Cintas Corporation (CTAS)

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>>> Cintas Corporation Announces Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results


Business Wire

December 21, 2023


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cintas-corporation-announces-fiscal-2024-133000783.html


CINCINNATI, December 21, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) today reported results for its fiscal 2024 second quarter ended November 30, 2023. Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was $2.38 billion compared to $2.17 billion in last year’s second quarter, an increase of 9.3%. The organic revenue growth rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which adjusts for the impacts of acquisitions and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, was 9.0%.

Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was $1.14 billion compared to $1.02 billion in last year’s second quarter, an increase of 11.6%. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 48.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 47.0% in last year's second quarter, an increase of 100 basis points. Energy expenses comprised of gasoline, natural gas and electricity were 40 basis points lower for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to last year's second quarter.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $64.4 million, or 11.1%, in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects investments in selling resources, technology and our management trainee program.

Operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 12.3% to $499.7 million compared to $444.9 million in last year's second quarter. Operating income as a percentage of revenue was 21.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to 20.5% in last year's second quarter.

Net income was $374.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $324.3 million in last year's second quarter. The second quarter of fiscal 2024 effective tax rate was 20.9% compared to 22.1% in last year's second quarter. The tax rates in both quarters were impacted by certain discrete items, primarily the tax accounting impact for stock-based compensation. Second quarter of fiscal 2024 diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.61 compared to $3.12 in last year's second quarter, an increase of 15.7%.

On December 15, 2023, Cintas paid an aggregate quarterly cash dividend of $137.5 million to shareholders, an increase of 17.1% from the amount paid last December. In addition, we continue to be opportunistic with our share buyback program. During the second quarter, Cintas purchased 658,202 shares of Cintas common stock at an average price of $486.58 per share, for a total purchase price of $320.3 million.

Todd M. Schneider, Cintas' President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased with our second quarter fiscal 2024 financial results. Each of our operating segments continue to execute at a high level, leading to robust revenue growth of 9.3%, high operating margin of 21.0% and diluted EPS growth of 15.7%. This strong execution is the result of the exceptional dedication of our employee-partners. Whether it's image, safety, cleanliness or compliance, we have innovative products and services to help businesses across North America stay focused on the work that matters most."

Mr. Schneider concluded, "We are increasing our full fiscal year financial guidance. We are raising our annual revenue expectations from a range of $9.40 billion to $9.52 billion to a range of $9.48 billion to $9.56 billion and our diluted EPS from a range of $14.00 to $14.45 to a range of $14.35 to $14.65." Please note the following regarding guidance:

Fiscal year 2024 interest expense is expected to be approximately $100.0 million compared to $109.5 million in fiscal year 2023, predominately as a result of less variable rate debt. This may change as a result of future share buybacks or acquisition activity.

Fiscal year 2024 effective tax rate is expected to be 21.3% compared to a rate of 20.4% in fiscal year 2023. The higher effective tax rate negatively impacts fiscal 2024 diluted EPS guidance by approximately $0.16 and diluted EPS growth by approximately 120 basis points.

Our diluted EPS guidance includes no future share buybacks.

Guidance includes the impact of having one more workday in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023.

Cintas

Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

Cintas will host a live webcast to review the fiscal 2024 second quarter results today at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. The webcast will be available to the public on Cintas' website at www.Cintas.com. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the live call and will remain available for two weeks.

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