MCRI Monarch Casino and Resort Inc

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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 June 30, 2022

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

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

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: 18,888,070 shares of common stock are outstanding as of July 29, 2022.

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

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

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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.

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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 June 30, 2022, 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 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. 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 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 comparables, when available. For the three and six months periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, 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 June 30, 2022, 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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Debt Issuance Costs:

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Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement utilizing the effective interest rate method. Unamortized amounts of debt issuance costs are recorded as a reduction of the outstanding debt and included in “Long-term debt, net”.

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As of June 30, 2022, debt issuance costs, net of amortization, were $1.2 million.

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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 June 30, 2022, the Company had estimated the obligations related to the players’ club program at $9.7 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 June 30, 2022, Other operating items, net, was $2.2 million and primarily represented professional service fees relating to our construction litigation of $2.4 million, offset by gain on disposal of assets and litigation proceeds of $0.2 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, Other operating items, net, was $0.8 million and primarily represented professional services fees relating to our construction litigation.

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For the six months ended June 30, 2022, Other operating items, net, was $3.5 million and primarily represented professional service fees relating to our construction litigation of $3.7 million, offset by gain on disposal of assets and litigation proceeds of $0.2 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, Other operating items, net, was $1.6 million and primarily represented professional services fees relating to our construction litigation of $1.5 million and $0.1 million in equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations.

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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 June 30, 2022, 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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Upon adoption of the new lease standard, incremental borrowing rates used for existing leases were established using the rates in effect as of the lease inception or modification date. The weighted-average incremental borrowing rate of the leases presented in the lease liability as of June 30, 2022 was 4.34%. There were no new leases entered into in the second quarter of 2022.

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The weighted-average remaining lease term of the leases presented in the lease liability as of June 30, 2022 was 20.1 years.

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Cash paid related to the operating leases presented in the lease liability for each of the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, was $0.7 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 June 30, 2022 and 2021, options for approximately 527 thousand and 235 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, options for approximately 521 thousand and 199 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, consisting of an approximate 46,000 square-foot commercial building on approximately 4.2 acres of land adjacent to the Atlantis (the “Parking Lot Lease”). This lease gives the Atlantis the right to use a parcel, approximately 4.2 acres, comprised of a commercial building and surrounding land adjacent to the Atlantis. The primary purpose of the Parking Lot Lease is to provide additional, convenient, Atlantis surface parking. The Company demolished the building and converted the land into approximately 300 additional surface parking spaces for the Atlantis. 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 the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $187 thousand and $174 thousand in rent, respectively, plus $1 thousand in operating expenses in each period relating to this lease for each of the periods. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $374 and $348 thousand in rent, respectively, plus $8 thousand in each period in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of June 30, 2022, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $10.1 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 June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $101 thousand in rent plus $7 thousand and $5 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. For each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $202 thousand in rent plus $16 thousand and $13 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of June 30, 2022, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $3.6 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 $123 thousand and $52 thousand, respectively, for the three-month periods and $204 thousand and $94 thousand, respectively, for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, for such leases.

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NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

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On September 3, 2020, the Company entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and certain banks (the “Fourth Amended Credit Facility”). On April 30, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment to the Fourth Amended Credit Facility (collectively, with all prior amendments, the “Amended Credit Facility”).

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The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is September 3, 2023. The Amended Credit Facility increases the aggregate principal amount of the credit facilities to $270 million. The $270 million Amended Credit Facility consists of: a $200 million term loan (“Term Loan Facility”) and a $70 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”), with an option to increase the Revolving Credit Facility by up to an additional $75 million.

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As of June 30, 2022, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $65 million under the Term Loan Facility, a $0.6 million letter of credit and no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility; $69.4 million remained available for borrowing.

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The Company is required to make quarterly principal payments under the Term Loan Facility on each Term Loan Installment Date, commencing on December 31, 2020, in an amount equal to (x) the percentage set forth opposite the applicable period during which such Term Loan Installment Date occurs (i.e., 1.25% for the period from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021, and 2.50% for the period from December 31, 2021 and thereafter) multiplied by (y) $200 million. The estimated amount of the mandatory principal payments due in the next twelve months is $20 million.

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Commencing with the delivery of the compliance certificate for fiscal year 2022, the Company may be required to prepay borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility using excess cash flows for each fiscal year, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio.

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Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of the Company’s real and personal property.

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In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of June 30, 2022, the Company is required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of no more than 4.5:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.15:1. As of June 30, 2022, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.4:1 and 3.6:1, respectively.

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The interest rate under the Amended Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.00%, or a base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 1.00%, or the Prime Rate. The applicable margins vary depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees are equal to the daily average unused revolving commitment multiplied by the commitment fee percentage, ranging from 0.175% to 0.325%, based on our leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2022, the interest rate on the Term Loan Facility was 2.67%, or LIBOR plus a 1.00% margin.

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On the terms and subject to some conditions, the Company may, at any time before the maturity date, request an increase of the Revolving Credit Facility, provided that each such increase is equal to $15 million or an integral multiple of $1 million in excess and, after giving effect to the requested increase, the aggregate amount of the increases in the total revolving loan commitment shall not exceed $75 million.

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The Company may prepay borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility revolving loan without penalty (subject to certain conditions and certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period). Once reduced or cancelled, the Revolving Credit Facility may not be increased or reinstated without the prior written consent of all lenders. During the first six months of 2022, the Company made $15 million in optional prepayments on its Term Loan Facility in addition to $10 million in mandatory payments.

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As of June 30, 2022, the $43.8 million “Long-term debt, net” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet represents the $65.0 million outstanding loan amount under the Amended Credit Facility, net of $1.2 million unamortized debt issuance costs and $20.0 million mandatory principal payments that are due in the next twelve months and presented as “Current portion of long-term debt” in the Current liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

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NOTE 7. TAXES

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For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s effective tax rate was 17.8% and 18.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 was impacted by excess tax benefit on stock option exercises.

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As of June 30, 2022, the $28.3 million “Income taxes receivable” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes $26.9 million expected federal and state tax refunds for 2020 and 2021 tax years.

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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 June 30, 2022 and 2021. 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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On January 19, 2022, under the authority of the Repurchase Plan, the Company purchased 100,000 shares for $6.5 million in a privately negotiated transaction. As of June 30, 2022, 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 (the “Denver Action”), against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with certain disputes regarding construction of the Company’s expansion of Monarch Black Hawk. The complaint alleges, among other things, the defendants breached the construction contract with PCL and certain implied warranties. On December 5, 2019, the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries filed an 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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The trial date for this matter has been rescheduled and is now set for September 6, 2022. Discovery in the action is 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 (the “Gilpin Action”), against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with the Company’s expansion plans for the Monarch Black Hawk Property. The complaint essentially mirrors the claims and allegations made by PCL in the Denver Action, as described above.  The new lawsuit includes an additional claim, however, for foreclosure of PCL’s purported mechanics’ lien against the Monarch Black Hawk Property. PCL also joined additional subcontractors as defendants who have claimed a purported lien against the Monarch Black Hawk Property.  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, and have also filed counterclaims against PCL.  The Company and its Colorado subsidiaries filed an answer and counterclaims in the Gilpin Action on July 15, 2021.  Monarch has also filed answers to all cross claims, denying the claimants’ rights to relief.  The Company and its Colorado subsidiaries intend to defend against PCL’s claims and the cross claims filed by certain subcontractors, and will vigorously prosecute its counterclaims for damages. The case remains stayed pending the outcome of the Denver Action.

The Company recognized $3.7 million and $1.5 million in construction litigation expense relating to these lawsuits for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, 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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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: Our business strategy is to maximize revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage, and hotel operations. We continuously upgrade our property and invest in technology. Reno remains a healthy local-oriented market. We are experiencing the effect of increased costs which, combined with continued aggressive marketing programs by our competitors, have applied upward pressure on Atlantis’ operations. We remain confident that our operating strategies will allow Atlantis to grow revenue as our market share continues to expand. With quality gaming, hotel and dining products, we believe the Atlantis is well positioned to benefit from future macro and local economic growth, as well as for possible adverse macro-economic conditions.

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Monarch Black Hawk: Since the acquisition of Monarch Black Hawk in April 2012, our focus has been to maximize casino and food and beverage revenues while upgrading the existing facility and working on the major expansion. In August 2015, we completed the redesign and upgrade of the original Monarch Black Hawk property. In November 2016, we opened for guest use a new nine-story parking structure with approximately 1,350 spaces and additional valet parking, with total property capacity of approximately 1,500 spaces. In the first quarter of 2022, we completed our masterplan expansion, transforming the property into a full-scale casino resort, which includes a 23-story hotel with spa and pool at the top floor, expanded casino floor, poker room, sportsbook lounge, keno counter, five dining options and ten bars. We are experiencing the pressure of increased costs and, due to the property’s location, labor shortage. Through its superior product and service, the property is positioned to attract and retain the upper segment of the market and grow incremental revenue and profit.

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KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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We use certain 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

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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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Impact of COVID-19

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Monarch’s comparison of operating results for the reported periods were impacted by COVID-19.

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Through the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, we continued to operate under government-imposed capacity restrictions on our operations and various COVID-19 safety protocols. We were continually adjusting our operations to the restrictions in occupancy and social distancing requirements. At the same time, in the second quarter of 2021, both Atlantis and Black Hawk revenues benefited from COVID-19 related pent-up demand.

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The convention business at Atlantis was adversely affected by the state-mandated gathering limits. The demand for convention bookings has slightly improved, but continues to be lower than prior to the state-mandated closures.

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We continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the COVID-19 impact to our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk expansion

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Our financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 benefited from the phased opening of operations at our newly transformed Monarch Black Hawk, which opening started in the fourth quarter of 2020. The new hotel, including a spa and pool on the top floor, was fully operational by the end of the second quarter of 2021. In May 2021, we opened our new poker room. In December 2021, we opened our sportsbook lounge, and in February 2022, our new specialty restaurant. In the first six months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, the average daily number of slot machines had increased by approximately 210, the average daily table games had increased by approximately 15 and the average daily available rooms had increased by approximately 150. In addition, the property’s table games revenue in the current period benefited from the elimination of betting limits and additional table games variety, effective May 2021.

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

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For the three months ended June 30, 2022, our net income totaled $19.4 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared to net income of $18.1 million, or $0.93 per diluted share for the same period in 2021, reflecting a 7.1% and 6.5% increase in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2022, totaled $115.3 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 18.0%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2021. Income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2022, totaled $25.7 million compared to income from operations of $23.8 million for the same period in 2021.

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Casino revenue increased 10.7% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The increase in casino revenue was driven primarily by the increase in gaming devices with the complete opening of our expanded casino in Black Hawk, the removal of Colorado table game bet limit and higher guest spend per visit at both properties. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 36.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to 31.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, primarily due to an increase in promotional allowances and an increase in labor expense.

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Food and beverage revenue for the second quarter of 2022 increased 28.7% compared to the second quarter of 2021 due to a 22.5% increase in food and beverage covers, combined with an increase in food and beverage revenue per cover of 5.0%. 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 buffet covers in the second quarter of 2021 at both properties being negatively impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased in the second quarter of 2022 to 77.0% compared to 79.2% for the same quarter in 2021 primarily due to our ongoing efforts to align menu prices with increased commodity prices and labor costs.

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Hotel revenue increased 31.1% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of an increase in ADR of $44.63 ($185.28 in the second quarter of 2022 and $140.65 in the second quarter of 2021). Hotel occupancy was 81.0% during the current year period compared to 80.1% during the second quarter of 2021. RevPAR was $162.47 and $122.91 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue decreased to 34.4% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 38.6% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the increase in ADR and the ramp-up in hotel operation at Monarch Black Hawk, despite higher housekeeping expenses related to labor shortage and wage pressure.

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Other revenue increased 17.4% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to the ramp-up of the spa operation at Monarch Black Hawk.

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SG&A expense increased to $23.1 million in the second quarter of 2022 from $20.6 million in the second quarter of 2021 driven primarily by the additional G&A expenses to support the expanded Monarch Black Hawk as well as an increase in overall labor expense, as well as increased utility expenses. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to 20.0% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 21.1% in the same period in 2021.

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Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $9.4 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service with the completed opening of our hotel tower and expanded casino at Monarch Black Hawk.

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During the second quarter of 2022, we recognized $2.4 million and $0.8 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 second quarter of 2022 we expensed $0.3 million of interest and amortized $0.4 million in deferred loan costs. In the second quarter of 2021, we expensed $0.9 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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Comparison of Operating Results for the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

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For the six months ended June 30, 2022, we had a net income of $37.6 million, or $1.92 per diluted share, compared to net income of $26.3 million, or $1.36 per diluted share for the same period in 2021, reflecting a 42.8% and 41.2% increase in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2022, totaled $223.6 million, an increase of 29.5%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2021. Income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 totaled $47.0 million compared to $35.0 million income from operations for the same period in 2021.

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Casino revenue increased 21.1% in the first six months of 2022 compared to the first six months of 2021 and was driven by an increase in gaming devices with the opening of the expanded casino in Monarch Black Hawk and an increase in guest spend per visit at both properties. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 36.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to 30.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 primarily as a result of increase in labor expenses and increase in promotional allowances.

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Food and beverage revenue for the first six months of 2022 increased 42.2% compared to the 2021 same period due to a 32.9% increase in food and beverage covers combined with a 7.0% increase in food and beverage revenue per cover. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased in the first six months of 2022 to 78.2% from 82.5% for the same period in 2021 primarily as a result of our effort to align menu prices with increased commodity prices and labor cost.

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Hotel revenue increased 48.3% in the first six months of 2022 compared to the first six months of 2021 primarily due to increase in available rooms with the opening of the new hotel at Monarch Black Hawk, as well as increase in ADR. ADR increased by $50.47, from $127.93 in the first six months of 2021 to $178.40 in the first six months of 2022. Hotel occupancy for the first six months of 2022 was 78.8% compared to 75.9% during the same period of 2021. REVPAR was $152.90 for the first six months of 2022 and $105.92 for the first six months of 2021. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue decreased to 36.0% in the first six months of 2022 compared to 42.7% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the higher ADR.

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Other revenue increased 24.1% in the first six months of 2022 compared to the same prior year period.

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SG&A expense increased to $47.3 million in the first six months of 2022 from $40.5 million in the first six months of 2021 primarily due to the increase in labor expense, sales and marketing expense and utility expense. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to 21.1% in the first six months of 2022 compared to 23.5% in the same period in 2021.

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Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $21.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to $18.9 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service with the opening of our hotel tower and expanded casino at Monarch Black Hawk.

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During the first six months of 2022, we recognized $3.7 million in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation and $0.2 million in gain on disposal of assets and litigation proceeds. During the first six months of 2021, we recognized $1.5 million in professional services fees relating to our construction litigation and $0.1 million in equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations.

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During the first six months of 2022, we expensed $0.7 million of interest and amortized $0.7 million in deferred loan costs. During the first six months of 2021, we expensed $2.7 million of interest and amortized $0.2 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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