United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
x |
|
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| ||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011 | ||
| ||
OR | ||
| ||
o |
|
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) |
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
(775) 335-4600
Registrants telephone number, including area code:
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 x No o
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 o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o |
|
Accelerated Filer x |
|
|
|
Non-Accelerated Filer o |
|
Smaller Reporting Company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common stock, $0.01 par value |
|
16,138,158 shares |
Class |
|
Outstanding at May 5, 2011 |
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended |
| ||||
|
|
March 31, |
| ||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| ||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Casino |
|
$ |
23,212,686 |
|
$ |
24,154,140 |
|
Food and beverage |
|
10,092,738 |
|
9,983,603 |
| ||
Hotel |
|
5,004,041 |
|
5,178,067 |
| ||
Other |
|
1,899,262 |
|
1,979,694 |
| ||
Gross revenues |
|
40,208,727 |
|
41,295,504 |
| ||
Less promotional allowances |
|
(6,922,911 |
) |
(6,943,952 |
) | ||
Net revenues |
|
33,285,816 |
|
34,351,552 |
| ||
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Casino |
|
9,476,307 |
|
9,328,341 |
| ||
Food and beverage |
|
4,688,557 |
|
4,364,454 |
| ||
Hotel |
|
1,428,953 |
|
1,433,139 |
| ||
Other |
|
733,946 |
|
640,111 |
| ||
Selling, general and administrative |
|
10,907,228 |
|
11,058,601 |
| ||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
3,394,386 |
|
3,311,336 |
| ||
Total operating expenses |
|
30,629,377 |
|
30,135,982 |
| ||
Income from operations |
|
2,656,439 |
|
4,215,570 |
| ||
Other expense |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest expense |
|
(288,522 |
) |
(458,424 |
) | ||
Total other expense |
|
(288,522 |
) |
(458,424 |
) | ||
Income before income taxes |
|
2,367,917 |
|
3,757,146 |
| ||
Provision for income taxes |
|
(828,771 |
) |
(1,315,000 |
) | ||
Net income |
|
$ |
1,539,146 |
|
$ |
2,442,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Earnings per share of common stock |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic |
|
16,138,158 |
|
16,125,388 |
| ||
Diluted |
|
16,222,989 |
|
16,151,408 |
|
The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
| ||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| ||
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
| ||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
10,255,265 |
|
$ |
13,800,604 |
|
Receivables, net |
|
2,307,110 |
|
3,269,250 |
| ||
Federal income tax receivable |
|
|
|
99,202 |
| ||
Inventories |
|
1,874,639 |
|
1,883,816 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses |
|
3,042,519 |
|
2,553,341 |
| ||
Deferred income taxes |
|
1,384,443 |
|
1,384,443 |
| ||
Total current assets |
|
18,863,976 |
|
22,990,656 |
| ||
Property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Land |
|
13,172,522 |
|
13,172,522 |
| ||
Land improvements |
|
3,981,329 |
|
3,891,990 |
| ||
Buildings |
|
139,843,299 |
|
139,843,299 |
| ||
Building improvements |
|
10,766,414 |
|
10,766,414 |
| ||
Furniture and equipment |
|
114,133,821 |
|
112,847,107 |
| ||
Leasehold improvements |
|
1,346,965 |
|
1,346,965 |
| ||
|
|
283,244,350 |
|
281,868,297 |
| ||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
(128,831,844 |
) |
(125,437,458 |
) | ||
Net property and equipment |
|
154,412,506 |
|
156,430,839 |
| ||
Other assets, net |
|
247,649 |
|
312,043 |
| ||
Total assets |
|
$ |
173,524,131 |
|
$ |
179,733,538 |
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Borrowings under credit facility |
|
$ |
22,000,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
7,696,287 |
|
10,216,495 |
| ||
Accrued expenses |
|
13,615,684 |
|
14,077,344 |
| ||
Federal income taxes payable |
|
729,569 |
|
|
| ||
Total current liabilities |
|
44,041,540 |
|
24,293,839 |
| ||
Long-term debt, less current maturities |
|
|
|
28,600,000 |
| ||
Deferred income taxes |
|
3,384,218 |
|
3,384,218 |
| ||
Other long term liabilities |
|
873,872 |
|
873,872 |
| ||
Total Liabilities |
|
48,299,630 |
|
57,151,929 |
| ||
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; 16,138,158 outstanding at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 |
|
190,963 |
|
190,963 |
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
32,023,574 |
|
31,558,693 |
| ||
Treasury stock, 2,958,142 shares at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, at cost |
|
(48,541,663 |
) |
(48,541,663 |
) | ||
Retained earnings |
|
141,551,627 |
|
139,373,616 |
| ||
Total stockholders equity |
|
125,224,501 |
|
122,581,609 |
| ||
Total liability and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
173,524,131 |
|
$ |
179,733,538 |
|
The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
| ||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| ||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net income |
|
$ |
1,539,146 |
|
$ |
2,442,146 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
3,394,386 |
|
3,311,336 |
| ||
Amortization of deferred loan costs |
|
64,394 |
|
64,394 |
| ||
Share based compensation |
|
464,881 |
|
443,957 |
| ||
Provision for bad debts |
|
(49,830 |
) |
(82,212 |
) | ||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Receivables |
|
1,011,970 |
|
(663,697 |
) | ||
Inventories |
|
9,177 |
|
158,624 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses |
|
(489,178 |
) |
(542,893 |
) | ||
Accounts payable |
|
(2,520,208 |
) |
(1,342,165 |
) | ||
Accrued expenses |
|
177,205 |
|
570,988 |
| ||
Federal income taxes |
|
828,771 |
|
1,065,000 |
| ||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
4,430,714 |
|
5,425,478 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Acquisition of property and equipment |
|
(1,376,053 |
) |
(1,806,685 |
) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
(1,376,053 |
) |
(1,806,685 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Principal payments on long-term debt |
|
(6,600,000 |
) |
(7,500,000 |
) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
(6,600,000 |
) |
(7,500,000 |
) | ||
Net decrease in cash |
|
(3,545,339 |
) |
(3,881,207 |
) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
13,800,604 |
|
14,420,323 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
10,255,265 |
|
$ |
10,539,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
176,330 |
|
$ |
329,021 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
Non cash transaction - reduction of jackpot liability |
|
$ |
638,865 |
|
$ |
|
|
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
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (Monarch), a Nevada corporation, was incorporated in 1993. Monarchs wholly-owned subsidiary, Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. (Golden Road), operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (the Atlantis), a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada. Monarchs other wholly owned subsidiaries, High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (High Desert) and Golden North, Inc. (Golden North), each own separate parcels of land located adjacent to the Atlantis. Unless stated otherwise, the Company refers collectively to Monarch and its subsidiaries.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Monarch, Golden Road, High Desert and Golden North. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
Interim Financial Statements:
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 generally accepted accounting principles 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, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011.
The balance sheet at December 31, 2010 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value of the Companys 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.
NOTE 2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance to improve disclosures of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations. The guidance specifies that if an entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. This guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures required to include a description of the nature and amount of material nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The guidance is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15,
2010. In the event that the Company acquires companies significant to its operations in the future, the Company expects that the adoption of the guidance will have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2010, the FASB issued guidance on accruing for jackpot liabilities that clarifies that an entity should not accrue jackpot liabilities (or portions thereof) before a jackpot is won if the entity can legally avoid paying that jackpot (for example, by removing the gaming machine from the casino floor). Jackpots should be accrued and charged to revenue when an entity has the obligation to pay the jackpot. This guidance applies to both base jackpots and the incremental portion of progressive jackpots. The guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010 and was applied by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption. Under Nevada gaming regulations, the removal of base jackpots is not prohibited and upon adoption, the Company reversed previously accrued base jackpots of $639 thousand as of January 1, 2011 as a credit to opening retained earnings. This adoption did not affect the accounting for progressive jackpots, as the Companys existing accounting was in accordance with the new guidance.
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, that the implementation of any such proposed or revised standards would have on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with the authoritative guidance requiring the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the Companys consolidated statements of income.
On June 21, 2010, the Company granted 426,709 stock options with an exercise price of $11.15 in exchange for 454,319 underwater stock options surrendered in a stockholder approved exchange offer that expired on June 19, 2010. The newly granted options have a ten-year contractual term and have one of two vesting terms. Options issued in exchange for unvested surrendered options vest one year following the anniversary date of surrendered options. Options issued in exchange for vested surrendered options vest in three equal installments on June 21, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The exchange ratio was calculated based on the fair values of the options surrendered and issued under a value-for-value exchange. Incremental compensation expense was not material.
Reported stock based compensation expense was classified as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
| ||||
|
|
March 31, |
| ||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| ||
Casino |
|
$ |
21,489 |
|
$ |
14,202 |
|
Food and beverage |
|
18,102 |
|
13,988 |
| ||
Hotel |
|
3,644 |
|
5,424 |
| ||
Selling, general and administrative |
|
421,646 |
|
410,343 |
| ||
Total stock-based compensation, before taxes |
|
464,881 |
|
443,957 |
| ||
Tax benefit |
|
(162,708 |
) |
(155,385 |
) | ||
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax |
|
$ |
302,173 |
|
$ |
288,572 |
|
NOTE 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as stock options. The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (shares in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
| ||||||
|
|
Shares |
|
Per Share |
|
Shares |
|
Per Share |
| ||
Basic |
|
16,138 |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
16,125 |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Effect of dilutive stock options |
|
85 |
|
(.01 |
) |
26 |
|
|
| ||
Diluted |
|
16,223 |
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
16,151 |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share are 1,521,748 options and 1,579,236 options for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, 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.
NOTE 5. LONG-TERM DEBT
THE CREDIT FACILITY
Until February 20, 2004, the Company had a reducing revolving term loan credit facility with a consortium of banks (the First Credit Facility). On February 20, 2004, the Original Credit Facility was refinanced (the Second Credit Facility) for $50 million. The maturity date of the Second Credit Facility was to be April 18, 2009; however, on January 20, 2009, the Second Credit Facility was amended and refinanced (the New Facility) for $60 million. The New Facility may be utilized by the Company for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and for ongoing capital expenditure requirements.
The maturity date of the New Facility is January 20, 2012. Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of the real and personal property of the Atlantis and are guaranteed by Monarch.
The New Facility contains covenants customary and typical for a facility of this nature, including, but not limited to, covenants requiring the preservation and maintenance of Company assets and covenants restricting the Companys ability to merge, transfer ownership of Monarch, incur additional indebtedness, encumber assets and make certain investments. The New Facility contains covenants requiring that the Company maintain certain financial ratios and achieve a minimum level of Earnings-Before-Interest-Taxes-Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) on a two-quarter rolling basis. It also contains provisions that restrict cash transfers between Monarch and its affiliates and contains provisions requiring the achievement of certain financial ratios before the Company can repurchase its common stock or pay dividends. Management does not consider the covenants to restrict normal functioning of day-to-day operations.
As of March 31, 2011, the Company was required to maintain a leverage ratio, defined as consolidated debt divided by EBITDA, of no more than 2.375:1 and a fixed charge coverage ratio (EBITDA divided by fixed charges, as defined) of at least 1.25:1. As of March 31, 2011, the Companys leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 0.8:1 and 15.6:1, respectively. As of March 31, 2010, the Companys leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratios were 1.5:1 and 9.4:1, respectively.
The maximum principal available under the New Facility is reduced by $2.5 million per quarter beginning on December 31, 2009. At March 31, 2011, the maximum principal available under the New Facility was $45.0 million. The Company may permanently reduce the maximum principal available at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $500 thousand and a multiple of $50 thousand. Maturities of the Companys borrowings for each of the next five years and thereafter as of March 31, 2011 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
less than |
|
1 to 3 |
|
4 to 5 |
|
more than |
| ||
|
|
Total |
|
1 year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
5 years |
| ||
Maturities of Borrowings Under Credit Facility |
|
$ |
22,000,000 |
|
$ |
22,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company may prepay borrowings under the New 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 reborrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available.
The Company paid various one-time fees and other loan costs upon the closing of the refinancing of the New Facility that will be amortized over the facilitys term using the straight-line method.
At March 31, 2011, the Company had $22.0 million outstanding under the New Facility. At that time its leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the New Facility was LIBOR plus 2.000%. At March 31, 2010, the Company had $41.0 million outstanding under the First Credit Facility. At that time its leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings under the First Credit Facility was LIBOR plus 2.875%. At March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, the one-month LIBOR interest rate was 0.21%. The carrying value of the debt outstanding under the New Facility approximates fair value because the interest fluctuates with the lenders prime rate or other market rates of interest.
NOTE 6: INCOME TAXES
For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Companys effective tax rates were 35.0%. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 did not vary from the prior period as the items that impact the effective tax rate are generally consistent from year to year.
NOTE 7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The 18.95-acre shopping center (the Shopping Center) adjacent to the Atlantis is owned by Biggest Little Investments, L.P. (BLI). BLIs general partner is Maxum, L.L.C. (Maxum). John Farahi, Bob Farahi and Ben Farahi each individually own non-controlling interests in BLI and Maxum. John Farahi is Co-Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Monarch. Bob Farahi is Co-Chairman of the Board, President, Secretary and a Director of Monarch. Ben Farahi formerly was the Co-Chairman of the Board, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Monarch. Monarchs board of directors accepted Ben Farahis resignation from these positions on May 23, 2006.
In addition, a driveway that is being shared between the Atlantis and the Shopping Center was completed on September 30, 2004. As part of this project, in January 2004, the Company leased a 37,368 square-foot corner section of the Shopping Center for a minimum lease term of 15 years at an annual rent of $300,000, subject to increase every year beginning in the 61st month based on the Consumer Price Index. The Company began paying rent to the Shopping Center on September 30, 2004. The Company also uses part of the common area of the Shopping Center and pays its proportional share of the common
area expense of the Shopping Center. The Company has the option to renew the lease for 3 five-year terms, and at the end of the extension periods, the Company has the option to purchase the leased driveway section of the Shopping Center at a price to be determined based on an MAI Appraisal. The leased space is being used by the Company for pedestrian and vehicle access to the Atlantis, and the Company may use a portion of the parking spaces at the Shopping Center. The Company paid $85,200 and $85,200 plus common area charges for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for its leased driveway space at the Shopping Center.
The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising space from affiliates of its controlling stockholders and paid $33,400 and $51,400 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 8. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Changes in stockholdrers equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
122,581,609 |
|
Accounting change for base jackpots |
|
638,865 |
| |
Stock-based compensation |
|
464,881 |
| |
Net income |
|
1,539,146 |
| |
Balance at March 31, 2011 |
|
$ |
125,224,501 |
|
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., 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). Monarchs other wholly owned subsidiaries, High Desert Sunshine, Inc. (High Desert) and Golden North, Inc. (Golden North), each own a parcel of land located adjacent to the Atlantis. Monarch was incorporated in 1993 under Nevada law for the purpose of acquiring all of the stock of Golden Road. The principal asset of Monarch is the stock of Golden Road, which holds all of the assets of the Atlantis.
Our sole operating asset, the Atlantis, is a hotel/casino resort located in Reno, Nevada. Our business strategy is to maximize the Atlantis revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage and hotel operations. We capitalize on the Atlantis location for tour and travel visitors, conventioneers and local residents by offering exceptional service, quality and value to our guests. Our hands-on management style focuses on customer service and cost efficiencies.
Unless otherwise indicated, Monarch, Company, we, our and us refer to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and its Golden Road, High Desert and Golden North subsidiaries.
OPERATING RESULTS SUMMARY
Below is a summary of our first quarter results for 2011 and 2010:
Amounts in millions, except per share amounts
|
|
Three Months |
|
Percentage |
| ||||
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
Increase/(Decrease) |
| ||||
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 vs 2010 |
| ||
Casino revenues |
|
$ |
23.2 |
|
$ |
24.2 |
|
(4.1 |
) |
Food and beverage revenues |
|
10.1 |
|
10.0 |
|
1.0 |
| ||
Hotel revenues |
|
5.0 |
|
5.2 |
|
(3.8 |
) | ||
Other revenues |
|
1.9 |
|
2.0 |
|
(5.0 |
) | ||
Net revenues |
|
33.3 |
|
34.4 |
|
(3.2 |
) | ||
Sales, general and administrative expense |
|
10.9 |
|
11.1 |
|
(1.8 |
) | ||
Income from operations |
|
2.7 |
|
4.2 |
|
(35.7 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net Income |
|
1.5 |
|
2.4 |
|
(37.5 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Earnings per share - diluted |
|
0.09 |
|
0.15 |
|
(40.0 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating margin |
|
8.0 |
% |
12.3 |
% |
(4.3) points |
| ||
Our financial results subsequent to the third quarter of 2007 reflect the effects of a very challenging operating environment that began in the fourth quarter of 2007. As in many other areas around the country, the economic slowdown in Reno in the fourth quarter of 2007 deepened throughout 2008, 2009, 2010 and has continued into 2011. Aggressive marketing programs by our competitors also had a negative financial impact on us during that time period. Furthermore, based on statistics released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Reno gaming market has shrunk in the aggregate. Finally, this winters considerable snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountain range had a material, adverse impact on the our 2011 first quarter results. The approximate sixty-one feet of snowfall in the Sierras in the first quarter of 2011 is reportedly the second highest snowfall on record for the region. The principal highways from central and northern California, our primary feeder markets, were adversely affected by snow storms, or the threat of snow storms, on seven of the thirteen weekends in the current years first quarter. In the prior years first quarter, only three weekends were negatively impacted by weather.
We believe that these factors were the primary drivers of:
· Decreases of 4.1%, 3.8%, and 5.0% in our casino, hotel and other revenues, respectively, resulting in a net revenue decrease of 3.2%;
· A decrease in income from operations and diluted earnings per share of 35.7% and 40.0%, respectively;
· A decrease in our operating margin by 4.3 points or 35.0%.
We anticipate that the economic slowdown, combined with the aggressive marketing programs of our competitors, will continue to apply downward pressure on revenue.
CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT
We seek to continuously upgrade and maintain the Atlantis facility in order to present a fresh, high quality product to our guests.
In June 2007, we broke ground on an expansion project, several phases of which we completed and opened in the second half of 2008. New space was added to the first floor casino level, the second and third floors and the basement level totaling approximately 116,000 square feet. The existing casino floor was expanded by over 10,000 square feet, or approximately 20%. The first floor casino expansion includes a redesigned, updated and expanded race and sports book of approximately 4,000 square feet and an enlarged poker room. The expansion also included the new Manhattan deli, a New York deli-style restaurant. The second floor expansion created additional ballroom and convention space of approximately 27,000 square feet, doubling the existing facilities. We constructed and opened a
pedestrian skywalk over Peckham Lane that connects the Reno-Sparks Convention Center directly to the Atlantis. In January 2009, we opened the final phase of the expansion project, the new Spa Atlantis featuring an atmosphere, amenities and treatments that are unique from any other offering in our market. Additionally, many of the pre-expansion areas of the Atlantis were remodeled to be consistent with the upgraded look and feel of the new facilities. The total cost of these projects (the Capital Projects) was approximately $80.0 million.
With the opening of the new skywalk, the Atlantis became the only hotel-casino to be physically connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center offers approximately 500,000 square feet of leasable exhibition, meeting room, ballroom and lobby space.
Capital expenditures at the Atlantis totaled approximately $1.4 million and $1.8 million during the first three months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. During the three month period ended March 31, 2011, our capital expenditures consisted primarily of the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment and other general upgrades to the Atlantis facility. During the three month period ended March 31, 2010, our capital expenditures consisted primarily of costs related to the renovation of our Atlantis Steakhouse restaurant and restrooms, the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment and other general upgrades to the Atlantis facility.
In addition to the capital expenditures incurred during the first quarter of 2011, we anticipate spending approximately $5 to $7 million in 2011 to upgrade and replace equipment and to complete general upgrades to the Atlantis facility. The timing of these capital expenditures may accelerate or be deferred altogether based on our ongoing assessment of operating cash flow, available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility (see THE CREDIT FACILITY below) and the competitive environment in our market, among other factors.
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, 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, 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. 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. 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.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, our net income was $1.5 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, on net revenues of $33.3 million, a decrease from net income of $2.4 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, on net revenues of $34.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $2.7 million, a 35.7% decrease when compared to $4.2 million for the same period in 2010. Net revenues and net income decreased 3.2% and 37.5%, respectively, when compared to last years first quarter.
Casino revenues totaled $23.2 million in the first quarter of 2011, a 4.1% decrease from $24.2 million in the first quarter of 2010. Casino operating expenses amounted to 40.8% of casino revenues in the first quarter of 2011, compared to 38.6% in the first quarter of 2010. The increase in casino operating expense was primarily due to the cost of increased complimentary food, beverages and other services provided to casino patrons.
Food and beverage revenues totaled $10.1 million in the first quarter of 2011, a 1.0% increase from $10.0 million in the first quarter of 2010, due primarily to a 7.8% increase in the average revenue per food cover partially offset by a 4.3% decrease in the number of covers served. Food and beverage operating expenses increased to 46.5% of food and beverage revenues during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 43.7% for the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to higher food commodity costs.
Hotel revenues were $5.0 million for the first quarter of 2011, a decrease of 3.8% from the $5.2 million reported in the 2010 first quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we demolished our 149 room motor lodge which decreased our room inventory from 973 rooms to 824 rooms. Primarily because of the lower room inventory, our hotel occupancy increased to 83.7% during the first quarter of 2011, as compared to 78.4% during the same period in 2010. We also experienced an increase in the average daily room rate (ADR) from $69.08 during the first quarter of 2010 to $74.59 in the same quarter of 2011. In addition to the ADR, we charged guests a $10 per day resort fee in both quarters. Hotel operating expenses as a percent of hotel revenues increased to 28.6% for the first quarter of 2011 from 27.7% for the first quarter of 2010 due to the decreased hotel revenue.
Promotional allowances remained flat at $6.9 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Promotional allowances as a percentage of gross revenues increased to 17.2% during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 16.8% in the first quarter of 2010. This increase is attributable to continued promotional efforts to attract guests and generate revenues.
Other revenues decreased slightly to $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2011 from $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to lower retail sales.
Depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively flat at $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2010.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $10.9 million in the first quarter of 2011, a 1.8% decrease from $11.1 million in the first quarter of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to reductions in legal expense of $150 thousand and electricity expense of $75 thousand. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expenses increased slightly to 32.8% in the first quarter of 2011 from 32.2% in the same period in 2010 due to the effect of the decrease in net revenue partially offset by the lower SG&A expense.
Interest expense decreased to $289 thousand in the first quarter of 2011 from $458 thousand in the first quarter of 2010. This decrease was due to lower average balances outstanding under our credit facility combined with the effect of a lower interest rate (see the CREDIT FACILITY section below).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $4.4 million, a decrease of $995 thousand or 18.3% compared to the same period last year. This decrease was primarily related to lower net income, increased payment of accounts payable and lower federal income taxes payable all partially offset by lower provision for bad debts and increased collection of receivables during the first quarter of 2011.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1.4 million and $1.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During the three month period ended March 31, 2011, net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade
and replace existing equipment and continued renovation and other general upgrades to the Atlantis facility. During the three month period ended March 31, 2010, net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of costs related to the renovation of our Atlantis Steakhouse restaurant and restrooms, the acquisition of gaming equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment and other general upgrades to the Atlantis facility.
We used $6.6 million of net cash in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011 to repay borrowings under our Credit Facility (see THE CREDIT FACILITY below). During the three months ended March 31, 2010, $7.5 million of net cash was provided by financing activities primarily related to borrowings under our Credit Facility.
At March 31, 2011, we had $22.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our New Facility which matures in January 20, 2012. We believe that our existing cash balances and cash flow from operations and borrowings available under the New Facility will provide us with sufficient resources to fund our operations, meet our debt obligations, and fulfill our capital expenditure plans up to the maturity date of the New Facility; 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, 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.
We plan to amend the New Facility to extend its maturity beyond January 20, 2012. Such an amendment will likely result in the amendment of other material provisions of the New Facility, such as the interest rate charged and other material covenants. In the event that we are not able to come to mutually acceptable terms with the New Facility lender, we believe that the strength of our balance sheet, combined with our operating cash flow, will provide the basis for a successful refinancing of the New Facility with an alternative lender. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to reach acceptable terms for a New Facility amendment or refinancing. If we are unable to amend or refinance the New Facility, we may seek equity or other financing to repay the outstanding principal of the New Facility upon its maturity.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
A driveway was completed and opened on September 30, 2004 that is being shared between the Atlantis and a shopping center (the Shopping Center) directly adjacent to the Atlantis. The Shopping Center is controlled by an entity whose owners include our controlling stockholders. As part of this project, in January 2004, we leased a 37,368 square-foot corner section of the Shopping Center for a minimum lease term of 15 years at an annual rent of $300,000, subject to increase every year beginning in the 61st month based on the Consumer Price Index. We also use part of the common area of the Shopping Center and pay our proportional share of the common area expense of the Shopping Center. We have the option to renew the lease for three five-year terms, and 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 initial 15-year lease term. Some components of the new driveway are being depreciated over a shorter period of time. We paid $85,200 in lease payments for the leased driveway space at the Shopping Center during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A description of our critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (2010 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 2010 Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2011.
OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING CURRENT AND FUTURE RESULTS
The economy in northern Nevada and our feeder markets, like many other areas around the country, are experiencing the effects of several negative macroeconomic trends, including a broad economic recession, higher home mortgage defaults and declining residential real estate values. These negative trends could adversely impact discretionary incomes of our target customers, which, in turn could adversely impact our business. We believe that as recessionary pressures increase or continue for an extended period of time, target customers may further 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 these 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.
The constitutional amendment approved by California voters in 1999 allowing 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 and other drive-in customers from coming to the Atlantis.
We also believe that unlimited land-based casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area in the Atlantis key feeder market areas, such as San Francisco or Sacramento, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Other factors that may impact current and future results are set forth in detail in Item 1A Risk Factors of our 2010 Form 10-K.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Our contractual cash obligations as of March 31, 2011 and the next five years and thereafter are as follow:
Contractual Cash Obligations
|
|
Payments Due by Period (4) |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
less than |
|
1 to 3 |
|
4 to 5 |
|
more than |
| |||||
|
|
Total |
|
1 year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
5 years |
| |||||
Operating Leases(1) |
|
$ |
3,145,000 |
|
$ |
370,000 |
|
$ |
740,000 |
|
$ |
740,000 |
|
$ |
1,295,000 |
|
Current Maturities of Borrowings Under Credit Facility (2) |
|
22,000,000 |
|
22,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Purchase Obligations(3) |
|
4,548,000 |
|
4,548,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations |
|
$ |
29,693,000 |
|
$ |
26,918,000 |
|
$ |
740,000 |
|
$ |
740,000 |
|
$ |
1,295,000 |
|
(1) Operating leases include $370,000 per year in lease and common area expense payments to the shopping center adjacent to the Atlantis.
(2) The amount represents outstanding draws against our New Facility (see THE CREDIT FACILITY below) as of March 31, 2011.
(3) Purchase obligations represent approximately $1.9 million of commitments related to capital projects and approximately $2.6 million of materials and supplies used in the normal operation of our business. Of the total purchase order and construction commitments, approximately $2.6 million are cancelable by us upon providing a 30-day notice.
(4) Because interest payments under our New Facility are subject to factors that in our judgment vary materially, the amount of future interest payments is not presently determinable. These factors include: 1) future short-term interest rates; 2) our future leverage ratio which varies with EBITDA and our borrowing levels and 3) the speed with which we deploy capital and other spending which in turn impacts the level of future borrowings. The interest rate under our New Facility is LIBOR, or a base rate (as defined in the New Facility agreement), plus an interest rate margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.375% depending on our leverage ratio. The interest rate is adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio which is calculated using operating results over the previous four quarters and borrowings at the end of the most recent quarter. At March 31, 2011 our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings was LIBOR plus 2.00%.
THE CREDIT FACILITY
Until February 20, 2004, we had a reducing revolving term loan credit facility with a consortium of banks (the First Credit Facility). On February 20, 2004, the Original Credit Facility was refinanced (the Second Credit Facility) for $50 million. The maturity date of the Second Credit Facility was to be April 18, 2009; however, on January 20, 2009, the Second Credit Facility was amended and refinanced (the New Facility) for $60 million. The New Facility may be utilized by us for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and for ongoing capital expenditure requirements.
The maturity date of the New Facility is January 20, 2012. Borrowings are secured by liens on substantially all of the real and personal property of the Atlantis and are guaranteed by Monarch.
The New Facility contains covenants customary and typical for a facility of this nature, including, but not limited to, covenants requiring the preservation and maintenance of our assets and covenants restricting our ability to merge, transfer ownership of Monarch, incur additional indebtedness, encumber assets and make certain investments. The New Facility contains covenants requiring that we maintain certain financial ratios and achieve a minimum level of Earnings-Before-Interest-Taxes-Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) on a two-quarter rolling basis. It also contains provisions that restrict cash transfers between Monarch and its affiliates and contains provisions requiring the achievement of certain financial ratios before we can repurchase our common stock or pay dividends. Management does not consider the covenants to restrict normal functioning of day-to-day operations.
The maximum principal available under the New Facility is reduced by $2.5 million per quarter beginning on December 31, 2009. At March 31, 2011, the maximum principal available was $45 million. We may permanently reduce the maximum principal available at any time so long as the amount of such reduction is at least $500,000 and a multiple of $50,000.
We may prepay borrowings under the New 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 reborrowed so long as the total borrowings outstanding do not exceed the maximum principal available.
We paid various one-time fees and other loan costs upon the closing of the refinancing of the New Facility that will be amortized over the facilitys term using the straight-line method.
The maximum principal available under the New Facility on March 31, 2011 is $45 million. The interest rate under our Credit Facility is LIBOR, or a base rate (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement), plus an interest rate margin ranging from 2.00% to 3.375% depending on our leverage ratio. The interest rate is adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio calculated using operating results over the previous four quarters and borrowings at the end of the most recent quarter. At March 31, 2011 our leverage ratio was such that pricing for borrowings was LIBOR plus 2.00%. At March 31, 2011, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.21%.
At March 31, 2011, we had $22 million outstanding under the New Facility, all of which was classified as short-term debt. Short term debt represents the mandatory principal reductions over the upcoming year, based on the amount outstanding under the New Facility at March 31, 2011 compared to the maximum principal available at March 31, 2011. Because the New Facility matures in January 2012, all of the outstanding balance at March 31, 2011 is classified as short-term debt. We plan to amend the New Facility to extend its maturity beyond January 20, 2012. Such an amendment will likely result in the amendment of other material provisions of the New Facility, such as the interest rate charged and other material covenants. In the event that we are not able to come to mutually acceptable terms with the New Facility lender, we believe that the strength of our balance sheet, combined with our operating cash flow, will provide the basis for a successful refinancing of the New Facility with an alternative lender. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to reach acceptable terms for a New Facility amendment or refinancing. If we are unable to amend or refinance the New Facility, we may seek equity or other financing to repay the outstanding principal of the New Facility upon its maturity.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market risks 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, 2011 that are subject to market risk. As of March 31, 2011 we had $22 million of outstanding debt under our New Facility that was subject to credit risk. A 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the New Facility at March 31, 2011 would result in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately $220,000.
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 Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
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.
As previously disclosed, litigation was filed against Monarch on January 27, 2006, by Kerzner International Limited (Kerzner) owner of the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas in the United States District Court, District of Nevada. The case number assigned to the matter was 3:06-cv-00232-ECR (RAM). The complaint sought declaratory judgment prohibiting Monarch from using the name Atlantis in connection with offering casino services other than at Monarchs Atlantis Casino Resort Spa located in Reno, Nevada, and particularly prohibiting Monarch from using the Atlantis name in
connection with offering casino services in Las Vegas, Nevada; injunctive relief enforcing the same; and other relief. Monarch filed a counterclaim against Kerzner seeking to cancel Kerzners federal registration of the Atlantis mark for casino services and to obtain declaratory relief in its favor on issues related to Monarchs use of the mark, as raised by Kerzners complaint. (Monarch also filed a concurrent action with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) seeking cancellation of Kerzners federal registration. That administrative action was stayed by the TTAB pending outcome of the district court litigation.) Upon conclusion of discovery various motions were filed by the parties. On December 14, 2009, the court ruled on the pending motions, and identified a single remaining factual question concerning Kerzners alleged fame that potentially was dispositive of Kerzners claims. After addressing additional procedural matters, on June 3, 2010, the court directed the parties to file the proposed joint pretrial order. In the proposed joint pretrial order, Kerzner conceded that it could not prove the sole dispositive issue of fame and requested the court to make entry of judgment against Kerzner. The court treated Kerzners request as a motion to dismiss and for entry of judgment, and on October 8, 2010 issued an order granting dismissal and entry of judgment against Kerzner. On February 10, 2011, the court issued its final judgment against Kerzner and in favor of Monarch with respect to all claims asserted by Kerzner in the Complaint. As to Monarchs Counterclaims, the court granted all remaining counterclaims in favor of Monarch, including declaratory relief that: Monarchs use of the Atlantis mark does not infringe on Kerzners rights; Monarch has developed valid common law rights in the Atlantis mark for casino services; Monarch owns a valid Nevada state trademark for the Atlantis mark in casino services; Monarch has the exclusive ability to use the Atlantis mark for casino services within the State of Nevada by virtue of its Nevada state registration; and Monarch has the right and ability to use and convey rights in the Atlantis name and mark in connection with casino services in Las Vegas, Nevada, and to do so does not constitute deceptive trade practices under Nevada law. The court declined Monarchs request for cancellation of Kerzners federal registration and for attorneys fees, but awarded costs of suit to Monarch as the prevailing party. (The TTAB action for cancellation of Kerzners federal registration remains pending.) On March 11, 2011, Kerzner filed its Notice of Appeal, appealing from the above referenced final judgment. Monarch believes that the district courts rulings from which Kerzner has appealed are sound, and intends to vigorously oppose Kerzners appeal. Additionally, Monarch has filed a cross-appeal on the bases that the district court erred by failing to cancel Kerzners federal registration of the Atlantis mark for gaming, and by not awarding attorneys fees to Monarch. The case number assigned in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal is 11-15675.
We are party to other claims that arise in the normal course of business. Management believes that the outcomes of such claims will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
A description of our risk factors can be found in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. There were no material changes to those risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit No |
|
Description |
31.1 |
|
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
31.2 |
|
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
32.1 |
|
Certification of John Farahi, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
32.2 |
|
Certification of Ronald Rowan, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
* Filed herewith.
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: May 9, 2011 |
|
By: |
/s/ RONALD ROWAN |
|
|
Ronald Rowan, Chief Financial Officer | |
|
|
and Treasurer (Principal Financial | |
|
|
Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) |