Rent-A-Center beats, stock shoots up as investors look past accusations

Rent-A-Center (RCII) handily beat earnings estimates, sending the stock soaring. Second quarter profits rose by 11 percent -- a performance matched by its stock price, which also rose about 11 percent to $21.53 a share.

The company's rosy earnings report coincided with a complaint lodged by Washington's attorney general, who accused the company of harassing and threatening customers while trying to collect payments from them. He also alleged the company did disclose exorbitant prices customers could pay if payments continued until a product was purchased. The company denied any wrongdoing and promised to vigorously defend against the state's attempt to declare both its contracts and collections illegal.