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Aaron's Company

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Industry Rental & Leasing Services
Employees 10,000+
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FY2012 Annual Report · Aaron's Company
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Annual Report

Growth and Performance

Aaron’s, Inc. is a specialty retailer serving consumers through the sale and lease 
ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances 
and accessories in over 2,000 Company-operated and franchised stores in 
the United States and Canada. Aaron’s is the industry leader in serving the 
moderate-income consumer and offering affordable payment plans, quality 
merchandise and superior service. The Company’s strategic focus is on 
growing the sales and lease ownership business through the addition of new 
Company-operated stores by both internal expansion and acquisitions, as well 
as through its successful and expanding franchise program.

FiNANCiAl HiGHliGHtS

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands,  
Except Per Share) 

OPERAtiNG RESultS
Revenues 

Earnings Before Taxes 

Net Earnings 

Earnings Per Share 

Earnings Per Share Assuming Dilution    

FiNANCiAl POSitiON
Total Assets 

Lease Merchandise, Net 

Credit Facilities 

Shareholders’ Equity 

Book Value Per Share 

Debt to Capitalization 

Pretax Profit Margin 

Net Profit Margin 

Return on Average Equity 

StORES OPEN At YEAR-ENd
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership 

HomeSmart 

Franchised* 

Aaron’s Office Furniture 

Total Stores 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

Year Ended
December 31, 
2011 

Percentage 
Change

$2,222,588 

$2,022,331 

9.9%

276,855 

173,043 

2.28 

2.25 

183,377 

113,767 

1.46 

1.43 

51.0

52.1

56.2

57.3

$1,812,929 

$1,731,899 

4.7%

964,067 

141,528 

1,136,126 

15.00 

11.1% 

12.5 

7.8 

16.4 

1,246 

78 

749 

— 

2,073 

11.8

(8.0)

16.3

16.2

862,276 

153,789 

976,554 

12.91 

13.6% 

9.1 

5.6 

11.6 

1,160 

7.4%

71 

713 

1 

9.9

5.0

nmf

1,945 

6.6%

*  Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership and HomeSmart franchised stores are not owned or operated by Aaron’s, Inc.
nmf — calculation is not meaningful

Revenues By Year

Net Earnings By Year

Store Count

200000

$2,500,000

150000

)
s
d
n
a
s
u
100000
o
h
t
n

i
$
(

50000

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000

500,000

0

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

)
s
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
t
n

i
$
(

$200,000

2500000

2250000

2000000

150,000

1750000

1500000

100,000

1250000

1000000

750000

50,000

500000

250000

0

0

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

1

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
tO OuR SHAREHOldERS

My first full year as CEO of Aaron’s has 

been extremely rewarding in many ways. 
Last year we achieved the best financial 
performance in the Company’s history. 
Additionally, we made strides in building 
a solid infrastructure and implementing

new processes to position ourselves for profitable 
growth for years to come. 

And Aaron’s is growing! Our numbers continue to 
increase in store count, customers, revenues and 
earnings. We offer an attractive solution toward helping 
consumers acquire brand-name home furnishings 
in today’s economic reality of tight credit and high 
unemployment levels. The unique strength of the 
Aaron’s business model gives consumers the ability to 
obtain high-quality home furnishings with personalized 
service, no credit checks, flexible payment plans and the 
option to return a product at any time with no further 
obligation. Ultimately, this model has enabled Aaron’s 
to thrive and gain market share in periods of economic 
expansion, as well as contraction. The operating results 
through the years are proof of Aaron’s success.

Operating highlights of 2012 include:

•  Revenues increased 10% for the year to $2.2 billion. 

Our franchisees also collectively reported a 7% increase 
in revenues to $976 million, although those revenues 
are not revenues of Aaron’s, Inc. 

•  Net earnings for the year were $173.0 million as 

compared to $113.8 million in 2011. Fully diluted 
earnings per share for 2012 were $2.25, a significant 
increase over the $1.43 recorded the year before. Results 
for 2012 and 2011, however, reflected certain unusual 
items, including the accrual of $36.5 million of expense 
related to a lawsuit in the second quarter of 2011 and 
the subsequent reversal of $35.5 million of this expense 
in the first quarter of 2012, a $10.4 million retirement 

2

charge in the third quarter of 2012 and $3.5 million  
in separation costs in the fourth quarter of 2011.

•  Same store revenue growth for the year for  

Company-operated stores was 5.1% and for  
franchised stores 5.0%.

•  For the third year in a row, the Company achieved 

more than 10% growth in the number of customers. 
Customer counts on a same store basis for Company-
operated and franchised stores were up 7.8% and 
9.6%, respectively, over a year ago. At the end of the 
year, Aaron’s had over 1.1 million Company-operated 
store customers and more than 600,000 franchised 
store customers.

•  The store count for the year increased 6.6%, as new 
store opening goals were achieved. During the year 
a net of 93 Company-operated and 36 franchised 
stores were added to the Aaron’s system. This past 
September, we celebrated the opening of our 2,000th 
store, located in the Bronx, and we continue to see 
new markets including all the boroughs of New York as 
growth opportunities for the Company. At the end of 
December, there were 2,073 stores open, a combination 
of Company-operated and franchised stores.

•  The HomeSmart weekly rental business, currently 

consisting of 78 Company-operated and one franchised 
store, grew revenues for the year to $55.2 million, 
more than triple the 2011 revenues of $15.6 million. 
Although revenue and customer growth has been good 
in the HomeSmart stores, we continue to refine the 
concept and store-level execution. At this time, we 
do not plan on opening any additional stores until 
possibly the latter part of 2013.

•  Franchising efforts continue to be robust. During the 
year, area development agreements were awarded to 
open 45 additional franchised stores. At year-end, there 

were outstanding agreements for the opening of 180 
franchised stores over the next several years.

•  Our Woodhaven Furniture Industries Division provides 
the majority of our upholstered and bedding products. 
Woodhaven had a record year in 2012, manufacturing 
$95 million (at cost) of furniture and bedding for 
our stores.

•  Approximately $60 million of cash from operations 

was generated in 2012. The Company’s balance sheet 
is quite solid with more than $200 million in cash and 
investments on hand and limited debt. During the year 
1.2 million shares of common stock were repurchased 
and there is authorization to purchase an additional 
four million shares. 

This past year I spent much of my time visiting stores 
across the country and meeting with our associates. 
The ongoing development, training and recruitment 
of skilled associates are critical to our continued 
success. Much of last year’s efforts were focused 
on enhancing our corporate planning process and 
improving corporate infrastructure. Additionally, there 
are significant initiatives underway in information 
technology, which will enable store personnel to better 
serve customers in a more efficient, cost-effective and 
customer-friendly manner. 

We have also been strengthening our management team:

•  Andrea P. Freeman recently joined Aaron’s as Vice 

President of Marketing, bringing extensive experience, 
knowledge and new ideas to Aaron’s marketing 
promotions and initiatives. 

•  During the fourth quarter, we selected a new leader 
for our HomeSmart Division. Roger N. Estep, a 
25-year veteran of the weekly rental pay industry and 
a nine-year Aaron’s associate, most recently as a Senior 
Regional Manager, was promoted to Vice President, 
HomeSmart Division. 

•  In recognition of their outstanding performance and 
broadened operational responsibilities, long-time 
divisional Vice Presidents David L. Buck and Tristan 
J. Montanero were both promoted at the beginning 
of 2013 to the new position of Senior Vice President, 
Operations. In conjunction with this organizational 
change, Ryan E. Malone was promoted to Vice 
President, Southwestern Operations, and Christopher 
B. Ruffino was promoted to Vice President, 
Central Operations. 

Our Board of Directors added two new members 
in 2012 — Kathy T. Betty, a prominent Atlanta 
businesswoman and former owner of the WNBA’s 
Atlanta Dream; and Hubert L. Harris, Jr. the former 
CEO of Invesco North America. We look forward to 
their valued service on the Board.

This past September, R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., 
founder of Aaron’s in 1955, retired as Chairman. 
Charlie’s vision, entrepreneurial instincts, leadership, 
knowledge, and drive built Aaron’s into a position of 
industry leadership. We all owe Charlie gratitude for 
the business he started and the values he instilled in 
Aaron’s and wish him well in the years ahead.

Lastly, I am honored to follow in Charlie’s footsteps as 
the newly selected Chairman of the Board. 

Simply put, Aaron’s is a good company filled with great 
people who make a difference. I am very enthusiastic 
about the current state of the organization and our 
future prospects.

Ronald W. Allen
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

3

delivering 
customer 
satisfaction 
for 57 years

The AAROn’S SAlES & lEASE OwnERShip model provides 
credit-constrained consumers a flexible path to ownership. A 
wide range of products is offered at various price-points and 
different lease terms, allowing consumers to select a monthly 
payment that fits into their household budgets. Over 46% of 
agreements go to ownership and many of our customers come 
back for additional products. We are proud to have many 
second- and third-generation Aaron’s customers.

The 2,000th STORE opened in 
2012 with system-wide promotional 
festivities. This store is in the  
Bronx and has been adapted for 
the surroundings. We look forward 
to expanding in the large New York 
City market.

4

The hOmESmART weekly rental concept is 
positioned to attract customers who cannot yet 
budget for monthly rentals or who prefer a weekly 
rental. HomeSmart offers products similar to those 
in our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores 
and, we believe, has potential for substantial 
future growth.

RimCO, with a combined 25 Company-
operated and franchised stores, offers 
tires, wheels, and rims to customers under 
sales and lease ownership agreements. 
The stores carry a broad line and can outfit 
nearly every model by every manufacturer. 

5

Aaron’s offers 
products for nearly 
every room in the 
house. No credit? 
No problem.

Because of the COmpAny’S lARgE REvEnuE bASE, 
purchasing power is a competitive advantage. Aaron’s is able 
to work with the largest vendors of products all over the 
world to secure the best products at the best prices. Tablet 
computers are currently one of Aaron’s fastest-growing 
products. We are also able to offer a broad selection of 
high-definition TVs to fit every budget and every family room. 
Aaron’s offers products for nearly every room in a home.

sponsorship of the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream 
Machine Toyota and the Aaron’s Dream 
Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway 
puts the Aaron’s name in front of millions 
of consumers.

The nATiOnAl AdvERTiSing 
pROgRAm at Aaron’s draws customers 
into our stores and strengthens our 
solid brand name recognition. Monthly 
circulars continue to be the most 
important communication with our 
customers, but television 
and radio advertising also 
have proven effective 
in many markets. Our 
high-profile NASCAR 

6

Company-Operated Sales and lease 
Ownership Store Revenues

Other 
3%

Computers 
10%

Electronics  
32%

Furniture 
35%

Appliances 
20%

Our wOOdhAvEn 
FuRniTuRE 
induSTRiES diviSiOn 
produces high-quality 
furniture and bedding at 
competitive prices and is 
able to respond quickly 
to changes in demand 
or styling.

7

A tribute to Charlie loudermilk

In 1955 Charlie Loudermilk, founder of Aaron’s, invested in 300 Army 

surplus chairs that he rented for 10 cents each. Now, 58 years later, 
Aaron’s has grown into a company with a market valuation of more 
than two billion dollars. In 2012, Charlie entered into a well-deserved 
retirement at the age of 85. 

Charlie’s legacy is broad, memorable and lasting. The remarkable success of 
Aaron’s reflects a continual focus on serving customers, adapting to market 
changes and building a strong team of associates. At the foundation of all 
has been a sincere respect for the customer and a commitment to service 
and to “doing the right thing.” Charlie has been an entrepreneur his entire 
life. Because of that, Aaron’s never has been a complacent company. Under 
Charlie’s leadership, Aaron’s adapted to demographic shifts, entered new 
product categories, responded to economic trends, and built a business 
model that is both resilient and flexible. 

Throughout it all, Charlie never lingered on success, but pushed all 
associates to strive for excellence, challenge themselves daily and continue on 
a path of professional development. Charlie’s work ethic is legendary and is 
deeply embedded in the Aaron’s culture and its 12,000-plus associates.

Yet, Charlie has enjoyed every day of his work — meeting customers, vendors, 
associates and, yes, even competitors. The pride in being part of the Aaron’s 
family is a hallmark at national managers’ meetings, the Aaron’s Dream 
Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway and at each store opening.

A notable philanthropist, Charlie has quietly supported dozens of civic, 
educational, and healthcare institutions. From the beginning, Aaron’s has 
worked hard to be a good corporate citizen in every single community where 
there is an Aaron’s store, fulfillment center or manufacturing facility. Civic 
engagement is an integral part of the Aaron’s culture, from the executive 
suite to the individual store associate.

One of Charlie’s proudest accomplishments was establishing ACORP, 
Aaron’s Community Outreach Program. Since the birth of ACORP, Aaron’s 
associates have enthusiastically donated thousands of hours of time to 
community service projects in Aaron’s communities across the country and 
more than $10 million in donations of goods and services.

Charlie Loudermilk embodies the American dream and proves that one 
man’s vision can lead to significant and lasting success.

8

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549  

FORM 10-K  

(Mark One)   
 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 
OR 

 

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

For the Transition Period from ________ to ________ 

Commission file Number.  1-13941 

AARON’S, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  

GEORGIA 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

309 E. PACES FERRY ROAD, N.E. 
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

58-0687630 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

30305-2377 
(Zip Code) 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (404) 231-0011 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, $.50 Par Value 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange 

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.  Yes     No           

1 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Act.  Yes     No  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if 

any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and 
post such files).  Yes     No   

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained 
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer 

or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of ―large accelerated filer,‖ ―accelerated filer,‖ and ―smaller 
reporting company‖ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.   

Large Accelerated Filer   
Non-Accelerated Filer    

Accelerated Filer   
Smaller Reporting Company  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).         

Yes     No      

        The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 29, 2012 was 
$1,962,847,697 based on the closing price on that date as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.  As of February 
15, 2013, there were 75,767,000 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

        Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated 
by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.  

2 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
PART I 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

PART II 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

PART III 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

PART IV 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES 

SIGNATURES 

3 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS 

Certain oral and written statements made by Aaron’s, Inc. about future events and expectations, including 
statements in this annual report on Form 10-K, are ―forward-looking statements.‖ For those statements we claim the 
protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding 
our future economic performance, taking into account the information currently available to management. Generally, 
the words ―anticipate,‖ ―believe,‖ ―estimate,‖ ―expect,‖ ―intend,‖ ―project,‖ and similar expressions identify forward-
looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements which address operating performance, 
events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including growth in store openings, 
franchises awarded, market share and statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are 
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause 
actual results to differ materially from the company’s historical experience and the company’s present expectations or 
projections. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include 
changes in general economic conditions, competition, pricing, customer demand and those factors discussed in Item 1A, 
"Risk Factors.‖ We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors. 

The above mentioned risk factors are not all-inclusive.  Given these uncertainties and that such statements speak 

only as of the date made, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no 
obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future 
events, changes in assumptions or otherwise. 

4 

  
 
 
PART I.  

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS  

General  

Aaron’s, Inc. (―we‖, ―our‖, ―us‖, ―Aaron’s‖ or the ―Company‖) is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics, 
computers, residential furniture, household appliances and accessories.  We engage in the lease ownership, lease and 
retail sale of a wide variety of products such as widescreen and LCD televisions, computers, living room, dining room 
and bedroom furniture, washers, dryers and refrigerators.  We carry well-known brands such as JVC®, Mitsubishi®, 
Panasonic®, Sony®, Hewlett-Packard®, Simmons®, Frigidaire®, LG®, Samsung® and Sharp®.  Our major operating 
divisions are the Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division, the HomeSmart division and the Woodhaven Furniture 
Industries division, which supplies the majority of the upholstered furniture and bedding leased and sold in our stores.  
Our strategic focus is on expanding our sales and lease ownership business, which includes Aaron’s Sales & Lease 
Ownership and HomeSmart stores, through opening new Company-operated stores, expanding our franchise program, 
and making selective acquisitions. 

As of December 31, 2012, we had 2,073 stores, comprised of 1,324 Company-operated stores in 29 states and 749 
independently-owned franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. We have added 294 Company-operated and 265 
franchised stores since the beginning of 2008.  Included in the Company store counts above are 1,246 Aaron’s Sales & 
Lease Ownership stores and 78 Company-operated HomeSmart stores.  Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division 
includes 19 Company-operated RIMCO stores, our wheels, tires and accessories sales and lease ownership concept.   

We have a history of revenue growth and profitability.  Total revenues increased to $2.223 billion in 2012 from $1.592 
billion in 2008, representing an 8.7% compound annual growth rate. Our total net earnings from continuing operations 
increased to $173.0 million in 2012 from $85.8 million in 2008 representing a 19.2% compound annual growth rate. 

Our former Chairman, R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., established Aaron’s in 1955, and we were incorporated under the 
laws of Georgia in 1962.  Our principal business address is 309 E. Paces Ferry Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, 30305-
2377, and our telephone number is (404) 231-0011. 

We own or have rights to various trademarks and trade names used in our business including Aaron’s, Aaron’s Sales & 
Lease Ownership, HomeSmart, RIMCO and Woodhaven Furniture Industries.   

 Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership.  Our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division is primarily a monthly payment 
model and focuses on providing durable household goods to lower to middle income consumers who have limited or no 
access to traditional credit sources such as bank financing, installment credit or credit cards. Our sales and lease 
ownership program enables these customers to obtain quality-of-life enhancing merchandise that they might otherwise 
not be able to afford, without incurring additional debt or long-term obligations. 

Our strategic focus is to expand our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division by opening Company-operated stores, 
expanding our franchise program and making selective acquisitions.  We franchise our sales and lease ownership stores 
in select markets where we have no immediate plans to enter. Our franchise program: 

 
 
 

 

provides additional revenues from franchise fees and royalties; 
allows us to grow more quickly; 
enables us to achieve economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, manufacturing and advertising for our 
sales and lease ownership stores; and 
increases exposure to our brand. 

HomeSmart.   In 2012 we expanded our HomeSmart division through an acquisition and new store openings, resulting 
in a net increase of seven Company-operated stores.  The HomeSmart division has been established to serve weekly 
customers and the stores offer products that are similar to those in our Aaron’s stores.   

5 

  
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
Manufacturing (Woodhaven Furniture Industries).  Aaron’s is the only major furniture lease company in the 
United States that manufactures its own furniture.  We operate five furniture manufacturing plants and eight bedding 
manufacturing facilities.  By manufacturing our own specially designed residential furniture and bedding, we believe we 
enjoy an advantage over our competitors. Manufacturing enables us to control the quality, cost, delivery, styling, 
durability and quantity of our furniture products.  Substantially all of Woodhaven Furniture Industries’ production is 
leased and sold through our Company-operated and franchised stores. 

Aaron’s Office Furniture Closure.  After disappointing results in a difficult economic environment, in June 2010 we 
announced plans to close all 12 of the then  remaining Aaron’s Office Furniture stores and focus on the Company’s 
sales and lease ownership business.  As of December 31, 2011, we closed 11 of the Aaron’s Office Furniture stores and 
had one remaining store open to liquidate merchandise; this final store was sold in August 2012.  During 2010, we 
recorded $9.0 million in charges related to write-down and cost to dispose of office furniture, estimated future lease 
liabilities for closed stores, write-off of leaseholds, severance pay, and other costs associated with closing the stores and 
the division.  We did not incur significant charges in 2011 or 2012 related to winding down the division.   

Industry Overview 

The Rent-to-Own Industry 

The rent-to-own industry offers customers an alternative to traditional methods of obtaining electronics, computers, 
home furnishings and appliances.  In a typical industry rent-to-own transaction, the customer has the option to acquire 
merchandise over a fixed term, usually 12 to 24 months, normally by making weekly lease payments. The customer 
may cancel the agreement at any time by returning the merchandise to the store, generally with no further lease 
obligation. If customers lease the item to the full term, they obtain ownership of the item, though they can choose to buy 
it at any time. 

The rent-to-own concept is particularly popular with consumers who cannot pay the full purchase price for merchandise 
at once or who lack the credit to qualify under conventional financing programs.  Rent-to-own is also popular with 
consumers who, despite good credit, do not wish to incur additional debt, have only a temporary need for the 
merchandise or want to try out a particular brand or model before buying it. 

We believe that the decline in the number of furniture stores, the limited number of retailers that focus on credit 
installment sales to lower and middle income consumers and the current tightening consumer credit have created a 
market opportunity for the industry. The traditional retail consumer durable goods market is much larger than the lease 
market, leaving substantial potential for industry growth. We believe that the segment of the population targeted by the 
industry comprises approximately 50% of all households in the United States and that the needs of these consumers are 
generally underserved.   

Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership versus Traditional Rent-to-Own 

We believe that our sales and lease ownership model is unique. By providing customers with the option either to lease 
merchandise with the opportunity to obtain ownership or to purchase merchandise outright, we blend elements of rent-
to-own and traditional retailing.  We believe our sales and lease ownership program is a more effective method of 
retailing our merchandise to lower to middle income consumers than a typical rent-to-own business or the more 
traditional method of credit installment sales. 

Our sales and lease ownership model is distinctive from a typical rent-to-own business in that we encourage our 
customers to obtain ownership of their lease merchandise. Based upon industry data, we believe when merchandise is 
initially leased our customers obtain ownership more (over 46%) versus rent-to-own businesses in general 
(approximately 25%). We believe our sales and lease ownership model offers the following unique characteristics 
versus traditional rent-to-own stores: 

  Lower total cost—our agreement terms typically provide a lower cost of ownership to the customer. 
  Wider merchandise selection—we generally offer a larger selection of higher-quality merchandise. 
  Larger store layout—our stores are typically 9,000 square feet, nearly twice the size of typical rent-to-own 

stores. 

6 

  
 
 
  Fewer payments— our typical plan offers semi-monthly or monthly payments versus the industry standard of 

weekly payments. Our agreements also usually provide for a shorter term until the customer obtains ownership. 
  Flexible payment methods—we offer our customers the opportunity to pay by cash, check, debit card or credit 
card, compared with the more common cash payment method at typical rent-to-own stores. Aaron’s Sales & 
Lease Ownership stores currently receive approximately 59.9% payment volume (in dollars) from customers 
by check, debit card or credit card.  HomeSmart stores currently receive approximately 45.9% payment volume 
(in dollars) from customers by check, debit card, credit card or online payment. 

We believe our sales and lease ownership model also has attractive features in common with traditional retailers. 
Among these features are store size, merchandise selection and the latest product offerings, such as ―state-of-the-art‖ 
electronics and computers. As technology advances and home furnishings and appliances evolve, we strive to offer our 
customers the latest product developments at affordable prices.  

Unlike transactions with most traditional retailers, where the customer is committed to purchase the merchandise, our 
sales and lease ownership transactions are not credit installment contracts, and the customer may elect to terminate the 
transaction after a short, initial lease period.  Our sales and lease ownership stores offer an up-front ―cash and carry‖ 
purchase option and a 120 day same-as-cash option on most merchandise at prices that are competitive with traditional 
retailers. 

Operating Strategies 

Our operating strategies are focused on differentiation from our competitors and improved efficiencies. We strive to: 

  Differentiate our sales and lease ownership concept – We believe that the success of our sales and lease 

ownership operation is attributable to our distinctive approach to the business that sets us apart from our rent-to-
own and credit retail competitors. We have pioneered innovative approaches to meeting changing customer needs 
that differ from our competitors, such as offering lease ownership agreements which result in a lower ―all-in‖ 
price, larger and more attractive store showrooms, a wider selection of higher-quality merchandise and up-front 
cash and carry purchase options on select merchandise at prices that are competitive with traditional retailers. 
Most sales and lease ownership customers make their payments in person, and we use these frequent visits to 
strengthen customer relationships and make customers feel welcomed in our stores. 

  Offer high levels of customer service and satisfaction – We foster good relationships with our customers to 

attract recurring business and encourage them to lease merchandise for the full agreement term by providing high 
levels of service and satisfaction. We demonstrate our commitment to superior customer service by providing 
customers quick delivery of leased merchandise, in many cases by same or next day delivery, and through 
Aaron’s Service Plus such other benefits as the 120 day same-as-cash option, repair service at no charge to the 
customer, lifetime reinstatement and other discounts and benefits. We have also established an employee training 
program called Aaron’s University, which is a 150-plus course curriculum designed to enhance the customer 
relation skills of both Company-operated and franchised store managers and other operating personnel. 

  Promote our vendors and the Aaron’s® brand name – Our marketing initiatives reach the target Aaron’s 

customer in a variety of ways.  We advertise our brand name ―Dream Products‖ through our ―Drive Dreams 
Home‖ sponsorship of NASCAR Championship Racing.  Sponsorship of other sporting events, such as 
professional football, basketball and baseball, and various college sports, also targets this distinct market.  Every 
month, we distribute mass mailings of promotional material outlining specific products.  Our goal is to reach 
households within a specified radius of each store on a consistent basis.  Currently, we mail over 27 million 
flyers each month to consumers in areas served by our stores.  We also utilize national and local television and 
radio advertising in our markets and for special promotions throughout the year. 

  Manage merchandise through our manufacturing and distribution capabilities – We believe that our 

manufacturing operations and network of 16 operating fulfillment centers at December 31, 2012 give us a 
strategic advantage over our competitors.  Manufacturing enables us to control the quality, cost, delivery, styling, 
durability and quantity of a substantial portion of our furniture and bedding merchandise, and provides us a 
reliable source of products. Our distribution system allows us to deliver merchandise promptly to our stores in 
order to meet customer demand quickly and manage inventory levels more effectively. 

7 

  
 
 
 
 
 
  Utilize proprietary management information systems – We use proprietary computerized information systems to 
systematically pursue collections, to manage merchandise returns and to match inventory with demand.  Each of 
our stores is linked by computer directly to our corporate headquarters, which enables us to monitor the 
performance of each store on a daily basis. 

Growth Strategies 

We seek to increase our revenues and profitability through the execution of our growth strategies, which are to: 

  Open additional Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores – We plan to open sales and lease 

ownership stores in existing and select new geographic markets. Additional stores help us to realize economies of 
scale in purchasing, marketing and distribution.  We added a net of 93 Company-operated sales and lease 
ownership stores in 2012. 

  Increase our sales and lease ownership franchises – We believe that our franchise program allows us to grow 

more quickly and increase our brand exposure in new markets. In addition, the combination of Company-
operated and franchised stores creates a larger store base that generally enhances the economies of scale in 
purchasing, distribution, manufacturing and advertising for our sales and lease ownership stores.  Franchise fees 
and royalties represent a growing source of revenues. 

  Increase revenues and net earnings from existing sales and lease ownership stores – We experienced same 
store revenue growth (revenues earned in stores open for the entirety of both periods) from our Company-
operated sales and lease ownership stores of 5.1% in 2012, 4.4% in 2011, and 3.5% in 2010. We calculate same 
store revenue growth by comparing revenues from comparable periods for all stores open during the entirety of 
those periods, excluding stores that received lease agreements from other acquired, closed or merged stores.  We 
expect revenues and net earnings of our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division to continue to grow as the 
large number of stores we have opened in the past few years increase their customer bases.   

  Seek selective acquisitions in both new and existing sales and lease ownership markets – We will continue to 
explore acquisitions of other rent-to-own operations and select franchised stores. In 2012, we acquired the lease 
agreements, merchandise and assets of 48 sales and lease ownership stores. Twenty-six of these stores were 
subsequently merged with existing locations, resulting in 22 new stores from acquisitions.  We will also seek to 
convert the stores of existing independent lease operators to Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership franchised stores.  
In 2012, we purchased 21 and sold three of our sales and lease ownership stores to franchisees. 

  Develop and expand HomeSmart weekly pay concept – In 2010, we opened our first HomeSmart store and had 
78 stores open at the end of 2012.  In 2012 we also opened our first HomeSmart franchised store.  We expect 
revenue in our HomeSmart division to increase as these recently opened stores add customers and start-up losses 
in existing stores diminish as the stores mature.  We plan to open additional HomeSmart stores in the future 
assuming acceptable financial returns can be achieved. 

  Explore international expansion – In 2011 the Company purchased 11.5% of newly issued shares of common 
stock of a United Kingdom rent-to-own company and may further pursue international opportunities as they 
present themselves. As part of the transaction, the Company also received notes and an option to acquire the 
remaining interest in the United Kingdom company at any time through December 31, 2013. 

Operations 

Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership 

We established our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership operation in 1987. At December 31, 2012, we had 1,246 
Company-operated Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores in 29 states. 

We have developed a distinctive concept for our sales and lease ownership stores with specific merchandising, store 
layout, pricing and agreement terms for our target customer market. We believe that these features create a store and a 
sales and lease ownership concept significantly different from the operations of typical rent-to-own stores and the 
operations of consumer electronics and home furnishings retailers who finance merchandise. 

8 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The typical Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership store layout is a combination showroom and warehouse of 8,000 to 
10,000 square feet, with an average of approximately 9,000 square feet. In selecting locations for new sales and lease 
ownership stores, we generally look for sites in well-maintained strip shopping centers with good access, which are 
strategically located in established working class neighborhoods and communities. We also build to suit or occupy 
stand-alone stores in certain markets. Many of our stores are placed near existing competitors’ stores. Each sales and 
lease ownership store usually maintains at least two trucks and crews for pickups and deliveries and generally offers 
same or next day delivery for addresses located within approximately ten miles of the store. We emphasize a broad 
selection of brand name electronics, computers and appliances, and offer customers a wide selection of furniture, 
including furniture manufactured by our Woodhaven Furniture Industries division. 

We believe that our sales and lease ownership stores offer lower merchandise prices than similar items offered by 
traditional rent-to-own operators, and substantially equivalent to the ―all-in‖ contract price of similar items offered by 
retailers who finance merchandise. Approximately 92% of our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership agreements are 
monthly and approximately 8% are semi-monthly as compared to the industry standard of weekly agreements, and our 
agreements usually provide for a shorter term leading to customer ownership. Through Aaron’s Service Plus, customers 
receive benefits including the 120 days same-as-cash option, repair service at no charge to the customer, lifetime 
reinstatement and other discounts and benefits. We re-lease or sell select merchandise that customers return to us prior 
to the expiration of their agreements.  We also offer, for select merchandise, an up-front cash and carry purchase option 
at prices that are competitive with traditional retailers. 

During the latter part of 2004, we opened two experimental stores under the RIMCO name that lease automobile 
wheels, tires and rims to customers under sales and lease ownership agreements. Although the products offered are 
different, these stores are managed, monitored and operated similarly to our other sales and lease ownership stores. At 
December 31, 2012, we had 19 Company-operated and six franchised RIMCO stores open. 

Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership Franchise Program 

We began franchising Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores in select markets in 1992 and have continued to attract 
franchisees. Our franchised stores do not compete with Company-operated stores, nor do we anticipate any such 
competition, as we mainly award franchises in markets where we have no operations and no current plans to enter. As 
of December 31, 2012, we had 749 franchised stores open and area development agreements with franchisees to open 
180 stores in the future.   

Franchisees are approved on the basis of the applicant’s business background and financial resources. We generally 
seek franchisees who will enter into area development agreements for several stores, although some franchisees 
currently operate a single store. Most franchisees are involved in the day-to-day operations of their stores. 

We enter into franchise agreements with our franchisees to govern the opening and operation of franchised stores. 
Under our current standard agreement, we require the franchisee to pay a franchise fee from $15,000 to $50,000 per 
store depending upon market size. Agreements are for a term of ten years, with one ten-year renewal option, and 
franchisees are obligated to remit to us royalty payments of 5% or 6% of the franchisee’s weekly cash collections. The 
royalty payments increased from 5% to 6% for most franchise agreements entered into or renewed after December 31, 
2002. 

We assist each franchisee in selecting the proper site for each store. Because of the importance of location to the 
Aaron’s sales and lease ownership concept, one of our pre-opening consultants visits the intended market and helps 
guide the franchisee through the selection process. Once a site is selected, we help in designing the floor plan, including 
the proper layout of the showroom and warehouse. In addition, we provide assistance in assuring that the design and 
decor of the showroom is consistent with our requirements. We also lease the exterior signage to the franchisee and 
assist with placing pre-opening advertising, ordering initial inventory and obtaining delivery vehicles. 

We have an arrangement with several banks to provide financing to qualifying franchisees to assist with establishing 
and operating their stores. An inventory financing plan to provide franchisees with the capital to purchase inventory is 
the primary component of the financing program. For qualified established franchisees, we have arranged in some cases 
for these institutions to provide a revolving credit line to allow franchisees the flexibility to expand. We guarantee 
amounts outstanding under the franchisee financing programs. 

9 

  
 
All franchisees are required to complete a comprehensive training program and to operate their franchised sales and 
lease ownership stores in compliance with our policies, standards and specifications. Additionally, pursuant to the terms 
of their franchise agreements with Aaron’s, Inc., each franchise represents and warrants its compliance with all 
applicable federal, state and/or local laws, regulations and ordinances with respect to its business operations as well as 
its good standing to conduct lawful operations at each location. Franchisees in general are not required to purchase their 
lease merchandise from our fulfillment centers, although most do so in order to take advantage of Company-sponsored 
financing, bulk purchasing discounts and favorable delivery terms. 

On an annual basis, our internal audit department conducts a financial audit and an operational audit of each franchised 
store.  In addition, our proprietary management information system links each Company and franchised store to 
corporate headquarters. 

HomeSmart 

Our HomeSmart division was established to serve weekly customers with products similar to those leased through our 
Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores.  We established the HomeSmart division in late 2010 and at December 31, 
2012, we had 78 Company-operated stores and one franchised store in 11 states. 

The typical HomeSmart store layout is a combination showroom and warehouse of 4,000 to 6,000 square feet, with an 
average of approximately 5,000 square feet.  In selecting locations for new HomeSmart stores, we generally look for 
sites in well-maintained strip shopping centers with good access, which are strategically located in established working 
class neighborhoods and communities.  Many of our stores are placed near existing competitors’ stores.  Each 
HomeSmart store usually maintains at least two trucks and crews for pickups and deliveries and generally offers same 
or next day delivery for addresses located within approximately ten miles of the store. We emphasize a broad selection 
of brand name electronics, computers and appliances, and offer customers a wide selection of furniture, including 
furniture manufactured by our Woodhaven Furniture Industries division. 

We believe that our HomeSmart stores offer lower merchandise prices than similar items offered by traditional rent-to-
own operators.  Approximately 38% of our HomeSmart agreements are currently monthly, 18% are semi-monthly and 
approximately 44% are weekly. Through Aaron’s Service Plus, customers receive benefits including the 120 days same-
as-cash option, repair service at no charge to the customer, lifetime reinstatement and other discounts and benefits. We 
re-lease or sell select merchandise that customers return to us prior to the expiration of their agreements.  We also offer, 
for select merchandise, an up-front cash and carry purchase option at prices that are competitive with traditional 
retailers. 

Manufacturing 

Our Woodhaven Furniture Industries division has manufactured furniture for our stores since 1971. The Woodhaven 
Furniture Industries division manufactures upholstered furniture and bedding predominantly for use by Company-
operated and franchised stores. The division has five furniture manufacturing plants and nine bedding manufacturing 
facilities, totaling approximately 940,000 square feet in the aggregate, that supply the majority of our upholstered 
furniture and bedding. 

Our Woodhaven Furniture Industries division manufactures: 

 

 

upholstered living-room furniture, including contemporary sofas, chairs and modular sofa and ottoman 
collections in a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics; and 
bedding, including standard sizes of mattresses and box springs. 

10 

  
 
 
 
Woodhaven has designed special features for the furniture it manufactures that we believe reduce production costs, 
enhance product durability, and improve the shipping process relative to furniture purchased from third parties. These 
features include: 

standardization of components; 
reduction of parts and features susceptible to wear or damage; 

 
 
  more resilient foam; 
 
 

durable, soil-resistant fabrics and sturdy frames for longer life and higher residual value; and 
devices that allow sofas to stand on end for easier and more efficient transport. 

Woodhaven also provides replacement covers of all styles and fabrics of its upholstered furniture for use in 
reconditioning lease return furniture. 

The principal raw materials we use in furniture manufacturing are fabric, foam, fiber, wire-innerspring assemblies, 
plywood, oriented strand board, and hardwood. All of these materials are purchased in the open market from 
unaffiliated sources. We are not dependent on any single supplier, and none of the raw materials we use are in short 
supply. 

Marketing and Advertising  

In 2012, Aaron’s reached our customer demographic on national broadcast and cable television and radio networks with 
a combination of brand/image messaging and product/price promotions on networks such as ABC, FOX, TBS, 
TELEMUNDO and UNIVISION, among others. Aaron’s enhanced its broadcast presence this year with digital 
marketing and via social environments such as Facebook and Twitter. 

Aaron’s targets new customers each month distributing over 27 million, four-page circulars to homes in the United 
States and Canada. The circulars feature brand name merchandise along with the features, options, and benefits of 
Aaron’s lease ownership payment plans. We implement grand opening ―Jump Start‖ marketing initiatives designed to 
ensure each new store quickly establishes a strong customer count. Aaron’s also distributes millions of email and direct 
mail promotions.  

Aaron’s sponsors motorsports teams and event broadcasts at various levels along with select professional and collegiate 
sports, such as NFL and NBA teams, SEC and ACC college athletic programs, and an IMG collegiate sports national 
sponsorship package of 31 schools, among others. We also continue our NASCAR Sprint Cup team sponsorship of 
Michael Waltrip Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series into the 2013 season with drivers Mark Martin and Michael 
Waltrip both driving the Aaron’s #55 ―Dream Machine.‖  

Our premier title sponsorship continues to be the Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway consisting of 
the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race and the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race.  Both races 
are broadcast live on national television and are among the most watched events on the NASCAR circuit. 

All of our sports partnerships are supported with advertising, promotional, marketing and brand activation initiatives 
that have proven to significantly enhance the Company’s brand awareness and customer loyalty. 

Store Operations  

Management.  Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division has 12 divisional vice presidents who are primarily 
responsible for the overall performance of their respective divisions. In addition, our HomeSmart division has one 
divisional vice president.    

11 

  
 
 
 
Each division is subdivided into geographic groupings of stores overseen by 125 Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership 
regional managers, 11 HomeSmart regional managers and three RIMCO regional managers.  At the individual store 
level, the store manager is primarily responsible for managing and supervising all aspects of the store operations, 
including but not limited to:  

• customer relations and account management; 
• deliveries and pickups; 
• warehouse and inventory management; 
• merchandise selection; 
• employment decisions, including hiring, training and terminating store employees; and  
• certain marketing efforts.  

Store managers are also responsible for ensuring that lease return merchandise is properly inspected and determining 
whether it should be sold as is, leased again as is, repaired and sold, or reconditioned and leased again. The store 
manager’s total compensation is determined based upon the revenue and profits of his/her store.  

Our business philosophy has always emphasized safeguarding of Company assets, strict cost containment and fiscal 
controls.  Store managers, as well as other levels of management, monitor expenses to contain costs.  We pay all 
material invoices from Company headquarters in order to enhance fiscal accountability.  We believe that careful 
attention to the safeguarding of lease merchandise, our most significant asset, as well as the expense side of our 
operations, has enabled us to maintain financial stability and profitability.  

Management Information Systems.  We use computer-based management information systems to facilitate cash 
collections, merchandise returns and inventory monitoring.  Through the use of proprietary software developed in-
house, each of our stores is linked by computer directly to corporate headquarters, which enables us to monitor the 
performance of each store on a daily basis.  At the store level, the store manager is better able to track merchandise on 
the showroom floor and in the warehouse to minimize delivery times, assist with product purchasing, and match 
customer needs with available inventory.   

Lease Agreement Approval, Renewal and Collection.  One of the keys to the success of our sales and lease ownership 
operation is timely cash collections.  Individual store managers oversee the monitoring of cash collections and 
customers are contacted within a few days of their lease payment due dates in order to encourage customers to keep 
their agreement current and in force, rather than having to return the merchandise for non-payment, and to renew their 
agreements for an additional period. Careful attention to cash collections is particularly important in sales and lease 
ownership operations, where the customer typically has the option to cancel the agreement at any time and each 
payment is considered a renewal of the agreement rather than a collection of a receivable.  

We generally perform no formal credit check with respect to sales and lease ownership customers, other than to verify 
employment or other reliable sources of income and personal references supplied by the customer.  All of our 
agreements for merchandise require payments in advance, and the merchandise normally is repossessed if a payment is 
significantly in arrears. We do not extend credit to sales and lease ownership customers.   

Net Company-wide merchandise shrinkage as a percentage of combined lease revenues was 3.3% in 2012, 3.0% in 
2011 and 3.3% in 2010.  We believe that our collection and repossession policies materially comply with applicable 
legal requirements, and we discipline any employee that we discover deviating from such policies.  

Customer Service.  We believe that customer service is one of the most important elements in the success of our 
business. Customer satisfaction is critical because the customer typically has the option of returning the leased 
merchandise at any time.  Our goal is to make our customers feel positive about Aaron’s and our products from the 
moment they enter our showrooms. Through Aaron’s Service Plus, customers receive benefits including the 120 days 
same-as-cash option, repair service at no charge to the customer, lifetime reinstatement and other discounts and benefits. 
In order to increase leasing at existing stores, we foster relationships with existing customers to attract recurring 
business, and many new agreements are attributable to repeat customers.  

Because of the importance of customer service, we believe that a prerequisite for successful operations and growth is 
skilled, effective employees who value our customers and project a genuine desire to serve customers’ needs.  We have 
12 

  
 
developed one of the largest training programs in the industry, called Aaron’s University.  Aaron’s University is 
designed to provide a uniform customer service experience regardless of the store’s location, or whether it is Company-
operated or franchised.  Standardizing operating procedures throughout our system is a primary focus of Aaron's 
University.  Aaron’s national trainers provide live interactive training via webinars on a daily basis to entry level and 
management level associates.  The learning program is also complimented with a robust e-learning library with a 
constantly growing curriculum. 

In addition to the e-learning program, Aaron’s University has a management development program that offers facilities-
based training for current managers and store management caliber associates.   Additionally, approximately once a 
month we produce video based communications on a wide variety of topics of interest to our store personnel regarding 
current Company initiatives.  Our policy of primarily promoting from within boosts employee retention and underscores 
our commitment to customer service and other business philosophies, allowing us to realize greater benefits from our 
employee training programs. 

Purchasing and Distribution  

Our product mix is determined by store managers in consultation with regional managers and regional vice presidents, 
based on an analysis of customer demands.  

The following table shows the percentage of Company revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
attributable to different merchandise categories:  

Merchandise Category 

Percentage of 
2012 Revenues

Percentage of 
2011 Revenues

Percentage of 
2010 Revenues

Electronics 
Furniture 
Appliances 
Computers 
Other 

32% 
35% 
20% 
10% 
3% 

36% 
32% 
17% 
12% 
3% 

37% 
31% 
16% 
13% 
3% 

We purchase the majority of our merchandise directly from manufacturers, with the balance from local distributors.  
One of our largest suppliers is our own Woodhaven Furniture Industries division, which supplies the majority of the 
upholstered furniture and bedding we lease or sell.  We have no long-term agreements for the purchase of merchandise.  

Sales and lease ownership operations utilize fulfillment centers, which are on average approximately 119,000 square 
feet, to control merchandise.  All Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores receive merchandise directly from 
our 16 operating fulfillment centers, together totaling approximately 1,900,000 square feet.  Most of our continental 
United States stores are within a 250-mile radius of a fulfillment center, facilitating timely shipment of products to the 
stores and fast delivery of orders to customers.   

We realize freight savings from truckload discounts and more efficient distribution of merchandise by using fulfillment 
centers.  We use our own tractor-trailers, local delivery trucks and various contract carriers to make weekly deliveries to 
individual stores.  

Competition  

Aaron's business is highly competitive.  Our largest competitor in the rent-to-own market is Rent-A-Center, Inc. 
According to industry sources and our estimates, Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center, which are the two largest industry 
participants, account for approximately 5,400 of the 8,600 rent-to-own stores in the United States and Canada. Our 
stores compete with other national and regional rent-to-own businesses, as well as with rental stores that do not offer 
their customers a purchase option. With respect to customers desiring to purchase merchandise for cash or on credit, we 
also compete with retail stores. Competition is based primarily on store location, product selection and availability, 
customer service and lease rates and terms. 

13 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seasonality 

Aaron's revenue mix is moderately seasonal, with the first quarter of each year generally resulting in higher revenues 
than any other quarter during the year, primarily due to realizing the full benefit of business that historically gradually 
increases in the fourth quarter as a result of the holiday season, as well as the receipt by our customers in the first 
quarter of federal income tax refunds. Generally, our customers will more frequently exercise the early purchase option 
on their existing lease agreements or purchase merchandise off the showroom floor during the first quarter of the year. 
We expect this trend to continue in future periods. Furthermore, we tend to experience slower growth in the number of 
agreements on lease in the third quarter of each year when compared to the other quarters of the year. We also expect 
this trend to continue in future periods unless we significantly change our store base as a result of new store openings or 
opportunistic acquisitions and dispositions. 

Working Capital  

We are required to maintain significant levels of lease merchandise in order to provide the enhanced service levels 
demanded by the nature of our business and our customers, and to ensure timely delivery of our products.  Consistent 
and dependable sources of liquidity are required to maintain such merchandise levels.  Failure to maintain appropriate 
levels of merchandise could materially adversely affect our relationships with our customers and adversely affect our 
business.  We believe our operating cash flows, credit availability under our loan agreements and other sources of 
financing are adequate to finance our normal liquidity requirements. We will continue to aggressively pursue 
merchandise management, maintain tight cost controls and limit capital expenditures. However, deterioration in our 
markets or significant additional cash expenditures above our normal liquidity requirements could require supplemental 
financing or other funding sources. There can be no assurance that such supplemental financing or other sources of 
funding can be obtained or will be obtained on terms favorable to us. 

Government Regulation  

Our operations are extensively regulated by and subject to the requirements of various federal, state and local laws and 
regulations.  In general such laws regulate applications for leases, late fees, other finance rates, the form of disclosure 
statements, the substance and sequence of required disclosures, the content of advertising materials and certain 
collection procedures.  Violations of certain provisions of these laws may result in penalties ranging from nominal 
amounts up to and including forfeiture of fees and other amounts due on leases.  We do not anticipate that the various 
laws and regulations have had or will have a material adverse effect on our operations.  However, we are unable to 
predict the nature or effect on our operations or earnings of unknown future legislation, regulations and judicial 
decisions or future interpretations of existing and future legislation or regulations relating to our operations, and there 
can be no assurance that future laws, decisions or interpretations will not have a material adverse effect on our 
operations and earnings. 

A summary of certain of the state and federal laws under which we operate follows.  This summary does not purport to 
be a complete summary of the laws referred to below or of all the laws regulating our operations. 

Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia specifically regulate rent-to-own transactions, including states in 
which we currently operate Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership and HomeSmart stores. Most state lease purchase laws 
require rent-to-own companies to disclose to their customers the total number of payments, total amount and timing of 
all payments to acquire ownership of any item, any other charges that may be imposed, and miscellaneous other items.  
The more restrictive state lease purchase laws limit the total amount that a customer may be charged for an item, or 
regulate the amount of deemed "interest" that rent-to-own companies may charge on rent-to-own transactions, generally 
defining "interest" as lease fees paid in excess of the "retail" price of the goods. Our long-established policy in all states 
is to disclose the terms of our lease purchase transactions as a matter of good business ethics and customer service.  We 
believe we are in material compliance with the various state lease purchase laws in those states where we use a lease 
purchase form of agreement.  At the present time, no federal law specifically regulates the rent-to-own industry. Federal 
legislation to regulate the industry has been proposed from time to time. 

There has been increased legislative attention in the United States, at both the state and federal levels, on consumer debt 
transactions in general, which may result in an increase in legislative regulatory efforts directed at the rent-to-own 
industry.  We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted and what the impact of such legislation would 

14 

  
 
  
be on us. Although we are unable to predict the results of any regulatory initiatives, we do not believe that existing and 
currently proposed regulations will have a material adverse impact on our sales and lease ownership or other operations.  

In a number of states, we utilize a consumer lease form as an alternative to a typical lease purchase agreement. The 
consumer lease differs from our state lease agreement in that it has an initial lease term in excess of four months. 
Generally, state laws that govern the rent-to-own industry only apply to lease agreements with an initial term of four 
months or less. The consumer lease is governed by federal and state laws and regulations other than the state lease 
purchase laws.  The federal regulations applicable to the consumer lease require certain disclosures similar to the rent-
to-own regulations, but are generally less restrictive as to pricing and other charges.  We believe we are in material 
compliance with all laws applicable to our consumer leasing program. 

Our sales and lease ownership franchise program is subject to Federal Trade Commission (―FTC‖) regulation and 
various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises.  Several state laws also regulate substantive aspects of the 
franchisor-franchisee relationship.  The FTC requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise disclosure 
document containing prescribed information.  A number of states in which we might consider franchising also regulate 
the sale of franchises and require registration of the franchise offering circular with state authorities.  We believe we are 
in material compliance with all applicable franchise laws in those states in which we do business and with similar laws 
in Canada.  

Employees  

At December 31, 2012, Aaron’s had approximately 11,900 employees.  None of our employees are covered by a 
collective bargaining agreement and we believe that our relations with our employees are good. 

Information on Segments and Geographic Areas  

We currently only operate in the United States, and we have franchise operations in both the United States and Canada. 
Information on our four reportable segments—Sales and Lease Ownership, Franchise, HomeSmart and 
Manufacturing—is set forth in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  See Item 8 of Part II.  

Available Information  

We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports 
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to 
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically 
file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (―SEC‖).  Our Internet address is 
www.investor.aarons.com.  

15 

  
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS 

Aaron’s business is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, the most significant of which are set forth below. 

Our growth strategy depends considerably on opening new Company-operated stores. Our ability to expand our 
store base is influenced by factors beyond our control, which may impair our growth strategy and impede our 
revenue growth.  

Opening new Company-operated stores is an important part of our growth strategy. Our ability to continue opening new 
stores is affected by, among other things:  

 

 
 
 
 

 

the substantial outlay of financial resources required to open new stores and initially operate them, and the 
availability of capital sources to finance new openings and initial operation; 
difficulties associated with hiring, training and retaining additional skilled personnel, including store managers; 
our ability to identify suitable new store sites and to negotiate acceptable leases for these sites; 
competition in existing and new markets; 
consumer demand, tastes and spending patterns in new markets that differ from those in our existing markets; 
and 
challenges in adapting our distribution and other operational and management systems to an expanded network 
of stores. 

If we cannot address these challenges successfully, we may not be able to expand our business or increase our revenues 
at the rates we currently contemplate.  

If we cannot manage the costs of opening new stores, our profitability may suffer.  

Opening large numbers of new stores requires significant start-up expenses, and new stores are generally not profitable 
until their second year of operation. Consequently, opening many stores over a short period can materially decrease our 
net earnings for a time.  This effect is called ―new store drag.‖  During 2012, we estimate that start-up expenses for new 
stores reduced our net earnings by approximately $11 million, or $.14 per diluted share for our Aaron’s Sales & Lease 
Ownership stores and approximately $2 million, or $.02 per diluted share for our HomeSmart stores.  We cannot be 
certain that we will be able to fully recover these significant costs in the future. 

We may not be able to attract qualified franchisees, which may slow the growth of our business.  

Our growth strategy also depends significantly upon our franchisees developing new franchised sales and lease 
ownership stores.  We generally seek franchisees who meet our stringent business background and financial criteria, and 
who are willing to enter into area development agreements for several stores.  A number of factors, however, could 
inhibit our ability to find qualified franchisees, including general economic downturns or legislative or litigation 
developments that make the rent-to-own industry less attractive to potential franchisees.  These developments could also 
adversely affect our franchisees' ability to obtain adequate capital to develop and operate new stores on time, or at all.  
Our inability to find qualified franchisees could slow our growth.  

Qualified franchisees who conform to our standards and requirements are also important to the overall success of our 
business.  Our franchisees, however, are independent businesses and not employees, and consequently we cannot and do 
not control them to the same extent as our Company-operated stores. Our franchisees may fail in key areas, which could 
in turn slow our growth, reduce our franchise revenues or damage our image and reputation. 

If we are unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully and realize anticipated economic, operational and 
other benefits in a timely manner, our profitability may decrease. 

We frequently acquire other sales and lease ownership businesses.  We acquired the lease agreements, merchandise and 
assets of 44 Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores and four HomeSmart stores through acquisitions in 2012.  If we 
are unable to integrate successfully businesses we acquire, we may incur substantial cost and delays in increasing our 
customer base.  In addition, the failure to integrate acquisitions successfully may divert management's attention from 

16 

  
 
Aaron’s existing business.  Integration of an acquired business may be more difficult when we acquire a business in an 
unfamiliar market, or a business with a different management philosophy or operating style. 

Our competitors could impede our ability to attract new customers, or cause current customers to cease doing 
business with us.  

The industries in which we compete are highly competitive. In the sales and lease ownership market, our competitors 
include national, regional and local operators of rent-to-own stores and traditional retailers.  Our competitors in the sales 
and lease ownership and traditional retail markets may have significantly greater financial and operating resources, and 
greater name recognition in certain markets, than we have.  Greater financial resources may allow our competitors to 
grow faster than us, including through acquisitions. This in turn may enable them to enter new markets before we can, 
which may decrease our opportunities in those markets.  Greater name recognition, or better public perception of a 
competitor's reputation, may help them divert market share away from us, even in our established markets. 

In addition, new competitors may emerge. Current and potential competitors may establish financial or strategic 
relationships among themselves or with third parties. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances 
among competitors could emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share. 

If our independent franchisees fail to meet their debt service payments or other obligations under outstanding 
loans guaranteed by us as part of a franchise loan program, we may be required to pay to satisfy these 
obligations which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. 

We have guaranteed the borrowings of certain franchisees under a franchise loan program with several banks with a 
maximum commitment amount of $200.0 million. In the event these franchisees are unable to meet their debt service 
payments or otherwise experience an event of default, we would be unconditionally liable for a portion of the 
outstanding balance of the franchisees’ debt obligations, which at December 31, 2012 was $117.3 million. Although we 
have had no significant losses associated with the franchise loan and guaranty program since its inception, and we 
believe that any losses associated with any defaults would be mitigated through recovery of lease merchandise and other 
assets, we cannot guarantee that there will be no significant losses in the future or that we will be able to adequately 
mitigate any such losses. If we fail to adequately mitigate any such future losses, our business and financial condition 
could be materially adversely impacted. 

Any loss of the services of our key executives, or our inability to attract and retain qualified managers, could 
have a material adverse impact on our operations.  

We believe that we have benefited substantially from our current executive leadership and that the loss of their services 
at any time in the near future could adversely affect our business and operations.  We also depend on the continued 
services of the rest of our management team.  The loss of these individuals without adequate replacement could also 
adversely affect our business.  Although we have employment agreements with the majority of our key executives, they 
are generally terminable on short notice and we do not carry key man life insurance on any of our officers.  

Additionally, we need a growing number of qualified managers to operate our stores successfully.  The inability to 
attract and retain qualified individuals, or a significant increase in the costs to do so, would materially adversely affect 
our operations.  

You should not rely solely on our same store revenues as an indication of our future results of operations because 
they fluctuate significantly. 

Our historical same store revenue growth figures have fluctuated significantly from year to year. For example, we 
experienced same store revenue growth of 5.1% in 2012 and 4.4% in 2011. We calculate same store revenue growth by 
comparing revenues for comparable periods for all stores open during the entirety of those periods. Even though we  

17 

  
 
 
 
achieved significant same store revenue growth in the past and consider it a key indicator of historical performance, we 
may not be able to increase same store revenues in the future. A number of factors have historically affected, and will 
continue to affect, our same store revenues, including: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

changes in competition; 
general economic conditions; 
new product introductions; 
consumer trends; 
changes in our merchandise mix; 
the opening of new stores; 
the impact of our new stores on our existing stores, including potential decreases in existing stores’ revenues as 
a result of opening new stores; 
timing of promotional events; and 
our ability to execute our business strategy effectively. 

Changes in our quarterly and annual same store revenues could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate 
significantly. 

Our operations are regulated by and subject to the requirements of various federal and state laws and 
regulations.    These laws and regulations which may be amended or supplemented or interpreted by the courts 
from time to time, could expose us to significant compliance costs or burdens or force us to change our business 
practices in a manner that may be materially adverse to our operations, prospects or financial condition.  

Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia specifically regulate rent-to-own transactions, including states in 
which we currently operate Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership and HomeSmart stores.  At the present time, no federal 
law specifically regulates the rent-to-own industry, although federal legislation to regulate the industry has been 
proposed from time to time.  Any adverse changes in existing laws, or the passage of new adverse legislation by states 
or the federal government could materially increase both our costs of complying with laws and the risk that we could be 
sued or be subject to government sanctions if we are not in compliance.  In addition, new burdensome legislation might 
force us to change our business model and might reduce the economic potential of our sales and lease ownership 
operations. 

Most of the states that regulate rent-to-own transactions have enacted disclosure laws which require rent-to-own 
companies to disclose to their customers the total number of payments, total amount and timing of all payments to 
acquire ownership of any item, any other charges that may be imposed by them and miscellaneous other items.  The 
more restrictive state lease purchase laws limit the total amount that a customer may be charged for an item, or regulate 
the amount of deemed "interest" that rent-to-own companies may charge on rent-to-own transactions, generally defining 
"interest" as lease fees paid in excess of the "retail" price of the goods. 

There has been increased legislative attention in the United States, at both the state and federal levels, on consumer debt 
transactions in general, which may result in an increase in legislative regulatory efforts directed at the rent-to-own 
industry.  We cannot guarantee that the federal government or states will not enact additional or different legislation that 
would be disadvantageous or otherwise materially adverse to us, nor can we guarantee that Canadian law will not be 
enacted that would be materially adverse to our franchisees there.  

In addition to the risk of lawsuits related to the laws that regulate rent-to-own and consumer lease transactions, we or 
our franchisees could be subject to lawsuits alleging violations of federal and state or Canadian provincial laws and 
regulations and consumer tort law, including fraud, consumer protection, information security and privacy laws, 
because of the consumer-oriented nature of the rent-to-own industry. A large judgment against the Company could 
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, an adverse outcome from a lawsuit, even 
one against one of our competitors, could result in changes in the way we and others in the industry do business, 
possibly leading to significant costs or decreased revenues or profitability.  

18 

  
 
 
 
Continuation or worsening of current economic conditions could result in decreased revenues or increased costs. 

The United States’ and other economies are currently experiencing distress and uncertainty, accompanied by high 
unemployment.  Although we believe the economic downturn has resulted in increased business in our sales and lease 
ownership stores, as consumers increasingly find it difficult to purchase home furnishings, electronics and appliances 
from traditional retailers on store installment credit, it is possible that if the conditions continue for a significant period 
of time, or get worse, consumers may curtail spending on all or some of the types of merchandise we offer, in which 
event our revenues may suffer. 

In addition, unemployment may result in increased defaults on lease payments, resulting in increased merchandise 
return costs and merchandise losses. 

We are subject to laws that regulate franchisor-franchisee relationships.  Our ability to develop new franchised 
stores and enforce our rights against franchisees may be adversely affected by these laws, which could impair 
our growth strategy and cause our franchise revenues to decline.  

As a franchisor, we are subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission, state laws and certain Canadian 
provincial laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises.  Because we plan to expand our business in part by selling 
more franchises, our failure to obtain or maintain approvals to sell franchises could significantly impair our growth 
strategy.  In addition, our failure to comply with applicable franchise regulations could cause us to lose franchise fees 
and ongoing royalty revenues.  Moreover, state and provincial laws that regulate substantive aspects of our relationships 
with franchisees may limit our ability to terminate or otherwise resolve conflicts with our franchisees.  See Item 3, 
―Legal Proceedings,‖ for information on some of our pending legal proceedings. 

We are subject to legal proceedings from time to time which seek material damages. 

We frequently are subject to legal proceedings, including class actions, that seek material damages.  Although we do not 
presently believe that any of the legal proceedings to which we are currently a party will ultimately have a material 
adverse impact upon us, we cannot assure you that we will not incur material damages in a lawsuit or other proceeding 
in the future.  Significant final judgments, settlement amounts, amounts needed to post a bond pending an appeal or 
defense costs could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources. 

If we fail to protect the security of personal information about our customers and employees, we could be subject 
to costly private litigation, government enforcement actions or material remedial costs, and our reputation could 
suffer. 

We collect, transmit and store potentially sensitive information about our employees, franchisees and customers on our 
information technology systems.  Due to the nature of our business, we may collect, transmit and store more of such 
information than other types of retailers.  We also serve as an information technology provider to our franchisees and 
store and process information related to their customers on our systems.  Although we take precautions to protect this 
information, it is possible that hackers or other malefactors could attack our systems and attempt to obtain such 
information, or such information could be exposed by accident or failure of our systems.  

We have experienced security incidents in the past, including an incident in which customer information was 
compromised, although no security incidents have resulted in a material loss to date.  We are in the process of 
improving our system security, although there can be no assurance that these improvements, or others that we 
implement from time to time, will be effective to prevent all security incidents.  We maintain cyber security insurance 
liability coverage intended to help mitigate the financial risk of such incidents, but there can be no guarantee that 
insurance will be sufficient to cover all losses related to such incidents. 

A significant compromise of sensitive customer or employee information in our possession could result in legal 
damages and regulatory penalties.  In addition, the costs of defending such actions, or in remediating breaches, could be 
material.  Security breaches could also harm our reputation with our customers, potentially leading to decreased 
revenues. 

19 

  
 
 
 
 
If our information technology systems are impaired, our business could be interrupted, our reputation could be 
harmed and we may experience lost revenues and increased costs and expenses.  

We rely on our information technology systems to process transactions with our customers, including tracking lease 
payments on merchandise, and to manage other important functions of our business. Failures of our systems—whether 
due to intentional malfeasance by outside parties or to accidental causes, such as ―bugs,‖ crashes, operator error or 
catastrophic events—could seriously impair our ability to operate our business.  If our information technology systems 
are impaired, our business (and that of our franchisees) could be interrupted, our reputation could be harmed, we may 
experience lost revenues or sales and we could experience increased costs and expenses to remediate the problem. 

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None.

20 

  
 
 
ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES  

We lease space for most of our store and warehouse operations under operating leases expiring at various times through 
2028.  Most of the leases contain renewal options for additional periods ranging from one to 20 years at rental rates 
generally adjusted on the basis of the consumer price index or other factors. 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our furniture manufacturing plants, bedding facilities, and 
fulfillment centers:  

LOCATION  

SEGMENT, PRIMARY USE AND HOW HELD  

SQUARE FT.  

Cairo, Georgia 
Cairo, Georgia 
Cairo, Georgia 
Coolidge, Georgia 
Coolidge, Georgia 
Coolidge, Georgia 
Coolidge, Georgia 
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania 
Fairburn, Georgia 
Sugarland, Texas 
Orlando, Florida 
Kansas City, Kansas 
Phoenix, Arizona 
Plainfield, Indiana 
Buford, Georgia 
Auburndale, Florida 
Belcamp, Maryland 
Obetz, Ohio 
Dallas, Texas 
Fairburn, Georgia 
Sugarland, Texas 
Huntersville, North Carolina 
LaVergne, Tennessee 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
Phoenix, Arizona 
Magnolia, Mississippi 
Plainfield, Indiana 
Portland, Oregon 
Rancho Cucamonga, California 
Westfield, Massachusetts 
Kansas City, Kansas 
Cheswick, Pennsylvania1 

  Manufacturing - Furniture Manufacturing – Owned 
  Manufacturing - Furniture Manufacturing – Owned 
  Warehouse - Furniture Parts – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Furniture Manufacturing – Owned 
  Manufacturing - Furniture Manufacturing – Owned  
  Manufacturing - Furniture Manufacturing – Owned 
  Manufacturing - Administration and Showroom – Owned   
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Owned 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Manufacturing - Bedding Manufacturing – Leased 
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Owned    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased   
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased   
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased   
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased   
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased   
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased    
  Sales and Lease Ownership - Fulfillment Center – Leased   

300,000 
147,000 
111,000 
81,000 
48,000 
41,000 
10,000 
25,000 
52,000 
20,000 
16,000 
13,000 
20,000 
24,000 
32,000 
125,000 
94,000 
85,000 
130,000 
132,000 
135,000 
214,000 
140,000 
87,000 
109,000 
125,000 
90,000 
98,000 
92,000 
130,000 
127,000 
155,000 

1 The Cheswick, Pennsylvania fulfillment center is not yet operational and is expected to be operational in 
March of 2013. 

Our executive and administrative offices occupy approximately 41,500 square feet in an 11-story, 87,000 square-foot 
office building that we own in Atlanta, Georgia.  We lease most of the remaining space to third parties under leases with 
remaining terms averaging three years.  We lease a two-story building with over 50,000 square feet in Kennesaw, 
Georgia and a one-story building that includes over 33,000 square feet in Marietta, Georgia for additional administrative 
functions.  We believe that all of our facilities are well maintained and adequate for their current and reasonably 
foreseeable uses.  

21 

  
 
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

From time to time, we are party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While we do not 
presently believe that any of the legal proceedings to which we are currently a party will ultimately have a material 
adverse impact upon our business, financial position or results of operations, there can be no assurance that we will 
prevail in all the proceedings we are party to, or that we will not incur material losses from them. Some of the 
proceedings we are currently a party to are described below. For further information, see Note 8 to the consolidated 
financial statements.  

In Alford v. Aaron Rents, Inc. et al originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (No.: 
3:08-MJR-DGW-683) on October 2, 2008, plaintiff alleged, among other claims, that she was sexually harassed and 
subjected to retaliation, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, by a general manager of a Company 
store. Based on the judgment in the June 14, 2011 jury verdict (as reduced by the court), the Company recorded a 
charge of $36.5 million in the second quarter of 2011, which represented an accrual for the judgment and associated 
legal fees and expenses of $41.5 million, less insurance coverage of $5.0 million.  On March 26, 2012, following the 
court’s ruling that the verdict would not be sustained, the Company entered into a settlement agreement resolving the 
claims in the amount of $6.0 million. The Company recognized $35.5 million of income related to the reversal of the 
lawsuit accrual in the first quarter of 2012. 

In Kunstmann et al v. Aaron Rents, Inc., originally filed with the United States District Court, Northern District of 
Alabama (Case No.: 2:08-CV-1969-WMA), on October 29, 2008, plaintiffs alleged that the Company improperly 
classified store general managers as exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (―FLSA‖). 
Plaintiffs seek to recover unpaid overtime compensation and other damages for a class almost exclusively comprised of 
former general managers, most of whom terminated employment with the Company more than a year ago. On 
October 4, 2012 the Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment, and on January 23, 2013, the Court 
denied the Company’s motion for class decertification. The current class includes 247 individuals. The parties are now 
working on proposing next steps for the conduct of the case. 

In Margaret Korrow, et al. v. Aaron’s, Inc., originally filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, 
Law Division on October 26, 2010, plaintiff filed suit on behalf of herself and others similarly situated alleging that the 
Company is liable in damages to plaintiff and each class member because the Company’s lease agreements issued after 
March 16, 2006 purportedly violated certain New Jersey state consumer statutes. The Company removed the lawsuit to 
the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on December 6, 2010 (Civil Action No.: 10-
06317(JAP)(LHG)). Plaintiff on behalf of herself and others similarly situated seeks equitable relief, statutory and treble 
damages, pre- and post-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. Discovery on this matter is closed. To date, no class has 
been certified and, on December 17, 2012, the Company moved to dismiss the class allegations from plaintiff’s 
complaint. On February 5, 2013, plaintiff filed its response and also moved to certify the class. 

In Crystal and Brian Byrd v. Aaron’s, Inc., Aspen Way Enterprises, Inc., John Does (1-100) Aaron’s Franchisees and 
Designerware, LLC., filed on May 16, 2011 in the United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania (Case 
No. 1:11-CV-00101-SPB), plaintiffs allege that the Company and its franchisees knowingly violated plaintiffs’ and 
other similarly situated plaintiffs’ privacy in violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer 
Fraud Abuse Act through its use of a software program called ―PC Rental Agent.‖ The District Court dismissed the 
Company from the lawsuit on March 20, 2012. On September 14, 2012, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint against 
the Company and its franchisees alleging, among other claims, invasion of privacy, interception of electronic 
communications in violation of the Federal Wiretap Act as amended by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and 
vicarious liability claims against the Company. The plaintiffs are seeking damages in connection with the allegations of 
the amended complaint. On October 15, 2012, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which 
still remains pending.  

The Company has received inquiries from and is responding to government agencies, including the Federal Trade 
Commission, requesting information regarding the Byrd litigation and another incident involving the compromise of 
customer information, and inquiring about, among other things, the Company’s retail transactional, information security 
and privacy policies and practices.   

The matter of Kurtis Jewell v. Aaron’s, Inc. was originally filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of 
Ohio, Eastern Division on October 28, 2011 and was transferred on February 23, 2012 to the United States District 
Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta Division) (Civil No.:1:12-CV-00563-AT). Plaintiff, on behalf of 
himself and all other non-exempt employees who worked in Company stores, alleges that the Company violated the 

22 

  
 
FLSA when it automatically deducted 30 minutes from employees’ time for meal breaks on days when plaintiffs 
allegedly did not take their meal breaks. Plaintiff claims he and other employees actually worked through meal breaks 
or were interrupted during the course of their meal breaks and asked to perform work. As a result of the automatic 
deduction, plaintiff alleges that the Company failed to account for all of his working hours when it calculated overtime, 
and consequently underpaid him. On September 28, 2012, the Court issued an order granting conditional certification of 
a class consisting of all hourly store employees from October 27, 2008 to the present. The current class size is 1,788, 
which is less than seven percent of the potential class members. With limited exceptions, the time period for additional 
members to be added to the class has expired.  

The matter of Parish Harrigan and Carlos Urzua v. Aaron’s, Inc. was filed in the Superior Court of the State of 
California, County of Sacramento on January 27, 2012 (Case No.: 34-2012-0117848). Plaintiffs allege that they were 
subjected to jokes and name calling on the basis of their race and national origin. Plaintiffs further claim that they were 
subject to retaliation after reporting the discrimination and harassment to the Company. The plaintiffs are seeking 
damages in connection with the allegations. The Company denies the underlying allegations, believes that it took 
prompt action to investigate the claims once it was notified of the allegations, denies that either plaintiff was subject to 
retaliation and intends to vigorously defend itself in the litigation.  

We believe we have meritorious defenses to all of the claims described above, and intend to vigorously defend against 
the claims. However, these proceedings are still developing and due to the inherent uncertainty in litigation and similar 
adversarial proceedings, there can be no guarantee that we will ultimately be successful in these proceedings, or in 
others to which we are currently a party. Substantial losses from legal proceedings or the costs of defending them could 
have a material adverse impact upon our business, financial position and results of operations. 

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES  

Not applicable.

23 

  
 
PART II 

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  

Market Information, Holders and Dividends 

Effective December 13, 2010, all shares of the Company’s Common Stock began trading as a single class on the New 
York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "AAN." The CUSIP number of the Common Stock is 002535300. 

The number of shareholders of record of the Company's Common Stock at February 15, 2013 was 255.  The closing 
price for the Common Stock at February 15, 2013 was $29.26. 

The following table shows the range of high and low sales prices per share for the Company’s Common Stock and the 
quarterly cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated. 

Common Stock  
December 31, 2012 
First Quarter  
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

Common Stock  
December 31, 2011 
First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High 

Low 

$       31.78 
       28.59 
       31.29 
       32.53 

$        24.59 
        24.57 
        27.37 
        24.61 

High 

Low 

$       25.52 
       29.29 
       29.34 
       29.10 

$        19.16 
        24.79 
        22.17 
        23.24 

Cash 
Dividends 
Per Share 

$          .015 
          .015 
          .015 
          .017 

Cash 
Dividends 
Per Share 

$          .013 
          .013 
          .013 
          .015 

Subject to our ongoing ability to generate sufficient income, any future capital needs and other contingencies, we expect 
to continue our policy of paying quarterly dividends.  Under our revolving credit agreement, we may pay cash dividends 
in any year only if the dividends do not exceed 50% of our consolidated net earnings for the prior fiscal year plus the 
excess, if any, of the cash dividend limitation applicable to the prior year over the dividend actually paid in the prior 
year. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

The Company repurchased 1,236,689 shares of Common Stock during 2012 at an average price of $27.60.  As of 
December 31, 2012, 4,044,655 Common Stock shares remained available for repurchase under the purchase authority 
approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and publicly announced from time-to-time. The Company had no 
purchases of Common Stock during the fourth quarter of 2012. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 

Information concerning the Company's equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12 of Part III of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.        

24 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 
OF OPERATIONS  

Overview 

Aaron’s, Inc. (“we”, “our”, “us”, “Aaron’s” or the “Company”) is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics, 
computers, residential furniture, household appliances and accessories.  Our major operating divisions are the Aaron’s 
Sales & Lease Ownership division, the HomeSmart division and the Woodhaven Furniture Industries division, which 
manufactures and supplies the majority of the upholstered furniture and bedding leased and sold in our stores.  

Aaron’s has demonstrated strong revenue growth over the last three years.  Total revenues have increased from $1.876 
billion in 2010 to $2.223 billion in 2012, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%.  Total revenues for the 
year ended December 31, 2012 increased $200.3 million, or 10%, over the prior year. 

The majority of our growth comes from the opening of new sales and lease ownership stores and increases in same store 
revenues from previously opened stores.  We added a net of 93 Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores in 
2012.  We spend on average approximately $700,000 to $800,000 in the first year of operation of a new store, which 
includes purchases of lease merchandise, investments in leasehold improvements and financing first-year start-up costs. 
Our new sales and lease ownership stores typically achieve revenues of approximately $1.1 million in their third year of 
operation.  Our comparable stores open more than three years normally achieve approximately $1.4 million in revenues, 
which we believe represents a higher unit revenue volume than the typical rent-to-own store.  Most of our stores are 
cash flow positive in the second year of operations. 

We also use our franchise program to help us expand our sales and lease ownership concept more quickly and into more 
areas than we otherwise would by opening only Company-operated stores.  Our franchisees added a net of 36 stores in 
2012.  We purchased 21 franchised stores during 2012.  Franchise royalties and other related fees represent a growing 
source of high margin revenue for us, accounting for $66.7 million of revenues in 2012, up from $59.1 million in 2010, 
representing a compounded annual growth rate of 6.2%. 

Aaron’s Office Furniture Closure.  In November 2008, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets 
and the transfer of certain liabilities of its legacy residential rent-to-rent business, Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings 
division. When the Company sold its rent-to-rent business, it decided to keep the then 13 Aaron’s Office Furniture 
stores, a rent-to-rent concept aimed at the office market.  However, after disappointing results in a difficult environment, 
in June 2010 the Company announced its plans to close all of the then 12 remaining Aaron’s Office Furniture stores and 
focus solely on the Company’s sales and lease ownership business.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had closed 
11 of its Aaron’s Office Furniture stores and had one remaining store open to liquidate merchandise.  The Company 
recorded $9.0 million in 2010 related to the write-down and cost to dispose of office furniture, estimated future lease 
liabilities for closed stores, write-off of leaseholds, severance pay, and other costs associated with closing the stores.  
The Company did not incur any significant charges in 2011 or 2012 related to winding down the division.   

Stock Split. On March 23, 2010, we announced a 3-for-2 stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend on our 
Common Stock.  New shares were distributed on April 15, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on 
April 1, 2010.  All share and per share information has been restated for all periods presented to reflect this stock split. 

Dual Class Unification.  In December 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the unification of our prior 
nonvoting Common Stock and voting Class A Common Stock into a single class.  Effective December 10, 2010, the 
two classes were combined into a single voting class now known simply as our Common Stock. 

Same Store Revenues.  We believe the changes in same store revenues are a key performance indicator.  The change in 
same store revenues is calculated by comparing revenues for the year to revenues for the prior year for all stores open 
for the entire 24-month period, excluding stores that received lease agreements from other acquired, closed or merged 
stores.   

26 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Components of Net Income 

In this management’s discussion and analysis section, we review the Company’s consolidated results, including the five 
components of our revenues, costs of sales and expenses, of which depreciation of lease merchandise is a significant 
part.  

Revenues.  We separate our total revenues into five components: lease revenues and fees, retail sales, non-retail sales, 
franchise royalties and fees, and other.  Lease revenues and fees include all revenues derived from lease agreements at 
Company-operated stores, including agreements that result in our customers acquiring ownership at the end of the term.  
Retail sales represent sales of both new and returned lease merchandise from our stores.  Non-retail sales mainly 
represent new merchandise sales to our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division franchisees.  Franchise royalties and 
fees represent fees from the sale of franchise rights and royalty payments from franchisees, as well as other related 
income from our franchised stores.  Other revenues include, at times, income from gains on asset dispositions and other 
miscellaneous revenues. 

Retail Cost of Sales.  Retail cost of sales represents the original or depreciated cost of merchandise sold through our 
Company-operated stores.   

Non-Retail Cost of Sales. Non-retail cost of sales primarily represents the cost of merchandise sold to our franchisees. 

Operating Expenses.  Operating expenses include personnel costs, selling costs, occupancy costs, and delivery, among 
other expenses. 

Lawsuit (Income) Expense. Lawsuit expense consists of the net cost of paying legal judgments and settlement amounts; 
defense costs are included in operating expenses.  Lawsuit income results from reductions in previously accrued 
reserves. 

Retirement/Separation Charges. Retirement/separation charges represent costs associated with the retirement of the 
Company’s founder and former Chairman of the Board in 2012 and the departure of the Company’s former Chief 
Executive Officer in 2011.  

Depreciation of Lease Merchandise.  Depreciation of lease merchandise reflects the expense associated with 
depreciating merchandise held for lease and leased to customers by our Company-operated stores. 

Critical Accounting Policies 

Revenue Recognition.  Lease revenues are recognized in the month they are due on the accrual basis of accounting.  For 
internal management reporting purposes, lease revenues from sales and lease ownership agreements are recognized by 
the reportable segments as revenue in the month the cash is collected.  On a monthly basis, we record an accrual for 
lease revenues due but not yet received, net of allowances, and a deferral of revenue for lease payments received prior 
to the month due.  Our revenue recognition accounting policy matches the lease revenue with the corresponding costs, 
mainly depreciation, associated with the lease merchandise.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had a revenue 
deferral representing cash collected in advance of being due or otherwise earned totaling $45.3 million and $43.9 
million, respectively, and an accrued revenue receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, based on historical 
collection rates of $7.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively.  Revenues from the sale of merchandise to franchisees are 
recognized at the time of receipt of the merchandise by the franchisee and revenues from such sales to other customers 
are recognized at the time of shipment. 

Lease Merchandise.  Our Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership and HomeSmart divisions depreciate merchandise over the 
applicable agreement period, generally 12 to 24 months (monthly agreements) or 60 to 120 weeks (weekly agreements) 
when leased, and 36 months when not leased, to 0% salvage value.  Our policies require weekly lease merchandise 
counts at the store and write-offs for unsalable, damaged, or missing merchandise inventories.  Full physical inventories 
are generally taken at our fulfillment and manufacturing facilities two to four times a year with appropriate provisions 
made for missing, damaged and unsalable merchandise.  In addition, we monitor lease merchandise levels and mix by 
division, store and fulfillment center, as well as the average age of merchandise on hand.  If unsalable lease 

27 

  
 
 
 
 
 
merchandise cannot be returned to vendors, its carrying value is adjusted to net realizable value or written off.  All lease 
merchandise is available for lease and sale, excluding merchandise determined to be missing, damaged or unsalable.   

We record lease merchandise carrying value adjustments on the allowance method, which estimates the merchandise 
losses incurred but not yet identified by management as of the end of the accounting period.  Lease merchandise 
adjustments totaled $54.9 million, $46.2 million, and $46.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 
2010, respectively.  The fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 includes a write-down of $4.7 million related to the 
closure of the Aaron’s Office Furniture stores. 

Leases and Closed Store Reserves.  The majority of our Company-operated stores are operated from leased facilities 
under operating lease agreements.  The majority of the leases are for periods that do not exceed five years, although 
lease terms range in length up to approximately 15 years.  Leasehold improvements related to these leases are generally 
amortized over periods that do not exceed the lesser of the lease term or useful life.  While some of our leases do not 
require escalating payments, for the leases which do contain such provisions we record the related lease expense on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term.  We do not generally obtain significant amounts of lease incentives or allowances 
from landlords.  Any incentive or allowance amounts we receive are recognized ratably over the lease term. 

From time to time, we close or consolidate stores. Our primary costs associated with closing stores are the future lease 
payments and related commitments. We record an estimate of the future obligation related to closed stores based upon 
the present value of the future lease payments and related commitments, net of estimated sublease income based upon 
historical experience. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, our reserve for closed stores was $2.8 million and $3.8 
million, respectively.  Due to changes in market conditions, our estimates related to sublease income may change and, 
as a result, our actual liability may be more or less than the recorded amount. Excluding estimated sublease income, our 
future obligations related to closed stores on an undiscounted basis were $4.1 million and $6.1 million as of December 
31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

Insurance Programs.  We maintain insurance contracts to fund workers compensation, vehicle liability, general liability 
and group health insurance claims. Using actuarial analysis and projections, we estimate the liabilities associated with 
open and incurred but not reported workers compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. This analysis is 
based upon an assessment of the likely outcome or historical experience, net of any stop loss or other supplementary 
coverage.  We also calculate the projected outstanding plan liability for our group health insurance program using 
historical claims runoff data.  Our gross estimated liability for workers compensation insurance claims, vehicle liability, 
general liability and group health insurance was $29.8 million and $28.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively.  In addition, we have prefunding balances on deposit with the insurance carriers of $25.6 million and $23.1 
million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

If we resolve insurance claims for amounts that are in excess of our current estimates and within policy stop loss limits, 
we will be required to pay additional amounts beyond those accrued at December 31, 2012. 

The assumptions and conditions described above reflect management’s best assumptions and estimates, but these items 
involve inherent uncertainties as described above, which may or may not be controllable by management.  As a result, 
the accounting for such items could result in different amounts if management used different assumptions or if different 
conditions occur in future periods. 

Legal Reserves.  We are subject to various legal claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management 
regularly assesses the Company’s insurance deductibles, analyzes litigation information with the Company’s attorneys 
and evaluates its loss experience.  We accrue for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably 
estimable.  Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of our litigation are expensed as such fees and 
expenses are incurred.   

Income Taxes.  The calculation of our income tax expense requires significant judgment and the use of estimates. We 
periodically assess tax positions based on current tax developments, including enacted statutory, judicial and regulatory 
guidance. In analyzing our overall tax position, consideration is given to the amount and timing of recognizing income 
tax liabilities and benefits. In applying the tax and accounting guidance to the facts and circumstances, income tax 
balances are adjusted appropriately through the income tax provision. Reserves for income tax uncertainties are 
maintained at levels we believe are adequate to absorb probable payments. Actual amounts paid, if any, could differ 
significantly from these estimates. 

28 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts 
of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using 
enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to 
be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets when we 
expect the amount of tax benefit to be realized is less than the carrying value of the deferred tax asset. 

Fair Value. For the valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of financial assets and liabilities on a recurring 
basis, as well as Assets Held for Sale, which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, refer to Note 4 in the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Results of Operations 

Results of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010     

 (In Thousands) 

REVENUES: 

Lease Revenues 
  and Fees 
Retail Sales 
Non-Retail Sales 
Franchise Royalties  and Fees 
Other 

COSTS AND EXPENSES: 

Retail Cost of  Sales 
Non-Retail Cost of Sales 
Operating Expenses 
Lawsuit (Income) Expense 
Retirement/Separation Charges 

         Depreciation of Lease                   

Merchandise 

OPERATING PROFIT 

Interest Income 
Interest Expense 

    EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME 

TAXES 

INCOME TAXES 
NET EARNINGS 

 nmf - Calculation is not meaningful 

 Year Ended December 31, 

Change 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2012 vs. 2011 
$ 

% 

2011 vs. 2010 
$ 

% 

$  

$  

$  

 1,676,391  
38,455  
425,915  
      66,655  
      15,172  
      2,222,588  

1,516,508  
38,557  
388,960  
    63,255  
   15,051  
    2,022,331  

1,402,053  
40,556  
362,273  
    59,112  
    12,344  
    1,876,338  

 $    159,883  
(102) 
36,955  
        3,400  
   121  
       200,257  

10.5% 
(0.3) 
9.5 
5.4 
0.8 
9.9 

      21,719  
   389,357  
    952,262  
     (35,500)  
     10,394  

     22,738  
   353,745  
   868,716  
     36,500  
     3,532  

    23,013  
  330,918  
 824,929  
               -       
               -       

(1,019) 
        35,612  
   83,546  
(72,000)  
6,862  

(4.5) 
10.1 
9.6 
(197.3) 
194.3 

 $    114,455  
(1,999) 
26,687  
        4,143  
   2,707  
       145,993  

(275) 
        22,827  
   43,787  
36,500  
3,532 

     604,650  
      1,942,882  

  550,732  
   1,835,963  

 504,105       

    1,682,965  

53,918  
       106,919  

9.8 
5.8 

46,627  
       152,998  

8.2% 
(4.9) 
7.4 
7.0 
21.9 
7.8 

(1.2) 
6.9 
5.3 
nmf 
nmf 

9.2 
9.1 

       279,706  
3,541  
(6,392) 

       186,368  
1,718  
(4,709) 

      193,373  
509  
(3,096) 

93,338 
1,823  
(1,683) 

50.1 
106.1 
35.7 

(7,005) 
1,209  
(1,613) 

(3.6) 
237.5 
52.1 

276,855  

183,377  

190,786  

93,478 

51.0 

(7,409) 

(3.9) 

103,812  
      173,043   $  

69,610  
    113,767  

 $ 

72,410  
    118,376  

$ 

34,202 
 $     59,276 

49.1 
52.1% 

(2,800) 
 $     (4,609) 

(3.9) 
(3.9)% 

For all years presented, the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership, HomeSmart and Franchise segments accounted for 
substantially all of the operations of the Company and, therefore, unless otherwise noted only material changes within 
these three segments are discussed.  The production of our Manufacturing segment, consisting of our Woodhaven 
Furniture Industries division, is primarily leased or sold through our Company-operated and franchised stores, and 
consequently, substantially all of that segment’s revenues and earnings before income taxes are eliminated through the 
elimination of intersegment revenues and intersegment profit.  

29 

  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
              
  
              
  
              
  
            
  
            
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Revenues 

Information about our revenues by reportable segment is as follows: 

 (In Thousands) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2012 vs. 2011 
% 
$ 

2011 vs. 2010 
% 
$ 

 Year Ended December 31, 

Change 

$2,088,894  
          55,226  
          66,655  
         95,693  

REVENUES: 
Sales and Lease  
  Ownership 1 
HomeSmart 1 
Franchise 2 
Manufacturing 
Other 
Revenues of Reportable                                                                                              
Segments 
2,315,590  
Elimination of  
  Intersegment Revenues 
Cash to Accrual  
 Adjustments 

   $1,938,614  
            15,624  
            63,255  
            89,430  

2,115,019  

 (89,430) 

 (95,150) 

 (3,258) 

 2,148 

8,096  

9,122  

$1,803,601  
56  
    59,112  
     79,113  

1,957,014  

15,132  

 (79,113) 

 (1,563) 

$150,280  
     39,602  
3,400  
 6,263 
1,026 

       7.8%  

      253.5 
  5.4 
7.0 
12.7 

$135,013  
     15,568  
4,143  
10,317  

       7.5%  
       nmf 
7.0 
    13.0 

 (7,036) 

(46.5) 

200,571  

     9.5 

158,005  

     8.1 

 (5,720) 

      (6.4) 

 (10,317) 

   13.0 

 5,406 

    165.9 

 (1,695) 

    108.4 

Total Revenues from 
External Customers 

nmf - Calculation is not meaningful 

$2,222,588  

   $2,022,331  

$1,876,338  

 $200,257  

       9.9% 

 $145,993  

     7.8% 

1 Segment revenue consists of lease revenues and fees, retail sales and non-retail sales. 
2 Segment revenue consists of franchise royalties and fees. 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Sales and Lease Ownership.  Sales and Lease Ownership segment revenues increased due to a 10.5% increase in lease 
revenues and fees and 9.5% increase in non-retail sales.  Lease revenues and fees within the Sales and Lease Ownership 
segment increased due to a net addition of 100 Company-operated stores since the beginning of 2011 and a 5.1% 
increase in same store revenues.  Non-retail sales increased primarily due to net additions of 84 franchised stores since 
the beginning of 2011.  

Sales and Lease Ownership segment revenues include a $660,000 gain from the sales of three Sales and Lease 
Ownership stores in 2012 and a $3.0 million gain on the sales of 25 Sales and Lease Ownership stores in 2011. The 
Company has classified gains from the sales of Sales and Lease Ownership stores as ―Other‖ revenues in the 
Company’s consolidated statements of earnings.   

HomeSmart.  HomeSmart segment revenues increased to $55.2 million due to the net addition of 75 HomeSmart stores, 
since the beginning of 2011.  HomeSmart segment revenues for 2012 also benefitted from the inclusion of 12 months of 
revenue attributable to the 68 HomeSmart stores that were added primarily during the second half of 2011. 

Franchise.  Franchise segment revenues increased due to a $4.5 million, or 8.7%, increase in royalty income from 
franchisees.  Franchise royalty income increased due to the growth in the number of franchised stores and a 5.0% 
increase in same store revenues of existing franchised stores.  The total number of franchised sales and lease ownership 
stores at December 31, 2012 was 749, reflecting a net addition of 85 stores since the beginning of 2011.  

Other.  Revenues in the ―Other‖ segment, which are primarily revenues of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division, 
revenues from leasing space to unrelated third parties in the corporate headquarters building and revenues from several 
minor unrelated activities, did not fluctuate significantly from 2011 to 2012. 

30 

  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2010 

Sales and Lease Ownership.  Sales and Lease Ownership segment revenues increased due to a 7.5% increase in lease 
revenues and fees and 7.4% increase in non-retail sales.  Lease revenues and fees within the Sales and Lease Ownership 
segment increased due to a net addition of 78 Company-operated stores since the beginning of 2010 and a 4.4% increase 
in same store revenues.  Non-retail sales increased primarily due to net additions of 116 franchised stores since the 
beginning of 2010.  

Sales and Lease Ownership segment revenues include a $3.0 million gain from the sales of 25 Sales and Lease 
Ownership stores in 2011 and a $1.9 million gain on the sales of 11 Sales and Lease Ownership stores in 2010. The 
Company has classified gains from the sales of Sales and Lease Ownership stores as ―Other‖ revenues in the 
Company’s consolidated statements of earnings.   

HomeSmart.  HomeSmart segment revenues increased to $15.6 million due to the growth in the number of HomeSmart 
stores to 71, all of which have been added since the beginning of 2010.  

Franchise.  Franchise segment revenues increased largely due to a $4.0 million, or 8.4%, increase in royalty income 
from franchisees.  Franchise royalty income increased due to the growth in the number of franchised stores and a 1.3% 
increase in same store revenues of existing franchised stores.  The total number of franchised sales and lease ownership 
stores at December 31, 2011 was 713, reflecting a net addition of 116 stores since the beginning of 2010.  

Other.  Other segment revenues decreased $7.0 million mainly due to a $7.9 million decrease in the Aaron’s Office 
Furniture division revenues due to the closure of 14 stores during 2010.  

Costs and Expenses 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Retail cost of sales. Retail cost of sales decreased $1.0 million, or 4.5%, to $21.7 million in 2012, from $22.7 million 
for the comparable period in 2011, and as a percentage of retail sales, decreased to 56.5% from 59.0% due to a change 
in the mix of products. 

Non-retail cost of sales.  Non-retail cost of sales increased 10.1%, to $389.4 million in 2012, from $353.7 million for 
the comparable period in 2011, and as a percentage of non-retail sales, increased to 91.4% in 2012 from 90.9% in 2011. 

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses in 2012 increased $83.6 million to $952.3 million from $868.7 million in 
2011, a 9.6% increase.  As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses decreased to 42.8% in 2012 from 43.1% 
in 2011.   

Lawsuit (income) expense.  Litigation expense decreased $72.0 million due to the accrual of $36.5 million in the twelve 
months ended December 31, 2011, followed by a reversal of the accrual of $35.5 million in the year ended December 
31, 2012 related to the Alford v. Aaron Rents, Inc. et al case previously discussed. Based on the judgment in the June 
14, 2011 jury verdict (as reduced by the court), the Company recorded a charge of $36.5 million in the second quarter of 
2011, which represented an accrual for the judgment and associated legal fees and expenses of $41.5 million, less 
insurance coverage of $5.0 million.  On March 26, 2012, following the court’s ruling that the verdict would not be 
sustained, the Company entered into a settlement agreement in the amount of $6.0 million. The Company recognized 
$35.5 million of income related to the reversal of the lawsuit accrual in the first quarter of 2012.  

Retirement/separation charges. Retirement/separation charges of $10.4 million represent costs associated with the 
retirement of the Company’s founder and former Chairman of the Board in 2012, while in 2011 the Company incurred 
$3.5 million in separation costs related to the departure of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer. 

Depreciation of lease merchandise.  Depreciation of lease merchandise increased $53.9 million to $604.7 million in 
2012 from $550.7 million during the comparable period in 2011, a 9.8% increase as a result of higher on-rent lease 
merchandise due to the growth of our Sales and Lease Ownership and HomeSmart segments.  Levels of merchandise on 
lease remained consistent year over year, resulting in idle merchandise representing approximately 6% of total 
depreciation expense in 2012 and 2011. As a percentage of total lease revenues and fees, depreciation of lease 
merchandise decreased slightly to 36.1% from 36.3% in the prior year. 

31 

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2010 

Retail cost of sales. Retail cost of sales decreased $275,000, or 1.2%, to $22.7 million in 2011, from $23.0 million for 
the comparable period in 2010, and as a percentage of retail sales, increased to 59.0% from 56.7% due to a change in 
the mix of products. 

Non-retail cost of sales.  Non-retail cost of sales increased 6.9%, to $353.7 million in 2011, from $330.9 million for the 
comparable period in 2010, and as a percentage of non-retail sales, decreased to 90.9% in 2011 from 91.3% in 2010. 

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses in 2011 increased $47.3 million to $872.2 million from $824.9 million in 
2010, a 5.7% increase.  As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses decreased to 43.1% in 2011 from 44.0% 
in 2010.   

We began ceasing the operations of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division in June of 2010.  We closed 14 Aaron’s 
Office Furniture stores during 2010 and have one remaining store open to liquidate merchandise.  As a result, in 2010 
we recorded $3.3 million in closed store reserves and $4.7 million in lease merchandise write-downs and other 
miscellaneous expenses, totaling $9.0 million in operating expenses, related to the closures.  No significant operating 
expenses related to the closure were recorded in 2011.  

Lawsuit (income) expense.  The Company recorded $36.5 million in lawsuit expense in 2011, which represents the 
$41.5 million judgment, as reduced, in the Alford v. Aaron Rents, Inc. et al legal proceeding, and associated legal fees 
and expenses, net of insurance coverage of $5.0 million for this litigation. Refer to Note 8 in the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for further discussion.  There was no similar charge during 2010. 

Retirement/separation charges. Retirement/separation charges of $3.5 million related to the departure of the 
Company’s former Chief Executive Officer in 2011. 

Depreciation of lease merchandise.  Depreciation of lease merchandise increased $46.6 million to $550.7 million in 
2011 from $504.1 million during the comparable period in 2010, a 9.2% increase as a result of higher on-rent lease 
merchandise due to the growth of our Sales and Lease Ownership and HomeSmart segments.  Levels of merchandise on 
lease remained consistent year over year, resulting in idle merchandise representing approximately 6% and 5% of total 
depreciation expense in 2011 and 2010, respectively. As a percentage of total lease revenues and fees, depreciation of 
lease merchandise increased slightly to 36.3% from 36.0% in the prior year. 

Operating Profit 

Interest income. Interest income increased to $3.5 million in 2012 compared with $1.7 million for the comparable 
period in 2011.  The increase in interest income is due to higher average investment balances during the year ended 
December 31, 2012. Interest income increased to $1.7 million in 2011 compared with $0.5 million for the comparable 
period in 2010.  The increase in interest income is due to higher average investment balances during the year ended 
December 31, 2011. 

Interest expense.  Interest expense increased to $6.4 million in 2012 compared with $4.7 million in 2011, a 35.7% 
increase.  The increase is directly related to the issuance of our senior unsecured notes on July 5, 2011. Interest expense 
increased to $4.7 million in 2011 compared with $3.1 million in 2010, a 52.1% increase.  The increase is directly related 
to the issuance of our senior unsecured notes on July 5, 2011. 

Income Tax Expense 

Income tax expense increased $34.2 million to $103.8 million in 2012, compared with $69.6 million in 2011, 
representing a 49.1% increase due to a 51% increase in earnings in 2012, offset by a slightly lower tax rate in 2012.  
Our effective tax rate was 37.5% in 2012 and 38.0% in 2011. 

Income tax expense decreased $2.8 million to $69.6 million in 2011, compared with $72.4 million in 2010, representing 
a 3.9% decrease.  Our effective tax rate was 38.0% in both 2011 and 2010. 

32 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings from Continuing Operations 

Information about our earnings before income taxes by reportable segment is as follows: 

 (In Thousands) 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES: 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2012 vs. 2011 

$ 

% 

2011 vs. 2010 

$ 

% 

 Year Ended December 31, 

Change 

Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 

Franchise 

Manufacturing 

Other 

Earnings Before Income Taxes for   
Reportable Segments 
Elimination of Intersegment  
  Profit 
Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments 
Total 

nmf - Calculation is not meaningful 

$ 243,531  
 (6,962) 

52,672  

382  

(11,854)  

$ 143,686  
 (7,283) 

49,577  

2,960  

818  

$ 159,417  
  (318) 

45,935  

   3,218  

(12,437) 

$ 99,845 
321 

69.5% 
     (4.4) 

3,095  

(2,578) 

(12,672)  

6.2 

(87.1) 

nmf 

$ (15,731) 
(6,965) 

3,642  

(258) 

(9.9)% 
nmf 

7.9 

(8.0) 

13,255  

(106.6) 

277,769  

189,758  

195,815  

    88,011 

46.4 

    (6,057) 

(3.1) 

(393) 
      (521) 
$ 276,855 

(2,960) 
    (3,421) 
$ 183,377 

(3,218) 
   (1,811) 
$ 190,786 

2,567  

     2,900 
$ 93,478 

(86.7) 

(84.8) 
51.0% 

258  

(8.0) 

(1,610) 
$ (7,409) 

88.9 
(3.9)% 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Earnings before income taxes increased $93.5 million, or 51%, primarily due to a $99.8 million, or 69.5%, increase in 
the Sales and Lease Ownership segment, a $3.1 million, or 6.2%, increase in the Franchise segment, and a $321,000 
increase in the HomeSmart segment, partially offset by a decrease of $2.6 million in the Manufacturing segment, and 
$12.7 million in the ―Other‖ segment, primarily due to the closure of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division store and 
retirement charges of $10.4 million associated with the retirement of the Company’s founder and former Chairman of 
the Board.. 

Net earnings increased $59.3 million to $173.0 million in 2012 compared with $113.8 million in 2011, representing a 
52.1% increase.  As a percentage of total revenues, net earnings from continuing operations were 7.8% and 5.6% in 
2012 and 2011, respectively.  Additionally, net earnings for 2012 included the recognition of income of $35.5 million 
related to the Alford vs. Aaron Rents, Inc. et al case previously discussed.  The Company’s increased profitability of 
new Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores added over the past several years, contributing to a 5.1% 
increase in same store revenues and a 5.4% increase in franchise royalties and fees. 

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2010 

Earnings before income taxes decreased $7.4 million, or 3.9%, primarily due to a $15.7 million, or 9.9%, decrease in the 
Sales and Lease Ownership segment and a $7.0 million decrease in the HomeSmart segment, partially offset by a $3.6 
million, or 7.9%, increase in the Franchise segment and a $13.3 million increase in the ―Other‖ segment, primarily due 
to the closure of 14 Aaron’s Office Furniture division stores during 2010.   

Net earnings decreased $4.6 million to $113.8 million in 2011 compared with $118.4 million in 2010, representing a 
3.9% decrease.  As a percentage of total revenues, net earnings from continuing operations were 5.6% and 6.3% in 2011 
and 2010, respectively.  Additionally, the decrease in net earnings for 2011 was impacted by litigation expense of $36.5 
million related to the Alford vs. Aaron Rents, Inc. et al case previously discussed partially offset by an increase in 
profitability of new Company-operated sales and lease ownership stores added over the past several years, contributing 
to a 4.4% increase in same store revenues, and a 7.0% increase in franchise royalties and fees. 

Balance Sheet   

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company’s cash balance decreased to $129.5 million at December 31, 2012 from 
$176.3 million at December 31, 2011.  The $46.7 million decrease in our cash balance is due to cash flow generated 

33 

  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
from operations, less cash used by investing and financing activities.  For additional information, refer to the ―Liquidity 
and Capital Resources‖ section below.   

Investment Securities.  Our investment securities balance was $85.9 million at December 31, 2012 primarily as a result 
of purchases of corporate bonds in 2011 and an investment in bonds issued by a privately-held rent-to-own company 
based in the United Kingdom.  The securities are recorded at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets and 
mature at various dates  through 2014.   

Lease Merchandise, Net.  The increase of $101.8 million in lease merchandise, net of accumulated depreciation, to 
$964.1 million at December 31, 2012 from $862.3 million at December 31, 2011, is primarily the result of a net increase 
in lease merchandise of $92.7 million in the Sales and Lease Ownership segment and $6.4 million in the HomeSmart 
segment. 

Goodwill.  The $14.9 million increase in goodwill, to $234.2 million on December 31, 2012 from $219.3 million on 
December 31, 2011, is the result of a series of acquisitions of sales and lease ownership businesses.  During 2012, the 
Company acquired 44 Sales and Lease Ownership stores with an aggregate purchase price of $29.7 million.  The 
Company acquired four stores that were converted to HomeSmart with an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million.  
The principal tangible assets acquired consisted of lease merchandise, vehicles and fixtures and equipment.   

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets.  Prepaid expenses and other assets increased $31.5 million to $77.4 million at 
December 31, 2012 from $45.9 million at December 31, 2011, primarily as a result of an income tax receivable of $25 
million that exists as of December 31, 2012. 

Accrued Litigation Expense.  Accrued litigation expense decreased $41.7 million to $0 at December 31, 2012 from 
$41.7 million at December 31, 2011.  In 2011 the Company accrued $41.5 million, which represents the judgment, as 
reduced, and associated legal fees and expenses related to the Alford v. Aarons Rents, Inc. et al case previously 
discussed. The Company also recorded insurance coverage receivable of $5 million in prepaid expenses and other assets 
on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011. 

Deferred Income Taxes Payable.  The decrease of $23.3 million in deferred income taxes payable to $263.7 million at 
December 31, 2012 from $287.0 million at December 31, 2011 is primarily the result of the reversal of bonus 
depreciation deductions on lease merchandise included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization and Job 
Creation Act of 2010.  

Included in the deferred income tax payable as of December 31, 2012 are a deferred tax asset of $50.9 million and a 
valuation allowance of $657,000.  The Company has reserved the entire value of the Canadian net operating loss as 
there is no expected taxable income to absorb the loss within that jurisdiction.  With respect to all other deferred tax 
assets, the Company believes it will have sufficient taxable income in future years to assure the realization of their 
benefit. Future reversals of deferred tax liabilities associated with depreciation of rental inventory will occur in a 
manner necessary to assure realization. 

Credit Facilities.  The $12.3 million decrease in the amounts owed under credit facilities, to $141.5 million on 
December 31, 2012 from $153.8 million on December 31, 2011, reflects our repayment at maturity of the remaining 
principal balance of $12.0 million on the 5.03% private placement note and regularly scheduled payments on other 
credit facilities. 

34 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 

General 

Cash flows from operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $59.8 million, $307.2 million, 
and $49.3 million, respectively. The $247.4 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities in 2012 is due, in 
part, to the approximate $102.1 million change in income tax receivable, primarily due to the enactment of tax 
legislation in 2010 that resulted in overpayments of federal income taxes in 2010 for which we received approximately 
$80.9 million in refunds in 2011. In September 2010 the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was enacted and in December 
2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 was enacted. As a result 
of the bonus depreciation provisions in these acts, in 2010 we made estimated payments greater than our anticipated 
2010 federal tax liability.  

The 2012 decrease in cash flows from operating activities also includes $82.7 million in reduced deferred income taxes, 
$81.8 million in decreased non-cash litigation expense, substantially due to the Alford v. Aarons Rents, Inc. et al case 
previously discussed, and a net $47.9 million increase in lease merchandise, net of the effects of acquisitions and 
dispositions, partially offset by a $59.3 million increase in net earnings.  

Purchases of sales and lease ownership stores had a positive impact on operating cash flows in each period presented.  
The positive impact on operating cash flows from purchasing stores occurs as the result of lease merchandise, other 
assets and intangibles acquired in these purchases being treated as an investing cash outflow.  As such, the operating 
cash flows attributable to the newly purchased stores usually have an initial positive effect on operating cash flows that 
may not be indicative of the extent of their contributions in future periods. The amount of lease merchandise purchased 
in acquisitions of Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores, and shown under investing activities, was $11.6 million in 
2012, $6.1 million in 2011 and $6.5 million in 2010.  Sales of Sales and Lease Ownership stores are an additional 
source of investing cash flows in each period presented.  Proceeds from such sales were $2.6 million in 2012, $16.5 
million in 2011 and $8.0 million in 2010.  The amount of lease merchandise sold in these sales and shown under 
investing activities was $1.4 million in 2012, $8.9 million in 2011 and $4.5 million in 2010. The amount of HomeSmart 
merchandise purchased in acquisitions of sales and lease ownership stores and shown under investing activities was 
$427,000 in 2012 and $7.3 million in 2011.  There were no purchases of HomeSmart stores in 2010 and no sales 
activity in 2012, 2011 or 2010.  

Our cash flows include profits on the sale of lease return merchandise.  Our primary capital requirements consist of 
buying lease merchandise for sales and lease ownership stores. As we continue to grow, the need for additional lease 
merchandise will remain our major capital requirement.  Other capital requirements include purchases of property, plant 
and equipment, expenditures for acquisitions and income tax payments.  These capital requirements historically have 
been financed through: 

 
 
 
 
 
 

cash flow from operations;  
bank credit; 
trade credit with vendors; 
proceeds from the sale of lease return merchandise; 
private debt offerings; and 
stock offerings. 

At December 31, 2012, there was no outstanding balance under our revolving credit agreement.  The credit facilities 
balance decreased by $12.0 million in 2012, reflecting the repayment at maturity of the remaining $12.0 million 5.03% 
senior unsecured notes due July 2012.  Our revolving credit facility was amended on December 13, 2012 and extends 
the maturity date until December 13, 2017. The amendment to the Company’s revolving credit agreement is discussed 
in further detail in Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The total available credit under the facility as of 
December 31, 2012 is $140.0 million. 

On December 19, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to a note purchase agreement with several 
insurance companies. The amendment amends the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 5, 2011, pursuant to 
which the Company and its subsidiaries, Aaron Investment Company, Aaron’s Production Company and 99LTO, LLC, 
as co-obligors, issued $125 million in senior unsecured notes to the purchasers in a private placement. The notes bear 

35 

  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
interest at the rate of 3.75% per year and mature on April 27, 2018. Payments of interest are due quarterly, commencing 
July 27, 2011, with principal payments of $25.0 million each due annually commencing April 27, 2014.   

Our revolving credit agreement and senior unsecured notes, and our franchise loan program discussed below, contain 
certain financial covenants. These covenants include requirements that we maintain ratios of: (1) EBITDA plus lease 
expense to fixed charges of no less than 2:1; and (2) total debt to EBITDA of no greater than 3:1; ―EBITDA‖ in each 
case means consolidated net income before interest and tax expense, depreciation (other than lease merchandise 
depreciation) and amortization expense, and other non-cash charges.  The Company is also required to maintain a 
minimum amount of shareholders’ equity.  See the full text of the covenants in our credit and guarantee agreements, 
which we have filed as exhibits to our Securities and Exchange Commission reports, for the details of these covenants 
and other terms.  If we fail to comply with these covenants, we will be in default under these agreements, and all 
amounts would become due immediately.  We were in compliance with all of these covenants at December 31, 2012 
and believe that we will continue to be in compliance in the future.  

We purchase our stock in the market from time to time as authorized by our board of directors.  In May 2011, the Board 
of Directors approved and authorized the repurchase of an additional 5,955,204 shares of Common Stock over the 
previously authorized repurchase amount of 4,044,796 shares, increasing the total number of our shares of Common 
Stock authorized for repurchase to 10,000,000. We repurchased 1,236,689 shares of Common Stock during 2012 at a 
total purchase price of $34.1 million and have authority to purchase 4,044,655 additional shares.  The repurchases in 
2012 increased the diluted earnings per share by $.01. 

We have a consistent history of paying dividends, having paid dividends for 25 consecutive years.  A $.012 per share 
dividend on our common shares was paid in January 2010, April 2010, July 2010, and October 2010 for a total cash 
outlay of $3.9 million.  Our board of directors increased the dividend 8.3% for the fourth quarter of 2010 on November 
3, 2010 to $.013 per share and the dividend was paid to holders of Common Stock in January 2011.  A $.013 per share 
dividend on Common Stock was paid in April 2011, July 2011 and October 2011 for a total cash outlay of $3.1 million.  
Our board of directors increased the dividend 15.4% for the fourth quarter of 2011 on November 1, 2011 to $.015 per 
share and the $1.1 million dividend was paid to holders of Common Stock in January 2012.  A $.015 per share dividend 
on Common Stock was paid in April 2012, July 2012 and October 2012 for a total cash outlay of $3.4 million.  Our 
board of directors increased the dividend 13.3% for the fourth quarter of 2012 on November 7, 2012 to $.017 per share 
and the dividend of $1.3 million was paid to holders of Common Stock in December 2012.  Subject to sufficient 
operating profits, any future capital needs and other contingencies, we currently expect to continue our policy of paying 
dividends. 

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 lease return merchandise by 
expanding our existing credit facilities, by securing additional debt 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 12 to 24 months.  We believe we can 
secure these additional sources of capital in the ordinary course of business.  However, if the credit and capital markets 
experience disruptions, we may not be able to obtain access to capital at as favorable costs as we have historically been 
able to, and some forms of capital may not be available at all. 

Commitments     

Income Taxes.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we made $145.4 million in income tax payments.  Within 
the next twelve months, we anticipate that we will make cash payments for federal and state income taxes of 
approximately $87.0 million. In September 2010, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was enacted and in December 
2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 was enacted.  As a result 
of the bonus depreciation provisions in these acts, in 2010 we made estimated payments greater than our anticipated 
2010 federal tax liability.  We filed for a refund of overpaid federal tax of approximately $80.9 million in January 2011 
and received that refund in February 2011. 

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the Small Business 
Jobs Act of 2010 provided for accelerated depreciation by allowing a bonus first-year depreciation deduction of 50% of 
the adjusted basis of qualified property, such as our lease merchandise, placed in service during those years. The Tax 
Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 allowed for deduction of 100% of the 
adjusted basis of qualified property for assets placed in service after September 8, 2010 and before December 31, 2011.  
This act also allowed for a deduction of 50% of the cost of qualified property placed in service during 2012.  The 

36 

  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended bonus depreciation of 50% through the end of 2013. Accordingly, our 
cash flow benefited from having a lower cash tax obligation which, in turn, provided additional cash flow from 
operations.  Because of our sales and lease ownership model, where the Company remains the owner of merchandise on 
lease, we benefit more from bonus depreciation, relatively, than traditional furniture, electronics and appliance retailers.  
In future years, we anticipate having to make increased tax payments on our earnings as a result of expected 
profitability and the reversal of the accelerated depreciation deductions that were taken in 2012 and prior periods.  We 
estimate that at December 31, 2012, the remaining tax deferral associated with the acts described above is 
approximately $180.0 million, of which approximately 70% will reverse in 2013 and most of the remainder will reverse 
between 2014 and 2015. 

Leases.  We lease warehouse and retail store space for most of our operations under operating leases expiring at various 
times through 2028.  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 December 31, 2012 are shown in the below table under ―Contractual 
Obligations and Commitments.‖  

We have 20 capital leases, 19 of which are with a limited liability company (―LLC‖) whose managers and owners are 
nine officers and two former officers of the Company of which there are six executive officers, with no individual, 
owning more than 13.33% of the LLC.  Nine of these related party leases relate to properties purchased from us in 
October and November of 2004 by the LLC for a total purchase price of $6.8 million.  The LLC is leasing back these 
properties to us for a 15-year term, with a five-year renewal at our option, at an aggregate annual lease amount of 
$716,000.  Another ten of these related party leases relate to properties purchased from us in December 2002 by the 
LLC for a total purchase price of approximately $5.0 million.  The LLC is leasing back these properties to us for a 15-
year term at an aggregate annual lease of $556,000.  We do not currently plan to enter into any similar related party 
lease transactions in the future. 

We finance a portion of our store expansion through sale-leaseback transactions. The properties are generally sold at net 
book value and the resulting leases qualify and are accounted for as operating leases. We do not have any retained or 
contingent interests in the stores nor do we provide any guarantees, other than a corporate level guarantee of lease 
payments, in connection with the sale-leasebacks. The operating leases that resulted from these transactions are included 
in the table below. 

Franchise Loan Guaranty.  We have guaranteed the borrowings of certain independent franchisees under a franchise 
loan program with several banks.  On December 13, 2012, we entered into a fifth amendment to our second amended 
and restated loan facility and guaranty, dated June 18, 2010, as amended, and we entered into a fourth amendment as of 
May 16, 2012.  The amendments to the franchise loan facility extended the maturity date until December 12, 2013, 
increased the maximum Canadian subfacility commitment amount for loans to franchisees that operate stores in Canada 
(other than in the Province of Quebec) from Cdn $35.0 million to Cdn $50.0 million, included a revolving loan option 
for Canadian borrowers, included HomeSmart franchisees in the United States as authorized borrowers under the 
facility and conformed the covenants to those contained in the Company’s revolving credit agreement, which is 
discussed in further detail in Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We remain subject to financial covenants 
under the franchise loan facility. 

At December 31, 2012, the portion that we might be obligated to repay in the event franchisees defaulted was $117.3 
million.  However, due to franchisee borrowing limits, we believe any losses associated with any defaults would be 
mitigated through recovery of lease merchandise and other assets.  Since its inception in 1994, we have had no 
significant losses associated with the franchise loan and guaranty program.  We believe the likelihood of any significant 
amounts being funded in connection with these commitments to be remote.  We receive guarantee fees based on such 
franchisees’ outstanding debt obligations, which were recognized as the guarantee obligation is satisfied.   

Legal Reserves.  We are frequently a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  
Management regularly assesses the Company’s insurance deductibles, analyzes litigation information with the 
Company’s attorneys and evaluates its loss experience.  We accrue for litigation loss contingencies that are both 
probable and reasonably estimable.  Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of our litigation are 

37 

  
 
 
  
 
 
expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred.  Some of the proceedings we are currently a party to are described in 
Item 3, ―Legal Proceedings,‖ and in Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Accrued litigation expense decreased $41.7 million to $0 at December 31, 2012 substantially due to the Alford v. 
Aarons Rents, Inc. et al. case previously discussed. 

While we do not presently believe that any of the legal proceedings to which we are currently a party will ultimately 
have a material adverse impact upon our business, financial position or results of operations, there can be no assurance 
that we will prevail in all the proceedings we are party to, or that we will not incur material losses from them.   

Contractual Obligations and Commitments. We have no long-term commitments to purchase merchandise.  See Note 8 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.  The following table shows our approximate 
contractual obligations, including interest, and commitments to make future payments as of December 31, 2012:  

Contractual Obligations and Commitments 
(In Thousands)   

Total 

Period Less 
Than 1 Year   

Period 1-3 
Years 

Period 3-5 
Years 

Period Over 
5 Years 

Credit Facilities, Excluding Capital 

Leases 

   $    128,250    $ 

-     $   53,250     $ 

Capital Leases 
Interest Obligations 
Operating Leases 
Purchase Obligations 
Retirement Charge 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations 

13,278  
27,438  
547,893   
26,784  
8,276  

1,755  
5,529  
110,244   
22,532  
1,727  

3,952   
10,316   
174,803    
3,978   
3,455   

50,000    $ 
3,859  
9,897  
100,744   
274  
3,033  

25,000 
3,712 
1,696 
162,102 
             - 
61 
192,571 

   $    751,919    $  141,787     $ 249,754     $  167,807    $ 

The following table shows the Company’s approximate commercial commitments as of December 31, 2012:  

(In Thousands) 

Total 
Amounts 
Committed    

Period Less 
Than 1 Year    

Period 1-3 
Years 

Period 3-5 
Years 

Period Over 
5 Years 

Guaranteed Borrowings of Franchisees     $  117,347    $  117,203    $ 

   144 

   $ 

-             $ 

- 

Purchase obligations are primarily related to certain advertising and marketing programs.  We do not have significant 
agreements for the purchase of lease merchandise or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that 
exceed our expected requirements for three months. 

Deferred income tax liabilities as of December 31, 2012 were approximately $263.7 million. This amount is not 
included in the total contractual obligations table because we believe this presentation would not be meaningful.  
Deferred income tax liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and 
liabilities and their respective book basis, which will result in taxable amounts in future years when the liabilities are 
settled at their reported financial statement amounts.  The results of these calculations do not have a direct connection 
with the amount of cash taxes to be paid in any future periods.  As a result, scheduling deferred income tax liabilities as 
payments due by period could be misleading, because this scheduling would not relate to liquidity needs. 

38 

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
  
        
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Refer to Note 1 to these Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting 
pronouncements. 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  
As of December 31, 2012, we had $125.0 million of senior unsecured notes outstanding at a fixed rate of 3.75%.  We 
had no balance outstanding under our revolving credit agreement indexed to the LIBOR (―London Interbank Offer 
Rate‖) or the prime rate, which exposes us to the risk of increased interest costs if interest rates rise.  Based on our 
overall interest rate exposure at December 31, 2012, a hypothetical 1.0% increase or decrease in interest rates would not 
be material.   

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

39 

  
 
 
 
 
ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

The Board of Directors of Aaron’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 
2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the 
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 
based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting 
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used 
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We 
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Atlanta, Georgia 
February 22, 2013 

40 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

The Board of Directors of Aaron’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries  

We have audited Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is 
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness 
of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over 
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining 
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing 
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing 
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable 
basis for our opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are 
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of 
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements.  

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate. 

In our opinion, Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the 
related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the 
three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 of Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries, and our report dated February 22, 
2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  

Atlanta, Georgia 
February 22, 2013 

41 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Management of Aaron’s, Inc. and subsidiaries (the ―Company‖) is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  
Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.  Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting 
objectives because of its inherent limitations.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human 
diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures.  Internal 
control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override.  Because of 
such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by 
internal control over financial reporting.  However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial 
reporting process.  Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, the 
risk. 

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2012.  In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated 
Framework. 

Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2012, the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting was effective based on those criteria. 

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by Ernst & Young 
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report dated February 22, 2013, which 
expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2012. 

42 

  
 
 
 
 
 
AARON’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

ASSETS: 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Investments  
Accounts Receivable (net of allowances of $6,001 in 2012 and $4,768 in 2011) 
Lease Merchandise 
Less: Accumulated Depreciation 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 
Goodwill 
Other Intangibles, Net 
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets 
Assets Held for Sale 
Total Assets 

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: 
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 
Accrued Litigation Expense 
Deferred Income Taxes Payable 
Customer Deposits and Advance Payments 
Credit Facilities 
Total Liabilities 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8) 

Shareholders’ Equity: 

December 31, 
December 31, 
2011 
2012 
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) 

 $ 

 $  

 $  

129,534   
85,861   
74,157    
1,539,594   
(575,527)   
964,067   
230,598    
234,195   
6,026   
77,387    
11,104   
1,812,929    

225,532   
-   
263,721   
46,022    
141,528   
676,803    

$ 

$ 

$ 

176,257  
98,132 
87,471  
1,363,903  
(501,627) 
862,276 
226,619 
219,342 
6,066 
45,851 
9,885 
1,731,899 

228,303 
41,720 
286,962 
44,571 
153,789 
755,345 

Common Stock, Par Value $.50 Per Share; Authorized: 225,000,000 Shares at 

December 31, 2012 and 2011; Shares Issued: 90,752,123 at December 31, 2012 
and 2011 

    Additional Paid-in Capital 
    Retained Earnings 
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 

45,376    
220,362   
1,087,032    

(69)     

1,352,701    

45,376 
212,311 
918,699 

274     

1,176,660 

Less: Treasury Shares at Cost 
    Common Stock, 15,031,741 and 15,111,635 Shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 

respectively 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity 

(216,575)  
1,136,126    
1,812,929   

$ 

(200,106) 
976,554 
1,731,899 

$ 

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

43 

  
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
     
  
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
    
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
AARON’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 

REVENUES: 

Lease Revenues and Fees 
Retail Sales 
Non-Retail Sales 
Franchise Royalties and Fees 
Other 

COSTS AND EXPENSES: 
Retail Cost of Sales 
Non-Retail Cost of Sales 
Operating Expenses 
Lawsuit (Income) Expense 
Retirement/Separation Charges 
Depreciation of Lease Merchandise 

OPERATING PROFIT 

Interest Income 
Interest Expense 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 

INCOME TAXES 

NET EARNINGS 

EARNINGS PER SHARE  

EARNINGS PER SHARE ASSUMING DILUTION 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2011 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2010 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) 

$  1,676,391    

  $  1,516,508    

$  1,402,053    

38,455 
425,915 
66,655 
15,172 
   2,222,588 

21,719 
389,357 
952,262 
(35,500) 
10,394 
604,650 
   1,942,882 

279,706 
3,541 
(6,392) 

276,855 

103,812 

38,557 
388,960 
63,255 
15,051 
   2,022,331 

22,738 
353,745 
868,716 
36,500 
3,532 
550,732 
   1,835,963 

186,368 
1,718 
(4,709) 

183,377 

69,610 

40,556 
362,273 
59,112 
12,344 
   1,876,338 

23,013 
330,918 
824,929 
- 
- 
504,105 
   1,682,965 

193,373 
509 
(3,096) 

190,786 

72,410 

   $ 

173,043 

   $ 

113,767 

   $ 

118,376 

   $ 

   $ 

2.28 

   $ 

2.25 

   $ 

1.46 

1.43 

   $ 

   $ 

1.46 

1.44 

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

44 

  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AARON’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

(In Thousands) 

Net Earnings 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): 
Foreign Currency Translation: 

Foreign Currency Translation 
Adjustment 
Less: Reclassification Adjustments 
for Net Gains Included in Net 
Earnings 
Net Change 

Available-for-Sale Investments: 

Change in Net Unrealized Losses on 
Available-for-Sale Investments 
Less: Reclassification Adjustment for 
Net Losses Included in Net Earnings 
Net Change 
Cash Flow Hedges: 

Change in Net Unrealized Gains on 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow 
Hedges 
Less: Reclassification Adjustment for 
Net Gains Included in Net Earnings 
Net Change 

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

Comprehensive Income  

2012 
$     173,043 

Year End December 31, 
2011 
$   113,767 

2010 
 $    118,376 

(343) 

(648) 

935 

- 
935 

- 

- 
- 

- 
(648) 

88 

(88) 
- 

373 
30 

- 

- 
- 

- 

(12) 

12 

- 
- 
30 
$   173,073 

12 
- 
(648) 
$  113,119 

- 
12 
947 
$   119,323 

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

45 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AARON’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
Net Earnings  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash From 
Operating Activities: 

Depreciation of Lease Merchandise 
Other Depreciation and Amortization 
Bad Debt Expense 
Stock-Based Compensation 
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment 

and Assets Held for Sale 
Gain on Asset Dispositions 
Deferred Income Taxes 
Excess Tax Benefits From Stock-Based Compensation   
Other Changes, Net 

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effects 
of Acquisitions and Dispositions: 

Additions to Lease Merchandise 
Book Value of Lease Merchandise Sold or Disposed 
Accounts Receivable 
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets 
Income Tax Receivable 
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 
Accrued Litigation Expense 
Customer Deposits and Advance Payments 
Cash Provided by Operating Activities 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
Purchase of Investments 
Proceeds from Maturities and Calls of Investments 
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment 
Acquisitions of Businesses and Contracts 
Proceeds from Dispositions of Businesses and Contracts 
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment 
Cash Used by Investing Activities 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
Proceeds from Credit Facilities 
Repayments on Credit Facilities 
Acquisition of Treasury Stock 
Dividends Paid 
Excess Tax Benefits From Stock-Based Compensation 
Issuance of Stock Under Stock Option Plans 
Cash Used by Financing Activities 

     (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 
     Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 
     Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year 

Cash Paid During the Year: 
        Interest 
        Income Taxes 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2011 
(In Thousands) 

Year Ended 
   December 31, 

2010 

$ 

173,043   

$ 

113,767 

 $ 

118,376 

604,650    
56,783   
31,842   
6,454   

(397)   
(265)  
(23,241)  
(5,967)  
7,830   

550,732 
52,832 
25,402 
8,385 

1,172 
(3,045) 
59,449 
(1,264) 
(1,693) 

(1,162,703)  
466,799    
(18,528)   
(9,263)  
(22,379)  
(4,635)  
(41,720)  
1,451   
59,754    

(1,024,602) 
430,540 
(43,211) 
(4,317) 
79,762 
18,885 
40,043 
4,358 
307,195 

(91,000)  
102,118   
(65,073)  
(30,799)  
1,999   
6,790    
(75,965)   

16,258   
(28,519)   
(34,131)  
(5,843)   
5,967   
15,756    
(30,512)  

(46,723)  
176,257    
129,534   

6,498   
145,370    

(100,513) 
1,063 
(78,211) 
(32,176) 
7,282 
11,481 
(191,074) 

129,150 
(17,151) 
(127,193) 
(4,073) 
1,264 
6,117 
(11,886) 

104,235 
72,022 
176,257 

3,983 
10,991 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

504,105 
45,427 
23,988 
4,759 

2,441 
(1,917) 
63,843 
(321) 
270 

(1,034,474) 
400,304 
(27,555) 
(4,320) 
(82,378) 
33,346 
1,352 
2,015 
49,261 

- 
- 
(87,636) 
(17,891) 
8,025 
53,399 
(44,103) 

2,429 
(15,683) 
(28,046) 
(2,929) 
321 
1,087 
(42,821) 

(37,663) 
109,685 
72,022 

3,203 
94,793 

 $ 

 $ 

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

47 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
    
  
 
    
 
 
  
 
 
   
NOTE 1: BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Description of Business 

Aaron’s, Inc. (the ―Company‖ or ―Aaron’s‖) is a leading specialty retailer engaged in the business of leasing and 
selling consumer electronics, computers, residential furniture, appliances and household accessories throughout the 
United States and Canada. The Company’s major operating divisions are the Sales & Lease Ownership division 
(established as a monthly payment concept), the HomeSmart division (established as a weekly payment concept) 
and the Woodhaven Furniture Industries division, which manufactures upholstered furniture and bedding 
predominantly for use by Company-operated and franchised stores. The Company’s Sales & Lease Ownership 
division includes the Company’s RIMCO stores, which lease automobile wheels, tires and rims under sales and 
lease ownership agreements. The Company began ceasing the operations of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division in 
June of 2010.  The Company closed 14 of its Aaron’s Office Furniture stores during 2010 and closed the remaining 
store in 2012. Refer to Note 2 for additional disclosure regarding the disposal of the Aaron’s Office Furniture 
division. 

The following table presents store count by ownership type: 

Stores at December 31 (Unaudited) 
Company-operated stores 

Sales and Lease Ownership 
RIMCO 
HomeSmart 
Aaron’s Office Furniture 

Total Company-operated stores 
Franchised stores1 
Systemwide stores 

2012 

2011 

2010 

1,227 
19 
78 
- 
1,324 
749 
2,073 

1,144 
16 
71 
1 
1,232 
713 
1,945 

1,135 
11 
3 
1 
1,150 
664 
1,814 

1As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 929, 943 and 946 franchises had been awarded, respectively. 

Basis of Presentation 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those 
estimates.  Generally, actual experience has been consistent with management's prior estimates and assumptions. 
Management does not believe these estimates or assumptions will change significantly in the future absent 
unsurfaced or unforeseen events. 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation.  The 
HomeSmart division has been reclassified from the Other segment to the HomeSmart segment in all periods 
presented.  Refer to Note 12 for the segment disclosure.  In all periods presented, ―bad debt expense‖ has been 
separately presented from ―change in accounts receivable‖ in the consolidated statements of cash flows. 
Additionally, interest income has been reclassified from ―Other‖ revenues and presented as a component of non-
operating income and expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented. 

Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Aaron’s,  Inc.  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries.  
Intercompany balances and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.   

On October 14, 2011, the Company purchased 11.5% of newly issued shares of common stock of Perfect Home 
Holdings Limited (―Perfect Home‖), a privately-held rent-to-own company that is primarily financed by 
subordinated debt.  Perfect Home is based in the United Kingdom and operates 55 retail stores as of December 31, 
2012. As part of the transaction, the Company also received notes and an option to acquire the remaining interest in 
Perfect Home at any time through December 31, 2013. If the Company does not exercise the option prior to 
December 31, 2013, it will be obligated to sell the common stock and notes back to Perfect Home at the original 
purchase price plus interest. The Company’s investment is denominated in British Pounds. 

48 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Perfect Home is a variable interest entity (―VIE‖) as it does not have sufficient equity at risk; however, the Company 
is not the primary beneficiary and lacks the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of Perfect 
Home that most significantly affect its economic performance. As such, the VIE is not consolidated by the 
Company. 

Because the Company is not able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of 
Perfect Home, the equity portion of the investment in Perfect Home, totaling less than a thousand dollars at 
December 31, 2012, is accounted for as a cost method investment and is included in prepaid expenses and other 
assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The notes purchased from Perfect Home totaling 11.4 million British 
pounds ($18.4 million) and 10.2 million British pounds ($15.9 million) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively, are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities in accordance with ASC 320, Debt and Equity 
Securities, and are included in investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in the Company’s 
British pound-denominated notes during 2012 relates to accretion of the original discount on the notes with a face 
value of 10.0 million British pounds. Utilizing a Black-Scholes model, the options to buy the remaining interest in 
Perfect Home and to sell the Company’s interest in Perfect Home were determined to have only nominal values.  

The Company’s maximum exposure to any potential losses associated with this VIE is equal to its total recorded 
investment which totals $18.4 million at December 31, 2012. 

Revenue Recognition 

Lease Revenues and Fees 

The Company provides merchandise, consisting of consumer electronics, computers, residential furniture, 
appliances, and household accessories, to its customers for lease under certain terms agreed to by the customer.  
Two primary lease models are offered to customers: one through the Company’s Sales & Lease Ownership division 
(established as a monthly model) and the other through its HomeSmart division (established as a weekly model). 
The typical monthly lease model is 12, 18 or 24 months, while the typical weekly lease model is 60, 90 or 120 
weeks. The Company does not require deposits upon inception of customer agreements.  

In a number of states, the Company utilizes a consumer lease form as an alternative to a typical lease purchase 
agreement. The consumer lease differs from our state lease agreement in that it has an initial lease term in excess of 
four months. Generally, state laws that govern the rent-to-own industry only apply to lease agreements with an 
initial term of four months or less. Following satisfaction of the initial term contained in the consumer or state lease, 
as applicable, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all 
required lease payments. 

All of the Company’s customer agreements are considered operating leases under the provisions of ASC 840, 
Leases. As such, lease revenues are recognized as revenue in the month they are due. Lease payments received prior 
to the month due are recorded as deferred lease revenue. Until all payment obligations are satisfied under sales and 
lease ownership agreements, the Company maintains ownership of the lease merchandise. Initial direct costs related 
to the Company’s customer agreements are expensed as incurred and have been classified as operating expenses in 
the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings. 

Retail and Non-Retail Sales 

Revenues from the sale of merchandise to franchisees are recognized at the time of receipt of the merchandise by the 
franchisee based on the electronic receipt of merchandise by the franchisee within the Company’s fulfillment 
system. Additionally, revenues from the sale of merchandise to other customers are recognized at the time of 
shipment, at which time title and risk of ownership are transferred to the customer.  

Substantially all of the amounts reported as non-retail sales and non-retail cost of sales in the accompanying 
consolidated statements of earnings relate to the sale of lease merchandise to franchisees. The Company classifies 
the sale of merchandise to other customers as retail sales in the consolidated statements of earnings. The Company 
presents sales net of sales taxes. 

Franchise Royalties and Fees 

The Company franchises Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores.  Franchisees typically pay a non-refundable 
initial franchise fee from $15,000 to $50,000 depending upon market size and an ongoing royalty of either 5% or 6% 
of gross revenues.  Franchise fees and area development fees are generated from the sale of rights to develop, own 

49 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and operate Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership stores.  These fees are recognized as income when substantially all of 
the Company’s obligations per location are satisfied, generally at the date of the store opening.  Franchise fees and 
area development fees are received before the substantial completion of the Company’s obligations and deferred.  
The Company guarantees certain debt obligations of some of the franchisees and receives guarantee fees based on 
the outstanding debt obligations of such franchisees. The Company recognizes finance fee revenue as the guarantee 
obligation is satisfied. Refer to Note 8 for additional discussion of the Company’s franchise-related guarantee 
obligation.  

Franchise agreement fee revenue was $2.4 million, $2.6 million and $3.0 million; royalty revenue was $56.5 
million, $52.0 million and $47.9 million; and finance fee revenue was $4.9 million, $5.9 million and $5.7 million for 
the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Deferred franchise and area development 
agreement fees, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance 
sheets, were $3.8 million and $4.7 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

Retail and Non-Retail Cost of Sales 

Included in cost of sales is the net book value of merchandise sold, primarily using specific identification.  It is not 
practicable to allocate operating expenses between selling and lease operations. 

Shipping and Handling Costs 

The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of earnings, and these costs totaled $74.9 million, $68.1 million and $60.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 
2010, respectively. 

Advertising  

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred when an advertisement appears for the first time. Such 
advertising costs amounted to $36.5 million, $38.9 million and $31.7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 
These advertising expenses are shown net of cooperative advertising considerations received from vendors, 
substantially all of which represents reimbursement of specific, identifiable and incremental costs incurred in selling 
those vendors’ products. The amount of cooperative advertising consideration netted against advertising expense 
was $31.1 million, $25.4 million and $27.2 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The prepaid advertising 
asset was $3.2 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are more fully described in Note 10.  The 
Company estimates the fair value for the options granted on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model and accounts for stock-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions codified in FASB 
ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation.  The fair value of each share of restricted stock awarded was equal to the 
market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. 

Deferred Income Taxes 

Deferred income taxes represent primarily temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for 
financial and tax reporting purposes.  The Company’s largest temporary differences arise principally from the use of 
accelerated depreciation methods on lease merchandise for tax purposes.   

Earnings per Share 

Earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common 
stock outstanding during the period.  The computation of earnings per share assuming dilution includes the dilutive  

50 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
effect of stock options, restricted stock units (―RSUs‖) and restricted stock awards (―RSAs‖) as determined under 
the treasury stock method.  The following table shows the calculation of dilutive stock awards for the years ended 
December 31 (shares in thousands): 

Weighted average shares outstanding 
Effect of dilutive securities: 

Stock options 
RSUs  
RSAs 

Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution 

2012 
75,820 

2011 
 78,101 

2010 
81,194 

          789 
          210 
             7 
76,826 

         998 
         237 
             3 
79,339 

           745 
             25 
           138 
82,102 

Approximately 53,000 and 314,000 stock-based awards were excluded from the computations of earnings per share 
assuming dilution in 2012 and 2010, respectively, because the awards would have been anti-dilutive for the years 
presented. No stock options, RSUs or RSAs were anti-dilutive during 2011. In addition, under the terms of the 
Company’s performance-based RSUs issued in 2012, approximately 167,000 RSUs will vest based on the 
achievement of revenue and pre-tax profit margin targets applicable to performance periods beginning subsequent to 
December 31, 2012. Accordingly, approximately 167,000 RSUs are not included in the computation of diluted EPS 
for the year ended December 31, 2012. Refer to Note 10 for additional information regarding the Company’s 
restricted stock arrangements. 

Lease Merchandise 

The Company’s lease merchandise consists primarily of consumer electronics, computers, residential furniture, 
appliances, and household accessories and is recorded at cost, which includes overhead from production facilities, 
shipping costs and warehousing costs.  The sales and lease ownership stores depreciate merchandise over the lease 
agreement period, generally 12 to 24 months (monthly agreements) or 60 to 120 weeks (weekly agreements) when 
on lease and 36 months when not on lease, to a 0% salvage value.  The Company’s policies require weekly lease 
merchandise counts at the store, which include write-offs for unsalable, damaged, or missing merchandise 
inventories. Full physical inventories are generally taken at the fulfillment and manufacturing facilities two to four 
times a year, and appropriate provisions are made for missing, damaged and unsalable merchandise.  In addition, the 
Company monitors lease merchandise levels and mix by division, store, and fulfillment center, as well as the 
average age of merchandise on hand.  If unsalable lease merchandise cannot be returned to vendors, it is adjusted to 
its net realizable value or written off. 

All lease merchandise is available for lease or sale. On a monthly basis, all damaged, lost or unsalable merchandise 
identified is written off.  The Company records lease merchandise adjustments on the allowance method.  Lease 
merchandise write-offs totaled $54.9 million, $46.2 million, and $46.5 million during the years ended December 31, 
2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of earnings.  Included in 2010 is a write-down of $4.7 million related to the closure of stores of the 
Aaron’s Office Furniture division.   

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

The Company classifies highly liquid investments with maturity dates of less than three months when purchased as 
cash equivalents.  

Investments  

The Company maintains investments in various corporate debt securities, or bonds. The Company has the positive 
intent and ability to hold its investments in debt securities, which mature at various dates from 2013 to 2014, to 
maturity. Accordingly, the Company classifies its investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity securities and 
carries the investments at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets.  

The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis, and more frequently 
when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the 
extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the 
issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time 
sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and 
it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their 
amortized cost bases. 

51 

  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable 

Accounts receivable consist primarily of receivables due from customers of Company-operated stores, corporate 
receivables incurred during the normal course of business and franchisee obligations. Accounts receivable, net of 
allowances, consists of the following as of December 31: 

(In Thousands)   
Customers 
Corporate 
Franchisee  

   $ 

   $ 

2012 

7,840    $ 
       17,215     
       49,102     
       74,157    $ 

2011 

     5,384 
29,650 
     52,437 
    87,471 

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts.  The reserve for returns is calculated based on the 
historical collection experience associated with lease receivables.  The Company’s policy is to write off lease 
receivables that are 60 days or more past due on pre-determined dates occurring twice monthly. The following is a 
summary of the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31: 

(In Thousands)   
Beginning Balance 
   Accounts written off 
   Bad debt expense 
Ending Balance 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

2012 
4,768 
    (30,609)   
31,842 
6,001 

  $ 

  $ 

2011 
4,544 
    (25,178)   
25,402 
4,768 

  $ 

  $ 

2010 
4,157 
    (23,601) 
23,988 
4,544 

   $ 

   $ 

The Company records property, plant and equipment at cost.  Depreciation and amortization are computed on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which range from five to 40 years for 
buildings and improvements and from one to fifteen years for other depreciable property and equipment.  Costs 
incurred to develop software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the 
software, which ranges from five to 10 years. 

Gains and losses related to dispositions and retirements are recognized as incurred.  Maintenance and repairs are 
also expensed as incurred; renewals and betterments are capitalized.  Depreciation expense for property, plant and 
equipment is included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings and was 
$53.1 million, $45.2 million and $41.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
respectively. Amortization of previously capitalized software development costs was $2.6 million, $1.5 million and 
$1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable.  When it is determined that the carrying values of the 
assets are not recoverable, the Company compares the carrying values of the assets to their fair values as estimated 
using discounted expected future cash flows, market values or replacement values for similar assets.  The amount by 
which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss. 

Assets Held for Sale 

Certain properties, primarily consisting of parcels of land, met the held for sale classification criteria at December 
31, 2012 and 2011.  After adjustment to fair value, the $11.1 million and $9.9 million carrying value of these 
properties has been classified as assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 
2011, respectively.  The Company estimated the fair values of these properties using market values for similar 
properties and these are considered Level 2 assets as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements. 

The Company recorded impairment charges of $1,060,000 and $453,000 within operating expenses in 2012 and 
2011, respectively, both of which related primarily to the impairment of various land outparcels and buildings 
included in the Sales and Lease Ownership segment that the Company decided not to utilize for future expansion.  
Gains and losses on the disposal of assets held for sale amounted to net gains of $1,247,000 in 2012 and losses of 
$20,000 and $306,000 during 2011 and 2010, respectively. The assets held for sale are included in the Other 
segment.   

52 

  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and 
intangible assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of 
goodwill is not recoverable from future cash flows. The Company performs an assessment of goodwill for 
impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of September 30, and when events or circumstances indicate that 
impairment may have occurred. Factors which could necessitate an interim impairment assessment include a 
sustained decline in the Company’s stock price, prolonged negative industry or economic trends and significant 
underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results.  

The Company has deemed its operating segments to be reporting units due to the fact that operations (stores) 
included in each operating segment have similar economic characteristics. As of December 31, 2012, the Company 
has five operating segments and reporting units: Sales and Lease Ownership, RIMCO, HomeSmart, Franchise and 
Manufacturing. The Company’s RIMCO stores lease automobile wheels, tires and rims to customers under sales and 
lease ownership agreements. Although the products offered are different, these stores are managed, monitored and 
operated similarly to our other sales and lease ownership stores.  

As of December 31, 2012, the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership and HomeSmart reporting units are the only 
reporting units with assigned goodwill balances. The following is a summary of the Company’s goodwill by 
reporting unit at December 31: 

(In Thousands) 
Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Total 

        2012 

$ 219,547 
14,648 
$ 234,195 

2011 
$ 205,509 
     13,833                 
$ 219,342 

The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value 
of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company uses a multiple of gross revenue to 
determine the fair value of its reporting units. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, a 
second step is performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the 
implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount 
of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount 
equal to that excess.  

During the performance of the annual assessment of goodwill for impairment in the 2012, 2011 and 2010 fiscal 
years, the Company did not identify any reporting units that were not substantially in excess of their carrying values, 
other than the HomeSmart division for which locations were recently acquired. While no impairment was noted in 
our impairment test as of September 30, 2012, if profitability is delayed as a result of the significant start-up 
expenses associated with the HomeSmart stores, there could be a change in the valuation of the HomeSmart 
reporting unit that may result in the recognition of an impairment loss in future periods. 

No new indications of impairment existed during the fourth quarter of 2012, thus no impairment testing was updated 
as of December 31, 2012. 

Other Intangibles 

Other intangibles represent the value of customer relationships, non-compete agreements and franchise development 
rights acquired in connection with business acquisitions and are recorded at fair value as determined by the 
Company.  The customer relationship intangible asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over a two-year estimated 
useful life. The non-compete intangible asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year useful life.  
Acquired franchise development rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the unexpired life of the 
franchisee’s ten year area development agreement.     

Insurance Reserves 

Estimated insurance reserves are accrued primarily for group health, general liability, automobile liability and 
workers compensation benefits provided to the Company’s employees.  Estimates for these insurance reserves are 
made based on actual reported but unpaid claims and actuarial analyses of the projected claims run off for both 
reported and incurred but not reported claims. 

53 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Asset Retirement Obligations 

The Company accrues for asset retirement obligations, which relate to expected costs to remove exterior signage, in 
the period in which the obligations are incurred. These costs are accrued at estimated fair value. When the related 
liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-
lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the 
useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company recognizes a gain or loss for any 
differences between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. Asset retirement obligations amount to 
approximately $2.3 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

Derivative Financial Instruments  

The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments, from time to time, to mitigate its exposure to certain market 
risks associated with its ongoing operations for a portion of the year. The primary risk it seeks to manage through 
the use of derivative financial instruments is commodity price risk, including the risk of increases in the market price 
of diesel fuel used in the Company’s delivery vehicles. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value 
on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or 
speculative purposes. The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk on all its derivative financial instruments. 
The counterparties to these contracts are high credit quality commercial banks, which the Company believes largely 
minimize the risk of counterparty default.  The fair values of the Company’s fuel hedges as of December 31, 2010 
and the changes in their fair values in 2011 and 2010 were immaterial. The Company did not hold any derivative 
financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 or 2011. 

Fair Value Measurement 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value 
measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:  

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.  
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as 
quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar 
assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be 
corroborated by observable market data.  
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with 
reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require 
significant judgment.  

The Company measures assets held for sale at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and records impairment charges 
when they are deemed to be impaired. The Company maintains certain financial assets and liabilities, including 
investments and fixed-rate long term debt, that are not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed. 

The fair values of the Company’s other current financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, 
accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature. 

Foreign Currency  

The financial statements of international subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars using month-end rates of 
exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates of exchange for revenues, costs, and expenses. Translation 
gains and losses of international subsidiaries are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a 
component of shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded as a component 
operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings and amounted to gains of approximately $2.0 million 
and $251,000 during 2012 and 2010, respectively, and losses of $465,000 during 2011. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements  

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (―ASU‖) No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve 
Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (―ASU 2011-04‖). ASU 
2011-04 is intended to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial 

54 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
statements prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial 
Reporting Standards. The amendments are of two types: (i) those that clarify the FASB’s intent about the application 
of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a particular principle or 
requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is 
effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and the Company adopted ASU 2011-04 effective 
January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial 
statements.  

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (―ASU 2011-05‖). ASU 
2011-05 eliminated the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of 
shareholders’ equity. Instead, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components 
of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of 
comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 also required entities to present 
reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in 
which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. The Company 
elected to report other comprehensive income and its components in a separate statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended December 31, 2012.  

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income (―ASU 2013-02). ASU 2013-02 will require preparers to report, in one place, information 
about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (―AOCI‖). The ASU also requires 
companies to report changes in AOCI balances. For significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income in their 
entirety in the same reporting period, reporting (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or 
in the notes) is required about the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items in the statement where 
net income is presented. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting 
period, a cross reference to other disclosures currently required under US GAAP is required in the notes. The above 
information must be presented in one place (parenthetically on the face of the financial statements by income 
statement line item or in a note). ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years 
beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2013-02 will have a 
material effect on the consolidated financial statements. 

NOTE 2: ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS 

Acquisitions 

The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions of lease contracts, merchandise and the related assets 
of sales and lease ownership stores, none of which was individually material to the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements, during the years ended December 31:  

(In Thousands, except for store data)   

Number of stores acquired, net 

2012 

2011 

2010 

22 

52 

14 

Aggregate purchase price (primarily cash consideration) 

$ 

31,617  $ 

41,425  $ 

17,891 

Purchase price allocation: 

Lease Merchandise 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Other Current Assets and Current Liabilities 
Identifiable Intangible Assets 1: 

Customer Relationships 

Non-Compete Agreements 

Acquired Franchise Development Rights 

Goodwill2 

11,936 

13,385 

739 

38 

1,725 

1,201 

764 

500 

34 

2,675 

1,688 

255 

6,489 

334 

43 

748 

541 

496 

15,214 

22,888 

9,240 

1 The weighted-average amortization period for the Company’s acquired intangible assets was 3.1 years, 2.6 years 

and 3.5 years in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period by major 

55 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
intangible asset class for acquisitions completed during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 2 years for customer 
relationships, 3 years for non-compete agreements and a range of 6 years to 6.9 years for acquired franchise 
development rights. 

2 Goodwill is primarily attributable to synergies expected to arise after the acquisition. All goodwill resulting from 
the Company’s 2012, 2011 and 2010 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

Acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations, and the results of operations of the acquired 
businesses are included in the Company’s results of operations from their dates of acquisition.  The effect of these 
acquisitions on the 2012, 2011 and 2010 consolidated financial statements was not significant.   

Dispositions 

The Company periodically sells sales and lease ownership stores to franchisees and third-party operators.  The 
Company sold three, 25 and 11 of its Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership stores in 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
respectively.  The effect of these sales on the consolidated financial statements was not significant. 

The Company began ceasing the operations of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division in June of 2010.  The Company 
closed 14 of its Aaron’s Office Furniture stores during 2010 and sold the remaining store in August 2012.  As a 
result, in 2010 the Company recorded $3.3 million in closed store reserves, $4.7 million in lease merchandise write-
downs and other miscellaneous expenses, respectively, totaling $9.0 million.  The charges were recorded within 
operating expenses on the consolidated statement of earnings and are included in the Other segment.   There were no 
significant charges related to the closure of this division in 2011 or 2012.   

NOTE 3: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill 

The following table provides information related to the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill by operating 
segment: 

(In Thousands)   

Sales and Lease 
Ownership 

HomeSmart 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2011 

$ 

202,379  $ 

-  $ 

   Additions 

   Disposals 

Balance at December 31, 2011 

   Additions 

   Disposals 

9,055 

(5,925) 

205,509 

14,399 

(361) 

13,833 

- 

13,833 

815 

- 

202,379 

22,888 

(5,925) 

219,342 

15,214 

(361) 

Balance at December 31, 2012 

$ 

219,547  $ 

14,648  $ 

234,195 

Intangible Assets 

The following is a summary of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets by category at December 31: 

  (In Thousands) 

2012 

2011 

Customer Relationships 
Non-Compete Agreements 
Acquired Franchise Development Rights 
Total 

Net 

Accumulated 
Gross 
Amortization 
$    4,377   $    (2,170)  $      2,207   
1,937   
(1,471) 
1,882   
(2,684)  

Gross 
$    3,400  $    (1,001)   $      2,399  
1,793 
1,874 
  $    12,351  $    (6,325) $      6,026    $   10,707  $    (4,641)  $      6,066 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

(1,062) 
(2,578)  

3,408 
4,566  

2,855 
4,452  

Net 

56 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total amortization expense of intangible assets, included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of earnings, was $3.7 million, $2.3 million and $3.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 
2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, estimated future amortization expense for the next five 
years related to identifiable intangible assets is as follows: 

(In Thousands) 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 

$ 

3,509 
1,598 
466 
232 
177 

NOTE 4: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT 

Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis 

The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 

(In Thousands)   

December 31, 2012 
Level 2 

    Level 3 

Level 1 

December 31, 2011 

  Level 1 

  Level 2 

  Level 3 

Deferred Compensation Liability 

  $ 

- 

  $ 

(9,518)   $ 

   -  $ 

- 

$ 

(6,291)   $ 

- 

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan that allows for certain management, highly compensated 
employees and non-employee directors to defer the receipt of base compensation, incentive pay compensation and 
director fees until a later date based on the terms of the plans. The liability representing benefits accrued for plan 
participants is valued at the quoted market prices of the participants’ investment elections, which consist of equity 
and debt funds. As such, the Company has classified the deferred compensation liability as a Level 2 liability. Refer 
to Note 15 for additional information regarding the deferred compensation plan. 

Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis 

The following table summarizes assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis: 

(In Thousands)   

December 31, 2012 
Level 2 

    Level 3 

Level 1 

December 31, 2011 

  Level 1 

  Level 2 

    Level 3 

Assets Held for Sale 

  $ 

-   $ 

   11,104   $ 

   -  $ 

- $ 

9,885  $ 

- 

Assets held for sale primarily represents real estate properties that consist mostly of parcels of land. The highest and 
best use of these assets is as real estate land parcels for development or real estate properties for use or lease; 
however, the Company has chosen not to develop these properties. In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, 
Plant and Equipment, assets held for sale are written down to fair value, and the adjustment is recorded in operating 
expenses.  The Company estimated the fair values of these properties using the market values for similar properties. 

Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value 

The following table summarizes the fair value of assets (liabilities) that are not measured at fair value in the 
consolidated balance sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed: 

(In Thousands)   

December 31, 2012 
Level 2 

    Level 3 

Level 1 

December 31, 2011 

  Level 1 

  Level 2 

    Level 3 

1 $ 
Corporate Bonds 
Perfect Home Bonds 
2  
Fixed-Rate Long Term Debt  3  

   67,470   $ 
-   $ 
-     
-     
-      (127,261)    

   -  $ 
18,449   
-   

- $  81,594  $ 
-   
-   
-   (135,031)   

- 
15,889 
- 

57 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
    
      
     
    
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
    
      
     
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
    
      
     
    
   
    
 
1 The fair value of corporate bonds is determined through the use of model-based valuation techniques 

for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.   

2 The Perfect Home bonds were initially valued at cost. The Company periodically reviews the valuation 
utilizing company-specific transactions or deterioration in the company’s financial performance to 
determine if fair value adjustments are necessary.   

3 The fair value of fixed-rate long term debt is estimated using the present value of underlying cash 

flows discounted at a current market yield for similar instruments. The carrying value and fair value of 
fixed-rate long term debt at December 31, 2012 was $125.0 million and $127.3 million, respectively, 
and $137.0 million and $135.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. 

Held-to-Maturity Securities 

The Company classifies its investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity securities based on its intent and ability 
to hold these securities to maturity. Accordingly, the debt securities, which mature at various dates during 2013 and 
2014, are recorded at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
investments classified as held-to-maturity securities consisted of the following: 

(In Thousands) 

2012 
Corporate Bonds 
Perfect Home Bonds 
Total 

2011 
Corporate Bonds 
Perfect Home Bonds 
Total 

Amortized Cost 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair Value 

Gross Unrealized 

$  67,412      $         99      
    18,449     
-     
$  85,861     $         99     

$       (41)    
-     
$       (41)    

$    67,470 
      18,449  
$    85,919  

$  82,243       $         15      
-    

15,889    

$     (664)    
-    

$  98,132     $         15     

$     (664)    

$    81,594  
15,889  
$    97,483  

The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2012 are 
as follows: 

(In Thousands)   

Amortized Cost    

Fair Value 

Due in one year or less 
Due in years one through two 
Total 

   $ 

   $ 

43,482 
42,379 
85,861 

   $ 

   $ 

43,547 
42,372 
85,919 

Information pertaining to held-to-maturity securities with gross unrealized losses is as follows.  All of the securities 
have been in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months. 

(In Thousands) 
Corporate Bonds 

December 31, 2012 

December 31, 2011 

Fair Value 

Gross Unrealized Losses 

Fair Value 

$  22,785      

$         (41)      $        72,315    

Gross Unrealized Losses 
$        (664) 

The unrealized losses relate principally to the increases in short-term market interest rates that occurred since the 
securities were purchased. As of December 31, 2012, 16 of the 38 securities are in an unrealized loss position and at 
December 31, 2011, 38 of the 44 securities were in an unrealized loss position. The fair value is expected to recover 
as the securities approach their maturity or if market yields for such investments decline. In analyzing an issuer’s 
financial condition, management considers whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred. The 
Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments until their amortized cost basis is recovered on the 
maturity date.  As a result of management’s analysis and review, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary. 

The Company has estimated that the carrying value of its Perfect Home bonds approximates fair value and, 
therefore, no impairment is considered to have occurred as of December 31, 2012. While no impairment was noted 
during 2012, if profitability is delayed as a result of the significant start-up expenses associated with Perfect Home, 
there could be a change in the valuation of the Perfect Home bonds that may result in the recognition of an 
impairment loss in future periods. 

58 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
  
 
  
     
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
  
 
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 5: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Following is a summary of the Company’s property, plant, and equipment at December 31: 

(In Thousands) 
Land 
Buildings and Improvements 
Leasehold Improvements and Signs 
Fixtures and Equipment1 
Assets Under Capital Leases: 

with Related Parties 
with Unrelated Parties 

Construction in Progress 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation and 
Amortization 

2012 

  $         25,285  
81,773  
120,883  
152,436   

2011 

$         25,882 
81,566 
116,632 
133,615  

8,158         
10,564 
5,414   
404,513   

7,641         
10,564 
5,444  
381,344 

(173,915)  
  $        230,598    

(154,725) 
 $        226,619  

1  Includes  internal-use  software  development  costs  of  $22.6  million  and  $15.6  million  as  of 
December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Accumulated amortization of internal-use software 
development  costs  amounted  to  $6.6  million  and  $9.8  million  as  of  December  31,  2012  and 
2011, respectively. 

Amortization expense on assets recorded under capital leases is included in operating expenses and was $1.2 
million, $1.2 million and $1.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Capital leases consist of buildings and 
improvements.  Assets under capital leases with related parties included $4.8 million and $4.2 million in 
accumulated depreciation and amortization as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Assets under capital 
leases with unrelated parties included $4.4 million and $3.8 million in accumulated depreciation and amortization as 
of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

NOTE 6: CREDIT FACILITIES   

Following is a summary of the Company’s credit facilities at December 31: 

(In Thousands) 
Senior Unsecured Notes 
Capital Lease Obligation: 
with Related Parties 
with Unrelated Parties 

Other Debt 

Bank Debt 

2012 
$    125,000 

6,122 
7,156 
3,250 
$    141,528 

2011 
$    137,000 

6,730 
6,809 
3,250 
$    153,789 

On December 13, 2012, the Company entered into the fourth amendment to its revolving credit agreement (―Credit 
Agreement‖), dated May 23, 2008, as amended.  The amendments to the Credit Agreement (i) extend the maturity 
date of the Credit Agreement until December 13, 2017, (ii) add and amend provisions applicable to lenders to 
further define instances of lender default, (iii) increase the dollar thresholds applicable to certain negative covenants, 
events of default and reporting and notice requirements to make them less restrictive, (iv) provide for the removal of 
certain financial covenants in the event that the agreement governing the Company’s privately placed debt securities 
are amended to remove substantially similar covenants contained therein, and (v) replace the pricing grid schedule to 
effect slight increases to certain applicable margins. The Company entered into the fourth amendment in order to 
extend the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, which would have expired on May 23, 2013, to December 13, 
2017.  

The Company’s Credit Agreement is with several banks and provides for unsecured borrowings up to $140.0 million 
(including a letter of credit and swingline loan subfacility).  Amounts borrowed bear interest at the lower of the 
lender’s prime rate or one-month LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.5% as determined by the Company’s 
ratio of total debt to EBITDA.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was a zero balance under the Company’s 

59 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
revolving credit agreement.  The Company pays a commitment fee on unused balances, which ranges from 0.15% to 
0.30% as determined by the Company’s ratio of total debt to EBITDA.     

The revolving credit agreement, senior unsecured notes discussed below and franchise loan program discussed in 
Note 8 contain financial covenants which, among other things, prohibit the Company from exceeding certain debt to 
EBITDA levels and require the maintenance of minimum fixed charge coverage ratios.  If the Company fails to 
comply with these covenants, the Company will be in default under these agreements, and all amounts could become 
due immediately. Under the Company’s revolving credit agreement, senior unsecured notes and franchise loan 
program, the Company may pay cash dividends in any year only if the dividends do not exceed 50% of our 
consolidated net earnings for the prior fiscal year plus the excess, if any, of the cash dividend limitation applicable to 
the prior year over the dividend actually paid in the prior year. At December 31, 2012, $137.6 million of retained 
earnings was available for dividend payments and stock repurchases under the debt restrictions, and the Company 
was in compliance with all covenants. 

Senior Unsecured Notes 

On December 19, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to a note purchase agreement with several 
insurance companies. The amendment amends the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 5, 2011, pursuant to 
which the Company and its subsidiaries, Aaron Investment Company, Aaron’s Production Company and 99LTO, 
LLC, as co-obligors, issued $125 million in senior unsecured notes to the purchasers in a private placement. The 
notes bear interest at the rate of 3.75% per year and mature on April 27, 2018. 

The amendment amends the agreement to, among other things, (i) remove the ―Total Adjusted Debt to Total 
Adjusted Capitalization Ratio‖ financial covenant that forbids the Company from exceeding certain debt to equity 
levels and (ii) increase the dollar thresholds applicable to certain negative covenants, events of default and reporting 
and notice requirements to make them less restrictive. The Company remains subject to certain other financial 
covenants under the senior unsecured notes agreement, which require the Company to maintain a minimum ratio of 
debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. If 
the Company fails to comply with these covenants, the Company will be in default under the agreement and the 
purchasers would have the right to exercise certain default remedies. The Company entered into the amendment in 
conjunction with its fourth amendment to the Credit Agreement, which is discussed above. We are in compliance 
with all of these covenants at December 31, 2012 and believe that we will continue to be in compliance in the future.  

Payments of interest are due quarterly, commencing July 27, 2011, with principal payments of $25.0 million each 
due annually commencing April 27, 2014.  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 existing note purchase agreement, 
revolving credit facility and franchise loan and guaranty facility, as modified.   

During July 2012, the Company repaid at maturity the aggregate remaining principal amount of $12.0 million on the 
5.03% senior unsecured notes issued on July 27, 2005 and due on July 27, 2012.  

Capital Leases with Related Parties 

In October and November 2004, the Company sold 11 properties, including leasehold improvements, to a limited 
liability company (―LLC‖) controlled by a group of Company executives, including the Company’s former 
Chairman.  The LLC obtained borrowings collateralized by the land and buildings totaling $6.8 million.  The 
Company occupies the land and buildings collateralizing the borrowings under a 15-year term lease, with a five-year 
renewal at the Company’s option, at an aggregate annual rental of $716,000.  The transaction has been accounted for 
as a financing in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The rate of interest implicit in the leases is 
approximately 9.7%.  Accordingly, the land and buildings, associated depreciation expense and lease obligations are 
recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  No gain or loss was recognized in this transaction.   

In December 2002, the Company sold ten properties, including leasehold improvements, to the LLC.  The LLC 
obtained borrowings collateralized by the land and buildings totaling $5.0 million.  The Company occupies the land 
and buildings collateralizing the borrowings under a 15-year term lease at an aggregate annual rental of 
approximately $556,000.  The transaction has been accounted for as a financing in the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements.  The rate of interest implicit in the leases is approximately 11.1%.  Accordingly, the land and 
buildings, associated depreciation expense and lease obligations are recorded in the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements.  No gain or loss was recognized in this transaction. 

60 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Sale-leasebacks 

The Company finances a portion of store expansion through sale-leaseback transactions. The properties are 
generally sold at net book value and the resulting leases qualify and are accounted for as operating leases. The 
Company does not have any retained or contingent interests in the stores nor does the Company provide any 
guarantees, other than a corporate level guarantee of lease payments, in connection with the sale-leasebacks. 

Other Debt 

Other debt at December 31, 2012 and 2011 includes $3.3 million of industrial development corporation revenue 
bonds.  The weighted-average interest rate on the outstanding bonds was 0.35% and 0.29% as of December 31, 2012 
and 2011, respectively.  No principal payments are due on the bonds until maturity in 2015. 

Future maturities under the Company’s long-term debt and capital lease obligations are as follows: 

(In Thousands) 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Thereafter 

$     1,755 
26,881  
30,321 
27,001 
26,858  
28,712 
$ 141,528 

NOTE 7: INCOME TAXES 

Following is a summary of the Company’s income tax expense for the years ended December 31: 

(In Thousands) 
Current Income Tax Expense: 

Federal 
State 

Deferred Income Tax (Benefit) Expense: 

Federal 
State 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$        116,234    

10,819 
127,053 

$        -      
9,797 
9,797 

$        -      
8,932 
8,932 

(23,035) 
(206) 
(23,241)  

64,679 
(1,201) 
63,478  
$        103,812  $         69,610  $         72,410 

62,015 
(2,202) 
59,813  

At December 31, 2011, the Company had a federal net operating loss (―NOL‖) carryforward of approximately $31.2 
million available to offset future taxable income. The entire NOL carryforward was absorbed during 2012. 

As a result of the bonus depreciation provisions in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the Tax Relief, 
Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, the Company paid more than anticipated 
for the 2010 federal tax liability.  The 2010 acts provided an estimated tax deferral of approximately $127.0 
million.  The Company filed for a refund of overpaid federal tax of approximately $80.9 million in January 2011 and 
received that refund in February 2011. 

61 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax liabilities and assets at December 31 are as follows: 

(In Thousands) 
Deferred Tax Liabilities: 
     Lease Merchandise and Property, Plant and Equipment   
     Other, Net 
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 
Deferred Tax Assets: 
     Accrued Liabilities 
     Advance Payments 

Federal Net Operating Loss 

     Other, Net 
Total Deferred Tax Assets 
Less Valuation Allowance 
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities 

2012 

2011 

$         279,926   $         329,497  
29,607 
359,104  

34,014 
313,940  

25,365  
15,834  
- 
9,677 
50,876 
(657) 

33,826  
16,432  
10,936 
11,760 
72,954 
(812) 
$         263,721  $         286,962 

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory United States Federal income tax rate for the years 
ended December 31 as follows: 

Statutory Rate 
Increases in United States Federal Taxes  
   Resulting From: 
      State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Income Tax Benefit 
      Other, Net 
Effective Tax Rate 

2012 

2011 

2010 

35.0% 

35.0% 

35.0% 

2.5 
0.0 
37.5% 

2.7 
0.3 
38.0% 

2.7 
0.3 
38.0% 

The Company files a federal consolidated income tax return in the United States and the separate legal entities file in 
various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and 
local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008.   

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions: 

(In Thousands) 
Balance at January 1,  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 
Prior year reductions 
Statute expirations 
Settlements 
Balance at December 31, 

2012 
$        1,412 
178 
83 
   (315) 
(83) 
 (17) 
$        1,258 

2011 
$        1,315 
178 
22 
   (13) 
(90) 
 - 
$        1,412 

2010 
$        1,342 
149 
18 
   (26) 
(63) 
 (105) 
$        1,315 

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the amount of uncertain tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the 
effective tax rate is $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, including interest and penalties.  During the year 
ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized a net benefit of $126,000 related to interest and penalties. 
During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized interest and penalties of $41,000 
and $35,000, respectively.  The Company had $234,000 and $374,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 
31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax 
benefits as a component of income tax expense. 

NOTE 8: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Leases 

The Company leases warehouse and retail store space for most of its operations under operating leases expiring at 
various times through 2028.  The Company also leases certain properties under capital leases that are more fully 
described in Note 6.  Most of the leases contain renewal options for additional periods ranging from one to 20 years 
or provide for options to purchase the related property at predetermined purchase prices that do not represent bargain 

62 

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
purchase options.  In addition, certain properties occupied under operating leases contain normal purchase options.  
Leasehold improvements related to these leases are generally amortized over periods that do not exceed the lesser of 
the lease term or 15 years.  While a majority of leases do not require escalating payments, for the leases which do 
contain such provisions, the Company records the related lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  
The Company also leases transportation and computer equipment under operating leases expiring during the next 
five years.  Management expects that most leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of 
business.  

Future minimum lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms 
in excess of one year as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:  

 (In Thousands) 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Thereafter 

$     110,244 
       96,242 
       78,560 
       57,822 
       42,922 

162,103      

$   547,893 

Rental expense was $102.0 million in 2012, $93.6 million in 2011 and $96.1 million in 2010.    The amount of 
sublease income is $3.1 million in 2012, $3.1 million in 2011 and $2.8 million in 2010.  The Company has 
anticipated future sublease rental income of $4.0 million in 2013, $3.4 million in 2014, $2.8 million in 2015, $2.4 
million in 2016, $2.2 million in 2017 and $7.7 million thereafter through 2025.  Rental expense and sublease income 
are included in operating expenses. 

Guarantees 

The Company has guaranteed certain debt obligations of some of the franchisees amounting to $117.3 million and 
$128.8 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under a franchise loan program with several banks.  
The Company has recourse rights to the assets securing the debt obligations, which consist primarily of lease 
merchandise inventory and fixed assets.  As a result, the Company has never incurred any, nor does management 
expect to incur, any significant losses under these guarantees. The Company has estimated the fair value of the 
franchise-related borrowings guarantee to approximate $2.6 million, which is included in accounts payable and 
accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. 

On December 13, 2012, the Company entered into a fifth amendment to its second amended and restated loan 
facility and guaranty, dated June 18, 2010, as amended, and the Company entered into a fourth amendment as of 
May 16, 2012. The amendments to the franchise loan facility extended the maturity date of the franchise loan 
facility until December 12, 2013, increased the maximum Canadian subfacility commitment amount for loans to 
franchisees that operate stores in Canada (other than in the Province of Quebec) from Cdn $35 million to Cdn $50 
million, included a revolving loan option for Canadian borrowers, included HomeSmart franchisees in the United 
States as authorized borrowers under the facility and conformed the covenants to those contained in the Company’s 
revolving credit agreement, which is discussed in further detail in Note 6. We remain subject to the financial 
covenants under the franchise loan facility. 

Legal Proceedings 

From time to time, the Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. 
While we do not presently believe that any of the legal proceedings to which we are currently a party will ultimately 
have a material adverse impact upon our business, financial position or results of operations, there can be no 
assurance that we will prevail in all the proceedings we are party to, or that we will not incur material losses from 
them. Some of the proceedings we are currently a party to are described below.  

In Alford v. Aaron Rents, Inc. et al originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois 
(No.: 3:08-MJR-DGW-683) on October 2, 2008, plaintiff alleged, among other claims, that she was sexually 
harassed and subjected to retaliation, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, by a general manager 
of a Company store. Based on the judgment in the June 14, 2011 jury verdict (as reduced by the court), the 
Company recorded a charge of $36.5 million in the second quarter of 2011, which represented an accrual for the 
judgment and associated legal fees and expenses of $41.5 million, less insurance coverage of $5.0 million.  On 

63 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 26, 2012, following the court’s ruling that the verdict would not be sustained, the Company entered into a 
settlement agreement resolving the claims in the amount of $6.0 million. The Company recognized $35.5 million of 
income related to the reversal of the lawsuit accrual in the first quarter of 2012.  

In Kunstmann et al v. Aaron Rents, Inc., filed with the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama 
(Case No.: 2:08-CV-1969-WMA), on October 29, 2008, plaintiffs alleged that the Company improperly classified 
store general managers as exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (―FLSA‖). Plaintiffs 
seek to recover unpaid overtime compensation and other damages for a class almost exclusively comprised of 
former general managers, most of whom terminated employment with the Company more than a year ago. On 
October 4, 2012 the Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment, and on January 23, 2013, the Court 
denied the Company’s motion for class decertification. The current class includes 247 individuals. The parties are 
now working on proposing next steps for the conduct of the case. 

In Margaret Korrow, et al. v. Aaron’s, Inc., originally filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, 
Law Division on October 26, 2010, plaintiff filed suit on behalf of herself and others similarly situated alleging that 
the Company is liable in damages to plaintiff and each class member because the Company’s lease agreements 
issued after March 16, 2006 purportedly violated certain New Jersey state consumer statutes. The Company 
removed the lawsuit to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on December 6, 2010 (Civil 
Action No.: 10-06317(JAP)(LHG)). Plaintiff on behalf of herself and others similarly situated seeks equitable relief, 
statutory and treble damages, pre- and post-judgment interest and attorneys’ fees. Discovery on this matter is closed. 
To date, no class has been certified and, on December 17, 2012, the Company moved to dismiss the class allegations 
from plaintiff’s complaint. On February 5, 2013, plaintiff filed its response and also moved to certify the class. 

In Crystal and Brian Byrd v. Aaron’s, Inc., Aspen Way Enterprises, Inc., John Does (1-100) Aaron’s Franchisees 
and Designerware, LLC., filed on May 16, 2011 in the United States District Court, Western District of 
Pennsylvania (Case No. 1:11-CV-00101-SPB), plaintiffs allege that the Company and its franchisees knowingly 
violated plaintiffs’ and other similarly situated plaintiffs’ privacy in violation of the Electronic Communications 
Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud Abuse Act through its use of a software program called ―PC Rental Agent.‖ 
The District Court dismissed the Company from the lawsuit on March 20, 2012. On September 14, 2012, plaintiffs 
filed an amended complaint against the Company and its franchisees alleging, among other claims, invasion of 
privacy, interception of electronic communications in violation of the Federal Wiretap Act as amended by the 
Electronic Communications Privacy Act and vicarious liability claims. The plaintiffs are seeking damages in 
connection with the allegations of the amended complaint. On October 15, 2012, the Company filed a motion to 
dismiss the amended complaint, which still remains pending.  

The Company has received inquiries from and is responding to government agencies, including the Federal Trade 
Commission, requesting information regarding the Byrd litigation and another incident involving the compromise of 
customer information, and inquiring about, among other things, the Company’s retail transactional, information 
security and privacy policies and practices.   

The matter of Kurtis Jewell v. Aaron’s, Inc. was originally filed in the United States District Court, Northern District 
of Ohio, Eastern Division on October 28, 2011 and was transferred on February 23, 2012 to the United States 
District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta Division) (Civil No.:1:12-CV-00563-AT). Plaintiff, on 
behalf of himself and all other non-exempt employees who worked in Company stores, alleges that the Company 
violated the FLSA when it automatically deducted 30 minutes from employees’ time for meal breaks on days when 
plaintiffs allegedly did not take their meal breaks. Plaintiff claims he and other employees actually worked through 
meal breaks or were interrupted during the course of their meal breaks and asked to perform work. As a result of the 
automatic deduction, plaintiff alleges that the Company failed to account for all of his working hours when it 
calculated overtime, and consequently underpaid him. On September 28, 2012, the Court issued an order granting 
conditional certification of a class consisting of all hourly store employees from October 27, 2008 to the present. 
The current class size is 1,788, which is less than seven percent of the potential class members. With limited 
exceptions, the time period for additional members to be added to the class has expired.  

The matter of Parish Harrigan and Carlos Urzua v. Aaron’s, Inc. was filed in the Superior Court of the State of 
California, County of Sacramento on January 27, 2012 (Case No.: 34-2012-0117848). Plaintiffs allege that they 
were subjected to jokes and name calling on the basis of their race and national origin. Plaintiffs further claim that 
they were subject to retaliation after reporting the discrimination and harassment to the Company. The plaintiffs are 
seeking damages in connection with the allegations. The Company denies the underlying allegations, believes that it 
took prompt action to investigate the claims once it was notified of the allegations, denies that either plaintiff was 
subject to retaliation and intends to vigorously defend itself in the litigation.  

64 

  
 
 
We believe we have meritorious defenses to all of the claims described above, and intend to vigorously defend 
against the claims. However, these proceedings are still developing and due to the inherent uncertainty in litigation 
and similar adversarial proceedings, there can be no guarantee that we will ultimately be successful in these 
proceedings, or in others to which we are currently a party. Substantial losses from legal proceedings or the costs of 
defending them could have a material adverse impact upon our business, financial position and results of operations. 

At December 31, 2012, we estimated that the aggregate exposure to loss for all material pending legal proceedings 
for which a loss is probable, excluding an immaterial amount for which we have already accrued, is $5.0 million, 
although this belief is subject to the uncertainties and variables described above. At December 31, 2012, we estimate 
that the aggregate range of losses for all material pending legal proceedings for which a loss is reasonably possible, 
but less likely than probable, is from $0.7 million to $7.6 million, although this belief is also subject to the 
uncertainties and variables described above. Those matters for which a reasonable estimate is not possible are not 
included within estimated ranges and, therefore, the estimated ranges do not represent the Company’s maximum loss 
exposure. We continually monitor our litigation exposure, and review the adequacy of our legal reserves on a 
quarterly basis in accordance with applicable accounting rules.  

Other Commitments  

At December 31, 2012, the Company had non-cancelable commitments primarily related to certain advertising and 
marketing programs of $21.7 million.  Payments under these commitments are scheduled to be $17.5 million in 
2013, $3.6 million in 2014, $383,000 in 2015, and $274,000 in 2016. 

The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan for all its full-time employees with at least one year of service and 
who meet certain eligibility requirements.  As of December 31, 2012, the plan allows employees to contribute up to 
100% of their annual compensation in accordance with federal contribution limits with 50% matching by the 
Company on the first 4% of compensation.  The Company’s expense related to the plan was $999,000 in 2012, 
$891,000 in 2011, and $841,000 in 2010.   

The Company is a party to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  
Management regularly assesses the Company’s insurance deductibles, analyzes litigation information with the 
Company’s attorneys and evaluates its loss experience.  The Company also enters into various contracts in the 
normal course of business that may subject it to risk of financial loss if counterparties fail to perform their 
contractual obligations. 

NOTE 9: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

The Company held 15,031,741 shares in its treasury and was authorized to purchase an additional 4,044,655 shares 
at December 31, 2012.  The Company repurchased 1,236,689 shares of its common stock on the open market in 
2012 and 5,075,675 shares of its common stock on the open market in 2011.   

The Company has 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized.  The shares are issuable in series with terms for 
each series fixed by the Board and such issuance is subject to approval by the Board of Directors.  As of December 
31, 2012, no preferred shares have been issued. 

On December 7, 2010, at a special meeting of the Company’s shareholders, such shareholders approved a proposal 
to amend and restate the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to: (i) convert each 
outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.50 per share (the "Nonvoting Common Stock") into one share of 
Class A Common Stock (the "Class A Common Stock") and to rename the Class A Common Stock as Common 
Stock (the ―Common Stock‖), (ii) eliminate certain obsolete provisions relating to the Company's prior dual-class 
common stock structure, and (iii) amend the number of authorized shares to be 225,000,000 total shares of Common 
Stock (the aggregate of the number of authorized shares of Nonvoting Common Stock and Class A Common Stock 
prior to the approval of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation).  Following receipt of shareholder 
approval at the special meeting, the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of 
State of the State of Georgia and are now effective. 

As a result of the reclassification of shares of Nonvoting Common Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock and 
the other changes described above and effected by the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, shares of 
the combined class now titled Common Stock have one vote per share on all matters submitted to the Company's 
shareholders, including the election of directors.  The former Nonvoting Common Stock did not entitle the holders 
thereof to any vote except as otherwise provided in the Company's Articles of Incorporation or required by law.  In 

65 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
addition, holders of the combined class now titled Common Stock will all vote as a single class of stock on any 
matters subject to a shareholder vote.  Holders of the former Class A Common Stock and the Nonvoting Common 
Stock were previously entitled to separate class voting rights in certain circumstances as required by law, and those 
class voting rights were eliminated with the share reclassification. 

The holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property of 
the Company as and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of legally available funds. Prior to 
the conversion, the Company's Articles of Incorporation permitted the payment of a cash dividend on the Nonvoting 
Common Stock without paying any dividend on the Class A Common Stock or the payment of a cash dividend on 
the Nonvoting Common Stock that was up to 50% higher than any dividend paid on the Class A Common Stock. 
Cash dividends could not be paid on the Class A Common Stock unless equal or higher dividends were paid on the 
Nonvoting Common Stock.  

The conversion had no other impact on the economic equity interests of holders of Common Stock, including with 
regards to liquidation rights or redemption, regardless of whether holders previously held shares of Nonvoting 
Common Stock or Class A Common Stock.  

On March 23, 2010, the Company announced a 3-for-2 stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend on 
both  Nonvoting  Common  Stock  and  Class  A  Common  Stock.   New  shares  were  distributed  on  April  15,  2010  to 
shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 1, 2010.  All share and per share information has been 
restated for all periods presented to reflect this stock split. 

NOTE 10: STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK  

The Company grants stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards to certain employees and 
directors of the Company. Total stock-based compensation expense was $6.5 million, $8.4 million and $4.8 million 
in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and was included as a component of operating expenses in the consolidated 
statements of earnings. Excess tax benefits of $6.0 million, $1.3 million and $0.3 million are included in cash 
provided by financing activities for the years ended 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2012, there was $12.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-
vested stock-based compensation which is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.5 years. 

The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued or transferred under the incentive stock 
awards plan is 14,492,585 at December 31, 2012. 

Stock Options 

Under the Company’s stock option plans, options granted to date become exercisable after a period of two to five 
years and unexercised options lapse ten years after the date of the grant.  Options are subject to forfeiture upon 
termination of service.  The Company recognizes compensation cost for awards with graded vesting on a straight-
line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. The Company 
determines the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that incorporates expected 
volatility, expected option life, estimated forfeiture rates, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividend yields.  

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s Common Stock over the most recent 
period generally commensurate with the expected estimated life of each respective grant.  The expected lives of 
options are based on the Company’s historical option exercise experience.  Forfeiture assumptions are based on the 
Company’s historical forfeiture experience.  The Company believes that the historical experience method is the best 
estimate of future exercise and forfeiture patterns.  The risk-free interest rates are determined using the implied yield 
available for zero-coupon United States government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the 
grant.  The expected dividend yields are based on the approved annual dividend rate in effect and market price of the 
underlying common stock at the time of grant.  No assumption for a future dividend rate increase has been included 
unless there is an approved plan to increase the dividend in the near term.  Shares are issued from the Company’s 
treasury shares upon share option exercises. 

The Company granted 347,000 stock options during 2010.  No stock options were granted in 2012 and 2011.  The 
weighted average fair value of options granted was $10.31 in 2010.  The fair value for these options was estimated 
at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 

66 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 3.59%; a dividend yield of .25%; a volatility factor of the expected 
market price of the Company’s common stock of .41; forfeiture rate of 3.89%; and weighted-average expected life 
of the option of nine years.   

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2012: 

Range of Exercise 
Prices 
$   5.92-10.00 
10.01-15.00 
15.01-19.92 
 $    5.92-19.92 

Number Outstanding 
December 31, 2012 

Options Outstanding 
 Weighted Average 
Remaining Contractual 
Life (in years) 

Options Exercisable 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 

Number Exercisable 
December 31, 2012 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 

112,968 
1,110,451 
289,328 
1,512,747 

0.83 
4.81 
6.89 
4.91 

$           9.72 
14.05 
19.74 
         14.81 

112,968 
749,451 
30,578 
892,997 

$           9.72 
14.02 
18.23 
         13.62 

The table below summarizes option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012: 

Outstanding at January 1, 2012 
     Granted 
     Exercised 
     Forfeited 
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 
Expected to Vest at December 31, 2012 
Exercisable at December 31, 2012 

Options 
(In Thousands) 
2,849 
        -  
(1,268) 
(68) 
1,513  
1,307 
893  

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 
$            13.78  
- 
12.43 
16.21 
            14.81  
14.79 
            13.62  

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Term 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(in Thousands) 
  $         41,252 

Weighted 
Average Fair 
Value 

$           6.38 

-     

-    
(20,033) 
(783) 
4.91 years            20,373  
4.74 years 
17,632 
         13,093  
3.90 years 

5.91 
7.38 
           6.74 
6.80 
               5.93 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $20.0 million, $5.5 million and $848,000 in 2012, 2011 and 
2010, respectively. The total fair value of options vested was $2.2 million, $2.7 million and $3.2 million in 2012, 
2011 and 2010, respectively. Income tax benefits resulting from stock option exercises totaled $8.4 million, $2.1 
million, and $1.4 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

Restricted Stock 

Shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units (collectively, ―restricted stock‖) may be granted to employees and 
directors and typically vest over approximately two to five year periods.  Restricted stock grants may be subject to 
one or more objective employment, performance or other forfeiture conditions as established at the time of grant.  
As of December 31, 2012, under the Aaron’s Management Performance Plan (―AMP Plan‖), RSUs are granted 
quarterly upon achievement of certain pre-tax profit levels during the prior quarter by the employees’ operating units 
or the overall Company.  The RSUs granted under the AMP Plan vest over four to five years from the date of grant.  
The AMP Plan participants include certain vice presidents, director level employees and other key personnel in the 
Company’s home office, divisional vice presidents and regional managers.  

Any shares of restricted stock that are forfeited may again become available for issuance.  Compensation cost for 
restricted stock is equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of the award and is amortized to 
compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  The Company granted 368,000, 266,000 and 
300,000 shares of restricted stock at weighted-average fair values of $26.08, $23.57 and $16.20 in 2012, 2011 and 
2010, respectively.   

67 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes information about restricted stock activity: 

Non-vested at January 1, 2012 
     Granted 1 
     Vested 
     Forfeited 
Non-vested at December 31, 2012 

Restricted Stock 
(In Thousands) 
415 
368  
(75) 
(12) 
    696 

Weighted Average 
Fair Value 

$      19.64 
26.08 
16.20 
27.84 
      23.28 

1  Includes  250,000  RSUs  granted  to  certain  executive  officers  that  will  be  eligible  to  vest  on 
March  31,  2015  assuming  certain  performance  conditions  are  achieved  over  three  annual 
performance  periods.  The  Company  recognizes  compensation  cost  for  its  performance-based 
RSUs over the vesting period based on the probability that the performance condition will be 
satisfied. 

The total fair value of restricted stock vesting during the year was $4.4 million, $5.7 million and $1.5 million in 
2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   

Retirement and Separation-Related Modifications 

In connection with the retirement of the Company’s founder and former Chairman of the Board, the Company 
recorded a $10.4 million charge to operating expenses, of which $1.7 million related to the accelerated vesting of 
75,000 shares of restricted stock and 25,000 stock options. During 2011, the Company recorded a $3.5 million 
charge for separation costs primarily related to the immediate vest modification of 150,000 shares of restricted stock 
and 50,000 stock options related to the separation of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer. The total 
incremental cost resulting from the modifications, due primarily to increases in the Company’s stock price as of the 
modification date compared to the grant date, was $1.2 million and $1.3 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

NOTE 11: STORE COUNT (UNAUDITED) 

The Company’s franchised store activity, Company-operated Sales & Lease Ownership store activity and Company-
operated HomeSmart store activity is summarized as follows: 

(Unaudited) 
Franchised stores 
Franchised stores open at January 1, 
Opened 
Added through acquisition 
Purchased from the Company 
Purchased by the Company 
Closed, sold or merged 
Franchised stores open at December 31, 

Company-operated Sales & Lease Ownership stores 
Company-operated Sales & Lease Ownership stores open at January 1, 
Opened 
Added through acquisition 
Closed, sold or merged 
Company-operated Sales & Lease Ownership stores open at December 31, 

Company-operated HomeSmart stores 
Company-operated HomeSmart stores open at January 1, 
Opened 
Added through acquisition 
Closed, sold or merged 
Company-operated HomeSmart stores open at December 31, 

68 

2012 

2011 

2010 

713 
56 
- 
3 
(21) 
(2) 
749 

1,160 
76 
21 
(11) 
1,246 

71 
7 
1 
(1) 
78 

664 
55 
- 
9 
(7) 
(8) 
713 

1,146 
57 
8 
(51) 
1,160 

3 
24 
44 
- 
71 

597 
62 
10 
10 
(12) 
(3) 
664 

1,082 
86 
14 
(36) 
1,146 

- 
3 
- 
- 
3 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2012, the Sales and Lease Ownership segment acquired the lease contracts, merchandise and other related assets 
of 44 stores, including 21 franchised stores, and merged certain acquired stores into existing stores, resulting in a net 
gain of 21 stores.   In 2011, the Sales and Lease Ownership segment acquired the lease contracts, merchandise and 
other related assets of 38 stores, including seven franchised stores, and merged certain acquired stores into existing 
stores, resulting in a net gain of eight stores.  In 2010, the Sales and Lease Ownership segment acquired the lease 
contracts, merchandise and other related assets of 30 stores, including 12 franchised stores, and merged certain 
acquired stores into existing stores, resulting in a net gain of 14 stores.     

In 2012, the HomeSmart operations acquired the lease contracts, merchandise and other related assets of four stores 
and merged certain acquired stores into existing stores, resulting in a net gain of one store.  In 2011, HomeSmart 
operations acquired the lease contracts, merchandise and other related assets of 47 stores and merged certain 
acquired stores into existing stores, resulting in a net gain of 44 stores.  

NOTE 12: SEGMENTS 

Description of Products and Services of Reportable Segments 

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had five operating segments: Sales and Lease Ownership, RIMCO, 
HomeSmart, Franchise and Manufacturing. The Company’s RIMCO stores lease automobile wheels, tires and rims 
to customers under sales and lease ownership agreements. Although the products offered are different, these stores 
are managed, monitored and operated similarly to our other sales and lease ownership stores.  

The Company has evaluated the characteristics of its operating segments and has determined that certain of its 
operating segments meet the aggregation criteria in ASC 280, Segment Reporting. Accordingly, the Company has 
identified four reportable segments: Sales and Lease Ownership, Franchise, HomeSmart and Manufacturing. In all 
periods presented, HomeSmart was reclassified from ―Other‖ to the HomeSmart segment.  

The Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division offers electronics, residential furniture, appliances and computers to 
consumers primarily on a monthly payment basis with no credit requirements. The HomeSmart division was 
established to offer electronics, residential furniture, appliances and computers to consumers on a weekly payment 
basis with no credit requirements. The Company’s franchise operation sells and supports franchisees of its sales and 
lease ownership concept. The Manufacturing segment manufactures upholstered furniture and bedding 
predominantly for use by Company-operated and franchised stores. Therefore, the Manufacturing segment revenues 
and earnings before income taxes are primarily the result of intercompany transactions, substantially all of which 
revenues and earnings are eliminated through the elimination of intersegment revenues. 

Measurement of Segment Profit or Loss and Segment Assets 

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on revenue growth and pre-tax profit or loss 
from operations.  The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary 
of significant accounting policies except that the sales and lease ownership division revenues and certain other items 
are presented on a cash basis.  Intersegment sales are completed at internally negotiated amounts.  Since the 
intersegment profit and loss affect inventory valuation, depreciation and cost of goods sold are adjusted when 
intersegment profit is eliminated in consolidation. 

69 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Factors Used by Management to Identify the Reportable Segments 

The Company’s reportable segments are based on the operations of the Company that the chief operating decision 
maker regularly reviews to analyze performance and allocate resources among business units of the Company. 

Information on segments and a reconciliation to earnings before income taxes from continuing operations are as 
follows:  

(In Thousands) 
Revenues From External Customers: 

Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Franchise 
Manufacturing 
Other 

Revenues of Reportable Segments 
Elimination of Intersegment Revenues 
Cash to Accrual Adjustments 
Total Revenues from External Customers 

Earnings Before Income Taxes: 
Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Franchise 
Manufacturing 
Other 

Earnings Before Income Taxes for Reportable Segments 
Elimination of Intersegment Profit 
Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments 
Total Earnings Before Income Taxes  

Assets: 

Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Franchise 
Manufacturing1 
Other 
Total Assets 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2011 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2010 

$    2,088,894 
55,226 
66,655 
95,693 
9,122 
2,315,590 
(95,150) 
2,148 
   $    2,222,588  

$     1,938,614 
15,624 
63,255 
89,430 
8,096 
2,115,019 
(89,430) 
(3,258) 

$     1,803,601 
56 
59,112 
79,113 
15,132 
1,957,014 
(79,113) 
(1,563) 
   $     2,022,331      $     1,876,338  

$       243,531 
(6,962) 
52,672 
382 
(11,854) 
277,769 
(393) 
(521) 
   $       276,855 

$        143,686 
(7,283) 
49,577 
2,960 
818 
189,758 
(2,960) 
(3,421) 

$        159,417 
(318) 
45,935 
3,218 
(12,437) 
195,815 
(3,218) 
(1,811) 
   $        183,377     $        190,786 

$    1,421,812 
58,347 
53,820 
24,787 
254,163 
$    1,812,929 

$     1,293,151 
50,600 
56,131 
21,691 
310,326 
$     1,731,899 

$     1,248,785 
955 
55,789 
22,312 
173,012 
$     1,500,853 

1Includes inventory (principally raw materials) that has been classified within lease merchandise in the 
consolidated balance sheets of $14.1 million, $11.2 million and $11.2 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011 
and 2010, respectively. 

Depreciation and Amortization: 
Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Franchise 
Manufacturing 
Other 
Total Depreciation and Amortization 

Interest Expense: 

Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Franchise 
Manufacturing 
Other 
Total Interest Expense 

$       629,119 
20,482 
146 
4,430 
7,256 
$       661,433 

$        588,036 
5,933 
41 
1,294 
8,260 
$        603,564 

$        539,669 
21 
41 
2,958 
6,843 
$        549,532 

$           5,531  
846 

-    

106 
(91)   

$            4,473   $            2,937  

201 

-    

142 
(107)   

2    
-    

15 
142   
$            3,096 

$           6,392 

$            4,709 

70 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures: 

Sales and Lease Ownership 
HomeSmart 
Franchise 
Manufacturing 
Other 
Total Capital Expenditures  

$         35,480  
4,121  
-  
4,493   
20,979 
$         65,073 

$          53,402  
10,950  
-  
2,107   
11,752 
$         78,211 

$         72,832  
202 
- 
5,484   
9,118 
$         87,636 

Revenues From Canadian Operations (included in totals above): 

Sales and Lease Ownership 

$            308  

$           3,258  

$           4,470  

Assets From Canadian Operations (included in totals above): 

Sales and Lease Ownership 

$         1,391 

$           1,527 

$         15,093 

Revenues in the ―Other‖ category are primarily revenues from leasing space to unrelated third parties in the 
corporate headquarters building, revenues of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division through the date of sale in 
August 2012 and revenues from several minor unrelated activities. The pre-tax losses or earnings in the ―Other‖ 
category are the net result of the activity mentioned above, net of the portion of corporate overhead not allocated to 
the reportable segments for management purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the pre-tax losses of the 
―Other‖ category include $10.4 million in retirement charges associated with the retirement of the Company’s 
founder and former Chairman of the Board. Earnings Before Income Taxes above for the Sales and Lease 
Ownership segment includes the $36.5 million accrual of a lawsuit for 2011 and the reversal of the lawsuit accrual 
of $35.5 million in 2012.  In addition, during 2011, the Company incurred $3.5 million in separation costs related to 
the departure of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer. 

NOTE 13: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Company leases certain properties under capital leases with certain related parties that are more fully described 
in Note 6 above. 

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company purchased an airplane for $2.8 million and sold it to R. Charles 
Loudermilk, Sr., the Company’s founder and former Chairman of the Board, for the same amount. The Company 
paid approximately $80,000 in brokerage fees in connection with the transaction, for which Mr. Loudermilk 
reimbursed the Company.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company transferred a Company-owned vehicle to Mr. 
Loudermilk valued at $21,000. 

NOTE 14: QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share) 
Year Ended December 31, 2012 
Revenues 
Gross Profit * 
Earnings Before Taxes From Continuing 
Operations 
Net Earnings 
Earnings Per Share  
Earnings Per Share Assuming Dilution 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 
Revenues 
Gross Profit * 
Earnings Before Taxes From Continuing 
Operations 
Net Earnings 
Earnings Per Share  
Earnings Per Share Assuming Dilution 

First Quarter  Second Quarter  Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter 

  $   585,996   $    538,619  $    529,510   $      568,463  
263,278 

282,657  

265,573 

258,637 

115,029  
71,226  
.94 
.92  

58,590  
36,244 
.48  
.47  

46,044  
28,941 
.38 
.38  

57,192 
36,632 
.48 
.48  

$   532,480   $    482,415  $    484,731   $      522,705  
242,163 

259,542  

236,958 

231,942 

 71,919  
44,389  
.55 
.55  

17,627  
10,799 
.14  
.13  

45,092  
28,045 
.36 
.36  

48,739 
30,534 
.40 
.40  

71 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Gross profit is the sum of lease revenues and fees, retail sales, and non-retail sales less retail cost of sales, non-
retail cost of sales, depreciation of lease merchandise and write-offs of lease merchandise. 

The first quarter of 2012 included a pre-tax $35.5 million reversal of a lawsuit accrual, and the third quarter of 2012 
included a pre-tax $10.4 million retirement charge associated with the retirement of the Company’s founder and 
former Chairman of the Board. The second quarter of 2011 included a pre-tax $36.5 million accrual of a lawsuit, and 
the fourth quarter of 2011 included a pre-tax $3.5 million separation charge related to the Company’s former Chief 
Executive Officer. 

Revenue amounts for all quarterly periods prior to the third quarter of 2012 have been revised to exclude interest 
income, which is now presented as a component of non-operating income and expenses in the consolidated 
statements of earnings. 

NOTE 15: DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN 

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company implemented the Aaron’s, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the ―Plan‖) an 
unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of management, highly compensated 
employees and non-employee directors.  On a pre-tax basis, eligible employees can defer receipt of up to 75% of 
their base compensation and up to 100% of their incentive pay compensation, and eligible non-employee directors 
can defer receipt of up to 100% of both their cash and stock director fees. In addition, the Company elected to make 
restoration matching contributions on behalf of eligible employees to compensate for certain limitations on the 
amount of matching contributions an employee can receive under the Company’s tax-qualified 401(k) plan.  

Compensation deferred under the Plan is credited to each participant’s deferral account and a deferred compensation 
liability is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred 
compensation plan liability was approximately $9.5 million and $6.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively.  Liabilities under the Plan are recorded at amounts due to participants, based on the fair value of 
participants’ selected investments.  The Company has established a Rabbi Trust to fund obligations under the Plan 
with Company-owned life insurance.  The obligations are unsecured general obligations of the Company and the 
participants have no right, interest or claim in the assets of the Company, except as unsecured general creditors.  The 
cash surrender value of these policies totaled $10.4 million and $5.8 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Deferred compensation expense charged to operations for the Company’s matching contributions totaled $285,000, 
$306,000 and $231,000 in 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. Benefits of $616,000 and $77,000 were paid during 
the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  No benefits were paid in 2010.   

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE  

None.  

72 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

An evaluation of Aaron’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-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 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K.  Based on management’s evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012 to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives 
of disclosure controls and procedures are met. 

Reports of Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over 
Financial Reporting 

Management has assessed, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, 
has audited, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.  The unqualified 
reports of management and Ernst & Young LLP thereon are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
and are incorporated by reference herein. 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There were no changes in the Company’s  internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2012 that have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION 

None.

73 

  
 
 
 
 
 
PART III  

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE 

        The information contained in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which the Company will file with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2012, with respect to: the identity, 
background and Section 16 filings of directors and executive officers of the Company; the Audit Committee of the 
Board of Directors and the Committee’s ―audit committee financial expert‖; the Company’s procedures by which 
security holders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors; and the Company’s code of ethics applicable 
to its chief executive, financial, and accounting officers is incorporated herein by reference to this item.  

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

        The information contained in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which the Company will file with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2012, with respect to director and 
executive compensation, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee 
Report, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item. 

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS      

The information contained in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which the Company will file with the 

Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2012, with respect to the ownership 
of common stock by certain beneficial owners and management, and with respect to the Company's compensation 
plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance, is incorporated herein by reference to this item.  

        For purposes of determining the aggregate market value of the Company's common stock held by non-
affiliates, shares held by all directors and executive officers of the Company have been excluded.  The exclusion of 
such shares is not intended to, and shall not, constitute a determination as to which persons or entities may be 
"affiliates" of the Company as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE  

        The information contained in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, which the Company will file with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2012, with respect to related party 
transactions and director independence, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.  

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

The information contained under the heading ―Audit Matters‖ in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement, 

which the Company will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 
31, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.  

74 

  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV  

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS and SCHEDULES 

a)    1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

        The following financial statements and notes thereto of Aaron’s, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and the related Reports 
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth in Item 8 and Item 9A.  

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2012 and 2011 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings—Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income—Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 
2010 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial 
Reporting 

2.    FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  

        All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC have been 
omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes 
thereto. 

3.    EXHIBITS  

EXHIBIT 
NO. 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT 

2 .1 

3 .1 

3 .2 

Asset Purchase Agreement between CORT Business Services Corporation as Buyer and the 
Company as Seller dated as of September 12, 2008, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, which exhibit is by 
this reference incorporated herein. 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the 
Company’s Registration Statement, as amended, on Form 8-A/A , Commission File No. 001-
13941, filed with the Commission on December 10, 2010, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. 

Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 
Registration Statement, as amended, on Form 8-A/A, Commission File No. 001-13941, filed 
with the Commission on December 10, 2010, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated 
herein. 

4   

  See Exhibits 3.1 through 3.2. 

10 .1 

The Company’s Employees Retirement Plan and Trust, filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-8, Commission File No. 33-62538, filed with the Commission 
on May 12, 1993, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. * 

10 .2 

  Loan Agreement between Fort Bend County Industrial Development Corporation and the 

75 

  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
EXHIBIT 
NO. 

10 .3 

10 .4 

10 .5 

10 .6 

10 .7 

10 .8 

10 .9 

10 .10 

10 .11 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT 

Company relating to the Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (Aaron Rents, Inc. Project), 
Series 2000 dated October 1, 2000, filed as Exhibit 10(m) to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (the ―2000 10-K‖), which exhibit is by this 
reference incorporated herein. 

Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement between the Company and First Union National 
Bank dated as of October 1, 2000, filed as Exhibit 10(n) to the 2000 10-K, which exhibit is by 
this reference incorporated herein. 

The Company’s 2001 Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan, filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the 
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Commission File No. 333-76026, filed with the 
Commission on December 28, 2001, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. * 

Amended and Restated Master Agreement by and among the Company, SunTrust Bank and 
SouthTrust Bank, dated as of October 31, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10(s) to the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. 

Amendment Number One to the Servicing Agreement by and between the Company and 
SunTrust Bank dated as of April 30, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10(w) to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. 

First Amendment to the Company’s 2001 Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan, filed as 
Exhibit 4(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Commission File No. 333-
123426, filed with the Commission on March 18, 2005, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. * 

Note Purchase Agreement between the Company and certain other obligors and the purchasers 
dated as of July 27, 2005 and Form of Senior Note, filed as Exhibit 10(ee) to the Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005 (the ―8/2/05 8-K‖), 
which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

First Amendment dated as of July 27, 2005 to Amended and Restated Master Agreement and 
Amended and Restated Lease Agreement dated as of October 31, 2001, as amended, among the 
Company as lessee, SunTrust Banks, Inc. as lessor, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as 
lender, and SunTrust Bank as lease participant and agent, filed as Exhibit 10(jj) to the 8/2/05 8-
K, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

First Omnibus Amendment dated as of August 21, 2002, but effective as of October 31, 2001 to 
the Amended and Restated Master Agreement and Amended and Restated Lease Agreement 
dated as of October 31, 2001, as amended, among the Company as lessee, SunTrust Banks, Inc. 
as lessor, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as lender, and SunTrust Bank as lease 
participant and agent filed as Exhibit 10(kk) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Consent Agreement made and entered into as of April 7, 2006 by and among the Company as 
sponsor, SunTrust Bank and each of the other lending institutions party thereto as participants, 
and SunTrust Bank as servicer to form one or more Canadian Subsidiaries in one or more 
Canadian provinces, filed as Exhibit (pp) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
its quarter ended June 30, 2006 (the ―6/30/06 10-Q‖), which exhibit is incorporated by this 
reference. 

10 .12 

  Consent Agreement made and entered into as of April 7, 2006 by and among the Company and 

76 

  
 
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
 
  
  
    
    
 
  
  
    
    
 
  
  
    
    
 
  
  
    
    
 
  
  
    
    
 
EXHIBIT 
NO. 

10 .13 

10 .14 

10 .15 

10 .16 

10  .17 

10 .18 

10 .19 

10 .20 

10 .21 

10 .22 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT 

certain co-borrowers, the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time party 
thereto and SunTrust Bank as administrative agent to form one or more Canadian Subsidiaries in 
one or more Canadian provinces, filed as Exhibit (qq) to the 6/30/06 10-Q, which exhibit is by 
this reference incorporated herein. 

Amendment to Option and Award Agreement under the Company’s 2001 Stock Option and 
Incentive Award Plan, filed as Exhibit 10(pp) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, 
filed with the Commission on December 22, 2006, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. * 

Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2008, among the Company, as borrower, the 
lenders from time to time party thereto, and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, filed as 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 
30, 2008 (the ―5/30/08 8-K‖), which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2008, between Aaron Investment Company 
and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the 5/30/08 8-K, which 
exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Amended and Restated Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty by and among the Company as 
sponsor, SunTrust Bank, as servicer, and each of the other financial institutions party thereto as 
participants, dated as of May 23, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the 5/30/08 8-K, which exhibit is 
by this reference incorporated herein. 

Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2008, among Aaron 
Investment Company and SunTrust Bank, as servicer, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the 5/30/08 8-K, 
which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

First Amendment, dated as of November 4, 2008, to Note Purchase Agreement between the 
Company and certain other obligors and the purchasers dated as of July 27, 2005, filed as Exhibit 
10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on November 
10, 2008, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

The Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan filed as 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 
10, 2009, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. * 

Form of Share Exchange Agreement, among the Company and R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., 
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 15, 2009, which exhibit is by 
this reference incorporated herein. 

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty by and 
among the Company as sponsor, SunTrust Bank, as servicer, and each of the other financial 
institutions party thereto as participants, dated as of May 22, 2009, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 29, 2009, which 
exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Second Amendment to Servicing Agreement, by and among the Company, as sponsor, SunTrust 
Bank, as servicer, dated as of May 22, 2009, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 29, 2009, which exhibit is by this 
reference incorporated. 

10 .23 

 The Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan Master Plan Document filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 

77 

  
 
  
  
  
  
    
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
EXHIBIT 
NO. 

10 .24 

10 .25 

10 .26 

10 .27 

10 .28 

10 .29 

10 .30 

10 .31 

10 .32 

10 .33 

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 12, 2009, which 
exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. * 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT 

Form of Aaron’s, Inc. Performance-Based Vesting Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 
2001 Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 12, 2009, which exhibit is by this 
reference incorporated herein. * 

Second Amended and Restated Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty with SunTrust Bank, as 
servicer, and the other participants listed therein, attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, to the 
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 18, 2010, which 
exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

The Company’s Employees Retirement Plan and Trust, as amended and restated, filed as Exhibit 
99.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Commission File No. 333-17113, 
filed with the Commission on December 10, 2010, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein.* 

Narrative Description of Amendment to 2001 Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan, as 
Amended and Restated, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 
S-8, Commission File No. 333-17113, filed with the Commission on December 10, 2010, which 
exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein.* 

First Amendment made and entered into as of March 31, 2011 to the Second Amended and 
Restated Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty, dated as of June 18, 2010, by and among 
Aarons, Inc. as sponsor, each of the other lending institutions party thereto as participants, and 
SunTrust Bank as servicer, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

First Amendment made and entered into on March 31, 2011 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, 
dated as of May 23, 2008, by and among Aaron’s, Inc., each of the other lending institutions 
party thereto as participants, and SunTrust Bank as administrative agent for the lenders, which 
exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Second Amendment made and entered into on April 19, 2011 to the Note Purchase Agreement, 
dated as of July 27, 2005, by and among Aaron’s, Inc., Aaron Investment Company, and the 
holders of the Notes, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, by and among Aaron’s, Inc., as borrower, 
SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, and each of the other financial institutions party thereto 
as lenders, dated as of May 18, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 24, 2011, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. 

Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty, 
by and among Aaron’s, Inc., as sponsor, SunTrust Bank, as servicer, and each of the other 
financial institutions party thereto as participants, dated as of May 18, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.2 
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 24, 2011, 
which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Note Purchase Agreement by and among Aaron’s, Inc. and certain other obligors and the 
purchasers dated as of July 5, 2011 and Form of Senior Note, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 8, 2011 (the 
―7/8/2011 Form 8-K‖), which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

78 

  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
EXHIBIT 
NO. 
10 .34 

10 .35 

10 .36 

10. 37 

10. 38 

10. 39 

10. 40 

10. 41 

10. 42 

10 .43 

10 .44 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT 

Third Letter Amendment made as of July 5, 2011 to Note Purchase Agreement by and among 
Aaron’s, Inc. (f/k/a Aaron Rents, Inc.) and certain other obligors and the purchasers dated as of 
July 27, 2005, as amended by a First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of 
November 4, 2008, and a letter amendment, dated as of April 19, 2011, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to 
the 7/8/2011 Form 8-K, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Third Amendment made and entered into as of July 1, 2011 to Revolving Credit Agreement 
dated as of May 23, 2008 by and among Aaron’s, Inc., the several banks and other financial 
institutions from time to time party thereto and SunTrust Bank as administrative agent, filed as 
Exhibit 10.3 to the 7/8/2011 Form 8-K, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Third Amendment made and entered into as of July 1, 2011 to Second Amended and Restated 
Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty dated as of June 18, 2010 by and among Aaron’s, Inc. as 
sponsor, SunTrust Bank and each of the other lending institutions party thereto as participants, 
and SunTrust Bank as servicer, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the 7/8/2011 Form 8-K, which exhibit is 
by this reference incorporated herein. 

Aaron’s Management Performance Plan (Summary of terms for Home Office Vice Presidents), 
filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission 
on August 5, 2011 (the ―8/5/2011 8-K‖), which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Aaron’s, Inc. 2001 Stock Option and Incentive Award Plan Master Restricted Stock Unit 
Agreement (Aaron’s Management Performance Plan), filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the 8/11/2011 8-K, 
which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Confidential Waiver and Release, dated as of December 21, 2011, by and between Aaron’s, Inc. 
and Robert C. Loudermilk Jr., filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed with the Commission on December 28, 2011, which exhibit is by this reference 
incorporated herein. 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31 2012, which exhibit is by this 
reference incorporated herein. 

Fourth Amendment made and entered into as of May 16, 2012 to Second Amended and Restated 
Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty dated as of June 18, 2010 by and among Aaron’s, Inc. as 
sponsor, SunTrust Bank and each of the other lending institutions party thereto as participants, 
and SunTrust Bank as servicer, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Retirement Agreement between Aaron’s, Inc. and R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., dated August 24, 
2012, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the 
Commission on August 30, 2012, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, by and among Aaron’s, Inc., as borrower, 
SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent, and each of the lending institutions party thereto as 
lenders, dated as of December 13, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 19, 2012 (the ―12/19/2012 Form 8-K‖), 
which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

Fifth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Facility Agreement and Guaranty, by 
and among Aaron’s, Inc., as sponsor, SunTrust Bank, as servicer, and each of the other financial 
institutions party thereto as participants, dated as of December 13, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to 
the 12/19/2012 Form 8-K, which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

79 

  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
EXHIBIT 
NO. 

10 .45 

21   

23   

31 .1 

31 .2 

32 .1 

32 .2 

101  

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT 

Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement by and among Aaron’s, Inc. and certain other 
obligors and the purchasers, dated as of December 19, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10 to the 
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 26, 2012, 
which exhibit is by this reference incorporated herein. 

  Subsidiaries of the Registrant, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed as part of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), filed as part of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), filed as part of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

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, filed as part of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.  

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, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 
10-K.  

The following financial information from Aaron’s, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): 
(i)  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 
(ii)  Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 
2010, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years ended December 31, 
2012, 2011 and 2010, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 
31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (v) Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity for the Years 
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements, filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

* 

  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement 

 (b) EXHIBITS  

        The exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) are included elsewhere in this Report.  

(c) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES  

        The financial statements listed in Item 15(a)(1) are included in Item 8 in this Report. 

80 

  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
    
    
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
    
BOARd OF 
diRECtORS

OFFiCERS

Ronald W. Allen
Chairman of the Board, President 
and Chief Executive Officer, 
Aaron’s, Inc.

Leo Benatar (2, 3, 4)
Principal, Benatar & Associates

Kathy T. Betty (2)
Former Owner, WNBA’s  
Atlanta Dream

William K. Butler, Jr.
Chief Operating Officer, 
Aaron’s, Inc.

Gilbert L. Danielson
Executive Vice President, Chief  
Financial Officer, Aaron’s, Inc.

Cynthia N. Day (2)
President and Chief  
Executive Officer, 
Citizens Trust Bank

Hubert L. Harris, Jr. (3)
Retired Chief Executive Officer, 
Invesco North America

David L. Kolb (4)
Retired Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer, Mohawk 
Industries, Inc.

Ray M. Robinson (1, 3, 4)
President Emeritus, East Lake Golf  
Club and Vice Chairman, East 
Lake Community Foundation

John B. Schuerholz  (2, 3)
President, The Atlanta Braves

Corporate
Ronald W. Allen*
Chairman of the Board, President 
and Chief Executive Officer

Aaron’s Sales & Lease  
Ownership Division
K. Todd Evans*
Vice President, Franchising

David L. Buck
Senior Vice President, Operations

Tristan J. Montanero
Senior Vice President, Operations

Mitchell S. Paull*
Senior Vice President, 
Merchandising and Logistics

Gregory G. Bellof
Vice President, Mid-Atlantic 
Operations

Michael C. Bennett
Vice President, Great Lakes 
Operations

David A. Boggan
Vice President, Mississippi  
Valley Operations

Todd G. Coppedge
Vice President, Midwest 
Operations

Joseph N. Fedorchak
Vice President, Eastern Operations

William K. Butler, Jr.*
Chief Operating Officer

Gilbert L. Danielson*
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer

James L. Cates*
Senior Group Vice President, 
Corporate Secretary

Jeannie M. Cave
Vice President, Real Estate 
and Construction

Andrea P. Freeman
Vice President, Marketing

Michael W. Jarnagin
Vice President, Manufacturing

James C. Johnson
Vice President, Internal Audit

Steven A. Michaels*
Vice President, Finance

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

D. Chad Strickland
Vice President, Associate Resources

John T. Trainor*
Vice President,  
Chief Information Officer

Danny Walker, Sr.
Vice President, Internal Security

(1) Lead Director

(2) Member of Audit Committee

(3)  Member of Compensation Committee

(4)  Member of Nominating Committee

* Executive Officer

Scott L. Harvey
Vice President, Operational 
Support

Kevin J. Hrvatin
Vice President, Western Operations

Ryan E. Malone
Vice President,  
Southwestern Operations

Jason M. McFarland
Vice President, Mid-American 
Operations

Brock M. Roberts
Vice President, Northeastern 
Operations

C. Brett Ruffino
Vice President, Central Operations

Michael P. Ryan
Vice President, Northern 
Operations

Tracey L. Whiston
Vice President, Divisional 
Controller

HomeSmart Division
Roger N. Estep
Vice President, 
HomeSmart Operations

Corporate and 
Shareholder InformatIon

Corporate Headquarters
309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377 
(404) 231-0011 
www.aarons.com  
www.investor.aarons.com

Subsidiaries
Aaron Investment Company
4005 Kennett Pike 
Greenville, Delaware 19807 
(302) 888-2351

Aaron’s Canada, ULC
309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377 
(404) 231-0011

Aaron’s Foundation, Inc.
309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377 
(404) 231-0011

Aaron’s Production Company
309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377 
(404) 231-0011

99LTO, LLC
309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377 
(404) 231-0011

Annual Shareholders 
Meeting
The annual meeting of the share-
holders of Aaron’s, Inc. will be  
held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013,  
at 10 a.m. EDT on the Fourth 
Floor, SunTrust Plaza, 303 
Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, 
Georgia 30303

Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Investor Services 
Canton, Massachusetts

SEC Counsel
Kilpatrick Townsend &  
Stockton LLP 
Atlanta, Georgia

Form 10-K
Shareholders may obtain a copy of 
the Company’s annual report on 
Form 10-K filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission upon 
written request, without charge. 
Such requests should be sent to the 
attention of Gilbert L. Danielson, 
Execu tive Vice President, Chief 
Financial Officer, Aaron’s, Inc.,  
309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E., 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377.

Stock Listing
Aaron’s, Inc.’s Common Stock 
is traded on the New York Stock 
Exchange under the symbol “AAN.”

Forward-Looking 
Statements
Certain written and oral state-
ments made by our Company 
may constitute “forward-looking 
statements” as defined under 
the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995, including 
statements made in this report 
and in the Company’s filings 
with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. Forward-looking 
statements are based on manage-
ment’s current beliefs, assumptions 
and expectations regarding our 
future economic performance, 
taking into account the information 
currently available to management. 
Generally, the words “anticipate,” 
“believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” 
“intend,” “project,” and similar 
expressions identify forward-looking 
statements, which generally are not 
historical in nature. All statements 
which address operating perfor-
mance, events, or developments 
that we expect or anticipate will 
occur in the future — including 
growth in store openings, franchises 
awarded, and market share, and 
statements expressing general 
optimism about future operating 
results — are forward-looking 
statements. Forward-looking state-
ments are subject to certain risks 
and uncertainties that could cause 
actual results to differ materially 
from the Company’s historical 
experience and the Company’s 
present expectations or projections. 
The Company undertakes no 
obligation to publicly update or 
revise any forward-looking state-
ments, whether as a result of new 
information, future events, changes 
in assumptions or otherwise. For 
a discussion of such risks and 
uncertainties, see “Risk Factors” in 
Item 1A of the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2012 filed 
with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.

309 E. Paces Ferry Rd., N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30305-2377 
(404) 231-0011 
www.aarons.com  
www.investor.aarons.com