DailyIQ
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Sector:IndustrialsAll sectors
Last updated 2 minutes ago

CTAS·Cintas Corporation

$.
+. (+.%)
After Hours
High
$180.34
Open
$177.96
Market Cap
71.37B
52W High
$226.75
Low
$177.54
P. Close
$179.64
P/E
36.84
52W Low
$161.16
Fwd P/E
33.06
DailyIQ Est.
$211.50
Technical Score (1D)
64
BUY
News Sentiment
66
BULLISH
The most immediate catalyst is the upcoming Q4 2026 earnings release on July 15, where analysts are focusing on operating margin and same‑store sales rather than headline revenue, because margin pressure from rising labor costs could offset modest revenue growth. If the company delivers the expected modest revenue increase but fails to hold margins, the valuation could tighten in the next 1–10 trading days as investors reassess earnings quality. Concurrently, Cintas is set to receive a portion of its shares in the UniFirst acquisition, a deal valued at $310 per UniFirst share, which expands CTAS’s exposure to the uniform and facility services sector and could lift the stock if the merger closes smoothly. However, the FTC’s request for additional information has delayed the UniFirst merger, creating uncertainty that may weigh on sentiment until a final approval is obtained. The recent TIME America “Best Companies 2026” award highlights Cintas’ strong business model and sustainability credentials, reinforcing investor confidence but offering limited short‑term price impact. Analysts project a Q4 earnings beat driven by a diversified service mix and recurring revenue streams, suggesting that operational efficiency and pricing power will be key to sustaining the trend. The company’s recurring contracts and stable cost structure, coupled with modest operating expense increases, imply that margin expansion is achievable if labor costs are controlled. Traders should watch the earnings call for guidance on same‑store sales, margin expectations, and any updates on the UniFirst merger timeline and FTC approval status. In the next 1–10 trading days, the market will likely react to the earnings details and any regulatory developments, so monitoring the webcast and analyst commentary will be critical.
Earnings Summary
CTAS operates as a leading provider of corporate identity solutions and related services across North and Latin America, delivering uniform rentals, facility supplies, and safety products through a broad distribution network that supports diverse customers from small businesses to large corporations. In the most recent quarters, the company posted Q1 2025 earnings of $1.13 per share, beating the $1.05529 estimate, and $2.609 billion in revenue; Q2 2025 EPS of $1.09 slightly missed the $1.06928 forecast while revenue rose to $2.667 billion; Q3 2025 EPS of $1.20 surpassed the $1.19632 estimate and revenue climbed to $2.718 billion; Q4 2025 EPS of $1.21 exceeded the $1.19453 estimate with $2.799 billion in sales. The company’s Q2 2026 EPS of $1.21 fell short of the $1.23232 estimate, yet revenue matched the $2.799 billion forecast, and Q3 2026 EPS of $1.24 beat the $1.23925 estimate while revenue reached $2.841 billion. Across the last six quarters, CTAS has delivered earnings beats in five instances, with revenue growing in every quarter and EPS generally rising, except for the Q2 2026 miss. Historically, the firm has maintained a strong recurring revenue model, reflected in a 8.9 % compound annual growth rate from $4.8 billion in FY2016 to $10.3 billion in FY2025, and a consistent EPS streak that underscores operational resilience. Recent news highlights a forthcoming fiscal‑year‑2026 fourth‑quarter and full‑year results announcement, a partnership with BuyQ that could expand contract volume in the education sector, and analyst commentary noting both a sell rating from B of A Securities and a buy stance from UBS, illustrating market ambivalence amid macroeconomic sensitivity. Investors should watch for the July 15 earnings call for guidance on cost management, margin expansion, and contract renewal rates, as well as any updates on the BuyQ partnership and potential labor cost implications, to assess whether the company can sustain its earnings momentum in a slowing economy.

EPS

EstBeatMiss
$1.04$1.10$1.16$1.21$1.27Q2'25Q3'25Q4'25Q2'26Q3'26Q4'26
QtrEstActual+/−
Q4'26$1.24 - -
Q3'26$1.24$1.24+0.1%
Q2'26$1.23$1.21-1.8%
Q4'25$1.19$1.21+1.3%
Q3'25$1.20$1.20+0.3%
Q2'25$1.07$1.09+1.9%

Revenue

EstBeatMiss
$2.6B$2.7B$2.8B$2.9B$3.0BQ2'25Q3'25Q4'25Q2'26Q3'26Q4'26
QtrEstActual+/−
Q4'26$2.9B - -
Q3'26$2.8B$2.8B+0.7%
Q2'26$2.8B$2.8B-0.6%
Q4'25 - $2.8B -
Q3'25 - $2.7B -
Q2'25 - $2.7B -
Full Earnings BreakdownEstimates, actuals, guidance, and historical context
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Market Data

CTAS Stock Snapshot

CTAS is currently trading at $179.64, giving Cintas Corporation a market cap of 71.37B and a P/E ratio of 36.8. Today's range spans $177.54–$180.34, with shares opening at $177.96 and moving up $0.00 (0.0%) from the prior close. DailyIQ's technical score sits at 64/100 (HOLD) with a news sentiment reading of 66/100.

Over the past year CTAS has traded between $161.16 and $226.75 - the current price is +11.5% off the 52-week low and -20.8% from the high. 28 analysts cover the stock with a Hold consensus and a mean 12-month target of $208.69 (range $160.00–$245.00), implying upside of +16.2%.

Systematic models flag CTAS as a hold in the current environment - large-cap, Industrials, 71.37B market cap, 64/100 (HOLD), sentiment bullish at 66/100. Price: $179.64 (in the lower half of its 52-week range). The current P/E ratio stands at 36.8. Quant strategies at this size tier typically shift allocation toward higher-momentum names during neutral phases, but maintain a base position given the structural liquidity that prevents disorderly exits. Annual range: $161.16–$226.75.

Portfolio construction in Industrials often uses large-cap names like CTAS as tactical swing positions during neutral phases: cheap enough to overweight, liquid enough to exit quickly, and large enough to provide meaningful sector beta. The current 64/100 (HOLD) at $179.64 (in the lower half of its 52-week range) and bullish sentiment (66/100) frame the position as a catalyst play within the $161.16–$226.75 annual range rather than a directional bet.