For the quarter ended August 31, 2026, Cintas reported 8.9% organic revenue growth, excluding the effects of acquisitions, currency fluctuations, and differences in the number of working days.
Gross profit increased 13.7% to $1.55 billion, compared with $1.37 billion during the corresponding period of fiscal 2026. Gross margin improved to 51.5% from 50.3%, representing an increase of 120 basis points.
Operating income reached $711.9 million, an increase of 15.2% from $617.9 million a year earlier. Operating margin expanded to 23.6% from 22.7%, reflecting revenue growth and improvements in operating efficiency.
The quarterly results included approximately $14.4 million in transaction expenses related to Cintas’ proposed acquisition of UniFirst.
Net income increased 12.3% to $551.7 million, compared with $491.1 million in the prior-year quarter.
Diluted earnings rose 13.3% to $1.36 per share, compared with $1.20 a year earlier. Excluding nonrecurring UniFirst transaction expenses, which reduced diluted earnings by approximately $0.03 per share, adjusted diluted earnings reached $1.39, representing growth of 15.8%.
Cintas attributed its performance to continued investments in technology, manufacturing and service capacity, and employee development. The company provides products and services designed to help businesses maintain clean, safe, and professional workplaces.
Its portfolio includes uniforms, floor mats, restroom supplies, first aid products, workplace safety equipment, fire protection systems, and related services.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas serves more than one million businesses across a broad range of industries.
Alongside its operating performance, the company continued returning capital to shareholders.
On September 15, 2026, Cintas paid approximately $208.8 million in quarterly dividends. During its first fiscal quarter and through September 22, the company also repurchased approximately $544.7 million of its common stock.
Cintas continues working toward the completion of its proposed acquisition of UniFirst Corporation, which remains under review by the Federal Trade Commission.
Management said the company continues engaging with the regulator and expects to complete the transaction before the end of calendar 2026, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions.
The proposed acquisition is intended to expand Cintas’ operating footprint, customer relationships, and service capabilities.
Following its first-quarter performance, Cintas increased its fiscal 2027 revenue guidance to $12.15 billion to $12.27 billion, compared with its previous forecast of $12.10 billion to $12.25 billion.
The company also raised its adjusted diluted earnings outlook to $5.45 to $5.54 per share, up from $5.36 to $5.50.
The updated guidance excludes the anticipated financial contribution from the proposed UniFirst acquisition and associated nonrecurring transaction expenses.
Fiscal 2027 includes one additional working day compared with fiscal 2026. The company’s outlook assumes constant foreign exchange rates and does not incorporate additional acquisitions.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are pleased with our start to fiscal 2027. Our employee-partners delivered another strong quarter, producing record revenue and record operating margin. Organic revenue growth of 8.9% and a record gross margin reflect the value we continue to provide our customers and the impact of our ongoing investments in technology, capacity and talent. These results demonstrate the strength of our business model and our ability to help customers operate their facilities in a clean, safe and professional manner.”
Todd M. Schneider, CEO of Cintas Corporation
