MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

 

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

(MARK ONE)

 

 

OR

 

 

Commission File No. 0-22088

 

 

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (775) 335-4600

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

 

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

 

COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES o  NO x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES o  NO x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES x  NO o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES x  NO o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES o  NO x

 

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by nonaffiliates as of June 30, 2012, based on the closing price as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market (SM) of $9.14 per share, was approximately $147.5 million.

 

As of March 5, 2013, Registrant had 16,147,324 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for Registrant’s 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which Proxy Statement shall be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

STATEMENTS IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K WHICH EXPRESS THE “BELIEF”, “ANTICIPATION”, “INTENTION”, “EXPECTATION”, OR “SCHEDULED” AS WELL AS OTHER  STATEMENTS WHICH ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACT, AND STATEMENTS AS TO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, MARKET CONDITIONS, COST ESTIMATIONS AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE INSOFAR AS THEY MAY APPLY PROSPECTIVELY, ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED.

 

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., through its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. (“Golden Road”), Monarch Growth Inc. (“Monarch Growth”), Monarch Black Hawk, Inc. (“Monarch Black Hawk”), High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (“High Desert”) and Golden North, Inc. (“Golden North”), owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”); the Riviera Black Hawk Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado (“Riviera Black Hawk”); and real estate proximate to the Atlantis and Riviera Black Hawk.

 

Monarch’s wholly owned subsidiary Monarch Interactive, Inc. (“Monarch Interactive”) received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission on August 23, 2012, which approval was extended on February 26, 2013 for six months pending commencement of operations, for a license as an operator of interactive gaming.  Before the license can be issued, a number of conditions must be met, within six months of the February 26, 2013 approval, and before operations can commence, the Company must enter into contracts with a licensed interactive gaming service provider with an approved system.  None of these conditions have occurred, and Monarch Interactive is not currently engaged in any operating activities.  In Nevada, legal interactive gaming is currently limited to intrastate poker.

 

Our operating assets are the Atlantis and the Riviera Black Hawk.  Our business strategy is to maximize revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage operations and at the Atlantis, our hotel operations.  The Riviera Black Hawk does not yet have a hotel.  We focus on delivering exceptional service and value to our guests.  Our hands-on management style focuses on customer service and cost efficiencies.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, “Monarch,” “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Monarch was incorporated in Nevada in 1993.  Our principal executive offices are located at 3800 S. Virginia Street; Reno, Nevada 89502; telephone (775) 335-4600.

 

Available Information

 

Our website address is www.monarchcasino.com.  We make available free of charge on or through our internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

 

The Atlantis is located approximately three miles south of downtown in the generally more affluent area of Reno, Nevada.  The Atlantis features approximately 61,000 square feet of casino space; 824 guest rooms and suites; eight food outlets; two espresso and pastry bars; a 30,000 square foot health spa and salon with an enclosed year-round pool; two retail outlets offering clothing and traditional gift shop merchandise; an 8,000 square-foot family entertainment center; and approximately 52,000 square feet of banquet, convention and meeting room space. The casino features approximately 1,450 slot and video poker machines; approximately 38 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and others; a race and sports book; a 24-hour live keno lounge and a poker room.

 

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Through a skywalk, Atlantis is the only hotel facility to be physically connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.  The Reno-Sparks Convention Center offers approximately 500,000 square feet of leasable exhibition, meeting room, ballroom and lobby space.

 

Operations at the Atlantis are conducted 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Business is seasonal in nature, with higher revenues during the summer months and lower revenues during the winter months.

 

Atlantis Casino.  The Atlantis offers what we believe to be higher than average payout rates on slot machines relative to other northern Nevada casinos.  We seek to attract high-end players through high quality amenities and services and by extension of gaming credit after a careful credit history evaluation.

 

Hotel and Spa.  The Atlantis includes three contiguous, high-rise hotel towers with a total of 824 rooms and suites. The rooms on the top seven floors in the third tower are nearly 20% larger than the standard guest rooms and offer restricted elevator access, upscale accommodations and a private concierge service.

 

The Atlantis hotel rooms feature design and furnishings consistent with the highest quality in the Northern Nevada market as well as nine-foot ceilings, which create an open and spacious feel. The third hotel tower features a four-story waterfall with an adjacent year-round swimming pool in a climate controlled, five-story glass enclosure, which shares an outdoor pool deck with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and year round whirlpool. The Salon at Atlantis is a full service salon overlooking the third floor sundeck and outdoor seasonal swimming pool and offers salon-grade products and treatments for hair, nails, skincare and body services for both men and women. Our Spa Atlantis is a high-end health spa located adjacent to the swimming areas which offers treatments and amenities unique to our market.  The hotel rooms on the spa floor feature décor that is themed consistent with the spa.  Certain spa treatments are also available in spa floor hotel rooms.  The hotel features glass elevators that rise the full 19 and 28 stories of the respective towers providing panoramic views of the Reno area and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  In 2012 our hotel was awarded with the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating from the American Automobile Association.

 

The average occupancy rate and average daily room rate at the Atlantis for the following periods were:

 

		Years ended December 31,
		2012			2011			2010
Occupancy rate		87.2		%	89.1		%	85.4		%
Average daily room rate		$	71.13		$	74.22		$	69.06

 

We continually monitor and adjust hotel room rates based upon demand and other competitive factors. Our average daily room rates (“ADR”) in 2010, 2011 and 2012 continued to reflect weaker market demand caused by the national economic down turn and local market competitor discounting.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we demolished our 149 room motor lodge which offered rooms at average daily rates significantly lower than the rates offered in the hotel towers.  The increase in 2011 ADR compared to 2010 is primarily the result of the elimination of the lower motor lodge ADR.  Paved surface parking now covers the area previously occupied by the motor lodge.

 

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Restaurants and Dining.  The Atlantis has eight restaurants, two gourmet coffee bars and one snack bar as described below:

 

·                  The 600-seat Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grill, which offers a wide variety of food selections, as well as specialty substations featuring made-to-order items;

·                  The 160-seat Atlantis Steakhouse gourmet restaurant;

·                  The 200-seat upscale Bistro Napa featuring a centrally located wine cellar;

·                  The Oyster Bar restaurant offering fresh seafood, soups and bisques made to order;

·                  The Sushi Bar offering a variety of fresh raw and cooked sushi specialties, including all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner selections. Combined, the Oyster Bar and Sushi Bar can accommodate up to 139 guests;

·                  The 178-seat 24-hour Purple Parrot coffee shop;

·                  The 122-seat Café Alfresco restaurant serving a full menu, pizzas prepared in a wood-fired, brick oven and a variety of gelato desserts;

·                  The 170-seat Manhattan Deli restaurant specializing in piled-high sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts;

·                  Two gourmet coffee bars, offering specialty coffee drinks, pastries and desserts made fresh daily in the Atlantis bakery; and

·                  A snack bar and soda fountain serving ice cream and arcade-style refreshments.

 

The Sky Terrace.  The Sky Terrace is a unique structure with a diamond-shaped, blue glass body suspended approximately 55 feet, and spanning 160 feet across South Virginia Street, Reno’s main thoroughfare.  The Sky Terrace connects the Atlantis with parking on our 16-acre site across South Virginia Street. The structure rests at each end on two 100-foot tall Grecian columns with no intermediate support pillars. The interior of the Sky Terrace houses the Oyster Bar, the Sushi Bar, a video poker bar, banks of slot machines and a lounge area.

 

The Riviera Black Hawk Casino

 

On April 26, 2012, we acquired Riviera Black Hawk, Inc., the owner of the Riviera Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado which is located approximately 40 miles from Denver, Colorado.  The Riviera Black Hawk, which opened in 2000, is the first casino encountered by visitors arriving from Denver, Colorado on Highway 119 and features approximately 32,000 square feet of casino space, 750 slot machines, 10 table games, a 250 seat buffet-style restaurant, a snack bar and a parking structure with approximately 500 spaces.  Monarch owns a 1.5 acre land parcel contiguous to the Riviera Black Hawk Casino which is zoned for gaming and can be utilized for future expansion.

 

Our initial focus with the Riviera Black Hawk is to maximize casino and food and beverage revenues.  There is currently no hotel on the property.  We have evaluated all aspects of operations and are in the process of implementing certain operational changes which we believe will enhance the guest experience and reduce costs.  We have also begun to develop a master plan of future improvements to the Riviera Black Hawk, which we expect to include, among other things, a property-wide renovation, including renovations of all casino, restaurant, public areas, and, subject to our final evaluation, construction of a new multi-story parking facility, a hotel and related property amenities.

 

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Acquisition, Improvements and Additional Expansion Potential

 

We identify and evaluate strategic expansion and acquisition opportunities through market and detailed financial analysis.  We develop overall master plans and then execute each phase of the master plan after re-evaluation of the current market conditions and comparison against other capital investment opportunities.

 

We have continuously invested in upgrading our facilities.  Capital expenditures were $10.3 million in 2012; $5.2 million in 2011; and $6.8 million in 2010.  During 2012, capital expenditures related primarily to the initial phase of improvements to the Riviera Black Hawk property as well as additional gaming equipment at both properties. Capital expenditures in 2011 and 2010 at the Atlantis were for various general facility improvements and for purchase of additional gaming equipment.

 

Expansion potential at our Reno site is twofold.  First, we could further expand our existing hotel and casino, thereby giving us more hotel rooms.  Second, we could develop the 16-acre parcel we own across the street from the Atlantis. This site is connected to the Atlantis by the Sky Terrace and is currently used for surface parking and special events related to the Atlantis.  Our 16-acre parcel meets all current Reno zoning requirements in the event we decide to build another resort casino or entertainment facility.  We also own additional land adjacent to our two large sites that would facilitate expansion opportunities by allowing us to relocate certain of our administrative and other non-operational personnel and offices.

 

As discussed in the “Riviera Black Hawk Casino” section above we own a 1.5 acre land parcel contiguous to the Riviera Black Hawk which is zoned for gaming and can be utilized for future expansion of that facility.

 

Marketing Strategy

 

Reno/Sparks.  Our marketing efforts are directed toward three broad consumer groups:  leisure travelers, conventioneers and northern Nevada local residents.

 

The Reno/Sparks region is a major gaming and leisure destination with aggregate gaming revenues of approximately $645 million (as reported by the Nevada State Gaming Control Board for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012).

 

Our revenues and operating income related to the Atlantis are principally dependent on the level of gaming activity at the Atlantis casino.  Our predominant marketing goal is to utilize all of the Atlantis facilities to generate additional casino play.  Our secondary goal is to maximize revenues from our hotel, food and beverage, spa, convention and meeting rooms, retail and other amenities.

 

We believe the Atlantis’ location south of downtown Reno, near the airport, near major freeway arteries and physically connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center makes the facility appealing to all three groups.

 

Leisure Travelers:  The Reno/Tahoe region is a popular gaming and vacation destination that enjoys convenient air service from cities throughout the United States.  The principal segments of Reno’s leisure traveler market are independent travelers, package tour and travel guests, guests we reach through the internet and high-end players.  We attempt to maximize our gaming revenues and hotel occupancy through a balanced marketing approach that addresses each market segment.

 

Independent travelers make reservations directly with hotels of their choice, through independent travel agents or through the internet.  We strive to attract the middle to upper-middle income strata of this consumer segment through advertising and direct marketing.  This segment represents a large portion of the Atlantis’ guests.

 

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The package tour and travel segment consists of visitors who utilize travel packages offered by wholesale operators.  We market to this segment through relationships with select wholesalers, primarily to generate guest visits and supplement mid-week occupancy.

 

We welcome domestic and international reservations on the Atlantis’ website www.atlantiscasino.com and are featured on major package tour and travel websites.

 

We market to high-end players selectively through direct sales and hosts.  We utilize complimentary rooms, food and beverage, special events and the extension of gaming credit to attract, and maintain patronage from, high-end players.

 

Conventioneers:  Convention business, like package tour and travel business, supplements occupancy during lower-demand periods.  Conventioneers also typically pay higher average room rates than non-conventioneers.  We selectively seek convention and meeting groups that we believe will materially enhance the Atlantis’ occupancy and daily room rates, as well as those we believe will be more likely to utilize our gaming products.  As the only hotel-casino physically connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the Atlantis is, in our view, uniquely positioned to capitalize on this segment.  We believe the Reno-Sparks Convention Center has created, and we expect will continue to create, additional guest traffic for the Atlantis within this market segment that is presently underserved in the Reno area.

 

We market to all guest segments, including conventioneers, on the basis of the location, quality and ambiance of the Atlantis facility, gaming values, friendly, efficient service, and the quality and relative value of Atlantis rooms, food and beverage offerings, entertainment and promotions.

 

Our frequent player club, “Club Paradise,” allows our guests to be eligible to receive rewards and privileges based on the amount of their play, while allowing us to track their play patterns through a computerized system. We use this information to determine appropriate levels of complimentary awards and for guiding our direct marketing efforts. We believe that Club Paradise significantly enhances our ability to build guest loyalty and generate repeat guest visits.

 

Northern Nevada Residents:  We market to northern Nevada residents (referred to from time to time as “Locals”) on the basis of the Atlantis’ location and accessibility; convenient surface parking; gaming values; ambiance; friendly efficient service; quality and relative value of food and beverage offerings.

 

Black Hawk.  Our marketing efforts are directed toward patrons from the Denver metropolitan area which is approximately 40 miles east of Black Hawk, as well as travelers to the Colorado mountain areas.

 

The Black Hawk and Central City gaming market is isolated from other gaming markets with gaming revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 of approximately $630 million (as reported by the Colorado Division of Gaming for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012).

 

Our revenues and operating income related to the Riviera Black Hawk are principally dependent on the level of gaming activity in the Black Hawk market.  Our predominant marketing goal is to provide a desired mix of high quality gaming products in an attractive setting while offering superior food and beverage offerings.  We have begun efforts to redesign and upgrade the facilities to offer a full complement of amenities to satisfy all of our guests’ requirements during their visit.

 

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Competition

 

Reno/Sparks.  Competition in the Reno area gaming market is intense.  Based on information obtained from the December 31, 2012 Gaming Revenue Report published by the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, there are approximately 14 casinos in the Reno-Sparks area which each generated more than $12.0 million in annual gaming revenues.

 

We believe that the Atlantis’ primary competition for leisure travelers comes from other large-scale casinos that offer amenities that appeal to middle to upper-middle income guests.  We compete for leisure travelers on the basis of the desirability of our location, the quality and ambiance of the Atlantis facility, friendly, efficient service, the quality and relative value of its rooms and food and beverage offerings, entertainment offerings, promotions and gaming values. We believe that our location away from downtown Reno is appealing to first-time and more affluent guests.

 

We believe that the Atlantis’ primary competition for conventioneers comes from other large-scale hotel casinos in the Reno area that actively target the convention market segment, and from other cities in the western United States with large convention facilities and substantial hotel capacity, including Las Vegas.  We compete for conventioneers based on the desirability of our location, the quality and ambiance of the Atlantis facility, meeting and banquet rooms designed to appeal to conventions and groups, friendly, efficient service, and the quality and relative value of its rooms and food and beverage offerings.  We believe that the Atlantis’ proximity to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, and the enclosed pedestrian skybridge that connects the Atlantis directly with the Reno-Sparks Convention Center facilities, affords us a distinct competitive advantage in attracting conventioneers.

 

We believe that the Atlantis’ competition for northern Nevada residents comes primarily from other large-scale casinos located outside of downtown Reno that offer amenities that appeal to middle to upper-middle income guests, and secondarily with those casinos located in downtown Reno that offer similar amenities.  We compete for northern Nevada residents primarily on the basis of the desirability of our location, the quality and ambiance of the Atlantis facility, friendly, efficient service, the quality and relative value of our food and beverage offerings, entertainment offerings, promotions and gaming values.  We believe the Atlantis’ proximity to residential areas in south Reno and its abundant surface parking provide us an advantage over the casinos located in downtown Reno in attracting Locals.

 

The Atlantis also competes for gaming guests with hotel casino operations located in other parts of Nevada, especially Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, and with hotel casinos, Native American owned casinos and riverboat casinos located elsewhere throughout the United States and the world.  Major Native American owned facilities in central and northern California have been very successful, adversely impacting many hotel casinos in Reno.  We believe that the Atlantis also competes to a lesser extent with state-sponsored lotteries, off-track wagering, card parlors and other forms of legalized gaming, particularly in northern California and the Pacific Northwest.  We believe our numerous amenities, such as a wide array of restaurants, banquet facilities, spa and surface parking are key advantages in our ability to attract Locals that competitor facilities cannot easily match without significant capital expenditures.

 

We also believe that the legalization of additional land-based casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area in the Atlantis’ feeder markets, such as San Francisco or Sacramento, could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

The legalization of internet poker and other forms of internet gaming could create further competition for the Atlantis.

 

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Black Hawk.  There is strong competition in the concentrated Black Hawk/Central City area gaming market including approximately 26 casinos which generated more than $630 million in annual gaming revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 according to the Colorado Division of Gaming.

 

The Black Hawk and Central City gaming market is geographically isolated.  The only other non-tribal gaming market is Cripple Creek, seventy-five miles away.  There are two federally recognized tribes in southwest Colorado, both with gaming facilities, more than 330 miles from Denver.  There have been proposals for the development of Native American, racetrack and video lottery terminal casinos throughout the state over the years.  None of the proposals has been adopted by the state’s electorate or by the legislature.  Should any form of additional gaming be authorized in the Denver metropolitan area, the Black Hawk and Central City market would be adversely affected.

 

We believe that the Riviera Black Hawk’s primary competition for visitors comes from larger-scale casinos in the market which offer amenities that appeal to the guest’s entire vacation experience including hotel, broader dining choices as well as other amenities.  We compete for patrons on the basis of the desirability of our location which is the first casino encountered when entering the area on the main thoroughfare as well as the attractive setting, friendly, efficient service, quality and relative value of its food and beverage offerings, promotions and gaming values.

 

Regulation and Licensing

 

Nevada.  The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Nevada are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, referred to as the Nevada Act, and various local regulations.  Our gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, and the Reno City Council, referred to collectively as the Nevada Gaming Authorities.

 

The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy that are concerned with, among other things:

 

·                  the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity;

·                  the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures;

·                  the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities;

·                  the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices; and

·                  providing a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees.

 

Changes in such laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on our gaming operations.

 

Golden Road, our subsidiary which operates the Atlantis, is required to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities.  The gaming license requires the periodic payment of fees and taxes and is not transferable.  We are registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as a publicly traded corporation, or Registered Corporation.  As such, we are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Gaming Commission and furnish any other information that the Nevada Gaming Commission may require.  No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, Golden Road without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities.  Golden Road and Monarch have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various registrations, approvals, permits and licenses required in order to engage in gaming activities in Nevada.

 

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The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, Golden Road or Monarch in order to determine whether that individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Officers, directors and key employees of Golden Road must file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities.  Our officers, directors and key employees who are actively and directly involved in gaming activities of Golden Road may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities.  The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause that they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation.  Applicants for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. In addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities also have jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.

 

If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with Golden Road or us, the companies involved would have to sever all relationships with that person.  In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission may require that we terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications.  Determinations of suitability or of questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.

 

We are required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Gaming Commission.  Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by us must be reported to, or approved by, the Nevada Gaming Commission.

 

If it were determined that we violated the Nevada Act, our gaming licenses and registrations with the Nevada Gaming Commission could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures.  In addition, we and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission.  Further, the Nevada Gaming Commission could appoint a supervisor to operate our gaming properties and, under certain circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor’s appointment (except for the reasonable rental value of our gaming properties) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada.  The limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming license would) materially adversely affect our gaming operations.

 

Any beneficial holder of our voting securities, regardless of the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated, and have his suitability as a beneficial holder of our voting securities determined if the Nevada Gaming Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada.  The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.

 

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The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of Monarch’s voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Gaming Commission.  The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than 10% of our voting securities apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability within 30 days after the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board mails the written notice requiring such filing.  Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined in the Nevada Act, which acquires more than 10%, but not more than 25%, of our voting securities may apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if the institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only, and for a waiver of the requirement for an approval of a change of control if the acquisition is above 20% of the voting securities.  An institutional investor is not deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless they were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of our board of directors, any change in our corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations, or any of our gaming affiliates, or any other action that the Nevada Gaming Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding our voting securities for investment purposes only.  Activities that are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include:

 

·                  voting on all matters voted on by stockholders;

·                  making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations; and

·                  such other activities as the Nevada Gaming Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent.

 

If the beneficial holder of voting securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of beneficial owners.  The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation.

 

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Gaming Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board may be found unsuitable.  The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner.  Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Gaming Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense.  We are subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us, we:

 

·                  pay that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities;

·                  allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person;

·                  pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise; or

·                  fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish his voting securities for cash at fair market value.

 

The Nevada Gaming Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security of a Registered Corporation.  If the Nevada Gaming Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals if, without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission, it:

 

·                  pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution;

·                  recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with such securities;

·                  pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or

·                  makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation or similar transaction.

 

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We are required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada, and the Nevada Gaming Authorities may examine the ledger at any time.  If any securities are held in trust by an agent or a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities.  A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable.  We are also required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner.  The Nevada Gaming Commission has the power to require our stock certificates to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Act.

 

We may not make a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission if the securities or proceeds there from are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for purposes of constructing, acquiring or financing gaming facilities.  Any approval, if granted, does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission or the Nevada Gaming Control Board as to the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the securities offered.  Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.

 

Changes in our control through merger, consolidation, stock or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct by a person whereby that person obtains control (including foreclosure on the pledged shares), may not occur without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission.  Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered Corporation must satisfy the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission in a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of such Registered Corporation.  The Nevada Gaming Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.

 

The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada gaming licensees, and Registered Corporations that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming.  The Nevada Gaming Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada’s gaming industry and to further Nevada’s policy to:

 

·                  assure the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates;

·                  preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and

·                  promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs.

 

We are, in certain circumstances, required to receive approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission before we can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above their current market price and before we can consummate a corporate acquisition opposed by management.  The Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by our board of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to a Registered Corporation’s stockholders for the purposes of acquiring control of the Registered Corporation.

 

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Licensee fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and cities in which the Nevada licensee’s respective operations are conducted.  Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon either:

 

·                  a percentage of the gross revenues received;

·                  the number of gaming devices operated; or

·                  the number of table games operated.

 

A live entertainment tax is also paid where entertainment is furnished in connection with the selling of food or refreshments.  Nevada licensees that hold a license as an operator of a slot route, a manufacturer or a distributor also pay certain fees and taxes to the State of Nevada.

 

Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons, referred to as “Licensees”, and who is or proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada is required to deposit with the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation by the Nevada State Gaming Control Board of their participation in foreign gaming.  The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission.  Thereafter, Licensees are required to comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act.  Licensees are also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Gaming Commission if they knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation, fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations, engage in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employ a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of personal unsuitability.

 

Colorado.  As prescribed by the Colorado Limited Gaming Act of 1991 (the “Colorado Act”), the ownership and operation of limited stakes gaming facilities in Colorado are subject to the Colorado Gaming Regulations (the “Colorado Regulations”) and final authority of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (the “Colorado Commission”). The Colorado Act also created the Colorado Division of Gaming within the Colorado Department of Revenue to license, supervise and enforce the conduct of limited stakes gaming in Colorado.

 

The Colorado Act declares public policy on limited stakes gaming to be that: (1) the success of limited stakes gaming is dependent upon public confidence and trust that licensed limited stakes gaming is conducted honestly and competitively, the rights of the creditors of licensees are protected and gaming is free from criminal and corruptive elements; (2) public confidence and trust can be maintained only by strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations and activities related to the operation of licensed gaming establishments and the manufacture or distribution of gaming devices and equipment; (3) all establishments where limited gaming is conducted and where gambling devices are operated, and all manufacturers, sellers and distributors of certain gambling devices and equipment, must therefore be licensed, controlled and assisted to protect the public health, safety, good order and the general welfare of the inhabitants of the state to foster the stability and success of limited stakes gaming and to preserve the economy, policies and free competition in Colorado; and (4) no applicant for a license or other affirmative Colorado Commission approval has any right to a license or to the granting of the approval sought. Having the authority to impose fines, the Colorado Commission has broad discretion to issue, condition, suspend for up to six months, revoke, limit or restrict at any time the following licenses: slot machine manufacturer or distributor, operator, retail gaming, support and key employee gaming licenses. With limited exceptions applicable to licensees that are publicly traded entities, no person may sell, lease, purchase, convey or acquire any interest in a retail gaming or operator license or business without the prior approval of the Colorado Commission. Any license issued or other Colorado Commission approval granted pursuant to the Colorado Act is a revocable privilege, and no holder acquires any vested rights therein.

 

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Pursuant to an amendment to the Colorado Constitution (the “Colorado Amendment”), limited stakes gaming became lawful in the cities of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek on October 1, 1991. Currently, limited stakes gaming means a maximum single bet of $100 on slot machines and in the games of blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. Gaming is permitted to be conducted 24 hours each day.

 

Limited stakes gaming is confined to the commercial districts of these cities as defined by Central City on October 7, 1981, by Black Hawk on May 4, 1978, and by Cripple Creek on December 3, 1973. In addition, the Colorado Amendment restricts limited stakes gaming to structures that conform to the architectural styles and designs that were common to the areas prior to World War I and that conform to the requirements of applicable city ordinances regardless of the age of the structures. Under the Colorado Amendment, no more than 35% of the square footage of any building and no more than 50% of any one floor of any building may be used for limited stakes gaming. Persons under the age of 21 cannot participate in limited stakes gaming.

 

The Colorado Constitution provides for a tax on the total amount wagered less all payouts to players at the following annual rates. The gaming tax rates in effect as of July 1, 2008 can only be increased by amendment to the Colorado Constitution by voters in a statewide election. With respect to games of poker, the tax is calculated based on the sums wagered that are retained by the licensee as compensation, which must be consistent with the minimum and maximum amounts established by the Colorado Commission. The graduated rates effective as of July 1, 2012 are:

 

·              0.25% up to and including $2 million of the subject amounts;

 

·              2.0% on amounts from $2 million to $5 million;

 

·              9.0% on amounts from $5 million to $8 million;

 

·              11.0% on amounts from $8 million to $10 million;

 

·              16.0% on amounts from $10 million to $13 million; and

 

·              20.0% on amounts over $13 million.

 

The City of Black Hawk also assesses two monthly device fees that are based on the number of gaming devices operated. Those consist of a $62.50 fee per device and a transportation device fee of $6.42 per device.

 

The Colorado Commission has enacted Rule 4.5, which imposes requirements on publicly traded corporations holding gaming licenses in Colorado and on gaming licenses owned directly or indirectly by a publicly traded corporation, whether through a subsidiary or intermediary company. The term “publicly traded corporation” includes corporations, firms, limited liability companies, trusts, partnerships and other forms of business organizations. Such requirements automatically apply to any ownership interest held by a publicly traded corporation, holding company or intermediary company thereof, where the ownership interest directly or indirectly is, or will be upon approval of the Colorado Commission, 5% or more of the entire licensee. In any event, if the Colorado Commission determines that a publicly traded corporation or a subsidiary, intermediary company or holding company has the actual ability to exercise influence over a licensee, regardless of the percentage of ownership possessed by such entity, the Colorado Commission may require the entity to comply with the disclosure regulations contained in Rule 4.5.

 

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Under Rule 4.5, gaming licensees, affiliated companies and controlling persons commencing a public offering of voting securities must notify the Colorado Commission no later than 10 business days after the initial filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Licensed publicly traded corporations are also required to send proxy statements to the Division of Gaming within five days after their distribution. Licensees to whom Rule 4.5 applies must include in their charter documents provisions that restrict the rights of the licensees to issue voting interests or securities except in accordance with the Colorado Act and the Colorado Regulations; limit the rights of persons to transfer voting interests or securities of licensees except in accordance with the Colorado Act and the Colorado Regulations; and provide that holders of voting interests or securities of licensees found unsuitable by the Colorado Commission may, within 60 days of such finding of unsuitability, be required to sell their interests or securities back to the issuer at the lesser of the cash equivalent of the holders’ investment or the market price as of the date of the finding of unsuitability. Alternatively, the holders may, within 60 days after the finding of unsuitability, transfer the voting interests or securities to a suitable person, as determined by the Colorado Commission. Until the voting interests or securities are held by suitable persons, the issuer may not pay dividends or interest, the securities may not be voted and may not be included in the voting or securities of the issuer, and the issuer may not pay any remuneration in any form to the holders of the securities.

 

Pursuant to Rule 4.5, persons who acquire direct or indirect beneficial ownership of (a) 5% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly traded corporation that is required to include in its articles of incorporation the Rule 4.5 charter language provisions; or (b) 5% or more of the beneficial interest in a gaming licensee directly or indirectly through any class of voting securities of any holding company or intermediary company of a licensee, referred to as “qualifying persons,” shall notify the Division of Gaming within 10 days of such acquisition, are required to submit all requested information and are subject to a finding of suitability as required by the Division of Gaming or the Colorado Commission. Licensees also must notify any qualifying persons of these requirements. A qualifying person other than an institutional investor whose interest equals 10% or more must apply to the Colorado Commission for a finding of suitability within 45 days after acquiring such securities. Licensees must also notify any qualifying persons of these requirements. Whether or not notified, qualifying persons are responsible for complying with these requirements.

 

A qualifying person who is an institutional investor under Rule 4.5 and who, individually or in association with others, acquires, directly or indirectly, the beneficial ownership of 15% or more of any class of voting securities must apply to the Colorado Commission for a finding of suitability within 45 days after acquiring such interests.

 

The Colorado Regulations provide for exemption from the requirements for a finding of suitability when the Colorado Commission finds such action to be consistent with the purposes of the Colorado Act.

 

Pursuant to Rule 4.5, persons found unsuitable by the Colorado Commission must be removed from any position as an officer, director or employee of a licensee, or from a holding or intermediary company. Such unsuitable persons also are prohibited from any beneficial ownership of the voting securities of any such entities. Licensees, or affiliated entities of licensees, are subject to sanctions for paying dividends or distributions to persons found unsuitable by the Colorado Commission, or for recognizing voting rights of, or paying a salary or any remuneration for services to, unsuitable persons. Licensees or their affiliated entities also may be sanctioned for failing to pursue efforts to require unsuitable persons to relinquish their interest. The Colorado Commission may determine that anyone with a material relationship to, or material involvement with, a licensee or an affiliated company must apply for a finding of suitability or must apply for a key employee license.

 

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The Colorado Regulations require that every officer, director and stockholder of private corporations or equivalent office or ownership holders for non-corporate applicants, and every officer, director or stockholder holding either a 5% or greater interest or controlling interest of a publicly traded corporation or owners of an applicant or licensee, shall be a person of good moral character and submit to a full background investigation conducted by the Division of Gaming and the Colorado Commission. The Colorado Commission may require any person having an interest in a license to undergo a full background investigation and pay the cost of investigation in the same manner as an applicant.

 

The sale of alcoholic beverages in gaming establishments is subject to strict licensing, control and regulation by State and local authorities. Alcoholic beverage licenses are revocable and nontransferable. State and local licensing authorities have full power to limit, condition, suspend for as long as six months or revoke any such licenses.

 

There are various classes of retail liquor licenses which may be issued under the Colorado Liquor Code. A gaming licensee may sell malt, vinous or spirituous liquors only by the individual drink for consumption on the premises. An application for an alcoholic beverage license in Colorado requires notice, posting and a public hearing before the local liquor licensing authority prior to approval. The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement Division must also approve the application. ACBHI has been approved for a hotel and restaurant liquor license by both the local Black Hawk licensing authority and the State Division of Liquor Enforcement.

 

Employees

 

As of February 14, 2013, we had approximately 2,100 employees.  None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.  We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Our business prospects are subject to various risks and uncertainties that impact our business. You should carefully consider the following discussion of risks, and the other information provided in this annual report on Form 10-K. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us; however, they do represent all material risks currently known to us.  Additional risks that are presently unknown to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impact our business.

 

THE RECENT RECESSION CONTINUES TO IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS

 

The recent global and U.S. recession continues to adversely impact our business.  Individual consumers have experienced higher delinquency rates on various consumer loans and defaults on indebtedness of all kinds have persisted. Further declines in real estate values in Reno, Denver and the U.S. or elsewhere and continuing credit and liquidity concerns could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED IF THE RENO OR DENVER METROPOLITAN ECONOMIES FURTHER DECLINE OR STAGNATE

 

We market to and rely upon business from the Reno and Denver metropolitan areas.  Adverse changes in the business and employment conditions in Reno and Denver may adversely impact our business.  There can be no guarantee that economic conditions will improve or will not worsen in our feeder markets, including Reno and Denver.  Additional erosion in business and employment conditions in the Reno or Denver metropolitan areas could adversely impact our business.

 

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OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY WEAKENED ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN CALIFORNIA AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

 

Because California and the Pacific Northwest are also significant markets for our leisure traveler and conventioneer guests, our business may be adversely impacted in the event of further weakened economic conditions in those geographical markets.

 

OUR BUSINESS IS PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE TO WEAK DISCRETIONARY CONSUMER SPENDING

 

Consumer demand for entertainment and other amenities at hotel-casino properties, such as ours, are particularly sensitive to a weak economy and the corresponding impact on discretionary spending on leisure activities. Changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences brought about by factors such as perceived or actual general economic conditions, effects of the recent recession and economic slowdown, including the housing crisis and credit crisis, the impact of high energy and food costs, the increased cost of travel, the potential for continued bank failures, perceived or actual disposable consumer income and wealth, or fears of war and future acts of terrorism could further reduce customer demand for the amenities that we offer, thus imposing practical limits on pricing and negatively impacting our results of operations and financial condition.

 

THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS AND DECLINE IN CONSUMER SPENDING MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION IN WAYS THAT WE CURRENTLY CANNOT ACCURATELY PREDICT

 

The continued credit crisis, economic downturn and related turmoil in the global financial system have had and may continue to have an effect on our business and financial condition. We are not able to predict the duration or severity of the economic downturn. The significant distress recently experienced by financial institutions has had, and may continue to have, far-reaching adverse consequences across many industries, including the gaming industry. The ongoing credit and liquidity crisis has greatly restricted the availability of capital and has caused the cost of capital (if available) to be much higher than it has traditionally been. Accessing the capital markets in this environment could increase the costs of our projects, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions and our ability or willingness to fund any future expansion projects. All of these effects could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

CERTAIN OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS OWN LARGE INTERESTS IN OUR CAPITAL STOCK AND MAY SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCE OUR AFFAIRS

 

John Farahi and Bob Farahi, officers and directors of the Company, together with their brother Ben Farahi, beneficially own approximately 43% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. As such, members of the Farahi family, if voting together, have the ability to significantly influence our affairs, including the election of members of our Board of Directors and, except as otherwise provided by law, approving or disapproving other matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including a merger, consolidation, or sale of assets.

 

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TO SERVICE OUR INDEBTEDNESS, WE WILL REQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CASH. OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE CASH DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL

 

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund future capital expenditures and expansion efforts will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. It is possible that our business will generate insufficient cash flows from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our bank credit facility, in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness as it matures and to fund our other liquidity needs. We believe that we will need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness at maturity, and cannot provide assurances that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. We may have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets or obtaining additional equity or debt financing or joint venture partners. These financing strategies may not be affected on satisfactory terms, if at all.

 

LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON OUR NEW CREDIT FACILITY COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR LIQUIDITY

 

Any renegotiation or refinancing of our New Credit Facility would likely result in the amendment of material provisions of the New Credit Facility, such as the interest rate charged and other material covenants. Our New Credit Facility is an important component of our liquidity. Any material restriction on our ability to use our New Credit Facility or the failure to obtain a new credit facility upon either the maturity of the New Credit Facility or the depletion of funds remaining under the New Credit Facility could adversely impact our operations and future growth options.

 

OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY THE ENTRY OF STATION CASINOS IN THE RENO MARKET

 

Station Casinos, Inc., a casino operator operating primarily in the Las Vegas market and catering mainly to Las Vegas area residents, has acquired several parcels in the Reno area and has announced plans to build two casinos, one of which would be located within one mile of the Atlantis. Station Casinos is the dominant casino operator catering to local residents in the Las Vegas market. Should Station Casinos proceed with its plans, it will create additional competition for us in the Reno area resident, conventioneer and tour and travel markets and could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

INTENSE COMPETITION EXISTS IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY, AND WE EXPECT COMPETITION TO CONTINUE TO INTENSIFY

 

The gaming industry is highly competitive for both customers and employees, including those at the management level. We compete with numerous casinos and hotel-casinos of varying quality and size in our markets. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation destinations, and with various other casino and other entertainment businesses, and could compete with any new forms of gaming, including internet gaming, that has been or may be legalized in the future. The casino entertainment business is characterized by competitors that vary considerably in their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. We compete directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas in which we operate. In some markets, we face competition from nearby markets in addition to direct competition within our market areas.

 

As competitive pressures increase, other casinos in our markets may intensify their marketing efforts. Increased competitive pressures in the local markets could adversely impact our ability to continue to attract local residents to the Atlantis and the Riviera Black Hawk or require us to use more expensive, and therefore, less profitable promotions to compete more efficiently. Competitive pressures from internet gaming could also affect our future operations.

 

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In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, competition in existing markets has intensified. We have invested in expanding the Atlantis, and have plans to renovate and expand Riviera Black Hawk. Our competitors have also invested in expanding their existing facilities and developing new facilities. This expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors have increased competition in our markets, and this intense competition can be expected to continue. In addition, competition may intensify if our competitors commit additional resources to aggressive pricing and promotional activities in order to attract customers.

 

If our competitors operate more successfully than we do, if they attract customers away from us as a result of aggressive pricing and promotion, if they are more successful than us in attracting and retaining employees, if their properties are enhanced or expanded, if they operate in jurisdictions that give them operating advantages due to differences or changes in gaming regulations or taxes, or if additional hotels and casinos are established in and around our markets, we may lose market share or the ability to attract or retain employees. In particular, the expansion of casino gaming in or near any geographic area from which we attract or expect to attract a significant number of our customers could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We also believe that the legalization of additional land-based casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area in the Atlantis’ or Riviera Black Hawk’s key non-Reno or non-Denver marketing areas could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

In addition, Native American gaming facilities in some instances operate under regulatory requirements less stringent than those imposed on our properties, which could provide them a competitive advantage in our markets. Moreover, there is a possibility of competition from internet and other account wagering gaming services, which would allow their guests to wager on a wide variety of sporting events and play Las Vegas-style casino games from home, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.  The legalization of internet poker and other forms of internet gaming could create further competition for our operations.

 

OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY STAFF OUR OPERATIONS

 

From time to time, the competition for employees increases. During such times, new and growing business in the area may create job opportunities that at times have exceeded the area’s supply of qualified employees. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, or if competition for employees results in materially increased wages, our ability to maintain and grow our business could be adversely impacted.

 

OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

 

The terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001, were unprecedented events that created economic and business uncertainties, especially for the travel and tourism industry. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses, and other acts of war or hostility have created economic and political uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition in ways we cannot predict.

 

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AN OUTBREAK OF HIGHLY INFECTIOUS DISEASE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO OUR FACILITIES AND DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS, RESULTING IN A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOWS

 

There have been recent fears concerning the spread of certain influenza or other diseases and cruise ships have, from time to time reported other highly infectious virus outbreaks. Potential future outbreaks of highly infectious diseases may adversely affect the number of visitors to our property and our business and prospects. Furthermore, an outbreak might disrupt our ability to adequately staff our business and could generally disrupt our operations. If any of our guests or employees is suspected of having contracted certain highly contagious diseases, we may be required to quarantine these customers or employees or the affected areas of our facilities and temporarily suspend part or all of our operations at affected facilities. Any new outbreak of such a highly infectious disease could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

FAILURE OF THE RENO-SPARKS CONVENTION CENTER TO BOOK AND ATTRACT CONVENTION BUSINESS COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS AT THE ATLANTIS

 

The Atlantis is the closest hotel-casino to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. If the Reno-Sparks Convention Center does not succeed in booking the anticipated level of conventions, our future results of operations could be adversely impacted.

 

OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY GAMING REGULATORY AUTHORITIES THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT US

 

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities are subject to extensive state and local regulation. The State of Nevada, the State of Colorado and the applicable local authorities require various licenses, registrations, permits and approvals to be held by us and our subsidiaries. The Nevada Gaming Commission and the Colorado Commission may, among other things, limit, condition, suspend, revoke or decline to renew a license or approval to own the stock of our subsidiaries for any cause deemed reasonable by such licensing authority. If we violate gaming laws or regulations, substantial fines could be levied against us, our subsidiaries and the persons involved, and we could be forced to forfeit a portion of our assets. The suspension, revocation or non-renewal of any of our licenses or the levy on us of substantial fines or forfeiture of assets would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

To date, we have obtained all governmental licenses, findings of suitability, registrations, permits and approvals necessary for the operation of our current gaming activities. However, gaming licenses and related approvals are deemed to be privileges under Nevada and Colorado law. We cannot assure you that our existing licenses, permits and approvals will be maintained or extended.

 

OUR INSURANCE COVERAGE MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO COVER ALL POSSIBLE LOSSES THAT OUR PROPERTIES COULD SUFFER. IN ADDITION, OUR INSURANCE COSTS MAY INCREASE AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE SAME INSURANCE COVERAGE IN THE FUTURE

 

Although we have general property insurance covering damage caused by a casualty loss (such as fire and natural disasters), each such policy has certain exclusions. In addition, our property insurance is in an amount that may be less than the expected replacement cost of rebuilding the applicable complex if there was a total loss. Our level of insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all losses in the event of a major casualty. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, acts of war, loss of income due to cancellation of room reservations or conventions due to fear of terrorism, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage and pollution, might not be covered at all under our policies. Therefore, certain acts could expose us to heavy, uninsured losses.

 

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In addition, although we currently have insurance coverage for occurrences of terrorist acts and for certain losses that could result from these acts, our terrorism coverage is subject to the same risks and deficiencies as those described above for our general property coverage. The lack of sufficient insurance for these types of acts could expose us to heavy losses in the event that any damages occur, directly or indirectly, as a result of terrorist attacks or otherwise, which could have a significant negative impact on our operations.

 

In addition to the damage caused to our property by a casualty loss (such as fire, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism), we may suffer business disruption as a result of these events or be subject to claims by third parties injured or harmed. While we carry business interruption insurance and general liability insurance, this insurance may not be adequate to cover all losses in such event.

 

We renew our insurance policies on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may become so high that we may need to reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage. Among other factors, it is possible that homeland security concerns, other catastrophic events or any change in government legislation governing insurance coverage for acts of terrorism could materially adversely affect available insurance coverage and result in increased premiums on available coverage (which may cause us to elect to reduce our policy limits) and additional exclusions from coverage. Among other potential future adverse changes, in the future we may elect not to, or may not be able to, obtain any coverage for losses due to acts of terrorism.

 

Our debt instruments and other material agreements require us to maintain a certain minimum level of insurance. Failure to satisfy these requirements could result in an event of default under these debt instruments or material agreements, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

IF GAMING TAXES AND FEES ARE INCREASED, OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED

 

The federal government has, from time to time, considered a federal tax on casino revenues and may consider such a tax in the future. State and local authorities raise a significant amount of revenue through taxes and fees on gaming activities. From time to time, legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. In addition, worsening economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes or other fees. If the state and/or local governments where our properties are located were to increase gaming taxes and fees, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

IF WE LOSE OUR KEY PERSONNEL, OUR BUSINESS COULD BE MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED

 

We depend on the continued performances of John Farahi and Bob Farahi, our Chief Executive Officer and our President, respectively, and their management team. If we lose the services of the Farahi brothers, or other senior Atlantis management personnel, and cannot replace such persons in a timely manner, our business could be materially adversely affected.

 

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CLAIMS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST US AND OUR SUBSIDIARIES IN VARIOUS LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, AND ADDITIONAL LEGAL AND TAX CLAIMS ARISE FROM TIME TO TIME

 

It is possible that our cash flows and results of operations could be affected by the resolution of legal and other claims. We believe that the ultimate disposition of current matters will not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Please see the further discussion under “Legal Proceedings” in Item 3 of this Form 10-K.

 

WE OWN FACILITIES THAT ARE LOCATED IN AREAS THAT EXPERIENCE EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

 

Extreme weather conditions may interrupt our operations, damage our properties and reduce the number of customers who visit our facilities in the affected areas. Snowstorms, other adverse weather conditions or forest or range fires may interrupt our operations, damage our properties and reduce the number of customers who visit our facilities in the affected areas. If there is a prolonged disruption at either our Atlantis or Riviera Black Hawk properties due to natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

While we maintain insurance coverage that may cover certain of the costs and loss of revenue that we incur as a result of some extreme weather conditions, our coverage is subject to deductibles and limits on maximum benefits. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fully collect, if at all, on any claims resulting from extreme weather conditions. If any of our properties are damaged or if their operations are disrupted as a result of extreme weather in the future, or if extreme weather adversely impacts general economic or other conditions in the areas in which our properties are located or from which they draw their patrons, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

WE ARE SUBJECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

 

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including emissions and discharges into the environment, and the handling and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and wastes. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties or the imposition of other liabilities or restrictions. As we acquire properties, we may not know the full level of exposure that we may have undertaken despite appropriate due diligence.

 

We also are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs of remediating contaminated soil or groundwater on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, as well as incur liability to third parties impacted by such contamination. The presence of contamination, or failure to remediate it properly, may adversely affect our ability to use, sell or rent property. The Riviera Black Hawk is located within an area of historic mining activity and near superfund sites that have been the subject of state and federal clean-up actions. Although the Riviera Black Hawk is not part of a superfund site, the fact that such sites are in the vicinity and that mining activities occurred throughout the area, it is possible that as a result of our ownership and operation of Riviera Black Hawk (on which mining may have occurred in the past), we may incur costs related to this matter in the future. Furthermore, there may have been soil or groundwater contamination at certain of our properties resulting from current or former operations. None of these matters or other matters arising under environmental laws has had a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations; however, there can be no assurance that such matters will not have such an effect in the future.

 

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ENERGY PRICE INCREASES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR COST OF OPERATIONS AND OUR REVENUES

 

Our facilities use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. While no shortages of energy or fuel have been experienced to date, increases in energy and fuel prices in the United States may negatively affect our operating results. The extent of the impact is subject to the magnitude and duration of the energy and fuel price increases, but this impact could be material. In addition, energy and gasoline price increases in cities that constitute a significant source of customers for our properties could result in a decline in disposable income of potential customers and a corresponding decrease in visitation and spending at our properties, which would negatively impact revenues.

 

CHANGES IN REGULATIONS ON LAND USE REQUIREMENTS COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS

 

A change in regulations on land use requirements with regard to development of new hotel casinos in the proximity of the Atlantis and the Riviera Black Hawk could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. A relaxation in such regulations could make it easier for competitors to enter our immediate market. A tightening of such regulations could adversely impact our future expansion opportunities.

 

OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY HIGH-END PLAYERS’ WINNINGS

 

Although not the major focus of our marketing efforts, we have selectively targeted high-end players. Should one or more of these high-end players win large sums in our casino, or should a material amount of credit extended to such players not be repaid, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.

 

OUR COMMON STOCK PRICE MAY FLUCTUATE SUBSTANTIALLY, AND A STOCKHOLDER’S INVESTMENT COULD DECLINE IN VALUE

 

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially due to many factors, including:

 

·                  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations;

·                  announcements of significant acquisitions or other agreements by us or by our competitors;

·                  our sale of common stock or other securities in the future;

·                  trading volume of our common stock;

·                  conditions and trends in the gaming and destination entertainment industries;

·                  changes in the estimation of the future size and growth of our markets; and

·                  general economic conditions, including, without limitation, changes in the cost of fuel and air travel.

 

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In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to companies’ operating performance. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholder derivative lawsuits and/or securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.

 

WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO ISSUE ADDITIONAL EQUITY SECURITIES, WHICH WOULD LEAD TO DILUTION OF OUR ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK

 

The issuance of additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities would result in dilution of our existing stockholders’ equity interests in us. Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue, without vote or action of stockholders, preferred stock in one or more series, and has the ability to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of any such series. Any such series of preferred stock could contain dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation preferences or other rights superior to the rights of holders of our common stock. If we issue convertible preferred stock, a subsequent conversion may dilute the current common stockholders’ interest.

 

WE DO NOT INTEND TO PAY CASH DIVIDENDS. AS A RESULT, STOCKHOLDERS WILL BENEFIT FROM AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMON STOCK ONLY IF IT APPRECIATES IN VALUE

 

We have never paid a cash dividend on our common stock, and we do not plan to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance our operations and further expansion and growth of our business, including acquisitions. As a result, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. We cannot guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which stockholders have purchased their shares.

 

WE FACE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GROWTH AND INTEGRATION

 

In April 2012, we acquired Riviera Black Hawk.  The expansion of our operations, whether through acquisitions, development or internal growth, could divert management’s attention and could also cause us to incur substantial costs, including legal, professional and consulting fees. There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop or profitably manage our additional operations or successfully integrate such operations into our existing operations without substantial costs, delays or other problems.  Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will receive necessary licenses or approvals for expansion and development projects currently being contemplated.

 

We could face significant challenges in managing and integrating our expanded or combined operations. The integration of Riviera Black Hawk requires the dedication of management resources that may temporarily divert attention from the Atlantis. The process of integrating Riviera Black Hawk, if not successful could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Management of new properties, especially in new geographic areas, may require that we increase our management resources. Our ability to achieve our objectives in connection with our acquisition may be highly dependent on, among other things, our ability to retain or train capable executives.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage the combined operations effectively or realize any of the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions. We also cannot assure you that the acquired business will generate returns consistent with our expectations.

 

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The occurrence of some or all of the above described events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

OUR EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS MAY FACE SIGNIFICANT RISKS INHERENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

 

We expect to commence expansion and renovation projects at Riviera Black Hawk in the future.

 

Such projects and any other development projects we may undertake will be subject to the many risks inherent in the expansion or renovation of an existing enterprise or construction of a new enterprise, including unanticipated design, construction, regulatory, environmental and operating problems and lack of demand for our projects. Our current and future projects could also experience:

 

·                  delays and significant cost increases;

·                  shortages of materials;

·                  shortages of skilled labor or work stoppages;

·                  poor performance or nonperformance by any  third parties on whom we place reliance;

·                  unforeseen construction scheduling, engineering, environmental, permitting, construction or geological problems; and

·                  weather interference, floods, fires or other casualty losses.

 

The completion dates of any of our projects could differ significantly from expectations for construction-related or other reasons.

 

In addition, actual costs and construction periods for any of our projects can differ significantly from initial expectations. Our initial project costs and construction periods will be based upon budgets, conceptual design documents and construction schedule estimates prepared at inception of the project in consultation with architects and contractors. Many of these costs can increase over time as the project is built to completion.

 

The cost of any project may vary significantly from initial budget expectations and we may have a limited amount of capital resources to fund cost overruns. If we cannot finance cost overruns on a timely basis, the completion of one or more projects may be delayed until adequate funding is available. We can provide no assurance that any project will be completed on time, if at all, or within established budgets, or that any project will result in increased earnings to us. Significant delays, cost overruns, or failures of our projects to achieve market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

OUR EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS MAY FACE SIGNIFICANT RISKS INHERENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OR IMPLEMENTING A NEW MARKETING STRATEGY, INCLUDING RECEIPT OF NECESSARY GOVERNMENT APPROVALS

 

Certain permits, licenses and approvals necessary for some of our anticipated projects have not yet been obtained. The scope of the approvals required for expansion or renovation projects can be extensive and may include gaming approvals, state and local land-use permits and building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or concessions required by local, state or federal regulatory authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not obtain the necessary permits, licenses and approvals within the anticipated time frames, or at all.

 

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In addition, although we will design our projects to minimize disruption of our existing business operations, expansion and renovation projects require, from time to time, all or portions of affected existing operations to be closed or disrupted.  Any significant disruption in operations of a property could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

 

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO FINANCE OUR EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS, AS WELL AS OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, THROUGH CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS, BORROWINGS UNDER OUR NEW CREDIT FACILITY AND ADDITIONAL FINANCINGS, OUR EXPANSION AND RENOVATION EFFORTS WILL BE JEOPARDIZED

 

We intend to finance our future expansion and renovation projects, as well as our other capital expenditures, primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under our New Credit Facility, and debt financings. If we are unable to finance our future expansion and renovation projects, or our other capital expenditures, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or abandoning planned expansion and renovation projects as well as other capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, considering obtaining equity financing or joint venture partners, or modifying our New Credit Facility. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner, or at all. In addition, our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness.

 

In the past few years there have been significant disruptions in the global capital markets that have adversely impacted the ability of borrowers to access capital. We anticipate that these disruptions may continue for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that funding for any of our expansion projects would come from cash flows from operations and availability under our New Credit Facility (to the extent that availability exists under our New Credit Facility, as applicable, after we meet our working capital needs).

 

If availability under our New Credit Facility does not exist or we are otherwise unable to make sufficient borrowings thereunder, any additional financing that is needed may not be available to us or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us. As a result, if we are unable to obtain adequate project financing in a timely manner, or at all, we may be forced to sell assets in order to raise capital for projects, limit the scope of, or defer such projects, or cancel the projects altogether. In the event that capital markets do not improve and we are unable to access capital with more favorable terms, additional equity and/or credit support may be necessary to obtain construction financing for the remaining cost of the project.

 

OUR ABILITY TO OPERATE INTRASTATE INTERACTIVE POKER IN NEVADA IS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS

 

On August 23, 2012, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved our application for a license to conduct intrastate interactive gaming in the State of Nevada, which approval was extended for six months on February 26, 2013.  Under the approval and before the license is issued, we will still be required to meet the Commission’s conditions.  In addition, before launching the interactive gaming business, within six months of February 26, 2013, we will be required to enter into one or more contracts with licensed interactive gaming service providers, which contracts have not yet been consummated.  Nevada law currently limits permissible interactive gaming to poker.

 

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Our ability to offer interactive poker in the State of Nevada is subject to, among other things, the following:

 

·                  Satisfaction of all conditions imposed by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which include, approval of, and attestation by an independent accountant, of internal controls with respect to interactive gaming, adoption of a gaming compliance plan with respect to interactive gaming, and filing with, and approval of, a plan of operations with the Nevada Gaming Control Board;

·                  Payment of a license fee of $500,000, to cover a two-year period, or a pro-rata amount based upon the time of payment;

·                  Entry into one or more contracts with licensed interactive gaming service provider(s) that will provide the necessary hardware and software systems to conduct interactive gaming;

·                  Nevada regulatory approval of the interactive gaming systems, which, to date, have not yet been approved; and

·                  Market and economic conditions that will, in the opinion of our management, justify launching interactive poker.

 

We are unable to provide assurances of the date of completion of all such conditions described above, but we are focused initially on selecting one or more interactive service providers.  If we do not commence interactive gaming operations within six months of February 26, 2013, we must seek an extension of our approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

There were no unresolved comments from the SEC staff at the time of filing this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Our properties consist of:

 

Reno, Nevada Properties:

(a)  An approximately 13-acre site on which the Atlantis is situated, including the hotel towers, casino, restaurant facilities and surrounding parking.

 

(b)  An approximately 16-acre site, adjacent to the Atlantis and connected to the Atlantis by the Sky Terrace, which includes approximately 11 acres of paved parking used for customer, employee and valet parking.  The remainder of the site is undeveloped.  This site is compliant with all casino zoning requirements and is suitable and available for future expansion of the Atlantis facilities, parking, or complementary resort casino and/or entertainment amenities.  We have not determined the ultimate use of this site.

 

(c)  An approximately 2.6-acre site across Virginia Street from the Atlantis which is utilized as administrative offices (“the Administrative Site”) for Atlantis staff.

 

(d)  Leased land consisting of 37,368 square-feet next door to the Atlantis serving as a driveway entrance to the Atlantis.  The lease term ends in 2019.  For a further description of the lease terms, see Item 8, “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, NOTE 5”.

 

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(e)  An approximate 2.3-acre site adjacent to the Administrative Site which is currently unused.

 

(f)  An approximate 5.3-acre site with a 14,376 square foot building across Coliseum Way from the Atlantis which is currently unused.

 

Black Hawk, Colorado Properties:

(a)  An approximate 1.6 acre site on which the Riviera Black Hawk Casino is situated including the casino and parking structure.

 

(b) An approximate 1.5-acre site in Black Hawk, Colorado contiguous to the Riviera Black Hawk Casino.   We expect to use this site for potential expansion of the Black Hawk property.

 

Our credit facility is secured by liens on all of our real property.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

As previously disclosed, litigation was filed against Monarch on January 27, 2006, by Kerzner International Limited (“Kerzner”) owner of the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas in the United States District Court, District of Nevada, case number 3:06-cv-00232-ECR (RAM).  The complaint sought declaratory judgment prohibiting Monarch from using the name “Atlantis” in connection with offering casino services other than at Monarch’s Atlantis Casino Resort Spa located in Reno, Nevada, and particularly prohibiting Monarch from using the “Atlantis” name in connection with offering casino services in Las Vegas, Nevada; injunctive relief enforcing the same; and other relief.  Monarch filed a counterclaim against Kerzner seeking to cancel Kerzner’s federal registration of the Atlantis mark for casino services and to obtain declaratory relief in its favor on issues related to Monarch’s use of the mark, as raised by Kerzner’s complaint. (Monarch also filed a concurrent action with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”) seeking cancellation of Kerzner’s federal registration.  That administrative action was stayed by the TTAB pending outcome of the district court litigation.)  Upon conclusion of discovery various motions were filed by the parties.  On December 14, 2009, the court ruled on the pending motions, and identified a single remaining factual question concerning Kerzner’s alleged fame that potentially was dispositive of Kerzner’s claims.  After addressing additional procedural matters, on June 3, 2010, the court directed the parties to file the proposed joint pretrial order.  In the proposed joint pretrial order, Kerzner conceded that it could not prove the sole dispositive issue of fame and requested the court to make entry of judgment against Kerzner.  The court treated Kerzner’s request as a motion to dismiss and for entry of judgment, and on October 8, 2010 issued an order granting dismissal and entry of judgment against Kerzner.  On February 10, 2011, the court issued its final judgment against Kerzner and in favor of Monarch with respect to all claims asserted by Kerzner in the Complaint.  As to Monarch’s Counterclaims, the court granted all remaining counterclaims in favor of Monarch, including declaratory relief that: Monarch’s use of the Atlantis mark does not infringe on Kerzner’s rights; Monarch has developed valid common law rights in the Atlantis mark for casino services; Monarch owns a valid Nevada state trademark for the Atlantis mark in casino services; Monarch has the exclusive ability to use the Atlantis mark for casino services within the State of Nevada by virtue of its Nevada state registration; and  Monarch has the right and ability to use and convey rights in the Atlantis name and mark in connection with casino services in Las Vegas, Nevada, and to do so does not constitute deceptive trade practices under Nevada law.  The court declined Monarch’s request for cancellation of Kerzner’s federal registration and for attorneys’ fees, but awarded costs of suit to Monarch as the prevailing party.  (The TTAB action for cancellation of Kerzner’s federal registration remains pending.)  On March 11, 2011, Kerzner filed its Notice of Appeal, appealing the above referenced final judgment.  Monarch believes that the district court’s rulings, from which Kerzner has appealed, are sound and intends to vigorously oppose Kerzner’s appeal.  Additionally, Monarch has filed a cross-appeal on the bases that the district court erred by failing to cancel Kerzner’s federal registration of the Atlantis mark for gaming, and by not awarding attorneys’ fees to Monarch.  The case number assigned in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal is 11-15675.  The briefing schedule at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal has been stayed while the parties explore the possibility of settlement.

 

We are party to other claims that arise in the normal course of business.  Management believes that the outcomes of such claims will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

(a)  Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol MCRI. The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices of our common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market, during the periods indicated.

 

		2012						2011
		High			Low			High			Low
First quarter		$	11.41		$	9.70		$	13.11		$	9.79
Second quarter		$	10.67		$	8.21		$	11.70		$	8.91
Third quarter		$	9.30		$	7.05		$	11.63		$	8.96
Fourth quarter		$	11.52		$	8.23		$	10.82		$	8.55

 

As of March 5, 2013, there were approximately 70 holders of record of our common stock, and approximately 1,800 beneficial stockholders.

 

We have never paid dividends. We presently intend to retain earnings and use free cash flow to finance our operating activities, for maintenance capital expenditures and to pay down our debt. We do not anticipate declaring cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Our bank loan agreement also contains provisions that require the achievement of certain financial ratios before we can pay or declare dividends to our stockholders. See Item 8, “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, NOTE 6.”

 

For information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, see Part III, Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

 

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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The following chart reflects the cumulative total return (change in stock price plus reinvested dividends) of a $100 investment in the Company’s Common Stock from the five-year period from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2012, in comparison to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index and an industry peer group index. The comparisons are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

 

		Period Ending
Index		12/31/07		12/31/08		12/31/09		12/31/10		12/31/11		12/31/12
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.		100.00		48.38		33.64		51.91		42.32		45.31
S&P 500		100.00		63.00		79.68		91.68		93.61		108.59
MCRI Peer Group Index*		100.00		15.93		23.98		52.89		50.00		57.79

 

*MCRI Peer Group 2012 comprised of:  Ameristar Casinos, Inc. (ASCA); Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD); Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (ISLE); Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS); MGM Resorts International (MGM); Nevada Gold & Casinos, Inc. (UWN); Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN); Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (PNK); and Wynn Resorts, Ltd (WYNN).

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

		Years ended December 31,
		(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
		2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
OPERATING RESULTS
Casino revenues		$	134,614		$	97,367		$	99,813		$	94,511		$	100,904
Other revenues		76,432			72,398			70,655			64,941			66,688
Gross revenues		211,046			169,765			170,468			159,452			167,592
Promotional allowances		(40,689		)	(29,133		)	(28,438		)	(25,720		)	(26,222		)
Net revenues		170,357			140,632			142,030			133,732			141,370
Income from operations		15,983		(F1)	9,770		(F2)	14,033		(F3)	9,142		(F4)	14,686		(F5)
Income before income tax		13,959			8,856			12,575			7,163			14,518
Net income		$	8,911		$	5,676		$	8,236		$	4,841		$	9,541
INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
Net income per common share
Basic		$	0.55		$	0.35		$	0.51		$	0.30		$	0.56
Diluted		$	0.55		$	0.35		$	0.51		$	0.30		$	0.56
Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding
Basic		16,140			16,138			16,131			16,123			16,958
Diluted		16,250			16,231			16,206			16,159			17,017
OTHER DATA
Depreciation and amortization		$	16,651		$	13,380		$	13,281		$	12,501		$	9,892
Other expense		$	(2,024	)	$	(914	)	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,979	)	$	(168	)
Capital expenditures (F6)		$	10,329		$	17,392		$	6,815		$	15,845		$	67,882
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Total assets		$	248,120		$	179,600		$	179,734		$	185,787		$	182,502
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,000		$	2,500
Long-term debt, less current maturities		$	81,100		$	24,680		$	28,600		$	47,500		$	47,500
Stockholders’ equity (F7)		$	140,848		$	130,516		$	122,582		$	112,504		$	105,595

 

Footnotes to Selected Financial Data:

(F1)  2012 includes $2.2 million of non-recurring acquisition expense directly related to our acquisition of the Riviera Black Hawk casino in April 2012.

(F2)  2011 includes a $3.5 million one-time, non-cash charge related to the demolition of a free standing building on a parcel near the Atlantis.

(F3)  2010 includes a $414 thousand one-time charge related to the demolition of the Company’s 149 room motor lodge.

(F4)  2009 includes a $64 thousand gain on disposal of fixed assets and a $1.4 million one-time charge related to the implementation of a new frequent player club.

(F5)  2008 includes a $34 thousand gain on disposal of fixed assets.

(F6)  Includes amounts financed with debt or capitalized lease obligations.

(F7)  We paid no dividends during the five year period ended December 31, 2012.

 

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., through its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. (“Golden Road”), Monarch Growth Inc. (“Monarch Growth”), Monarch Black Hawk, Inc. (“Monarch Black Hawk”), High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (“High Desert”) and Golden North, Inc. (“Golden North”), owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”); the Riviera Black Hawk Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado (“Riviera Black Hawk”); and real estate proximate to the Atlantis and Riviera Black Hawk.

 

Monarch’s wholly owned subsidiary Monarch Interactive, Inc. (“Monarch Interactive”) received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission on August 23, 2012, which approval was extended on February 26, 2013 for six months pending commencement of operations, for a license as an operator of interactive gaming.  Before the license can be issued, a number of conditions must be met, within six months of the February 26, 2013 approval, and before operations can commence, the Company must enter into contracts with a licensed interactive gaming service provider with an approved system.  None of these conditions have occurred, and Monarch Interactive is not currently engaged in any operating activities.  In Nevada, legal interactive gaming is currently limited to intrastate poker.

 

Our operating assets are the Atlantis and the Riviera Black Hawk.  Our business strategy is to maximize revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage operations and at the Atlantis, our hotel operations.  The Riviera Black Hawk does not yet have a hotel.  We focus on delivering exceptional service and value to our guests.  Our hands-on management style focuses on customer service and cost efficiencies.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, “Monarch,” “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

Operating Results Summary

 

Our operating results may be affected by, among other things, competitive factors, gaming tax increases, the commencement of new gaming operations, construction at our facilities, general public sentiment regarding travel, overall economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the disposable income of our patrons and weather conditions affecting our properties.  In particular, our results for the year ended December 31, 2012 were impacted by non-recurring expenses in connection with the acquisition of Riviera Black Hawk, Inc.  Consequently, our operating results for any quarter or year are not necessarily comparable and may not be indicative of future periods’ results.

 

The following significant factors and trends should be considered in analyzing our operating performance:

 

Atlantis:  As in many other areas around the country, the impacts of the economic decline and weakness in northern Nevada that began in the fourth quarter of 2007 continued to be felt in 2012.  Aggressive marketing programs by our competitors also posed challenges to us during that time.  Furthermore, based on statistics released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Reno gaming revenue market has shrunk in the aggregate.  We anticipate that the ongoing macroeconomic weakness nationally and in the Reno market, combined with aggressive marketing programs of our competitors, will continue to apply downward pressure on Atlantis revenue.

 

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Riviera Black Hawk:  On April 26, 2012, we acquired Riviera Black Hawk, Inc., the owner of the Riviera Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado which is located approximately 40 miles from Denver, Colorado.  Our initial focus with the Riviera Black Hawk is to maximize casino and food and beverage revenues.  There is currently no hotel on the property.  We have evaluated all aspects of operations and have begun to implement certain operational changes which we believe will enhance the guest experience and reduce costs.  We have also begun to develop a master plan of future improvements to the Riviera Black Hawk, which we expect to include, among other things, a property-wide renovation, including renovations of all casino, restaurant, public areas, and, subject to our final evaluation, construction of a new multi-story parking facility, a hotel and related property amenities.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

 

Atlantis Operations:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, net revenue increased slightly to $140.9 million from $140.6 million for the same period of 2011, approximately $296 thousand or 0.2% due to higher casino, food and beverage and other revenues partially offset by lower hotel revenues and higher promotional allowances due to an increase in the amount of complimentary food, beverage and other services provided to casino patrons (“Complimentaries”).

 

The increase in casino revenues was primarily due to higher slot revenues.  Casino operating expenses as a percentage of casino revenue increased slightly to 39.6% as compared to 39.3% in the prior year primarily due to higher Complimentaries partially offset by higher casino net revenue.

 

Food and beverage revenues increased 1.5% during the year driven by a 1.3% decrease in covers served combined with a 3.0% increase in the average revenue per cover.  This increase in the average revenue per cover was the result of menu price increases in response to higher food commodity costs.  These menu price increases contributed to an improvement in the food and beverage operating expenses as a percentage of food and beverage revenue from 46.3% in prior year to 43.4% for the current year.

 

Hotel revenue decreased 5.8% due to lower average daily room rate (“ADR”) of $71.13 in 2012 compared to $74.22 in 2011 and lower hotel occupancy of 87.2% during 2012 compared to 89.1% during 2011.  Revenue per Available Room (“REVPAR”), calculated by dividing total room revenue (less service charges, if any) by total rooms available was $66.78 and $71.05 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Hotel operating expenses as a percent of hotel revenues increased slightly to 27.3% in 2012 as compared to 27.2% for the comparable prior year period due to lower revenues partially offset by lower miscellaneous operating expenses.

 

Promotional allowances as a percentage of gross revenues increased to 18.3% during 2012 from 17.2% during 2011.  This increase was primarily the result of increased promotional and discount programs in response to the challenging economic environment and ongoing competitor promotional and discount programs.

 

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Riviera Black Hawk Operations:

 

We acquired the Riviera Black Hawk on April 26, 2012, and therefore, no information is given for the year ended December 30, 2011.  The amounts of net revenue and operating income of Riviera Black Hawk included in the Company’s consolidated statement of income, after elimination of intercompany transactions, for the year ended December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Net revenues		$	29,429
Income from operations		$	6,350
Net income		$	3,953

 

Corporate and Other Expenses:

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $16.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to depreciation and amortization expense related to the addition of Riviera Black Hawk.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A Expense”) for 2012 increased by $9.1 million over the prior year, $6.6 million of which represents SG&A Expense from the Black Hawk operation for which the prior year reflects no expense.  The primary drivers of the remaining $2.5 million of increased Atlantis and Monarch Corporate SG&A Expense are: higher marketing expense of $1.7 million and higher salaries and benefits of $655 thousand, higher use tax expense of $670 thousand partially offset by lower license fees of $200 thousand, lower repairs and maintenance expense of $145 thousand, lower bad debt expense of $110 thousand and lower miscellaneous expenses of $100 thousand.  The higher use tax expense is primarily the result of a ruling from the Nevada Department of Taxation that complimentary meals are subject to use tax effective February 2012.  Following Nevada casino industry practice, the Company did not recognize use tax on complimentary meals in the prior year.

 

During 2012 and 2011, we incurred $2.2 million and $974 thousand, respectively, of non-recurring acquisition expense directly related to the acquisition of Riviera Black Hawk.

 

Because of borrowings required to complete the Riviera Black Hawk acquisition, the balance outstanding under our New Credit Facility increased from $24.7 million at December 31, 2011 to $81.1 million at December 31, 2012.  As a result, interest expense increased to $2.0 million in 2012 from $914 thousand in 2011 (see “THE CREDIT FACILITY” below).

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Periods Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we earned net income of $5.7 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, on net revenues of $140.6 million, compared to net income of $8.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, on net revenues of $142.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Income from operations totaled $9.8 million for 2011, a 30.4% decrease when compared to $14.0 million for 2010.

 

Casino revenues totaled $97.4 million in 2011, a decrease of 2.5% from the $99.8 million reported in 2010, driven primarily by a decrease in hold in table games which resulted in lower table games revenue.  Casino operating expenses were 39.3% of casino revenues in 2011 compared to 38.9% in 2010.  The increase was primarily due to the lower casino revenue combined with the cost of increased complimentary food, beverages and other services provided to casino patrons.

 

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Food and beverage revenues increased 4.8% to $42.9 million in 2011 from $41.0 million in 2010, due primarily to a 9.3% increase in average revenue per cover, due to menu price increases, partially offset by a 1.3% decrease in the number of covers served. Food and beverage operating expenses as a percentage of food and beverage revenue increased slightly to 46.3% in 2011 from 46.1% in 2010 primarily due to higher food and other commodity prices.

 

Hotel revenues decreased to $21.4 million in 2011 from $21.8 million in 2010.  There were fewer available rooms in 2011 due to the demolition of the stand-alone motor lodge in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The Atlantis’ ADR was $74.22 in 2011 compared to $69.06 in 2010.  The average occupancy rate at the Atlantis was 89.1% compared to 85.4% in 2010.  The higher ADR and occupancy rate was due to the demolition of the stand-alone motor lodge which left only premium quality hotel tower rooms remaining at the property.  Hotel operating expenses remained relatively unchanged at 27.2% of hotel revenues in 2011, compared to 27.3% in 2010.  In addition to the ADR, we charged guests a $10 per day resort fee in both years.  Revenue per Available Room (“REVPAR”), calculated by dividing total room revenue (less service charges, if any) by total rooms available was $71.05 and $58.98 for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Promotional allowances increased to $29.1 million in 2011 compared to $28.4 million in 2010.  As a percentage of gross revenue, the amount in 2011 increased to 17.2% as compared to 16.7% for 2010.  The increase is attributable to higher promotional efforts to maintain existing, and generate additional, revenues.

 

Other revenues in 2011 increased to $8.0 million, or 1.5%, compared to 2010 primarily due to higher revenues from our spa and salon.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased to $46.1 million in 2011 compared to $47.9 million in 2010 due primarily to lower utilities expense of $695 thousand, lower bad debt expense of $635 thousand, lower property tax of $259 thousand, lower rental and small equipment expense of $237 thousand. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A decreased to 32.8% in 2011 as compared to 33.7% in 2010 due to the higher net revenue combined with lower SG&A expense.

 

During 2011, we incurred $974 thousand of non-recurring acquisition expense directly related to the acquisition of Black Hawk.

 

In the third quarter of 2011, the Company incurred a $3.5 million one-time, non-cash charge related to the demolition of a free standing building on a parcel it owns near the Atlantis.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $13.4 million in 2011, an increase of 0.7% compared to $13.3 million in 2010 due to continued reinvestment in the property during the year.

 

Interest expense decreased to $0.9 million in 2011 from $1.5 million in 2010 due to decreased borrowings under our credit facility combined with lower interest rates (see “THE CREDIT FACILITY” below).

 

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CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT

 

We seek to continuously upgrade and maintain our facilities in order to present a fresh, high quality product to our guests.  Capital expenditures during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
Capital Expenditures:
Atlantis		$	3,530,254		$	5,231,414
Black Hawk (a)		6,798,661			—
		$	10,328,915		$	5,231,414

 

(a)         We acquired Riviera Black Hawk on April 26, 2012.

 

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, capital expenditures at both the Atlantis and Riviera Black Hawk consisted primarily of the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment and other general upgrades to their respective facilities.

 

In addition to the above listed capital expenditures for Atlantis and Riviera Black Hawk, during 2011, we acquired a 1.5 acre land parcel in Black Hawk, Colorado for $8.4 million and paid a $3.8 million deposit related to the acquisition of the Riviera Black Hawk. The land parcel is contiguous to the Riviera Black Hawk.

 

Future cash needed to finance ongoing capital expenditures and the redesign and upgrade of the Black Hawk property, is expected to be available from operating cash flow, the New Credit Facility (see “THE CREDIT FACILITY” below) and, if necessary, additional borrowings.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Certain of our policies, including the estimated useful lives assigned to our assets, the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts, self-insurance reserves, the calculation of income tax liabilities and the calculation of share-based compensation, require that we apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates.  By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.  Our judgments are based on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, observation of trends in the industry, information provided by customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate.  There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from our estimates.  To provide an understanding of the methodologies applied, our significant accounting policies are discussed where appropriate in this discussion and analysis and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Monarch and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company extends short-term credit to its gaming customers. Such credit is non-interest bearing and is due on demand.  In addition, the Company also has receivables due from hotel guests which are primarily secured with a credit card at the time a customer checks in.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is set up for all Company receivables based upon the Company’s historical collection and write-off experience, unless situations warrant a specific identification of a necessary reserve related to certain receivables.  The Company charges off its uncollectible receivables once all efforts have been made to collect such receivables. The book value of receivables approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables.

 

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Self-insurance Reserves

 

We are currently self-insured up to certain stop loss amounts for Atlantis workers’ compensation and certain medical benefit costs provided to all of our employees.  As required by the state of Colorado, we are fully-insured for Black Hawk workers’ compensation costs.  The Company reviews self-insurance reserves at least quarterly. The reserve is determined by reviewing the actual expenditures for the previous twelve-month period and reports prepared by the third party plan administrator for any significant unpaid claims.  The reserve is an amount estimated to pay both reported and unreported claims as of the balance sheet date.  We believe changes in medical costs, trends in claims of our employee base, accident frequency and severity and other factors could materially affect the estimate for this reserve.  Unforeseen developments in existing claims, or the possibility that our estimate of unreported claims differs materially from the actual amount of unreported claims, could result in the over or under estimation of our self-insurance reserve.

 

Capitalized Interest

 

The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with debt incurred in connection with major construction projects.  When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction project, the Company capitalizes interest on amounts expended on the project at the Company’s average borrowing cost.  Interest capitalization is ceased when the project is substantially complete.  The Company did not capitalize interest during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

Casino Revenues

 

Casino revenues represent the net win from gaming activity, which is the difference between wins and losses.  Additionally, net win is reduced by a provision for anticipated payouts on slot participation fees, progressive jackpots and any pre-arranged marker discounts.  Progressive jackpot provisions are recognized in two components:  1) as wagers are made for the share of player’s wagers that are contributed to the progressive jackpot award and 2) as jackpots are won for the portion of the progressive jackpot award contributed the Company.

 

Promotional Allowances

 

Our frequent player program allows members, through the frequency of their play at the casino, to earn and accumulate points which may be redeemed for a variety of goods and services (“Complimentaries”). Points may be applied toward hotel room stays, food and beverage consumption at the food outlets, gift shop items as well as goods and services at the spa and beauty salon and for cash in our Black Hawk property.  Points earned may also be applied toward off-property events such as concerts, shows and sporting events.

 

We recognize Complimentaries expense at the time points are earned, which occurs commensurate with casino patron play.  The amount of expense recognized is based on the estimated cost of the Complimentaries expected to be redeemed.

 

The retail value of hotel, food and beverage services provided to customers without charge is included in gross revenue and deducted as promotional allowances.  The cost of the products and services earned is reported as casino operating expense.

 

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Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are recorded in accordance with the liability method pursuant to authoritative guidance.  Under the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes, the following basic principles are applied in accounting for income taxes at the date of the financial statements: (a) a current liability or asset is recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on taxes for the current year; (b) a deferred income tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards; (c) the measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on the provisions of the enacted tax law; the effects of future changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated; and (d) the measurement of deferred income taxes is reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based upon available evidence, are not expected to be realized.

 

Our income tax returns are subject to examination by tax authorities. We assess potentially unfavorable outcomes of such examinations based on accounting standards for uncertain income taxes.  Under the accounting guidance, we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50.0% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.  The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is included in current and noncurrent tax liabilities, based on when expected to be recognized, within the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with authoritative guidance which establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods and services or incurs a liability in exchange for goods and services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. It requires an entity to measure the costs of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognize that cost over the service period.  We calculate the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

 

The Black-Scholes valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions which include the expected term of options granted, risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, and expected rates of dividends.  We estimate an expected term for each stock option grant based on the weighted-average time between grant date and exercise date and the risk-free interest rate assumption was based on U.S. Treasury rates appropriate for the expected term. We use historical data and projections to estimate expected volatility and expected employee behaviors related to option exercises and forfeitures.

 

Changes in the assumptions used can materially affect the estimate of the stock options’ fair value. In our judgment, the most volatile input for our Company has been the expected volatility assumption which has fluctuated significantly from 42.9% to 54.1 % and then again to 34.6% for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments has been determined by the Company, using available market information and valuation methodologies.  However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value; thus, the estimates provided herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

 

The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company tests its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each year, or whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level, and each of the Company’s casino properties is considered to be a reporting unit. The Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing utilizes a two-step process. In the first step, the estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to be impaired, and impairment is measured in the second step of the process.  In the second step, the Company estimates the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (Topic 250): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08) gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may allow them to skip the annual two-step test as appropriate.

 

Goodwill consists of the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. As of December 31, 2012, we recorded goodwill totaling $25.1 million related to the purchase of Riviera Black Hawk, Inc.

 

Business Combinations

 

The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations requires us to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which we may adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination) in a manner that is generally similar to the previous purchase method of accounting.

 

Under the acquisition method of accounting, we recognize separately from goodwill the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree, generally at the acquisition date fair value. We measure goodwill as of the acquisition date as the excess of consideration transferred, which we also measure at fair value, over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs that we incur to complete the business combination such as investment banking, legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration and we charge them to acquisition expense as they are incurred.

 

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Should the initial accounting for a business combination be incomplete by the end of a reporting period that falls within the measurement period, we report provisional amounts in our financial statements. During the measurement period, we adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date and we record those adjustments to our financial statements. We apply those measurement period adjustments that we determine to be significant retrospectively to comparative information in our financial statements, including adjustments to depreciation and amortization expense.

 

Under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, if we identify changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the measurement period and they relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those changes are considered a measurement period adjustment and we record the offset to goodwill. We record all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current period income tax expense.

 

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Our finite-lived intangible assets include assets related to its customer relationships and trade name for the Riviera Black Hawk, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.  We periodically evaluate the remaining useful lives of our finite- lived intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.

 

The customer relationship intangible asset represents the value associated with Riviera Black Hawk rated casino guests. The initial fair value of the customer relationship intangible asset was estimated based on the projected net cash flows associated with these casino guests. The recoverability of our customer relationship intangible asset could be affected by, among other things, increased competition within the gaming industry, a downturn in the economy, declines in customer spending which would impact the expected future cash flows associated with the rated casino guests, declines in the number of visitations which could impact the expected attrition rate of the rated casino guests, and erosion of operating margins associated with rated casino guests. Should events or changes in circumstances cause the carrying value of the customer relationship intangible asset to exceed its estimated fair value, an impairment charge in the amount of the excess would be recognized.

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for various valuation techniques e.g. market value, income approach and cost approach.  The levels of the hierarchy are described below:

 

·                  Level 1:  Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

·                  Level 2:  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and

 

·                  Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

 

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The fair value measurements relating to the acquired assets of Riviera Black Hawk was determined using inputs within Level 2 and Level 3 of ASC 820’s hierarchy.

 

Segment Reporting

 

We have defined two reportable segments, based on factors such as how we manage our operations and how our chief operating decision maker views results. We define the chief operating decision maker as our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Our chief operating decision maker organizes and manages our business primarily on the basis of Adjusted EBITDA.

 

We include expenses such as corporate selling, general and administrative expense, which is not allocated to specific segments, in corporate and other expense.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $26.1 million, an increase of approximately $3.5 million, or 15.5%, compared to the same period last year.  This increase was primarily related to higher net income, higher depreciation and amortization, higher deferred income taxes, higher receivables, higher inventories and higher accrued expenses all partially offset by higher amortization of deferred loan costs, lower loss on disposal of assets, lower accounts payable and lower income taxes payable in 2012 compared to 2011.

 

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $77.1 million and $17.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Net cash used in investing activities during 2012 consisted primarily of net cash paid to acquire Riviera Black Hawk and cash spent to acquire property and equipment.

 

During 2011, net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of $8.4 million for the acquisition of a land parcel in Black Hawk, Colorado contiguous to the Riviera Black Hawk, a $3.8 million acquisition deposit related to the acquisition agreement for Riviera Black Hawk, Inc., and capital expenditures for various general facility improvements and for purchase of additional gaming equipment.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $56.5 million during 2012 primarily related to borrowings made to complete the acquisition of Riviera Black Hawk compared to net cash used in financing activities of $5.4 million during 2011 primarily represents net payments of our New Credit Facility (see “THE CREDIT FACILITY” below) and loan issuance costs related to refinancing the previous credit facility.

 

We believe that our existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the New Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient resources to fund our operations, meet our debt obligations, and fulfill our capital expenditure plans; however, our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or eliminating planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital.  See item 1A. “Risk Factors”.

 

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2012 and the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

		Payments Due by Period (d)
					less than			1 to 3			4 to 5			more than
		Total			1 year			years			years			5 years
Contractual Cash Obligations:
Operating Leases (a)		$	2,522,500		$	395,000		$	740,000		$	740,000		$	647,500
Current Maturities of Borrowings Under New Credit Facility (b)		81,100,000			—			—			81,100,000			—
Purchase Obligations (c)		6,397,500			6,397,500			—			—			—
Total Contractual Cash Obligations		$	90,020,000		$	6,792,500		$	740,000		$	81,840,000		$	647,500

 

(a) Operating leases include $370,000 per year in lease and common area expense payments to the shopping center adjacent to the Atlantis and $25,000 due in less than one year related to an office equipment lease at Riviera Black Hawk.

 

(b) The amount represents outstanding draws against our New Credit Facility (see “LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES” above) as of December 31, 2012.

 

(c) Purchase obligations represent approximately $1.8 million of commitments related to capital projects and approximately $4.6 million of materials and supplies used in the normal operation of our business.  Of the total purchase order and construction commitments, approximately $4.6 million are cancelable by us upon providing a 30-day notice.

 

(d) Because interest payments under our New Credit Facility are subject to factors that in our judgment vary materially, the amount of future interest payments is not presently determinable.  These factors include: 1) future short-term interest rates; 2) our future leverage ratio which varies with Adjusted EBITDA and our borrowing levels and 3) the speed with which we deploy capital and other spending which in turn impacts the level of future borrowings.  The interest rate under our New Credit Facility is LIBOR, or a base rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility), plus an interest rate margin ranging from 0.25% to 2.50% depending on our leverage ratio and whether LIBOR or a base rate is utilized.  The interest rate is adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio which is calculated using operating results over the previous four quarters and borrowings at the end of the most recent quarter.  At December 31, 2012 our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings was LIBOR plus 2.250%.

 

THE CREDIT FACILITY

 

On November 15, 2011, we amended and restated our $60 million credit facility with a new facility (the “New Credit Facility”).  The New Credit Facility was utilized by us to finance the acquisition of Riviera Black Hawk, Inc. and may be used for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and for ongoing capital expenditure requirements.  The maximum available borrowings under the New Credit Facility are $100 million.

 

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The maturity date of the New Credit Facility is November 15, 2016.  Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of our real and personal property.

 

The New Credit Facility contains customary covenants for a facility of this nature, including, but not limited to, covenants requiring the preservation and maintenance of our assets and covenants restricting our ability to merge, transfer ownership of Monarch, incur additional indebtedness, encumber assets and make certain investments.  The New Credit Facility contains covenants requiring that we maintain certain financial ratios and achieves a minimum level of Earnings-Before-Interest-Taxes-Depreciation and Amortization and other non-cash charges (Adjusted EBITDA) on a trailing four-quarter basis.  It also contains provisions that restrict cash transfers between Monarch and its affiliates and contains provisions requiring the achievement of certain financial ratios before the Company can repurchase common stock or pay dividends. Management does not consider the covenants to restrict normal functioning of day-to-day operations.

 

As of December 31, 2012, we were required to maintain a leverage ratio, defined as consolidated debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA, of no more than 3.25:1 and a fixed charge coverage ratio (Adjusted EBITDA divided by fixed charges, as defined) of at least 1.15:1.  As of December 31, 2012, the Company’s leverage ratio was 2.02:1, and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 13.5:1.

 

The maximum principal available under the New Credit Facility is reduced by 1.5% per quarter beginning in the second quarter of 2013.  We may permanently reduce the maximum principal available at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $500 thousand and a multiple of $50 thousand.  Maturities of our borrowings for each of the three years and thereafter as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

Year		Maturities
2013		$	—
2014		—
2015		—
Thereafter		81,100
		$	81,100

 

We may prepay borrowings under the New Credit Facility without penalty (subject to certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period).  Amounts prepaid may be reborrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available.

 

We paid various one-time fees and other loan costs which totaled $1.6 million upon the closing of the  New Credit Facility that are being amortized over the term of the New Credit Facility using the straight-line method which approximates the effective interest method.

 

At December 31, 2012, we had $81.1 million outstanding under the New Credit Facility.  At that time our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the New Facility was LIBOR plus 2.250%.  At December 31, 2012 the one-month LIBOR interest rate was 0.21%.   The carrying value of the debt outstanding under the New Facility approximates fair value because the interest fluctuates with the lender’s prime rate or other market rates of interest.

 

We believe that our existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the New Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient resources to fund our operations, meet our debt obligations, and fulfill our capital expenditure plans over the next twelve months; however, our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or eliminating planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital.

 

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STATEMENT ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

 

Certain information included herein contains statements that may be considered forward-looking, such as statements relating to projections of future results of operations or financial condition, expectations for our properties, expectations of the continued availability of capital resources and plans, construction, completion and opening of new and expanded facilities at our properties. Any forward-looking statement made by us necessarily is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and are subject to change.  Actual results of our operations may vary materially from any forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf.  Forward-looking statements should not be regarded as representation by us or any other person that the forward-looking statements will be achieved.  Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements.  Some of the contingencies and uncertainties to which any forward-looking statement contained herein are subject to include, but are not limited to, those set forth above in the heading “ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.”

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In April 2010, the FASB issued guidance on accruing for jackpot liabilities that clarifies that an entity should not accrue jackpot liabilities (or portions thereof) before a jackpot is won if the entity can legally avoid paying that jackpot (for example, by removing the gaming machine from the casino floor). Jackpots should be accrued and charged to revenue when an entity has the obligation to pay the jackpot. This guidance applies to both base jackpots and the incremental portion of progressive jackpots.  The guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010 and was applied by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption. Under Nevada gaming regulations, the removal of base jackpots is not prohibited and upon adoption, the Company reversed previously accrued base jackpots of $639 thousand as of January 1, 2011 as a credit to opening retained earnings.  This adoption did not affect the accounting for progressive jackpots, as the Company’s existing accounting was in accordance with the new guidance.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued amendments to enhance disclosures about offsetting and related arrangements. This information will enable the users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position, including the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain financial and derivative instruments. These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The disclosures required by these amendments should be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Management does not believe that these amendments will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)-Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”). Under the amendments in ASU 2011-08, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the two-step impairment test. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (ASC Topic 350) Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU No. 2012-02 amends the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by allowing companies to first assess the qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset might be impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test.  The changes to the ASC as a result of this update are effective prospectively for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 (January 1, 2013 for the Company).  The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under review and study by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, we have not yet determined the effect, if any, that the implementation of any such proposed or revised standards would have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market risks and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.  We do not have any cash or cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012 subject to market risk.  As of December 31, 2012 we had $81.1 million of outstanding debt under our New Credit Facility that was subject to credit risk.  A 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the New Credit Facility at December 31, 2012 would result in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $811 thousand.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.:

 

We have audited Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated March 15, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 15, 2013

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012.  Our audits also included the financial statements schedule listed in the index at Item 15(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statements schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for casino jackpots effective January 1, 2011.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 15, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 15, 2013

 

46

 

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011			2010
Revenues
Casino		$	134,613,470		$	97,367,121		$	99,813,126
Food and beverage		47,238,348			42,933,675			40,979,514
Hotel		20,199,517			21,438,854			21,767,117
Other		8,994,127			8,025,571			7,908,525
Gross revenues		211,045,462			169,765,221			170,468,282
Less promotional allowances		(40,688,498		)	(29,133,016		)	(28,438,255		)
Net revenues		170,356,964			140,632,205			142,030,027
Operating expenses
Casino		52,000,036			38,275,637			38,777,935
Food and beverage		19,774,844			19,861,195			18,874,351
Hotel		5,585,800			5,824,382			5,942,399
Other		2,978,007			2,891,231			2,825,692
Selling, general and administrative		55,228,994			46,137,232			47,881,105
Depreciation and amortization		16,650,604			13,379,538			13,281,396
Building demolition expense		—			3,519,148			414,099
Acquisition expense		2,155,521			973,607			—
Total operating expenses		154,373,806			130,861,970			127,996,977
Income from operations		15,983,158			9,770,235			14,033,050
Other expenses
Interest expense		(2,023,957		)	(914,308		)	(1,457,865		)
Total other expense		(2,023,957		)	(914,308		)	(1,457,865		)
Income before income taxes		13,959,201			8,855,927			12,575,185
Provision for income taxes		(5,048,353		)	(3,180,073		)	(4,338,924		)
Net income		$	8,910,848		$	5,675,854		$	8,236,261
Earnings per share of common stock
Net income
Basic		$	0.55		$	0.35		$	0.51
Diluted		$	0.55		$	0.35		$	0.51
Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding
Basic		16,140,078			16,138,158			16,131,321
Diluted		16,250,088			16,231,325			16,205,606

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

		December 31,
		2012			2011
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	19,043,213		$	13,582,659
Receivables, net		2,456,883			2,299,847
Inventories		2,382,802			2,165,109
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,636,422			6,198,882
Deferred income taxes		5,425,848			615,912
Total current assets		31,945,168			24,862,409
Property and equipment
Land		27,914,847			19,214,847
Land improvements		6,561,729			6,359,279
Buildings		150,843,298			135,643,298
Building improvements		11,681,100			11,575,883
Furniture and equipment		132,946,374			117,300,741
Leasehold improvements		1,346,965			1,346,965
		331,294,313			291,441,013
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(152,868,719		)	(138,227,868		)
Net property and equipment		178,425,594			153,213,145
Other assets
Goodwill		25,110,810			—
Intangible assets, net		10,204,691			—
Deferred income taxes		1,214,113			—
Other assets, net		1,219,579			1,524,050
Total other assets		37,749,193			1,524,050
Total assets		$	248,119,955		$	179,599,604
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	8,061,570		$	8,693,395
Accrued expenses		17,836,194			13,829,540
Income taxes payable		274,401			768,640
Total current liabilities		26,172,165			23,291,575
Long-term debt		81,100,000			24,680,000
Deferred income taxes		—			1,112,049
Total liabilities		107,272,165			49,083,624
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 19,096,300 shares issued; 16,147,324 outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 16,138,158 at December 31, 2011		190,963			190,963
Additional paid-in capital		34,363,690			33,178,345
Treasury stock, 2,948,976 shares at December 31, 2012 and 2,958,142 at December 31, 2011, at cost		(48,306,046		)	(48,541,663		)
Retained earnings		154,599,183			145,688,335
Total stockholders’ equity		140,847,790			130,515,980
Total liability and stockholder’s equity		$	248,119,955		$	179,599,604

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

		Common Stock					Additional
		Shares					Paid-in			Retained			Treasury
		Outstanding		Amount			Capital			Earnings			Stock			Total
Balance, December 31, 2009		16,125,388		$	190,963		$	30,041,083		$	131,137,355		$	(48,864,979	)	$	112,504,422
Exercise of stock options, including related tax benefit		12,770		—			(223,473		)	—			323,316			99,843
Share based compensation expense		—		—			1,741,083			—			—			1,741,083
Net income		—		—			—			8,236,261			—			8,236,261
Balance, December 31, 2010		16,138,158		$	190,963		$	31,558,693		$	139,373,616		$	(48,541,663	)	$	122,581,609
Share based compensation expense		—		—			1,619,652			—			—			1,619,652
Accounting change for base jackpots		—		—			—			638,865			—			638,865
Net income		—		—			—			5,675,854			—			5,675,854
Balance, December 31, 2011		16,138,158		$	190,963		$	33,178,345		$	145,688,335		$	(48,541,663	)	$	130,515,980
Exercise of stock options, including related tax benefit		9,166		—			(182,623		)	—			235,617			52,994
Share based compensation expense		—		—			1,367,968			—			—			1,367,968
Net income		—		—			—			8,910,848			—			8,910,848
Balance, December 31, 2012		16,147,324		$	190,963		$	34,363,690		$	154,599,183		$	(48,306,046	)	$	140,847,790

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	8,910,848		$	5,675,854		$	8,236,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		16,650,604			13,379,538			13,281,396
Amortization of deferred loan costs		304,471			258,863			257,579
Share based compensation		1,367,967			1,619,652			1,741,084
(Recoveries) provision for bad debts		(7,924		)	84,798			740,387
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets		(5,429		)	3,428,500			167,813
Deferred income taxes		(240,303		)	(2,377,510		)	(731,947		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of Riviera Black Hawk acquisition:
Receivables		(31,112		)	884,605			(1,714,934		)
Inventories		(124,693		)	(281,293		)	(176,949		)
Prepaid expenses		453,460			154,459			70,309
Accounts payable		(898,473		)	(1,523,100		)	1,232,485
Accrued expenses		164,302			391,059			3,021,263
Income taxes		(494,239		)	867,842			(145,748		)
Net cash provided by operating activities		26,049,479			22,563,267			25,978,999
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets		13,600			1,500			16,000
Acquisition of property and equipment		(10,328,915		)	(13,591,843		)	(6,814,562		)
Net cash paid for the Riviera Black Hawk acquisition		(66,746,605		)	—			—
Acquisition deposit		—			(3,800,000		)	—
Net cash used in investing activities		(77,061,920		)	(17,390,343		)	(6,798,562		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options		52,995			—			99,844
Principal payments on long-term debt		(21,340,000		)	(19,100,000		)	(21,200,000		)
Borrowings under credit facility		77,760,000			15,180,000			1,300,000
Loan issuance costs		—			(1,470,869		)	—
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		56,472,995			(5,390,869		)	(19,800,156		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		5,460,554			(217,945		)	(619,719		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		13,582,659			13,800,604			14,420,323
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	19,043,213		$	13,582,659		$	13,800,604
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest		$	1,658,453		$	532,795		$	1,144,613
Cash paid for income taxes		$	6,500,000		$	3,650,000		$	5,000,000
Cash paid for federal tax settlement		$	1,119,759		$	—		$	—
Non cash transaction - reduction of jackpot liability		$	—		$	638,865		$	—

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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