10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

CINTAS CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Nov 30, 2006

Filed January 4, 2007For Securities:CTAS

Summary

Cintas Corporation's (CTAS) 10-Q filing for the period ending November 29, 2006, demonstrates solid revenue growth driven by both its Rentals and Other Services segments. Total revenue increased by 10.5% year-over-year for the quarter, with internal growth contributing significantly. The company is actively pursuing growth through strategic acquisitions, particularly in the uniform and mat rental businesses, as well as in first aid, safety, and document management services. Net income saw a healthy increase of 7.4% for the quarter, and diluted earnings per share rose by 10.9%, partly due to the company's ongoing stock buyback program. Cintas continues to manage its costs effectively, though some pressures were noted in material and energy costs, as well as increased benefit expenses. The company reaffirmed its positive outlook for fiscal year 2007, emphasizing continued growth, cost containment, and potential for further acquisitions, while also acknowledging ongoing unionization efforts and significant litigation risks.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 10.5% for the three months ended November 30, 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year, with 6.1% attributed to internal growth and 4.4% from acquisitions.
  • 2Net income rose by 7.4% to $82.5 million for the three months ended November 30, 2006, and diluted earnings per share increased by 10.9% to $0.51.
  • 3The company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R) for share-based payments, effective June 1, 2006, restating prior periods.
  • 4A significant increase in net interest expense was observed, primarily due to increased borrowing to fund acquisitions and the stock buyback program.
  • 5Cintas repurchased approximately $27.5 million worth of its stock during the quarter as part of its expanded $1 billion stock buyback program.
  • 6The company continues to face significant litigation, including class-action lawsuits related to wage and hour claims and allegations of discrimination, with potential material impact if decided adversely.
  • 7Cintas maintains a positive outlook for fiscal year 2007, expecting continued growth across business units, while managing cost pressures and competitive landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cintas' revenue growth is driven by a combination of factors, including the sale of new rental programs and services to existing and new customers (internal growth), as well as strategic acquisitions of businesses within its Rentals and Other Services segments. For the three months ended November 30, 2006, total revenue increased by 10.5%, with internal growth at 6.1% and growth from acquisitions at 4.4%.

The adoption of FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, effective June 1, 2006, required Cintas to recognize share-based payments as an expense based on their fair values. This led to restatements of prior periods. For the six months ended November 30, 2006, this adoption lowered income before taxes and net income by $1.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, compared to the previous accounting method. Earnings per share for the period were less than $0.01 lower.

Cintas has increased its borrowing levels, notably issuing $250,000 of senior notes due in 2036, to fund acquisitions and its stock buyback program. This led to a significant increase in net interest expense. The company believes its current cash position, operational cash flow, and banking relationships are sufficient to meet its financial requirements. Cintas is compliant with its debt covenants.

Cintas faces material risks from ongoing litigation, including class-action lawsuits related to wage and hour claims and allegations of discrimination. Adverse outcomes in these cases could have a material impact on the company's financial condition and results of operations. The company is also facing unionization campaigns, which could be disruptive.