UPBOUND GROUP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2011 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)


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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011


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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 0-25370

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		45-0491516
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

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.

Large accelerated filer þ

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company o

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 April 25, 2011:


Class		Outstanding

Common stock, $.01 par value per share		63,623,934

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	Page No.
Item 1.	Consolidated Financial Statements
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010		1
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010		2
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010		3
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		4
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		9
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		20
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		20
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		22
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		22
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		26
Item 6.	Exhibits		26
SIGNATURES			27
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


		Item 1. Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS


	Three months ended March 31,
	2011			2010
(In thousands, except per share data)	Unaudited
Revenues
Store
Rentals and fees	$	610,428		$	583,848
Merchandise sales		99,266			89,397
Installment sales		16,687			15,137
Other		5,339			20,336
Franchise
Merchandise sales		9,146			8,425
Royalty income and fees		1,312			1,276

		742,178			718,419

Operating expenses
Direct store expenses
Cost of rentals and fees		135,649			130,114
Cost of merchandise sold		68,579			61,811
Cost of installment sales		6,048			5,426
Salaries and other expenses		397,198			391,471
Franchise cost of merchandise sold		8,754			8,068

		616,228			596,890

General and administrative expenses		34,553			31,775
Amortization and write-down of intangibles		858			1,051
Litigation settlement		2,800			—
Impairment charge		7,320			—


Total operating expenses		661,759			629,716

Operating profit		80,419			88,703

Interest expense		9,760			6,083
Interest income		(154	)		(168	)


Earnings before income taxes		70,813			82,788

Income tax expense		26,583			31,327


NET EARNINGS	$	44,230		$	51,461


Basic earnings per common share	$	0.70		$	0.78


Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.69		$	0.77


Cash dividends per common share	$	0.06		$	—

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	March 31,			December 31,
	2011			2010
(In thousands, except share and par value data)	Unaudited

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	145,000		$	70,727
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,711 in 2011 and $8,673 in 2010		47,228			53,890
Prepaid expenses and other assets		56,942			170,713
Rental merchandise, net
On rent		675,013			655,248
Held for rent		180,512			181,606
Merchandise held for installment sale		5,374			5,417
Property assets, net		235,145			224,639
Goodwill, net		1,329,234			1,320,467
Other intangible assets, net		4,806			5,624

	$	2,679,254		$	2,688,331

LIABILITIES
Accounts payable — trade	$	88,828		$	126,051
Accrued liabilities		300,345			288,415
Deferred income taxes		236,753			218,952
Senior debt		358,584			401,114
Senior notes		300,000			300,000

		1,284,510			1,334,532
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 107,261,412 and 105,990,704 shares issued in 2011 and 2010, respectively		1,072			1,060
Additional paid-in capital		741,052			712,600
Retained earnings		1,581,390			1,541,168
Treasury stock, 43,714,209 and 42,845,444 shares at cost in 2011 and 2010, respectively		(932,804	)		(904,274	)
Cumulative translation adjustment		4,034			3,245

		1,394,744			1,353,799

	$	2,679,254		$	2,688,331

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


	Three months ended March 31,
	2011			2010
(In thousands)	Unaudited
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$	44,230		$	51,461
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation of rental merchandise		132,397			127,111
Bad debt expense		521			3,118
Stock-based compensation expense		1,305			1,265
Depreciation of property assets		15,678			15,721
Loss on sale or disposal of property assets		92			978
Amortization of intangibles		858			211
Amortization of financing fees		505			514
Deferred income taxes		17,801			(12,857	)
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises		(6,238	)		(94	)
Impairment charge		7,320			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Rental merchandise		(155,784	)		(145,802	)
Receivables		6,141			720
Prepaid expenses and other assets		113,131			700
Accounts payable — trade		(37,224	)		(28,537	)
Accrued liabilities		7,213			57,408

Net cash provided by operating activities		147,946			71,917
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property assets		(27,144	)		(16,113	)
Proceeds from sale of property assets		79			34
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(525	)		(368	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(27,590	)		(16,447	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury stock		(28,529	)		—
Exercise of stock options		21,889			1,758
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises		6,238			94
Payments on capital leases		(137	)		(321	)
Proceeds from debt		115,305			43,035
Repayments of debt		(157,835	)		(117,897	)
Dividends paid		(3,803	)		—

Net cash used in financing activities		(46,872	)		(73,331	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		789			556
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		74,273			(17,305	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		70,727			101,803

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	145,000		$	84,498

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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, 2010. 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 March 31, 2011, we operated 3,018 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, 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 name “Rent-A-Centre.”

We also operate kiosk locations under the trade name “RAC Acceptance” which offers 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 March 31, 2011, we operated 485 RAC Acceptance locations.

ColorTyme, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a nationwide franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At March 31, 2011, ColorTyme had 208 franchised stores operating in 32 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.

From 2005 to 2010, we also offered an array of financial services in certain of our existing stores under the names “RAC Financial Services” and “Cash AdvantEdge.” The financial services we offered included, but were not limited to, short term secured and unsecured loans, debit cards, check cashing and money transfer services.

New Accounting Pronouncements. From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions.

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


			March 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Avg.		Gross				Gross
	Life		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
	(years)		Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization
Non-compete agreements		3	$	6,096	$	6,068	$	6,094	$	6,057
Customer relationships		2		67,858		63,080		67,811		62,224

Total			$	73,954	$	69,148	$	73,905	$	68,281

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):


	Estimated
	Amortization Expense
2011	$	2,467
2012		2,339

Total	$	4,806

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


	March 31,			December 31,
	2011			2010
Gross balance as of January 1,	$	1,419,619		$	1,367,836
Accumulated amortization		(99,152	)		(99,152	)
Additions from acquisitions		398			55,922
Goodwill related to stores sold or closed		—			(4,320	)⁽¹⁾
Post purchase price allocation adjustments		8,369			181

Balance as of the end of the period	$	1,329,234		$	1,320,467


⁽¹⁾		Includes $1.8 million of goodwill impairment related to the discontinuation of our financial services business.

Additions to goodwill due to acquisitions in the first three months of 2011 were tax deductible.

The Rental Store, Inc.

On December 20, 2010, we acquired The Rental Store, Inc., a leading provider of consumer lease-purchase financing through third-party retail furniture and electronics retailers. This acquisition resulted in the addition of 158 kiosks to our RAC Acceptance program as of December 31, 2010. The initial accounting for the acquisition was not finalized as of December 31, 2010 due to the timing of the transaction. In the first quarter of 2011, we determined certain assets, primarily rental merchandise, were either unrentable or missing, and are reflected in the post purchase price allocation adjustments above. At March 31, 2011, certain other smaller balances remain to be reconciled.

Subsidiary Guarantors.

6⁵/8% Senior Notes. On November 2, 2010, we issued $300.0 million in senior unsecured notes due November 2020, bearing interest at 6⁵/8%, pursuant to an indenture dated November 2, 2010, among Rent-A-Center, Inc., its subsidiary guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, as trustee. A portion of the proceeds of this offering were used to repay approximately $200.0 million of outstanding term debt under our senior credit facility. The remaining net proceeds are being used to repurchase shares of our common stock.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The 2010 indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to:

	•		incur additional debt;

	•		sell assets or our subsidiaries;

	•		grant liens to third parties;

	•		pay cash dividends or repurchase stock; and

	•		engage in a merger or sell substantially all of our assets.

Events of default under the 2010 indenture include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default in the payment of other debt due at maturity or upon acceleration for default in an amount exceeding $50.0 million, as well as in the event a judgment is entered against us in excess of $50.0 million that is not discharged, bonded or insured.

The 6⁵/8% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2015, at our option, in whole or in part, at a premium declining from 103.313%. The 6⁵/8% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2018, at our option, in whole or in part, at par. The 6⁵/8% notes also require that upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 2010 indenture), the holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the original aggregate principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. This would trigger an event of default under our senior credit facilities. We are not required to maintain any financial ratios under the 2010 indenture.

Rent-A-Center and its subsidiary guarantors have fully, jointly and severally, and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of Rent-A-Center with respect to the 6⁵/8% notes. Rent-A-Center has no independent assets or operations, and each subsidiary guarantor is 100% owned directly or indirectly by Rent-A-Center. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of Rent-A-Center that are not guarantors are minor subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of any of the subsidiary guarantors to transfer funds to Rent-A-Center in the form of loans, advances or dividends, except as provided by applicable law.

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. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, foreign and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007. The appeals process with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Appeals for the years 2001 through 2005 has been completed. 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. The IRS concluded its examination of our consolidated income tax return for the years 2006 and 2007, and issued a Revenue Agent’s Report (RAR) on January 19, 2010. We reached agreement on all issues except the issue identified above. 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. This matter, which now includes the years 2003 through 2007, has been docketed in the United States Tax Court for trial in November 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 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

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

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 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 March 31, 2011, our unrecognized tax benefits increased by $59,000 from December 31, 2010.

Fair Value. At March 31, 2011, our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, senior debt and senior notes. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximates fair value at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, because of the short maturities of these instruments. Our senior debt is variable rate debt that re-prices frequently and entails no significant change in credit risk and, as a result, fair value approximates carrying value. The fair value of our senior notes is based on observable market data. At March 31, 2011, the fair value of our senior notes was $295.5 million, which was approximately $4.5 million below their carrying value of $300.0 million. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of our senior notes was $299.8 million, which was approximately $200,000 below their carrying value of $300.0 million.

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.

6. Impairment Charge.

Our impairment charge consists of the following (in thousands):


	Three months ended
	March 31, 2011
Loan write-down	$	2,569
Fixed asset disposal		1,172
Other		3,579

Total	$	7,320

During the first quarter of 2011, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $7.3 million related to the discontinuation of our financial services business that was announced on October 25, 2010. The charge in 2011 primarily related to additional loan write-downs, fixed asset disposals (store reconstruction), and other miscellaneous items. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $18.9 million, which primarily related to fixed asset disposals, goodwill impairment, loan write-downs, and other miscellaneous items. The impairment charge was based on the amount that the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value of the assets. The fair value was based on our historical experience with store acquisitions and divestitures, which are Level 3 inputs.

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. We have repurchased a total of 24,339,110 shares and 23,470,345 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $579.7 million and $551.2 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, under this common stock repurchase program. Through the three months ended March 31, 2011, we repurchased a total of 868,765 shares for approximately $28.5 million in cash.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

8. Earnings Per Share.

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


	Three months ended March 31, 2011
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares		Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	44,230		63,353	$	0.70
Effect of dilutive stock options		—		939

Diluted earnings per common share	$	44,230		64,292	$	0.69


	Three months ended March 31, 2010
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares		Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	51,461		65,699	$	0.78
Effect of dilutive stock options		—		818

Diluted earnings per common share	$	51,461		66,517	$	0.77

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share and, therefore anti-dilutive, were 438,745 and 2,384,550, respectively.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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:

•

uncertainties regarding the ability to open new rent-to-own stores;

•

our ability to acquire additional rent-to-own stores or customer accounts on favorable terms;

•

our ability to control costs and increase profitability;

•

our ability to enhance the performance of acquired stores;

•

our ability to retain the revenue associated with acquired customer accounts;

•

our ability to identify and successfully market products and services that appeal to our customer demographic;

•

our ability to enter into new and collect on our rental purchase agreements;

•

the passage of legislation adversely affecting the rent-to-own industry;

•

our failure to comply with statutes or regulations governing the rent-to-own or financial services industries;

•

interest rates;

•

changes in the unemployment rate;

•

economic pressures, such as high fuel costs, affecting the disposable income available to our targeted consumers;

•

conditions affecting consumer spending and the impact, depth, and duration of current economic conditions;

•

changes in our stock price, the number of shares of common stock that we may or may not repurchase, and future dividends, if any;

•

changes in estimates relating to self-insurance liabilities and income tax and litigation reserves;

•

changes in our effective tax rate;

•

our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls;

•

changes in the number of share-based compensation grants, methods used to value future share-based payments and changes in estimated forfeiture rates with respect to share-based compensation;

•

the resolution of our litigation; and

•

the other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC reports.

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, 2010. You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 March 31, 2011, we operated 3,018 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, 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 name “Rent-A-Centre.” Our subsidiary, ColorTyme, is a national franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At March 31, 2011, ColorTyme had 208 franchised rent-to-own stores in 32 states. These franchise stores represent an additional 2% market share based on store count.

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 “RAC Acceptance” model which offers 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 March 31, 2011, we operated 485 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 March 31, 2011, we operated 18 stores in Canada and ten stores in Mexico.

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:

•

convenient payment options:

	•		weekly, semi-monthly or monthly;

	•		in-store, over the phone or online;

•		no long-term obligations;

•		right to terminate without penalty;

•		no requirement of a credit history;

•		delivery and set-up;

•		product maintenance;

•

lifetime reinstatement; and

•

flexible options to obtain ownership — 90 days same as cash, early purchase options, or payment through the term of the agreement.

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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Total financing requirements of a typical new store approximate $625,000, with roughly 65% of that amount relating to the purchase of rental merchandise inventory. A newly opened rent-to-own store is typically 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 and 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.

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 March 31, 2011, the amount accrued for losses within our self-insured retentions with respect to workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance was $132.1 million, as compared to $130.3 million at December 31, 2010. 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

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

the defense of all of our litigation are expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred. As of March 31, 2011, we had accrued $2.8 million relating to the prospective settlement of certain putative class actions pending in California which allege various claims, including violations of California wage and hour laws. At December 31, 2010, we had no accrual relating to probable losses for our outstanding litigation.

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.

If we make changes to our accruals 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, 2010, 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

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 three months ended March 31, 2011 were valued using the binomial method pricing model with the following assumptions for employee options: expected volatility of 34.66% to 50.12%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.26% to 1.53%, a dividend yield of 0.70%, and an expected life of 6.05 years. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recognized $1.3 million in pre-tax compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units granted.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Store Revenue. Total store revenue increased by $23.0 million, or 3.2%, to $731.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $708.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. This increase in total store revenue was primarily due to an increase in revenue driven by the RAC Acceptance business, primarily the acquisition of The Rental Store, Inc., completed in the fourth quarter of 2010, offset by a reduction in revenues related to the discontinuation of our financial services business.

Same store revenues represent those revenues earned in 2,814 stores that were operated by us for each of the entire three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Same store revenues increased by $842,000, or 0.1%, to $638.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $637.5 million in 2010.

Franchise Revenue. Total franchise revenue increased by $757,000, or 7.8%, to $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $9.7 million in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of products sold to franchisees in 2011 as compared to 2010.

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 March 31, 2011 increased by $5.5 million, or 4.3%, to $135.6 million as compared to $130.1 million in 2010. This increase in cost of rentals and fees was primarily attributable to an increase in rental and fee revenue in 2011 as compared to 2010. Cost of rentals and fees expressed as a percentage of store rentals and fees revenue decreased slightly to 22.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to 22.3% in 2010.

Cost of Merchandise Sold. Cost of merchandise sold increased by $6.8 million, or 10.9%, to $68.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $61.8 million in 2010. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

merchandise sales in 2011 as compared to 2010. The gross margin percent of merchandise sales remained unchanged at 30.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

Salaries and Other Expenses. Salaries and other expenses increased by $5.7 million, or 1.5%, to $397.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $391.5 million in 2010. This increase was attributable to increased labor costs associated with the acquisition of The Rental Store, Inc. Charge offs in our rental stores due to customer stolen merchandise, expressed as a percentage of rental store revenues, were approximately 2.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to 2.1% in 2010. Salaries and other expenses expressed as a percentage of total store revenue decreased to 54.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from 55.2% in 2010.

Franchise Cost of Merchandise Sold. Franchise cost of merchandise sold increased by $686,000, or 8.5%, to $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $8.1 million in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of products sold to franchisees in 2011 as compared to 2010.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.8 million, or 8.7%, to $34.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $31.8 million in 2010. General and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of total revenue increased slightly to 4.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from 4.4% in 2010. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in expenses associated with our strategic growth initiatives in 2011 as compared to 2010.

Amortization and Write-Down of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles decreased by $193,000, or 18.4%, to $858,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $1.1 million in 2010.

Operating Profit. Operating profit decreased by $8.3 million, or 9.3%, to $80.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $88.7 million in 2010. Operating profit as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 10.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from 12.3% for 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to a $7.3 million impairment charge related to the discontinuation of our financial services business in 2011 as compared to 2010.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $3.7 million, or 60.4%, to $9.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $6.1 million in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to the interest associated with our senior notes issued in the fourth quarter of 2010 and an increase in our weighted average interest rate of 5.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to 3.69% in 2010 due to an increase in the Eurodollar rate in 2011 as compared to 2010.

Net Earnings. Net earnings decreased by $7.3 million, or 14.1%, to $44.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $51.5 million in 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to the $7.3 million impairment charge related to the discontinuation of our financial services business in 2011 as compared to 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $76.0 million to $147.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $71.9 million in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to a reduction in prepaid expenses due to tax refunds of approximately $110.0 million received in the first quarter of 2011, offset by changes in working capital in 2011 as compared to 2010.

Cash used in investing activities increased by $11.2 million to $27.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $16.4 million in 2010. This increase in 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily related to an increase in capital expenditures.

Cash used in financing activities decreased by $26.4 million to $46.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $73.3 million in 2010. This decrease in 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily related to a greater reduction in our outstanding indebtedness in 2010 coupled with an increase in stock option exercises in 2011, offset by repurchases of our common stock in 2011.

Liquidity Requirements. Our primary liquidity requirements are for rental merchandise purchases, implementation of our growth strategies, debt service and capital expenditures. 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

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 $395.0 million, of which $258.0 million was available at April 25, 2011. At April 25, 2011, we had $170.9 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 addition, if a change in control occurs, we may be required to offer to repurchase all of our outstanding senior unsecured notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase. Our senior credit facilities restrict our ability to repurchase the senior unsecured notes, including in the event of a change in control. 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 and senior note 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 extended 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 2010 Jobs Act, which again extended 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. On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed into law the 2010 Tax Relief Act, which enacted 100% bonus depreciation on assets purchased after September 8, 2010 and before January 1, 2012.

Accordingly, our cash flow again benefited in 2010 from having a lower cash tax obligation which, in turn, provided additional cash flow from operations. We estimate that our 2010 operating cash flow increased by approximately $135.0 million as a result of the 2010 Jobs Act and the 2010 Tax Relief Act, less $77.0 million associated with the 2009 and 2008 deferral for a total increase of $58.0 million. We estimate that the remaining tax deferral associated with the 2008 Stimulus Act, the 2009 Recovery Act, the 2010 Jobs Act and the 2010 Tax Relief Act approximates $163.0 million at December 31, 2010, of which approximately 73%, or $119.0 million, will reverse in 2011 and the remainder will reverse between 2012 and 2013. We expect the $119.0 million reversal in 2011 will be offset by the benefit to operating cash flow of the 2010 Tax Relief Act.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


	Three months ended			Three months ended
	March 31, 2011			March 31, 2010
	(In thousands)
Beginning merchandise value	$	842,271		$	754,067
Inventory additions through acquisitions		88			114
Purchases		247,307			233,540
Depreciation of rental merchandise		(132,397	)		(127,111	)
Cost of goods sold		(74,627	)		(67,237	)
Skips and stolens		(16,820	)		(15,055	)
Other inventory deletions ⁽¹⁾		(4,923	)		(5,446	)

Ending merchandise value	$	860,899		$	772,872


⁽¹⁾		Other inventory deletions include loss/damage waiver claims and unrepairable and missing merchandise, as well as acquisition write-offs.

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 $27.0 million and $16.1 million on capital expenditures during the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and expect to spend approximately $58.0 million for the remainder of 2011. The increase in capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2011 primarily related 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 Location Openings. During the first three months of 2011, we acquired accounts from two locations, opened 13 new stores, consolidated two stores into existing locations and added 109 RAC Acceptance kiosk locations. The acquired locations and accounts were the result of two separate transactions with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $525,000.

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 open stores in new locations as well as 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. Our senior credit agreement, as amended, provides for a $1,024 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 $375 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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our senior term loans outstanding at March 31, 2011.


Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2012	$	28,959
2013		42,375
2014		215,625
2015		71,625

	$	358,584

The full amount of the revolving credit facility may be used for the issuance of letters of credit, of which $137.0 million had been utilized as of April 25, 2011. As of April 25, 2011, $238.0 million was available under our revolving facility. The revolving credit facility expires September 30, 2013.

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) 0.75% 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) 0.75% 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 April 25, 2011. 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:

•

incur additional debt;

•

repurchase our capital stock and pay cash dividends in the event the pro forma senior leverage ratio is greater than 2.50x;

•

incur liens or other encumbrances;

•

merge, consolidate or sell substantially all our property or business;

•

sell assets, other than inventory, in the ordinary course of business;

•

make investments or acquisitions unless we meet financial tests and other requirements;

•

make capital expenditures; or

•

enter into an unrelated line of business.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 March 31, 2011:


	Required Ratio		Actual Ratio
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio	No greater than	3.25:1	1.33:1
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	No less than	1.35:1	1.76:1

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 March 31, 2011 ($539.2 million) by consolidated EBITDA for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 ($406.7 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 three month period ended March 31, 2011, as adjusted for certain capital expenditures ($493.6 million), by consolidated fixed charges for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 ($280.6 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.

The 2010 indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to:

•

incur additional debt;

•

sell assets or our subsidiaries;

•

grant liens to third parties;

•		pay cash dividends or repurchase stock; and

•		engage in a merger or sell substantially all of our assets.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 2021. 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 up to $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 $19.3 million was outstanding as of March 31, 2011.

Contractual Cash Commitments. The table below summarizes debt, lease and other minimum cash obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2011:


	Payments Due by Period
Contractual Cash Obligations	Total			2011		2012-2013		2014-2015		Thereafter
	(In thousands)
Senior Debt (including current portion)	$	358,584	⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	71,334	$	287,250	$	—
6⁵/8 % Senior Notes⁽²⁾		498,750			19,875		39,750		39,750		399,375
Operating Leases		540,070			136,357		273,325		117,212		13,176
Capital Leases		519			335		184		—		—

Total⁽³⁾	$	1,397,923		$	156,567	$	384,593	$	444,212	$	412,551


⁽¹⁾		Amount referenced does not include interest payments. Our senior credit facilities bear interest at varying rates equal to the Eurodollar rate plus .75% to 3.0% or the prime rate plus up to 2.0% at our election. The weighted average Eurodollar rate on our outstanding debt at March 31, 2011 was 0.30%.

⁽²⁾		Includes interest payments of $9.9 million on each of May 15 and November 15 of each year.

⁽³⁾		As of March 31, 2011, we have $6.7 million in uncertain tax positions. Because of the uncertainty of the amounts to be ultimately paid as well as the timing of such payments, uncertain tax positions are not reflected in the contractual obligations table.

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 March 31, 2011, we had purchased a total of 24,339,110 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $579.7 million under this common stock repurchase program. Through the three months ended March 31, 2011, we repurchased a total of 868,765 shares for approximately $28.5 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

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

As of March 31, 2011, we had $300.0 million in senior notes outstanding at a fixed interest rate of 6⁵/8%, $358.6 million in term loans at interest rates indexed to the Eurodollar rate. The fair value of the 6⁵/8% senior notes, based on the closing price at March 31, 2011, was $295.5 million. Carrying value approximates fair value for all other indebtedness.

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 senior credit facilities 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 March 31, 2011, 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 March 31, 2011, a hypothetical 1.0% increase or decrease in interest rates would have the effect of causing a $3.6 million additional pre-tax charge or credit to our statement of earnings.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

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,

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 March 31, 2011, 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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II — Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

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 March 31, 2011, we had accrued $2.8 million relating to the prospective settlement of certain putative class actions pending in California which allege various claims, including violations of California wage and hour laws.

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.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

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 consolidated 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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 and the indenture governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes.

Our debt agreements 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 and the indenture governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes restrict our ability to pay dividends and engage in various operational matters. In addition, covenants under our senior credit facilities 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 March 31, 2011, $358.6 million was outstanding under our senior credit facilities.

Under the indenture governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes, in the event of a change in control, we may be required to offer to purchase all of our outstanding senior unsecured notes at 101% of their original aggregate principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase. A change in control also would result in an event of default under our senior credit facilities, which would allow our lenders to accelerate indebtedness owed to them.

If a specified change in control occurs and the lenders under our debt instruments 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 debt instruments 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

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

facilities and the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes each contain various 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:

•		quarterly variations in our results of operations, which may be impacted by, among other things, changes in same store sales or when and how many locations we acquire or open;

•		quarterly variations in our competitors’ results of operations;

•		changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by financial analysts; and

•		the stock price performance of comparable companies.

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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 March 31, 2011. We opened our first store in Mexico in October 2010, and now operate ten stores in Mexico as of March 31, 2011. 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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Under our common stock repurchase program, we are authorized to repurchase up to $800.0 million in aggregate purchase price of our common stock. As of March 31, 2011, we had repurchased a total of 24,339,110 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $579.7 million under our common stock repurchase program. In the first quarter of 2011, we effected the following repurchases of our common stock:

Total Number of

Maximum Dollar Value

Shares Purchased as

that May Yet Be

Total Number

Average Price

Part of Publicly

Purchased Under the

of Shares

Paid per Share

Announced Plans or

Plans or Programs

Period

Purchased

(Including Fees)

Programs

(Including Fees)

January 1 through January 31

February 1 through February 28

868,765

32.8591

868,765

220,253,670

March 1 through March 31

Total

868,765

32.8591

868,765

220,253,670

Item 6. Exhibits.

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.

RENT-A-CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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.
	By	/s/ Robert D. Davis
		Robert D. Davis
		Executive Vice President — Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 29, 2011

INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit No.		Description

3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Rent-A-Center, Inc., as amended (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of December 31, 2002.)

3.2		Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Rent-A-Center, Inc., dated May 19, 2004 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.)

3.3		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rent-A-Center, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of September 23, 2010.)

4.1		Form of Certificate evidencing Common Stock (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on January 13, 1999.)

4.2		Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2010, by and among Rent-A-Center, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of November 2, 2010.)

4.3		Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020, dated as of November 2, 2010, among Rent-A-Center, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative for the initial purchasers named therein (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of November 2, 2010.)

4.4		Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2010, among Diamondback Merger Sub, Inc., Rent-A-Center, Inc., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.)

4.5		Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2010, among The Rental Store, Inc., Rent-A-Center, Inc., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.)

10.1†		Amended and Restated Rent-A-Center, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.)

10.2		Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2003, as amended and restated as of July 14, 2004, made by Rent-A-Center, Inc. and certain of its Subsidiaries in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 15, 2004.)

10.3		Franchisee Financing Agreement, dated April 30, 2002, but effective as of June 28, 2002, by and between Texas Capital Bank, National Association, ColorTyme, Inc. and Rent-A-Center, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.)

10.4		Supplemental Letter Agreement to Franchisee Financing Agreement, dated May 26, 2003, by and between Texas Capital Bank, National Association, ColorTyme, Inc. and Rent-A-Center, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed July 11, 2003.)

INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit No.		Description

10.5		First Amendment to Franchisee Financing Agreement, dated August 30, 2005, by and among Texas Capital Bank, National Association, ColorTyme, Inc. and Rent-A-Center East, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.)

10.6		Franchise Financing Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2010, between ColorTyme, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of August 2, 2010.)

10.7		Unconditional Guaranty of Rent-A-Center, Inc., dated as of August 2, 2010, executed by Rent-A-Center, Inc. in favor of Citibank, N.A. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of August 2, 2010.)

10.8		Unconditional Guaranty of Rent-A-Center, Inc., dated as of August 2, 2010, executed by ColorTyme Finance, Inc. in favor of Citibank, N.A. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of August 2, 2010.)

10.9†		Form of Stock Option Agreement issuable to Directors pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rent-A-Center, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.)

10.10†		Form of Stock Option Agreement issuable to management pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rent-A-Center, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.)

10.11†		Summary of Director Compensation (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.)

10.12†		Form of Stock Compensation Agreement issuable to management pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rent-A-Center, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.)

10.13†		Form of Long-Term Incentive Cash Award issuable to management pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rent-A-Center, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.)

10.14†		Form of Loyalty and Confidentiality Agreement entered into with management (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.)

10.15†		Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.)

10.16†		Form of Stock Option Agreement issuable to management pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.)

10.17†		Form of Stock Compensation Agreement issuable to management pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.)

INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit No.		Description

10.18†		Form of Long-Term Incentive Cash Award issuable to management pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.)

10.19†		Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and Amendment (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on January 4, 2007.)

10.20†		Form of Stock Option Agreement issuable to management pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.)

10.21†		Form of Stock Compensation Agreement issuable to management pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.)

10.22†		Form of Stock Option Agreement issuable to Directors pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.)

10.23†		Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement issuable to Directors pursuant to the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.)

10.24†		Form of Executive Transition Agreement entered into with management (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)

10.25†		Employment Agreement, dated October 2, 2006, between Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Mark E. Speese (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)

10.26†		Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated October 2, 2006, between Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Mark E. Speese (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.)

10.27†		Rent-A-Center, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.)

10.28†		Rent-A-Center, Inc. 401-K Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.)

10.29		Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, among Rent-A-Center, Inc., the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto, Union Bank of California, N.A., as documentation agent, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as syndication agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2009 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.)

10.30		Rent-A-Center East, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan for Puerto Rico Employees (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed January 28, 2011.)

INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit No.		Description

21.1		Subsidiaries of Rent-A-Center, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.)

31.1*		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 implementing Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Mark E. Speese

31.2*		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 implementing Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Robert D. Davis

32.1*		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Mark E. Speese

32.2*		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Robert D. Davis

101.INS**		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


†		Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*		Filed herewith.

**		The XBRL-related information in Exhibit No. 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

UPBOUND GROUP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2011 March (Form 10-Q)

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