c

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, 2022

OR

☐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: 18,961,643 shares of common stock are outstanding as of October 31, 2022.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)	3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2022 (unaudited) and December 31, 2021	4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)	5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (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	24
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	24
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	24
Item 1A. Risk Factors	24
Item 6. Exhibits	25
Signatures	25

2

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,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
Revenues
Casino	$	76,909	$	63,931	$	203,605	$	168,515
Food and beverage		31,312		25,971		85,818		64,293
Hotel		20,785		17,336		54,274		39,924
Other		4,721		4,392		13,637		11,577
Net revenues		133,727		111,630		357,334		284,309
Operating expenses
Casino		25,474		21,297		71,156		53,219
Food and beverage		22,665		20,148		65,297		51,748
Hotel		7,117		6,668		19,183		16,308
Other		2,383		2,120		6,712		5,632
Selling, general and administrative		25,651		21,690		72,931		62,222
Depreciation and amortization		11,183		9,434		32,245		28,308
Other operating items, net		2,898		1,233		6,444		2,799
Total operating expenses		97,371		82,590		273,968		220,236
Income from operations		36,356		29,040		83,366		64,073
Other expense
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(870)		(891)		(2,220)		(3,786)
Income before income taxes		35,486		28,149		81,146		60,287
Provision for income taxes		(7,993)		(5,835)		(16,100)		(11,670)
Net income	$	27,493	$	22,314	$	65,046	$	48,617
Earnings per share of common stock
Net income
Basic	$	1.45	$	1.20	$	3.43	$	2.62
Diluted	$	1.41	$	1.15	$	3.33	$	2.51
Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding
Basic		18,999		18,640		18,952		18,573
Diluted		19,503		19,423		19,559		19,395

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

3

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except shares)

	September 30, 2022		December 31, 2021
ASSETS		(Unaudited)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,139	$	33,526
Receivables, net		9,920		8,881
Income taxes receivable		24,646		26,946
Inventories		6,534		7,159
Prepaid expenses		7,749		7,552
Total current assets		81,988		84,064
Property and equipment, net		581,183		580,807
Goodwill		25,111		25,111
Intangible assets, net		383		477
Total assets	$	688,665	$	690,459
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt, net	$	26,237	$	20,000
Accounts payable		16,510		18,575
Construction accounts payable		49,648		58,891
Accrued expenses		47,622		42,967
Short-term lease liability		538		745
Total current liabilities		140,555		141,178
Deferred income taxes		19,617		19,617
Long-term lease liability		13,123		13,498
Long-term debt, net		—		68,152
Total liabilities		173,295		242,445
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—		—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 19,096,300 shares issued; 18,894,736 outstanding at September 30, 2022; 18,764,540 outstanding at December 31, 2021		191		191
Additional paid-in capital		47,254		41,426
Treasury stock, 201,564 shares at September 30, 2022; 331,760 shares at December 31, 2021		(7,859)		(4,341)
Retained earnings		475,784		410,738
Total stockholders’ equity		515,370		448,014
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	688,665	$	690,459

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

4

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, 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

	Common Stock			Additional
	Shares			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury
	Outstanding	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, January 1, 2021	18,426,130	$	191	$	34,498	$	342,250	$	(8,872)	$	368,067
Exercise of stock options, net	91,831		—		1,143		—		1,266		2,409
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,280		—		—		1,280
Net income	—		—		—		8,154		—		8,154
Balance, March 31, 2021	18,517,961	$	191	$	36,921	$	350,404	$	(7,606)	$	379,910
Exercise of stock options, net	81,555		—		675		—		1,106		1,781
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		1,247		—		—		1,247
Net loss	—		—		—		18,149		—		18,149
Balance, June 30, 2021	18,599,516	$	191	$	38,843	$	368,553	$	(6,500)	$	401,087
Exercise of stock options, net	31,260		—		8		—		414		422
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		572		—		—		572
Net income	—		—		—		22,314		—		22,314
Balance, September 30, 2021	18,630,776	$	191	$	39,423	$	390,867	$	(6,086)	$	424,395

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

5

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands, Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	65,046	$	48,617
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		32,245		28,308
Amortization of deferred loan costs		1,085		630
Stock-based compensation		3,442		3,099
Stock based compensation - restricted stock		80		—
Provision for bad debts		114		44
Loss on disposition of assets		8		138
Non-cash operating lease expense		(1)		—
Deferred income taxes		—		1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(1,153)		(4,936)
Income taxes receivable		2,300		3,571
Inventories		625		1,706
Prepaid expenses		(197)		1,721
Right of use asset, net		—		(13)
Accounts payable		(2,065)		3,281
Accrued expenses		4,655		10,110
Net cash provided by operating activities		106,184		96,277
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets		138		20
Change in construction accounts payable		(9,243)		5,309
Acquisition of property and equipment		(31,425)		(26,992)
Net cash used in investing activities		(40,530)		(21,663)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payroll taxes from net exercise of stock options		(2,468)		(730)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		5,927		5,342
Line-of-credit borrowings		3,000		—
Line-of-credit payments		(3,000)		—
Principal payments on long-term debt		(63,000)		(74,500)
Purchase of company common stock		(6,500)		—
Net cash used in financing activities		(66,041)		(69,888)
Change in cash and cash equivalents		(387)		4,726
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		33,526		28,310
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	33,139	$	33,036
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	1,139	$	2,207
Cash paid for income taxes	$	13,800	$	8,100

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

6

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

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, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2021, 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, 2021.

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 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.

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

7

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, 2022, 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, 2022		December 31, 2021
Land	$	32,977	$	32,986
Land improvements		10,929		9,898
Buildings		475,956		474,571
Buildings improvements		72,129		55,432
Furniture and equipment		244,594		235,233
Construction in progress		8,651		8,211
Right of use assets		13,665		14,246
Leasehold improvements		3,848		3,848
		862,749		834,425
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(281,566)		(253,618)
Property and equipment, net	$	581,183	$	580,807

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. 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.

8

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 nine- months periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, 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.

Debt Issuance Costs:

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.

As of September 30, 2022, debt issuance costs, net of amortization, were $0.8 million and included in “Current maturities of long-term debt, net”.

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.

9

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.

As of September 30, 2022, the Company had estimated the obligations related to the players’ club program at $9.5 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, 2022, Other operating items, net, was $2.9 million and represented professional service fees relating to our construction litigation of $2.8 million, and loss on disposal of assets of $0.1 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, Other operating items, net, was $1.2 million and included: $1.5 million of professional services relating to our construction litigation and $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, offset by $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds.

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. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Other operating items, net, was $2.8 million and primarily included: $3.0 million of professional services relating to our construction litigation, $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 and $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, offset by $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds.

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.

10

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, 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.

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 September 30, 2022, was 4.34%. There were no new leases entered into in the third quarter of 2022.

The weighted-average remaining lease term of the leases presented in the lease liability as of September 30, 2022, was 20 years.

Cash paid related to the operating leases presented in the lease liability for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, was $1.0 million and $1.1 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,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
Casino	$	56	$	83	$	181	$	196
Food and beverage		(12)		32		104		100
Hotel		56		50		126		122
Selling, general and administrative		1,157		407		3,031		2,681
Total stock-based compensation, before taxes		1,257		572		3,442		3,099
Tax benefit		(264)		(120)		(723)		(651)
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	993	$	452	$	2,719	$	2,448

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):

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	Three months ended September 30,
	2022			2021
			Per Share			Per Share
	Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount
Basic	18,999	$	1.45	18,640	$	1.20
Effect of dilutive stock options	504		(0.04)	783		(0.05)
Diluted	19,503	$	1.41	19,423	$	1.15

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2022			2021
			Per Share			Per Share
	Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount
Basic	18,952	$	3.43	18,573	$	2.62
Effect of dilutive stock options	607		(0.10)	822		(0.11)
Diluted	19,559	$	3.33	19,395	$	2.51

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, 2022 and 2021, options for approximately 592 thousand and 316 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, options for approximately 538 thousand and 239 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation.

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 the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $187 thousand and $174 thousand in rent, respectively, plus $14 thousand and $13 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $561 and $522 thousand in rent, respectively, plus $22 thousand and $21 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of September 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 September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $101 thousand in rent plus $12 thousand in operating expenses relating to this lease. For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $303 thousand in rent plus $28 thousand and $25 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of September 30, 2022, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $3.5 million.

The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising, storage space and parking lot space from affiliates controlled by the Farahi Family Stockholders, and paid $121 thousand and $57 thousand, respectively, for the three-month periods and $325 thousand and $151 thousand, respectively, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, for such leases.

NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

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”).

The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is September 3, 2023. The Amended Credit Facility increased 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.

As of September 30, 2022, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $27 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. The entire outstanding principal balance is due in the next twelve months.

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.

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.

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

In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of September 30, 2022, the Company is required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of no more than 4.0:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.15:1. As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.2:1 and 3.8:1, 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 September 30, 2022, the interest rate on the Term Loan Facility was 4.12%, or LIBOR plus a 1.00% margin.

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.

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 nine months of 2022, the Company made $48 million in optional prepayments on its Term Loan Facility in addition to $15 million in mandatory payments.

As of September 30, 2022, $26.2 million, representing $27.0 million outstanding loan amount under the Amended Credit Facility, net of $0.8 million unamortized debt issuance costs, is presented in the Current liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as “Current maturities of long-term debt”.

NOTE 7. TAXES

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s effective tax rate was 19.8% and 19.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was impacted by excess tax benefit on stock option exercises.

As of September 30, 2022, the $24.6 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.

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, 2022 and 2021. 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.

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 September 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

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.

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

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.

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 $6.5 million and $3.0 million in construction litigation expense relating to these lawsuits for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, 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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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) the impact of COVID-19, including any recent spikes in cases or any spread of new variants, and any other contagious diseases or viruses on our revenues, cash flows, liquidity, construction projects, results of operations and financial condition; (ii) our beliefs regarding the sufficiency of our cash and other financial resources; (iii) our belief regarding the exposure of our cash and accounts receivable to credit risk; (iv) our beliefs regarding the quality of our work product and guest service and our ability to capture additional market share in the high-end segment of the market; (v) our beliefs regarding the quality of our properties as key factors in Monarch's long-term success; (vi) our expectations and beliefs concerning the expansion project at the Monarch Black Hawk (the "Monarch Black Hawk Expansion"); (vii) our expectations and intentions regarding the expenses, defenses and outcomes of the lawsuits filed by the construction project general contractor against us and our counterclaims against the contractor; (viii) our expectations regarding our business prospects, strategies, estimates and outlook; (ix) our expectations regarding the positioning of our properties to benefit from future macro and local economic growth; (x) our expectations regarding future capital requirements; (xi) our anticipated sources of funds and adequacy of such funds to meet our debt obligations and capital requirements; and (xii) our expectations regarding legal and other matters.

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

● adverse impacts of COVID-19 and its variants on our business, financial condition, operating results, access to capital markets, and on short-term and long-term travel, leisure and discretionary spending habits and practices of our guests;

● actions by government officials at the federal, state or local level, including, without limitation, temporary or extended shutdowns, travel restrictions, social distancing, shelter-in-place orders, and mask mandates in connection with COVID-19;

● our ability to maintain strong relationships with our regulators, employees, lenders, suppliers, insurance carriers, customers and other stakeholders;

● impact of any uninsured losses;

● the adverse impact of cancellations and/or postponements of hotel stays and convention and trade shows on our business, market position, growth, financial condition and operating results;

● a delay in or failure of the changes in guest visitation, entertainment choices and spending patterns, including a decrease in overall long-term demand;

● potentially uninsurable liability exposure to customers and staff should they become (or allege that they have become) infected with COVID-19 while at one of our resorts;

● unwillingness of employees to report to work due to the adverse effects of COVID-19, including any spikes in cases, or to otherwise conduct work under any revised work environment protocols;

● unwillingness of our employees to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination or any boosters;

● the potential of increases in state and federal taxation to address budgetary and other impacts of COVID-19;

● our ability to successfully implement our business and growth strategies;

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● our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our expansion and renovation projects, including the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion;

● our ongoing disputes over costs of and responsibility for delays, construction defects and other construction related matters with our Monarch Black Hawk general contractor, PCL Construction Services, Inc. (“PCL”), including, as previously reported, the litigations against us by such contractor and our filing of affirmative defenses and extensive counterclaims against PCL;

● our potential need to post bonds or other forms of surety to support our legal remedies;

● risks related to pending litigation, which is costly and time-consuming to defend, and if decided against us, could require us to pay substantial judgments or settlements. We cannot predict with certainty the outcomes of such legal proceedings, and the costs incurred in litigation can be substantial, regardless of the outcome. Substantial unanticipated verdicts, fines and rulings do sometimes occur;

● our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow to service our debt obligations and working capital needs and to help finance our expansion plans;

● our ability to effectively manage expenses to optimize our margins and operating results;

● our ability to effectively manage increased expenses from inflationary pressures, including wage inflation;

● our ability to effectively manage the impacts of temporary or other supply chain interruptions;

● our ability to successfully complete potential acquisitions and investments;

● access to capital and credit, including our ability to finance future business requirements;

● adverse trends in the gaming industry;

● changes in patron demographics;

● risks related to record heat conditions, drought conditions and fires in the Western United States;

● general market and economic conditions, including but not limited to, the effects of local and national economic, housing and energy conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming and lodging industries in particular;

● the impact of rising interest rates and our ability to refinance debt as it matures at commercially reasonable rates or at all;

● fluctuations in interest rates, including the impact of any discontinuance, modification or other reform of LIBOR, or the establishment of alternative reference rates;

● our dependence on two resorts;

● ability of large stockholders to influence our affairs;

● our dependence on key personnel;

● the availability of adequate levels of insurance;

● changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental and gaming licenses or legislation and regulations, and laws and regulations permitting expanded and other forms of gaming in our key markets;

● ability to obtain and maintain gaming and other governmental licenses and regulatory approvals;

● any violations by us of the anti-money laundering laws;

● cybersecurity risks, including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security;

● disruptions or reductions in travel and our operations due to natural disasters, severe weather, terrorist activity, pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of infectious or contagious diseases, political instability, civil unrest and similar events;

● our competitive environment, including increased competition in our target market areas;

● increases in the effective rate of taxation at any of our properties or at the corporate level;

● our ability to successfully estimate the impact of accounting, tax and legal matters;

● the impact of the events occurring in Eastern Europe and the conflict taking place in Ukraine; and

● risks, uncertainties and other factors described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "2021 Form 10-K”), and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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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.

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.

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: 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 endure possible adverse macro-economic conditions.

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. Although we are currently experiencing the pressure of increased costs and, due to the property’s location, labor shortage, we believe we have a long runway to fully unlock the property’s potential. 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

Impact of COVID-19

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

During the first few months of the nine-month period ended September 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 and third quarters of 2021, both Atlantis and Black Hawk revenues benefited from COVID-19 related pent-up demand.

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.

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

Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk expansion

Our financial results for the three and nine months ended September 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 nine months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, the average daily number of slot machines had increased by approximately 177, the average daily table games had increased by approximately 19 and the average daily available rooms had increased by approximately 105. 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 September 30, 2022 and 2021

For the three months ended September 30, 2022, our net income totaled $27.5 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to net income of $22.3 million, or $1.15 per diluted share for the same period in 2021, reflecting a 23.2% and 22.6% increase in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2022, totaled $133.7 million, an increase of $22.1 million, or 19.8%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021. Income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2022, totaled $36.4 million compared to income from operations of $29.0 million for the same period in 2021.

Casino revenue increased 20.3% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third 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 and higher guest spend per visit at both properties. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue decreased to 33.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to 33.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to the increase in gaming revenue.

Food and beverage revenue for the third quarter of 2022 increased 20.6% compared to the third quarter of 2021 due to a 7.6% increase in food and beverage covers, combined with an increase in food and beverage revenue per cover of 12.1%. The increase in covers is primarily a result of the opening of a new restaurant at Monarch Black Hawk in early 2022 as well as increase in buffet covers at both properties. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased in the third quarter of 2022 to 72.4% compared to 77.6% for the same quarter in 2021 primarily due to our ongoing efforts to align menu prices with increased commodity prices and labor costs.

Hotel revenue increased 19.9% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of 2021 primarily as a result of an increase in ADR of $23.63 ($177.74 in the third quarter of 2022 and $154.11 in the third quarter of 2021). Hotel occupancy was 86.8% during the current year period compared to 83.4% during the third quarter of 2021. RevPAR was $170.14 and $142.39 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue decreased to 34.2% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to 38.5% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the increase in ADR and the ramp-up in hotel operations at Monarch Black Hawk.

Other revenue increased 7.5% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to the ramp-up of the spa operation at Monarch Black Hawk and increase in commission revenue.

SG&A expense increased to $25.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 from $21.7 million in the third quarter of 2021 driven primarily by increases in labor expense, utility expenses and advertising expense at Monarch Black Hawk. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to 19.2% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to 19.4% in the same period in 2021.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $11.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $9.4 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service with the ongoing renovation at Atlantis.

During the third quarter of 2022 and 2021, we recognized $2.8 million and $1.5 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.

In the third quarter of 2022 we expensed $0.5 million of interest and amortized $0.4 million in deferred loan costs. In the third quarter of 2021, 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.

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we had a net income of $65.0 million, or $3.33 per diluted share, compared to net income of $48.6 million, or $2.51 per diluted share for the same period in 2021, reflecting a 33.8% and 32.7% increase in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, totaled $357.3 million, an increase of 25.7%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 totaled $83.4 million compared to $64.1 million income from operations for the same period in 2021.

Casino revenue increased 20.8% in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the first nine 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 34.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to 31.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily as a result of an increase in promotional allowances.

Food and beverage revenue for the first nine months of 2022 increased 33.5% compared to the 2021 same period due to a 22.4% increase in food and beverage covers combined with a 9.0% 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 nine months of 2022 to 76.1% from 80.5% for the same period in 2021 primarily as a result of our effort to align menu prices with increased commodity prices and labor cost.

Hotel revenue increased 35.9% in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the first nine 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 $40.11, from $138.04 in the first nine months of 2021 to $178.15 in the first nine months of 2022. Hotel occupancy for the first nine months of 2022 was 81.7% compared to 78.6% during the same period of 2021. REVPAR was $159.08 for the first nine months of 2022 and $119.18 for the first nine months of 2021. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue decreased to 35.3% in the first nine months of 2022 compared to 40.8% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the higher ADR.

Other revenue increased 17.8% in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to the ramp-up of the spa operation at Monarch Black Hawk and increase in commission revenue.

SG&A expense increased to $72.9 million in the first nine months of 2022 from $62.2 million in the first nine months of 2021 primarily due to the increase in labor expense, utility expense and sales and marketing expense. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to 20.4% in the first nine months of 2022 compared to 21.9% in the same period in 2021.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $32.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $28.3 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 and renovation projects at Atlantis.

During the first nine months of 2022, we recognized $6.5 million in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation. During the first nine months of 2021, we recognized $3.0 million of professional service fees relating to our construction litigation, $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, $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds.

During the first nine months of 2022, we expensed $1.1 million of interest and amortized $1.1 million in deferred loan costs. During the first nine months of 2021, we expensed $3.2 million of interest and amortized $0.6 million in deferred loan costs. See further discussion of our Amended Credit Facility in the LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES section below.

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.

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Cash paid for capital expenditures for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 totaled $40.5 million and $21.7 million, respectively. 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. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021 our capital expenditures related primarily to the following: the transformation of part of the legacy Monarch Black Hawk building into a specialty restaurant, sportsbook lounge and bar, and additional casino space; complete renovation of the high-end suites on the top floors of the hotel tower 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 2022 and 2021 were funded from operating cash flows.

Monarch Black Hawk Expansion

In 2013, we began work to convert the Monarch Black Hawk into a full-scale casino resort spa. The multi-phased expansion of the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk involved construction of a new parking structure beginning in 2016, demolition of the original parking structure in 2017, construction of a new hotel tower and casino expansion and redesign and upgrade of a part of the legacy facility, which were completed in February 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, we began the phased opening of our new hotel tower and casino expansion, which increased the casino space and added a 23-story hotel tower with 516 guest rooms and suites, banquet and meeting room space, a retail store, a concierge lounge, an upscale spa and pool facility located on the top floor of the tower, three new restaurants, and additional bars and lounges. In 2021, we added a poker room, a keno counter, a sportsbook, sports lounge and bar, as well as additional slot machines in the legacy facility. In February 2022, we completed the Monarch Black Hawk expansion with the opening of a new specialty restaurant.

We are confident 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 derive accelerated market share and revenue growth.

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, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $106.2 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $96.3 million in the same prior year period. This increase was primarily a result of increases in net income, and depreciation expense, offset by an increase in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $40.5 million and $21.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 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 original tower at Atlantis, the new upscale retail shop at Atlantis and for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties. Net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2021 consisted primarily of cash used for the transformation of part of the Monarch Black Hawk legacy facility, complete renovation of the high-end suites on the top floors of the hotel tower at Atlantis and for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties.

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 the purchase of Company stock under the Repurchase Plan partially, offset by $3.5 million of net proceeds from stock options exercise. Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2021 totaled $69.9 million and consisted of $74.5 million principal payments on the credit facility partially offset by $4.6 million proceeds from the stock options exercise.

Amended Credit Facility

On September 3, 2020, we 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, we entered into an amendment to the Fourth Amended Credit Facility (defined above and hereafter, inclusive of all amendments, as the “Amended Credit Facility”).

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The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is September 3, 2023. The Amended Credit Facility increased 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”), together with an option to increase the facility by up to an additional $75 million Revolving Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2022, we had an outstanding principal balance of $27 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. The entire outstanding principal balance is due in the next twelve months.

We are 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.

Commencing with the delivery of the compliance certificate for fiscal year 2022, we 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.

Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of our real and personal property.

In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of September 30, 2022, we are required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of no more than 4.0:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.15:1. As of September 30, 2022, our Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were 0.2:1 and 3.8:1, respectively.

As of September 30, 2022, 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 September 30, 2022, the interest rate on the Term Loan Facility was 4.12%, or LIBOR plus a 1.00% margin.

On the terms and subject to some conditions, we 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.

We 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 nine months of 2022, we made $48 million in optional prepayments on the Term Loan Facility in addition to a $15 million in mandatory payments.

As of September 30, 2022, $26.2 million, representing $27.0 million outstanding loan amount under the Amended Credit Facility, net of $0.8 million unamortized debt issuance costs, is presented in the Current liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as “Current maturities of long-term debt”.

We believe that our anticipated operating cash flow and the $69.4 million available under our Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, 2022 will be sufficient to sustain operations for the twelve months from filing of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and fulfill our capital expenditure plans. However, spikes in COVID-19 cases or new variants thereof, other contagious diseases or viruses, or 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.

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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 2021 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 2021 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2022.

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, 2022, we had $27 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, 2022, would have resulted in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $0.3 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, 2022 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, 2022, 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.

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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Form 10-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 4, 2022	By:	/s/ EDWIN S. KOENIG
	Edwin S. Koenig, Chief Accounting Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

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