Rent-A-Center Q4 Profit Plunges; Issues FY14 EPS Outlook - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Rent-A-Center, Inc. (RCII) Monday reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $13.1 million, or $0.25 per share, compared to $47.2 million, or $0.80 per share in the comparable quarter last year.

On average, seven analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $0.75 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Total revenues were $769.61 million, up 1.5% from $758.38 million last year, while six analysts expected revenues of $787.95 million.

Looking ahead, the company projects full-year 2014 earnings in the range of $2.30 to $2.50 per share, including approximately $0.25 per share dilution related to Mexico. Analysts currently expect full-year earnings of $3.20 per share.

The company also targets revenue growth of 4.5 percent to 7.5 percent.