Cintas (CTAS) Q1 Earnings: Organic Growth Reaches 8.9%, Outlook Rises

Cintas announced fiscal first-quarter 2027 results on September 23 for the quarter ended August 31, 2026. The company reported revenue of $3.01 billion, up 10.9% from a year earlier. Organic growth, which adjusts for acquisitions, currency and workday differences, was 8.9%.

Margins and earnings#

Gross margin rose to 51.5% from 50.3%. Operating income reached $711.9 million and included $14.4 million of expenses related to the proposed UniFirst acquisition. GAAP diluted earnings were $1.36 per share; adjusted earnings excluding those transaction expenses were $1.39.

A higher outlook, with conditions#

Cintas raised its annual revenue range to $12.15 billion–$12.27 billion and adjusted diluted earnings range to $5.45–$5.54. The revenue outlook excludes expected effects of the proposed UniFirst acquisition; adjusted earnings guidance excludes its non-recurring transaction expenses. The company said the transaction remained under Federal Trade Commission review.

What investors can compare next#

For CTAS, distinguish growth in the existing business from growth added through acquisitions. A pending transaction adds a separate question: what costs, approvals and integration work could change the combined business? Guidance expresses management's expectations and can change.

This report does not infer a share-price reaction or use company results to claim an analyst-consensus beat.

Published October 1, 2026. Informational reporting, not investment advice.