MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

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United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023

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☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from       to      .

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Commission File No. 0-22088

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

N/A

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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 ⌧ No ◻

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

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

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ⌧

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Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 19,134,974 shares of common stock are outstanding as of May 1, 2023.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

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

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except shares)

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The Notes to the 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

(In thousands, except shares, Unaudited)

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The Notes to the 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

(In thousands, Unaudited)

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

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2023

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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Basis of Presentation:

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Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. was incorporated in 1993. Unless otherwise indicated, “Monarch,” “us,” “we,” and the “Company” refer to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Monarch owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel and casino in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”) and Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, a hotel and casino in Black Hawk, Colorado (the “Monarch Black Hawk”). In addition, Monarch owns separate parcels of land located next to the Atlantis and a parcel of land with an industrial warehouse located between Denver, Colorado and Monarch Black Hawk. Monarch also owns Chicago Dogs Eatery, Inc. and Monarch Promotional Association, both of which were formed in relation to licensure requirements for extended hours of liquor operation in Black Hawk, Colorado.

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The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Monarch and its subsidiaries (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

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Interim Financial Statements:

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The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, consisting of normal recurring accruals, are reflected in the interim financial statements. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.

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The balance sheet at December 31, 2022, has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

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Segment Reporting:

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The accounting guidance for disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information requires separate financial information to be disclosed for all operating segments of a business. The Company determined that the Company’s two operating segments, Atlantis and Monarch Black Hawk, meet the aggregation criteria stipulated by ASC 280-10-50-11. The Company views each property as an operating segment and the two operating segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment.

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Concentrations of Credit Risk and Credit Losses:

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Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of bank deposits and trade receivables.

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The Company accounts for credit losses in accordance with ASU 2016-13 using a forward-looking expected loss model.

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The Company maintains its surplus cash in bank accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

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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 and convention groups and events, which are primarily secured with a credit card. An allowance for doubtful accounts is determined to reduce the Company’s receivables to their carrying value, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on historical collection experience, specific review of individual customer accounts, current economic and business conditions and management’s expectations of future economic and business conditions. The allowance is applied even when the risk of credit loss is remote. When a situation warrants, the Company may create a specific identification reserve for high collection risk receivables. The Company writes off its uncollectible receivables once all efforts have been made to collect such receivables. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to gaming and non-gaming receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base. Historically, the Company has not incurred any significant credit-related losses.

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As of March 31, 2023, the Company has recorded a reserve of $0.1 million for gaming and non-gaming receivables.

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The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and accounts receivable.

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Inventories:

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Inventories, consisting primarily of food, beverages, and retail merchandise, are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined by the weighted average and specific identification methods. Net realizable value is defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

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Property and Equipment, net:

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Property and equipment, net consists of the following (in thousands):

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Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment is depreciated principally on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful lives as follows:

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The Company evaluates property and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the guidance for accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.

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For assets to be disposed of, the Company recognizes the asset to be sold at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs of disposal. Fair value for assets to be disposed of is generally estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers or a discounted cash flow model.

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For assets to be held and used, the Company reviews fixed assets for impairment indicators at the end of the fiscal year and whenever indicators of impairment exist. If an indicator of impairment exists, we compare the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the impairment is measured based on fair value compared to carrying value, with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model or market comparable, when available. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, there were no impairment charges.

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Goodwill:

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The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). ASC Topic 350 gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may allow them to skip the quantitative test as appropriate. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, 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.

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As of March 31, 2023, we had goodwill totaling $25.1 million related to the purchase of Monarch Black Hawk, Inc.

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ASC Topic 350 requires that goodwill be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We performed an assessment to determine whether events or circumstances such as those described in ASC 350-20-35-3C existed and we determined that they did not exist during the interim period; therefore, an interim impairment test was not performed.

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Revenue Recognition:

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The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when products are delivered or services are performed. For certain revenue transactions (when a patron uses a club loyalty card), in accordance with Accounting Standard Update No. 2014-09 (“ASC 606”), a portion of the revenue is deferred until the points earned by the patron are redeemed or expire.

Casino revenue: Casino revenues represent the net win from gaming activity, which is the difference between the amounts won and lost, which represents the transaction price. Jackpots, other than the incremental amount of progressive jackpots, are recognized at the time they are won by customers. Funds deposited by customers in advance and outstanding chips and slot tickets in the customers’ possession are recognized as a liability until such amounts are redeemed or used in gaming play by the customer. Additionally, net win is reduced by the performance obligations for the players’ club program, 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 players’ wagers that are contributed to the progressive jackpot award, and 2) as jackpots are won for the portion of the progressive jackpot award contributed by the Company. Cash discounts and other cash incentives to guests related to gaming play are recorded as a reduction to gaming revenue.

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Players’ Club Program: The Company operates a players’ club program under which as players perform gaming activities they earn and accumulate points, which may be redeemed for a variety of goods and services. Given the significance of the players’ club program and the ability for members to bank such points based on their past play, the Company has determined that players’ club program points granted in conjunction with gaming activity constitute a material right and, as such, represent a performance obligation associated with the gaming contracts. At the time points are earned, the Company recognizes deferred revenue at the standalone selling prices (“SSP”) of the goods and services that the points are expected to be redeemed for, with a corresponding decrease in gaming revenue. The points estimated SSP is computed as the cash redemption value of the points expected to be redeemed, which is determined through an analysis of all redemption activity over the preceding twelve-month period.

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As of March 31, 2023, the Company had estimated the obligations related to the players’ club program at $8.3 million, which is included in Accrued Expenses in the Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity section in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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Food and Beverage, Hotel and Other (retail) Revenues: Food and Beverage, Hotel and Other Revenues in general are recognized when products are delivered or services are performed. The Company recognizes revenue related to the products and services associated with the players points’ redemptions at the time products are delivered or services are performed, with corresponding reduction in the deferred revenue, at SSP. Other complimentaries in conjunction with the gaming and other business are also valued at SSP. Hotel revenue is presented net of non-third-party rebates and commissions. The cost of providing these complimentary goods and services are included as expenses within their respective categories.

Other Revenues: Other revenues (excluding retail) primarily consist of commissions received on ATM transactions and cash advances, which are recorded on a net basis as the Company represents the agent in its relationship with the third-party service providers, and commissions and fees received in connection with pari-mutuel wagering, which are also recorded on a net basis.

Sales and other taxes: Sales taxes and other taxes collected from customers on behalf of governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and are not included in revenues or operating expenses. In addition, tips and other gratuities, excluding service charges, collected from customers on behalf of the Company’s employees are also accounted for on a net basis and are not included in revenues or operating expenses.

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Other Operating items, net:

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Other operating items, net, in general consist of miscellaneous operating charges or proceeds.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, Other operating items, net, of $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, represented professional service fees relating to our construction litigation.

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Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:

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The Company has evaluated the recently issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies accounting standards and does not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTE 2. ACCOUNTING FOR LEASES

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For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related asset and obligation at the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. Certain of the Company’s leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into its determination of lease payments when appropriate. As permitted by ASC 842, the Company elected not to separate non-lease components from their related lease components.

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As of March 31, 2023, the Company’s right of use assets consisted of the Parking Lot Lease, the Driveway Lease (each as defined and discussed in NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS), as well as certain billboard leases.

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The weighted-average incremental borrowing rate of the leases presented in the lease liability as of March 31, 2023, was 4.33%. There were no new leases entered into in the first quarter of 2023.

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The weighted-average remaining lease term of the leases presented in the lease liability as of March 31, 2023, was 19 years.

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Cash paid related to the operating leases presented in the lease liability for each of the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, was $0.3 million.

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NOTE 3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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In accordance with ASC 718, the Company records any excess tax benefits or deficiencies from its equity awards in its Consolidated Statements of Income in the reporting periods in which vesting occurs. As a result, the Company’s income tax expense and associated effective tax rate are impacted by fluctuations in stock price between the grant dates and vesting dates of equity awards.

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Reported stock-based compensation expense was classified as follows (in thousands):

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NOTE 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as stock options. The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (shares in thousands):

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Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are options where the exercise prices are greater than the weighted assumed proceeds per share as their effects would be anti-dilutive in the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, options for approximately 576 thousand and 506 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation.

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NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

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The shopping center adjacent to the Atlantis (the “Shopping Center”) is owned by Biggest Little Investments, L.P. (“BLI”). John Farahi and Bob Farahi, Co-Chairmen of the Board and executive officers of the Company, and Ben Farahi have significant holdings (the “Farahi Family Stockholders”) in Monarch and each also beneficially owns limited partnership interests in BLI. Maxum LLC is the sole general partner of BLI, and Ben Farahi is the sole managing member of Maxum LLC. Neither John Farahi nor Bob Farahi has any management or operational control over BLI or the Shopping Center. Until May 2006, Ben Farahi held the positions of Co-Chairman of the Board, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

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On August 28, 2015, Monarch, through its subsidiary Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc., entered into a 20-year lease agreement with BLI for a portion of the Shopping Center (the “Parking Lot Lease”). This lease gives the Atlantis the right to use a parcel, approximately 4.2 acres, adjacent to the Atlantis. The primary purpose of the Parking Lot Lease is to provide additional, convenient, Atlantis surface parking. The minimum annual rent under the Parking Lot Lease is $695 thousand commencing on November 17, 2015. The minimum annual rent is subject to a cost of living adjustment increase on each five-year anniversary. In addition, the Company is responsible for the payment of property taxes, utilities and maintenance expenses related to the leased property. The Company has an option to renew the Parking Lot Lease for an additional ten-year term. If the Company elects not to exercise its renewal option, the Company will be obligated to pay BLI $1.6 million. For each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $187 thousand in rent, plus $8 thousand and $7 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of March 31, 2023, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $9.9 million.

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In addition, the Atlantis shares a driveway with the Shopping Center and leases approximately 37,400 square feet from BLI (the “Driveway Lease”) for an initial lease term of 15 years, which commenced on September 30, 2004, at an original annual rent of $300 thousand plus common area expenses. The annual rent is subject to a cost of living adjustment increase on each five-year anniversary of the Driveway Lease. Effective August 28, 2015, in connection with the Company entering into the Parking Lot Lease, the Driveway Lease was amended to: (i) make the Company solely responsible for the operation and maintenance costs of the shared driveway (including the fountains thereon); (ii) eliminate the Company’s obligation to reimburse the Shopping Center for its proportionate share of common area expenses; and (iii) exercise the three successive five-year renewal terms beyond the initial 15-year term in the existing Driveway Lease agreement. At the end of the renewal terms, the Company has the option to purchase the leased driveway section of the Shopping Center. For each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $101 thousand in rent plus $12 thousand and $10 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of March 31, 2023, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $3.4 million.

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The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising, storage space and parking lot space from affiliates controlled by the Farahi Family Stockholders, and paid $132 thousand and $81 thousand, respectively, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, for such leases.

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NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

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On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Fifth Amended Credit Facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”) amends and restates the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which consisted of: a $200 million term loan and a $70 million revolving line of credit.

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On February 1, 2023, there was no outstanding balance under the term loan of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Facility does not contain a term loan.

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The Amended Credit Facility increases the aggregate principal amount of the revolving line of credit from $70 million to $100 million, with an option to increase it by another $100 million within the first six months. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is January 1, 2025.

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As of March 31, 2023, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $51 million under the Amended Credit Facility.

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In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of March 31, 2023, the Company is required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of no more than 2.5:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.1:1. As of March 31, 2023, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.3:1 and 6.7:1, respectively.

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The interest rate under the Amended Credit Facility is SOFR (the Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, or a base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.50%. The applicable margins will vary depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. In addition, SOFR-based loans will incur a 0.10% credit adjustment spread due to the conversion from LIBOR to SOFR as the new benchmark rate. As of March 31, 2023, the interest rate was 5.91%, or SOFR plus a 1.00% margin.

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The Company’s obligations under the Amended Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets.

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NOTE 7. TAXES

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For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s effective tax rate was 21.7% and 12.5%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was impacted by excess tax benefit on stock option exercises.

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Deferred tax assets were evaluated by considering historical levels of income, estimates of future taxable income and the impact of tax planning strategies.

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No uncertain tax positions were recorded as of March 31, 2023 and 2022. No change in uncertain tax positions is anticipated over the next twelve months.

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NOTE 8. STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

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On October 22, 2014, the board of directors of Monarch authorized a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Repurchase Plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the plan may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion, and it will continue until exhausted. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the repurchase program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s stock, general market economic conditions and applicable legal requirements.

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As of March 31, 2023, we have an authorization to purchase up to 2,900,000 shares under the Repurchase Plan.

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NOTE 9. LEGAL MATTERS

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On August 30, 2019, PCL Construction Services, Inc. (“PCL”) filed a complaint in District Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado, against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with the Company’s now completed expansion of the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached the construction contract with PCL and certain implied warranties. On December 5, 2019, the Company filed its answer and counterclaim, which alleges, among other items, that PCL breached the construction contract, duties of good faith and fair dealing, and implied and express warranties, made fraudulent or negligent misrepresentations on which the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries relied, and included claims for monetary damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief.

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On September 1, 2022, the judge previously assigned to the Denver Action recused herself, resulting in a continuance of the trial then set for September 6, 2022, and reassignment to another courtroom. Following reassignment, the court set a new trial date of September 5, 2023. Limited discovery and disputes regarding the scope of discovery remaining are ongoing, and we are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.

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In connection with the expansion of the Monarch Black Hawk, as described above, PCL and certain subcontractors have provided purported notice of liens filed against the real property on which the Monarch Black Hawk is situated (the “Monarch Black Hawk Property”), for sums allegedly owed for construction of the expansion. Some of the subcontractors have recorded such liens in the property records of Gilpin County, Colorado.

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On March 26, 2021, PCL filed a mechanics’ lien foreclosure action in District Court, County of Gilpin, Colorado, against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with the Company’s now completed expansion of the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk. The complaint essentially mirrors the claims and allegations made by PCL in the lawsuit it previously filed in the City and County of Denver, Colorado, Case No. 2019CV33368, as described above. The lawsuit filed on March 26, 2021 includes an additional claim, however, for foreclosure of PCL’s purported mechanics’ lien against the property on which the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk is situated (the “Property”). PCL also joined additional parties who may claim a purported lien against the Property, as defendants. Effective May 10, 2021, PCL filed its second amended complaint, joining more such parties as defendants. Many of the Company’s co-defendants have filed cross claims against Monarch for foreclosure of mechanics’ liens and related claims, including unjust enrichment.

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Monarch filed its answer and counterclaims to PCL’s second amended complaint on July 15, 2021, but a trial of the matter has not been set. Monarch has also filed answers to all cross claims due to date, denying the claimants’ rights to relief.  Monarch anticipates filing further answers to additional cross claims, also denying the claimants’ rights to relief. The case remains stayed pending the outcome of Case No. 2019CV33368. We are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.

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On February 9, 2023, Monarch Growth, Inc., Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and Monarch Black Hawk, Inc. filed a complaint in District Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado, against PCL, in connection with the Company’s now completed expansion of the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk. The complaint alleges, among other things, that PCL breached the construction contract, duties of good faith and fair dealing, and implied and express warranties, and includes claims for monetary damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief. The lawsuit was served on PCL, but PCL has not yet filed an answer or other response to Monarch’s complaint. On April 18, 2023, at the parties’ joint request, the Court ordered the matter stayed for ninety days from date of the stay order until July 17, 2023. We are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.

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The Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.3 million in construction litigation expense relating to these lawsuits for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is included in Other operating items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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From time to time, we may be subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the amount of any reasonably possible or probable loss for such other known matters would not have a material adverse impact on our financial conditions, cash flows or results of operations; however, the outcome of these actions is inherently difficult to predict.

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NOTE 10. DIVIDENDS

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On February 7, 2023, the Company announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has declared a one-time cash dividend (the “One-time Dividend”) of $5.00 per share of its outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), to be paid to the stockholders of record of the Company on March 1, 2023 (the “Record Date”), payable on March 15, 2023 (the “Payment Date”).

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In addition to the One-time Dividend, the Board of Directors has approved, commencing in the second quarter of 2023, payment of cash dividends of $1.20 per share annually, with such dividends to be paid in quarterly amounts. These dividends will be paid quarterly on the 15th day of the third month of the applicable calendar quarter (or, if such date is not a trading day, then the first trading day immediately thereafter such date) to those stockholders of record on the 1st day of the third month of the applicable calendar quarter (or, if such date is not a trading day, then the first trading day immediately thereafter such date).

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On April 19, 2023, the Company announced a cash dividend of $0.30 per share of its outstanding common stock, payable on June 15, 2023, to stockholders of record on June 1, 2023. This cash dividend is part of the previously announced annual cash dividend of $1.20 per share payable in quarterly payments.

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The Company’s declaration of each dividend amount shall be subject to the Board’s review of the then-current financial statements of the Company, available acquisition opportunities and other prudent uses of the Company’s cash resources. As such, the Board of Directors may suspend the dividend program at any time and no assurances can be given that a quarterly dividend will be paid.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

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CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” or “we cannot assure you,” “although no assurance can be given.” Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: (i) the impact of COVID-19, including any recent spikes in cases or any spread of new variants, and any other contagious diseases or viruses on our revenues, cash flows, liquidity, construction projects, results of operations and financial condition; (ii) our beliefs regarding the sufficiency of our cash and other financial resources; (iii) our belief regarding the exposure of our cash and accounts receivable to credit risk; (iv) our beliefs regarding the quality of our work product and guest service and our ability to capture additional market share in the high-end segment of the market; (v) our beliefs regarding the quality of our properties as key factors in Monarch's long-term success; (vi) our expectations and beliefs concerning the completed expansion of the Monarch Black Hawk (the "Monarch Black Hawk Expansion"); (vii) our expectations and intentions regarding the expenses, defenses and outcomes of the lawsuits filed by the construction project general contractor against us and our counterclaims and separate lawsuit against the contractor; (viii) our expectations regarding our business prospects, strategies, estimates and outlook; (ix) our expectations regarding the positioning of our properties to benefit from future macro and local economic growth; (x) our expectations regarding future capital requirements; (xi) our anticipated sources of funds and adequacy of such funds to meet our debt obligations and capital requirements; and (xii) our expectations regarding legal and other matters.

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Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

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Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Form 10-Q is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions, except as required by law. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements.

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OVERVIEW

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Monarch was incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1993. We own and operate the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel and casino in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”) and Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk (the “Monarch Black Hawk”), a casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. In addition, we own separate parcels of land located next to the Atlantis and a parcel of land with an industrial warehouse located between Denver, Colorado and Monarch Black Hawk.

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We earn revenues, operating income and cash flow from Atlantis and Monarch Black Hawk, primarily through our casino, food and beverage, and hotel operations. We focus on delivering exceptional service and value to our guests. Our hands-on management style focuses on customer services and cost efficiencies.

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Atlantis: We continuously upgrade our property. With quality gaming, hotel and dining products, we believe the Atlantis is well positioned to benefit from future macro and local economic growth. Reno remains a healthy local-oriented market, but at the same time a very competitive market. The market’s employment growth is broad based and we expect this positive indicator will support the continued strength of our business at Atlantis. At the same time, the tight employment environment, with the local unemployment rate below the national average, has created labor challenges, including wage inflation, which we continue to actively manage. We expect this to be a recurring trend for the market and Atlantis in the years ahead. The increase in the labor costs and the increase in price inflation, combined with continued aggressive marketing programs by our competitors, has applied upward pressure on Atlantis’ operating costs and is lowering our profit margins.

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Monarch Black Hawk: Monarch Black Hawk is the first property encountered by visitors arriving from Denver and other major population centers via Colorado State Highway 119. The Denver metro economy remains strong with higher than the national average per capita personal income. At the beginning of 2022, we completed the master planned renovation and expansion, transforming the property into a world-class resort. Monarch Black Hawk is positioned to leverage the expanded operation, the elimination of betting limits and new game types in Black Hawk, Colorado, as well as to benefit from the growing state-wide online and retail sports betting. Monarch Black Hawk also is experiencing labor challenges, resulting from the distance to the staffing filter markets of Golden, Colorado and the Denver Metro area and low unemployment in those markets. We continue to attract high value players from across Colorado’s Front Range, who had previously traveled to other markets, such as Las Vegas, for a high-end casino entertainment experience. We believe that the quality of our expanded product and exceptional guest service will meet the demand of the high-end segment of the market and will grow revenue and accelerate market share.

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KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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We use the following Key Performance Indicators (“KPI”) to manage our operation and measure our performance:

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Gaming revenue KPI: Our management reviews on a consistent basis the volume metrics and hold percentage metrics for each gaming area. The main volume measurements are slot coin-in, table games drop, sportsbook write and keno write. Slot coin-in represents the dollar amount wagered in slot machines, including free promotional wagers. Table games drop represents the total amount of cash and net markers deposited in the table drop box. Keno write and sportsbook write represents the dollar amount wagered at our counters, along with sportsbook write made through our mobile wagering system. Volume metrics are important in managing the business, as our gaming win is affected by actual hold percentage, which in general varies from the expected hold percentage and historical hold percentage. Gaming win represents the amount of wagers retained by us. Hold percentage represents win as a percentage of slot coin-in, table game drop, sportsbook write, or keno write. Our win and hold percentages are calculated before discounts, commissions, deferring revenue associated with our loyalty programs and allocating casino revenues related to goods and services provided to patrons on a complimentary basis.

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Food and Beverage revenue KPI: The main KPIs in managing our food and beverage (“F&B”) operations are covers and average revenue per cover. A cover represents the number of guests served and is an indicator of volume. Average revenue per cover represents the average amount spent per food and beverage outlets’ served guests. Changes in the average revenue per cover might be an indicator for changes in menu offerings, changes in menu prices or may indicate changes in our guests’ preferences and purchasing habits.

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Hotel revenue KPI: The main KPIs used in managing our hotel operation are the occupancy rate (a volume indicator), which is the average percentage of available hotel rooms occupied during a period, and the average daily rate (“ADR”, a price indicator), which is the average price per sold room. Available rooms exclude those rooms unavailable for occupancy during the period due to renovation, development, or other requirements. Sold rooms include rooms where the guests do not show up for their stay and lose their deposit. The calculations of the occupancy rate and ADR include the impact of rooms provided on a complimentary basis. Revenue per available room ("RevPAR") represents total hotel revenue per available room and is a representation of the occupancy rate, ADR and miscellaneous hotel sales.

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Operating margins: Our management is consistently focused on controlling expenses and finding cost savings, without affecting the quality of the product we offer and our guests’ services and experience. We measure our performance using expense margin, which is a percentage of direct expenses, including labor, cost of product and any other operating expenses related to the gaming, food and beverage, or hotel operation to the net gaming, food and beverage, or hotel revenues. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) margin represents SG&A expenses for a period as a percentage of total net revenue for a period. In managing the food and beverage operation, we use Cost Of Goods Sold (“COGS”) percentage, which represents a percentage of product cost to the food and beverage revenue and is a measurement of commodity prices and menu sales prices.

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Our management evaluates the KPI as compared to prior periods, the peer group, or market, as well as for any trends.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

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For the three months ended March 31, 2023, our net income totaled $17.7 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to net income of $18.1 million, or $0.92 per diluted share for the same period in 2022, reflecting a 2.5% and 2.2% decrease in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. The decrease in net income was impacted by the effective tax rate, which varies based on the amount of excess tax benefit on stock compensation. Net revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2023, totaled $116.6 million, an increase of $8.3 million, or 7.7%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023, totaled $23.2 million compared to income from operations of $21.3 million for the same period in 2022.

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Casino revenue increased 6.5% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022. The increase in casino revenue was driven primarily by the increase in gaming volume in Black Hawk. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 37.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to 35.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, primarily due to the increase in labor expense.

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Food and beverage revenue for the first quarter of 2023 increased 12.6% compared to the first quarter of 2022 due to a 1.2% increase in food and beverage covers, combined with an increase in food and beverage revenue per cover of 11.2%. The increase in covers is primarily a result of the opening of a new restaurant at Monarch Black Hawk in early 2022 as well as increase in buffet and casual dining restaurants covers at both properties. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased in the first quarter of 2023 to 74.8% compared to 79.6% for the same quarter in 2022 primarily due to an increase in average check and improved cost management.

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Hotel revenue increased 1.8% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter of 2022 primarily as a result of an increase in hotel occupancy to 82.2% during the current year period compared to 76.5% during the first quarter of 2022, partially offset by a decrease in ADR by $9.65 ($161.08 in the first quarter of 2023 and $170.73 in the first quarter of 2022). RevPAR was $146.58 and $142.78 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue increased to 41.3% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 38.0% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the decrease in ADR and an increase in labor expense.

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Other revenue increased 16.5% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to the increased demands of Spa services at both properties.

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SG&A expense increased to $25.1 million in the first quarter of 2023 from $24.2 million in the first quarter of 2022 driven primarily by increases in utility expense and repair and maintenance expense. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to 21.5% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 22.3% in the same period in 2022.

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Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $10.5 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service with the ongoing renovation at Atlantis.

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During the first quarter of 2023, we recognized $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation. These expenses are included in Other operating items, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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In the first quarter of 2023 we recognized $0.5 million of interest expense, $0.3 million in deferred loan costs amortization expense and $0.3 million in interest income. In the first quarter of 2022, we expensed $0.3 million of interest and amortized $0.4 million in deferred loan costs. See further discussion of our Amended Credit Facility in the LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES section below.

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CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT

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We seek to continually upgrade and maintain our facilities in order to present a fresh, high quality product to our guests.

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Cash paid for capital expenditures for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $15.2 million and $22.1 million, respectively. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, our capital expenditures related primarily to the redesign and upgrade of hotel rooms in the second tower at Atlantis, re-carpeting the casino floor at Atlantis and the acquisition of gaming, and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at Atlantis and Monarch Black Hawk. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 our capital expenditures related primarily to the redesign and upgrade of hotel rooms in the first tower at Atlantis, the completion of the transformation of part of the Monarch Black Hawk legacy facility, and the acquisition of gaming and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at Atlantis and Monarch Black Hawk. Capital expenditures during each of the first three months of 2023 and 2022 were funded from operating cash flows.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash provided by operations and, for capital expansion projects, borrowings available under our Amended Credit Facility.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $61.5 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $35.4 million in the same prior year period. This increase was primarily a result of the decrease in income tax receivable as a result of receipt of an income tax refund.

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Net cash used in investing activities totaled $15.2 million and $22.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during the first three months of 2023 consisted primarily of cash used for the redesign and upgrade of hotel rooms in the second tower at Atlantis, re-carpeting the casino floor at Atlantis, and the acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties. Net cash used in investing activities during the first three months of 2022 consisted primarily of cash used for the redesign and upgrade of hotel rooms in the first tower at Atlantis, the completion of the transformation of part of the Monarch Black Hawk legacy facility, and for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties.

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Net cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2023 totaled $50.7 million and consisted of $95.6 million used for payment of dividends, offset by $44.0 million of borrowings under the credit facility, net of the payments to the credit facility and $0.9 million of net proceeds from stock options exercise. Net cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2022 totaled $13.8 million and consisted of $10.0 million in principal payments on the credit facility and $6.5 million cash used for purchase of Company stock under the Repurchase Plan partially offset by $2.7 million of net proceeds from stock options exercise.

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Amended Credit Facility

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On February 1, 2023, we entered into the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Fifth Amended Credit Facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”) amends and restates the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which consisted of: a $200 million term loan and a $70 million revolving line of credit.

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On February 1, 2023, there was no outstanding balance under the term loan of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Facility does not contain a term loan.

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The Amended Credit Facility increases the aggregate principal amount of the revolving line of credit from $70 million to $100 million, with an option to increase it by another $100 million within the first six months. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is January 1, 2025.

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As of March 31, 2023, we had an outstanding principal balance of $51 million under the Amended Credit Facility.

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In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of March 31, 2023, we were required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of no more than 2.5:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.1:1. As of March 31, 2023, our Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.3:1 and 6.7:1, respectively.

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The interest rate under the Amended Credit Facility is SOFR (the Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, or a base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.50%. The applicable margins will vary depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. In addition, SOFR-based loans will incur a 0.10% credit adjustment spread due to the conversion from LIBOR to SOFR as the new benchmark rate. As of March 31, 2023, the interest rate was 5.9%, or SOFR plus a 1.00% margin.

The Company’s obligations under the Amended Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets.

We believe that our anticipated operating cash flow and the $48.4 million available under our Amended Credit Facility as of March 31, 2023 will be sufficient to sustain operations for the twelve months from the filing of this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and fulfill our capital expenditure plans. However financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, could negatively impact our operations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow in the upcoming months or if our cash needs exceed our borrowing capacity under the Amended Credit Facility, including our option to increase the credit facility by an additional $100 million, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or eliminating planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or issuing additional equity.

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For a discussion regarding our material commitments for capital expenditures, see the CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT section above.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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A description of our critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our 2022 Form 10-K. For a more extensive discussion of our accounting policies, see Note 1. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2022 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our current primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk relating to the impact of interest rate movements under our Amended Credit Facility.

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As of March 31, 2023, we had $51 million of outstanding balance under our Fifth Amended Credit Facility. A hypothetical 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility at March 31, 2023, would have resulted in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $0.5 million. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of our Amended Credit Facility and capital structure.

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We have not entered into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

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We do not have any cash or cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023 that are subject to market risk.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”), an evaluation was carried out by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

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ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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The information set forth in Note 9 "Legal Matters” to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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There have been no material changes to the risk factors we previously disclosed in Item 1A of our 2022 Form 10-K.

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We encourage investors to review the risks and uncertainties relating to our business disclosed under the heading Risk Factors or otherwise in the 2022 Form 10-K, as well as those contained in Part I - Forward-Looking Statements thereof, as revised or supplemented by our Quarterly Reports filed with the SEC since the filing of the 2022 Form 10-K.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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