SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding unaudited interim financial information. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year due to seasonal and other factors. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these unaudited interim 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, 2016 contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 7, 2017. Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reclassifications Certain items in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 classification. The reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or retained earnings. Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and also affect the amounts of revenues and expenses reported for each period. Actual results could differ from those which result from using such estimates. Management utilizes various estimates, including but not limited to determining the estimated lives of long-lived assets, determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, the fair value of the Company’s common stock and related warrants, the valuation of securities underlying stock-based compensation, income tax expense, the valuation of deferred tax assets, the value of contingent consideration, and to assess its litigation, other legal claims and contingencies. The results of any changes in accounting estimates are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements in the period in which the changes become evident. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period that they are determined to be necessary. Revenue Recognition Tour revenue consists of guest ticket revenue recognized from the sale of guest tickets and other tour revenues from the sale of pre- and post-expedition excursions, hotel accommodations, land-based expeditions, 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. Revenue from the sale of guest tickets and other revenue are recognized gross, as the Company has the primary obligation in the arrangement, has discretion in supplier selection and is involved in the determination of the service specifications. The Company’s tour guests remit deposits in advance of tour embarkation. Guest tour deposits consist of guest ticket revenues as well as revenues from the sale of pre- and post-expedition excursions, hotel accommodations, land-based expeditions, air transportation to and from the ships, and trip insurance. Guest tour deposits represent unearned revenues and are initially included in unearned passenger revenue in the condensed consolidated balance sheet when received. Guest deposits are subsequently recognized as tour revenues on the date of embarkation. Tour expeditions average ten days in duration. For tours in excess of ten days, the Company recognizes revenue based upon expeditions days earned. Guest cancellation fees are recognized as tour revenues at the time of the cancellation. Revenues from the sale of additional goods and services rendered onboard are recognized upon purchase. Earnings per Common Share Earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the dilutive incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (if such option is an equity instrument, using the treasury stock method). For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company calculated earnings per share in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260 and 805-40-45 as follows: For the Three Months (In thousands, except share and per share data) 2017 2016 Unaudited Unaudited Net income attributable to Lindblad for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 596 $ 10,467 Weighted average shares outstanding: Total weighted average shares outstanding, basic 44,707,273 45,470,155 Effect of dilutive securities: Assumed exercise of stock options, treasury method 995,083 652,689 Assumed exercise of restricted shares, RSU’s, treasury method 59,582 - Dilutive potential common shares 1,054,665 652,689 Total weighted average shares outstanding, diluted 45,761,938 46,122,844 Common stock Net income available to common stockholders $ 596 $ 10,467 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 44,707,273 45,470,155 Diluted 45,761,938 46,122,844 Earnings per share attributable to Lindblad Basic $ 0.01 $ 0.23 Diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.23 As of March 31, 2017, there were 45,138,691 shares outstanding. The Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001. The Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders approved a 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which includes the authority to issue up to 2,500,000 shares of Lindblad common stock under the 2015 Plan. As of March 31, 2017, options to purchase an aggregate of 2,035,306 shares of the Company’s common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $2.57 per share were outstanding. As of March 31, 2017 and 2016, 995,083 and 652,689, respectively, of stock options were considered to be dilutive. As of March 31, 2017, there were 679,791 unvested restricted shares and restricted share units with a grant date weighted average value of $9.72 per share. The Company determined 59,582 of these shares were dilutive and are included in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding. As of March 31, 2017, 10,673,015 warrants to purchase common stock at a price of $11.50 per share were outstanding. The Company determined these warrants were anti-dilutive and were not considered in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less, as well as deposits in financial institutions, to be cash and cash equivalents. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company maintains cash in several financial institutions in the U.S. and other countries which, at times, may exceed the federally insured limits. Accounts held in the U.S. are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to certain limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s cash held in financial institutions outside of the U.S. amounted to $3.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities Included in “Restricted cash and marketable securities” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets are restricted cash and marketable securities, consisting of six-month certificates of deposit and short-term investments. Restricted cash and marketable securities consist of the following: As of (In thousands) March 31, December 31, Unaudited Restricted cash and marketable securities: Credit negotiation and credit card processor reserves $ 1,530 $ 5,030 Federal Maritime Commission escrow 10,361 2,571 Certificates of deposit and other restricted securities 1,535 1,414 Total restricted cash and marketable securities $ 13,426 $ 9,015 The amounts held in restricted cash and marketable securities represent principally funds required to be held in certificates of deposit by certain vendors and regulatory agencies and are classified as restricted assets since such amounts cannot be used by the Company until the restrictions are removed by those vendors and regulatory agencies. Interest income is recognized when earned. The Company has classified marketable securities, principally money market funds, as trading securities which are recorded at market value. Unrealized gains and losses are included in current operations. Gains and losses on the disposition of securities are recognized by the specific identification method in the period in which they occur. In order to operate guest tour expedition vessels from U.S. ports, the Company is required to post a performance bond with the Federal Maritime Commission or escrow all unearned guest deposits plus an additional 10% in restricted accounts. To satisfy this requirement, the Company entered into an agreement with a financial institution to escrow all unearned guest revenues collected for sailings from U.S. ports. As of March 31, 2017, our required credit card reserves were permanently decreased by $3.5 million to $1.5 million for credit card deposits for our third-party credit card processors. Amounts in the escrow accounts include cash, certificates of deposit and marketable securities. Cost of these short-term investments approximates fair value. Inventories and Marine Operating Supplies Inventories consist primarily of gift shop merchandise and other items for resale and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Marine operating supplies consist primarily of fuel, provisions, spare parts, items required for maintenance, and supplies used in the operation of marine expeditions. Marine operating supplies are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in first-out method. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets The Company records prepaid expenses and other current assets at cost and expenses them in the period the services are provided or the goods are delivered. The Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following: As of As of (In thousands) 2017 2016 Unaudited Prepaid tour expenses $ 9,246 $ 11,593 Prepaid client insurance 2,159 2,141 Prepaid air expense 2,027 2,432 Prepaid port agent fees 1,020 1,038 Prepaid income taxes 824 824 Prepaid corporate insurance 2,356 931 Prepaid marketing, commissions and other expenses 4,508 1,823 Total prepaid expenses $ 22,140 $ 20,782 Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization were computed using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Years Vessels and vessel improvements 15-25 Furniture and equipment 5 Computer hardware and software 5 Leasehold improvements, including port facilities Shorter of lease term or related asset life The tour and expedition industry is very capital intensive and as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company owned and operated six vessels and had two new coastal vessels under construction. Therefore, the Company has a capital program that it develops for the improvement of its vessels and for asset replacements in order to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations; comply with, or exceed all relevant legal and statutory requirements related to health, environment, safety, security and sustainability; and gain strategic benefits or provide newer improved product innovations to its guests. Vessel improvement costs that add value to the Company’s vessels, such as those discussed above, are capitalized to the vessels and depreciated over the shorter of the improvements or the vessel’s estimated remaining useful life, while costs of repairs and maintenance, including minor improvement costs and drydock expenses, are charged to expense as incurred and included in cost of tours. Drydock costs primarily represent planned major maintenance activities that are incurred when a vessel is taken out of service for scheduled maintenance. For U.S. flagged ships, the statutory requirement is an annual docking and U.S. Coast Guard inspections, normally conducted in drydock. Internationally flagged ships have scheduled dockings approximately every 12 months, for a period of up to three to six weeks. The Company began to capitalize interest in January 2016 for its two new build coastal vessels under accounting guidance in ASC 835-20, which requires companies to capitalize interest cost incurred during the construction of assets. The capitalized interest has been and will continue to be added to the historical cost of the asset, and depreciate over its useful life. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, and the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $0.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in capitalized interest in property and equipment on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Goodwill Goodwill includes the cost of the acquired business in excess of the fair value of the tangible net assets recorded in connection with the acquisition of Natural Habitat (see Note 1 – Business). Accounting Standards Codification 350, “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net Intangibles, net include tradenames, customer lists and operating rights. Tradenames are words, symbols, or other devices used in trade or business to indicate the source of products and to distinguish it from other products and are registered with government agencies and are protected legally by continuous use in commerce. Customer lists are established relationships with existing customers that resulted in repeat purchases and customer loyalty. Based on the Company’s analysis, amortization of the tradenames and customer lists was computed using the estimated useful lives of 15 and 5 years, respectively. The Company operates two vessels year-round in the Galápagos National Park in Ecuador: the National Geographic Endeavour II National Geographic Islander In June 2015, a new Ecuadorian Special Law for Protected Areas was approved, and was updated in November 2015. A Presidential Decree issued by President Correa of Ecuador in November 2015 established that cupos, which were in effect as of July 2015, will have a validity of nine years. The Company’s operating rights are up for renewal in July 2024 and based on the new law, the Company will begin the renewal process in 2020. The current “owners” of the cupos will have the opportunity to re-apply for them, but any other enterprise or individual will have the opportunity to bid for the cupos. All bidders must present proof that they fulfill the conditions to properly utilize the license (access to a vessel, experience in tourism, proven environmental behavior, marketing, etc.). While the Company believes that, based on the expected criteria to retain cupos and its past operating history in the Galápagos, there is a strong possibility that the Company will retain its cupos, from an accounting perspective, it will assume they retain no value after July 2024. Once the renewal process has begun and if it can be determined that the Company will be successful in its bid, then the Company will adjust its amortization prospectively. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the assessment of possible impairment of the Company’s intangibles, net will be based on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying value of its asset, which is determined by using the asset’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If these estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess, if any, of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value. A significant amount of judgment is required in estimating the future cash flows and fair values of its tradenames, customer lists and operating rights. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was no triggering event and the Company did not record an impairment for intangible assets. Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally its vessels and operating rights, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the assessment of possible impairment is based on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying value of its asset, which is determined by using the asset’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If these estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge is recognized for the excess, if any, of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value. A significant amount of judgment is required in estimating the future cash flows and fair values of its vessels and operating rights. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was no triggering event and the Company did not record an impairment of its long-lived assets. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses The Company records accounts payable and accrued expenses for the cost of such items when the service is provided or when the related product is delivered. The Company’s accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following: As of As of 2017 2016 (In thousands) Unaudited Accounts payable $ 5,786 $ 7,573 Accrued other expense 3,242 5,999 Bonus compensation liability 1,089 4,186 Employee liability 2,904 3,494 Income tax liabilities 1,340 884 New build liability 4,907 4,011 Travel certificate liability 1,218 1,218 Refunds and commissions payable 531 1,454 Royalty payable 1,157 1,468 Accrued travel insurance expense 377 375 Total accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 22,551 $ 30,662 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure The Company applies ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which expands disclosures for assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received upon the sale of an asset or payment to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 Quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at measurement date. Level 2 Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Level 3 Significant unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities that cannot be corroborated by market data. Fair value is determined by the reporting entity’s own assumptions utilizing the best information available, and includes situations where there is little market activity for the investment. 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had no other liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 financial liabilities consist of obligations for which there is no current market for these securities such that the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. Changes in fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are analyzed each period based on changes in estimates or assumptions and recorded as appropriate. 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $0.4 million, included in other long-term liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The guidance also discusses the classification of related interest and penalties on income taxes. 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, 2017 and 2016, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions included in income tax expense are immaterial. 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 the three prior years remain subject to examination by tax authorities and the Company’s foreign tax returns for the current year and the four prior years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to employees, non-employee directors, or other service providers in accordance with accounting guidance that requires that awards are recorded at their fair value on the date of grant and are amortized over the vesting period of the award. The Company recognizes compensation costs on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the equity instrument issued. To the extent that an equity award later becomes eligible to be put back to the Company, then the fair value of that award or those exercised shares is transferred out of additional paid- in-capital to a liability account and is thereafter marked-to-market annually to fair value. Segment Reporting We are primarily a specialty cruise operator with operations in two segments, Lindblad and Natural Habitat. We evaluate the performance of our business based largely on the results of our operating segments. We provide discrete financial information in total, by ship and type of ship. 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. Our reports provided to the Board of Directors are at a consolidated level and also contain information regarding the separate results of both segments. Management performance and related compensation is primarily based on total results. While both segments have similar characteristics, the two operating and reporting segments cannot be aggregated because they fail to meet the ASC 280 requirements for aggregation. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment was issued in response from stakeholders’ regarding the cost and complexity of the goodwill impairment test. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the Board eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities). Now the entity compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. Public business entities should apply the guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual impairment tests after January 1, 2017. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact prospectively, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The amendment was issued to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this Update provide a screen to determine when a set (inputs and processes that produce an output) is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This screen reduces the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated. Public business entities should apply the guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact prospectively, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This update requires that a Statement of Cash Flow explain the change during the period in the total cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash should be included with cash & cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Statement of Cash Flows. Public business entities should apply the guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory”. The amendment was issued to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. FASB decided that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this Update eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Public business entities should apply the guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share- Based Payment Accounting” (Topic 718). The amendments in this ASU are to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee share-based payment transactions, which include restricted stock and stock options. Also, ASU No. 2016-09 requires an entity to run excess tax benefits and deficiencies through its income statement, which in effect eliminat |