10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2007

CINTAS CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Aug 31, 2006

Filed October 5, 2006For Securities:CTAS

Summary

Cintas Corporation's 10-Q filing for the quarter ended August 31, 2006, demonstrates solid top-line growth and improved profitability. Total revenue increased by 11.0% year-over-year, driven by both organic growth (6.2%) and strategic acquisitions, indicating effective execution of the company's expansion strategy across its Rentals and Other Services segments. Net income saw a healthy increase of 8.3%, with diluted earnings per share growing even faster at 15.2%, largely due to the company's active stock repurchase program. The company continues to navigate increasing operational costs, particularly energy and employee benefits, while maintaining a focus on cost containment through initiatives like Six Sigma. Significant investment is being made in sales force expansion and marketing to fuel future revenue growth. Cintas also announced a substantial expansion of its stock repurchase program, signaling confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders. The company faces ongoing litigation, which management believes will not materially impact its financial position, but remains a point of vigilance for investors.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased 11.0% to $914.2 million for the three months ended August 31, 2006, compared to the prior year period, with 6.2% attributed to internal growth.
  • 2Net income rose 8.3% to $85.0 million, and diluted earnings per share increased 15.2% to $0.53, reflecting revenue growth and the impact of share repurchases.
  • 3The company repurchased approximately 2.7 million shares for $114 million during the quarter and announced an additional $500 million expansion of its stock repurchase program.
  • 4Rentals segment revenue grew 9.5%, and Other Services segment revenue grew 15.9%, demonstrating strong performance in both core business areas.
  • 5Cost of rentals increased 11.5%, impacted by a 28.6% rise in energy costs and plant closure charges, leading to a slight increase in cost of rentals as a percentage of revenue.
  • 6Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased by 0.6%, aided by a stock-based compensation adjustment and improved leverage.
  • 7Cintas adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R) for share-based payments, restating prior periods and recognizing a decrease in net income for the prior year's comparable period.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended August 31, 2006, Cintas reported a total revenue increase of 11.0% to $914.2 million, compared to $823.5 million in the same period last year. Net income grew by 8.3% to $85.0 million, and diluted earnings per share increased by 15.2% to $0.53 from $0.46.

The company experienced a 28.6% increase in energy costs for its Rentals segment, contributing to a rise in the cost of rentals as a percentage of revenue. Cintas is focusing on continuous cost containment and process innovation, including a Six Sigma initiative, to improve efficiencies and mitigate the impact of rising costs such as energy and employee benefits.

Cintas significantly increased its share repurchases during the quarter, buying back approximately 2.7 million shares for $114 million. The company also announced an expansion of its stock repurchase program by an additional $500 million, indicating management's confidence and commitment to shareholder value.

Cintas is involved in several significant legal proceedings, including class-action lawsuits related to wage and hour claims and alleged discrimination (race and gender). Management believes the aggregate liability from ordinary course of business claims will not be material, but acknowledges that adverse outcomes in the larger litigation could be material to the company's financial condition or results of operations. The company is actively defending itself in these matters.