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EX-10.2 - EXHIBIT 10.2 - AMENDMENT TO NOTE PAYABLE BY AND BETWEEN LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOL - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_184032.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_181088.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_181087.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_181086.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_181085.htm
EX-10.3 - EXHIBIT 10.3 - AMENDMENT TO NATURAL HABITAT, INC.'S STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT BY A - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_184033.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN LINDBLAD EXPEDIT - LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.ex_184030.htm
 

 

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, 2020

 

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

 

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

None

 

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of April 30, 2020, 49,825,181 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, were issued and outstanding.

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

Quarterly Report On Form 10-Q

For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2020

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page(s)

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019 

1

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

2

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (Unaudited)

5

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

21

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

33

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

33

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Legal Proceedings

33

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

33

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

35

ITEM 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

36

ITEM 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

36

ITEM 5.

Other Information

36

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

36

 

 

 

SIGNATURES 

37

 

 

 

 

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)

 

   

As of March 31, 2020

   

As of December 31, 2019

 
ASSETS     (unaudited)          

Current Assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

    137,040     $ 101,579  

Restricted cash

    22,791       7,679  

Marine operating supplies

    6,761       6,299  

Inventories

    1,804       2,027  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    26,716       29,055  

Total current assets

    195,112       146,639  
                 

Property and equipment, net

    468,227       357,790  

Goodwill

    22,105       22,105  

Intangibles, net

    6,001       6,396  

Deferred tax asset

    171       218  

Right-to-use lease assets

    5,849       6,105  

Other long-term assets

    8,057       9,405  

Total assets

  $ 705,522     $ 548,658  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Current Liabilities:

               

Unearned passenger revenues

  $ 143,595     $ 138,825  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    46,030       38,231  

Lease liabilities - current

    1,378       1,335  

Long-term debt - current

    11,816       4,525  

Total current liabilities

    202,819       182,916  
                 

Long-term debt, less current portion

    358,871       213,543  

Deferred tax liabilities

    2,616       4,491  

Lease liabilities

    4,781       5,029  

Other long-term liabilities

    12,306       3,317  

Total liabilities

    581,393       409,296  
                 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

               
                 

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

    16,476       16,112  
                 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

    -       -  

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 49,758,787 and 49,717,522 issued, 49,667,763 and 49,626,498 outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

    5       5  

Additional paid-in capital

    46,908       46,271  

Retained earnings

    78,820       81,655  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (18,080 )     (4,681 )

Total stockholders' equity

    107,653       123,250  

Total liabilities, stockholders' equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest

  $ 705,522     $ 548,658  

 

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,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
                 

Tour revenues

  $ 81,238     $ 89,654  
                 

Operating expenses:

               

Cost of tours

    42,192       39,017  

General and administrative

    17,226       16,082  

Selling and marketing

    12,879       14,002  

Depreciation and amortization

    6,690       6,188  

Total operating expenses

    78,987       75,289  
                 

Operating income

    2,251       14,365  
                 

Other (expense) income:

               

Interest expense, net

    (3,054 )     (2,989 )

(Loss) gain on foreign currency

    (3,443 )     656  

Other expense

    (53 )     (19 )

Total other expense

    (6,550 )     (2,352 )
                 

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (4,299 )     12,013  

Income tax benefit

    (1,828 )     (3,066 )
                 

Net (loss) income

    (2,471 )     15,079  

Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (537 )     406  

Net (loss) income available to common stockholders

  $ (1,934 )   $ 14,673  
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding

               

Basic

    49,625,127       45,565,381  

Diluted

    49,625,127       47,429,343  
                 

Net (loss) income per share available to common stockholders

               

Basic

  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.32  

Diluted

  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.31  

 

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 Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
                 

Net (loss) income

  $ (2,471 )   $ 15,079  

Other comprehensive income:

               

Cash flow hedges:

               

Net unrealized loss

    (13,399 )     (1,638 )

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

    (13,399 )     (1,638 )

Total comprehensive (loss) income

    (15,870 )     13,441  

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

    (537 )     406  

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common shareholders

  $ (15,333 )   $ 13,035  

 

 

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’ Equity

(In thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

   

Common Stock

   

Additional Paid-In

   

Retained

   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

   

Total Stockholders'

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Loss

   

Equity

 

Balance as of January 1, 2020

    49,717,522     $ 5     $ 46,271     $ 81,655     $ (4,681 )   $ 123,250  

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       898       -       -       898  

Issuance of stock for equity compensation plans, net

    49,782       -       (134 )     -       -       (134 )

Repurchase of shares and warrants

    (8,517 )     -       (127 )     -       -       (127 )

Other comprehensive loss, net

    -       -       -       -       (13,399 )     (13,399 )
Redeemable noncontrolling interest     -       -       -       (901 )     -       (901 )
Net (loss) available to common stockholders     -       -       -       (1,934 )     -       (1,934 )

Balance as of March 31, 2020

    49,758,787     $ 5     $ 46,908     $ 78,820     $ (18,080 )   $ 107,653  

 

 

 

 

   

Common Stock

   

Additional Paid-In

   

Retained

   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

   

Total Stockholders'

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Loss

   

Equity

 

Balance as of January 1, 2019

    45,814,925     $ 5     $ 41,539     $ 75,171       (671 )   $ 116,044  

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       753       -       -       753  

Issuance of stock for equity
compensation plans, net

    (44,315 )     -       (1,167 )     -       -       (1,167 )

Repurchase of shares and warrants

    (1,895 )     -       (23 )     -       -       (23 )

Other comprehensive income, net

    -       -       -       -       (1,638 )     (1,638 )

Net income available to common stockholders

    -       -       -       14,673       -       14,673  

Balance as of March 31, 2019

    45,768,715     $ 5     $ 41,102     $ 89,844     $ (2,309 )   $ 128,642  

 

 

 

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

  

 

4

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

               

Net (loss) income

  $ (2,471 )   $ 15,079  

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    6,690       6,188  

Amortization of National Geographic fee

    727       727  

Amortization of deferred financing costs and other, net

    486       434  

Amortization of right-to-use lease assets

    51       165  

Stock-based compensation

    898       753  

Deferred income taxes

    (1,828 )     (3,865 )

Loss (gain) on foreign currency

    3,443       (656 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

               

Marine operating supplies and inventories

    (239 )     (219 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    2,339       (6,699 )

Unearned passenger revenues

    4,770       6,016  

Other long-term assets

    621       (1,294 )

Other long-term liabilities

    (4,411 )     825  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    4,356       (2,112 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    15,432       15,342  
                 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

               

Purchases of property and equipment

    (116,732 )     (35,144 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (116,732 )     (35,144 )
                 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

               

Proceeds from long-term debt

    152,695       -  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (500 )     (500 )

Payment of deferred financing costs

    (61 )     (18 )

Repurchase under stock-based compensation plans and related tax impacts

    (134 )     (1,167 )

Repurchase of warrants and common stock

    (127 )     (23 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    151,873       (1,708 )

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

    50,573       (21,510 )

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

    109,258       122,150  
                 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

  $ 159,831     $ 100,640  
                 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

               

Cash paid during the period:

               

Interest

  $ 3,862     $ 3,377  

Income taxes

  $ 12     $ 23  

 

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

  

5

 

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

NOTE 1 – BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Business

 

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (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 nine owned expedition ships and five seasonal charter vessels under the Lindblad brand and operates eco-conscious expeditions and nature-focused, small-group tours under the Natural Habitat, Inc. (“Natural Habitat”) brand.

 

The Company operates the following reportable business segments:

 

Lindblad – Offers primarily ship-based expeditions aboard customized, nimble and intimately-scaled vessels that are able to venture where larger cruise ships cannot, thereby allowing Lindblad to offer up-close experiences in the planet’s wild and remote places and capitals of culture. Many of these 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, Alaska, Baja’s Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica and Panama), and foster active engagement by guests. Each expedition ship is designed to be comfortable and inviting, while being fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools for in-depth exploration. The Company has an alliance with National Geographic Partners (“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.

 

Natural Habitat – Offers over 100 different expedition itineraries of primarily land-based nature adventures in more than 45 countries spanning all seven continents. The expeditions focus on small groups led by award-winning naturalists to achieve close-up wildlife and nature experiences. Examples of expeditions offered include safaris in Botswana, grizzly bear adventures in Alaska, polar bear tours in Canada and small-group Galápagos tours. Many of the expeditions feature access to private wildlife reserves, remote corners of national parks and distinctive lodges and camps for the best wildlife viewing. 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.

 

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

 

 Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes 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 footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. 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 footnotes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020 (the “2019 Annual Report”).

 

The presentation of certain items in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the 2020 presentation. The reclassification had no effect on previously reported results of net cash provided by operating activities.

 

There have been no significant changes to the Company’s accounting policies from those disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report.

 

6

 

COVID-19 Business Update

 

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the effects of travel restrictions around the world, the Company has suspended or rescheduled the majority of its expeditions departing March 16, 2020 through June 30, 2020 and has been working with guests to reschedule travel plans and refund payments, as applicable. To date, the Company has had no reported cases of COVID-19 across its fleet and all guests have safely disembarked its vessels. The majority of the Company’s ships are currently being maintained with minimally required crew on-board to ensure they comply with all necessary regulations and can be fully put back into service quickly as needed. In accordance with local regulations, the Company closed its offices and most employees are working remotely to maintain general business operations, to provide assistance to existing and potential guests and to maintain information technology systems.

 

The Company has moved quickly to implement a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and preserve and enhance its liquidity position. The Company is employing a variety of cost reduction and cash preservation measures, while accessing available capital under its existing debt facilities and exploring additional sources of capital and liquidity. These measures include the following operating expense and capital expenditure reductions:

 

  Significantly reducing ship and land-based expedition costs including crew payroll, land costs, fuel and food. All ships have been safely laid up. 
     
  Lowered expected annual maintenance capital expenditures by over $10 million, savings of more than 50% from originally planned levels. 
     
  Meaningfully reduced general and administrative expenses through payroll reductions and the elimination of all non-essential travel, office expenses and discretionary spending.
     
  Suspended the majority of planned advertising and marketing spend.
     
  Deferred payment of the majority of bonuses earned for 2019 performance, as well as cash compensation for the Board of Directors.
     
  Suspended all repurchases of common stock under the stock repurchase plan.

 

Bookings Trends

 

The Company was off to a strong start to the year with Lindblad segment bookings at the end of February up 25% for the full year 2020 as compared to the same point a year ago for 2019, and had sold 86% of our original projected guest ticket revenues for the year. Since that point, the Company has experienced a substantial impact from the COVID-19 virus including elevated cancellations and softness in near-term demand. Lindblad segment bookings for travel in 2020 are now 27% below the same point a year ago for 2019 due primarily to the cancelled and rescheduled voyages, as well as cancellations for travel later this year. The Company does still have substantial advanced bookings for future travel in 2020, including 8% more bookings for the second half of 2020 as compared with the second half of 2019 as of the same date a year ago. Additionally, the Company continues to see new bookings for travel in 2020, 2021 and 2022, including over $15 million since March 1, 2020, and it is receiving deposits and final payments for future travel.

 

For 2020 voyages that have been cancelled or rescheduled, the Company is offering future travel credits with incremental value or full refunds to its fully paid guests. As of April 24, 2020, the majority of guests have opted for future travel credits.   

 

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

 

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $137.0 million in unrestricted cash and $22.8 million in restricted cash primarily related to deposits on future travel originating from U.S. ports. The unrestricted cash included $45.0 million drawn under our revolving credit facility during the first quarter as a precautionary measure for working capital and general corporate purposes given the uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, during the quarter, the Company borrowed $107.7 million under its first senior secured credit agreement in conjunction with final payment on delivery of the National Geographic Endurance in March 2020. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had a total debt position of $382.2 million and was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. Following the quarter, the Company drew down an additional $30.6 million under its second senior secured credit agreement in conjunction with its third installment payment on the National Geographic Resolution scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021.  

 

7

 

Export credit agencies, in conjunction with export credit lenders, are working to finalize an industrywide initiative to grant a 12-month debt holiday to provide interim debt service relief for amortization payments and financial covenants. The Company has approximately $9.0 million of export credit agency backed amortization payments due over the next 12 months on the first senior secured credit agreement.

 

Considering the cost reduction measures and the potential deferral of near-term export credit agreement amortization, the Company estimates its monthly cash usage while its vessels are not in operations is approximately $10-15 million including ship and office operating expenses, necessary capital expenditures and interest and principal payments. This excludes guest payments for future travel and cash refunds requested on previously made guest payments.

 

The Company is also currently evaluating several additional strategies to enhance its liquidity position. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, pursuing additional financing from both the public and private markets through the issuance of equity and/or debt. The timing and structure of any transaction will depend on market conditions.

 

Following the first quarter, the Company received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan related to the COVID-19 crisis in the amount of $6.6 million. The Company has subsequently returned the funds received from this loan and, as a result, will pursue additional adjustments to our cost structure.

 

The Company has not previously experienced a complete cessation of its operations and, as a consequence, its ability to predict the impact of such cessation on its costs and future prospects is limited. Given the dynamic nature of this situation, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans and growth for the foreseeable future. It is unknown when travel restrictions and various border closures will be lifted and what the demand for expedition travel will be once these restrictions are no longer in place. The estimates for monthly cash usage reflect the Company’s current forecast for operating costs, capital expenditures and expected debt and interest payments. Based on the actions taken to date by the Company, its planned and anticipated actions and its current forecast, the Company believes that it can meet its obligations for the next 12 months from May 5, 2020, the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 

 

Return to Operations

 

While it is uncertain when the Company will return to operations, it believes there are a variety of strategic advantages that should enable it to deploy its ships safely and quickly once travel restrictions have been lifted. The most notable is the size of its owned and operated vessels which range from 48 to 148 passengers, allowing for a highly controlled environment that includes stringent cleaning protocols. The small nature of the Company’s ships should also allow it to efficiently and effectively test its guests and crew prior to boarding. On average, the Company estimates it will only take a few thousand tests a month to ensure all guests and crew across its entire fleet have been tested. Additionally, the majority of its expeditions take place in remote locations where human interactions are limited, so there is less opportunity for external influence. Lastly, the Company’s guests are explorers by nature, eager to travel and have historically been very resilient following periods of uncertainty. 

 

Valuation of Goodwill and Trademarks

 

The effects of COVID-19 on the Company’s expected future operating cash flows and the decline in the market value of the Company’s common stock from December 31, 2019, were an indicator of potential impairment, so the Company performed an analyses of its reporting unit’s goodwill for potential impairment as of March 31, 2020. Based on this analysis, there was no impairment of goodwill.

 

Valuation of Long-lived Assets

 

The effects of COVID-19 on the Company’s expected future operating cash flows and the decline in the market value of the Company’s common stock from December 31, 2019, were a potential indicator that the carrying value of the Company's long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The Company performed an undiscounted cash flow analyses of its long-lived assets for potential impairment as of March 31, 2020, and based on the analyses, there was no impairment to the Company's long-lived assets.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740)–Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments of this ASU are intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU as required and does not expect it to have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements.

 

8

 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-4, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) –Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The guidance of this ASU is designed to provide relief from the accounting analysis and impacts that may otherwise be required for modifications to agreements (e.g., loans, debt securities, derivatives, borrowings) necessitated by reference rate reform. It also provides optional expedients to enable companies to continue to apply hedge accounting to certain hedging relationships impacted by reference rate reform. Application of the guidance is optional, is only available in certain situations, and is only available for companies to apply until December 31, 2022. The Company is currently reviewing its agreements impacted by the reference rate reform and does not expect this ASU to have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements.

 

 

 

NOTE 2 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per Common Share

 

Earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 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, shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and previously outstanding warrants, using the treasury stock method. 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company calculated earnings per share as follows:

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

    (unaudited)       (unaudited)  

Net (loss) income available to common stockholders

  $ (1,934 )   $ 14,673  
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

               

Total weighted average shares outstanding, basic

    49,625,127       45,565,381  

Dilutive potential common shares

    -       270,742  

Dilutive potential options

    -       36,120  

Dilutive potential warrants

    -       1,557,100  

Total weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

    49,625,127       47,429,343  
                 

Net (loss) income per share available to common stockholders

               

Basic

  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.32  

Diluted

  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.31  

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company incurred a net loss, therefore basic and diluted net loss per share are the same. As of March 31, 2020, 0.5 million restricted shares and 0.2 million options were excluded from dilutive potential common shares for the period as they were anti-dilutive. As of March 31, 2019, 0.2 million restricted shares were excluded from dilutive potential common shares as their performance targets were not yet achieved.

 

 

9

 

 

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 air transportation to and from the ships. Guest deposits represent unearned revenues and are reported as unearned passenger revenues in the condensed consolidated balance sheets when received and are subsequently recognized as tour revenue over the duration of the expedition. Accounting Standards Codification, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) defines a “contract liability” as an entity’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity 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. The change in contract liabilities within unearned passenger revenues presented in our condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

 

   

Contract Liabilities

 
(In thousands)     (unaudited)  

Balance as of January 1, 2020

  $ 72,051  

Recognized in tour revenues during the period

    (68,182 )

Additional contract liabilities in period

    57,363  

Balance as of March 31, 2020

  $ 61,232  

 

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

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

   

2020

   

2019

 
Guest ticket revenue:     (unaudited)       (unaudited)  

Direct

    41 %     41 %

National Geographic

    18 %     19 %

Agencies

    24 %     24 %

Affinity

    5 %     6 %

Guest ticket revenue

    88 %     90 %

Other tour revenue

    12 %     10 %

Tour revenues

    100 %     100 %

 

 

 

NOTE 4 – FINANCIAL 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,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 
(In thousands)     (unaudited)       (unaudited)  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 137,040     $ 70,103  

Restricted cash

    22,791       30,537  

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

  $ 159,831     $ 100,640  

 

Restricted cash consist of the following:

 

 

   

As of March 31, 2020

   

As of December 31, 2019

 
(In thousands)     (unaudited)          

Federal Maritime Commission escrow

  $ 21,383     $ 6,104  

Certificates of deposit and other restricted securities

    1,408       1,575  

Total restricted cash

  $ 22,791     $ 7,679  

 

10

 

The Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

 

 

   

As of March 31, 2020

   

As of December 31, 2019

 
(In thousands)     (unaudited)          

Prepaid tour expenses

  $ 15,410     $ 15,630  

Prepaid client insurance

    3,545       3,064  

Prepaid air expense

    3,340       4,415  

Prepaid marketing, commissions and other expenses

    2,932       4,026  

Prepaid corporate insurance

    972       1,376  

Prepaid port agent fees

    413       491  

Prepaid income taxes

    104       53  

Total prepaid expenses

  $ 26,716     $ 29,055  

 

The Company’s accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

 

   

As of March 31, 2020

   

As of December 31, 2019

 
(In thousands)     (unaudited)          

Accrued other expense

  $ 10,777     $ 8,348  

Refunds and commissions payable

    9,773       1,873  

Accounts payable

    7,939       14,633  

Foreign currency forward contract liability

    5,922       1,300  

Bonus compensation liability

    4,906       5,322  

Employee liability

    3,603       3,712  

Royalty payable

    1,171       1,075  

Travel certificate liability

    870       888  

Income tax liabilities

    592       603  

Accrued travel insurance expense

    477       477  

Total accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 46,030     $ 38,231  

 

 

Loan Receivable

 

The Company’s loan receivable is recorded at amortized cost within other long-term assets. The following is a rollforward of the receivable balance:

 

   

For the three months ended March 31, 2020

 

(In thousands)

     (unaudited)  

Balance as of January 1, 2020

  $ 4,084  

Accrued interest

    40  

Amortization of deferred costs

    (6 )

Balance as of March 31, 2020

  $ 4,118  

 

11

 

 

NOTE 5 – LONG-TERM DEBT

 

   

As of March 31, 2020

   

As of December 31, 2019

 
           

(unaudited)

                                 

(In thousands)

 

Principal

   

Deferred Financing Costs, net

   

Balance

   

Principal

   

Deferred Financing Costs, net

   

Balance

 

Note payable

  $ 2,525     $ -     $ 2,525     $ 2,525     $ -     $ 2,525  

Credit Facility

    196,499       (6,903 )     189,596       197,000       (9,704 )     187,296  

Revolving Facility

    45,000       (455 )     44,545       -       -       -  
1st Senior Secured Credit Agreement     107,695       (1,933 )     105,762       -       -       -  

2nd Senior Secured Credit Agreement

    30,476       (2,217 )     28,259       30,476       (2,229 )     28,247  

Total long-term debt

    382,195       (11,508 )     370,687       230,001       (11,933 )     218,068  

Less current portion

    (11,816 )     -       (11,816 )     (4,525 )     -       (4,525 )

Total long-term debt, non-current

  $ 370,379     $ (11,508 )   $ 358,871     $ 225,476     $ (11,933 )   $ 213,543  

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, deferred financing costs charged to interest expense were $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

Credit Facility

 

In March 2018, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), providing for a $200.0 million senior secured first lien term loan facility (the “Term Facility”), maturing March 2025, and a $45.0 million senior secured incremental revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”), which includes a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The Term Facility bears interest at an adjusted Intercontinental Exchange (“ICE”) Benchmark administration LIBOR plus a spread of 3.25%, for an aggregated rate of 4.24% as of March 31, 2020. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility may be used for general corporate and working capital purposes and related fees and expenses. During March 2020, the Company drew $45.0 million against the Revolving Facility as a reserve for general corporate purposes and other expense needs due to the uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility mature March 27, 2023 and bear interest at an adjusted ICE Benchmark administration LIBOR plus a spread of 3.00%, for an aggregated rate of 3.99% as of March 31, 2020.

 

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

 

In January 2018, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the “Export Credit Agreement”) with Citibank, N.A., London Branch and Eksportkreditt Norge AS, to make 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. During March 2020, the Company took possession of the National Geographic Endurance and borrowed $107.7 million under the Export Credit Agreement for final payment. The Export Credit Agreement bears interest at a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum, for an aggregated rate of 4.45% as of March 31, 2020. Interest and principal payments are due every 90 days from borrowing date, with final principal due January 2032.

 

In April 2019, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the “Second Export Credit Agreement”) with the Lenders. Pursuant to the Second Export Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed to make available to the Company, at the Company's option and subject to certain conditions, a loan in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $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, scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021. 30% of the borrowing will mature over five years from the final drawdown, and 70% of the borrowing will mature over twelve years from the final drawdown. Additionally, 70% percent of the loan will be guaranteed by Garantiinstituttet for Eksportkreditt, the official export credit agency of Norway. The Company incurred approximately $2.3 million in financing fees related to the Second Export Agreement, recorded as deferred financing costs as part of long-term debt. In September 2019, the Company drew approximately $30.5 million against the Second Export Credit Agreement for the second contracted installment payment on the National Geographic Resolution. The Second Export Credit Agreement bears a variable interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum, or 4.45% as of March 31, 2020. After completion of the vessel, the Second Export Credit Agreement, at the Company’s option, will bear an interest rate of either a fixed rate of 6.36% or a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum.

 

12

 

Note Payable

 

In connection with the Natural Habitat acquisition in May 2016, Natural Habitat issued an unsecured promissory note to Benjamin L. Bressler, the founder of Natural Habitat, with an outstanding principal amount of $2.5 million. The promissory note accrues interest at a rate of 1.44% annually, with interest payable every six months. On May 1, 2020, the promissory note was amended, changing the maturity date of the principal payments to be due in three equal installments with the first payment due on December 22, 2020, the second on December 22, 2021 and the final payment on December 22, 2022.

 

Covenants

 

The Company’s Amended Credit Agreement, Export Credit Agreement and Second Export Credit Agreement contain financial and restrictive covenants that include among others, net leverage ratios, limits on additional indebtedness and limits on certain investments. As of March 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with its covenants.

 

 


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 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 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 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. 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.

 

In March 2019, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge its exposure to Norwegian Kroner ("NOK"), related to the Company’s contract to purchase the new polar ice-class vessel (see Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies). The cost of the foreign exchange forward contracts will be amortized to interest expense over their lives, from the effective date through settlement dates.

 

Interest Rate Risk. The Company uses interest rate caps, designated as cash flow hedges, to manage the risk related to its floating rate corporate debt.

 

The Company records the effective portion of changes in the fair value of its cash flow hedges to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and subsequently reclassifies these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is 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. No gains or losses of the Company’s cash flow hedges were considered to be ineffective and reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings for the period ended March 31, 2020. The Company estimates that approximately $5.8 million of losses currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months due to maturity of the cash flow hedge and the hedged item. The Company will continue to assess the effectiveness of the hedges on an ongoing basis.

 

The Company held the following derivative instruments with absolute notional values as of March 31, 2020:

 

(in thousands)

 

Absolute Notional Value

 

Interest rate caps

 

$

100,000

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

 

132,966

 

 

13

 

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

 

      As of March 31, 2020       As of December 31, 2019  
   

(unaudited)

                 

(In thousands)

 

Fair Value, Asset Derivatives

   

Fair Value, Liability Derivatives

   

Fair Value, Asset Derivatives

   

Fair Value, Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

                               

Foreign exchange forward (a)

  $ -     $ 18,042     $ -     $ 4,459  

Interest rate cap (b)

    16       -       138       -  

Total

  $ 16     $ 18,042     $ 138     $ 4,459  

Derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

                               
Foreign exchange forward (c)   $ -     $ 3,054     $ 459     $ 70  

Total

  $ -     $ 3,054     $ 459     $ 70  
_______  

(a)

Recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and other long-term liabilities.

 (b)

Recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other long-term assets.

 (c)

Recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses. 

 

 Changes in the fair value of the Company’s hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, pursuant to the guidelines of cash flow hedge accounting as outlined in ASC 815.

 

 

14

 

The effects of derivatives recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements were as follows:

 

    For the three months ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2020     2019  

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

(unaudited)

   

(unaudited)

 

Foreign exchange forward (a)

  $ 13,277     $ 1,488  

Interest rate cap (a)

    122       149  
                 

Derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

               

Foreign exchange forward (b)

    (3,443 )     656  

Total

  $ 9,956     $ 2,293  
   

(a)

Recognized, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.

(b) Gains (losses) related to derivative instruments are expected to be largely offset by (losses) gains on the underlying exposures being hedged. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, a loss of $3.4 million was recognized in gain (loss) on foreign currency. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, a gain of $0.7 million was recognized in gain (loss) on foreign currency.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

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 carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value given that the terms of the agreement were comparable to the market as of March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had no other significant liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

 

 

NOTE 7 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Stock and Warrant 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. 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. All repurchases were made using cash resources. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 8,517 shares of common stock for approximately $127,000. 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, 2020. During March 2020, the Repurchase Plan was suspended due to the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 virus. 

 

15

 

 

 

NOTE 8 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 2.5 million shares of common stock under the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan to key employees, and as of March 31, 2020, approximately 1.2 million shares were available to be granted.

 

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, options to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $9.47, were outstanding. As of March 31, 2020, 150,000 options were exercisable.

 

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million and $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

2020 Long-Term Incentive Compensation

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company granted 97,768 restricted stock units ("RSUs") with a weighted average grant price of $4.17. The RSUs will vest on the first 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. The RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2020 represent 25% of the 2020 long-term incentive compensation RSU awards. Due to the circumstances related to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, the compensation committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the deferral of 75% of the RSU awards, until such time as the compensation committee determines that the remaining grants shall be made.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company awarded 56,347 targeted performance stock units ("PSUs") with a weighted average grant price of $4.17. The PSUs are performance-vesting equity incentive awards that will be earned based on our performance against metrics relating to annual Adjusted EBITDA and annual revenue. Awards will vest after a three-year performance period and may be earned at a level ranging from 0%-200% of the number of PSUs granted, depending on performance. The number of shares were determined based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of the award. The PSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2020 represent 25% of the 2020 long-term incentive compensation PSU awards. Due to the circumstances related to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, the compensation committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the deferral of 75% of the PSU awards, until such time as the compensation committee determines that the remaining grants shall be made.

 

Natural Habitat Contingent Arrangement

 

In connection with the acquisition of Natural Habitat, Mr. Bressler, the founder of Natural Habitat, has an equity incentive opportunity to earn an award of options based on the future financial performance of Natural Habitat, where if the Final Year Equity Value of Natural Habitat, as defined in Mr. Bressler's amended employment agreement, exceeds $25 million, effective as of December 31, 2023, Mr. Bressler will be granted options with a fair value equal to 10.1% of such excess, subject to certain conditions.

 

 

 

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In May 2016, in connection with the Company's acquisition of Natural Habitat, Natural Habitat issued an unsecured promissory note to Mr. Bressler, the founder of Natural Habitat, with an outstanding principal amount of $2.5 million. On May 1, 2020, the promissory note was amended, see Note 5 – Long-term Debt for more information.

 

 

16

 

 

NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The measurement of net deferred tax assets is reduced by the amount of any tax benefit that, based on available evidence, is not expected to be realized, and a corresponding valuation allowance is established. The determination of the required valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets was made without taking into account the deferred tax liabilities created from the book and tax differences on indefinite-lived assets.

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which it recognizes deferred income taxes for the tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, as well as for tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. The Company recognizes the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based upon the weight of available evidence, the Company does not believe it is “more-likely-than-not” that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company will continue to evaluate the deferred tax asset valuation allowance balances in all of our foreign and U.S. companies to determine the appropriate level of valuation allowances.

 

The Company is subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and the non-U.S. jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcome of current and future examinations in each of the taxing jurisdictions when determining the adequacy of the provision for income taxes. The Company has only recorded financial statement benefits for tax positions which it believes reflect the “more-likely-than-not” criteria of FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, and it has established income tax reserves in accordance with this guidance where necessary. Once a financial statement benefit for a tax position is recorded or a tax reserve is established, the Company adjusts it only when there is more information available or when an event occurs necessitating a change. While the Company believes that the amount of the recorded financial statement benefits and tax reserves reflect the more-likely-than-not criteria, it is possible that the ultimate outcome of current or future examinations may result in a reduction to the tax benefits previously recorded on its condensed consolidated financial statements or may exceed the current income tax reserves in amounts that could be material. As of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $0.0 million. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions included in income tax expense are not significant. The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was a benefit of 42.5% versus a benefit of 25.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily due to the timing of losses in the first quarter and the expected amount of losses for the full year 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's operations.

 

The Company is subject to tax audits in all jurisdictions for which it files tax returns. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. Currently, there are no U.S. federal, state or foreign jurisdiction tax audits pending. The Company’s corporate U.S. federal and state tax returns for the current year and three prior years remain subject to examination by tax authorities and the Company’s foreign tax returns for the current year and four prior years remain subject to examination by tax authorities.

 

 

 

NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Fleet Expansion

 

On March 16, 2020, the Company took possession of the National Geographic Endurance. The final balance due on the vessel, at the time of delivery, was primarily paid by borrowing $107.7 million under the Company’s Export Credit Agreement (See Note 5 – Long-term Debt for more information).

 

In February 2019, the Company entered into an agreement, which was amended in December 2019, with Ulstein Verft, to construct a second polar ice class vessel, the National Geographic Resolution, with a total purchase price of 1,291.0 million NOK. The purchase price is subject to potential adjustments from contract specifications for variations in speed, dead weight, fuel consumption and delivery date. The purchase price is due in installments, with the first 20% paid shortly after execution of the agreement, 50% to be paid over the duration of the build, including $30.5 million paid in September of 2019, $30.6 million paid in April of 2020 and $15.5 million due in April 2021, and the final 30% due upon delivery and acceptance of the vessel. In March 2019, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to lock in a purchase price for the second polar ice class vessel of $153.5 million, subject to potential contract specification adjustments. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

 

17

 

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 on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The amount 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 months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

 

The royalty balances outstanding to National Geographic as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $1.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively, and are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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 on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. This royalty fee expense was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

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, 2020 are as follows:

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

Amount

 

(In thousands)

 

(unaudited)

 

2020

  $ 6,538  

2021

    9,534  

2022

    1,850  

Total

  $ 17,922  

 

Natural Habitat Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest  

 

Mr. Bressler, founder of Natural Habitat, retains a 19.9% noncontrolling interest in Natural Habitat, which is subject to a put/call arrangement. The arrangement between the Company and Mr. Bressler was established in order to provide a formal exit opportunity for Mr. Bressler and a path to 100% ownership for the Company. Mr. Bressler has a put option, amended May 1, 2020, that under certain conditions and subject to providing notice by January 31, 2024, that enables him, but does not obligate him, to sell his remaining interest in Natural Habitat to the Company on December 31, 2023. The Company has a call option, but not an obligation, with an expiration of March 31, 2029, under which it can buy Mr. Bressler’s remaining interest at a similar fair value measure as Mr. Bressler’s put option, subject to a call purchase price minimum.

 

Since the redemption of the noncontrolling interest is 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 Mr. Bressler’s put option. 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 fair value of the noncontrolling interest, are classified to retained earnings. Adjustments in excess of the fair value of the noncontrolling interest, are treated as a decrease to net income available to common stockholders.

 

The fair value of Mr. Bressler’s put option was determined using a discounted cash flow model. The redemption value was adjusted to its present value using the Company’s weighted average cost of capital.

 

18

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

Balance January 1,

 

$

16,112

 

 

$

6,502

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

(537

)

 

 

406

 

Fair value adjustment of put option     901       -  

Balance March 31,

 

$

16,476

 

 

$

6,908

 

 

Legal Proceedings



From time to time, the Company is party to litigation and regulatory matters and claims. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred. The Company records a provision for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount or range of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The results of complex proceedings and reviews are difficult to predict and the Company’s view of these matters may change in the future as events related thereto unfold. An unfavorable outcome to any legal or regulatory matter, if material, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations or its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

 

 

 

NOTE 12 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company is primarily a specialty cruise and adventure expedition operator with operations in two segments, Lindblad and Natural Habitat. The Company evaluates the performance of the business based largely on the results of its operating segments. The chief operating decision maker, or CODM, 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 also contain information regarding the separate results of both segments. While both segments have similar characteristics, the two operating and reporting segments cannot be aggregated because they fail to meet the requirements for aggregation.

 

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. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, operating results were as follows:

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

Change

    %

(In thousands)

 

(unaudited)

   

(unaudited)

                 

Tour revenues:

                               

Lindblad

  $ 69,539     $ 76,038     $ (6,499 )     (9 %)

Natural Habitat

    11,699       13,616       (1,917 )     (14 %)

Total tour revenues

  $ 81,238     $ 89,654     $ (8,416 )     (9 %)

Operating Income:

                               

Lindblad

  $ 2,189     $ 13,641     $ (11,452 )     (84 %)

Natural Habitat

    62       724       (662 )     (91 %)

Total operating income

  $ 2,251     $ 14,365     $ (12,114 )     (84 %)

 

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

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

Change

    %

(In thousands)

 

(unaudited)

   

(unaudited)

                 

Depreciation and amortization:

                               

Lindblad

  $ 6,248     $ 5,794     $ 454       8 %

Natural Habitat

    442       394       48       12 %

Total depreciation and amortization

  $ 6,690     $ 6,188     $ 502       8 %

 

19

 

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

  

(In thousands)

 

As of March 31, 2020

   

As of December 31, 2019

 

Total Assets:

 

(unaudited)

         

Lindblad

  $ 625,876     $ 471,499  

Natural Habitat

    79,646       77,159  

Total assets

  $ 705,522     $ 548,658  
                 

Intangibles, net:

               

Lindblad

  $ 3,144     $ 3,325  

Natural Habitat

    2,857       3,071  

Total intangibles, net

  $ 6,001     $ 6,396  
                 

Goodwill:

               

Lindblad

  $ -     $ -  

Natural Habitat

    22,105       22,105  

Total goodwill

  $ 22,105     $ 22,105  

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 there were $2.2 million and $1.7 million in intercompany tour revenues between the Lindblad and Natural Habitat segments eliminated in consolidation, respectively.

 

 

 

NOTE 13 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On April 1, 2020, the Company borrowed $30.6 million under its Second Export Credit Agreement for payment of the third contracted installment payment for the National Geographic Resolution.

 

On April 10, 2020, the Company announced that it is rescheduling or rebooking, as applicable, all voyages scheduled to sail during the month of May 2020 due to travel restrictions from the global spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Company has also updated its cancellation policies, the terms of which vary by destination and sailing date, to permit guests more flexibility to cancel certain upcoming expeditions and elect to receive future travel credits. The Company is currently cancelling and rescheduling the majority of voyages scheduled for June 2020.

 

On April 10, 2020  the Company received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan related to the COVID-19 crisis in the amount of $6.6 million. The Company has subsequently returned the funds received from this loan.

 

On May 1, 2020, the Company and Mr. Bressler amended the promissory note between the Company and Mr. Bressler, changing the maturity date of the principal payments to be due in three equal installments, with the first payment due on December 22, 2020, the second due on December 22, 2021 and the final payment due on December 22, 2022.

 

On May 1, 2020, the Company, Natural Habitat and Mr. Bressler amended the Natural Habitat stockholders' agreement, changing the Put Exercise Notice to January 31, 2024, the Call Exercise Notice to March 31, 2029, Put-Call Calculation Date to December 31, 2023, and to provide for a Call Purchase Price minimum. 

 

On May 1, 2020, the Company and Mr. Bressler amended Mr. Bressler's employment agreement, changing the date for calculation of the Final Year Equity Value and the date of Mr. Bressler's equity incentive option award to December 31, 2023.

 

 

20

 

 

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S 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 Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 26, 2020.

 

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:

 

 

suspended operations and disruptions to our business and operations related to the novel corona virus COVID-19;

 

 

 

  the impacts of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 on our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, cash flows, employees, plans and growth;
     
  the impacts of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 on future travel and the cruise and airline industries in general;
     

 

unscheduled disruptions in our business due to travel restrictions, weather events, mechanical failures, pandemics or other events; 

 

 

 

 

changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged;

 

 

 

 

management of our growth and our ability to execute on our planned growth;

 

 

 

 

our business strategy and plans;

 

 

 

 

our ability to maintain our relationship with National Geographic;

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

adverse publicity regarding the cruise industry in general; 

 

 

 

 

loss of business due to competition;

 

 

 

 

the result of future financing efforts;

 

 

 

 

delays and costs overruns with respect to the construction and delivery of newly constructed vessels;

 

 

 

 

the inability to meet revenue and Adjusted EBITDA projections; and

 

 

 

 

those risks discussed herein and in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020 (the “2019 Annual Report”).

 

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.

 

21

 

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.

  

Business Overview

 

We provide expedition cruising and land-based adventure travel experiences, using itineraries that feature up-close encounters with wildlife, nature, history and culture, and promote guest empowerment 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. Many of these expeditions involve travel to remote places, such as the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galápagos, Alaska, Baja's Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica, Panama, Churchill and Africa. We operate a fleet of nine owned expedition ships and have contracted for a new polar ice class vessel, the National Geographic Resolution, scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

In addition, we operate five seasonal charter vessels under the Lindblad brand. We deploy chartered vessels for various seasonal offerings and continually seek to optimize our charter fleet to balance our inventory with demand and maximize yields. We use our charter inventory as a mechanism to both increase travel options for our existing and prospective guests and to test demand for certain areas and seasons to understand the potential for longer term deployments and additional vessel needs. 

 

We have a longstanding relationship with the National Geographic Society dating back to 2004, which is based on a shared interest in exploration, research, technology and conservation. This relationship includes co-selling, co-marketing and branding arrangements with National Geographic Partners, LLC (“National Geographic”) whereby our owned vessels carry the National Geographic name and National Geographic sells our expeditions through their internal travel divisions. We collaborate with National Geographic on expedition 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 have the ability to interface with these experts through lectures, excursions, dining and other experiences throughout their expedition.

  

First Quarter Highlights

 

On March 16, 2020, we took possession of the National Geographic Endurance. The final balance due on the vessel, at the time of delivery, was primarily paid by borrowing $107.7 million under our senior secured credit agreement.

 

COVID-19 Business Update

 

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the effects of travel restrictions around the world, we have suspended or rescheduled the majority of our expeditions departing March 16, 2020 through June 30, 2020 and have been working with guests to reschedule travel plans and refund payments, as applicable. To date, we have had no reported cases of COVID-19 across our fleet and all guests have safely disembarked our vessels. The majority of our ships are currently being maintained with minimally required crew on-board to ensure they comply with all necessary regulations and can be fully put back into service quickly as needed. In accordance with local regulations, we closed our offices and most employees are working remotely to maintain general business operations, to provide assistance to existing and potential guests and to maintain information technology systems.

 

We have moved quickly to implement a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and preserve and enhance our liquidity position. We are employing a variety of cost reduction and cash preservation measures, while accessing available capital under our existing debt facilities and exploring additional sources of capital and liquidity. These measures include the following operating expense and capital expenditure reductions:

 

 

Significantly reducing ship and land-based expedition costs including crew payroll, land costs, fuel and food. All ships have been safely laid up.

 

 

Lowered expected annual maintenance capital expenditures by over $10 million, savings of more than 50% from originally planned levels.

 

 

Meaningfully reduced general and administrative expenses through payroll reductions and the elimination of all non-essential travel, office expenses and discretionary spending.

 

 

Suspended the majority of planned advertising and marketing spend.

 

22

 

 

Deferred payment of the majority of bonuses earned for 2019 performance, as well as cash compensation for the Board of Directors.

 

 

Suspended all repurchases of common stock under the stock repurchase plan.

 

Bookings Trends

 

We were off to a strong start to the year with Lindblad segment bookings at the end of February up 25% for the full year 2020 as compared to the same point a year ago for 2019, and we had sold 86% of our original projected guest ticket revenues for the year. Since that point, we have experienced a substantial impact from the COVID-19 virus including elevated cancellations and softness in near-term demand. Lindblad segment bookings for travel in 2020 are now 27% below the same point a year ago for 2019 due primarily to the cancelled and rescheduled voyages, as well as cancellations for travel later this year. We still have substantial advanced bookings for future travel in 2020, including 8% more bookings for the second half of 2020 as compared with the second half of 2019 as of the same date a year ago. Additionally, we continue to see new bookings for travel in 2020, 2021 and 2022, including over $15 million since March 1, 2020, and we are receiving deposits and final payments for future travel.

 

For 2020 voyages that have been cancelled or rescheduled, we are offering future travel credits with incremental value or full refunds to its fully paid guests. As of April 24, 2020, the majority of guests have opted for future travel credits.   

 

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

 

As of March 31, 2020, we had $137.0 million in unrestricted cash and $22.8 million in restricted cash primarily related to deposits on future travel originating from U.S. ports. The unrestricted cash included $45.0 million drawn under our revolving credit facility during the first quarter as a precautionary measure for working capital and general corporate purposes given the uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, during the quarter, we borrowed $107.7 million under our first senior secured credit agreement in conjunction with final payment on delivery of the National Geographic Endurance in March 2020. As of March 31, 2020, we had a total debt position of $382.2 million and were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. Following the quarter, we drew down an additional $30.6 million under our second senior secured credit agreement in conjunction with our third installment payment on the National Geographic Resolution scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021.  

 

Export credit agencies, in conjunction with export credit lenders, are working to finalize an industrywide initiative to grant a 12-month debt holiday to provide interim debt service relief for amortization payments and financial covenants. We have approximately $9.0 million of export credit agency backed amortization payments due over the next 12-months on our first senior secured credit agreement. 

 

Considering the cost reduction measures and the potential deferral of near-term export credit agreement amortization, we estimate our monthly cash usage while our vessels are not in operations is approximately $10-15 million including ship and office operating expenses, necessary capital expenditures and interest and principal payments. This excludes guest payments for future travel and cash refunds requested on previously made guest payments. 

 

We are also currently evaluating several additional strategies to enhance our liquidity position. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, pursuing additional financing from both the public and private markets through the issuance of equity and/or debt. The timing and structure of any transaction will depend on market conditions.

 

Following the first quarter, we received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan related to the COVID-19 crisis in the amount of $6.6 million. We have subsequently returned the funds received from this loan and, as a result, will pursue additional adjustments to our cost structure.

 

We have not previously experienced a complete cessation of our operations and, as a consequence, our ability to predict the impact of such cessation on our costs and future prospects is limited. Given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans and growth for the foreseeable future. It is unknown when travel restrictions and various border closures will be lifted and what the demand for expedition travel will be once these restrictions are no longer in place. Our estimates for monthly cash usage reflect our current forecast for operating costs, capital expenditures and expected debt and interest payments. Based on the actions we have taken to date, our planned and anticipated actions and our current forecast, we believe that we can meet our obligations for the next 12 months from May 5, 2020, the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

23

 

Return to Operations

 

While it is uncertain when we will return to operations, we believe there are a variety of strategic advantages that should enable us to deploy our ships safely and quickly once travel restrictions have been lifted. The most notable is the size of our owned and operated vessels which range from 48 to 148 passengers, allowing for a highly controlled environment that includes stringent cleaning protocols. The small nature of our ships should also allow us to efficiently and effectively test our guests and crew prior to boarding. On average, we estimate it will only take a few thousand tests a month to ensure all guests and crew across our entire fleet have been tested. Additionally, the majority of our expeditions take place in remote locations where human interactions are limited, so there is less opportunity for external influence. Lastly, our guests are explorers by nature, eager to travel and have historically been very resilient following periods of uncertainty. 

 

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, 2020 and 2019;

 

 

 

 

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, 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;

 

 

 

 

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.

 

24

 

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 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.

 

25

 

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

 

Net Yield represents Net Revenue 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 tour revenues from the sale of guest tickets are mildly seasonal, historically larger in the first and third quarters. The seasonality of our operating results fluctuates due 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 more extensive reviews periodically. Drydocking impacts operating results by reducing tour revenues and increasing cost of tours. Natural Habitat is a seasonal business, with the majority of its tour revenue recorded in the third and fourth quarters from its summer season departures and polar bear tours.

 

Results of Operations - Consolidated

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2020

   

2019

   

Change

    %
                                 

Tour revenues

  $ 81,238     $ 89,654     $ (8,416 )     (9 %)
                                 

Cost of tours

    42,192       39,017       3,175       8 %

General and administrative

    17,226       16,082       1,144       7 %

Selling and marketing

    12,879       14,002       (1,123 )     (8 %)

Depreciation and amortization

    6,690       6,188       502       8 %

Operating income

  $ 2,251     $ 14,365     $ (12,114 )     (84 %)

Net (loss) income

  $ (2,471 )   $ 15,079     $ (17,550 )     (116 %)

Net (loss) income per share available to common stockholders

                               

Basic

  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.36 )        

Diluted

  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.31     $ (0.35 )        

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 - Consolidated

 

Tour Revenues

 

Tour revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased $8.4 million, or 9%, to $81.2 million compared to $89.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Lindblad segment tour revenues decreased by $6.5 million and the Natural Habitat segment decreased $1.9 million, primarily as a result of cancelled, disrupted and rescheduled expeditions due to COVID-19. 

 

Cost of Tours

 

Total cost of tours for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased $3.2 million, or 8%, to $42.2 million compared to $39.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. At the Lindblad segment, cost of tours increased $4.2 million, primarily due to costs incurred in connection with cancelled, disrupted and rescheduled voyages due to COVID-19, costs incurred ahead of the launch of the National Geographic Endurance and higher drydock expense. At the Natural Habitat segment, cost of tours decreased $1.0 million, due to cancelled, disrupted and rescheduled trips directly related to COVID-19.

 

26

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased $1.1 million, or 7%, to $17.2 million compared to $16.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. At the Lindblad segment, general and administrative expenses increased $0.9 million over the prior year period due to increased personnel costs. At the Natural Habitat segment, general and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, primarily due to an increase in personnel costs.

 

Selling and Marketing

 

Selling and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased $1.1 million, or 8%, to $12.9 million compared to $14.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. At the Lindblad segment, selling and marketing expenses decreased $0.7 million, primarily due to lower commission expenses related to the impact of COVID-19 on revenue. At the Natural Habitat segment, selling and marketing expenses decreased $0.4 million, primarily driven by a decrease in advertising expenditures.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased $0.5 million, or 8%, to $6.7 million, compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Other Expense

 

Other expenses, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, increased $4.2 million to $6.6 million from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily due to the following:

 

 

A $3.4 million loss in foreign currency translation in 2020 compared to a gain of $0.7 million in 2019 due to the weakening of the U.S dollar primarily in relation to the Canadian dollar and the South African Rand.

     

 

A $0.1 million increase in interest expense, net to $3.1 million in 2020 primarily due to increased borrowings related to our new builds, the National Geographic Resolution and the National Geographic Endurance, and the revolving credit facility, partially offset by lower rates on our term loan facility. 

 

Results of Operations – Segments

 

Selected information for our 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,

(In thousands)

 

2020

   

2019

   

Change

    %

Tour revenues:

                               

Lindblad

  $ 69,539     $ 76,038     $ (6,499 )     (9 %)

Natural Habitat

    11,699       13,616       (1,917 )     (14 %)

Total tour revenues

  $ 81,238     $ 89,654     $ (8,416 )     (9 %)

Operating Income:

                               

Lindblad

  $ 2,189     $ 13,641     $ (11,452 )     (84 %)

Natural Habitat

    62       724       (662 )     (91 %)

Total operating income

  $ 2,251     $ 14,365     $ (12,114 )     (84 %)

Adjusted EBITDA:

                               

Lindblad

  $ 10,074     $ 20,930     $ (10,856 )     (52 %)

Natural Habitat

    504       1,118       (614 )     (55 %)

Total adjusted EBITDA

  $ 10,578     $ 22,048     $ (11,470 )     (52 %)

 

27

 

Results of Operations – 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, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 

Available Guest Nights

    51,624       58,669  

Guest Nights Sold

    46,050       53,613  

Occupancy

    89 %     91 %

Maximum Guests

    6,512       7,313  

Number of Guests

    5,564       6,532  

Voyages

    85       93  

 

 

The following table shows the calculations of Gross Yield and Net Yield for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. 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:

 

 

   

For the three months ended March 31,

 

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

 

2020

   

2019

 

Guest ticket revenues

  $ 60,362     $ 67,110  

Other tour revenue

    9,177       8,928  

Tour Revenues

    69,539       76,038  

Less: Commissions

    (5,427 )     (5,851 )

Less: Other tour expenses

    (5,761 )     (5,687 )

Net Revenue

  $ 58,351     $ 64,500  

Available Guest Nights

    51,624       58,669  

Gross Yield

  $ 1,347     $ 1,296  

Net Yield

    1,130       1,099  

 

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The following table shows the calculations of Gross Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night and Net Cruise Costs per Available Guest Night for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

Calculation of Gross Cruise Cost and Net Cruise Cost

 

For the three months ended March 31,

 

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

 

2020

   

2019

 

Cost of tours

  $ 35,521     $ 31,321  

Plus: Selling and marketing

    11,983       12,641  

Plus: General and administrative

    13,598       12,641  

Gross Cruise Cost

    61,102       56,603  

Less: Commissions

    (5,427 )     (5,851 )

Less: Other tour expenses

    (5,761 )     (5,687 )

Net Cruise Cost

    49,914       45,065  

Less: Fuel Expense

    (2,392 )     (2,688 )

Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel

    47,522       42,377  

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

               

Stock-based compensation

    (898 )     (753 )

National Geographic fee amortization

    (727 )     (727 )

Other

    (12 )     (15 )

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel

  $ 45,885     $ 40,882  

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost

  $ 48,277     $ 43,570  

Available Guest Nights

    51,624       58,669  

Gross Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night

  $ 1,184     $ 965  

Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night

    967       768  

Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Available Guest Night

    921       722  

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Available Guest Night

    889       697  

Adjusted Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night

    935       743  

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 at the Lindblad Segment

 

Tour Revenues

 

Tour revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased $6.5 million, or 9%, to $69.5 million compared to $76.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was driven by lower guest ticket revenue primarily from a 12% decrease in Available Guest Nights as a result of cancelled, disrupted and rescheduled voyages due to COVID-19. Net Yields increased 3% to $1,130 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $1,099 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 due primarily to price increases and itinerary changes. Occupancy rates decreased slightly to 89% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to same period a year ago.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income decreased $11.5 million to $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily a result of the lower revenue and additional costs from cancelled, disrupted and rescheduled voyages due to COVID-19, costs incurred ahead of the launch of the National Geographic Endurance and higher drydock and personnel expense.

 

Results of Operations – Natural Habitat Segment

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

 

Tour Revenues

 

Tour revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased $1.9 million, or 14%, to $11.7 million compared to $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, due to cancelled, disrupted and rescheduled trips due to COVID-19.

 

29

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased $0.7 million to $0.1 million compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily a result of lower revenue and additional costs due to COVID-19.

 

Adjusted EBITDA – Consolidated

 

The following table outlines the reconciliation to net income and calculation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. 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)

 

2020

   

2019

 

Net (loss) income

  $ (2,471 )   $ 15,079  

Interest expense, net

    3,054       2,989  

Income tax benefit

    (1,828 )     (3,066 )

Depreciation and amortization

    6,690       6,188  

Loss (gain) on foreign currency

    3,443       (656 )

Other expense

    53       19  

Stock-based compensation

    898       753  

National Geographic fee amortization

    727       727  

Other

    12       15  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 10,578     $ 22,048  

 

 

The following tables outline the reconciliation for each segment from operating income to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Lindblad Segment

 

For the three months ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2020

   

2019

 

Operating income

  $ 2,189     $ 13,641  

Depreciation and amortization

    6,248       5,794  

Stock-based compensation

    898       753  

National Geographic fee amortization

    727       727  

Other

    12       15  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 10,074     $ 20,930  

 

 

Natural Habitat Segment

 

For the three months ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2020

   

2019

 

Operating income

  $ 62     $ 724  

Depreciation and amortization

    442       394  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 504     $ 1,118  

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the effects of travel restrictions around the world, we suspended or rescheduled the majority of expeditions and fleet operations departing March 16, 2020 through June 30, 2020 and have been working with guests to reschedule travel plans and refund payments, as applicable. The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a material negative impact on our operations and financial results and we expect the evolving pandemic to have ongoing material negative effects on operations, financial results and liquidity. Given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans and growth for the foreseeable future. It is unknown when travel restrictions and various border closures will be lifted and what the demand for expedition travel will be once these restrictions are no longer in place.

 

30

 

As of March 31, 2020, we had approximately $382.2 million in long-term debt obligations, including the current portion of long-term debt. We believe that our cash on hand, our Second Export Credit Agreement and expected future operating cash inflows will be sufficient to fund operations, debt service requirements, and necessary capital expenditures. However, there can be no assurance that cash flows from operations will be available to fund future obligations. We estimate our monthly cash usage while our vessels are not in operations is approximately $10-15 million with the ultimate net cash outflow partially dependent on the level of cash refunds requested on previously made guest payments, as well as the amount of new guest payments for future travel. To date, the majority of guests on rescheduled voyages have requested future travel credits. Additionally, we continue to see deposits for travel in 2020, 2021 and 2022, however, there is no assurance as to when we may resume travel.

 

 

Sources and Uses of Cash for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $15.4 million in 2020 compared to $15.3 million in 2019.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $116.7 million in 2020 compared to $35.1 million in 2019. The $81.6 million increase was primarily due to payments for the completion of the National Geographic Endurance during the current quarter, partially offset by the initial down-payment for the National Geographic Resolution in the first quarter of 2019.  

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $151.9 million in 2020 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $1.7 million in 2019. The $153.6 million increase in cash provided was primarily due to borrowing $107.7 million under the senior secured credit agreement for the final contracted payment of the National Geographic Endurance and a $45.0 million drawdown of our revolving credit facility.

 

Funding Sources

 

Debt Facilities 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

Our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), provides a $200.0 million senior secured first lien term loan facility (the “Term Facility”), maturing March 2025, and a $45.0 million senior secured incremental revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”), which includes a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The Term Facility bears interest at an adjusted Intercontinental Exchange (“ICE”) Benchmark administration LIBOR plus a spread of 3.25%, or 4.24% as of March 31, 2020, and the Revolving Facility bears interest at ICE LIBOR plus a spread of 3.00%, or 3.99% as of March 31, 2020. In 2018, we entered into interest rate cap agreements to hedge our exposure to interest rate movements and manage our interest rate expense related to the Term Facility. During March 2020, we drew $45.0 million on our Revolving Facility.

 

Senior Secured Credit Agreements

 

Our senior secured credit agreement (the “Export Credit Agreement”) makes available 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 our new polar ice class vessel, the National Geographic Endurance. During March 2020, we borrowed the $107.7 million under the Export Credit Agreement for the final contracted payment of the National Geographic Endurance. The Export Credit Agreement bears interest at a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum, or 4.45% as of March 31, 2020, with interest and principal payments due every 90 days from borrowing date, with final principal due January 2032.

 

Our senior secured credit agreement (the “Second Export Credit Agreement”) makes available to us a loan in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $122.8 million for the purpose of providing pre- and post- delivery financing for up to 80% of the purchase price of the National Geographic Resolution, scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Second Export Credit Agreement bears a variable interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum, or 4.45% as of March 31, 2020. After completion of the vessel, the Second Export Credit Agreement, at our option, will bear an interest rate of either a fixed rate of 6.36% or a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00% per annum. In September 2019, we drew approximately $30.5 million against the Second Export Credit Agreement for the third contracted payment on the National Geographic Resolution

 

31

 

The Amended Credit Agreement, the Export Credit Agreement and the Second Export Credit Agreement contain financial and restrictive covenants. As of March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with our covenants.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration Loan

 

During April 2020, we received a U.S. Small Business Administration Loan related to the COVID-19 crisis in the amount of $6.6 million. We have subsequently returned the funds received from this loan and, as a result, will pursue additional adjustments to our cost structure.

 

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 credit facilities, make long-term investments or any other use of cash. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had a working capital deficit of $7.7 million and $36.3 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $137.0 million and $101.6 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash.

 

Our 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 us to purchase from time to time our outstanding common stock and 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. All repurchases were made using cash resources. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased 8,517 shares of common stock for approximately $127,000. 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. The balance for the Repurchase Plan was $12.0 million as of March 31, 2020. During March 2020, the Repurchase Plan was suspended due to the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 virus. 

 

In February 2019, we entered into an agreement with Ulstein Verft to construct a polar ice-class vessel, the National Geographic Resolution, with a total purchase price of 1,291.0 million Norwegian Kroner (NOK). In March 2019, we entered into foreign exchange forward contract hedges to lock in a purchase price of $153.5 million, including hedging costs. The purchase price is subject to potential adjustments from contract specifications for variations in speed, deadweight, fuel consumption and delivery date. The purchase price is due in installments, with the first 20% paid shortly after execution of the agreement, 50% to be paid over the duration of the build and the final 30% due upon delivery and acceptance of the vessel. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021. In September 2019, we drew approximately $30.5 million against the Second Export Credit Agreement for the contracted installment payment on the National Geographic Resolution. The remaining purchase price of the vessel is expected to be funded through a combination of cash available on our balance sheet, our Second Export Credit Agreement and excess cash flows generated by our existing operations.

 

During March 2020, we borrowed the $107.7 million under the Export Credit Agreement for the final contracted payment of the National Geographic Endurance, drew $45.0 million on our Revolver Facility and amended the maturity dates of the note payable, which created material changes in our future obligations from those reported in our 2019 Annual Report. The additional related obligations as of March 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

Total

 

 

Current

 

 

1-2 years

 

    3-4 years       Thereafter  

Export Credit Agreement

 

$

107,695

 

 

$

8,975

 

 

$

17,949

 

  $ 43,078     $ 37,693  

Revolver

   

45,000

      -       45,000       -       -  
Note Payable      2,525       842       1,683       -       -  

            

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

In 2019, we entered into a Second Export Credit Agreement as described above.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

For a detailed discussion of the Critical Accounting Policies, please see our 2019 Annual Report.

 

32

 

Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no 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 2019 Annual Report.

 

We are exposed to a market risk for interest rates related to our variable rate debt. 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 1.0% change in interest rates. For additional information regarding our long-term borrowings see Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As of March 31, 2020, we had interest rate cap agreements to hedge a portion of our exposure to interest rate movements of our variable rate debt and to manage our interest expense. The notional amount of outstanding debt associated with interest rate cap agreements as of March 31, 2020 was $100.0 million. Based on our March 31, 2020 outstanding variable rate debt balance, a hypothetical 1.0% change in the six-month LIBOR interest rates would impact our annual interest expense by approximately $1.0 million.

 

As of March 31, 2020, we had foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to our ship construction contracts denominated in NOK. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a loss of approximately $13.3 million in other comprehensive income related to these foreign exchange derivatives. The strengthening of the NOK at March 31, 2020 by a hypothetical 10%, would result in an approximately $8.3 million gain being recorded in other comprehensive income. The weakening of the NOK at March 31, 2020 by a hypothetical 10%, would result in an approximately $6.8 million loss being recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2020, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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 2019 Annual Report filed on February 26, 2020, and those noted below.

 

33

 

Restrictions or extended restrictions, on expedition sailing or travel in general, has materially adversely affected our business and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity.

 

There can be no assurance when travel restrictions may be lifted, and such restrictions may extend in whole or in part beyond current government guidance or into next year. Any cases of COVID-19 on one of our vessels when we are able to resume sailing could result in a subsequent suspension of travel or limit our ability to disembark guests from our vessels. There can be no assurance that our guests will be able to travel to embarkation or from disembarkation destinations, or that such locations will continue to have travel restrictions in place which would impact our ability to sail scheduled itineraries. In addition, even following the ease of travel restrictions, there is no assurance that guests will immediately recommence travel to prior levels. The current travel restrictions have materially adversely impacted our business and operations and prolonged travel restrictions (or general reluctance to travel by our guests) would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

 

COVID-19 has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on our financial condition and operations, which may impact our ability to obtain acceptable financing to fund the necessary cash needed for operations. The current, and uncertain future, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effect on the ability or desire of people to travel, is expected to continue to impact our results, operations, outlooks, plans, goals, growth, cash flows and liquidity.

 

The spread of the COVID-19 virus and the recent developments surrounding the global pandemic are having material negative impacts on all aspects of our business. We have voluntary suspended and rescheduled, as applicable, all of our expedition operations and such pause may be required to be extended. In addition, we have been, and will continue to be further, negatively impacted by related developments, including heightened governmental regulations and travel advisories, recommendations by the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and travel bans and restrictions, each of which has impacted, and is expected to continue to significantly impact our access to various embarkation, disembarkation and expedition destinations.

 

We will continue to incur COVID-19 related costs as we implement additional health and hygiene-related protocols to our ships. In addition, the industry may be subject to enhanced health and hygiene requirements in attempts to counteract future outbreaks, which requirements may be costly and take a significant amount of time to implement across our expedition fleet and operations.

 

We cannot predict with certainty when any of our ships will begin expedition sailings again and embarkation and disembarkation locations will reopen to our ships. Additionally, once travel advisories and restrictions are lifted, demand for expedition travel may remain weak for a significant length of time, and we cannot predict if and when we will return to previously expected levels of occupancy. Our bookings may be negatively impacted by the adverse changes in the perceived or actual economic climate, including higher unemployment rates, declines in income levels and loss of personal wealth resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 virus. In addition, we cannot predict the impact COVID-19 will have on our partners, such as ship-yards for new builds, travel agencies, suppliers and other vendors. We may be adversely impacted as a result of the adverse impact our partners suffer.

 

We have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our expedition operations and, as a consequence, given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate or predict the impact of such a cessation on our costs and future prospects. In particular, we cannot predict the impact on our financial performance and our cash flows required for cash refunds of deposits as a result of the suspension and rescheduling, as applicable, of our expeditions, which may be further extended, and the public’s concern regarding the health and safety of travel, especially by ship, and related decreases in demand for travel. Moreover, our ability to attract and retain guests and crew depends, in part, upon the perception and reputation of our Company, our expedition destinations and offerings and the public’s concerns regarding the health and safety of travel generally, as well as regarding the industry and our ships specifically. 

 

In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty. The current outbreak and continued spread of COVID-19 could cause a global recession, which would have a further adverse impact on our financial condition and operations. In past recessions, demand for our expeditionary travel offerings has been significantly negatively impacted which has resulted in lower occupancy rates and adverse pricing. Current economic forecasts for significant increases in unemployment in the U.S. and other regions due to the adoption of social distancing and other policies to slow the spread of the virus is likely to have a negative impact on demand for our expeditionary travel once our sailings resume, and these impacts could exist for an extensive period of time.

 

34

 

Our debt could adversely affect our financial health and operating flexibility.

 

Our debt could:

  require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow from operations to service debt and fund repayments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
  increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic or industry conditions;
  limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or the industry in which we operate;
  place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;
  make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business, the economy or the industry in which we operate;
  limit our ability to raise additional debt or equity capital in the future to satisfy our requirements relating to working capital, capital expenditures, development projects, strategic initiatives or other purposes;
  restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, introducing new technologies or exploiting business opportunities;
  make it difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt; and
  expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are (and may be in the future) at a variable rate of interest.

 

We will require a significant amount of cash to service our debt and sustain our operations. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control, and we may not be able to generate cash required to service our debt.

 

Our ability to meet our other debt service obligations or refinance our debt depends on our future operating and financial performance and ability to generate cash. This will be affected by our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, as well as general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors beyond our control, such as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. If we cannot generate sufficient cash to meet our debt service obligations or fund our other business needs, we may, among other things, need to refinance all or a portion of our debt, obtain additional financing, delay planned capital expenditures or sell assets. We cannot be assured that we will be able to generate sufficient cash through any of the foregoing. If we are not able to refinance any of our debt, obtain additional financing or sell assets on commercially reasonable terms or at all, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt. 

 

The impact of volatility and disruptions in the global credit and financial markets may adversely affect our ability to borrow and could increase our counterparty credit risks, including those under our credit facilities, derivatives, contingent obligations, insurance contracts and new ship contractual payments.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be able to access additional debt and/or credit facilities on terms as favorable as our current debt, on commercially acceptable terms, or at all. Economic downturns, including failures of financial institutions and any related liquidity crisis, can disrupt the capital and credit markets. Such disruptions could cause counterparties under our credit facilities, derivatives, contingent obligations and insurance contracts to be unable to perform their obligations or to breach their obligations to us under our contracts with them, which could include failures of financial institutions to fund required borrowings under our loan agreements and to pay us amounts that may become due under our derivative contracts and other agreements. Also, we may be limited in obtaining funds to pay amounts due to our counterparties under our derivative contracts and to pay amounts that may become due under other agreements. If we were to elect to replace any counterparty for their failure to perform their obligations under such instruments, we would likely incur significant costs to replace the counterparty. Any failure to replace any counterparties under these circumstances may result in additional costs to us or an ineffective instrument.

 

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, 2020.

 

Repurchases of Securities

 

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 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 the Company’s Board of Directors. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased 8,517 shares of common stock for approximately $127,000. 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. The remaining balance for the Repurchase Plan was $12.0 million as of March 31, 2020. During March 2020, the Repurchase Plan was suspended due to the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 virus. 

 

35

 

The following table represents information with respect to shares of common stock repurchased under the Repurchase Plan as well as shares withheld from vesting of stock-based compensation awards for employee income taxes, 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, 2020(a)

 

 

387

 

 

$

17.46

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

12,102,046

 

February 1 through February 29, 2020

 

 

8,517

 

 

 

14.93

 

 

 

127,175

 

 

 

11,974,787

 

March 1 through March 31, 2020(a)

 

 

27,595

 

 

 

4.61

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

11,974,787

 

Total

 

 

36,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

127,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Amount relates to shares withheld from vesting's of stock-based compensation awards for employee income tax withholding.

 

Item 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.

Other information

 

Not applicable

 

Item 6.

exhibits

 

Number

 

Description

 

Included

 

Form

 

Filing Date

10.1   Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. and Ben Bressler.   Herewith        
10.2   Amendment to Note Payable by and between Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., Natural Habitat, Inc. and Ben Bressler.    Herewith        
10.3   Amendment to Natural Habitat, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Agreement by and between Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., Natural Habitat, Inc. and Ben Bressler.   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

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy extension schema document

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy extension calculation link base document

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy extension label link base document

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy extension presentation link base document

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Link base

 

Herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36

 

 

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 5, 2020.

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Sven-Olof Lindblad

 

 

Sven-Olof Lindblad

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

 

 

37