First Quarter 2026 Highlights:
-- Total revenue increased 16% to $208.0 million
-- Net income available to stockholders was $6.0 million
-- Adjusted EBITDA increased 16% to $34.8 million
-- Lindblad segment net yield per available guest night increased 7% to
$1,631
-- Occupancy increased to 93% from 89%
NEW YORK, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer, said: "In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter, achieving 93% occupancy- highest in the Company's history, record yields, and 16% EBITDA growth. These results reflect the strength of our strategy and execution, and we remain confident in our ability to drive long-term value as we navigate external dynamics."
FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
Tour Revenues
First quarter tour revenues of $208.0 million increased $28.3 million, or 16%, as compared to the same period in 2025. The increase was driven by a $21.4 million increase at the Lindblad segment and a $6.9 million increase at the Land Experiences segment.
Lindblad segment tour revenues of $152.5 million increased 16%, compared to the first quarter a year ago, primarily due to a 7% increase in net yield per available guest night to $1,631 driven by higher pricing and an increase in occupancy to 93% from 89%.
Land Experiences tour revenues of $55.5 million increased 14%, compared to the first quarter a year ago, primarily due to higher pricing and itinerary changes.
Net Income
Net income available to stockholders for the first quarter was $6.0 million, $0.09 per diluted share, as compared with a net loss available to stockholders of $0.0 million, $0.00 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025. The $6.0 million improvement primarily reflects the higher operating results and lower interest expense than prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA
First quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $34.8 million increased $4.8 million as compared to the same period in 2025 driven by a $3.2 million increase at the Land Experiences segment and $1.6 million at the Lindblad segment.
Lindblad segment Adjusted EBITDA of $27.9 million increased $1.6 million as compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to increased tour revenues, partially offset by higher cost of tours related to an increase in voyages, and increased sales and marketing costs, primarily due to increased royalties associated with the final royalty rate step-up under the National Geographic agreement, and marketing spend to drive long-term growth initiatives.
Land Experiences segment Adjusted EBITDA of $6.9 million increased $3.2 million as compared to the same period in 2025, due to increased tour revenues, partially offset by increased operating and personnel costs and higher marketing spend to drive future growth.
For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------
(In thousands) 2026 2025 Change %
-------- ----------- ------- --------
Tour revenues:
Lindblad $152,489 $ 131,108 $21,381 16 %
Land
Experiences 55,524 48,613 6,911 14 %
------- ------- ------
Total tour
revenues $208,013 $ 179,721 $28,292 16 %
======= ======= ======
Operating
income:
Lindblad $10,562 $ 8,387 $2,175 26 %
Land
Experiences 5,053 2,227 2,826 127 %
------- ------- ------
Operating
income $15,615 $ 10,614 $5,001 47 %
======= ======= ======
Adjusted
EBITDA:
Lindblad $27,942 $ 26,320 $1,622 6 %
Land
Experiences 6,887 3,662 3,225 88 %
------- ------- ------
Total
adjusted
EBITDA $34,829 $ 29,982 $4,847 16 %
======= ======= ======
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
The Company's cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were $321.1 million as of March 31, 2026, as compared with $289.7 million as of December 31, 2025. The increase primarily reflects $49.5 million in cash from operations due primarily to increased bookings for future travel, which was partially offset by $6.9 million in cash used in the purchasing of property and equipment.
As of March 31, 2026, the Company had a total debt position of $675.0 million and was in compliance with all of its applicable debt covenants.
2026 OUTLOOK
The Company's current expectations for the full year 2026 are as follows:
-- Tour revenues of $800 - $850 million -- Adjusted EBITDA of $130 - $140 million
STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
The Company currently has a $35.0 million stock repurchase plan in place. As of April 30, 2026, the Company had repurchased 875,218 shares and 6.0 million warrants under the plan for a total of $23.0 million and had $12.0 million remaining under the plan. As of April 30, 2026, there were 65.6 million shares of common stock outstanding.
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.
Conference Call Information
The Company has scheduled a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 5, 2026, to discuss the earnings of the Company. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-800-715-9871 (United States and Canada), 1-646-307-1963 (International).
The Access Code is 5396422. A replay of the call will be available at the Company's investor relations website, investors.expeditions.com.
About Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND; the "Company") is a leader in global expedition travel, offering immersive, educational journeys that span all seven continents through its six pioneering brands. Driven by a passion for the planet and the belief that there is always more to be discovered, the Company leads travelers to the farthest reaches of the world with an expansive portfolio of ship- and land-based expeditions. In collaboration with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions operates and sells the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand, which offers ship-based voyages that allow guests to explore remote destinations alongside scientists and naturalists, and with state-of-the-art exploration tools. In addition to its renowned modern expedition cruises, the Company's award-winning land-based brands--Natural Habitat Adventures, Off the Beaten Path, DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co., Classic Journeys, and Wineland-Thomson Adventures--provide extraordinary wildlife, cultural, and adventure-focused experiences. Together, these brands connect travelers with some of the planet's most inspiring natural and cultural landscapes, fostering a deep appreciation for the world.
To learn more about Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., its growing portfolio of brands, and the Company's commitment to responsible exploration, visit investors.expeditions.com.
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. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. There may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) adverse general economic and/or geopolitical factors that, negatively impact the ability or desire of people to travel; (ii) loss of business due to competition; (iii) unscheduled disruptions in our business due to travel restrictions, weather events, mechanical failures, pandemics or other events; (iv) increases in fuel prices, changes in fuel consumed and availability of fuel supply in the geographies in which we operate or in general; (v) the loss of key employees, our inability to recruit or retain qualified shoreside and
shipboard employees and increased labor costs; (vi) the impact of delays or cost overruns with respect to anticipated or unanticipated drydock, maintenance, modifications or other required construction related to any of our vessels; (vii) management of our growth and our ability to execute on our planned growth, including our ability to successfully close merger and acquisition transactions and integrate acquisitions; (viii) our ability to maintain our relationships with National Geographic and/or World Wildlife Fund; (ix) compliance with new and existing laws and regulations, including environmental regulations and travel advisories and restrictions; (x) our substantial indebtedness and our ability to remain in compliance with the financial and/or operating covenants in such arrangements; (xi) the impact of material litigation, enforcement actions, claims, fines or penalties on our business; (xii) the impact of severe or unusual weather conditions, including climate change, on our business; (xiii) adverse publicity regarding the travel and cruise industry in general; (xiv) the result of future financing efforts; and (xv) 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 and per share data)
As of March 31, 2026 As of December 31, 2025
---------------------- ------------------------
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash
equivalents $ 275,012 $ 256,692
Restricted cash 46,067 33,043
Prepaid expenses
and other current
assets 63,673 78,145
------------------ --- -------------------
Total current
assets 384,752 367,880
Property and
equipment, net 511,764 522,123
Goodwill 60,609 60,609
Intangibles, net 16,031 16,599
Other long-term
assets 14,026 12,747
------------------ --- -------------------
Total assets $ 987,182 $ 979,958
================== === ===================
LIABILITIES
Current
Liabilities:
Unearned passenger
revenues $ 399,156 $ 361,481
Accrued expenses 47,497 76,732
Accounts payable 24,981 22,227
Lease liabilities -
current portion 1,486 1,151
Long-term debt -
current portion - 3
------------------ --- -------------------
Total current
liabilities 473,120 461,594
Long-term debt, less
current portion 663,217 662,671
Deferred tax
liabilities 227 2,224
Other long-term
liabilities 7,445 6,968
------------------ --- -------------------
Total liabilities 1,144,009 1,133,457
------------------ --- -------------------
Commitments and
contingencies - -
Series A redeemable
convertible
preferred stock,
165,000 shares
authorized; no
shares issued and
outstanding as of
March 31, 2026,
62,000 shares
issued and
outstanding as of
December 31, 2025 - 83,079
Redeemable
noncontrolling
interests 33,298 47,948
------------------ --- -------------------
33,298 131,027
------------------ --- -------------------
STOCKHOLDERS'
DEFICIT
Preferred stock,
$0.0001 par value,
1,000,000 shares
authorized; 62,000
Series A shares
issued and
outstanding as of
December 31, 2025 - -
Common stock,
$0.0001 par value,
200,000,000 shares
authorized;
65,550,401 and
55,421,384 issued,
65,452,512 and
55,323,495
outstanding as of
March 31, 2026 and
December 31, 2025,
respectively 7 6
Additional paid-in
capital 218,809 126,873
Accumulated deficit (408,941) (411,405)
------------------ --- -------------------
Total stockholders'
deficit (190,125) (284,526)
------------------ --- -------------------
Total liabilities,
mezzanine equity
and stockholders'
deficit $ 987,182 $ 979,958
================== === ===================
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31,
----------------------------------------
2026 2025
--------------------- -----------------
Tour revenues $ 208,013 $ 179,721
----------------- ----------------
Operating expenses:
Cost of tours 106,743 92,848
General and
administrative 32,047 32,722
Selling and marketing 35,936 28,242
Depreciation and
amortization 17,672 15,295
----------------- ----------------
Total operating
expenses 192,398 169,107
----------------- ----------------
Operating income 15,615 10,614
----------------- ----------------
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense, net (10,579) (11,630)
(Loss) gain on foreign
currency (269) 542
Other income (expense) 58 (1)
----------------- ----------------
Total other expense (10,790) (11,089)
----------------- ----------------
Income (loss) before
income taxes 4,825 (475)
Income tax benefit (1,226) (1,486)
----------------- ----------------
Net income 6,051 1,011
Net loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest (449) (150)
----------------- ----------------
Net income attributable
to Lindblad
Expeditions Holdings,
Inc. 6,500 1,161
Series A redeemable
convertible preferred
stock dividend 497 1,204
----------------- ----------------
Net income (loss)
available to
stockholders $ 6,003 $ (43)
================= ================
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic 60,247,385 54,623,008
Diluted 61,113,044 54,623,008
Undistributed income
(loss) per share
available to
stockholders:
Basic $ 0.10 $ (0.00)
Diluted $ 0.09 $ (0.00)
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(unaudited)
For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
2026 2025
-------------------- --------------------
Cash Flows From Operating
Activities
Net income $ 6,051 $ 1,011
Adjustments to reconcile
net income to net cash
provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and
amortization 17,672 15,295
Amortization of deferred
financing costs, net 662 924
Amortization of
right-to-use lease
assets 767 440
Stock-based compensation 1,746 3,727
Deferred income taxes (1,997) (1,395)
Loss (gain) on foreign
currency 269 (542)
Changes in operating
assets and liabilities
Prepaid expenses and
other current assets 14,472 2,796
Unearned passenger
revenues 37,675 36,190
Other long-term assets (539) (875)
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses (26,750) (8,717)
Operating lease
liabilities (554) (455)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by
operating activities 49,474 48,399
---------------- ----------------
Cash Flows From Investing
Activities
Purchases of property and
equipment (6,886) (13,415)
Acquisitions (net of cash
acquired) - (15,582)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in
investing activities (6,886) (28,997)
---------------- ----------------
Cash Flows From Financing
Activities
Repayments of long-term
debt (3) (10)
Payment of deferred
financing costs (116) -
Proceeds from exercise of
options 6,603 -
Repurchase under
stock-based compensation
plans, related tax
impacts (1,072) (7)
Additional acquisition of
redeemable noncontrolling
interest (16,586) -
Noncontrolling interest
distributions (70) (310)
---------------- ----------------
Net cash used in
financing activities (11,244) (327)
---------------- ----------------
Effect of exchange rate
changes on cash - 6
Net increase in cash,
cash equivalents and
restricted cash 31,344 19,081
Cash, cash
equivalents and
restricted cash at
beginning of period 289,735 216,143
---------------- ----------------
Cash, cash
equivalents and
restricted cash at
end of period $ 321,079 $ 235,224
================ ================
Supplemental disclosures
of cash flow
information:
Cash paid during the
period:
Interest $ 26,953 $ 12,261
Income taxes 285 416
Non-cash investing and
financing activities:
Non-cash preferred
stock dividend $ 497 $ 1,204
Non-cash recognition of
new leases 1,366 -
Additional paid-in
capital exercise
proceeds of option
shares (933) -
Additional paid-in
capital exchange
proceeds used for
option shares 933 -
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Financial Schedules
(In thousands)
(unaudited)
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Consolidated
Consolidated For the three months ended March 31,
----------------------------------------
(In thousands) 2026 2025
----------------------- ---------------
Net income $ 6,051 $ 1,011
Interest expense, net 10,579 11,630
Income tax benefit (1,226) (1,486)
Depreciation and
amortization 17,672 15,295
Loss (gain) on foreign
currency 269 (542)
Stock-based compensation 1,746 3,727
Transaction-related costs 75 346
Reorganization costs (279) -
Other (income) expense (58) 1
---- ----------------- --------------
Adjusted EBITDA $ 34,829 $ 29,982
==== ================= ==============
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA
Lindblad Segment For the three months ended March 31,
----------------------------------------
(In thousands) 2026 2025
----------------------- ---------------
Operating income $ 10,562 $ 8,387
Depreciation and
amortization 16,056 14,060
Stock-based compensation 1,603 3,727
Reorganization costs (279) -
Transaction-related costs - 146
---- ----------------- --------------
Adjusted EBITDA $ 27,942 $ 26,320
==== ================= ==============
Land Experiences Segment For the three months ended March 31,
----------------------------------------
(In thousands) 2026 2025
----------------------- ---------------
Operating income $ 5,053 $ 2,227
Depreciation and
amortization 1,616 1,235
Stock-based compensation 143 -
Transaction-related costs 75 200
---- ----------------- --------------
Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,887 $ 3,662
==== ================= ==============
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Financial Schedules
(In thousands, except for Available Guest Nights,
Gross and Net Cruise cost Per Available Guest Night and guest metrics)
(unaudited)
Reconciliation of Free
Cash Flow to Net Cash
Provided by Operating
Activities For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
2026 2025
------------------- ---------------
Net cash provided by
operating activities $ 49,474 $ 48,399
Less: purchases of
property and equipment (6,886) (13,415)
--------------- --------------
Free Cash Flow $ 42,588 $ 34,984
=============== ==============
For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
2026 2025
------------------- ---------------
Available Guest Nights 80,161 75,325
Guest Nights Sold 74,722 66,974
Occupancy 93% 89%
Maximum Guests 11,363 9,604
Number of Guests 10,504 8,543
Voyages 156 121
Calculation of Gross
and Net Yield per
Available Guest Night For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except
for Available Guest
Nights, Gross and Net
Yield per Available
Guest Night) 2026 2025
------------------- ---------------
Guest ticket revenues $ 124,184 $ 112,649
Other tour revenue 28,305 18,459
--------------- --------------
Tour revenues 152,489 131,108
Less: Commissions (6,032) (5,621)
Less: Other tour
expenses (15,701) (10,889)
--------------- --------------
Net Yield $ 130,756 $ 114,598
=============== ==============
Available Guest Nights 80,161 75,325
Gross Yield per
Available Guest Night $ 1,902 $ 1,741
Net Yield per Available
Guest Night 1,631 1,521
For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
(In thousands) 2026 2025
------------------- ---------------
Operating income $ 10,562 $ 8,387
Cost of tours 76,896 64,823
General and
administrative 19,675 21,131
Selling and marketing 29,300 22,707
Depreciation and
amortization 16,056 14,060
Less: Commissions (6,032) (5,621)
Less: Other tour
expenses (15,701) (10,889)
--------------- --------------
Net Yield $ 130,756 $ 114,598
=============== ==============
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplemental Financial Schedules
(In thousands, except for Available Guest Nights,
Gross and Net Cruise cost Per Available Guest Night and guest metrics)
(unaudited)
Calculation of Gross and
Net Cruise Cost For the three months ended March 31,
------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except for
Available Guest Nights,
Gross and Net Cruise Cost
per Avail. Guest Night) 2026 2025
-------------------- --------------------
Cost of tours $ 76,896 $ 64,823
Plus: Selling and
marketing 29,300 22,707
Plus: General and
administrative 19,675 21,131
---------------- ----------------
Gross Cruise Cost 125,871 108,661
Less: Commissions (6,032) (5,621)
Less: Other tour expenses (15,701) (10,889)
---------------- ----------------
Net Cruise Cost 104,138 92,151
Less: Fuel Expense (7,985) (7,309)
---------------- ----------------
Net Cruise Cost Excluding
Fuel 96,153 84,842
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Stock-based compensation (1,603) (3,727)
Reorganization costs 279 -
Transaction-related costs - (146)
---------------- ----------------
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost
Excluding Fuel $ 94,829 $ 80,969
================ ================
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost $ 102,814 $ 88,278
================ ================
Available Guest Nights 80,161 75,325
Gross Cruise Cost per
Available Guest Night $ 1,570 $ 1,443
Net Cruise Cost per
Available Guest Night 1,299 1,223
Net Cruise Cost Excluding
Fuel per Available Guest
Night 1,199 1,126
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost
Excluding Fuel per
Available Guest Night 1,183 1,075
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost
per Available Guest
Night 1,283 1,172
Reconciliation of 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance:
(In millions) Full Year 2026
--------------------
Income before income taxes $ (6) to $ 14
Depreciation and amortization 77 to 75
Interest expense, net 43 to 41
Stock-based compensation 11 to 8
Other 45 to 2
--- ----- ---
Adjusted EBITDA $ 130 to $140
=== ===== ===
A reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA is not provided because the Company cannot estimate or predict with reasonable certainty certain discrete tax items, which could significantly impact that financial measure.
Operational and Financial Metrics
Adjusted EBITDA is defined by us as, net income (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, income tax expense or benefit, foreign currency gains or losses and other certain non-operating items. Other non-operating items excluded, include such items as stock-based compensation, reorganization costs, executive severance costs, debt refinancing costs, acquisition-related expenses and other non-recurring charges. We believe Adjusted EBITDA, when considered along with other performance measures, is a useful measure to evaluate operating performance and trends. We believe this measure provides additional insight into underlying operating results by excluding items that may not be indicative of ongoing performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of liquidity or financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures such as net income or cash flows from operations. Our definition and use of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
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 and acquisition-related expenses.
Available Guest Nights is a measurement of capacity available for sale and represents double occupancy per cabin (except single occupancy for a single capacity cabin) multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period. We also record the number of guest nights available on our limited land programs in this definition.
Gross Cruise Cost represents the sum of cost of tours plus selling and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses.
Gross Yield per Available Guest Night represents tour revenues divided by Available Guest Nights.
Guest Nights Sold represents the number of guests carried for the period multiplied by the number of nights sailed within the period.
Maximum Guests is a measure of capacity and represents the maximum number of guests in a period and is based on double occupancy per cabin (except single occupancy for a single capacity cabin).
Net Cruise Cost represents Gross Cruise Cost excluding commissions and certain other direct costs of guest ticket revenues and other tour revenues.
Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel represents Net Cruise Cost excluding fuel costs.
Net Yield represents tour revenues less commissions and direct costs of other tour revenues.
Net Yield per Available Guest Night represents Net Yield divided by Available Guest Nights.
Number of Guests represents the number of guests that travel with us in a period.
Occupancy is calculated by dividing Guest Nights Sold by Available Guest Nights.
Voyages represent the number of ship expeditions completed during the period.
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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 05, 2026 07:30 ET (11:30 GMT)
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