Rent-A-Center, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2007 Results

Rent-A-Center, Inc. (the "Company”) (NASDAQ/NGS:RCII), the nation’s largest rent-to-own operator, today announced revenues and earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2007. Fourth Quarter 2007 Results The Company reported total revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 of $717.0 million, an increase of $60.9 million from the reported total revenues of $656.1 million for the same period in the prior year. This 9.3% increase in revenues was primarily driven by the Rent-Way acquisition that closed on November 15, 2006. Same store revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 increased 1.0%. Reported net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 was $5.4 million, as compared to the reported net loss of $2.3 million for the same period in the prior year. Reported net earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 were reduced by a $38.7 million pre-tax restructuring expense related to our previously announced store consolidation plan and other restructuring items and an $11.0 million pre-tax litigation charge related to the prospective settlement of the Shafer/Johnson matter, as discussed below. Reported net earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 were reduced by a $58.0 million pre-tax litigation charge related to the Hilda Perez matter and a $2.6 million pre-tax refinancing expense as discussed below. Reported diluted loss per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 was $0.08, as compared to the reported diluted loss per share of $0.03 for the same period in the prior year. Reported diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 were reduced by $0.39 per share as a result of the restructuring expense related to our previously announced store consolidation plan and other restructuring items and an additional $0.11 per share as a result of the litigation expense related to the prospective settlement of the Shafer/Johnson matter, as discussed below. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.42, when excluding the restructuring expense related to our previously announced store consolidation plan and other restructuring items and the litigation expense, as discussed below. Reported net earnings per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 were reduced by $0.51 per share as a result of the litigation expense related to the Hilda Perez matter and an additional $0.02 per share as a result of refinancing expenses, as discussed below. "We are generally pleased with the results for the fourth quarter, where we saw positive same store sales and total revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share that was within our guidance range. At the same time, the business environment remains uncertain,” commented Mark E. Speese, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In 2008, we intend to focus on the execution of our previously announced store consolidation plan, devote resources to the overall customer experience in our stores, enhance store level operations, improve operational efficiencies, and further invest in our financial services business, while continuing to generate significant cash flow from operations and maintaining a solid balance sheet,” Speese stated. The Company also announced today that it has reached a prospective settlement with the plaintiffs to resolve the Eric Shafer et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Victor E. Johnson et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. coordinated matters pending in state court in Los Angeles, California. These matters allege violations by the Company of certain wage and hour laws of California. Under the terms contemplated, the Company anticipates it will pay an aggregate of $11.0 million in cash, including settlement costs and plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees, to be distributed to an agreed-upon class of Company employees from May 1998 through March 31, 2008. The Company would be entitled to any settlement fund monies not distributed under the terms of the prospective settlement. In connection with the prospective settlement, the Company is not admitting liability for its wage and hour practices in California. To account for the aforementioned costs, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $11.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The terms of the prospective settlement are subject to the parties entering into a definitive settlement agreement and obtaining court approval. While the Company believes that the terms of this prospective settlement are fair, there can be no assurance that the settlement, if completed, will be approved by the court in its present form. Year End December 31, 2007 Results Total reported revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 were $2.906 billion, an increase of $0.472 billion from the reported total revenues of $2.434 billion for the same period in the prior year. This 19.4% increase in revenues was primarily driven by the Rent-Way acquisition that closed on November 15, 2006. Same store revenues for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2007 increased 2.1%. Reported net earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 were $76.3 million, a decrease of $26.8 million from the reported net earnings of $103.1 million for the same period in the prior year. Reported net earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 were reduced by a $38.7 million pre-tax restructuring expense related to our previously announced store consolidation plan and other restructuring items, an $11.0 million pre-tax litigation charge related to the prospective settlement of the Shafer/Johnson matter and a $51.3 million pre-tax litigation charge related to the Hilda Perez matter, and were increased by a $3.9 million pre-tax benefit as a result of the receipt of accelerated royalty payments from franchisees in consideration of the termination of their franchise agreements, as discussed below. Reported net earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 were reduced by an aggregate of $73.3 million in pre-tax litigation expenses, and an aggregate of $4.8 million in pre-tax refinancing expenses, as discussed below. Reported diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 were $1.10, a decrease of $0.36 from the reported diluted earnings per share of $1.46 for the same period in the prior year. Reported diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 were reduced by $0.37 per share as a result of the restructuring expense related to our previously announced store consolidation plan and other restructuring items, an additional $0.10 per share as a result of the litigation charge related to the prospective settlement of the Shafer/Johnson matter and $0.48 per share as a result of the litigation charge related to the Hilda Perez matter, and were increased by $0.04 per share as a result of the receipt of accelerated royalty payments from franchisees in consideration of the termination of their franchise agreements, as discussed below. Reported net earnings per diluted share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 were reduced by $0.65 per share as a result of litigation expenses and an additional $0.04 per share as a result of refinancing expenses, as discussed below. Through the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007, the Company generated cash flow from operations of approximately $240.4 million, while ending the year with $97.4 million of cash on hand. During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 3,832,150 shares of its common stock for $83.4 million in cash under its common stock repurchase program. To date, the Company has repurchased a total of 18,460,950 shares and has utilized approximately $444.3 million of the $500.0 million authorized by its Board of Directors since the inception of the plan. In addition, during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007, the Company reduced its outstanding indebtedness by approximately $33.9 million. Since December 31, 2007, the Company has further reduced its outstanding indebtedness by approximately $60.0 million. Operations Highlights During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company opened seven new store locations, acquired accounts from four locations, and consolidated 287 stores into existing locations, for a net reduction of 280 stores and an ending balance as of December 31, 2007 of 3,081 company-owned stores. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company added financial services to nine existing rent-to-own store locations, acquired accounts from two locations, consolidated 14 stores with financial services into existing locations, and closed one location, ending the quarter with a total of 276 stores providing these services. Through the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007, the Company opened 27 new store locations, acquired 14 stores as well as accounts from 34 additional locations, consolidated 363 stores into existing locations, and sold three stores, for a net reduction of 325 stores since December 31, 2006. Through the twelve month period ending December 31, 2007, the Company added financial services to 157 existing rent-to-own store locations, acquired accounts from two locations, consolidated 21 stores with financial services into existing locations, and closed 10 locations, for a net addition of 126 stores providing these services. Since December 31, 2007, the Company has opened one new store location, acquired accounts from two locations, consolidated four stores into existing locations, and sold four stores. The Company has added financial services to four existing rent-to-own store locations and closed two locations since December 31, 2007. 2007 Significant Items Shafer/Johnson. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded a pre-tax expense of $11.0 million related to the prospective settlement of the Eric Shafer et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Victor E. Johnson et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. coordinated matters pending in state court in Los Angeles, California, as discussed above. This litigation expense reduced diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2007 by $0.11 and for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007 by $0.10. Store Consolidation Plan Expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring expense of approximately $38.7 million related to the store consolidation plan and other restructuring items announced on December 3, 2007. The costs with respect to these store closings relate primarily to lease terminations, fixed asset disposals and other miscellaneous items. This restructuring expense reduced diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2007 by $0.39 and for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007 by $0.37. Settlement with ColorTyme Franchisees. On July 31, 2007, ColorTyme entered into a settlement agreement with five affiliated ColorTyme franchisees pursuant to which the franchise agreements with respect to approximately 65 ColorTyme stores were terminated. ColorTyme received a cash payment in satisfaction of the contractually required, future royalties owed to ColorTyme pursuant to the franchise agreements. This settlement payment increased diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007. Hilda Perez. On November 5, 2007, we paid an aggregate of $109.3 million, including plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and administration costs, pursuant to the court approved settlement of the Hilda Perez v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. matter pending in New Jersey. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company is entitled to 50% of any undistributed monies in the settlement. As previously reported, the Company recorded a pre-tax expense of $58.0 million in connection with the Perez matter during the fourth quarter of 2006, and an additional pre-tax charge of $51.3 million in the first quarter of 2007, to account for the aforementioned costs. The litigation expense with respect to the Perez settlement reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.48 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007. 2006 Significant Items 2006 Litigation Expense Hilda Perez. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company recorded a pre-tax expense of $58.0 million related to the Hilda Perez v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. matter. This litigation expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.51 in the fourth quarter of 2006 and $0.52 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006. Burdusis/French/Corso. In the first quarter of 2007, we paid approximately $4.95 million, including attorneys’ fees, pursuant to the court approved settlement with the plaintiffs to resolve the Jeremy Burdusis, et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc., et al./Israel French, et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Kris Corso, et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. coordinated matters pending in state court in Los Angeles, California. The Company recorded a pre-tax expense of $4.95 million in the third quarter of 2006 to account for the settlement amount and attorneys' fees. This litigation expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006. California Attorney General. As announced on October 30, 2006, the Company reached a settlement with the California Attorney General to resolve the inquiry received in the second quarter of 2004 regarding the Company's business practices in California with respect to its cash prices and its membership program. As part of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay restitution to certain customers in the aggregate amount of approximately $9.6 million. The Company is in the process of finalizing the terms of the restitution program with the California Attorney General and expects to fund the restitution account as soon as reasonably practicable following the finalization of such terms. To account for the settlement costs, as well as the Company's attorneys' fees, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $10.35 million in the third quarter of 2006. The litigation expense with respect to the California Attorney General settlement reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.09 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006. 2006 Refinancing Expense 2006 Senior Credit Facility Refinancing Expenses. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company recorded a pre-tax expense of approximately $2.2 million to write off the remaining unamortized balance of financing costs from our previous credit agreement closed in July 2004. This refinancing expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.02 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company re-financed its credit agreement in connection with the Rent-Way acquisition and recorded a pre-tax expense of approximately $2.6 million to write off the remaining unamortized balance of financing costs from our previous credit agreement closed in July 2006. This refinancing expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.02 in both the fourth quarter of 2006 and for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006. Rent-A-Center, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter results, guidance and other operational matters on Tuesday morning, February 5, 2008, at 10:45 a.m. EST. For a live webcast of the call, visit http://investor.rentacenter.com. Certain financial and other statistical information that will be discussed during the conference call will also be provided on the same website. Rent-A-Center, Inc., headquartered in Plano, Texas, currently operates approximately 3,080 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico. The stores generally offer high-quality, durable goods 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. ColorTyme, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a national franchiser of approximately 215 rent-to-own stores operating under the trade name of "ColorTyme." The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. These statements do not include the potential impact of any repurchases of common stock the Company may make, or the potential impact of acquisitions or dispositions that may be completed after February 4, 2008. FIRST QUARTER 2008 GUIDANCE: Revenues The Company expects total revenues to be in the range of $738 million to $753 million. Store rental and fee revenues are expected to be between $632 million and $644 million. Total store revenues are expected to be in the range of $727 million to $742 million. Same store sales are expected to be in the flat to 1% range. The Company expects to open approximately 5 new rent-to-own store locations. The Company expects to add financial services to approximately 10 rent-to-own store locations. Expenses The Company expects cost of rental and fees to be between 22.6% and 23.0% of store rental and fee revenue and cost of merchandise sold to be between 68% and 72% of store merchandise sales. Store salaries and other expenses are expected to be in the range of 56.8% to 58.3% of total store revenue. General and administrative expenses are expected to be between 4.2% and 4.4% of total revenue. Net interest expense is expected to be approximately $21 million, depreciation of property assets is expected to be approximately $18 million and amortization of intangibles is expected to be approximately $4 million. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 37.0% of pre-tax income. Diluted earnings per share are estimated to be in the range of $0.47 to $0.53. Diluted shares outstanding are estimated to be between 66.8 million and 67.8 million. FISCAL 2008 GUIDANCE: Revenues The Company expects total revenues to be in the range of $2.868 billion and $2.908 billion. Store rental and fee revenues are expected to be between $2.515 billion and $2.555 billion. Total store revenues are expected to be in the range of $2.830 billion and $2.870 billion. Same store sales are expected to be in the flat to 2% range. The Company expects to open approximately 40 new rent-to-own store locations. The Company expects to add financial services to approximately 150 - 200 rent-to-own store locations. Expenses The Company expects cost of rental and fees to be between 22.6% and 23.0% of store rental and fee revenue and cost of merchandise sold to be between 72% and 76% of store merchandise sales. Store salaries and other expenses are expected to be in the range of 57.0% to 58.5% of total store revenue. General and administrative expenses are expected to be between 4.3% and 4.5% of total revenue. Net interest expense is expected to be between $70 million and $75 million, depreciation of property assets is expected to be between $68 million and $73 million and amortization of intangibles is expected to be approximately $12 million. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 37.0% of pre-tax income. Diluted earnings per share are estimated to be in the range of $2.17 to $2.32. Diluted shares outstanding are estimated to be between 67.0 million and 68.0 million. This press release and the guidance above contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "could," "estimate," "should," "anticipate," or "believe," or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. The actual future performance of the Company could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: uncertainties regarding additional costs and expenses that could be incurred in connection with the store consolidation plan; uncertainties regarding the ability to open new rent-to-own stores; the Company's ability to acquire additional rent-to-own stores on favorable terms; the Company's ability to identify and successfully enter new lines of business offering products and services that appeal to its customer demographic, including its financial services products; the Company's ability to enhance the performance of acquired stores; the Company's ability to control costs; the Company's ability to identify and successfully market products and services that appeal to its customer demographic; the Company's ability to enter into new and collect on its rental purchase agreements; the Company's ability to enter into new and collect on its short term loans; the passage of legislation adversely affecting the rent-to-own or financial services industries; interest rates; economic pressures affecting the disposable income available to the Company's targeted consumers, such as high fuel and utility costs; changes in the Company's stock price and the number of shares of common stock that it may or may not repurchase; changes in estimates relating to self-insurance liabilities and income tax and litigation reserves; changes in the Company's effective tax rate; the Company's 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 the Company's litigation; the court hearing the Walker matter could refuse to approve the settlement or could require changes to the settlement that are unacceptable to the Company or the plaintiffs; the negotiation of and entry into definitive settlement documentation with respect to the prospective settlement of the Shafer/Johnson matter; one or more parties filing an objection to the prospective Shafer/Johnson settlement; a specified percentage of class members timely and validly opt out of the prospective Shafer/Johnson settlement; the court hearing the Shafer/Johnson matter could refuse to approve the prospective settlement or could require changes to the prospective settlement that are unacceptable to the Company or the plaintiffs; and the other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC reports, including but not limited to, the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and its quarterly reports for the quarters ended March 31, 2007, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2007. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries   STATEMENT OF EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS   (In Thousands of Dollars, except per share data) Three Months Ended December 31,   2007     2007     2006     2006   Before Restructuring Expense & Litigation Expense (Non-GAAP) After Restructuring Expense & Litigation Expense (GAAP)   Before Litigation Expense & Refinancing Expense (Non-GAAP) After Litigation Expense & Refinancing Expense (GAAP)     Total Revenue $ 716,963 $ 716,963 $ 656,126 $ 656,126 Operating Profit 60,196 10,483 (1)(2) 77,396 19,396 Net Earnings 28,071 (5,361 ) (1)(2) 35,596 (2,320 ) (3)(4) Diluted Earnings per Common Share $ 0.42 $ (0.08 ) (1)(2) $ 0.50 $ (0.03 ) (3)(4) Adjusted EBITDA $ 82,679 $ 82,679 $ 95,296 $ 95,296   Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA:   Earnings before income taxes 38,254 (11,459 ) 59,845 (793 ) Add back: Litigation expense -- 11,000 -- 58,000 Refinancing expense -- -- -- 2,638 Restructuring expense -- 38,713 -- -- Interest expense, net 21,942 21,942 17,551 17,551 Depreciation of property assets 18,674 18,674 15,172 15,172 Amortization of intangibles   3,809   3,809     2,728   2,728   Adjusted EBITDA $ 82,679 $ 82,679 $ 95,296 $ 95,296       (In Thousands of Dollars, except per share data) Twelve Months Ended December 31,   2007   2007     2006   2006   Before Royalty Payment, Litigation Expense, & Restructuring Expense (Non-GAAP) After Royalty Payment, Litigation Expense, & Restructuring Expense (GAAP)   Before Litigation Expenses & Refinancing Expense (Non-GAAP) After Litigation Expenses & Refinancing Expense (GAAP)     Total Revenue $ 2,902,221 $ 2,906,121 (5) $ 2,433,908 $ 2,433,908 Operating Profit 301,300 204,237 (1)(2)(5)(6) 295,244 221,944 Net Earnings 139,957 76,268 (1)(2)(5)(6) 152,147 103,092 (3)(4)(7)(8)(9) Diluted Earnings per Common Share $ 2.01 $ 1.10 (1)(2)(5)(6) $ 2.15 $ 1.46 (3)(4)(7)(8)(9) Adjusted EBITDA $ 388,313 $ 388,313 $ 356,468 $ 356,468   Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA:   Earnings before income taxes 213,349 116,286 242,241 164,138 Add back: Litigation expense -- 62,250 -- 73,300 Refinancing expense -- -- -- 4,803 Franchisees royalty payment -- (3,900 ) -- -- Restructuring expense -- 38,713 -- -- Interest expense, net 87,951 87,951 53,003 53,003 Depreciation of property assets 71,279 71,279 55,651 55,651 Amortization of intangibles   15,734   15,734     5,573   5,573   Adjusted EBITDA $ 388,313 $ 388,313 $ 356,468 $ 356,468 (1)   Includes the effects of a $38.7 million pre-tax restructuring expense in the fourth quarter of 2007 as part of the December 3, 2007 announced store consolidation plan and other restructuring items. The restructuring expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.39 in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $0.37 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007.   (2) Includes the effects of a $11.0 million pre-tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2007 associated with the prospective settlement of the Shafer/Johnson matter. The expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.11 in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $0.10 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007.   (3) Includes the effects of a $58.0 million pre-tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2006 associated with the litigation expense with respect to the Perez matter. The expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.51 in the fourth quarter of 2006 and $0.52 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006.   (4) Includes the effects of a $2.6 million pre-tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2006 for the refinancing of the Company's senior credit facility. This refinancing expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.02 in both the fourth quarter of 2006 and for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006.   (5) Includes the effects of $3.9 million in franchise royalty income in the third quarter of 2007 for the settlement agreement with five affiliated ColorTyme franchisees. The settlement payment increased diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007.   (6) Includes the effects of a $51.3 million pre-tax litigation expense in the first quarter of 2007 associated with the settlement in the Perez matter. The expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.48 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2007.   (7) Includes the effects of a $2.2 million pre-tax expense in the third quarter of 2006 to write off the remaining unamortized balance of financing costs from the Company's previous credit agreement. This refinancing expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.02 in both the third quarter of 2006 and for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006.   (8) Includes the effects of a $4.95 million pre-tax expense recorded in the third quarter of 2006 pursuant to the court approved settlement with the plaintiffs to resolve the Jeremy Burdusis, et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc., et al./Israel French, et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Kris Corso, et al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. coordinated matters pending in state court in Los Angeles, California. The expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006.   (9) Includes the effects of a $10.35 million pre-tax expense recorded in the third quarter of 2006 to account for the settlement costs and the Company's attorneys' fees associated with resolving the inquiry by the California Attorney General. The Company is in the process of finalizing the terms of the restitution program with the California Attorney General and expects to fund the restitution account as soon as reasonably practicable following the finalization of such terms. The Company also agreed to a civil penalty in the amount of $750,000, which was paid in the first quarter of 2007. The expense reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.09 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006. Selected Balance Sheet Data: (in Thousands of Dollars)   December 31, 2007   December 31, 2006   Cash and cash equivalents $ 97,375 $ 92,344 Prepaid expenses and other assets 56,384 54,068 Rental merchandise, net On rent 735,672 816,762 Held for rent 202,298 239,471 Total Assets 2,626,943 2,740,956   Senior debt 959,335 993,278 Subordinated notes payable 300,000 300,000 Total Liabilities 1,679,852 1,797,997 Stockholders’ Equity 947,091 942,959 Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS   (In Thousands of Dollars, except per share data) Three Months Ended December 31,   2007       2006   Unaudited   Store Revenue Rentals and Fees $ 640,720 $ 594,520 Merchandise Sales 47,494 37,020 Installment Sales 9,927 8,500 Other   7,796     5,344     705,937 645,384   Franchise Revenue Franchisee Merchandise Sales 9,973 9,625 Royalty Income and Fees   1,053     1,117     Total Revenue 716,963 656,126   Operating Expenses Direct Store Expenses Cost of Rentals and Fees 144,798 131,944 Cost of Merchandise Sold 39,460 30,473 Cost of Installment Sales 3,774 3,669 Salaries and Other Expenses 424,830 373,174 Franchise Cost of Merchandise Sold   9,511     9,203     622,373 548,463   General and Administrative Expenses 30,585 27,539 Amortization of Intangibles 3,809 2,728 Litigation Expense 11,000 58,000 Restructuring Expense   38,713     --     Total Operating Expenses   706,480     636,730     Operating Profit 10,483 19,396   Refinancing Expense -- 2,638 Interest Expense 23,832 18,913 Interest Income   (1,890 )   (1,362 )   Earnings before Income Taxes (11,459 ) (793 )   Income Tax Expense   (6,098 )   1,527     NET EARNINGS (5,361 ) (2,320 )   BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES   66,779     70,095     BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.08 ) $ (0.03 )   DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES   67,213     71,191     DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.08 ) $ (0.03 ) Rent-A-Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS   (In Thousands of Dollars, except per share data) Twelve Months Ended December 31,   2007       2006   Unaudited   Store Revenue Rentals and Fees $ 2,594,061 $ 2,174,239 Merchandise Sales 208,989 175,954 Installment Sales 34,576 26,877 Other   25,482     15,607     2,863,108 2,392,677   Franchise Revenue Franchisee Merchandise Sales 34,229 36,377 Royalty Income and Fees   8,784     4,854     Total Revenue 2,906,121 2,433,908   Operating Expenses Direct Store Expenses Cost of Rentals and Fees 574,013 476,462 Cost of Merchandise Sold 156,503 131,428 Cost of Installment Sales 13,270 11,346 Salaries and Other Expenses 1,684,965 1,385,437 Franchise Cost of Merchandise Sold   32,733     34,862     2,461,484 2,039,535   General and Administrative Expenses 123,703 93,556 Amortization of Intangibles 15,734 5,573 Litigation Expense 62,250 73,300 Restructuring Expense   38,713     --     Total Operating Expenses   2,701,884     2,211,964     Operating Profit 204,237 221,944   Refinancing Expense -- 4,803 Interest Expense 94,778 58,559 Interest Income   (6,827 )   (5,556 )   Earnings before Income Taxes 116,286 164,138   Income Tax Expense   40,018     61,046     NET EARNINGS 76,268 103,092   BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES   68,706     69,676     BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 1.11   $ 1.48     DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES   69,475     70,733     DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 1.10   $ 1.46