debt extinguishment and modification costs, gain (loss) on embedded derivatives associated with debt, impairment charges and reversals and certain other gains and losses are not a part of our primary operating business and are not an indication of our future earnings performance.
“Adjusted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding” represents the diluted weighted-average ordinary shares and special shares outstanding, adjusted for dilutive share based awards to the extent not included in diluted weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding.
“Advance Bookings” is the aggregate ticketed amount for guest bookings for our voyages at a specific point in time, and include bookings for cruises, land extensions and air.
“Capacity Passenger Cruise Days” or “Capacity PCDs” with respect to any given period is a measurement of capacity that represents, for each ship operating during the relevant period, the number of berths multiplied by the number of Ship Operating Days, determined on an aggregated basis for all ships in operation during the relevant period.
“Core Products” are Viking River, Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition and Viking Mississippi, which are marketed to North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
“Diluted Earnings Per Share” or “Diluted EPS” is diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to ordinary and special shares.
“IFRS Accounting Standards” are the IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
“Net Debt” is Total Debt plus lease liabilities net of cash and cash equivalents.
“Net Leverage” is Net Debt divided by trailing four quarter Adjusted EBITDA.
“Net Yield” is Adjusted Gross Margin divided by Passenger Cruise Days.
“Occupancy” is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of Passenger Cruise Days to Capacity Passenger Cruise Days with respect to any given period. Contrary to many of our competitors, we do not allow more than two passengers to occupy a two berth stateroom. Additionally, we have guests who choose to travel alone and are willing to pay higher prices for single occupancy in a two-berth stateroom. As a result, our Occupancy cannot exceed 100% and may be less than 100%, even if all our staterooms are booked.
“Passenger Cruise Days” or “PCDs” is the number of passengers carried for each cruise, with respect to any given period and for each ship operating during the relevant period, multiplied by the number of Ship Operating Days.
“Ship Operating Days” is the number of days within any given period that a ship and vessel is in service and carrying cruise passengers, determined on an aggregated basis for all ships and vessels in operation during the relevant period.
“Total Debt” is indebtedness outstanding, gross of loan fees, excluding lease liabilities.
“Vessel operating expenses excluding fuel”is vessel operating expenses less fuel expense.
Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Financial Measures
We use certain non-IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures, such as Adjusted Gross Margin, Net Yield, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income (Loss) attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd and Adjusted EPS, to analyze our performance. We present Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure because we believe it facilitates a comparison of our consolidated operating performance on a consistent basis from period-to-period and provides for a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business than measures under IFRS Accounting Standards can provide alone. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of our business on an ongoing basis using criteria that our management uses for evaluation and planning purposes. Because Adjusted EBITDA facilitates internal comparisons of our historical financial position and consolidated operating performance on a more consistent basis, our management also uses Adjusted EBITDA in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors, assessing our ability to incur and service our indebtedness and in communications with our board of directors concerning our operating performance. We utilize Adjusted Gross Margin and Net Yield to manage our business because these measures reflect revenue earned net of certain direct variable costs.
We also present certain non-IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures because we believe that they are widely used by certain investors, securities analysts and other interested parties as supplemental measures of performance and liquidity. Our non-IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under IFRS Accounting Standards.
See “Definitions” for additional information about our non-IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures and “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Reconciling Information” for a reconciliation for each non-IFRS Accounting Standards financial measure to the most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards financial measure.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including among others, statements relating to our future financial performance, our business prospects and strategy, our expected fleet additions, our anticipated financial position, liquidity and capital needs and other similar matters. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements in this press release by using words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans” and “believes,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could.” These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this press release or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by us, or on our behalf. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements included in this press release as a result of various factors, which are described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.