Cintas Corporation reported fiscal 2026 second‑quarter revenue of $2.80 billion, up 9.3% from $2.56 billion a year earlier, and diluted earnings per share of $1.21, an 11% increase that beat the consensus estimate of $1.19. Operating income rose to $655.7 million, up 10.9% YoY, while gross margin improved to 50.4% and operating margin climbed to 23.4%, the highest on record.
The revenue lift was driven by an 8.6% organic growth and a 0.7% contribution from acquisitions. Technology investments—particularly the rollout of SAP and route‑optimization platforms—have sharpened cost discipline and enabled a higher mix of high‑margin services, underpinning the margin expansion.
Management raised its full‑year fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting revenue of $11.15 billion to $11.22 billion and diluted EPS of $4.81 to $4.88, reflecting confidence in sustained demand and the continued impact of operational efficiencies.
Cintas returned $1.24 billion to shareholders in the first six months of fiscal 2026 through dividends and share buybacks and announced a new $1.0 billion stock‑buyback authorization, underscoring its commitment to capital allocation while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Todd Schneider, Cintas’ CEO, said the quarter delivered record revenue and robust cash generation, highlighting the company’s strategy and ongoing technology investments as key to the performance.
Investors were encouraged by the earnings beat, the upward revision of full‑year guidance, and the record operating margin, all of which signal strong execution and confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.
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