UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM
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CURRENT REPORT
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
On April 28, 2021, Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (the Company) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
| 99.1 | Press release dated April 28, 2021 | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURE
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 hereunto duly authorized.
| Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. | ||
| Date: April 28, 2021 | By: | /s/ Edwin S. Koenig |
| Edwin S. Koenig | ||
| Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) | ||
EXHIBIT 99.1
Monarch Casino & Resort Reports Record Financial Results For 2021 First Quarter
RENO, Nev., April 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (Nasdaq: MCRI) (“Monarch” or “the Company”) today reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, as summarized below:
($ in thousands, except per share data and percentages)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Increase | ||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 74,960 | $ | 51,011 | 46.9 | % | ||
| Net income | 8,154 | 2,020 | 303.7 | % | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (1) | $ | 22,831 | $ | 8,109 | 181.6 | % | ||
| Basic EPS | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.11 | 300.0 | % | ||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.11 | 281.8 | % | ||
(1) Definitions, disclosures and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial information are included later in the release.
CEO Comment
John Farahi, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monarch, commented: “Monarch’s first quarter Net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of $75.0 million and $22.8 million, respectively, were all-time Company highs. Our Atlantis and Black Hawk properties, each generated record first quarter high Net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. Moreover, we were able to achieve a record first quarter Adjusted EBITDA margin of 30.5%. First quarter results benefited from the phased opening of operations at our newly transformed Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, which started in the fourth quarter of 2020. We continued market share growth at both of our Reno and Black Hawk properties, achieving new records. Our overall first quarter performance demonstrated Monarch’s success in capturing a higher share of the pent-up demand that seems evident across the gaming industry – particularly in regional gaming markets. The quality of our two casino resorts allows us to take advantage of the healthy economies in our key feeder markets and positions us to continue our growth as we recover from the pandemic and the government restrictions abate.
“Throughout the first quarter, both markets operated under continued state-imposed capacity and other restrictions, which negatively impacted hotel and food and beverage performance. However, given our team’s coordinated expense management efforts, we grew Adjusted EBITDA at a rate which exceeded our revenue growth. Managing labor remains a major factor for the business, particularly as we ramp up staffing in Black Hawk and look to restore amenities at both properties. A shortage of qualified applicants and wage pressure remain key challenges. Fortunately, investments in technology have allowed us to reduce the amount of labor that would have historically been required, while maintaining the expected guest service levels.
“Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk performance exceeded expectations as expanded operations drove higher casino revenue and established new sources of hotel and food and beverage revenue. Market share gains in Black Hawk continue to accelerate reflecting the quality of our facility and the expanded casino floor. Renovation continues in the legacy part of the property as we build out remaining amenities, which we expect to open in phases before the end of the year. In addition, we have been able to continuously expand our slot and table games positions since the beginning of the year as state and county COVID-19 regulations ease.
“We are just three days away from implementing Colorado’s Amendment 77, allowing unlimited single bets and new popular casino games, which represents a transformative opportunity for the Colorado gaming industry. Given the overwhelming response to our new resort, we believe that Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk has already established itself as the premier destination gaming resort in the state and we are confident in our ability to take an outsized share of the market growth anticipated from the Amendment 77-driven changes. On May 1, we plan to immediately lift our betting limits to be in line with those of our Reno property, as well as introduce Baccarat. We also look forward to offering Poker and Keno before the end of May.
“As the recovery momentum builds over the course of 2021 and into 2022, we believe that our Reno and Black Hawk markets will enable us to generate strong returns. At the same time, we continue to reduce leverage and further improve our balance sheet, positioning the Company to evaluate and pursue attractive acquisition opportunities that can drive long-term growth and enhance stockholder value.”
Summary of 2021 First Quarter Operating Results
In the 2021 first quarter, the Company generated record consolidated net revenue of $75.0 million, an increase of 46.9% from $51.0 million in the prior year period. Casino, food and beverage, and hotel revenues increased 73.3%, 9.8%, and 34.6% year-over-year, respectively. The increase in revenues was driven by the phased opening of our hotel and expanded casino in Black Hawk beginning in November 2020, a full quarter of operations at the Company’s properties in Reno and Black Hawk, and higher guest spend per visit. The prior year quarter was partially impacted by pandemic-related shutdowns, which lasted from March 18 until June 4, 2020 for Atlantis and from March 17 until June 17, 2020 for Monarch Black Hawk.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $19.9 million compared to $17.2 million in the prior-year period, driven primarily by an increase in payroll expenses as a result of the opening of the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk expansion. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to 26.6% compared to 33.7% in the prior-year period. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue decreased to 29.0% during the first quarter of 2021 from 35.5% in the prior-year period primarily as a result of a full quarter of revenue compared to the prior-year period when the Company’s two properties shut down beginning in mid-March. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue increased to 87.0% during the first quarter of 2021 from 84.8% in the prior-year period primarily as a result of ongoing capacity restrictions in the Company’s food and beverage outlets. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue increased to 49.2% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 46.6% in the same period a year ago, primarily as a result of the ramp-up in hotel operations at Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk and higher housekeeping expenses related to COVID-19 safety protocols.
The Company generated record consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $22.8 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $14.7 million, or 181.6%, over the same period a year ago. Net income for the first quarter of 2021 increased 303.7% and diluted EPS increased 281.8%.
Credit Facility and Liquidity
Capital expenditures of $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 primarily included construction costs related to the redesign of part of the legacy Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk building and ongoing capital spending at both properties. Capital expenditures were funded from cash flows from operating activities and available cash. The Company expensed $1.6 million of interest in the first quarter of 2021. All $1.8 million of interest in the first quarter of 2020 was capitalized.
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company made a $20.0 million optional prepayment on its Term Loan Facility in addition to a $2.5 million mandatory payment. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $160.0 million under the Term Loan. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under its $70.0 million Revolving Credit Facility.
Monarch continues to believe that its expected cash flows from operating activities and the $70.0 million available under its Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund its ongoing capital expenditures.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release 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 "plan," "believe," "expect," "seem," "look," "look forward," "positioning," "future," "will," "confident" and similar references to future periods. Example of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: (i) expected operating results, such as (ii) our belief that we have sufficient liquidity to fund all remaining construction and litigation costs and ongoing capital expenditures; (iii) our belief that our business is well-positioned to benefit from any post-pandemic recovery; (iv) our expectation regarding the availability of future acquisition opportunities; beliefs regarding the health of our key feeder markets; (v) our expectations regarding our ability to re-open amenities, games and higher betting limits at our properties; (vi) our beliefs regarding the quality of our products and guest services in Reno and Black Hawk, including as a premier destination gaming resort in Colorado; (vii) our continuing plans to redesign part of the legacy building at Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk to add a specialty restaurant, poker room and a sports lounge, and the expected completion of such construction; (viii) our expectations regarding our guests' acceptance of the expanded casino, new hotel and enhanced amenities at Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk; (ix) our expectations regarding our future position in, and share of, the gaming market and the quality of service we provide to our guests; and (x) our expectations regarding the consequences of passage of Amendment 77 to the Colorado Constitution and its impact on the growth of the gaming market. Actual results and future events and conditions may differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
Additional information concerning potential factors that could adversely affect all forward-looking statements, including the Company's financial results, is included in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on our website at www.monarchcasino.com.
About Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada, and the Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado, approximately 40 miles west of Denver. For additional information on Monarch, visit the Company’s website at www.monarchcasino.com.
The Atlantis features approximately 61,000 square feet of casino space; 818 guest rooms and suites; eight food outlets; two gourmet coffee and pastry bars; a 30,000 square foot health spa and salon with an enclosed year-round pool; two retail outlets offering clothing and traditional gift shop merchandise; an 8,000 square-foot family entertainment center; and approximately 52,000 square feet of banquet, convention and meeting room space. The casino features approximately 1,400 slot and video poker machines; approximately 37 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and others; a race and sports book; a 24-hour live keno lounge; and a poker room.
Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, upon completion of its legacy building redesign in 2021, will feature approximately 60,000 square feet of casino space; approximately 1,200 slot machines; and approximately 40 table games. A sports lounge, keno counter and poker room are expected to open later in 2021. The resort also includes 10 bars and lounges, as well as four new dining options including a twenty-four-hour full-service restaurant, 250-seat buffet-style restaurant, the Monarch Chophouse (a fine-dining steakhouse), and a specialty restaurant which is expected to open later in 2021. The resort offers 516 guest rooms and suites, banquet and meeting room space, a retail store, a concierge lounge and an upscale spa and pool facility located on the top floor of the tower. The resort is connected to a nine-story parking structure with 1,350 parking spaces, and additional valet parking, with total property capacity of approximately 1,500 spaces.
Contacts:
David Farahi
Chief Operating Officer
775/825-4700 or dfarahi@monarchcasino.com
Joseph Jaffoni, Richard Land, James Leahy
JCIR
212/835-8500 or mcri@jcir.com
- financial tables follow -
| MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME | ||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Casino | $ | 46,911 | $ | 27,065 | ||||
| Food and beverage | 16,206 | 14,763 | ||||||
| Hotel | 8,635 | 6,417 | ||||||
| Other | 3,208 | 2,766 | ||||||
| Net revenues | 74,960 | 51,011 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| Casino | 13,618 | 9,618 | ||||||
| Food and beverage | 14,095 | 12,524 | ||||||
| Hotel | 4,251 | 2,988 | ||||||
| Other | 1,520 | 1,451 | ||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 19,925 | 17,194 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 9,514 | 3,820 | ||||||
| Other operating items, net | 754 | 1,305 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 63,677 | 48,900 | ||||||
| Income from operations | 11,283 | 2,111 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (1,619 | ) | - | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 9,664 | 2,111 | ||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (1,510 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||
| Net income | $ | 8,154 | $ | 2,020 | ||||
| Earnings per share of common stock | ||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
| Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding | ||||||||
| Basic | 18,481 | 18,158 | ||||||
| Diluted | 19,283 | 18,874 | ||||||
| MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET | ||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| ASSETS | (unaudited) | |||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 24,143 | $ | 28,310 | ||||
| Receivables, net | 7,722 | 3,736 | ||||||
| Income taxes receivable | 23,383 | 24,894 | ||||||
| Inventories | 6,968 | 7,823 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 7,322 | 8,393 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 69,538 | 73,156 | ||||||
| Property and equipment | ||||||||
| Land | 32,986 | 32,986 | ||||||
| Land improvements | 9,848 | 9,847 | ||||||
| Buildings | 469,119 | 471,819 | ||||||
| Buildings improvements | 33,681 | 33,681 | ||||||
| Furniture and equipment | 233,939 | 229,052 | ||||||
| Construction in progress | 10,495 | 6,257 | ||||||
| Right of use assets | 14,586 | 14,784 | ||||||
| Leasehold improvements | 3,848 | 3,848 | ||||||
| 808,502 | 802,274 | |||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (238,958 | ) | (229,767 | ) | ||||
| Net property and equipment | 569,544 | 572,507 | ||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 25,111 | 25,111 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 651 | 973 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 130 | 130 | ||||||
| Total other assets | 25,892 | 26,214 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 664,974 | $ | 671,877 | ||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 15,000 | $ | 12,500 | ||||
| Accounts payable | 12,358 | 11,655 | ||||||
| Construction accounts payable | 50,268 | 49,771 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses | 37,167 | 34,705 | ||||||
| Short-term lease liability | 737 | 813 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 115,530 | 109,444 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 13,221 | 13,220 | ||||||
| Long-term lease liability | 13,858 | 13,984 | ||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 142,455 | 167,162 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 285,064 | 303,810 | ||||||
| Stockholders' equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued | - | - | ||||||
| Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; | $ | 191 | $ | 191 | ||||
| 19,096,300 shares issued; 18,517,961 outstanding at March 31, 2021; | ||||||||
| 18,426,130 outstanding at December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 36,921 | 34,498 | ||||||
| Treasury stock, 578,339 shares at March 31, 2021; 670,170 shares at | (7,606 | ) | (8,872 | ) | ||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
| Retained earnings | 350,404 | 342,250 | ||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 379,910 | 368,067 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 664,974 | $ | 671,877 | ||||
MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO NET INCOME
(In thousands, unaudited)
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net income, a GAAP financial measure:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (1) | $ | 22,831 | $ | 8,109 | |||
| Expenses: | |||||||
| Stock based compensation | (1,280 | ) | (873 | ) | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | (9,514 | ) | (3,820 | ) | |||
| Provision for income taxes | (1,510 | ) | (91 | ) | |||
| Interest expense | (1,619 | ) | - | ||||
| Pre-opening expenses (2) | (1 | ) | (754 | ) | |||
| Construction litigation expenses (2) | (645 | ) | (155 | ) | |||
| Colorado legislation lobbying expenses (2) | - | (397 | ) | ||||
| COVID-19 expense | (108 | ) | - | ||||
| Gain on disposition of assets (2) | - | 1 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 8,154 | $ | 2,020 | |||
Cover |
Apr. 28, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 28, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 0-22088 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000907242 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 88-0300760 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3800 South Virginia Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Reno |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NV |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 89502 |
| City Area Code | 775 |
| Local Phone Number | 335-4600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 per value per share |
| Trading Symbol | MCRI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |