MCRI Monarch Casino and Resort Inc

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT

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MONARCH CASINO & RESORT, INC.
3800 South Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada 89502

PROXY STATEMENT

This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is prepared for the stockholders of Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “Monarch”) in connection with the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 88502 on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time, and any adjournment thereof, for the purposes indicated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and more fully outlined herein.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 22, 2023

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This Proxy Statement, form of proxy and our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K are available online at www.proxyvote.com.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING

Question: What is the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that I received in the mail instead of a full set of proxy materials?

Answer: Under rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders via the internet, instead of mailing printed copies of those materials to each stockholder. On or about April 10, 2023, we will mail to our stockholders either a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our Proxy Statement and our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K, or a Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials. This electronic access process is designed to expedite stockholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower the costs of our annual meeting and help to conserve natural resources. However, if you prefer to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials and a paper proxy card, you may do so by following the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability.

Question: Why am I being provided with access to or receiving these proxy materials?

Answer: You are being provided with access to or are receiving these proxy materials because you owned shares of Monarch’s common stock par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) as of the close of business on March 27, 2023, our record date. This Proxy Statement describes in detail matters on which we would like you, our stockholder, to vote. It also gives you information on these matters so that you can make an informed decision. If you will not be able to attend the annual meeting and vote in person, you are encouraged to read this Proxy Statement and then cast your vote as promptly as possible in accordance with the instructions either in the Notice of Internet Availability or, if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials, on the enclosed proxy card. The shares represented by the proxy will be voted if the proxy is properly executed and received by us prior to the commencement of the annual meeting, or any adjournment thereof.

Question: On what matters am I being asked to vote?

Answer:

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Question: How does our board of directors recommend I vote on these proposals?

Answer: Our board of directors (“Board of Directors”, or “Board”) recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each of the nominees for director named in this Proxy Statement, “FOR” the executive compensation paid to our named executive officers, and for every “3 YEARS” on the frequency of future votes on executive compensation.

Question: Do any of the proposals to be voted on create a statutory right of dissent under Nevada law?

Answer: None of the proposals to be voted on at the annual meeting creates a statutory right of dissent under Nevada law.

Question: Who is entitled to vote?

Answer: The record date for the annual meeting is March 27, 2023. Stockholders of record as of the close of business on that date are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Both “stockholders of record” and “street name holders” are entitled to vote or direct the voting of their Common Stock. You are a “stockholder of record” if you hold Common Stock that is registered in your name at our transfer agent, Broadridge. You are a “street name holder” if you hold Common Stock indirectly through a nominee, such as a broker, bank or similar organization.

Question: If I am a stockholder of record, how do I vote?

Answer: You may vote via the Internet. You can vote by proxy over the Internet by following the instructions provided in the notice or on the separate proxy card if you have received a printed set of the proxy materials.

You may vote by telephone. You can submit your vote by proxy over the telephone by following the instructions provided in the notice or on the separate proxy card if you received a printed set of the proxy materials.

You may vote by mail. If you received a printed set of the proxy materials, you can submit your vote by completing and returning the separate proxy card in the prepaid and addressed envelope, which must be received by us prior to the commencement of the annual meeting, or adjournment thereof.

You may vote in person at the meeting. All stockholders of record may vote in person at the annual meeting. Written ballots will be passed out to anyone who wants to vote at the meeting.

Question: If my shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee, how do I vote?

Answer: If your shares are held in street name by a broker, bank or other nominee, please refer to the instructions they provide regarding how to vote. In addition, if you are a street name holder and you wish to vote in person at the annual meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to vote at the meeting.

Question: Can I revoke my proxy later?

Answer: Yes. You have the right to revoke your proxy at any time before the annual meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may do so by:

For shares you hold in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee giving you the right to vote your shares at the annual meeting, by attending the meeting and voting in person.

Question: How many shares can vote?

Answer: As of the close of business on the record date of March 27, 2023, 19,124,975 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding. We have no other class of voting securities outstanding. Each share of Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote.

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Question: How is a quorum determined?

Answer: Our Bylaws provide that the holders of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting, represented in person or by proxy, constitute a quorum at a meeting of the stockholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for quorum purposes.

Question: What is required to approve each proposal once a quorum has been established?

Answer:

Election of Directors. An affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the meeting, either virtually or by proxy, is required for the election of Directors. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes for Directors.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation. An affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, is required for approval of the advisory vote on executive compensation.  Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board of Directors or the Company. However, the Board of Directors will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.

Frequency of the Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation. The option receiving the greatest number of votes – every three years, every two years or every one year – will be the frequency that stockholders approve. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board of Directors or the Company. The Board of Directors will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation.

Other Items. For any other item which may properly come before the meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, will be required for approval, unless otherwise required by law.

Question: What happens if I abstain?

Answer: Abstentions are treated as shares present or represented and voting, so abstaining has the same effect as a negative vote for each of the proposals. Abstentions are counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.

Question: How will my shares be voted if I do not give specific voting instructions?

Answer: If you are a stockholder of record and you:

All of the proposals contained in this Proxy Statement are considered non-routine matters. If your shares are held by a broker on your behalf (that is, in “street name”), and you do not instruct the broker as to how to vote these shares on any of the proposals included in this Proxy Statement, the broker may not exercise discretion to vote for or against those proposals. This would be a “broker non-vote” and these shares will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Broker non-votes will be treated as though they are not entitled to vote and will not affect the outcome of the proposals. Please instruct your bank or broker so your vote can be counted.

Question: How will voting on any other business be conducted?

Answer: Although we do not know of any business to be considered at the annual meeting other than the proposals described in this Proxy Statement, if any other business properly comes before the annual meeting, your proxy or voting instruction gives authority to the proxyholders, John Farahi and Bob Farahi, to vote on those matters in their discretion.

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Question: What if a quorum is not present at the meeting?

Answer: If a quorum is not present at the scheduled time of the annual meeting, we may adjourn the meeting, either with or without the vote of the stockholders. If we propose to have the stockholders vote whether to adjourn the meeting, the proxyholders will vote all shares for which they have authority in favor of the adjournment. We may also adjourn the meeting if for any reason we believe that additional time should be allowed for the solicitation of proxies. An adjournment will have no effect on the business that may be conducted at the annual meeting.

Question: How much stock do Monarch’s Directors and executive officers own?

Answer: As of March 27, 2023, our current Directors and executive officers collectively beneficially owned, 4,292,371 shares of our Common Stock, excluding any shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, constituting 22.44% of the outstanding shares. It is expected that these persons will vote the shares held by them for each of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement and in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendation on the other proposals contained in this Proxy Statement.

Question: Who will bear the costs of this solicitation?

Answer: Our Board of Directors, on behalf of the Company, is soliciting these proxies. We will pay the cost of this solicitation of proxies by mail. Our officers and regular employees may also solicit proxies in person or by telephone without additional compensation. We will make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and other fiduciaries to send proxy materials to the beneficial owners, and we will reimburse these persons for related postage and clerical expenses.

2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Proposals for Inclusion in the Proxy Statement. The next annual meeting of stockholders is expected to be held on or about May 21, 2024 (the “2024 Annual Meeting”). The date by which stockholder proposals must be received by us for inclusion in proxy materials relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting is December 13, 2023. Upon receipt of any such proposal, we will determine whether or not to include such proposal in the proxy materials in accordance with SEC regulations governing the solicitation of proxies.

Proposals not Included in the Proxy Statement and Nominations for Director. Stockholder proposals not included in our Proxy Statement and stockholder nominations for director may be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders in accordance with the advance notice procedures described in our Bylaws. Stockholders desiring to present proper proposals, other than the nomination of persons for election to the Board, must submit proposals that meet the eligibility criteria under our Bylaws, including submission of notice to the Company no later than March 7, 2024. Stockholders desiring to present nominations of persons for election to the Board must submit such nominations to the Company. We must receive such nomination no earlier than February 21, 2024, and no later than March 7, 2024.

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Unless a stockholder proposal for the 2024 Annual Meeting is submitted to the Company prior to March 7, 2024, management may use its discretionary voting authority to vote management proxies on any such stockholder proposal.

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JOHN FARAHI has been Co-Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since its inception and of Golden Road, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, since June 1993. He has served as Secretary of the Company since November 2011. From 1973 until June 1993, Mr. Farahi was President, Director, and General Manager of Golden Road. Mr. Farahi is a partner in Farahi Investment Company (“FIC”), which is engaged in real estate investment and development. Mr. Farahi served on the Washoe County Airport Authority as a Trustee from July 1997 until June 2005. Mr. Farahi is a former member of the Nevada Commission on Tourism and served as a Board Member of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors’ Authority until 2017. Mr. Farahi was appointed in 2013 by President Barack Obama to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Mr. Farahi holds a political science degree from the California State University at Hayward. The Board believes Mr. Farahi is qualified to serve as a director due to his specific experience as a casino operator and his knowledge of the casino industry.

BOB FARAHI has been Co-Chairman of the Board and President of the Company since its inception and of Golden Road, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, since 1993. From 1973 until June 1993, Mr. Farahi was Vice President and a Director of Golden Road. Mr. Farahi divides his working time between the Company and the other private companies with which he is involved. Mr. Farahi is a partner in FIC. Mr. Farahi holds a biochemistry degree from the University of California at Berkeley. The Board believes Mr. Farahi is qualified to serve as a director due to his specific experience as a casino operator and in real estate development and his knowledge of the casino industry.

PAUL ANDREWS has been a member of the Board since May 2014 and is the President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Complex (“NWSS”), which plays host to the National Western Stock Show each January and over 240 other events each year in Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining NWSS in November 2010, Mr. Andrews spent 20 years in various capacities with Denver-based Kroenke Sports Enterprises LLC, owner of the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and the Pepsi Center Arena. Mr. Andrews served in various sales, marketing and administrative capacities while at Kroenke including the position of Executive Vice President in which he was responsible for all business operations. The Board believes Mr. Andrews is qualified to serve as a director due to his significant operations, marketing and sales experience.

YVETTE E. LANDAU has been a member of the Board since June 2010. Ms. Landau was general counsel and corporate secretary of Mandalay Resort Group from 1996 until 2005. Since 2005, Ms. Landau has been co-owner of W.A. Richardson Builders, LLC, a construction services firm specializing in casino resort development. Until January 2019, Ms. Landau served as a member of the Board of Directors of Bossier Casino Venture, Inc. which owned the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Ms. Landau currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of PlayAGS, Inc. (NYSE: AGS), a designer and supplier of electronic gaming products and services. Ms. Landau is a past president of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, a worldwide organization of legal, financial and regulatory professionals in the gaming industry, and remains active with the organization as a counselor. Ms. Landau holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law. The Board believes Ms. Landau is qualified to serve as a director due to her experience in hotel-casino management, her experience as an independent director of other casino companies and her experience in the legal and construction industries.

CRAIG F. SULLIVAN has been a member of the Board since September 1998. He was Chairman of the Board of Park Cattle Company (now Edgewood Companies) from July 2006 to June 2008. Since March 1998, Mr. Sullivan has been President of Sullivan & Associates, a strategic and financial consulting firm to companies in the gaming industry.  Mr. Sullivan was a director of PHL Local Gaming, LLC, which was a bidder for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s second casino license. From April 1995 to March 1998, Mr. Sullivan served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Primadonna Resorts, Inc., and from February 1990 to April 1995, Mr. Sullivan served as Treasurer of Aztar Corporation. Mr. Sullivan also served on the Board of New York-New York Hotel & Casino from March 1996 to June 1998. Mr. Sullivan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the George Washington University and holds a master’s degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management (now Thunderbird School of Global Management). The Board believes Mr. Sullivan is qualified to serve as a director due to his experience as a senior executive in the hotel-casino industry.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

In addition to John Farahi and Bob Farahi, whose biographical information is set forth above, our other executive officer is set forth below.

EDWIN S. KOENIG, age 55, has been the Chief Accounting Officer since March of 2016. Mr. Koenig served as the Company’s Director of Corporate Development and Analysis from May 2015 until March 2016. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Koenig served in various assurance roles at Ernst & Young LLP from November 2003 to April 2015. Mr. Koenig is a certified public accountant with Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and in Business Management from Sonoma State University.  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

John Farahi, the Board’s Co-Chairman, also serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Bob Farahi, the Board’s other Co-Chairman also serves as the Company’s President. The Company does not have a lead independent director. At the time of this filing, we believe this is the best structure to leverage John and Bob Farahi’s respective operating expertise, professional experience and longevity with the Company. The Board is responsible for risk oversight. The Board regularly reviews information regarding our Company’s credit, liquidity and operations. In addition, each of our Board committees considers the risks within its area of responsibilities. For example, the Compensation Committee assesses the risks that may be implicated by our executive compensation programs and the Audit Committee discusses with our independent auditor our major financial risk exposures. The Board believes that its leadership structure supports the Board’s effective oversight of the Company’s risks.

Director Independence

Each year, the Board undertakes a review of director independence, which includes a review of each director’s responses to questionnaires asking about any relationships with us. This review is designed to identify and evaluate any transactions or relationships between a director or any member of his or her immediate family and us, or members of our senior management or other members of our Board of Directors, and all relevant facts and circumstances regarding any such transactions or relationships. Consistent with these considerations, the Board has determined that Paul Andrews, Yvette E. Landau and Craig F. Sullivan are “independent directors,” as such term is defined in Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2).

Director Diversity

The following table presents board level diversity statistics, based on voluntary self-identification of each member of the Company’s Board of Directors, as of April 1, 2023. Based on the following diversity statistics, the Board currently satisfies the diversity objectives under Nasdaq Rule 5605(f)(2)(D).

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Board and Committee Meetings

The Board held four meetings during 2022. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings of the Board during the period in which he or she was a director and (2) the total number of meetings of all committees on which he or she served during the period in which he or she was a director.

Annual Meetings

The Board has a policy that requires all directors to attend each annual meeting of stockholders absent exigent circumstances. All of our directors attended the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.

Committees of the Board

The Board has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Marketing Committee.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Craig F. Sullivan, Chair, Yvette E. Landau and Paul Andrews. During 2022, the Audit Committee held eight meetings. The Audit Committee oversees our management, internal audit and independent public accountants with respect to corporate accounting, financial reporting and systems of internal control established by management. Among other duties, the Audit Committee’s functions are: to review reports of the auditors to the Company; to review Company financial practices, internal controls and policies with officers and key employees; to review such matters with the Company’s auditors to determine the scope of compliance and any deficiencies; to evaluate the independence of and select our independent public accountants; to review and approve all related party transactions; and to make periodic reports on such matters to the Board. The Audit Committee adopted an Audit Committee Charter, a copy of which may be viewed on the Company’s website at www.monarchcasino.com, by clicking on “Corporate Overview” and then “Corporate Governance.”

The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee meet the enhanced definition of “independence” under the SEC rules and are “independent directors,” under the Nasdaq listing standards.

Additionally, the Board has determined that Craig F. Sullivan, Chairman of the Audit Committee, is a financial expert as defined by the SEC rules. The relevant experience of Mr. Sullivan is summarized under “Election of Directions ― Directors and Nominees” above.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Yvette E. Landau, Chair, Craig F. Sullivan and Paul Andrews. During 2022, the Compensation Committee held five meetings. The Compensation Committee determines and approves, or recommends to the Board for approval, all compensation and awards to the Company’s chief executive officer and other executive officers, and administers the 2014 Plan. The Compensation Committee reviews at least annually the performance and the compensation of the chief executive officer in light of the corporate goals and objectives applicable to the compensation of the chief executive officer, and determines and approves the compensation level of the chief executive officer based on this evaluation. In determining compensation, or making recommendations regarding executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the results of the most recent stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation. Our chief executive officer provides the Compensation Committee with evaluations of each named executive officer, including himself, and recommendations regarding base salary levels for the upcoming year for each named executive officer, other than himself, and an evaluation of the extent to which the named executive officer met his bonus target. Our chief executive officer cannot be present during any voting or deliberations by the Compensation Committee on his compensation. The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to subcommittees of the Compensation Committee when it deems appropriate and in the best interest of the Company. The Compensation Committee has adopted a Compensation Committee Charter, a copy of which may be viewed on the Company’s website at www.monarchcasino.com by clicking on “Corporate Overview” and then “Corporate Governance.” As set forth in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section below, the Compensation Committee did not engage compensation consultants in 2022. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee meet the independence requirements of the Nasdaq listing standards, including the heightened independence requirements specific to compensation committee members.

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Nominations Function

The Company does not have a standing nominating committee, nor has the Board of Directors adopted a charter addressing the director nomination process. The Board of Directors believes that, at this time, it is appropriate for the Company not to have a nominating committee because the independent directors constituting the majority of the Board of Directors can adequately serve the function of considering potential director nominees from time to time as needed.

For annual meetings of stockholders, at which directors are to be elected in compliance with Nasdaq Rule 5605(e), director nominees are recommended for the Board’s nomination solely by a majority of the independent directors. In making such recommendation, the qualifications of the prospective nominee to be considered include the nominee’s personal and professional integrity, experience, skills, diversity, professional relationships, ability and willingness to devote the time and effort necessary to be an effective board member, and commitment to act in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The Board of Directors’ overall diversity is a significant consideration in the director selection process. Monarch is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon age, race, color, gender, national origin, disability, religion or veteran status. It is the Board of Director’s desire that the Board should be composed of qualified individuals who bring diverse professional expertise and points of view. All prospective Director nominees are evaluated on their professional merits, technical qualifications, demonstrated expertise, experience and ability to contribute in such a way as to bolster and expand the collective professional perspective of the Board.

The Board will consider all appropriate candidates proposed by our stockholders in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws. Potential candidates will be evaluated according to the same criteria, regardless of whether the candidate was recommended by the independent directors of the Board or stockholders. The requirements for nomination of a person to the Board by a security holder are set forth in Article II, Section 16 of the Company’s Bylaws and the qualifications for a person to be a director of the Company are set forth in Article II, Section 14 of the Bylaws. Both sections of the Bylaws are set forth below.

14. Eligibility of Directors. No Director is eligible to continue to serve as a Director of the Corporation who is required under Nevada or Colorado gaming laws to be found suitable to serve as a director and who is not found suitable or whose finding of suitability is suspended or revoked by Nevada or Colorado gaming authorities. Such eligibility shall cease immediately following whatever act or event terminates the director’s eligibility under the laws and gaming regulations of either the State of Nevada or the State of Colorado.

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16. Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 16 of Article II shall be eligible for election as Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation at the Annual Meeting may be made at a meeting of stockholders by or at the direction of the Board of Directors by any nominating committee or person appointed by the Board or by any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of Directors at the meeting who complies with the Notice procedures set forth in this Section 16 of Article II. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board, shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, unless waived by the Board of Directors, no person not already a Director shall be eligible to be elected or to serve as a Director unless such person’s notice of nomination shall be received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation at least seventy five (75) days before initiation of solicitation to the stockholders for election in the event of an election other than at an Annual Meeting and seventy five (75) days before the corresponding date that had been the record date for the previous year’s Annual Meeting or seventy five (75) days before the date of the next Annual Meeting of shareholders announced in the previous year’s proxy materials in the event of an election at an Annual Meeting. To be timely, no stockholder’s notice shall be received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation more than ninety (90) days before the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than ninety (90) days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 15th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs. The stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder, and (b) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of Directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (vi) the consent of such nominee to serve as Director of the Corporation, if he is so elected; and (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (i) the name and record address of stockholder, and (ii) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as Director of the Corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a Director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article II, Section 16. The Chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

The Company did not receive any proposed director candidates submitted by any stockholder for inclusion in this Proxy Statement under the guidelines set forth above.

Communication with Directors

The Company’s stockholders may contact directors by sending an email to Jason Gumer, Corporate Vice President and Associate General Counsel, at JGumer@MonarchCasino.com, which will be relayed to the board member or members specified in the message, or by addressing a letter to Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc., Board of Directors, 3800 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89502. Each communication should specify the applicable director or directors to be contacted.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Objectives

Our named executive officers (“NEOs”) are (a) John Farahi, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), (b) Bob Farahi, our President, and (c) Edwin Koenig, our Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”). We seek to compensate our NEOs in a manner that will attract and retain qualified individuals who are responsible for the management, growth and success of the Company. We believe that NEO compensation should be designed to:

We evaluate and establish the total compensation of our NEOs in light of what we believe to be the compensation practices, and relative corporate financial performance, of other companies in the gaming industry similar to us in terms of asset size and target market. In 2022, the Compensation Committee did not engage compensation consultants in this process because it believed that the Compensation Committee was able to consider publicly available data and other data which provided information upon which to make informed compensation decisions. Because certain comparable companies in the gaming industry do not publicly report their compensation information, their compensation practices are not publicly available. As such, we rely on information that is publicly available, information that we obtain from industry sources, and the industry experience and knowledge of our Compensation Committee and other Board members in determining NEO compensation.

Compensation Elements

Our NEO compensation program utilizes four primary components, which include: 1) annual salary; 2) annual cash bonus awards; 3) one-time cash or equity awards; and 4) stock option awards. Following is a discussion of each component.

Annual Salary

The salary element compensates each NEO for performance of the fundamental duties associated with that NEO’s position. In addition to what we believe to be the compensation practices and relative corporate financial performance of other companies in the gaming industry similar to us in asset size and target market, we consider other factors in establishing NEO annual salaries including the executive’s respective record of leadership and service to us, our growth during the NEO’s term of employment, the relative importance of the NEO in overseeing both our strategic direction and our day-to-day operations, the relative performance of our competitors and the NEO’s civic leadership. Salaries are reviewed annually and are adjusted as warranted.

Annual Cash Bonus Awards

To align NEO performance with our short-term operational and financial objectives, we utilize an annual cash bonus program (the “Bonus Program”) with an annual target set by the Compensation Committee as a percentage (the “Target Bonus Percentage”) of the NEO’s annual salary.

The Bonus Program is comprised of quantitative and a discretionary qualitative components. The quantitative component may be awarded based on achieving our annual financial goal, as established by the Board. The qualitative component of the cash bonus program for our NEOs is awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, which considers several factors of the NEO’s performance including, but not limited to, performance against specific tactical objectives as established by the Board, staff development, staff retention, operating process improvement and the implementation of programs resulting in cost reductions and efficiency. The qualitative component of the cash bonus program for the other executive officers is determined by the chief executive officer, subject to the Compensation Committee review and approval, and is based on their overall performance, as well as on completing specific projects and achieving specific goals.

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The financial target currently used by our Compensation Committee is “Adjusted EBITDA.” The   Board sets the Adjusted EBITDA target at a level it believes is both challenging and achievable. By establishing a target that is challenging, the Board believes that NEO performance, and, therefore, Company financial performance, is optimized. By setting a target that is also achievable, the Board believes that NEOs remain motivated to perform at the high level required to achieve the Adjusted EBITDA target. Adjusted EBITDA consists of net income plus provision for income taxes, stock based compensation expense, other one-time charges, interest expense, depreciation and amortization less interest income and any benefit for income taxes. Further, the Compensation Committee determined that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate indicator of the Company’s financial performance and that each NEO could have a direct impact on it.

In 2022, the Target Bonus Percentage was set at 20% of the NEO’s annual salary, the standard Target Bonus Percentage per our Bonus Program. For 2022, the Adjusted EBITDA target was set at $171.9 million, driven by the ramp-up of our operation in Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, projected increase in market share at both resorts and improvement in operational margins. For 2022, the Adjusted EBITDA achieved was 2.8% below the target, but 21.7% above 2021 Adjusted EBITDA.

The Compensation Committee evaluated the financial results and considered other factors related to the performance of the NEOs in 2022, like the successful ramp-up of the Monarch Black Hawk operation, excellent cash flow management, the completion of the renovation projects at Atlantis, as well as the negative impact of the weather in the fourth quarter of 2022 on Atlantis operating results. Based on all the factors effecting Company’s performance, the Board approved a 20% bonus award to the CEO, President and CAO for 2022. This was consistent with the bonus awarded to the senior management and property’s management.

One-Time Cash or Equity Awards

We may, from time to time, award one-time cash or equity award based on superior financial performance relative to the Board-established annual financial profit target or specific strategic projects or initiatives, when such performance is deemed to be extraordinary or in certain other exceptional circumstances.

Regarding extraordinary performance, such determination is based on several factors including, but not limited to, comparison of our financial performance relative to our competitors, the general market conditions in which those financial results or other goals were reached and other operating criteria that indicate that the financial results or strategic goals achievements were abnormally strong given those market and operating conditions. By rewarding such performance with one-time cash or equity awards, we believe we are more accurately promoting sustained, superior performance by more closely linking the reward with the timing of the performance and results.

No one-time cash awards were paid for performance in 2022.

Stock Option Awards

The stock option compensation component is designed with the expectation that stock options will provide the highest potential reward of the four components of the NEO compensation package. As such, the most significant driver of NEO compensation is designed to correlate directly with the financial gains of our stockholders through changes in stock prices. As our stock price increases or decreases, the value of NEO stock option awards also increases or decreases. By designing the compensation program in this way, we believe that a significant portion of NEO compensation has been directly aligned with the interests of our stockholders.

NEOs receive an initial stock option grant (the “Initial Grant”) on their hire date and receive subsequent grants (the “Subsequent Grants”) in amounts equal to, and commensurate with, the portion of the Initial Grant that vests. The Initial Grant vests, assuming continued employment, in three equal tranches beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date and is fully vested on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. The Subsequent Grants vest three years after their respective grant date. Neither Initial Grants nor Subsequent Grants vest earlier than three years and in the case of Initial Grants, do not fully vest earlier than five years.

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Stock option awards are granted at exercise prices equal to the closing market price of our stock on the date the stock option award is granted, except for any Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”) that might be granted to Mr. John Farahi, whose exercise price would be 110% of the relevant closing market price, since he is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of our Common Stock. As such, the value of the award increases only if our stock price increases subsequent to the stock option’s grant date. Because these awards vest over time, the stock option component of NEO compensation also encourages NEO retention, as value related to unvested stock options is forfeited if an NEO ceases to be employed by us. To date, the Compensation Committee has not granted ISOs.

In 2022, the following stock option grants were made to our NEO’s, under the 2014 Plan: on December 31, 2022, John Farahi was issued an annual grant of stock options for 66,666 shares, exercisable at $76.89 per share, vesting in 3 years from the date of the grant; on December 31, 2022, Bob Farahi was also issued an annual grant of stock options for 33,333 shares, exercisable at $76.89 per share, vesting in 3 years from the date of the grant; and on June 30, 2022, Mr. Koenig received a stock option grant for 3,333 shares, exercisable at $58.67 per share, vesting in 3 years from the date of the grant.

Compensation Clawback Policy

Our NEOs are subject to a compensation clawback policy. In the event of a restatement of the Company’s financial results (other than a restatement caused by a change in applicable accounting rules or interpretations), the result of which is that any performance-based compensation paid or awarded to an NEO would have been a lower amount had it been calculated based on such restated results, the awarded compensation is subject to repayment by the NEO.

Employment Agreements or Arrangements

We do not currently have any written or unwritten employment agreement or arrangement with any of our NEOs.

Change in Control Vesting

Stockholders approved the 2014 Plan on May 21, 2014 and amended it in June 2017 and June 2019. The 2014 Plan serves as the successor to our 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan, 1993 Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan and 1993 Directors’ Stock Option Plan (which plan terminated on June 13, 2013) (the “Predecessor Plans”). The 2014 Plan became effective as of May 21, 2014, and the remaining two Predecessor Plans terminated on that date (except with respect to awards previously granted under the Predecessor Plans that remain outstanding).

Except as provided otherwise in an individual award agreement, in the event of a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the 2014 Plan), for the portion of each award that is assumed or replaced, then such portion of the award shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable and be released from any repurchase or forfeiture rights (other than repurchase rights exercisable at fair market value) for all of the shares at the time represented by such assumed or replaced portion of the award, immediately upon termination of the grantee's continuous service if such continuous service is terminated by the successor company or the Company without "cause" (as defined in the 2014 Plan) or voluntarily by the grantee with "good reason" (as defined in the 2014 Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction. In addition, except as provided otherwise in an individual award agreement, for the portion of each award that is neither assumed nor replaced, such portion of the award shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable and be released from any repurchase or forfeiture rights (other than repurchase rights exercisable at fair market value) for all of the shares at the time represented by such portion of the award, immediately prior to the specified effective date of such Corporate Transaction, provided that the grantee's continuous service has not terminated prior to such date.

Except as provided otherwise in an individual award agreement, upon a Change in Control (as defined in the 2014 Plan), other than a Change in Control which also is a Corporate Transaction, each award of such grantee which is at the time outstanding under the 2014 Plan shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable and be released from any repurchase or forfeiture rights (other than repurchase rights exercisable at fair market value) for all of the shares at the time represented by such award, immediately prior to the effective date of the Change in Control; provided that the grantee's continuous service has not terminated prior to such date.

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Under some award agreements, there shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each Vesting Date, including in the case of a corporate transaction or change in control, and all vesting shall occur only on the appropriate Vesting Date. Upon the termination of the Grantee's Continuous Service, any unvested portion of the Award shall terminate and be null and void. Notwithstanding any other term or provision of an award, the Administrator shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, based upon its review and evaluation of the performance of the Grantee (or any class, group, division, department or all grantees of the Company, as the case may be), of the Company or a combination thereof, to accelerate the vesting of any award, at such times and upon such terms and conditions as the administrator shall deem advisable.

Beginning in 2022, our Compensation Committee add a further condition to our form of award agreements issued to NEOs, which will apply to awards made in 2022 and thereafter.  Under the new form of award agreement, notwithstanding any other term or provision set forth above, our Compensation Committee shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, based upon its review and evaluation of the performance of the grantee (or any class, group, division, department or all grantees of the Company, as the case may be), of the Company or a combination thereof, to accelerate the vesting of any award, at such times and upon such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem advisable.

Other Benefits and Compensation Matters

401(k) and Health Benefit Plans. The NEOs are permitted to participate in our 401(k) and health benefit plans on the same basis, and at the same benefit level, as the rest of our full-time employees. The plans include subsidized health insurance benefits and an annual 401(k) matching contribution up to two percent of their annual salary, subject to an annual cap.

Use of Company-provided Vehicle. Our CEO and President are each provided the use of a Company-provided vehicle.

Prohibition of option repricing or cash buyouts. Our policy is to prohibit any form of option repricing or to exchange underwater stock options for a cash settlement unless approval of stockholders has been granted.

Prohibition of speculative and hedging transactions. All directors, executive officers and employees at the level of “director” or higher are prohibited from participating in short sales of, and trading in put and call options on the Company’s securities.

Compensation Setting Process

The Compensation Committee determines and approves, or recommends to the Board for approval, all compensation and awards to the Company’s CEO and other executive officers. In making this determination, the recommendation and advice of certain executives is considered. The Compensation Committee solicits the CEO’s recommendation regarding executive officers’ compensation, other than himself. Each NEO also provides input about his individual contribution to the Company’s success for the period being assessed. The Compensation Committee reviews at least annually the performance and the compensation of the CEO in light of the corporate goals and objectives applicable to the compensation of the CEO, and determines and approves the compensation level of the CEO based on this evaluation. In determining compensation, or making recommendations regarding executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the results of the most recent stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation.

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Risk Assessment

In establishing and reviewing our executive compensation program, we consider, among other things, whether the program properly motivates NEOs to focus on the creation of stockholder value without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking. To this end, the Compensation Committee carefully reviews the principal components of NEO compensation. Base salaries are fixed in amount and represent on average 31% of NEO’s total compensation. Annual incentive pay is focused on achievement of certain specific overall financial goals and is determined using multiple performance criteria. The other major component of our NEOs’ compensation is long-term incentives through stock options, which we believe is important to help further align NEOs’ interests with those of our stockholders. We believe that these cash and incentive awards, especially when combined with the compensation clawback policy described above, appropriately balance risk, payment for performance and align NEO compensation with stockholders interests without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking.

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Potential Payments Upon Termination in Connection with Change in Control

Effects of Change of Control  under awards granted under our 2014 Plan are described above in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Change in Control Vesting.”.

Other than as described above, we have no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that would provide for payments to our NEOs at, following, or in connection with any termination, including resignation, severance, retirement or a change in control of the Company.

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Under our 2014 Plan:

“Good Reason” means (absent a definition in a written agreement) the occurrence after a Corporate Transaction or Change in Control of any of the following events or conditions unless consented to by the grantee: (i) a material and substantial diminution in the grantee’s responsibilities or duties; (ii) a reduction in the grantee's base salary to a level below that in effect at any time within six (6) months preceding the consummation of a Corporate Transaction or Change in Control or at any time thereafter; provided that an across-the-board reduction in the salary level of substantially all other individuals in positions similar to the grantee's by the same percentage amount will not constitute a salary reduction; or (iii) requiring the grantee to be based at any place outside a 50 mile radius from the grantee's job location as a result of a Corporate Transaction or Change in Control except for reasonably required travel on business which is not materially greater than such travel requirements prior to the Corporate Transaction or Change in Control.  

“Cause” means (absent a definition in a written agreement) if the NEO: (i) performs or fails to perform any act in bad faith and to the detriment of the Company or a related entity; (ii) materially breaches any agreement with the Company or a related entity; (iii) engages in any material act or omission constituting dishonesty, wrongdoing or malfeasance; (iv) engages in conduct which violates our Company’s or any related entity’s code of conduct policy; (v) is denied or fails to be issued any gaming license, finding of suitability or other similar regulatory approval, or the subsequent revocation, suspension or non-renewal of the same; or (vi) commits a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or physical or emotional harm to any person; provided, however, that with regard to any agreement that defines "Cause" on the occurrence of or in connection with a Corporate Transaction or a Change in Control, such definition of "Cause" shall not apply until a Corporate Transaction or a Change in Control actually occurs.

“Change in Control” means a change in ownership or control of the Company that occurs when (i) a person or group acquires the Company (other than an acquisition from or by the Company, any of our employee benefit plans or any of our affiliates) and becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the total combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made directly to our stockholders which a majority of the Continuing Directors who are not affiliates or associates of the offeror do not recommend such stockholders accept or (ii) the Board composition changes over a period of twelve (12) months or less such that a majority of the Board members (rounded up to the next whole number) ceases, by reason of one or more contested elections for Board membership, to be comprised of individuals who are Continuing Directors. Continuing Directors means Board members who either (a) have been Board members continuously for at least twelve (12) months or (b) have been Board members for less than twelve (12) months and were elected or nominated for election as Board members by at least a majority of the Board members described in clause (a) who were still in office at the time such election or nomination was approved by the Board.

“Corporate Transaction” means (i) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity; (ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; (iii) the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iv) any reverse merger or series of related transactions culminating in a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but (A) the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such merger are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise, or (B) in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities are transferred to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger or the initial transaction culminating in such merger; or (v) acquisition in a single or series of related transactions by any person or group of persons (other than the Company or by one of our employee benefit plans) of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities but excluding any such transaction or series of related transactions that the plan administrator determines shall not be a Corporate Transaction.

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The estimated payments that would be provided to each of our NEOs as a result of a termination for Good Reason or without Cause in connection with a Corporate Transaction or Change in Control as described above are set forth in the table below. Calculations for this table are based on the assumption that the termination for Good Reason or without
Cause took place on December 31, 2022.

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Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, the Company is providing the following information about the relationship of the median annual total compensation of its employees and the annual total compensation of the Company’s CEO. In 2023, the total annual compensation for John Farahi, the Company’s CEO, including, in addition to the compensation categories required per Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, the personal benefits (employer’s portion of medical insurance and employer match of 401(k) contribution), was $5,908,600. We selected December 31, 2022, the last day of our fiscal year, as the determination date for identifying the median employee. We determined the median employee based on 2022 payroll records. Such median employee’s 2022 total annual compensation was $44,699. Consequently, the resulting pay ratio of total annual compensation of Mr. Farahi to the median employee for 2022 was 132:1.

We used the following methodologies to identify the median employee and calculate total annual compensation:

Pay Versus Performance

As required by Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the Company is providing the following information about the relationship between executive officers” compensation and Company’s financial performance.

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Relationship Between Pay and Performance

We believe that the compensation actually paid to our CEO in each of the three years reported above and over the three-year cumulative period are reflective of the Company’s performance, including financial performance, as well as capital projects completed and placed into operation. As described in the COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS section, three of the four elements of the CEO’s compensation, representing approximately 90% of his actual pay, are directly linked to the CEO’s performance. CEO’s compensation actually paid fluctuated year-over-year, primarily due to the fluctuation in our stock price and Company’s achieving quantitative and qualitative targets previously established by the Board.

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Financial Performance Measures List

The following are financial performance measures, which in the Company’s assessment, represent the most important financial performance measures used by the Company to link compensation actually paid to the NEOs for 2022:

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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 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. In 2022, the Company paid $748 thousand for rent and $29 thousand for operating expenses relating to this lease.

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In addition, the Atlantis shares a driveway with the Shopping Center and leases approximately 37,400 square feet from BLI 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 three successive five-year renewal terms beyond the initial 15-year term in the existing Driveway Lease agreement. At the end of the renewal terms, the Company has the option to purchase the leased driveway section of the Shopping Center. The annual rent for the year 2022 was $404 thousand. In addition, the Company paid $34 thousand for operating expenses related to this lease.

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The Company occasionally leases billboard advertising, storage space and parking lot space from affiliates controlled by Farahi Family Stockholders and paid $468 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022 for such leases.

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Because of the above-referenced ownership interests in BLI, the Company’s Audit Committee was delegated full authority by the Company’s Board of Directors to consider, evaluate and, if appropriate, negotiate on behalf of the Company any potential transactions with BLI. The Audit Committee, acting with the advice and assistance of legal and other advisors, evaluated management’s recommendations with respect to addressing short term and long term parking needs of the Atlantis, evaluated alternative parking sites for the Atlantis, including utilizing land owned by the Company, construction of an elevated parking structure on the Atlantis site, nearby land owned by parties unrelated to the Company or its affiliates and other alternatives, including taking no action on parking expansion. After considering what the Audit Committee felt were all reasonably feasible alternatives, the Audit Committee concluded that the Leased Property was the preferred alternative to meet the Company’s needs. The Audit Committee obtained expert independent advice on the fair market value rent of the Leased Property and received reports that the proposed rent for the Lease Property was indicative of market rent. The Audit Committee engaged another independent advisor to analyze the potential incremental gaming revenue benefit from the proposed additional surface parking spaces to be leased under the Parking Lot Lease. Based on the foregoing reports and analyses, including reports from management, and the Audit Committee’s own investigations and negotiations, the Audit Committee determined that the Leased Property is important to the parking expansion strategy of the Company and that the proposed lease transactions, on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Parking Lot Lease and the Driveway Lease Amendment, are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and approved the Parking Lot Lease and the Driveway Lease Amendment.

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Audit Committee Review

Under applicable Nasdaq listing standards, all related person transactions must be approved by our Audit Committee or another independent body of the Board of Directors. Current SEC rules define transactions with related persons to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship (i) in which the Company is a participant, (ii) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and (iii) in which any executive officer, director, director nominee, beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, or any immediate family member of such persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The Company requires that the Audit Committee of the Board review and approve related party transactions. The Audit Committee reviews all related party transactions on a case-by-case basis and approves any such transaction in accordance with Nevada corporate law.

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s Directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, Directors, and stockholders holding more than 10% of our Common Stock are required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports filed during the 2022 fiscal year, there were no late filings.

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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), audited the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. EY is expected to have a representative present at the annual meeting who will have the opportunity to make a statement if such representative desires to do so and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Audit Committee has formally engaged EY to audit the Company’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023.