10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15 (d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

June 30, 2005   1-13941
For Quarter Ended   Commission File No.

 


 

AARON RENTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Georgia   58-0687630

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I. R. S. Employer

Identification No.)

309 E. Paces Ferry Road, N.E.

Atlanta, Georgia

  30305-2377
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(404) 231-0011

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (l) 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  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Title of Each Class


 

Shares Outstanding as of

August 5, 2005


Common Stock, $.50 Par Value

  41,434,839

Class A Common Stock, $.50 Par Value

  8,396,233

 



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AARON RENTS, INC.

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

   Financial Statements:
     Consolidated Balance Sheets –June 30, 2005 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2004
     Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
     Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Review Report

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 6.

   Exhibits

Signatures


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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 - Financial Statements

 

AARON RENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

(Unaudited)

June 30,

2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (In Thousands, Except Share Data)  

ASSETS:

                

Cash

   $ 4,808     $ 5,865  

Accounts Receivable (net of allowances of $2,420 in 2005 and $1,963 in 2004)

     32,871       32,736  

Rental Merchandise

     706,969       639,192  

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

     (236,358 )     (213,625 )
    


 


       470,611       425,567  

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

     119,177       111,118  

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

     93,917       74,874  

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

     25,827       50,128  
    


 


Total Assets

   $ 747,211     $ 700,288  
    


 


LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

   $ 89,743     $ 93,565  

Dividends Payable

     647       647  

Deferred Income Taxes Payable

     81,814       95,173  

Customer Deposits and Advance Payments

     17,714       19,070  

Credit Facilities

     147,637       116,655  
    


 


Total Liabilities

     337,555       325,110  

Commitments & Contingencies

                

Shareholders’ Equity

                

Common Stock, Par Value $.50 Per Share; Authorized: 50,000,000 Shares; Shares Issued: 44,989,602 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

     22,495       22,495  

Class A Common Stock, Par Value $.50 Per Share; Authorized: 25,000,000 Shares; Shares Issued: 12,063,856 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

     6,032       6,032  

Additional Paid-in Capital

     91,438       91,032  

Retained Earnings

     327,324       294,077  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

     (64 )     (539 )
    


 


       447,225       413,097  

Less: Treasury Shares at Cost,

                

Common Stock, 3,569,184 Shares at June 30, 2005 and 3,625,230 Shares at December 31, 2004

     (21,665 )     (22,015 )

Class A Common Stock, 3,667,623 Shares at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

     (15,904 )     (15,904 )
    


 


Total Shareholders’ Equity

     409,656       375,178  
    


 


Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 747,211     $ 700,288  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements


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AARON RENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


  

Six Months Ended

June 30,


     2005

   2004

   2005

   2004

     (In Thousands, Except Share Data)

REVENUES:

                           

Rentals and Fees

   $ 206,626    $ 170,225    $ 415,771    $ 342,597

Retail Sales

     13,314      12,578      29,357      29,049

Non-Retail Sales

     42,212      35,272      87,783      81,771

Franchise Royalties and Fees

     7,137      5,610      14,328      11,526

Other

     2,049      6,601      3,447      7,836
    

  

  

  

       271,338      230,286      550,686      472,779
    

  

  

  

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

                           

Retail Cost of Sales

     8,892      8,663      19,628      20,373

Non-Retail Cost of Sales

     39,089      32,709      81,722      76,015

Operating Expenses

     121,602      100,658      241,233      202,751

Depreciation of Rental Merchandise

     74,374      62,062      149,504      125,532

Interest

     1,737      1,266      3,337      2,474
    

  

  

  

       245,694      205,358      495,424      427,145
    

  

  

  

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     25,644      24,928      55,262      45,634

INCOME TAXES

     9,524      9,543      20,720      17,432
    

  

  

  

NET EARNINGS

   $ 16,120    $ 15,385    $ 34,542    $ 28,202
    

  

  

  

COMMON STOCK AND CLASS A COMMON STOCK EARNINGS PER SHARE:

                           

Basic

   $ .32    $ .31    $ .69    $ .57
    

  

  

  

Assuming Dilution

     .32      .30      .68      .56
    

  

  

  

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE:

                           

Common Stock

   $ .013    $ .013    $ .026    $ .013

Class A Common Stock

     .013      .013      .026      .013

COMMON STOCK AND CLASS A COMMON STOCK WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

                           

Basic

     49,792      49,632      49,780      49,478

Assuming Dilution

     50,774      50,525      50,761      50,393

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements


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AARON RENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 
     (In Thousands)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net Earnings

   $ 34,542     $ 28,202  

Depreciation and Amortization

     162,724       137,548  

Additions to Rental Merchandise

     (294,965 )     (267,314 )

Book Value of Rental Merchandise Sold or Disposed

     109,399       103,386  

Change in Deferred Income Taxes

     (13,468 )     12,089  

Gain on Sale of Marketable Securities

     (565 )     (5,481 )

Loss / (Gain) on Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment

     61       (357 )

Change in Income Tax Receivable, Included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

     20,023       —    

Change in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

     (4,894 )     (830 )

Change in Accounts Receivable

     (135 )     1,746  

Other Changes, Net

     (3,211 )     360  
    


 


Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     9,511       9,349  
    


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

     (21,411 )     (16,662 )

Contracts and Other Assets Acquired

     (28,459 )     (12,819 )

Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities

     6,993       7,592  

Investment in Marketable Securities

     —         (5,007 )

Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment

     2,170       4,400  
    


 


Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (40,707 )     (22,496 )
    


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Proceeds from Credit Facilities

     205,647       149,539  

Repayments on Credit Facilities

     (174,665 )     (138,152 )

Dividends Paid

     (1,295 )     (655 )

Issuance of Stock Under Stock Option Plans

     452       851  
    


 


Cash Provided by Financing Activities

     30,139       11,583  
    


 


Decrease in Cash

     (1,057 )     (1,564 )

Cash at Beginning of Period

     5,865       4,687  
    


 


Cash at End of Period

   $ 4,808     $ 3,123  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements


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AARON RENTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2005

(Unaudited)

 

Note A - Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aaron Rents, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2005, and the consolidated statements of earnings and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, are unaudited. The preparation of interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Management does not believe these estimates or assumptions will change significantly in the future absent unsurfaced or unforeseen events. Generally, actual experience has been consistent with management’s prior estimates and assumptions; however, actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

On July 12, 2004 the Company announced a 3-for-2 stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend on both its Common Stock and Class A Common Stock. New shares were distributed on August 16, 2004 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 2, 2004. All share and per share information has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this transaction.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. We suggest you read these financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2004. The results of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full year.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

See Note A to the consolidated financial statements in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Cash

 

In the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004 and consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004, checks outstanding were classified as a reduction to cash. Because the financial institutions with checks outstanding and those with deposits on hand did not and do not have legal rights of offset, we have reclassified checks outstanding in certain zero balance bank accounts to accounts payable at June 30, 2005 and for all consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows presented. This reclassification has the effect of increasing both cash and accounts payable and accrued expenses by $3.0 million on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004 and the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses by $1.6 million on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004.


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Rental Merchandise

 

See Note A to the consolidated financial statements in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Rental merchandise adjustments for the three-month periods ended June 30 were $5.0 million in 2005 and $3.3 million in 2004. Rental merchandise adjustments for the six-month periods ended June 30 were $8.1 million in 2005 and $7.0 million in 2004. These charges are recorded as a component of operating expenses. Effective September 30, 2004 we began recording rental merchandise adjustments on the allowance method, which estimates merchandise losses incurred but not yet identified by management as of the end of the accounting period. We expect periodic rental merchandise adjustments under this new method to be materially consistent with the prior year’s adjustments under the formerly utilized direct write-off method, pursuant to which merchandise losses were only recognized after they were specifically identified.

 

Certain transactions previously reflected as a reduction of book value of rental merchandise sold or disposed in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are reflected as an addition to rental merchandise for the six months period ended June 30, 2005. These transactions have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows to conform with the current period presentation, resulting in increases in both additions to rental merchandise and book value of rental merchandise sold or disposed of $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

During 2005, the Company recorded $18.3 million in goodwill, $1.6 million in customer relationship intangibles, and $0.2 million in acquired franchise development rights in connection with a series of acquisitions of sales and lease ownership businesses. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of two years. Amortization expense approximated $532,000 and $374,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amortization expense approximated $1,017,000 and $685,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The aggregate purchase price for these asset acquisitions totaled approximately $28.5 million, with the principal tangible assets acquired consisting of rental merchandise and certain fixtures and equipment. These purchase price allocations are tentative and preliminary; we anticipate finalizing them prior to December 31, 2005. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the Company’s results of operations from the dates of acquisition and are not significant.

 

Stock Compensation

 

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation. The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees primarily with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant and, accordingly, recognizes no compensation expense for these stock option grants. The Company has granted stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain key executives with an exercise price below the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. Compensation expense for these grants is recognized over the three-year vesting period of the options for the difference between the exercise price and the fair value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant times the number of options granted.


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For purposes of pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123 as amended by SFAS No. 148, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each period:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)


   2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Net Earnings before effect of Key Executive grants

   $ 16,253     $ 15,417     $ 34,807     $ 28,234  

Expense effect of Key Executive grants recognized

     (133 )     (32 )     (265 )     (32 )
    


 


 


 


Net Earnings as Reported

     16,120       15,385       34,542       28,202  

Stock-based Employee Compensation Cost, Net of Tax - Pro Forma

     (517 )     (408 )     (1,013 )     (816 )
    


 


 


 


Pro Forma Net Earnings

   $ 15,603     $ 14,977     $ 33,529     $ 27,386  
    


 


 


 


Basic Earnings Per Share - As Reported

   $ .32     $ .31     $ .69     $ .57  
    


 


 


 


Basic Earnings Per Share - Pro Forma

   $ .31     $ .30     $ .67     $ .55  
    


 


 


 


Diluted Earnings Per Share - As Reported

   $ .32     $ .30     $ .68     $ .56  
    


 


 


 


Diluted Earnings Per share - Pro Forma

   $ .31     $ .30     $ .66     $ .54  
    


 


 


 


 

For periods beginning after December 31, 2005, the Company anticipates accounting for all employee stock options under the fair value method. See Note E.

 

Note B – Credit Facilities

 

See Note D to the consolidated financial statements in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There were no significant changes in the nature of the Company’s borrowings under credit facilities during the six months ended June 30, 2005 or to its capital leases with related parties. The Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants contained in its credit facilities.

 

Note C – Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income is comprised of the net earnings of the Company, the change in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of income taxes, and the changes in unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes, as summarized below:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 

(In Thousands)

 

   2005

   2004

    2005

   2004

 

Net Earnings

   $ 16,120    $ 15,385     $ 34,542    $ 28,202  

Other comprehensive income:

                              

Derivative instruments, net of taxes

     95      263       215      384  

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

     —        182       82      2,378  

Recognition of unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

     178      (3,350 )     178      (3,350 )
    

  


 

  


Total other comprehensive income

     273      (2,905 )     475      (588 )
    

  


 

  


Comprehensive Income

   $ 16,393    $ 12,480     $ 35,017    $ 27,614  
    

  


 

  



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Note D – Segment Information

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 

(In Thousands)

 

   2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Revenues From External Customers:

                                

Sales & Lease Ownership

   $ 231,400     $ 188,848     $ 472,018     $ 398,251  

Rent-to-Rent

     28,511       26,044       58,696       53,635  

Franchise

     7,222       5,634       14,492       11,562  

Other

     1,885       6,951       3,084       8,074  

Manufacturing

     19,026       15,630       44,975       34,714  

Elimination of Intersegment Revenues

     (18,894 )     (15,727 )     (44,857 )     (34,902 )

Cash to Accrual Adjustments

     2,188       2,906       2,278       1,445  
    


 


 


 


Total Revenues from External Customers

   $ 271,338     $ 230,286     $ 550,686     $ 472,779  
    


 


 


 


Earnings Before Income Taxes:

                                

Sales & Lease Ownership

   $ 15,967     $ 13,312     $ 37,180     $ 30,612  

Rent-to-Rent

     2,645       1,793       6,287       4,461  

Franchise

     5,237       4,000       10,641       8,271  

Other

     1,279       4,200       656       2,162  

Manufacturing

     608       17       1,195       949  
    


 


 


 


Earnings Before Income Taxes for Reportable Segments

     25,736       23,322       55,959       46,455  

Elimination of Intersegment Loss (Profit)

     (557 )     68       (1,087 )     (939 )

Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments

     465       1,538       390       118  
    


 


 


 


Total Earnings Before Income Taxes

   $ 25,644     $ 24,928     $ 55,262     $ 45,634  
    


 


 


 


 

Revenues in the “Other” category are primarily from leasing space to unrelated third parties in our corporate headquarters building and revenues from several minor unrelated activities. The pre-tax items in the “Other” category are the net result of the profits and losses from leasing a portion of the corporate headquarters and several minor unrelated activities, and the portion of corporate overhead not allocated to the reportable segments for management purposes.

 

Earnings before income taxes for each reportable segment are generally determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States with the following adjustments:

 

    A predetermined amount of approximately 2.3% of each reportable segment’s revenues is charged to the reportable segment as an allocation of corporate overhead.

 

    Accruals related to store closures are not recorded on the reportable segments’ financial statements, but are rather maintained and controlled by corporate headquarters.

 

    The capitalization and amortization of manufacturing and distribution variances are recorded on the consolidated financial statements as part of Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments and are not allocated to the segment that holds the related rental merchandise.

 

    Advertising expense in our Sales and Lease Ownership Division is estimated at the beginning of each year and then allocated to the division ratably over time for management reporting purposes. For financial reporting purposes, advertising expense is recognized when the related advertising activities occur. The difference between these two methods is reflected as part of Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments.

 

    Sales and lease ownership rental merchandise write-offs are recorded using the direct write-off method for management reporting purposes and using the allowance method for financial reporting purposes. The difference between these two methods is reflected as part of Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments.

 

    Interest on borrowings is estimated at the beginning of each year. Interest is then allocated to operating segments on the basis of relative total assets.

 

    Sales and lease ownership revenues are reported on a cash basis for management reporting purposes.


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Note E – Adoption of New Accounting Principles

 

In November 2004 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs - An Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. SFAS 151 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4, to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) should be recognized as current period charges. In addition, SFAS 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS 151 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2006, though early application is permitted. Management is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 151, but does not expect the impact to be material.

 

In December 2004 the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-based Payment (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R amends SFAS 123 to require adoption of the fair value method of accounting for employee stock options. In April 2005, the SEC extended the adoption date of SFAS 123R to January 1, 2006 for calendar year companies. The transition guidance in SFAS 123R specifies that compensation expense for options granted prior to the effective date be recognized over the remaining vesting period of those options, and that compensation expense for options granted subsequent to the effective date be recognized over the vesting period of those options. We anticipate recognizing compensation expense of approximately $2.8 million and $1.2 million, or $.05 and $.02 per diluted share, for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, in connection with stock option grants made prior to June 30, 2005.

 

In May 2005 the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3 (SFAS 154). SFAS 154 replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 applies to all voluntary changes in an accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and error corrections occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 154 is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Note F – Commitments

 

The Company leases warehouse and retail store space for substantially all of its operations under operating leases expiring at various times through 2019. We also lease certain properties under capital leases with certain related parties that are more fully described in Note D to the consolidated financial statements in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Most of the leases contain renewal options for additional periods ranging from one to 15 years or provide for options to purchase the related property at predetermined purchase prices that do not represent bargain purchase options. We also lease transportation and computer equipment under operating leases expiring during the next five years. We expect that most leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business.

 

The Company has guaranteed the borrowings of certain independent franchisees under a franchise loan program with a bank. In the event these franchisees are unable to meet their debt service payments or otherwise experience an event of default, the Company would be unconditionally liable for a portion of the outstanding balance of the franchisee’s debt obligations, which would be due in full within 90 days of the event of default. At June 30, 2005, the portion that the Company might be obligated to repay in the event franchisees defaulted was approximately $113.3 million. However, due to franchisee borrowing limits, management believes any losses associated with any defaults would be mitigated through recovery of rental merchandise as well as the associated rental agreements and other assets. Since its inception in 1994, the Company has had no losses associated with the franchisee loan and guaranty program.

 

The Company has no long-term commitments to purchase merchandise. See Note F to the consolidated financial statements in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.

 

Note G – Subsequent Event

 

On July 27, 2005, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement with a consortium of insurance companies. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company and its two subsidiaries as co-obligors issued $60 million in senior unsecured notes to the purchasers in a private placement. The notes bear interest at a rate of 5.03% per year and mature on July 27, 2012. Interest only payments are due quarterly for the first two years, followed by annual $12 million principal repayments plus interest for the five years thereafter, beginning on July 27, 2008. The note purchase agreement contains financial maintenance covenants, negative covenants regarding the Company’s other indebtedness, its guarantees and investments, and other customary covenants substantially similar to the covenants in the Company’s revolving credit facility, loan


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facility agreement and guaranty, existing note purchase agreement for the Company’s $50 million in outstanding 6.88% senior unsecured notes due 2009 and its construction and lease facility, as modified by amendments to those agreements entered into contemporaneously with the new note purchase agreement. The Company intends to use this financing to replace shorter-term borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Aaron Rents, Inc.

 

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Aaron Rents, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Aaron Rents, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended not presented herein, and in our report dated March 7, 2005, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

Atlanta, Georgia

August 5, 2005


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statements, including risks and uncertainties associated with our growth strategy, competition, trends in corporate spending, our franchise program, government regulation and the other risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption “Certain Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I, Item 1 - “Business” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company’s other public filings.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2005, including the notes to those statements, appearing elsewhere in this report. We also suggest that this management’s discussion and analysis be read in conjunction with the management’s discussion and analysis and consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Overview

 

Aaron Rents, Inc. is a leading U.S. company engaged in the combined businesses of the rental, lease ownership and specialty retailing of consumer electronics, residential and office furniture, household appliances and accessories. Our major operating divisions are the Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership Division, the Aaron Rents’ Rent-to-Rent Division, and the MacTavish Furniture Industries Division, which manufactures and supplies nearly one-half of the furniture and related accessories rented and sold in our stores. Our sales and lease ownership division accounted for 89% of our total revenues in the second quarter and the first six months of 2005 compared with 86% and 87% in the comparable periods in 2004.

 

In this management’s discussion and analysis section we review the results of our sales and lease ownership and rent-to-rent divisions, as well as the five components of our revenues: rentals and fees, retail sales, non-retail sales, franchise royalties and fees and other revenues. Rentals and fees includes all revenues derived from rental agreements from our sales and lease ownership and rent-to-rent stores, including agreements that result in our customers acquiring ownership at the end of the term. Retail sales represents sales of both new and rental return merchandise. Non-retail sales mainly represent merchandise sales to our franchisees from our sales and lease ownership division. Franchise royalties and fees represent fees from sale of franchise rights and royalty payments from franchisees as well as other related income from our franchise stores. Other revenues represents other miscellaneous revenues ancillary to our core operations, including the gain on the sale of investments.

 

We separate our cost of sales into two components: retail and non-retail. Retail cost of sales represents the original or depreciated cost of merchandise sold through our Company-operated stores. Non-retail cost of sales mainly represents the cost of merchandise sold to our franchisees.


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Results of Operations

 

Three months ended June 30, 2005 versus three months ended June 30, 2004

 

The following table shows key selected financial data for the quarters ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and the changes in dollars and as a percentage to 2005 from 2004:

 

(In Thousands)


  

Three Months
Ended June 30,

2005


  

Three Months
Ended June 30,

2004


  

Dollar Increase/
(Decrease) to

2005 from 2004


    % Increase/
(Decrease) to
2005 from
2004


 

REVENUES:

                            

Rentals and Fees

   $ 206,626    $ 170,225    $ 36,401     21.4 %

Retail Sales

     13,314      12,578      736     5.9  

Non-Retail Sales

     42,212      35,272      6,940     19.7  

Franchise Royalties and Fees

     7,137      5,610      1,527     27.2  

Other

     2,049      6,601      (4,552 )   (69.0 )
    

  

  


 

       271,338      230,286      41,052     17.8  
    

  

  


 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

                            

Retail Cost of Sales

     8,892      8,663      229     2.6  

Non-Retail Cost of Sales

     39,089      32,709      6,380     19.5  

Operating Expenses

     121,602      100,658      20,944     20.8  

Depreciation of Rental Merchandise

     74,374      62,062      12,312     19.8  

Interest

     1,737      1,266      471     37.2  
    

  

  


 

       245,694      205,358      40,336     19.6  
    

  

  


 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     25,644      24,928      716     2.9  

INCOME TAXES

     9,524      9,543      (19 )   (0.2 )
    

  

  


 

NET EARNINGS

   $ 16,120    $ 15,385    $ 735     4.8 %
    

  

  


 

 

Revenues

 

The 17.8% increase in total revenues in the second quarter of 2005 over the same period in 2004 is primarily attributable to continued growth in our sales and lease ownership division in which revenues increased 21.8%. Total revenues for our sales and lease ownership division increased $43.2 million to $241.5 million in the second quarter of 2005 compared to $198.3 million in the second quarter of 2004. This increase was attributable to a 7.3% increase in same store revenues and the net addition of 133 Company-operated stores since the end of the second quarter of 2004. The total number of Company-owned stores at June 30, 2005 was 743.

 

The 21.4% increase in rentals and fees revenues is attributable to a $35.0 million increase from our sales and lease ownership division related to growth in same store revenues and the increase in the number of stores described above.

 

Revenues from retail sales increased 5.9% due to a $1.0 million increase in our rent-to-rent division primarily related to improving economic conditions. The increase in retail sales in the rent-to-rent division was partially offset by a slight decrease in such revenues in our sales and lease ownership division, which reflects a decreased focus on retail sales in certain stores and the impact of the introduction of an alternative shorter-term lease, which we believe replaced many retail sales.

 

The 19.7% increase in non-retail sales in the second quarter of 2005 reflects the significant growth in our franchise operations.


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The 27.2% increase in franchise royalties and fees primarily reflects an increase in royalty income from franchisees, increasing $1.1 million to $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2005 compared to $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2004, with increased franchise and financing fee revenues comprising the majority of the remainder. This franchisee related revenue growth reflects the net addition of 44 franchised stores since the end of the second quarter 2004 and improving operating revenues driven by increased rental volume at maturing franchised stores. Revenues of franchisees, however, are not revenues of Aaron Rents, Inc.

 

The 69.0% decrease in other revenues is primarily attributable to the recognition of a $5.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of shares of Rainbow Rentals common stock in the second quarter of 2004, partially offset by a $0.6 million pre-tax gain on the sale of shares of Rent-Way, Inc. common stock in the second quarter of 2005.

 

Cost of Sales

 

The 2.6% increase in retail cost of sales is primarily the result of the increase in retail sales in our rent-to-rent division described above, with retail cost of sales as a percentage of retail sales decreasing to 66.8% from 68.9%, due primarily to higher margins on certain retail sales in our sales and lease ownership division.

 

Cost of sales from non-retail sales increased 19.5%, following the increase in non-retail sales described above, with the margin on non-retail sales remaining comparable between the second quarters of 2005 and 2004.

 

Expenses

 

The 20.8% increase in operating expenses is a result of the growth of our sales and lease ownership division described above. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses increased to 44.8% for the second quarter of 2005 compared to 43.7% for the second quarter of 2004. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues in 2005 is in part attributable to the inclusion of the gain on the sale of shares of Rainbow Rentals common stock in the second quarter of 2004, partially offset by the inclusion of the gain on the sale of shares of Rent-Way, Inc. common stock in the second quarter of 2005.

 

The 19.8% increase in depreciation of rental merchandise was the result of the growth of our sales and lease ownership division described above. Depreciation of rental merchandise as a percentage of rentals and fees revenue decreased to 36.0% for the second quarter of 2005 from 36.5% for the second quarter of 2004, resulting from increased rentals in the rent-to-rent division, which depreciates its rental merchandise over a longer life than the sales and lease ownership division, and improved rental margins in the sales and lease ownership division.

 

The 37.2% increase in interest expense is primarily a result of higher debt levels in the second quarter of 2005 compared to the second quarter of 2004.

 

Income tax expense remained relatively flat in the second quarter of 2005 as compared to the second quarter of 2004 and decreased as a percentage of pretax income to 37.1% in 2005 compared to 38.3% in 2004 due to lower state income taxes.

 

Net Earnings

 

The 4.8% increase in net earnings in the second quarter of 2005 is primarily due to the maturation of new Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores added over the past several years contributing to a 7.3% increase in same store revenues, and a 27.2% increase in franchise fees, royalty income, and other related franchise income. As a percentage of total revenues, net earnings decreased to 5.9% for the second quarter of 2005 from 6.7% for the second quarter of 2004 primarily related to the gain on the sale of shares of Rainbow Rentals, Inc. common stock in 2004 as described above.


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Six months ended June 30, 2005 versus six months ended June 30, 2004

 

The following table shows key selected financial data for the six month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and the changes in dollars and as a percentage to 2005 from 2004:

 

(In Thousands)


   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005


   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2004


   Dollar Increase/
(Decrease) to
2005 from 2004


    % Increase/
(Decrease) to
2005 from
2004


 

REVENUES:

                            

Rentals and Fees

   $ 415,771    $ 342,597    $ 73,174     21.4 %

Retail Sales

     29,357      29,049      308     1.1  

Non-Retail Sales

     87,783      81,771      6,012     7.4  

Franchise Royalties and Fees

     14,328      11,526      2,802     24.3  

Other

     3,447      7,836      (4,389 )   (56.0 )
    

  

  


 

       550,686      472,779      77,907     16.5  
    

  

  


 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

                            

Retail Cost of Sales

     19,628      20,373      (745 )   (3.7 )

Non-Retail Cost of Sales

     81,722      76,015      5,707     7.5  

Operating Expenses

     241,233      202,751      38,482     19.0  

Depreciation of Rental Merchandise

     149,504      125,532      23,972     19.1  

Interest

     3,337      2,474      863     34.9  
    

  

  


 

       495,424      427,145      68,279     16.0  
    

  

  


 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     55,262      45,634      9,628     21.1  

INCOME TAXES

     20,720      17,432      3,288     18.9  
    

  

  


 

NET EARNINGS

   $ 34,542    $ 28,202    $ 6,340     22.5 %
    

  

  


 

 

Revenues

 

The 16.5% increase in total revenues during the first six months of 2005 over the same period in 2004 is primarily attributable to continued growth in our sales and lease ownership division in which revenues increased 18.7%. Total revenues for our sales and lease ownership division increased $77.3 million to $490.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to $412.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, an 18.7% increase. This increase was attributable to an 8.0% increase in same store revenues and the net addition of 124 Company-operated stores since the end of the second quarter of 2004.

 

The 21.4% increase in rentals and fees revenues is attributable to a $70.3 million increase from our sales and lease ownership division related to growth in same store revenues and the increase in the number of stores described above.

 

Revenues from retail sales increased 1.1% due to a $2.2 million increase in our rent-to-rent division primarily related to improving economic conditions. The increase in retail sales revenue in the rent-to-rent division was partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease in such revenues in our sales and lease ownership division, which reflects a decreased focus on retail sales in certain stores and the impact of the introduction of an alternative shorter-term lease, which we believe replaced many retail sales.

 

The 7.4% increase in non-retail sales in the first six months of 2005 reflects the significant growth in our franchise operations.

 

The 24.3% increase in franchise royalties and fees primarily reflects an increase in royalty income from franchisees, increasing $2.4 million to $10.7 million in the first six months of 2005 compared to $8.3 million over the same period in 2004, with increased franchise and financing fee revenues comprising the majority of the remainder. This franchisee related revenue growth reflects the net addition of 44 franchised stores since the end of the second quarter 2004 and improving operating revenues driven by increased rental volume at maturing franchised stores. Our franchisees had revenues of $209.5 million during the first six months of 2005, a 21.8% increase over the comparable prior year period. Revenues of franchisees, however, are not revenues of Aaron Rents, Inc.


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The 56.0% decrease in other revenues is primarily attributable to the recognition of a $5.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of shares of Rainbow Rentals common stock in the second quarter of 2004, partially offset by a $0.6 million pre-tax gain on the sale of shares of Rent-Way, Inc. common stock in the second quarter of 2005.

 

Cost of Sales

 

The 3.7% decrease in retail cost of sales is primarily the result of the decrease in retail sales in our sales and lease ownership division described above, with retail cost of sales as a percentage of retail sales decreasing to 66.9% from 70.1%, due primarily to higher margins on certain retail sales in our rent-to-rent division.

 

Cost of sales from non-retail sales increased 7.5%, following the increase in non-retail sales described above, with the margin on non-retail sales remaining comparable between the second quarters of 2005 and 2004.

 

Expenses

 

The 19.0 % increase in operating expenses is a result of the growth of our sales and lease ownership division described above. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses increased to 43.8% in the first six months of 2005 compared to 42.9% during the comparable prior year period. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues in 2005 is in part attributable to the inclusion of the gain on the sale of shares of Rainbow Rentals common stock included in revenues in the second quarter of 2004, partially offset by the inclusion of the gain on sale of shares of Rent-Way, Inc. common stock in the second quarter of 2005.

 

The 19.1% increase in depreciation of rental merchandise was the result of the growth of our sales and lease ownership division described above. Depreciation of rental merchandise as a percentage of rentals and fees revenue decreased to 36.0% in the first six months of 2005 from 36.6% in comparable prior year period, resulting primarily from increased rentals in the rent-to-rent division, which depreciates its rental merchandise over a longer life than the sales and lease ownership division, and improved rental margins in the sales and lease ownership division.

 

The 34.9% increase in interest expense is primarily a result of higher debt levels in the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

The 18.9% increase in income tax expense is driven primarily by the increase in net earnings described below, offset by a reduction in the effective tax rate to 37.5% relating to state income taxes in 2005.

 

Net Earnings

 

The 22.5% increase in net earnings to $34.5 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2005 from $28.2 million in the comparable period of 2004 is primarily due to the maturation of new Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores added over the past several years contributing to an 8.0% increase in same store revenues, and a 24.3% increase in franchise fees, royalty income, and other related franchise income. As a percentage of total revenues, net earnings increased to 6.3% for the first six months of 2005 from 6.0% for the comparable 2004 period.

 

Balance Sheet

 

Cash. The Company’s cash balance decreased to $4.8 million at June 30, 2005 from $5.9 million at December 31, 2004. The decrease between periods is the result of an increase in the funds transfers between banks without right of offset as of June 30, 2005.

 

Rental Merchandise. The $45.0 million increase in rental merchandise, net of accumulated depreciation, to $470.6 million on June 30, 2005 from $425.6 million on December 31, 2004, is primarily the result of a net increase of 68 Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores and one additional fulfillment center since December 31, 2004.


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Goodwill and Other Intangibles. The $19.0 million increase in goodwill and other intangibles, to $93.9 million on June 30, 2005 from $74.9 million on December 31, 2004, is the result of a series of acquisitions of sales and lease ownership businesses, net of amortization of certain finite-life intangible assets. The aggregate purchase price for these asset acquisitions totaled approximately $28.5 million, with the principal tangible assets acquired consisting of rental merchandise and certain fixtures and equipment.

 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets. The $24.3 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets, to $25.8 million on June 30, 2005 from $50.1 million on December 31, 2004, is in part the result of collection during the quarter of $15.2 million in income tax refunds that were receivable at December 31, 2004 and the sale of shares of Rent-Way, Inc. common stock with a carrying value of $6.1 million in the second quarter of 2005.

 

Credit Facilities. The $31.0 million increase in the amounts we owe under our credit facilities to $147.6 million at June 30, 2005 from $116.7 million at last fiscal year end reflects net borrowings under our revolving credit facility during the first six months of 2005 primarily to fund purchases of rental merchandise, acquisitions, and working capital.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

Cash flows from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 were $9.5 million and $9.3 million, respectively. The increase in cash flows from operations is primarily attributable to receipt of a $15.2 million income tax refund, partially offset by income tax payments, and increased net earnings despite increased non-cash expense for depreciation and amortization. Our cash flows include profits on the sale of rental return merchandise. Our primary capital requirements consist of buying rental merchandise for both sales and lease ownership and rent-to-rent stores. As Aaron Rents continues to grow, the need for additional rental merchandise will continue to be our major capital requirement. These capital requirements historically have been financed through:

 

    cash flow from operations

 

    bank credit

 

    trade credit with vendors

 

    proceeds from the sale of rental return merchandise

 

    private debt offerings

 

    stock offerings

 

At June 30, 2005, $76.8 million was outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit agreement. The Company’s credit facilities balance increased by approximately $31 million in the first six months of 2005. The increase in borrowings is primarily attributable to cash borrowed for acquisitions, purchases of rental merchandise, tax payments and working capital. We renegotiated our revolving credit agreement on May 28, 2004, extending the life of the agreement until May 28, 2007 and increasing the total available credit to $87 million. We also have $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.88% senior unsecured notes due August 2009 currently outstanding, for which annual principal repayments of $10 million are first required in the third quarter of 2005. See Note D to the consolidated financial statements appearing in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Subsequent to quarter end, on July 27, 2005 the Company entered into a note purchase agreement with a consortium of insurance companies. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company and its two subsidiaries as co-obligors issued $60 million in senior unsecured notes to the purchasers in a private placement. The notes bear interest at the rate of 5.03% per year and mature on July 27, 2012. Interest only payments are due quarterly for the first two years, followed by annual $12 million principal repayments plus interest for the five years thereafter, beginning on July 27, 2008. The Company intends to use this financing to replace shorter-term borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement.

 

Aaron Rents’ revolving credit agreement and senior unsecured notes, and the construction and lease facility and franchisee loan program discussed below, contain financial covenants which, among other things, forbid us from


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exceeding certain debt to equity levels and require us to maintain minimum fixed charge coverage ratios. These agreements also contain negative covenants regarding the Company’s other indebtedness, its guarantees and investments and other customary covenants, some of which were amended in July 2005 in connection with the note issuance described above in order to make them less restrictive. If we fail to comply with these covenants, we will be in default under these commitments, and all amounts would become due immediately. We were in compliance with all these covenants at June 30, 2005 and anticipate remaining in compliance for the foreseeable future.

 

As of June 30, 2005 Aaron Rents was authorized by its Board of Directors to purchase up to an additional 2,670,502 common shares.

 

We have a consistent history of paying dividends, having paid dividends for 18 consecutive years. A $.013 per share dividend on Common Stock and Class A Common Stock was paid in January 2004 and July 2004. In addition, in July 2004 our Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split, effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend, which was distributed to shareholders in August 2004. In August 2004 the Board of Directors announced an increase in the frequency of the $.013 per share cash dividends on both Common Stock and Class A Common Stock from a semi-annual to a quarterly basis. The payment for the third quarter of 2004 was distributed in October 2004 for a total fiscal year cash outlay of $2.0 million. The payment for the fourth quarter of 2004 was paid in January 2005 and the payment for the first quarter 2005 was paid in April 2005 for a total cash outlay of $1.3 million in 2005. Our Board of Directors announced the dividend for the second quarter of 2005 on May 3, 2005. Subject to sufficient operating profits, to any future capital needs, and to other contingencies, we currently expect to continue our policy of paying dividends. Subsequent to quarter end, on August 4, 2005, our Board of Directors declared a $.014 per share cash dividend, an increase of 7.7% from the previous quarterly dividend of $.013 per share.

 

If we achieve our expected level of growth in our operations, we anticipate we will supplement our expected cash flows from operations, existing credit facilities, vendor credit, and proceeds from the sale of rental return merchandise by expanding our existing credit facilities, by securing additional financing, or by seeking other sources of capital to ensure we will be able to fund our capital and liquidity needs for at least the next 24 months. We believe we can secure these additional sources of liquidity in the ordinary course of business.

 

Commitments

 

Construction and Lease Facility. We maintain a $25 million construction and lease facility. From 1996 to 1999, we arranged for a bank holding company to purchase or construct properties identified by us pursuant to this facility, and we subsequently leased these properties from the bank holding company under operating lease agreements. The total amount advanced and outstanding under this facility at June 30, 2005 was approximately $24.8 million. Since the resulting leases are accounted for as operating leases, we do not record any debt obligation on our balance sheet. This construction and lease facility expires in 2006. Lease payments fluctuate based upon current interest rates and are generally based upon LIBOR plus 97.5 basis points. The lease facility contains residual value guarantee and default guarantee provisions that would require us to make payments to the lessor if the underlying properties are worth less at termination of the facility than specified values in the agreement. Although we believe the likelihood of funding to be remote, the maximum guarantee obligation under the residual value and default guarantee provisions upon termination are approximately $21.1 million and $24.8 million, respectively, at June 30, 2005.

 

Income Taxes. Within the next six months, we anticipate that we will make cash payments for 2005 income taxes approximating $30 million. The Company has in the past benefited from the additional first-year or “bonus” depreciation allowance under U.S. federal income tax law, which generally allowed the Company to accelerate the depreciation on rental merchandise it acquired after September 10, 2001 and placed in service prior to January 1, 2005. It is anticipated that the expiration of this temporary accelerated depreciation allowance, combined with the Company’s profitability, will contribute to the Company having to make future tax payments on its income.

 

Leases. Aaron Rents leases warehouse and retail store space for substantially all of its operations under operating leases expiring at various times through 2019. Most of the leases contain renewal options for additional periods ranging from one to 15 years or provide for options to purchase the related property at predetermined purchase prices that do not represent bargain purchase options. We also lease transportation and computer equipment under operating leases expiring during the next five years. We expect that most leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business. Approximate future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year as of June 30, 2005, including leases under our construction and lease facility described above, are shown below.


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The Company at times obtains ownership of store locations when it constructs free standing properties or when it acquires competitors’ locations. The Company has historically sold and leased back properties it has owned from time to time. The Company presently owns more than 40 various properties at a net book value in excess of $25 million, which it anticipates selling and leasing back in future periods.

 

We have 24 capital leases, 22 of which are with a limited liability company (“LLC”) whose managers and owners are fourteen Aaron Rents’ executive officers and its controlling shareholder, with no individual, including the controlling shareholder, owning more than 10.53% of the LLC. Eleven of these related party leases relate to properties purchased from Aaron Rents in October and November 2004 by this LLC for a total purchase price of approximately $6.8 million. This LLC is leasing back these properties to Aaron Rents for a 15-year term, with a five-year renewal at Aaron Rents’ option, at an aggregate annual rental of approximately $883,000. Another eleven of these related party leases relate to properties purchased from Aaron Rents in December 2002 by the same LLC for a total purchase price of approximately $5.0 million. This LLC is leasing back these properties to Aaron Rents for a 15-year term at an aggregate annual rental of approximately $702,000.

 

The other related party capital lease relates to a property sold by Aaron Rents to a second LLC owned solely by Aaron Rents’ chairman, chief executive officer and controlling shareholder and by its president and chief operating officer, for $6.3 million in April 2002 and leased back to Aaron Rents for a 15-year term at an annual rental of approximately $681,000.

 

The Company does not currently plan to enter into any similar related party transactions in the future. See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Franchisee Loan Guaranty. We have guaranteed the borrowings of certain independent franchisees under a franchise loan program with several banks. At June 30, 2005, the portion that the Company might be obligated to repay in the event franchisees defaulted was approximately $113.3 million. However, due to franchisee borrowing limits, we believe any losses associated with any defaults would be mitigated through recovery of rental merchandise and other assets. Since its inception in 1994, we have had no losses associated with the franchisee loan and guaranty program. The Company believes the likelihood of any significant amounts being funded in connection with these commitments to be remote.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments. The following table shows the Company’s approximate contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments as of June 30, 2005:

 

(In Thousands)


   Total

  

Period Less

Than 1 Year


   Period 2-3
Years


   Period 4-5
Years


  

Period Over

5 Years


Credit Facilities, Excluding Capital Leases

   $ 130,131    $ 10,004    $ 96,808    $ 20,012    $ 3,307

Capital Leases

     17,506      614      1,527      1,999      13,366

Operating Leases

     176,128      47,801      75,291      31,875      21,161
    

  

  

  

  

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

   $ 323,765    $ 58,419    $ 173,626    $ 53,886    $ 37,834
    

  

  

  

  

 

The following table shows the Company’s approximate commercial commitments as of June 30, 2005:

 

(In Thousands)


   Total
Amounts
Committed


   Period Less
Than 1 Year


   Period 1-3
Years


   Period 4-5
Years


   Period Over
5 Years


Guaranteed Borrowings of Franchisees

   $ 113,294    $ 113,294    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Residual Value Guarantee Under Operating Leases

     21,149      —        21,149      —        —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total Commercial Commitments

   $ 134,443    $ 113,294    $ 21,149    $ —      $ —  
    

  

  

  

  


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Market Risk

 

Occasionally, we manage our exposure to changes in short-term interest rates, particularly to reduce the impact on our variable payment construction and lease facility and floating-rate borrowings, by entering into interest rate swap agreements.

 

At June 30, 2005, we did not have any swap agreements.

 

We do not use any market risk sensitive instruments to hedge commodity, foreign currency, or risks other than interest rate risk, and hold no market risk sensitive instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE OF MARKET RISK

 

The information called for by this item is provided under Item 7A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report above.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

An evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, was carried out by management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

No system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that the system of controls has operated effectively in all cases. Our disclosure controls and procedures, however, are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.

 

Based on management’s evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of the evaluation to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

There were no changes in Aaron Rents’ internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, during the Company’s second quarter of 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

On Tuesday, May 3, 2005, the Company held its annual meeting of shareholders in Atlanta, Georgia. As of the record date, March 11, 2005 there were 8,396,233 shares of Class A Common Stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Represented at the meeting in person or by proxy were 8,259,374 shares representing 98.37% of the total shares of Class A Common Stock entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

The purpose of the meeting was to re-elect ten directors to a one-year term expiring in 2006 and to approve the Aaron Rents, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan.

 

The following tables set forth the results of the vote on the two matters:

 

     Number of Votes

     For

   Withheld

R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr.

   8,195,177    64,398

David L. Kolb

   8,259,520    55

Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr.

   8,195,177    64,398

Gilbert L. Danielson

   8,195,177    64,398

Ronald W. Allen

   8,259,520    55

Leo Benatar

   8,259,520    55

Earl Dolive

   8,259,520    55

Ray M. Robinson

   8,259,520    55

Ingrid Saunders Jones

   8,257,495    2,080

William K. Butler, Jr.

   8,259,520    55

 

     Number of Votes

     For

   Against

   Abstain

  

Broker Non-

Vote


Approval of the Executive Bonus Plan

   8,254,338    2,867    2,370    N/A

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS:

 

The following exhibits are furnished herewith:

 

15   Letter Re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
31(a)   Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
31(b)   Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
32(a)   Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32(b)   Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of l934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    AARON RENTS, INC.
            (Registrant)
Date – August 8, 2005   By:  

/s/ Gilbert L. Danielson


        Gilbert L. Danielson
        Executive Vice President,
        Chief Financial Officer
Date – August 8, 2005      

/s/ Robert P. Sinclair, Jr.


        Robert P. Sinclair, Jr.
        Vice President,
        Corporate Controller