Viking Holdings Ltd(VIK) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 increased by 18.5% year over year to $1.9 billion, driven by increased capacity, higher occupancy, and higher revenue per passenger cruise day (PCD) [16][19] - Adjusted gross margin rose by 19.2% year over year to $1.2 billion, resulting in a net yield of $607, which is 7.8% higher than in 2024 [17][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $633 million, a 28.5% increase compared to the same period last year [18] - Net income improved to $439 million, an increase of almost $280 million compared to Q2 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the river segment, capacity PCDs increased by 7.5% year over year, with occupancy at 95.6% and adjusted gross margin growing by 15.8% [22] - For the ocean segment, capacity PCDs increased by 11.2% year over year, with occupancy at 95.2% and adjusted gross margin rising by 24.9% [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 96% of the 2025 capacity for core products is already booked, with advanced bookings totaling $5.6 billion, which is 21% higher than the same point in 2024 [27] - For 2026, 55% of capacity is booked with $3.9 billion in advanced bookings, a 13% increase compared to the same point in 2025 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its fleet and strengthening its global presence, with new ships added to both ocean and river segments [7][8] - The strategy includes selective expansion into high-value, less-explored regions, such as India and Egypt, to enhance the guest experience [12][14] - The company aims to maintain a consistent brand experience while optimizing operational efficiencies [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand for cruises, noting sustained booking strength into August 2025 [39] - The company is committed to optimizing its cost structure while investing in marketing to stimulate demand [41][62] - Management believes that the current booking trends and pricing strategies will lead to healthy revenue and EBITDA growth in 2026 [50][59] Other Important Information - The company completed a secondary offering of 30.5 million ordinary shares at $44.2 per share, increasing institutional float and diversifying the shareholder base [9][15] - As of June 30, 2025, total cash and cash equivalents were $2.6 billion, with net debt at $3.2 billion and net leverage at 2.1 times [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Booking progress for 2026 - Management noted strong demand and booking strength continuing into August, with 55% of 2026 capacity sold [39] Question: Marketing spend increase - The increase in marketing spend was a response to softening demand, aimed at stimulating interest without discounting prices [41] Question: Pricing optimization for 2026 - Management indicated a balance between maintaining good value for guests and optimizing pricing, with a focus on mid-single-digit yield growth [48][49] Question: Advanced bookings and pricing expectations - Management confirmed that mid-single-digit yield growth is the goal, with current average pricing between $800 to $900 per day [50][59] Question: Expense growth and future expectations - Management acknowledged quarterly fluctuations in expenses but emphasized strong revenue growth relative to expense increases [62][63] Question: Capacity growth and competition - Management expressed confidence in filling capacity, citing strong demand and a well-established market position [102][103] Question: M&A considerations - Management remains open to acquisitions that meet their guiding principles of scalability, margin accretion, and brand complementarity [108][109]