Monarch Casino & Resort Reports 2023 Fourth Quarter Financial Results
- 6.3% increase in net revenue to $128.2 million for Q4 2023
- 18.9% decrease in net income to $18.2 million for Q4 2023
- 3.4% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $43.0 million for Q4 2023
- Declared cash dividend of $0.30 per share payable on March 15, 2024
- Decrease in diluted EPS by 18.4% for Q4 2023
- Increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue
- Legal and consulting costs related to ongoing litigation impacting net income
Insights
The declaration of a cash dividend by Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. and the reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2023, represents a mixed financial picture for the company. While the net revenue growth of 6.3% for the quarter and 4.9% for the year signals a positive trajectory in terms of sales, the decline in net income by 18.9% for the quarter and 5.8% for the year raises concerns. The decrease in net income is attributed to higher effective tax rates, ongoing litigation costs and increased depreciation expenses. This combination of factors suggests that while the company is growing its top-line revenue, it is facing challenges in translating that growth into bottom-line profitability.
From a financial perspective, the company's strong balance sheet, highlighted by the elimination of long-term debt, positions it favorably for future investments and shareholder returns. The cash dividend of $0.30 per share is consistent with the company's previous dividend policy and indicates confidence in its cash flow generation capabilities. However, investors may be cautious about the increasing SG&A expenses and the impact of competitive pressures on the hotel segment. The company's focus on property investments and renovations, as well as its strategic approach to acquisitions, are critical areas for future performance and market positioning.
Monarch Casino & Resort's report highlights several industry-specific challenges and strategies. The competitive pressures from California tribal gaming and a tough promotional environment in Reno are significant factors affecting the hotel segment's performance. The company's decision to invest in property upgrades, such as the redesign of the oyster and sushi bar restaurant and hotel rooms, is a strategic move to enhance customer experience and maintain competitiveness. These renovations are likely aimed at increasing the property's appeal and driving higher revenue per available room (RevPAR), a key metric in the hospitality industry.
Additionally, the company's acknowledgment of staffing challenges due to low unemployment and wage competition with the City of Denver reflects broader labor market trends that are impacting many service-oriented businesses. Monarch's ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to grow market share, particularly among mid- and upper-tier players, will be critical to its success. The company's focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning value to shareholders through dividends and potential share repurchases is a positive signal to the market, but it will be important to balance this with strategic capital investments that drive long-term growth.
The ongoing litigation with PCL Construction Services, Inc., the general contractor for the Monarch Black Hawk expansion project, has had a tangible impact on Monarch Casino & Resort's financials. Legal and consulting costs associated with this litigation have contributed to a decrease in net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS). The outcome of this litigation, which has been submitted to the presiding judge, could have further financial implications for the company. While the specifics of the case are not disclosed in the report, legal disputes of this nature often involve claims for damages, project delays, or construction defects, any of which can result in significant financial liabilities or settlements.
Investors often view ongoing litigation as a risk factor due to the potential for unforeseen expenses and the uncertainty of legal outcomes. The resolution of this case will likely be an important development for Monarch Casino & Resort, potentially affecting its financial stability and operational focus. The company's proactive approach to managing its debt and liquidity during this period is a prudent strategy to mitigate the impact of such legal challenges.
Declares Cash Dividend of
RENO, Nev., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (Nasdaq: MCRI) (“Monarch” or “the Company”) today reported operating results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, as summarized below:
($ in thousands, except per share data and percentages)
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||
| Net revenue | ||||||||||||
| Net income (1) | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (3) | ||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | ( | ( | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (2) | ( | ( | ||||||||||
(1) Net Income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was impacted by: a) the effective tax rate ( (2) Diluted EPS in the fourth quarter of 2023 was impacted by: a) the effective tax rate ( (3) Definitions, disclosures and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial information are included later in the release. | ||||||||||||
CEO Comment
John Farahi, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monarch, commented: “Our net revenue of
“Monarch Black Hawk’s operation continued to ramp up as we converted ongoing revenue growth into margin expansion and double-digit property-level EBITDA growth. Revenues grew across all segments as we continue to successfully maintain our market share growth trajectory among the market's mid- and upper-tier players. We continue to face staffing challenges, driven by Colorado’s low unemployment and competition with the City of Denver wage rates.
“In Reno, the Atlantis is challenged by the continued growth of California tribal gaming and an extremely competitive promotional environment. Despite these factors and ongoing construction disruptions, we grew market share in the fourth quarter of 2023. We also completed the construction on the redesign and upgrade of the oyster and sushi bar restaurant. As of January 4th, we began the redesign and upgrade of 125 rooms on the third Atlantis hotel tower and we expect to complete this project by the end of the second quarter of 2024. We intend to redesign and upgrade the remaining rooms in the third Atlantis tower at the beginning of 2025 with a goal to have all 817 hotel rooms and suites redesigned and upgraded by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
“With a strong balance sheet and no debt, we are favorably positioned to continue investing in our properties and paying cash dividends, and to consider share repurchases under our existing share repurchase authorization. While growth through acquisition is a key focus for us, doing the right transaction is far more important in the long run than simply doing a transaction.”
Summary of 2023 Fourth Quarter Operating Results
In the 2023 fourth quarter, the Company generated net revenue of
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
Net income for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased
Construction Litigation
On November 22, 2023, the trial in the Company’s litigation against the general contractor of the Monarch Black Hawk expansion project, PCL Construction Services, Inc., concluded and the matter has been submitted to the presiding judge for the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado.
Credit Facility and Liquidity
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
Capital expenditures of
On December 15, 2023, the Company paid a cash dividend of
Quarterly Dividend Declaration
The Company announced today a cash dividend of
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "plan," "believe," "expect," "seem," "look," "look forward," "positioning," "future," "will," "confident" and similar references to future periods. Example of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: (i) our expected operating results; (ii) our belief that we are efficiently managing expenses; (iii) our plans regarding the redesign and upgrade of the third Atlantis hotel tower as well as the timing of such upgrade; (iv) our consideration of a full range of capital allocation options, including continued capital spending at both properties, potential share repurchases and a potential dividend distribution; (v) regarding the quality of our products and guest services in Reno and Black Hawk; (vi) our expectations regarding our guests' acceptance of the expanded casino, new hotel and enhanced amenities at Monarch Black Hawk; and (vii) our expectations regarding our future position in, and share of, the gaming market and the quality of service we provide to our guests. Actual results and future events and conditions may differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
- our ability to manage guest safety concerns caused by contagious diseases, including COVID-19 and its variants;
- our ability to negotiate necessary amendments to our Term Loan Facility;
- access to available and reasonable financing on a timely basis;
- our ability to maintain strong working relationships with our regulators, employees, lenders, suppliers, insurance carriers, customers, and other stakeholders;
- impacts of any uninsured losses;
- changes in guest visitation or spending patterns due to economic conditions, health or other concerns;
- construction factors, including delays, disruptions, availability of labor and materials, increased costs of labor and materials, contractor disagreements, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters, building permit issues and other regulatory approvals or issues;
- ongoing disagreements over costs of and responsibility for delays and other construction related matters with our general contractor at Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, PCL Construction Services, Inc., including, as previously reported, the litigation against us by such contractor;
- claims for construction defects, breach of contract, breach of warranty, fraud, fraudulent inducement, negligence or other construction related claims that we may have in connection with construction and completion of Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk and any adverse impacts on operations required to correct the same;
- our litigation against the general contractor of Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, PCL Construction Services, Inc., in the above-mentioned litigation;
- 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; shortages of materials or skilled labor; environmental, health and safety issues; weather and other hazards, site access matters, and unanticipated cost increases);
- our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow to, among other things, finance capital refurbishment, expansion plans and debt reduction;
- changes in laws mandating increases in minimum wages and employee benefits;
- changes in laws and regulations permitting expanded and other forms of gaming in our key markets;
- 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;
- the effects of labor shortages on our market position, growth and financial results;
- the potential of increases in state and federal taxation to address budgetary and other impacts;
- the potential of increased regulatory and other burdens to address the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 and its variants and other contagious diseases;
- guest acceptance of our expanded facilities once completed and the resulting impact on our market position, growth and financial results;
- competition in our target market areas;
- broad-based inflation, including, but not limited to, wage, inventory, and supplies inflation;
- the impact of the events occurring in Eastern Europe and the conflict taking place in Ukraine; and
- the impact of the events occurring in the Middle East and the conflict taking place in Israel.
Additional information concerning potential factors that could adversely affect all forward-looking statements, including the Company's financial results, is included in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on our website at www.monarchcasino.com.
About Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the Monarch Casino Resort Spa ("Monarch Black Hawk") in Black Hawk, Colorado, approximately 40 miles west of Denver and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa ("Atlantis"), a hotel/casino facility in Reno, Nevada. For additional information on Monarch, visit the Company's website at www.monarchcasino.com.
Monarch Black Hawk features approximately 60,000 square feet of casino space; approximately 1,000 slot machines; 43 table games; a live poker room; a keno; and a sports book. The resort also includes 10 bars and lounges, as well as four dining options: a twenty-four-hour full-service restaurant, a buffet-style restaurant, the Monarch Chophouse (a fine-dining steakhouse), and Bistro Mariposa (elevated Southwest cuisine). The resort offers 516 guest rooms and suites, banquet and meeting room space, a retail store, a concierge lounge and an upscale spa and enclosed year-round pool facility located on the top floor of the tower. The resort is connected to a nine-story parking structure with approximately 1,350 parking spaces, and additional valet parking, with total property capacity of approximately 1,500 spaces.
Atlantis features approximately 61,000 square feet of casino space; 817 guest rooms and suites; eight food outlets; two gourmet coffee and pastry bars; a 30,000 square foot health spa and salon with an enclosed year-round pool; retail outlet 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 1,200 slot and video poker machines; approximately 33 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and others; a race and sports book; a 24-hour live keno lounge; and a poker room.
Contacts:
John Farahi
Chief Executive Officer
775/824-4401 or JFarahi@monarchcasino.com
Joseph Jaffoni, Richard Land, James Leahy
JCIR
212/835-8500 or mcri@jcir.com
- financial tables follow -
| MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME |
| (In thousands, except per share data; unaudited) |
| Three months ended December 31, | Twelve months ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 72,714 | $ | 67,151 | $ | 282,292 | $ | 270,756 | ||||
| Food and beverage | 32,816 | 31,338 | 126,628 | 117,156 | ||||||||
| Hotel | 16,813 | 16,905 | 70,986 | 71,179 | ||||||||
| Other | 5,843 | 5,142 | 21,572 | 18,779 | ||||||||
| Net revenues | 128,186 | 120,536 | 501,478 | 477,870 | ||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||
| Casino | 26,300 | 23,920 | 102,771 | 95,076 | ||||||||
| Food and beverage | 23,559 | 23,143 | 91,629 | 88,440 | ||||||||
| Hotel | 6,327 | 6,325 | 26,434 | 25,508 | ||||||||
| Other | 2,920 | 2,542 | 11,469 | 9,254 | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 28,657 | 24,671 | 105,819 | 97,602 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 12,142 | 11,188 | 47,294 | 43,433 | ||||||||
| Other operating items, net | 2,898 | 671 | 5,910 | 7,115 | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 102,803 | 92,460 | 391,326 | 366,428 | ||||||||
| Income from operations | 25,383 | 28,076 | 110,152 | 111,442 | ||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net | 111 | (200) | (1,625) | (2,420) | ||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 25,494 | 27,876 | 108,527 | 109,022 | ||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (7,292) | (5,443) | (26,079) | (21,543) | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 18,202 | $ | 22,433 | $ | 82,448 | $ | 87,479 | ||||
| Earnings per share of common stock | ||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.94 | $ | 1.17 | $ | 4.28 | $ | 4.60 | ||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.93 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 4.20 | $ | 4.47 | ||||
| Weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
| Basic | 19,266 | 19,127 | 19,244 | 18,996 | ||||||||
| Diluted | 19,595 | 19,628 | 19,618 | 19,578 | ||||||||
| MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES |
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET |
| (In thousands, except per share data) |
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
| ASSETS | (unaudited) | |||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 43,361 | $ | 38,779 | ||
| Receivables, net | 11,990 | 9,566 | ||||
| Income taxes receivable | 1,006 | 24,989 | ||||
| Inventories | 7,614 | 7,558 | ||||
| Prepaid expenses | 10,995 | 8,537 | ||||
| Total current assets | 74,966 | 89,429 | ||||
| Property and equipment, net | 580,497 | 578,050 | ||||
| Goodwill | 25,111 | 25,111 | ||||
| Intangible assets, net | 299 | 352 | ||||
| Total assets | $ | 680,873 | $ | 692,942 | ||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | - | $ | 6,693 | ||
| Accounts payable | 23,092 | 14,418 | ||||
| Construction accounts payable | 47,566 | 49,957 | ||||
| Accrued expenses | 51,812 | 46,037 | ||||
| Short-term lease liability | 897 | 639 | ||||
| Total current liabilities | 123,367 | 117,744 | ||||
| Deferred income taxes | 23,084 | 23,016 | ||||
| Long-term lease liability | 14,021 | 13,228 | ||||
| Long-term debt | 5,500 | - | ||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,761 | - | ||||
| Total liabilities | 167,733 | 153,988 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| 19,154,031 shares issued and 19,091,497 outstanding at December 31, 2023; | ||||||
| 19,096,300 shares issued and 19,093,676 outstanding at December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 48,821 | 40,716 | ||||
| Treasury stock, 62,534 shares at December 31, 2023; 2,624 shares at December 31, 2022 | (3,718) | (170) | ||||
| Retained earnings | 467,846 | 498,217 | ||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 513,140 | 538,954 | ||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 680,873 | $ | 692,942 | ||
| 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, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Net income | ||||||||
| Expenses: | ||||||||
| Stock based compensation | 2,580 | 1,653 | 7,476 | 5,095 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 12,142 | 11,188 | 47,294 | 43,433 | ||||
| Provision for income taxes | 7,292 | 5,443 | 26,079 | 21,543 | ||||
| Interest (income) expense | (111) | 200 | 1,625 | 2,420 | ||||
| Construction litigation expenses (2) | 2,827 | 783 | 6,946 | 7,261 | ||||
| Litigation proceeds, net (2) | - | - | - | (42) | ||||
| Insurance claims proceeds, net (2) | - | - | (1,195) | - | ||||
| Loss (gain) on disposition of assets (2) | 71 | (112) | 159 | (104) | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (1) | ||||||||
(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, pre-opening expenses, construction litigation expenses, acquisition expenses, 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 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 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. (2) Amount included in the "Other operating items, net" in the Consolidated Statement of Income. | ||||||||
FAQ
What was the net revenue for Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (MCRI) in the fourth quarter of 2023?
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