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Published: 2023-11-06 00:00:00 ET

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United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023

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

For the transition period from to .

Commission File No. 0-22088

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Nevada		88-0300760
(State or Other Jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)		Identification No.)

3800 S. Virginia St.
Reno, Nevada		89502
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(ZIP Code)

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:


Title of each class	Trading Symbols	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share	MCRI	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq-GS)

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 ◻

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 ◻

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.


Large accelerated filer ⌧	Accelerated filer ◻	Non-accelerated filer ◻
Smaller reporting company ☐	Emerging growth company ☐

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. ◻

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 19,067,522 shares of common stock are outstanding as of November 2, 2023.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

September 30
Item	Page Number
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)	3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2023 (unaudited) and December 31, 2022	4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)	5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)	6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	21

Item 4. Controls and Procedures	21

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings	22

Item 1A. Risk Factors	22

Item 5. Other Information	22

Item 6. Exhibits	23

Signatures	23

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Revenues
Casino	$	73,818	$	76,909	$	209,578	$	203,605
Food and beverage		32,970		31,312		93,812		85,818
Hotel		20,608		20,785		54,173		54,274
Other		5,569		4,721		15,729		13,637
Net revenues		132,965		133,727		373,292		357,334

Operating expenses
Casino		25,473		25,474		76,471		71,156
Food and beverage		23,330		22,665		68,070		65,297
Hotel		7,176		7,117		20,107		19,183
Other		2,820		2,383		8,549		6,712
Selling, general and administrative		27,091		25,651		77,162		72,931
Depreciation and amortization		12,197		11,183		35,152		32,245
Other operating items, net		2,976		2,898		3,012		6,444
Total operating expenses		101,063		97,371		288,523		273,968
Income from operations		31,902		36,356		84,769		83,366

Other expense
Interest expense, net		(369)		(870)		(1,736)		(2,220)

Income before income taxes		31,533		35,486		83,033		81,146
Provision for income taxes		(7,370)		(7,993)		(18,787)		(16,100)
Net income	$	24,163	$	27,493	$	64,246	$	65,046

Earnings per share of common stock
Net income
Basic	$	1.26	$	1.45	$	3.34	$	3.43
Diluted	$	1.23	$	1.41	$	3.27	$	3.33

Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding
Basic		19,252		18,999		19,237		18,952
Diluted		19,608		19,503		19,627		19,559

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)


	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,918	$	38,779
Receivables, net		10,967		9,566
Income taxes receivable		2,691		24,989
Inventories		7,184		7,558
Prepaid expenses		7,928		8,537
Total current assets		62,688		89,429
Property and equipment, net		576,126		578,050
Goodwill		25,111		25,111
Intangible assets, net		340		352
Total assets	$	664,265	$	692,942
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt, net	$	—	$	6,693
Accounts payable		19,536		14,418
Construction accounts payable		47,403		49,957
Accrued expenses		48,729		46,037
Short-term lease liability		883		639
Total current liabilities		116,551		117,744
Deferred income taxes		23,016		23,016
Long-term lease liability		14,251		13,228
Long-term debt, net		8,000		—
Total liabilities		161,818		153,988
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—		—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 19,148,691 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023; 19,096,300 shares issued and 19,093,676 outstanding at December 31, 2022		191		191
Additional paid-in capital		46,886		40,716
Treasury stock, 2,624 shares at December 31, 2022		—		(170)
Retained earnings		455,370		498,217
Total stockholders’ equity		502,447		538,954
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	664,265	$	692,942

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)


	Common Stock			Additional
	Shares			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury
	Outstanding	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, January 1, 2023	19,093,676	$	191	$	40,716	$	498,217	$	(170)	$	538,954
Exercise of stock options, net	37,965		—		808		—		108		916
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,474		—		—		1,474
Dividend payment	—		—		—		(95,608)				(95,608)
Net income	—		—		—		17,670		—		17,670
Balance, March 31, 2023	19,131,641	$	191	$	42,998	$	420,279	$	(62)	$	463,406
Exercise of stock options, net	11,703		—		396		—		62		458
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,276		—		—		1,276
Dividend payment	—		—		—		(5,741)				(5,741)
Net income	—		—		—		22,413		—		22,413
Balance, June 30, 2023	19,143,344	$	191	$	44,670	$	436,951	$	—	$	481,812
Exercise of stock options, net	5,347		—		70		—		—		70
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		2,146		—		—		2,146
Dividend payment	—		—		—		(5,744)				(5,744)
Net income	—		—		—		24,163		—		24,163
Balance, September 30, 2023	19,148,691	$	191	$	46,886	$	455,370	$	—	$	502,447


	Common Stock			Additional
	Shares			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury
	Outstanding	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, January 1, 2022	18,764,540	$	191	$	41,426	$	410,738	$	(4,341)	$	448,014
Exercise of stock options, net	191,035		—		19		—		2,458		2,477
Restricted stock granted	19,549		—		1,658		—		262		1,920
Purchase of company common stock	(100,000)		—		—		—		(6,500)		(6,500)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,160		—		—		1,160
Net income	—		—		—		18,118		—		18,118
Balance, March 31, 2022	18,875,124	$	191	$	44,263	$	428,856	$	(8,121)	$	465,189
Exercise of stock options, net	10,000		—		303		—		134		437
Restricted stock granted	2,946		—		211		—		39		250
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,025		—		—		1,025
Net income	—		—		—		19,435		—		19,435
Balance, June 30, 2022	18,888,070	$	191	$	45,802	$	448,291	$	(7,948)	$	486,336
Exercise of stock options, net	6,666		—		195		—		89		284
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,257		—		—		1,257
Net income	—		—		—		27,493		—		27,493
Balance, September 30, 2022	18,894,736	$	191	$	47,254	$	475,784	$	(7,859)	$	515,370

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)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023		2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	64,246	$	65,046
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		35,152		32,245
Amortization of deferred loan costs		307		1,085
Stock-based compensation		4,896		3,442
Stock-based compensation - restricted stock		—		80
Provision for bad debts		145		114
Loss on disposition of assets		88		8
Non-cash operating lease expense		30		(1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(1,546)		(1,153)
Income taxes receivable		22,298		2,300
Inventories		374		625
Prepaid expenses		609		(197)
Accounts payable		5,118		(2,065)
Accrued expenses		2,692		4,655
Net cash provided by operating activities		134,409		106,184
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets		97		138
Change in construction accounts payable		(2,554)		(9,243)
Acquisition of property and equipment		(32,164)		(31,425)
Net cash used in investing activities		(34,621)		(40,530)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payroll taxes from net exercise of stock options		(208)		(2,468)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		1,652		5,927
Line-of-credit borrowings		68,000		3,000
Line-of-credit payments		(60,000)		(3,000)
Principal payments on long-term debt		(7,000)		(63,000)
Payment of dividend		(107,093)		—
Purchase of company common stock		—		(6,500)
Net cash used in financing activities		(104,649)		(66,041)

Change in cash and cash equivalents		(4,861)		(387)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		38,779		33,526
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	33,918	$	33,139

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	1,810	$	1,139
Cash paid for income taxes	$	20,306	$	13,800

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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation:

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.

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

Interim Financial Statements:

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.

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.

Segment Reporting:

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.

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Credit Losses:

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

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

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.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company has recorded a reserve of $0.2 million for gaming and non-gaming receivables.

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

Inventories:

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.

Property and Equipment, net:

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


	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Land	$	32,977	$	32,977
Land improvements		10,969		10,939
Buildings		473,672		475,956
Building improvements		91,028		75,858
Furniture and equipment		250,000		249,045
Construction in progress		13,627		7,229
Right of use assets		15,098		13,861
Leasehold improvements		4,245		4,244
		891,616		870,109
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(315,490)		(292,059)
Property and equipment, net	$	576,126	$	578,050

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:


Land improvements	15	-	40	years
Buildings	30	-	40	years
Building improvements	5	-	40	years
Right of use assets	5	-	40	years
Leasehold improvements	5	-	40	years
Furniture	5	-	10	years
Equipment	3	-	20	years

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.

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 nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, there were no impairment charges.

Goodwill:

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.

As of September 30, 2023, we had goodwill totaling $25.1 million related to the purchase of Monarch Black Hawk, Inc.

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.

Revenue Recognition:

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.

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 September 30, 2023, the Company had estimated the obligations related to the players’ club program at $9.0 million, which is included in Accrued Expenses in the Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity section in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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.

Other Operating items, net:

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

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, Other operating items, net, was $3.0 million and primarily represented professional service fees relating to our construction litigation. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, Other operating items, net, was $2.9 million and consisted of professional service fees relating to our construction litigation of $2.8 million, and loss on disposal of assets of $0.1 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Other operating items, net, was $3.0 million and consisted of $4.1 million of professional service fees relating to our construction litigation and $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, offset by $1.2 million net proceeds from a sale of a COVID closure related insurance claim. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Other operating items, net, was $6.4 million and primarily represented professional service fees relating to our construction litigation.

Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:

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.

NOTE 2. ACCOUNTING FOR LEASES

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.

As of September 30, 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.

The weighted-average incremental borrowing rate of the leases presented in the lease liability as of September 30, 2023, was 4.32%. There were no new leases entered into in the third quarter of 2023.

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The weighted-average remaining lease term of the leases presented in the lease liability as of September 30, 2023, was 17.35 years.

Cash paid related to the operating leases presented in the lease liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, was $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

NOTE 3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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.

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


	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2023		2022		2023		2022
Casino	$	111	$	56	$	262	$	181
Food and beverage		59		(12)		88		104
Hotel		80		56		213		126
Selling, general and administrative		1,896		1,157		4,333		3,031
Total stock-based compensation, before taxes		2,146		1,257		4,896		3,442
Tax benefit		(450)		(264)		(1,028)		(723)
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	1,696	$	993	$	3,868	$	2,719

NOTE 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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):


	Three months ended September 30,
	2023			2022
			Per Share			Per Share
	Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount
Basic	19,252	$	1.26	18,999	$	1.45
Effect of dilutive stock options	356		(0.03)	504		(0.04)
Diluted	19,608	$	1.23	19,503	$	1.41


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2023			2022
			Per Share			Per Share
	Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount
Basic	19,237	$	3.34	18,952	$	3.43
Effect of dilutive stock options	390		(0.07)	607		(0.10)
Diluted	19,627	$	3.27	19,559	$	3.33

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 September 30, 2023 and 2022, options for approximately 749 thousand and 592 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, options for approximately 617 thousand and 538 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation.

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NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

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.

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 September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $187 thousand in rent, plus $8 thousand and $14 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $561 thousand in rent, plus $17 thousand and $22 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of September 30, 2023, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $9.8 million.

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. 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 September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $101 thousand in rent plus $14 thousand and $12 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $303 thousand in rent plus $35 thousand and $28 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of September 30, 2023, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $3.3 million.

The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising, storage space and parking lot space from affiliates controlled by the Farahi Family Stockholders, and paid $104 thousand and $121 thousand, respectively, for the three-month periods and $373 thousand and $325 thousand, respectively, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, for such leases. The right of use asset and lease liability balances related to the billboard leases as of September 30, 2023, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $2.0 million.

NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Amended Credit Facility provides for a $100 million line of credit which matures on January 1, 2025.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $8 million under the Amended Credit Facility.

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In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2023, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.05:1 and 14.73:1, respectively.

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 September 30, 2023, the interest rate was 6.42%, 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.

NOTE 7. TAXES

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s effective tax rate was 22.6% and 19.8%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was impacted by excess tax benefit on stock option exercises, which were $0.4 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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

No uncertain tax positions were recorded as of September 30, 2023 and 2022. No change in uncertain tax positions is anticipated over the next twelve months.

NOTE 8. STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

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.

As of September 30, 2023, we have an authorization to purchase up to 2,900,000 shares under the Repurchase Plan.

NOTE 9. LEGAL MATTERS

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 case is captioned PCL Construction Services, Inc. v. Monarch Growth Inc., et al., Case No. 2019CV33368 (the “First Denver Lawsuit”). 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.

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.

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In connection with the expansion of the Monarch Black Hawk, as described above, PCL and certain subcontractors have also 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.

On March 26, 2021, PCL filed a mechanics’ lien foreclosure action in the 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 case is captioned PCL Construction Services, Inc., v. Monarch Growth Inc., et al., Case No. 2021CV30006 (the “Gilpin Lawsuit”). The complaint essentially mirrors the claims and allegations made by PCL in the First Denver Lawsuit, as described above. The Gilpin Lawsuit 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.

Monarch filed its answer and counterclaims to PCL’s second amended complaint in the Gilpin Lawsuit 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 the First Denver Lawsuit, Case No. 2019CV33368. We are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.

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 case is captioned Monarch Growth Inc., et al., v. PCL Construction Services, Inc., Case No. 2023CV30458 (the “Second Denver Lawsuit”).The complaint alleges, among other things, that PCL breached the construction contract, duties of good faith and fair dealing, and implied and express warranties based on defective and/or nonconforming contruction work at the project, and includes claims for monetary damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief. On April 18, 2023, at the parties’ joint request, the Court ordered the Second Denver Lawsuit stayed for ninety days from date of the stay order until July 17, 2023. Following the expiration of the stay and the filing of a motion to dismiss by PCL, Monarch amended its complaint in the Second Denver Lawsuit. On September 13, 2023, PCL filed a motion to dismiss Monarch’s amended complaint. Monarch filed its response in opposition to PCL’s motion to dismiss on October 4, 2023. The court has not yet resolved PCL’s motion to dismiss Monarch’s amended complaint, and we are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.

Meanwhile, on September 5, 2023, trial commenced in the First Denver Lawsuit in the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado. After approximately 5 weeks, the trial has been recessed pending additional trial days allowed by the Court in late November. Trial is currently set to resume on November 20, 2023 and conclude on November 28, 2023. We remain unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any, or determine when the court will resolve the claims currently being tried.

The Company recognized $4.1 million and $6.5 million in construction litigation expense relating to these lawsuits for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is included in Other operating items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

On February 7, 2023, the Company announced that the Company’s Board of Directors 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”), paid to the stockholders of record of the Company on March 1, 2023 (the “Record Date”), payable on March 15, 2023 (the “Payment Date”).

In addition to the One-time Dividend, the Board of Directors approved the initiation of an Annual Dividend policy for the payment of an annual dividend in the amount of $1.20 per outstanding share of Common Stock, commencing in the second quarter of 2023. 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).

On June 15, 2023, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.30 per share of its outstanding common stock, to stockholders of record on June 1, 2023. On September 15, 2023, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.30 per share of its outstanding common stock, to stockholders of record on September 1, 2023.

On October 18, 2023, the Company announced a cash dividend of $0.30 per share of its outstanding common stock, payable on December 15, 2023, to stockholders of record on December 1, 2023. This cash dividend is part of the previously announced annual cash dividend of $1.20 per share payable in quarterly payments.

The Company’s declaration of each cash 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

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

CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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) our belief regarding the exposure of our cash and accounts receivable to credit risk; (ii) 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; (iii) our beliefs regarding the quality of our properties as key factors in each of their long-term success; (iv) our expectations regarding the employment growth in the Reno market, the tight labor market (including wage inflation) and its effect on our business at Atlantis; (v) 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; (vi) our expectations regarding our business prospects, strategies, estimates and outlook; (vii) our expectations regarding the positioning of our properties to benefit from future macro and local economic growth; (viii) our expectations regarding future capital requirements; (ix) our anticipated sources of funds and adequacy of such funds to meet our debt obligations and capital requirements; and (x) our expectations regarding legal and other matters.

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 impact of the events occurring in the Middle East and the conflict taking place in Israel, as well as those risks discussed in Part I, Item 1A-Risk Factors and throughout Part II, Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in Part II, Item 1A-Risk Factors and elsewhere of this Form 10-Q. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by us (such as in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or in Company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by us. You should read this Form 10-Q, and the documents that we reference in this Form 10-Q and have filed with the SEC, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance, and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

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.

OVERVIEW

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.

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.

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.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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

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.

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.

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.

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, our net income totaled $24.2 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, compared to net income of $27.5 million, or $1.41 per diluted share for the same period in 2022, reflecting a 12.1% and 12.8% decrease in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2023, totaled $133.0 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 0.6%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023, totaled $31.9 million compared to income from operations of $36.4 million for the same period in 2022.

Casino revenue decreased 4.0% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022. The decrease in casino revenue was driven primarily by the increase in promotional allowances and decrease in spend per visit year-over-year at Atlantis. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 34.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 33.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in labor expense.

Food and beverage revenue for the third quarter of 2023 increased 5.3% compared to the third 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 4.1%. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased in the third quarter of 2023 to 70.8% compared to 72.4% for the same quarter in 2022 primarily due to an increase in average check and improved cost management.

Hotel revenue decreased 0.9% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter of 2022 primarily as a result of lower number of available rooms in the current quarter compared to the prior year same quarter. ADR increased by $1.04 ($178.78 in the third quarter of 2023 and $177.74 in the third quarter of 2022). Hotel occupancy increased to 88.1% during the current year period compared to 86.8% during the third quarter of 2022. RevPAR was $169.63 and $170.14 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively and was impacted by a decrease in resort fee revenue. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue increased to 34.8% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 34.2% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the decrease in RevPAR and an increase in labor expense.

Other revenue increased 18.0% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to an increase in retail and spa revenues at both properties.

SG&A expense increased to $27.1 million in the third quarter of 2023 from $25.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 driven primarily by increases in labor, utilities, insurance and marketing expenses. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense increased to 20.4% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 19.2% in the same period in 2022.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $11.2 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 third quarter of 2023 and 2022, we recognized $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation, which are included in Other operating items, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In the third quarter of 2023, we recognized $0.4 million of interest expense, net of interest income. In the third quarter of 2022, we expensed $0.5 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.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had a net income of $64.2 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, compared to net income of $65.0 million, or $3.33 per diluted share for the same period in 2022, reflecting a 1.2% and 1.8% decrease in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, totaled $373.3 million, an increase of 4.5%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 totaled $84.8 million compared to $83.4 million income from operations for the same period in 2022.

Casino revenue increased 2.9% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the first nine months of 2022 and was driven by an increase in market share at Monarch Black Hawk. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 36.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to 34.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily as a result of increase in labor expense and increase in promotional allowances.

Food and beverage revenue for the first nine months of 2023 increased 9.3% compared to the 2022 same period due to a 1.9% increase in food and beverage covers combined with an 7.3% 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 nine months of 2023 to 72.6% from 76.1% for the same period in 2022 primarily as a result of an increase in average check and improved cost management.

Hotel revenue decreased 0.2% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the first nine months of 2022 primarily due to a decrease in ADR by $5.53, from $178.15 in the first nine months of 2022 to $172.62 in the first nine months of 2023. The occupancy increased from 81.7% during the first nine months of 2022 to 84.7% during the same period of 2023. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue increased to 37.1% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to 35.3% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the lower ADR and an increase in labor expense.

Other revenue increased 15.3% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same prior year period.

SG&A expense increased to $77.2 million in the first nine months of 2023 from $72.9 million in the first nine months of 2022 primarily due to the increase in labor expense, as well as utilities, insurance and repair and maintenance expenses. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense increased to 20.7% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to 20.4% in the same period in 2022.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $35.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $32.2 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service with the ongoing renovation at Atlantis.

During the first nine months of 2023, we recognized $4.1 million in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation and $1.2 million in proceeds from a sale of COVID closure related insurance claim. During the first nine months of 2022, we recognized $6.5 million in professional services fees relating to our construction litigation.

During the first nine months of 2023, we expensed $1.7 million of interest, net of interest income. During the first nine months of 2022, we expensed $1.1 million of interest and amortized $1.1 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

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

Cash paid for capital expenditures for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 totaled $34.6 million and $40.5 million, respectively. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2022 our capital expenditures related primarily to the redesign and upgrade of hotel rooms in the original tower at Atlantis, the new upscale retail shop at Atlantis 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 nine months of 2023 and 2022 were funded primarily from operating cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $134.4 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $106.2 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, increase in depreciation expense and change in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $34.6 million and $40.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during the first nine 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 nine 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.

Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2023 totaled $104.6 million consisting of $107.0 million used for payment of dividends, offset by $1.0 million of borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility, net of the payments to the lender under the Amended Credit Facility and $1.4 million of net proceeds from stock options exercise. Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2022 totaled $66.0 million and consisted of $63.0 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 $3.5 million of net proceeds from stock options exercise.

Amended Credit Facility

On February 1, 2023, we entered into the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. 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.

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 but instead increases the aggregate principal amount of the revolving line of credit from $70 million to $100 million. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is January 1, 2025.

As of September 30, 2023, we had an outstanding principal balance of $8 million under the Amended Credit Facility.

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In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2023, our Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.05:1 and 14.73:1, respectively.

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 $91.4 million available under our Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, 2023 will be sufficient to sustain operations for the twelve months from the filing of this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and fulfill our capital expenditure plans and authorized dividend distributions. 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, 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.

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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.

As of September 30, 2023, we had $8 million of outstanding balance under our Amended Credit Facility. A hypothetical 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility at September 30, 2023, would have resulted in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $0.1 million. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of our Amended Credit Facility and capital structure.

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

We do not have any cash or cash equivalents as of September 30, 2023 that are subject to market risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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 September 30, 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

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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

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.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (in each case, as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



Exhibit No		Description


31.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1**		Certification of Principal Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2**		Certification of Principal Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*		Inline XBRL Instance - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.DEF*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
101.LAB*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE* 104		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith

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.


	MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.
	(Registrant)


Date: November 6, 2023	By:	/s/ EDWIN S. KOENIG
	Edwin S. Koenig, Chief Accounting Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)