Core Points - UniFirst Corporation filed its preliminary proxy statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, recommending shareholders vote for its director nominees and expressing confidence in its long-term growth strategy [1][3][4] Group 1: Board of Directors - The Board nominated CEO Steven S. Sintros and Audit Committee Chairman Joseph M. Nowicki for election, while Raymond C. Zemlin will retire after his term [2] - The Board recommends shareholders vote against the nominees proposed by Engine Capital Management, LP, advocating for its own candidates instead [3] - The current Board consists of seven directors, five of whom are independent, with expertise in finance, operations, technology, and other relevant areas [5] Group 2: Strategic Focus - The Company emphasizes a clear strategy focused on investing in people, technology, and infrastructure to drive growth and profitability [4] - The Board is committed to refreshing its composition, having appointed three new independent directors in the past three years [5] Group 3: Proxy Materials - UniFirst's preliminary proxy materials are available on the SEC's website, and definitive materials will be mailed to eligible shareholders [6] - Shareholders are advised to disregard any proxy materials from Engine Capital and to use the WHITE proxy card provided by UniFirst [6] Group 4: Company Overview - UniFirst is a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products, and first aid and safety services, with over 270 service locations and more than 2 million workers outfitted daily [8]

Core Insights - UniFirst Corporation reported its fourth quarter and full year financial results for fiscal 2025, highlighting a solid performance despite the absence of an extra operational week compared to the previous fiscal year [1][4]. Financial Highlights - Q4 2025 revenues were $614.4 million, down from $639.9 million in Q4 2024, but increased by 3.4% when excluding the impact of the extra week in the prior year [6][11]. - Full year revenues for fiscal 2025 reached $2.432 billion, a slight increase of 0.2%, with a 2.1% increase when excluding the extra week [6][11]. - Operating income for Q4 2025 was $49.6 million, compared to $54.0 million in Q4 2024, while full year operating income was $184.5 million, up 0.5% from the previous year [6][11]. - Net income for Q4 2025 was $41.0 million, down from $44.6 million in Q4 2024, while full year net income increased to $148.3 million from $145.5 million [6][11]. Segment Performance - The Uniform & Facility Service Solutions segment reported Q4 revenues of $560.1 million, a decrease from $586.0 million in the prior year, with organic growth of 2.9% attributed to new account sales and improved customer retention [6][11]. - The First Aid & Safety Solutions segment saw revenues of $31.1 million in Q4 2025, up from $29.3 million in Q4 2024, reflecting a strong organic growth of 12.4% [12]. - Adjusted EBITDA margin for the Uniform & Facility Service Solutions segment was 14.3% in Q4 2025, down from 14.9% in Q4 2024, impacted by investments in growth and digital transformation [6][8]. Cost and Investment Insights - Costs related to Key Initiatives, including CRM and ERP projects, amounted to $1.4 million in Q4 2025 and $6.8 million for the full year, affecting operating and Adjusted EBITDA margins [3][4][7]. - The company anticipates $7.0 million in costs related to Key Initiatives for fiscal 2026 [10]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of August 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $203.5 million, an increase from $161.6 million in the prior year [12][17]. - Cash flow from operating activities increased to $296.9 million in fiscal 2025, reflecting a 0.5% growth [12][22]. - The company repurchased 402,415 shares for approximately $70.9 million during fiscal 2025, with $40.6 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization [12][22]. Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, UniFirst expects revenues between $2.475 billion and $2.495 billion, with fully diluted earnings per share projected between $6.58 and $6.98 [10][12].

Core Insights - UniFirst Corporation has been recognized for 22 consecutive years on Selling Power's list of the "60 Best Companies to Sell For in 2025," highlighting its strong sales culture and commitment to customer service [1][4]. Company Overview - UniFirst is a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products, and first aid and safety services [1][6]. - The company serves over two million uniform wearers across North America, including more than half of the Fortune 500 companies [4]. Sales Culture - The company's sales culture is built on its Founding Core Values: Customer Focus, Commitment to Quality, and Respect for Others [3]. - UniFirst empowers its sales teams to understand customers' businesses deeply, enabling them to develop innovative strategies that address unique challenges [3][4]. Recognition and Evaluation - Selling Power evaluates companies based on their supportive and collaborative sales culture, with a focus on professionalism, trust, and empowerment [4]. - The recognition reflects UniFirst's long-term success in sales and customer engagement [4]. Recruitment and Growth - UniFirst is actively recruiting talented individuals to join its award-winning sales team, indicating ongoing growth and expansion [5].