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Monarch Casino & Resort Reports Fourth Quarter Net Revenue of $56.1 Million, Net Income of $4.4 Million and Adjusted EBITDA of $12.6 Million

Lower Slot Hold in Reno, Increased Self-Insurance Claims and Accelerated Spending Impacted Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA by Approximately $2.2 Million

RENO, Nev., Feb. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (Nasdaq:MCRI) (“Monarch” or “the Company”) today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017, as summarized below:

($ in thousands, except per share data and percentages)   Three Months Ended
December 31,
  Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 
    2017     2016   Increase
(Decrease)
    2017     2016   Increase
  Net revenue $   56,056   $   55,596    0.8 %   $   230,726   $   217,032    6.3 %
                       
  Adjusted EBITDA (1)(2)     12,589       14,600   (13.8 %)       58,046       55,741    4.1 %
                       
  Net income (3) $   4,397   $   6,470   (32.0 %)   $   25,538   $   24,574    3.9 %
                       
  Basic EPS $   0.25   $   0.37   (32.4 %)   $   1.45   $   1.42    2.1 %
  Diluted EPS (3)(4) $   0.23   $   0.36   (36.1 %)   $   1.39   $   1.39    -  
                       

(1) Definitions, disclosures and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial information are included later in the release.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 was negatively affected by approximately $1.6 million of Toucan Charlies buffet redesign and upgrade costs that were expensed in first quarter of 2016.
(3) The $1.6 million Toucan Charlies buffet redesign and upgrade costs, expensed during the first quarter of 2016, had approximately a $1.0 million negative effect on Net income and a $0.05 negative effect on the Diluted EPS for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.
(4) The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act resulted in a non-cash Deferred tax asset revaluation in the fourth quarter of 2017, which has a $1,461 thousand negative effect on Net income and $0.08 negative effect on the Diluted EPS for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2017. Excluding this impact, Net income and diluted EPS for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year declined 9.5% and 13.9%, respectively, and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in the prior year increased 9.9% and 5.8%, respectively.

CEO Comment
John Farahi, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monarch, commented: “We saw positive business trends in the 2017 fourth quarter. These included a surge of 6% in slot volume as well as growth in food and beverage and hotel revenues at Atlantis Casino Resort, and an increase in gaming revenue at Monarch Casino Black Hawk. However, this improvement was offset by abnormally low slot hold at Atlantis. Moreover, with the anticipated enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act we accelerated certain maintenance work into the fourth quarter, resulting in higher maintenance expenses for that quarter. In addition, our self-funded health insurance plans at both properties and our self-funded workers compensation plan at Atlantis each experienced higher than usual fourth quarter claims. These items, representing a total impact of approximately $2.2 million, lowered our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA.

“The Reno market and Atlantis Casino Resort continue to benefit from the broad-based economic resurgence that is transforming the Reno area. Since Tesla planted its multi-billion dollar flag in 2014, regional business has increased steadily as employment and wages have strengthened. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center is driving increased bookings of major shows and conferences, including the relocation of Interbike to Reno in September of 2018, as well as Safari Club International in January of 2019. As the only resort directly connected to the Convention Center, we believe that Atlantis is well positioned to realize further growth across all areas of our business.

“Like Reno, the Denver area economy remains vibrant. Weather at Black Hawk in the fourth quarter of 2017 was relatively dry and mild, reducing weather-related negative impact. The positive weather trend has continued into the first quarter of 2018, allowing our construction team to make steady progress on the Monarch hotel tower and casino expansion, which remains on budget and on schedule for completion in the second quarter of 2019. We believe that our freshly redesigned casino and new parking facility have helped drive growth in the Black Hawk market. We are encouraged to see our Black Hawk peers likewise investing in their properties, signaling a shared vision for Black Hawk to emerge as a premier regional destination for gaming and entertainment.

“While the strengthening economy presents us with revenue growth opportunities in Reno and Black Hawk, we are experiencing the pressure of a tight labor market, which increases competition for talent and drives rising wages. Thus, we must remain vigilant in managing our expenses to optimize margins, bringing long-term value for our stockholders, while also continuing to deliver an exceptional product and services for our guests.

“Since breaking ground on the Monarch Casino Black Hawk expansion in the first quarter of 2017 we have not drawn on our credit facility, funding all expansion-related capital spending and maintenance capital expenditures at both properties from operating cash flows. The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will bring a recurring benefit to Monarch’s free cash flow and a de-leveraging effect on our balance sheet. Given our current leverage and the effect of the new tax law, we expect that our peak leverage ratio at the completion of the project will be below 2x.”

Summary of 2017 Fourth Quarter Operating Results
For the 2017 fourth quarter, consolidated net revenue increased 0.8% to $56.1 million from $55.6 million in the prior year. Consolidated casino, food and beverage, hotel and other revenue increases were partially offset by a hold-driven casino revenue decline at Atlantis Casino Resort. Consolidated casino revenues, food and beverage revenues and hotel revenues increased 0.3%, 2.1% and 4.6% on a year over year basis, respectively. Consolidated promotional allowances increased $0.4 million, or 3.6%. As a percentage of gross revenues, promotional allowances were 18.1% compared to 17.7% a year ago.

The Company generated consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $12.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 13.8%, over the same period a year ago. The current year Adjusted EBITDA was impacted by: a $1.3 million effect of the abnormally low slot hold at Atlantis; and a $1.3 million increase in labor expenses as a result of competitive labor markets in both Reno and Denver, additional labor related to the Monarch Casino Black Hawk expansion and higher than average medical and workers compensation claims paid out of the Company’s self-insured plans.

Casino operating expense as a percentage of casino revenue increased to 41.9% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 39.5% in the fourth quarter of 2016 primarily due to increase in complimentary and labor expenses. Food and beverage operating expense as a percentage of food and beverage revenue decreased to 39.1% during the fourth quarter of 2017 from 40.1% a year ago primarily driven by product cost efficiencies, offset by an increase in labor expense. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of hotel revenue increased to 38.1% for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 33.6% for the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of an increase in labor expense and an increase in repair and maintenance expense to keep our hotel product fresh and upscale.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A") expense for the 2017 fourth quarter was $16.6 million compared to $15.6 million in the prior year period driven primarily by an increase in labor expense. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense increased to 29.6% compared to 28.1% a year ago.

Monarch Black Hawk Expansion
Summarized below is an update on the Company’s ongoing upgrade and expansion of Monarch Casino Black Hawk, including the expected costs and completion dates for the project, as well as the amounts spent through December 31, 2017:

$ in millions Budget
Cost
  Total Spent
Through December 31, 2017
  Left to
Spend
  Estimated
Completion Date
 
I. Existing Facility                
  Monarch Casino Black Hawk (1) $76   $76   -   Completed  
  Existing Facility Upgrade (2)(3) $34 - $36   $23   $11 - $13   Interior completed;
Exterior 2017-2018
 
  Total Existing Facility $110 - $112   $99   $11 - $13      
                 
II. Expansion                
  Acquired Land Parcels $10   $10   -   Completed  
  Parking Structure $38 - $41   $41   -   Completed  
  Hotel Tower & Casino (3) $229 - $234   $30   $199 - $204   2Q19  
  Other $8 - $10   $10   -      
  Total Expansion $285 - $295   $91   $199 - $204      
  Total Cost $395 - $407   $190   $210 - $217      
                 
(1) The Company paid $76.0 million cash or $69.2 million net of acquired working capital and NOLs when it acquired Monarch Casino Black Hawk (formerly Riviera Black Hawk Casino) in 2012.  
(2) Includes upgrades to the interior, which were completed in August 2015, demolition of the original garage, and upgrades to the exterior of the existing facility to match the design of the master planned expansion.
(3) The Company anticipates funding the hotel tower and casino expansion, as well as the existing facility exterior upgrades, from a combination of operating cash flow and the Company’s amended credit facility.  

The expansion project at Monarch Casino Black Hawk remains on schedule and in budget and the Company’s targeted completion date for the project remains the second quarter of 2019.

Credit Facility and Liquidity
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company did not make any principal borrowings on its amended credit facility. As of December 31, 2017, the amount outstanding on the amended credit facility remained at $26.2 million. Capital expenditures of $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 represent costs related to the Monarch Casino Black Hawk master development plan and ongoing capital maintenance spending. Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2017 were funded entirely from the Company’s operating cash flow.

Interest expense for the 2017 fourth quarter was $328 thousand, compared to $341 thousand in the same quarter of 2016.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which are subject to change, including, but not limited to, statements relating to (i) plans, objectives, expectations, growth prospects and future operations regarding Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Monarch Casino Black Hawk; (ii) plans, costs, financing, construction, completion and opening timelines of upgraded, redesigned and/or expanded facilities at Monarch Casino Black Hawk; (iii) the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on our cash flows, leverage ratio and financial condition and (iv) our expectations regarding the quality of service we provide to our guests and our ability to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. Actual results and future events and conditions may differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. With respect to the Monarch Casino Black Hawk master development plan and expansion project, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

  • construction factors, including delays, increased costs of labor and materials, availability of labor and materials, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters, building permit issues and other regulatory approvals or issues;
  • access to available and reasonable financing on a timely basis;
  • the Company’s ability to effectively manage expenses to optimize its margins and operating results;
  • risks related to the complexity of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and our ability to accurately interpret and predict its impact on our cash flows, leverage ratio and financial condition;
  • changes in laws and regulations permitting expanded and other forms of gaming in our key markets; and
  • the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general and on the gaming industry and our business in particular.

Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect all forward looking statements, including the Company's financial results is included in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available on the Company's website at www.monarchcasino.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Please see the separate Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income (unaudited) below.

Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income (as determined in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or as a measure of liquidity. This item enables comparison of the Company's performance with the performance of other companies that report Adjusted EBITDA, although some companies do not calculate this measure in the same manner and therefore, the measure as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

About Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada, and the Monarch Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado, approximately 40 miles west of Denver. For additional information on Monarch, visit Monarch's website at www.monarchcasino.com.

The Atlantis features approximately 61,000 square feet of casino space; 824 guest rooms; eight food outlets; two espresso and pastry bars; a 30,000 square-foot health spa and salon with an enclosed year-round pool; two retail outlets offering clothing and traditional gift shop merchandise; an 8,000 square-foot family entertainment center; and approximately 52,000 square feet of banquet, convention and meeting room space. The casino features approximately 1,450 slot and video poker machines; approximately 38 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and others; a race and sports book; a 24-hour live keno lounge; and a poker room.

The Monarch Casino Black Hawk features approximately 30,000 square feet of casino space; approximately 740 slot machines; 14 table games; a 250-seat buffet-style restaurant; a snack bar and a new nine-story parking structure with approximately 1,350 spaces, plus additional existing valet parking bringing total parking capacity to 1,500 spaces. Once completed, the Monarch Casino 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 restaurants (bringing the total to four restaurants), additional bars, and associated support facilities.

Contacts:
David Farahi
Chief Operating Officer
775/825-4700 or dfarahi@monarchcasino.com

Joseph Jaffoni, Richard Land, James Leahy
JCIR
212/835-8500 or mcri@jcir.com

- financial tables follow -

MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)


    Three months ended
December 31,
  Twelve months ended
December 31,
      2017       2016       2017       2016  
Revenues   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)    
  Casino   $   43,378     $    43,248     $   178,585     $    168,861  
  Food and beverage       16,022        15,688        63,416        60,269  
  Hotel       5,580        5,336        24,784        23,374  
  Other       3,428        3,250        12,467        11,640  
  Gross revenues       68,408        67,522        279,252        264,144  
  Less promotional allowances       (12,352 )      (11,926 )      (48,526 )      (47,112 )
  Net revenues       56,056        55,596        230,726        217,032  
                 
Operating expenses                
  Casino      18,180        17,080        73,017        69,529  
  Food and beverage      6,266        6,284        25,727        24,627  
  Hotel      2,128        1,793        9,320        7,231  
  Other      1,008        933        4,141        3,855  
  Selling, general and administrative      16,602        15,604        62,719        57,730  
  Depreciation and amortization      3,735        3,701        15,132        14,835  
  Loss on disposition of assets      —        9        4        677  
  Total operating expenses      47,919        45,404        190,060        178,484  
 
 Income from operations
     8,137        10,192        40,666        38,548  
                 
Other expenses                
  Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized      (328 )      (341 )      (967 )      (616 )
  Total other expense     (328 )      (341 )      (967 )      (616 )
                 
  Income before income taxes      7,809        9,851        39,699        37,932  
Provision for income taxes      (3,412 )      (3,381 )      (14,161 )      (13,358 )
  Net income   $    4,397     $    6,470     $    25,538     $    24,574  
                 
Earnings per share of common stock                
  Net income                
  Basic   $    0.25     $    0.37     $    1.45     $    1.42  
  Diluted   $    0.23     $  0.36     $    1.39     $    1.39  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding                
  Basic      17,717        17,412        17,585        17,305  
  Diluted      18,701        17,815        18,367        17,664  


MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except shares)
 
    December 31,   December 31,
      2017       2016  
ASSETS   (unaudited)    
Current assets        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $   29,151     $   26,383  
  Receivables, net       6,925          5,036  
  Income taxes receivable     2,008       408  
  Inventories       3,335         3,097  
  Prepaid expenses       4,612         4,487  
  Total current assets        46,031         39,411  
Property and equipment        
  Land       30,034         29,549  
  Land improvements       7,249         6,914  
  Buildings       193,286          191,370  
  Buildings improvements       24,745         24,511  
  Furniture and equipment       140,404         134,603  
  Construction in progress       48,834         9,767  
  Leasehold improvements       3,800         2,688  
        448,352         399,402  
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization       (197,638 )       (184,503 )
  Net property and equipment       250,714         214,899  
Other assets        
  Goodwill       25,111         25,111  
  Intangible assets, net       3,869         5,035  
  Deferred income taxes       3,544         7,354  
  Other assets, net       2,818         3,355  
  Total other assets       35,342         40,855  
  Total  assets   $   332,087     $   295,165  
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
       
Current liabilities        
  Accounts payable   $   8,184     $   8,720  
  Construction accounts payable       5,823          2,605  
  Accrued expenses     25,406       23,795  
  Total current liabilities     39,413       35,120  
Long - term debt       26,200         26,200  
  Total liabilities       65,613         61,320  
 

Stockholders' equity
       
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000  shares authorized; none issued     -       -  
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized;       191         191  
  19,096,300 shares issued; 17,759,446 outstanding at December 31, 2017;        
  17,468,269 outstanding at December 31, 2016        
  Additional paid-in capital       26,890         23,834  
  Treasury stock, 1,336,854 shares at December 31, 2017; 1,628,031 shares at       (18,123 )       (22,158 )
  December 31, 2016        
  Retained earnings       257,516         231,978  
  Total stockholders' equity       266,474          233,845  
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $   332,087     $   295,165  


MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO NET INCOME
 (In thousands, unaudited)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net income, a GAAP financial measure:

                   
    Three Months Ended
December 31, 
  Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 
      2017       2016       2017       2016    
  Adjusted EBITDA (1) $  12,589     $  14,600     $  58,046     $  55,741    
Expenses:                
  Stock based compensation   (717 )     (698 )     (2,244 )     (1,681 )  
  Depreciation and amortization   (3,735 )     (3,701 )     (15,132 )     (14,835 )  
  Interest expense, net of amount capitalized   (328 )     (341 )     (967 )     (616 )  
  Gain (loss) on disposition of assets    -       (9 )     (4 )     (677 )  
  Revaluation of deferred tax asset due to enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act   (1,461 )      -       (1,461 )      -    
  Provision for income taxes   (1,951 )     (3,381 )     (12,700 )     (13,358 )  
  Net income     4,397       6,470       25,538       24,574    
                   

(1) Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, consists of net income plus loss on disposal of assets, provision for income taxes, stock based compensation expense, other one-time charges, interest expense, depreciation and amortization less interest income, any benefit for income taxes and gain on disposal of assets. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income (as determined in accordance with US GAAP), as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in accordance with US GAAP) or as a measure of liquidity. This measure enables comparison of the Company's performance over multiple periods, as well as against the performance of other companies in our industry that report Adjusted EBITDA, although some companies do not calculate this measure in the same manner and, therefore, the measure as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

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