This change in earnings per share guidance reflects the additional 1,725,000
shares sold by the Company in a secondary stock offering in June of this year.
The Company used the proceeds of $34.3 million from this offering to pay down
its bank debt, which at the end of June was reduced to approximately $25
million.
"This increased guidance is due to the strong revenue and earnings performance
of our Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership division," said R. Charles Loudermilk,
Sr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aaron Rents, Inc. "We are on track
with our plan to continue to improve quarterly performance throughout the
remainder of 2002."
The Company plans to release second quarter earnings on July 24.
Aaron Rents, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has more than 650 Company-
operated and franchised stores across the United States and Puerto Rico for the
rental and sale of residential and office furniture, accessories, consumer
electronics and household appliances. The Company also manufactures furniture,
bedding and accessories at 10 facilities in four states.
Note: Forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current
expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may
vary materially from the expectations due to such factors as changes in general
economic conditions, competition, pricing, customer demand and other issues.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995: Statements in this news release regarding Aaron Rents, Inc.'s business
which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve
risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those
contained in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of such risks and
uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-3, file number 333-88392, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on May 16, 2002, which discussion is incorporated herein by this
reference.
SOURCE Aaron Rents, Inc.
CONTACT: Gilbert L. Danielson, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Aaron Rents, Inc., +1-404-231-0011