Aaron Rents, Inc. Franchise News

Aaron's Dedicates Tribute Car to Armed Forces Foundation for Memorial Day Weekend NASCAR Race; Recognizes Wounded Warriors at Talladega
ATLANTA, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. will recognize the nation's nearly three million military personnel at the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend NASCAR race through partnerships with the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
To pay tribute to these brave men and women, the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota will sport the AFF logo and a patriotic red, white and blue paint scheme. Aaron's driver Mark Martin will debut the car at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte on Sunday, May 27. Aaron's has also joined forces with the AFF to raise additional funds through a texting campaign that encourages partners, customers and friends to text 'AFF' to 50555 and contribute $5 that will support our country's military and their families...

ATLANTA, May 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) will present one-of-a-kind, hand-painted Sam Bass trophies to the winners of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 and Nationwide Series Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway May 5 and 6.
This will be the third time Aaron's has contracted with renowned motorsports artist, Sam Bass of Concord, N.C., to design and produce a unique trophy that will be coveted by drivers and racing teams. Aaron's and Bass together developed this year's concept – the trophy will feature an image of the driver standing atop a custom painting of the winning car.
"Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega features some of the most exciting, exceptional racing seen in the sport, and we wanted to create a trophy that exemplifies this unique event," said Ken Butler, Chief Operating Officer of Aaron's, Inc...

ATLANTA, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. will once again honor BCS champion University of Alabama with a Crimson Tide-themed NASCAR paint scheme during the Aaron's 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. The Michael Waltrip Racing No. 15 car will be driven on Sunday in the Sprint Cup series by Clint Bowyer.
"Aaron's is a proud sponsor of the University of Alabama athletic program, and we're thrilled to have an opportunity to honor the school in this exciting and unconventional way," said Ken Butler, Aaron's Chief Operating Officer. "We know how much this means to the people of Tuscaloosa and we hope to give the University of Alabama fans something to smile about on Sunday with a Crimson Tide-themed car in Victory Lane at Talladega...

ATLANTA, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, has declared a quarterly cash dividend. The dividend declared is $.015 per share on Common Stock, payable July 5, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 6, 2012.
Aaron's, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has more than 1,960 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. The Company also manufactures furniture and bedding at 14 facilities in eight states.
SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.
Contact:
Gilbert L. DanielsonExecutive Vice PresidentChief Financial Officer+1-404-231-0011

ATLANTA, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. is partnering with GiANT Impact to scholarship more than 7,100 high school seniors for the Chick-fil-A Leadercast event May 4. Chick-fil-A Leadercast, which will broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast into communities around the world, has grown to become the premier leadership development event with more than 125,000 expected participants.
At least 710 host sites for the simulcast have been selected, and each site has been given the opportunity to invite 10 high school students to participate free of charge. Aaron's is the only event sponsor that will scholarship students at all 710 host locations – plus additional sites that are added before the event takes place.
"As a public company with nearly 2,000 associates at the managerial level, Aaron's is often participating in leadership development seminars and events," said Tristan Montanero, Vice President, Central Operations, Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership...

- Revenues up 10% to $586.9 Million- Same Store Revenues Increase 4.8%- Net Earnings up 60% to $71.2 Million; Diluted EPS $.92- Earnings Include $35.5 Million Reversal of Accrued Lawsuit Expense- Diluted EPS Excluding Reversal of Accrual Increases 16% to $.64- Raises Guidance
ATLANTA, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced record revenues and earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
For the first quarter of 2012, revenues increased 10% to $586.9 million compared to $532.7 million for the first quarter in 2011. Net earnings increased 60% to $71...

Extreme Volunteering: Company Continues Annual Tradition Of Community Service At National Managers Meeting With Second Visit To DFW
ATLANTA, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, will hold its annual national store managers meeting March 20-22 in Dallas.
For the fourth year in a row, Aaron's associates will dedicate one day to "Extreme Volunteering" – a large-scale outreach effort to community projects benefiting military service members, area children and the community. This year marks Aaron's second visit to the Dallas area for its national meeting and community service endeavor...

ATLANTA, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced that the Board of Directors has elected interim CEO Ronald W. Allen as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Mr. Allen served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines from 1987 to 1997, and has been a member of the Aaron's Board since 1997.
"The Board has worked closely with Ron as interim CEO and believes he has the experience, energy and business acumen to lead Aaron's into the next era of continued growth and expansion," said R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., Chairman of the Board...

ATLANTA, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, has declared a quarterly cash dividend. The dividend declared is $.015 per share on Common Stock, payable April 2, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 5, 2012.
Aaron's, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has more than 1,945 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. The Company also manufactures furniture and bedding at 14 facilities in eight states.
SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.
Contact:
Gilbert L. DanielsonExecutive Vice PresidentChief Financial Officer+1-404-231-0011

ATLANTA, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Total Revenues Increased 8% for Both the Quarter and Year
Same Store Revenues Increased 3.7% for Quarter
Diluted EPS of $.40 for Quarter and $1.43 for Year
Diluted EPS Includes $.03 Charge in Both Periods
Expanded Number of HomeSmart Stores and Incurred Startup Expenses

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011.
For the fourth quarter of 2011, revenues increased 8% to $523.5 million compared to $484.4 million for the fourth quarter in 2010...

Jeannie Cave brings 20 years corporate real estate experience to Aaron's
ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, announced today that Jeannie M. Cave has been hired as the Company's new Vice President of Real Estate and Construction.
In her new role reporting to Gil Danielson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Cave will be responsible for a number of activities including the development of strategies that support Aaron's real estate goals and the management of the Company's real estate portfolio for both Company-operated and franchised stores...

ATLANTA, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has extended its store hours to accommodate the expected increase of holiday shopping
All Aaron's stores across the U.S. will follow this schedule through the remainder of 2011:
Friday, Dec. 16 (9am-8pm)Saturday, Dec. 17 (10am-5pm), selected locations (9am-6pm)Monday, Dec. 19 – Friday, Dec. 23 (9am-8pm)Saturday, Dec. 24 (9am-2pm)Monday, Dec. 26 (CLOSED)Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Thursday, Dec. 29 (10am-7pm)Friday, Dec. 30 (10am-8pm)Saturday, Dec. 31 (10am-5pm)Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 (CLOSED)
According to Ken Butler, Aaron's chief operating officer, the Company is assisting its customers in every way it can during the hectic holiday season by extending store hours and discounting popular items...

ATLANTA, Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has entered into a multi-year agreement with IMG College to sponsor athletic programs at 30 top universities across the nation. Aaron's sponsorship commitment in activating across dozens of schools is one of the most significant national partnerships in college sports and considerably expands the Company's reach to universities and the fans that support them.
The agreement includes Aaron's signage at football and basketball venues, promotional rights and tickets. Aaron's is also designated as the preferred vendor in the lease-to-own category of furniture, electronics, appliances and computers...

Jessie Farmer of Wrens, Georgia, Wins Aaron's National Lucky Dog Days Sweepstakes
ATLANTA, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) surprised Jessie Farmer, the grand prize winner of Aaron's National Lucky Dog Days Sweepstakes, on Friday morning at her home in Wrens, Georgia, with a houseful of furniture, name-brand appliances and electronics valued at nearly $11,000. Ms. Farmer is 85 years old and has eight children and 47 grandchildren.
Ms. Farmer's prize package included an eight-piece living room group; an eight-piece bedroom group; a 73" Mitsubishi 1080p big screen TV with TV stand; a 42" Panasonic 720p plasma flat panel TV; a Frigidaire 23 cu. ft side by side refrigerator; a Frigidaire front load high efficiency washer/dryer laundry pair; a Compaq laptop; and a Toshiba tablet...

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, announced today that John C. Portman has resigned from its board of directors.
Portman, chairman and CEO of the Portman Companies, is leaving his Aaron's board position and other extracurricular activities to focus more time on his firm's active architectural business. He has been a member of the Aaron's Board since 2006.
"John has been a valuable board member and his absence will be deeply felt," said Charlie Loudermilk, Aaron's founder and chairman of the board. "He has undoubtedly made a mark on this company and has played an instrumental role in all we have achieved over the past five years...

Ronald W. Allen Appointed Interim CEO
ATLANTA, Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced that for personal health reasons Robert C. ("Robin") Loudermilk, Jr. has resigned his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Loudermilk, Jr. informed the Board that he plans to concentrate his time and attention on his health and on personal and family real estate interests. Mr. Loudermilk, Jr. also resigned from the Company's Board of Directors.
The Company also announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Board member Ronald W...

ATLANTA, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories, today announced that its quarterly dividend rate has been raised to $.015 per share.
The Board of Directors of Aaron's, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.015 per share on Common Stock, payable January 4, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2011. This is an increase of 15.4% from the previous quarterly dividend of $.013 per share.
"This is our sixth consecutive year of increasing the dividend rate," said Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer...

ATLANTA, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Revenues Up 7% to $485 Million
Same Store Revenues Increase 5.3%
EPS Up 13% to $.36
Number of HomeSmart Stores Increase

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced revenues and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
For the third quarter of 2011, revenues increased 7% to $485.2 million compared to $452.2 million for the same period of last year. Net earnings were $28.0 million versus $26.2 million in 2010. Diluted earnings per share were $.36 compared to $...

ATLANTA, Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, announced today that The Council for Quality Growth honored R. Charles "Charlie" Loudermilk, Sr., Founder and Chairman of the Board of Aaron's, Inc., with its 22nd annual Four Pillar Tribute last Thursday at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Paying tribute to Loudermilk and the "Four Pillars" of leadership and success -- Quality,Responsibility, Vision and Integrity -- were John Schuerholz, President, Atlanta Braves; Herman Russell, Chairman of HJ Russell & Company; John Portman, Chairman, Portman Holdings; and Ambassador Andrew Young, Co-Founder and Chairman of Good Works International, LLC...

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, announced today that Cynthia N. Day has been elected to its Board of Directors. Day is the senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of Atlanta-based Citizens Trust Bank.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Cynthia as a member of our Board of Directors," said Robin Loudermilk, CEO and president of Aaron's, Inc. "Cynthia has achieved remarkable success as the first woman to hold a COO position with Citizens Trust. Her 20-year career in banking and finance is a testament to her keen business sense and will be a tremendous asset to our Board...