United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021

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

For the transition period from to .

Commission File No. 0-22088

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


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

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

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

N/A

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: ~~18,263,405~~18,736,377 shares of common stock are outstanding as of November ~~3, 2020.~~4, 2021.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Item	Page Number
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Consolidated Statements of ~~Operations~~Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020 (unaudited)	3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, ~~2020~~2021 (unaudited) and December 31, ~~2019~~2020	4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity for the ~~three and~~ nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020 (unaudited)	5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020 (unaudited)	6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	2726

Item 4. Controls and Procedures	27

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings	27

Item 1A. Risk Factors	27

Item 6. Exhibits	2928

Signatures	2928

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ~~OPERATIONS~~INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Three months ended

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,


2020

2019

2020

2019

Revenues

Casino

$
37,292

$
34,169

$
74,267

$
95,981

Food and beverage

12,835

18,341

30,491

54,026

Hotel

6,613

9,878

14,502

27,192

Other

3,129

3,197

6,776

9,887

Net revenues

59,869

65,585

126,036

187,086

Operating expenses

Casino

10,566

11,674

22,836

33,831

Food and beverage

9,635

14,566

24,954

42,885

Hotel

2,796

3,437

6,694

10,014

Other

1,249

1,699

3,120

4,913

Selling, general and administrative

15,856

17,885

41,920

50,843

Depreciation and amortization

3,891

3,686

11,544

10,984

Other operating items, net

2,448

1,115

4,910

1,739

Total operating expenses

46,441

54,062

115,978

155,209

Income from operations

13,428

11,523

10,058

31,877

Income before income taxes

13,428

11,523

10,058

31,877

Provision for income taxes

(2,683)

(2,197)

(1,640)

(6,257)

Net income

$
10,745

$
9,326

$
8,418

$
25,620

Earnings per share of common stock

Net income

Basic

$
0.59

$
0.52

$
0.46

$
1.42

Diluted

$
0.57

$
0.50

$
0.44

$
1.37

Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding

Basic

18,218

18,056

18,186

17,997

Diluted

18,861

18,709

18,823

18,665


	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues
Casino	$	63,931	$	37,292	$	168,515	$	74,267
Food and beverage		25,971		12,835		64,293		30,491
Hotel		17,336		6,613		39,924		14,502
Other		4,392		3,129		11,577		6,776
Net revenues		111,630		59,869		284,309		126,036

Operating expenses
Casino		21,297		10,566		53,219		22,836
Food and beverage		20,148		9,635		51,748		24,954
Hotel		6,668		2,796		16,308		6,694
Other		2,120		1,249		5,632		3,120
Selling, general and administrative		21,690		15,856		62,222		41,920
Depreciation and amortization		9,434		3,891		28,308		11,544
Other operating items, net		1,233		2,448		2,799		4,910
Total operating expenses		82,590		46,441		220,236		115,978
Income from operations		29,040		13,428		64,073		10,058

Other expense
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(891)		—		(3,786)		—

Income before income taxes		28,149		13,428		60,287		10,058
Provision for income taxes		(5,835)		(2,683)		(11,670)		(1,640)
Net income	$	22,314	$	10,745	$	48,617	$	8,418

Earnings per share of common stock
Net income
Basic	$	1.20	$	0.59	$	2.62	$	0.46
Diluted	$	1.15	$	0.57	$	2.51	$	0.44

Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding
Basic		18,640		18,218		18,573		18,186
Diluted		19,423		18,861		19,395		18,823

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

Table of Contents

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except shares)


	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019			September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
ASSETS		(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	30,526	$	60,539		$	33,036	$	28,310
Receivables, net		5,283		5,458			8,628		3,736
Income taxes receivable		—		185			21,323		24,894
Inventories		7,348		6,735			6,117		7,823
Prepaid expenses		7,109		6,238			6,672		8,393
Total current assets		50,266		79,155			75,776		73,156
Property and equipment
Land		30,769		30,769
Land improvements		7,856		7,842
Buildings		193,235		193,235
Buildings improvements		32,000		31,986
Furniture and equipment		149,412		152,461
Construction in progress		314,888		285,789
Right of use assets		14,977		15,574
Leasehold improvements		3,848		3,848
		746,985		721,504
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(226,562)		(220,021)
Net property and equipment		520,423		501,483
Other assets
Property and equipment, net							570,903		572,507
Goodwill		25,111		25,111			25,111		25,111
Intangible assets, net		663		1,538			508		973
Deferred income taxes		2,683		2,683			130		130
Other assets, net		—		908
Total other assets		28,457		30,240
Total assets	$	599,146	$	610,878		$	672,428	$	671,877
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	10,000	$	20,000		$	20,000	$	12,500
Accounts payable		11,282		17,037			14,936		11,655
Construction accounts payable		1,393		7,528			55,080		49,771
Accrued expenses		34,634		34,109			44,815		34,705
Income taxes payable		1,454		—
Short-term lease liability		800		791			571		813
Total current liabilities		59,563		79,465			135,402		109,444
Deferred income taxes							13,221		13,220
Long-term lease liability		14,189		14,797			13,618		13,984
Long-term debt, net		171,864		175,415			85,792		167,162
Total liabilities		245,616		269,677			248,033		303,810
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; NaN issued		—		—			—		—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 19,096,300 shares issued; 18,260,072 outstanding at September 30, 2020; 18,141,383 outstanding at December 31, 2019		191		191
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 19,096,300 shares issued; 18,630,776 outstanding at September 30, 2021; 18,426,130 outstanding at December 31, 2020					Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 19,096,300 shares issued; 18,630,776 outstanding at September 30, 2021; 18,426,130 outstanding at December 31, 2020		191		191
Additional paid-in capital		37,466		35,215			39,423		34,498
Treasury stock, 836,228 shares at September 30, 2020; 954,917 shares at December 31, 2019		(11,117)		(12,777)
Treasury stock, 465,524 shares at September 30, 2021; 670,170 shares at December 31, 2020					Treasury stock, 465,524 shares at September 30, 2021; 670,170 shares at December 31, 2020		(6,086)		(8,872)
Retained earnings		326,990		318,572			390,867		342,250
Total stockholders’ equity		353,530		341,201			424,395		368,067
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	599,146	$	610,878		$	672,428	$	671,877

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

Table of Contents

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except shares, Unaudited)


	Common Stock			Additional								Common Stock			Additional
	Shares			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury				Shares			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury
	Outstanding	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total		Outstanding	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, January 1, 2020	18,141,383	$	191	$	35,215	$	318,572	$	(12,777)	$	341,201
Net exercise of stock options	30,545		—		(428)		—		428		—
Balance, January 1, 2021												18,426,130	$	191	$	34,498	$	342,250	$	(8,872)	$	368,067
Exercise of stock options, net												91,831		—		1,143		—		1,266		2,409
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		873		—		—		873	—		—		1,280		—		—		1,280
Net income	—		—		—		2,020		—		2,020	—		—		—		8,154		—		8,154
Balance, March 31, 2020	18,171,928	$	191	$	35,660	$	320,592	$	(12,349)	$	344,094
Net exercise of stock options	17,634		—		(552)		—		246		(306)
Balance, March 31, 2021												18,517,961	$	191	$	36,921	$	350,404	$	(7,606)	$	379,910
Exercise of stock options, net												81,555		—		675		—		1,106		1,781
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		981		—		—		981	—		—		1,247		—		—		1,247
Net loss	—		—		—		(4,347)		—		(4,347)
Balance, June 30, 2020	18,189,562	$	191	$	36,089	$	316,245	$	(12,103)	$	340,422
Net exercise of stock options	70,510		—		402		—		986		1,388
Net income												—		—		—		18,149		—		18,149
Balance, June 30, 2021												18,599,516	$	191	$	38,843	$	368,553	$	(6,500)	$	401,087
Exercise of stock options, net												31,260		—		8		—		414		422
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		897		—		—		897	—		—		572		—		—		572
Capital contribution	—		—		78		—		—		78
Net income	—		—		—		10,745		—		10,745	—		—		—		22,314		—		22,314
Balance, September 30, 2020	18,260,072	$	191	$	37,466	$	326,990	$	(11,117)	$	353,530
Balance, September 30, 2021												18,630,776	$	191	$	39,423	$	390,867	$	(6,086)	$	424,395

Common Stock

Additional

Shares

Paid-in

Retained

Treasury


Outstanding

Amount

Capital

Earnings

Stock

Total

Balance, January 1, 2019

17,919,021

$
191

$
30,111

$
286,756

$
(15,876)

$
301,182

Net exercise of stock options

57,670

—

241

—

804

1,045

Stock-based compensation expense

—

—

915

—

—

915

Net income

—

—

—

7,015

—

7,015

Balance, March 31, 2019

17,976,691

$
191

$
31,267

$
293,771

$
(15,072)

$
310,157

Net exercise of stock options

39,043

—

141

—

545

686

Stock-based compensation expense

—

—

1,003

—

—

1,003

Net income

—

—

—

9,279

—

9,279

Balance, June 30, 2019

18,015,734

$
191

$
32,411

$
303,050

$
(14,527)

$
321,125

Net exercise of stock options

66,401

—

290

—

925

1,215

Stock-based compensation expense

—

—

1,027

—

—

1,027

Net income

—

—

—

9,326

—

9,326

Balance, September 30, 2019

18,082,135

$
191

$
33,728

$
312,376

$
(13,602)

$
332,693


	Common Stock			Additional
	Shares			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury
	Outstanding	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, January 1, 2020	18,141,383	$	191	$	35,215	$	318,572	$	(12,777)	$	341,201
Exercise of stock options, net	30,545		—		(428)		—		428		—
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		873		—		—		873
Net income	—		—		—		2,020		—		2,020
Balance, March 31, 2020	18,171,928	$	191	$	35,660	$	320,592	$	(12,349)	$	344,094
Exercise of stock options, net	17,634		—		(552)		—		246		(306)
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		981		—		—		981
Net loss	—		—		—		(4,347)		—		(4,347)
Balance, June 30, 2020	18,189,562	$	191	$	36,089	$	316,245	$	(12,103)	$	340,422
Exercise of stock options, net	70,510		—		402		—		986		1,388
Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		897		—		—		897
Capital contribution					78						78
Net income	—		—		—		10,745		—		10,745
Balance, September 30, 2020	18,260,072	$	191	$	37,466	$	326,990	$	(11,117)	$	353,530

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

Table of Contents

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands, Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30,


2020

2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$
8,418

$
25,620

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

11,544

10,984

Amortization of deferred loan costs

466

403

Stock-based compensation

2,751

5,892

Provision for bad debts

75

44

Loss on disposition of assets

5

—

Write off of unamortized debt issuance costs

95

—

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Receivables

100

(67)

Income taxes

1,639

4,415

Inventories

(613)

(848)

Prepaid expenses

37

(80)

Right of use asset, net

(2)

10

Accounts payable

(5,755)

(33)

Accrued expenses

525

1,629

Net cash provided by operating activities

19,285

47,969

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from sale of assets

25

—

Change in construction payable

(6,135)

(4,348)

Acquisition of property and equipment

(30,237)

(106,345)

Net cash used in investing activities

(36,347)

(110,693)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

1,161

—

Principal payments on long-term debt

(20,000)

—

Loan issuance cost

(2,862)

—

Long-term debt borrowings

8,750

61,350

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(12,951)

61,350

Change in cash and cash equivalents

(30,013)

(1,374)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

60,539

30,462

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$
30,526

$
29,088

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid for income taxes

$
—

$
1,842

Conversion of long term deposit to short term deposit

$
908

—


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	48,617	$	8,418
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		28,308		11,544
Amortization of deferred loan costs		630		466
Stock-based compensation		3,099		2,751
Provision for bad debts		44		75
Loss on disposition of assets		138		5
Write off of unamortized debt issuance costs		—		95
Deferred income taxes		1		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(4,936)		100
Income taxes receivable		3,571		1,639
Inventories		1,706		(613)
Prepaid expenses		1,721		37
Right of use asset, net		(13)		(2)
Accounts payable		3,281		(5,755)
Accrued expenses		10,110		525
Net cash provided by operating activities		96,277		19,285

Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets		20		25
Change in construction accounts payable		5,309		(6,135)
Acquisition of property and equipment		(26,992)		(30,237)
Net cash used in investing activities		(21,663)		(36,347)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payroll taxes from net exercise of stock options		(730)		—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		5,342		1,161
Long-term debt borrowings		—		8,750
Principal payments on long-term debt		(74,500)		(20,000)
Loan issuance cost		—		(2,862)
Net cash used in financing activities		(69,888)		(12,951)

Change in cash and cash equivalents		4,726		(30,013)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		28,310		60,539
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	33,036	$	30,526

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	2,707	$	—
Cash paid for income taxes	$	8,100	$	—
Conversion of long term deposit to short term deposit	$	—	$	908

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

Table of Contents

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ~~2020~~2021

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation:

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. was incorporated in 1993. Unless otherwise indicated, “Monarch,” “us,” “we,” and the “Company” refer to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Monarch owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel and casino in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”) and Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, a hotel and casino in Black Hawk, Colorado (the “Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk”). In addition, Monarch owns separate parcels of land located next to the Atlantis and a parcel of land with an industrial warehouse located between Denver, Colorado and Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk. Monarch also owns Chicago Dogs Eatery, Inc. and Monarch Promotional Association, both of which were formed in relation to licensure requirements for extended hours of liquor operation in Black Hawk, Colorado.

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

Interim Financial Statements:

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation are included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, ~~2020.~~2021.

The balance sheet at December 31, ~~2019~~2020 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, ~~2019.~~2020.

Impact of COVID-19:

In March 2020, a global pandemic was declared due to an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”). In an effort to contain the virus, on March 16,^th 2020 the state of Colorado mandated a temporary shutdown of all casinos including Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk and on March 17,^th 2020 the state of Nevada mandated the temporary closure of all casinos including Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno. The COVID-19 outbreak has had, and ~~will~~may continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

Our Nevada and Colorado properties reopened with limited operations on June 4, 2020 and June 17, 2020, respectively. The ~~poker room and buffet at Atlantis resumed operations at the beginning~~state of ~~August. The~~Colorado mandated closure of table games atagain on November 13, 2020, which lasted until early February, 2021. Most of the time since the reopening of our ~~Colorado property resumed operation on September 11, 2020. The buffet at~~properties we have had to operate under government-enforced capacity restrictions and other limitations. We have been consistently adjusting our ~~Colorado property is temporarily being operated as a table-service restaurant. Additionally, changes were made from~~ routine operations ~~relating~~ to restrictions in occupancy and social distancing requirements, which include reduced seating at table games at and in all restaurants, and a decreased number of active slot machines on the casino floors. The convention business at Atlantis ~~was~~has been adversely affected by the state-mandated gathering ~~limits, which at this time are 50 persons or 50% of fire code capacity, whichever is less.~~limits. We have experienced hotel stay and convention booking cancelations, and since the reopening, guest visitation and hotel and convention bookings have been ~~lower than prior to~~inconsistent. On July 30, 2021, the ~~state-mandated closures,~~state of Nevada reinstated indoor mask mandates, which negatively affected our operation and ~~are expected to remain lower~~financial results. At the same time, however, our results of operation for the ~~near future.~~

first nine months of 2021 benefited from pent-up demand with patrons across the gaming industry, particularly in regional gaming markets.

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The Company has taken steps to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic ~~downturn and~~ uncertainty by reducing ~~the~~ operating expenses, taking advantage of federal and state government programs that support companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and their employees, and entering ininto an amended and restated credit agreement with its lender, which extended the maturity date of the Company’s credit facility to September 3, 2023 and increased the ~~aggregated~~aggregate principal amount of the facility from $241.3 million to $270.0 million (consisting of a $200.0 million term loan and a $70.0 million revolving credit facility) with an option to increase the facility by up to an additional $75.0 million revolving line of credit. See NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT.In addition, the Company had strongly encouraged team members to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination to ensure the safety of its team members and guests.

The Company believes that ~~the $4.0 million of~~its anticipated cash ~~in our interest-bearing money market fund and~~flows from operating activities, combined with the $70.0 million available under ~~our~~its Amended Credit Facility ~~as of September 30, 2020, as well as the anticipated operating cash flow,~~(as defined below), will be sufficient to fund its operations, meets its debt obligations and fulfill its capital expenditure plans ~~for the next twelve months. Given the Company's liquidity position at September 30, 2020, management believes the Company has sufficient liquidity to fund operations and satisfy its obligations~~ for the next twelve months.

Goodwill:

The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). ASC Topic 350 gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may allow them to skip the quantitative test as appropriate. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, ~~of each year,~~ or whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level, and each of the Company’s casino properties is considered to be a reporting unit.

Goodwill consists of the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business ~~combinations~~combination in April 2012. As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, we had goodwill totaling $25.1 million related to the purchase of Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk, Inc.

~~Due to~~ASC Topic 350 requires that goodwill be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the ~~COVID-19 pandemic related government orders to suspend operations at our properties and the continued adverse effect~~fair value of ~~the pandemic on our business, after reopening of our properties, we~~a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We performed ~~a qualitative~~an assessment ~~for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020~~ to determine ~~if the Company’s goodwill was impaired.~~ ~~The impairment testing, resulted~~whether events or circumstances such as those described in ~~the recognition of no impairment loss.~~ ~~Based upon the financial performance of the company~~ASC 350-20-35-3C existed and we determined that they did not exist during the ~~third quarter,~~ ~~management determined that there~~interim period; therefore, an interim impairment test was no ~~continued indicator of impairment~~. The evaluations used to assess the Company’s goodwill for impairment incorporate inherent uncertainties that are difficult to predict in the current economic environment. When evaluating for impairment, we make numerous highly subjective and judgmental estimates and assumptions, all of which are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, and many of which are based on significant unobservable inputs. The most significant assumptions and inputs used in evaluating for impairment are projected short-term and long-term operating results and cash flows, projected capital expenditures, estimated long-term growth rates and the weighted-average cost of capital of market participants, adjusted for the risk profile of the assets being evaluated. The timing and trajectory of the expected post-pandemic economic recovery is unknown, and accordingly, estimates and assumptions are likely to change as more information becomes available.not performed.

The Company believes that it has made reasonable estimates and judgments in performing its analysis in light of the risks and uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if the excess of fair value over the carrying amount declines by a significant amount in the future as a result of changes in actual and projected operating results or other internal or external economic factors, the Company could be required to recognize goodwill impairment charges in future periods.

Property and Equipment, net:

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


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Land	$	32,986	$	32,986
Land improvements		9,898		9,847
Buildings		469,119		471,819
Buildings improvements		35,142		33,681
Furniture and equipment		216,421		229,052
Construction in progress		32,924		6,257
Right of use assets		14,189		14,784
Leasehold improvements		3,848		3,848
		814,527		802,274
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(243,624)		(229,767)
Property and equipment, net	$	570,903	$	572,507

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Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment is depreciated principally on a straight line basis over its estimated useful lives as follows:


Land improvements	15	-	40	years
Buildings	30	-	40	years
Building improvements	5	-	40	years
Furniture	5	-	10	years
Equipment	3	-	20	years

The Company evaluates property and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with the guidance for accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. For assets to be disposed of, the Company recognizes the asset to be sold at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs of disposal. Fair value for assets to be disposed of is generally estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers or a discounted cash flow model.

For assets to be held and used, the Company reviews fixed assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist. If an indicator of impairment exists, we compare the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the impairment is measured based on fair value compared to carrying value, with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model or market comparables, when available. For the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, there were 0 impairment charges.

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 2 operating segments, Atlantis and Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk, meet the aggregation criteria stipulated by ASC 280-10-50-11. The Company views each property as an operating segment and the 2 operating segments have been aggregated into 1 reporting segment.

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Inventories:

Inventories, consisting primarily of food, beverages, and retail merchandise, are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined by the weighted average and specific identification methods. Net realizable value is defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Debt Issuance Costs:

Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt agreement utilizing the effective interest rate method. Unamortized amounts of debt issuance costs are recorded as a reduction of the outstanding debt and included in “Long-term debt, net”.

On September 3, 2020, the Company refinanced its credit facility. The unamortized costs related to the existing credit facility as of August 31, 2020 was $476 thousand. As the credit facility is a loan syndication with separate debt instruments existing between the debtor and the individual creditors participating in the syndication, in accordance to ASC 470-50, the Company expensed $95 thousand, representing a portion of unamortized debt issuance cost, allocated to the lenders that left the syndication and deferred the rest of the unamortized debt issuance cost of the existing credit facility, together with the issuance costs of the new facility.

As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, debt issuance costs, net of amortization, were ~~$3.1~~$2.2 million.

Capitalized Interest:

The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with debt incurred in connection with major construction projects. When no debt is specifically identified as being incurred in connection with a construction project, the Company capitalizes interest on amounts expended on the project at the Company’s average borrowing cost. Interest capitalization is ceased when the project is substantially complete. NaN capitalized interest was recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, as the Monarch Black Hawk expansion project was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company capitalized $1.8 million and $5.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

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Revenue Recognition:

The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when products are delivered or services are performed. For certain revenue transactions (when a patron uses a club loyalty card), in accordance with ~~accounting standard update~~Accounting Standard Update No. 2014-09 (“ASC 606”), a portion of the revenue is deferred until the points earned by the patron are redeemed or expire.

Casino revenue: Casino revenues represent the net win from gaming activity, which is the difference between the amounts won and lost, which represents the transaction price. Jackpots, other than the incremental amount of progressive jackpots, are recognized at the time they are won by customers. Funds deposited by customers in advance and outstanding chips and slot tickets in the customers’ possession are recognized as a liability until such amounts are redeemed or used in gaming play by the customer. Additionally, net win is reduced by the performance obligations for the players’ club program, progressive jackpots and any pre-arranged marker discounts. Progressive jackpot provisions are recognized in two components: 1) as wagers are made for the share of players’ wagers that are contributed to the progressive jackpot award, and 2) as jackpots are won for the portion of the progressive jackpot award contributed by the Company. Cash discounts and other cash incentives to guests related to gaming play are recorded as a reduction to gaming revenue.

Players’ Club Program: The Company operates a players’ club program under which as players perform gaming activities they earn and accumulate points, which may be redeemed for a variety of goods and services. Given the significance of the players’ club program and the ability for members to bank such points based on their past play, the Company has determined that players’ club program points granted in conjunction with gaming activity constitute a material right and, as such, represent a performance obligation associated with the gaming contracts. At the time points are earned, the Company recognizes deferred revenue at the standalone selling prices (“SSP”) of the goods and services that the points are expected to be redeemed for, with a corresponding decrease in gaming revenue. The points estimated SSP is computed as the cash redemption value of the points expected to be redeemed, which is determined through an analysis of all redemption activity over the preceding twelve-month period.

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As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the Company had estimated the obligations related to the players’ club program at ~~$10.4~~$9.7 million, which is included in Accrued Expenses in the Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity section in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Food and Beverage, Hotel and Other (retail) Revenues: Food and Beverage, Hotel and Other Revenues in general are recognized when products are delivered or services are performed. The Company recognizes revenue related to the products and services associated with the players points’ redemptions at the time products are delivered or services are performed, with corresponding reduction in the deferred revenue, at SSP. Other complimentaries in conjunction with the gaming and other business are also valued at SSP. Hotel revenue is presented net of non-third-party rebates and commissions. The cost of providing these complimentary goods and services are included as expenses within their respective categories.

Other Revenues: Other revenues (excluding retail) primarily consist of commissions received on ATM transactions and cash advances, which are recorded on a net basis as the Company represents the agent in its relationship with the third-party service providers, and commissions and fees received in connection with pari-mutuel wagering, which are also recorded on a net basis.

Sales and other taxes: Sales taxes and other taxes collected from customers on behalf of governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and are not included in revenues or operating expenses. In addition, tips and other gratuities, excluding service charges, collected from customers on behalf of the Company’s employees are also accounted for on a net basis and are not included in revenues or operating expenses.

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Credit Losses

The Company extends short-term credit to its gaming customers. Such credit is non-interest bearing and is due on demand. In addition, the Company also has receivables due from hotel guests and convention groups and events, which are primarily secured with a credit card. An allowance for doubtful accounts is set up for all Company receivables based upon the Company’s historical collection and write-off experience and taking into consideration the current economic conditions and management’s expectations of future economic conditions. The allowance is applied even when the risk of credit loss is remote. When a situation warrants, the Company may create a specific identification reserve for a high collection risk receivables. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has recorded a reserve of $0.2 million for gaming and non-gaming receivables. The Company writes off its uncollectible receivables once all efforts have been made to collect such receivables. The book value of receivables approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables.

Other Operating items, net:

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

For the three months ended September 30, 2021, Other operating items, net, was $1.2 million and included: $1.5 million of professional services relating to our construction litigation and $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, offset by $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, Other operating items, net, was $2.4 million and included: $0.9 million in pre-opening expenses relating to the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion project; $0.5 million in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation; $0.5 million in Colorado legislation lobbying expenses; $0.4 million equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations; and $0.1 million in unamortized debt issuance cost write off.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, Other operating items, net, was $2.8 million and included: $3.0 million of professional services relating to our construction litigation, $0.1 million in equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations and $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, offset by $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Other operating items, net, was $4.9 million and included: $1.9 million in pre-opening expenses relating to the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion project; $0.8 million inof professional service fees relating to our construction litigation; $1.4 million in Colorado legislation lobbying expenses; $0.7 million in equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations; and $0.1 million in unamortized debt issuance cost write off. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, Other operating items, net, was $1.1 million and $1.7 million, representing: $0.9 million and $1.5 million pre-opening expenses relating to the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion project, respectively; and $0.2 million in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation for each of the periods.

Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:

~~Financial Instruments - Credit Losses:~~ ~~In June 2016,~~The Company has evaluated the recently issued or proposed by the FASB ~~issued amended~~or other standards-setting bodies accounting ~~guidance for~~standards and does not believe the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 significantly changes the way entities account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The amended accounting guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment model with a forward-looking expected loss model, and is applicable to most financial assets, including trade receivables other than those arising from operating leases. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company ~~adopted~~ ~~ASU 2016-13. The~~future adoption of ~~this ASU did not~~any such pronouncements will have a material ~~impact~~effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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~~The Company extends short-term credit to its gaming customers. Such credit is non-interest bearing and is due on demand.~~ In addition, ~~the Company also has receivables due from hotel guests and convention groups and events, which are primarily secured with~~ a credit card. An allowance for doubtful accounts is set up for all Company receivables based upon the Company’s historical collection and write-off experience and taking in consideration the current economic conditions and management’s expectations of future economic conditions. The allowance is applied even when the risk of credit loss is remote. When a situation warrants, the Company may create a specific identification reserve for a high collection risk receivables. The Company writes off its uncollectible receivables once all efforts have been made to collect such receivables. The book value of receivables approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivables.

~~Cloud Computing Arrangement Implementation Costs:~~ In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract should be presented as a prepaid asset in the balance sheet and expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement to the same line item in the statement of income as the costs related to the hosting fees. ~~The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.~~

~~Goodwill impairment:~~ In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 that simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment for all entities by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of today’s goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on today’s Step 1). The standard does not change the guidance on completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity will still be able to perform today’s optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment before determining whether to proceed to Step 1. ~~The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s 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, the Company has 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 2. ACCOUNTING FOR LEASES

For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related asset and obligation at the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. Many of the Company’s leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into its determination of lease payments when appropriate. As permitted by ASC 842, the Company elected not to separate non-lease components from their related lease components.

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As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the Company’s right of use assets consisted of the Parking Lot Lease, the Driveway Lease ~~(as~~(each as defined and discussed in NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS), as well as certain billboard leases.

Upon adoption of the new lease standard, incremental borrowing rates used for existing leases were established using the rates in effect as of the lease inception or modification date. The weighted-average incremental borrowing rate of the leases presented in the lease liability as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021, was 4.33%.

The weighted-average remaining lease term of the leases presented in the lease liability as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 was ~~21.3~~20.9 years.

Cash paid related to the operating leases presented in the lease liability for each of the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, was $1.1 million.

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NOTE 3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with ASU No. 2016-09, the Company records any excess tax benefits or deficiencies from its equity awards in its Consolidated Statements of Income in the reporting periods in which vesting occurs. As a result, the Company’s income tax expense and associated effective tax rate are impacted by fluctuations in stock price between the grant dates and vesting dates of equity awards.

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


	Three months ended				Nine months ended				Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
	2020		2019		2020		2019		2021		2020		2021		2020
Casino	$	46	$	51	$	102	$	152	$	83	$	46	$	196	$	102
Food and beverage		45		52		114		150		32		45		100		114
Hotel		33		28		88		71		50		33		122		88
Selling, general and administrative		773		896		2,447		2,572		407		773		2,681		2,447
Total stock-based compensation, before taxes		897		1,027		2,751		2,945		572		897		3,099		2,751
Tax benefit		(189)		(216)		(578)		(618)		(120)		(189)		(651)		(578)
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax	$	708	$	811	$	2,173	$	2,327	$	452	$	708	$	2,448	$	2,173

NOTE 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as stock options. The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (shares in thousands):


	Three months ended September 30,						Three months ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2021			2020
		Per Share			Per Share			Per Share			Per Share
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Basic	18,218	$	0.59	18,056	$	0.52	18,640	$	1.20	18,218	$	0.59
Effect of dilutive stock options	643		(0.02)	653		(0.02)	783		(0.05)	643		(0.02)
Diluted	18,861	$	0.57	18,709	$	0.50	19,423	$	1.15	18,861	$	0.57


	Nine months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2020			2019			2021			2020
		Per Share			Per Share			Per Share			Per Share
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Basic	18,186	$	0.46	17,997	$	1.42	18,573	$	2.62	18,186	$	0.46
Effect of dilutive stock options	637		(0.02)	668		(0.05)	822		(0.11)	637		(0.02)
Diluted	18,823	$	0.44	18,665	$	1.37	19,395	$	2.51	18,823	$	0.44

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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 September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, options for approximately ~~1,062~~316 thousand and ~~847~~1,062 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation. For the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, options for approximately ~~1,077~~239 thousand and ~~795~~1,077 thousand shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation.

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NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The shopping center adjacent to the Atlantis (the “Shopping Center”) is owned by Biggest Little Investments, L.P. (“BLI”). John Farahi and Bob Farahi, Co-Chairmen of the Board and executive officers of the Company, and Ben Farahi have significant holdings (the “Farahi Family Stockholders”) in Monarch and each also beneficially owns limited partnership interests in BLI. Maxum LLC is the sole general partner of BLI, and Ben Farahi is the sole managing member of Maxum LLC. Neither John Farahi nor Bob Farahi has any management or operational control over BLI or the Shopping Center. Until May 2006, Ben Farahi held the positions of Co-Chairman of the Board, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

On August 28, 2015, Monarch, through its subsidiary Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc., entered into a 20-year lease agreement with BLI for a portion of the Shopping Center, consisting of an approximate 46,000 square-foot commercial building on approximately 4.2 acres of land adjacent to the Atlantis (the “Parking Lot Lease”). This lease gives the Atlantis the right to use a parcel, approximately 4.2 acres, comprised of a commercial building and surrounding land adjacent to the Atlantis. The primary purpose of the Parking Lot Lease is to provide additional, convenient, Atlantis surface parking. 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 the payment of property taxes, utilities and maintenance expenses related to the Leased Property. The Company has an option to renew the Parking Lot Lease for an additional ten-year term. If the Company elects not to exercise its renewal option, the Company will be obligated to pay BLI $1.6 million. For each of the three-month periods ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, the Company paid $174 thousand in rent, plus $13 ~~and $6~~ thousand ~~respectively,~~ in operating expenses relating to this lease. For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, the Company paid $522 thousand in rent, plus ~~$20~~$21 thousand and ~~$19~~$20 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was ~~$10.6~~$10.3 million.

In addition, the Atlantis shares a driveway with the Shopping Center and leases approximately 37,400 square feet from BLI (the “Driveway Lease”) for an initial lease term of 15 years, which commenced on September 30, 2004, at an original annual rent of $300 thousand plus common area expenses. The annual rent is subject to a cost of living adjustment increase on each five-year anniversary of the Driveway Lease. Effective August 28, 2015, in connection with the Company entering into the Parking Lot Lease, the Driveway Lease was amended to: (i) make the Company solely responsible for the operation and maintenance costs of the shared driveway (including the fountains thereon); (ii) eliminate the Company’s obligation to reimburse the Shopping Center for its proportionate share of common area expenses; and (iii) exercise the 3 successive five-year renewal terms beyond the initial 15-year term in the existing Driveway Lease agreement. At the end of the renewal terms, the Company has the option to purchase the leased driveway section of the Shopping Center. For each of the three-month periods ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, the Company paid $101 thousand ~~and $94 thousand~~ in rent ~~respectively,~~ plus $8$12 thousand and $7$8 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. For each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, the Company paid $303 thousand ~~and $282 thousand~~ in rent, ~~respectively,~~ plus ~~$17~~$25 thousand and ~~$20~~$17 thousand, respectively, in operating expenses relating to this lease. The right of use asset and lease liability balances as of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was ~~$4.0~~$3.8 million.

The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising, storage space and parking lot space from affiliates controlled by the Farahi Family Stockholders, and paid $57 thousand and $27 thousand, ~~and $48 thousand~~respectively, for the three-month periods ~~ended September 30, 2020~~ and ~~2019 respectively, for such leases, and paid $101~~$151 thousand and ~~$117~~$101 thousand, respectively, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, for such leases.

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NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

On September 3, 2020, the Company entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and certain banks (the “Fourth Amended Credit Facility”). ~~The Fourth Amended Credit Facility amends and restates the Company’s $250.0 million credit facility, dated as of July 20, 2016 (the “Amended Credit Facility”).~~ On ~~September 29, 2020,~~April 30, 2021, the Company ~~and its lender executed~~entered into an ~~Amendment~~amendment to the Fourth Amended Credit Facility ~~which amends~~(collectively, with all prior amendments, the ~~definition of “Financial Covenant Start Date”~~“Amended Credit Facility”).

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The ~~Fourth Amended Credit Facility extends the~~ maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility ~~from July 20, 2021 to~~is September 3, 2023. ~~In addition, the Fourth~~The Amended Credit Facility increases the aggregate principal amount of the credit facilities to ~~$270.0~~$270 million. The ~~$270.0~~$270 million ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility consists of: a $200 million term loan (“Term Loan Facility”) and a $70 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”)., together with an option to increase the facility by up to an additional $75 million Revolving Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $108 million under the Term Loan Facility, from which $20 million is expected to have a maturity date in next twelve months. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had 0 borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, therefore all $70 million remained available for borrowing.

The Company is required to make quarterly principal payments under the Term Loan Facility on each Term Loan Installment Date, commencing on December 31, 2020, in an amount equal to (x) the percentage set forth opposite the applicable period during which such Term Loan Installment Date occurs (i.e., 1.25% for the period from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021, and 2.50% for the period from December 31, 2021 and thereafter) multiplied by (y) ~~$200.0~~$200 million. The estimated amount of the mandatory principal payments due in the next twelve months is $20 million.

Commencing with the delivery of the compliance certificate for fiscal year 2021, the Company may be required to prepay borrowings under the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility using excess cash flows for each fiscal year, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. ~~The estimated amount of the mandatory principal payments due in the next twelve months is $10.0 million.~~

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had an outstanding principal balance of $185.0 million under the Term Loan Facility, from which $10 million is expected to have a maturity date in next twelve months. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had no ~~borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, therefore all $70.0 million remained available for borrowing.~~

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

In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the Company is required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility) of no more than ~~4.75:~~4.0:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.15:1. As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were ~~2.2:~~1.0:1 and ~~9.1:~~5.6:1.

The Fourth Amended Credit Facility added a new definition, “Operational Liquidity”, to the Amended Credit Facility. Operational Liquidity as defined is, as of any date of determination, the amount by which (a) (i) the Unused Revolving Commitment as of such date, plus (ii) cash (including cage cash) as of such date exceeds (b) (i) $24,000,000 minus (ii) any retainage costs with respect to the expansion project and any settlement or judgment under the PCL Litigation paid in cash; provided that from and after the expansion project completion date, the receipt of a final certificate of occupancy (or its local equivalent) for the expansion project and the final resolution or disposition of the PCL Litigation, the amount in this clause (b) shall be deemed to be 0. The Borrowers shall not permit Operational Liquidity to be less than $25,000,000 at any time. In addition, any borrowing under the Amended Credit Facility, greater than $51,000,000 shall be used solely to pay retainage costs with respect to the Expansion Project and any settlement or judgment under the PCL Litigation. As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the ~~Company’s Operational Liquidity were $76.5 million.~~

~~The~~ interest rate under the April 30^,2021 amendment to the Amended Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from ~~1.75%~~1.00% to ~~3.25%~~2.00%, or a base rate (as defined in the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from ~~0.75%~~0.00% to ~~2.25%~~1.00%, or the Prime Rate. The applicable margins vary depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees are equal to the daily average unused revolving commitment multiplied by the commitment fee percentage, ranging from ~~0.35%~~0.175% to ~~0.575%~~0.325%, based on our leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2021, the interest rate on the Term Loan Facility was 1.34%, or LIBOR plus a 1.25% margin.

On the terms and subject to some conditions, the Company may, at any time before the Maturity Date, request an increase of the Revolving Credit Facility, provided that each such increase is equal to ~~$15.0~~$15 million or an integral multiple of ~~$1.0~~$1 million in excess and, after giving effect to the requested increase, the aggregate amount of the increases in the total revolving loan commitment shall not exceed ~~$75.0~~$75 million.

The Company may prepay borrowings under the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility revolving loan without penalty (subject to certain conditions and certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period). Once reduced or cancelled, the Revolving Credit Facility may not be increased or reinstated without the prior written consent of all lenders. During the first nine months of 2021, the Company made a $67.0 million in optional prepayments on its Term Loan Facility in addition to $7.5 million in mandatory payments.

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As of September 30, 2021, the $85.8 million “Long-term debt, net” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet represents the $108 million outstanding loan amount under the Amended Credit Facility, net of $2.2 million unamortized debt issuance costs and $20 million mandatory principal payments that are due in the next twelve months and presented as “Current portion of long-term debt” in the Current liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The Company believes that the ~~$4.0 million~~expected cash ~~in its interest-bearing money market fund~~flows from operating activities and the ~~$70.0~~$70 million available under its Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 will be sufficient to support its current operations, meet its debt obligations and fulfill its capital expenditure plans for the twelve months from filing of the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, ~~2020;~~2021; however, the Company is surrounded by uncertainty ~~about~~relating to COVID-19 ~~and the reopening of its operations,~~future developments, as well as financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond its control. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow in the upcoming months or if its cash needs exceed the Company’s borrowing capacity under the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility, it could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or eliminating planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or issuing additional equity.

NOTE 7. TAXES

For the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, the Company’s effective tax rate was ~~16.3%~~19.4% and ~~19.6%~~16.3%, respectively. The ~~low~~ effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was ~~a result of the high weight of~~impacted by excess tax benefit on stock option ~~exercises on the provision for income taxes, as the suspension~~exercises.

As of ~~the operations in mid-March for about three months and continued negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced income before income tax for the nine-month period ended~~ September 30, ~~2020.~~2021, the $21.3 million “Income taxes receivable” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet represents the expected federal and state tax refund for 2020 tax year, net of current year federal and state tax payable.

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

NaN uncertain tax positions were recorded as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019.~~2020. NaN change in uncertain tax positions is anticipated over the next 12 months.

NOTE 8. STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

On October 22, 2014, the board of directors of Monarch authorized a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Plan”). Under the Repurchase Plan, the board of directors authorized a program to repurchase up to 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Repurchase Plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the plan may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion, and it will continue until exhausted. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the repurchase program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s stock, general market economic conditions and applicable legal requirements. The Company has made 0 purchases under the Repurchase Plan.

NOTE 9. LEGAL MATTERS

On August 30, 2019, PCL Construction Services, Inc. (“PCL”) filed a complaint in District Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado (the “Denver Action”), against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with certain disputes regarding construction of the Company’s expansion ~~plans for~~of Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk. The complaint alleges, among other things, the defendants breached the construction contract with PCL and certain implied warranties. On December 5, 2019, the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries filed ~~its~~an answer and counterclaim, which alleges, among other items, that PCL breached the construction contract, duties of good faith and fair dealing, and implied and express warranties, made fraudulent or negligent misrepresentations on which the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries relied, and included claims for monetary damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief.

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The ~~court has set a~~ trial date for ~~May 17, 2021.~~this matter has been scheduled for March 21, 2022. Discovery in the action is ongoing, and we are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.

In connection with the expansion of the Monarch Black Hawk, as described above, PCL and certain subcontractors have provided purported notice of liens filed against the real property on which the Monarch Black Hawk is situated (the “Monarch Black Hawk Property”), for sums allegedly owed for construction of the expansion. Some of the subcontractors have recorded such liens in the property records of Gilpin County, Colorado.

On March 26, 2021, PCL filed a mechanics’ lien foreclosure action in District Court, County of Gilpin, Colorado (the “Gilpin Action”), against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with the Company’s expansion plans for the Monarch Black Hawk Property. The complaint essentially mirrors the claims and allegations made by PCL in the Denver Action, as described above. The new lawsuit includes an additional claim, however, for foreclosure of PCL’s purported mechanics’ lien against the Monarch Black Hawk Property. PCL also joined additional subcontractors as defendants who have claimed a purported lien against the Monarch Black Hawk Property. Effective May 10, 2021, PCL filed its second amended complaint, joining more such parties as defendants. Many of the Company’s co-defendants have filed cross claims against Monarch for foreclosure of mechanics’ liens and related claims, including unjust enrichment, and have also filed counterclaims against PCL. The Company and its Colorado subsidiaries filed an answer and counterclaims in the Gilpin Action on July 15, 2021. Monarch has also filed answers to all cross claims, denying the claimants’ rights to relief. The Company and its Colorado subsidiaries intend to defend against PCL’s claims and the cross claims filed by certain subcontractors, and will vigorously prosecute its counterclaims for damages. The case was recently stayed pending the outcome of the Denver Action.

The Company recognized ~~$0.5~~$3.0 million and $0.8 million in construction litigation expense relating to ~~this lawsuit~~these lawsuits for the ~~three and~~ nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which are included in Other operating items, net on the Consolidated Statements of ~~Operations.~~Income.

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

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

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

~~STATEMENT~~CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING ~~INFORMATION~~STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of ~~Section 21E~~the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities ~~Exchange~~Litigation Reform Act of ~~1934,~~1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions, as ~~amended, (the “Exchange Act”) including, but not limited to~~well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” or “we cannot assure you,” “although no assurance can be given,” Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: (i) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including recent spikes in cases, on our revenues, cash flows, liquidity, construction projects, results of operations and financial condition; (ii) our expectations regarding the return to normalized operations; (iii) our beliefs regarding the sufficiency of our cash and other financial resources; (iv) our expectations regarding discussions with our lenders about refinancing and/or additional relief options and steps under the Amended Credit Facility that may be requested in light of currently-changing circumstances, as well as our expectations regarding credit facility covenant compliance and our ability to continue to obtain necessary covenant waivers; (v) our expectations regarding changes in our operations and services relating to government restrictions that may be imposed in ~~occupancy and social distancing requirements;~~light of COVID-19 pandemic measures; (vi) our beliefs regarding the effectiveness of the actions we've taken with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and the quality of our properties as key factors in Monarch's long-term success; (vii) our expectations and beliefs concerning the expansion project ~~scope,~~at the Monarch Black Hawk (the "Monarch Black Hawk Expansion"), including the timing for completion of the last stage of the project, receipt of ~~all~~ occupancy and other regulatory approvals, ~~for portion of the expansion project,~~ impact of the ongoing construction litigation, budget and estimated costs, pre-opening expenses and transformative ~~potential and our continued investment in our expansion project at the Monarch Casino Black Hawk (the "Monarch Black Hawk Expansion")~~potential); (viii) our expectations regarding financing of the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion; (ix) our expectations and intentions regarding the expenses, defenses and outcomes of the ~~lawsuit~~lawsuits filed by the construction project general contractor against us; (x) our expectations regarding our business prospects, strategies, estimates and outlook; (xi) our expectations regarding the positioning of our properties to benefit from future macro and local economic growth; (xii) our expectations regarding future capital requirements; (xiii) our anticipated sources of funds and adequacy of such funds to meet our debt obligations and capital requirements; and (xiv) our expectations regarding legal and other matters. ~~The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act~~

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of ~~1995 provides a safe harbor for~~future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. ~~We note~~Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that ~~many factors~~ could cause our actual results and ~~experience~~financial condition to ~~change significantly~~differ materially from ~~the anticipated results or expectations expressed~~those indicated in our forward-looking statements. When words and expressions such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “intends,” “objectives,” “goals,” “aims,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “possible,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “likely,” “enable,” or similar words or expressions are used in this Form 10-Q, as well as statements containing phrases such as “in our view,” “we cannot assure you,” “although no assurance can be given,” or “there is no way to anticipate with certainty,”the forward-looking statements ~~are being made.~~include, among others, the following:

Various risks and uncertainties may affect the operation, performance, development and results of our business and could cause future outcomes to change significantly from those set forth in our forward-looking statements, including the following factors:

●

continuing adverse impacts of the COVID-19 ~~outbreak~~pandemic and its variants, including any spikes in cases, on our business, constructions projects, financial condition ~~liquidity, cash flows,~~and operating results, ~~and~~including access to capital ~~markets, including the worsening of such impacts and the continuation for an unknown period of time;~~markets;

●

continuing adverse impacts of the COVID-19 ~~outbreak~~pandemic and its variants, including any spikes in cases, on short-term and long-term travel, leisure and discretionary spending habits and practices of our guests;

●

continuing actions by government officials at the federal, state or local level, including, without limitation, further temporary or extended shutdowns, travel restrictions, social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, and mask mandates in connection with the COVID-19 ~~outbreak;~~pandemic, including any spikes in cases;

●

impact of any further temporary or extended shutdowns on our ability to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of our credit facilities and other material contracts;

●

our ability to manage guest safety concerns caused by ~~COVID-19;~~the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants, including any spikes in cases;

●

our ability to negotiate relief options and any further amendments to our Amended Credit Facility;

●

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

●

impact of any uninsured losses;

●

the adverse impact of cancellations and/or postponements of hotel stays and convention and trade shows on

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our business, market position, growth, financial condition and operating results;

●

a delay in or failure of the changes in guest visitation, entertainment choices and spending patterns, including a decrease in overall long-term demand after reopening our casinos and the initial pent-up demand, due to health and other concerns, to return to normalized pre-pandemic levels;

●

the impact of social distancing requirements, mask mandates and other health and safety protocols implemented at our properties, including a reduction in operating margins (or negative operating margins);

●

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

●

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

●

unwillingness of our employees to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination;

●

the potential of increases in state and federal taxation to address budgetary and other impacts of the COVID-19 ~~pandemic;~~pandemic, including any spikes in cases;

●

the potential of increased regulatory and other burdens to address the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 ~~pandemic;~~pandemic and its variants, including any spikes in cases;

●

our ability to successfully implement our business and growth strategies;

●

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

●

construction factors, including delays, disruptions, construction defects, increased costs of labor and materials, contractor disagreements, availability of labor and materials, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters, occupancy and building permit issues and other regulatory approvals or issues;

●

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

●

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

●

risks related to development and construction activities (including disputes with and defaults by contractors and subcontractors; construction, equipment or staffing problems and delays; construction defects; shortages of materials or skilled labor; environmental, health and safety issues; weather and other hazards, site access matters, and unanticipated cost increases);

●

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

●

~~risks and uncertainties relating to obtaining court and governmental approval or permits necessary to open the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion to the public;~~

●

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

●

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

●

our ability to effectively manage increased expenses from recent and current inflationary pressures;

●

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

●

guest acceptance of our expanded facilities once completed and the resulting impact on our market position, growth and future financial results;

●

our ability to successfully complete potential acquisitions and investments;

●

~~successful integration of acquisitions;~~

●

access to capital and credit, including our ability to finance future business requirements ~~and the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion;~~;

●

risks related to our present indebtedness and future borrowings;

●

adverse trends in the gaming industry;

●

changes in patron demographics;

●

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

●

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

●

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

●

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

●

our ability to continue to comply with the covenants and terms of our credit instruments;

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●

our dependence on two resorts;

●

ability of large stockholders to influence our affairs;

●

our dependence on key personnel;

●

the availability of adequate levels of insurance;

●

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

●

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

●

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

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

●

impact of natural disasters, severe weather, terrorist activity and similar events;

●

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

●

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

●

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

●

risks, uncertainties and other factors described in ~~“Item 1A - Risk~~Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” inand Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our ~~annual report~~Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019~~2020 (the ~~“2019~~"2020 Form ~~10-K”~~10-K") and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Form 10-Q is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, events or conditions, except as required by law. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

Monarch was incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1993. We own and operate the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel and casino in Reno, Nevada (the “Atlantis”) and Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk (the “Monarch Black Hawk”), a casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. In addition, we own separate parcels of land located next to the Atlantis and a parcel of land with an industrial warehouse located between Denver, Colorado and Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk. We also own Chicago Dogs Eatery, Inc. and Monarch Promotional Association, both of which were formed in relation to licensure requirements for extended hours of liquor operation in Black Hawk, Colorado.

We earn revenues, operating income and cash flow from Atlantis and Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk, primarily through our casino, food and beverage, ~~operations~~ and ~~at Atlantis, our~~ hotel operations. ~~The Monarch Casino Black Hawk does not have a hotel; however, we are in the process of renovations and construction that will include a hotel.~~ We focus on delivering exceptional service and value to our guests. Our hands-on management style focuses on ~~exceptional~~ customer services and cost efficiencies.

Atlantis: Our business strategy is to maximize revenues, operating income and cash flow primarily through our casino, food and beverage, ~~operations~~ and hotel operations. We continuously upgrade our ~~property.~~property and invest in technology. Reno remains a very healthy local-oriented market. The tight employment environment and wage pressure remain key challenges. We expect this to be a recurring trend for the market and Atlantis in the years ahead but we remain confident that our operating strategies will allow Atlantis to grow revenue as our market share continues to expand. With quality gaming, hotel and dining products, we believe the Atlantis is well positioned to benefit from future macro and local economic growth, as well as for possible adverse macro-economic conditions.

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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 working on the major expansion. In August 2015, we completed the redesign and upgrade of the existing Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk ~~bringing~~property. In November 2016, we opened for guest use a new nine-story parking structure with approximately 1,350 spaces and additional valet parking, with total property capacity of approximately 1,500 spaces. In the fourth quarter of 2020, we began a phased opening of our hotel tower and expanded casino floor. Construction at the property is currently underway to ~~the facility’s interior the same quality, ambiance and finishes~~convert part of the ~~ongoing master planned expansion that we expect~~legacy building into a specialty restaurant, sportsbook lounge and bar, and additional casino space, which will ~~transform Monarch Casino Black Hawk~~complete the transformation of the property into a full-scale casino resort. InThis last stage of the fourth quarter of 2013, we began work on the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion. In November 2016, we opened our elegant nine-story parking facility with about 1,350 spaces for guest use. Construction of a new hotel tower and casino expansion on the site where the old parking structure was sittingproject is under way. (See CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT – Monarch Black Hawk Expansion). Once completed, the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion 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. The Company expectsexpected to open by the ~~expanded Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk~~end of 2021. Through its superior product and service, the property is designed to attract and retain the highest tier guests in the ~~fourth quarter~~market.

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KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We use certain Key Performance Indicators (“KPI”) to manage our operation and measure our performance.

Gaming revenue KPI: Our management reviews on a consistent basis the volume metrics and hold percentage metrics for each gaming area. The main volume measurements are slot coin-in, table games drop, sportsbook write and keno write. Slot coin-in represents the dollar amount wagered in slot machines, including free promotional wagers. Table games drop represents the total amount of cash and net markers deposited in the table drop box. Keno write and sportsbook write represents the dollar amount wagered at our counters, along with sportsbook write made through our mobile wagering system. Volume metrics are important in managing the business, as our gaming win is affected by actual hold percentage, which in general varies from the expected hold percentage and historical hold percentage. Gaming win represents the amount of wagers retained by us. Hold percentage represents win as a percentage of slot coin-in, table game drop, sportsbook write, or keno write. Our win and hold percentages are calculated before discounts, commissions, deferring revenue associated with our loyalty programs and allocating casino revenues related to goods and services provided to patrons on a complimentary basis.

Food and Beverage revenue KPI: The main KPIs in managing our food and beverage (“F&B”) operations are covers and average revenue per cover. A cover represents the number of guests served and is an indicator of volume. Average revenue per cover represents the average amount spent per food and beverage outlets’ served guests. Changes in the average revenue per cover might be an indicator for changes in menu offerings, changes in menu prices or may indicate changes in our guests’ preferences and purchasing habits.

Hotel revenue KPI: The main KPIs used in managing our hotel operation are the occupancy rate (a volume indicator), which is the average percentage of available hotel rooms occupied during a period, and the average daily rate (“ADR”, a price indicator), which is the average price per sold room. Available rooms exclude those rooms unavailable for occupancy during the period due to renovation, development, or other requirements. Sold rooms include rooms where the guests do not show up for their stay and lose their deposit. The calculations of the occupancy rate and ADR include the impact of rooms provided on a complimentary basis. Revenue per available room ("RevPAR") represents total hotel revenue per available room and is a representation of the occupancy rate, ADR and miscellaneous hotel sales.

Operating margins: Our management is consistently focused on controlling expenses and finding cost savings, without affecting the quality of the product we offer and our guests’ services and experience. We measure our performance using expense margin, which is a percentage of direct expenses, including labor, cost of product and any other operating expenses related to the gaming, food and beverage, or hotel operation to the net gaming, food and beverage, or hotel revenues. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) margin represents SG&A expenses for a period as a percentage of total net revenue for a period. In managing the food and beverage operation we use Cost Of Goods Sold (“COGS”) percentage, which represents a percentage of product cost to the food and beverage revenue and is a measurement of commodity prices and menu sales prices.

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

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

~~Monarch~~Monarch’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2021 were ~~significantly~~ impacted by the unprecedented government-mandated closure of our Nevada and Colorado properties in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, which lasted approximately three months and the effect of the ongoing pandemic after resuming operations.COVID-19 pandemic.

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In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the rapidly growing COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. On March 16,2020, in an effort to contain the virus, the state of Colorado mandated a temporary shutdown of all casinos including Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk and, on March 17, 2020, the state of Nevada mandated the temporary closure of all casinos including the Atlantis in Reno.

Our Nevada and Colorado properties partially reopened with limited operations on June 4, 2020 and June 17, 2020, respectively. ~~The poker room~~Therefore, the nine-month periods financial results comparison set forth below should be read with the 2020 partial period closures in mind.

Following the reopening of our operations and ~~buffet at Atlantis resumed~~through the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021, we continued to operate under government-imposed capacity restrictions on our operations atand various COVID-19 safety protocols. We were continually adjusting our operations to the beginning of August. The table games at our Colorado property resumed operation on September 11, 2020. The buffet at our Colorado property is temporarily being operated as a table-service restaurant. Additionally, changes were made from routine operations relating to restrictions in occupancy and social distancing requirements, which ~~include~~included reduced seating at table games at and in all restaurants, and a decreased number of active slot machines on the casino floors. The convention business at Atlantis was adversely affected by the state-mandated gathering ~~limits, which at this time are 50 persons or 50% of fire code capacity, whichever is less.~~limits. We have experienced hotel stay and convention booking ~~cancelations,~~cancellations, and since the reopening, guest visitation and hotel and convention bookings have been ~~lower than prior~~inconsistent.

Our financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 were significantly impacted by the unprecedented government-mandated closure of our Nevada and Colorado properties in response to the ~~state-mandated closures,~~COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted approximately three months, and ~~are expected~~the related operational changes to ~~remain lower for the near future.~~comply with government restrictions as well as changes in customer demand and overall travel and leisure industry.

Despite a strong reopening, we are operating in an environment of high uncertainty and there may be additional government restrictions placed on all of our services, such as gaming, restaurants, spas and salons, entertainment venues and convention and meeting space, which could lead to lower demand and revenue. Such restrictions could also increase our costs, further decrease our operating margins and have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows and financial results.

A new Delta variant of COVID-19, which appears to be the most transmissible variant to date, has been spreading globally. In July 2021, due to reports of increased COVID-19 cases apparently driven by the new Delta variant, Nevada state government officials reintroduced mask mandates for all persons in certain public indoor locations, including casino resorts such as the Atlantis. Colorado officials may do the same. These new developments, and any increased restrictions on operations, may adversely impact our results of operations.

While we have incurred significant disruptions from the COVID-19 outbreak, we are unable to accurately predict the full impact that COVID-19 will have due to numerous uncertainties and the dynamic nature of the circumstances, including the duration and severity of the disease, the possibility of the outbreak levels seen to return, the long-term impact on demand following the reopening of our casinos, and other actions or restrictions that may be taken by governmental authorities, the impact thereof to the general U.S economy and to our ~~customers and other factors identified in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q.~~customers. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact to our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk expansion

Our financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 benefited from the phased opening of operations at our newly transformed Monarch Black Hawk, which opening started in the fourth quarter of 2020. Monarch Black Hawk operations continue to ramp up. The new hotel, including a spa and pool on the top floor, are fully opened. On May 14, 2021, we opened our new poker room. With the opening of our expanded casino floor, we had increased the number slot machines by approximately 190 and table games by 10, compared to the pre-COVID active gaming devices at Monarch Black Hawk.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three-Month Periods Ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020

For the three months ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, our net income totaled ~~$10.7~~$22.3 million, or ~~$0.57~~$1.15 per diluted share, compared to net income of ~~$9.3~~$10.7 million, or ~~$0.50~~$0.57 per diluted share for the same period in ~~2019,~~2020, reflecting a ~~15.2%~~107.7% and ~~14.0%~~101.8% increase in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the three months ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, totaled ~~$59.9~~$111.6 million, ~~a decrease~~an increase of ~~$5.7~~$51.8 million, or ~~8.7%~~86.5%, compared to the three months ended September 30, ~~2019.~~2020. Income from operations for the three months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021, totaled ~~$13.4~~$29.0 million compared to ~~$11.5~~income from operations of $13.4 million for the same period in ~~2019.~~

Casino revenue increased 9.1% in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter of 2019 which was driven by the increased spending per visit. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue decreased to 28.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 34.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as a result of effective cost management and higher casino revenue at Atlantis.2020.

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Casino revenue increased 71.4% in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2020. The increase in casino revenue was driven primarily by the increase is gaming devices with the opening of our expanded casino in Black Hawk, the removal of Colorado table game bet limit and higher guest spend per visit at both properties. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 33.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 28.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to an increase in promotional expenses at Monarch Black Hawk, as well as strong casino performance in the prior year period, following the properties’ reopening.

Food and beverage revenue for the third quarter of ~~2020 decreased 30.0%~~2021 increased 102.3% compared to the third quarter of ~~2019~~2020 due to an ~~42.4% decrease~~84.7% increase in food and beverage covers, ~~as a result of capacity and other regulatory limitations which remain~~combined with an increase in ~~effect in Reno and Black Hawk due to the ongoing pandemic. Food~~food and beverage revenue per cover ~~increased year-over-year by~~of 9.5%. The increase in covers is primarily a ~~21.4%.~~result of the opening of two new restaurants at Monarch Black Hawk in early 2021 and the buffet at Atlantis being closed in July of 2020. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue ~~decreased~~increased in the third quarter of ~~2020~~2021 to ~~75.1%~~77.6% compared to ~~79.4%~~75.1% for the same quarter in ~~2019~~2020 primarily ~~as a result of lower year over year COGS percentage.~~due to increased commodity prices and labor costs.

Hotel revenue ~~decreased 33.1%~~increased 162.2% in the third quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to the same quarter of ~~2019~~2020 as a result of ~~lower~~an average daily increase in available rooms by 50, with the opening of the hotel at Monarch Black Hawk. Hotel occupancy ~~of 80.3%~~was 83.4% during the current year period compared to ~~95.5%~~80.3% during the third quarter of ~~2019 and a decrease in~~2020. ADR ~~of $30.22~~increased by $53.35 ($~~100.76~~154.11 in the third quarter of ~~2020 compared to 130.98~~2021and $100.76 in the third quarter of ~~2019)~~2020). The occupancy and ADR were negatively impacted by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic government-enforced restrictions and by the continuing decline of travel and convention businesses in general due to the pandemic. REVPAR was ~~$87.87~~$142.39 and ~~$131.26~~$87.87 for the three months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019,~~2020, respectively. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue ~~increased~~decreased to ~~42.3%~~38.5% in the third quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~34.8%~~42.3% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the ~~decrease~~increase in ADR and the ramp-up in hotel operation at Monarch Black Hawk, despite higher housekeeping expenses related to labor ~~costs as a result of an increase in housekeeping wages.~~shortage and wage pressure.

Other revenue ~~decreased 2.1%~~increased 40.4% in the third quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to the same prior year ~~period.~~period primarily due to the addition of a retail outlet and spa at Monarch Black Hawk.

SG&A expense ~~decreased~~increased to $21.7 million in the third quarter of 2021 from $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2020 ~~from $17.9 million~~driven primarily by the additional G&A expenses to support the expanded Monarch Black Hawk as well as an increase in ~~the third quarter of 2019 primarily due to: a $1.4 million decrease in promotional and marketing expenses; a $0.2 million decrease in~~overall labor ~~expense; a $0.2 decrease in travel expense; a $0.2 million decrease in repair and maintenance~~ expense. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense decreased to ~~26.5%~~19.4% in the third quarter of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~27.3%~~26.5% in the same period in ~~2019.~~2020.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to ~~$3.9~~$9.4 million for the three months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~$3.7~~$3.9 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service ~~during~~with the ~~current quarter.~~opening of our hotel tower and expanded casino at Monarch Black Hawk.

During the third quarter of 2021, we recognized $1.5million of professional services fees relating to our construction litigation, $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds. During the third quarter of 2020, we recognized $0.9 million in pre-opening ~~expense related~~expenses relating to the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion project, $0.5 million inof professional service fees relating to our construction litigation, $0.5 million in Colorado legislation lobbying expenses, $0.4 million in equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations and $0.1 million in unamortized debt issuance cost write off. During the third quarter of 2019, we recognized $0.9 million in pre-opening expense related to the upcoming opening of the new hotel and expanded casino in Black Hawk and $0.2 million in professional service fees relating to our construction litigation. These expenses are included in Other operating items, net in the Consolidated Statement of ~~Operations.~~Income.

During the third ~~quarters~~quarter of ~~2020 and 2019,~~2021 we ~~capitalized $1.8 million and $1.7~~expensed $0.5 million of interest ~~respectively, which is~~and amortized $0.4 million in deferred loan costs. In the third quarter of 2020, we capitalized all $1.8 million of interest, ~~paid and accrued during those quarters,~~ as the borrowings on our Amended Credit Facility were exclusively used to finance the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion. See further discussion of our ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility in the LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES section below.

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Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and ~~2019~~2020

The operating results for the 2020 nine-month period reflect the government-mandated closer of our operations for approximately three months, as well as the effect of the continuing regulatory limitations relating to the ongoing pandemic, which remained in force after the reopening of our properties.

For the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, we had anet income of $48.6 million, or $2.51 per diluted share, compared to net income of $8.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share ~~compared to net income of $25.6 million, or $1.37 per diluted share~~ for the same period in ~~2019,~~2020, reflecting a ~~67.1%~~477.5% and ~~67.9% decrease~~470.5% increase in net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively. Net revenues in the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, totaled ~~$126.0~~$284.3 million, ~~a decrease~~an increase of ~~$61.1 million, or 32.6%~~125.6%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, ~~2019.~~2020. Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 totaled ~~a $10.1~~$64.1 million compared to ~~$31.9~~$10.1 million income from operations for the same period in ~~2019.~~2020.

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Casino revenue ~~decreased 22.6%~~increased 126.9% in the first nine months of ~~2020~~2021 compared to the first nine months of ~~2019~~2020 and was driven by an increase in gaming devices with the ~~COVID-19 outbreak, which culminated~~opening of the expanded casino in ~~a suspension~~Monarch Black Hawk, the removal of ~~our operations in mid-March 2020 through beginning/mid-June 2020, partially offset by~~Colorado table game bet limit and an increase in guest spend per visit ~~during the period the properties were opened in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.~~at both properties. Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue ~~decreased~~increased to 31.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 30.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, ~~compared to 35.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019~~ primarily as a result of ~~targeted cost cutting measures.~~higher promotional and payroll expenses in the current year.

Food and beverage revenue for the first nine months of ~~2020 decreased 43.6%~~2021 increased 110.9% compared to the ~~2019~~2020 same period due to a ~~52.1% decrease~~87.4% increase in food and beverage covers ~~partially offset by~~combined with a ~~17.8%~~12.5% increase in food and beverage revenue per cover. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue ~~increased~~decreased in the first nine months of ~~2020~~2021 to 80.5% from 81.8% ~~compared to 79.4%~~ for the same period in ~~2019~~2020 primarily as a result of our effort to align menu prices with increased commodity prices and labor costs, as well as the decline of food and beverage revenue in ~~F&B revenue~~2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of our operations for approximately three months.

Hotel revenue ~~decreased 46.7%~~increased 175.3% in the first nine months of ~~2020~~2021 compared to the first nine months of ~~2019~~2020 primarily due to an increase in available rooms with the opening of the new hotel at Monarch Black Hawk, as well as the pandemic related hotel shutdown for approximately three months ~~and~~in 2020. Hotel occupancy for the ~~decrease in hotel occupancy~~first nine months of 2021 was 78.6% compared to 75.7% during the period the hotel at Atlantis was open ~~compared to 89.4% occupancy during the first nine months of 2019, combined with a $16.95 decrease in ADR, from $127.82~~ in the first nine months of ~~2019 to~~2020. ADR increased by $27.17, from $110.87 in the first nine months of ~~2020.~~2020 to $138.04 in the first nine months of 2021. REVPAR was ~~$89.99~~$119.18 for the first nine months of 2021 and ~~$121.49~~$89.99 for the period the hotel was open in the first nine months ~~ended September 30, 2020 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.~~of 2020. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue ~~increased~~decreased to ~~46.2%~~40.8% in the first nine months of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~36.8%~~46.2% for the comparable prior year period primarily as a result of the ~~ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.~~higher ADR.

Other revenue ~~decreased 31.5%~~increased 70.9% in the first nine months of ~~2020~~2021 compared to the same prior year ~~period.~~period primarily due to the addition of a retail outlet and spa at Monarch Black Hawk.

SG&A expense ~~decreased~~increased to $62.2 million in the first nine months of 2021 from $41.9 million in the first nine months of 2020 ~~from $50.8 million in the first nine months of 2019~~ primarily due to the COVID-19 shutdown and the related cost mitigation measures taken by ~~management.~~management in 2020, as well as the increase in expenses in 2021 to support the expanded Monarch Black Hawk operation. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense ~~increased~~decreased to ~~33.3%~~21.9% in the first nine months of ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~27.2%~~33.3% in the same period in ~~2019.~~2020.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased to ~~$11.5~~$28.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 compared to ~~$11.0~~$11.5 million for the same prior year period, due to new assets placed into service ~~during~~with the ~~nine-month period.~~opening of our hotel tower and expanded casino at Monarch Black Hawk.

During the first nine months of 2021, we recognized $3.0 million of professional service fees relating to our construction litigation, $0.1 million in equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations, $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets, $0.3 million of litigation proceeds and $0.1 million of insurance claims proceeds. During the first nine months of 2020, we recognized $1.9 million in pre-opening ~~expense related~~expenses relating to ~~the upcoming opening of the new hotel and expanded casino in Black Hawk, $0.8 million in construction litigation expense related to the lawsuit filed by~~ the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion project, $0.8 million of professional service fees relating to our construction ~~project general contractor against the Company,~~litigation, $1.4 million in Colorado legislation ~~lobbing~~lobbying expenses, $0.7 million in ~~million~~ equipment, supplies and employee testing expenses directly attributable to the pandemic for reopening of the properties and incremental to normal operations and $0.1 million in unamortized debt issuance cost write off. During the first nine months of 2019, we recognized $1.5 million in pre-opening expense related to the upcoming opening of the new hotel and expanded casino in Black Hawk and $0.2 million in construction litigation expense related to the lawsuit filed by the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion construction project general contractor against the Company. Those expenses are included in Other operating items, net in the Consolidated Statement of ~~Operations.~~Income.

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During the first nine months of 2021, we expensed $3.2 million of interest and amortized $0.6 million in deferred loan costs. During the first nine months of 2020, ~~and 2019,~~ we capitalized ~~$5.0 million and $4.2 million of interest, respectively, which is~~ all interest ~~paid and accrued during those periods,~~of $5.0 million, as the borrowings on our Amended Credit Facility were exclusively used to finance the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion. See further discussion of our Amended Credit Facility in the LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES section below.

CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT

We seek to continually upgrade and maintain our facilities in order to present a fresh, high quality product to our guests. In addition, we have invested, and continue to invest, in our Monarch Black Hawk Expansion.

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Cash paid for capital expenditures for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 ~~and 2019~~ totaled ~~$36.3~~$21.7 million and ~~$110.7~~$36.3 million, respectively. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021 our capital expenditures related primarily to: the transformation of part of the legacy Monarch Black Hawk building into a specialty restaurant, sportsbook lounge and bar, and additional casino space; complete renovation of the high-end suites on the top floors of the hotel tower at Atlantis; and the acquisition of gaming and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at Atlantis and Monarch Black Hawk. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, our capital expenditures related primarily to the new hotel tower and casino expansion at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, a restaurant and a bar renovation at Atlantis and the acquisition of gaming and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at Atlantis and Monarch Casino Black Hawk. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, our capital expenditures related primarily to the new hotel tower and casino expansion at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, the renovation of hotel suites at Atlantis and the acquisition of gaming and other equipment to upgrade and replace existing equipment at Atlantis and Monarch Casino Black Hawk. The capitalCapital expenditures during ~~both periods~~the first nine month in 2021 were funded from operating cash ~~flows, available~~flows. Capital expenditures during the first nine month in 2020 were funded from operating cash flow and borrowings from the ~~credit facility.~~Amended Credit Facility.

Monarch Black Hawk Expansion

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we began work to convert ~~the~~ Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk into a full-scale casino resort (the “Monarch Black Hawk Expansion”).

The Monarch Black Hawk Expansion includes a multi-phased expansion of Monarch ~~Casino~~ Black Hawk, which involves construction of a new parking structure, demolition of the existing parking structure, and 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. The demolition and removal of the old parking structure, which included a controlled implosion of the old garage, was completed in the first quarter of 2017.

On February 8, 2017, we broke ground on the hotel tower and casino expansion. ~~The~~

In the fourth quarter of 2020, we began the phased opening of our new ~~23-story~~hotel tower ~~will nearly double~~and casino expansion, which increased the ~~existing~~ casino space and ~~will include approximately 500~~added a 23-story hotel tower with 516 guest rooms and suites, banquet and meeting room space, a retail store, a concierge lounge, an upscale spa and pool facility located on the top floor of the tower, three ~~additional~~new restaurants, and additional ~~bars. Our total overall budget for~~bars and lounges. In the ~~completion~~third quarter of 2021, we opened our new poker room. We are currently working on converting the existing buffet and the adjacent casino area of the ~~Monarch Casino Black Hawk hotel tower~~legacy facility into a new specialty restaurant, sportsbook lounge and bar, and additional casino ~~expansion is approximately $264 million~~space. We expect this work to ~~$269 million. We anticipate opening~~be completed by the ~~expanded Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk in the fourth quarter~~end of ~~2020, with operations ramping up throughout~~ 2021.

We are confident that the quality of our expanded product and exceptional guest service will meet the demand of the high-end segment of the market and will derive accelerated market share and revenue growth.

We expect to finance the remaining ~~cost~~Monarch Black Hawk Expansion costs through a combination of operating cash flows, available cash and, ~~cash equivalents and~~if necessary, borrowings under the ~~Fourth~~ 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. Further, although we intend to seek recovery from our general contractor through the current ~~litigation,~~construction litigations, we may be required to fund certain costs of correcting construction defects and deficiencies until, and if, recovered from the general contractor.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash provided by operations and, ~~available cash and cash equivalents, and,~~ for capital expansion projects, borrowings available under our credit facility. On June 4, 2020, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa re-opened, after approximately two and a half months of closure ordered by the Nevada governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resumed limited operations. On June 17, 2020, Monarch Casino Black Hawk, re-opened, after approximately three months of closure ordered by the Colorado governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resumed limited operations.Amended Credit Facility.

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For the nine months ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, net cash provided by operating activities totaled ~~$19.3~~$96.3 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of ~~$48.0~~$19.3 million in the same prior year period. This ~~decrease~~increase was primarily a result of increases in net income, primarily due to the pandemic-related closures in the prior year, and depreciation expense, as the hotel tower and expanded casino in Monarch Black Hawk were placed in service in the fourth quarter of 2020, combined with a decrease in ~~net income combined with an increase in~~ working ~~capital, especially a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses.~~capital.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled ~~$36.3~~$21.7 million and ~~$110.7~~$36.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2021 consisted primarily of cash used for the transformation of part of the Monarch Black Hawk legacy facility, complete renovation of the high-end suites on the top floors of the hotel tower at Atlantis and ~~2019, respectively.~~for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties. Net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2020 consisted primarily of cash used for the new hotel tower and casino expansion at Monarch ~~Casino Resort~~ Black Hawk ~~for a restaurant and a bar renovation at Atlantis~~ and for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties. Net cash used in investing activities during the first nine months of 2019 consisted primarily of cash used for the new hotel tower and casino expansion at Monarch Casino Black Hawk, for the renovation of hotel suites at Atlantis and for acquisition of gaming and other equipment at both properties.

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Net cash used ~~for~~in financing activities in the first nine months of 2021 totaled $69.9 million and consisted of $74.5 million in principal payments on the credit facility offset by $4.6 million net proceeds from stock options exercise. Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2020 totaled $13.0 million and consisted of ~~$11.3~~$20.0 million principal payments ~~net of~~on the ~~borrowing~~credit facility and $2.9 million loan issuance cost, offset by $8.8 million borrowings under the credit facility ~~$2.9~~and $1.1 million ~~bad debt refinancing cost, offset by $1.2 million effect~~proceeds from the stock options ~~net~~ exercise. In the first nine months of 2019, we borrowed $61.4 million under the Amended Credit Facility. The borrowings were used to fund the Monarch Casino Black Hawk Expansion. Net cash provided by financing activities

Amended Credit Facility

On September 3, 2020, we entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and certain banks (the “Fourth Amended Credit Facility”). ~~The Fourth Amended Credit Facility amends and restates the Company’s $250.0 million credit facility, dated as of July 20, 2016 (the “Amended Credit Facility”).~~ On ~~September 29, 2020,~~April 30, 2021, the Company ~~and its lender executed~~entered into an ~~Amendment~~amendment to the Fourth Amended Credit Facility ~~which amends~~(defined above and hereafter, inclusive of all amendments, as the ~~definition of “Financial Covenant Start Date”~~“Amended Credit Facility”).

The ~~Fourth~~maturity date of The Amended Credit Facility ~~extends the maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility from July 20, 2021 to~~is September 3, 2023. ~~In addition, the Fourth~~The Amended Credit Facility increases the aggregate principal amount of the credit facilities to ~~$270.0~~$270 million. The ~~$270.0~~$270 million ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility consists ~~of:~~of a $200 million term loan (“Term Loan Facility”) and a $70 million revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”)., together with an option to increase the facility by up to an additional $75 million Revolving Credit Facility.

As of September 30,, 2021, we had an outstanding principal balance of $108 million under the Term Loan Facility, from which $20 million is expected to have a maturity date in the next twelve months and we had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, therefore all $70 million remained available for borrowing.

We are required to make quarterly principal payments under the Term Loan Facility on each Term Loan Installment Date, commencing on December 31, 2020, in an amount equal to (x) the percentage set forth opposite the applicable period during which such Term Loan Installment Date occurs (i.e., 1.25% for the period from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021, and 2.50% for the period from December 31, 2021 and thereafter) multiplied by (y) ~~$200.0~~$200 million. The estimated amount of the mandatory principal payments due in the next twelve months is $20 million.

Commencing with the delivery of the compliance certificate for fiscal year 2021, ~~the Company~~we may be required to prepay borrowings under the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility using excess cash flows for each fiscal year, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. ~~The estimated amount of the mandatory principal payments due in the next twelve months is $10.0 million.~~

As of September 30, 2020, we had an outstanding principal balance of $185.0 million under the Term Loan Facility, from which $10 million is expected to have a maturity date in next twelve months. As of September 30, 2020, we had $70.0 million available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has a $0.6 million Standby Letter of Credit, from which there have been no withdrawals.

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

In addition to other customary covenants for a facility of this nature, as of September 30, ~~2020, we are~~2021, the Company is required to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility) of no more than ~~4.75:1;~~4.0:1 and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility) of at least 1.15:~~1; and Minimum Operational Liquidity (as defined in the Fourth Amended Credit Facility) of $25.0 million.~~1. As of September 30, ~~2020, our~~2021, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were ~~2.2:~~1.0:1 and ~~9.1:~~5.6:1, ~~respectively and our Operational Liquidity were $76.5 million.~~respectively.

~~The~~25

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As of September 30, 2021, the interest rate under the April 30,2021 amendment to the Amended Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from ~~1.75%~~1.00% to ~~3.25%~~2.00%, or a base rate (as defined in the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from ~~0.75%~~0.00% to ~~2.25%~~1.00%, or the Prime Rate. The applicable margins vary depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. Commitment fees are equal to the daily average unused revolving commitment multiplied by the commitment fee percentage, ranging from 0.175% to 0.325%, based on our leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2021, the interest rate on the Term Loan Facility was 1.34%, or LIBOR plus a 1.25% margin.

On the terms and subject to some conditions, ~~the Company~~we may, at any time before the Maturity Date, request an increase of the Revolving Credit Facility, provided that each such increase is equal to ~~$15.0~~$15 million or an integral multiple of ~~$1.0~~$1 million in excess and, after giving effect to the requested increase, the aggregate amount of the increases in the total revolving loan commitment shall not exceed ~~$75.0~~$75 million.

~~The Company~~We may prepay borrowings under the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility revolving loan without penalty (subject to certain conditions and certain charges applicable to the prepayment of LIBOR borrowings prior to the end of the applicable interest period). Once reduced or cancelled, the Revolving Credit Facility may not be increased or reinstated without the prior written consent of all lenders. During the first nine months of 2021, we made a $67.0 million in optional prepayments on its Term Loan Facility in addition to a $7.5 million in mandatory payments.

~~Table~~As of ~~Contents~~September 30, 2021, $85.8 million “Long-term debt, net” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet represents the $108 million outstanding loan amount under the Amended Credit Facility, net of $2.2 million unamortized debt issuance costs and $20 million mandatory principal payment that are due in the next twelve months and are presented as “Current portion of long-term debt” in the Current liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

We believe that ~~the $4.0 million~~our anticipated operating cash ~~in our interest-bearing money market fund~~flow and the $70.0 million available under our ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, ~~2020, as well as anticipated operating cash flow,~~2021 will be sufficient to sustain operations for the twelve months from filing of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and fulfill our capital expenditure plans. However, we are surrounded by uncertainty ~~about~~relating to COVID-19, as well as financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow in the upcoming months or if our cash needs exceed our borrowing capacity under the Amended Credit Facility, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or eliminating planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt or issuing additional equity.

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A description of our critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our ~~2019~~2020 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 ~~2019~~2020 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, ~~2020.~~

~~CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS~~

~~Our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2020 and the next five years and thereafter are as follow (in millions):~~

Payments due by period (1)




Less



Greater

than 1

1 to 3

3 to 5

than 5

Total

year

years

years

years

Operating Leases (2)

$
23.0

$
1.4

$
2.3

$
2.1

$
17.2

Purchase Obligations (3)

28.4

25.3

2.3

0.7

0.1

Borrowings Under Amended Credit Facility (4)

185.0

10.0

175.0

—

—

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

$
236.4

$
36.7

$
179.6

$
2.8

$
17.3

~~(1)~~

Because interest payments under our Fourth Amended Credit Facility are subject to factors that, in our judgment, vary materially, the amount of future interest payments is not presently determinable. These factors include: i) future short-term interest rates; ii) our future leverage ratio which varies with EBITDA and our borrowing levels; and iii) the rate at which we deploy capital and other spending which, in turn, impacts the level of future borrowings. The interest rate under the Fourth Amended Credit Facility is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1,75% to 3.25%, or a base rate (as defined in the Fourth Amended Credit Facility) plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 2.25%, or the Prime Rate. The interest rate is adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio. Based on our leverage ratio, at September 30, 2020, pricing was LIBOR plus 2.25%.

~~(2)~~

~~Operating leases include the Driveway Lease, the Parking Lot Lease and billboards leases.~~

~~(3)~~

Purchase obligations represent approximately $17.5 million of commitments related to capital projects and approximately $11.0 million of materials and supplies used in the normal operation of our business. All of the purchase orders and construction commitments are cancelable by us upon providing a 30-day notice.

~~(4)~~

~~The amount represents payment obligations of outstanding draws against the Fourth Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, 2020.~~

As described in the “CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT” section above, we commenced a substantial expansion of our Monarch Casino Black Hawk facility starting in 2014. 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 September 30, 2020, we estimate that the remaining cost to complete the Monarch Black Hawk Expansion is between $5 million and $12 million.2021.

~~Table of Contents~~

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our current primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk relating to the impact of interest rate movements under our Amended Credit Facility.

As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, we had ~~$185.0~~$108 million of outstanding balance under our ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility. A hypothetical 1% increase in the interest rate on the balance outstanding under the ~~Fourth~~ Amended Credit Facility at September 30, ~~2020~~2021 would ~~result~~have resulted in a change in our annual interest cost of approximately ~~$1.9~~$1.1 million. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of our Amended Credit Facility and capital structure.

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

We do not have any cash or cash equivalents as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 that are subject to market risk.

Table of Contents

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”), an evaluation was carried out by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date. During the quarter ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

~~On August 30, 2019, PCL Construction Services, Inc. (“PCL”) filed a complaint~~The information set forth in ~~District Court, City and County~~Note 9 "Legal Matters” to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of Denver, Colorado, against the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries, in connection with the Company’s expansion plans for Monarch Casino Black Hawk. The complaint alleges, among other things, the defendants breached the construction contract with PCL and certain implied warranties. On December 5, 2019, the Company filed its answer and counterclaim, which alleges, among other items, that PCL breached the construction contract, duties of good faith and fair dealing, and implied and express warranties, made fraudulent or negligent misrepresentations on which the Company and its Colorado subsidiaries relied, and included claims for monetary damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief.

~~The court has set a trial date for May 17, 2021. Discovery in the action~~this Form 10-Q is ~~ongoing, and we are currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome or reasonably estimate the loss or gain, if any.~~

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

~~In addition~~There have been no material changes to the risk factors we previously disclosed in ~~the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the following risk factor was identified:~~

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and is expected to continue to disrupt our business operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our businesses, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition for an extended period of time.

~~The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent its spread are expected to continue to impact our operations, financial results, cash flows and liquidity.~~

~~Table of Contents~~

We expect the impact of these disruptions, including the extent of their adverse impact on our financial results, will be dictated by the length of time that such disruptions continue. We were allowed to open the Atlantis on June 4, 2020, and Monarch Black Hawk Casino on June 17, 2020. We cannot predict whether there will be a subsequent closing order due to pandemic spikes or other reasons or whether additional or changed conditions upon which these re-openings may occur or continue, nor the effects of any such conditions. Even once travel, social distancing and self-quarantine restrictions are modified or cease to be necessary, demand for our properties may remain weak for a significant length of time and we cannot predict if and when the gaming and non-gaming activitiesItem 1A of our properties will return to pre-outbreak levels of volume or pricing. In particular, future demand for properties may be negatively impacted by the adverse changes in the perceived or actual economic climate, including higher unemployment rates, declines in income levels and loss of personal wealth or reduced business spending for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Form 10-K.

Our businesses would also be impacted should the disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic lead to prolonged changes in consumer behavior and could impact our current construction project at Monarch Casino Black Hawk. There are certain limitations on our ability to mitigate the adverse financial impact of these matters, such as the fixed costs at our properties. The COVID-19pandemic also makes it more challenging for management to estimate the future performance of our businesses, particularly over the near to medium term. Any of these events may continue to disrupt our ability to staff our business adequately, could continue to generally disrupt our operations or construction projects and, if the global response to contain the COVID-19 pandemic escalates or is unsuccessful, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

If we are required to raise additional capital in the future, our access to and cost of financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, our prospects and our credit ratings. If our credit ratings were to be downgraded, or general market conditions were to ascribe higher risk to our rating levels, our industry, or us, our access to capital and the cost of any debt financing would be further negatively impacted. In addition, the terms of future debt agreements could include more restrictive covenants, or require incremental collateral, which may further restrict our business operations or be unavailable due to our covenant restrictions then in effect. There is no guarantee that our current debt financings will be enough to fund our obligations, or that they will be available on terms consistent with our expectations. Our current debt service obligations contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, and the Fourth Amended Credit Facility contains various financial covenants. We cannot assure you that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will not cause us to no longer be able to comply with the financial covenants in the future, nor can we assure you that we would be able to obtain waivers or modifications from our lenders in the event of noncompliance in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Given the uncertainty around the extent and timing of the potential future spread or mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic and around the imposition or relaxation of protective measures, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact to our future results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

We encourage investors to review the risks and uncertainties relating to our business disclosed under the heading Risk Factors or otherwise in the ~~2019~~2020 Form 10-K, as well as those contained in Part I - Forward-Looking Statements thereof, as revised or supplemented by our Quarterly Reports filed with the SEC since the filing of the ~~2019~~2020 Form 10-K.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



Exhibit No		Description


~~10.1~~		Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 3, 2020, among Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. and Monarch Growth Inc., as Borrowers, the Lenders named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Form 8-K (SEC File 0-22088) filed on September 4, 2020.

10.2*		Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020, among Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., Golden Road Motor Inn, Inc. and Monarch Growth Inc., as Borrowers, the Lenders named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line.
31.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

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

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

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

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.
	(Registrant)


Date: November ~~6, 2020~~8, 2021	By:	/s/ EDWIN S. KOENIG
	Edwin S. Koenig, Chief Accounting Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

2928


	Payments due by period (1)
			Less						Greater
			than 1		1 to 3		3 to 5		than 5
	Total		year		years		years		years
Operating Leases (2)	$	23.0	$	1.4	$	2.3	$	2.1	$	17.2
Purchase Obligations (3)		28.4		25.3		2.3		0.7		0.1
Borrowings Under Amended Credit Facility (4)		185.0		10.0		175.0		—		—
Total Contractual Cash Obligations	$	236.4	$	36.7	$	179.6	$	2.8	$	17.3