Key Takeaways CTAS posted Q2 EPS of $1.21, topping estimates as revenues rose 9.3% year over year to $2.80 billion.Cintas saw broad-based growth, led by First Aid and Safety Services revenues rising 14.3% year over year.CTAS raised FY26 revenue and EPS guidance following strong cash flow and continued shareholder returns.Cintas Corporation (CTAS) reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended Nov. 30, 2025) earnings of $1.21 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.19. The bottom line rose 11% y ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the second quarter grew by 9.3% to $2.8 billion, with an organic growth rate of 8.6% [4][6] - Operating income increased to $655.7 million, reflecting a 10.9% growth year-over-year [4][11] - Diluted EPS rose by 11% to $1.21 compared to the previous year [5][12] - Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 50.4%, a 60 basis point increase from the prior year [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic growth by business segments: - Uniform Rental and Facility Services: 7.8% - First Aid and Safety Services: 14.1% - Fire Protection Services: 11.5% - Uniform Direct Sale: 2% [7][8] - Gross margin percentages by business: - Uniform Rental and Facility Services: 49.8% - First Aid and Safety Services: 57.7% - Fire Protection Services: 48.2% - Uniform Direct Sale: 41.9% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to experience strong demand in key verticals such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and state and local governments, which are showing positive employment trends [24][25] - Retention rates are at all-time highs, indicating strong customer loyalty and satisfaction [7][43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging investments to sustain positive momentum and deliver exceptional customer service [15] - Strategic acquisitions are part of the growth strategy, with $85.6 million spent on acquisitions in the second quarter [12][65] - The company aims to grow in multiples of job growth and GDP, emphasizing its ability to thrive in various economic conditions [9][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current economic uncertainty but remains optimistic about the company's ability to grow due to its strong value proposition [70] - The company has raised its Fiscal 2026 financial guidance, expecting revenue between $11.15 billion and $11.22 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 7.8% to 8.5% [6][71] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the second quarter was $425 million, an increase of 23.8% over the prior year [12] - The company has returned $1.24 billion in capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in the first six months of Fiscal 2026 [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in employment levels across customer base - Management noted that while there are pressures in the labor market, their targeted verticals like healthcare and education are performing well, and they do not rely solely on job growth for their business [24][25] Question: Downturn playbook for maintaining growth - The company has multiple growth levers, including new business acquisition and cross-selling to existing customers, which provide flexibility during downturns [30][31] Question: Year-over-year add stops and acquisition impact - Current customer growth is stable and slightly positive, with acquisitions contributing about 70 basis points to growth in the second quarter [37][38] Question: Retention rates in uncertain economic times - High retention rates are attributed to strong execution and value provided to customers, supported by a robust company culture [42][43] Question: Sourcing costs and tariffs - The company is managing sourcing costs effectively and has not seen significant deviations from expected tariff impacts [51][52] Question: Competitive environment and pricing strategy - The company focuses on providing value rather than solely adjusting prices, maintaining a competitive edge through service quality [60][91] Question: Technology initiatives and their returns - Investments in technology, including AI, are ongoing, with expectations of future benefits in efficiency and service delivery [85][86] Question: Growth in verticals and dispensers - Healthcare is the largest vertical, representing about 8% of total revenue, with all targeted verticals growing faster than the overall company [105][106]

For the quarter ended November 2025, Cintas (CTAS) reported revenue of $2.8 billion, up 9.3% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.21, compared to $1.09 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.76 billion, representing a surprise of +1.46%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +1.68%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.19.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they co ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2026 grew by 9.3% to $2.8 billion, with an organic growth rate of 8.6% [3][4] - Gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 50.4%, a 60 basis point improvement from the previous year [3] - Operating income rose to $655.7 million, reflecting a 10.9% increase year-over-year [4][10] - Diluted EPS increased by 11% to $1.21 compared to the prior year [4][11] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $425 million, a 23.8% increase over the previous year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic growth by business segments: - Uniform rental facility services: 7.8% - First aid and safety services: 14.1% - Fire protection services: 11.5% - Uniform direct sale: 2% [5][6] - Gross margin percentages by business: - Uniform rental facility services: 49.8% - First aid and safety services: 57.7% - Fire protection services: 48.2% - Uniform direct sale: 41.9% [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to experience strong growth in key verticals such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and state and local governments, which are positively impacting retention rates [8][24] - The services providing sector shows growth, while the goods producing sector is underperforming [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging investments to sustain positive momentum and deliver exceptional customer service [14] - The strategy includes expanding offerings and enhancing customer engagement to strengthen relationships with existing customers [5] - The company aims to grow in multiples of job growth and GDP, indicating resilience across economic cycles [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a softening trend in hiring activity but emphasizes the company's ability to grow regardless of employment levels [23] - The company remains committed to its growth targets, with guidance for revenue in the range of $11.15-$11.22 billion and diluted EPS between $4.81-$4.88 for Fiscal 2026 [4][12] - Management expresses confidence in the company's operational execution and culture as key competitive advantages [43][90] Other Important Information - The company has returned $1.24 billion in capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in the first half of Fiscal 2026 [11] - The company is actively engaged in M&A, with $85.6 million spent on acquisitions in Q2 2026 [11][65] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in employment levels across customer base - Management noted that while there are job losses in white-collar sectors, key verticals like healthcare and education are performing well, allowing the company to grow despite broader employment trends [23][24] Question: Downturn playbook for maintaining growth - The company highlighted its diverse product offerings and customer base, which provide flexibility to maintain mid to high single-digit organic growth even in downturns [30][31] Question: Ad stops year-over-year and acquisition impact on revenue - Management indicated that growth from current customers is stable and slightly positive, with acquisitions contributing about 70 basis points to revenue growth in Q2 [39] Question: Retention rates and pricing strategy - Management attributed high retention rates to strong execution and value provided to customers, emphasizing a long-term approach to pricing rather than short-term adjustments [43][90] Question: Competitive environment and pricing realization - The company operates in a competitive market but focuses on signing new customers and providing value rather than solely competing on price [61][62] Question: Timing of tariff costs and industry reaction - Management confirmed that while tariffs impact costs, the company is actively working to mitigate these effects and is not solely reliant on passing costs to customers [76][77] Question: Technology initiatives and their returns - The company is investing in technology, including AI, to improve efficiency and service delivery, with positive returns expected from these investments [85] Question: Long-term growth drivers - Management sees growth coming from key verticals, new products, and geographic expansion, with a focus on maintaining high growth levels [110]

Core Insights - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of $1.20 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.19, with a year-over-year increase of 9.1% [1] - Total revenues reached $2.72 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.70 billion, and reflecting an 8.7% year-over-year growth driven by higher segmental revenues [1] Segmental Results - The Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment generated revenues of $2.09 billion, accounting for 76.9% of total sales, marking an 8.1% increase year over year [2] - The First Aid and Safety Services segment reported revenues of $334.7 million, representing 12.3% of total sales, with a year-over-year growth of 14.4% [3] - Revenues from All Other businesses totaled $292.4 million, making up 10.8% of total sales, and increased by 6.3% year over year [3] Margin Profile - Cintas' cost of sales rose 8.2% year over year to $1.35 billion, constituting 49.7% of net sales, while gross profit increased 9.1% to $1.37 billion, resulting in a gross margin of 50.3% compared to 50.1% in the previous year [4] - Selling and administrative expenses totaled $748.7 million, reflecting an 8.3% increase from the prior year, representing 27.5% of net sales [5] - Operating income increased by 10.1% year over year to $617.9 million, with an operating margin of 22.7% compared to 22.4% in the year-ago quarter [5] Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - As of the end of the first three months of fiscal 2026, Cintas had cash and cash equivalents of $138.1 million, down from $264 million at the end of fiscal 2025, while long-term debt slightly increased to about $2.43 billion [6] - The company generated net cash of $414.5 million from operating activities, a decrease of 10% year over year, with capital expenditures totaling $102 million, up 9.7% [7] - Free cash flow decreased by 14.9% year over year to $312.5 million, and share repurchases amounted to $266.1 million compared to $614.8 million in the previous year [7] FY26 Guidance - Cintas raised its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $11.06-$11.18 billion, up from the previous estimate of $11-$11.15 billion, and EPS guidance was adjusted to $4.74-$4.86 from $4.71-$4.85 [9][10] - The company anticipates net interest expenses of approximately $97 million, compared to $95 million in fiscal 2025, with an expected effective tax rate of 20% [10]

Core Insights - Cintas reported $2.72 billion in revenue for the quarter ended August 2025, marking an 8.7% year-over-year increase, with EPS of $1.20 compared to $1.10 a year ago [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.69 billion, resulting in a surprise of +0.87%, while the EPS also surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.19 with a surprise of +0.84% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from Uniform Rental and Facility Services was $2.09 billion, slightly above the $2.07 billion average estimate, reflecting an 8.1% year-over-year increase [4] - Revenue from Other services reached $627.06 million, exceeding the estimated $624.15 million, representing a 10.5% increase compared to the previous year [4] - Revenue from All Other services was $292.4 million, slightly below the estimated $294.27 million, but still showing a 6.3% year-over-year growth [4] - Revenue from First Aid and Safety Services was $334.66 million, surpassing the $329.18 million estimate, with a notable 14.4% year-over-year increase [4] Operating Income Analysis - Operating income for Uniform Rental and Facility Services was $499.94 million, exceeding the average estimate of $487.7 million [4] - Operating income for First Aid and Safety Services was $80.33 million, slightly above the average estimate of $80.01 million [4] - Operating income for All Other services was $37.6 million, below the average estimate of $48.44 million [4] Stock Performance - Cintas shares have returned -5.8% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.1% change, but the stock holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Cintas (CTAS) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share, reflecting an 8.2% increase year over year, with revenues projected at $2.69 billion, a 7.7% increase from the previous year [1] Earnings Estimates - Analysts have not revised the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter in the past 30 days, indicating stability in projections [1] - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [2] Revenue Projections - Analysts estimate 'Revenue- Uniform Rental and Facility Services' at $2.07 billion, indicating a 6.8% year-over-year increase [4] - 'Revenue- Other' is projected to reach $624.15 million, reflecting a 9.9% increase from the prior year [4] - 'Revenue- All Other' is expected to be $294.27 million, showing a 6.9% increase year over year [4] - 'Revenue- First Aid and Safety Services' is forecasted at $329.18 million, indicating a 12.5% increase from the previous year [5] Stock Performance - Cintas shares have returned -7.7% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3% change [5] - Cintas holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting it is expected to outperform the overall market in the near future [5]

Core Insights - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) is experiencing strong momentum across its segments, particularly in Uniform Rental and Facility Services, driven by new customer growth and increased product penetration [1] - The First Aid and Safety Services segment is benefiting from rising demand for AED Rentals, eyewash stations, and WaterBreak products, alongside strong customer retention and an improved sales mix [1] Segment Performance - The Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment is seeing growth from both new and existing customers, contributing to overall performance [8] - The First Aid segment's performance is bolstered by increasing demand for specific safety products [1][8] Acquisitions and Market Expansion - Cintas has enhanced its product portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Paris Uniform Services and SITEX, totaling $232.9 million in fiscal 2025 [2][8] - These acquisitions have strengthened Cintas' market presence in key regions such as Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, and the central Midwest [2] Shareholder Returns - In fiscal 2025, Cintas paid dividends of $611.6 million, reflecting a 15.2% year-over-year increase, and spent $934.8 million on share buybacks, up from $700 million the previous year [3][8] - The quarterly dividend was increased by 15.4% to $1.80 per share, marking 41 consecutive years of dividend increases [3] Financial Performance - Cintas' stock performance has shown a 1.6% gain over the past year, contrasting with a 1.4% decline in the industry [4] - However, the company faces challenges from rising costs, with a 6.9% year-over-year increase in the cost of sales to $1.34 billion and a 9.1% rise in selling and administrative expenses to $728.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 [6] International Exposure - Cintas has significant international operations, which expose it to political and economic disruptions that could impact profitability [7]

Core Insights - Cintas reported revenue of $2.67 billion for the quarter ended May 2025, reflecting an 8% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +1.57% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.63 billion [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.09, up from $1.00 in the same quarter last year, with an EPS surprise of +1.87% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.07 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from Uniform Rental and Facility Services was $2.03 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $2.02 billion, representing a +6.3% year-over-year change [4] - Revenue from Other services reached $636.97 million, exceeding the estimated $602.77 million, marking a +13.8% increase compared to the previous year [4] - Revenue from All Other services was $312.58 million, surpassing the average estimate of $296.5 million, with a +10.8% year-over-year change [4] - Revenue from First Aid and Safety Services was $324.4 million, above the estimated $307.63 million, reflecting a +16.8% increase year-over-year [4] Operating Income Insights - Operating income for Uniform Rental and Facility Services was $465.11 million, slightly below the estimated $472.32 million [4] - Operating income for First Aid and Safety Services was $76.68 million, exceeding the average estimate of $71.85 million [4] - Operating income for All Other services was $55.66 million, above the estimated $52.88 million [4] Stock Performance - Cintas shares have returned -2.9% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +4.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Cintas (CTAS) will report quarterly earnings of $1.07 per share, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, with revenues expected to reach $2.63 billion, a 6.3% increase from the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Estimates - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial indicators for predicting investor actions regarding the stock, with empirical research showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price performance [2] Key Metrics Analysis - Analysts estimate 'Total Revenue- Uniform Rental and Facility Services' will reach $2.02 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of +5.6% [4] - 'Total Revenue- Other' is projected to be $601.96 million, reflecting a +7.5% change from the year-ago quarter [4] - 'Revenue- All Other' is expected to reach $295.60 million, suggesting a +4.8% year-over-year change [4] Operating Income Projections - 'Revenue- First Aid and Safety Services' is forecasted to be $307.85 million, indicating a +10.9% year-over-year change [5] - 'Operating income- Uniform Rental and Facility Services' is expected to be $472.66 million, up from $432.95 million in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Operating income- First Aid and Safety Services' is projected at $71.95 million, compared to $63.33 million from the previous year [5] - 'Operating income- All Other' is estimated to arrive at $52.00 million, slightly up from $51.32 million year-over-year [6] Stock Performance - Cintas shares have experienced a -3% change in the past month, contrasting with a +4% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite, with a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) indicating expected outperformance in the near future [6]