10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2008

CINTAS CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Nov 30, 2007

Filed January 4, 2008For Securities:CTAS

Summary

Cintas Corporation (CTAS) reported its financial results for the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2008, ending November 30, 2007. The company demonstrated steady revenue growth across its business segments, driven by both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Total revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2007, increased by 6.6% year-over-year, with organic growth contributing 4.8%. The "Other Services" segment, which includes Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection, and Document Management, showed particularly strong revenue growth of 15.2% in the quarter, highlighting the diversification and expansion beyond the core uniform rental business. Despite revenue increases, net income for the quarter saw a marginal increase of 0.4%, with diluted earnings per share growing by 3.9%. This differential is attributed to increased investments in sales and marketing to drive growth, as well as the impact of the company's share buyback program. For the six-month period, net income saw a slight decrease of 2.1% while diluted earnings per share remained flat, indicating pressure on profitability from increased operational investments and acquisition-related expenses. The company also adopted new accounting standards, including FIN 48, which impacted retained earnings and the effective tax rate. Cintas continues to navigate significant legal proceedings, the outcomes of which remain uncertain but are noted as potentially material. Financially, Cintas maintained a solid liquidity position with $154.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at the end of the period. The company continued its capital expenditure program, with expectations for the full year to be between $180.0 million and $200.0 million, and actively repurchased shares under its authorized buyback program, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Subsequent to the quarter, Cintas issued $250 million in senior notes to reduce commercial paper borrowings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased 6.6% for the three months ended November 30, 2007, driven by 4.8% organic growth and 1.8% from acquisitions.
  • 2The "Other Services" segment (Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection, Document Management) experienced a robust 15.2% revenue increase in the quarter, signaling successful diversification.
  • 3Net income for the quarter saw a modest 0.4% increase, with diluted EPS rising 3.9% due to share repurchases and operational investments impacting profitability.
  • 4For the six-month period, revenue grew 6.3% but net income decreased 2.1%, reflecting increased investments in sales and marketing, and share-based compensation.
  • 5The company adopted FIN 48 (Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes), resulting in a $13.7 million reduction to retained earnings and impacting the effective tax rate.
  • 6Cintas maintained strong liquidity with $154.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, and continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately $191.5 million in the quarter.
  • 7Significant litigation, including class-action lawsuits related to wage/hour and discrimination claims, remains ongoing and could potentially have a material adverse effect on the company's financial condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended November 30, 2007, Cintas reported a 6.6% increase in total revenue compared to the same period last year. Organic growth contributed 4.8%, with acquisitions accounting for the remaining 1.8%. For the six-month period, total revenue increased by 6.3%, with 4.5% from organic growth.

The 'Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products' segment saw a 3.6% revenue increase in the quarter, with 3.2% being organic. The 'Other Services' segment, which includes Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection, and Document Management, showed significant growth, with revenue up 15.2% in the quarter, driven by 9.2% organic growth, particularly in first aid, safety, and document management services.

Cintas increased its investment in its sales organization, marketing efforts, and sales promotions to accelerate revenue growth. For the three-month period, selling and administrative expenses increased by 10.7%, and for the six-month period, they increased by 12.0%. These investments, while driving revenue, led to net income growth being lower than revenue growth, especially for the six-month period where net income decreased slightly.

Cintas adopted FIN 48 (Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes) as of June 1, 2007, which resulted in a $13.7 million reduction to retained earnings and impacts the effective tax rate. The company is also involved in several significant legal proceedings, including class-action lawsuits concerning wage/hour laws and discrimination allegations. While management believes ordinary course litigation will not materially affect the company, the outcome of these major lawsuits is uncertain and could potentially be material.