UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of May 2024
Commission File Number: 001-42039
Viking Holdings Ltd
(Translation of registrants name into English)
94 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
This report on Form 6-K shall be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by Viking Holdings Ltd (VHL or the Company) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) that by its terms automatically incorporates the Companys filings and submissions with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
VIKING HOLDINGS LTD
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in USD and thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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Notes | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
Revenue |
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Cruise and land |
$ | 665,284 | $ | 583,877 | ||||||
Onboard and other |
52,871 | 45,117 | ||||||||
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Total revenue |
4 | 718,155 | 628,994 | |||||||
Cruise operating expenses |
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Commissions and transportation costs |
(137,408 | ) | (138,523 | ) | ||||||
Direct costs of cruise, land and onboard |
(85,427 | ) | (74,755 | ) | ||||||
Vessel operating |
(281,090 | ) | (263,209 | ) | ||||||
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Total cruise operating expenses |
(503,925 | ) | (476,487 | ) | ||||||
Other operating expenses |
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Selling and administration |
(219,818 | ) | (205,670 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8 | (64,911 | ) | (62,699 | ) | |||||
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Total other operating expenses |
(284,729 | ) | (268,369 | ) | ||||||
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Operating loss |
(70,499 | ) | (115,862 | ) | ||||||
Non-operating income (expense) |
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Interest income |
18,469 | 8,804 | ||||||||
Interest expense |
(117,489 | ) | (123,593 | ) | ||||||
Currency gain (loss) |
8,798 | (3,441 | ) | |||||||
Private Placement derivative (loss) gain |
13 | (306,646 | ) | 39,159 | ||||||
Other financial loss |
(24,955 | ) | (16,566 | ) | ||||||
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Loss before income taxes |
(492,322 | ) | (211,499 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense |
(1,606 | ) | (2,868 | ) | ||||||
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Net loss |
$ | (493,928 | ) | $ | (214,367 | ) | ||||
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Net loss attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd |
$ | (494,224 | ) | $ | (214,228 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests |
$ | 296 | $ | (139 | ) | |||||
Weighted-average ordinary and special shares outstanding (in thousands) |
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Basic |
15 | 221,936 | 221,936 | |||||||
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Diluted |
15 | 221,936 | 406,203 | |||||||
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Net loss per share attributable to ordinary and special shares |
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Basic |
15 | $ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.52 | ) | |||
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Diluted |
15 | $ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.56 | ) | |||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
VIKING HOLDINGS LTD
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in USD and thousands, unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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Notes | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (493,928 | ) | $ | (214,367 | ) | ||||
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Other comprehensive income (loss) |
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Other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to net income (loss) in subsequent periods: |
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Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
2,664 | 241 | ||||||||
Net change in cash flow hedges |
18 | (13,267 | ) | 1,701 | ||||||
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Net other comprehensive (loss) income to be reclassified to net income (loss) in subsequent periods |
(10,603 | ) | 1,942 | |||||||
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Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax |
(10,603 | ) | 1,942 | |||||||
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Total comprehensive loss |
$ | (504,531 | ) | $ | (212,425 | ) | ||||
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Total comprehensive loss attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd |
$ | (504,819 | ) | $ | (212,289 | ) | ||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests |
$ | 288 | $ | (136 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
VIKING HOLDINGS LTD
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in USD and thousands, unaudited)
Notes | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
(audited) | ||||||||||||
Assets |
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Non-current assets |
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Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets |
8 | $ | 5,717,855 | $ | 5,684,315 | |||||||
Right-of-use assets |
264,559 | 268,834 | ||||||||||
Investments in associated companies |
9,780 | 10,473 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
52,145 | 42,853 | ||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
136,826 | 136,855 | ||||||||||
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Total non-current assets |
6,181,165 | 6,143,330 | ||||||||||
Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
5 | 1,673,594 | 1,513,713 | |||||||||
Accounts and other receivables |
6 | 352,108 | 344,754 | |||||||||
Inventories |
54,173 | 54,602 | ||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
7 | 513,718 | 427,202 | |||||||||
Current receivables due from related parties |
20 | 7,893 | 12,316 | |||||||||
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Total current assets |
2,601,486 | 2,352,587 | ||||||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 8,782,651 | $ | 8,495,917 | ||||||||
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Shareholders equity and liabilities |
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Shareholders equity |
$ | (5,842,786 | ) | $ | (5,349,879 | ) | ||||||
Non-current liabilities |
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Long-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities |
10 | 1,666,795 | 1,757,372 | |||||||||
Secured Notes |
10 | 1,016,108 | 1,015,657 | |||||||||
Unsecured Notes |
10 | 2,271,557 | 2,270,246 | |||||||||
Private Placement liability |
13 | 1,397,101 | 1,394,552 | |||||||||
Private Placement derivative |
13 | 2,947,405 | 2,640,759 | |||||||||
Long-term portion of lease liabilities |
221,248 | 227,956 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
3,627 | 4,082 | ||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
11 | 201,338 | 171,281 | |||||||||
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Total non-current liabilities |
9,725,179 | 9,481,905 | ||||||||||
Current liabilities |
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Accounts payables |
187,772 | 244,581 | ||||||||||
Short-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities |
10 | 259,823 | 253,020 | |||||||||
Short-term portion of lease liabilities |
24,433 | 24,670 | ||||||||||
Deferred revenue |
4 | 4,068,117 | 3,486,579 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
9 | 360,113 | 355,041 | |||||||||
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Total current liabilities |
4,900,258 | 4,363,891 | ||||||||||
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Total shareholders equity and liabilities |
$ | 8,782,651 | $ | 8,495,917 | ||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
VIKING HOLDINGS LTD
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
(in USD and thousands, unaudited)
Attributable to the equity holders of the parent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | Share capital | Share premium |
Other paid-in equity |
Translation adjustment |
Pension measurement adjustment |
Cash flow hedge |
Retained losses |
Non- controlling interests |
Total shareholders equity |
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Balance at January 1, 2023 |
$ | 2,253 | $ | (44,565 | ) | $ | 133,620 | $ | (3,736 | ) | $ | 2,667 | $ | 7,589 | $ | (3,594,507 | ) | $ | 3,262 | $ | (3,493,417 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (214,228 | ) | (139 | ) | (214,367 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
18 | | | | 238 | | 1,701 | | 3 | 1,942 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total comprehensive loss |
| | | 238 | | 1,701 | (214,228 | ) | (136 | ) | (212,425 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation |
14 | | | 6,793 | | | | | | 6,793 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax impact due to stock based compensation |
14 | | | (178 | ) | | | | | | (178 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at March 31, 2023 |
$ | 2,253 | $ | (44,565 | ) | $ | 140,235 | $ | (3,498 | ) | $ | 2,667 | $ | 9,290 | $ | (3,808,735 | ) | $ | 3,126 | $ | (3,699,227 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Balance at January 1, 2024 |
$ | 2,253 | $ | (44,565 | ) | $ | 178,492 | $ | 4,203 | $ | (83 | ) | $ | 9,315 | $ | (5,503,218 | ) | $ | 3,724 | $ | (5,349,879 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (494,224 | ) | 296 | (493,928 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
18 | | | | 2,672 | | (13,267 | ) | | (8 | ) | (10,603 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total comprehensive loss |
| | | 2,672 | | (13,267 | ) | (494,224 | ) | 288 | (504,531 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution by subsidiary |
12 | | | | | | | (113 | ) | (607 | ) | (720 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation |
14 | | | 3,518 | | | | | | 3,518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax impact due to stock based compensation |
14 | | | 8,826 | | | | | | 8,826 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at March 31, 2024 |
$ | 2,253 | $ | (44,565 | ) | $ | 190,836 | $ | 6,875 | $ | (83 | ) | $ | (3,952 | ) | $ | (5,997,555 | ) | $ | 3,405 | $ | (5,842,786 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
VIKING HOLDINGS LTD
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in USD and thousands, unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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Notes | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
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Net loss |
$ | (493,928 | ) | $ | (214,367 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows |
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Depreciation and amortization |
8 | 64,911 | 62,699 | |||||||
Amortization of debt transaction costs |
9,075 | 9,248 | ||||||||
Private Placement derivative loss (gain) |
13 | 306,646 | (39,159 | ) | ||||||
Foreign currency (gain) loss on loans |
10 | (15,579 | ) | 5,648 | ||||||
Non-cash financial loss |
23,054 | 12,492 | ||||||||
Stock based compensation expense |
14 | 3,518 | 6,793 | |||||||
Interest income |
(18,469 | ) | (8,804 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense |
108,414 | 114,345 | ||||||||
Dividend income |
(421 | ) | (918 | ) | ||||||
Changes in working capital: |
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Increase in deferred revenue |
4 | 581,538 | 453,229 | |||||||
Changes in other liabilities and assets |
(120,292 | ) | (194,240 | ) | ||||||
Decrease (increase) in inventories |
429 | (5,960 | ) | |||||||
Changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities |
(921 | ) | (1,472 | ) | ||||||
Changes in other non-current assets and other non-current liabilities |
12,255 | 16,080 | ||||||||
Changes in related party receivables and payables |
4,423 | 10,841 | ||||||||
Income taxes paid |
(1,622 | ) | (1,334 | ) | ||||||
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Net cash flow from operating activities |
463,031 | 225,121 | ||||||||
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Cash flows from investing activities |
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Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets |
8 | (95,413 | ) | (125,741 | ) | |||||
Capital contribution to associated company |
20 | (4,000 | ) | (5,000 | ) | |||||
Prepayment for vessel charter |
(604 | ) | | |||||||
Dividends received |
421 | 918 | ||||||||
Interest received |
18,064 | 8,804 | ||||||||
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Net cash flow used in investing activities |
(81,532 | ) | (121,019 | ) | ||||||
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Cash flows from financing activities |
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Repayment of borrowings |
10 | (72,959 | ) | (86,538 | ) | |||||
Dividend distribution by subsidiary |
12 | (720 | ) | | ||||||
Principal payments for lease liabilities |
(6,280 | ) | (6,916 | ) | ||||||
Interest payments for lease liabilities |
(5,368 | ) | (5,974 | ) | ||||||
Interest paid |
(133,920 | ) | (99,260 | ) | ||||||
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Net cash flow used in financing activities |
(219,247 | ) | (198,688 | ) | ||||||
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Change in cash and cash equivalents |
162,252 | (94,586 | ) | |||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(2,371 | ) | 1,744 | |||||||
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 159,881 | $ | (92,842 | ) | |||||
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 |
5 | $ | 1,513,713 | $ | 1,253,140 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31 |
5 | 1,673,594 | 1,160,298 | |||||||
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 159,881 | $ | (92,842 | ) | |||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
VIKING HOLDINGS LTD
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
(unaudited)
1. | CORPORATE INFORMATION |
Viking Holdings Ltd (VHL or the Company) is a Bermuda company, incorporated on July 21, 2010, whose registered address is Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. The Company is registered in Bermuda as an exempted company and, pursuant to Section 14(3) of the Companies Act 1981, has perpetual succession. The Companys majority shareholder is Viking Capital Limited (VCAP), which is registered in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company.
The principal business activity of the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group) is to engage in passenger shipping and other forms of passenger transport and as a tour entrepreneur for passengers and related activities in tourism.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group (interim financial statements) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were authorized for issuance by the Companys Board of Directors on May 29, 2024.
2. | BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparation
The interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The interim financial statements are prepared based on the same accounting policies used in the Groups annual consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the annual consolidated financial statements).
The interim financial statements are unaudited and do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Groups audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in its final prospectus, dated April 30, 2024, filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on May 2, 2024 (the Prospectus) in connection with the Companys initial public offering (the IPO).
The interim financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for forward foreign currency contracts, financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, the warrant liability and the Private Placement derivative, which are carried at fair value and are re-measured through the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and the interim condensed consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss).
Except as otherwise noted, all amounts in the interim financial statements are presented in United States (U.S.) Dollars (USD or $) and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000). The interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows are prepared using the indirect method. The interim financial statements are based on the assumption of going concern.
On April 11, 2024, a 26-for-1 share split of the Companys authorized and issued ordinary shares, special shares, preference shares, non-voting ordinary shares and Series C Preference Shares was effected by way of an increase in capital and bonus issue of 25 shares on each one outstanding share (the 26-for-1 share split). Contractual agreements which settle in shares, including warrants and share-based payment arrangements, include anti-dilution provisions which provide for the automatic adjustment in the event of share splits. The Company has given retrospective effect to the 26-for-1 share split on all share and per-share amounts, including for such contractual arrangements that settle in shares, for all periods presented, including in Notes 12, 14 and 15.
8
Initial Public Offering
On May 3, 2024, the Company closed the IPO of its ordinary shares. The Company issued 11,000,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of $24.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $245.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $13.2 million and estimated other offering expenses of $5.3 million. In addition, certain existing shareholders sold ordinary shares in the IPO. Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, all outstanding preference shares and Series C Preference Shares converted to ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis (the Conversion Event). Additionally, all outstanding options for non-voting ordinary shares and all outstanding restricted share units (RSUs) for non-voting ordinary shares converted to options for ordinary shares and RSUs for ordinary shares, respectively, on a one-for-one basis. All authorized Series C Preference Shares, preference shares and non-voting ordinary shares were also redesignated into authorized ordinary shares. Additionally, in connection with the IPO, the Company adopted updated bye-laws (Post IPO Bye Laws). Following the IPO and in accordance with the Post IPO Bye Laws, the Company has two classes of authorized share capital: ordinary shares and special shares. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote per share, and each special share is entitled to 10 votes per share.
All RSUs granted by the Company are subject to a liquidity vesting condition and some RSUs are also subject to a service condition. Upon the consummation of the IPO, the liquidity condition was satisfied, resulting in the vesting of 16,251,664 outstanding RSUs.
As the IPO closed subsequent to March 31, 2024, the impact of the IPO, including the issuance of shares, receipt of proceeds and impact of the Conversion Event, are not reflected in the interim financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
See Note 21 for additional information.
New and amended standards and interpretations
The Group intends to adopt relevant new and amended accounting standards and interpretations when they become effective. New or amended standards and interpretations effective January 1, 2024 had no or an immaterial impact on the interim financial statements. The Group has not early adopted any standards, interpretations or amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective.
In April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (IFRS 18) which replaces IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. IFRS 18 requires an entity to classify all income and expenses within its statement of operations into one of five categories: operating, investing, financing, income taxes and discontinued operations. The first three categories are new. These categories are complemented by the requirement to present subtotals and totals for operating profit or loss, profit or loss before financing and income taxes and profit or loss. IFRS 18 and the amendments to other standards are effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but earlier application is permitted. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment.
Other than as described above, there are no standards, interpretations, or amendments issued but not yet effective, that are expected to have a material impact on the Groups interim financial statements.
3. | SEASONALITY OF OPERATIONS |
The Groups results are seasonal because while the ocean, expedition and Mississippi products operate year-round, the primary cruising season for the river product is from April to October, although some of the river cruises run longer seasons. Additionally, the Groups highest occupancy occurs during the Northern Hemispheres summer months. The Group recognizes cruise-related revenue over the duration of the cruise and expenses its marketing and employee costs when the related costs are incurred. As a result, the majority of the Groups revenue and profits have historically been earned in the second and third quarters of each year, while the first and fourth quarters of each year have been closer to break even or a loss, as the Groups selling and administration expenses are consistent throughout the year. Though the growth of the Groups fleet of year-round products will continue to reduce the seasonality in future periods, the Group expects the seasonality trend of its revenue and profits to continue.
9
4. | REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS |
Disaggregation of revenue
The table below disaggregates total revenue by reportable segment (see Note 16) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
Ocean |
$ | 447,680 | $ | 397,632 | ||||
River |
165,431 | 130,286 | ||||||
Other |
105,044 | 101,076 | ||||||
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Total revenue |
$ | 718,155 | $ | 628,994 | ||||
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Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $89.2 million to $718.2 million from $629.0 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher occupancy and the operation of additional ships delivered subsequent to the first quarter of 2023, including the Viking Saturn and Viking Aton, which were delivered in April 2023 and August 2023, respectively, and an earlier season start for certain river vessels in Europe beginning in January.
Regional economic trends affect the Groups revenue and cash flows. The table below disaggregates percentage of passengers by source market, which is the passengers home country or region, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 | 2023 | |||||||
North America |
91.4 | % | 91.4 | % | ||||
United Kingdom |
4.8 | % | 4.9 | % | ||||
Other |
3.8 | % | 3.7 | % | ||||
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100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||
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The disaggregation by source market is similar across all reportable segments.
The Groups vessels and ships primarily operate in Europe.
Deferred revenue (contract liability)
Since 2020, when the Group has cancelled sailings, guests have generally had the option to receive either (1) a refund in cash for 100% of monies paid to the Group or (2) a cruise voucher with a face value of up to 125% of monies paid (Premium Cruise Voucher). Premium Cruise Vouchers can generally be applied to a new booking for up to two years from the issuance date (or longer, if the expiration date is extended) and any unused Premium Cruise Vouchers are refunded for the original amount paid upon expiration. In addition, in the event of travel uncertainty, the Group may temporarily update its cancellation policies to give guests the option to cancel certain cruises closer to the date of departure and receive future cruise vouchers (Risk Free Vouchers), instead of incurring cancellation penalties. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group temporarily updated its cancellation policies for bookings made through June 30, 2022. Risk Free Vouchers can generally be applied to a new booking for two years from the issuance date and are not refundable for cash.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, deferred revenue was $4,068.1 million and $3,486.6 million, respectively. Of the $4,068.1 million deferred revenue balance as of March 31, 2024, $130.7 million related to Risk Free Vouchers and $18.7 million related to Premium Cruise Vouchers.
10
5. | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
A summary of the Groups cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
Cash at bank and in hand |
$ | 1,545,675 | $ | 1,481,370 | ||||
Credit card receivables |
127,919 | 32,343 | ||||||
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|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 1,673,594 | $ | 1,513,713 | ||||
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|
|
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, cash at bank and in hand included $156.5 million and $148.2 million, respectively, subject to restrictions on use arising from contracts with third parties.
6. | ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES |
A summary of the Groups accounts and other receivables as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
Credit card receivables |
$ | 224,312 | $ | 207,374 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
61,535 | 49,988 | ||||||
Yard receivables |
29,503 | 19,932 | ||||||
Indirect tax receivables |
24,281 | 41,982 | ||||||
Other |
12,477 | 25,478 | ||||||
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|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 352,108 | $ | 344,754 | ||||
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|
|
|
Credit card receivables that are not classified as cash and cash equivalents are included in accounts and other receivables. Credit card receivables represent amounts subject to a priority claim from credit card processors.
Accounts receivable includes vendor receivables, insurance receivables, airline receivables and passenger receivables.
7. | PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS |
A summary of the Groups prepaid expenses and other current assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
Air |
$ | 276,594 | $ | 161,992 | ||||
Commissions |
53,266 | 39,766 | ||||||
Operating, product and administration costs |
48,709 | 57,181 | ||||||
Credit card fees |
40,059 | 32,531 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
39,326 | 75,786 | ||||||
Cash deposits |
20,476 | 20,498 | ||||||
Debt transaction costs |
15,670 | 12,332 | ||||||
Advertising |
12,814 | 10,470 | ||||||
Other |
6,804 | 16,646 | ||||||
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|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 513,718 | $ | 427,202 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Air increased as of March 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to the timing of air ticket purchases and seasonality of the Groups operations.
11
Restricted cash relates to deposits required by certain credit card processors. The deposits, which decreased as of March 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, are based on various factors as determined by the credit card processors.
8. | PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
Movements in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024 are outlined below:
(in USD and thousands) | River Vessels & Equipment |
Ocean and Expedition Ships & Equipment |
River Vessels under Construction |
Ocean Ships under Construction |
Office Equipment |
Land & Buildings |
Other Fixed Assets |
Intangible Assets, including Goodwill |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost as of January 1, 2024 |
$ | 2,621,214 | $ | 4,001,330 | $ | 111,919 | $ | 298,057 | $ | 21,486 | $ | 21,786 | $ | 53,308 | $ | 171,145 | $ | 7,300,245 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additions |
14,330 | 985 | 44,147 | 27,554 | 382 | 1,463 | 72 | 6,480 | 95,413 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(3,456 | ) | | | | (208 | ) | (56 | ) | | (21,111 | ) | (24,831 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassified from right-of use-assets |
| 95 | | | | | | | 95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of currency translation |
(1,591 | ) | | (16 | ) | | (66 | ) | (402 | ) | (32 | ) | (103 | ) | (2,210 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Cost as of March 31, 2024 |
$ | 2,630,497 | $ | 4,002,410 | $ | 156,050 | $ | 325,611 | $ | 21,594 | $ | 22,791 | $ | 53,348 | $ | 156,411 | $ | 7,368,712 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment as of January 1, 2024 |
$ | (983,491 | ) | $ | (463,098 | ) | $ | | $ | | $ | (15,482 | ) | $ | (8,546 | ) | $ | (36,293 | ) | $ | (109,020 | ) | $ | (1,615,930 | ) | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(22,065 | ) | (29,552 | ) | | | (803 | ) | (185 | ) | (468 | ) | (4,563 | ) | (57,636 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization of disposals |
540 | | | | 206 | | | 21,105 | 21,851 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassified from right-of use-assets |
| (95 | ) | | | | | | | (95 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of currency translation |
609 | | | | 48 | 188 | 14 | 94 | 953 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment as of March 31, 2024 |
$ | (1,004,407 | ) | $ | (492,745 | ) | $ | | $ | | $ | (16,031 | ) | $ | (8,543 | ) | $ | (36,747 | ) | $ | (92,384 | ) | $ | (1,650,857 | ) | |||||||||||
|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net book value |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of January 1, 2024 |
$ | 1,637,723 | $ | 3,538,232 | $ | 111,919 | $ | 298,057 | $ | 6,004 | $ | 13,240 | $ | 17,015 | $ | 62,125 | $ | 5,684,315 | ||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024 |
$ | 1,626,090 | $ | 3,509,665 | $ | 156,050 | $ | 325,611 | $ | 5,563 | $ | 14,248 | $ | 16,601 | $ | 64,027 | $ | 5,717,855 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
River vessels
River vessels and equipment and river vessels under construction include amounts attributable to the Groups river fleet, including vessels improvements and equipment for the Viking Mississippi. In 2012, the Group launched the Longship (Longship) series of vessels. As of March 31, 2024, the Groups river fleet consisted of 81 river vessels, of which 58 are Longships, 10 are small classes based on the Longship design, 11 are other river vessels and two are river vessel charters, including the Viking Mississippi.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, additions to river vessels and equipment included $14.3 million in improvements to river vessels.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were $44.1 million in additions to river vessels under construction, of which $21.3 million related to progress payments for eight Longships and two Longships-Seine under construction scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026, $13.9 million related to Egypt river vessels under construction scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2026 and $8.9 million related to a Longship-Douro scheduled for delivery in 2025.
Ocean and expedition ships
In 2015, the Group took delivery of its first ocean ship and as of March 31, 2024, the Group had a fleet of nine ocean ships. In 2021, the Group took delivery of its first expedition ship, which is designed for sailings in the polar regions and the Great Lakes of North America. As of March 31, 2024, the Group had a fleet of two expedition ships.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Group capitalized $27.6 million in ocean ships under construction primarily related to ocean shipyard progress payments of $24.6 million for Ship XIV and $3.0 million in other costs.
12
The Group did not identify any impairment indicators related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Groups conclusions regarding the valuation of its property, plant and equipment and intangible assets may change in future periods if factors or circumstances cause the Group to revise its assumptions in future periods, including related to inflation and rising interest rates. The Groups future cash flows may be impacted by climate related risks, including environmental changes or more stringent environmental regulations. Such changes may impact accounting estimates in future periods, which incorporate forecasted financial performance.
9. | ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
A summary of the Groups accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
Interest payable |
$ | 66,405 | $ | 97,387 | ||||
Operating costs |
49,560 | 55,880 | ||||||
Payroll and employee costs |
41,758 | 25,830 | ||||||
Marketing expenses |
34,684 | 30,681 | ||||||
Overhead costs |
33,665 | 23,368 | ||||||
Product and commission costs |
24,696 | 34,124 | ||||||
Air costs |
20,708 | 11,787 | ||||||
Indirect taxes payable |
16,204 | 18,250 | ||||||
Other |
72,433 | 57,734 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 360,113 | $ | 355,041 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The changes in accrued expenses and other current liabilities are based on the timing of accruals for goods and services and payments.
13
10. | LOANS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES |
A summary of the Groups loans and financial liabilities recorded at amortized cost as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
Loans and financial liabilities
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
Loans and Financial Liabilities |
Vessels and Ships Financed and |
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
54.2 million loan, variable base rate plus 2.4%, due 2025 | Viking Baldur, Viking Magni | $ | 20,615 | $ | 21,740 | |||||
236.1 million loan, variable at SOFR plus CAS and 2.0%, due through 2024 | Viking Hermod, Viking Buri, Viking Heimdal, Viking Delling, Viking Lif | 12,619 | 12,619 | |||||||
20.3 million loan, variable base rate plus 2.4%, due 2026 | Viking Kvasir | 13,913 | 14,414 | |||||||
288.9 million loan, variable at SOFR plus CAS and 2.0%, due through 2025 | Viking Hlin, Viking Kara, Viking Mani, Viking Eir, Viking Lofn, Viking Vidar, Viking Skirnir, Viking Modi, Viking Gefjon, Viking Ve, Viking Mimir, Viking Vili | 26,108 | 35,368 | |||||||
225.8 million loan, fixed at 4.73% or variable at SOFR plus CAS and 2.0%, due through 2027 | Viking Alruna, Viking Egil, Viking Kadlin, Viking Rolf, Viking Tialfi, Viking Vilhjalm, Viking Herja, Viking Hild, Viking Sigrun, Viking Einar | 58,833 | 83,017 | |||||||
$53.5 million loan, fixed at 5.12%, due 2025 | Viking Idi refinancing, Viking Astrild, Viking Beyla | 17,394 | 18,398 | |||||||
$40.0 million loan, fixed at 5.43%, due 2027 | Viking Hemming, Viking Osfrid and Viking Torgil refinancing | 18,750 | 20,000 | |||||||
$102.0 million loan, fixed at 5.22% - 5.26%, due 2028 | Viking Vali, Viking Tir, Viking Ullur, Viking Sigyn | 60,803 | 63,531 | |||||||
$15.1 million loan, variable base rate plus 2.35%, due 2029 | Viking Helgrim | 10,617 | 11,029 | |||||||
153.2 million loan, variable at SOFR plus CAS and 1.30% - 1.40%, due through 2029 | Viking Hervor, Viking Gersemi, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga, Viking Fjorgyn | 114,445 | 129,222 | |||||||
53.6 million loan, variable at SOFR plus CAS and 1.30% - 1.40%, due through 2029 | Viking Gymir, Viking Egdir | 45,622 | 50,109 | |||||||
$291.2 million financial liability, due 2030 | Viking Orion | 220,423 | 223,896 | |||||||
$290.2 million financial liability, due 2031 | Viking Jupiter | 231,471 | 234,840 | |||||||
$255.7 million financial liability, variable at SOFR plus CAS and 3.0%, due 2033 | Viking Octantis | 226,949 | 230,145 | |||||||
$299.5 million financial liability, due 2034 | Viking Mars | 280,460 | 283,312 | |||||||
316.6 million loan, fixed at 1.81%, due 2034 | Viking Neptune | 313,298 | 320,367 | |||||||
316.6 million loan, fixed at 1.87%, due 2035 | Viking Saturn | 327,539 | 334,930 | |||||||
6.2 million loan, fixed at 0.3%, due 2026 | 3,359 | 3,777 | ||||||||
20.0 million CHF loan, fixed at 1.5% - 2.0%, due 2027 | 14,808 | 15,847 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Gross bank loans and financial liabilities | $ | 2,018,026 | $ | 2,106,561 | ||||||
Less: Unamortized loan and financial liability fees | (91,408 | ) | (96,169 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total bank loans and financial liabilities | $ | 1,926,618 | $ | 2,010,392 | ||||||
Less: Short-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities | (259,823 | ) | (253,020 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Long-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities | $ | 1,666,795 | $ | 1,757,372 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
14
River vessel financing
Hermes Financing
Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft (Hermes) manages the official export credit guarantee scheme on behalf and for the account of the German Federal Government. Subsidiaries of the Group have loan agreements with lender groups for which Hermes has provided guarantees equal to 95% of the loan amounts (the Hermes Financing). The Hermes Financing includes the 236.1 million loan, the 288.9 million loan, the 225.8 million loan, the 153.2 million loan and the 53.6 million loan. All loans that are part of the Hermes Financing are denominated in euros (EUR or ) at drawdown dates and are converted to USD based on the prevailing exchange rates two days before drawdown and have a term of eight and a half years from the drawdown dates with semi-annual payments. The Group selected fixed or variable rate financing for each of the drawdowns. Viking River Cruises Ltd (VRC), a subsidiary of the Group, has also issued a corporate guarantee for the obligations related to these loans. The variable rate is based on Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus the Credit Adjustment Spread (CAS) and a margin. The Hermes Financing contains customary insurance and loan to value requirements and negative covenants subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, covenants restricting indebtedness, liens, investments, mergers, affiliate transactions, asset sales, prepayment of indebtedness, dividends and other distributions.
In 2020 and 2021, the Group amended the Hermes Financing to defer principal payments due from April 2020 to March 2022 (the deferral period). Under the amended terms of the agreements, at each date within the deferral period that a principal payment was due, the Group made the principal payments with drawdowns of new tranches on the existing loans (deferred tranches). The deferred tranches have variable interest rates and are to be repaid semi-annually over a three to five year term beginning after the end of the deferral period, or can be repaid earlier. In connection with the amendments to these loan agreements, Viking Cruises Ltd (VCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, became an additional guarantor of the loans while the deferred tranches are outstanding.
The Hermes Financing also has financial maintenance covenants that require VRC, as guarantor, and Viking River Cruises AG (VRC AG), as borrower, to maintain at all times following the first drawdown, an aggregate amount of consolidated free liquidity, which includes cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and receivables from credit card processors, equal to or greater than $75.0 million. As of March 31, 2024, VRC and VRC AG were in compliance with these financial maintenance covenants.
54.2 Million Loan
In January 2013, the Group entered into a loan agreement for 54.2 million to finance the Viking Baldur and Viking Magni and to refinance the Viking Legend. The 54.2 million loan was converted to USD based on the prevailing exchange rates two days prior to the dates of drawdown and has a term of 10 years from drawdown dates with monthly payments and a balloon payment due upon maturity of the loan. The loan has variable rate financing. The loan also includes customary insurance requirements. VRC issued a corporate guarantee for this arrangement.
In 2020 and 2021, the Group deferred principal payments for the 54.2 million loan for principal payments due from April 2020 through March 2022 and extended the maturity date of the loan by a total of 25 months.
In November 2023, in connection with the planned sale of the Viking Legend at the end of its charter, the Group repaid $8.1 million of the 54.2 million loan, which reduced the portion of the loan associated with the Viking Legend to zero. In January 2024, the Group completed the sale of the Viking Legend.
20.3 Million Loan
In April 2014, the Group entered into a loan agreement for 20.3 million to finance the Viking Kvasir. The 20.3 million loan was converted to USD based on the prevailing exchange rates two days prior to the date of drawdown, and has a term of 10 years from the drawdown date with monthly payments and a balloon payment due upon maturity of the loan. The loan has variable rate financing. The loan also includes customary insurance requirements. VRC issued a corporate guarantee for this arrangement.
In 2020 and 2021, the Group deferred principal payments for the 20.3 million loan for principal payments due from April 2020 through March 2022 and extended the maturity date of the loan by a total of two years.
$53.5 Million Loan
In March 2015, the Group entered into a loan agreement for $53.5 million to finance the Viking Astrild and the Viking Beyla and to refinance the Viking Idi. The $53.5 million loan has a term of 10 years from drawdown dates with quarterly installments and a balloon payment due upon maturity of the loan. The loan has fixed rate financing. The loan also includes customary insurance requirements. VRC issued a corporate guarantee for this arrangement.
15
$40.0 Million Loan
In December 2017, the Group entered into a loan agreement for $40.0 million to refinance three vessels operating in Portugal, the Viking Hemming, Viking Osfrid and Viking Torgil. The $40.0 million loan has a term of eight years from drawdown date with quarterly payments. The loan has fixed rate financing. The loan also includes customary insurance requirements. VCL issued a corporate guarantee for this arrangement.
In 2020 and 2021, the Group amended the $40.0 million loan to defer principal payments due from June 2020 through March 2022 and extended the maturity date of the loan by a total of two years.
$102.0 Million Loan
In December 2017, the Group entered into a loan agreement for $102.0 million to finance the Viking Vali, Viking Tir, Viking Sigyn and Viking Ullur. The $102.0 million loan has a term of eight and half years from drawdown date with monthly payments. The loan has fixed rate financing. The loan also includes customary insurance requirements. VRC issued a corporate guarantee for this arrangement.
In 2020, the Group amended the $102.0 million loan to defer principal payments due from June 2020 through May 2021. The amendment also increased the interest rate by 0.25% for June 2020 through December 2022, which increased the fixed interest rates to a range of 5.47% to 5.51%. In 2021, the Group amended the $102.0 million loan to defer principal payments due from June 2021 through May 2022. As a result of the deferrals in 2020 and 2021, the maturity date of the loan was extended by a total of one year and the remaining monthly principal payment amounts increased.
$15.1 Million Loan
In April 2019, the Group entered into a loan agreement for $15.1 million to refinance the Viking Helgrim. The $15.1 million loan has a term of 10 years from the drawdown date with monthly payments. The loan has variable rate financing. The loan also includes customary insurance requirements. VRC issued a corporate guarantee for this arrangement.
In 2020 and 2021, the Group deferred principal payments for the $15.1 million loan for principal payments due from May 2020 through March 2022, which increased all remaining monthly principal payment amounts. These deferrals did not extend the maturity date of the loan.
Other loans
6.2 Million Loan
In July 2020, the Group entered into a loan agreement for 6.2 million and drew down the full amount, of which 90% is guaranteed by the French government. The loan has a fixed interest rate and is denominated in EUR. In March 2021, the Group selected a five year repayment term, with quarterly payments from the selection date.
20.0 Million CHF Loan
In the third quarter of 2020, the Group obtained a credit facility for 20.0 million Swiss Francs (CHF), of which 85% is guaranteed by the Swiss government, due December 2024, denominated in CHF with semi-annual payments beginning in 2021. In 2021, the Group amended the credit facility, which extended the due date to 2027 and reduced the amount of each semi-annual payment beginning in the first quarter of 2022. The credit facility contains customary requirements including, without limitation, covenants restricting indebtedness.
Ocean and Expedition Ship Financing
Charter Financing
The Group previously entered into charter agreements to finance the Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Octantis and Viking Mars. The charter agreements are accounted for as financial liabilities. The charter rates for the Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter and Viking Mars are designated as fixed rate charters. The charter rate for the Viking Octantis is designated as a variable rate charter, which is based on SOFR plus the CAS and a margin. The charter periods are 144 months beginning from the delivery date of each ship and include a purchase obligation at the end of the charter term, with an option to purchase the ship beginning on the third anniversary of the charter commencement date. VCL issued a corporate guarantee for these arrangements. The Group took delivery of the Viking Orion in June 2018, Viking Jupiter in February 2019, Viking Octantis in December 2021 and Viking Mars in May 2022.
16
SACE Financing
SACE SpA (SACE), which manages the official export credit guarantee scheme on behalf and for account of the Italian Government, provides an insurance policy to the lenders covering 100% of the principal and interest of a facility amount. Eight subsidiaries of the Group each have a loan agreement for which SACE has provided an insurance policy to the lenders covering 100% of the principal and interest of the facility amount (the SACE Financing). Each loan will be drawn down upon delivery of the related ocean ship. All loans that are part of the SACE Financing are for up to 80% of the newbuilds contract price, including certain change orders, plus 100% of the Export Credit Agency premium (the Facility). The interest rate for each of these loans is fixed and the loans have a term of 12 years from the drawdown date with semi-annual payments, the first of which is due six months after the drawdown at delivery. VCL and Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd (VOC II), a subsidiary of the Group, have jointly and severally guaranteed each of these loans. As of March 31, 2024, the outstanding SACE Financing includes the 316.6 million Neptune loan and the 316.6 million Saturn loan. For the 316.6 million Neptune and the 316.6 million Saturn loans, the Group exercised the euro option. Unless the euro option is exercised for the Viking Vesta, the SACE supported loan is denominated in USD and the total amount of the loan is determined based on the Facility converted to USD within 12 business days prior to the intended dates of drawdown. For the Viking Vela, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI, the SACE Financing will be available for drawdown in USD.
The Group took delivery of the Viking Neptune and Viking Saturn in November 2022 and April 2023, respectively.
As the principal amount of both the 316.6 million Neptune and the 316.6 million Saturn loans are outstanding in euros, the loan balances at each period end are translated to USD. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the translation resulted in a total currency gain of $14.5 million and a decrease to the loan balances of $14.5 million for both the 316.6 million Neptune and the 316.6 million Saturn loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the translation resulted in a currency loss of $5.4 million and an increase to the loan balance of $5.4 million for the 316.6 million Neptune loan. The impact of the currency translation of these loans were included in currency gain (loss) in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Ocean cruise financial liability deposit
The Viking Orion charter agreement requires the Group to maintain a minimum of $6.5 million in a financial liability deposit throughout the charter period, which is included in cash and cash equivalents on the interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
Undrawn borrowing facilities
As of March 31, 2024, the Group had the SACE Financing for the Viking Vela, Viking Vesta, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. The Group has also entered into two loan agreements for 167.5 million each to finance the eight Longships and two Longships-Seine scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. These loan agreements will be drawn down on the delivery of each ship or vessel. See Note 17.
17
Secured Notes
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
Notes |
Collateral |
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
$675.0 million Secured Notes, fixed 5.000% due 2028 |
Viking Star, Viking Sea and Viking Sky | $ | 675,000 | $ | 675,000 | |||||
$350.0 million Secured Notes, fixed 5.625% due 2029 |
Viking Venus | 350,000 | 350,000 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Gross Secured Notes |
$ | 1,025,000 | $ | 1,025,000 | ||||||
Less: Secured Notes fees and discounts |
(8,892 | ) | (9,343 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Secured Notes |
$ | 1,016,108 | $ | 1,015,657 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
$675.0 Million 2028 Secured Notes
In February 2018, VOC Escrow Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary that was subsequently merged into Viking Ocean Cruises Ltd, issued $675.0 million in principal amount of its 5.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the 2028 Secured Notes) with semi-annual interest payments. The 2028 Secured Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by VCL and on a senior secured basis by Viking Ocean Cruises Ship I Ltd, Viking Ocean Cruises Ship II Ltd and Viking Sea Ltd. The 2028 Secured Notes are secured on a first priority basis by mortgages granted by Viking Ocean Cruises Ship I Ltd, Viking Ocean Cruises Ship II Ltd and Viking Sea Ltd over the Viking Star, Viking Sky and Viking Sea, respectively, and certain of their other ship related assets.
$350.0 Million 2029 Secured Notes
In February 2021, Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII Ltd (Ship VII), a wholly owned subsidiary, issued $350.0 million in principal amount of its 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the 2029 Secured Notes and collectively with the 2028 Secured Notes, the Secured Notes) with semi-annual interest payments. The net proceeds from the 2029 Secured Notes were used to pay the remaining contract price for the Viking Venus. The 2029 Secured Notes are secured on a first priority basis by a mortgage granted by Ship VII over the Viking Venus and certain of its other ship related assets. The 2029 Secured Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by VCL.
The indentures governing the Secured Notes contain customary negative covenants applicable to VCL and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, covenants restricting indebtedness, liens, investments, mergers, affiliate transactions, asset sales, prepayment of indebtedness and dividends and other distributions. In addition, the indentures governing the Secured Notes contain a cross-default provision whereby the failure by VCL or any of its restricted subsidiaries to make principal payments under other borrowing arrangements or the occurrence of certain events affecting those other borrowing arrangements could trigger an obligation to repay the Secured Notes. Pursuant to the indentures governing the Secured Notes, the issuers or the guarantors also entered into security documents containing customary insurance requirements.
The Secured Notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants.
18
Unsecured Notes
March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
|||||||||
Notes |
Purpose |
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
$250.0 million VCL Notes, fixed 6.250% due 2025 |
General corporate purposes, including without limitation working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of outstanding indebtedness and the acquisition of river vessels or ocean ships | $ | 250,000 | $ | 250,000 | |||||
$825.0 million VCL Notes, fixed 5.875% due 2027 |
To fund the tender offer and redemption of the 2022 VCL Notes and general corporate purposes | 825,000 | 825,000 | |||||||
$500.0 million VCL Notes, fixed 7.000% due 2029 |
General corporate purposes | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||||||
$720.0 million VCL Notes, fixed 9.125% due 2031 |
To fund the redemption of the 13.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 | 720,000 | 720,000 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Gross Unsecured Notes |
$ | 2,295,000 | $ | 2,295,000 | ||||||
Less: Unsecured Notes fees and discounts, net of premiums |
(23,443 | ) | (24,754 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Unsecured Notes |
$ | 2,271,557 | $ | 2,270,246 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
$250.0 Million 2025 VCL Notes
In May 2015, VCL issued $250.0 million in principal of the 6.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 2025 VCL Notes) with semi-annual interest payments. Certain of the Groups subsidiaries jointly and severally guarantee the 2025 VCL Notes on a senior basis.
$825.0 Million 2027 VCL Notes
In September 2017, VCL issued $550.0 million in principal of the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2027 (the 2027 VCL Notes) with semi-annual interest payments. In February 2018, VCL issued $275.0 million in principal amount of additional 2027 VCL Notes. The 2027 VCL Notes are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the 2025 VCL Notes.
$500.0 Million 2029 VCL Notes
In 2021, VCL issued $500.0 million in principal amount of its 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the 2029 VCL Notes) with semi-annual interest payments. The 2029 VCL Notes are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the 2025 VCL Notes and the 2027 VCL Notes, except for Viking Catering AG.
$720.0 Million 2031 VCL Notes
In June 2023, VCL issued $720.0 million in principal amount of its 9.125% Senior Notes due 2031 (the 2031 VCL Notes and, together with the 2025 VCL Notes, the 2027 VCL Notes and the 2029 VCL Notes, the Unsecured Notes) with semi-annual interest payments. The 2031 VCL Notes are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the 2025 VCL Notes and the 2027 VCL Notes, except for Viking Catering AG and Passenger Fleet LLC.
The indentures governing the Unsecured Notes contain customary negative covenants applicable to VCL and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications, including, without limitation, covenants restricting indebtedness, liens, investments, mergers, affiliate transactions, asset sales, prepayment of indebtedness and dividends and other distributions. In addition, the indentures governing the Unsecured Notes contain a cross-default provision whereby the failure by VCL or any of its restricted subsidiaries to make principal payments under other borrowing arrangements or the occurrence of certain events affecting those other borrowing arrangements could trigger an obligation to repay the Unsecured Notes.
19
The Unsecured Notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants.
The indentures governing the Secured Notes and Unsecured Notes include covenants that generally restrict the amount of funds that can be transferred from VCL and its restricted subsidiaries to the Company to a basket, which is calculated based on a cumulative earnings metric. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, essentially all of the net assets of the subsidiaries of the Company, but excluding the Company itself, were restricted.
11. | OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES |
A summary of the Groups other non-current liabilities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
(in USD and thousands) | ||||||||
Warrant liability |
$ | 157,980 | $ | 134,270 | ||||
Travel protection payable |
39,687 | 31,701 | ||||||
Other |
3,671 | 5,310 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 201,338 | $ | 171,281 | ||||
|
|
|
|
In February 2021, the Company issued two warrants for 8,733,400 ordinary shares to VCAP, with each warrant being for 4,366,700 ordinary shares and tied to either TPG VII Valhalla Holdings, L.P. (TPG) and CPP Investment Board PMI-3 Inc. (CPP Investments) equity in the Company. The vesting period of the warrants commenced on the date of issuance and ends on the later of five years from the date of issuance or upon the sale of all of TPGs or CPP Investments equity in the Company. The number of warrants that vest is based on either the proceeds to TPG or CPP Investments upon a sale of their equity in the Company or the trading price of the Companys ordinary shares starting 180 days after the IPO. The number of warrants that vest depends on the proceeds or trading price, as applicable, per ordinary share, with 0% vesting at $15.38 or lower price per ordinary share and 100% vesting at $23.08 or higher price per ordinary share, and linear vesting between $15.38 and $23.08 per ordinary share. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.01.
The warrants are accounted for as a financial liability because the terms require the Company to potentially issue a variable number of ordinary shares in the future. The warrant liability is carried at fair value with changes in value recognized through other financial income (loss) in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the warrant liability increased from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 as a result of the increase in the fair value per ordinary share, which increased due to the increase in the fair value of equity. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized a loss of $23.7 million and a gain of $4.1 million, respectively, on the remeasurement of the warrant liability.
Travel protection payable relates to the non-current portion of amounts payable to the insurance company that underwrites certain parts of the Groups travel protection.
20
12. | SHARE CAPITAL |
The rights and preferences of each class of share capital prior to the IPO are described in the Groups annual consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. Share and per share amounts for all share classes have been revised to give effect to the 26-for-1 share split for all periods presented, including the number of ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants. See Note 2.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the authorized, issued, and outstanding share capital was as follows:
As of March 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | Shares Authorized |
Shares Issued |
Shares Outstanding |
Liquidation Preference Per Share |
Shares Authorized |
Shares Issued | Shares Outstanding |
Liquidation Preference Per Share |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Voting Ordinary Shares |
78,000 | | | $ | | 78,000 | | | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary Shares |
1,040,000 | 94,165 | 94,165 | $ | | 1,040,000 | 94,165 | 94,165 | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Shares |
156,000 | 127,771 | 127,771 | $ | | 156,000 | 127,771 | 127,771 | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Preference Shares |
26,000 | 3,319 | 3,319 | $ | 0.38 | 26,000 | 3,319 | 3,319 | $ | 0.38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Series C Preference Shares |
185,120 | 184,267 | 184,267 | $ | 7.69 | 185,120 | 184,267 | 184,267 | $ | 7.69 |
As described in Note 2, in connection with the IPO, all outstanding preference shares and Series C Preference Shares converted into ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. All authorized Series C Preference Shares, preference shares and non-voting ordinary shares were also redesignated into authorized ordinary shares. Under the Post IPO Bye Laws, the Company has two classes of authorized share capital: ordinary shares and special shares.
Dividend Activity
Prior to the IPO, in preference to the holders of the ordinary shares, non-voting ordinary shares, special shares and preference shares, the Series C Preference Shares were entitled to receive dividends at a rate per annum of (i) 6.00% of the liquidation preference of the Series C Preference Shares (Series C Liquidation Preference) if paid in cash or (ii) 8.00% of the Series C Liquidation Preference if paid by accretion to the Series C Liquidation Preference (Series C PIK) (Series C Preferential Dividend).
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $21.3 million for each period, in interest expense related to the Series C Preferential Dividend. The Company did not pay any amounts related to the Series C Preferential Dividend during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, no dividends were declared or paid related to ordinary shares, special shares and preference shares. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group declared and paid $0.7 million and nil, respectively, in dividends to non-controlling interests.
Unpaid Preferential Dividends which had not been declared were $0.9 million as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
See Note 21 for events taking place subsequent to March 31, 2024.
21
13. | PRIVATE PLACEMENT |
In February 2021, the Company issued Series C Preference Shares to TPG and CPP Investments (Series C Private Placement). The Series C Private Placement is accounted for as a financial liability as certain conversion features under the Companys bye laws in effect prior to the IPO were not within the control of the Company and could have been cash settled. The equity conversion features have been bifurcated from the liability as an embedded derivative (the Series C Private Placement derivative), which is carried at fair value, with changes in value recognized through Private Placement derivative (loss) gain in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations.
A summary of the Groups Private Placement liability as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is outlined below:
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Financial Liability |
(in USD and thousands) | |||||||
Series C Private Placement |
$ | 1,417,440 | $ | 1,417,440 | ||||
Less: Financial liability costs |
(20,339 | ) | (22,888 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Private Placement liability |
$ | 1,397,101 | $ | 1,394,552 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Private Placement derivative
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Series C Private Placement derivative was $2,947.4 million and $2,640.8 million, respectively. The fair value of the Series C Private Placement derivative increased primarily due to an increase in the fair value of equity. The fair value of equity increased primarily as a result of changes in the forward EUR/USD curve reflecting forecasted strengthening of the U.S. dollar. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized Private Placement derivative loss of $306.6 million and gain of $39.2 million, respectively, related to the remeasurement of the Series C Private Placement derivative.
As described in Note 2, in connection with the IPO, all outstanding Series C Preference Shares converted to ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. As a result of the conversion, the Private Placement liability and Private Placement derivative were derecognized immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO. See Note 21.
14. | STOCK BASED COMPENSATION |
Prior to the IPO, the Group maintained the Viking Holdings Ltd 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the Pre-IPO Equity Plan). Grants from the Pre-IPO Equity Plan entitled the recipient to stock based awards whose underlying shares were non-voting ordinary shares of the Company. As described in Note 2, in connection with the IPO, all outstanding options for non-voting ordinary shares and all outstanding RSUs for non-voting ordinary shares converted to options for ordinary shares and RSUs for ordinary shares, respectively, on a one-for-one basis.
Additionally, share and per share amounts for all outstanding stock options and RSUs have been revised to give effect to the 26-for-1 share split for all periods presented. See Note 2.
Under the Pre-IPO Equity Plan, the Plan Administrator, which is the Board of Directors or a committee established by the Board of Directors, has the authority to determine the terms and conditions applicable to each stock based award, such as timing of grants, recipients, size of grants, vesting conditions, vesting schedule and strike price for stock options. Vested stock options can be exercised upon approval of the Companys Plan Administrator, termination of service or death. Under the Pre-IPO Equity Plan, option holders can pay the strike price for options through cash or check, or through cashless exercise, upon approval of the Companys Plan Administrator.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company was authorized to issue up to 46,800,000 Non-Voting Ordinary Shares for stock based awards under the Pre-IPO Equity Plan. As of March 31, 2024, 6,034,730 Non-Voting Ordinary shares remained available for future grant.
The Plan Administrator can suspend or terminate the Pre-IPO Equity Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Pre-IPO Equity Plan does not impair rights and obligations under any stock award granted while the Pre-IPO Equity Plan was in effect except with the written consent of the affected participant. Certain stock based awards have vesting provisions in the event of both a change in control occurs and the employee continues to provide service.
22
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group recognized stock based compensation expense of $3.5 million and $6.8 million, respectively, all of which relates to RSUs. Other paid-in equity also includes certain tax effects related to the stock based awards.
The terms of the Groups stock based awards are described in the Groups annual consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Restricted Stock Units
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, RSU activity was as follows:
Number of RSUs |
Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) |
||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
18,870,930 | $ | 7.18 | 4.3 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Forfeited during the year |
(11,076 | ) | 10.77 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
18,859,854 | $ | 7.18 | 4.1 | ||||||||
|
|
As of March 31, 2024, 10,011,664 of the RSUs outstanding were subject only to the liquidity condition for vesting, as any applicable service conditions had been met. An additional 6,240,000 of the RSUs have accelerated vesting upon the satisfaction of the liquidity condition, if the grant recipients remain employed by the Group. In connection with the IPO, these 16,251,664 RSUs fully vested and were settled as part of the RSU Net Settlement.
Stock options
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, stock option activity was as follows:
Number of |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) |
||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2024 |
2,949,830 | $ | 15.57 | 3.2 | ||||||
|
||||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
2,949,830 | $ | 15.57 | (1) | 2.9 | |||||
|
||||||||||
Vested at March 31, 2024 (2) |
2,949,830 | $ | 15.57 |
(1) | Stock options outstanding include a range of exercise prices from $12.50 to $19.13. |
(2) | Vested stock options are exercisable upon the approval of the Plan Administrator. |
See Note 21 for events taking place subsequent to March 31, 2024 related to the Companys equity plans.
15. | NET LOSS PER SHARE |
The rights, including dividend rights, of the ordinary shares and special shares are substantially identical, other than voting rights.
Basic net loss per share (Basic EPS) is computed by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shares and special shares by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares and special shares outstanding during each period. Net loss attributable to ordinary shares and special shares is determined in accordance with their rights to income and losses in accordance with the bye laws in effect prior to the IPO, as described in the Groups annual consolidated financial statements. Share and per share amounts have been revised to give effect to the 26-for-1 share split for all periods presented. See Note 2.
23
To compute diluted net loss per share (Diluted EPS), the Group adjusts the numerator and the denominator of Basic EPS. The Group adjusts net loss attributable to ordinary shares and special shares for the changes in net loss that would result from the conversion of dilutive potential ordinary shares to ordinary shares, including changes in how the net loss would be allocated to ordinary shares and special shares if dilutive potential ordinary shares converted to ordinary shares. The Group adjusts the weighted-average number of ordinary shares and special shares outstanding during each period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued upon the conversion of dilutive potential ordinary shares to ordinary shares.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, potential ordinary shares include preference shares, Series C Preference Shares and the warrants.
Stock based awards issued from the Pre-IPO Equity Plan are not potential ordinary shares because the underlying shares of the stock based awards are non-voting ordinary shares. While non-voting ordinary shares are considered a class of ordinary shares, because non-voting ordinary shares are not entitled to dividends, they are allocated no earnings or losses when calculating Basic EPS and Diluted EPS. As a result, Basic EPS and Diluted EPS for non-voting ordinary shares are zero in all periods.
The computation of Basic EPS and Diluted EPS is as follows:
(in USD and thousands, except per share data) | Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Basic EPS |
||||||||
Numerator |
||||||||
Net loss attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd |
$ | (494,224 | ) | $ | (214,228 | ) | ||
Net loss allocated to shares other than ordinary shares and special shares |
(226,380 | ) | (98,124 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net loss allocated to ordinary shares and special shares |
$ | (267,844 | ) | $ | (116,104 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Denominator |
||||||||
Weighted average ordinary shares and special shares |
221,936 | 221,936 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Basic EPS |
$ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.52 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(in USD and thousands, except per share data) | Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Diluted EPS |
||||||||
Numerator |
||||||||
Net loss allocated to ordinary shares and special shares - Basic |
$ | (267,844 | ) | $ | (116,104 | ) | ||
Dilutive adjustments |
| (15,516 | ) | |||||
Reallocation of income (loss) |
| (96,271 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net loss allocated to ordinary shares and special shares - Diluted |
$ | (267,844 | ) | $ | (227,891 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Denominator |
||||||||
Weighted average ordinary shares and special shares - Basic |
221,936 | 221,936 | ||||||
Dilutive effect of conversion of Series C Preference Shares to ordinary shares |
| 184,267 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted average ordinary shares and special shares - Diluted |
221,936 | 406,203 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Diluted EPS |
$ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.56 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, weighted average number of potential ordinary shares that were not included in the Diluted EPS calculations because they would be anti-dilutive were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Series C Preference Shares |
184,267 | |
The potential ordinary shares related to the conversion of preference shares are issuable upon specified contingent events. As the specified contingent events had not occurred as of March 31, 2024 or 2023, these contingently issuable shares were not included in the calculation of Diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. As described in Note 2, in connection with the IPO, all outstanding preference shares converted to ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis.
24
The warrants vest and become exercisable into ordinary shares upon contingent events. As the specified contingent events have not occurred, these contingently issuable shares are not included in the calculation of Diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
16. | SEGMENTS |
Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Groups CODM, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the Groups results in a number of ways, but the primary basis for allocating resources and assessing performance is based on product.
The Group defines its products based on the type of cruise offering and language of the cruise service. The River segment provides river cruises outside the United States to English-speaking passengers. The Ocean segment provides ocean cruises to English-speaking passengers. Other includes operating segments that are not individually reportable, consisting of expedition cruises for English-speaking passengers (Expedition), Mississippi River cruises for English-speaking passengers, Viking China, which includes cruises for Mandarin-speaking passengers provided by the Group and the results of the China JV Investment (see Note 20), and also includes corporate activities. The Group typically designates the language of the cruise service by vessel for each cruise season, such that in any individual season, the vessel provides service in a single language for the entire season. In cases where a vessel changes its language service during the season, each individual sailing is designated for a specific language, such that any single cruise is provided in a single language. See Note 4 for disaggregation of percentage of passengers by source market.
The Groups reportable segments are River and Ocean. As described in Note 3, the primary cruising season for the river product is from April to October, although some of the river cruises run longer seasons. As a result, the seasonality of the Groups river business impacts the concentration of revenue and operating income for its segments for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Operating loss is the primary profitability metric the CODM uses to assess performance and allocate resources. Expenses attributable to multiple segments are allocated based on measures that are determined to relate most closely to the expenses, which are generally relative revenues, relative passengers booked, or relative passengers sailed for a particular period.
Longship river vessels can be utilized in either River and Viking China, and may change between these products in different years. Ocean and expedition ships and ocean and expedition ships under construction include ships for both Ocean and Expedition. See Note 8. River vessel charters are recognized as right-of-use assets.
The Group typically finances its vessels and ships with loans or financial liabilities that are secured by the related vessels and ships. See Note 10.
25
Set forth below are results for the Groups segments for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | River | Ocean | Other | Total | ||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 165,431 | $ | 447,680 | $ | 105,044 | $ | 718,155 | ||||||||
Total cruise operating expenses |
(162,251 | ) | (267,409 | ) | (74,265 | ) | (503,925 | ) | ||||||||
Other operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Selling and administration |
(109,936 | ) | (73,644 | ) | (36,238 | ) | (219,818 | ) | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(25,791 | ) | (27,327 | ) | (11,793 | ) | (64,911 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other operating expenses |
(135,727 | ) | (100,971 | ) | (48,031 | ) | (284,729 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating (loss) income |
$ | (132,547 | ) | $ | 79,300 | $ | (17,252 | ) | $ | (70,499 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | River | Ocean | Other | Total | ||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 130,286 | $ | 397,632 | $ | 101,076 | $ | 628,994 | ||||||||
Total cruise operating expenses |
(147,518 | ) | (259,271 | ) | (69,698 | ) | (476,487 | ) | ||||||||
Other operating expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Selling and administration |
(112,560 | ) | (68,736 | ) | (24,374 | ) | (205,670 | ) | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(27,857 | ) | (25,212 | ) | (9,630 | ) | (62,699 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other operating expenses |
(140,417 | ) | (93,948 | ) | (34,004 | ) | (268,369 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating (loss) income |
$ | (157,649 | ) | $ | 44,413 | $ | (2,626 | ) | $ | (115,862 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Viking newbuilding program
River Newbuilds
The Group is in the process of building six river vessels that will operate in Egypt, the Viking Hathor, Viking Sobek and four additional vessels, and has entered into raw materials agreements for these vessels. The Group expects these vessels to be delivered between 2024 and 2026.
In 2023, the Group entered into shipbuilding contracts for the river vessels outlined below, assuming a euro to USD exchange rate of 1.10. In January 2024, the Group amended these contracts, which reduced the purchase price of each vessel by 1.5 million ($1.7 million, assuming a euro to USD exchange rate of 1.10), changed the timing and amount of the installment payments to the shipyard and accelerated the delivery dates for certain vessels.
In January 2024, the Group also entered into a shipbuilding contract for a Longship-Douro vessel modified for the Douro River for delivery in 2025 for $24.8 million, assuming a euro to USD exchange rate of 1.10.
The Group has obtained financing for all ships, other than the Longship-Douro vessel, as described below.
River Vessels |
Number of Vessels |
Aggregate Price (in USD and thousands) |
Delivery Date | |||||
Longships |
4 | $ | 162,800 | 2025 | ||||
Longships-Seine |
2 | 77,606 | 2025 | |||||
Longship-Douro |
1 | 24,750 | 2025 | |||||
Longships |
4 | 162,800 | 2026 | |||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total |
11 | $ | 427,956 | |||||
|
|
|
In August 2023, the Group entered into two loan agreements for 167.5 million each to finance the eight Longships and two Longships-Seine river vessels scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. Hermes has provided guarantees equal to 95% of the loan amounts. The loans are denominated in USD and the applicable exchange rate will be based on the prevailing exchange rate two business days prior to the date of drawdown. These loans have a term of 102 months from the date of drawdown and the Group may select fixed or variable rate financing prior to each drawdown. VRC and VCL issued corporate guarantees for these loans.
26
The Group has also secured the following options for additional river vessels:
River Vessels - Options |
Number of Vessels |
Delivery Date |
Option Exercise Date |
|||||
Longships |
4 | 2027 | October 30, 2024 | |||||
Longships |
4 | 2028 | October 30, 2025 |
Ocean Newbuilds
A summary of the ocean newbuilding program is outlined below, assuming a euro to USD exchange rate of 1.10. Each new ocean ship will have 998 berths. The Group has obtained financing for all ships, as described below.
In January 2024, the Group amended certain shipbuilding contracts to accelerate the delivery dates for Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI are now scheduled to be delivered in the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Ocean Ships |
Price (in USD and thousands) |
Delivery Date | ||||
Viking Vela |
$ | 446,050 | 2024 | |||
Viking Vesta |
446,050 | 2025 | ||||
Ship XIII |
501,523 | 2026 | ||||
Ship XIV |
501,523 | 2026 | ||||
Ship XV |
517,000 | 2027 | ||||
Ship XVI |
517,000 | 2028 | ||||
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 2,929,146 | ||||
|
|
In 2021 and 2022, the Group entered into loan agreements to finance the Viking Vela, Viking Vesta, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. These loans are SACE Financing and are for up to 80% of each newbuilds contract price, including certain change orders, and 100% of the Export Credit Agency premium, and will be available for drawdown in euros or USD for the Viking Vesta and in USD for the Viking Vela, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. The interest rates for the loans are fixed. VCL and VOC II have jointly and severally guaranteed these loans.
In 2023, the Group secured the following options for additional ocean ships:
Ocean Ships - Options |
Delivery Date | Option Exercise Date | ||
Ship XVII |
2029 | May 30, 2024 | ||
Ship XVIII |
2029 | May 30, 2024 | ||
Ship XIX |
2030 | May 30, 2025 | ||
Ship XX |
2030 | May 30, 2025 |
See Note 21 for events taking place subsequent to March 31, 2024.
27
Leases
The table below summarizes the timing of future cash payments of the Groups lease liabilities based on contractual undiscounted cash flows as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
(in USD and thousands) | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
3 months or less |
$ | 8,272 | $ | 8,398 | ||||
4 to 12 months |
34,313 | 34,768 | ||||||
1 to 5 years |
159,353 | 161,718 | ||||||
Over 5 years |
241,381 | 249,605 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 443,319 | $ | 454,489 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The ship and vessel charters also include future cash payments for non-lease components, which are not included in the table above. Payments for non-lease components include expenses for services, such as management fees and vessel operating expenses, of which certain costs are subject to change based on actual operating expenses.
The table above excludes amounts for executed lease agreements not yet commenced as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 for underlying assets of which the Group has not yet obtained the right to control the use.
In 2023, the Group entered into a charter agreement for the Viking Tonle, an 80-berth river vessel traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia for the 2025 through 2033 sailing seasons. The Group has an option to extend the charter for two additional seasons. The total amount of contractual payments for the initial term of nine seasons is $24.9 million, which includes payments for both lease and non-lease components.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Group entered into an accommodation purchase agreement for all cabins on select sailings on the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, which is owned and operated by China Merchants Viking Cruises Limited (CMV), a related party, traveling in China for 72 days in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. The Group has options to extend the agreement for additional select sailings through 2027. The total amount of contractual payments for the initial term is $12.1 million, which includes payments for both lease and non-lease components.
Fuel commitments
The Group entered into a contract for a portion of its river fuel usage in Europe for the 2024 season. As of March 31, 2024, the remaining portion of the contract for the 2024 season was 5,900 cubic meters. The contract prices are fixed for specified volumes and periods and depend on the place of delivery ranging from $74.80 to $88.70 per 100 liters excluding taxes. The Group may incur fees for unused fuel amounts in the period of the contract, which may be for non-usage or to roll over unused amounts into the following year. Subsequent to March 31, 2024, the Group entered into a contract for a portion of its river fuel usage in Europe for the 2024 season. The contract prices are fixed for 30,000 cubic meters and depend on the place of delivery ranging from $77.60 to $91.50 per 100 liters, excluding taxes. See Note 21 for events taking place subsequent to March 31, 2024.
Contingencies
In the normal course of the Groups business, various claims and lawsuits have been filed or are pending against the Group. Most of these claims and lawsuits are covered by insurance and, accordingly, the maximum amount of the Groups liability is typically limited to its insurance deductible. In addition, new legislation, regulations or treaties, or claims related to interpretations or implementations thereof, could affect the Groups business.
The Group has evaluated its overall exposure with respect to all of its threatened and pending claims and lawsuits and, to the extent required, the Group has accrued amounts for all estimable probable losses associated with its deemed exposure that are not covered by insurance. The Group intends to vigorously defend its legal position on all claims and lawsuits and, to the extent necessary, seek recovery.
28
Legal provisions
In 2019, one of the Groups river vessels, the Viking Sigyn, was involved in a collision with a Hungarian tourist ship on the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. As a result of this collision, there were fatalities on the Hungarian tourist ship. The Group maintains protection and indemnity coverage and hull and machinery insurance with respect to the ship. As of March 31, 2024, the Group determined it was probable it would incur amounts for claims related to this incident. Though the ultimate timing, scope and outcome of legal claims are inherently uncertain, the Group recorded an accrual of $15.3 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $15.8 million as of December 31, 2023, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of March 31, 2024, for estimated claims related to this incident. The Group recorded a corresponding receivable of $15.3 million, included in accounts and other receivables on the interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of March 31, 2024, because the amounts are virtually certain of recovery from the Groups insurance policies.
18. HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
The Group is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily related to changes in USD/EUR exchange rates, related to its operations.
In 2022, the Group entered into forward foreign currency contracts to purchase 235.0 million at an average euro to USD exchange rate of 1.05. The forward foreign currency contracts matured at various dates in 2023 and were designated as cash flow hedges for the Groups highly probable forecasted expenditures denominated in euros for direct costs of cruise, land and onboard and vessel operating expenses in 2023.
In September 2023, the Group entered into an additional 470.0 million in forward foreign currency contracts at an average euro to USD exchange rate of 1.09. The forward foreign currency contracts mature at various dates in 2024 and were designated as cash flow hedges for the Groups highly probable forecasted expenditures denominated in euros for direct costs of cruise, land and onboard and vessel operating expenses in 2024.
See Note 21 for events taking place subsequent to March 31, 2024.
An economic relationship exists between the hedged items and the hedging instruments as the terms of the forward foreign currency contracts match the terms of the expected highly probable forecast transactions.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Group held the following forward foreign currency contracts:
Maturity | ||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | Greater than 12 months | Total | ||||||||||
(in EUR and thousands) | ||||||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts |
||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024 |
||||||||||||
Notional amount |
| 432,000 | | | | 432,000 | ||||||
Weighted average forward price (EUR/USD) |
1.09 | | 1.09 | |||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||
Notional amount |
| 470,000 | | | | 470,000 | ||||||
Weighted average forward price (EUR/USD) |
1.09 | | 1.09 |
29
The impact of the hedging instruments on the interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was as follows:
(in USD and thousands except notional amount in EUR and thousands) |
Notional amount |
Carrying amount |
Financial statement line item |
Changes in fair value (gain/(loss)) used for calculating hedge ineffectiveness |
||||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts |
||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024 |
| 432,000 | $ | 279 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | (13,042 | ) | ||||||
$ | 4,231 | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 |
| 470,000 | $ | 9,315 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | 10,668 |
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the effect of the cash flow hedges in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and the interim condensed consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
(in USD and thousands) | Amount of total hedging gain/(loss) recognized in the interim condensed consolidated statement of other comprehensive income (loss) |
Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from the interim condensed consolidated statement of other comprehensive income (loss) to the interim condensed consolidated statement of operations |
Interim condensed consolidated statement of operations line item | |||||||
Highly probable forecasted expenditures |
||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2024 |
$ | (13,042 | ) | $ | 225 | $12 Direct costs of cruise, land and onboard $213 Vessel operating | ||||
Three months ended March 31, 2023 |
$ | 1,930 | $ | 229 | $46 Direct costs of cruise, land and onboard $183 Vessel operating |
No hedge ineffectiveness was recognized in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Set out below is a reconciliation of the cash flow hedge component of equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Cash flow hedge | ||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
As of January 1 |
$ | 9,315 | $ | 7,589 | ||||
Effective portion of changes in fair value arising from: |
||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts - forecasted expenditures |
(13,042 | ) | 1,930 | |||||
Amount reclassified to the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations |
||||||||
Maturity of effective hedges |
(225 | ) | (229 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of March 31 |
$ | (3,952 | ) | $ | 9,290 | |||
|
|
|
|
The same reconciliation items presented above for components of equity apply to the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
30
19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Changes in Liabilities Arising from Financing Activities
(in USD and thousands) | January 1, 2024 | Principal payments | Reclassifications and other |
March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Short-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities |
$ | 253,020 | $ | (72,959 | ) | $ | 79,762 | $ | 259,823 | |||||||
Long-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities |
1,757,372 | | (90,577 | ) | 1,666,795 | |||||||||||
Secured Notes |
1,015,657 | | 451 | 1,016,108 | ||||||||||||
Unsecured Notes |
2,270,246 | | 1,311 | 2,271,557 | ||||||||||||
Private Placement liability |
1,394,552 | | 2,549 | 1,397,101 | ||||||||||||
Short-term portion of lease liabilities |
24,670 | (6,280 | ) | 6,043 | 24,433 | |||||||||||
Long-term portion of lease liabilities |
227,956 | | (6,708 | ) | 221,248 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities from financing activities |
$ | 6,943,473 | $ | (79,239 | ) | $ | (7,169 | ) | $ | 6,857,065 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in USD and thousands) | January 1, 2023 | Principal payments | Reclassifications and other |
March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Short-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities |
$ | 251,561 | $ | (86,538 | ) | $ | 76,685 | $ | 241,708 | |||||||
Long-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities |
1,711,331 | | (67,134 | ) | 1,644,197 | |||||||||||
Secured Notes |
1,670,392 | | 2,094 | 1,672,486 | ||||||||||||
Unsecured Notes |
1,555,857 | | 870 | 1,556,727 | ||||||||||||
Private Placement liability |
1,384,780 | | 2,381 | 1,387,161 | ||||||||||||
Short-term portion of lease liabilities |
22,991 | (6,916 | ) | 5,467 | 21,542 | |||||||||||
Long-term portion of lease liabilities |
239,419 | | (5,561 | ) | 233,858 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities from financing activities |
$ | 6,836,331 | $ | (93,454 | ) | $ | 14,802 | $ | 6,757,679 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Reclassifications and other column primarily includes the effect of reclassification of long-term portion of bank loans and financial liabilities to short-term, amortization of debt issuance costs, foreign currency on loans and changes in lease liabilities other than principal payments.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The carrying amounts of the Groups financial assets and liabilities all approximate the fair values of those assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, except for fixed interest bank loans and financial liabilities, secured and unsecured notes, and the Private Placement liability, as outlined below:
Carrying amount | Fair value | |||||||||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||
Financial assets |
||||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
$ | 55,682 | $ | 55,593 | $ | 55,682 | $ | 55,593 | ||||||||
Accounts and other receivables and prepaid expenses and other current assets |
62,308 | 117,013 | 62,308 | 117,013 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total financial assets |
$ | 117,990 | $ | 172,606 | $ | 117,990 | $ | 172,606 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current |
$ | 62,308 | $ | 117,013 | $ | 62,308 | $ | 117,013 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total non-current |
$ | 55,682 | $ | 55,593 | $ | 55,682 | $ | 55,593 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Carrying amount | Fair value | |||||||||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||
Financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts |
$ | 4,231 | $ | | $ | 4,231 | $ | | ||||||||
Bank loans and financial liabilities |
1,926,618 | 2,010,392 | 1,954,548 | 2,009,895 | ||||||||||||
Secured Notes |
1,016,108 | 1,015,657 | 990,571 | 990,087 | ||||||||||||
Unsecured Notes |
2,271,557 | 2,270,246 | 2,349,222 | 2,312,358 | ||||||||||||
Private Placement liability |
1,397,101 | 1,394,552 | 1,439,585 | 1,406,649 | ||||||||||||
Private Placement derivative |
2,947,405 | 2,640,759 | 2,947,405 | 2,640,759 | ||||||||||||
Warrant liability |
157,980 | 134,270 | 157,980 | 134,270 | ||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
2,228 | 3,410 | 2,228 | 3,410 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total financial liabilities |
$ | 9,723,228 | $ | 9,469,286 | $ | 9,845,770 | $ | 9,497,428 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current |
$ | 259,823 | $ | 253,020 | $ | 263,590 | $ | 252,957 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total non-current |
$ | 9,463,405 | $ | 9,216,266 | $ | 9,582,180 | $ | 9,244,471 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
Fair Value Hierarchy
The following hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement dates.
Level 2 Significant other observable inputs that are used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources.
Level 3 Significant unobservable inputs the Group believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the interim financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period. The Group had no transfers between levels in the hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, designation within the fair value hierarchy for the Groups financial assets and liabilities is outlined below:
Carrying amount | Fair value | |||||||||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||
Financial assets |
||||||||||||||||
Level 1 |
||||||||||||||||
Cash deposits |
$ | 74,581 | $ | 74,265 | $ | 74,581 | $ | 74,265 | ||||||||
Restricted cash |
39,326 | 75,786 | 39,326 | 75,786 | ||||||||||||
Other |
1,399 | 1,863 | 1,399 | 1,863 | ||||||||||||
Level 2 |
||||||||||||||||
Finance lease receivables |
2,405 | 11,377 | 2,405 | 11,377 | ||||||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts |
279 | 9,315 | 279 | 9,315 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total financial assets |
$ | 117,990 | $ | 172,606 | $ | 117,990 | $ | 172,606 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Carrying amount | Fair value | |||||||||||||||
(in USD and thousands) | March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||||
Financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Level 2 |
||||||||||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts |
$ | 4,231 | $ | | $ | 4,231 | $ | | ||||||||
Bank loans and financial liabilities |
1,926,618 | 2,010,392 | 1,954,548 | 2,009,895 | ||||||||||||
Secured Notes |
1,016,108 | 1,015,657 | 990,571 | 990,087 | ||||||||||||
Unsecured Notes |
2,271,557 | 2,270,246 | 2,349,222 | 2,312,358 | ||||||||||||
Level 3 |
||||||||||||||||
Private Placement liability |
1,397,101 | 1,394,552 | 1,439,585 | 1,406,649 | ||||||||||||
Private Placement derivative |
2,947,405 | 2,640,759 | 2,947,405 | 2,640,759 | ||||||||||||
Warrant liability |
157,980 | 134,270 | 157,980 | 134,270 | ||||||||||||
Other |
2,228 | 3,410 | 2,228 | 3,410 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total financial liabilities |
$ | 9,723,228 | $ | 9,469,286 | $ | 9,845,770 | $ | 9,497,428 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost
The fair value of the Groups fixed interest bank loans and financial liabilities were calculated based on estimated rates for the same or similar instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities. The Unsecured Notes and the Secured Notes use pricing from secondary markets for the Groups issued notes that are observable for the notes throughout the duration of the term. The Group designated these financial liabilities as Level 2 fair value instruments as valuation techniques contain observable inputs used by market participants.
The Group designated the Private Placement liability as a Level 3 fair value instrument as the valuation technique used is a discounted cash flow approach based on expected principal and dividend payments associated with the Private Placement liability, the assumptions around which are significant unobservable inputs. The value is sensitive to changes in expected future cash flows and the discount rates.
32
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Forward foreign currency contracts are designated as Level 2 fair value instruments as the fair values are measured based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information in publicly quoted markets. The valuation is determined using present value calculations that incorporate inputs such as foreign exchange spot and forward rates and yield curves of the respective currencies.
The valuation of the Private Placement derivative is based on lattice model methodology, which takes into consideration enterprise value based on a discounted cash flow model, fair value of debt holdings and various market factors. The value is sensitive to changes in the discounted cash flow model, including changes in expected future cash flows, the USD/EUR forward curve and the discount rates; changes in the discounted cash flow model result in changes in the ordinary share price. The Private Placement derivative is designated as Level 3 fair value instrument as the fair value is measured based on significant unobservable inputs, including but not limited to, ordinary share price, which is based on the discounted cash flow model, and ordinary share volatility.
The valuation of the warrant liability is based on a lattice model methodology, which takes into consideration ordinary share price and estimated volatility. The warrant liability is a Level 3 fair value instrument as the fair values are measured based on significant unobservable inputs, including but not limited to, ordinary share price, which is based on the discounted cash flow model, and ordinary share volatility.
The sensitivity of the fair value to the Level 3 significant unobservable inputs related to the warrant liability are outlined below:
Significant unobservable inputs |
Fair value as of March 31, 2024 (in USD and thousands) |
Fair value as of December 31, 2023 (in USD and thousands) |
||||||
Fair Value |
$ | 157,980 | $ | 134,270 | ||||
Sensitivity Analysis |
||||||||
Ordinary share price |
||||||||
+ 5% |
$ | 171,434 | $ | 147,157 | ||||
- 5% |
$ | 142,793 | $ | 121,408 | ||||
Ordinary share volatility |
||||||||
+ 5% |
$ | 156,135 | $ | 135,496 | ||||
- 5% |
$ | 160,780 | $ | 133,547 |
The sensitivity of the fair value to the Level 3 significant unobservable inputs related to the Private Placement derivative are outlined below:
Significant unobservable inputs |
Fair value as of March 31, 2024 (in USD and thousands) |
Fair value as of December 31, 2023 (in USD and thousands) |
||||||
Fair Value |
$ | 2,947,405 | $ | 2,640,759 | ||||
Sensitivity Analysis |
||||||||
Ordinary share price |
||||||||
+ 5% |
$ | 3,165,478 | $ | 2,842,062 | ||||
- 5% |
$ | 2,729,389 | $ | 2,439,916 | ||||
Ordinary share volatility |
||||||||
+ 5% |
$ | 2,947,796 | $ | 2,643,261 | ||||
- 5% |
$ | 2,947,262 | $ | 2,639,454 |
See Note 21 for events taking place subsequent to March 31, 2024.
33
20. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Transactions with Related Parties
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, current receivables due from related parties were $7.9 million and $12.3 million, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of the current receivables due from related parties were due to the Group from VCAP and its affiliates for (1) a management fee for certain administrative services provided by the Group, and (2) reimbursement of expenses paid by the Group on behalf of VCAP and its affiliates. The management fees between the Group and VCAP did not have a material impact on the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 14 and 21 for additional discussion on transactions with VCAP, CPP Investments and TPG.
Transactions with the China JV Investment
In 2020, the Group entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of China Merchants Group to together build a cruise line targeting the Chinese-speaking populations in China (the China JV Investment). The China JV Investment is comprised of two primary entities, CMV and Shenzhen China Merchants Viking Cruises Tourism Limited (SCM).
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group contributed capital of $4.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, to CMV. At the time of the capital contributions, the carrying amount of the Groups investment in CMV was zero and the Group had not previously recognized its entire portion of CMVs losses. Accordingly, $3.9 million and $5.0 million were recognized as losses and included in other financial income (loss) in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The carrying amount of the Groups investment in CMV, which is included in investments in associated companies on the interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position, was $0.1 million and zero as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The Group previously sold its Viking Sun ocean ship to CMV. CMV financed the purchase and pursuant to the terms of the Groups investment in CMV, VCL guaranteed 10% of CMVs obligations under the financing, up to a maximum of $45.0 million.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group recognized services revenue of $4.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, which is included in onboard and other in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $6.9 million and $11.6 million, respectively, of the current receivables due from related parties related to CMV.
34
21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to March 31, 2024, the Group had the following significant events:
Initial Public Offering
Initial Public Offering
On May 3, 2024, the Company closed the IPO of its ordinary shares. The Company issued 11,000,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of $24.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $245.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $13.2 million and estimated other offering expenses of $5.3 million. In addition, certain existing shareholders sold ordinary shares in the IPO.
Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, all outstanding preference shares and Series C Preference Shares converted to ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. Additionally, all outstanding options for non-voting ordinary shares and all outstanding RSUs for non-voting ordinary shares converted to options for ordinary shares and RSUs for ordinary shares, respectively, on a one-for-one basis. All authorized Series C Preference Shares, preference shares and non-voting ordinary shares were also redesignated into authorized ordinary shares. Additionally, in connection with the IPO, the Company adopted updated bye-laws. Following the IPO and in accordance with the Post IPO Bye Laws, the Company has two classes of authorized share capital: ordinary shares and special shares. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote per share, and each special share is entitled to 10 votes per share.
As a result of the conversion of the Series C Preference Shares to ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, the Private Placement liability and Private Placement derivative were derecognized with an offsetting amount recognized in equity, based on their values immediately prior to the IPO.
All RSUs granted by the Company prior to the IPO were subject to a liquidity vesting condition and some RSUs were also subject to a service condition. Upon the consummation of the IPO, the liquidity condition was satisfied, resulting in the vesting of 16,251,664 outstanding RSUs. Stock based compensation expense for the RSUs vesting at IPO was fully recognized in previous years. In connection with the settlement of the RSUs that vested upon IPO, the Company withheld 5,171,224 ordinary shares and used $136.4 million of the net proceeds from the IPO to satisfy tax withholding and remittance obligations. As a result, the Company issued 11,080,440 ordinary shares in connection with the net settlement of the RSUs that vested upon IPO.
Following the IPO, the Company has 431,603,528 total ordinary shares and special shares outstanding, comprised of 303,832,404 ordinary shares and 127,771,124 special shares.
Equity Incentive Plans
In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the Viking Holdings Ltd Second Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the Post-IPO 2018 Plan). The Post-IPO 2018 Plan replaces the Pre-IPO Equity Plan. The Company has reserved 54,600,000 ordinary shares for issuance under the Post-IPO 2018 Plan, of which approximately 13,824,564 remain available for future issuance, plus any ordinary shares underlying outstanding share awards previously granted under the Pre-IPO 2018 Plan that expire or are repurchased, forfeited, cancelled or withheld. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the Post-IPO 2018 Plan will be subject to an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning in 2025 and ending in 2034, equal to the lesser of (1) 1.0% of the total number of ordinary shares and special shares outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year and (2) such smaller number of ordinary shares as determined by our board of directors at any time prior to the first day of a given calendar year.
In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the Viking Holdings Ltd 2024 Employee Share Purchase Plan (the 2024 ESPP). The Company has reserved 4,680,000 ordinary shares for issuance pursuant to a series of purchase rights under the 2024 ESPP. In addition, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2024 ESPP will be subject to an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning in 2025 and ending in 2034, equal to the lesser of (1) 1.0% of the total number of ordinary shares and special shares outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year; (2) 4,680,000 ordinary shares; and (3) such smaller number of ordinary shares as determined by our board of directors at any time prior to the first day of a given calendar year.
35
Other Subsequent Events
| In April 2024, the Group entered into forward foreign currency contracts to purchase 250.0 million at an average euro to USD foreign exchange rate of 1.10. The forward foreign currency contracts mature at various dates in 2025 and were designated as cash flow hedges for the Groups highly probable forecasted expenditures for direct costs of cruise, land and onboard and vessel operating, denominated in euros. |
| In April 2024, the Group declared and paid $46.8 million in dividends, of which $28.6 million related to dividends to the holders of the Series C Preference Shares and $18.2 million related to dividends to the holders of the ordinary shares, special shares and preference shares. |
| In April 2024, the Group entered into a contract for a portion of its river fuel usage in Europe for the 2024 season. The contract prices are fixed for 30,000 cubic meters and depend on the place of delivery ranging from $77.60 to $91.50 per 100 liters, excluding taxes. |
| In May 2024, the Group exercised its options for ocean ships XVII and XVIII, which are both scheduled for delivery in 2029. Accordingly, the Group and the shipyard will enter into shipbuilding contracts, subject to certain financing and other conditions. |
36
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes to those statements included in Item 1 of this Report on Form 6-K (the Report). Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this section to we, our, us and Viking are to Viking Holdings Ltd (VHL) and its consolidated subsidiaries. We encourage you to read the audited consolidated financial statements, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, as well as the information presented under Selected Operational and Financial Metrics, including Non-IFRS Measures, which should be read together with the information presented herein.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The discussion under this caption Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Report, including among others, statements relating to our future financial performance, our business prospects and strategy, anticipated financial position, liquidity and capital needs, the industry in which we operate and other similar matters. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements in this Report 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 managements 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.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Report. 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. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this Report or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by us, or on our behalf. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements included in this Report as a result of various factors, including, among others:
| changes in the general worldwide economic and political environment; |
| adverse weather conditions or other natural disasters, including high or low river water levels; |
| adverse incidents involving cruise ships; |
| disease outbreaks or pandemics; |
| the existence or threat of terrorist attacks, wars, acts of piracy and other events affecting the safety and security of travel; |
| increased costs, including airfare and fuel prices, as a result of inflation, rising interest rates or labor shortages; |
| fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; |
| changes in cruise capacity, demand and infrastructure; |
| the continued service of our senior management; |
| our ability to compete effectively in the cruise industry; |
| our ability to expand into new markets; |
| the impact of seasonality on our business; |
| our ability to effectively manage our growth; |
| increases in the cost of, or delays in, ship construction or ship repairs, maintenance or refurbishments; |
37
| the availability of attractive, convenient and safe port destinations; |
| our reliance on travel agencies; |
| the availability of, or increases in the prices for, the services and products provided by our vendors; |
| the availability and cost of commercial airline services for guests; |
| changes in credit card processing terms and requirements, guest payment policies, or consumer protection legislation or regulations; |
| our ability to maintain and develop our premium brand; |
| our ability to protect our intellectual property; |
| breaches in data security or other disturbances to our information technology networks and operations; |
| our ability to keep pace with developments in technology; |
| our ability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness or to obtain additional financing if necessary; |
| volatility or disruptions in the global credit and financial markets; |
| the adverse impacts of compliance or legal matters; |
| additional, trade, financial or economic sanctions; |
| litigation; |
| the application of, or amendments to, existing tax laws, rules or regulations or enactment of new tax laws, rules or regulations; |
| the closing of our anticipated secured revolving credit facility; and |
| other risks and uncertainties included in our final prospectus, dated April 30, 2024, filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on May 2, 2024 (the IPO Prospectus) in connection with our initial public offering (the IPO). |
These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Report describe additional factors that could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and the development of the industries in which we operate. New risks can emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such risks, nor can we assess the impact of all such risks on our business or the extent to which any risks, or combination of risks and other factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
Overview
Viking was founded in 1997 with four river vessels and a simple vision that travel could be more destination-focused and culturally immersive. Today, we have grown into one of the worlds leading travel companies, with a fleet of 92 small, state-of-the-art ships, which we view as floating hotels. From our iconic journeys on the worlds great rivers, including our new Mississippi River itineraries, to our ocean voyages around the globe and our extraordinary expeditions to the ends of the earth, we offer meaningful travel experiences on all seven continents in all three categories of the cruise industryriver, ocean and expedition cruising.
We launched Viking River in 1997. Seeing unaddressed demand for a destination-focused product in the ocean cruise market, we launched Viking Ocean in 2015, which has since become our fastest growing segment. Looking beyond our primary source markets, we launched China Outbound for the Mandarin-speaking market in 2016. In 2022, our 25th year in business, we further expanded our platform with Viking Expedition and Viking Mississippi. Each new product creates additional travel opportunities for past guests and broadens our platform to attract new guests.
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In this section, references to (1) Viking River are to our river cruise product marketed to English-speaking passengers; Viking Mississippi is a separate product from Viking River, (2) Viking Ocean are to our ocean cruise product, (3) Viking Expedition are to our expedition cruise product for travel to the Antarctic and Great Lakes regions, (4) Viking Mississippi are to the river cruise product for cruising the Mississippi River and (5) Viking China are to both our river cruise product marketed to Mandarin-speaking passengers (China Outbound) and our investment in an associated company with a subsidiary of China Merchants Group to build a cruise line offering Chinese coastal sailing for the Chinese-speaking populations in China (the China JV Investment). In 2023, we resumed operations for China Outbound with two Longships, and we plan to operate four Longships in 2024.
Booking Environment
Advance Bookings reflects 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. Advance Bookings does not reflect changes to guest reservations after the applicable specific point in time. Advance Bookings are presented in U.S. dollars. As guests from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom make reservations in local currencies, the ticketed amounts are converted based on the relevant exchange rate. Advance Bookings includes redemptions of vouchers.
For Viking River, Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition and Viking Mississippi collectively, operating capacity is 5% higher for the 2024 season in comparison to the 2023 season and 12% higher for the 2025 season in comparison to the 2024 season. As of May 19, 2024, for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, we had sold 91% and 39%, respectively, of our Capacity PCDs and had $4,573 million and $2,481 million, respectively, of Advance Bookings. Advance Bookings were 15% and 27% higher in comparison to the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively, at the same point in time. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2024 season was $742, 9% higher than the 2023 season at the same point in time and Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2025 season was $852, 12% higher than the 2024 season at the same point in time.
The following bullets contain additional information about Advance Bookings for Viking Ocean and Viking River for the 2024 and 2025 seasons as of May 19, 2024, compared with the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively, at the same point in time:
Viking Ocean:
| Operating capacity is 7% higher for the 2024 season in comparison to the 2023 season. We had sold 91% of our Capacity PCDs for the 2024 season and had $1,913 million of Advance Bookings, an increase of 16% compared to the same point in time for the 2023 season. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2024 season was $675, compared to $633 at the same point in time for the 2023 season. |
| Operating capacity is 17% higher for the 2025 season in comparison to the 2024 season. We had sold 47% of our Capacity PCDs for the 2025 season, and had $1,278 million of Advance Bookings, an increase of 30% compared to the same point in time for the 2024 season. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2025 season was $750, compared to $662 at the same point in time for the 2024 season. |
Viking River:
| Operating capacity is 4% higher for the 2024 season in comparison to the 2023 season. We had sold 92% of our Capacity PCDs for the 2024 season and had $2,293 million of Advance Bookings, an increase of 13% compared to the same point in time for the 2023 season. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2024 season was $772, compared to $691 at the same point in time for the 2023 season. |
| Operating capacity is 8% higher for the 2025 season in comparison to the 2024 season. We had sold 30% of our Capacity PCDs for the 2025 season, and had $996 million of Advance Bookings, an increase of 19% compared to the same point in time for the 2024 season. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2025 season was $952, compared to $871 at the same point in time for the 2024 season. |
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Initial Public Offering
On May 3, 2024, we closed the IPO of our ordinary shares. We issued 11,000,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of $24.00 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $245.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $13.2 million and estimated other offering expenses of $5.3 million. In addition, certain existing shareholders sold ordinary shares in the IPO. Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, all shares of our then-outstanding preference shares and Series C Preference Shares converted to ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. Additionally, all outstanding options for non-voting ordinary shares and all outstanding restricted share units (RSUs) for non-voting ordinary shares converted to options for ordinary shares and RSUs for ordinary shares, respectively, on a one-for-one basis. All authorized Series C Preference Shares, preference shares and non-voting ordinary shares were also redesignated into authorized ordinary shares. Additionally, in connection with the IPO, the Company adopted updated bye-laws (Post IPO Bye Laws). Following the IPO and in accordance with the Post IPO Bye Laws, the Company has two classes of authorized share capital: ordinary shares and special shares. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote per share, and each special share is entitled to 10 votes per share.
All RSUs granted by us prior to the IPO were subject to a liquidity vesting condition and some RSUs were also subject to a service condition. Upon the consummation of the IPO, the liquidity condition was satisfied, resulting in the vesting of 16,251,664 outstanding RSUs. Stock based compensation expense for the RSUs vesting at IPO was fully recognized in previous years. In connection with the settlement of the RSUs that vested upon IPO, the Company withheld 5,171,224 ordinary shares and used $136.4 million of the net proceeds from the IPO to satisfy tax withholding and remittance obligations. As a result, the Company issued 11,080,440 ordinary shares in connection with the net settlement of RSUs that vested upon IPO.
Following the IPO, the Company has 431,603,528 total ordinary shares and special shares outstanding, comprised of 303,832,404 ordinary shares and 127,771,124 special shares.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Key factors that have influenced our results of operations in the past and may also influence results in the future include:
Significant Early BookingsWe have historically been able to attain high levels of early bookings. Due to these bookings, we have insight into levels of guest demand, and can strategically allocate the ships in our fleet to optimize our revenue and Net Yield. For example, we may distribute a greater number of our nearly identical Longships to regions with higher demand, or manage our capacity by consolidating passengers and taking one or more of our ships out of service to reduce our operating costs. Additionally, the insights into guest demand inform our decisions for future ship commitments and allow us to coordinate our planned capacity growth with expected future demand. As cruise-related revenue is recognized over the duration of the cruise, our results of operations are affected by strategies we employed during prior periods. For instance, to obtain early bookings, a significant portion of the selling and administration expenses that we incur in a period supports revenues for future periods, including marketing and employee costs that support the growth of our fleet. We expect that our ability to attain high levels of early bookings for future seasons will impact our results for future periods.
Size of Our Fleet and OccupancyOur operating results are highly correlated with the number of ships that we operate during a given period and our Occupancy. If we take delivery of additional ships, our potential Capacity PCDs would increase, which may increase our revenue. In contrast, if we decide to take one or more of our ships out of service, our Capacity PCDs would decrease, which we expect will lower our revenue. As of March 31, 2024, our fleet consisted of 81 river vessels, including the Viking Mississippi, nine ocean ships and two expedition ships.
We strategically manage our fleet by adjusting the number of ships deployed to a particular region, or in total, to improve Occupancy and efficiently manage operating costs. Our early bookings enable us to best position our fleet of nearly identical ships to meet guest demand.
SeasonalityOur results are seasonal because while our ocean, expedition and Mississippi products operate year-round, the primary cruising season for our river product is from April to October, although some of our river cruises run longer seasons. Additionally, our highest Occupancy occurs during the Northern Hemispheres summer months. We recognize cruise-related revenue over the duration of the cruise and expense our marketing and employee costs when the related costs are incurred. As a result, the majority of our revenue and profits have historically been earned in the second and third quarters of each year, while the first and fourth quarters of each year have been closer to break even or a loss, as our selling and administration expenses are consistent throughout the year. Though the growth of our fleet of year-round products, will continue to reduce the seasonality in future periods, we expect the seasonality trend of our revenue and profits to continue.
40
Operating costs and expensesOur operating costs and expenses are dependent on both macroeconomic factors and our strategic decisions. Inflation may increase our operating costs and expenses in future periods, including costs of labor, fuel and airfare. Inflation generally does not impact our ship commitments that are already under contract as a fixed price has already been agreed upon. Additionally, as a result of our early bookings, we may not be able to pass on increases in operating costs and expenses, including cost increases from our suppliers and changes in governmental fees and taxes, to our guests with existing bookings, though we are able to adjust pricing for future bookings. However, as a significant portion of our marketing expenses are discretionary, we are able to strategically deploy our resources based on current market conditions, our early bookings and other factors.
Financial Presentation
Description of Certain Line Items
Revenue
Our revenue consists of:
| Cruise and land, which includes revenue, net of discounts, earned primarily from cruises, air, land excursions, cancellation revenue and travel protection, net; and |
| Onboard and other, which primarily consists of revenue related to optional shore excursions, onboard bar revenue, shop revenue and other products offered during a cruise, and services revenue. |
Expenses
Our operating costs and expenses consist of:
| Commissions and transportation costs, which consists of commission payments made to third parties for selling our product and the cost of air and other transportation; |
| Direct costs of cruise, land and onboard, which primarily includes cost of land excursions, included shore excursions, optional shore excursions, credit card fees, transfer costs and onboard purchases; |
| Vessel operating, which primarily consists of costs to operate the vessels such as staff costs, fuel, food and hotel consumables, port charges, insurance, repair and maintenance, value added taxes, and charter costs for non-lease components; and |
| Selling and administration, which primarily consists of costs associated with marketing costs, employee costs, office expenses, professional services and other administration costs. |
41
Selected Operational and Financial Metrics, including Non-IFRS Financial Measures
We use certain non-IFRS financial measures, such as Adjusted Gross Margin, Net Yield, Adjusted EBITDA and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel to analyze our 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 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 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.
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA (consolidated net income (loss) adjusted for interest income, interest expense, income tax benefit (expense) and depreciation, amortization and impairment) as further adjusted for non-cash Private Placement derivative gains and losses, currency gains or losses, stock-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 EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure and does not comply with IFRS because it is adjusted to exclude certain cash and non-cash expenses. 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 can provide alone. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS. You should exercise caution in comparing our Adjusted EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA of other companies.
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.
Adjusted Gross Margin is gross margin adjusted for vessel operating and ship depreciation and impairment. Gross margin is calculated pursuant to IFRS as total revenue less total cruise operating expenses and ship depreciation and impairment. Adjusted Gross Margin has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS.
Net Yield is Adjusted Gross Margin divided by Passenger Cruise Days. Due to early bookings by our passengers, our Net Yield for a given reporting period is affected by strategies we employed or events that occurred prior to the sailing year.
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.
Vessel operating expenses excluding fuel is vessel operating expenses less fuel expense. Management believes this is a relevant measure for evaluating our ability to control costs. Vessel operating expenses excluding fuel has limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes an expense necessary for conducting our operations, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS.
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Results of Operations
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are shown in the following table:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||
Cruise and land |
$ | 665,284 | $ | 583,877 | ||||
Onboard and other |
52,871 | 45,117 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenue |
718,155 | 628,994 | ||||||
Cruise operating expenses |
||||||||
Commissions and transportation costs |
(137,408 | ) | (138,523 | ) | ||||
Direct costs of cruise, land and onboard |
(85,427 | ) | (74,755 | ) | ||||
Vessel operating |
(281,090 | ) | (263,209 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total cruise operating expenses |
(503,925 | ) | (476,487 | ) | ||||
Other operating expenses |
||||||||
Selling and administration |
(219,818 | ) | (205,670 | ) | ||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(64,911 | ) | (62,699 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other operating expenses |
(284,729 | ) | (268,369 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Operating loss |
(70,499 | ) | (115,862 | ) | ||||
Non-operating income (expense) |
||||||||
Interest income |
18,469 | 8,804 | ||||||
Interest expense |
(117,489 | ) | (123,593 | ) | ||||
Currency gain (loss) |
8,798 | (3,441 | ) | |||||
Private Placement derivative (loss) gain |
(306,646 | ) | 39,159 | |||||
Other financial loss |
(24,955 | ) | (16,566 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Loss before income taxes |
(492,322 | ) | (211,499 | ) | ||||
Income tax expense |
(1,606 | ) | (2,868 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net loss |
$ | (493,928 | ) | $ | (214,367 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other Financial Data: |
||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | (4,421 | ) | $ | (50,561 | ) |
The following table reconciles net loss, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (493,928 | ) | $ | (214,367 | ) | ||
Interest income |
(18,469 | ) | (8,804 | ) | ||||
Interest expense |
117,489 | 123,593 | ||||||
Income tax expense |
1,606 | 2,868 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
64,911 | 62,699 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
EBITDA |
(328,391 | ) | (34,011 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Private Placement derivatives loss (gain) (a) |
306,646 | (39,159 | ) | |||||
Other financial loss |
22,604 | 12,375 | ||||||
Currency (gain) loss |
(8,798 | ) | 3,441 | |||||
Stock based compensation expense |
3,518 | 6,793 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | (4,421 | ) | $ | (50,561 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
(a) | Private Placement derivatives loss (gain) represents the non-cash loss (gain) on the remeasurement of the fair value of the derivatives associated with our Series C Preference Shares. Subsequent to March 31, 2024, our Series C Preference Shares automatically converted to ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO. |
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The following table sets forth selected statistical and operating data (1) on a consolidated basis, (2) for Viking River and (3) for Viking Ocean:
Statistical and Operating Data | Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Consolidated |
||||||||
Vessels operated |
75 | 71 | ||||||
Passengers |
90,449 | 79,630 | ||||||
PCDs |
974,977 | 841,263 | ||||||
Capacity PCDs |
1,037,624 | 906,606 | ||||||
Occupancy |
94.0 | % | 92.8 | % | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (in thousands) |
$ | 495,320 | $ | 415,716 | ||||
Net Yield |
$ | 508 | $ | 494 | ||||
Vessel operating expenses (in thousands) |
$ | 281,090 | $ | 263,209 | ||||
Vessel operating expenses excluding fuel (in thousands) |
$ | 239,037 | $ | 221,806 | ||||
Vessel operating expenses per Capacity PCD |
$ | 271 | $ | 290 | ||||
Vessel operating expenses excluding fuel per Capacity PCD |
$ | 230 | $ | 245 | ||||
Viking River |
||||||||
Vessels operated |
63 | 60 | ||||||
Passengers |
26,896 | 23,254 | ||||||
PCDs |
177,519 | 136,407 | ||||||
Capacity PCDs |
192,806 | 145,964 | ||||||
Occupancy |
92.1 | % | 93.5 | % | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (in thousands) |
$ | 108,170 | $ | 80,938 | ||||
Net Yield |
$ | 609 | $ | 593 | ||||
Viking Ocean |
||||||||
Vessels operated |
9 | 8 | ||||||
Passengers |
56,467 | 48,978 | ||||||
PCDs |
718,188 | 627,707 | ||||||
Capacity PCDs |
759,810 | 668,670 | ||||||
Occupancy |
94.5 | % | 93.9 | % | ||||
Adjusted Gross Margin (in thousands) |
$ | 315,591 | $ | 266,783 | ||||
Net Yield |
$ | 439 | $ | 425 |
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The following tables reconcile gross margin, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, to Adjusted Gross Margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (1) on a consolidated basis, (2) for Viking River and (3) for Viking Ocean:
Consolidated | Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 718,155 | $ | 628,994 | ||||
Total cruise operating expenses |
(503,925 | ) | (476,487 | ) | ||||
Ship depreciation |
(54,096 | ) | (54,390 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross margin |
160,134 | 98,117 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ship depreciation |
54,096 | 54,390 | ||||||
Vessel operating |
281,090 | 263,209 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted Gross Margin |
$ | 495,320 | $ | 415,716 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Viking River | Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 165,431 | $ | 130,286 | ||||
Total cruise operating expenses |
(162,251 | ) | (147,518 | ) | ||||
Ship depreciation |
(20,517 | ) | (23,409 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross margin |
(17,337 | ) | (40,641 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ship depreciation |
20,517 | 23,409 | ||||||
Vessel operating |
104,990 | 98,170 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted Gross Margin |
$ | 108,170 | $ | 80,938 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Viking Ocean | Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 447,680 | $ | 397,632 | ||||
Total cruise operating expenses |
(267,409 | ) | (259,271 | ) | ||||
Ship depreciation |
(24,914 | ) | (22,806 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gross margin |
155,357 | 115,555 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ship depreciation |
24,914 | 22,806 | ||||||
Vessel operating |
135,320 | 128,422 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted Gross Margin |
$ | 315,591 | $ | 266,783 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The following table reconciles vessel operating expenses excluding fuel to vessel operating expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Vessel operating expenses |
$ | 281,090 | $ | 263,209 | ||||
Fuel expense |
(42,053 | ) | (41,403 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Vessel operating expenses excluding fuel |
$ | 239,037 | $ | 221,806 | ||||
|
|
|
|
45
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Revenues
Consolidated
Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $89.2 million, or 14.2%, to $718.2 million from $629.0 million for the same period in 2023.
Cruise and land increased by $81.4 million, or 13.9%, to $665.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $583.9 million for the same period in 2023. Onboard and other increased by $7.8 million, or 17.3%, to $52.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $45.1 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher Occupancy, the operation of additional ships delivered subsequent to the first quarter of 2023, including the Viking Saturn and Viking Aton, which were delivered in April 2023 and August 2023, respectively, and an earlier season start for certain river vessels in Europe beginning in January.
Viking River Segment
Total revenue for our Viking River segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $35.1 million, or 26.9%, to $165.4 million from $130.3 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in passengers sailed due to the operation of the Viking Aton, which was delivered in August 2023, and an earlier season start for certain river vessels in Europe beginning in January. Certain non-European itineraries, which operate in the first quarter, generally have higher pricing than the European itineraries.
Viking Ocean Segment
Total revenue for our Viking Ocean segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $50.1 million, or 12.6%, to $447.7 million from $397.6 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher Occupancy and the operation of the Viking Saturn, which was delivered in April 2023.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Commissions and transportation costs decreased by $1.1 million, or 0.8%, to $137.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $138.5 million for the same period in 2023.
Direct costs of cruise, land and onboard increased by $10.6 million, or 14.2%, to $85.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $74.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher Occupancy, the operation of additional ships delivered subsequent to the first quarter of 2023, including the Viking Saturn and Viking Aton, which were delivered in April 2023 and August 2023, respectively, and an earlier season start for certain river vessels in Europe beginning in January.
Vessel operating increased by $17.9 million, or 6.8%, to $281.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $263.2 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher Occupancy, the operation of additional ships delivered subsequent to the first quarter of 2023, including the Viking Saturn and Viking Aton, which were delivered in April 2023 and August 2023, respectively, and an earlier season start for certain river vessels in Europe beginning in January.
Selling and administration increased by $14.1 million, or 6.9%, to $219.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $205.7 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was due to a $11.1 million net increase in selling costs, office and other expenses and professional fees, primarily due to an increase in capacity PCDs for 2024 and future seasons, and a $3.0 million increase in employee costs. Viking Ocean selling and administration increased in line with the consolidated increase and Viking River selling and administration decreased due to timing of spend.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.2 million, or 3.5%, to $64.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $62.7 million for the same period in 2023.
46
Other than as described above for selling and administration, the drivers of changes in operating costs and expenses for our Viking River and Viking Ocean segments are the same as those described for our consolidated results.
As a result of the foregoing, operating loss was $70.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $115.9 million for the same period in 2023.
Non-operating Income (Expense)
Net interest expense decreased by $15.8 million to $99.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $114.8 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a $23.6 million decrease in interest expense related to the extinguishment of Viking Cruises Ltds (VCL) 13.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 in July 2023, a $9.7 million increase in interest income and a $2.5 million net decrease in interest expense related to paydowns of loans and financial liabilities and other interest expense. These decreases were partially offset by a $16.8 million increase in interest expense related to VCLs 9.125% Senior Notes due 2031 issued in June 2023 and a $3.2 million increase in interest expense related to the debt drawdown upon the delivery of the Viking Saturn in 2023.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $23.8 million and $23.6 million, respectively, in interest expense related to the Series C Preference Shares. Subsequent to March 31, 2024, all outstanding Series C Preference Shares automatically converted into ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO.
Currency gain (loss) increased by $12.2 million to a gain of $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from a loss of $3.4 million for the same period in 2023. The gain was primarily due to unrealized gains for the 316.6 million Viking Neptune and 316.6 million Viking Saturn loans, which are both payable in euros and adjusted for currency translation, partially offset by unrealized losses from bank accounts held in foreign currencies and cost accruals denominated in euros.
Private Placement derivative (loss) gain decreased by $345.8 million to a loss of $306.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from a gain of $39.2 million for the same period in 2023. The $306.6 million loss on remeasurement of the Private Placement derivative was primarily due to an increase in the fair value of the Series C Private Placement derivative. The increase in the fair value of the Series C Private Placement derivative from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 was due to an increase in the fair value of equity, which was primarily as a result of changes in the forward EUR/USD curve reflecting forecasted strengthening of the U.S. dollar. Subsequent to March 31, 2024, our Series C Preference Shares automatically converted to ordinary shares immediately prior to the IPO, and upon conversion to ordinary shares, the Private Placement derivative was no longer outstanding.
Other financial loss increased by $8.4 million to $25.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $16.6 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $23.7 million loss on the remeasurement of the warrant liability in 2024 compared to a $4.1 million gain for the same period in 2023, partially offset by $15.8 million in losses on the remeasurement of the 2025 Secured Notes embedded derivative in 2023, which was derecognized in the second quarter of 2023.
Income tax expense decreased by $1.3 million to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $2.9 million for the same period in 2023.
Net Loss
Net loss increased by $279.5 million to $493.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $214.4 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due a $306.6 million loss on remeasurement of the Private Placement derivative in 2024 compared to a $39.2 million gain for the same period in 2023, partially offset by a $45.4 million decrease in operating loss due to the various factors described above.
47
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Management
Our liquidity requirements arise primarily from the need to fund working capital and capital expenditures for the expansion, refurbishment and maintenance of our fleet and to repay debt. Historically, we have obtained financing of up to 80% of our newbuild contract prices and issued debt and equity to finance our cash needs and the growth of our business. Additionally, we collect significant deposits from bookings, which are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue generally pro rata over the cruise period.
We expect to enter into a $375 million secured revolving credit facility to be provided by a syndicate of lenders. We anticipate that the borrower under the credit facility will be VCL. The credit facility would be indirectly secured by 19 Longships and certain related assets. The proceeds of the borrowings under the credit facility are expected to be available to us for general corporate purposes, including funding working capital. We have not yet received commitments with respect to the credit facility, and, accordingly, the terms of our financing arrangements remain under discussion and are subject to change, including as a function of market conditions.
As of March 31, 2024, we had $1,673.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of $2,298.8 million. The working capital deficit included $4,068.1 million of deferred revenue. We believe existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations and financing activities will continue to be sufficient to fund our operating activities and cash commitments for at least the next 12 months. Our liquidity requirements depend on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, as further described in the Risk Factors section of the IPO Prospectus.
Our liquidity requirements also include operating expenses, which have been impacted by elevated levels of inflation. We closely monitor costs and are cost conscious in managing our operations. We may work with multiple suppliers or source items from different markets to take advantage of cost competition. We may also look for opportunities to thoughtfully substitute lower cost alternatives, without compromising the quality of the guest experience. Where we anticipate elevated costs may be more sustained, we may enter into contracts with suppliers to lock in rates, such as for our river fuel. We are also strategic in the duration of our contracts to provide flexibility to take advantage of cost declines when they occur.
We collect a significant amount of deposits for cruise bookings from our customers well in advance of their cruise dates. Credit card and electronic transfer transactions that process in less than 21 days are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Other credit card receivables and deposits are included in accounts and other receivables and prepaid expenses and other current assets. We rely on multiple credit card processors for collection of customer funds for future cruises. Credit card processors can limit the funds they remit to us if they determine that they need to increase their reserve requirements on credit card processing activities, which could reduce our cash and cash equivalents and negatively impact our liquidity position.
Since 2020, when we have cancelled sailings, guests have generally had the option to receive either a refund in cash for 100% of monies paid to us or a Premium Cruise Voucher with a face value of up to 125% of monies paid. Premium Cruise Vouchers can generally be applied to a new booking for up to two years from the voucher issuance date (or longer, if the expiration date is extended) and any unused Premium Cruise Vouchers are refundable for the original amount paid upon expiration. In addition, in the event of travel uncertainty, we may temporarily update our cancellation policies to give our guests the option to receive a Risk Free Voucher, instead of incurring cancellation penalties. For example, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we temporarily updated our cancellation policies for bookings made through June 30, 2022 to give our guests the option to cancel cruises closer to the date of departure and receive Risk Free Vouchers instead of incurring cancellation penalties.
Upon issuance, Premium Cruise Vouchers and Risk Free Vouchers are included in deferred revenue for amounts equal to money paid. We recognize revenue over the cruise period to which Premium Cruise Vouchers or Risk Free Vouchers are applied, with a corresponding decrease to deferred revenue. Expired Premium Cruise Vouchers will be refunded to guests in cash, with a corresponding decrease in deferred revenue. Beginning with the return to operations, we recognize cruise revenue for Risk Free Vouchers that we estimate will expire unused over the redemption period for these vouchers.
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Sources and Uses of Cash
Set forth below is a summary of our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data |
||||||||
Net cash flow from operating activities |
$ | 463,031 | $ | 225,121 | ||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities |
(81,532 | ) | (121,019 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow used in financing activities |
(219,247 | ) | (198,688 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
162,252 | (94,586 | ) | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(2,371 | ) | 1,744 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 159,881 | $ | (92,842 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities
Net cash flow from operating activities increased by $237.9 million to $463.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $225.1 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in cash flows from deferred revenue of $128.3 million and a $45.4 million decrease in operating loss. Other changes primarily relate to timing differences in cash receipts and payments for various operating assets and liabilities.
Net Cash Flow used in Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased by $39.5 million to $81.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $121.0 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a $30.3 million decrease in capital expenditures and a $9.3 million increase in interest received.
Net Cash Flow used in Financing Activities
Net cash flow used in financing activities increased by $20.6 million to $219.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $198.7 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to $34.7 million in higher interest paid, partially offset by $13.6 million in lower loan repayments.
Debt Obligations and Material Capital Commitments
The table below summarizes our significant short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs, including principal and interest payments for debt and financial liabilities, shipbuilding obligations and vessel and ship charter obligations, based on contractual undiscounted cash flows as of March 31, 2024, assuming a euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.10:
Total | Remainder of 2024 |
2025-2026 | 2027-2028 | 2029 - forward |
||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt obligations |
$ | 5,338,026 | $ | 196,361 | $ | 678,383 | $ | 1,839,734 | $ | 2,623,548 | ||||||||||
Interest to be paid |
1,621,988 | 191,388 | 574,591 | 463,252 | 392,757 | |||||||||||||||
Shipbuilding obligations |
2,978,519 | 633,013 | 1,492,456 | 853,050 | | |||||||||||||||
Vessel and ship charter obligations |
247,612 | 38,797 | 77,619 | 71,707 | 59,489 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
$ | 10,186,145 | $ | 1,059,559 | $ | 2,823,049 | $ | 3,227,743 | $ | 3,075,794 | ||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
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|
The table above reflects obligations related to outstanding loan and contracted ship commitments. Debt obligations are presented gross of loan costs of $123.7 million. Our debt obligations mature at various dates through 2035 and bear interest at fixed and variable rates. Future interest on variable rate debt as of March 31, 2024 is calculated based upon interest rates ranging from 7.65% to 8.60%. Shipbuilding obligations include purchase commitments for our newbuilds currently under contract as of March 31, 2024. As we make payments towards our newbuilds, our shipbuilding obligations are reduced. The table above only reflects ship commitments for shipyard newbuilding agreements or amendments that are effective as of March 31, 2024. Vessel and ship charter obligations represent remaining amounts contractually committed for leased vessels and ships, excluding renewal options not yet exercised. Vessel and ship charter obligations include payments for both asset and service components of the charters. Fees for the service components of the Viking Mississippi charter are subject to change based on actual operating expenses.
49
The table above also excludes the Private Placement liability, related dividends, and the Private Placement derivative. In April 2024, we declared and paid $46.8 million in dividends, of which $28.6 million related to dividends to the holders of the Series C Preference Shares and $18.2 million related to dividends to the holders of the ordinary shares, special shares and preference shares. Additionally, subsequent to March 31, 2024, our Series C Preference Shares automatically converted into ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, and upon conversion to ordinary shares, the Private Placement liability and Private Placement derivative are no longer outstanding.
The table above reflects our shipbuilding obligations before the impact of financing. For our newbuilding activity, we typically finance 80% of the contract amount and fund 20% of the contract amount with cash on hand. The financed portion is typically paid to the shipyard on the ship delivery date, while the 20% that we remit directly to the shipyard is paid at various dates leading up to the ship delivery date based on the shipbuilding contract. We use a variety of instruments to finance our ships, including bank facilities, charter finance agreements or notes, but in each instance the financed portion is secured by the underlying ships. As our fleet grows, we often incur indebtedness for new ships prior to recognizing revenue on the new ships. See Note 10 in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements for further information about our debt obligations.
We have financial maintenance covenants on certain of our river vessel financings that require Viking River Cruises Ltd (VRC), as guarantor, and Viking River Cruises AG (VRC AG), as borrower, to maintain at all times following the first drawdown, an aggregate amount of consolidated free liquidity, which includes cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and receivables from credit card processors, equal to or greater than $75.0 million. As of March 31, 2024, VRC and VRC AG were in compliance with these financial maintenance covenants. Additionally, we are required to maintain $6.5 million in a financial liability deposit at all times throughout the charter period as part of the Viking Orion charter agreement.
Newbuilding Program
Newbuilds increase our potential number of berths and Capacity PCDs. Each Longship has 190 berths and certain of our river vessels are Longship-like, but are designed to be able to navigate smaller rivers and have fewer berths. Longships for China Outbound have 182 berths. Each ocean ship has 930 berths and each additional ocean ship will have 998 berths. Each expedition ship has 378 berths. The Viking Mississippi has 386 berths.
We generally have a variety of alternatives to finance our newbuilds. When we acquire options for newbuilds, we have no contractual or financial obligation to the shipyard until a contract for a newbuild is signed with financing conditions fulfilled or waived.
River Newbuilds and Charters
We are in the process of building six river vessels that will operate in Egypt, the Viking Hathor, the Viking Sobek and four additional vessels, and have entered into raw materials agreements for these vessels. We expect these vessels to be delivered between 2024 and 2026.
In 2023, we entered into shipbuilding contracts for the river vessels outlined below, assuming a euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.10. In January 2024, we amended these contracts, which reduced the purchase price of each vessel by 1.5 million ($1.7 million, assuming a euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.10), changed the timing and amount of our installment payments to the shipyard and accelerated the delivery dates for certain vessels.
In January 2024, we also entered into a shipbuilding contract for a Longship-Douro vessel modified for the Douro River for delivery in 2025 for $24.8 million, assuming a euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.10.
50
We have obtained financing for all ships, other than the Longship-Douro vessel, as described below.
River Vessels |
Number of Vessels |
Aggregate Price (in thousands) |
Delivery Date |
|||||||
Longships |
4 | $ | 162,800 | 2025 | ||||||
Longships-Seine |
2 | 77,606 | 2025 | |||||||
Longship-Douro |
1 | 24,750 | 2025 | |||||||
Longships |
4 | 162,800 | 2026 | |||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Total |
11 | $ | 427,956 | |||||||
|
|
|
In August 2023, we entered into two loan agreements for 167.5 million each to finance the eight Longships and two Longships-Seine river vessels scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft (Hermes), which manages the official export credit guarantee scheme on behalf and for the account of the German Federal Government, has provided guarantees equal to 95% of the loan amounts. The loans are denominated in U.S. dollars and the applicable exchange rate will be based on the prevailing exchange rate two business days prior to the date of drawdown. These loans have a term of 102 months from the date of drawdown and we may select fixed or variable rate financing prior to each drawdown. VRC and VCL issued corporate guarantees for these loans.
We have also secured the following options for additional river vessels:
River Vessels - Options |
Number of Vessels |
Delivery Date | Option Exercise Date | |||
Longships |
4 | 2027 | October 30, 2024 | |||
Longships |
4 | 2028 | October 30, 2025 |
In 2023, we entered into a charter agreement for the Viking Tonle, an 80-berth river vessel traveling through Vietnam and Cambodia for the 2025 through 2033 sailing seasons. We have an option to extend the charter for two additional seasons.
Ocean Newbuilds
A summary of the ocean newbuilding program is outlined below, assuming a euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.10. Each new ocean ship will have 998 berths. We have obtained financing for all ships, as described below.
In January 2024, we amended certain shipbuilding contracts to accelerate the delivery dates for Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI are now scheduled to be delivered in the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Ocean Ships |
Price (in thousands) |
Delivery Date |
||||||
Viking Vela |
$ | 446,050 | 2024 | |||||
Viking Vesta |
446,050 | 2025 | ||||||
Ship XIII |
501,523 | 2026 | ||||||
Ship XIV |
501,523 | 2026 | ||||||
Ship XV |
517,000 | 2027 | ||||||
Ship XVI |
517,000 | 2028 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
Total |
$ | 2,929,146 | ||||||
|
|
In 2021 and 2022, we entered into loan agreements to finance the Viking Vela, the Viking Vesta, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. The loan agreements are for up to 80% of each newbuilds contract price, including certain change orders and 100% of the Export Credit Agency premium, and will be available for drawdown in euros or U.S. dollars for the Viking Vesta and in U.S. dollars for the Viking Vela, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. SACE SpA, which manages the official export credit guarantee scheme on behalf and for account of the Italian Government, provided the lenders with an insurance policy covering 100% of the principal and interest of the facility amount. The interest rates for the loans are fixed. The loans are due in 12 years through 24 consecutive, semiannual, equal installments, the first of which is due six months after the drawdown at delivery. VCL and Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd have jointly and severally guaranteed these loans.
51
In May 2024, we exercised our options for ocean ships XVII and XVIII, which are both scheduled for delivery in 2029. Accordingly, we and the shipyard will enter into shipbuilding contracts, subject to certain financing and other conditions. A summary of the ocean ship options exercised is outlined below:
Ocean Ships |
Delivery Date | |
Ship XVII |
2029 | |
Ship XVIII |
2029 |
In 2023, we secured the following options for additional ocean ships:
Ocean Ships - Options |
Delivery Date | Option Exercise Date | ||
Ship XIX |
2030 | May 30, 2025 | ||
Ship XX |
2030 | May 30, 2025 |
In February 2024, we entered into an accommodation purchase agreement for all cabins on select sailings on the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, which is owned and operated by China Merchants Viking Cruises Limited, a related party, traveling in China for 72 days in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. We have options to extend the agreement for additional select sailings through 2027.
Undrawn Borrowing Facilities
We have obtained SACE Financing for the Viking Vela, the Viking Vesta, Ship XIII, Ship XIV, Ship XV and Ship XVI. We have also entered into two loan agreements for 167.5 million each to finance the eight Longships and two Longships-Seine scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. These loan agreements will be drawn down on the delivery of each ship or vessel.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of the Groups financial condition and operating results require our management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies and estimates, refer to the 2023 audited consolidated financial statements included in our Prospectus and Note 2 of this quarterly Report.
52
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For a discussion of our market risks, refer to our Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsQualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk section in the IPO Prospectus. There have been no material changes to our exposure to market risks since the date of the IPO Prospectus.
53
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings related to claims arising out of our operations. We are not currently involved in any legal proceedings that, either individually or in the aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position.
There have been no material changes to our risk factors since those reported in our final prospectus, dated April 30, 2024, filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on May 2, 2024 in connection with our initial public offering.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
None.
None.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 29, 2024
Viking Holdings Ltd | ||
By: |
/s/ Leah Talactac | |
Name: |
Leah Talactac | |
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
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