By HARRISON MILLER

Viking Holdings is the IBD Stock Of The Day for Thursday as shares of the cruise line trade near a buy point. Analysts this week raised their price targets on Viking stock, with one upgrade for the cruise line as well. Viking has outperformed its rivals' lines this year amid surging fuel prices stemming from the war in Iran.

Viking Holdings (VIK) is coming off its Q4 beat from early March, which saw earnings increase 49%. Total revenue spiked almost 28%, driven by increased cruise days, higher occupancy and higher revenue per passenger cruise day compared to last year.

Viking expanded its fleet, adding six river vessels and two additional ships, helping boost cruise days by almost 15%, while occupancy grew to 95% from 92% last year.

Meanwhile, the booking environment remains "strong," CEO Leah Talactac said in the release. As of mid-February, Viking had sold 86% of its cruise days for the 2026 season, up from 70% at the end of Q3. Advanced bookings for the 2026 season are 13% higher from last year, while its core product operating capacity grew 7%.

The company this year expects to take delivery of two ocean ships and 10 river ships. Viking during the quarter also entered an option agreement for two additional ocean ships, which are set for delivery in 2034, as well as shipbuilding commitments for two expedition ships, scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

For its first-quarter results, analysts expect Viking's loss to improve to 11 cents per share from a loss of 24 cents per share last year, according to FactSet. Wall Street sees revenue increasing almost 38% to just over $1 billion.

Analysts Raise Targets, Upgrade VIK Stock

Multiple analysts over the past several days lifted their price targets on Viking as part of a Q1 preview for cruise lines, according to TheFly.

Wells Fargo on Wednesday raised its price target on VIK stock by $1 to 79, expecting first-quarter results to largely be in line with estimates. Wells believes executives will be cautious with their updated outlooks, given negative impacts to yields and fuel stemming from the Iran war. The firm maintained its equal weight rating on the stock.

Citi on Monday raised its price target on VIK stock to 90 from 88 and kept a buy rating on the shares.

Rothschild & Co Redburn on Tuesday upgraded Viking to buy from hold, writing that it sees further upside potential for the shares. The firm noted that Viking's free cash flow multiple is close to that of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and Carnival (CCL), and at a significant discount to Royal Caribbean (RCL). Rothschild added that Viking is benefiting from "healthy secular demand drivers, best-in-class revenue visibility and strong cash generation."

The firm lifted its price target on shares to 95 from 72.

Iran War Requires Caution, Barclays Says

However, Barclays is a bit more cautious regarding the outlook for cruise lines. The firm in a Friday note said the Middle East conflict is "starting to leave its mark, while any rotation into the Caribbean isn't helping (yet)." Barclays cut its estimates on the sector due to higher fuel prices and trimmed its yield forecasts for Q2 and Q3. Still, Barclays believes the favorable, long-term industry backdrop remains intact.

The firm added that cruise lines now include an "underappreciated AI opportunity," as cruise lines leverage artificial intelligence to help plan trips, expedite boarding processes and manage fuel, maintenance and guest services, according to reports.

Barclays lowered its price target on shares by $1 to 76 but kept an equal weight rating on the shares.

Of the analysts covering Viking Holdings, 10 have buy or overweight ratings and six have hold ratings. Just one analyst rates Viking stock a sell.

Analysts have an average price target of 84.53 on shares, according to FactSet data.

Viking Stock Hovers Near Buy Point

Viking Holdings is a member of the IBD Leaderboard list.

VIK stock eased 1.6% Thursday, sliding from an 81.48 buy point for a seven-week consolidation, according to MarketSurge charts.

Shares at the beginning of April rebounded above their 50-day moving average and have maintained support above that line.

Viking stock has advanced more than 12% so far this year, outpacing its cruise line rivals.

RCL shares have declined about 2%, while CCL has retreated almost 10%. NCLH stock has fallen more than 8% in 2026.

You can follow Harrison Miller for more stock news and updates on X/Twitter @IBD_Harrison.

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This article was first published on Investor's Business Daily