UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

Commission File Number: 0-25370

 

 

 

 

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

5501 Headquarters Drive

Plano, Texas 75024

(Address, including zip code of registrant’s

principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 972-801-1100

 

 

 

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES þ     NO o

 

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

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES o     NO þ

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 25, 2010:

 

 

Table of contents

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of earnings

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated balance sheets

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations.

 

The interim financial statements of Rent-A-Center, Inc. included herein have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations, although we believe the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We suggest that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly our results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations. These financial statements include the accounts of Rent-A-Center, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “Rent-A-Center” refer only to Rent-A-Center, Inc., the parent, and references to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the consolidated business operations of Rent-A-Center and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

 

Our primary operating segment consists of leasing household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. We also offer merchandise on an installment sales basis in certain of our stores. At September 30, 2010, we operated 3,001 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico, including 41 retail installment sales stores under the names “Get It Now” and “Home Choice,” and 18 rent-to-own stores in Canada under the names “Rent-A-Centre” and “Better Living.”

 

We also operate kiosk locations under the trade name “RAC Acceptance” which offer the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer. These kiosks are located within such retailer’s store locations. At September 30, 2010, we operated 151 RAC Acceptance locations.

 

We also offer an array of financial services in certain of our existing stores under the names “RAC Financial Services” and “Cash AdvantEdge.” The financial services we offer include, but are not limited to, short term secured and unsecured loans, debit cards, check cashing and money transfer services. As of September 30, 2010, we offered financial services in 326 of our existing stores in 14 states.

 

On October 25, 2010, we announced that in connection with our analysis of available growth initiatives, we are exploring strategic alternatives with respect to our financial services business, which may or may not include a sale or divestiture of such business. We do not intend to disclose developments with respect to the strategic alternatives for our financial services business unless and until a final decision is made and further disclosure is required. We do not anticipate these strategic alternatives to result in a material adverse change to our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements—(continued)

 

ColorTyme, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a nationwide franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At September 30, 2010, ColorTyme had 206 franchised stores operating in 34 states. ColorTyme’s primary source of revenue is the sale of rental merchandise to its franchisees, who in turn offer the merchandise to the general public for rent or purchase under a rent-to-own program. The balance of ColorTyme’s revenue is generated primarily from royalties based on franchisees’ monthly gross revenues.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-17, Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities (“ASU 2009-17”), which changes various aspects of accounting for and disclosures of interests in variable interest entities. ASU 2009-17 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of ASU 2009-17 had no effect on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

 

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of any other recently issued standards that are not yet effective are either not applicable to us at this time or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

2. Intangible Assets and Acquisitions.

 

Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

The estimated remaining amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the years ending December 31, is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements—(continued)

 

A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):

 

 

Additions to goodwill due to acquisitions in the first nine months of 2010 were tax deductible.

 

3. Income Taxes. We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Along with our U.S. subsidiaries, we file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, foreign and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2001. The IRS has concluded its examination of our federal income tax returns for the years 2001 through 2007. Through the appeals process, we reached agreement on all issues except one issue with respect to the 2003 tax year which also recurs in each of the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 taxable years. We believe the position and supporting case law applied by the IRS are incorrectly applied to our situation and that our fact pattern is distinguishable from the IRS’ position. We intend to vigorously defend our position on the issue and, accordingly, we filed in April 2009 a petition for the issue to be heard in the United States Tax Court. The trial is currently scheduled to commence in early 2011. Currently, we are also under examination in various states. We do not anticipate that adjustments, if any, regarding the 2003 through 2007 disputed issue or state examinations will result in a material change to our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

 

In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate based on forecasted annual income, permanent items, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant factors that could impact the annual effective tax rate include management’s assessment of certain tax matters and the composition of taxable income between the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We recognize the impact of significant discrete items separately in the quarter in which they occur.

 

We provide for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties and adjust our unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties in the normal course of our business. At September 30, 2010, our unrecognized tax benefits increased by $3.2 million from December 31, 2009.

 

4. Fair Value. At September 30, 2010, our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, and senior debt. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximates fair value at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, because of the short maturities of these instruments. Our senior debt is variable rate debt that

 

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements—(continued)

 

re-prices frequently and entails no significant change in credit risk and, as a result, fair value approximates carrying value.

 

We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values, in determining the fair value of our non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, which consist primarily of goodwill. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

We recorded charges for goodwill related to stores sold or closed of $356,000 and $2.6 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. These charges were determined using both a revenue method and trading multiples, which are Level 3 inputs based on our historical experience with store acquisitions and divestitures.

 

5. Repurchases of Outstanding Securities. Our Board of Directors has authorized a common stock repurchase program, permitting us to purchase, from time to time, in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, up to an aggregate of $600.0 million of Rent-A-Center common stock. We have repurchased a total of 22,066,352 shares and 19,884,850 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $512.5 million and $466.6 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, under this common stock repurchase program. Through the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we have repurchased a total of 2,181,502 shares for approximately $45.9 million in cash. We repurchased 1,913,137 shares for $39.5 million in the third quarter of 2010.

 

6. Earnings Per Share.

 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows:

 

 

 

 

Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements—(continued)

 

 

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share and, therefore anti-dilutive, was 2,366,676 and 2,816,883, respectively.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share and, therefore anti-dilutive, was 2,044,471 and 2,973,518, respectively.

 

7. Subsequent Events. On October 27, 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors increased the authorization for stock repurchases under our common stock repurchase program from $600.0 million to $800.0 million.

 

We have evaluated events occurring subsequent to the date of our financial statements, and have recognized the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at our balance sheet date of September 30, 2010, including estimates inherent in the process of preparing our financial statements.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

The statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “should,” “anticipate” or “believe.” We believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are accurate. However, we cannot assure you that these expectations will occur. Our actual future performance could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to:

 

 

 

Additional important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations are discussed under “Risk Factors” later in this report as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Our business

 

We are the largest operator in the United States rent-to-own industry with an approximate 35% market share based on store count. At September 30, 2010, we operated 3,001 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico, including 41 retail installment sales stores under the names “Get It Now” and “Home Choice,” and 18 rent-to-own stores located in Canada under the names “Rent-A-Centre” and “Better Living.” Our subsidiary, ColorTyme, is a national franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At September 30, 2010, ColorTyme had 206 franchised rent-to-own stores in 34 states. These franchise stores represent an additional 2% market share based on store count.

 

Our stores generally offer high quality durable products such as major consumer electronics, appliances, computers, and furniture and accessories under flexible rental purchase agreements that generally allow the customer to obtain ownership of the merchandise at the conclusion of an agreed-upon rental period. The rental purchase transaction is a flexible alternative for consumers to obtain use and enjoyment of brand name merchandise without incurring debt. Key features of the rental purchase transaction include:

 

 

 

 

Rental payments are made generally on a weekly basis and, together with applicable fees, constitute our primary revenue source.

 

Our expenses primarily relate to merchandise costs and the operations of our stores, including salaries and benefits for our employees, occupancy expense for our leased real estate, advertising expenses, lost, damaged, or stolen merchandise, fixed asset depreciation, and corporate and other expenses.

 

Historically, we pursued an aggressive growth strategy in which we sought to acquire underperforming rent-to-own stores to which we could apply our operating model as well as open new stores. As a result, the acquired stores have generally experienced more significant revenue growth during the initial periods following their acquisition than in subsequent periods. Typically, a newly opened rent-to-own store is profitable on a monthly basis in the ninth to twelfth month after its initial opening. Historically, a typical store has achieved cumulative break-even profitability in 18 to 24 months after its initial opening. Total financing requirements of a typical new store approximate $500,000, with roughly 75% of that amount relating to the purchase of rental merchandise inventory. A newly opened store historically has achieved results consistent with other stores that have been operating within the system for greater than two years by the end of its third year of operation. As a result, our quarterly earnings are impacted by how many new stores we opened during a particular quarter and the quarters preceding it. Because of significant growth since our formation, our historical results of operations and period to period comparisons of such results and other financial data, including the rate of earnings growth, may not be meaningful or indicative of future results.

 

In addition, we strategically open or acquire stores near market areas served by existing stores (“cannibalize”) to enhance service levels, gain incremental sales and increase market penetration. This planned cannibalization may negatively impact our same store revenue and cause us to grow at a slower rate. There can be no assurance we will open any new rent-to-own stores in the future, or as to the number, location or profitability thereof.

 

As part of our current growth strategy, we are focused on seeking additional distribution channels for our products and services. We operate kiosk locations under the trade name “RAC Acceptance” which offer the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer. These kiosks are located within such retailer’s store locations. At September 30, 2010, we operated 151 RAC Acceptance locations. In addition, we are expanding our operations in Canada and Mexico and seeking to identify other international markets in which we believe our products and services would be in demand. At October 25, 2010, we operated 18 stores in Canada and one store in Mexico.

 

Recent developments

 

Financial Services. We also offer financial services products, such as short term secured and unsecured loans, debit cards, check cashing, tax preparation and money transfer services, in some of our existing stores under the trade names “RAC Financial Services” and “Cash AdvantEdge.” As of September 30, 2010, we offered some or all of these financial services products in 326 Rent-A-Center store locations in 14 states.

On October 25, 2010, we announced that in connection with our analysis of available growth initiatives, we are exploring strategic alternatives with respect to our financial services business, which may or may not include a sale or divestiture of such business. We do not intend to disclose developments with respect to the strategic alternatives for our financial services business unless and until a final decision is made and further disclosure is required. We do not anticipate these strategic alternatives to result in a material adverse change to our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Increase in Stock Repurchase Authorization. On October 27, 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors increased the authorization for stock repurchases under our common stock repurchase program from $600.0 million to $800.0 million.

 

Critical accounting policies involving critical estimates, uncertainties or assessments in our financial statements

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent losses and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In applying accounting principles, we must often make individual estimates and assumptions regarding expected outcomes or uncertainties. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. We believe the following are areas where the degree of judgment and complexity in determining amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements make the accounting policies critical.

 

Self-Insurance Liabilities. We have self-insured retentions with respect to losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance policies. We establish reserves for our liabilities associated with these losses by obtaining forecasts for the ultimate expected losses and estimating amounts needed to pay losses within our self-insured retentions.

 

We continually institute procedures to manage our loss exposure and increases in health care costs associated with our insurance claims through our risk management function, including a transitional duty program for injured workers, ongoing safety and accident prevention training, and various other programs designed to minimize losses and improve our loss experience in our store locations. We make assumptions on our liabilities within our self-insured retentions using actuarial loss forecasts, company specific development factors, general industry loss development factors, and third party claim administrator loss estimates which are based on known facts surrounding individual claims. These assumptions incorporate expected increases in health care costs. Periodically, we reevaluate our estimate of liability within our self-insured retentions. At that time, we evaluate the adequacy of our accruals by comparing amounts accrued on our balance sheet for anticipated losses to our updated actuarial loss forecasts and third party claim administrator loss estimates, and make adjustments to our accruals as needed.

 

As of September 30, 2010, the amount accrued for losses within our self-insured retentions with respect to workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance was $135.0 million, as compared to $128.8 million at December 31, 2009 and $126.9 million at September 30, 2009. If any of the factors that contribute to the overall cost of insurance claims were to change, the actual amount incurred for our self-insurance liabilities would be directly affected. While we

believe our loss prevention programs will reduce our total cost for self-insurance claims, our actual cost could be greater than the amounts currently accrued.

 

Litigation Reserves. We are the subject of litigation in the ordinary course of our business. Historically, our litigation has involved lawsuits alleging various regulatory violations. In preparing our financial statements at a given point in time, we accrue for loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable.

 

Each quarter, we make estimates of our probable losses, if reasonably estimable, and record such amounts in our consolidated financial statements. These amounts represent our best estimate, or may be the minimum range of probable loss when no single best estimate is determinable. We, together with our counsel, monitor developments related to these legal matters and, when appropriate, adjustments are made to reflect current facts and circumstances. Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of our litigation are expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had no accrual relating to probable losses for our outstanding litigation.

 

As with most litigation, the ultimate outcome of our pending litigation is uncertain. Additional developments in our litigation or other adverse or positive developments or rulings in our litigation could affect our assumptions and, thus, our accrual. Our estimates with respect to accrual for our litigation expenses reflect our judgment as to the appropriate accounting charge at the end of a period. Factors that we consider in evaluating our litigation reserves include:

 

 

Significant factors that may cause us to increase or decrease our accrual with respect to a matter include:

 

 

Income Taxes. Our annual tax rate is affected by many factors, including the mix of our earnings, legislation, and acquisitions, and is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are

complex and subject to differing interpretations between the taxpayer and the taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense, evaluating our tax positions and evaluating uncertainties. We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balance as new information becomes available.

 

We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes become payable. Income tax accounting requires management to make estimates and apply judgments to events that will be recognized in one period under rules that apply to financial reporting in a different period in our tax returns. In particular, judgment is required when estimating the value of future tax deductions, tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs), as represented by deferred tax assets. When it is determined the recovery of all or a portion of a deferred tax asset is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. We include NOLs in the calculation of deferred tax assets. NOLs are utilized to the extent allowable due to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and relevant state statutes.

 

If we make changes to our accruals with respect to our self-insurance liabilities, or litigation or income tax reserves in accordance with the policies described above, our earnings would be impacted. Increases to our accruals would reduce earnings and, similarly, reductions to our accruals would increase our earnings. A pre-tax change of $1.1 million in our estimates would result in a corresponding $0.01 change in our earnings per common share.

 

Based on an assessment of our accounting policies and the underlying judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies, we believe our consolidated financial statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of our company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report. However, we do not suggest that other general risk factors, such as those discussed later in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as well as changes in our growth objectives or performance of new or acquired stores, could not adversely impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

 

Significant accounting policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are summarized below and in Note A to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Revenue. Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to rental purchase agreements which provide for weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental terms with non-refundable rental payments. Generally, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all required rentals. Rental revenue and fees are recognized over the rental term and merchandise sales revenue is recognized when the customer exercises the purchase option and pays the cash price due. Cash received prior to the period in which it should be recognized is deferred and recognized according to the rental term. Revenue is accrued for uncollected amounts due based on historical collection experience. However, the total amount

of the rental purchase agreement is not accrued because the customer can terminate the rental agreement at any time and we cannot enforce collection for non-payment of future rents.

 

Revenue from the sale of merchandise in our retail installment stores is recognized when the installment note is signed, the customer has taken possession of the merchandise and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

The revenue from our financial services is recognized depending on the type of transaction. Fees collected on loans are recognized ratably over the term of the loan. For money orders, wire transfers, check cashing and other customer service type transactions, fee revenue is recognized at the time the service is performed.

 

Franchise Revenue. Revenue from the sale of rental merchandise is recognized upon shipment of the merchandise to the franchisee. Franchise fee revenue is recognized upon completion of substantially all services and satisfaction of all material conditions required under the terms of the franchise agreement.

 

Depreciation of Rental Merchandise. Depreciation of rental merchandise is included in the cost of rentals and fees on our statement of earnings. Generally, we depreciate our rental merchandise using the income forecasting method. Under the income forecasting method, merchandise held for rent is not depreciated and merchandise on rent is depreciated in the proportion of rents received to total rents provided in the rental contract, which is an activity-based method similar to the units of production method. We depreciate merchandise held for rent (except for computers) that is at least 270 days old and held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days using the straight-line method for a period generally not to exceed 20 months.

 

On computers that are 24 months old or older and which have become idle, depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method for a period of at least six months, generally not to exceed an aggregate depreciation period of 30 months.

 

Cost of Merchandise Sold. Cost of merchandise sold represents the net book value of rental merchandise at time of sale.

 

Salaries and Other Expenses. Salaries and other expenses include all salaries and wages paid to store level employees, together with district managers’ salaries, payroll taxes and benefits, and travel, as well as all store level general and administrative expenses and selling, advertising, insurance, occupancy, delivery, fixed asset depreciation and other operating expenses.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses include all corporate overhead expenses related to our headquarters such as salaries, payroll taxes and benefits, occupancy, administrative and other operating expenses.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense. We recognize share-based payment awards to our employees and directors at the estimated fair value on the grant date. Determining the fair value of any share-based awards requires information about several variables including, but not limited to, expected stock volatility over the terms of the awards, expected dividend yields and the predicted employee exercise behavior. We base expected life on historical exercise and post-vesting employment-termination experience, and expected volatility on historical realized volatility trends. In addition, all stock-based compensation expense is recorded net of an estimated forfeiture rate. The forfeiture rate is based upon historical activity and is analyzed at least quarterly as actual forfeitures occur. Stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were valued using the binomial method pricing model with the following

assumptions for employee options: expected volatility of 34.95% to 56.30%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.32% to 2.16%, no dividend yield, and an expected life of 5.48 years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recognized $3.1 million in pre-tax compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units granted.

 

Results of operations

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2009

 

Store Revenue. Total store revenue decreased by $25.8 million, or 1.3%, to $2,028.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $2,054.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease in total store revenue was primarily the result of the November 2009 divestiture of our subsidiary engaged in the prepaid telecommunications and energy business, which contributed approximately $42.6 million in merchandise sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

Same store revenues represent those revenues earned in 2,639 stores that were operated by us for each of the entire nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Same store revenues decreased slightly by $1.8 million, or 0.1%, to $1,748.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $1,750.0 million in 2009.

 

Franchise Revenue. Total franchise revenue increased by $1.4 million, or 5.6%, to $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $24.5 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of products sold to franchisees in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Cost of Rentals and Fees. Cost of rentals and fees consists of depreciation of rental merchandise and the costs associated with our membership programs. Cost of rentals and fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $10.8 million, or 2.7%, to $387.5 million as compared to $398.3 million in 2009. This decrease in cost of rentals and fees was primarily the result of a lower average cost per unit in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 2009. Cost of rentals and fees expressed as a percentage of store rentals and fees revenue decreased slightly to 22.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 22.6% in 2009.

 

Cost of Merchandise Sold. Cost of merchandise sold decreased by $21.5 million, or 14.3%, to $129.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $150.7 million in 2009. The gross margin percent of merchandise sales decreased to 26.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 28.9% in 2009. These decreases were primarily the result of the November 2009 divestiture of our subsidiary engaged in the prepaid telecommunications and energy business.

 

Salaries and Other Expenses. Salaries and other expenses decreased by $14.1 million, or 1.2%, to $1,161.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $1,176.0 million in 2009. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in store level expenses due to our cost control initiatives such as improvements in the management of labor expense, delivery costs and inventory losses. Charge offs in our rental stores due to customer stolen merchandise, expressed as a percentage of rental store revenues, remained unchanged at approximately 2.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Salaries and other expenses expressed as a percentage of total store revenue increased slightly to 57.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 57.2% in 2009.

Franchise Cost of Merchandise Sold. Franchise cost of merchandise sold increased by $1.2 million, or 6.1%, to $21.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $20.0 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of products sold to franchisees in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by $6.9 million, or 6.7%, to $94.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $101.6 million in 2009. This decrease was primarily the result of the November 2009 divestiture of our subsidiary engaged in the prepaid telecommunications and energy business. General and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of total revenue decreased slightly to 4.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 4.9% in 2009.

 

Amortization and Write-Down of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles increased by $692,000, or 28.5%, to $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $2.4 million in 2009. This increase was due to the write-down of goodwill associated with stores sold or closed in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Operating Profit. Operating profit increased by $19.2 million, or 8.7%, to $240.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $221.7 million in 2009. Operating profit as a percentage of total revenue increased to 11.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 10.7% for 2009. These increases were primarily attributable to a reduction in expenses in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $3.9 million, or 17.7%, to $18.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $22.1 million in 2009. This decrease was attributable to a decrease in our outstanding indebtedness in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009, offset by an increase in our weighted average interest rate of 3.81% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 3.54% in 2009 due to an increase in the Eurodollar rate in 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Net Earnings. Net earnings increased by $15.6 million, or 12.6%, to $139.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $124.2 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in operating profit and a decrease in interest expense, offset by an increase in income tax expense in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Results of operations

 

Three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to three months ended September 30, 2009

 

Store Revenue. Total store revenue decreased by $7.0 million, or 1.1%, to $656.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $663.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease in total store revenue was primarily the result of the November 2009 divestiture of our subsidiary engaged in the prepaid telecommunications and energy business, which contributed approximately $14.6 million in merchandise sales for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

 

Same store revenues represent those revenues earned in 2,722 stores that were operated by us for each of the entire three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Same store revenues increased slightly by $1.7 million, or 0.3%, to $579.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $578.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Franchise Revenue. Total franchise revenue increased by $374,000, or 4.8%, to $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $7.8 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of products sold to franchisees in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the third quarter of 2009.

 

Cost of Rentals and Fees. Cost of rentals and fees consists of depreciation of rental merchandise and the costs associated with our membership programs. Cost of rentals and fees for the three months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $2.6 million, or 2.0%, to $127.6 million as compared to $130.2 million in 2009. This decrease in cost of rentals and fees was primarily the result of a lower average cost per unit in the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009. Cost of rentals and fees expressed as a percentage of store rentals and fees revenue decreased slightly to 22.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 22.6% in 2009.

 

Cost of Merchandise Sold. Cost of merchandise sold decreased by $8.1 million, or 18.9%, to $34.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $42.9 million in 2009. The gross margin percent of merchandise sales decreased to 21.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from 27.3% in 2009. These decreases were primarily the result of the November 2009 divestiture of our subsidiary engaged in the prepaid telecommunications and energy business.

 

Salaries and Other Expenses. Salaries and other expenses decreased slightly by $278,000, or 0.1%, to $389.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $389.6 million in 2009. Charge offs in our rental stores due to customer stolen merchandise, expressed as a percentage of rental store revenues, were approximately 2.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2.4% in 2009. Salaries and other expenses expressed as a percentage of total store revenue increased slightly to 59.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from 58.7% in 2009.

 

Franchise Cost of Merchandise Sold. Franchise cost of merchandise sold increased by $302,000, or 4.7%, to $6.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $6.4 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of products sold to franchisees in the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by $1.9 million, or 5.9%, to $30.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $32.7 million in 2009. This decrease was primarily the result of the November 2009 divestiture of our subsidiary engaged in the prepaid telecommunications and energy business. General and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of total revenue decreased slightly to 4.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from 4.9% in 2009.

 

Amortization and Write-Down of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles decreased by $56,000, or 9.6%, to $529,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $585,000 in 2009. This decrease was due to a reduction in amortization expense in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Operating Profit. Operating profit increased by $5.0 million, or 7.8%, to $69.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $64.4 million in 2009. Operating profit as a percentage of total revenue increased to 10.4% for the three months ended September 30,

2010 from 9.6% for 2009. These increases were primarily attributable to a reduction in cost of rentals and fees and expenses in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $1.2 million, or 25.1%, to $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $4.9 million in 2009. This increase was attributable to an increase in our weighted average interest rate of 3.96% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2.70% in 2009 due to an increase in the Eurodollar rate in 2010 as compared to 2009, offset by a decrease in our outstanding indebtedness in the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Net Earnings. Net earnings increased by $3.7 million, or 9.9%, to $40.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $36.8 million in 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in operating profit, offset by an increase in interest expense in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 as compared to 2009.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $105.1 million to $192.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $297.8 million in 2009. This decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in rental merchandise purchases and a decrease in the deferred tax benefit in the 2010 period as compared to 2009.

 

Cash used in investing activities increased by $1.9 million to $60.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $58.5 million in 2009.

 

Cash used in financing activities decreased by $134.7 million to $153.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $288.3 million in 2009. This decrease in 2010 as compared to 2009 was primarily related to a greater reduction in our outstanding indebtedness in 2009, offset by an increase in repurchases of our treasury shares in 2010.

 

Liquidity Requirements. Our primary liquidity requirements are for rental merchandise purchases, implementation of our growth strategies, debt service, capital expenditures, and litigation expenses, including settlements or judgments. Our primary sources of liquidity have been cash provided by operations and borrowings. In the future, to provide any additional funds necessary for the continued pursuit of our operating and growth strategies, we may incur from time to time additional short-term or long-term bank indebtedness and may issue, in public or private transactions, equity and debt securities. The availability and attractiveness of any outside sources of financing will depend on a number of factors, some of which relate to our financial condition and performance, and some of which are beyond our control, such as prevailing interest rates and general financing and economic conditions. The global financial markets continue to experience volatility and adverse conditions and such conditions in the capital markets may affect our ability to access additional sources of financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available, or if available, that it will be on terms we find acceptable.

 

We believe the cash flow generated from operations, together with amounts available under our senior credit facilities, will be sufficient to fund our liquidity requirements as discussed above during the next twelve months. Our revolving credit facilities, including our $20.0 million line of credit at Intrust Bank, provide us with revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $370.0 million, of which $232.6 million was available at October 25, 2010. At October 25, 2010, we had $101.7 million in cash. To the extent we have available cash that is

not necessary to fund the items listed above, we may repurchase additional shares of our common stock, declare and pay dividends on our common stock, or make additional payments to service our existing debt. While our operating cash flow has been strong and we expect this strength to continue, our liquidity could be negatively impacted if we do not remain as profitable as we expect.

 

A change in control would result in an event of default under our senior credit facilities, which would allow our lenders to accelerate the indebtedness owed to them. In the event a change in control occurs, we cannot be sure we would have enough funds to immediately pay our accelerated senior credit facility obligations or that we would be able to obtain financing to do so on favorable terms, if at all.

 

Litigation. In our history, we have defended class action lawsuits alleging various regulatory violations and have paid material amounts to settle such claims. Significant settlement amounts or final judgments could materially and adversely affect our liquidity. Please refer to “Legal Proceedings” later in this report.

 

Deferred Taxes. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “2009 Recovery Act”) which extends the bonus depreciation provision of the 2008 Stimulus Act by continuing the bonus first-year depreciation deduction of 50% of the adjusted basis of qualified property placed in service during 2009. On September 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Small Business Jobs Act of 2010” (the “2010 Jobs Act”), which extends the bonus depreciation provision of the 2009 Recovery Act by continuing the bonus first-year depreciation deduction of 50% of the adjusted basis of qualified property place in service during 2010. We estimate our 2010 operating cash flow will increase by $2.0 million as a result of the 2010 Jobs Act, net of the $73.0 million reversal associated with the 2008 Stimulus Act and the 2009 Recovery Act. We estimate the remaining tax deferral associated with the 2008 Stimulus Act, the 2009 Recovery Act, and the 2010 Jobs Act to be approximately $93.0 million at December 31, 2010, of which approximately 70%, or $66.0 million, will reverse in 2011 and the remainder will reverse between 2012 and 2013.

 

Merchandise Inventory. A reconciliation of merchandise inventory, which includes purchases, follows:

 

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures. We make capital expenditures in order to maintain our existing operations as well as for new capital assets in new and acquired stores. We spent $57.4 million and $53.6 million on capital expenditures during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and expect to spend approximately $25.6 million for the remainder of 2010. The anticipated increase in capital expenditures for 2010 primarily relates to our investment in the development of new point of sale systems and processes designed to further enhance our management information system.

 

Acquisitions and New Store Openings. During the first nine months of 2010, we acquired accounts from 13 locations, opened 20 new stores, acquired two stores, consolidated 18 stores into existing locations and sold ten stores. Additionally, during the first nine months of 2010, we added financial services to 48 existing rent-to-own store locations and closed 75 stores, of which 39 were closed due to legislative changes in three states, ending the third quarter of 2010 with a total of 326 stores providing these services. The acquired stores and accounts were the result of 11 separate transactions with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.8 million.

 

The profitability of our stores tends to grow at a slower rate approximately five years from entering our system. As a result of the increasing maturity of our store base, in order for us to show improvements in our profitability, it is important for us to increase revenue in our existing stores. We intend to accomplish such revenue growth by acquiring customer accounts on favorable terms, and seeking additional distribution channels for our products and services. We cannot assure you that we will be able to acquire customer accounts on favorable terms, or at all, or that we will be able to maintain the revenue from any such acquired customer accounts at the rates we expect, or at all. We also cannot assure you that we will be successful in identifying additional distribution channels for our products and services, or that such operations will be as profitable as we expect, or at all.

 

Senior Credit Facilities. On December 2, 2009, we entered into an amendment to our existing senior credit facility to extend the maturities of a portion of the loans outstanding. Our senior credit agreement, as amended, provides for a $999 million senior credit facility consisting of a $165 million term loan with the loans being referred to by us as the “tranche A term loans,” a $484 million term loan with the loans being referred to by us as the “tranche B term loans,” and a $350 million revolving credit facility. The tranche A term loans are divided into two equal sub-tranches of $82.5 million each, referred to by us as the “existing tranche A term loans” and the “extended tranche A term loans.” The existing tranche A term loans mature on June 30,

2011, and the extended tranche A term loans mature on September 30, 2013. The tranche B term loans are divided into two sub-tranches of approximately $184 million and $300 million, referred to by us as the “existing tranche B term loans” and the “extended tranche B term loans,” respectively. The existing tranche B term loans mature on June 30, 2012, and the extended tranche B term loans mature on March 31, 2015.

 

The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our senior term loans outstanding at September 30, 2010.

 

 

Pursuant to the amended senior credit facility, the revolving facility was reduced, at our election, to $350 million from $400 million, and extended from July 13, 2011 to September 30, 2013. The full amount of the revolving credit facility may be used for the issuance of letters of credit, of which $137.4 million had been utilized as of October 25, 2010. As of October 25, 2010, $212.6 million was available under our revolving facility.

 

Borrowings under our amended senior credit facility accrue interest at varying rates equal to, at our election, either (y) the prime rate plus (i) up to 0.75% in the case of existing tranche A term loans, (ii) 1.5% to 2.0% in the case of revolving loans or extended tranche A term loans, (iii) .75% in the case of existing tranche B term loans, and (iv) 2.0% in the case of extended tranche B term loans; or (z) the Eurodollar rate plus (i) .75% to 1.75% in the case of existing tranche A term loans, (ii) 2.5% to 3.0% in the case of revolving loans or extended tranche A term loans, (iii) 1.75% in the case of existing tranche B term loans, and (iv) 3.0% in the case of extended tranche B term loans. Interest periods range from seven days (for borrowings under the revolving credit facility only) to one, two, three or six months, at our election. The weighted average Eurodollar rate on our outstanding debt was 0.29% at October 25, 2010. The margins on the Eurodollar rate and on the prime rate for revolving loans, existing tranche A term loans, and extended tranche A term loans may fluctuate dependent upon an increase or decrease in our consolidated leverage ratio as defined by a pricing grid included in the amended credit agreement. We have not entered into any interest rate protection agreements with respect to term loans under our senior credit facilities. A commitment fee equal to 0.5% to 0.625% of the average daily amount of the available revolving commitment is payable quarterly.

 

Our senior credit facilities are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets, including intellectual property. Our senior credit facilities are also secured by a pledge of the capital stock of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries (other than certain specified subsidiaries).

Our senior credit facilities contain, without limitation, covenants that generally limit our ability to:

 

 

Our senior credit facilities require us to comply with several financial covenants. The table below shows the required and actual ratios under our credit facilities calculated as of September 30, 2010:

 

 

These financial covenants, as well as the related components of their computation, are defined in the amended and restated credit agreement governing our senior credit facility, which is included as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010. In accordance with the credit agreement, the maximum consolidated leverage ratio was calculated by dividing the consolidated funded debt outstanding at September 30, 2010 ($541.5 million) by consolidated EBITDA for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 ($381.8 million). For purposes of the covenant calculation, (i) “consolidated funded debt” is defined as outstanding indebtedness less cash in excess of $25.0 million, and (ii) “consolidated EBITDA” is generally defined as consolidated net income (a) plus the sum of income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, extraordinary non-cash expenses or losses, and other non-cash charges, and (b) minus the sum of interest income, extraordinary income or gains, other non-cash income, and cash payments with respect to extraordinary non-cash expenses or losses recorded in prior fiscal quarters. Consolidated EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is presented not as a measure of operating results, but rather as a measure used to determine covenant compliance under our senior credit facilities.

 

The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was calculated pursuant to the credit agreement by dividing consolidated EBITDA for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, as adjusted for certain capital expenditures ($498.0 million), by consolidated fixed charges for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 ($245.7 million). For purposes of the covenant calculation, “consolidated fixed charges” is defined as the sum of interest expense, lease expense, and mandatory debt repayments.

Events of default under our senior credit facilities include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default on other debt. In addition, an event of default under the senior credit facility would occur if a change of control occurs. This is defined to include the case where a third party becomes the beneficial owner of 35% or more of our voting stock or certain changes in Rent-A-Center’s Board of Directors occurs. An event of default would also occur if one or more judgments were entered against us of $30.0 million or more and such judgments were not satisfied or bonded pending appeal within 30 days after entry.

 

We utilize our revolving credit facility for the issuance of letters of credit, as well as to manage normal fluctuations in operational cash flow caused by the timing of cash receipts. In that regard, we may from time to time draw funds under the revolving credit facility for general corporate purposes. The funds drawn on individual occasions have varied in amounts of up to $98.0 million, with total amounts outstanding ranging from $2.0 million up to $108.0 million. The amounts drawn are generally outstanding for a short period of time and are generally paid down as cash is received from our operating activities.

 

Store Leases. We lease space for substantially all of our stores and service center locations, as well as regional offices, under operating leases expiring at various times through 2019. Most of our store leases are five year leases and contain renewal options for additional periods ranging from three to five years at rental rates adjusted according to agreed-upon formulas.

 

ColorTyme Guarantees. Our subsidiary, ColorTyme Finance, Inc., is a party to an agreement with Citibank, N.A., who provides $25.0 million in aggregate financing to qualifying franchisees of ColorTyme. Under the Citibank agreement, upon an event of default by the franchisee under agreements governing this financing and upon the occurrence of certain other events, Citibank can assign the loans and the collateral securing such loans to ColorTyme Finance, with ColorTyme Finance paying or causing to be paid the outstanding debt to Citibank and then succeeding to the rights of Citibank under the debt agreements, including the right to foreclose on the collateral. Rent-A-Center and ColorTyme Finance guarantee the obligations of the franchise borrowers under the Citibank facility. An additional $20.0 million of financing is provided by Texas Capital Bank, National Association (“Texas Capital Bank”) under an agreement similar to the Citibank financing, which is guaranteed by Rent-A-Center East, Inc., a subsidiary of Rent-A-Center. The maximum guarantee obligations under these agreements, excluding the effects of any amounts that could be recovered under collateralization provisions, is $45.0 million, of which $17.1 million was outstanding as of September 30, 2010.

 

Contractual Cash Commitments. The table below summarizes debt, lease and other minimum cash obligations outstanding as of September 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

Repurchases of Outstanding Securities. Our Board of Directors has authorized a common stock repurchase program, permitting us to purchase, from time to time, in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, up to an aggregate of $800.0 million of Rent-A-Center common stock. As of September 30, 2010, we had purchased a total of 22,066,352 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $512.5 million under this common stock repurchase program. We repurchased 1,913,137 shares for $39.5 million in the third quarter of 2010. Through the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we have repurchased a total of 2,181,502 shares for approximately $45.9 million in cash.

 

Economic Conditions. Although our performance has not suffered in previous economic downturns, we cannot assure you that demand for our products, particularly in higher price ranges, will not significantly decrease in the event of a prolonged recession. Fluctuations in our targeted customers’ monthly disposable income or high levels of unemployment could adversely impact our results of operations.

 

Seasonality. Our revenue mix is moderately seasonal, with the first quarter of each fiscal year generally providing higher merchandise sales than any other quarter during a fiscal year, primarily related to federal income tax refunds. Generally, our customers will more frequently exercise their early purchase option on their existing rental purchase agreements or purchase pre-leased merchandise off the showroom floor during the first quarter of each fiscal year. We expect this trend to continue in future periods. Furthermore, we tend to experience slower growth in the number of rental purchase agreements in the third quarter of each fiscal year when compared to other quarters throughout the year. As a result, we would expect revenues for the third quarter of each fiscal year to remain relatively flat with the prior quarter. We expect this trend to continue in future periods unless we add significantly to our store base during the third quarter of future fiscal years as a result of new store openings or opportunistic acquisitions.

 

Effect of new accounting pronouncements

 

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-17, Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities (“ASU 2009-17”), which changes various aspects of accounting for and disclosures of interests in variable interest entities. ASU 2009-17 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of ASU 2009-17 had no effect on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

 

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of any other recently issued standards that are not yet effective are either not applicable to us at this time or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

Interest rate sensitivity

 

As of September 30, 2010, we had $596.1 million in term loans at interest rates indexed to the Eurodollar rate.

 

Market risk

 

Market risk is the potential change in an instrument’s value caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Our primary market risk exposure is fluctuations in interest rates. Monitoring and managing this risk is a continual process carried out by our senior management. We manage our market risk based on an ongoing assessment of trends in interest rates and economic developments, giving consideration to possible effects on both total return and reported earnings. As a result of such assessment, we may enter into swap contracts or other interest rate protection agreements from time to time to mitigate this risk.

 

Interest rate risk

 

We hold long-term debt with variable interest rates indexed to prime or Eurodollar rates that exposes us to the risk of increased interest costs if interest rates rise. As of September 30, 2010, we have not entered into any interest rate swap agreements. The credit markets have experienced adverse conditions, including wide fluctuations in rates. Such volatility in the credit markets could increase the costs associated with our existing long-term debt. Based on our overall interest rate exposure at September 30, 2010, a hypothetical 1.0% increase or decrease in interest rates would have the effect of causing a $6.0 million additional pre-tax charge or credit to our statement of earnings.

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a—15(e) and 15d—15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in internal controls. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

From time to time, we, along with our subsidiaries, are party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In our history, we have defended class action lawsuits alleging various regulatory violations and have paid material amounts to settle such claims. We accrue for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of our litigation are expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred. As of September 30, 2010, we had no accrual relating to probable losses for our outstanding litigation.

 

We continue to monitor our litigation exposure, and will review the adequacy of our legal reserves on a quarterly basis in accordance with applicable accounting rules. Please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies Involving Critical Estimates, Uncertainties or Assessments in Our Financial Statements” regarding our process for evaluating our litigation reserves. Based on our review, we have not established any reserves for our outstanding litigation.

 

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. We believe these are all the material risks currently facing our business. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should also refer to the other information included in this report, including our financial statements and related notes.

 

Future revenue growth depends on our ability to identify and execute new growth strategies.

 

We have a mature store base. As a result, our same store sales have increased more slowly than in historical periods, or in some cases, decreased. Our future growth will require that we successfully increase revenue in our rent-to-own stores, as well as seek to identify additional distribution channels for our products and services. If we are unable to identify and successfully implement these strategic growth initiatives, our earnings may grow more slowly or even decrease.

 

Rent-to-own transactions are regulated by law in most states. Any adverse change in these laws or the passage of adverse new laws could expose us to litigation or require us to alter our business practices.

 

As is the case with most businesses, we are subject to various governmental regulations, including in our case, regulations specifically regarding rent-to-own transactions. Currently, 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have passed laws that regulate rental purchase transactions as separate and distinct from credit sales. One additional state has a retail installment sales statute that excludes leases, including rent-to-own transactions, from its coverage if the lease provides for more than a nominal purchase price at the end of the rental period. The specific rental purchase laws generally require certain contractual and advertising disclosures. They also provide varying levels of substantive consumer protection, such as requiring a grace period for late fees and contract reinstatement rights in the event the rental

purchase agreement is terminated. The rental purchase laws of ten states limit the total amount that may be charged over the life of a rental purchase agreement and the laws of four states limit the cash prices for which we may offer merchandise. Most states also regulate rental purchase transactions, as well as other consumer transactions, under various consumer protection statutes. The rental purchase statutes and other consumer protection statutes provide various consumer remedies, including monetary penalties, for violations. In our history, we have been the subject of litigation alleging that we have violated some of these statutory provisions.

 

Although there is currently no comprehensive federal legislation regulating rental purchase transactions, adverse federal legislation may be enacted in the future. From time to time, both favorable and adverse legislation seeking to regulate our business has been introduced in Congress. In addition, various legislatures in the states where we currently do business may adopt new legislation or amend existing legislation that could require us to alter our business practices.

 

We may be subject to legal proceedings from time to time which seek material damages. The costs we incur in defending ourselves or associated with settling any of these proceedings, as well as a material final judgment or decree against us, could materially adversely affect our financial condition by requiring the payment of the settlement amount, a judgment or the posting of a bond.

 

In our history, we have defended class action lawsuits alleging various regulatory violations and have paid material amounts to settle such claims. Significant settlement amounts or final judgments could materially and adversely affect our liquidity. The failure to pay any material judgment would be a default under our senior credit facilities.

 

Financial services transactions are regulated by federal law as well as the laws of certain states. Any adverse changes in these laws or the passage of adverse new laws with respect to the financial services business could expose us to litigation or alter our business practices in a manner that we may deem to be unacceptable.

 

Our financial services business is subject to federal statutes and regulations such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the USA Patriot Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and similar state laws. In addition, we are subject to various state regulations regarding the terms of our short term consumer loans and our policies, procedures and operations relating to those loans, including the fees we may charge, as well as fees we may charge in connection with our other financial services products. The failure to comply with such regulations may result in the imposition of material fines, penalties, or injunctions. Congress, federal regulators, and/or the various legislatures in the states where we currently operate or intend to offer financial services products may adopt new legislation or regulations, or amend existing legislation or regulations, with respect to our financial services business that could require us to alter our business practices in a manner that we may deem to be unacceptable.

Our senior credit facilities impose restrictions on us which may limit or prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions. If a default were to occur, our lenders could accelerate the amounts of debt outstanding, and holders of our secured indebtedness could force us to sell our assets to satisfy all or a part of what is owed.

 

Covenants under our senior credit facilities restrict our ability to pay dividends, engage in various operational matters, as well as require us to maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to meet these financial ratios may be affected by events beyond our control. These restrictions could limit our ability to obtain future financing, make needed capital expenditures or other investments, repurchase our outstanding debt or equity, pay dividends, withstand a future downturn in our business or in the economy, dispose of operations, engage in mergers, acquire additional stores or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. Various transactions that we may view as important opportunities, such as specified acquisitions, are also subject to the consent of lenders under the senior credit facilities, which may be withheld or granted subject to conditions specified at the time that may affect the attractiveness or viability of the transaction.

 

If a default were to occur, the lenders under our senior credit facilities could accelerate the amounts outstanding under the credit facilities. In addition, the lenders under these agreements could terminate their commitments to lend to us. If the lenders under these agreements accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient liquid assets at that time to repay the amounts then outstanding under our indebtedness or be able to find additional alternative financing. Even if we could obtain additional alternative financing, the terms of the financing may not be favorable or acceptable to us.

 

The existing indebtedness under our senior credit facilities is secured by substantially all of our assets. Should a default or acceleration of this indebtedness occur, the holders of this indebtedness could sell the assets to satisfy all or a part of what is owed.

 

A change of control could accelerate our obligation to pay our outstanding indebtedness, and we may not have sufficient liquid assets at that time to repay these amounts.

 

Under our senior credit facilities, an event of default would result if a third party became the beneficial owner of 35.0% or more of our voting stock or upon certain changes in the constitution of Rent-A-Center’s Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2010, $596.1 million was outstanding under our senior debt. If a specified change in control occurs and the lenders under our senior credit facilities accelerate these obligations, we may not have sufficient liquid assets to repay amounts outstanding under these agreements.

 

Rent-A-Center’s organizational documents and our senior credit facilities contain provisions that may prevent or deter another group from paying a premium over the market price to Rent-A-Center’s stockholders to acquire its stock.

 

Rent-A-Center’s organizational documents contain provisions that classify its Board of Directors, authorize its Board of Directors to issue blank check preferred stock and establish advance notice requirements on its stockholders for director nominations and actions to be taken at meetings of the stockholders. In addition, as a Delaware corporation, Rent-A-Center is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to business combinations. Our senior credit facilities contain change of control provisions which, in the event of a change of control, would cause a default under those provisions. These provisions and arrangements could

delay, deter or prevent a merger, consolidation, tender offer or other business combination or change of control involving us that could include a premium over the market price of Rent-A-Center’s common stock that some or a majority of Rent-A-Center’s stockholders might consider to be in their best interests.

 

Rent-A-Center is a holding company and is dependent on the operations and funds of its subsidiaries.

 

Rent-A-Center is a holding company, with no revenue generating operations and no assets other than its ownership interests in its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Accordingly, Rent-A-Center is dependent on the cash flow generated by its direct and indirect operating subsidiaries and must rely on dividends or other intercompany transfers from its operating subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet its obligations, including the obligations under the senior credit facilities. The ability of Rent-A-Center’s subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to it is subject to applicable state laws. Should one or more of Rent-A-Center’s subsidiaries be unable to pay dividends or make distributions, its ability to meet its ongoing obligations could be materially and adversely impacted.

 

Our stock price is volatile, and you may not be able to recover your investment if our stock price declines.

 

The price of our common stock has been volatile and can be expected to be significantly affected by factors such as:

 

 

In addition, the stock market as a whole has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many specialty retailers in ways that may have been unrelated to these companies’ operating performance.

 

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

 

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports, our brand and operating results could be harmed. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

While we continue to evaluate and improve our internal controls, we cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations.

If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.

 

Our continued expansion into international markets presents unique challenges which may subject us to risks associated with the legislative, judicial, accounting, regulatory, political, cultural and economic factors specific to the countries or regions in which we currently operate or may operate in the future, which could adversely affect our financial performance.

 

We entered the Canadian market in 2004 and operate 18 stores in Canada as of September 30, 2010. We opened our first store in Mexico in October 2010. As these operations grow, they may require greater management and financial resources. International operations require the integration of personnel with varying cultural and business backgrounds and an understanding of the relevant differences in the cultural, legal and regulatory environments. In addition, these operations are subject to the potential risks of changing economic and financial conditions in each of its markets, legal and regulatory requirements in local jurisdictions, tariffs and trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing local operations, failure to understand the local culture and market, difficulties in protecting intellectual property, the burden of complying with foreign laws, including tax laws and financial accounting standards, and adverse local economic, political and social conditions in certain countries.

 

In addition, we are subject to exchange rate risks in the ordinary course of our business as a result of our operations in Canada and Mexico and are, therefore, exposed to risks associated with the fluctuations of foreign currencies, in particular U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and Mexican pesos. Such foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations may have an impact on our future costs or on future cash flows from our international operations, and could adversely affect our financial performance.

 

Our operations are dependent on effective management information systems. Failure of these systems could negatively impact our ability to manage store operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We utilize integrated management information and control systems. The efficient operation of our business is dependent on these systems to effectively manage our financial and operational data. The failure of our information systems to perform as designed, loss of data or any interruption of our information systems for a significant period of time could disrupt our business. If the information systems sustain repeated failures, we may not be able to manage our store operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are currently investing in the development of new point of sale systems and processes to further enhance our management information system. Such enhancements to or replacement of our management information system could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct our core business operations and increase our risk of loss resulting from disruptions of normal operating processes and procedures that may occur during the implementation of new information systems. We can make no assurances that the costs of investments in our information systems will not exceed estimates, that the systems will be implemented without material

disruption, or that the systems will be as beneficial as predicted. If any of these events occur, our results of operations could be harmed.

 

If we fail to protect the integrity and security of customer and co-worker information, we could be exposed to litigation or regulatory enforcement and our business could be adversely impacted.

 

The increasing costs associated with information security, such as increased investment in technology, the costs of compliance with consumer protection laws, and costs resulting from consumer fraud, could adversely impact our business. We also routinely possess sensitive customer and co-worker information and, while we have taken reasonable and appropriate steps to protect that information, if our security procedures and controls were compromised, it could harm our business, reputation, operating results and financial condition and may increase the costs we incur to protect against such information security breaches.

 

Under our common stock repurchase program, we are authorized to repurchase up to $600.0 million in aggregate purchase price of our common stock. As of September 30, 2010, we had repurchased a total of 22,066,352 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $512.5 million under our common stock repurchase program. In the third quarter of 2010, we effected the following repurchases of our common stock:

 

 

 

 

The exhibits required to be furnished pursuant to Item 6 are listed in the Exhibit Index filed herewith, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned duly authorized.

 

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

 

Robert D. Davis

Executive Vice President—Finance,

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: October 27, 2010

Index to exhibits