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 March 31, 2017

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)

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

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

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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.

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

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

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except shares)

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

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH  31, 2017

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation:

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. was incorporated in 1993 and, through its wholly owned subsidiary Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. (“Golden Road”), owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”). Monarch’s wholly owned subsidiaries, High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (“High Desert”), Golden East, Inc. (“Golden East”) and Golden North, Inc. (“Golden North”), each own separate parcels of land located proximate to the Atlantis.

Monarch’s wholly owned subsidiary, Monarch Growth Inc. (“Monarch Growth”), formed in 2011, acquired Riviera Black Hawk, Inc., owner of the Riviera Black Hawk Casino, on April 26, 2012. Riviera Black Hawk, Inc. was renamed Monarch Black Hawk, Inc. and Riviera Black Hawk Casino was renamed Monarch Casino Black Hawk in October 2013. Monarch Growth also owns a parcel of land in Black Hawk, Colorado contiguous to the Monarch Casino Black Hawk. In addition to owning the Monarch Casino Black Hawk, Monarch Black Hawk, Inc. wholly owns Chicago Dogs Eatery, Inc. and Monarch Promotional Association, both of which were formed in relation to extended licensure requirements for extended hours of liquor operation in Black Hawk, Colorado.

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

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

Interim Financial Statements:

The accompanying unaudited condensed 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 management of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation are included. Operating results for the three months ended March  31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2016 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, 2016.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments has been determined by the Company, using available market information and valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value; thus, the estimates provided herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Additionally, the carrying value of our debt approximates fair value due to the variable nature of applicable interest rates and relatively short-term maturity.

Debt Issuance Costs:

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement. Loan issuance costs are included in “Other assets, net” on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of March  31, 2017, loan issuance costs, net of amortization was $2.3 million.

Change in Accounting Estimate of Depreciable Life of Monarch Casino Black Hawk Parking Structure:

In December 2013, the Company began construction of a new parking facility at Monarch Casino Black Hawk. Upon completion of the new structure, the Company planned to demolish the existing parking structure. At December 31, 2013, the existing parking structure had a net book value of approximately $4.8 million and a remaining depreciable life of approximately 37 years. The new parking facility was estimated to be completed on March 31, 2015. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) accounting standards codification (“ASC”) 250-10-45-17, effective January 1, 2014, the Company modified the estimated depreciable life of the existing parking structure to 15 months; the period from January 1, 2014 through the estimated demolition commencement date of March 31, 2015. As a result of this modification to the estimated depreciable life, depreciation expense of the existing parking structure increased by approximately $0.3 million per month (approximately $0.2 million net of tax). In July 2014, because of a delayed construction schedule, the Company revised the new parking facility completion date to December 31, 2015. At this time, the existing parking structure had a net book value of approximately $2.9 million. The Company modified the estimated depreciable life of the existing parking structure to 18 months; the period from July 1, 2014 through the revised estimated demolition commencement date of December 31, 2015. In October 2015, the general contractor notified the Company that further delay was expected and completion was then expected in the second quarter of 2016 at which time demolition of the existing structure would commence. At September 30, 2015, the existing parking structure had a net book value of approximately $0.4 million. Beginning in October 2015, the Company reduced the monthly depreciation expense to $0.04 million to reflect the revised depreciable life of the existing parking structure. The existing parking structure was fully depreciated as of June 30, 2016. The parking structure was demolished in the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the changes in estimate did not have an effect on depreciation expense, net income and diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the effect of the change in estimate was an increase of depreciation expense by $133 thousand, a decrease of net income by $87 thousand and a decrease of basic and diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.01.

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 Casino Black Hawk, meet all of 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.

NOTE 2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted accounting standard update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. Subsequent to the adoption,  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. This guidance of requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and deficits in the income statement was applied prospectively with the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the effect of the adoption of the ASU No.2016-09 was a decrease of tax expense by $64 thousand, an increase of net income by $42 thousand and a decrease of basic and diluted earnings per share by less than $0.01.

The Company has elected to keep the accounting policy of estimated forfeitures, rather than account for forfeitures as they occur. The amendments in the guidance that require application using a modified retrospective transition method did not impact the Company. Therefore, there was no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of January 1, 2017.

ASU No. 2016-09 also changes the classification and presentation of the excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation in the statement of cash flows. The Company applied the amendments in this guidance relating to classification on its consolidated statement of cash flows prospectively.

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

In the first quarter of 2016,  stock-based compensation expense was unusually low due to the forfeited stock options and the reversal of stock-based compensation expense in relation to the resignation of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

NOTE 3. 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):

Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are options where the exercise prices are greater than the market price as their effects would be anti-dilutive in the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March  31,  2017 and 2016, options for approximately 468 thousand and 566 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation.

NOTE 4. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU that amends the FASB ASC and creates a new topic for Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new guidance is expected to clarify the principles for revenue recognition and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP applicable to revenue transactions. This guidance provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. This guidance also provides substantial revision of interim and annual disclosures. The update allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied for all periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The effective date is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company plans to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. This standard will affect the Company’s accounting policy in relation to the Non-discretionary loyalty program transactions. Based on a clarification from the FASB, complementary revenue represents a consideration payable to a customer and therefore is to be treated as a deduction to revenue at the time of the transaction and at the price of the complementary being offered. The Company expects the majority of such amounts will offset casino revenues. The standard also changes the presentation of promotional allowances to be shown as a direct reduction of gross revenues instead of being presented as a separate line on the Statement of Income. The Company also expects the accounting for our player program to be impacted, with possible changes to the timing and/or classification of certain transactions within revenues and between revenues and operating expenses as we transition from the immediate revenue/cost accrual model to the deferred revenue model. The quantitative effects of these changes have not yet been determined and are still being analyzed. The Company is planning to adopt this standard on a modified retrospective basis.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which changes the measurement principle for inventories valued under the first-in, first-out or weighted-average methods from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined by FASB as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The effective date for this guidance was for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements due to the nature of its inventory, consisting primarily of food, beverages, and retail merchandise.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, amended January 2017, which addresses the recognition and measurement of leases. Under the new guidance, for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases), at the commencement date, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Further, the new lease guidance simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and liabilities, which no longer provides a source for off- balance sheet financing. The effective date for this update is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under review and study by standard-setting organizations and certain regulatory agencies. Because of the tentative and preliminary nature of such proposed standards, we have not yet determined the effect, if any, the implementation of any such proposed or revised standards would have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 are the three largest stockholders (“Farahi Family Stockholders”) of 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 formerly held 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, entered into a 20-year lease agreement with BLI for a portion of the Shopping Center (the “Parking Lot Lease”) consisting of an approximate 46,000 square-foot commercial building on approximately 4.15 acres of land adjacent to the Atlantis (the “Leased Property”). The Company demolished the building and converted the land into approximately 300 additional surface parking spaces for the Atlantis. The minimum annual rent under the Parking Lot Lease is $695 thousand commencing on November 17, 2015. The minimum annual rent is subject to a cost of living adjustment increase on each five year anniversary. In addition, the Company is responsible for 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 10-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 March 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company paid $174 thousand and $174 thousand in rent,  plus $7 thousand and $11 thousand in operating expenses, related to this lease, respectively.

In addition, we share a driveway with and lease 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 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. As of March  31, 2017, the annual rent is $377 thousand. For the three-month periods ended March  31, 2017 and 2016, the Company paid $94 thousand and $94 thousand in rent, plus $7 thousand and $6 thousand in operating expenses, respectively.

We occasionally lease billboard advertising, storage space and parking lot space from affiliates controlled by Farahi Family Stockholders and paid $27 thousand and $28 thousand for the three month periods ended March  31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for such leases.

NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

On July 20, 2016, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit facility agreement (the “Amended Credit Facility”), under which our former $100.0 million credit facility (under which as of June 30, 2016 the borrowing capacity had been reduced to $45.5 million as a result of $19.5 million in mandatory reductions pursuant to the agreement and $35.0 million in voluntary reductions, as allowed by the agreement) was increased to $250.0 million, and the maturity date was extended from November 15, 2016 to July 20, 2021.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $26.2 million borrowed and $223.8 million remaining in available borrowings of the $250.0 million maximum principal available under the Amended Credit Facility.

The total revolving loan commitment under the Amended Credit Facility will be automatically and permanently reduced to $50.0 million in the first full quarter after completion of the expansion project at the Monarch Casino Black Hawk and all then outstanding revolving loans up to $200.0 million under the Amended Credit Facility will be converted to a term loan at such time. We may be required to prepay borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility using excess cash flows depending on our leverage ratio no later than December 31, 2019. We have an option to permanently reduce the maximum revolving available credit at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $0.5 million and in multiples of $50,000.

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 March 31, 2017, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio, defined as consolidated debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA, of no more than 3.5:1 and a fixed charge coverage ratio (Adjusted EBITDA divided by fixed charges, as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) of at least 1.15:1. As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 0.5:1 and 49.0:1, respectively.

The interest rate under the Amended Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.50%, or a base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 1.50%, or the Prime Rate. The applicable margins will vary depending on our leverage ratio. Commitment fees are equal to the daily average unused revolving commitment multiplied by the commitment fee percentage, ranging from 0.175% to 0.45%, based on our leverage ratio.

At March 31, 2017, our interest rate was based on LIBOR and our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility was LIBOR plus 1.00%. At March 31, 2017, the one-month LIBOR interest rate was 0.99%. The carrying value of the debt outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility approximates fair value because the interest fluctuates with the lender’s prime rate or other market rates of interest.

We may prepay borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility without penalty (subject to certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period). Amounts prepaid may be re-borrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available.

We believe that our existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the Amended Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient resources to fund our operations, meet our debt obligations, and fulfill our capital expenditure plans over the next twelve months; however, our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow 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 obtaining additional equity capital.

NOTE 7. TAXES

For three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s effective tax rate was 34.6% and 35.3%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the effective tax rate for the same period in 2016 is primarily attributable to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, which simplifies and improves the accounting for income taxes in relation with stock-based compensation transactions.

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, 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. The Company has made no purchases under the Repurchase Plan.

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

STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

When used in this report and elsewhere by management from time to time, the words “believes,” “anticipates” and “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and our business, including our expansion, construction timelines, development activities, legal proceedings and employee matters. Certain important factors, including, but not limited to, competition from other gaming operations, factors affecting our ability to compete, acquisitions of gaming properties, legalization of additional gaming operations in our markets, leverage, construction risks, the inherent uncertainty and costs associated with litigation and governmental and regulatory investigations, and licensing and other regulatory risks, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Any changes in the law that would permit the establishment of gaming operations in or near Denver could materially impact Monarch Casino Black Hawk operations and could alter, delay or cause us to reconsider our master development plan to expand our Monarch Casino Black Hawk property. Further information on potential factors which could affect our financial condition, results of operations and business including, without limitation, our expansion, development activities, legal proceedings and employee matters, are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

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

OPERATING RESULTS SUMMARY

Our operating results may be affected by, among other things, competitive factors, gaming tax increases, the commencement of new competitive gaming operations, construction at our facilities, general public sentiment regarding travel and leisure activities, including gaming, overall economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the disposable income of our patrons and weather conditions affecting our properties.

The following significant factors and trends should be considered in analyzing our operating performance:

Atlantis: Our business strategy is to maximize revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage operations and hotel operations. We  continually make upgrades to the facility and improve our products. With quality gaming, hotel and dining products, we believe the Atlantis is well positioned to benefit from future macro and local economic growth. Several national businesses have relocated or have announced plans to expand or relocate operations to Northern Nevada. While such economic activity could ultimately drive additional revenue and profit at Atlantis, we are experiencing the more immediate effect of increased labor costs which, combined with continued aggressive marketing programs by our competitors, have applied upward pressure on Atlantis operating costs.

Monarch Casino Black Hawk:  Since the acquisition of Monarch Casino Black Hawk in April 2012, our focus has been to maximize casino and food and beverage revenues while upgrading the existing facility and laying the groundwork for the major expansion that we plan. There is currently no hotel on the property. In October 2012, we began a project to redesign and upgrade the existing Monarch Casino Black Hawk facility. In September 2013, we opened a new buffet. In August 2015, we completed the redesign and upgrade of the existing Monarch Casino Black Hawk, bringing to the facility’s interior the same quality, ambiance and finishes of the ongoing master planned expansion that will transform Monarch Casino Black Hawk into a full-scale casino resort. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we began work on a multi-phased expansion of the Monarch Casino Black Hawk, which we refer to herein as the “Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan.” The first phase of the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan is completed. In November 2016, we opened for guest use our elegant nine-story parking facility with about 1,350 spaces. Construction of a new hotel tower and casino expansion on the site where the old parking structure was sitting is under way. (see CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT – Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan). Once completed, the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan will nearly double the casino space and will add a 23-story hotel tower with approximately 500 guest rooms and suites, an upscale spa and pool facility, three additional restaurants (increasing the total to four), additional bars and associated support facilities. We currently expect completion of the entire expansion in the second quarter of 2019.

CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT

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

Capital expenditures for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled approximately $12.2 million and $8.5 million, respectively. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, our capital expenditures related primarily to the new hotel tower and casino expansion at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, the re-carpeting of the entire casino floor at Atlantis, as well as acquisition of gaming and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at the Atlantis and the Monarch Casino Black Hawk. The capital expenditures were funded from our existing cash and operating cash flow.  During the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, our capital expenditures related primarily to the continued work on the new garage structure at Monarch Casino Black Hawk and the major redesign and upgrade of the Toucan Charlie’s Buffet at Atlantis, as well as acquisition of gaming and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at the Atlantis and the Monarch Casino Black Hawk.

Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan

The Company has commenced its Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan, which will convert the Monarch Casino Black Hawk into a full-scale hotel casino resort spa.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we began work on a multi-phased expansion of the Monarch Casino Black Hawk which involves construction of a new parking structure, demolition of the existing parking structure followed by the construction of a new hotel tower and casino expansion. In November 2016, the new nine-story parking structure, offering approximately 1,350 parking spaces, was completed and became available for use by Monarch Casino Black Hawk guests. Immediately following the new garage opening, we began work on demolition and removal of the old parking structure. This work, which included a controlled implosion of the old garage, was completed in the first quarter of 2017.

On February 8, 2017, the Company broke ground on the hotel tower and casino expansion. The new 23-story tower will nearly double the existing casino space and will include approximately 500 hotel rooms, an upscale spa and pool facility, three additional restaurants and additional bars. Tower floors will be opened as they are finished beginning with the casino expansion and additional restaurants. We currently expect completion of the entire tower in the second quarter of 2019 at a total cost of approximately $229-$234 million. The cost is expected to be financed through a combination of operating cash flow and the Amended Credit Facility. We can provide no assurance that any project will be completed on schedule, if at all, or within established budgets, or that any project will result in increased earnings to us.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our net income totaled $4.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.6 million, or $0.26 per diluted share for the same period in 2016, reflecting a 6.5% increase in net income and a 3.8% increase in diluted earnings per share. Net revenues totaled $53.4 million in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $3.7 million, or 7.4%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. Income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $7.7 million compared to $7.2 million for the same period in 2016.

Casino revenue increased 4.0% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue decreased from 43.6% in the first quarter of 2016 to 42.8% in the same quarter of 2017 primarily because of the increase in casino revenue combined with operating cost efficiencies.

Food and beverage revenue for the first quarter of 2017 increased 15.5% over the first quarter of 2016, due to 10.4% increase in covers and 4.6% increase in average revenue per cover.  In the first quarter of 2016, Toucan Charlie’s buffet was closed for redesign and upgrade for 70 days, which unfavorably affected the 2016 first quarter total food and beverage covers. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased in the first quarter of 2017 to 40.4% compared to 43.1% for the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of the prior year expenses in relation to Toucan Charlie’s buffet redesign and upgrade.

Hotel revenue increased 10.5% due to a higher average daily room rate (“ADR”) of $78.22 in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $74.44 in the first quarter of 2016 combined with higher hotel occupancy of 87.1% during the first quarter of 2017 compared to 82.1% during the first quarter of 2016. Revenue per Available Room (“REVPAR”), calculated by dividing total room revenue (less service charges, if any) by total rooms available, was $76.05 and $68.05 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue increased to 39.1% in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to 31.6% for the comparable prior year period primarily due to higher labor costs and expenses related to the shuttle service implemented at Monarch Black Hawk.

Other revenue increased 4.0% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016 driven primarily by increased spa and arcade revenue.

Promotional allowances as a percentage of gross revenues decreased to 18.1% during the first quarter of 2017 compared to 18.3% in the comparable 2016 quarter. This decrease was primarily due to higher revenues and more efficient utilization of complimentaries.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expense increased to $14.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $13.2 million in the first quarter of 2016 primarily due to: i) $0.7 million increase in salaries, wages and related benefits expense; ii) $0.4 million increase in marketing expense; and iii) $0.3 million increase in properties general maintenance expenses. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense increased to 27.4% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to 26.4% in the same period in 2016.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 primarily as a result of the additional depreciation expense related to the new parking lot at Atlantis and a door replacement project at Atlantis, completed in the second quarter of 2016.

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased to $272.0 thousand in the first quarter of 2017 from $85.0 thousand in the first quarter of 2016 primarily due to higher bank commitment fees related to the Amended Credit Facility and higher amortization of deferred loan costs expense related to the Amended Credit Facility.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $10.3 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 4.2% compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was primarily the result of a  reduction in working capital partially offset by an increase in net income and increase in depreciation expense. The net cash provided by operating activities was also affected by the adoption of the ASU No. 2016-09, which changes the classification and presentation of the stock-based compensation in the Statement of Cash Flows.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $12.2 million and $8.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during the first three months of 2017 consisted primarily of cash used for the new hotel tower and casino expansion at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, the re-carpeting of the casino floor at Atlantis, and for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties. Net cash used in investing activities during the first three months of 2016 consisted primarily of cash used for work on the new garage structure at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, the major redesign and upgrade of the Toucan Charlie’s Buffet at Atlantis and acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties.

There were no financing activities during the first three months of 2017. Net cash used in financing activities during the first three months of 2016 was $5.1 million and represented $5.5 million in payments under our credit facility offset by $0.4 million in proceeds from stock option exercises, including excess tax benefit from options exercised.

Under the Amended Credit Facility, our available borrowing capacity is $250.0 million with a maturity date of July 20, 2021. The proceeds from the Amended Credit Facility will be used to fund the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan, for ongoing capital expenditure, for working capital needs and general corporate purposes and requirements.

As of March 31, 2017, we had $26.2 million borrowed and $223.8 million remaining in available borrowings of the $250.0 million maximum principal available under the Amended Credit Facility.

The total revolving loan commitment under the Amended Credit Facility will be automatically and permanently reduced to $50.0 million in the first full quarter after completion of the expansion project at the Monarch Casino Black Hawk and all then outstanding revolving loans up to $200.0 million under the Amended Credit Facility will be converted to a term loan at such time. We may be required to prepay borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility using excess cash flows depending on our leverage ratio no later than December 31, 2019. We have an option to permanently reduce the maximum revolving available credit at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $0.5 million and in multiples of $50,000.

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 March 31, 2017, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio, defined as consolidated debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA, of no more than 3.5:1 and a fixed charge coverage ratio (Adjusted EBITDA divided by fixed charges, as defined) of at least 1.15:1. As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 0.5:1 and 49.0:1, respectively.

The interest rate under the Amended Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.50%, or a base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 1.50%, or the Prime Rate. The applicable margins will vary depending on our leverage ratio. Commitment fees are equal to the daily average unused revolving commitment multiplied by the commitment fee percentage, ranging from 0.175% to 0.45%, based on our leverage ratio.

At March 31, 2017, our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility was LIBOR plus 1.00%. At March 31, 2017, the one-month LIBOR interest rate was 0.99%. The carrying value of the debt outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility approximates fair value because the interest fluctuates with the lender’s prime rate or other market rates of interest.

We may prepay borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility without penalty (subject to certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period). Amounts prepaid may be re-borrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available.

We believe that our existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the Amended Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient resources to fund our operations, meet our debt obligations, and fulfill our capital expenditure plans over the next twelve months; however, our operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow 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 obtaining additional equity capital.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

John Farahi and Bob Farahi, Co-Chairmen of the Board and executive officers of the Company, and Ben Farahi are the three largest stockholders of 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.

In response to customer demand for more convenient surface parking at the Atlantis, and after detailed analysis, on August 28, 2015, the Company, through its subsidiary Golden Road, entered into a 20-year lease (the “Parking Lot Lease”) with BLI with respect to a portion of the Shopping Center. This lease gives the Atlantis the right to use a parcel, approximately 4.15 acres, comprised of a commercial building and surrounding land adjacent to the Atlantis (the “Leased Property”). The primary purpose of the Parking Lot Lease is to provide additional, convenient, Atlantis surface parking. We demolished the commercial building on the Leased Property and converted the land into approximately 300 additional surface parking spaces for the Atlantis. The minimum annual rent under the Parking Lot Lease is $695 thousand commencing November 17, 2015. The minimum annual rent is subject to a cost of living adjustment increase on each five year anniversary. In addition, we are responsible for payment of property taxes, utilities and maintenance expenses related to the Leased Property. We have an option to renew the Parking Lot Lease for an additional 10-year term. If we elect not to exercise the renewal option, we will be obligated to pay BLI $1.6 million. During each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we paid approximately $174 thousand in parking lot rent payments.

A driveway (the “Driveway Project”) that is being shared between the Atlantis and the Shopping Center was completed and opened on September 30, 2004. The Shopping Center is controlled by BLI. As part of the Driveway Project, in January 2004, we leased (the “Driveway Lease”) approximately 37,400 square-foot corner section of the Shopping Center, for a minimum lease term of 15 years at an annual rent of $300 thousand, subject to a cost of living increase on each five year anniversary of the Driveway Lease. As of March 31, 2017, the annual rent is $377 thousand. In August 2015, we exercised our option to extend the lease for three individual five-year terms in addition to the 15 year initial term. At the end of the extension periods, we have the option to purchase the leased section of the Shopping Center at a price to be determined based on an MAI Appraisal. The leased space is being used by us for pedestrian and vehicle access to the Atlantis, and we may use a portion of the parking spaces at the Shopping Center. The total cost of the project was $2.0 million. We were responsible for two thirds of the total cost, or $1.35 million. The cost of the new driveway is being depreciated over the 15-year expected economic useful life of the asset; some components of the new driveway are being depreciated over a shorter period of time. We paid approximately $94 thousand in lease payments for the leased driveway space at the Shopping Center during each of the three-month periods ended March 31,  2017 and 2016.

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 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 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 2016 Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2017.

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING CURRENT AND FUTURE RESULTS

Negative economic developments in Northern Nevada, the Denver metropolitan area, or in our feeder markets, could adversely impact discretionary incomes of our target customers, which, in turn could adversely impact our business. Our target customers might curtail discretionary spending for leisure activities and businesses may reduce spending for conventions and meetings, both of which would adversely impact our business. Management continues to monitor economic trends and intends, as appropriate, to adopt operating strategies to attempt to mitigate the effects of such adverse conditions. We can make no assurances that such strategies will be effective should negative economic developments in our markets occur.

The expansion of Native American casinos in California has had an impact on casino revenues in Nevada, in general, and many analysts have continued to predict the impact will be more significant on the Reno-Lake Tahoe market. If other Reno-area casinos continue to suffer business losses due to increased pressure from California Native American casinos, such casinos may intensify their marketing efforts to northern Nevada residents as well, greatly increasing competitive activities for our local customers.

Higher fuel costs may deter California, Denver area, and other drive-in customers from coming to the Atlantis or the Monarch Casino Black Hawk.

We also believe that unrestricted land-based casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area in the Atlantis’ key feeder market areas, such as San Francisco or Sacramento, or in other areas near Denver, Colorado, the Black Hawk key feeder markets, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We rely on information technology and other systems to maintain and transmit customer financial information, credit card settlements, credit card funds transmissions, mailing lists and reservations information. The systems and processes we have implemented to protect customers, employees and company information are subject to the ever-changing risk of compromised security. These risks include cyber and physical security breaches, system failure, computer viruses, and negligent or intentional misuse by customers, company employees, or employees of third party vendors. The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful and our insurance coverage for protecting against cybersecurity risks may not be sufficient. Any disruption, compromise or loss of data or systems that results from a cybersecurity attack or breach could materially adversely impact operations or regulatory compliance and could result in remedial expenses, fines, litigation, and loss of reputation, potentially impacting our financial results.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Our contractual cash obligations as of March 31, 2017 and the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

As described in Item 2. Capital Spending and Development above, we have begun commencement of the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion Plan, which started in the fourth quarter of 2013. While we have disclosed the estimated cost of that expansion, we have not entered into contracts for substantial portions of the work. For this reason, we have included in the table above only the amounts for which we have contractual commitments. At March 31, 2017, we estimate that the remaining cost to complete the Black Hawk Expansion Plan is between $234 million to $242 million.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market conditions and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We do not have any cash or cash equivalents as of March 31, 2017 that are subject to market risk. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purpose, nor have we experienced any losses to date on any derivative financial instruments due to counterparty credit risk.

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. As of March 31, 2017, we had $26.2 million of outstanding principal balance under our Amended Credit Facility that was subject to credit risk. A 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility at March 31, 2017 would result in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $0.3 million. See Item 2. Liquidity and Capital Resources for further discussion of our financing facility and capital structure.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors we previously disclosed in Item 1A of our 2016 Form 10-K. Investors are urged to review these risk factors carefully.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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* filed 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.