Note 1 - Business and Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Notes to Financial Statements

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

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, with the exception of those noted below.

Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock 

The Company’s Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock is accounted for as equity instruments, presented on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in the temporary equity section. The redemption or conversion of the preferred stock into shares of the Company’s common stock is not solely controlled by the Company. At the six-year anniversary of the issuance, the holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase their redeemable convertible preferred stock. The redeemable convertible preferred stock is convertible into the Company’s common stock (i) any time at the holder’s election, (ii) at the six-year anniversary of the issuance of those shares not redeemed at the request of the holder, or (iii) after the third anniversary of the issuance by the Company under certain circumstances. 

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 December 31, 2020 and has rescheduled its 2020-2021 Antarctica season. The Company has been working with guests to amend travel plans and refund payments, as applicable. 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 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 through the issuance of preferred stock, while exploring additional sources of capital and liquidity. These measures include the following operating expense and capital expenditure reductions:

● Significantly reduced 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 staff furloughs, payroll reductions and the elimination of all non-essential travel, office expenses and discretionary spending.

● Suspended the majority of planned advertising and marketing spend. 

● 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 its originally 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. As of October 26, 2020, Lindblad segment bookings for travel in 2020 are now 74% below the same point a year ago for 2019 due primarily to the cancelled and rescheduled voyages. The Company has substantial advanced bookings for travel in 2021 and despite increased cancellations for travel in the first quarter of 2021, total bookings for 2021 are 4% ahead of bookings for 2019 as of the same date in 2018 and only 12% below the same date a year ago for 2020. For the last nine months of 2021 bookings are 12% ahead of the bookings for the same period in 2020 as of the same date a year ago. The Company continues to see new bookings for future travel including over $44.0 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 providing future travel credits with incremental value or full refunds, as applicable, to its fully paid guests. As of October 26, 2020, the majority of guests have opted for future travel credits.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $129.6 million in unrestricted cash and $16.5 million in restricted cash primarily related to deposits on future travel originating from U.S. ports. During the first quarter of 2020 the Company drew down $45.0 million under its revolving credit facility as a precautionary measure for working capital and general corporate purposes given the uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic and borrowed $107.7 million under its first export credit agreement in conjunction with final payment on delivery of the National Geographic Endurance in March 2020. During April 2020, the Company drew down $30.6 million under its second export credit agreement in conjunction with its third installment payment on the National Geographic Resolution, scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

During May 2020, the Company amended its $2.5 million promissory note, 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.

During June 2020, the Company amended its export credit agreements to defer approximately $9.0 million in aggregate scheduled amortization payments originally due in  June 2020 through March 2021 and to suspend the total net leverage ratio covenant from June 2020 through June 2021. During August 2020, the Company amended its term loan and revolving credit facilities to waive the application of the total net leverage ratio covenant through June 2021. In connection with the amendment, the interest rate of the term loan has been increased 125 basis points, to be paid-in-kind at maturity, a LIBOR minimum of 0.75% has been added to the term loan and revolving credit facilities and certain covenants have been amended to be more restrictive.

During August 2020, the Company raised $85.0 million in gross proceeds through the private placement issuance of 85,000 shares of Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), that carries a 6.0% annual dividend, which is payable in kind for two years and thereafter in cash or in-kind at the Company’s option. The Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of Lindblad common stock at a conversion price of $9.50 per share, representing a premium of 23% to Lindblad’s 30-trading volume weighted average price on the date of issuance. The holders may request redemption of the Preferred Stock at the six-year anniversary of the issuance.

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had a total debt position of $412.2 million and was in compliance with all of its debt covenants in effect. The Company has no material debt maturities until 2023.

The Company estimates its monthly cash usage while its vessels are not in operations to be 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 continues to evaluate additional strategies to enhance its liquidity position which may include, but are not limited to, further reductions in operating expenses, capital expenditures and administrative costs as well as additional financings. 

In April 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 subsequently returned the funds received from this loan and, as a result, made additional adjustments to its 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 current liquidity, the actions taken to date and its current forecast, which assumes rescheduled operations during 2020 with a ramp up in operations throughout 2021, the Company believes that its liquidity should be adequate to meet its obligations for the next 12 months from October 29, 2020, the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 

Return to Operations

The Company already has a robust set of operating protocols and, in preparation for the resumption of operations, has been proactively working in close cooperation with various medical policy experts and public health authorities to further augment its procedures and protocols for health and safety onboard its vessels to mitigate the potential impacts of the COVID-19 virus. These protocols encompass, but are not limited to, medical care, screening, testing, social distancing, personal protective equipment, and sanitization during all aspects of an expedition.

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. The Company also has the ability to be flexible with regards to existing itineraries and is actively investigating additional itinerary opportunities both internationally and domestically. 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

In accordance with ASC 360, the Company tests for impairment annually as of September 30, or more frequently if warranted. The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying amount. The Company completed the annual impairment test as of September 30, 2020 with no indication of goodwill impairment.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets

The effects of COVID-19 on the Company’s expected future operating cash flows was 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 analysis of its long-lived assets for potential impairment as of September 30, 2020, and based on the analysis, it was determined that 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.

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.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)—Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The amendments in this Update address issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this Update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, and address convertible instruments with conversion features, as well as other items. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021, early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and must be adopted at the beginning of an entities’ fiscal year. The Company will adopt this ASU as required and is currently reviewing the impacts this ASU will have on its financial statements.