Cintas, the Cincinnati-based provider of uniform-rental and other services, announced on Thursday that its earnings and sales for the fiscal fourth quarter surpassed analyst expectations.
Earnings
The company reported a profit of $346.2 million, or $3.33 per share, compared to $294.5 million, or $2.81 per share, in the same quarter last year. This exceeded the projected earnings of $3.19 per share, according to analysts surveyed by FactSet.
Sales
Cintas recorded revenue of $2.28 billion for the quarter ending on May 31, an increase from $2.07 billion in the previous year. This also exceeded analyst forecasts of $2.26 billion.
Key Factors
Margins
The company experienced a 15.1% growth in its gross margin during the quarter. Analysts anticipate further margin expansion due to expected reductions in labor costs and lower material costs, especially for cotton.
Energy Costs
Cintas reported that energy expenses, including gasoline, natural gas, and electricity, were 65 basis points lower compared to the previous year.
Guidance
Cintas projects its revenue for fiscal year 2024 to be between $9.35 billion and $9.5 billion, an increase from $8.82 billion in the prior fiscal year. Earnings are also expected to rise to $13.85 to $14.35 per share, up from $12.99 per share. These projections align with analyst forecasts.
Market Performance
Shares of Cintas remained unchanged during early trading.