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Cintas Gains From Business Strength Amid Persisting Headwinds

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Key Takeaways

  • Cintas' Uniform Rental and First Aid segments are seeing growth from new and existing customers.
  • CTAS expanded in multiple U.S. regions with acquisitions totaling $232.9M in fiscal 2025.
  • Dividends rose 15.2% to $611.6M and buybacks hit $934.8M, while costs and FX remain headwinds.

Cintas Corporation (CTAS - Free Report) has been witnessing solid momentum across its segments. Strength in the Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment, driven by strong growth from new customers and penetration of additional products and services into existing customers, is aiding the segment. Increasing demand for AED Rentals, eyewash stations and WaterBreak products is boosting the First Aid and Safety Services segment’s performance. Also, strong customer retention level and an improved sales mix bode well for the segment.

CTAS solidified its product portfolio and leveraged business opportunities through asset additions. The company acquired Paris Uniform Services, a family-owned supplier of uniform and facility service solutions, in March 2024. The buyout enhanced Cintas’ presence in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and West Virginia. In February 2024, the company acquired SITEX, which strengthened its market position in the central Midwest region of the United States. It is worth noting that Cintas acquired businesses for $232.9 million in fiscal 2025 (ended June 2025).

Cintas is committed to rewarding its shareholders handsomely through dividend payments and share buybacks. In fiscal 2025, the company paid dividends worth $611.6 million, up 15.2% year over year. The amount spent on share buybacks totaled $934.8 million compared with $700 million in the year-ago period. CTAS hiked its quarterly dividend by 15.4% to $1.80 per share in July 2025. Cintas has consistently raised its dividends for 41 straight years.

Price Performance of CTAS

In the past year, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 1.6% against the industry’s 1.4% decline.

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However, Cintas has been dealing with the adverse impacts of high costs. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, its cost of sales (comprising costs related to uniform rental and facility services and others) increased 6.9% year over year to $1.34 billion due to higher material and labor costs. Also, selling and administrative expenses climbed 9.1% to $728.5 million in the same period due to an increase in employee-partner related expenses. Escalating costs and expenses, if left unchecked, may negatively impact profitability in the quarters ahead.

CTAS has considerable exposure to regions outside the United States. Its significant international presence exposes it to political and economic disruptions, all of which can directly affect its profits. Also, the company is exposed to headwinds arising from unfavorable movements in foreign currencies.

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