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Cintas Corp (CTAS)
NASDAQ:CTAS

Cintas (CTAS) AI Stock Analysis

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CTAS

Cintas

(NASDAQ:CTAS)

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Outperform 75 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:75Outperform
Price Target:
$214.00
â–²(12.48% Upside)
CTAS scores well primarily on strong financial performance and a bullish earnings update with raised guidance and record margins. The overall score is tempered by expensive valuation (high P/E, low yield) and mixed longer-term technical positioning (below the 100/200-day averages), with additional uncertainty from the UniFirst acquisition proposal.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Strong revenue growth across segments indicates robust demand and effective market penetration, supporting long-term business expansion.
Margin Sustainability
Achieving record gross margins reflects efficient cost management and pricing power, enhancing profitability and competitive positioning.
Cash Generation Ability
Strong cash generation supports reinvestment in growth opportunities and shareholder returns, ensuring financial stability and flexibility.
Negative Factors
Increased Expenses
Rising expenses could pressure margins and profitability, potentially impacting long-term financial performance if not managed effectively.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Potential regulatory hurdles in the UniFirst acquisition could delay strategic expansion and create uncertainty in achieving anticipated synergies.
ERP Implementation Costs
Ongoing ERP costs in the Fire segment may strain resources and affect margins, posing a risk to operational efficiency and profitability.

Cintas (CTAS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cintas Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCintas Corporation provides corporate identity uniforms and related business services primarily in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Uniform Rental and Facility Services, First Aid and Safety Services, and All Other segments. The company rents and services uniforms and other garments, including flame resistant clothing, mats, mops and shop towels, and other ancillary items; and provides restroom cleaning services and supplies, as well as sells uniforms. It also offers first aid and safety services, and fire protection products and services. The company provides its products and services through its distribution network and local delivery routes, or local representatives to small service and manufacturing companies, as well as major corporations. Cintas Corporation was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyCintas generates revenue primarily through its uniform rental and leasing services, which involve providing customers with uniforms on a rental basis, including regular cleaning and maintenance. Additional revenue streams include the sale of promotional products, facility services such as mat and restroom supply rentals, and first aid and safety products. The company also benefits from long-term contracts with customers, ensuring a steady stream of income. Key partnerships with various suppliers and manufacturers enhance its product offerings, while the company's focus on customer service and tailored solutions helps drive customer retention and growth in its client base.

Cintas Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Breaks down sales figures for each business unit, showing which areas contribute most to total revenue and indicating potential growth drivers or areas needing improvement.
Chart InsightsCintas continues to experience robust growth in its core segments, with Uniform Rental and Facility Services maintaining steady expansion. Notably, First Aid and Safety Services surged by 14.1%, aligning with the earnings call highlighting strong performance in this area. Despite challenges in the Uniform Direct Sale segment, the company raised its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance, reflecting confidence in sustained growth. The increased dividend and improved operating income further underscore Cintas's solid financial health, although rising costs in the Fire business could pressure margins.
Data provided by:The Fly

Cintas Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Dec 18, 2025
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 01, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Cintas reported strong financial performance with record revenues, growth in all segments, and high retention rates. The company raised its financial guidance for the year, reflecting confidence in continued growth. However, challenges such as increased administrative expenses, tariffs, and ERP implementation costs in the Fire segment were noted.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue and Operating Margins
Cintas delivered record revenues with a strong 9.3% increase to $2.8 billion for the second quarter. The company also achieved an all-time high operating margin.
Strong Growth Across Segments
Uniform Rental Facility Services grew by 7.8%, First Aid and Safety Services by 14.1%, and Fire Protection Services by 11.5%. Gross margin for the First Aid and Safety Services segment matched a previous all-time high.
Increased Financial Guidance
Cintas raised its fiscal 2026 financial guidance with expected revenue in the range of $11.15 billion to $11.22 billion, a growth rate of 7.8% to 8.5%, and diluted EPS expected to grow by 9.3% to 10.9%.
High Retention Rates
Retention rates reached all-time highs across business segments, driven by customer engagement and expanded offerings.
Strong Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns
Free cash flow increased by 23.8% to $425 million. Cintas returned $1.24 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in the first six months of fiscal 2026.
Negative Updates
Increased Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased by 20 basis points from last year to 27%.
Impact of Tariffs and Sourcing Costs
Cintas faces challenges with tariffs and sourcing costs, though the company is managing these through its supply chain flexibility.
Fire Segment ERP Implementation Costs
Ongoing ERP implementation in the Fire segment is expected to impact margins, with further costs anticipated in fiscal year 2027.
Company Guidance
During the Cintas Corporation's fiscal 2026 second quarter earnings call, the company highlighted robust financial performance and updated guidance. The quarter saw total revenue increase by 9.3% year-over-year to $2.8 billion, with an organic growth rate of 8.6%. Cintas achieved a record gross margin of 50.4%, representing a 60 basis point increase from the previous year, while operating income rose to $655.7 million, up 10.9% year-over-year. The diluted EPS was $1.21, marking an 11% increase. Looking forward, Cintas raised its fiscal year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $11.15 billion to $11.22 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 7.8% to 8.5%, and expects diluted EPS to be between $4.81 and $4.88, a growth rate of 9.3% to 10.9%. The company attributed its success to strong execution, strategic investments, and high retention rates, while also acknowledging an increasingly competitive environment and the potential impacts of tariffs and economic conditions.

Cintas Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong overall fundamentals: consistent revenue/profit growth, solid profitability (TTM net margin 17.58%), improved leverage (TTM debt-to-equity 0.18), and healthy cash conversion (operating cash flow to net income 1.06). Watchouts include slowing free cash flow growth (TTM 5.01%) and a noted decline in gross margin versus prior years in the financial statement summary.
Income Statement
Cintas has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a consistent upward trajectory over the years. The TTM data shows a solid gross profit margin of 24.51% and a net profit margin of 17.58%, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust, reflecting operational efficiency. However, the gross profit margin has decreased compared to previous years, which could be a point of concern if the trend continues.
Balance Sheet
The company's balance sheet shows a healthy debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18 in the TTM, significantly improved from previous years, indicating reduced leverage and financial risk. Return on equity is strong at 41.07%, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is stable, reflecting a solid financial structure. However, the high ROE could be partly due to lower equity levels, which should be monitored.
Cash Flow
Cintas has shown a positive free cash flow growth rate of 5.01% in the TTM, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.06 suggests that the company efficiently converts its earnings into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is healthy at 0.81, reflecting good cash flow management. However, the growth rate has slowed compared to previous periods, which could impact future liquidity.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue10.34B9.60B8.82B7.85B7.12B
Gross Profit5.17B4.69B4.17B3.63B3.31B
EBITDA2.86B2.52B2.22B1.99B1.77B
Net Income1.81B1.57B1.35B1.24B1.11B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets9.83B9.48B8.83B8.43B8.56B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments263.97M342.01M124.15M90.47M493.64M
Total Debt2.65B2.67B2.67B2.97B2.72B
Total Liabilities5.14B5.16B4.96B5.12B4.87B
Stockholders Equity4.68B4.32B3.86B3.31B3.69B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.76B1.67B1.27B1.30B1.22B
Operating Cash Flow2.17B2.08B1.60B1.54B1.36B
Investing Cash Flow-623.64M-608.63M-388.67M-402.63M-137.22M
Financing Cash Flow-1.62B-1.25B-1.17B-1.54B-879.87M

Cintas Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price190.26
Price Trends
50DMA
186.16
Positive
100DMA
193.48
Negative
200DMA
204.39
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.32
Positive
RSI
55.66
Neutral
STOCH
53.86
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CTAS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 190.26 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 188.60, above the 50-day MA of 186.16, and below the 200-day MA of 204.39, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.32 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.66 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 53.86 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CTAS.

Cintas Risk Analysis

Cintas disclosed 18 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cintas reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cintas Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$76.08B41.7443.25%0.88%8.60%11.45%
70
Outperform
$3.51B26.906.93%0.71%0.20%2.72%
69
Neutral
$2.65B17.259.10%2.20%4.62%102.72%
68
Neutral
$10.23B31.8910.55%1.14%6.35%24.07%
66
Neutral
$76.97B39.0821.73%1.01%1.38%-2.54%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
58
Neutral
$833.40M-20.71-4.55%2.09%-2.53%-291.35%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CTAS
Cintas
190.26
2.50
1.33%
ABM
ABM Industries
44.02
-5.57
-11.23%
ECL
Ecolab
271.74
44.36
19.51%
UNF
UniFirst
202.01
-17.03
-7.78%
ARMK
ARAMARK Holdings
38.81
2.29
6.27%
VSTS
Vestis Corporation
6.32
-9.61
-60.33%

Cintas Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Cintas Renews Cash Proposal to Acquire UniFirst Corporation
Positive
Dec 22, 2025

On December 22, 2025, Cintas Corporation announced that it had submitted, and on December 12, 2025 delivered, a renewed non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding common and Class B shares of rival UniFirst Corporation for $275 per share in cash, valuing UniFirst at about $5.2 billion and representing a 64% premium to UniFirst’s 90-day average share price as of December 11, 2025. Cintas framed the move as a strategic combination that would create a leading player in uniform and facility services with expanded processing capacity, greater route density and the ability to serve well over 1 million business customers across the U.S. and Canada, while emphasizing that the offer carries no financing contingency, has full support from Cintas’ board, and includes a $350 million reverse termination fee to bolster deal certainty in the face of regulatory review, although UniFirst has so far only acknowledged receipt of the proposal without engaging substantively.

The most recent analyst rating on (CTAS) stock is a Sell with a $181.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cintas stock, see the CTAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Cintas Shareholders Vote on Key Governance Matters
Neutral
Oct 31, 2025

On October 28, 2025, Cintas Corporation held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where several key matters were voted on. Shareholders elected new directors, approved executive compensation, ratified Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal 2026, and rejected a proposal to allow shareholders to call special meetings. These decisions reflect the company’s ongoing governance and operational strategies, potentially impacting its future direction and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (CTAS) stock is a Buy with a $226.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cintas stock, see the CTAS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 25, 2025