Cintas Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 5/6
Cintas has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 12.8%, while the Commercial Services industry saw earnings growing at 9.7% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 9.2% per year. Cintas's return on equity is 40.5%, and it has net margins of 17.5%.
Key information
12.77%
Earnings growth rate
13.55%
EPS growth rate
| Commercial Services Industry Growth | 8.53% |
| Revenue growth rate | 9.22% |
| Return on equity | 40.46% |
| Net Margin | 17.51% |
| Last Earnings Update | 28 Feb 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 24
CTAS: UniFirst Acquisition Is Expected To Reinforce Future Earnings Resilience
Analyst price targets on Cintas have been trimmed by up to $32, as some analysts reset expectations following recent target cuts at Citi, UBS, Stifel and Goldman Sachs. Others point to potential earnings upside from the UniFirst deal and broader sector growth assumptions.Seeking Alpha • Apr 17
Cintas: The Valuation Has Come In, But It's Not A Buy Just Yet
Summary Cintas Corporation (CTAS) remains a high-quality compounder with durable growth, strong margins, and proven execution, but valuation remains elevated. Q3'26 results showed steady organic growth across all segments, with gross margin expansion and high customer retention fueling consistent performance. The UniFirst acquisition positions CTAS for market leadership and cost synergies, though integration and regulatory risks remain near-term considerations. Despite a recent pullback and multiple compression, CTAS still trades at a premium, justifying a 'hold' rating as I await a wider margin of safety. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Apr 10
CTAS: UniFirst Deal Synergies Will Support Future Earnings Resilience
The updated analyst price target for Cintas edges slightly lower by about $2 to align with recent cuts from several firms, while still reflecting expectations for earnings support from the UniFirst acquisition and related cost and revenue synergies highlighted in recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cintas reflects a mix of optimism around the UniFirst acquisition and growing caution on valuation and execution risks, with several price targets adjusted to reflect these cross currents.Narrative Update • Mar 27
CTAS: UniFirst Acquisition And Margin Strength Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts trimmed their average price targets on Cintas by single digit dollar amounts, pointing to updated views on fair value, discount rates and P/E multiples, even as they highlight potential earnings benefits from the UniFirst deal and see room for margin strength. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Cintas shows a mix of enthusiasm for the UniFirst acquisition and caution around valuation and execution, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings to reflect updated assumptions.Analysis Article • Feb 02
Cintas (NASDAQ:CTAS) Could Easily Take On More Debt
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Narrative Update • Jan 10
CTAS: High Quality Compounding And Buybacks Will Support Fairly Priced Shares
Analysts have slightly reduced their fair value estimate for Cintas to about US$214.56 from roughly US$214.88, reflecting updated expectations for revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate, and a lower assumed future P/E multiple, even as recent research points to the company as a high quality compounder with strong incremental returns on capital. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts describe Cintas as a high quality compounder, which they link to strong incremental returns on capital reported as north of 50%, supporting the view that the business has been efficient at reinvesting earnings.Analysis Article • Jan 06
Is Now The Time To Look At Buying Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS)?
Today we're going to take a look at the well-established Cintas Corporation ( NASDAQ:CTAS ). The company's stock saw...Analysis Article • Dec 22
Analyst Estimates: Here's What Brokers Think Of Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) After Its Second-Quarter Report
Cintas Corporation ( NASDAQ:CTAS ) came out with its second-quarter results last week, and we wanted to see how the...Narrative Update • Dec 15
CTAS: Uniform Rental Resilience Will Drive Returns Despite Macro Headwinds
Analysts have nudged our Cintas price target modestly higher by aligning it with recent Street revisions. These revisions highlight the company as a high quality compounder with resilient uniform rentals, longer term double digit growth investments in Fire Protection and First Aid, and solid execution that offsets modest macro and investment related headwinds.Narrative Update • Nov 28
CTAS: Upgraded Ratings Signal Resilient Performance Ahead Amid Macro Headwinds
Cintas' analyst price target has been slightly reduced to $214.88 from $217.44. Analysts cite a combination of resilient segment performance and long-term growth opportunities, balanced against near-term macroeconomic headwinds.Narrative Update • Sep 26
Automated Safety And Rental Services Will Expand Market Share
Analysts lowered Cintas’ price target slightly to $217.44, citing near-term macroeconomic headwinds despite continued strong execution, robust growth opportunities in Fire Protection and First Aid, and resilient revenue performance. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite Cintas' consistent and resilient execution across varying macroeconomic conditions and a strong track record of compounding growth.Analysis Article • Sep 14
We Think Cintas (NASDAQ:CTAS) Can Manage Its Debt With Ease
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Analysis Article • Jul 12
Cintas (NASDAQ:CTAS) Is Investing Its Capital With Increasing Efficiency
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Typically, we'll want to...Seeking Alpha • Mar 26
Cintas: Still Bullish On This Powerhouse
Summary Cintas has shown strong performance with a top- and bottom-line beat, reporting $2.61 billion in revenue and $1.13 EPS, surpassing expectations. The company continues to expand margins, with gross margin rising to 50.6% and operating income up 17.1% year-over-year. Cintas is committed to shareholder returns, increasing dividends by 14.9% and repurchasing $678 million worth of stock so far this fiscal year. Management has raised guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting revenue between $10.28 billion and $10.31 billion, and EPS between $4.36 and $4.40. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 27
Cintas: Bumps Along The Consolidation Ride
Summary Cintas, a leader in the uniform and facility industry, faces high valuations and near-term uncertainty due to its attempt to acquire UniFirst. Despite impressive growth and profitability, Cintas' shares are trading at demanding multiples, making the stock less appealing at current levels. The proposed UniFirst acquisition could offer significant synergies, but resistance from UniFirst's management and ownership structure complicates the deal. Given the high valuation multiples and uncertainty around the UniFirst deal, I am cautious about investing in Cintas shares at this time. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 31
Cintas: Share Price Upside Is Still Not Attractive Enough
Summary I recommend a hold rating for Cintas Corporation due to its high valuation, despite healthy fundamentals and potential for low-teens earnings growth. CTAS reported strong Q2 performance with 7.8% y/y revenue growth, margin expansion, and raised FY25 revenue and EPS guidance, yet share price declined. A more attractive entry point for CTAS would be around $165, offering a potential 1-year upside of ~16% based on my current model. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 19
Cintas: Massive Pullback Opens Up Long-Term Opportunity
Summary Cintas Corporation has experienced a near 20% correction, presenting a buying opportunity despite its premium valuation, as it continues to grow and pay dividends. The company reported strong fiscal Q2 results for earnings, though revenue was in-line, which may have been disappointing. Operating income and net income showed significant growth, with operating income rising 18.4% and net income up 19.7% year-over-year. Management increased fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting ongoing growth in revenue and EPS, reinforcing CTAS stock as a long-term Buy amidst the selloff. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 27
Cintas: U.S. Trade Policy Impacts Are Uncertain, While Stock Appears Fully Valued
Summary Cintas Corp. has been the epitome of consistency, delivering steady revenue and margin growth for the benefit of long-term shareholders. Trade policies under the Trump Administration could impact Cintas in multiple ways, from tariffs raising input costs, repatriation of manufacturing jobs offering possible benefits, and deportations removing existing workforce. Cintas stock's 50x+ P/E ratio means it offers less than half the earnings yield of Treasury bonds. Comfort comes at too high of a cost with CTAS shares. For those wishing to hold CTAS shares, covered call options look enticing, especially against a minimal dividend yield. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Sep 25
Cintas: It Just Keeps Growing
Summary Cintas Corporation continues to show strong growth, with a recent double line beat and raised guidance, making it a long-term buy despite its premium valuation. The company provides essential products and services for workplace safety and cleanliness, including uniforms, floor mats, disinfectants, and safety training. Fiscal Q1 results were impressive, with revenue rising 6.8%, expanding margins, and net income up 17.4%, showcasing effective cost control and operational efficiency. Management has increased guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting revenue of $10.22-$10.32 billion and EPS of $4.17-$4.25, indicating ongoing growth and shareholder returns. What kind of investor/trader do you want to be? Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Sep 17
Cintas: Own It, Don't Trade It, Or Chase It
Summary Cintas Corporation has delivered stellar long-term returns, with a 28.4% CAGR over the last decade despite slower revenue and EBITDA growth rates. Cintas Q4 2024 results showed robust performance, with an 8.2% revenue increase and margin expansion, highlighting its operational efficiency and steady business model. Cintas' future growth outlook remains strong, with expected revenue growth of 5.9% to 7.4% for FY'25 and EPS growth of 7.3% to 10.6%. While Cintas is a high-quality, resilient company, its current valuation is steep, suggesting potential new investors should wait for a more attractive entry point. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Cintas makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 26 | 11,027 | 1,931 | 3,023 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 25 | 10,795 | 1,892 | 2,943 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 25 | 10,557 | 1,845 | 2,872 | 0 |
| 31 May 25 | 10,340 | 1,806 | 2,814 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 25 | 10,143 | 1,772 | 2,739 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 24 | 9,940 | 1,706 | 2,696 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 24 | 9,756 | 1,633 | 2,653 | 0 |
| 31 May 24 | 9,597 | 1,566 | 2,603 | 0 |
| 29 Feb 24 | 9,410 | 1,498 | 2,568 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 23 | 9,194 | 1,426 | 2,488 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 23 | 8,992 | 1,376 | 2,424 | 0 |
| 31 May 23 | 8,816 | 1,343 | 2,371 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 23 | 8,606 | 1,291 | 2,294 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 22 | 8,377 | 1,280 | 2,198 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 22 | 8,124 | 1,250 | 2,124 | 0 |
| 31 May 22 | 7,854 | 1,230 | 2,045 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 22 | 7,615 | 1,203 | 2,001 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 21 | 7,432 | 1,145 | 1,993 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 21 | 7,267 | 1,135 | 1,956 | 0 |
| 31 May 21 | 7,116 | 1,103 | 1,924 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 21 | 6,900 | 981 | 1,918 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 20 | 6,934 | 957 | 1,944 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 20 | 7,021 | 917 | 1,995 | 0 |
| 31 May 20 | 7,085 | 868 | 2,062 | 0 |
| 29 Feb 20 | 7,259 | 950 | 2,079 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 19 | 7,131 | 916 | 2,045 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 19 | 7,005 | 912 | 2,019 | 0 |
| 31 May 19 | 6,892 | 873 | 1,981 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 19 | 6,768 | 836 | 1,944 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 18 | 6,675 | 928 | 1,959 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 18 | 6,563 | 824 | 1,935 | 0 |
| 31 May 18 | 6,477 | 772 | 1,917 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 18 | 6,337 | 665 | 1,883 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 17 | 6,004 | 489 | 1,751 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 17 | 5,668 | 474 | 1,644 | 0 |
| 31 May 17 | 5,323 | 449 | 1,527 | 0 |
| 28 Feb 17 | 4,955 | 476 | 1,425 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 16 | 4,916 | 477 | 1,398 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 16 | 4,864 | 470 | 1,363 | 0 |
| 31 May 16 | 4,796 | 441 | 1,332 | 0 |
| 29 Feb 16 | 4,777 | 433 | 1,306 | 0 |
| 30 Nov 15 | 4,669 | 417 | 1,276 | 0 |
| 31 Aug 15 | 4,574 | 406 | 1,249 | 0 |
| 31 May 15 | 4,370 | 399 | 1,209 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: CTAS has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: CTAS's current net profit margins (17.5%) are higher than last year (17.5%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: CTAS's earnings have grown by 12.8% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: CTAS's earnings growth over the past year (9%) is below its 5-year average (12.8% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: CTAS earnings growth over the past year (9%) exceeded the Commercial Services industry 7.1%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: CTAS's Return on Equity (40.5%) is considered outstanding.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/11 14:42 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/11 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/02/28 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/05/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Cintas Corporation is covered by 31 analysts. 20 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Andrew Wittmann | Baird |
| Gary Bisbee | Barclays |
| Manav Patnaik | Barclays |