NEW YORK, May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitol Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ: CLAC; "Capitol") and Lindblad Expeditions, Inc. ("Lindblad" or the "Company"), a global provider of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today reported Lindblad's financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

As announced previously, Lindblad and Capitol intend to merge in a proposed business combination which is anticipated to close by June 30, 2015.

First Quarter 2015 Financial Highlights


    --  Lindblad generated revenue of $55.4 million in the first quarter of
        2015, a $4.0 million increase over the prior year quarter, representing
        a 7.9% annual growth rate
    --  Net Yield for the first quarter was $1,003.92, which was $56.58 higher
        than in the prior year quarter, representing a 6.0% annual growth rate
    --  Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $14.2 million, a 1.0% increase
        over the prior year quarter

Review of First Quarter 2015 Results

"We are very pleased with our first quarter performance, in which strong demand for our expeditions continued to drive solid revenue and net yield growth from our existing fleet. We look forward to consummating our merger with Capitol which we believe will move Lindblad into a new phase in our history and enable us to increase our capacity by expanding our fleet as a public company and pursuing future growth opportunities more aggressively," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad.

Tour revenue in the quarter amounted to $55.4 million, an increase of 7.9% from the first quarter in 2014. The increase was driven by higher revenue from charter voyages, tour pricing increases, a reduction in travel related discounts, and an increase in other revenue from pre and post voyage extensions and air ticket sales.

Net Yield in the quarter amounted to $1,003.92 compared to $947.34 in the first quarter of 2014, which represents an annual growth rate of 6.0%. The Company recorded 43,210 Guest Nights Sold in the period, 4,988 guests, and an occupancy rate of 92.0%. Adjusted Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night amounted to $701.32 in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $649.18 in the same period in the prior year, which represents an increase of 8.0%. The increase in Adjusted Net Cruise Cost was primarily driven by the change in revenue mix from the prior year quarter as a result of planned increases in revenue from charter vessels and a higher amount of other revenue which has lower profit margins than ticket revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $14.2 million compared to $14.1 million in the same period in 2014. A reconciliation between Adjusted EBITDA and GAAP net income is included in the accompanying financial data.

Debt Financing

On May 8, 2015, the Company entered into a new credit agreement with Credit Suisse A.G. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. The financing was increased from $120 million to $150 million in size and the proceeds were used to repay the Company's existing debt, complete the buyout of certain existing stakeholders and to provide additional cash for growth opportunities and general corporate purposes.

"We are excited about the impending closing of our merger with Lindblad. We believe the larger debt financing together with the equity capital from our merger will enable Lindblad to capitalize on the significant demand for its trips by expanding the fleet and opportunistically seeking accretive strategic acquisitions," said Mark Ein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Capitol.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER BETWEEN CAPITOL AND LINDBLAD AND WHERE TO FIND IT

In connection with the proposed business combination with Lindblad, Capitol has filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC to be used at its special meeting in lieu of annual meeting of stockholders to approve the proposed business combination and certain other related matters. Stockholders are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement and, when available, the definitive proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies for such meeting because the proxy statement will contain important information. Such persons can also read Capitol's final prospectus, dated May 10, 2013, and Capitol's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for a description of the security holdings of the Capitol officers and directors and their interests as security holders in the successful consummation of the proposed business combination. The definitive proxy statement will be mailed to stockholders as of a record date established for the meeting. Stockholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the proxy statement, without charge, by directing a request to: Capitol Acquisition Corp. II, 509 7th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. The preliminary proxy statement and definitive proxy statement, once available, can also be obtained, without charge, at the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

About Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition travel company that 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.

About Capitol Acquisition Corp. II

Capitol Acquisition Corp. II is a public investment vehicle formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, acquisition or similar business combination. Capitol is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark D. Ein, and Director and Chief Financial Officer L. Dyson Dryden. Capitol's securities are quoted on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbols CLAC, CLACW and CLACU. The company, which raised $200 million of cash proceeds in an initial public offering in May 2013, is Mark Ein's second publicly traded acquisition vehicle. The first, Capitol Acquisition Corp., created Two Harbors Investment Corp. (NYSE: "TWO"), a leading mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT) with a current market capitalization of more than $3.8 billion.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This written communication contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning Capitol's proposed business combination with Lindblad, Lindblad's expected financial performance, as well as its strategic and operational plans. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in this written communication due to a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the possibility that the proposed business combination will not close or that the closing may be delayed; the reaction of Lindblad's customers to the proposed business combination; general economic conditions; or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement. In addition, please refer to the documents that Capitol files with the SEC. The filings by Capitol identify and address other important factors that could cause its financial and operational results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements set forth in this written communication. Capitol is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this written communication to conform to actual results.



                                                                                                      LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                                         Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


                                                                                                                                                              As of
                                                                                                                                                              -----

                                                                                                                                                          March 31, 2015                                            December 31, 2014
                                                                                                                                                          --------------                                            -----------------

                                                                                                                                                           (unaudited)

    ASSETS

    Current Assets:

      Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                              $37,947,183                                               $39,678,720

      Restricted cash and marketable securities                                                                                                                               16,396,128                                                 8,334,632

      Inventories                                                                                                                                                              1,750,482                                                 1,700,226

      Marine operating supplies                                                                                                                                                5,240,950                                                 5,078,552

      Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                                               10,398,868                                                11,320,698

      Due from DVB                                                                                                                                                             5,000,000                                                         -

         Total current assets                                                                                                                                                 76,733,611                                                66,112,828
                                                                                                                                                                              ----------                                                ----------


    Property and equipment, net                                                                                                                                              119,838,367                                               121,873,440

    Due from shareholder                                                                                                                                                               -                                                1,500,926

    Deferred financing costs, net                                                                                                                                              1,965,000                                                 2,019,503

    Operating rights                                                                                                                                                           6,528,949                                                 6,528,949

    Deferred tax assets                                                                                                                                                          247,339                                                   101,860

    Investment in CFMF                                                                                                                                                        48,022,835                                                47,787,835
                                                                                                                                                                              ----------                                                ----------

         Total assets                                                                                                                                                       $253,336,101                                              $245,925,341
                                                                                                                                                                            ============                                              ============


    LIABILITIES

    Current Liabilities:

      Unearned passenger revenues                                                                                                                                            $73,292,553                                               $73,195,195

      Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                                                                   18,070,090                                                20,028,315

      Long-term debt - current                                                                                                                                                 4,962,421                                                 4,934,030

      Obligations to repurchase shares of Class A common stock                                                                                                                 4,965,792                                                 4,965,792

      Due to shareholder                                                                                                                                                       2,169,553                                                         -

      Due to CFMF                                                                                                                                                             22,733,000                                                22,733,000
                                                                                                                                                                              ----------                                                ----------

         Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                           126,193,409                                               125,856,332
                                                                                                                                                                             -----------                                               -----------


    Long-term debt, less current portion                                                                                                                                      50,691,188                                                51,755,608

    Other long term liabilities                                                                                                                                                  439,030                                                   447,145

    Deferred income taxes - long term                                                                                                                                            299,035                                                   299,035

         Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                   177,622,662                                               178,358,120
                                                                                                                                                                             -----------                                               -----------


    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

      Common stock, Class A, no par value, 450,000 shares                                                                                                                              -                                                        -
      authorized; 90,000 shares issued and outstanding.

      Common stock, Class B, no par value,  50,000 shares                                                                                                                              -                                                        -
      authorized; 0 issued and outstanding.

      Additional paid - in capital                                                                                                                                            22,680,032                                                21,466,308

      Retained earnings                                                                                                                                                       53,033,407                                                46,100,913
                                                                                                                                                                              ----------                                                ----------

         Total shareholders' equity                                                                                                                                           75,713,439                                                67,567,221
                                                                                                                                                                              ----------                                                ----------

         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                                                                         $253,336,101                                              $245,925,341
                                                                                                                                                                            ============                                              ============


    The following table includes assets to be used to settle liabilities of the consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs"). These assets and liabilities are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet
     above.





                                                                                                                                                              As of
                                                                                                                                                              -----

                                                                                                                                                          March 31, 2015                                            December 31, 2014
                                                                                                                                                          --------------                                            -----------------

    ASSETS

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                     $2,000                                                    $2,000

    Property and equipment                                                                                                                                                     1,659,073                                                 1,755,446


    LIABILITIES

    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                                                                        109,706                                                    55,456

    Long-term debt                                                                                                                                                             2,170,000                                                 2,170,000




                                                                 LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                  Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

                                                                                 (unaudited)


                                                                                                                  For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                                                  ------------------------------------

                                                                                                                                         2015                  2014
                                                                                                                                         ----                  ----


    Tour revenue                                                                                                                  $55,420,529           $51,374,690


    Cost of tours                                                                                                                  24,401,222            21,976,882
                                                                                                                                   ----------            ----------

    Gross profit                                                                                                                   31,019,307            29,397,808
                                                                                                                                   ----------            ----------


    Operating expenses:

      Selling and marketing                                                                                                         9,162,482             8,116,195

      General and administrative                                                                                                   11,125,499             7,253,558

      Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                 2,751,799             2,874,059
                                                                                                                                    ---------             ---------

         Total operating expenses                                                                                                  23,039,780            18,243,812
                                                                                                                                   ----------            ----------


    Operating income                                                                                                                7,979,527            11,153,996
                                                                                                                                    ---------            ----------


    Other (expense) income:

      Change in fair value of obligation to repurchase shares of

         Class A common stock                                                                                                               -          (1,429,996)

      Loss on foreign currency translation                                                                                          (116,037)            (397,893)

      Earnings on investment in CFMF                                                                                                  235,000                     -

      Interest expense, net                                                                                                       (1,189,422)          (1,320,260)
                                                                                                                                   ----------            ----------

         Total other expense                                                                                                      (1,070,459)          (3,148,149)
                                                                                                                                   ----------            ----------


    Income before income taxes                                                                                                      6,909,068             8,005,847


    Income tax benefit                                                                                                               (23,426)            (404,466)
                                                                                                                                      -------              --------


    Net income                                                                                                                     $6,932,494            $8,410,313
                                                                                                                                   ==========            ==========


    Class A Common Stock
    --------------------

      Net income available to Class A Common Stockholders                                                                          $6,932,494            $7,989,773
                                                                                                                                   ==========            ==========


      Weighted average shares outstanding

         Basic                                                                                                                        245,220               244,287
                                                                                                                                      =======               =======

         Diluted                                                                                                                      248,003               244,287
                                                                                                                                      =======               =======


      Earnings per share

         Basic                                                                                                                         $28.27                $32.71
                                                                                                                                       ======                ======

         Diluted                                                                                                                       $27.95                $32.71
                                                                                                                                       ======                ======


    Class B Common Stock
    --------------------

      Net income available to Class B Common Stockholders                                                    $                              -             $420,540
                                                                                                             ================================             ========


      Weighted average shares outstanding

         Basic                                                                                                                              -               12,858
                                                                                                                                          ===               ======

         Diluted                                                                                                                            -               12,858
                                                                                                                                          ===               ======


      Earnings per share

         Basic                                                                                               $                              -               $32.71
                                                                                                             ================================               ======

         Diluted                                                                                             $                              -               $32.71
                                                                                                             ================================               ======


                                                                                       LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                                     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                                                                                       (unaudited)


                                                                                                                                     For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                                                                     ------------------------------------

                                                                                                                                                                          2015                          2014
                                                                                                                                                                          ----                          ----

    Cash Flows From Operating Activities

    Net income                                                                                                                                                      $6,932,494                    $8,410,313

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

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                                    2,697,296                     2,780,178

    Amortization of deferred financing costs                                                                                                                            54,503                        93,881

    Amortization of debt discount                                                                                                                                      189,087                       180,119

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                                         1,213,724                             -

    Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                                            (145,479)                    (240,082)

    Loss on currency translation                                                                                                                                       116,037                       397,893

    Earnings from equity method investment                                                                                                                           (235,000)                            -

    Change in fair value of obligation to repurchase shares of

    Class A common stock                                                                                                                                                     -                    1,429,995

    Collection fee due from DVB                                                                                                                                       (28,025)                            -

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    Inventories and marine operating supplies                                                                                                                        (283,152)                    (215,726)

    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                                          894,790                       131,459

    Unearned passenger revenues                                                                                                                                        852,720                   (4,404,231)

    Other long term liabilities                                                                                                                                        (8,115)                       55,060

    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                                                          (1,865,483)                  (2,998,637)
                                                                                                                                                                    ----------                    ----------


    Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                                                                       10,385,397                     5,620,222
                                                                                                                                                                    ----------                     ---------


    Cash Flows From Investing Activities

    Purchase of property and equipment                                                                                                                               (658,890)                    (570,970)

    Advance to shareholder                                                                                                                                         (1,301,496)                     (23,581)

    Purchase of restricted cash and marketable securities                                                                                                          (8,061,496)                  (3,359,579)
                                                                                                                                                                    ----------                    ----------


    Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                                         (10,021,882)                  (3,954,130)
                                                                                                                                                                   -----------                    ----------


    Cash Flows From Financing Activities

    Repayments of term loan facility                                                                                                                               (1,225,116)                    (992,209)
                                                                                                                                                                    ----------                      --------


    Net cash used for financing activities                                                                                                                         (1,225,116)                    (992,209)
                                                                                                                                                                    ----------                      --------


    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                                                                                                          (869,936)                      166,906
                                                                                                                                                                      --------                       -------


    Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                           (1,731,537)                      840,789


    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                                                                                                  39,678,720                    44,353,563
                                                                                                                                                                    ----------                    ----------


    Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                                                       $37,947,183                   $45,194,352
                                                                                                                                                                   ===========                   ===========


    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    Cash paid during the year for

    Interest                                                                                                                                                          $515,144                    $1,065,173
                                                                                                                                                                      ========                    ==========


    Income taxes                                                                                                                                                      $134,628                      $176,944
                                                                                                                                                                      ========                      ========


    Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    Increase in amount due from DVB (assigned by Sven Lindblad to the

    Company) for: due from shareholder ($2,802,422) and

    due to shareholder ($2,169,553) net of $28,025 collection fee                                                                                                   $4,971,975 $                           -
                                                                                                                                                                    ========== =============================


                                                                  LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                                             Non-GAAP Information

                                                                                  (unaudited)


                                                                                                              For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                                              ------------------------------------

    Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA                                                              2015                           2014
                                                                                                                            ----                           ----


    Net Income                                                                                                        $6,932,494                     $8,410,313

    Income tax benefit                                                                                                  (23,426)                     (404,466)

    Interest expense, net                                                                                              1,189,422                      1,320,260

    Depreciation and amortization expense                                                                              2,751,799                      2,874,059

    EBITDA                                                                                                           $10,850,289                    $12,200,166
                                                                                                                     ===========                    ===========

    Change in fair value of obligation to repurchase

    shares of Class A common stock                                                                                             -                     1,429,996

    Loss on foreign currency translation                                                                                 116,037                        397,893

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                           1,213,724                              -

    Earnings on investment in CFMF                                                                                     (235,000)                             -

    Non-recurring merger related expenses                                                                              2,268,248                              -

    Non-recurring acquisition related expenses                                                                                 -                        51,695

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                                  $14,213,298                    $14,079,750
                                                                                                                     ===========                    ===========




                                                                                                              For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                                              ------------------------------------

    Guest Metrics                                                                                                           2015                           2014
                                                                                                                            ----                           ----


    Available Guest Nights                                                                                                46,971                         47,222

    Guest Nights Sold                                                                                                     43,210                         44,519

    Occupancy                                                                                                              92.0%                         94.3%

    Maximum Guests                                                                                                         5,439                          5,254

    Number of Guests                                                                                                       4,988                          4,963



                                                                                                              For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                                              ------------------------------------

    Calculation of Gross Yield and Net Yield                                                                                2015                           2014
                                                                                                                            ----                           ----


    Guest ticket revenue                                                                                             $47,799,801                    $45,533,926

    Other revenue                                                                                                      7,620,728                      5,840,764

    Tour Revenue                                                                                                     $55,420,529                    $51,374,690

    Less: Commissions                                                                                                (3,686,563)                   (3,312,437)

    Less: Other expense                                                                                              (4,579,039)                   (3,327,106)

    Net Revenue                                                                                                      $47,154,927                    $44,735,147

    Available Guest Nights                                                                                                46,971                         47,222

    Gross Yield                                                                                                        $1,179.89                      $1,087.94

    Net Yield                                                                                                          $1,003.92                        $947.34



                                                                                                              For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                                                                              ------------------------------------

    Calculation of Net Cruise Cost Metrics                                                                                  2015                           2014
                                                                                                                            ----                           ----


    Cost of tours                                                                                                    $24,401,222                    $21,976,882

    Plus: Selling and marketing                                                                                        9,162,482                      8,116,195

    Plus: General and administrative                                                                                  11,125,499                      7,253,558

    Gross Cruise Cost                                                                                                $44,689,203                    $37,346,635

    Less: Commissions                                                                                                (3,686,563)                   (3,312,437)

    Less: Other expense                                                                                              (4,579,039)                   (3,327,106)

    Net Cruise Cost                                                                                                  $36,423,601                    $30,707,092

    Less: Fuel expense                                                                                               (3,046,797)                   (3,621,307)

    Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel                                                                                   $33,376,804                    $27,085,785

    Non-GAAP Adjustments

    Stock-based compensation                                                                                         (1,213,724)                             -

    Non-recurring merger related expenses                                                                            (2,268,248)                             -

    Non-recurring acquisition related expenses                                                                                 -                      (51,695)

    Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel                                                                          $29,894,832                    $27,034,090

    Available Guest Nights                                                                                                46,971                         47,222

    Gross Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night                                                                          $951.42                        $790.87

    Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night                                                                            $775.45                        $650.27

    Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Available Guest Night                                                             $710.58                        $573.58

    Adjusted Net Cruise Cost per Available Guest Night                                                                   $701.32                        $649.18

    Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excl. Fuel per Available Guest Night                                                        $636.45                        $572.49

Key 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. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA can 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. The Company's use of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other companies within the industry.

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 selling and marketing expense and general and administrative expense.

Gross Yield represents tour revenue 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 revenue and other revenue.

Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel represents Net Cruise Cost excluding fuel costs.

Net Revenue represents tour revenue less commissions and direct costs of other revenue.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Dini or Alex Yankus, Brunswick Group, 212-333-3810

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SOURCE Capitol Acquisition Corp. II