UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2023

 

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                   to

 

Commission file number 001-35898

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

27-4749725

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

96 Morton Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York, 10014

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(212) 261-9000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

     

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

 

LIND

 

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

 

As of April 24,October 31, 2023, 53,251,53353,388,276 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

Quarterly Report On Form 10-Q

For The Quarter Ended March 31,September 30, 2023

 

Table of Contents

 

  

Page(s)

   

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

 
   

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022 

1

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

2

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

5

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

67

   

ITEM 2.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

1718

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

2729

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

2829
   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

2830

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

2830

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

2830

ITEM 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

2931

ITEM 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

2931

ITEM 5.

Other Information

2931

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

3031
   

SIGNATURES 

3132

 

 

PART 1.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

March 31, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 
 

(unaudited)

    

(unaudited)

   

ASSETS

        

Current Assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 $83,984  $87,177  $168,015  $87,177 

Restricted cash

 36,740  28,847  36,802  28,847 

Short-term securities

 -  13,591  -  13,591 

Marine operating supplies

 8,880  9,961  6,528  9,961 

Inventories

 2,221  1,965  3,087  1,965 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  44,101   41,778   44,722   41,778 

Total current assets

 175,926  183,319  259,154  183,319 
  

Property and equipment, net

 534,492  539,406  530,337  539,406 

Goodwill

 42,017  42,017  42,017  42,017 

Intangibles, net

 10,760  11,219  9,864  11,219 

Deferred tax asset

 2,121  2,167  2,305  2,167 

Right-to-use lease assets

 3,992  4,345  3,271  4,345 

Other long-term assets

  4,960   5,502   4,657   5,502 

Total assets

 $774,268  $787,975  $851,605  $787,975 
  

LIABILITIES

        

Current Liabilities:

  

Unearned passenger revenues

 $249,633  $245,101  $250,568  $245,101 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 53,388  71,019  66,701  71,019 

Long-term debt - current

 23,308  23,337  46  23,337 

Lease liabilities - current

  1,683   1,663   1,718   1,663 

Total current liabilities

 328,012  341,120  319,033  341,120 
  

Long-term debt, less current portion

 524,332  529,452  620,888  529,452 

Deferred tax liabilities

 1,486  -  1,454  - 

Lease liabilities

 2,582  2,961  1,807  2,961 

Other long-term liabilities

  89   88   89   88 

Total liabilities

  856,501   873,621   943,271   873,621 
        

Commitments and contingencies

 -  -  -   -  

Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, 165,000 shares authorized; 62,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 70,211  69,143 

Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, 165,000 shares authorized; 62,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 72,397  69,143 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

  25,698   27,886   34,232   27,886 
  95,909   97,029   106,629   97,029 
  

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

        

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 62,000 Series A shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 -  - 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 53,243,007 and 53,177,437 issued, 53,175,702 and 53,110,132 outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 5  5 

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 62,000 Series A shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 -  - 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 53,379,750 and 53,177,437 issued, 53,321,818 and 53,110,132 outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 5  5 

Additional paid-in capital

 86,741  83,850  92,549  83,850 

Accumulated deficit

  (264,888)  (266,530)  (290,849)  (266,530)

Total stockholders' deficit

  (178,142)  (182,675)  (198,295)  (182,675)

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders' deficit

 $774,268  $787,975  $851,605  $787,975 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 
1

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
  

Tour revenues

 $143,395  $67,846  $175,989  $144,783  $444,183  $303,540 
  

Operating expenses:

  

Cost of tours

 72,050  57,947  95,590  87,576  245,293  208,023 

General and administrative

 26,419  20,637  30,015  24,535  85,589  68,882 

Selling and marketing

 20,652  12,329  19,387  16,025  55,197  41,193 

Depreciation and amortization

  11,808   11,178   10,521   10,839   33,660   33,193 

Total operating expenses

  130,929   102,091   155,513   138,975   419,739   351,291 
  

Operating income (loss)

  12,466   (34,245)  20,476   5,808   24,444   (47,751)
  

Other (expense) income:

  

Interest expense, net

 (10,467) (8,715) (11,482) (8,369) (33,593) (26,500)

Gain on foreign currency

 152  130 

Other income

  170   533 

(Loss) gain on foreign currency

 (455) (872) 46  (1,417)

Other (expense) income

  (77)  (333)  (3,773)  84 

Total other expense

  (10,145)  (8,052)  (12,014)  (9,574)  (37,320)  (27,833)
  

Income (loss) before income taxes

 2,321  (42,297) 8,462  (3,766) (12,876) (75,584)

Income tax expense (benefit)

  1,543   (149)

Income tax expense

  3   1,732   1,587   619 
  

Net income (loss)

 778  (42,148) 8,459  (5,498) (14,463) (76,203)

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

  157   (427)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

  2,821   3,228   3,742   3,000 

Net income (loss) attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

 621  (41,721) 5,638  (8,726) (18,205) (79,203)

Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend

  1,069   1,298   1,098   1,036   3,255   3,618 

Net loss available to stockholders

 $(448) $(43,019)

Net income (loss) available to stockholders

 $4,540  $(9,762) $(21,460) $(82,821)
  

Weighted average shares outstanding

  

Basic

 53,128,100  50,757,126  53,309,336  53,045,329  53,227,642  51,665,912 

Diluted

 53,128,100  50,757,126  53,401,799  53,045,329  53,227,642  51,665,912 
  

Undistributed loss per share available to stockholders:

 

Undistributed income (loss) per share available to stockholders:

 

Basic

 $(0.01) $(0.85) $0.08  $(0.18) $(0.40) $(1.60)

Diluted

 $(0.01) $(0.85) $0.08  $(0.18) $(0.40) $(1.60)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss)

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
  

Net income (loss)

 $778  $(42,148) $8,459  $(5,498) $(14,463) $(76,203)

Other comprehensive income:

  

Cash flow hedges:

  

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax

  -   634   -   -   -   634 

Total other comprehensive income

  -   634   -   -   -   634 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 778  (41,514) 8,459  (5,498) (14,463) (75,569)

Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributive to non-controlling interest

  157   (427)

Less: comprehensive income attributive to non-controlling interest

  2,821   3,228   3,742   3,000 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders

 $621  $(41,087) $5,638  $(8,726) $(18,205) $(78,569)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Deficit

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional Paid-In

 

Accumulated

 

Total Stockholders'

 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Deficit

 

Balance as of June 30, 2023

 53,320,546  $5  $89,601  $(294,491) $(204,885)

Stock-based compensation

 -  -  2,953  -  2,953 

Net activity related to equity compensation plans

 59,204  -  (5) -  (5)

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 -  -  -  (898) (898)

Series A preferred stock dividend

 -  -  -  (1,098) (1,098)

Net income attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc

  -   -   -   5,638   5,638 

Balance as of September 30, 2023

  53,379,750  $5  $92,549  $(290,849) $(198,295)
 
 

Common Stock

 

Additional Paid-In

 

Accumulated

 

Total Stockholders'

  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-In

  

Accumulated

  

Total Stockholders'

 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Deficit

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Deficit

 

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 53,177,437  $5  $83,850  $(266,530) $(182,675) 53,177,437  $5  $83,850  $(266,530) $(182,675)

Stock-based compensation

 -  -  2,902  -  2,902  -  -  9,245  -  9,245 

Net activity related to equity compensation plans

 65,570  -  (11) -  (11) 202,313  -  (546) -  (546)

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 -  -  -  2,090  2,090  -  -  -  (2,859) (2,859)

Series A preferred stock dividend

 -  -  -  (1,069) (1,069) -  -  -  (3,255) (3,255)

Net income attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

  -   -   -   621   621 

Balance as of March 31, 2023

  53,243,007  $5  $86,741  $(264,888) $(178,142)

Net loss attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc

  -   -   -   (18,205)  (18,205)

Balance as of September 30, 2023

  53,379,750 $5 $92,549 $(290,849) $(198,295)

 

  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-In

  

Accumulated

  

Accumulated Other

  

Total Stockholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

Deficit

 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

  50,800,786  $5  $58,485  $(136,439) $(634) $(78,583)

Stock-based compensation

  -   -   1,828   -   -   1,828 

Net activity related to equity compensation plans

  132,685   -   (6)  -   -   (6)

Other comprehensive income, net

  -   -   -   -   634   634 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

  -   -   -   (4,259)  -   (4,259)

Series A preferred shares dividend

  -   -   -   (1,298)  -   (1,298)

Net loss attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

  -   -   -   (41,721)  -   (41,721)

Balance as of March 31, 2022

  50,933,471  $5  $60,307  $(183,717) $-  $(123,405)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Deficit

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-In

  

Accumulated

  

Accumulated Other

  

Total Stockholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

Deficit

 

Balance as of June 30, 2022

 $53,064,077  $5  $80,812  $(218,695) $-  $(137,878)

Stock-based compensation

  -   -   1,632   -   -   1,632 

Net activity related to equity compensation plans

  68,593   -   (12)  -   -   (12)

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

  -   -   -   (8,760)  -   (8,760)

Series A preferred shares dividend

  -   -   -   (1,036)  -   (1,036)

Net loss attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

  -   -   -   (8,726)  -   (8,726)

Balance as of September 30, 2022

  53,132,670  $5  $82,432  $(237,217) $-  $(154,780)
                         
  

Common Stock

  

Additional Paid-In

  

Accumulated

  

Accumulated Other

  

Total Stockholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Deficit

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

Deficit

 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

  50,800,786  $5  $58,485  $(136,439)  (634) $(78,583)

Stock-based compensation

  -   -   5,283   -   -   5,283 

Net activity related to equity compensation plans

  222,323   -   (766)  -   -   (766)

Issuance of stock for conversion of preferred stock

  2,109,561   -   19,430   -   -   19,430 

Other comprehensive income, net

  -   -   -   -   634   634 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

  -   -   -   (17,957)  -   (17,957)

Series A preferred shares dividend

  -   -   -   (3,618)  -   (3,618)

Net loss attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

  -   -   -   (79,203)  -   (79,203)

Balance as of September 30, 2022

  53,132,670  $5  $82,432  $(237,217) $-  $(154,780)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

        

Net income (loss)

 $778  $(42,148)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

Net loss

 $(14,463) $(76,203)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization

 11,808  11,178  33,660  33,193 

Amortization of deferred financing costs and other, net

 681  701  2,444  1,988 

Amortization of right-to-use lease assets

 353  (9) 1,074  626 

Stock-based compensation

 2,902  1,828  9,245  5,283 

Deferred income taxes

 1,533  (149) 1,241  759 

Change in fair value of contingent acquisition consideration

 -  56  -  111 

Gain on foreign currency

 (152) (130)

(Gain) loss on foreign currency

 (46) 1,417 

Write-off of unamortized issuance costs related to debt refinancing

 -  9,004  3,860  9,004 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

  

Marine operating supplies and inventories

 825  482  2,311  (1,195)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 (2,323) (4,890) (2,944) (19,575)

Unearned passenger revenues

 4,532  29,563  5,467  34,407 

Other long-term assets

 (1,041) (261) (1,165) 3,242 

Other long-term liabilities

 (1) 845  -  844 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 (17,478) (908) (4,272) 7,526 

Operating lease liabilities

  (359)  -   (1,099)  (658)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  2,058   5,162   35,313   769 
  

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

        

Purchases of property and equipment

 (6,425) (7,522) (22,723) (29,566)

Sale of securities

  15,163   - 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  8,738   (7,522)

Sale of short-term securities

  15,163   - 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (7,560)  (29,566)
  

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

        

Proceeds from long-term debt

 -  360,000  275,000  360,000 

Repayments of long-term debt

 (5,809) (334,684) (205,704) (346,301)

Payment of deferred financing costs

 (21) (10,781) (7,455) (10,859)

Repurchase under stock-based compensation plans and related tax impacts

  (266)  (6)  (801)  (766)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (6,096)  14,529 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 4,700  12,169 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  61,040   2,074 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 88,793  (26,723)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

  116,024   172,693   116,024   172,693 
  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 $120,724  $184,862  $204,817  $145,970 
  

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

  

Cash paid during the period:

  

Interest

 $16,593  $3,613  $30,369  $22,159 

Income taxes

 89  58  388  226 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

  

Non-cash preferred stock dividend

 $1,069  $1,298   3,255   3,618 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

56

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

 

NOTE 1BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Business

 

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.’s and its consolidated subsidiaries’ (the(collectively, the “Company” or “Lindblad”) mission is offering life-changing adventures around the world and pioneering innovative ways to allow its guests to connect with exotic and remote places. The Company currently operates a fleet of ten owned expedition ships and five seasonal charter vessels under the Lindblad brand, operates land-based, eco-conscious expeditions and active nature focused tours under the Natural Habitat, Inc. (“Natural Habitat”) and Off the Beaten Path, LLC (“Off the Beaten Path”) brands, designs handcrafted walking tours under the Classic Journeys, LLC (“Classic Journeys”) brand and operates luxury cycling and adventure tours under the DuVine Cycling + Adventure Company (“DuVine”) brand.

 

The Company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “LIND”.

 

The Company operates the following two reportable business segments:

 

Lindblad Segment. The Lindblad segment primarily provides ship-based expeditions aboard customized, nimble and intimately-scaled vessels that are able to venture where larger cruise ships cannot, thus allowing Lindblad to offer up-close experiences in the planet’s wild and remote places and capitals of culture. Each expedition ship is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools for in-depth exploration, and the majority of expeditions involve travel to remote places with limited infrastructure and ports, such as Antarctica and the Arctic, or places that are best accessed by a ship, such as the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Baja California’s Sea of Cortez and Panama, and foster active engagement by guests. The Company has an alliance with National Geographic Partners, LLC (“National Geographic”), which provides for lecturers and National Geographic experts, including photographers, writers, marine biologists, naturalists, field researchers and film crews, to join many of the Company’s expeditions.

 

Land Experiences Segment. The Land Experiences segment includes our four primarily land-based brands, Natural Habitat, DuVine, Off the Beaten Path and Classic Journeys.

 

 

Natural Habitat specializes in conservation-oriented adventures, providing life-enhancing forays into the natural world that feature wild habitats and the animals and people who live there. Natural Habitat’s travel adventures provide unparalleled access to the planet's most extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures. Natural Habitat’s unique itineraries include access to private wildlife reserves, remote corners of national parks and distinctive, secluded, and remote lodges and camps situated where wildlife viewing is best, such as polar bear tours in Churchill, Canada, Alaskan grizzly bear adventures, small-group Galápagos Islands tours and African safaris. Natural Habitat has partnered with World Wildlife Fund (“WWF”) to offer conservation travel, which is sustainable travel that contributes to the protection of nature and wildlife.

   
 

DuVine specializes in luxury cycling and adventure tours around the world, providing immersive cultural and culinary experiences through thoughtfully designed itineraries led by expert local guides. Offerings primarily include tours throughout Europe, the United States and South America. Examples of DuVine’s tours include cycling and culinary tours throughout the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine making regions, Tuscan truffle, porcini and chestnut harvest regions, Napa and Sonoma wine making regions and lakes and volcanos throughout Patagonia. DuVine’s trips include top-quality gear and support and are tailored to riders of all abilities with an emphasis on exceptional food and wine experiences, along with boutique accommodations.

   
 

Off the Beaten Path provides active small-group and private custom journeys around the world with a long-standing focus on offering unique adventures and experiences throughout United States (“U.S.”) National Parks. In addition to other U.S.-based adventures such as ranch vacations and fly-fishing expeditions, Off the Beaten Path’s small-group product offerings include international expeditions across Europe, Africa, Australia, Central and South America and the South Pacific, such as hiking through the Dolomites, family adventures in Patagonia’s Lake District and experiencing the culture of Morocco. All Off the Beaten Path expeditions are defined by a focus on outdoor activity led by experienced, friendly guides.

   
 

Classic Journeys offers highly curated active small-group and private custom journeys centered around cinematic walks focused on engaging experiences that immerse guests into the history and culture of the places they are exploring and the people who live there, led by expert local guides in over 50 countries around the world. Classic Journeys’ tours are highlighted by luxury boutique accommodations and handcrafted itineraries curated through years of local connections such as experiencing Tuscan farmhouse kitchens, exploring Minoan ruins in Crete, or eating and dancing around a Berber encampment campfire.

 

67

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotesnotes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding unaudited interim financial information and include the accounts and transactions of the Company. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial statements for the periods presented. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year due to seasonality and other factors. Certain information and footnotenote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim reporting. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotesnotes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2023 (the “2022 Annual Report”).

 

There have been no significant changes to the Company’s accounting policies from those disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report.

 

 

NOTE 2EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings (loss) per Common Share

 

Earnings (loss) per common share is computed using the two-class method related to its Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001 (“Preferred Stock”). Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings available to stockholders for the period are allocated on a pro rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of the Preferred Stock based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and number of shares that could be issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock.

 

Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the dilutive incremental common shares associated with restricted stock awards and shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, using the treasury stock method, and the potential common shares that could be issued from conversion of the Preferred Stock, using the if-converted method. When a net loss occurs, potential common shares have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and such shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.

 

7

For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022,three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company incurred net losses available to stockholders, therefore basic and diluted net loss per share are the same in each respective period. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, 0.8 million unvested restricted shares, 1.91.3 million shares issuable upon exercise of options and 7.67.8 million common shares issuable upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock were excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares for the period as they were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, 7.8 million common shares issuable upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock were excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares for the period as they were anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, 0.8 million unvested restricted shares, 1.51.4 million shares issuable upon exercise of options and 9.37.4 million common shares issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock were excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares for the period as they were anti-dilutive. 

 

8

LossEarnings (loss) per share was calculated as follows:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
 

(unaudited)

  

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

  

Net income (loss) attributable to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

 $621  $(41,721) $5,638  $(8,726) $(18,205) $(79,203)

Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend

  1,069   1,298   1,098   1,036   3,255   3,618 

Undistributed loss available to stockholders

 $(448) $(43,019)

Undistributed income (loss) available to stockholders

 $4,540  $(9,762) $(21,460) $(82,821)
  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

  

Total weighted average shares outstanding, basic

 53,128,100  50,757,126  53,309,336  53,045,329  53,227,642  51,665,912 

Dilutive potential common shares

 91,365 - - - 

Dilutive potential options

  1,098  -  -  - 

Total weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

 53,128,100  50,757,126   53,401,799   53,045,329   53,227,642   51,665,912 
  

Undistributed loss per share available to stockholders:

 

Undistributed income (loss) per share available to stockholders:

 

Basic

 $(0.01) $(0.85) $0.08  $(0.18) $(0.40) $(1.60)

Diluted

 $(0.01) $(0.85) $0.08  $(0.18) $(0.40) $(1.60)

 

 

NOTE 3REVENUES

 

Customer Deposits and Contract Liabilities

 

The Company’s guests remit deposits in advance of tour embarkation. Guest deposits consist of guest ticket revenues as well as revenues from the sale of pre- and post-expedition excursions, hotel accommodations, land-based expeditions and certain air transportation. Guest deposits represent unearned revenues and are reported as unearned passenger revenues when received and are subsequently recognized as tour revenue over the duration of the expedition. Contract liabilities represent the Company's obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration from the customer. The Company does not consider guest deposits to be a contract liability until the guest no longer has the right, resulting from the passage of time, to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund. In conjunction with the suspension or rescheduling of expeditions primarily related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company provided guests an option of either a refund or future travel certificates, which in some instances exceeded the original cash deposit. The value of future travel certificates in excess of cash received is being recognized as a discount to tour revenues at the time the related expedition occurs. Future travel certificates are valued based on the Company’s expectation that a guest will travel again. As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has recorded $249.6$250.6 million and $245.1 million, related to unearned passenger revenue, respectively.

 

 

Contract Liabilities

  

Contract Liabilities

 

(In thousands)

  

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 $178,198  $178,198 

Recognized in tour revenues during the period

 (134,262) (427,958)

Additional contract liabilities in period

  95,692   365,392 

Balance as of March 31, 2023

 $139,628 

Balance as of September 30, 2023

 $115,632 

 

8

The following table disaggregates our tour revenues by the sales channel it was derived from:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Guest ticket revenue:

 (unaudited)  

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Direct

 45% 45% 58% 56% 53% 51%

National Geographic

 14% 16% 11% 12% 12% 15%

Agencies

 23% 20% 19% 19% 19% 19%

Affinity

  7%  9%  3%  4%  7%  5%

Guest ticket revenue

 89% 90% 91% 91% 91% 90%

Other tour revenue

  11%  10%  9%  9%  9%  10%

Tour revenues

  100%  100%  100%  100%  100%  100%

 

9

 

NOTE 4FINANCIAL STATEMENT DETAILS

 

The following is a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the statement of cash flows:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

As of September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

(In thousands)

 (unaudited)  

(unaudited)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $83,984  $154,816  $168,015  $116,446 

Restricted cash

  36,740   30,046   36,802   29,524 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as presented in the statement of cash flows

 $120,724  $184,862  $204,817  $145,970 

 

Restricted cash consists of the following:

 

 

As of March 31, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 

(In thousands)

 (unaudited)    

(unaudited)

   

Credit card processor reserves

 $20,737  $20,400  $20,850  $20,400 

Federal Maritime Commission and other escrow

 14,739  6,882  14,270  6,882 

Certificates of deposit and other restricted securities

  1,264   1,565   1,682   1,565 

Total restricted cash

 $36,740  $28,847  $36,802  $28,847 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets are as follows: 

 

 

As of March 31, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
 

(unaudited)

    

(unaudited)

   

(In thousands)

  

Prepaid tour expenses

 $25,914  $20,605  $23,580  $20,605 

Other

  18,187   21,173   21,142   21,173 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 $44,101  $41,778  $44,722  $41,778 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses are as follows:

 

 

As of March 31, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
 

(unaudited)

    

(unaudited)

   

(In thousands)

  

Accrued other expense

 $34,578  $54,418  $50,783  $54,418 

Accounts payable

  18,810   16,601   15,918   16,601 

Total accounts payable and accrued expenses

 $53,388  $71,019  $66,701  $71,019 

 

910

 

NOTE 5LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 

As of March 31, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
   (unaudited)            

(unaudited)

         

(In thousands)

 

Principal

  

Deferred Financing Costs, net

  

Balance

  

Principal

  

Deferred Financing Costs, net

  

Balance

  

Principal

  

Deferred Financing Costs, net

  

Balance

  

Principal

  

Deferred Financing Costs, net

  

Balance

 

6.75% Notes

 $360,000  $(8,440) $351,560  $360,000  (8,968) 351,032  $360,000  $(7,322) $352,678  $360,000  (8,968) 351,032 

9.00% Notes

 275,000 (6,833) 268,167 - - - 

Other

 89  -  89  955  -  955 

First Export Credit Agreement

 91,569  (1,764) 89,805  94,794  (1,829) 92,965  -  -  -  94,794  (1,829) 92,965 

Second Export Credit Agreement

 107,485  (2,140) 105,345  110,044  (2,207) 107,837   -   -   -   110,044   (2,207)  107,837 

Other

  930   -   930   955   -   955 

Total long-term debt

 559,984  (12,344) 547,640  565,793  (13,004) 552,789  635,089  (14,155) 620,934  565,793  (13,004) 552,789 

Less current portion

  (23,308)  -   (23,308)  (23,337)  -   (23,337)  (46)  -   (46)  (23,337)  -   (23,337)

Total long-term debt, non-current

 $536,676  $(12,344) $524,332  $542,456  $(13,004) $529,452  $635,043  $(14,155) $620,888  $542,456  $(13,004) $529,452 

 

For the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023, and 2022, $0.7$0.9 million and $0.5$2.4 million, respectively, of deferred financing costs were charged to interest expense, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, $0.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of deferred financing costs were charged to interest expense. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, $3.9 million of deferred financing costs related to the repayment of the Company’s prior senior secured credit agreements (the “Export Credit Agreements”) were written-off to other expense. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, $9.0 million of deferred financing costs related to the repayment of the Company’s prior credit agreement, including the term facility, Main Street Loan and revolving credit facility were written-off to other expense.

 

6.75% Notes

 

On February 4, 2022, the Company issued $360.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior secured notes due 2027 (the “Notes”“6.75% Notes”) in a private offering. The6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.75% per year, and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The6.75% Notes will mature on February 15, 2027, subject to earlier repurchase or redemption. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to prepay in full all outstanding borrowings under its prior credit agreement, including the term facility, Main Street Loan, and revolving credit facility, to pay any related premiums and to terminate in full its prior credit agreement and the commitments thereunder. The 6.75%Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and secured by first-priority pari passu liens, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions, on substantially all the assets of the Company and the Guarantors. The 6.75%Notes may be redeemed by the Company, at set redemption prices and premiums, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 

 

The6.75% Notes contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability, and the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries, to incur certain additional indebtedness and make certain dividend payments, distributions, investments and other restricted payments. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the6.75% Notes. 

 

Revolving Credit Facility 

 

On February 4, 2022, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which provides for an aggregate principal amount of commitments of $45.0 million, maturing February 2027, including a letter of credit sub-facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $5.0 million. The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and the Guarantors and are secured by first-priority pari passu liens, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions, on substantially all the assets of the Company and the Guarantors. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, if any, will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s option, an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) rate plus a spread or a base rate plus a spread. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as financial covenants and event of default provisions.

 

11

9.00% Notes

On May 2, 2023, the Company issued $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.00% senior secured notes due 2028 (the “9.00% Notes”) in a private offering. The 9.00% Notes bear interest at a rate of 9.00% per year, accruing from May 2, 2023, and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15,2023. The 9.00% Notes will mature on May 15,2028, subject to earlier repurchase or redemption. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to prepay in full all outstanding borrowings under its prior senior secured credit agreements, to pay any related premiums and to terminate in full its prior senior secured credit agreements and the commitments thereunder. The 9.00% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed (i) on a senior secured basis by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (collectively, the “Secured Guarantors”) and secured by a first-priority lien, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions, on the equity and substantially all the assets of the Secured Guarantors, and (ii) on a senior unsecured basis by certain other subsidiaries of the Company. The 9.00% Notes may be redeemed by the Company, at set redemption prices and premiums, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 

The 9.00% Notes contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability, and the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries, to incur certain additional indebtedness and make certain dividend payments, distributions, investments and other restricted payments. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 9.00% Notes. 

Other

The Company’s Off the Beaten Path subsidiary’s original $0.3 million loan for the purchase of guest transportation vehicles was repaid during June 2023 and its $0.8 million loan under the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility, which originated on December 11, 2020, was repaid during May 2023. 

The Company’s DuVine subsidiary has a EUR 0.1 million State Assistance Loan related to the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the purpose of employment preservation. This loan matures August 2025, with monthly payments, and bears an interest rate of 0.53% annually. 

Prior Senior Secured Credit Agreements

 

In January 2018, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the “First Export Credit Agreement”) making available to the Company a loan in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $107.7 million, for the purpose of providing financing for up to 80% of the purchase price of the Company’s new ice class vessel, the National Geographic Endurance, deliveredand borrowed $107.7 million upon delivery in March 2020. The loan amortizes quarterly based on a twelve-year profile, with 70% maturing over twelve years from drawdown, and 30% maturing over five years from drawdown. In September 2021, the Company amended its First Export Credit Agreement to, among other things, waivewas repaid in full on May 2, 2023 with the net leverage coverage ratio through March 2022 and annualize EBITDA used in its covenant calculation through December 31, 2022. During May 2022, proceeds of the Company further amended its First Export Credit Agreement to extend the waiver of its net leverage coverage ratio from March 2022 through December 31, 2022. The First Export Credit Agreement, as amended, bears interest at a variable interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50% per annum, for an aggregated rate of 8.65% over the borrowing period covering March 31, 2023. 9.00% Notes. 

 

10

In April 2019, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the “Second Export Credit Agreement”), to make available tounder which the Company and subject to certain conditions, a loan in an aggregate principal amount not to exceedborrowed $122.8 million for the purpose of providing pre- and post-delivery financing for up to 80% of the purchase price of the Company’s new expedition ice-class cruise vessel, the National Geographic Resolution, delivered in September 2021,2021. The Company borrowed $30.5 million in 2019, $30.6 million in 2020and borrowed $122.8$61.7 million under the Second Export Credit Agreement. The loan amortizes quarterly based on ain twelve-year profile, with 70% maturing over twelve2021. years from final drawdown, and 30% maturing overfive years from final drawdown. In September 2021, the Company amended its Second Export Credit Agreement to, among other things, waive the net leverage coverage ratio through March 2022 and annualize EBITDA used in its covenant calculation through December 31, 2022. During May 2022, the Company further amended its Second Export Credit Agreement to extend the waiver of its net leverage coverage ratio from March 2022 through December 31, 2022. The Second Export Credit Agreement as amended, bears a variable interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50% per annum, for an aggregated rate of 8.46% over the borrowing period covering March 31, 2023.

Other

The Company’s Off the Beaten Path subsidiary has a loan maturing September 2023 for the purchase of guest transportation vehicles. The loan’s original principal was $0.3 million, is collateralized by the vehicles and bears an interest rate of 4.77% annually.

The Company’s Off the Beaten Path subsidiary has a $0.8 million loan under the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility, originatedrepaid in full on December 11, 2020. For the first12 months, interest was not payable and accrued to the principal balance, thereafter, monthly interest payments are required. The outstanding balance will amortize at a rate of 15% on both DecemberMay 2, 2023and December 2024, with the remaining balance due December 2025. The loan bears a variable interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.00%, or 7.86% as of March 31, 2023. This loan may be voluntarily prepaid at any time and from time to time, without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage costs” and fees for LIBOR-based loans.

The Company’s DuVine subsidiary has a EUR 0.1 million State Assistance Loan related to the financial consequencesproceeds of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the purpose of employment preservation. This loan matures August 2025, with monthly payments, and bears an interest rate of 0.53% annually.9.00% Notes. 

 

Covenants

 

The Company’s 6.75%Notes, Revolving Credit Facility First Export Credit Agreement and Second Export Credit Agreement9.00% Notes contain financial and restrictive covenants that include, among others, net leverage ratios, limits on additional indebtedness and limits on certain investments. On October 11, 2022, the Company amended the covenants of its Senior Secured Credit Agreements to use an annualized EBITDA calculation in its net leverage ratio covenant for the periods from March 31, 2023 through September 30, 2023. The Company was in compliance with its covenants in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2023.

 

 

NOTE 6FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities consist principally of foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate caps and are carried at fair value based on significant observable inputs (Level 2 inputs). Derivatives entered into by the Company are typically executed over-the-counter and are valued using internal valuation techniques, as quoted market prices are not readily available. The valuation technique and inputs depend on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying exposure. The Company principally uses discounted cash flows along with fair value models that primarily use market observable inputs. These models take into account a variety of factors including, where applicable, maturity, currency exchange rates, interest rate yield curves and counterparty credit risks.

 

Currency Risk. The Company uses currency exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates associated with certain of its non-U.S. dollar denominated receivables and payables. The Company primarily economically hedges a portion of its current-year currency exposure to the Canadian and New Zealand dollars, the Brazilian Real, the South African Rand, the Euro and the British pound sterling.sterling. The fluctuations in the value of these forward contracts largely offset the impact of changes in the value of the underlying risk they economically hedge.

 

Interest Rate Risk. The Company previously used interest rate caps to manage the risk related to its previously existing variable rate corporate debt. The Company recorded the effective portion of changes in the fair value of its cash flow hedges to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction was recognized. Any changes in fair values of hedges that are determined to be ineffective are immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. 

1112

The Company held the following derivative instruments with absolute notional values as of March 31,September 30, 2023:

 

(In thousands)

 

Absolute Notional Value

 

Interest rate caps

 $100,000 

Foreign exchange contracts

  12,232 

(In thousands)

Absolute Notional Value

Foreign exchange contracts

16,731

 

Estimated fair values (Level 2) of derivative instruments were as follows:

 

 

As of March 31, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
 

(unaudited)

      

(unaudited)

     

(In thousands)

 

Fair Value, Asset Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Liability Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Asset Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Liability Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Asset Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Liability Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Asset Derivatives

  

Fair Value, Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

                

Interest rate cap (a)

 $316  $-  $683  $-  $-  $-  $683  $- 

Foreign exchange forward (b)

  -   434   -   572   -   407   -   572 

Total

 $316  $434  $683  $572  $-  $407  $683  $572 
 

(a)

Recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The interest rate cap matured during May 2023.

 (b)Recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses. 

 

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The effects of derivatives recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
 (unaudited)  

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

            

Interest rate cap (a)

 $(367) $(451) $-  $1,046  $(683) $749 

Foreign exchange forward (b)

  152   130   (455)  (872)  46   (1,417)

Total

 $(215) $(321) $(455) $174  $(637) $(668)
 

(a) 

The interest rate cap matured during May 2023. Recognized in interest expense, net. Fornet, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, $0.61.3 million was recognized as income in interest expense net, and $0.6 million was reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense, net.

 (b) 

Gains (losses) related to derivative instruments are expected to be largely offset by (losses) gains on the underlying exposures being hedged and recognized in gain (loss) on foreign currency.

 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company estimates the approximate fair value of its long-term debt as of March 31,September 30, 2023 to be $541.8$613.3 million based on the terms of the agreements and comparable market data as of March 31,September 30, 2023. As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no other significant liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

 

NOTE 7STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

 

Stock Repurchase Plan

 

The Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock and warrant repurchase plan (“Repurchase Plan”) in November 2015 and increased the repurchase planRepurchase Plan to $35.0 million in November 2016. The Repurchase Plan authorizes the Company to purchase, from time to time, the Company’s outstanding common stock and previously outstanding warrants. Any shares purchased will be retired. The Repurchase Plan has no time deadline and will continue until otherwise modified or terminated at the sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. These repurchases exclude shares repurchased to settle statutory employee tax withholding related to the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards. The Company has cumulatively repurchased 875,218 shares of common stock for $8.3 million and 6,011,926 warrants for $14.7 million, since plan inception. The remaining balance for the Repurchase Plan was $12.0 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023. 

 

1213

Preferred Stock

 

In August 2020, the Company issued and sold 85,000 shares of Preferred Stock for $1,000 per share for gross proceeds of $85.0 million. The Preferred Stock has senior and preferential ranking to the Company’s common stock. The Preferred Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of 6.00% per annum, and for the first two years the dividends were required to be paid-in-kind. After the second anniversary of the issuance date, the dividends may be paid-in-kind or be paid in cash at the Company’s option. During 2023, the Company thus far has continued to pay Preferred Stock dividends in-kind. At any time after the third anniversary of the issuance, the Company may, at its option, convert all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Stock into common stock if the closing price of shares of common stock is at least 150% of the conversion price for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days. The Preferred Stock is convertible at any time, at the holder’s election, into a number of shares of common stock of the Company equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the then-current accrued value by the conversion price of $9.50. The Preferred Stock deferred issuance costs waswere $2.1 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023, recorded as reduction to preferred stock. The Company recorded accrued dividends for Preferred Stock of $1.1 million and $1.3$3.3 million for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023, respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.6 million for the threeand 2022,nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, the 62,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding and accumulated dividends could be converted at the option of the holders into 7.67.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

 

NOTE 8STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 4.7 million shares of common stock under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“the Plan”) which was approved by shareholders in September 2021. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, 2.93.8 million shares were available to be granted under the Plan.

 

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $2.8$3.0 million and $1.8$9.2 million during the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023, respectively, and $1.6 million and $5.3 million during the threeand 2022,nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

2022Long-Term Incentive Compensation

 

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the Company granted 273,656553,871 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with a weighted average grant price of $9.57.$9.78. The RSUs will primarily vest equally over three years on the anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued employment or service with the Company on the applicable vesting date. The number of shares were determined based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of the award.

 

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the Company awarded 96,757 performance-based restricted share units (“PSUs”) with a weighted average grant price of $9.56. The PSUs generally vest three years following the date of grant based on the attainment of performance- or market-based goals, all of which are subject to a service condition. The Company does not deliver the shares associated with the PSUs to the employee, non-employee director or other service providers until the performance and vesting conditions are met. 

 

Options

 

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, the Company granted 500,000 options, with an average exercise price of $9.56. The options vest ratably over four years with a term of ten years. 

 

  Stock Option Grants 
  2023 
Stock price $9.56 
Exercise price $9.56 
Dividend yield  0.00%
Expected Volatility  64.6%
Risk-free interest rate  3.63%
Expected term (in years)  6.25 

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, options to purchase an aggregate of 1.91.3 million and 1.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, with a weighted average exercise price of $13.64$12.36 and $15.10, respectively, were outstanding. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, 388,000638,115 options were exercisable.

 

14

Natural Habitat Contingent Arrangement

 

In connection with the 2016 acquisition of Natural Habitat, Mr. BresslerBressler’s employment agreement, as amended, provides Mr. Bressler, President of Natural Habitat, with an equity incentive opportunity to earn an award of options based on the future financial performance of Natural Habitat, effective as of December 31, 2025, subject to certain conditions. Mr. Bressler has a one-time right to elect an early option award of 50% at December 31, 2023, subject to certain conditions. 

 

13

 

NOTE 9INCOME TAXES

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits recorded. The Company's effective tax rate for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023 was an expense of 66.5%0.0% and 12.3%, respectively, versus a benefitan expense of 0.4%46.0% and 0.8% for the three and months ended March 31, 2022.September 30, 2022, The effectrespectively. In 2023, the effective income tax expense differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the valuation allowance and for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 was also impacted by a $1.5 million discrete tax expense.  In 2022, the effective income tax expense differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the expected results for the year and the impact of taxes from foreign jurisdictions.

 

 

NOTE 10COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest

 

The Company has controlling interests in its Natural Habitat, Off the Beaten Path, DuVine and Classic Journeys consolidated subsidiaries. The noncontrolling interests are subject to put/call agreements. The put options enable the minority holders, but do not obligate them, to sell the remaining interests to the Company. The Company has call options which enable it, but does not obligate it, to acquire the remaining interests in the subsidiaries, subject to certain dates, expirations and similar redemption value purchase measurements as the put options.

 

Since the redemption of the noncontrolling interests are not solely in the Company’s control, the Company is required to record the redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of stockholders’ equity but after its total liabilities. In addition, if it is probable that the instrument will become redeemable, as such solely due to the passage of time, the redeemable noncontrollable interest should be adjusted to the redemption value via one of two measurement methods. The Company elected the income classification-excess adjustment and accretion methods for recognizing changes in the redemption value of the put options. Under this methodology, a calculation of the present value of the redemption value is compared to the carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, and the carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is adjusted to the redemption value’s present value. Any adjustments to the carrying value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, up to the redemption value of the noncontrolling interest, are classified to retained earnings. Adjustments in excess of the redemption value of the noncontrolling interest are treated as a decrease to net income available to common stockholders.

 

The redemption value of the put options were determined using a discounted cash flow model. The redemption values were adjusted to their present value using the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. 

 

The following is a rollforward of redeemable non-controlling interest:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
 

(unaudited)

  

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Beginning balance

 $27,886  $10,626  $30,513  $19,595  $27,886  $10,626 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 157  (427)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 2,821  3,228  3,742  3,000 

Redemption value adjustment of put option

 (2,090) 4,259  898 8,760 2,859 17,957 

Distribution

  (255)  -   -   -   (255)  - 

Ending balance

 $25,698  $14,458  $34,232  $31,583  $34,232  $31,583 

 

15

Royalty Agreement National Geographic

 

The Company is party to an alliance and license agreement with National Geographic, which allows the Company to use the National Geographic name and logo. In return for these rights, the Company is charged a royalty fee. The royalty fee is included within selling and marketing expense. The fee is calculated based upon a percentage of certain ticket revenues less travel agent commission, including the revenues received from cancellation fees and any revenues received from the sale of pre- and post-expedition extensions. Royalty expense for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023 was $1.3$2.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, and was $1.2$1.9 million and $4.5 million for the three and ninemonths ended March 31, 2022.September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

The royalty balance payable to National Geographic as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $2.1$1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and areis included in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

 

14

Royalty Agreement World Wildlife Fund

 

Natural Habitat has a license agreement with WWF, which allows it to use the WWF name and logo. In return for these rights, Natural Habitat is charged a royalty fee and a fee based on annual gross sales. The fees are included within selling and marketing expense. This royalty fee expense was $0.2$0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.0 million for the threeand March 31, 2022.nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

Charter Commitments

 

From time to time, the Company enters into agreements to charter vessels onto which it holds its tours and expeditions. Future minimum payments on its charter agreements as of March 31,September 30, 2023 are as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

Amount

  

Amount

 

(In thousands)

 (unaudited)  

(unaudited)

 

2023

 $10,870 

2023 (three months)

 $207 

2024

  12,914  18,558 

2025

  7,026 

Total

 $23,784  $25,791 

 

 

NOTE 11SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company is primarily a specialty cruise and experiential travel operator with operations in two reportable segments, Lindblad and Land Experiences. The Company evaluates the performance of the business based largely on the results of its operating segments. The chief operating decision maker and management review operating results monthly and base operating decisions on the total results at a consolidated level, as well as at a segment level. The reports provided to the Board of Directors are at a consolidated level and contain information regarding the separate results of both segments.

 

The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based largely on tour revenues and operating income without allocating other income and expenses, net, income taxes and interest expense, net. Operating results for the Company’s reportable segments were as follows:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  2023 2022 2023 2022 

(In thousands)

 (unaudited)  

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Tour revenues:

            

Lindblad

 $115,498  $50,274  $108,750  $83,741  $311,660  $198,063 

Land Experiences

  27,897   17,572   67,239   61,042   132,523   105,477 

Total tour revenues

 $143,395  $67,846  $175,989  $144,783  $444,183  $303,540 

Operating income (loss):

            

Lindblad

 $12,118  $(33,569) $7,501  $(7,142) $8,576  $(60,380)

Land Experiences

  348   (676)  12,975   12,950   15,868   12,629 

Total operating income (loss)

 $12,466  $(34,245) $20,476  $5,808  $24,444  $(47,751)

 

16

For the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2023, there was $2.5$2.3 million inand $6.3 million, respectively, of intercompany tour revenues between the Lindblad and Land Experiences reportable segments, which were eliminated in consolidation. For the three and ninemonths ended March 31,September 30, 2022, there was $1.6$1.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of intercompany tour revenues between the Lindblad and Land Experiences reportable segments eliminated in consolidation.

 

Depreciation and amortization are included in segment operating income as shown below:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

(In thousands)

 (unaudited)  

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Depreciation and amortization:

            

Lindblad

 $11,152  $10,741  $9,665  $10,090  $31,155  $31,087 

Land Experiences

  656   437   856   749   2,505   2,106 

Total depreciation and amortization

 $11,808  $11,178  $10,521  $10,839  $33,660  $33,193 

 

15

The following table presents our total assets, intangibles, net and goodwill by segment:

 

(In thousands)

 

As of March 31, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
 

(unaudited)

     

(unaudited)

   

Total Assets:

        

Lindblad

 $628,968  $662,683  $692,119  $662,683 

Land Experiences

  145,300   125,292   159,486   125,292 

Total assets

 $774,268  $787,975  $851,605  $787,975 
  

Intangibles, net:

        

Lindblad

 $1,651  $1,680  $1,614  $1,680 

Land Experiences

  9,109   9,539   8,250   9,539 

Total intangibles, net

 $10,760  $11,219  $9,864  $11,219 
  

Goodwill:

        

Lindblad

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

Land Experiences

  42,017   42,017   42,017   42,017 

Total goodwill

 $42,017  $42,017  $42,017  $42,017 

 

 

NOTE 12SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In May 2023, the Company issued $275.0 million of 9.00% senior secured notes, maturing 2028 (the “2028 Notes”), with proceeds used primarily to prepay in full all outstanding borrowings under its existing export credit facilities. The 2028 Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and collateralized by certain of the Company’s assets.

16
17

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

The following discussion and analysis addresses material changes in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q), as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 10, 2023 (the “2022 Annual Report”). Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Form 10-Q, “Company,” “Lindblad,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ours” refer to Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Any statements in this Form 10-Q about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, financial condition, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “positioned,” “strategy,” “outlook” and similar words. You should read the statements that contain these types of words carefully. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. There may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or over which we have no control. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

 events and conditions around the world, including war and other military actions, such as the Israel-Hamas war, the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, inflation, higher fuel prices, higher interest rates and other general concerns about the state of the economy or other events impacting the ability or desire of people to travel;
   
 

suspended operations, cancelling or rescheduling of voyages and other potential disruptions to our business and operations related to the COVID-19 virus, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the political unrest in Perudestinations we visit, outbreak of disease in any destination we visit or another unexpected event;

   
 

the Israel-Hamas war, impacts of inflation, the COVID-19 virus and/or the Russia-Ukraine conflict on our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, cash flows, employees, plans and growth;

   
 

increases in fuel prices, changes in fuels consumed and availability of fuel supply in the geographies in which we operate or in general; 

   
 

the impacts of inflation and negative economic conditions or negative economic outlooks on the demand for expedition travel;
   
 the loss of key employees, our inability to recruit or retain qualified shoreside and shipboard employees and increased labor costs;
   
 the impact of delays or cost overruns with respect to anticipated or unanticipated drydock, maintenance, modifications or other required construction related to any of our vessels;
   
 

unscheduled disruptions in our business due to civil unrest, travel restrictions, weather events, mechanical failures, pandemics or other events;
any change in state classifications of our workforce;
   
 

changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged:
   
 management of our growth and our ability to execute on our planned growth, including our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions;
   
 

our business strategy and plans;

   
18

 

our ability to maintain or renew (on favorable terms or at all) our relationship with National Geographic and/or World Wildlife Fund;

   
 compliance with new and existing laws and regulations, including environmental regulations and travel advisories and restrictions;
17

   
 

compliance with the financial and/or operating covenants in our debt arrangements;

   
 

the impact of severe or unusual weather conditions, including climate change, on our business;

   
 adverse publicity regarding the travel and cruise industry in general;
   
 

loss of business due to competition;

   
 the inability to meet or achieve our sustainability related goals, aspirations, initiatives, and our public statements and disclosures regarding them;
   
 

the result of future financing efforts; and 

   
 

those risks discussed herein and in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2022 Annual Report.Report and in Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023.

 

We urge you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or uncertainties after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Business Overview

 

We provide expedition cruising and land-based adventure travel fostering a spirit of exploration and discovery, using itineraries featuring up-close encounters with wildlife and nature, history and culture and promote guest empowerment, human connections and interactivity. Our mission is to offer life-changing adventures around the world and pioneeringpioneer innovative ways to allow our guests to connect with exotic and remote places. 

 

We currently operate a fleet of ten owned expedition ships and five seasonal charter vessels under the Lindblad Expeditions, LLC (“Lindblad”) brand. Each expedition ship is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools for in-depth exploration and the majority of our expeditions involve travel to remote places, such as voyages to the Arctic, Antarctic, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Baja’s Sea of Cortez, the South Pacific, Costa Rica and Panama. We have a longstanding relationship with the National Geographic Society (“National Geographic”) dating back to 2004, which is based on a shared interest in exploration, research, technology and conservation. This relationship includes a co-selling, co-marketing and branding arrangement whereby our owned vessels carry the National Geographic name and National Geographic sells our expeditions through its internal travel division. We collaborate with National Geographic on voyage planning to enhance the guest experience by having National Geographic experts, including photographers, writers, marine biologists, naturalists, field researchers and film crews, join our expeditions. Guests are able to interface with these experts through lectures, excursions, dining and other experiences throughout their voyage.

 

We operate land-based nature adventure travel expeditions around the globe, with unique itineraries designed to offer intimate encounters with nature and the planet’s wild destinations and the animals and people who live there.

 

Natural Habitat, Inc. (“Natural Habitat”) provides eco-conscious expeditions and nature-focused, small-group experiences that include polar bear tours in Churchill, Canada, Alaskan grizzly bear adventures, small-group Galápagos Islands tours and African safaris. Natural Habitat has partneredpartners with World Wildlife Fund (“WWF”) to offer conservation travel, which is sustainable travel that contributes to the protection of nature and wildlife. 

 

DuVine Cycling + Adventure Company (“DuVine”) provides intimate cycling adventures and travel experiences, led by expert guides, with a focus on connecting with local character and culture, including high-quality local cuisine and accommodations. International cycling tours include the exotic Costa Rican rainforests, the rocky coasts of Ireland and the vineyards of Spain, while cycling adventures in the United States include cycling beneath the California redwoods, pedaling through Vermont farmland and wine tastings in the world-class vineyards of Napa and Sonoma.

19

 

Off the Beaten Path, LLC (“Off the Beaten Path”) provides small group travel, led by local, experienced guides, with distinct focus on wildlife, hiking national parks and culture. Off the Beaten Path offerings include insider national park experiences in the Rocky Mountains, Desert Southwest, and Alaska, as well as unique trips across Europe, Africa, Australia, Central and South America and the South Pacific.

 

Classic Journeys, LLC (“Classic Journeys”) offers highly curated active small-group and private custom journeys centered around cinematic walks led by expert local guides in over 50 countries around the world. These walking tours are highlighted by luxury boutique accommodations and handcrafted itineraries that immerse guests into the history and culture of the places they are exploring and the people who live there.

 

We operate two segments including the Lindblad segment, which consists of the operations of our Lindblad brand, and the Land Experiences segment, consisting of our Natural Habitat, DuVine, Off the Beaten Path and Classic Journeys brands.

 

18

2023 Highlights

 

During the first quarter2023, we provided immersive expeditions to our guests across all of our ships including voyages to Antarctica, Patagonia,the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Baja California’s Sea of Cortez, the Baltic Sea, British Columbia, Eastern Canada, Central America, Europe, the Galápagos Islands, Central America, Australia,Greenland, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, through the Northwest Passage, the Pacific Northwest, Patagonia, the South Pacific and elsewhere, as well as African safaris, trips and generated $143.4 million in revenue, $12.5 million in operating incometours through the U.S. National Parks, our Alaska Bear Camp, the Scotland Highlands, bike tours of Portugal, the French wine country, Tuscany and $27.2 million in Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP financial measure defined below). 

We have substantial advanced reservations for future travel with bookings for the full year 2023 45% ahead of the bookings for 2019 at the same point in 2019.Spain. 

 

During May 2023, we issued $275.0 million of 9.00% senior secured notes, maturing 2028, with proceeds used primarily to pay the outstanding borrowings under our existing exportprior senior secured credit agreements.agreements (the “Export Credit Agreements”). 

During June 2023, Natural Habitat renewed its partnership agreement with WWF through December 31, 2028.

We have substantial advanced reservations for future travel with bookings for the full year 2023 42% ahead of the bookings for 2019 at the same point in 2019. 

 

The discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are organized as follows:

 

 

a description of certain line items and operational and financial metrics we utilize to assist us in managing our business;

   
 

results and a comparable discussion of our consolidated and segment results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022;operations;

   
 

a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, including future capital and contractual commitments and potential funding sources; and

   
 

a review of our critical accounting policies.

 

Financial Presentation

 

Description of Certain Line Items

 

Tour revenues

 

Tour revenues consist of the following:

 

 

Guest ticket revenues recognized from the sale of guest tickets; and

   
 

Other tour revenues from the sale of pre- or post-expedition excursions, hotel accommodations, air transportation to and from the ships and excursions, goods and services rendered onboard that are not included in guest ticket prices, trip insurance, and cancellation fees.

 

Cost of tours

 

Cost of tours includes the following:

 

 

Direct costs associated with revenues, including cost of pre- or post-expedition excursions, hotel accommodations, and land-based expeditions, air and other transportation expenses, and cost of goods and services rendered onboard;

   
20

 

Payroll costs and related expenses for shipboard and expedition personnel;

   
 

Food costs for guests and crew, including complimentary food and beverage amenities for guests;

   
 

Fuel costs and related costs of delivery, storage and safe disposal of waste; and

   
 

Other tour expenses, such as land costs, port costs, repairs and maintenance, equipment expense, drydock, ship insurance, and charter hire costs.

 

Selling and marketing

 

Selling and marketing expenses include commissions, royalties and a broad range of advertising and promotional expenses.

 

19

General and administrative

 

General and administrative expenses include the cost of shoreside vessel support, reservations and other administrative functions, including salaries and related benefits, credit card commissions, professional fees and rent.

 

Operational and Financial Metrics

 

We use a variety of operational and financial metrics, including non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, Net Yields, Occupancy and Net Cruise Costs, to enable us to analyze our performance and financial condition. We utilize these financial measures to manage our business on a day-to-day basis and believe that they are the most relevant measures of performance. Some of these measures are commonly used in the cruise and tourism industry to evaluate performance. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide expanded insight to assess revenue and cost performance, in addition to the standard GAAP-based financial measures. There are no specific rules or regulations for determining non-GAAP measures, and as such, they may not be comparable to measures used by other companies within the industry.

 

The presentation of non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. You should read this discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto also included within.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, other income (expense), income tax (expense) benefit, (gain) loss on foreign currency, (gain) loss on transfer of assets, reorganization costs, and other supplemental adjustments. Other supplemental adjustments include certain non-operating items such as stock-based compensation, executive severance costs, the National Geographic fee amortization, debt refinancing costs, acquisition-related expenses and other non-recurring charges. We believe Adjusted EBITDA, when considered along with other performance measures, is a useful measure as it reflects certain operating drivers of the business, such as sales growth, operating costs, selling and administrative expense, and other operating income and expense. We believe Adjusted EBITDA helps provide a more complete understanding of the underlying operating results and trends and an enhanced overall understanding of our financial performance and prospects for the future. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of liquidity or cash flows from operations or a measure comparable to net income as it does not take into account certain requirements, such as unearned passenger revenues, capital expenditures and related depreciation, principal and interest payments, and tax payments. Our use of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.

 

The following metrics apply to our Lindblad segment:

 

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost represents Net Cruise Cost adjusted for non-GAAP other supplemental adjustments which include certain non-operating items such as stock-based compensation, the National Geographic fee amortization, and acquisition-related expenses.

 

Available Guest Nights is a measurement of capacity and represents double occupancy per cabin (except single occupancy for a single capacity cabin) multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period. We also record the number of guest nights available on our limited land programs in this definition.

 

Gross Cruise Cost represents the sum of cost of tours plus, selling and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses.

 

Gross Yield per Available Guest Night represents tour revenues less insurance proceeds divided by Available Guest Nights.

 

21

Guest Nights Sold represents the number of guests carried for the period multiplied by the number of nights sailed within the period.

 

Maximum Guests is a measure of capacity and represents the maximum number of guests in a period and is based on double occupancy per cabin (except single occupancy for a single capacity cabin).

 

Net Cruise Cost represents Gross Cruise Cost excluding commissions and certain other direct costs of guest ticket revenues and other tour revenues.

 

Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel represents Net Cruise Cost excluding fuel costs.

 

Net Yield represents tour revenues less insurance proceeds, commissions and direct costs of other tour revenues.

 

Net Yield per Available Guest Night represents Net Yield divided by Available Guest Nights.

 

20

Number of Guests represents the number of guests that travel with us in a period.

 

Occupancy is calculated by dividing Guest Nights Sold by Available Guest Nights.

 

Voyages represent the number of ship expeditions completed during the period.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency in our foreign operations and re-measurement adjustments and gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recorded as foreign exchange gains or losses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Seasonality

 

Traditionally, our Lindblad brand tour revenues are mildly seasonal, historically larger in the first and third quarters. The seasonality of our operating results fluctuates due primarily to our vessels being taken out of service for scheduled maintenance or drydocking, which is typically during nonpeak demand periods, in the second and fourth quarters. Our drydock schedules are subject to cost and timing differences from year-to-year due to the availability of shipyards for certain work, drydock locations based on ship itineraries, operating conditions experienced especially in the polar regions and the applicable regulations of class societies in the maritime industry, which require periodically more extensive reviews periodically.reviews. Drydocking impacts operating results by reducing tour revenues and increasing cost of tours. Our Natural Habitat, DuVine, Off the Beaten Path and Classic Journeys brands are seasonal businesses, with the majority of Natural Habitat’s tour revenue recorded in the third and fourth quarters from its summer season departures and polar bear tours, while the majority of Off the Beaten Path, DuVine and Classic Journeys’ revenues recorded during the second and third quarters from their spring and summer season departures.

 

Results of Operations - Consolidated

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

Change

  

%

  

2023

  

2022

  

Change

  

%

  

2023

  

2022

  

Change

  

%

 

Tour revenues

 $143,395  $67,846  $75,549  111% $175,989  $144,783  $31,206  22% $444,183  $303,540  $140,643  46%
  

Cost of tours

 72,050  57,947  14,103  24% 95,590  87,576  8,014  9% 245,293  208,023  37,270  18%

General and administrative

 26,419  20,637  5,782  28% 30,015  24,535  5,480  22% 85,589  68,882  16,707  24%

Selling and marketing

 20,652  12,329  8,323  68% 19,387  16,025  3,362  21% 55,197  41,193  14,004  34%

Depreciation and amortization

  11,808   11,178   630  6%  10,521   10,839   (318) (3)%  33,660   33,193   467  1%

Operating income (loss)

 $12,466  $(34,245) $46,711  136% $20,476 $5,808 $14,668  253% $24,444 $(47,751) $72,195  NM 

Net income (loss)

 $778  $(42,148) $42,926  102% $8,459  $(5,498) $13,957  NM  $(14,463) $(76,203) $61,740  81%

Undistributed loss per share available to stockholders:

 

Undistributed income (loss) per share available to stockholders:

 

Basic

 $(0.01) $(0.85) $0.84     $0.08  $(0.18) $0.26     $(0.40) $(1.60) $1.20    

Diluted

 $(0.01) $(0.85) $0.84     $0.08  $(0.18) $0.26     $(0.40) $(1.60) $1.20    

22

 

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 to the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2022 — Consolidated

 

Tour Revenues

 

Tour revenues for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $75.5$31.2 million, or 22%, to $143.4$176.0 million, compared to $67.8$144.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022. The Lindblad segment tour revenues increased by $65.2$25.0 million, or 30%, and the Land Experiences segment increased $10.3$6.2 million, or 10%, primarily due to the ramp ofoperating additional expeditions and trips, and from higher pricing. 

Tour revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $140.6 million, or 46%, to $444.2 million, compared to $303.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The Lindblad segment tour revenues increased by $113.6 million, or 57%, and the Land Experiences segment increased $27.0 million, or 26%, primarily due to operating additional expeditions and trips, and from higher pricing. 

 

Cost of Tours

 

Total cost of tours for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $14.1$8.0 million, or 24%9%, to $72.0$95.6 million, compared to $57.9$87.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022. The Lindblad segment cost of tours increased by $9.5$3.7 million, or 7%, and the Land Experiences segment increased $4.6$4.3 million, or 12%, primarily due to the ramp ofoperating additional expeditions and trips. 

 

21

Total cost of tours for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $37.3 million, or 18%, to $245.3 million, compared to $208.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The Lindblad segment cost of tours increased by $22.2 million, or 15%, and the Land Experiences segment increased $15.1 million, or 24%, primarily due to operating additional expeditions and trips. 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $5.8$5.5 million, or 28%22%, to $26.4$30.0 million, compared to $20.6$24.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022. At the Lindblad segment, general and administrative expenses increased $3.3$4.3 million, or 25%, from the prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel costs associated with the ramp in operations, higher credit card commissions due to the strong booking environment and increased stock compensation expense. At the Land Experiences segment, general and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million, or 16%, primarily due to increased personnel costs related to operating additional trips and higher credit card commissions due to the strong booking environment. 

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $16.7 million, or 24%, to $85.6 million, compared to $68.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. At the Lindblad segment, general and administrative expenses increased $11.9 million, or 25%, from the prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel costs and sales tax costs associated with the ramp in operations, higher credit card commissions due to the strong booking environment and increased stock compensation expense. At the Land Experiences segment, general and administrative expenses increased $2.5$4.8 million, or 24%, primarily due to increased personnel costs related to operating additional trips and higher credit card commissions due to the strong booking environment. 

 

Selling and Marketing

 

Selling and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $8.3$3.4 million, or 68%21%, to $20.7$19.4 million, compared to $12.3$16.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022. At the Lindblad segment, selling and marketing expenses increased $6.3$2.8 million, or, 22%, primarily due to higher commissions related to the ramp in operations and increased marketing spend to drive future bookings. At the Land Experiences segment, selling and marketing expenses increased $2.0$0.6 million, or 16%, primarily due to increased marketing spend to drive future bookings and higher commissions related to the ramp in operations.

Selling and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $14.0 million, or 34%, to $55.2 million, compared to $41.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. At the Lindblad segment, selling and marketing expenses increased $10.5 million, or 31%, primarily due to higher commissions related to the ramp in operations and increased sales and marketing spend on future bookings. At the Land Experiences segment, selling and marketing expenses increased $3.5 million, or 46%, primarily due to increased marketing spend to drive future bookings and higher commissions related to the ramp in operations.

23

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $0.6decreased $0.3 million, or 6%3%, to $11.8$10.5 million, compared to $11.2$10.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022.

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $0.5 million, or 1%, to $33.7 million, compared to $33.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

Other expense for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, increased $2.1$2.5 million to $10.1$12.0 million from $8.1$9.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022, primarily due to a $1.8$3.1 million increase in interest expense, primarily due to higher interest rates across our debt facilities.facilities and increased borrowings.

Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased $9.5 million to $37.3 million from $27.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to a $7.1 million increase in interest expense, due to higher interest rates across our debt facilities, increased borrowings, and the write-off of $3.9 million of deferred financing costs, fees and other expenses related to the repayment of our prior Export Credit Agreements. In 2022, we wrote-off $9.0 million of deferred financing costs and incurred $1.9 million of fees and other expenses related to the repayment of our prior credit agreement, including the term facility, Main Street Loan and revolving credit facility, and a $1.4 million loss on foreign currency translation, which was mostly offset by recognition of $11.6 million in other income related to expenses covered under the grant for the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act grant.

 

Results of Operations — Segments

 

Selected information for our reportable segments is below. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

Change

  

%

 

2023

  

2022

  

Change

  

%

  

2023

  

2022

  

Change

  

%

 

Tour revenues:

                        

Lindblad

 $115,498  $50,274  $65,224  130% $108,750  $83,741  $25,009  30% $311,660  $198,063  $113,597  57%

Land Experiences

  27,897   17,572   10,325  59%  67,239   61,042   6,197  10%  132,523   105,477   27,046  26%

Total tour revenues

 $143,395  $67,846  $75,549  111% $175,989  $144,783  $31,206  22% $444,183  $303,540  $140,643  46%

Operating income (loss):

                        

Lindblad

 $12,118  $(33,569) $45,687  136% $7,501 $(7,142) $14,643 NM $8,576 $(60,380) $68,956 NM 

Land Experiences

  348  (676)  1,024  151%  12,975  12,950  25  0%  15,868  12,629  3,239  26%

Total operating income (loss)

 $12,466  $(34,245) $46,711  136% $20,476 $5,808 $14,668  253% $24,444 $(47,751) $72,195  NM 

Adjusted EBITDA:

                        

Lindblad

 $26,083  $(20,981) $47,064  224% $20,119 $4,889 $15,230 312% $48,887 $(23,560) $72,447 NM 

Land Experiences

  1,103  (239)  1,342  562%  13,831  13,699  132  1%  18,472  14,735  3,737  25%

Total adjusted EBITDA

 $27,186  $(21,220) $48,406  228% $33,950 $18,588 $15,362  83% $67,359 $(8,825) $76,184  NM 

 

22

Guest Metrics — Lindblad Segment

 

The following table sets forth our Available Guest Nights, Guest Nights Sold, Occupancy, Maximum Guests, Number of Guests and Voyages:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Available Guest Nights

 83,184  48,546  85,959  70,995  243,329  174,954 

Guest Nights Sold

 67,057  32,184  69,903  57,229  192,052  130,826 

Occupancy

 81% 66% 81% 81% 79% 75%

Maximum Guests

 8,990  5,414  10,613  8,826  29,113  21,785 

Number of Guests

 7,354  3,661  8,910  7,225  23,648  16,656 

Voyages

 113  83  129  114  359  302 

24

 

The following table shows the calculations of Gross and Net Yield. Gross Yield is calculated by dividing Tour Revenues by Available Guest Nights and Net Yield is calculated by dividing Net Revenue by Available Guest Nights:

 

Calculation of Gross and Net Yield per Available Guest Night

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

 

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands, except for Available Guest Nights, Gross and Net Yield per Available Guest Night)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Guest ticket revenues

 $102,614  $45,502  $94,751  $73,700  $273,653  $174,762 

Other tour revenue

  12,884   4,772   13,999   10,041   38,007   23,301 

Tour Revenues

 115,498  50,274  108,750  83,741  311,660  198,063 

Less: Commissions

 (7,816) (4,405) (6,732) (5,728) (19,996) (14,381)

Less: Other tour expenses

  (7,458)  (9,989)  (6,569)  (6,030)  (19,296)  (21,025)

Net Yield

 $100,224  $35,880  $95,449  $71,983  $272,368  $162,657 

Available Guest Nights

 83,184  48,546  85,959  70,995  243,329  174,954 

Gross Yield per Available Guest Night

 $1,388  $1,036  $1,265  $1,180  $1,281  $1,132 

Net Yield per Available Guest Night

 1,205  739  1,110  1,014  1,119  930 

 

The following table reconciles operating income to our Net Yield Guest Metric for the Lindblad Segment:

 

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

 

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Operating income (loss)

 $12,118  $(33,569) $7,501  $(7,142) $8,576  $(60,380)

Cost of tours

 57,095  47,571  55,021  51,296  167,392  145,251 

General and administrative

 18,566  15,248  21,122  16,871  60,374  48,487 

Selling and marketing

 16,567  10,283  15,441  12,626  44,163  33,618 

Depreciation and amortization

 11,152  10,741  9,665  10,090  31,155  31,087 

Less: Commissions

 (7,816) (4,405) (6,732) (5,728) (19,996) (14,381)

Less: Other tour expenses

  (7,458)  (9,989)  (6,569)  (6,030)  (19,296)  (21,025)

Net Yield

 $100,224  $35,880  $95,449  $71,983  $272,368  $162,657 

 

23

The following table shows the calculations of Gross and Net Cruise Costs:

 

Calculation of Gross and Net Cruise Cost

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands, except for Available Guest Nights, Gross and Net Cruise Cost per Avail. Guest Night)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Cost of tours

 $57,095  $47,571  $55,021  $51,296  $167,392  $145,251 

Plus: Selling and marketing

 16,567  10,283  15,441  12,626  44,163  33,618 

Plus: General and administrative

  18,566   15,248   21,122   16,871   60,374   48,487 

Gross Cruise Cost

 92,228  73,102  91,584  80,793  271,929  227,356 

Less: Commissions

 (7,816) (4,405) (6,732) (5,728) (19,996) (14,381)

Less: Other tour expenses

  (7,458)  (9,989)  (6,569)  (6,030)  (19,296)  (21,025)

Net Cruise Cost

 76,954  58,708  78,283  69,035  232,637  191,950 

Less: Fuel Expense

  (8,351)  (5,924)  (5,434)  (8,933)  (19,939)  (21,419)

Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel

 68,603  52,784  72,849  60,102  212,698  170,531 

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

            

Stock-based compensation

 (2,803) (1,828) (2,953) (1,632) (9,146) (5,283)

Other

  (10)  (19)  -   (309)  (10)  (450)

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel

 $65,790  $50,937  $69,896  $58,161  $203,542  $164,798 

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost

 $74,141  $56,861  $75,330  $67,094  $223,481  $186,217 

Available Guest Nights

 83,184  48,546  85,959  70,995  243,329  174,954 

Gross Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night

 $1,109  $1,506  $1,065  $1,138  $1,118  $1,300 

Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night

 925  1,209  911  972  956  1,097 

Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Available Guest Night

 825  1,087  847  847  874  975 

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Available Guest Night

 791  1,049  813  819  836  942 

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night

 891  1,171  876  945  918  1,064 

25


Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 to the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2022 at the Lindblad Segment

 

Tour Revenues

 

Tour revenues for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $65.2$25.0 million, or 30%, to $115.5$108.7 million, compared to $50.3$83.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022. The 130%30% increase in 2023 was primarily driven by higher guest ticket revenues primarily from ana 21% increase in available guest nights due to greater fleet utilization and from a 9% increase in net yield per available guest night to $1,110 mostly due to higher pricing. Occupancy of 81% was in line with the third quarter of 2022. 

Tour revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $113.6 million, or 57%, to $311.7 million, compared to $198.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The 57% increase in 2023 was primarily driven by higher guest ticket revenues from a 39% increase in available guest nights due to greater fleet utilization and from a 20% increase in net yield per available guest night to $1,119 due to higher pricing and increased occupancy compared with the first quarter of 2022.

 

Operating Income

 

We generated $12.1Operating income of $7.5 million of operating income for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 improved $14.6 million compared to a $33.6$7.1 million operating loss for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in tour revenues, partially offset by higher cost of tours and personnel costs due to the ramp in operations, increased commissions related to the revenue and bookings growth and increased sales and marketing spend to support future bookings. 

Operating income of $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 improved $69.0 million compared to a $60.4 million operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in tour revenues, partially offset by higher cost of tours and personnel costs due to the ramp in operations, increased commissions related to the revenue and bookings growth and increased sales and marketing spend to support future growth initiatives.bookings.

 

Comparison of Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 to Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2022 at the Land Experiences Segment

 

Tour Revenues

 

Tour revenues for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 increased $10.3$6.2 million, or 10%, to $27.9$67.2 million compared to $17.6$61.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2022 primarily as a result of operating additional trips during the firstthird quarter 2023 and higher pricing.

Tour revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $27.0 million, or 26%, to $132.5 million compared to $105.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily as a result of operating additional trips during 2023 and higher pricing. 

 

Operating Income 

 

We generated $0.3 millionOperating income of operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to an operating loss of $0.7$13.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 was flat compared to $13.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, as the increase in tour revenue was offset by increased operating and personnel costs related to operating additional departures, higher commissions related to the revenue and bookings growth and increased marketing spend to support future growth initiatives.

Operating income of $15.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $3.2 million compared to operating income of $12.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in tour revenue, partially offset by higher operating and personnel costs related to operating additional departures, increased commissions related to the revenue and bookings growth and increasedhigher marketing spend to support future growth initiatives.

 

24

Adjusted EBITDA — Consolidated

 

The following table outlines the reconciliation of net lossincome (loss) to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated

 

For the three months ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

 

Net income (loss)

 $778  $(42,148)

Interest expense, net

  10,467   8,715 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  1,543   (149)

Depreciation and amortization

  11,808   11,178 

Gain on foreign currency

  (152)  (130)

Other income

  (170)  (533)

Stock-based compensation

  2,902   1,828 

Other

  10   19 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $27,186  $(21,220)
26

Consolidated

 

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net income (loss)

 $8,459  $(5,498) $(14,463) $(76,203)

Interest expense, net

  11,482   8,369   33,593   26,500 

Income tax expense

  3   1,732   1,587   619 

Depreciation and amortization

  10,521   10,839   33,660   33,193 

Loss (gain) on foreign currency

  455   872   (46)  1,417 

Other income

  77   333   3,773   (84)

Stock-based compensation

  2,953   1,632   9,245   5,283 

Other

  -   309   10   450 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $33,950  $18,588  $67,359  $(8,825)

 

The following tables outline the reconciliation for each reportable segment from operating income to Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Lindblad Segment

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Operating income (loss)

 $12,118  $(33,569) $7,501  $(7,142) $8,576  $(60,380)

Depreciation and amortization

 11,152  10,741  9,665  10,090  31,155  31,087 

Stock-based compensation

 2,803  1,828  2,953  1,632  9,146  5,283 

Other

  10   19   -   309   10   450 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $26,083  $(20,981) $20,119  $4,889  $48,887  $(23,560)

 

Land Experiences Segment

 

For the three months ended March 31,

  

For the three months ended September 30,

  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Operating income (loss)

 $348  $(676)

Operating income

 $12,975  $12,950  $15,868  $12,629 

Depreciation and amortization

 656  437  856  749  2,505  2,106 

Stock-based compensation

  99   -   -   -   99   - 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $1,103  $(239) $13,831  $13,699  $18,472  $14,735 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023, the Company had $84.0$168.0 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $36.7$36.8 million in restricted cash primarily related to deposits on future travel originating from U.S. ports and credit card reserves.

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023, we had $560.0$635.1 million in long-term debt obligations, including the current portion of long-term debt. We believe that our cash on hand and expected future operating cash inflows will be sufficient to fund operations, debt service requirements and necessary capital expenditures.expenditures for at least the next 12 months. 

 

Sources and Uses of Cash for the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.1$35.3 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 compared to $5.2$0.8 million for the same period in 2022. The $3.1$34.5 million decreaseincrease is primarily due to increased cash received from guests for future travel, partially offset higher costs and redemption of future travel credits during 2023 as we returned all vessels to operations. 

 

Net cash provided byused in investing activities was $8.7$7.6 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 compared to $7.5$29.6 million used in investing activities in the same period in 2022. 2023 primarily included divesting of marketable securities, partially offset by vessel capital expenditures on our vessels and our digital transformation initiatives, while 2022 primarily included routine capital vessel maintenance across the fleet and renovations to the National Geographic Islander II for its launch during the third quarter of 2022.

 

25

Net cash used inprovided by financing activities was $6.1$61.0 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 compared to $14.5$2.1 million provided by financing activities for the same period in 2022. 2023 primarily included repayments underthe issuance of $275.0 million of 9.00% Notes (as described below) which were used primarily to repay our export credit agreements,prior Export Credit Agreements, while 2022 primarily included the issuance of new senior secured notes$360.0 million of 6.75% Notes (as described below) which were used to repay theour prior credit agreement, including the term facility, the Main Street Loan and the revolving facility.

27

 

Funding Sources

 

Debt Facilities 

 

6.75% Notes

 

On February 4, 2022, we issued $360.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior secured notes due 2027 (the “Notes”“6.75% Notes”) in a private offering. The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.75% per year and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The 6.75% Notes will mature on February 15, 2027, subject to earlier repurchase or redemption. We used the net proceeds from the offering to prepay in full all outstanding borrowings under our prior credit agreement, including the term facility, Main Street Loan, and revolving credit facility, to pay any related premiums and to terminate in full our prior credit agreement and the commitments thereunder. The 6.75% Notes are senior secured obligations and are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by us and certain of our subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and secured by first-priority pari passu liens, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions, on substantially all of our and the Guarantors’ assets. We may redeem the 6.75% Notes at set redemption prices and premiums, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 

 

The 6.75% Notes contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness and make certain dividend payments, distributions, investments and other restricted payments. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 6.75% Notes. 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

On February 4, 2022, we entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which provides for an aggregate principal amount of commitments of $45.0 million, maturing February 2027, including a letter of credit sub-facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $5.0 million. The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and the Guarantors and are secured by first-priority pari passu liens, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions, on substantially all the assets of the Company and the Guarantors. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, if any, will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, an adjusted SOFR rate plus a spread or a base rate plus a spread. As of September 30, 2023, we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as financial covenants and event of default provisions. 

 

Senior Secured Credit Agreements9.00% Notes

 

Our first senior secured credit agreement (the “First Export Credit Agreement”) made available a loan for the purpose of providing financing for up to 80% of the purchase price of our new polar ice class vessel, the National Geographic Endurance. During March 2020, upon delivery, we borrowed $107.7 million under the First Export Credit Agreement for the final contracted payment of the National Geographic Endurance.

Our second senior secured credit agreement (the “Second Export Credit Agreement”) made available a loan for the purpose of providing pre- and post-delivery financing for up to 80% of the purchase price of the National Geographic Resolution. We borrowed $122.8 million under the Second Export Credit Agreement, drawing approximately $30.5 million in 2019, $30.6 million in 2020 and $61.7 million in 2021, with the ship delivered in September 2021. 

The First Export Credit Agreement, as amended, bears interest at a variable interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.50% per annum, or 8.65% over the borrowing period covering March 31, 2023. The Second Export Credit Agreement, as amended, bears a variable interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.50% per annum, or 8.46% over the borrowing period covering March 31, 2023. On October 11, 2022, we amended the covenants of our export credit agreements to use an annualized EBITDA calculation in our net leverage ratio covenant for the periods from March 31, 2023 through September 30, 2023. We were in compliance with our covenants in effect as of March 31, 2023.

During AprilMay 2, 2023, we issued $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.00% senior secured notes maturingdue 2028 with(the “9.00% Notes”) in a private offering. The 9.00% Notes bear interest at a rate of 9.00% per year, accruing from May 2, 2023, and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2023. The 9.00% Notes will mature on May 15, 2028, subject to earlier repurchase or redemption. The net proceeds from the offering were used primarily to pay theprepay in full all outstanding borrowings under our First and Second Export Credit Agreements. Theprior senior secured notescredit agreements, to pay any related premiums and to terminate in full the prior senior secured credit agreements and the commitments thereunder. The 9.00% Notes are senior unsecured obligations and are guaranteed (i) on a senior secured basis by us and certain of our subsidiaries (collectively, the “Secured Guarantors”) and are collateralizedsecured by a first-priority lien, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions, on the equity and substantially all the assets of the Secured Guarantors, and (ii) on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our assets.other subsidiaries. We may redeem the 9.00% Notes at set redemption prices and premiums, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 

 

26The 9.00% Notes contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability, and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, to incur certain additional indebtedness and make certain dividend payments, distributions, investments and other restricted payments. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the 9.00% Notes. 

Other

Our Off the Beaten Path subsidiary has a loan maturing September 2023 for the purchase of guest transportation vehicles. The loan’s original principal was $0.3 million, is collateralized by the vehicles and bears an annual interest rate of 4.77%.

Our Off the Beaten Path subsidiary has a $0.8 million loan under the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility, originated on December 11, 2020. The outstanding balance will amortize at a rate of 15% on both December 2023 and December 2024, with the remaining balance due December 2025. The loan bears a variable interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.00%, or 7.86% as of March 31, 2023. This loan may be voluntarily prepaid at any time and from time to time, without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage costs” and fees for LIBOR-based loans.

 

Our DuVine subsidiary has a EUR 0.1 million State Assistance Loan related to the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the purpose of employment preservation. This loan matures August 2025, with monthly payments, and bears an annual interest rate of 0.53%. 

28

 

Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

In August 2020, we issued and sold 85,000 shares of Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001, (“Preferred Stock”) for $1,000 per share for gross proceeds of $85.0 million. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, 62,000 shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding. The Preferred Stock has senior and preferential ranking to our common stock. The Preferred Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of 6.00% per annum, and for the first two years, the dividends were required to be paid-in-kind. After the second anniversary of the issuance date, the dividends may be paid-in-kind or be paid in cash at our option. During 2023, we thus far have continued to pay Preferred Stock dividends in-kind. At any time after the third anniversary of the issuance, we may, at our option, convert all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Stock into common stock if the closing price of shares of common stock is at least 150% of the conversion price for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days. The Preferred Stock is convertible at any time, at the holder’s election, into a number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the then-current accrued value by the conversion price of $9.50. At the six-year anniversary of the closing date, each investor has the right to request that we repurchase their Preferred Stock, and any Preferred Stock not requested to be repurchased shall be converted into our common shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the then-current accrued value by the conversion price. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, the outstanding Preferred Stock and accumulated dividends could be converted, at the option of the holders, into approximately 7.67.8 million shares of our common stock. 

 

Funding Needs

 

We generally rely on a combination of cash flows provided by operations and the incurrence of additional debt to fund obligations. A vast majority of guest ticket receipts are collected in advance of the applicable expedition date. These advance passenger receipts remain a current liability until the expedition date, and the cash generated from these advance receipts is used interchangeably with cash on hand from other cash from operations. The cash received as advanced receipts can be used to fund operating expenses for the applicable future expeditions or otherwise, pay down debt, make long-term investments or any other use of cash. Traditionally we run a working capital deficit due primarily to a large balance of unearned passenger revenues. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, we had a working capital deficit of $152.1$59.9 million, and as of December 31, 2022, we had a working capital deficit of $157.8 million. 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. For a detailed discussion of our Critical Accounting Policies, please see our 2022 Annual Report, where we have discussed those policies and estimates that we believe are critical and require the use of complex judgment in their application. There have been no significant changes to our accounting policies from those disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

During May 2023, we repaid our variable rate debt instruments and therefore are no longer exposed to market risks for interest rates related to variable rate debt instruments. There have otherwise been no other material changes in our exposure to market risks from the information set forth in the “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” sections contained in our 2022 Annual Report.

 

We are exposed to a market risk for interest rates related to our variable rate debt instruments. We assess our market risks based on changes in interest rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis that measures the potential impact on earnings and cash flows based on a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates. For additional information regarding our long-term borrowings see Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. Based on our March 31, 2023 outstanding variable rate debt balance, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in LIBOR interest rates related to our variable interest rate debt instruments would impact our annual interest expense by approximately $2.0 million.

27

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2023 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

 

29

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART 2.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory proceedings arising from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We have protection and indemnity insurance that would be expected to cover any damages.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of risks that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results, some of which are beyond our control. The risks and uncertainties that we believe are most important for you to consider are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the 2022 Annual Report.Report and under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Recent Sales by the Company of Unregistered Securities

 

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2023.

 

Stock Repurchase Plan

 

Our Board of Directors approved a stock and warrant repurchase plan (“Repurchase Plan”) in November 2015 and increased the repurchase planRepurchase Plan to $35.0 million in November 2016. The Repurchase Plan authorizes us to purchase from time to time our outstanding common stock and our previously outstanding warrants. Any shares and warrants purchased will be retired. The Repurchase Plan has no time deadline and will continue until otherwise modified or terminated at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. These repurchases exclude shares repurchased to settle statutory employee tax withholding related to the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards. We have cumulatively repurchased 875,218 shares of common stock for $8.3 million and 6,011,926 warrants for $14.7 million, since plan inception. All repurchases were made using cash resources. The balance for the Repurchase Plan was $12.0 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023. 

 

28

Repurchases of Securities

 

The following table represents information with respect to shares of common stock withheld from vesting's of stock-based compensation awards for employee income tax withholding for the periods indicated:

 

Period

 

Total number of shares purchased

  

Average price paid per share

  

Dollar value of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs

  

Maximum dollar value of warrants and shares that may be purchased under approved plans or programs

 

January 1 through January 31, 2023

  716  $10.70  $-  $11,974,787 

February 1 through February 28, 2023

  307   12.34   -   11,974,787 

March 1 through March 31, 2023

  36,303   9.52   -   11,974,787 

Total

  37,326      $-     

Period

 

Total number of shares purchased

  

Average price paid per share

  

Dollar value of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs

  

Maximum dollar value of warrants and shares that may be purchased under approved plans or programs

 

July 1 through July 31, 2023

  -  $-  $-  $11,974,787 

August 1 through August 31, 2023

  410   9.05   -   11,974,787 

September 1 through September 30, 2023

  -   -   -   11,974,787 

Total

  410      $-     

30

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, no director or Section 16 officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

29

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

Number

 

Description

 

Included

 

Form

 

Filing Date

4.1FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of May 2, 2023, by and among Lindblad Expeditions, LLC, the other parties listed as New Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee. Herewith

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Herewith

    

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Herewith

    

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Herewith

    

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Herewith

    

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

Herewith

    

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

Herewith

    

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

Herewith

    

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

Herewith

    

101.LAB

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

Herewith

    

101.PRE

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

Herewith

    

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

      
  

 

3031

 

SIGNATURE

 

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, on May 3,November 2, 2023.

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

(Registrant)

   
 

By

/s/ Dolf BerleSven Lindblad

  

Dolf Berle

Sven Lindblad
  

Chief Executive Officer

  
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
 By
/s/ Craig Felenstein
  
Craig Felenstein
  
Chief Financial Officer
  
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   

 

 

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