Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. Reports 2017 Third Quarter Financial Results

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Third Quarter 2017 Highlights:

    --  Tour revenues increased 20% to $84.6 million
    --  Net income attributable to Lindblad increased 25% to $9.3 million
    --  Adjusted EBITDA increased 33% to $23.1 million
    --  Lindblad segment Net Yield increased 4% to $1,048 and Occupancy was 91%

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND; the "Company" or "Lindblad"), a global provider of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Sven-Olof Lindblad, President and Chief Executive Officer, said "Lindblad's strategic investment to expand our capacity to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand for expedition travel has begun to deliver significant returns. Bookings in 2017 are up over 30% versus a year ago and the Company delivered strong third quarter financial growth fueled by the July launch of our first new-build vessel, the National Geographic Quest, while at the same time maintaining high occupancy levels across our existing fleet. This is only the first step in expanding our inventory and we are well under way on construction of her sister ship, the National Geographic Venture, which will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018. We also announced this morning that we have signed a contract for a new, state-of-the-art, polar ice class vessel. This contract includes options for two additional ships and these vessels will enable us to further immerse our guests in unique and authentic itineraries and broaden our ability to build additional shareholder value in the years to come."

THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

Tour Revenues

Third quarter tour revenues of $84.6 million increased $13.8 million, or 20%, as compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was driven by $11.3 million of additional contributions from the Lindblad segment and a $2.5 million increase at Natural Habitat. The third quarter of 2017 also included the cancellation of four highly booked voyages on the National Geographic Quest due to a delay in the launch of the vessel. Excluding the impact of these voyage cancellations and additional insurance proceeds received related to the National Geographic Orion, the Company estimates that total tour revenues would have increased 24% over the prior year period to $87.4 million.

Lindblad segment tour revenues of $67.5 million increased 20% compared to the third quarter a year ago primarily due to an $11.6 million increase in ticket revenue, mostly related to the launch of the National Geographic Quest in July of 2017. The growth in ticket revenue also reflects a 4% increase in Net Yield to $1,048, due to increased pricing and changes in itineraries, as well as Occupancy of 91%, which was in line with the same period a year ago. Available Guest Nights increased by 16% primarily due to the addition of the National Geographic Quest to the fleet and from the cancellation of a voyage on the National Geographic Orion in the third quarter of 2016. Excluding the impact of the National Geographic Quest cancellations and additional insurance proceeds received related to the National Geographic Orion, the Company estimates that Lindblad segment tour revenue would have increased 25% over the prior year period to $70.3 million.

Natural Habitat revenues of $17.1 million increased 17% primarily due to higher ticket revenue from additional guests in the current year.

Net Income

Net income attributable to Lindblad for the third quarter was $9.3 million, $0.20 per diluted share, as compared with net income attributable to Lindblad of $7.4 million, $0.16 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2016. The $1.9 million improvement was primarily due to the higher operating results as well as lower depreciation and amortization due mainly to the accelerated depreciation associated with the retirement of the National Geographic Endeavour a year ago. The third quarter of 2017 also includes $1.7 million of additional stock-based compensation expense primarily related to grants under the 2016 CEO Share Allocation Plan, which provides our CEO the ability to transfer shares from his existing holdings in the Company to eligible employees, as well as $1.4 million in executive severance expense.

Adjusted EBITDA

Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $23.1 million increased $5.7 million, or 33%, as compared to the same period in 2016. The increase was due to $4.5 million of additional contributions from the Lindblad segment and a $1.2 million increase at Natural Habitat. Excluding the impact of the voyage cancellations and insurance proceeds, the Company estimates that Adjusted EBITDA would have increased 46% over the prior year period to $25.3 million.

Lindblad segment Adjusted EBITDA of $21.3 million increased 27% compared to the third quarter a year ago primarily due to the revenue growth partially offset by increased costs related to the launch of the National Geographic Quest. Excluding the impact of the voyage cancellations and insurance proceeds, the Company estimates that Lindblad segment Adjusted EBITDA would have increased 40% over the prior year period to $23.5 million.

Natural Habitat Adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 million increased $1.2 million compared to the third quarter a year ago primarily due to the revenue growth partially offset by higher cost of tours from additional guests and increased personnel costs.


                                                                                                                                    For the Three Months Ended                       For the Nine Months Ended

                                                                                                                                           September 30,                                   September 30,
                                                                                                                                           -------------                                   -------------

    (In thousands)                                                                                                             2017                          2016 Change          %                               2017  2016 *          Change           %
                                                                                                                               ----                          ---- ------         ---                              ----   -----          ------          ---


    Tour revenues:

    Lindblad                                                                                                                $67,451                       $56,175        $11,276       20%                     $167,891        $165,936          $1,955          1%

    Natural Habitat                                                                                                          17,133                        14,599          2,534       17%                       35,392          20,282          15,110         74%

    Total tour revenues                                                                                                     $84,584                       $70,774        $13,810       20%                     $203,283        $186,218         $17,065          9%

      Impact of voyage cancellations                                                                                          2,860                             -         2,860        NA                       12,478               -         12,478          NA

    Total tour revenues excluding voyage cancellations                                                                      $87,444                       $70,774        $16,670       24%                     $215,761        $186,218         $29,543         16%
                                                                                                                            =======                       =======        =======                               ========        ========         =======


    Operating (loss) income:

    Lindblad                                                                                                                $12,070                        $9,863         $2,207       22%                      $12,386         $19,038        $(6,652)      (35%)

    Natural Habitat                                                                                                           1,479                           306          1,173      383%                          873           (488)          1,361      (279%)
                                                                                                                              -----                           ---          -----                                    ---            ----           -----

    Total operating income                                                                                                   13,549                        10,169          3,380       33%                       13,259          18,550         (5,291)      (29%)

      Impact of voyage cancellations                                                                                          1,981                             -         1,981        NA                        8,923               -          8,923          NA


    Total operating income excluding voyage cancellations                                                                   $15,530                       $10,169         $5,360       53%                      $22,182         $18,550          $3,632         20%
                                                                                                                            =======                       =======         ======                                =======         =======          ======


    Adjusted EBITDA:

    Lindblad                                                                                                                $21,276                       $16,741         $4,535       27%                      $36,766         $40,117        $(3,351)       (8%)

    Natural Habitat                                                                                                           1,838                           625          1,213      194%                        1,896              42           1,854          NA
                                                                                                                              -----                           ---          -----                                  -----             ---           -----

    Total adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                    23,114                        17,366          5,748       33%                       38,662          40,159         (1,497)       (4%)

      Impact of voyage cancellations                                                                                          2,230                             -         2,230        NA                        9,172               -          9,172          NA

    Total adjusted EBITDA excluding voyage cancellations                                                                    $25,344                       $17,366         $7,978       46%                      $47,834         $40,159          $7,675         19%
                                                                                                                            =======                       =======         ======                                =======         =======          ======


    * 2016 results for Natural Habitat represent activity from the acquisition date of May 2016 through September 30, 2016.

The impact of the cancelled voyages on tour revenues was calculated as booked tour revenue at the time of cancellation less insurance proceeds. The impact of the cancelled voyages on operating income and Adjusted EBITDA was calculated as booked tour revenue at the time of cancellation less insurance proceeds and estimated operating costs.

Liquidity

The Company's cash and cash equivalents were $112.3 million as of September 30, 2017, as compared with $135.4 million as of December 31, 2016. The decrease primarily reflects purchases of property and equipment of $44.0 million, mostly for the construction of the two new coastal vessels, and $6.2 million used to repurchase stock and warrants, partially offset by $29.4 million in net cash provided by operating activities due in large part to advanced bookings for future travel.

Free cash flow use was $14.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared with a use of $34.9 million in the same period of 2016. The improved results reflect the increased operating performance, higher bookings for future travel and lower capital expenditures for new vessels. Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment.

LINDBLAD FLEET ACTIVITIES

The Company expanded its travel offerings in July 2017 with the launch of the National Geographic Quest, which sailed in Alaska and British Columbia during the summer before voyaging to Costa Rica and Panama for the winter season. The Company's second new-build coastal vessel, the National Geographic Venture, is currently expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Following the quarter, the Company announced that it had signed a contract with Ulstein Verft to build a new polar ice class vessel for delivery in January 2020, with potential accelerated delivery to November 2019. This state-of-the-art vessel will join the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion as the third ice class ship in the Lindblad National Geographic fleet, with the ability to voyage anywhere around the globe and specializing in polar travel. She will be capable of exploring deep into the Antarctic and Arctic waters, and will be built with the Ulstein X-BOW® design allowing for greater comfort and speed through rough waters. The contract with Ulstein Verft also includes options to build two additional polar ice class vessels, the first for delivery twelve months after the initial vessel and the second for delivery twelve months thereafter.

STOCK AND WARRANT REPURCHASE PLAN

The Company has a $35.0 million stock and warrant repurchase plan in place which authorizes the Company to purchase from time to time the Company's outstanding stock and warrants through open market repurchases and/or in privately negotiated transactions based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. There were no purchases during the third quarter and as of November 6, 2017, the Company had repurchased 5.4 million warrants and 855,776 shares under the plan for a total of $22.2 million and had $12.8 million remaining under the plan. As of November 3, 2017, there were 45.4 million common shares and 10.7 million warrants outstanding.

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

The Company's current expectations for the full year 2017 are as follows:

    --  Tour revenues of $266 - $270 million
    --  Adjusted EBITDA of $42 - $44 million

This outlook includes the estimated $3.6 million revenue impact and $3.0 million Adjusted EBITDA impact associated with the cancellation of four voyages during the third quarter due to the delayed launch of the National Geographic Quest. The current outlook also includes the estimated $8.9 million revenue impact and estimated $6.2 million Adjusted EBITDA impact associated with the first quarter cancellation of four voyages on the National Geographic Orion and two voyages on the National Geographic Sea Lion for necessary repairs. As of October 31, 2017, the Lindblad segment had 99% of full year 2017 projected guest ticket revenues on the books versus 101% of full year 2016 revenue at the same time last year. Overall, bookings thus far in 2017 have increased over 30% compared with the same period a year ago. The Company continues to anticipate it will achieve its long-range revenue and Adjusted EBITDA targets.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company uses a variety of operational and financial metrics, including non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Occupancy, Net Yields and Net Cruise Costs, to enable it to analyze its performance and financial condition. The Company utilizes these financial measures to manage its business on a day-to-day basis and believes 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. The Company believes 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. The definitions of non-GAAP financial measures along with a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial information to GAAP are included in the supplemental financial schedules beginning on page 10.

Conference Call Information

The Company has scheduled a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on November 7, 2017 to discuss the earnings of the Company. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (844) 378-6487 (United States), (855) 669-9657 (Canada) or (412) 542-4182 (outside the U.S.). A replay of the call will be available at the Company's investor relations website, http://www.investors.expeditions.com.

About Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. is an expedition travel company that focuses on ship-based voyages through its Lindblad Expeditions brand and on land-based travel through its subsidiary, Natural Habitat Adventures, an adventure travel and ecotourism company with a focus on responsible nature travel.

Lindblad Expeditions works in partnership with National Geographic to inspire people to explore and care about the planet. The organizations work in tandem to produce innovative marine expedition programs and to promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world. The partnership's educationally oriented voyages allow guests to interact with and learn from leading scientists, naturalists and researchers while discovering stunning natural environments, above and below the sea, through state-of-the-art exploration tools.

Natural Habitat partners with the World Wildlife Fund to offer and promote conservation and sustainable travel that directly protects nature. Natural Habitat's adventures include polar bear tours in Churchill, Canada, Alaskan grizzly bear adventures and African safaris.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include the Company's financial projections and may also generally be identified as such because the context of such statements will include words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe the Company's financial guidance or future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expected, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) changes adversely affecting the business in which the Company is engaged; (ii) management of the Company's growth and its ability to execute on its planned growth; (iii) general economic conditions; (iv) the Company's business strategy and plans; (v) unscheduled disruptions in our business due to weather events, mechanical failures, or other events; (vi) compliance with laws and regulations; (vii) compliance with the financial and/or operating covenants in the Company's Second amended and restated credit agreement; (viii) adverse publicity regarding the cruise industry in general; (ix) loss of business due to competition; (x) the result of future financing efforts; (xi) the inability to meet revenue and Adjusted EBITDA projections; and (xii) those risks described in the Company's filings with the SEC. Stockholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More detailed information about factors that may affect the Company's performance may be found in its filings with the SEC, which are available at http://www.sec.gov or at http://www.expeditions.com in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.


                                                     LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                             Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                               (In thousands, except share data)


                                                                                                          As of
                                                                                                          -----

                                                                      September 30,                             December 31,
                                                                                           2017                                  2016
                                                                                           ----                                  ----

                                                                       (Unaudited)

    ASSETS

    Current Assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                          $112,316                              $135,416

    Restricted cash and marketable
     securities                                                                           8,704                                 9,015

    Inventories                                                                           1,783                                 1,665

    Marine operating supplies                                                             4,539                                 4,142

    Prepaid expenses and other current
     assets                                                                              22,887                                20,782

      Total current assets                                                              150,229                               171,020


    Property and equipment, net                                                         219,498                               186,236

    Goodwill                                                                             22,105                                22,105

    Intangibles, net                                                                      9,948                                11,132

    Other long-term assets                                                               10,831                                13,090

    Deferred tax assets                                                                   7,916                                 4,118

      Total assets                                                                     $420,527                              $407,701
                                                                                       ========                              ========



    LIABILITIES

    Current Liabilities:

    Unearned passenger revenues                                                         $99,740                               $91,501

    Accounts payable and accrued
     expenses                                                                            23,810                                30,662

    Long-term debt - current                                                              1,750                                 1,750

      Total current liabilities                                                         125,300                               123,913


    Long-term debt, less current
     portion                                                                            164,165                               164,128

    Other long-term liabilities                                                             703                                   681

      Total liabilities                                                                 290,168                               288,722
                                                                                        -------                               -------


    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES



    REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST                                                    5,319                                 5,170
                                                                                          -----                                 -----


    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized;

    0 shares issued and outstanding                                                           -                                    -

    Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized;

    45,155,621 and 45,659,762 issued and outstanding as of

    September 30, 2017, and December
     31, 2016, respectively                                                                   5                                     5

    Additional paid-in capital                                                           45,213                                43,097

    Retained earnings                                                                    79,822                                70,707

    Total stockholders' equity                                                          125,040                               113,809
                                                                                        -------                               -------

    Total liabilities, redeemable
     noncontrolling interest and
     stockholders' equity                                                              $420,527                              $407,701
                                                                                       ========                              ========


                                                              LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

                                                                (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                                                      (Unaudited)


                                                                                                       For the Three Months                 For the Nine Months
                                                                                                     Ended September 30,               Ended September 30,
                                                                                                     -------------------               -------------------

                                                                                                            2017                  2016                        2017       2016
                                                                                                            ----                  ----                        ----       ----


    Tour revenues                                                                                        $84,584               $70,774                    $203,283   $186,218


    Cost of tours                                                                                         38,480                32,446                      99,780     87,111

    Gross profit                                                                                          46,104                38,328                     103,503     99,107
                                                                                                          ------                ------                     -------     ------


    Operating expenses:

    General and administrative                                                                            16,526                12,915                      46,710     36,740

    Selling and marketing                                                                                 11,676                10,164                      31,521     29,294

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                          4,354                 5,080                      12,012     14,523

      Total operating expenses                                                                            32,556                28,159                      90,243     80,557
                                                                                                          ------                ------                      ------     ------


    Operating income                                                                                      13,548                10,169                      13,260     18,550
                                                                                                          ------                ------                      ------     ------


    Other income (expense):

    Gain (loss) on foreign currency                                                                          224                   (5)                      1,047      (291)

    Other income (expense)                                                                                    59                  (38)                       (97)      (38)

    Interest expense, net                                                                                (2,802)              (2,476)                    (7,192)   (7,914)

      Total other expense                                                                                (2,519)              (2,519)                    (6,242)   (8,243)
                                                                                                          ------                ------                      ------     ------


    Income before income taxes                                                                            11,029                 7,650                       7,018     10,307


    Income tax expense (benefit)                                                                           1,586                   203                       (473)   (3,113)


    Net income                                                                                             9,443                 7,447                       7,491     13,420


    Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest                                                165                    29                         149      (119)
                                                                                                             ---                   ---


    Net income attributable to Lindblad                                                                   $9,278                $7,418                      $7,342    $13,539
                                                                                                          ======                ======                      ======    =======


    Common stock
    ------------

    Net income available to common stockholders                                                           $9,278                $7,418                      $7,342    $13,539
                                                                                                          ======                ======                      ======    =======


    Weighted average shares outstanding

      Basic                                                                                           44,457,656            45,776,443                  44,528,878 45,639,608
                                                                                                      ==========            ==========                  ========== ==========

      Diluted                                                                                         45,718,513            46,541,257                  45,609,560 46,329,880
                                                                                                      ==========            ==========                  ========== ==========


    Net income per share attributable to Lindblad

      Basic                                                                                                $0.21                 $0.16                       $0.16      $0.30
                                                                                                           =====                 =====                       =====      =====

      Diluted                                                                                              $0.20                 $0.16                       $0.16      $0.29
                                                                                                           =====                 =====                       =====      =====


                                                                                      LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                                                                         (In thousands)

                                                                                                          (Unaudited)

                                                                                                                                           For the Nine Months
                                                                                                                                                  Ended
                                                                                                                                            September 30,
                                                                                                                                            -------------

                                                                                                                                                  2017              2016
                                                                                                                                                  ----              ----

    Cash Flows From Operating Activities

    Net income                                                                                                                                  $7,491           $13,420

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

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                               12,012            14,523

    Amortization of National Geographic fee                                                                                                      2,180             2,180

    Amortization of debt discount, deferred financing and other, net                                                                             1,662             2,582

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                     9,464             3,982

    Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                      (2,017)          (3,709)

    (Gain) loss on currency translation                                                                                                        (1,047)              291

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    Inventories and marine operating supplies                                                                                                    (516)            1,505

    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                  (1,087)            1,098

    Unearned passenger revenues                                                                                                                  8,062           (8,620)

    Other long-term assets                                                                                                                         192           (3,159)

    Other long-term liabilities                                                                                                                     14                22

    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                                      (6,964)          (8,430)

    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                                                   29,446            15,685
                                                                                                                                                ------            ------


    Cash Flows From Investing Activities

    Acquisition  of Natural Habitat, Inc., net of $4,904 cash acquired                                                                               -          (9,946)

    Purchases of property and equipment                                                                                                       (44,089)         (50,598)

    Redemption of restricted cash and marketable securities                                                                                        311           (1,907)

    Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                     (43,778)         (62,451)
                                                                                                                                               -------           -------


    Cash Flows From Financing Activities

    Payment of deferred financing costs                                                                                                          (312)          (1,565)

    Repayments of long-term debt                                                                                                               (1,312)          (1,312)

           Repurchase of employee shares as part of cashless exercise of options or vesting of                                                 (1,182)          (2,695)
                restricted shares for tax purposes

    Repurchase of warrants and common shares                                                                                                   (6,166)          (5,420)

    Net cash used in financing activities                                                                                                      (8,972)         (10,992)

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                                                                                        204             (128)
                                                                                                                                                   ---              ----


    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                 (23,100)         (57,886)


    Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period                                                                                        135,416           206,903
                                                                                                                                               -------           -------


    Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period                                                                                             $112,316          $149,017
                                                                                                                                              ========          ========


    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    Cash paid during the period for:

    Interest                                                                                                                                    $7,841            $7,427
                                                                                                                                                ======            ======

    Income taxes                                                                                                                                  $965              $992
                                                                                                                                                  ====              ====


    Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    Additional paid-in capital exercise proceeds of option shares                                                                                 $168            $1,123

    Additional paid-in capital exchange proceeds used for option shares                                                                          (168)          (1,123)


                                                                                  LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                            Supplemental Financial Schedules

                                                                                          (In thousands, except guest metrics)

                                                                                                       (Unaudited)


    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

    Consolidated

    (In thousands)                                                                                                                     For the Three Months          For the Nine Months
                                                                                                                                        Ended September 30,          Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                                        -------------------          -------------------

                                                                                                                                                 2017          2016                    2017  2016*
                                                                                                                                                 ----          ----                    ----  ----

    Net income                                                                                                                                 $9,443        $7,447                  $7,491         $13,420

    Income tax expense (benefit)                                                                                                                1,586           203                   (473)        (3,113)

    Interest expense, net                                                                                                                       2,802         2,476                   7,192           7,914

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                               4,354         5,080                  12,012          14,523

    Gain (loss) on foreign currency                                                                                                             (224)            5                 (1,047)            291

    Other (income) expense, net                                                                                                                  (59)           38                      97              38

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                    3,057         1,359                   9,464           3,982

    National Geographic fee amortization                                                                                                          727           727                   2,180           2,180

    Reorganization costs                                                                                                                           29             -                    346               -

    Acquisition-related expenses                                                                                                                    -           31                       -            924

    One-time severance costs                                                                                                                    1,400             -                  1,400               -

    Adjusted EBITDA - Consolidated                                                                                                             23,114        17,366                  38,662          40,159

    Impact of voyage cancellations                                                                                                              2,230             -                  9,172               -

    Adjusted EBITDA - Consolidated excluding impact of                                                                                        $25,344       $17,366                 $47,834         $40,159
    voyage cancellations



    * 2016 results for Natural Habitat represent activity from the acquisition date of May 2016 through September 30, 2016


    Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA

    Lindblad Segment

    (In thousands)                                                                                                                     For the Three Months          For the Nine Months
                                                                                                                                                                    Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                                        Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                                        -------------------

                                                                                                                                                 2017          2016                    2017            2016
                                                                                                                                                 ----          ----                    ----            ----

    Operating income                                                                                                                          $12,070        $9,863                 $12,387         $19,038

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                               3,994         4,761                  10,989          13,993

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                    3,057         1,359                   9,464           3,982

    National Geographic fee amortization                                                                                                          727           727                   2,180           2,180

    Reorganization costs                                                                                                                           29             -                    346               -

    Acquisition-related expenses                                                                                                                    -           31                       -            924

    One-time severance costs                                                                                                                    1,400             -                  1,400               -

    Adjusted EBITDA - Lindblad segment                                                                                                         21,276        16,741                  36,766          40,117

    Impact of voyage cancellations                                                                                                              2,230             -                  9,172               -

    Adjusted EBITDA - Lindblad segment excluding impact                                                                                       $23,506       $16,741                 $45,938         $40,117
    of voyage cancellations



    Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA

    Natural Habitat Segment

    (In thousands)                                                                                                                     For the Three Months          For the Nine Months
                                                                                                                                        Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                                                                     Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                                                                     --------------------

                                                                                                                                                 2017          2016                    2017 2016 *
                                                                                                                                                 ----          ----                    ----  -----

    Operating income (loss)                                                                                                                    $1,478          $306                    $873          $(488)

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                 360           319                   1,023             530

    Adjusted EBITDA - Natural Habitat segment                                                                                                  $1,838          $625                  $1,896             $42
                                                                                                                                               ======          ====                  ======             ===


    * 2016 results for Natural Habitat represent activity from the acquisition date of May 2016 through September 30, 2016


    Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities



    (In thousands)                                                                                                                             For the Nine Months
                                                                                                                                               Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                                               -------------------

                                                                                                                      2017                                    2016
                                                                                                                      ----                                    ----


    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                      $29,446                                 $15,685

    Less: purchases of property and equipment                                                                     (44,089)                               (50,598)

    Free Cash Flow                                                                                               $(14,643)                              $(34,913)
                                                                                                                  ========                                ========



    Guest Metrics - Lindblad Segment

                                                                                  For the Three Months           For the Nine Months
                                                                                   Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                Ended September 30,
                                                                                                                --------------------

                                                                                          2017             2016                           2017                            2016
                                                                                          ----             ----                           ----                            ----

    Available Guest Nights                                                              56,398           48,595                        142,291                         141,665

    Guest Nights Sold                                                                   51,122           44,139                        124,951                         129,633

    Occupancy                                                                            90.6%           90.8%                         87.8%                          91.5%

    Maximum Guests                                                                       7,518            6,177                         17,727                          17,118

    Number of Guests                                                                     6,846            5,632                         15,758                          15,742

    Voyages                                                                                 97               84                            244                             231


    Calculation of Gross Yield and Net Yield - Lindblad Segment

    (In thousands, except for Available Guest Nights, Gross and                   For the Three Months           For the Nine Months
    Net Yield)                                                                                                  Ended September 30,
                                                                                   Ended September 30,
                                                                                   -------------------

                                                                  2017                    2016             2017                           2016
                                                                  ----                    ----             ----                           ----

    Guest ticket revenues                                                              $61,715          $50,089                       $147,504                        $146,613

    Other tour revenues                                                                  5,736            6,086                         20,387                          19,323

    Tour Revenues                                                                       67,451           56,175                        167,891                         165,936

    Less: Orion Insurance Proceeds                                                       (248)               -                       (2,148)                              -
                                                                                          ----              ---                        ------                             ---

    Adjusted Tour Revenues                                                              67,203           56,175                        165,743                         165,936

    Less: Commissions                                                                  (4,559)         (3,957)                      (12,321)                       (11,725)

    Less: Other tour expenses                                                          (3,532)         (3,211)                      (10,622)                       (11,757)

    Net Revenue                                                                        $59,112          $49,007                       $142,800                        $142,454
                                                                                       =======          =======                       ========                        ========

    Available Guest Nights                                                              56,398           48,595                        142,291                         141,665

    Gross Yield                                                                         $1,192           $1,156                         $1,165                          $1,171

    Net Yield                                                                            1,048            1,008                          1,004                           1,006


    Calculation of Net Cruise Cost Metrics - Lindblad Segment


    (In thousands, except for Available Guest Nights,Gross and                    For the Three Months           For the Nine Months
    Net Cruise Cost)                                                                                            Ended September 30,
                                                                                   Ended September 30,
                                                                                   -------------------

                                                                                          2017             2016                           2017                            2016
                                                                                          ----             ----                           ----                            ----

    Cost of tours                                                                      $27,374          $22,239                        $76,915                         $72,632

    Plus: Merger-related expenses                                                            -               -                             -                              -

    Plus: Selling and marketing                                                         10,358            8,848                         28,629                          27,511

    Plus: General and administrative                                                    13,656           10,464                         38,972                          32,762

    Gross Cruise Cost                                                                   51,388           41,551                        144,516                         132,905

    Less: Commission expense                                                           (4,559)         (3,957)                      (12,321)                       (11,725)

    Less: Other tour expenses                                                          (3,532)         (3,211)                      (10,622)                       (11,757)

    Net Cruise Cost                                                                     43,297           34,383                        121,573                         109,423

    Less: Fuel expense                                                                 (1,894)         (1,645)                       (4,858)                        (5,307)

    Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel                                                      41,403           32,738                        116,715                         104,116

    Non-GAAP Adjustments:

    Stock-based compensation                                                           (3,057)         (1,359)                       (9,464)                        (3,982)

    National Geographic fee amortization                                                 (727)           (727)                       (2,180)                        (2,180)

    Acquisition-related expenses                                                             -            (31)                             -                          (924)

    One-time severance costs                                                           (1,400)               -                       (1,400)                              -

    Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel                                            $36,220          $30,621                       $103,671                         $97,030
                                                                                       =======          =======                       ========                         =======

    Adjusted Net Cruise Cost                                                           $38,114          $32,266                       $108,529                        $102,337
                                                                                       =======          =======                       ========                        ========

    Available Guest Nights                                                              56,398           48,595                        142,291                         141,665

    Gross Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night                                           $911             $855                         $1,016                            $938

    Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night                                              768              708                            854                             772

    Net Cruise Cost Excl. Fuel per Available Guest Night                                   734              674                            820                             735

    Adj. Net Cruise Cost Excl. Fuel per Avail. Guest Night                                 642              630                            729                             685

    Adjusted Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night                                     676              664                            763                             722

Operational and Financial Metrics

Adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax benefit (expense), 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, merger-related expenses, and acquisition-related expenses. The Company believes 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. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA helps provide a more complete understanding of the underlying operating results and trends and an enhanced overall understanding of the Company's financial performance and prospects for the future. While Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measure under GAAP, management uses this financial measure to evaluate and forecast business performance. 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. The Company's use of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.

The following metrics apply to the 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, merger-related expenses, 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. The Company also records the number of guest nights available on its limited land programs in this definition.

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

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.

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 the Company 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.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lindblad-expeditions-holdings-inc-reports-2017-third-quarter-financial-results-300550614.html

SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.