LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

Quarterly Report On Form 10-Q

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2023

Table of Contents

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

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

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

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

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

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

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

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

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

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

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

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

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1—BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Business

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.’s and its consolidated subsidiaries’ (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.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes 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 note 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 notes 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 2—EARNINGS 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.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, 0.8 million unvested restricted shares, 1.3 million shares issuable upon exercise of options and 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 months ended 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, 1.4 million shares issuable upon exercise of options and 7.4 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. 

Earnings (loss) per share was calculated as follows:

NOTE 3—REVENUES

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  September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has $250.6 million and $245.1 million, related to unearned passenger revenue, respectively.

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

NOTE 4—FINANCIAL STATEMENT DETAILS

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

Restricted cash consists of the following:

Prepaid expenses and other current assets are as follows: 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses are as follows:

NOTE 5—LONG-TERM DEBT

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, $0.9 million and $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 “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. 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. 

The 6.75% 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 the 6.75% 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.

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”), 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, and borrowed $107.7 million upon delivery in March 2020. The First Export Credit Agreement was repaid in full on May 2, 2023 with the proceeds of the 9.00% Notes. 

In April 2019, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the “Second Export Credit Agreement”), under which the Company borrowed $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. The Company borrowed $30.5 million in 2019, $30.6 million in 2020 and $61.7 million in 2021. The Second Export Credit Agreement was repaid in full on May 2, 2023 with the proceeds of the 9.00% Notes. 

Covenants

The Company’s 6.75% Notes, Revolving Credit Facility and 9.00% Notes contain covenants that include, among others, limits on additional indebtedness and limits on certain investments. The Company was in compliance with its covenants in effect as of September 30, 2023.

NOTE 6—FINANCIAL 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 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 Euro and the British pound 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.

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

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

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:

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 September 30, 2023 to be $613.3 million based on the terms of the agreements and comparable market data as of September 30, 2023. As of 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 7—STOCKHOLDERS’ 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 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 September 30, 2023. 

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 were $2.1 million as of September 30, 2023, recorded as reduction to preferred stock. The Company recorded accrued dividends for Preferred Stock of $1.1 million and $3.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, the 62,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding and accumulated dividends could be converted at the option of the holders into 7.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

NOTE 8—STOCK 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 September 30, 2023, 3.8 million shares were available to be granted under the Plan.

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

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 553,871 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with a weighted average grant price of $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 nine months ended 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 nine months ended 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. 

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, options to purchase an aggregate of 1.3 million and 1.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, with a weighted average exercise price of $12.36 and $15.10, respectively, were outstanding. As of September 30, 2023, 638,115 options were exercisable.

Natural Habitat Contingent Arrangement

In connection with the 2016 acquisition of Natural Habitat, Mr. Bressler’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. 

NOTE 9—INCOME TAXES

As of 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 was an expense of 0.0% and 12.3%, respectively, versus an expense of 46.0% and 0.8% for the three and months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. In 2023, the effective income tax expense differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the valuation allowance and for the nine months ended 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 10—COMMITMENTS 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, 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:

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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $2.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, and was $1.9 million and $4.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

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

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 $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.0 million for the three and 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 September 30, 2023 are as follows:

NOTE 11—SEGMENT 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2023, there was $2.3 million and $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 nine months ended September 30, 2022, there was $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:

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

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 Company’s 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:

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 pioneer 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 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 partners 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.

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.

2023 Highlights

During 2023, we provided immersive expeditions to our guests across all of our ships including voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Baja California’s Sea of Cortez, the Baltic Sea, British Columbia, Eastern Canada, Central America, Europe, the Galápagos Islands, 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 tours through the U.S. National Parks, our Alaska Bear Camp, the Scotland Highlands, bike tours of Portugal, the French wine country, Tuscany and 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 prior senior secured credit 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:

Financial Presentation

Description of Certain Line Items

Tour revenues

Tour revenues consist of the following:

Cost of tours

Cost of tours includes the following:

Selling and marketing

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

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.

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.

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. 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

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

Tour Revenues

Tour revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased $31.2 million, or 22%, to $176.0 million, compared to $144.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The Lindblad segment tour revenues increased by $25.0 million, or 30%, and the Land Experiences segment increased $6.2 million, or 10%, primarily due to operating 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 September 30, 2023 increased $8.0 million, or 9%, to $95.6 million, compared to $87.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The Lindblad segment cost of tours increased by $3.7 million, or 7%, and the Land Experiences segment increased $4.3 million, or 12%, primarily due to operating additional expeditions and trips. 

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 September 30, 2023 increased $5.5 million, or 22%, to $30.0 million, compared to $24.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. At the Lindblad segment, general and administrative expenses increased $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 $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 September 30, 2023 increased $3.4 million, or 21%, to $19.4 million, compared to $16.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. At the Lindblad segment, selling and marketing expenses increased $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 $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.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $0.3 million, or 3%, to $10.5 million, compared to $10.8 million for the three months ended 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 September 30, 2023, increased $2.5 million to $12.0 million from $9.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, due to a $3.1 million increase in interest expense, primarily due to higher interest rates across our debt 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.