Cintas delivered solid first-quarter performance for fiscal 2026, underscoring the resilience of its route-based business model and its ability to scale through no-programmer (DIY) conversions and cross-selling across three core service lines. Reported revenue rose 8.7% to $2.72 billion, with organic growth of 7.8%, reflecting strength across Uniform Rental and Facility Services, First Aid and Safety Services, and Fire Protection Services. Uniform Direct Sale declined in the quarter, a known source of quarterly variability, highlighting the company’s emphasis on outsourcing and managed services rather than direct selling.
Profitability remained robust, with gross margin at 50.3% (up 20 bps year over year) and operating income of $617.9 million (up 10.1% YoY), translating to diluted EPS of $1.20 (up 9.1%). Cintas also highlighted continued investments to sustain revenue growth and margin expansion, including technology-enabled workforce tools and SAP-related initiatives in Fire Protection. Management raised full-year guidance for revenue to $11.06–$11.18 billion (7%–8.1% growth) and for diluted EPS to $4.74–$4.86, signaling confidence in continued operating momentum even in a modestly uncertain macro backdrop. The company underscored a disciplined capital-allocation approach, highlighted by a 42nd consecutive annual dividend increase (15.4% year over year), ongoing buybacks ($347.4 million through Sep 23), and a free cash flow of $312.5 million for the quarter, reinforcing a durable and shareholder-friendly financial profile.