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Cintas

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FY2016 Annual Report · Cintas
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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K

X

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2017

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 0-11399

WASHINGTON
(State or Other Jurisdiction of 
Incorporation or Organization)

CINTAS CORPORATION 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

31-1188630
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.)

6800 Cintas Boulevard 
P.O. Box 625737 
Cincinnati, Ohio 45262-5737 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(513) 459-1200 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Stock, no par value

Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES U

NO

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

YES

NO U

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required 
to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES U

NO

Indicate by a check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, 
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this 
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post 
such files).

YES U

NO

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained 
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K. 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller 
reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” 
“smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company

U

Accelerated Filer
Emerging Growth Company

Non-Accelerated Filer 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition 
period  for  complying  with  any  new  or  revised  financial  accounting  standards  provided  pursuant  to  Section  13(a)  of  the 
Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES

NO U

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  Registrant’s  Common  Stock  held  by  non-affiliates  as  of  November  30,  2016,  was 
$12,034,116,433  based  on  a  closing  sale  price  of  $114.60  per  share.  As  of  June  30,  2017,  181,027,841  shares  of  the 
Registrant’s Common Stock were issued and 105,435,865 shares were outstanding.

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

CINTAS CORPORATION

1

Cintas Corporation
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K

Part I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Part II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Business  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mine Safety Disclosures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters  
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selected Financial Data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and  
Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Part III

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Part IV

Item 15.

Item 16.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Controls and Procedures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive Compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and 
Related Stockholder Matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . .

Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

3

5

9

10

10

10

11

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15

29

30

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2

CINTAS CORPORATION

Part I

Item 1.  Business

Cintas Corporation (Cintas, Company, we, us or our), a Washington corporation, helps more than one million 
businesses  of  all  types  and  sizes,  primarily  in  North  America,  as  well  as  Latin  America,  Europe  and  Asia,  get 
Ready™  to  open  their  doors  with  confidence  every  day  by  providing  a  wide  range  of  products  and  services 
that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their 
best. With products and services including uniforms, floor care, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, 
fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the 
Workday™. Cintas was founded in 1968 by Richard T. Farmer, currently the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of 
Directors, when he left his family’s industrial laundry business in order to develop uniform programs using an 
exclusive new fabric. In the early 1970’s, Cintas acquired the family industrial laundry business. Over the years, 
Cintas developed additional products and services that complemented its core uniform business and broadened 
the scope of products and services available to its customers.

On  March  21,  2017,  Cintas  completed  the  acquisition  of  G&K  Services,  Inc.  (G&K)  for  consideration  of 
approximately $2.1 billion. G&K is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas that will operate within the Uniform 
Rental and Facility Services operating segment. To finance the G&K acquisition, Cintas used a combination of 
new senior notes, a term loan, other borrowings under its existing credit facility and cash on hand. G&K’s results 
of operations are included in Cintas’ consolidated financial statements as of and from the date of acquisition.

U.S.  Generally  Accepted  Accounting  Principles  (U.  S.  GAAP)  requires  companies  to  evaluate  their  reportable 
operating  segments  periodically  and  when  certain  events  occur.  As  a  result  of  our  evaluation  in  fiscal  2016, 
effective  June  1,  2015,  Cintas  realigned  its  organizational  structure  and  updated  its  reportable  operating 
segments in light of certain changes in its business including the acquisition of ZEE Medical Inc. (ZEE) in the first 
quarter of fiscal 2016. Cintas’ updated reportable operating segments are Uniform Rental and Facility Services 
and First Aid and Safety Services. The Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, which 
includes  G&K,  consists  of  the  rental  and  servicing  of  uniforms  and  other  garments  including  flame  resistant 
clothing,  mats,  mops  and  shop  towels  and  other  ancillary  items.  In  addition  to  these  rental  items,  restroom 
cleaning services and supplies, carpet and tile cleaning services and the sale of items from our catalogs to our 
customers  on  route  are  included  within  this  reportable  operating  segment.  The  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services 
reportable operating segment, which includes ZEE, consists of first aid and safety products and services. The 
remainder of Cintas’ business, which consists of Fire Protection Services and its Uniform Direct Sale business, is 
included in All Other.

At May 31, 2017, Cintas has classified a significant business, referred to as “Discontinued Services”, as held for 
sale.  Prior to meeting the held for sale criteria, Discontinued Services was primarily included in All Other. In fiscal 
2014, Cintas completed its partnership transaction with the shareholders of Shred-it International Inc. to combine 
Cintas’ shredding business (Shredding) with the shredding business of Shred-it International Inc. (the Shredding 
Transaction). Pursuant to the Shredding Transaction, the newly formed partnership (the Shred-it Partnership) was 
owned 42% by Cintas and 58% by the shareholders of Shred-it International Inc. Cintas’ investment in the Shred-
it  Partnership  (Shred-it)  and  the  results  of  Shredding  are  classified  as  discontinued  operations  for  all  periods 
presented as a result of selling the investment during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold the storage 
business (Storage) and, as a result, its operations are also classified as discontinued operations for all periods 
presented.  In  accordance  with  the  applicable  accounting  guidance  for  the  disposal  of  long-lived  assets  and 
discontinued operations, the results of Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage have been excluded from 
both continuing operations and operating segment results for all periods presented. Please see Note 16 entitled 
Discontinued Operations of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

We  provide  our  products  and  services  to  over  one  million  businesses  of  all  types,  from  small  service  and 
manufacturing  companies  to  major  corporations  that  employ  thousands  of  people.  This  diversity  in  customer 
base results in no individual customer accounting for greater than one percent of Cintas’ total revenue. As a 
result, the loss of one account would not have a significant financial impact on Cintas.

CINTAS CORPORATION

3

The  following  table  sets  forth  Cintas’  total  revenue  and  the  revenue  derived  from  each  reportable  operating 
segment and All Other:

Fiscal Year Ended May 31, (in thousands)

2017

2016(1)

2015(1)

Uniform Rental and Facility Services

$4,202,490

$3,759,524

$3,519,199

First Aid and Safety Services

All Other

Total Revenue

508,233

612,658

461,783

574,465

326,593

523,885

$5,323,381

$4,795,772

$4,369,677

(1) 

 The figures for fiscal 2016 and 2015 reflect the change in classification of Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage to discontinued 
operations  within  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income.  See  Note  16  entitled  Discontinued  Operations  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.”

Additional information regarding each reportable operating segment and All Other is also included in Note 14 
entitled Operating Segment Information of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

The primary markets served by all Cintas businesses are local in nature and highly fragmented. Cintas competes 
with national, regional and local providers, and the level of competition varies at each of Cintas’ local operations. 
Product, design, price, quality, service and convenience to the customer are the competitive elements in each 
of our businesses.

Within the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, Cintas provides its products and 
services to customers via local delivery routes originating from  rental processing plants and branches.  Within 
the  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services  reportable  operating  segment  and  All  Other,  Cintas  provides  its  products 
and services via its distribution network and local  delivery  routes or local representatives. In total,  Cintas has 
approximately  11,000  local  delivery  routes,  528  operational  facilities  and  11  distribution  centers.  At  May  31, 
2017, Cintas employed approximately 42,000 employees, of which approximately 1,700 were represented by 
labor unions.

Cintas  sources  finished  products  from  many  outside  suppliers.  In  addition,  Cintas  operates  six  manufacturing 
facilities  that  provide  for  standard  uniform  needs.  Cintas  purchases  fabric,  used  in  its  manufacturing  process, 
from several suppliers. Cintas is not aware of any circumstances that would hinder its ability to continue obtaining 
these materials.

Cintas is subject to various environmental laws  and regulations,  as are other companies in the uniform rental 
industry.  While  environmental  compliance  is  not  a  material  component  of  its  costs,  Cintas  must  incur  capital 
expenditures and associated operating costs, primarily for water treatment and waste removal, on a regular basis. 
Environmental spending related to water treatment and waste removal was approximately $14 million in fiscal 
2017 and approximately $13 million in fiscal 2016. Capital expenditures to limit or monitor hazardous substances 
totaled approximately $3 million in both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Cintas does not expect a material change in 
the cost of environmental compliance and is not aware of any material non-compliance with environmental laws.

Cintas uses its corporate website, www.cintas.com, as a channel for routine distribution of important information, 
including  news  releases,  analyst  presentations  and  financial  information.  Cintas  files  with  or  furnishes  to  the 
SEC  Annual  Reports  on  Form  10-K,  Quarterly  Reports  on  Form  10-Q,  Current  Reports  on  Form  8-K  and  any 
amendments to those reports, as well as proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders, and, from time 
to  time,  other  documents.  The  reports  and  other  documents  filed  with  or  furnished  to  the  SEC  are  available 
to  investors  on  or  through  our  corporate  website  free  of  charge  as  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  we 
electronically file them with or furnish them to the SEC. In addition, the public may read and copy any of the 
materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington D.C. 20549. 
The public may obtain information on the operation of the facilities by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The 
SEC maintains an internet site located at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements 
and other information regarding issuers, such as Cintas, that file electronically with the SEC. Cintas’ SEC filings 
can  be  found  on  the  Investors  page  of  its  website  at  www.cintas-corp.com/company/investor_information/
highlights.aspx and its Code of Conduct and Business Ethics can be found on the About Us page of its website at 
www.cintas-corp.com/company. These documents are available in print to any shareholder who requests a copy 
by writing or calling Cintas as set forth on the Investor Information page. The content on any website referred to 
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K unless expressly noted.

4

CINTAS CORPORATION

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The statements in this section describe the most significant risks that could materially and adversely affect our 
business, consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operation and the trading price of our debt 
or equity securities.

In  addition,  this  section  sets  forth  statements  which  constitute  our  cautionary  statements  under  the  Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform 
Act  of  1995  provides  a  safe  harbor  from  civil  litigation  for  forward-looking  statements.    Forward-looking 
statements  may  be  identified  by  words  such  as  “estimates,”  “anticipates,”  “predicts,”  “projects,”  “plans,” 
“expects,”  “intends,”  “target,”  “forecast,”  “believes,”  “seeks,”  “could,”  “should,”  “may”  and  “will”  or  the 
negative versions thereof and similar words, terms and expressions and by the context in which they are used.  
Such statements are based upon current expectations of Cintas and speak only as of the date made.  You should 
not  place  undue  reliance  on  any  forward-looking  statement.    We  cannot  guarantee  that  any  forward-looking 
statement will be realized.  These statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, potentially inaccurate 
assumptions  and  other  factors  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  from  those  set  forth  in  or  implied  by 
this  Annual  Report.  Factors  that  might  cause  such  a  difference  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  risks  inherent 
with the G&K transaction in the achievement of cost synergies and the timing thereof, including whether the 
G&K transaction will be accretive and within the expected timeframe; the possibility of greater than anticipated 
operating costs including energy and fuel costs; lower sales volumes; loss of customers due to outsourcing trends; 
the performance and costs of integration of acquisitions, including G&K; fluctuations in costs of materials and 
labor including increased medical costs; costs and possible effects of union organizing activities; failure to comply 
with government regulations concerning employment discrimination, employee pay and benefits and employee 
health and safety; the effect on operations of exchange rate fluctuations, tariffs and other political, economic 
and  regulatory  risks;  uncertainties  regarding  any  existing  or  newly-discovered  expenses  and  liabilities  related 
to  environmental  compliance  and  remediation;  the  cost,  results  and  ongoing  assessment  of  internal  controls 
for financial reporting required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; costs of our SAP system implementation; 
disruptions caused by the inaccessibility of computer systems data, including cybersecurity risks; the initiation 
or  outcome  of  litigation,  investigations  or  other  proceedings;  higher  assumed  sourcing  or  distribution  costs 
of products; the disruption of operations from catastrophic or extraordinary events; the amount and timing of 
repurchases of our common stock, if any; changes in federal and state tax and labor laws; and the reactions of 
competitors in terms of price and service. Cintas undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to any 
forward-looking statements or to otherwise update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new 
information or to reflect events, circumstances or any other unanticipated developments arising after the date 
on which such statements are made, except otherwise as required by law. The risks and uncertainties described 
herein are not the only ones we may face. Additional risks and uncertainties presently not known to us or that we 
currently believe to be immaterial may also harm our business.

Negative global economic factors may adversely affect our financial performance.

Negative  economic  conditions,  in  North  America  and  our  other  markets,  may  adversely  affect  our  financial 
performance. Higher levels of unemployment, inflation, tax rates and other changes in tax laws and other economic 
factors could adversely affect the demand for Cintas’ products and services. Increases in labor costs, including the 
cost to provide employee-partner related healthcare benefits, minimum wages, labor shortages or shortages of 
skilled labor, regulations regarding the classification of employees and/or their eligibility for overtime wages, higher 
material costs for items such as fabrics and textiles, the inability to obtain insurance coverage at cost-effective 
rates, higher interest rates, inflation, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws and other economic factors 
could increase our costs of rental uniforms and facility services, cost of other services and selling and administrative 
expenses. As a result, these factors could adversely affect our sales and consolidated results of operations.

Increased competition could adversely affect our financial performance.

We operate in highly competitive industries and compete with national, regional and local providers. Product, 
design, price, quality, service and convenience to the customer are the competitive elements in these industries. 
If existing or future competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices, Cintas may be required to 
lower prices, which would hurt its results of operations. Cintas’ competitors also generally compete with Cintas 
for  acquisition  candidates,  which  can  increase  the  price  for  acquisitions  and  reduce  the  number  of  available 

CINTAS CORPORATION

5

acquisition candidates. In addition, our customers and prospects may decide to perform certain services in-house 
instead of outsourcing these services to us. These competitive pressures could adversely affect our sales and 
consolidated results of operations.

An inability to open new, cost effective operating facilities may adversely affect our expansion efforts.

We  plan  to  expand  our  presence  in  existing  markets  and  enter  new  markets.  The  opening  of  new  operating 
facilities is necessary to gain the capacity required for this expansion. Our ability to open new operating facilities 
depends  on  our  ability  to  identify  attractive  locations,  negotiate  leases  or  real  estate  purchase  agreements 
on  acceptable  terms,  identify  and  obtain  adequate  utility  and  water  sources  and  comply  with  environmental 
regulations, zoning laws and other similar factors. Any inability to effectively identify and manage these items 
may adversely affect our expansion efforts, and, consequently, adversely affect our financial performance.

Risks associated with our acquisition practice could adversely affect our results of operations.

Historically,  a  portion  of  our  growth  has  come  from  acquisitions.  We  continue  to  evaluate  opportunities  for 
acquiring businesses that may supplement our internal growth.  However, there can be no assurance that we will 
be able to locate and purchase suitable acquisitions. In addition, the success of any acquisition, including the 
ability to realize anticipated cost synergies, depends in part on our ability to integrate the acquired company. 
The process of integrating acquired businesses, including G&K and ZEE, may involve unforeseen difficulties and 
may require a disproportionate amount of our management’s attention and our financial and other resources.  
If management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any significant business activities are 
interrupted as a result of the integration process, we may not be able to realize anticipated cost synergies resulting 
from acquisitions and our business could suffer. Although we conduct due diligence investigations prior to each 
acquisition, there can be no assurance that we will discover or adequately protect against all material liabilities of 
an acquired business for which we may be responsible as a successor owner or operator. The failure to identify 
suitable acquisitions and successfully integrate these acquired businesses, or to discover liabilities associated with 
such businesses in the diligence process, could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.

Our indebtedness may limit cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business.

Our outstanding indebtedness, including indebtedness incurred to consummate the G&K transaction, may have 
negative consequences on our business, such as requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow 
from operations to the payment of debt service, reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, 
capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend increases, stock buybacks and other general corporate purposes, as 
well as increase our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions. In addition, it may limit our ability 
to obtain additional financing in the future to enable us to react to changes in our business or industry or place 
us at a competitive disadvantage compared to businesses in our industry that have less debt.

Changes in the fuel and energy industry could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The price of fuel and energy needed to run our vehicles and equipment is unpredictable and fluctuates based on 
events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for fuel and other energy 
related products, actions by energy producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries, regional production 
patterns, limits on refining capacities, natural disasters and environmental concerns. Increases in fuel and energy 
costs could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

Failure  to  preserve  positive  labor  relationships  with  our  employees  could  adversely  affect  our  consolidated 
results of operations.

Following the G&K transaction, more of our labor force is unionized. While we believe that our employee relations 
are good, we have been and could continue to be the target of a unionization campaign by several unions. These 
unions have attempted to pressure Cintas into surrendering its employees’ rights to a government-supervised 
election by unilaterally accepting union representation. We will continue to vigorously oppose any unionization 
campaign and defend our employees’ rights to a government-supervised election. Unionization campaigns could 
be materially disruptive to our business and could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.

6

CINTAS CORPORATION

Risks associated with the suppliers from whom our products are sourced could adversely affect our results of 
operations.

The products we sell are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and international suppliers. Global sourcing of 
many of the products we sell is an important factor in our financial performance. We require all of our suppliers 
to comply with applicable laws, including labor and environmental laws, and otherwise be certified as meeting 
our required supplier standards of conduct. Our ability to find qualified suppliers who meet our standards, and 
to access products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, especially with respect to suppliers 
located and goods sourced outside the United States. Political and economic stability in the countries in which 
foreign suppliers are located, the financial stability of suppliers, suppliers’ failure to meet our supplier standards, 
labor problems experienced by our suppliers, the availability of raw materials to suppliers, currency exchange 
rates, transport availability and cost, inflation and other factors relating to the suppliers and the countries in which 
they are located are beyond our control. In addition, U.S. and foreign trade policies, tariffs and other impositions 
on imported goods, trade sanctions imposed on certain countries, the limitation on the importation of certain 
types of goods or of goods containing certain materials from other countries and other factors relating to foreign 
trade are beyond our control. These and other factors affecting our suppliers and our access to products could 
adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We earn revenue, pay expenses, own assets and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. 
dollar, including the Canadian dollar, British pound, and the euro. In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, revenue 
denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar represented less than 10% of our consolidated revenue. 
Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate revenue, income 
and expenses, as well as assets and liabilities, into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect during or at the end 
of each reporting period. Therefore, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies, 
particularly in the event of significant increases in foreign currency revenue, will impact our revenue and operating 
income and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. This impact could adversely 
affect our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

Failure to comply with federal and state regulations to which we are subject could result in penalties or costs that 
could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business is subject to complex and stringent state and federal regulations, including employment laws and 
regulations, minimum wage requirements, overtime requirements, working condition requirements, citizenship 
requirements,  transportation  and  other  laws  and  regulations.    In  particular,  we  are  subject  to  the  regulations 
promulgated  by  the  U.S.  Department  of  Transportation,  or  USDOT,  and  under  the  Occupational  Safety  and 
Health Act of 1970, as amended, or OSHA.  We have incurred, and will continue to incur, capital and operating 
expenditures and other costs in the ordinary course of our business in complying with the USDOT, OSHA and 
other laws and regulations to which we are subject.  Changes in laws, regulations and the related interpretations, 
including  any  laws  or  regulations  that  may  be  enacted  by  the  current  U.S.  presidential  administration  and 
Congress,  may  alter  the  landscape  in  which  we  do  business  and  may  affect  our  costs  of  doing  business.  The 
impact of new laws and regulations cannot be predicted. Compliance with new laws and regulations may increase 
our  operating  costs  or  require  significant  capital  expenditures.  Any  failure  to  comply  with  applicable  laws  or 
regulations could result in substantial fines by government authorities, payment of damages to private litigants, 
or  possible  revocation  of  our  authority  to  conduct  our  operations,  which  could  adversely  affect  our  ability  to 
service customers and our consolidated results of operations.

We are subject to legal proceedings that may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to various litigation claims and legal proceeding arising from the ordinary course of our business, 
including personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. Certain of these lawsuits or 
potential future lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability and expense material 
to our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

CINTAS CORPORATION

7

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations could result in significant costs that adversely affect our 
results of operations.

Our  operating  locations  are  subject  to  environmental  laws  and  regulations  relating  to  the  protection  of  the 
environment and health and safety matters, including those governing discharges of pollutants to the air and 
water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the clean-up of contaminated sites. 
The operation of our businesses entails risks under environmental laws and regulations. We could incur significant 
costs, including clean-up costs, fines and sanctions and claims by third parties for property damage and personal 
injury, as a result of violations of or liabilities under these laws and regulations. We are currently involved in a 
limited number of remedial investigations and actions at various locations. While based on information currently 
known to us, we believe that we maintain adequate reserves with respect to these matters, our liability could 
exceed forecasted amounts, and the imposition of additional clean-up obligations or the discovery of additional 
contamination  at  these  or  other  sites  could  result  in  significant  additional  costs  which  could  adversely  affect 
our  results  of  operations.  In  addition,  potentially  significant  expenditures  could  be  required  to  comply  with 
environmental laws and regulations, including requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future.

Under applicable environmental laws, an owner or operator of real estate may be required to pay the costs of 
removing or remediating hazardous materials located on or emanating from property, whether or not the owner 
or operator knew of or was responsible for the presence of such hazardous materials. While we regularly engage 
in environmental due diligence in connection with acquisitions, we can give no assurance that locations that have 
been acquired or leased have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations during prior 
periods or that future uses or conditions will not make us liable under these laws or expose us to third-party 
actions, including tort suits.

We  rely  extensively  on  computer  systems  to  process  transactions,  maintain  information  and  manage  our 
businesses.  Disruptions  in  the  availability  of  computer  systems  due  to  implementation  of  a  new  system  or 
otherwise, or privacy breaches involving computer systems, could impact our ability to service our customers 
and adversely affect our sales, results of operations and reputation and expose us to litigation risk.

Our businesses rely on our computer systems to provide customer information, process customer transactions 
and provide other general information necessary to manage our businesses. We have an active disaster recovery 
plan  in  place  that  is  frequently  reviewed  and  tested.  However,  our  computer  systems,  including  the  systems 
inherited  from  G&K,  are  subject  to  damage  or  interruption  due  to  system  conversions,  such  as  our  current 
conversion  to  SAP  enterprise  system,  power  outages,  computer  or  telecommunication  failures,  catastrophic 
events such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes and usage errors by our employees. Although we believe that we 
have adopted appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks to our technology and our operations from these 
information technology-related and other potential disruptions, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature 
and  scope  of  such  disruptions,  we  could  potentially  be  subject  to  production  downtimes,  operational  delays 
and interruptions in our ability to provide products and services to our customers. Any disruption caused by the 
unavailability of our computer systems could adversely affect our sales, could require us to make a significant 
investment to fix or replace them and, therefore, could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations. 
In addition, cyber-security attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts 
to  gain  unauthorized  access  to  data  and  other  electronic  security  breaches  that  could  lead  to  disruptions  in 
systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. If the 
network of security controls, policy enforcement mechanisms and monitoring systems to address these threats to 
our technology fails, the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected Company, customer, or employee 
information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, or other manipulation or improper use of our 
systems and networks could result in financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability 
and damage to our reputation.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could adversely affect our business and stock price.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. All internal control systems, no 
matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective 
can  provide  only  reasonable  assurance  with  respect  to  the  consolidated  financial  statement  preparation  and 
presentation. While we continue to evaluate our internal controls, including those related to the acquired G&K 
business,  we  cannot  be  certain  that  these  measures  will  ensure  that  we  implement  and  maintain  adequate 
controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal 
controls or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were to discover material weaknesses in 

8

CINTAS CORPORATION

our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended, we may not be able to ensure 
that  we  can  conclude  on  an  ongoing  basis  that  we  have  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  in 
accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Failure to achieve and maintain an effective 
internal control environment could cause us to be unable to produce reliable financial reports or prevent fraud. 
This may cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a material 
adverse effect on our stock price.

We may experience difficulties in attracting and retaining competent personnel in key positions.

We believe that a key component of our success is our corporate culture, which has been imparted by management 
throughout our corporate organization. This factor, along with our entire operation, depends on our ability to 
attract  and  retain  key  employees.  Competitive  pressures  within  and  outside  our  industry  may  make  it  more 
difficult and expensive for us to attract and retain key employees which could adversely affect our businesses.

Unexpected events could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

Unexpected events, including fires or explosions at facilities, natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, 
war or terrorist activities, unplanned outages, supply disruptions, failure of equipment or systems or changes in 
laws and/or regulations impacting our businesses, could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations. 
These events could result in customer disruption, physical damage to one or more key operating facilities, the 
temporary closure of one or more key operating facilities or the temporary disruption of information systems.

We  may  recognize  impairment  charges,  which  could  adversely  affect  our  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations.

We assess our goodwill and other intangible assets and our long-lived assets for impairment when required by U.S. 
GAAP. These accounting principles require that we record an impairment charge if circumstances indicate that 
the asset carrying values exceed their estimated fair values. The estimated fair value of these assets is impacted 
by general economic conditions in the locations in which we operate. Deterioration in these general economic 
conditions may result in: declining revenue, which can lead to excess capacity and declining operating cash flow; 
reductions in management’s estimates for future revenue and operating cash flow growth; increases in borrowing 
rates and other deterioration in factors that impact our weighted average cost of capital; and deteriorating real 
estate values. If our assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets or long-lived assets indicates an impairment 
of the carrying value for which we recognize an impairment charge, this may adversely affect our consolidated 
financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

The effects of credit market volatility and changes in our credit ratings could adversely affect our liquidity and 
results of operations.

Our operating cash flows, combined with access to the credit markets, provide us with significant discretionary 
funding  capacity.  However,  deterioration  in  the  global  credit  markets  may  limit  our  ability  to  access  credit 
markets,  which  could  adversely  affect  our  liquidity  and/or  increase  our  cost  of  borrowing.  In  addition,  credit 
market deterioration and its actual or perceived effects on our results of operations and financial condition, along 
with deterioration in general economic conditions, may increase the likelihood that the major independent credit 
agencies will downgrade our credit ratings, which could increase our cost of borrowing. Increases in our cost of 
borrowing could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

CINTAS CORPORATION

9

Item 2.  Properties

Cintas occupies 539 facilities located in 345 cities. Cintas leases 295 of these facilities for various terms ranging 
from monthly to the year 2032. Cintas expects that it will be able to renew or replace its leases on satisfactory 
terms. Of the six manufacturing facilities noted below, Cintas controls the operations of one manufacturing facility, 
but does not own or lease the real estate related to the operation. All remaining facilities are owned. The principal 
executive  office  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  provides  centrally  located  administrative  functions  including  accounting, 
finance,  marketing  and  computer  system  development  and  support.  Cintas  operates  rental  processing  plants 
that  house  administrative,  sales  and  service  personnel  and  the  necessary  equipment  involved  in  the  cleaning 
of uniforms and bulk items, such as entrance mats and shop towels. Branch operations provide administrative, 
sales and service functions. Cintas operates 11 distribution centers and six manufacturing facilities. Cintas also 
operates first aid and safety and fire protection facilities and direct sales offices. Cintas considers the facilities it 
operates to be adequate for their intended use. Cintas owns or leases approximately 19,200 vehicles which are 
used for the route-based services and by the sales and management employee-partners.

The following chart provides additional information concerning Cintas’ facilities:

Type of Facility

Rental Processing Plants

Rental Branches

First Aid and Safety Facilities

All Other Facilities

Distribution Centers

Manufacturing Facilities

Total

# of Facilities

217

203

53

49

11(1)

6

539

(1) 

Includes the principal executive office, which is attached to the distribution center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rental processing plants, rental branches, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities are used in Cintas’ 
Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment. First aid and safety facilities, rental processing 
plants and distribution centers are used in the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment. Rental 
processing  plants,  rental  branches,  first  aid  and  safety  facilities,  fire  protection  facilities,  direct  sales  offices, 
distribution centers and manufacturing facilities are all utilized by the businesses included in All Other.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Cintas is subject to legal proceedings, insurance receipts, legal settlements and claims arising from the ordinary 
course of its business, including personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. In the 
opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course of business actions 
will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations 
or consolidated cash flows of Cintas.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

10

CINTAS CORPORATION

Part II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, 
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

Cintas’ common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CTAS.” The following 
table provides the high and low sales prices of shares of Cintas’ common stock by quarter during the last two 
fiscal years:

Fiscal 2017

Quarter Ended

May 2017

February 2017

November 2016

August 2016

Fiscal 2016

Quarter Ended

May 2016

February 2016

November 2015

August 2015

Holders

High

Low

$ 128.85

$117.21

122.21

119.94

117.69

112.96

102.07

91.24

High

Low

$  95.49

$84.32

93.64

94.35

89.74

80.00

82.71

78.00

At  May  31,  2017,  there  were  approximately  2,000  shareholders  on  record  of  Cintas’  common  stock.  Cintas 
believes that this represents approximately 62,000 beneficial owners.

Dividends

Dividends  on  Cintas’  outstanding  common  stock  have  been  paid  annually  and  amounted  to  $1.33  per  share, 
$1.05 per share and $1.70 per share in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fiscal 2015 dividend was 
comprised of an annual cash dividend of $0.85 per share, and an additional $0.85 per share special dividend 
related to the cash proceeds received from the Shred-it Transaction. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

11

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph summarizes the cumulative return on $100 invested in Cintas’ common stock, the S&P 500 
Stock Index, the common stocks of a selected peer group of companies Because our products and services are 
diverse, Cintas does not believe that any single published industry index is appropriate for comparing shareholder 
return. Therefore, the peer groups used in the performance graph combines publicly traded companies in the 
business  services  industry  that  have  similar  characteristics  as  Cintas  for  each  fiscal  year,  such  as  route  based 
delivery of products and services. Prior to fiscal 2017, Cintas compared its common stock returns to the following 
publicly traded companies: G & K Services, Inc., UniFirst Corporation, ABM Industries and Iron Mountain, Inc. 
(Old  Peer  Group).  In  fiscal  2016,  Cintas  completed  the  sale  of  the  businesses  within  the  former  Document 
Management Services operating segment. As a result, Cintas made the change to a new peer group (New Peer 
Group). The companies included in the New Peer Group are UniFirst Corporation, ABM Industries and Rollins, 
Inc. Rollins, Inc. was added to the New Peer Group because it is a route based provider of products and services 
with similar characteristics as Cintas.

Total shareholder return was based on the increase in the price of the common stock and assumed reinvestment 
of  all  dividends.  Further,  total  return  was  weighted  according  to  market  capitalization  of  each  company.  The 
companies in the Peer Groups are not the same as those considered by the Compensation Committee of the 
Board of Directors.

Total Shareholder Returns 
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

$400

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

5/12

8/12 11/12 2/13

5/13

8/13 11/13 2/14

5/14

8/14 11/14 2/15

5/15

8/15 11/15 2/16

5/16

8/16 11/16 2/17

5/17

Cintas Corporation

S&P 500

Old
2016 Peer Group

(1)

New
2017 Peer Group

(1)  The Old Peer Group previously included G&K Services, Inc. but has been excluded from the Old Peer Group herein due to our acquisition of 

G&K Services, Inc. during fiscal 2017.

12

CINTAS CORPORATION

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases

Period (In millions, except share and per share data)

March 1 - 31, 2017 (2)

April 1 - 30, 2017 (3)

May 1 - 31, 2017 (4)

Total

Total number
of shares
purchased

   937

   689

3,704

5,330

Average
price paid
per share

$126.20

  125.11

  124.75

$125.05

Total number of
shares purchased
as part of the
publicly announced
plan (1)

Maximum
approximate dollar
value of shares that
may yet be
purchased under
the plan (1)

—

—

—

—

$500.0

  500.0

  500.0

$500.0

(1)  On August 6, 2016, Cintas announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million share buyback program, which does not have 

an expiration date.

(2)  During March 2017, Cintas acquired 937 shares of Cintas common stock in satisfaction of employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock 
awards that vested during the fiscal year. These shares were purchased at an average price of $126.20 per share for a total purchase price of 
$0.1 million.

(3)  During April 2017, Cintas acquired 689 shares of Cintas common stock in satisfaction of employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock awards 
that vested during the fiscal year. These shares were purchased at an average price of $125.11 per share for a total purchase price of less than 
$0.1 million.

(4)  During May 2017, Cintas acquired 3,704 shares of Cintas common stock in satisfaction of employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock 
awards that vested during the fiscal year. These shares were purchased at an average price of $124.75 per share for a total purchase price of 
$0.5 million.

CINTAS CORPORATION

13

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Five-Year Financial Summary

(In thousands except per share and percentage data)

Fiscal Years Ended May 31,

2013(1)

2014(1)

2015(1)

2016(1)

2017(1)(2)

Compound 
Annual
Growth
(2013-2017)

Revenue

$ 3,878,271 $ 4,091,204 $ 4,369,677 $ 4,795,772 $ 5,323,381

8.2%

300,150

330,541

402,553

448,605

457,286

11.1%

Net Income, Continuing 

Operations

Net Income, Discontinued 

Operations

Net Income

Basic Earnings Per Share:

Continuing Operations

Discontinued Operations

Basic Earnings Per Share

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

Continuing Operations

Discontinued Operations

Diluted Earnings Per Share

Dividends Per Share

15,292

43,901

28,065

244,915

23,422

$  315,442 $  374,442 $  430,618 $  693,520 $  480,708

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.41 $ 

2.72 $ 

3.44 $ 

4.08 $ 

0.12

0.36

0.24

2.22

2.53 $ 

3.08 $ 

3.68 $ 

6.30 $ 

2.40 $ 

2.69 $ 

3.39 $ 

4.02 $ 

0.12

0.36

0.24

2.19

2.52 $ 

3.05 $ 

3.63 $ 

6.21 $ 

0.64 $ 

0.77 $ 

1.70 $ 

1.05 $ 

4.27

0.22

4.49

4.17

0.21

4.38

1.33

11.2%

11.1%

15.4%

16.4%

15.4%

14.8%

15.0%

14.8%

20.1%

12.1%

1.1%

Total Assets(3)

$ 4,336,417 $ 4,454,457 $ 4,185,675 $ 4,098,815 $ 6,844,057

Shareholders’ Equity

$ 2,201,492 $ 2,192,858 $ 1,932,455 $ 1,842,659 $ 2,302,793

Return on Average Equity(4)

13.8%

15.0%

19.5%

23.8%

22.1%

Long-Term Debt

$ 1,291,764 $ 1,292,482 $ 1,293,215 $ 1,294,422 $ 3,133,524(5)

(1)  In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for the disposal of long-lived assets and discontinued operations, the results of our 
Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage have been excluded from continuing operations for all periods presented. Please see Note 16 
entitled Discontinued Operations of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

(2)  Includes  G&K  results  of  operations  from  March  21,  2017  through  May  31,  2017.  Historical  periods  presented  prior  to  fiscal  2017  do  not 
include G&K and as a result, the information may not be comparable. Please see Note 9 entitled Acquisitions and Divestitures of “Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the G&K acquisition.

(3)  In  accordance  with  the  applicable  accounting  guidance  for  simplifying  the  presentation  of  debt  issuance  costs,  the  debt  costs  related  to 
recognized debt liabilities have been excluded from Total Assets and reclassified to Long-Term Debt as a direct deduction from the carrying 
amount of the debt liabilities. The impact of this change in accounting principle on balances previously reported for fiscal 2016, 2015, 2014 
and 2013 were reclassifications of $5.6 million, $6.8 million, $8.0 million and $9.2 million, respectively, from other assets to long-term liabilities.

(4)  Return on average equity is computed as net income from continuing operations divided by the average of shareholders’ equity. We believe 
that disclosure of this non-GAAP financial measure gives management and shareholders a good indication of Cintas’ historical performance.

(5)  Includes issuance of approximately $2.1 billion in debt to fund the G&K acquisition. Please see Note 6 entitled Debt and Derivatives of “Notes 

to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

14

CINTAS CORPORATION

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Business Strategy

Cintas helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes, primarily in North America, as well as Latin 
America, Europe and Asia, get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range 
of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, 
safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, floor care, restroom supplies, first aid 
and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers 
get Ready for the Workday™.

We are North America’s leading provider of corporate identity uniforms through rental and sales programs, as 
well as a significant provider of related business services, including entrance mats, restroom cleaning services and 
supplies, carpet and tile cleaning services, first aid and safety services and fire protection products and services.

Cintas’ principal objective is “to exceed customers’ expectations in order to maximize the long-term value of 
Cintas  for  shareholders  and  working  partners,”  and  it  provides  the  framework  and  focus  for  Cintas’  business 
strategy.  This  strategy  is  to  achieve  revenue  growth  for  all  of  our  products  and  services  by  increasing  our 
penetration at existing customers and by broadening our customer base to include business segments to which 
we have not historically served. We will also continue to identify additional product and service opportunities for 
our current and future customers.

To  pursue  the  strategy  of  increasing  penetration,  we  have  a  highly  talented  and  diverse  team  of  service 
professionals visiting our customers on a regular basis. This frequent contact with our customers enables us to 
develop  close  personal  relationships.  The  combination  of  our  distribution  system  and  these  strong  customer 
relationships provides a platform from which we launch additional products and services.

We pursue the strategy of broadening our customer base in several ways. Cintas has a national sales organization 
introducing all of our products and services to prospects in all business segments. Our broad range of products 
and  services  allows  our  sales  organization  to  consider  any  type  of  business  a  prospect.  We  also  broaden  our 
customer base through geographic expansion, especially in our first aid and safety and fire protection businesses. 
Finally, we evaluate strategic acquisitions as opportunities arise.

Results of Operations

On  March  21,  2017,  Cintas  completed  the  acquisition  of  G&K  Services,  Inc.  (G&K)  for  consideration  of 
approximately $2.1 billion. G&K is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas that will operate within the Uniform 
Rental and Facility Services operating segment. To finance the G&K acquisition, Cintas used a combination of 
new senior notes, a term loan, other borrowings under its existing credit facility and cash on hand. G&K’s results 
of operations are included in Cintas’ consolidated financial statements as of and from the date of acquisition.

U. S. GAAP requires companies to evaluate their reportable operating segments periodically and when certain 
events occur. As a result of our evaluation in fiscal 2016, effective June 1, 2015, Cintas realigned its organizational 
structure and updated its reportable operating segments in light of certain changes in its business, including 
the acquisition of ZEE Medical Inc. (ZEE) in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Cintas’ updated reportable operating 
segments are Uniform Rental and Facility Services and First Aid and Safety Services. The Uniform Rental and 
Facility  Services  reportable  operating  segment,  which  includes  G&K,  consists  of  the  rental  and  servicing  of 
uniforms and other garments including flame resistant clothing, mats, mops and shop towels and other ancillary 
items. In addition to these rental items, restroom cleaning services and supplies, carpet and tile cleaning services 
and the sale of items from our catalogs to our customers on route are included within this reportable operating 
segment.  The  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services  reportable  operating  segment,  which  includes  ZEE,  consists  of 
first aid and safety products and services. The remainder of Cintas’ business, which consists of Fire Protection 
Services  and  its  Uniform  Direct  Sale  business,  is  included  in  All  Other.  Cintas  evaluates  operating  segment 
performance based on revenue and income before income taxes. Revenue and income before income taxes for 
each of these reportable operating segments for the years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are presented 

CINTAS CORPORATION

15

in  Note  14  entitled  Operating  Segment  Information  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.”  The 
Company  regularly  reviews  its  operating  segments  for  reporting  purposes  based  on  the  information  its  chief 
operating decision maker regularly reviews for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance and 
makes changes when appropriate.

At May 31, 2017, Cintas has classified a significant business, referred to as Discontinued Services, as held for 
sale.  Prior to meeting the held for sale criteria, Discontinued Services was primarily included in All Other. In fiscal 
2014, Cintas completed its partnership transaction with the shareholders of Shred-it International Inc. to combine 
Shredding with the shredding business of Shred-it International Inc. Pursuant to the Shredding Transaction, the 
Shred-it Partnership was owned 42% by Cintas and 58% by the shareholders of Shred-it International Inc. Cintas’ 
investment  in  Shred-it  and  the  results  of  Shredding  are  classified  as  discontinued  operations  for  all  periods 
presented as a result of selling the investment during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold Storage and, 
as a result, its operations are also classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In accordance 
with the applicable accounting guidance for the disposal of long-lived assets and discontinued operations, the 
results of Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage have been excluded from both continuing operations 
and operating segment results for all periods presented. Please see Note 16 entitled Discontinued Operations 
of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  consolidated  statements  of  income  data  as  a  percent  of  revenue  by 
reportable operating segment, All Other and in total for the fiscal years ended May 31:

2017(1)

2016(1)

2015(1)

Revenue:

Uniform Rental and Facility Services

First Aid and Safety Services

All Other

Total revenue

Cost of sales:

Uniform Rental and Facility Services

First Aid and Safety Services

All Other

Total cost of sales

Gross margin:

Uniform Rental and Facility Services

First Aid and Safety Services

All Other

Total gross margin

Selling and administrative expenses:

Uniform Rental and Facility Services

First Aid and Safety Services

All Other

Total selling and administrative expenses

G&K Services, Inc. transaction and integration expenses

Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment

Interest expense, net

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

79.0%

9.5%

11.5%

100.0%

54.9%

54.7%

58.3%

55.3%

45.1%

45.3%

41.7%

44.7%

27.1%

34.9%

34.5%

28.7%

1.5%

—%

1.6%

12.9%

78.4%

9.6%

12.0%

80.5%

7.5%

12.0%

100.0%

100.0%

55.7%

57.3%

58.6%

56.2%

44.3%

42.7%

41.4%

43.8%

26.5%

31.9%

33.1%

27.8%

—%

—%

1.3%

14.7%

56.6%

53.4%

59.1%

56.6%

43.4%

46.6%

40.9%

43.4%

26.2%

32.8%

34.3%

27.7%

—%

0.5%

1.5%

14.7%

(1)  The figures presented reflect the change in classification of Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage to discontinued operations within 
the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 16 entitled Discontinued Operations of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

16

CINTAS CORPORATION

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016 

Fiscal  2017  total  revenue  was  $5.3  billion,  an  increase  of  11.0%  over  the  prior  fiscal  year.  Revenue  increased 
organically by 6.7% as a result of increased sales volume. Organic growth adjusts for the impact of acquisitions, 
divestitures, workday differences and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Total revenue was positively 
impacted by 4.8% due to acquisitions, primarily through the acquisition of G&K. Revenue growth was negatively 
impacted by 0.1% due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and 0.4% due to one less workday in fiscal 
2017 compared to fiscal 2016. 

Organic growth by quarter is shown in the table below.

First Quarter Ending August 31, 2016

Second Quarter Ending November 30, 2016

Third Quarter Ending February 28, 2017

Fourth Quarter Ending May 31, 2017

For the Fiscal Year Ending May 31, 2017

Organic  
Growth

6.0%

6.0%

6.6%

8.1%

6.7%

Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment revenue consists predominantly of revenue 
derived from the rental of corporate identity uniforms and other garments, including flame resistant clothing, 
and the rental and/or sale of mats, mops, shop towels, restroom supplies and other rental services. Revenue from 
the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment increased 11.8% compared to fiscal 2016. 
The increase resulted from an organic growth increase in revenue of 6.9%. The amount of new business grew, 
resulting from an increase in the number and productivity of sales representatives. Generally, sales productivity 
improvements  are  the  result  of  increased  tenure  and  improved  training,  which  result  in  a  higher  number  of 
products and services sold. Revenue growth was negatively impacted by 0.1% due to foreign currency exchange 
rate fluctuations and 0.4% due to one less workday in fiscal 2017 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal 
year. Revenue was positively impacted by 5.4% due to acquisitions, primarily G&K. 

Other revenue, consisting of revenue from the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment and 
All  Other,  increased  8.2%  compared  to  fiscal  2016.  Revenue  increased  organically  by  6.1%  due  primarily  to 
improved sales representative productivity. Revenue growth was negatively impacted by 0.1% due to foreign 
currency exchange rate fluctuations and 0.4% due to one less workday in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. 
Acquisitions positively impacted revenue by 2.6%.

Cost of uniform rental and facility services increased 10.3% compared to fiscal 2016. Cost of uniform rental and 
facility services consists primarily of production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service 
inventory, including uniforms, mats, shop towels and other ancillary items. The cost of uniform rental and facility 
services increase compared to fiscal 2016 was due to increased Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable 
operating segment sales volume from internal growth and the acquired G&K sales volume.

Cost  of  other  consists  primarily  of  cost  of  goods  sold  (predominantly  first  aid  and  safety  products,  uniforms 
and fire protection products), delivery expenses and distribution expenses in the First Aid and Safety Services 
reportable operating segment and All Other. Cost of other increased 5.6% in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. 
The increase was primarily related to the increased sales volumes in the First Aid and Safety Services reportable 
operating segment and All Other.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $195.0 million, or 14.6%, compared to fiscal 2016 due primarily 
to  increases  in  labor  and  other  employee-partner  related  expenses.  As  a  result  of  the  acquisition  of  G&K  in 
fiscal 2017, the Company incurred various transaction and integration expenses which relate primarily to asset 
impairment  charges,  legal  and  professional  fees,  employee  termination  expenses,  the  write-off  of  excess 
inventory  and  other  miscellaneous  expenses.  In  fiscal  2017,  G&K  transaction  and  integration  expenses  were 
$79.2 million or 1.5% of total revenue. 

Net  interest  expense  (interest  expense  less  interest  income)  was  $86.3  million  in  fiscal  2017  compared  to 
$63.6 million in fiscal 2016. The increase in net interest expense is primarily due to the additional debt issued 
to finance the G&K acquisition and $17.1 million of short-term debt financing fees incurred in connection with 
the acquisition. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

17

Income before income taxes was $687.4 million, a decrease of $17.9 million, or 2.5%, compared to fiscal 2016. The 
decrease in income before income taxes was due to the G&K transaction and integration expenses and the increase 
in interest expense previously mentioned. These impacts were partially offset by the increase in gross margin.   

Cintas’ effective tax rate on continuing operations was 33.5% for fiscal 2017 compared to 36.4% in fiscal 2016. 
The decrease was primarily due to the adoption of Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2016-09, “Improvements 
to  Employee  Share-Based  Payment  Accounting.”  The  effective  tax  rate  in  fiscal  2017  included  a  benefit  of 
$29.4  million  as  a  result  of  the  adoption  of  ASU  2016-09.  This  benefit  was  partially  offset  by  the  election  to 
recognize forfeitures as they occur, which resulted in additional stock compensation expense of $8.3 million when 
compared to our historical practice of estimating forfeiture for expense purposes. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 
also resulted in an increase in the effect of dilutive securities in fiscal 2017 of 0.8 million shares. For fiscal 2017, the 
net impact on diluted earnings per share from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 was an increase of $0.19 per share over 
what diluted earnings per share would have been if ASU 2016-09 was not adopted in the current year. 

Net  income  from  continuing  operations  for  fiscal  2017  of  $457.3  million  was  a  1.9%  increase  compared  to 
fiscal  2016.  Diluted  earnings  per  share  from  continuing  operations  of  $4.17  was  a  3.7%  increase  compared 
to fiscal 2016. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased due to the lower effective tax 
rate combined with the decrease in weighted average common shares outstanding. The decrease in weighted 
average common shares outstanding resulted from purchasing 8.8 million shares of common stock under the 
January 13, 2015 and August 4, 2015 share buyback programs since the beginning of fiscal 2016. 

Uniform Rental and Facility Services Reportable Operating Segment

Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment revenue increased $443.0 million, or 11.8%, 
and the cost of uniform rental and facility services increased $214.9 million, or 10.3%, as previously discussed. 
The  reportable  operating  segment’s  fiscal  2017  gross  margin  was  45.1%  of  revenue  compared  to  44.3%  in 
fiscal 2016. The 80 basis point improvement was driven by many factors, including new business sold by sales 
representatives,  penetration  of  additional  products  and  services  into  existing  customers  and  continuously 
improving the efficiency of internal processes. 

Selling and administrative expenses for the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment 
increased $143.8 million in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. Selling and administrative expense as a percent 
of revenue for fiscal 2017 was 27.1% compared to 26.5% in fiscal 2016. The increase in selling and administrative 
expenses for the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment is primarily related to the 
G&K acquisition.

As  a  result  of  the  G&K  acquisition,  the  Uniform  Rental  and  Facility  Services  reportable  operating  segment 
incurred  $79.2  million  of  transaction  and  integration  expenses.  These  expenses  consisted  of  the  following: 
asset  impairment  charges  of  $23.3  million,  legal  and  professional  fees  directly  related  to  the  acquisition  of 
$17.4 million, employee termination expenses recognized under ASC Topic 712, “Compensation - Nonretirement 
Postemployment Benefits” of $31.0 million, write-off of excess inventory of $5.5 million and $2.0 million of other 
miscellaneous integration expenses. 

Income before income taxes increased $5.0 million to $677.1 million for fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. 
Income before income taxes as a percent of revenue, at 16.1%, decreased 180 basis points from 17.9% in fiscal 
2016. The decrease is primarily due to the G&K transaction and integration expenses mentioned above. 

First Aid and Safety Services Reportable Operating Segment

First  Aid  and  Safety  Services  reportable  operating  segment  revenue  increased  $46.5  million  in  fiscal  2017,  a 
10.1% increase compared to fiscal 2016. Revenue increased organically by 5.9% as a result of increased sales 
volume.   Revenue growth was positively impacted by 4.6% due to acquisitions. One less workday in fiscal 2017 
compared to the prior year negatively impacted growth by 0.4%. 

Cost of first aid and safety services increased $13.3 million, or 5.0%, in fiscal 2017, due primarily to increased First 
Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment volume. Gross margin for the First Aid and Safety Services 
reportable operating segment is defined as revenue less cost of goods, warehouse expenses, service expenses 
and training expenses. The gross margin as a percent of revenue was 45.3% for fiscal 2017 compared to 42.7% 
in fiscal 2016. The increase in gross margin was due to the benefits realized as a result of the integration of ZEE. 
These benefits included improved delivery efficiencies and improved sourcing of goods.

18

CINTAS CORPORATION

Selling and administrative expenses for the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment increased 
by  $29.9  million,  or  20.3%,  in  fiscal  2017  compared  to  fiscal  2016.  Selling  and  administrative  expenses  as  a 
percent  of  revenue  were  34.9%  in  fiscal  2017  compared  to  31.9%  in  fiscal  2016.  The  increase  in  selling  and 
administrative expenses is primarily the result of the investment in selling resources to grow the acquired ZEE 
customer base and increases in various employee-partner related expenses.  

Income before income taxes was $52.8 million in fiscal 2017, an increase of $3.3 million, or 6.6%, compared to 
fiscal 2016. Income before income taxes as a percent of revenue, at 10.4%, decreased from 10.7% in fiscal 2016, 
due primarily to the investment in selling resources mentioned above.

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015

Fiscal  2016  total  revenue  was  $4.8  billion,  an  increase  of  9.8%  over  the  prior  fiscal  year.  Revenue  increased 
organically by 6.8% as a result of increased sales volume. Organic growth excludes the impact of acquisitions, 
divestitures, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and workday differences. Total revenue was positively 
impacted by 2.9% due to acquisitions and 0.8% due to two more workdays in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. 
Revenue growth was negatively impacted by 0.7% due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. 

Organic growth by quarter is shown in the table below.

First Quarter Ending August 31, 2015

Second Quarter Ending November 30, 2015

Third Quarter Ending February 28, 2016

Fourth Quarter Ending May 31, 2016

For the Fiscal Year Ending May 31, 2016

Organic Growth

6.9%

6.6%

7.1%

6.8%

6.8%

Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment revenue consists predominantly of revenue 
derived from the rental of corporate identity uniforms and other garments, including flame resistant clothing, 
and the rental and/or sale of mats, mops, shop towels, restroom supplies and other rental services. Revenue from 
the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment increased 6.8% compared to fiscal 2015. 
The increase resulted from an organic growth increase in revenue of 6.5%. The amount of new business grew, 
resulting from an increase in the number and productivity of sales representatives. Generally, sales productivity 
improvements  are  the  result  of  increased  tenure  and  improved  training,  which  result  in  a  higher  number  of 
products and services sold. Revenue was positively impacted by 0.3% due to acquisitions, 0.8% due to two more 
workdays in fiscal 2016 compared to 2015 and negatively impacted by 0.8% due to foreign currency exchange 
rate fluctuations.

Other revenue, consisting of revenue from the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment and 
All  Other,  increased  21.8%  compared  to  fiscal  2015.  The  increase  primarily  resulted  from  an  organic  growth 
increase of 8.3%, which was largely due to improved sales representative productivity. Revenue in fiscal 2016 
was  negatively  impacted  by  0.5%  due  to  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations.  Acquisitions  positively 
impacted the growth rate by 13.0%, and two more workdays in fiscal 2016 contributed an additional 1.0%. 

Cost of uniform rental and facility services increased 5.0% compared to fiscal 2015. Cost of uniform rental and 
facility services consists primarily of production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service 
inventory, including uniforms, mats, shop towels and other ancillary items. The increase in the cost of uniform 
rental and facility services compared to fiscal 2015 was due to increased Uniform Rental and Facility Services 
reportable operating segment sales volume. 

Cost of other increased 24.3% compared to fiscal 2015. Cost of other consists primarily of cost of goods sold 
(predominantly  first  aid  and  safety  products,  uniforms  and  fire  protection  products),  delivery  expenses  and 
distribution  expenses  in  the  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services  reportable  operating  segment  and  All  Other.  The 
increase  from  fiscal  2015  was  primarily  due  to  increased  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services  reportable  operating 
segment sales volume. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

19

Selling and administrative expenses increased $123.1 million, or 10.2%, compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily to 
increases in labor and other employee-partner related expenses.

During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold stock in an equity method investment. In conjunction with the sale of the equity 
method  investment,  the  Company  received  a  cash  dividend.  The  sale  resulted  in  the  recording  of  a  gain  of 
$21.7 million in fiscal 2015.

Operating income of $768.9 million in fiscal 2016 increased $85.3 million, or 12.5%, compared to fiscal 2015.

Net  interest  expense  (interest  expense  less  interest  income)  was  $63.6  million  in  fiscal  2016  compared 
to  $64.8  million  in  fiscal  2015.  The  decrease  in  net  interest  expense  is  primarily  due  to  the  capitalization  of 
$1.1 million of interest in fiscal year 2016 versus $0.6 million of interest capitalized in fiscal 2015.

Income before income taxes was $705.3 million, an increase of $64.8 million, or 10.1%, compared to fiscal 2015. 
The increase in income before income taxes was primarily due to revenue growing at a faster rate than expenses. 

Cintas’  effective  tax  rate  in  fiscal  2016  was  36.4%,  which  was  comparable  to  the  effective  tax  rate  of  37.2% 
in  fiscal  2015.  See  Note  8  entitled  Income  Taxes  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements”  for  more 
information on income taxes.

Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 2016 of $448.6 million was a 11.4% increase compared to fiscal 
2015. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $4.02 was a 18.6% increase compared to fiscal 
2015. The increase in diluted earnings per share is higher than the increase in net income due to a decrease in 
weighted average common stock outstanding as a result of Cintas purchasing 8.7 million shares of common stock 
under the January 13, 2015 share buyback program since the beginning of fiscal 2016.

Uniform Rental and Facility Services Reportable Operating Segment

Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment revenue increased $240.3 million, or 6.8%, 
and  the  cost  of  uniform  rental  and  facility  services  increased  $100.2  million,  or  5.0%.  Revenue  in  fiscal  2016 
was negatively affected by 0.8% due to foreign currency exchange rate changes compared to fiscal 2015 and 
positively affected by 0.3% due to acquisitions and 0.8% due to two more workdays in fiscal 2016 compared to 
2015. The reportable operating segment’s fiscal 2016 gross margin was 44.3% of revenue compared to 43.4% in 
fiscal 2015. The increase in gross margin as a percent of revenue over fiscal 2015 was due to new business sold by 
sales representatives, penetration of additional products and services into existing customers, and continuously 
improving the efficiency of internal processes. In addition, lower energy-related expenses increased gross margin 
50 basis points.

Selling and administrative expenses for the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment 
increased  $72.0  million  in  fiscal  2016  compared  to  fiscal  2015  primarily  due  to  increases  in  labor  and  other 
employee-partner related expenses. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue for fiscal 2016 
was 26.5% compared to 26.2% in fiscal 2015. 

Income before income taxes increased $68.1 million to $672.1 million for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. 
Income before income taxes as a percent of revenue, at 17.9%, increased from 17.2% in fiscal 2015. This increase 
is primarily due to the increase in gross margin.

First Aid and Safety Services Reportable Operating Segment

First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment revenue increased $135.2 million in fiscal 2016, a 
41.4% increase compared to fiscal 2015. Revenue increased organically by 9.7% as a result of increased sales 
volume. Revenue growth was positively impacted by 1.1% due to two more workdays in fiscal 2016 compared 
to fiscal 2015. The remaining 30.6% increase in growth represents growth derived through acquisitions, primarily 
the ZEE acquisition.  

Cost of first aid and safety services increased $90.5 million, or 51.9%, in fiscal 2016, due primarily to increased 
First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment volume. Gross margin for the First Aid and Safety 
Services reportable operating segment is defined as revenue less cost of goods, warehouse expenses, service 
expenses and training expenses. The gross margin as a percent of revenue was 42.7% for fiscal 2016 compared 
to 46.6% in fiscal 2015. ZEE integration costs and the lower efficiency of the acquired ZEE routes were primarily 
responsible for the decrease in gross margin. 

20

CINTAS CORPORATION

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $40.3 million, or 37.6%, in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 
primarily due to an increase in labor and other employee-partner related expenses and costs associated with 
the integration of ZEE. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue, at 31.9%, decreased from 
32.8% in fiscal 2015. 

Income before income taxes was $49.5 million in fiscal 2016, an increase of $4.4 million, or 9.7%, compared to 
fiscal 2015. Income before income taxes as a percent of revenue, at 10.7%, decreased from 13.8% in fiscal 2015, 
due to the decrease in gross margin discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following is a summary of our cash flows and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of and for 
the fiscal years ending May 31:

(In thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

Marketable securities at the end of the period

2017

2016

$    763,887

$ 465,845

$(2,310,349)

$ 128,381

$ 1,578,502

$(866,724)

$    169,266

$ 139,357

$      22,219

$   70,405

Cash,  cash  equivalents  and  marketable  securities  as  of  May  31,  2017  and  2016  include  $125.5  million  and 
$96.5 million, respectively, that is located outside of the United States. We expect to use these amounts to fund 
our international operations and international expansion activities. 

Cash  flows  provided  by  operating  activities  have  historically  supplied  us  with  a  significant  source  of  liquidity. 
We generally use these cash flows to fund most, if not all, of our operations and dividends on our common stock. 
We may also use cash flows provided by operating activities, as well as proceeds from long-term debt and short-
term borrowings, to fund growth and expansion opportunities, as well as other cash requirements such as the 
repurchase of our common stock.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $763.9 million for fiscal 2017, which was an increase of $298.0 million 
compared to fiscal 2016. Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2016 was negatively impacted by the 
$229.5 million payment of taxes due on the gain on the sale of Shred-it. 

Net  cash  used  in  investing  activities  was  $2,310.3  million  in  fiscal  2017,  compared  to  $128.4  million  of  net 
cash provided by investing activities in fiscal 2016. Capital expenditures were $273.3 million and $275.4 million 
for  fiscal  2017  and  fiscal  2016,  respectively.  Capital  expenditures  for  fiscal  2017  included  $232.8  million  for 
the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment and $26.9 million for the First Aid and 
Safety  Services  reportable  operating  segment.  Cash  paid  for  acquisitions  of  businesses,  net  of  cash  acquired 
was  $2,102.4  million  and  $156.6  million  for  fiscal  2017  and  fiscal  2016,  respectively.  The  acquisitions  in  both 
fiscal 2017 and 2016 occurred in our Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, which 
includes G&K, our First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment and our Fire Protection business, 
which is included in All Other. Net cash provided by investing activities included proceeds related to the sale of 
Shred-it and Storage of $28.3 million and $616.2 million in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net cash used in 
investing activities for fiscal 2017 also included net proceeds of $37.3 million from purchases and redemptions of 
marketable securities and investments compared to net purchases of $60.0 million in fiscal 2016.  

Net  cash  provided  by  financing  activities  was  $1,578.5  million  for  fiscal  2017,  compared  to  net  cash  used  in 
financing activities of $866.7 million for fiscal 2016. The increase from fiscal 2017 over fiscal 2016 is primarily 
due to the net issuance of $1,732.7 million of debt and the decrease in stock buybacks. To finance the G&K 
acquisition,  Cintas  issued  various  forms  of  debt,  totaling  $2,091.2  million,  net.  In  addition,  on  June  1,  2016, 
Cintas paid the $250.0 million five-year senior notes that matured on that date with cash on hand and proceeds 
from the issuance of commercial paper.

CINTAS CORPORATION

21

On  August  4,  2015,  we  announced  that  the  Board  of  Directors  authorized  a  $500.0  million  share  buyback 
program,  which  does  not  have  an  expiration  date.  During  fiscal  2017,  we  purchased  0.1  million  shares  at  an 
average price of $94.09 per share for a total purchase price of $3.7 million. This completed the August 4, 2015 
program through which Cintas purchased a total of 5.7 million shares of Cintas common stock at an average price 
of $87.89 for a total purchase price of $500.0 million. During fiscal 2016, we purchased $759.2 million of common 
stock under previously authorized share buyback programs. On August 2, 2016, we announced that the Board 
of Directors authorized a new $500.0 million share buyback program, which does not have an expiration date. 
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, Cintas acquired 0.2 million shares of Cintas common stock in satisfaction 
of employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock awards that vested during the fiscal year. These shares were 
acquired at an average price of $101.37 per share for a total purchase price of $17.0 million.

On October 18, 2016, Cintas declared an annual cash dividend of $1.33 per share on outstanding common stock, 
a 26.7% increase over the annual dividend paid in the prior year. The dividend was paid on December 2, 2016 to 
shareholders of record as of November 4, 2016. This marked the 34th consecutive year that Cintas has increased 
its annual dividend, every year since going public in 1983.

On March 21, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of G&K. To finance the G&K acquisition, Cintas 
used a combination of new senior notes, a term loan, other borrowings under its existing credit facility and cash 
on hand.

The following table summarizes Cintas’ outstanding debt at May 31:

(In thousands)

Debt due within one year

Senior notes

Senior notes

Commercial paper

Current portion of term loan

Debt issuance costs

Total debt due within one year

Debt due after one year

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes (2)

Senior notes (3)

Senior notes

Senior notes

Long-term portion of term loan

Debt issuance costs

Total debt due after one year

Interest 
Rate

Fiscal Year 
Issued

Fiscal Year 
Maturity

2017

2016

2.85%

6.13%

2007

2008

2017

2018

1.24%(1) Various

Various

2.00%(1)

2017

2018

6.13%

4.30%

2.90%

3.25%

2.78%

3.11%

3.70%

6.15%

2.00%(1)

2008

2012

2017

2013

2013

2015

2017

2007

2017

2018

2022

2022

2023

2023

2025

2027

2037

2022

$ 

— $  250,000

300,000

50,500

12,500

(100)

—

—

—

—

$  362,900

$  250,000

$ 

— $  300,000

250,000

650,000

300,000

52,554

52,645

1,000,000

250,000

237,500

250,000

—

250,000

—

—

—

250,000

—

(22,075)

(5,578)

$ 2,770,624

$ 1,044,422

(1)  Variable rate debt instrument. The rate presented is the variable borrowing rate at May 31, 2017.

(2)  Cintas assumed these senior notes with the acquisition of G&K, and they were recorded at fair value. The interest rate shown above is the 

effective interest rate. The principal amount of these notes is $50.0 million with a stated interest rate of 3.73%.

(3)   Cintas assumed these senior notes with the acquisition of G&K, and they were recorded at fair value. The interest rate shown above is the 

effective interest rate. The principal amount of these notes is $50.0 million with a stated interest rate of 3.88%.

22

CINTAS CORPORATION

The  credit  agreement  that  supports  our  commercial  paper  program  was  amended  on  September  16,  2016. 
The amendment increased the capacity of the revolving credit facility from $450.0 million to $600.0 million and 
added a $250.0 million term loan facility. The $150.0 million increase in the revolving credit facility took effect 
upon the consummation of the merger (Merger) contemplated by the Merger Agreement among the Cintas, 
G&K and Bravo Merger Sub, Inc. (Merger Sub), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas. The term loan was funded 
upon  the  consummation  of  the  Merger.  The  credit  agreement  has  an  accordion  feature  that  provides  Cintas 
the ability to request increases to the borrowing commitments under either the revolving credit facility or the 
term loan of up to $250.0 million in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The maturity date of the 
agreement is September 15, 2021. As of May 31, 2017, there was $50.5 million of commercial paper outstanding 
with a weighted average interest rate of 1.24% and maturity dates less than 30 days and no borrowings on our 
revolving credit facility. No commercial paper or borrowings on our revolving credit facility were outstanding at 
May 31, 2016. 

Cintas has certain covenants related to debt agreements. These covenants limit Cintas’ ability to incur certain 
liens, to engage in sale-leaseback transactions and to merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of Cintas’ 
assets. These covenants also require Cintas to maintain certain debt to consolidated earnings before interest, 
taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization  (EBITDA)  and  interest  coverage  ratios.  Cross-default  provisions  exist 
between certain debt instruments. If a default of a significant covenant were to occur, the default could result in 
an acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness, impair liquidity and limit the ability to raise future capital. 
Cintas was in compliance with all of the debt covenants for all periods presented.

Our  access  to  the  commercial  paper  and  long-term  debt  markets  has  historically  provided  us  with  sources 
of  liquidity.    We  do  not  anticipate  having  difficulty  in  obtaining  financing  from  those  markets  in  the  future  in 
view of our favorable experiences in the debt markets in the recent past. Our ability to continue to access the 
commercial  paper  and  long-term  debt  markets  on  favorable  interest  rate  and  other  terms  will  depend,  to  a 
significant degree, on the ratings assigned by the credit rating agencies to our indebtedness. As of May 31, 2017, 
our ratings were as follows:

Rating Agency

Standard & Poor’s

Moody’s Investors Service

Outlook

Stable

Stable

Commercial  
Paper

Long-term  
Debt

A-2

P-2

BBB+

A3

In the event that the ratings of our commercial paper or our outstanding long-term debt issues were substantially 
lowered or withdrawn for any reason, or if the ratings assigned to any new issue of long-term debt securities 
were significantly lower than those noted above, particularly if we no longer had investment grade ratings, our 
ability to access the debt markets may be adversely affected. In addition, in such a case, our cost of funds for new 
issues of commercial paper and long-term debt would be higher than our cost of funds would have been had the 
ratings of those new issues been at or above the level of the ratings noted above. The rating agency ratings are 
not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our commercial paper or debt securities. Each rating may be subject to 
revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization and should be evaluated independently 
of any other rating. Moreover, each credit rating is specific to the security to which it applies.

To  monitor  our  credit  rating  and  our  capacity  for  long-term  financing,  we  consider  various  qualitative  and 
quantitative factors. One such factor is the ratio of our total debt to EBITDA. For the purpose of this calculation, 
debt  is  defined  as  the  sum  of  short-term  borrowings,  long-term  debt  due  within  one  year,  obligations  under 
capital leases due in one year, long-term debt and long-term obligations under capital leases.

CINTAS CORPORATION

23

Contractual Obligations

(In thousands)

Debt (1)

Operating leases (2)

Interest payments (3)

Payments Due by Period

Total

One year
or less

Two to
three years

Four to
five years

After five
years

$ 3,155,699

$ 363,000

$  25,000

$ 1,112,500

$ 1,655,199

176,004

43,775

64,417

39,295

28,517

936,383

119,547

199,498

196,841

420,497

Unconditional purchase obligations

—

—

—

—

—

Total contractual cash obligations

$ 4,268,086

$ 526,322

$ 288,915

$ 1,348,636

$ 2,104,213

Cintas also makes payments to defined contribution plans. The amount of contributions made to the defined 
contribution plans are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Cintas. Future contributions are expected 
to be $51.7 million in the next year, $111.2 million in the next two to three years, and $122.6 million in the next 
four to five years. Cintas may make payments to defined benefit plans to satisfy minimum funding requirements. 
Currently, Cintas does not expect to make any such payments during the next five years.  

(1)  See Note 6 entitled Debt and Derivatives of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a detailed presentation of Cintas’ debt.

(2)  Operating leases consist primarily of operational facility leases.

(3)  Interest  payments  include  interest  on  both  fixed  and  variable  rate  debt.  As  of  May  31,  2017,  Cintas  had  approximately  $300.5  million  of 
variable rate debt outstanding, which consisted of $50.5 million of commercial paper and a $250.0 million term loan. The interest payments 
for variable rate debt were estimated using forecasted rates in future years.

Other Commitments

(In thousands)

Lines of credit (1)

Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period

Total

One year
or less

Two to
three years

Four to
five years

After five
Years

$  549,399

$ 

— $ 549,399

$ 

— $ 

Standby letters of credit and surety bonds (2)

110,893

110,893

—

—

Total other commitments

$  660,292

$ 110,893

$ 549,399

$ 

— $ 

—

—

—

(1)  Back-up  facility  for  the  commercial  paper  program  (reference  Note  6  entitled  Debt  and  Derivatives  of  “Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements” for further discussion).

(2)  These standby letters of credit support certain outstanding debt (reference Note 6 entitled Debt and Derivatives of “Notes to Consolidated 

Financial Statements”), self-insured workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs.

Inflation and Changing Prices

Changes in wages, benefits and energy costs have the potential to materially impact Cintas’ consolidated financial 
results. Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on Cintas’ consolidated financial condition 
or a negative impact on consolidated results of operations.

Litigation and Other Contingencies

Cintas is subject to legal proceedings, insurance receipts, legal settlements and claims arising from the ordinary 
course of its business, including personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. In the 
opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course of business actions 
will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations 
or consolidated cash flows of Cintas.

24

CINTAS CORPORATION

New Accounting Standards

In  April  2014,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued  Accounting  Standard  Update  (ASU) 
2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which 
amended accounting guidance related to the reporting of discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of 
components of an entity. The amended guidance changes the thresholds for disposals to qualify as discontinued 
operations and requires additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after 
December 15, 2014 and is required to be applied prospectively. Cintas adopted ASU 2014-08 during the quarter 
ended August 31, 2015 and applied the amended accounting guidance to Shred-it and will apply it to future 
transactions, as appropriate.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” to clarify 
revenue recognition principles. This guidance is intended to improve disclosure requirements and enhance the 
comparability  of  revenue  recognition  practices.  Improved  disclosures  under  the  amended  guidance  relate  to 
the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized from contracts with customers. This 
guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will be required to be 
applied retrospectively. Early application of the amendments in this update is not permitted. A cross-functional 
implementation  team  has  been  established  consisting  of  representatives  from  all  of  our  operating  segments. 
The  implementation  team  is  working  to  analyze  the  impact  of  the  standard  on  the  Cintas’  contract  portfolio 
by reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from 
applying  the  requirements  of  the  new  standard  to  revenue  contracts.  In  addition,  we  are  in  the  process  of 
identifying and implementing the appropriate changes to business processes and controls to support recognition 
and disclosure under the new standard. Cintas plans to adopt the standard as of the first quarter of fiscal year 
2019  using  the  modified  retrospective  approach  and  will  record  a  cumulative  adjustment  to  equity  for  open 
contracts as of June 1, 2018. Cintas is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 and an estimate of the 
impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classifications of Deferred Taxes,” which amended 
accounting guidance related to the presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets. The amended guidance 
requires that all deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance 
is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. This 
guidance can also be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all 
periods presented. Cintas adopted ASU 2015-17 during the quarter ended November 30, 2015 and has applied 
this amended accounting guidance to its deferred tax liabilities and assets for all periods presented.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the 
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized 
debt liability be presented in the consolidated condensed balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying 
amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance is effective for annual and interim 
periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2015.  The  guidance  is  applied  retrospectively  and  early  adoption 
is  permitted.  Cintas  adopted  ASU  2015-03  during  the  quarter  ended  August  31,  2016  and  has  applied  this 
amended accounting guidance to its long-term debt and other assets for all periods presented. The impact of 
this change in accounting principle on balances previously reported as of May 31, 2016 was a reclassification of 
$5.6 million from other assets to debt due after one year within long-term liabilities. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting 
for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This amendment eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account 
for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. This amendment became 
effective for Cintas beginning June 1, 2016, and was adopted prospectively in accordance with the standard. 
The adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal 
year ended May 31, 2017.

In  February  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-02,  “Leases  (Topic  842),”  which  sets  out  the  principles  for  the 
recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and 
lessors).  The  new  standard  requires  lessees  to  apply  a  dual  approach,  classifying  leases  as  either  finance  or 
operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the 
lessee.  This  classification  will  determine  whether  lease  expense  is  recognized  based  on  an  effective  interest 

CINTAS CORPORATION

25

method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record 
a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their 
classification.  Leases  with  a  term  of  12  months  or  less  will  be  accounted  for  similar  to  existing  guidance  for 
operating  leases  today.  Topic  842  supersedes  the  previous  leases  standard,  ASC  840,  Leases.  This  guidance 
is  effective  for  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2018;  however,  early  adoption  is  permitted. 
Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the 
beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact 
that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” 
ASU 2016-09 is intended to simplify accounting for share-based payments. Upon adoption, ASU 2016-09 requires 
that  excess  tax  benefits  for  share-based  payments  be  recorded  as  a  reduction  of  income  tax  expense  and 
reflected within operating cash flows rather than being recorded within equity and reflected within financing cash 
flows. The standard also permits the repurchase of more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes 
without triggering liability accounting, clarifies that all cash payments made on an employee’s behalf for withheld 
shares should be presented as a financing activity on our cash flows statement, and provides an accounting policy 
election to account for forfeitures as they occur. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning 
after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. Cintas adopted ASU 2016-09 during the quarter 
ended August 31, 2016 and elected to make an accounting policy change to recognize forfeitures as they occur. 
The adoption impact on the consolidated balance sheet was a cumulative-effect adjustment of $26.7 million, 
increasing opening retained earnings and decreasing paid-in capital. 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and 
Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Costs.” ASU 2017-07 continues to require the service component of pension 
and other postretirement benefit costs to be presented in the same line item as other employee compensation 
costs on the consolidated statement of income and changes the presentation of other components of net benefit 
cost so that these items will be presented outside of operating income within the consolidated statements of 
income. Cintas plans to adopt ASU 2017-07 in fiscal 2018 and apply it prospectively. Cintas does not expect the 
adoption of ASU 2017-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncement recently issued or newly effective had or is expected to have a material 
impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of Cintas’ consolidated financial statements in conformity with U. S. GAAP requires management 
to make estimates and judgments that have a significant effect on the amounts reported in the consolidated 
financial statements and accompanying notes. These critical accounting policies should be read in conjunction 
with Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” Significant 
changes, estimates or assumptions related to any of the following critical accounting policies could possibly have 
a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Rental revenue, which is recorded in the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, is 
recognized when services are performed. Other revenue, which is recorded in the First Aid and Safety Services 
reportable operating segments and All Other, is recognized when either services are performed or when products 
are shipped and the title and risks of ownership pass to the customer.

Inventories

Inventories  are  valued  at  the  lower  of  cost  (first-in,  first-out)  or  market.  Cintas  applies  a  commonly  accepted 
practice of using inventory turns to apply variances between actual and standard costs to the inventory balances. 
The judgments and estimates used to calculate inventory turns will have an impact on the valuation of inventories 
at the lower of cost or market. An inventory obsolescence reserve is determined by specific identification, as well 
as an estimate based on the Company’s historical rates of obsolescence.

26

CINTAS CORPORATION

Uniforms and other rental items in service

Uniforms and other rental items in service are valued at cost less amortization, calculated using the straight-line 
method. Uniforms in service (other than cleanroom and flame resistant clothing) are amortized over their useful 
life  of  18  months.  Uniforms  acquired  in  the  G&K  acquisition  will  be  amortized  over  12  months.  Other  rental 
items,  including  shop  towels,  mats,  mops,  cleanroom  garments,  flame  resistant  clothing,  linens  and  restroom 
dispensers, are amortized over their useful lives, which range from 8 to 60 months. The amortization rates used 
are based on industry experience, Cintas’ specific experience and wear tests performed by Cintas. These factors 
are critical to determining the amount of in service inventory and related cost of uniforms and ancillary products 
that are presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Property and equipment

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets based on 
industry and Cintas specific experience, which is typically 30 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 20 years for building 
improvements,  3  to  10  years  for  equipment  and  2  to  15  years  for  leasehold  improvements.  When  events  or 
circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  long-lived  assets  may  not  be  recoverable,  the  estimated 
undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the carrying amount of the assets. If the estimated undiscounted 
future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recorded based on the 
excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value is generally determined 
by discounted cash flows or based on prices of similar assets, as appropriate. As a result of the identification of 
certain G&K plants and branches for future closure, an indicator of potential impairment was identified. Cintas 
recognized an impairment loss of $23.3 million during the year ended May 31, 2017, based on the excess of the 
carrying amount of asset over their respective fair values. The undiscounted cash flows were estimated, using 
Level 2 inputs based on both the cost and market approaches, at the lowest discernible level, which is at the 
location level. Cintas did not identify any indicators of impairment for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015. 

Goodwill

Goodwill, obtained through acquisitions of businesses, is valued at cost less any impairment. Cintas completes 
an  annual  impairment  test,  which  may  include  an  assessment  of  qualitative  factors  including,  but  not  limited 
to,  macroeconomic  conditions,  industry  and  market  conditions,  and  entity  specific  factors  such  as  strategies 
and financial performance. The test may also include the determination of the estimated fair value of Cintas’ 
reporting units via comparisons to current market values, where available, and discounted cash flow analyses. 
Significant assumptions may include growth rates based on historical trends and margin improvement leveraged 
from  such  growth,  as  well  as  discount  rates.  We  determine  discount  rates  separately  for  each  reporting  unit 
using the weighted average cost of capital, which includes a calculation of cost of equity, which is developed 
using  the  capital  asset  pricing  model  and  comparable  company  betas  (a  measure  of  systemic  risk),  and  cost 
of debt. We also use comparable market earnings multiple data and our market capitalization to corroborate 
our reporting unit valuations. We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. As a result of Cintas’ 
operating  segment  realignment  in  fiscal  2016  and  the  acquisition  of  G&K  in  fiscal  2017,  the  composition  of 
Cintas’ reporting units for the evaluation of goodwill impairment has changed. Cintas has identified six reporting 
units for purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment: Uniform Rental and Facility Services, G&K Services Uniform 
Rental  and  Facility  Services,  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services,  and  three  reporting  units  within  All  Other.  Given 
the proximity of the G&K acquisition date to the consolidated balance sheet date, the Company performed a 
high level qualitative analysis for its G&K reporting unit, which considered indicators of impairment to evaluate 
whether  the  fair  value  was  more-likely-than-not  in  excess  of  its  carrying  value.  The  key  indicators  considered 
include macroeconomic conditions, industry/market considerations, financial performance, cash flow, changes in 
management, and composition of net assets. Based on the results of the annual impairment tests, Cintas was not 
required to recognize an impairment of goodwill for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Cintas 
will continue to perform impairment tests as of March 1 in future years and when indicators of impairment exist.

CINTAS CORPORATION

27

Service contracts and other assets

Service contracts and other assets, which consist primarily of noncompete and consulting agreements obtained 
through acquisitions of businesses, are amortized by use of the straight-line method over the estimated lives 
of the agreements, which are generally 5 to 10 years. The G&K service contract asset will be amortized over a 
period of 15 years, which represents the estimated life of the economic benefit and the asset amortization is 
based on the annual economic value of the underlying asset which generally decreases over the 15-year term. 
Certain noncompete agreements, as well as all service contracts, require that a valuation be determined using 
a discounted cash flow model. The assumptions and judgments used in these models involve estimates of cash 
flows and discount rates, among other factors. Because of the assumptions used to value these intangible assets, 
actual results over time could vary from original estimates. Impairment of service contracts and other assets is 
accomplished through specific identification. No impairment has been recognized by Cintas for the fiscal years 
ended May 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015.

Business Combinations

Accounting  for  acquisitions  requires  us  to  recognize  separately  from  goodwill  the  assets  acquired  and  the 
liabilities  assumed  at  their  acquisition  date  fair  values.  Goodwill  as  of  the  acquisition  date  is  measured  as 
the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and 
the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates 
are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement.  As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up 
to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with 
the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination 
of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are 
recorded to our consolidated statements of income. See Note 9 entitled Acquisitions and Divestitures of the 
“Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of the G&K and ZEE Acquisitions.

General insurance liabilities

General insurance liabilities represent the estimated ultimate cost of all asserted and unasserted claims incurred, 
primarily  related  to  worker’s  compensation,  auto  liability  and  other  general  liability  exposure  through  the 
consolidated  balance  sheet  dates.  Our  reserves  are  estimated  through  actuarial  procedures  of  the  insurance 
industry and by using industry assumptions, adjusted for specific expectations based on our claims history. Cintas 
records an increase or decrease in selling and administrative expenses related to development of prior claims, 
higher claims activity and other environmental factors in the period in which it becomes known. These changes 
in estimates may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Stock-based compensation

Compensation expense is recognized for all share-based payments to employees, including stock options and 
restricted stock awards, in the consolidated statements of income based on the fair value of the awards that are 
granted. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model. Measured compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period of the related share-based compensation award. See Note 12 entitled Stock-Based Compensation 
of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

Litigation and other contingencies

Cintas  is  subject  to  legal  proceedings  and  claims  arising  from  the  ordinary  course  of  its  business,  including 
personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. U.S. GAAP requires that a liability for 
contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can 
be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine the existence of a liability, as well as the 
amount to be recorded. While a significant change in assumptions and judgments could have a material impact 
on  the  amounts  recorded  for  contingent  liabilities,  Cintas  does  not  believe  that  they  will  result  in  a  material 
adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

28

CINTAS CORPORATION

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by the differences between the consolidated financial statement 
carrying  amounts  and  the  tax  basis  of  assets  and  liabilities.  See  Note  8  entitled  Income  Taxes  of  “Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements” for the types of items that give rise to significant deferred income tax assets 
and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are classified as assets or liabilities based on the classification of the related 
asset or liability for financial reporting purposes. Cintas regularly reviews deferred tax assets for recoverability 
based  upon  projected  future  taxable  income  and  the  expected  timing  of  the  reversals  of  existing  temporary 
differences. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded 
deferred tax assets, as adjusted for valuation allowances, will be realized.

Accounting for uncertain tax positions requires the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected 
to  be  claimed  on  a  tax  return  should  be  recorded  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Companies  may 
recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will 
be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax 
benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position should be measured based on 
the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Cintas  is  periodically  reviewed  by  domestic  and  foreign  tax  authorities  regarding  the  amount  of  taxes  due. 
These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income 
among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, Cintas records 
reserves  as  deemed  appropriate.  Based  on  Cintas’  evaluation  of  current  tax  positions,  Cintas  believes  its  tax 
related accruals are appropriate.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates due to investments in marketable securities and 
money market accounts and periodic issuances of commercial paper. If short-term rates changed by one-half 
percent (or 50 basis points), Cintas’ income before income taxes would change by approximately $1.1 million. 
This estimated exposure considers the effects on investments. This analysis does not consider the effects of a 
change in economic activity or a change in Cintas’ capital structure.

Through  its  foreign  operations,  Cintas  is  exposed  to  foreign  currency  risk.  Foreign  currency  exposures  arise 
from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency and from foreign denominated 
revenue and profit translated into U.S. dollars. Foreign denominated revenue and profit represents less than 10% 
of  Cintas’  consolidated  revenue  and  profit.  Cintas  periodically  uses  foreign  currency  hedges  such  as  average 
rate options and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exchange rate movements resulting 
from foreign currency revenue and from international cash flows. The primary foreign currency to which Cintas is 
exposed is the Canadian dollar.

CINTAS CORPORATION

29

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

31

32

34

35

36

37

38

39

30

CINTAS CORPORATION

Management’s Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting

To the Shareholders of Cintas Corporation:

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 
purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Internal control over 
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that 
in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; 
(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; 
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use 
or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control over financial 
reporting will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

With the supervision of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management 
assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2017. Management based its assessment on 
criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Management’s  assessment  included  evaluation  of  such 
elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, 
accounting policies and our overall control environment. This assessment is supported by testing and monitoring 
performed by our internal audit function. The Company’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting 
did not include the internal controls of G&K operations subsequent to the acquisition on March 21, 2017, which 
are  included  in  the  2017  consolidated  financial  statements  and  constituted  37.6%  of  total  assets  (inclusive  of 
acquired goodwill and identifiable intangible assets which represents 29.6% of total assets) as of May 31, 2017, 
and 3.5% of revenue for the year then ended.

Based  on  our  assessment,  management  has  concluded  that  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was 
effective as of May 31, 2017, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States.

We  reviewed  the  results  of  management’s  assessment  with  the  Audit  Committee  of  our  Board  of  Directors. 
Additionally, our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, independently assessed the 
effectiveness of Cintas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP has issued an 
attestation report, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Scott D. Farmer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

J. Michael Hansen
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

CINTAS CORPORATION

31

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cintas Corporation

We have audited Cintas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2017, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Cintas Corporation’s management is responsible 
for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of 
internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control 
over  Financial  Reporting.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  company’s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United  States).  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance 
about  whether  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our 
audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a 
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. 
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being 
made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of 
the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As  indicated  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting, 
management’s  assessment  of  and  conclusion  on  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting 
did not include the internal controls of G&K Services, Inc., which is included in the May 31, 2017 consolidated 
financial statements of Cintas Corporation and constituted 37.6% of total assets (inclusive of acquired goodwill 
and identifiable intangible assets which represents 29.6% of total assets) as of May 31, 2017, and 3.5% of revenues 
for the year then ended.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Cintas Corporation also did not 
include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of G&K Services, Inc.

In our opinion, Cintas Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting as of May 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Cintas Corporation as of May 31, 2017 and 2016 and the 
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each 
of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2017 and our report dated July 31, 2017 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 31, 2017 

32

CINTAS CORPORATION

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cintas Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cintas Corporation as of May 31, 2017 and 
2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2017. Our audits also included the consolidated 
financial  statement  schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15(a)(2).  These  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
schedule are the responsibility of Cintas Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing 
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial  position  of  Cintas  Corporation  at  May  31,  2017  and  2016,  and  the  consolidated  results  of  their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2017, in conformity with 
U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  Also,  in  our  opinion,  the  related  financial  statement  schedule, 
when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all 
material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), Cintas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2017, based on criteria 
established  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated July 31, 2017 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 31, 2017 

CINTAS CORPORATION

33

Consolidated
Statements of Income

Fiscal Years Ended May 31,

(In thousands except per share data)

2017

2016

2015

Revenue:

Uniform rental and facility services

Other

$4,202,490

1,120,891

5,323,381

Costs and expenses:

Cost of uniform rental and facility services

2,307,774

$3,759,524

1,036,248

4,795,772

2,092,833

601,599

1,332,399

—

768,941

—

(896)

64,522

705,315

256,710

448,605

$3,519,199

850,478

4,369,677

1,992,665

484,089

1,209,284

—

683,639

21,739

(339)

65,161

640,556

238,003

402,553

635,312

1,527,380

79,224

773,691

—

(237)

86,524

687,404

230,118

457,286

23,422

$   480,708

244,915

$   693,520

28,065

$   430,618

$         4.27

$         4.08

$         3.44

0.22

2.22

0.24

$         4.49

$         6.30

$         3.68

$         4.17

$         4.02

$        3.39

0.21

2.19

0.24

$         4.38

$         6.21

$         3.63

Cost of other

Selling and administrative expenses

G&K Services, Inc. transaction and 

integration expenses

Operating income

Gain on sale of stock of an equity method 

investment

Interest income

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations, 
net of tax of $15,057, $138,184 and 
$15,910, respectively

Net income

Basic earnings per share

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Diluted earnings per share

Dividends declared and paid per share

$         1.33

$         1.05

$         1.70

See accompanying notes.

34

CINTAS CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

Net income

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Cumulative translation adjustment on Shred-it

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Amortization of interest rate lock agreements

Other

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 
expense (benefit) of $19,118, ($9,813) and 
$1,043, respectively

Comprehensive income

Fiscal Years Ended May 31,

2017

2016

2015

$480,708

$693,520

$430,618

(10,252)

—

31,136

1,076

(115)

(11,933)

6,472

(12,156)

1,952

(738)

(38,538)

—

37

1,952

(350)

21,845

$502,553

(16,403)

$677,117

(36,899)

$393,719

See accompanying notes.

CINTAS CORPORATION

35

Consolidated
Balance Sheets

(In thousands except share data)

Assets
Current assets:

As of May 31,

2017

2016

Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities
Accounts receivable, principally trade, less allowance of $20,525 and 

$    169,266
22,219

$    139,357
70,405

$19,103, respectively

Inventories, net
Uniforms and other rental items in service
Income taxes, current
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Property and equipment, at cost, net

Investments
Goodwill
Service contracts, net
Other assets, net
Long-term assets held for sale

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Accrued compensation and related liabilities
Accrued liabilities
Liabilities held for sale
Debt due within one year

Total current liabilities

Long-term liabilities:

Debt due after one year
Deferred income taxes
Accrued liabilities

Total long-term liabilities
Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, no par value:

100,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

Common stock, no par value:

425,000,000 shares authorized
2017: 180,992,605 shares issued and 105,400,629 shares outstanding
2016: 179,598,516 shares issued and 104,213,479 shares outstanding

Paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock:

2017: 75,591,976 shares
2016: 75,385,037 shares

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total shareholders’ equity

See accompanying notes.

36

CINTAS CORPORATION

736,008
278,218
635,702
44,320
30,132
38,613

546,488
249,362
538,286
1,712
25,948
19,021

1,954,478

1,590,579

1,323,501

993,692

164,788
2,782,335
586,988
31,967
—

124,952
1,276,076
78,194
14,283
21,039

$ 6,844,057

$ 4,098,815

$    177,051
149,635
429,809
11,457
362,900

1,130,852

2,770,624
469,328
170,460

3,410,412

$    110,940
101,391
343,266
9,958
250,000

815,555

1,044,422
259,475
136,704

1,440,601

—

—

485,068
223,924
5,170,830

409,682
205,260
4,805,867

(3,574,000)
(3,029)

2,302,793

(3,553,276)
(24,874)

1,842,659

$ 6,844,057

$ 4,098,815

Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Other
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Balance at June 1, 2014

176,378 $ 251,753 $134,939 $3,998,893

$ 28,428

(59,341) $(2,221,155) $2,192,858

Net income

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

Dividends

Stock-based compensation

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

— 47,002

Vesting of stock-based compensation 

awards

575

37,265

(37,265)

Stock options exercised, net of shares 

surrendered

1,164

40,230

Repurchase of common stock

Other

—

—

—

—

—

— 12,507

430,618

—

—

(36,899)

(201,891)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

430,618

(36,899)

(201,891)

47,002

—

40,230

(7,073)

(551,970)

(551,970)

—

—

12,507

Balance at May 31, 2015

178,117

329,248

157,183

4,227,620

(8,471)

(66,414)

(2,773,125)

1,932,455

Net income

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

Dividends

Stock-based compensation

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

— 79,293

Vesting of stock-based compensation 

awards

605

52,208

(52,208)

Stock options exercised, net of shares 

surrendered

876

28,226

Repurchase of common stock

Other

—

—

—

—

—

— 20,992

693,520

—

—

(16,403)

(115,273)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

693,520

(16,403)

(115,273)

79,293

—

28,226

(8,971)

(780,151)

(780,151)

—

—

20,992

Balance at May 31, 2016

179,598

409,682

205,260

4,805,867

(24,874)

(75,385)

(3,553,276)

1,842,659

480,708

—

—

21,845

Net income

Comprehensive income, net of tax

Dividends

Stock-based compensation

Vesting of stock-based compensation 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

— 88,868

awards

429

43,516

(43,516)

Stock options exercised, net of shares 

surrendered

966

31,870

(142,433)

—

—

—

—

—

—

Repurchase of common stock

Adoption of new accounting guidance

—

—

—

— (26,688)

26,688

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

480,708

21,845

(142,433)

88,868

—

31,870

(207)

(20,724)

(20,724)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Balance at May 31, 2017

180,993 $ 485,068 $223,924 $5,170,830

$  (3,029)

(75,592) $(3,574,000) $2,302,793

See accompanying notes.

CINTAS CORPORATION

37

Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by 

operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Stock-based compensation
Gain on Storage
(Gain) loss on Shred-it
Gain on sale of stock of an equity method investment
Asset impairment charge
G&K Services, Inc. transaction and integration costs
Short-term debt financing fees included in net income
Settlement of cash flow hedges
Deferred income taxes
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions  

of businesses:

Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Uniforms and other rental items in service
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable
Accrued compensation and related liabilities
Accrued liabilities and other
Income taxes, current

Fiscal Years Ended May 31,

2017

2016

2015

$    480,708

$ 693,520

$ 430,618

171,565
25,030
88,868
(1,460)
(25,457)
—
23,331
31,445
17,062
30,194
3,902

(93,557)
(668)
(8,732)
24,201
13,726
13,654
(501)
(29,424)

149,691
15,588
79,293
(15,786)
(354,071)
—
—
—
—
—
(59,302)

(52,762)
(17,917)
(6,306)
(965)
(564)
13,512
22,714
(800)

140,624
14,458
47,002
(38,573)
3,851
(21,739)
—
—
—
—
20,866

(1,443)
23,785
(31,994)
(3,202)
(33,445)
3,234
33,066
(6,832)

Net cash provided by operating activities

763,887

465,845

580,276

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures
Proceeds from redemption of marketable securities
Purchase of marketable securities and investments
Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of cash contributed
Proceeds from Shredding transactions
Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity method investment
Dividends received on equity method investment
Dividends received on Shred-it
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
Other, net

(273,317)
218,324
(181,065)
2,400
25,876
—
—
—
(2,102,371)
(196)

(275,385)
434,179
(494,146)
35,338
580,837
—
—
—
(156,579)
4,137

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(2,310,349)

128,381

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper, net
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net
Repayment of debt
Payment of short-term debt financing fees
Proceeds from exercise of stock-based compensation awards
Dividends paid
Repurchase of common stock

Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

50,500
1,932,229
(250,000)
(17,062)
31,870
(142,433)
(20,724)
(5,878)

1,578,502
(2,131)

29,909
139,357

—
—
(16)
—
28,226
(115,273)
(780,151)
490

(866,724)
(5,218)

(277,716)
417,073

(217,720)
161,938
(195,471)
158,428
3,344
29,933
5,247
113,400
(15,495)
1,383

44,987

—
—
(518)
—
40,230
(201,891)
(551,970)
1,589

(712,560)
(8,918)

(96,215)
513,288

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$    169,266

$ 139,357

$ 417,073

See accompanying notes.

38

CINTAS CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.  Significant Accounting Policies

Business  description.    Cintas  Corporation  (collectively  with  its  majority-owned  subsidiaries  and  any  entities 
over which it has control, Cintas) helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes, primarily in North 
America,  as  well  as  Latin  America,  Europe  and  Asia,  get  Ready™  to  open  their  doors  with  confidence  every 
day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their 
facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, floor 
care, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance 
training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday™.

On  March  21,  2017,  Cintas  completed  the  acquisition  of  G&K  Services,  Inc.  (G&K)  for  consideration  of 
approximately $2.1 billion. G&K is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas that will operate within the Uniform 
Rental and Facility Services operating segment. To finance the G&K acquisition, Cintas used a combination of 
new senior notes, a term loan, other borrowings under its existing credit facility and cash on hand. G&K’s results 
of operations are included in Cintas’ consolidated financial statements as of and from the date of acquisition. 

U.S.  Generally  Accepted  Accounting  Principles  (U.  S.  GAAP)  requires  companies  to  evaluate  their  reportable 
operating  segments  periodically  and  when  certain  events  occur.  As  a  result  of  our  evaluation  in  fiscal  2016, 
effective  June  1,  2015,  Cintas  realigned  its  organizational  structure  and  updated  its  reportable  operating 
segments in light of certain changes in its business, including the acquisition of ZEE Medical Inc. (ZEE) in the first 
quarter of fiscal 2016. Cintas’ updated reportable operating segments are Uniform Rental and Facility Services 
and First Aid and Safety Services. The Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, which 
includes  G&K,  consists  of  the  rental  and  servicing  of  uniforms  and  other  garments  including  flame  resistant 
clothing,  mats,  mops  and  shop  towels  and  other  ancillary  items.    In  addition  to  these  rental  items,  restroom 
cleaning services and supplies, carpet and tile cleaning services and the sale of items from our catalogs to our 
customers  on  route  are  included  within  this  reportable  operating  segment.  The  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services 
reportable operating segment consists of first aid and safety products and services. The remainder of Cintas’ 
business, which consists of Fire Protection Services and its Uniform Direct Sale business, is included in All Other. 
Cintas evaluates operating segment performance based on revenue and income before income taxes. Revenue 
and income before income taxes for each of these reportable operating segments for the years ended May 31, 
2017, 2016 and 2015 are presented in Note 14 entitled Operating Segment Information. The Company regularly 
reviews  its  operating  segments  for  reporting  purposes  based  on  the  information  its  chief  operating  decision 
maker  regularly  reviews  for  purposes  of  allocating  resources  and  assessing  performance  and  makes  changes 
when appropriate.

At May 31, 2017, Cintas has classified a significant business, referred to as “Discontinued Services,” as held for 
sale.  Prior to meeting the held for sale criteria, Discontinued Services was primarily included in All Other. In fiscal 
2014, Cintas completed its partnership transaction with the shareholders of Shred-it International Inc. to combine 
Cintas’ shredding business (Shredding) with the shredding business of Shred-it International Inc. (the Shredding 
Transaction).  Pursuant  to  the  Shredding  Transaction,  the  newly  formed  partnership  (the  Shred-it  Partnership) 
was  owned  42%  by  Cintas  and  58%  by  the  shareholders  of  Shred-it  International  Inc.  Cintas’  investment  in 
the Shred-it Partnership (Shred-it) and the results of Shredding are classified as discontinued operations for all 
periods presented as a result of selling the investment during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold the 
storage business (Storage) and, as a result, its operations are also classified as discontinued operations for all 
periods presented. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for the disposal of long-lived assets 
and discontinued operations, the results of Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage have been excluded 
from both continuing operations and operating segment results for all periods presented. See Note 16 entitled 
Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Principles  of  consolidation.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Cintas  controlled 
majority-owned  subsidiaries  and  any  entities  over  which  Cintas  has  control.  Intercompany  balances  and 
transactions have been eliminated as appropriate.

CINTAS CORPORATION

39

Consolidated  Financial  statement  presentation.  We  have  reclassified  certain  prior-year  amounts,  primarily 
related to discontinued operations, to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of estimates.  The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial 
statements  and  accompanying  notes.  The  Company’s  results  are  affected  by  economic,  political,  legislative, 
regulatory and legal actions. Economic conditions, such as recessionary trends, inflation, interest and monetary 
exchange rates, government fiscal policies and changes in the prices of raw materials, can have a significant effect 
on operations. These factors and other events could cause actual results to differ from management’s estimates.

Revenue recognition.  Rental revenue, which is recorded in the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable 
operating segment, is recognized when services are performed. Other revenue, which is recorded in the First 
Aid  and  Safety  Services  reportable  operating  segment  and  All  Other,  is  recognized  when  either  services  are 
performed or when products are shipped and the title and risks of ownership pass to the customer.

Cost of uniform rental and facility services.  Cost of uniform rental and facility services consists primarily of 
production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service inventory, including uniforms, mats, 
shop towels and other ancillary items. The Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment 
inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs and other costs of 
distribution are included in the cost of uniform rental and facility services.

Cost of other.  Cost of other consists primarily of cost of goods sold (predominantly first aid and safety products, 
uniforms and fire protection products), delivery expenses and distribution expenses in the First Aid and Safety 
Services reportable operating segment and All Other. Cost of other includes inbound freight charges, purchasing 
and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs and other costs of distribution.

Selling and administrative expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of sales labor and 
commissions, management and administrative labor, payroll taxes, medical expense, insurance expense, legal 
and professional costs and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets.

G&K transaction and integration expenses. As a result of the acquisition of G&K in fiscal 2017, the Company 
incurred various transaction and integration expenses which relate primarily to asset impairment charges, legal 
and professional fees, employee termination expenses, the write-off of excess inventory and other miscellaneous 
expenses. See Note 17 entitled G&K Transaction and Integration Expenses.

Cash  and  cash  equivalents.  Cintas  considers  all  highly  liquid  domestic  investments  with  a  maturity  of  three 
months or less, at date of purchase, to be cash equivalents.  At May 31, 2017 and 2016, cash and cash equivalents 
includes $30.6 million and $50.6 million, respectively, of restricted cash used as collateral associated with the 
general insurance program.

Marketable securities.  Marketable securities are typically comprised of fixed income securities and are classified 
as available-for-sale.

Accounts  receivable.  Accounts  receivable  is  comprised  of  amounts  owed  through  product  shipments  and 
services provided and is presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is an estimate based 
on historical rates of collections and allowances for specific accounts identified as uncollectible. The allowance 
that is an estimate based on Cintas’ historical rates of collections is recorded for overdue amounts, beginning 
with a nominal percentage and increasing substantially as the account ages. The amount provided as the account 
ages  will  differ  slightly  between  the  Uniform  Rental  and  Facility  Services  reportable  operating  segment,  the 
First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment and All Other because of differences in customers 
served and the nature of each business. When an account is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the 
allowance for doubtful accounts.

40

CINTAS CORPORATION

Inventories.  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Cintas applies a commonly 
accepted practice of using inventory turns to apply variances between actual and standard costs to the inventory 
balances. The judgments and estimates used to calculate inventory turns will have an impact on the valuation of 
inventories at the lower of cost or market.  Inventory is comprised of the following amounts at May 31:

(In thousands)

Raw materials

Work in process

Finished goods

2017

2016

$  17,528

$  17,794

17,951

242,739

14,731

216,837

$  278,218

$  249,362

Inventories are recorded net of reserves for obsolete inventory of $38.3 million and $32.7 million at May 31, 2017 
and 2016, respectively. The inventory obsolescence reserve is determined by specific identification, as well as 
an estimate based on Cintas’ historical rates of obsolescence. The increase in the reserve during fiscal 2017 is 
related to excess inventory obtained in the G&K acquisition.

Uniforms and other rental items in service.  These items are valued at cost less amortization, calculated using 
the straight-line method. Uniforms in service (other than cleanroom and flame resistant clothing) are amortized 
over their useful life of 18 months. Uniforms acquired in the G&K acquisition will be amortized over 12 months. 
Other rental items, including shop towels, mats, mops, cleanroom garments, flame resistant clothing, linens and 
restroom dispensers, are amortized over their useful lives, which range from 8 to 60 months. The amortization 
rates used are based on industry experience, Cintas’ specific experience and wear tests performed by Cintas. 
These  factors  are  critical  to  determining  the  amount  of  in  service  inventory  and  related  cost  of  uniforms  and 
facility services that are presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Property and equipment.  Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation or at fair 
value  upon  acquisition.  Depreciation  is  calculated  using  the  straight-line  method  primarily  over  the  following 
estimated useful lives of the assets based on industry and Cintas specific experience, in years:

Buildings

Building improvements

Equipment

Leasehold improvements

30 to 40

5 to 20

3 to 10

2 to 15

Investments.  Investments  consists  primarily  of  the  cash  surrender  value  of  life  insurance  policies  and  equity 
method  investments.  The  equity  method  is  used  to  account  for  an  investment  if  our  investment  gives  us  the 
ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. In general, equity 
method  investments  are  initially  measured  at  cost.  However,  an  equity  method  investment  resulting  from  a 
transaction in which a controlled group of assets that constitutes a business is deconsolidated is initially measured 
at  fair  value.  Cintas  recognizes  its  share  of  the  investee’s  earnings  or  losses  in  income.  Cintas  also  adjusts  its 
share of the investee’s earnings for intra-entity transactions, basis differences, investee capital transactions and 
other comprehensive income through income or other comprehensive income as appropriate. Equity method 
investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of the investment might not be recoverable.

Long-lived assets.  When events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may 
not  be  recoverable,  the  estimated  undiscounted  future  cash  flows  are  compared  to  the  carrying  amount  of 
the assets. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an 
impairment loss is recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair 
values. Fair value is generally determined by discounted cash flows, prices of similar assets or third party real 
estate valuations, as appropriate. As a result of the identification of certain G&K plants and branches for future 
closure,  an  indicator  of  potential  impairment  was  identified.  Cintas  recognized  an  impairment  loss  of  $23.3 
million during the year ended May 31, 2017, based on the excess of the carrying amount of asset over their 

CINTAS CORPORATION

41

respective fair values. The undiscounted cash flows used to test recoverability were performed, using Level 2 
inputs based on both the cost and market approaches, at the lowest discernible level, which is at the location 
level. Cintas did not identify any indicators of impairment for the years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015. 

Goodwill.  Goodwill, obtained through acquisitions of businesses, is valued at cost less any impairment. Cintas 
completes  an  annual  impairment  test,  which  may  include  an  assessment  of  qualitative  factors  including,  but 
not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, and entity specific factors such as 
strategies and financial performance. The test may also include the determination of the estimated fair value 
of Cintas’ reporting units via comparisons to current market values, where available, and discounted cash flow 
analyses. Significant assumptions may include growth rates based on historical trends and margin improvement 
leveraged from such growth, as well as discount rates. We determine discount rates separately for each reporting 
unit using the weighted average cost of capital, which includes a calculation of cost of equity, which is developed 
using  the  capital  asset  pricing  model  and  comparable  company  betas  (a  measure  of  systemic  risk),  and  cost 
of debt. We also use comparable market earnings multiple data and our market capitalization to corroborate 
our reporting unit valuations. We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. As a result of Cintas’ 
operating  segment  realignment  in  fiscal  2016  and  the  acquisition  of  G&K  in  fiscal  2017,  the  composition  of 
Cintas’ reporting units for the evaluation of goodwill impairment has changed. Cintas has identified six reporting 
units for purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment: Uniform Rental and Facility Services, G&K Services Uniform 
Rental  and  Facility  Services,  First  Aid  and  Safety  Services,  and  three  reporting  units  within  All  Other.  Given 
the proximity of the G&K acquisition date to the consolidated balance sheet date, the Company performed a 
high level qualitative analysis for its G&K reporting unit, which considered indicators of impairment to evaluate 
whether  the  fair  value  was  more-likely-than-not  in  excess  of  its  carrying  value.  The  key  indicators  considered 
include macroeconomic conditions, industry/market considerations, financial performance, cash flow, changes in 
management, and composition of net assets. Based on the results of the annual impairment tests, Cintas was not 
required to recognize an impairment of goodwill for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Cintas 
will continue to perform impairment tests as of March 1 in future years and when indicators of impairment exist.

Service contracts and other assets.  Service contracts and other assets, which consist primarily of noncompete 
and consulting agreements obtained through acquisitions of businesses, are generally amortized by use of the 
straight-line method over the estimated lives of the agreements, which are generally 5 to 10 years. The G&K 
service  contract  asset  will  be  amortized  over  a  period  of  15  years  which  represents  the  estimated  life  of  the 
economic benefit and the asset amortization is based on the annual economic value of the underlying asset which 
generally  decreases  over  the  15-year  term.  Certain  noncompete  agreements,  as  well  as  all  service  contracts, 
require that a valuation be determined using a discounted cash flow model. The assumptions and judgments 
used in these models involve estimates of cash flows and discount rates, among other factors. Because of the 
assumptions used to value these intangible assets, actual results over time could vary from original estimates. 
Impairment of service contracts and other assets is accomplished through specific identification. No impairment 
has been recognized by Cintas for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Business  Combinations.  Accounting  for  acquisitions  requires  us  to  recognize  separately  from  goodwill  the 
assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date 
is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets 
acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, 
our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement.  As a result, during the measurement period, 
which  may  be  up  to  one  year  from  the  acquisition  date,  we  record  adjustments  to  the  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or 
final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent 
adjustments  are  recorded  to  our  consolidated  statements  of  income.  See  Note  9  entitled  Acquisitions  and 
Divestitures for a discussion of the G&K and ZEE Acquisitions.

Debt Issuance Costs.  Debt issuance costs for the revolving credit facility are included in other assets and all 
other debt issuance costs reduce the carrying amount of long-term debt.

42

CINTAS CORPORATION

Accrued liabilities.  Current accrued liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and 
the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Current accrued liabilities include the following amounts 
at May 31:

(In thousands)

General insurance liabilities

Employee benefit related liabilities

Taxes and related liabilities

Accrued interest

Other

2017

2016

$  153,743

$  128,759

110,104

8,057

36,638

121,267

75,587

5,765

26,682

106,473

$  429,809

$  343,266

General insurance liabilities represent the estimated ultimate cost of all asserted and unasserted claims incurred, 
primarily  related  to  workers’  compensation,  auto  liability  and  other  general  liability  exposure  through  the 
consolidated  balance  sheet  dates.  Our  reserves  are  estimated  through  actuarial  procedures  of  the  insurance 
industry and by using industry assumptions, adjusted for specific expectations based on our claims history. Cintas 
records an increase or decrease in selling and administrative expenses related to development of prior claims, 
higher claims activity and other environmental factors in the period in which it becomes known. These changes in 
estimates may be material to the consolidated financial statements. The increase in accrued liabilities from May 
31, 2016 to May 31, 2017 is primarily related to the acquisition of G&K.

Long-term accrued liabilities consists primarily of reserves associated with unrecognized tax benefits, which are 
described in more detail in Note 8 entitled Income Taxes, and retirement obligations, which are described in 
more detail in Note 10 entitled Employee Benefit Plans.

Pension Plans.  The Company assumed G&K’s noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan) 
covering substantially all employees who were employed as of July 1, 2005, except certain employees who are 
covered by union-administered plans. Benefits are based on the number of years of service and each employee’s 
compensation  near  retirement.  G&K  froze  the  Pension  Plan  effective  December  31,  2006.  Future  growth  in 
benefits will not occur after this date. The Company’s funding policy provides for contributions of an amount 
between the minimum required and maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. 
The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation 
at May 31, the measurement date. The benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO). The PBO 
represents  the  actuarial  present  value  of  benefits  expected  to  be  paid  upon  retirement  based  on  estimated 
future compensation levels. The measurement of the PBO is based on the Company’s estimates and actuarial 
valuations.  The  fair  value  of  plan  assets  represents  the  current  market  value  of  assets  held  by  an  irrevocable 
trust fund for the sole benefit of participants. These valuations reflect the terms of the Pension Plan and use 
participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain assumptions 
that  require  significant  judgment,  including  estimates  of  discount  rates,  expected  return  on  plan  assets,  rate 
of  compensation  increases,  interest  crediting  rates  and  mortality  rates.  We  recognize,  as  of  a  measurement 
date,  any  unrecognized  actuarial  net  gains  or  losses  that  exceed  10%  of  the  larger  of  the  projected  benefit 
obligations or the plan assets, defined as the “corridor.” Amounts inside the corridor are amortized over the 
plan participants’ life expectancy. We determine the expected return on assets using the fair value of plan assets.

Stock-based compensation.  Compensation expense is recognized for all share-based payments to employees, 
including stock options and restricted stock awards, in the consolidated statements of income based on the fair 
value of the awards that are granted. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the 
Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Measured compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, is recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related share-based compensation award.

Derivatives and hedging activities.  Cintas formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments 
and  hedged  items,  as  well  as  its  risk  management  objective  and  strategy  for  undertaking  various  hedge 
transactions. Derivatives are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet, and gains and losses are 
recorded  as  adjustments  to  income  or  other  comprehensive  income,  as  appropriate.  For  derivative  financial 
instruments that are designated as a hedge, unrealized gains and losses related to the effective portion are either 

CINTAS CORPORATION

43

 
  
recognized in income immediately to offset the realized gain or loss on the hedged item, or are deferred and 
reported as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity and subsequently recognized 
in net income when the hedged item affects net income. The change in fair value of the ineffective portion of a 
derivative financial instrument is recognized in net income immediately.

Income taxes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by the differences between the consolidated 
financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. See Note 8 entitled Income Taxes 
for the types of items that give rise to significant deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income 
taxes are classified as assets or liabilities based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial 
reporting purposes. Cintas regularly reviews deferred tax assets for recoverability based upon projected future 
taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. Although realization 
is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded deferred tax assets, as adjusted 
for valuation allowances, will be realized.

Accounting for uncertain tax positions requires the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected 
to  be  claimed  on  a  tax  return  should  be  recorded  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Companies  may 
recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will 
be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax 
benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position should be measured based on 
the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Cintas  is  periodically  reviewed  by  domestic  and  foreign  tax  authorities  regarding  the  amount  of  taxes  due. 
These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income 
among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, Cintas records 
reserves  as  deemed  appropriate.  Based  on  Cintas’  evaluation  of  current  tax  positions,  Cintas  believes  its  tax 
related accruals are appropriate.

Litigation and other contingencies.  Cintas is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the ordinary 
course of its business, including personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. U.S. 
GAAP requires that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and 
the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, 
if any, with respect to such ordinary course of business actions will not have a material adverse effect on the 
consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations of Cintas.

Fair  value  measurements.  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  Accounting  Standard  Codification 
(ASC) Topic 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a 
liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction 
between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.  When  determining  the  fair  value  measurements  for 
assets and liabilities, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company 
would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in 
pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and credit risk. It also establishes a three-
level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to 
maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs 
used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 —  Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 —  Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar 
assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities 
in  markets  that  are  not  active;  or  other  inputs  that  are  observable  or  can  be  corroborated  by 
observable market data.

Level 3 —  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to 
the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow 
methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

44

CINTAS CORPORATION

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of 
the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is 
based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Cintas’ assessment 
of  the  significance  of  a  particular  input  to  the  fair  value  measurement  in  its  entirety  requires  judgment  and 
considers factors specific to the asset or liability. There were no transfers between levels for the years ended May 
31, 2017 or 2016. The carrying value of accounts receivable and accounts payable, and other current assets and 
liabilities, approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments.

In order to meet the requirements of ASC 820, Cintas utilizes two basic valuation approaches to determine the 
fair value of its assets and liabilities required to be recorded on a recurring basis at fair value. The first approach 
is the cost approach. The cost approach is generally the value a market participant would expect to replace the 
respective asset or liability. The second approach is the market approach. The market approach looks at what a 
market participant would consider valuing an exact or similar asset or liability to that of Cintas, including those 
traded on exchanges.

Cintas’ non-financial assets and liabilities not permitted or required to be measured at fair value on a recurring 
basis primarily relate to assets and liabilities acquired in a business acquisition unless otherwise noted in Note 2 
entitled Fair Value Disclosures. Cintas is required to provide additional disclosures about fair value measurements 
as  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  each  major  category  of  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at 
fair  value  on  a  non-recurring  basis  (including  business  acquisitions).  Based  on  the  nature  of  Cintas’  business 
acquisitions, which occur regularly throughout the fiscal year, the majority of the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed consist of working capital, primarily valued using Level 2 inputs, property and equipment, also primarily 
valued using Level 2 inputs and goodwill and other identified intangible assets valued using Level 3 inputs. In 
general, non-recurring fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets 
for  identical  assets  or  liabilities,  which  generally  are  not  applicable  to  non-financial  assets  and  liabilities.  Fair 
values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as definitive sales agreements, 
appraisals  or  established  market  values  of  comparable  assets.  Fair  values  determined  by  Level  3  inputs  are 
unobservable data points for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity 
for the asset or liability, such as internal estimates of future cash flows and company specific discount rates.

New accounting pronouncements.  In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-08, 
“Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which amended 
accounting  guidance  related  to  the  reporting  of  discontinued  operations  and  disclosures  of  disposals  of 
components of an entity. The amended guidance changes the thresholds for disposals to qualify as discontinued 
operations and requires additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after 
December 15, 2014 and is required to be applied prospectively. Cintas adopted ASU 2014-08 during the quarter 
ended August 31, 2015 and applied the amended accounting guidance to Shred-it and will apply it to future 
transactions, as appropriate.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” to clarify 
revenue recognition principles. This guidance is intended to improve disclosure requirements and enhance the 
comparability  of  revenue  recognition  practices.  Improved  disclosures  under  the  amended  guidance  relate  to 
the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized from contracts with customers. This 
guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will be required to be 
applied retrospectively. Early application of the amendments in this update is not permitted. A cross-functional 
implementation team has been established consisting of representatives from all of our operating segments. The 
implementation team is working to analyze the impact of the standard on Cintas’ contract portfolio by reviewing 
current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the 
requirements of the new standard to revenue contracts. In addition, we are in the process of identifying and 
implementing the appropriate changes to business processes and controls to support recognition and disclosure 
under the new standard. Cintas plans to adopt the standard as of the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 using the 
modified  retrospective  approach  and  will  record  a  cumulative  adjustment  to  equity  for  open  contracts  as  of 
June 1, 2018. Cintas is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 and an estimate of the impact to the 
consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classifications of Deferred Taxes,” which amended 
accounting guidance related to the presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets. The amended guidance 
requires that all deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance 

CINTAS CORPORATION

45

is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. This 
guidance can also be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all 
periods presented. Cintas adopted ASU 2015-17 during the quarter ended November 30, 2015 and has applied 
this amended accounting guidance to its deferred tax liabilities and assets for all periods presented.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the 
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized 
debt liability be presented in the consolidated condensed balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying 
amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance is effective for annual and interim 
periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2015.  The  guidance  is  applied  retrospectively  and  early  adoption 
is  permitted.  Cintas  adopted  ASU  2015-03  during  the  quarter  ended  August  31,  2016  and  has  applied  this 
amended accounting guidance to its long-term debt and other assets for all periods presented. The impact of 
this change in accounting principle on balances previously reported as of May 31, 2016 was a reclassification of 
$5.6 million from other assets to debt due after one year within long-term liabilities. 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting 
for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This amendment eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account 
for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. This amendment became 
effective for Cintas beginning June 1, 2016, and was adopted prospectively in accordance with the standard. 
The adoption of this amendment did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal 
year ended May 31, 2017.

In  February  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-02,  “Leases  (Topic  842),”  which  sets  out  the  principles  for  the 
recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and 
lessors).  The  new  standard  requires  lessees  to  apply  a  dual  approach,  classifying  leases  as  either  finance  or 
operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the 
lessee.  This  classification  will  determine  whether  lease  expense  is  recognized  based  on  an  effective  interest 
method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record 
a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their 
classification.  Leases  with  a  term  of  12  months  or  less  will  be  accounted  for  similar  to  existing  guidance  for 
operating  leases  today.  Topic  842  supersedes  the  previous  leases  standard,  ASC  840,  Leases.  This  guidance 
is  effective  for  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2018;  however,  early  adoption  is  permitted. 
Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the 
beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact 
that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” 
ASU 2016-09 is intended to simplify accounting for share-based payments. Upon adoption, ASU 2016-09 will 
require that excess tax benefits for share-based payments be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense and 
reflected within operating cash flows rather than being recorded within equity and reflected within financing cash 
flows. The standard also permits the repurchase of more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes 
without triggering liability accounting, clarifies that all cash payments made on an employee’s behalf for withheld 
shares should be presented as a financing activity on our cash flows statement, and provides an accounting policy 
election to account for forfeitures as they occur. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning 
after December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. Cintas adopted ASU 2016-09 during the quarter 
ended August 31, 2016 and elected to make an accounting policy change to recognize forfeitures as they occur. 
The adoption impact on the consolidated balance sheet was a cumulative-effect adjustment of $26.7 million, 
increasing opening retained earnings and decreasing paid-in capital. 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and 
Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Costs.” ASU 2017-07 continues to require the service component of pension 
and other postretirement benefit costs to be presented in the same line item as other employee compensation 
costs on the consolidated statement of income and changes the presentation of other components of net benefit 
cost so that these items will be presented outside of operating income within the consolidated statements of 
income. Cintas plans to adopt ASU 2017-07 in fiscal 2018 and apply it prospectively. Cintas does not expect the 
adoption of ASU 2017-07 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncement recently issued or newly effective had or is expected to have a material 
impact on the consolidated financial statements.

46

CINTAS CORPORATION

2.  Fair Value Disclosures

All  financial  instruments  that  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  (at  least  annually)  have  been 
segregated into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine 
the fair value at the consolidated balance sheet date. These financial instruments measured at fair value on a 
recurring basis are summarized below:

(In thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities:

Canadian treasury securities

Total assets at fair value

(In thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities:

Canadian treasury securities

Total assets at fair value

Long-term accrued liabilities:

  Interest rate lock agreement

Total liabilities at fair value

As of May 31, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

$  169,266

$ 

    —

Level 3

$  —

Fair Value

$  169,266

—

22,219

—

22,219

$  169,266

$  22,219

$ 

 —

$  191,485

As of May 31, 2016

Level 1

Level 2

$  139,357

$ 

  —

Level 3

$  —

Fair Value

$  139,357

—

70,405

—

70,405

$  139,357

$  70,405

$  —

$  209,762

$ 

$ 

  —

  —

$  19,628

$  19,628

$  —

$  —

$  19,628

$  19,628

Cintas’ cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of 
the fair value hierarchy. Financial instruments classified as Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in active 
markets,  and  financial  instruments  classified  as  Level  2  are  based  on  quoted  market  prices,  broker  or  dealer 
quotations  or  alternative  pricing  sources  with  reasonable  levels  of  price  transparency.  The  types  of  financial 
instruments Cintas classifies within Level 1 include most bank deposits and money market securities. Cintas does 
not adjust the quoted market price for such financial instruments.

The types of financial instruments Cintas classifies within Level 2 are primarily high grade domestic commercial 
paper and Canadian treasury securities (federal). The valuation technique used for Cintas’ marketable securities 
classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy is primarily the market approach. The primary inputs to value 
Cintas’ marketable securities are the respective instrument’s future cash flows based on its stated yield and the 
amount  a  market  participant  would  pay  for  a  similar  instrument.  Primarily  all  of  Cintas’  marketable  securities 
are actively traded and the recorded fair value reflects current market conditions. However, due to the inherent 
volatility in the investment market, there is at least a possibility that recorded investment values may change in 
the near term.

The funds invested in Canadian treasury securities are not presently expected to be repatriated, but instead are 
expected to be invested indefinitely in foreign subsidiaries. Interest, realized gains and losses and declines in 
value determined to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income or 
expense. The cost of the securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The amortized cost basis 
of marketable securities as of May 31, 2017 and 2016 was $22.2 million and $70.4 million, respectively. Purchases 
of marketable securities were $171.3 million, $488.8 million and $179.2 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 
2017,  2016  and  2015,  respectively.  All  outstanding  marketable  securities  as  of  May  31,  2017  and  2016  had 
contractual maturities due within one year. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of May 31, 2016, long-term accrued liabilities include interest rate lock agreements. The fair value of Cintas’ 
interest  rate  lock  agreements  are  based  on  similar  exchange  traded  derivatives  (market  approach)  and  are, 
therefore, included within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The interest rate lock agreements outstanding at 
May 31, 2016 were settled during fiscal 2017. All other amounts included in long-term liabilities are not recorded 
at fair value.

The methods described above may produce a fair value that may not be indicative of net realizable value or 
reflective  of  future  fair  values.  Furthermore,  while  Cintas  believes  its  valuation  methods  are  appropriate  and 
consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the 
fair  value  of  certain  financial  instruments  could  result  in  a  different  estimate  of  fair  value  at  the  consolidated 
balance sheet dates.

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, Cintas records assets and 
liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required under U.S. GAAP. Cintas’ acquisition of G&K in fiscal 
2017 and ZEE in fiscal 2016 were recorded at fair value. See Note 9 entitled Acquisitions and Divestitures for 
additional information on the measurement of the G&K and ZEE assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

3.  Property and Equipment

(In thousands)

Land

Buildings and improvements

Equipment

Leasehold improvements

Construction in progress

Less: accumulated depreciation

2017

2016

$     173,166

$  117,881

624,615

509,193

1,930,018

1,582,793

32,679

79,400

2,839,878

1,516,377

28,412

173,367

2,411,646

1,417,954

$  1,323,501

$  993,692

Interest expense is net of capitalized interest of $2.1 million and $1.1 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively. 

48

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
4.  Investments

Investments at May 31, 2017 of $164.8 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $144.0 
million, equity method investments of $15.8 million and cost method investments of $5.0 million. Investments 
at May 31, 2016 of $125.0 million include the cash surrender value of insurance policies of $108.1 million, equity 
method investments of $14.5 million and cost method investments of $2.4 million. 

During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold stock in an equity method investment. In conjunction with the sale of the equity 
method investment, Cintas also received a cash dividend of $5.2 million. Total cash received from the transaction 
was  $35.2  million.  The  sale  resulted  in  the  recording  of  a  gain,  net  of  tax,  of  approximately  $13.6  million  in 
the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. As a result, the Company no longer has the ability to exercise significant 
influence  over  the  investee.  Therefore,  effective  July  1,  2014,  the  remaining  investment  retained  by  Cintas  is 
accounted for under the cost method.

Investments are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when indicators of impairment exist. For fiscal 
years 2017, 2016 and 2015, no losses due to impairment were recorded. 

5.  Goodwill, Service Contracts and Other Assets

Changes  in  the  carrying  amount  of  goodwill  and  service  contracts  by  reportable  operating  segment  and  All 
Other, are as follows:

Goodwill (in thousands)

Uniform Rental 
and Facility 
Services

First Aid 
and Safety 
Services

All Other

Total

Balance as of June 1, 2015

$     940,423

$  154,954

$  84,717

$  1,180,094

Goodwill acquired

Foreign currency translation

Balance at May 31, 2016

Goodwill acquired

Foreign currency translation

10,020

(713)

86,874

(380)

203

(22)

97,097

(1,115)

$     949,730

$  241,448

$  84,898

$  1,276,076

1,499,008

(668)

2,265

(601)

6,281

(26)

1,507,554

(1,295)

Balance as of May 31, 2017

$  2,448,070

$  243,112

$  91,153

$  2,782,335

Assets  held  for  sale  at  May  31,  2017  and  2016  include  $15.5  million  of  goodwill  associated  with 
Discontinued Services.  

Service Contracts (in thousands)

Balance as of June 1, 2015

Service contracts acquired

Service contracts amortization

Foreign currency translation

Balance at May 31, 2016

Service contracts acquired

Service contracts amortization

Foreign currency translation

Uniform Rental 
and Facility 
Services

First Aid 
and Safety 
Services

All
Other

Total

$   

  5,078

$ 

  1,576

$  28,996

$ 

  35,650

18,912

(4,078)

—

34,052

(3,355)

(21)

2,730

(5,696)

—

55,694

(13,129)

(21)

$ 

  19,912

$  32,252

$  26,030

$ 

  78,194

521,708

(11,636)

(61)

1,632

(3,952)

130

5,895

(4,922)

—

529,235

(20,510)

69

Balance as of May 31, 2017

$     529,923

$  30,062

$  27,003

$ 

  586,988

CINTAS CORPORATION

49

Information regarding Cintas’ service contracts and other assets is as follows:

(In thousands)

Service contracts

As of May 31, 2017

Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

$ 911,273

$ 324,285

$ 586,988

Noncompete and consulting agreements

$

40,743

$

39,244

$

1,499

Other

Total

(In thousands)

Service contracts

Noncompete and consulting agreements

Other

Total

34,890

4,422

30,468

$

75,633

$

43,666

$

31,967

As of May 31, 2016

Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

$ 382,858

$ 304,664

$

40,238

$

38,788

15,275

2,442

$

$

Net

78,194

1,450

12,833

$

55,513

$

41,230

$

14,283

Amortization  expense  for  continuing  operations  was  $22.8  million,  $14.2  million  and  $12.1  million  for  the 
fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for continuing 
operations,  excluding  any  future  acquisitions,  for  each  of  the  next  five  years  is  $60.0  million,  $60.1  million, 
$59.5 million, $53.7 million and $53.1 million, respectively. The increase in amortization expense in the current 
year and for the next five years over past fiscal years is the result of the G&K acquisition.  

50

CINTAS CORPORATION

6.  Debt and Derivatives

Cintas’ debt is summarized as follows at May 31:

Interest 
 Rate

Fiscal Year 
Issued

Fiscal Year 
Maturity

2017

2016

(In thousands)

Debt due within one year

Senior notes

Senior notes

Commercial paper

2.85%

6.13%

2007

2008

2017

2018

1.24% (1)

Various

Various

Current portion of term loan

2.00% (1)

2017

2018

Debt issuance costs

Total debt due within one year

Debt due after one year

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes (2)

Senior notes (3)

Senior notes

Senior notes

6.13%

4.30%

2.90%

3.25%

2.78%

3.11%

3.70%

6.15%

Long-term portion of term loan

2.00% (1)

Debt issuance costs

Total debt due after one year

2008

2012

2017

2013

2013

2015

2017

2007

2017

2018

2022

2022

2023

2023

2025

2027

2037

2022

$

—

$ 250,000

300,000

50,500

12,500

(100)

—

—

—

—

$ 362,900

$ 250,000

$

—

$ 300,000

250,000

650,000

300,000

52,554

52,645

1,000,000

250,000

237,500

(22,075)

250,000

—

250,000

—

—

—

250,000

—

(5,578)

$ 2,770,624

$ 1,044,422

(1)  Variable rate debt instrument. The rate presented is the variable borrowing rate at May 31, 2017.

(2)  Cintas assumed these senior notes with the acquisition of G&K, and they were recorded at fair value. The interest rate shown above is the 

effective interest rate. The principal amount of these notes is $50.0 million with a stated interest rate of 3.73%. 

(3)  Cintas assumed these senior notes with the acquisition of G&K, and they were recorded at fair value. The interest rate shown above is the 

effective interest rate. The principal amount of these notes is $50.0 million with a stated interest rate of 3.88%. 

The average interest rate for all Cintas debt at May 31, 2017 was 3.8% with maturity dates through fiscal year 
2037. Cintas’ senior notes, excluding the G&K senior notes assumed with the acquisition of G&K, and term loan 
are recorded at cost, net of debt issuance costs. The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 
inputs based on general market prices. The carrying value and fair value of Cintas’ debt as of May 31, 2017 were 
$3,156.0 million and $3,296.8 million, respectively, and as of May 31, 2016 were $1,300.0 million and $1,416.6 
million, respectively. On June 1, 2016, Cintas paid the $250.0 million five-year senior notes that matured on that 
date with cash on hand and $218.5 million proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper. In June and July 
2017, Cintas paid a total of $50.5 million of commercial paper and $150.0 million of the term loan with cash 
on hand.

Letters  of  credit  outstanding  were  $110.9  million  and  $83.4  million  at  May  31,  2017  and  2016,  respectively. 
Maturities of debt during each of the next five years are $363.0 million, $12.5 million, $12.5 million, $12.5 million 
and $1,100.0 million, respectively.

Interest paid was $76.6 million, $64.5 million and $65.3 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 
2015, respectively. Interest paid in fiscal 2017 included the payment of $17.1 million in short-term debt financing 
fees, which were related to the acquisition of G&K and are not reoccurring.

CINTAS CORPORATION

51

 
The  credit  agreement  that  supports  our  commercial  paper  program  was  amended  on  September  16,  2016. 
The  amendment  increased  the  capacity  of  the  revolving  credit  facility  from  $450.0  million  to  $600.0  million 
and  added  a  $250.0  million  term  loan.  The  $150.0  million  increase  in  the  revolving  credit  facility  took  effect 
upon the consummation of the merger (Merger) contemplated by the merger agreement (Merger Agreement) 
among the Company, G&K and Bravo Merger Sub, Inc. (Merger Sub), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas. The 
term loan was funded upon the consummation of the Merger. The credit agreement has an accordion feature 
that provides Cintas the ability to request increases to the borrowing commitments under either the revolving 
credit facility or the term loan facility of up to $250.0 million in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. 
The  maturity  date  of  the  agreement  is  September  15,  2021.  As  of  May  31,  2017,  there  was  $50.5  million  of 
commercial paper outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 1.24% and maturity dates less than 30 
days and no borrowings on our revolving credit facility. The fair value of the commercial paper is estimated using 
Level 2 inputs based on general market prices. Given its short-term nature, the carrying value of the outstanding 
commercial paper approximates fair value. No commercial paper or borrowings on our revolving credit facility 
were outstanding at May 31, 2016. 

Cintas uses interest rate locks to manage its overall interest expense as interest rate locks effectively change the 
interest rate of specific debt issuances. The interest rate locks are entered into to protect against unfavorable 
movements in the benchmark treasury rate related to forecasted debt issuances. Cintas used interest rate lock 
agreements to hedge against movements in the treasury rates at the time Cintas issued its senior notes in fiscal 
2007,  fiscal  2008,  fiscal  2011,  fiscal  2013  and  fiscal  2017.  The  amortization  of  the  cash  flow  hedges  resulted 
in an increase to other comprehensive income of $1.1 million, $2.0 million and $2.0 million in the fiscal years 
ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, Cintas entered into 
an  interest  rate  lock  agreement  with  a  notional  value  of  $550.0  million  for  a  forecasted  debt  issuance.  As  of 
May 31, 2016, the fair value of this treasury lock was a liability of $19.6 million recorded in long-term liabilities 
and other comprehensive income, net of tax. The interest rate locks had no impact on net income or cash flows 
from continuing operations for fiscal 2016. As of the third quarter of fiscal 2017, Cintas had multiple interest 
rate lock agreements in place for forecasted long-term debt issuances. The notional value of the planned debt 
issuances  was  $500.0  million  of  5-year  senior  notes  and  $1.0  billion  of  10-year  senior  notes.  In  conjunction 
with the issuance of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, Cintas settled these interest rate lock 
agreements, which resulted in a deferred gain of $30.2 million. The effective portion of the gain was recorded in 
other comprehensive income to be amortized as a reduction to interest expense beginning in the fourth quarter 
of fiscal 2017 through the remaining life of the debt. 

To hedge the exposure of movements in the foreign currency rates, Cintas may use foreign currency hedges. 
These hedges reduce the impact on cash flows from movements in the foreign currency exchange rates. Examples 
of foreign currency hedge instruments that Cintas may use are average rate options and forward contracts. These 
instruments did not impact foreign currency exchange during fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. Cintas had no foreign 
currency forward contracts as of May 31, 2017 or 2016. 

Cintas has certain covenants related to debt agreements. These covenants limit Cintas’ ability to incur certain 
liens, to engage in sale-leaseback transactions and to merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of Cintas’ 
assets. These covenants also require Cintas to maintain certain debt to consolidated earnings before interest, 
taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization  (EBITDA)  and  interest  coverage  ratios.  Cross-default  provisions  exist 
between certain debt instruments. If a default of a significant covenant were to occur, the default could result in 
an acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness, impair liquidity and limit the ability to raise future capital. 
Cintas was in compliance with all of the debt covenants for all periods presented.

52

CINTAS CORPORATION

7.  Leases

Cintas  conducts  certain  operations  from  leased  facilities  and  leases  certain  equipment.  Most  leases  contain 
renewal options for periods from 1 to 10 years. The lease agreements provide for increases in rent expense if 
the options are exercised based on increases in certain price level factors or other prearranged factors. Step rent 
provisions, escalation clauses, capital improvements funding and other lease concessions are taken into account 
in computing minimum lease payments. Minimum lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over 
the minimum lease term. Lease payments are not dependent on an existing index or rate and are not included in 
minimum lease payments. It is anticipated that expiring leases will be renewed or replaced.

The  minimum  rental  payments  under  noncancelable  lease  arrangements  for  each  of  the  next  five  years  and 
thereafter are $43.8 million, $35.9 million, $28.5 million, $22.3 million, $17.0 million and $28.5 million, respectively.

Rent expense for continuing operations under operating leases during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 
and 2015, was $49.6 million, $40.8 million and $34.2 million, respectively.

8.  Income Taxes

Income before income taxes for continuing operations consists of the following components: 

(In thousands)

U.S. operations

Foreign operations

2017

2016

2015

$ 673,055

$ 685,167

$ 622,502

14,349

20,148

18,054

$ 687,404

$ 705,315

$ 640,556

Income tax expense for continuing operations consists of the following components: 

(In thousands)

Current:

Federal

State and local

Deferred

2017

2016

2015

$ 194,130

$ 279,134

$ 199,360

27,197

221,327

8,791

25,428

304,562

(47,852)

24,733

224,093

13,910

$ 230,118

$ 256,710

$ 238,003

Reconciliation of income tax expense for continuing operations using the statutory rate and actual income tax 
expense is as follows:

(In thousands)

2017

2016

2015

Income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate

$ 240,677

$ 246,881

$ 224,360

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit
Other (1)

19,210

(29,769)

16,339

(6,510)

16,308

(2,665)

$ 230,118

$ 256,710

$ 238,003

(1)  The  Other  category  in  fiscal  2017  is  primarily  associated  with  $29.4  million  excess  tax  benefit  for  share  based  compensation  under  the 

adoption of ASU 2016-09. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

53

 
 
The components of deferred income taxes included on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Inventory obsolescence

Insurance and contingencies

Stock-based compensation

Net operating loss and foreign related carry-forwards(1)

Treasury locks

Other

Valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities:

In service inventory

Property

Intangibles

Treasury locks

State taxes and other

2017

2016

$

7,707

$

7,416

16,096

54,489

73,027

37,814

—

25,891

215,024

(18,088)

196,936

210,766

126,872

290,049

6,435

32,142

666,264

13,702

42,717

45,720

17,883

12,055

8,100

147,593

(17,047)

130,546

172,704

93,784

104,585

—

18,948

390,021

Net deferred tax liability

$ 469,328

$ 259,475

(1)  During fiscal 2017, the net operating loss increased primarily due to the G&K acquisition. The net operating loss related to the G&K acquisition 

is expected to be utilized by fiscal 2018 and will expire in 2037.

Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the recorded deferred 
tax assets, net of valuation allowances, will be realized.

The progression of the valuation allowance is as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year

Additions

Subtractions

Balance at end of year

2017

2016

$ (17,047)

$ (14,690)

(1,667)

626

(3,437)

1,080

$ (18,088)

$ (17,047)

Income taxes paid were $269.6 million, $452.6 million and $236.7 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 
2016 and 2015, respectively.  

Undistributed  earnings  of  foreign  subsidiaries  were  approximately  $214.8  million,  $117.2  million  and  $147.1 
million  as  of  May  31,  2017,  2016  and  2015,  respectively,  for  which  deferred  taxes  have  not  been  provided. 
Such earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested in Cintas’ foreign subsidiaries. If such earnings were 
repatriated, additional tax expense may result. The current calculation of such additional taxes is not practicable.

As  of  May  31,  2017  and  2016,  there  was  $12.6  million  and  $12.9  million,  respectively,  in  total  unrecognized 
tax benefits, which, if recognized, would favorably impact Cintas’ effective tax rate. Cintas recognizes interest 
accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense in the consolidated statements 
of income, which is consistent with the recognition of these items in prior reporting periods. The total amount 

54

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
 
accrued for interest and penalties as of May 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively. 
Cintas records this tax liability as current and long-term accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, 
as appropriate.

In the normal course of business, Cintas provides for uncertain tax positions and the related interest, and adjusts 
its unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest accordingly. Unrecognized tax benefits did not change in fiscal 
2017 and increased in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 by $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Accrued interest 
decreased by $0.2 million in fiscal 2017 and increased by $0.2 million in both fiscal 2016 and 2015.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits (exclusive of interest 
and penalties) is as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at June 1, 2014

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Settlements

Statute expirations

Balance at May 31, 2015

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Settlements

Statute expirations

Balance at May 31, 2016

Additions from G&K acquisition (1)

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Settlements (2)

Statute expirations

Balance at May 31, 2017

$

13,062

4,001

(48)

(1,603)

$

15,412

3,259

(48)

(2,092)

$

16,531

2,084

2,520

(1,044)

(2,734)

$

17,357

(1)  Increase in unrecognized tax benefit associated with unrecognized benefits assumed in the G&K acquisition.

(2)  Decrease in unrecognized tax benefit associated with the settlement of a fiscal 2012 Internal Revenue Service audit.

On September 13, 2013, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released final 
tangible property regulations under Sections 162(a) and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code regarding amounts 
paid to improve tangible property and acquire or produce tangible property, as well as proposed regulations 
regarding  the  disposition  of  property.  The  effective  date  of  the  final  regulations  was  for  Cintas’  fiscal  year 
ended  May  31,  2015,  and  there  was  not  a  material  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  any 
period presented.

The majority of Cintas’ operations are in North America. Cintas is required to file federal income tax returns, as 
well as state income tax returns in a majority of the domestic states and also in certain Canadian provinces. At 
times, Cintas is subject to audits in these jurisdictions. The audits, by nature, are sometimes complex and can 
require several years to resolve. The final resolution of any such tax audit could result in either a reduction in 
Cintas’ accruals or an increase in its income tax provision, either of which could have an impact on the consolidated 
results of operation in any given period.

All U.S. federal income tax returns are closed to audit through fiscal 2013. Cintas is currently in various audits 
in certain foreign jurisdictions and certain domestic states. The years under foreign and domestic state audits 
cover  fiscal  years  back  to  2012.  Based  on  the  resolution  of  the  various  audits  and  other  potential  regulatory 
developments, it is expected that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits will not change for the fiscal year 
ending May 31, 2018. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

55

   
 
 
9.  Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions

The  purchase  price  paid  for  each  acquisition  has  been  allocated  to  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities  assumed.  During  fiscal  2017,  Cintas  acquired  three  businesses  included  in  the  Uniform  Rental  and 
Facility Services reportable operating segment, including the G&K acquisition discussed below, four businesses 
included in the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment and eleven businesses included in 
All Other. During fiscal 2016, Cintas acquired two business included in the Uniform Rental and Facility Services 
reportable operating segment, two businesses included in the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating 
segment, including the ZEE acquisition discussed below, and six businesses included in All Other. 

The following summarizes the aggregate purchase price and fair value allocations for all businesses acquired:

(In thousands)

Fair value of tangible assets acquired

Fair value of service contracts acquired

Fair value of other intangibles acquired

Net goodwill recognized

Total fair value of assets acquired

Fair value of liabilities assumed

Total cash paid for acquisitions

G&K Acquisition

2017

2016

$ 550,491

$

26,759

529,235

17,556

1,507,554

2,604,836

502,465

55,694

4,639

97,097

184,189

27,610

$ 2,102,371

$ 156,579

On March 21, 2017, Cintas completed the acquisition of G&K for consideration of approximately $2.1 billion. 
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each share of common stock of G&K issued and outstanding immediately 
prior to the effective time of the G&K acquisition was canceled and converted into the right to receive $97.50 in 
cash. The total purchase price was $2,078.4 million, which was funded using a combination of new senior notes, a 
term loan, other borrowings under our existing credit facility and cash on hand. The net consideration transferred 
for G&K consisted of the following items:

(In thousands)

Cash consideration for common stock

Cash consideration for share-based awards

Cash consideration for G&K revolving debt

Cash consideration for transaction expenses

Total consideration

Cash acquired

Net consideration transferred

$ 1,901,845 (1)

62,257 (2)

124,180 (3)
24,529 (4)

2,112,811

(34,393) (5)

$ 2,078,418

(1)  The cash consideration for outstanding shares of G&K common stock is the product of the agreed-upon cash per share price of $97.50 and 

total G&K outstanding shares of approximately 19.5 million.

(2)  The cash consideration for share-based awards is the product of the agreed-upon cash per share price of $97.50 and the total number of 

restricted stock outstanding and the “in the money” stock options net of the weighted average exercise price.

(3)  The cash consideration for G&K revolving debt reflects the repayment of the outstanding obligation.

(4)  Represents G&K legal and professional fees that were incurred prior to acquisition and were due upon the closing of the transaction.

(5)  Represents the G&K cash balance acquired at acquisition.

56

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
 
 
 
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

Cintas accounted for the G&K acquisition using the acquisition method. The preliminary allocation of the purchase 
price was determined by management with the assistance of third-party valuation specialists, and is based on 
estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of March 21, 2017. Cintas is continuing 
to obtain information to determine the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including tax assets, liabilities 
and other attributes. The components of the preliminary purchase price allocation, at fair value, are as follows:

Assets:

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Uniforms and other rental items in service

Income taxes, current

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Property and equipment

Goodwill

Service contracts

Trade names

Other assets

Liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and related liabilities

Accrued liabilities

Long term accrued liabilities

G&K Senior notes

Deferred income taxes

Total consideration

March 21, 
2017

  $

95,846

30,254

93,659

14,626

43,235

254,035

1,493,211

519,000

17,000

15,585

(53,220)

(9,594)

(115,109)

(28,380)

(105,359)

(186,371)

$ 2,078,418

The  preliminary  fair  value  of  the  intangible  assets  has  been  estimated  using  the  income  approach  through 
a  discounted  cash  flow  analysis  (except  as  noted  below  with  respect  to  the  trade  names)  with  the  cash  flow 
projections  discounted  using  a  rate  of  9.5%.  The  cash  flows  are  based  on  estimates  used  to  price  the  G&K 
acquisition, and the discount rates applied were benchmarked with reference to the implied rate of return from 
Cintas’ pricing model and the weighted average cost of capital.

The  G&K  service  contract  intangible  asset  will  be  amortized  over  a  period  of  15  years,  which  represents  the 
estimated useful life of the economic benefit and the asset amortization is based on the annual economic value 
of the underlying asset which generally decreases over the 15-year term. The trade names represent the G&K 
corporate trade name and all of the branded variations thereof. Cintas applied the income approach through a 
relief from royalty method analysis to determine the preliminary fair value of the trade name assets.

The table below sets forth the preliminary valuation and amortization period of identifiable intangible assets:

Identifiable intangible assets:

Service contracts

Trade names

Total

Preliminary 
Valuation

Amortization 
Period

$ 519,000

17,000

$ 536,000

15 years

3 years

CINTAS CORPORATION

57

 
 
Cintas estimated the preliminary fair value of the acquired property, plant and equipment using a combination 
of the cost and market approaches, depending on the type of asset. The preliminary fair value of property, plant 
and equipment consisted of real property of $141.8 million and personal property of $112.2 million.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents 
the estimated future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified 
and separately recognized. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The 
factors contributing to the recognition of the amount of goodwill are based on several strategic and synergistic 
benefits  that  are  expected  to  be  realized  from  the  G&K  acquisition.  These  benefits  include  improved  service 
capabilities,  an  enhanced  footprint  in  the  markets  that  we  serve,  attractive  synergy  opportunities  and  value 
creation.  The  goodwill  is  entirely  allocated  to  the  Uniform  Rental  and  Facility  Services  reportable  operating 
segment.

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for Cintas and G&K as 
if the G&K acquisition had been completed at the beginning of Cintas’ prior fiscal year, June 1, 2015. Prior to 
the acquisition, G&K used a 52-week or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest June 30. The pro 
forma financial information set forth below for the year ended May 31, 2016 includes G&K’s annual results for 
the period of June 28, 2015 through July 2, 2016 adjusted for number of working days in Cintas’ fiscal 2016. The 
pro forma financial information for the year ended May 31, 2017 includes G&K’s publicly reported results for the 
period of July 2, 2016 through December 31, 2016 annualized and adjusted for the number of work days in the 
stub period of June 1, 2016 through March 21, 2017 and the actual results from March 22, 2017 through May 31, 
2017. Actual net sales and net income of the acquired G&K business included in reported fiscal 2017 results were 
$187.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.  

In thousands except per share data

Net sales

Net income

Earnings per common share - diluted

2017

2016

$ 6,107,109

$ 5,762,741

$ 488,482

$ 520,224

$

4.45

$

4.66

The information above does not include the pro forma adjustments that would be required under Regulation S-X 
for pro forma financial information, and does not reflect future events that may occur after May 31, 2017 or any 
operating efficiencies or inefficiencies that may result from the G&K acquisition and related financing. Therefore, 
the information is not necessarily indicative of results that would have been achieved had the businesses been 
combined during the periods presented or the results that Cintas will experience going forward.

Cintas is required to provide additional disclosures about fair value measurements as part of the consolidated 
financial statements for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis 
(including business acquisitions). The working capital assets and liabilities, as well as the property and equipment 
acquired, were valued using Level 2 inputs which included data points that are observable, such as definitive sales 
agreements, appraisals or established market values of comparable assets (market approach). Goodwill, service 
contracts and other intangibles were valued using Level 3 inputs, which are unobservable by nature, and included 
internal  estimates  of  future  cash  flow  using  a  discount  rate  of  9.5%  (income  approach).  Significant  increases 
(decreases)  in  any  of  those  unobservable  inputs  in  isolation  would  result  in  a  significantly  lower  (higher)  fair 
value measurement.  Management utilizes third-party valuation firms to assist in the determination of purchase 
accounting fair values, and specifically those considered Level 3 measurements. Management ultimately oversees 
the third-party valuation firms to ensure that the transaction-specific assumptions are appropriate for Cintas.

ZEE Acquisition

On August 1, 2015, the Company acquired all of the shares of ZEE for acquisition-date fair value consideration 
of$134.0 million, consisting of cash of $120.6 million and contingent consideration, subject to certain holdback 
provisions of $13.4 million. ZEE operates within the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment. 
This acquisition has expanded our footprint in van delivered first aid, safety, training and emergency products 
and will allow us to serve an even greater number of customers in North America.

58

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
Purchase Price Allocation

Cintas accounted for the ZEE acquisition using the acquisition method. The final purchase price allocation was 
determined by management with the assistance of third-party valuation specialists, and was based on estimates 
of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of August 1, 2015. The components of the final 
purchase price allocation, at fair value, are as follows:

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventory

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Service contracts

Other intangibles

Liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued liabilities

Deferred income taxes

Total consideration

$

333

16,705

5,987

1,443

849

87,442

34,000

4,500

(7,195)

(4,428)

(5,636)

$ 134,000

The fair value of the intangible assets was estimated using the income approach through a discounted cash flow 
analysis with the cash flow projections discounted using a rate of 11%. The cash flows are based on estimates 
used  to  price  the  ZEE  acquisition,  and  the  discount  rates  applied  were  benchmarked  with  reference  to  the 
implied  rate  of  return  from  Cintas’  pricing  model  and  the  weighted  average  cost  of  capital.  The  ZEE  service 
contract intangible asset will be amortized over a period of 10 years.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents 
the  estimated  future  economic  benefits  arising  from  other  assets  acquired  that  could  not  be  individually 
identified and separately recognized. None of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. The factors 
contributing to the recognition of the amount of goodwill are based on several strategic and synergistic benefits 
that are expected to be realized from the ZEE acquisition. These benefits include improved service capabilities, 
an  enhanced  footprint  in  the  markets  that  we  serve,  attractive  synergy  opportunities  and  value  creation.  The 
goodwill is entirely allocated to the First Aid and Safety reportable operating segment.

Cintas is required to provide additional disclosures about fair value measurements as part of the consolidated 
financial statements for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis 
(including business acquisitions). The working capital assets and liabilities, as well as the property and equipment 
acquired, were valued using Level 2 inputs which included data points that are observable, such as definitive 
sales agreements, appraisals or established market values of comparable assets (market approach). Goodwill, 
service  contracts  and  other  intangibles  were  valued  using  Level  3  inputs,  which  are  unobservable  by  nature, 
and included internal estimates of future cash flow using a discount rate of 11% (income approach). Significant 
increases (decreases) in any of those unobservable inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) 
fair value measurement. Management utilizes third-party valuation firms to assist in the determination of purchase 
accounting fair values, and specifically those considered Level 3 measurements. Management ultimately oversees 
the third-party valuation firms to ensure that the transaction-specific assumptions are appropriate for Cintas. The 
results of operations of ZEE are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

The  results  of  operations  for  the  acquired  businesses  are  included  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  income 
from the dates of acquisition. The pro forma revenue, net income and earnings per share information relating to 
acquired businesses, excluding G&K, are not presented because they are not significant to Cintas.

CINTAS CORPORATION

59

 
 
Divestitures

In fiscal 2014, Cintas completed the Shredding Transaction with Shred-it International, Inc. to combine Cintas’ 
Shredding  with  Shred-it  International  Inc.’s  shredding  business  and  created  the  Shred-it  Partnership.  In  fiscal 
2016, Cintas sold Shred-it. In fiscal 2015, Cintas sold Storage. Storage, excluding related real estate owned by 
Cintas, was sold in three separate transactions to three separate buyers. In fiscal 2016, Cintas sold the remaining 
Storage assets classified as held for sale. Both Shredding and Storage were previously included in the former 
Document Management Services operating segment. As a result of the transactions noted above, the results 
from Shredding, Shred-it and Storage are reported under discontinued operations for all periods presented and 
are excluded from continuing operations and from operating segment results for all periods presented. See Note 
16 entitled Discontinued Operations for additional information. 

60

CINTAS CORPORATION

10.  Employee Benefit Plans

Pension Plans

In conjunction with the acquisition of G&K, Cintas assumed G&K’s noncontributory defined benefit pension plan 
(the Pension Plan) that covers substantially all G&K employees who were employed as of July 1, 2005, except 
certain employees who were covered by union-administered plans. Benefits are based on the number of years of 
service and each employee’s compensation near retirement. We will make annual contributions to the Pension 
Plan consistent with federal funding requirements. The Pension Plan was frozen by G&K effective December 31, 
2006. Future growth in benefits will not occur beyond this date. Applicable accounting standards require that the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet reflect the funded status of the pension plan. The funded status of the Pension Plan 
is measured as the difference between the plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation. We do 
not expect to make any contributions to the Pension Plan over the next 12 months that exceed the fair value of 
plan assets as of May 31, 2017. The net pension liability at May 31, 2017 is included in the Long-Term Accrued 
Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrecognized differences between actual amounts and estimates 
based on actuarial assumptions are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in our Consolidated 
Balance  Sheet.  The  difference  between  actual  amounts  and  estimates  based  on  actuarial  assumptions  are 
recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. The estimated amortization from 
accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 2018 is immaterial.

Obligations and Funded Status at May 31, 2017

Change in benefit obligation:

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

Projected benefit obligation acquired in G&K acquisition

Interest cost

Actuarial loss

Benefits paid

Projected benefit obligation, end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

Plan assets acquired in G&K acquisition

Actual return on plan assets

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

Funded status-net amount recognized

$

—

84,553

562

2,750

(478)

$

87,387

$

—

57,747

2,127

(478)

$

59,396

$ (27,991)

The accrued benefit liability of $28.0 million was included in long-term accrued liabilities on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2017. The unrecognized net actuarial loss of $1.2 million related to the Pension Plan 
was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2017.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost 

Interest cost

Expected return on assets

Amortization of net loss

Net periodic benefit cost

2017 (1)

$

$

562

(590)

—

(28)

(1)  Represents the net periodic benefit cost for the period subsequent to the acquisition of G&K on March 21, 2017 through May 31, 2017.

CINTAS CORPORATION

61

 
Assumptions

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations for the Pension Plan 
at May 31, 2017:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

3.79%

N/A

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Pension 
Plan for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017:

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets

Rate of compensation increase

Plan Assets

4.00%

5.40%

N/A

The target asset allocation and actual asset allocation of the Pension Plan at May 31, 2017 are as follows:

International equity

Large cap equity

Small cap equity

Absolute return strategy funds

Fixed income

Long/short equity fund

Total

Target Asset 
Allocation

Actual Asset 
Allocation

8.0%

26.0%

5.0%

16.0%

45.0%

—%

100%

8.3%

26.3%

5.3%

16.2%

43.6%

0.3%

100%

Our  investment  committee,  assisted  by  outside  consultants,  evaluates  the  objectives  and  investment  policies 
concerning our long-term investment goals and asset allocation strategies. Plan assets are invested in various 
asset  classes  that  are  expected  to  produce  a  sufficient  level  of  diversification  and  investment  return  over  the 
long term. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on asset assumptions, we consider the historical 
returns and future expectations of returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation, changes 
in investments expenses and investment goals of the pension portfolio. This resulted in the selection of 5.40% 
expected return on plan assets for fiscal year 2017. The investment goals are (1) to meet or exceed the assumed 
actuarial rate of return over the long term within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, and (2) to preserve the 
real purchasing power of assets to meet future obligations. The nature and duration of benefit obligations, along 
with assumptions concerning asset class returns and return correlations, are considered when determining an 
appropriate asset allocation to achieve the investment objectives. Pension plan assets for our qualified pension 
plans  are  held  in  a  trust  for  the  benefit  of  the  plan  participants  and  are  invested  in  a  diversified  portfolio  of 
equity  investments,  fixed  income  investments  and  cash.  Risk  targets  are  established  and  monitored  against 
acceptable ranges. All investment policies and procedures are designed to ensure that the plans’ investments are 
in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Guidelines are established defining permitted 
investments within each asset class.

The  implementation  of  the  investment  strategy  discussed  above  is  executed  through  a  variety  of  investment 
types, including U.S. government securities, corporate debt and mutual funds. These investments are valued at 
the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable 
value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and 
consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the 
fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

62

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
 
The  following  table  presents  the  Pension  Plan  investments  as  of  May  31,  2017  using  the  fair  value  hierarchy 
discussed in Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Polices:

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

Cash equivalents

U.S. government securities

Corporate debt

Mutual funds

U.S. securities

International securities

$

629

$

—

$

1,874

—

28,353

4,929

3,401

20,210

—

—

Total

$

35,785

$

23,611

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

629

5,275

20,210

28,353

4,929

$

59,396

We don’t expect to make any contributions to the Pension Plan during the next 12 months.

Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the Pension 
Plan will impact future pension expense and liabilities. We cannot predict the impact of these changes in the 
future and any changes may have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following Pension Plan benefit payments are expected to be paid:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023 to 2027

$

2,966

3,110

3,317

3,548

3,686

20,423

Cintas administers a pension plan that was assumed in a previous acquisition and has historically been deemed 
immaterial for disclosure purposes. As of May 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of this pension plan’s total assets 
was $7.1 million and $6.5 million, respectively and the projected benefit obligation was $7.5 million and $7.7 
million, respectively. For the years ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, the net periodic benefit cost recorded for this 
plan was an expense of $0.1 million and income of $0.1 million, respectively. 

Non-Contributory Retirement Plans

Cintas’  Partners’  Plan  (the  Plan)  is  a  non-contributory  profit  sharing  plan  and  Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plan 
(ESOP) for the benefit of substantially all U.S. Cintas employee-partners who have completed one year of service. 
The Plan also includes a 401(k) savings feature covering substantially all U.S. employee-partners. The amounts of 
contributions to the Plan and ESOP, as well as the matching contribution to the 401(k), are made at the discretion of 
the Board of Directors. Total contributions, including Cintas’ matching contributions, which approximate cost, were 
$47.5 million, $43.1 million and $38.4 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cintas  has  a  non-contributory  deferred  profit  sharing  plan  (DPSP),  which  covers  substantially  all  Canadian 
employee-partners.  In  addition,  a  registered  retirement  savings  plan  (RRSP)  is  offered  to  those  employees. 
The amounts of contributions to the DPSP, as well as the matching contribution to the RRSP, are made at the 
discretion of the Board of Directors. Total contributions, which approximate cost, were $1.8 million, $1.6 million 
and $1.5 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cintas  has  a  supplemental  executive  retirement  plan  (SERP)  subject  to  Section  409A  of  the  Internal  Revenue 
Code for the benefit of certain highly compensated Cintas employee-partners. The SERP allows participants to 
defer the receipt of compensation which would otherwise become payable to them. Matching contributions are 
made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Total matching contributions were $6.9 million, $6.6 million and 
$6.1 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

CINTAS CORPORATION

63

 
 
11.  Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 
using the two-class method for amounts attributable to Cintas’ common shares:

(In thousands except per share data)

2017

2016

2015

Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations

$ 457,286

$ 448,605

$ 402,553

Less: income from continuing operations allocated to 

participating securities

Income from continuing operations available to 

common shareholders

8,168

7,131

3,771

$ 449,118

$ 441,474

$ 398,782

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

104,964

108,221

115,900

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

$

4.27

$

4.08

$

3.44

(In thousands except per share data)

2017

2016

2015

Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations

$ 457,286

$ 448,605

$ 402,553

Less: income from continuing operations allocated to 

participating securities

Income from continuing operations available to 

common shareholders

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

8,168

7,131

3,771

$ 449,118

$ 441,474

$ 398,782

104,964

2,819

107,783

108,221

1,735

109,956

115,900

1,643

117,543

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

4.17

$

4.02

$

3.39

Basic and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations were calculated using the two-class method. 
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations were $0.22, $2.22 and $0.24 for the fiscal years ended 
May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations were $0.21, 
$2.19 and $0.24 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, options granted to purchase 0.6 million, 0.5 million and 
0.6 million shares of Cintas common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings 
per share. The exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of the common shares 
(anti-dilutive).

64

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
 
On  July  30,  2013,  Cintas  announced  that  the  Board  of  Directors  authorized  a  $500.0  million  share  buyback 
program. This program was completed in February 2015. On January 13, 2015, we announced that the Board 
of  Directors  authorized  a  $500.0  million  share  buyback  program.  This  program  was  completed  in  September 
2015. On August 4, 2015, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million share buyback 
program.  This  program  was  completed  in  June  2016.  On  August  6,  2016,  we  announced  that  the  Board  of 
Directors authorized a new $500.0 million share buyback program. The following table summarizes the buyback 
activity by program and fiscal period:

(In thousands except 
per share data)

Buyback Program

Shares

2017
Avg. Price 
per Share

Purchase 
Price

Shares

2016
Avg. Price 
per Share

Purchase 
Price

Shares

2015
Avg. Price 
per Share

Purchase 
Price

July 30, 2013

— $ — $ —

— $ — $

— 3,981 $ 75.49 $300,500

January 13, 2015

— $ — $ — 3,078 $ 85.44 $262,928

2,870 $ 82.60 $237,072

August 4, 2015

August 6, 2016

39 $ 94.09 $ 3,691

5,649 $ 87.85 $496,309

— $ — $

— $ — $ —

— $ — $

—

— $ — $

—

—

39 $ 94.09 $ 3,691

8,727 $ 87.00 $759,237

6,851 $ 78.47 $537,572

There were no share buybacks subsequent to May 31, 2017 through July 31, 2017. 

In addition to the buyback program, Cintas acquired shares of Cintas common stock in satisfaction of employee 
payroll taxes due on restricted stock awards that vested during the fiscal year.  For the fiscal year ended May 31, 
2017, Cintas acquired 0.2 million shares at an average price of $101.37 per share for a total purchase price of 
$17.0 million. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, Cintas acquired 0.2 million shares at an average price of 
$86.07 per share for a total purchase price of $20.9 million. 

12.  Stock-Based Compensation

On  August,  2,  2016,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  and  adopted  the  Cintas  Corporation  2016  Equity  and 
Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2016 Plan) to replace the Cintas’ 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended 
(the 2005 Plan). The 2016 Plan was approved by Cintas shareholders at its Annual Meeting on October 18, 2016, 
at which time the 2016 Plan became effective. Under the 2016 Plan, Cintas may grant officers and key employee-
partners equity compensation in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted and unrestricted 
stock  awards,  performance  awards  and  other  stock  unit  awards  up  to  an  aggregate  of  12,500,000  shares  of 
Cintas’ common stock. Any shares of common stock that remained available under the 2005 Plan became part 
of  the  total  available  share  balance  of  12,500,000  shares  under  the  2016  Plan.  At  May  31,  2017,  12,444,826 
shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance under the 2016 Plan. Total compensation cost for stock-
based awards for continuing operations was $87.5 million, $77.8 million and $43.8 million for the fiscal years 
ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated 
income  statement  for  share-based  compensation  arrangements  for  continuing  operations  was  $32.5  million, 
$28.3 million and $16.3 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock Options

Stock options are granted at the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The 
option terms are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, but no stock option 
may be exercised later than 10 years after the date of the grant. The option awards generally have 10-year terms 
with  graded  vesting  in  years  3  through  5  based  on  continuous  service  during  that  period.  Cintas  recognizes 
compensation expense for these options using the straight-line recognition method over the vesting period.

CINTAS CORPORATION

65

The fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the 
following assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

Dividend yield

Expected volatility of Cintas’ common stock

Expected life of the option in years

2017

1.2%

1.3%

21.6%

7.5

2016

2.0%

1.4%

23.3%

7.5

2015

2.0%

1.6%

28.0%

7.5

The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life 
of the stock options. The determination of expected volatility is based on historical volatility of Cintas’ common 
stock over the period commensurate with the expected term of stock options, as well as other relevant factors. 
The weighted average expected term was determined based on the historical employee exercise behavior of the 
options. The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $25.59, 
$22.20 and $20.64, respectively.

The  information  presented  in  the  following  table  relates  primarily  to  stock  options  granted  and  outstanding 
under either the 2016 Plan or under previously adopted plans:

Outstanding, June 1, 2014 (1,583,413 shares exercisable)

8,025,794

$ 43.12

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares

Granted

Canceled

Exercised

Outstanding, May 31, 2015 (1,426,550 shares exercisable)

Granted

Canceled

Exercised

Outstanding, May 31, 2016 (1,649,236 shares exercisable)

Granted

Canceled

Exercised

Outstanding, May 31, 2017 (1,795,898 shares exercisable)

1,590,185

(486,720)

(1,293,689)

7,835,570

1,739,767

(235,455)

(919,975)

8,419,907

84.59

55.50

38.11

51.59

93.55

60.01

35.07

61.83

1,500,465

123.20

(328,105)

(1,004,217)

83.03

35.95

8,588,050

$ 74.77

The  intrinsic  value  of  stock  options  exercised  was  $76.5  million,  $48.5  million  and  $44.3  million  for  the  fiscal 
years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The total cash received from employees as a result of 
employee stock option exercises for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $31.9 million, $28.2 
million and $40.2 million, respectively.  

The fair value of stock options vested was $12.7 million, $11.0 million and $10.9 million for the fiscal years ended 
May 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

66

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
 
 
The following table summarizes the information related to stock options outstanding at May 31, 2017:

Range of
Exercise Prices

Number
Outstanding

  $ 22.42 – $ 46.91

1,972,643

    46.92  –  66.27

2,204,240

    66.28  –  89.78

1,604,071

    89.79  –  126.54

2,807,096

  $ 22.42 – $ 126.54

8,588,050

Outstanding Options

Exercisable Options

Average
Remaining
Option
Life

4.37

6.79

8.12

9.54

7.38

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$ 35.38

58.09

85.51

116.29

$ 74.77

Number
Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

1,488,169

$ 34.04

278,065

15,324

14,340

51.63

71.17

90.68

1,795,898

$ 37.53

At May 31, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable was $419.6 million 
and $158.7 million, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of stock options exercisable 
is 4.5 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted  stock  awards  consist  of  Cintas’  common  stock  that  is  subject  to  such  conditions,  restrictions  and 
limitations  as  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  determines  to  be  appropriate.  The 
vesting period is generally three years after the grant date. The recipient of restricted stock awards will have all 
rights of a shareholder of Cintas, including the right to vote and the right to receive cash dividends during the 
vesting period. Cintas recognizes compensation expense for these restricted stock awards using the straight-line 
recognition method over the vesting period.

The  information  presented  in  the  following  table  relates  to  restricted  stock  awards  granted  and  outstanding 
under either the 2016 Plan or under previously adopted plans:

Outstanding, unvested grants at June 1, 2014

Granted

Canceled

Vested

Outstanding, unvested grants at May 31, 2015

Granted

Canceled

Vested

Outstanding, unvested grants at May 31, 2016

Granted

Canceled

Vested

Outstanding, unvested grants at May 31, 2017

Weighted
Average
Grant Price

Shares

2,158,778

$ 45.04

627,033

(50,277)

(525,421)

2,210,113

1,069,748

(70,998)

(605,427)

2,603,436

80.73

49.33

34.39

57.60

92.10

65.79

38.76

75.94

681,461

125.29

(114,151)

(428,672)

89.28

48.67

2,742,074

$ 95.09

The  remaining  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  unvested  stock  options  and  restricted  stock  at 
May 31, 2017 was $204.5 million. The weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized 
is 1.8 years.

CINTAS CORPORATION

67

13.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

(In thousands)

Foreign Currency

Unrealized 
(Loss) Gain 
on Cash 
Flow Hedges

Other

Total

Balance at May 31, 2015

$

2,987

$ (10,626)

$

(832)

$

(8,471)

Other comprehensive loss before 

reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss)

Net current period other comprehensive loss

Balance at May 31, 2016

Other comprehensive (loss) income 

before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss)

Net current period other comprehensive 

(loss) income

(11,933)

(12,156)

(738)

(24,827)

6,472

(5,461)

(2,474)

1,952

(10,204)

(20,830)

—

(738)

(1,570)

8,424

(16,403)

(24,874)

(10,252)

31,136

(115)

20,769

—

1,076

—

1,076

(10,252)

32,212

(115)

21,845

Balance at May 31, 2017

$ (12,726)

$

11,382

$

(1,685)

$

(3,029)

The  following  table  summarizes  the  reclassifications  out  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss) 
during the fiscal years ended May 31:

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Details about Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Components

(in thousands)

Amount Reclassified 
from Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

2017

2016

Affected Line in the
Consolidated
 Statements of Income

Amortization of interest rate locks

$

(1,714)

$

(3,130)

Interest expense

Tax benefit

638

1,178

Income taxes

Amortization of interest rate locks, 

net of tax

$

(1,076)

$

(1,952)

Net of tax

(in thousands)

2017

2016

Cumulative translation adjustment on Shred-it (1)

$

Tax benefit

Cumulative translation adjustment on 

Shred-it, net of tax (1)

$

—

—

—

$ (10,381)

3,909

Income from 
discontinued operations

Income from 
discontinued operations

$

(6,472)

Net of tax

(1)  The cumulative translation adjustment was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income due to the sale of Shred-it in 

fiscal 2016.

68

CINTAS CORPORATION

14.  Operating Segment Information

U.S. GAAP requires companies to evaluate their reportable operating segments periodically and when certain 
events occur. As a result of our evaluation, effective June 1, 2015, Cintas realigned its organizational structure 
and updated its reportable operating segments in light of certain changes in its business including the acquisition 
of ZEE in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Cintas’ updated reportable operating segments are Uniform Rental and 
Facility Services and First Aid and Safety Services. The Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating 
segment,  which  includes  G&K,  consists  of  the  rental  and  servicing  of  uniforms  and  other  garments  including 
flame resistant clothing, mats, mops and shop towels and other ancillary items. In addition to these rental items, 
restroom cleaning services and supplies, carpet and tile cleaning services and the sale of items from our catalogs 
to  our  customers  on  route  are  included  within  this  reportable  operating  segment.  The  First  Aid  and  Safety 
Services reportable operating segment consists of first aid and safety products and services. The remainder of 
Cintas’ business, which consists of Fire Protection Services and its Uniform Direct Sale business, is included in 
All Other.

CINTAS CORPORATION

69

Cintas  evaluates  the  performance  of  each  operating  segment  based  on  several  factors  of  which  the  primary 
financial  measures  are  operating  segment  revenue  and  income  before  income  taxes.  The  accounting  policies 
of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies. 
Information related to the operations of Cintas’ operating segments is set forth below:

(In thousands)

May 31, 2017

Revenue

Gross margin

Uniform Rental 
and Facility 
Services

First Aid
 and Safety 
Services

All Other

Corporate (1)

Total

$ 4,202,490

$508,233

$612,658

$ 1,894,716

$230,166

$255,413

$

$

— $ 5,323,381

— $ 2,380,295

Selling and administrative expenses

1,138,345

177,378

211,657

—

1,527,380

G&K Services, Inc. transaction and 

integration expenses

Interest expense, net

79,224

—

—

—

86,287

79,224

86,287

Income before income taxes

$ 677,147

$ 52,788

$ 43,756

$ (86,287)

$ 687,404

Depreciation and amortization

$ 156,998

$ 19,962

$ 17,905

Capital expenditures

$ 232,832

$ 26,863

$ 12,645

$

$

1,730

$ 196,595

977

$ 273,317

Total assets

May 31, 2016

Revenue

Gross margin

$ 5,801,680

$444,717

$367,562

$230,098

$ 6,844,057

$ 3,759,524

$461,783

$574,465

$ 1,666,691

$197,010

$237,639

$

$

— $ 4,795,772

— $ 2,101,340

Selling and administrative expenses

994,590

147,503

190,306

—

1,332,399

Interest expense, net

—

—

—

63,626

63,626

Income before income taxes

$ 672,101

$ 49,507

$ 47,333

$ (63,626)

$ 705,315

Depreciation and amortization

$ 130,421

$ 16,021

$ 16,879

Capital expenditures

$ 237,871

$ 22,364

$ 14,840

$

$

1,958

$ 165,279

310

$ 275,385

Total assets

May 31, 2015

Revenue

Gross margin

$ 3,104,822

$421,697

$322,474

$249,822

$ 4,098,815

$ 3,519,199

$326,593

$523,885

$ 1,526,534

$152,339

$214,050

$

$

— $ 4,369,677

— $ 1,892,923

Selling and administrative expenses

922,582

107,226

179,476

—

1,209,284

Gain on sale of stock of an equity
   method investment

Interest expense, net

—

—

—

—

—

—

21,739

64,822

21,739

64,822

Income before income taxes

$ 603,952

$ 45,113

$ 34,574

$ (43,083)

$ 640,556

Depreciation and amortization

$ 123,129

$

9,774

$ 16,909

Capital expenditures

$ 184,200

$ 13,589

$ 18,528

$

$

2,783

$ 152,595

1,403

$ 217,720

Total assets

$ 2,831,978

$254,707

$299,885

$799,104

$ 4,185,674

(1)  Corporate assets include cash and marketable securities in all periods presented. Corporate assets as of May 31, 2017 and 2016 also include 
the  assets  of  Discontinued  Services.  Corporate  assets  as  of  May  31,  2015  also  include  assets  of  Discontinued  Services,  Shred-it  and  real 
estate assets of Storage that were not included in the sale transactions. Corporate depreciation and amortization includes depreciation and 
amortization of Discontinued Services.

70

CINTAS CORPORATION

15.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  results  of  operation  for  each  of  the  quarters  within  the  fiscal  years  ended 
May 31, 2017 and 2016:

May 31, 2017 (in thousands)

Revenue

Gross margin

First 
Quarter

Second 
Quarter

Third 
Quarter

Fourth 
Quarter

$ 1,266,650

$ 1,271,077

$ 1,255,367

$ 1,530,287

$ 576,427

$ 565,218

$ 559,924

$ 678,726

Net income, continuing operations

$ 136,208

$ 121,950

$ 116,954

Basic earnings per share, 
continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share, 
continuing operations

Weighted average number of 

shares outstanding

May 31, 2016 (in thousands) (1)

Revenue

Gross margin

$

$

1.27

1.24

$

$

1.15

1.12

$

$

1.09

1.06

$

$

$

82,174

0.76

0.75

104,483

104,957

105,093

105,325

First 
Quarter

Second 
Quarter

Third 
Quarter

Fourth 
Quarter

$ 1,170,564

$ 1,191,121

$ 1,190,539

$ 1,243,548

$ 516,895

$ 520,221

$ 517,853

$ 546,371

Net income, continuing operations

$ 104,325

$ 113,447

$ 115,122

$ 115,711

Basic earnings per share, 
continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share, 
continuing operations

Weighted average number of 

shares outstanding

$

$

0.93

0.92

$

$

1.03

1.01

$

$

1.05

1.03

$

$

1.07

1.06

110,597

108,301

107,843

106,136

(1)  The figures for fiscal 2016 reflect the change in classification of Discontinued Services as discontinued operations within the Consolidated 

Statements of Income. See Note 16 entitled Discontinued Operations for additional information.

CINTAS CORPORATION

71

 
 
16.  Discontinued Operations

At May 31, 2017, Cintas has classified a significant business, referred to as Discontinued Services, as held for sale.  
Prior to meeting the held for sale criteria, Discontinued Services was primarily included in All Other. Additionally, 
the results of Shred-it and Shredding are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented as a result 
of entering into a definitive agreement during fiscal 2016 to sell the investment. During fiscal 2015, Cintas sold 
Storage and, as a result, its operations are also classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. 
Shredding  and  Storage  were  previously  included  in  the  former  Document  Management  Services  reportable 
operating segment. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for the disposal of long-lived assets, 
the results of Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage have been excluded from both continuing operations 
and operating segment results for all periods presented.

At May 31, 2015, the carrying value of Shred-it was $210.1 million. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company 
received a dividend from Shred-it of $113.4 million, which reduced the carrying value of the investment. As of 
May 31, 2015, Cintas’ carrying value of Shred-it exceeded its share of the underlying equity in the net assets of 
the Shred-it Partnership by approximately $94.0 million (basis difference). The remaining basis difference was 
to be amortized over the weighted average estimated useful lives of the underlying assets which generated the 
basis difference (approximately 9 years) and recorded as a reduction in the income (loss) on Shred-it, net of tax. 
Cintas recorded its share of the partnership’s income on a one-month lag. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 
2015, Cintas recorded a net loss on Shred-it of $5.5 million, which included amortization of basis differences of 
approximately $11.0 million. In conjunction with the Shred-it partnership agreement, Cintas agreed to provide 
certain transition services such as information technology and accounting in support of Shred-it. The agreement 
expired in September 2015.  

Cintas  provides  the  following  unaudited  summary  information  regarding  the  Shred-it  Partnership’s  results  of 
operations for the twelve months ended April 30, 2015:

Summary Income Statement Information 
(in thousands)

Net sales

Gross profit

Net income

For the 
12 Months Ended 
April 30, 2015

$ 695,628

$ 432,532

$

10,385

In fiscal 2015, Cintas received additional proceeds related to the Shred-it Transaction. The Company realized 
a $4.1 million gain, net of tax, as a result of the additional consideration received. During fiscal 2015, we also 
recorded a loss related to the Shred-it Transaction due to the settlement of an outstanding Shredding-related 
legal claim. The expense, net of tax, was $1.0 million. 

In fiscal 2016, we completed the transaction to sell Shred-it. Cintas’ share of the proceeds from the sale were 
$578.3 million. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, Cintas received additional proceeds and consideration 
related to the sale of Shred-it. The Company realized a pre-tax gain of $4.3 million as a result of the additional 
consideration received. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, Cintas recorded a net loss on Shred-it of 
$24.3 million, which included amortization of basis differences of approximately $4.8 million. After the sale of 
Shred-it, the basis differences no longer exist and Cintas no longer records income or loss from Shred-it.

In  fiscal  2017,  we  received  additional  proceeds  related  to  the  sale  of  Shred-it.  Cintas  realized  a  pre-tax  gain 
of $25.5 million as a result of the additional consideration received. Cintas still has the opportunity to receive 
additional  consideration,  subject  to  certain  holdback  provisions.  Because  of  the  uncertainty  surrounding  the 
holdback provisions, this opportunity represents a gain contingency that has not been recorded as of May 31, 2017.

In fiscal 2015, Cintas sold Storage, excluding certain real estate owned by Cintas, in three separate transactions 
to  three  separate  buyers.  Certain  real  estate  assets  and  related  liabilities  were  not  included  in  the  Storage 
transactions in 2015 and were classified as held for sale as of May 31, 2015. This real estate was leased by a 
buyer of part of Storage. These lease payments did not represent a material direct cash flow of the disposed 
Storage  business,  and  therefore,  do  not  impact  the  classification  of  the  Storage  business  as  a  discontinued 
operation. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, cash proceeds received at the closing of each transaction or 

72

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
upon the settlement of contingencies totaled $158.4 million, net of cash contributed. Each transaction involved 
contingent consideration, and the Company had opportunities to receive additional proceeds if specified future 
events  occurred.  Because  of  the  uncertainty  surrounding  the  future  events,  these  amounts  represented  gain 
contingencies and were not recorded until realized. During fiscal 2016, Cintas received additional proceeds on 
the sale of Storage related to the contingent consideration and realized a pre-tax gain of $10.9 million. During 
fiscal 2016, Cintas also sold the remaining Storage assets classified as held for sale. Cintas received proceeds 
of $24.4 million from the sale of these assets and realized a pretax gain of $4.8 million. In fiscal 2017, Cintas 
received additional proceeds related to the sale of Storage and recorded a pre-tax gain of $2.4 million. 

Following  is  selected  financial  information  included  in  net  income  from  discontinued  operations  for  the 
Discontinued Services, Shredding and Storage businesses:

(In thousands)

Revenue

Income before income taxes, excluding gains (losses) from sale 

transactions and investments

Gain on Storage transactions

Gain (loss) on Shred-it

Income tax expense

2017

2016(1)

2015(1)

$ 105,559

$ 109,686

$ 138,584

10,622

2,400

25,457

(15,057)

13,242

15,786

354,071

(138,184)

9,253

38,573

(3,851)

(15,910)

Net income from discontinued operations

$

23,422

$ 244,915

$

28,065

(1)  Results for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 related to Discontinued Services were previously presented in continuing operations 

and were reclassified to discontinued operations as previously discussed.

CINTAS CORPORATION

73

 
17.  G&K Services, Inc. Transaction and Integration Expenses

As  a  result  of  the  acquisition  of  G&K  in  fiscal  2017,  the  Company  incurred  $79.2  million  in  transaction  and 
integration  expenses.  These  expenses  consisted  of  asset  impairment  charges  of  $23.3  million  and  other 
transaction  and  integration  expenses  of  $55.9  million.  These  asset  impairment  charges  and  other  transaction 
and integration expenses are included in a single line in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are reported 
by operating segment in Note 14 entitled Operating Segment Information. Our accounting policy for long-lived 
assets is described in Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies. The asset impairment charges of $23.3 
million relate to the write-down of machinery and equipment and other fixed assets to their fair value in G&K 
plants and branches that were identified by the Company on April 30, 2017 for future closure. The Company has 
determined that these assets cannot be used for other purposes, and the undiscounted projected future cash 
flows associated with these assets are less than their carrying value at April 30, 2017. The fair value utilized for 
purposes of the asset impairment analysis was determined by using Level 2 inputs based on both the cost and 
market approaches. 

The other transaction and integration expenses consisted of the following: $17.4 million of legal and professional 
fees directly related to the acquisition, $31.0 million of employee termination expenses recognized under ASC 
Topic 712, “Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits,” $5.5 million write-off of excess inventory 
and $2.0 million of other miscellaneous integration expenses. The amount of employee termination benefits paid 
in fiscal 2017 was $6.7 million, resulting in a related liability balance as of May 31, 2017 of $24.3 million. 

74

CINTAS CORPORATION

18.  Supplemental Guarantor Information

Cintas Corporation No. 2 (Corp. 2) is the indirectly, wholly-owned principal operating subsidiary of Cintas. Corp. 2 
is the issuer of the $3,156.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt, which is unconditionally 
guaranteed,  jointly  and  severally,  by  Cintas  Corporation  and  its  wholly-owned,  direct  and  indirect  domestic 
subsidiaries.

As  allowed  by  SEC  rules,  the  following  condensed  consolidating  financial  statements  are  provided  as  an 
alternative to filing separate financial statements of the guarantors. Each of the subsidiaries presented in the 
following  condensed  consolidating  financial  statements  has  been  fully  consolidated  in  Cintas’  consolidated 
financial statements. The following condensed consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction 
with  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Cintas  and  notes  thereto  of  which  this  note  is  an  integral  part. 
During fiscal 2017, the Company merged a legal entity previously included in subsidiary guarantors into Corp. 2. 
This restructuring has been reflected as of the beginning of the earliest period presented herein. Additionally, in 
conjunction with the G&K acquisition, the acquired  U.S. legal entities are included in Corp. 2 and the acquired 
Canadian legal entities are included with the Non-guarantors.

Condensed consolidating financial statements for Cintas, Corp. 2, the subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantors 
are presented on the following pages:

Condensed Consolidating Income Statement

Year Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands)   

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Revenue:

Uniform rental and facility 

services

Other

Equity in net income of 

affiliates

Costs and expenses (income):

Cost of uniform rental and 

facility services

Cost of other

Selling and administrative 

expenses

G&K Services, Inc. 
transaction and 
integration expenses

$

— $ 3,511,483 $ 604,679 $ 257,288 $ (170,960) $ 4,202,490

— 1,604,877

1,810

73,006

(558,802)

1,120,891

457,286

—

—

—

(457,286)

—

457,286

5,116,360

606,489

330,294

(1,187,048)

5,323,381

— 2,021,365

378,404

164,969

(256,964)

2,307,774

— 1,070,780

(41,509)

56,210

(450,169)

635,312

— 1,686,209

(220,887)

87,672

(25,614)

1,527,380

—

51,868

19,060

8,296

—

79,224

Operating income

457,286

286,138

471,421

13,147

(454,301)

773,691

Interest income

Interest expense (income)

—

—

(26)

89,706

(191)

(2,978)

(22)

(204)

2

—

Income before income taxes

457,286

196,458

474,590

13,373

(454,303)

Income taxes

—

65,829

159,025

5,365

(101)

(237)

86,524

687,404

230,118

Income from continuing 

operations

Income from discontinued 
operations, net of tax

457,286

130,629

315,565

8,008

(454,202)

457,286

23,422

22,287

—

1,135

(23,422)

23,422

Net income

$ 480,708 $ 152,916 $ 315,565 $

9,143 $ (477,624) $ 480,708

CINTAS CORPORATION

75

Condensed Consolidating Income Statement

Year Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Revenue:

Uniform rental and 
facility services

Other

Equity in net income of 

affiliates

Costs and expenses (income):

Cost of uniform rental and 

facility services

Cost of other

Selling and administrative 

expenses

$

— $ 3,147,844 $ 553,414 $ 213,526 $ (155,260) $ 3,759,524

— 1,484,556

8,540

66,270

(523,118)

1,036,248

448,605

—

—

—

(448,605)

—

448,605

4,632,400

561,954

279,796

(1,126,983)

4,795,772

— 1,835,835

350,500

142,601

(236,103)

2,092,833

— 1,001,576

(40,741)

48,539

(407,775)

601,599

— 1,497,106

(206,889)

69,257

(27,075)

1,332,399

Operating income

448,605

297,883

459,084

19,399

(456,030)

768,941

Interest income

Interest expense (income)

—

—

—

65,534

(666)

(1,027)

(232)

15

2

—

Income before income taxes

448,605

232,349

460,777

19,616

(456,032)

Income taxes

—

82,783

164,169

9,874

(116)

(896)

64,522

705,315

256,710

Income from continuing 

operations

Income (loss) from discontinued 

448,605

149,566

296,608

9,742

(455,916)

448,605

operations, net of tax

244,915

250,625

—

(5,837)

(244,788)

244,915

Net income

$ 693,520 $ 400,191 $ 296,608 $

3,905 $ (700,704) $ 693,520

76

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
Condensed Consolidating Income Statement

Year Ended May 31, 2015 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Revenue:

Uniform rental and 
facility services

Other

Equity in net income of 

affiliates

Costs and expenses (income):

Cost of uniform rental and 

facility services

Cost of other

Selling and administrative 

expenses

$

— $ 2,919,526 $ 507,481 $ 229,391 $ (137,199) $ 3,519,199

— 1,303,204

(8,173)

57,349

(501,902)

850,478

402,553

—

—

—

(402,553)

—

402,553

4,222,730

499,308

286,740

(1,041,654)

4,369,677

— 1,781,651

271,512

154,601

(215,099)

1,992,665

—

830,459

11,028

37,628

(395,026)

484,089

— 1,343,361

(182,290)

74,523

(26,310)

1,209,284

Operating income

402,553

267,259

399,058

19,988

(405,219)

683,639

Gain on sale of stock of an 

equity method investment

Interest income

Interest expense (income)

—

—

—

—

(12)

66,298

21,739

(250)

(1,134)

—

(79)

(3)

—

2

—

Income before income taxes

402,553

200,973

422,181

20,070

(405,221)

74,307

156,097

7,665

(66)

21,739

(339)

65,161

640,556

238,003

Income taxes

Income from continuing 

operations

Income from discontinued 
operations, net of tax

402,553

126,666

266,084

12,405

(405,155)

402,553

28,065

23,271

—

4,596

(27,867)

28,065

Net income

$ 430,618 $ 149,937 $ 266,084 $ 17,001 $ (433,022) $ 430,618

CINTAS CORPORATION

77

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

Year Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Net income

$ 480,708 $ 152,916 $ 315,565 $

9,143 $ (477,624) $ 480,708

Other comprehensive (loss) income, 

net of tax:

Foreign currency translation 

adjustments

Change in fair value of cash 

flow hedges

Amortization of interest rate 

lock agreements

Other

(10,252)

—

31,136

31,136

1,076

(115)

1,076

—

Other comprehensive income (loss)

21,845

32,212

—

—

—

(115)

(115)

(10,252)

10,252

(10,252)

—

—

—

(31,136)

31,136

(1,076)

115

1,076

(115)

(10,252)

(21,845)

21,845

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 502,553 $ 185,128 $ 315,450 $

(1,109) $ (499,469) $ 502,553

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

Year Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Net income

$ 693,520 $ 400,191 $ 296,608 $

3,905 $ (700,704) $ 693,520

Other comprehensive (loss) income, 

net of tax:

Foreign currency translation 

adjustments

Cumulative translation 

adjustment on Shred-it

Change in fair value of cash 

flow hedges

Amortization of interest rate 

lock agreements

Other

Other comprehensive loss

—

—

5,875

— (12,156)

—

—

—

1,952

—

(4,329)

—

— (11,933)

— (11,933)

—

—

—

(730)

(730)

597

—

6,472

—

—

(8)

— (12,156)

—

—

1,952

(738)

(11,344)

— (16,403)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 693,520 $ 395,862 $ 295,878 $

(7,439) $ (700,704) $ 677,117

78

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

Year Ended May 31, 2015 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Net income

$ 430,618 $ 149,937 $ 266,084 $ 17,001 $ (433,022) $ 430,618

Other comprehensive (loss) income, 

net of tax:

Foreign currency translation 

adjustments

Change in fair value of cash 

flow hedges

Amortization of interest rate 

lock agreements

Other

Other comprehensive income (loss)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,952

—

1,952

—

—

—

(361)

(361)

(38,538)

37

—

11

(38,490)

—

—

—

—

—

(38,538)

37

1,952

(350)

(36,899)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 430,618 $ 151,889 $ 265,723 $ (21,489) $ (433,022) $ 393,719

CINTAS CORPORATION

79

 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of May 31, 2017 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents $

— $

48,658 $

17,302 $ 103,306 $

— $ 169,266

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories, net

Uniforms and other rental 

items in service

Income taxes, current

Prepaid expenses and 
other current assets

Assets held for sale

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

543,769

137,881

243,677

21,466

531,295

16,173

13,234

23,095

78,012

25,138

16,188

15,518

22,219

54,358

14,461

45,388

3,009

710

—

—

—

22,219

736,008

(1,386)

278,218

(18,993)

635,702

—

—

—

44,320

30,132

38,613

Total current assets

— 1,419,901

311,505

243,451

(20,379) 1,954,478

Property and equipment, 

at cost, net

Investments (1)

Goodwill

Service contracts, net

Other assets, net

Liabilities and
Shareholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

—

851,018

364,724

107,759

— 1,323,501

321,083

3,605,457

929,657

1,711,070

(6,402,479)

164,788

—

—

— 2,742,898

505,698

—

39,549

81,290

(112) 2,782,335

—

586,988

1,516,463

14,705

3,489,653

11,983

(5,000,837)

31,967

$ 1,837,546 $ 6,396,779 $ 7,838,437 $ 2,195,102 $(11,423,807) $ 6,844,057

Accounts payable

$ (465,247) $ (1,596,731) $ 2,292,388 $

(91,467) $

38,108 $ 177,051

Accrued compensation and 

related liabilities

Accrued liabilities

Liabilities held for sale

Debt due within one year

—

—

—

—

94,505

42,866

191,819

219,303

12,264

18,687

11,457

362,900

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

149,635

429,809

11,457

362,900

Total current liabilities

(465,247)

(936,050) 2,554,557

(60,516)

38,108

1,130,852

Long-term liabilities:

Debt due after one year

— 2,770,234

—

Deferred income taxes

Accrued liabilities

—

—

—

28,384

436,613

140,923

Total long-term liabilities

— 2,798,618

577,536

390

32,715

1,153

34,258

— 2,770,624

—

—

469,328

170,460

— 3,410,412

Total shareholders’ equity

2,302,793

4,534,211

4,706,344

2,221,360 (11,461,915) 2,302,793

$ 1,837,546 $ 6,396,779 $ 7,838,437 $ 2,195,102 $(11,423,807) $ 6,844,057

(1)  Investments include inter company investment activity. Corp 2 and Subsidiary Guarantors hold $29.0 million and $135.8 million, respectively, 

of the $164.8 million consolidated net investments. 

80

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of May 31, 2016 (in thousands)

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 
Guarantors

Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash 
equivalents

$

— $

57,894 $

55,391 $

26,072 $

— $ 139,357

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories, net

Uniforms and other rental 

items in service

Income taxes, current

Prepaid expenses and 
other current assets

Assets held for sale

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

413,645

222,822

448,395

(151 )

6,708

19,021

—

97,516

19,150

73,001

1,215

18,278

—

70,405

35,327

11,235

—

—

70,405

546,488

(3,845)

249,362

36,612

(19,722)

538,286

648

962

—

—

—

—

1,712

25,948

19,021

Total current assets

— 1,168,334

264,551

181,261

(23,567) 1,590,579

Property and equipment, 

at cost, net

Investments (1)

Goodwill

Service contracts, net

—

614,111

305,636

73,945

—

993,692

321,083

1,770,303

901,772

941,396

(3,809,602)

124,952

—

—

75,941

13

— 1,241,145

35,043

(112) 1,276,076

2,240

9,110

—

(4,414,772)

78,194

14,283

Other assets, net

1,081,203

— 3,338,742

Long-term assets held 

for sale

Liabilities and
Shareholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

—

5,521

15,518

—

—

21,039

$ 1,402,286 $ 3,634,210 $ 6,067,377 $ 1,242,995 $ (8,248,053) $ 4,098,815

Accounts payable

$ (465,247 ) $ (1,775,092 ) $ 2,296,493 $

16,781 $

38,005 $ 110,940

Accrued compensation 
and related liabilities

Accrued liabilities

Liabilities held for sale

Debt due within one year

—

—

—

—

72,959

78,471

9,958

250,000

23,052

251,217

5,380

13,578

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

101,391

343,266

9,958

250,000

Total current liabilities

(465,247 )

(1,363,704 ) 2,570,762

35,739

38,005

815,555

Long-term liabilities:

Debt due after one year

— 1,044,032

—

Deferred income taxes

Accrued liabilities

—

—

(427 )

252,149

19,628

116,091

Total long-term liabilities

— 1,063,233

368,240

390

7,753

985

9,128

— 1,044,422

—

—

259,475

136,704

— 1,440,601

Total shareholders’ equity

1,867,533

3,934,681

3,128,375

1,198,128

(8,286,058) 1,842,659

$ 1,402,286 $ 3,634,210 $ 6,067,377 $ 1,242,995 $ (8,248,053) $ 4,098,815

(1)  Investments include inter company investment activity. Corp 2 and Subsidiary Guarantors hold $15.5 million and $109.5 million, respectively, 

of the $125.0 million consolidated net investments. 

CINTAS CORPORATION

81

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended May 31, 2017 (in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 

Guarantors Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Net income

$ 480,708 $ 152,916 $ 315,565 $

9,143 $ (477,624) $

480,708

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation

Amortization of intangible assets

Stock-based compensation

Gain on Storage

Gain on Shred-it

Asset impairment charge

G&K Services, Inc. transaction and 

integration costs

Short-term debt financing fees included in 

net income

Settlement of cash flow hedges

Deferred income taxes

Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of 

acquisitions of businesses:

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories, net

Uniforms and other rental items in service

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and related liabilities

Accrued liabilities and other

Income taxes, current

—

—

88,868

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

117,578

21,496

—

(1,460)

(23,516)

20,966

26,453

17,062

30,194

43,660

1,178

10,327

2,356

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,941)

2,365

4,992

—

—

(26,289)

26,058

4,133

(50,012)

(40,380)

7,787

(4,951)

21,119

(2,317)

(5,011)

2,775

(3,165)

(3,679)

1,959

307

— 1,765,713 (1,509,215)

(242,875)

—

—

—

(7,498)

2,813

19,815

(5,675)

1,337

2,361

(5,205)

(22,445)

(1,774)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

171,565

25,030

88,868

(1,460)

(25,457)

23,331

31,445

17,062

30,194

3,902

—

(93,557)

(2,459)

(729)

—

103

—

—

—

(668)

(8,732)

24,201

13,726

13,654

(501)

(29,424)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

569,576

2,065,166 (1,175,992)

(214,154)

(480,709)

763,887

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Proceeds from redemption of marketable 

securities

Purchase of marketable securities and 

investments

Proceeds from sale of Storage

Proceeds from sale of Shred-it

— (153,963)

(102,682)

(16,672)

—

—

—

—

—

—

218,324

18,150

(797,559)

598,344

2,400

23,935

—

—

—

—

1,941

9,644

—

—

—

—

—

(273,317)

218,324

(181,065)

2,400

25,876

— (2,102,371)

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

— (2,112,015)

Other, net

(438,344)

(1,562,294) 2,039,740

(520,007)

480,709

(196)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(438,344)

(3,783,787) 1,139,499

291,574

480,709

(2,310,349)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of commercial 

paper, net

Proceeds from issuance of debt, net

Repayment of debt

Payment of short-term debt financing fees

Proceeds from exercise of stock-based 

compensation awards

Dividends paid

Repurchase of common stock

Other, net

—

50,500

—

— 1,932,229

(2,000)

—

2,000

— (250,000)

—

(17,062)

31,870

(142,378)

(20,724)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(6,282)

404

—

—

—

(55)

—

—

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(131,232) 1,709,385

(1,596)

1,945

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and 

cash equivalents

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

—

—

—

—

—

(9,236)

(38,089)

57,894

55,391

(2,131)

77,234

26,072

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

50,500

1,932,229

(250,000)

(17,062)

31,870

(142,433)

(20,724)

(5,878)

1,578,502

(2,131)

29,909

139,357

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

— $

48,658 $

17,302 $ 103,306 $

— $

169,266

82

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 

Guarantors Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Net income

$ 693,520 $ 400,191 $

296,608 $

3,905 $ (700,704) $

693,520

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation

Amortization of intangible assets

Stock-based compensation

Gain on Storage transactions

Gain (loss) on Shred-it

Deferred income taxes

Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of 

acquisitions of businesses:

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories, net

Uniforms and other rental items in service

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and related liabilities

Accrued liabilities and other

Income taxes, current

—

—

79,293

102,443

14,830

—

—

(12,547)

— (366,460)

37,883

304

—

—

—

—

(83,648)

22,025

—

—

—

—

(30,381)

(23,917)

(3,193)

(167)

(20,196)

2,011

(2,032)

(914)

9,365

454

—

(3,239)

12,389

2,321

(2,185)

(2,454)

(1,840)

116

— (487,582)

491,918

(4,884)

—

—

—

9,838

(3,790)

895

3,103

25,625

(1,118)

571

155

(577)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

6,443

759

—

(16)

—

724

—

149,691

15,588

79,293

(15,786)

(354,071)

(59,302)

(52,762)

(17,917)

(6,306)

(965)

(564)

13,512

22,714

(800)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

772,813

(483,488)

855,217

14,097

(692,794)

465,845

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

Proceeds from redemption of 

marketable securities

Purchase of marketable securities and 

investments

Proceeds from Storage transactions

Proceeds from sale of Shred-it

Acquisitions of businesses, net of 

cash acquired

Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from the issuance of debt

Repayment of debt

Proceeds from exercise of stock-based 

— (162,075)

(100,380)

(12,930)

—

—

434,179

—

—

(275,385)

434,179

—

—

—

—

(3,333)

32,099

568,223

— (130,786)

(12,085)

(488,765)

10,037

(494,146)

—

—

—

3,239

12,614

(25,793)

—

—

—

35,338

580,837

(156,579)

94,344

94,344

169,821

(945,406)

1,897

683,481

4,137

473,949

(1,057,871)

(75,559)

693,518

128,381

—

—

—

(165)

(9,151)

10,224

165

(365)

—

(41)

—

(732)

(973)

—

(724)

—

—

—

—

—

(16)

28,226

(115,273)

(780,151)

490

(724)

(866,724)

compensation awards

Dividends paid

Repurchase of common stock

Other, net

28,226

(115,232)

(780,151)

—

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(867,157)

—

—

—

1,952

(7,199)

—

—

—

(730)

9,329

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and 

cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

—

—

—

—

—

(5,218)

(16,738)

(193,325)

(67,653)

74,632

248,716

93,725

—

—

—

(5,218)

(277,716)

417,073

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

— $

57,894 $

55,391 $

26,072 $

— $

139,357

CINTAS CORPORATION

83

 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended May 31, 2015 (in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Cintas 
Corporation

Corp. 2

Subsidiary 
Guarantors

Non- 

Guarantors Eliminations

Cintas 
Corporation 
Consolidated

Net income

$ 430,618 $ 149,937 $ 266,084 $

17,001 $ (433,022) $

430,618

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation

Amortization of intangible assets

Stock-based compensation

Gain on Storage transactions

Loss on Shred-it

Gain on sale of stock in an equity method 

investment

Deferred income taxes

Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of 

acquisitions of businesses:

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories, net

Uniforms and other rental items in service

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and related liabilities

Accrued liabilities and other

Income taxes, current

38,066

10,425

—

—

47,002

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

92,133

13,972

—

(31,113)

3,190

60

—

—

—

—

67

(21,739)

18,565

2,416

22,405

(24,203)

(317)

(5,141)

(405)

(5,154)

(2,768)

— (343,401)

310,050

—

—

—

3,345

(15,160)

142

1,226

41,882

(5,939)

426

—

(7,460)

661

—

2,234

1,282

(487)

(2,764)

(117)

(98)

(1,337)

6,322

(1,035)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

477,620

(126,587)

634,787

25,053

(430,597)

580,276

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures

— (117,545)

(85,713)

(14,462)

Proceeds from redemption of marketable 

securities

Purchase of marketable securities and 

investments

Proceeds from Storage transactions, net of 

cash contributed

Proceeds from Shredding Transaction

Proceeds from sale of stock of an equity 

method investment

Dividends received on equity method 

investment

Dividends received on Shred-it

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from the issuance of debt

Repayment of debt

Proceeds from exercise of stock-based 

—

—

161,938

(1,827)

38,731

(179,130)

(53,245)

(195,471)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

93,387

3,344

—

—

113,400

(15,495)

—

—

29,933

5,247

—

—

65,041

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

235,951

235,951

51,438

(773,575)

126,702

(785,377)

3,705

37,092

483,864

430,619

—

—

—

(1,178)

(2,615)

2,962

2,615

(2,280)

compensation awards

Dividends paid

Repurchase of common stock

Other, net

40,230

(201,831)

(551,970)

—

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(713,571)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and 

cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,952

774

—

889

—

—

—

(363)

(16)

—

(150,606)

73,743

399,322

—

(60)

—

—

275

(8,918)

53,502

40,223

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,272

127

—

4

—

22

—

140,624

14,458

47,002

(38,573)

3,851

(21,739)

20,866

(1,443)

23,785

(31,994)

(3,202)

(33,445)

3,234

33,066

(6,832)

—

—

(217,720)

161,938

158,428

3,344

29,933

5,247

113,400

(15,495)

1,383

44,987

—

(518)

40,230

(201,891)

(551,970)

1,589

—

(22)

—

—

—

—

(22)

(712,560)

—

—

—

(8,918)

(96,215)

513,288

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

— $

74,632 $ 248,716 $

93,725 $

— $

417,073

84

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
19.  Subsequent Event

On July 11, 2017, Cintas sold Discontinued Services for a total sale price of $130.0 million. Effective May 31, 2017, 
Discontinued Services was classified as held for sale and was presented in discontinued operations for all periods 
presented herein. Revenue and diluted earnings per share for Discontinued Services was $105.6 million and $0.07, 
respectively, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, $109.7 million and $0.07, respectively, for the fiscal year ended 
May 31, 2016, respectively and $107.2 million and $0.07 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, respectively. 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with 
Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

With  the  participation  of  Cintas’  management,  including  Cintas’  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief 
Financial  Officer,  General  Counsel  and  Controllers,  Cintas  has  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of May 31, 
2017.  Our  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  did  not  include  the  internal  controls  of  G&K 
operations subsequent to the acquisition on March 21, 2017, which are included in the 2017 consolidated financial 
statements and constituted 37.6% of total assets (inclusive of acquired goodwill and identifiable intangible assets 
which represents 29.6% of total assets) as of May 31, 2017, and 3.5% of revenue for the year then ended. Based 
on such evaluation, Cintas’ management, including Cintas’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial 
Officer, General Counsel and Controllers, have concluded that Cintas’ disclosure controls and procedures were 
effective as of May 31, 2017, in ensuring (i) information required to be disclosed by Cintas in the reports that it files 
or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods 
specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by Cintas in the reports that 
it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Cintas’ management, including 
its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to 
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  over  Financial  Reporting  and  the  Report  of  Ernst  &  Young  LLP, 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein.

There  were  no  changes  in  Cintas’  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  Rules  13a-15(f)  and 
15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2017, that have materially affected, 
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Cintas’ internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

CINTAS CORPORATION

85

Part III 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material contained in Cintas’ 
definitive  proxy  statement  for  the  2017  annual  meeting  of  shareholders  to  be  filed  with  the  SEC  pursuant  to 
Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year (the Proxy Statement).

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material contained in the 
Proxy Statement.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 
Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material contained in the 
Proxy Statement, except that the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K can be found below.

The following table provides information about Cintas’ common stock that may be issued under Cintas’ equity 
compensation plans as of May 31, 2017.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category

Equity compensation plans approved 

by shareholders

Equity compensation plans not approved 

by shareholders

Total

(1)  Excludes 2,742,074 unvested restricted stock units.

Number of shares 
to be issued 
upon exercise of 
outstanding options (1)

Weighted average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options (1)

Number of shares 
remaining available 
for future issuance 
under equity 
compensation plans

8,588,050

$ 74.77

12,444,826

—

—

—

8,588,050

$ 74.77

12,444,826

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material contained in the 
Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required under this item is incorporated herein by reference to the material contained in the 
Proxy Statement.

86

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
Part IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) (1)

Financial Statements. All financial statements required to be filed by Item 8 of Form 10-K and 
included in this Annual Report are listed in Item 8. No additional financial statements are filed 
because the requirements for paragraph (d) under Item 14 are not applicable to Cintas.

(a) (2)

Financial Statement Schedule:

For each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2017.

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves.

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the 
required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

(a) (3)

Exhibits.

Exhibit 
Number

2.1***

2.2***

2.3***

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

All documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Exchange Act by Cintas Corporation, 
file number 000-11399, unless otherwise noted.

Description of Exhibit

JV Framework Agreement, dated March 18, 2014, by and among Cintas Corporation No.2, CC 
Shredding  Holdco  LLC  and  CC  Dutch  Shredding  Holdco  BV,  each  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary 
of  Cintas,  and  Shred-It  International  Inc.,  Boost  JV  LP,  Boost  Holdings  LP  and  Boost  GP 
Corp  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  2.1  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
March 19, 2014.)

Securities  Purchase  Agreement,  dated  as  of  July  15,  2015,  by  and  among  Cintas,  Shred-it 
International  Inc.,  Stericycle,  Inc.  and  the  other  parties  thereto  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 2.1 to Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 2015.)

Agreement and Plan of Merger, among Cintas Corporation, G&K Services, Inc. and Bravo Merger 
Sub, Inc., dated as of August 15, 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Cintas’ Current 
Report on Form 8-K dated August 16, 2016.)

Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation,  as  amended  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to 
Cintas’ Registration Statement No. 333-160926 on Form S-3 filed on December 3, 2007.)

Amended and Restated By-laws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Cintas’ Current Report 
on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2008.)

Indenture  dated  as  of  May  28,  2002,  among  Cintas  Corporation  No.  2,  as  issuer,  Cintas 
Corporation, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors thereto and Wachovia Bank, National 
Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended May 31, 2002.)

Form of 6.15% Senior Note due 2036 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated August 17, 2006.)

Form of 6.125% Senior Note due 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated December 6, 2007.)

Form of 2.85% Senior Note due 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated May 23, 2011.)

Form of 4.30% Senior Note due 2021 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current report on 
Form 8-K dated May 23, 2011.)

CINTAS CORPORATION

87

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

Form of 3.25% Senior Note due 2022 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated June 8, 2012.)

Form of 2.900% Senior Notes due 2022 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated March 14, 2017).

Form of 3.700% Senior Notes due 2027 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated March 14, 2017).

Form of 3.250% Senior Notes due 2022 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated March 14, 2017).

Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004 by and among Cintas Corporation No. 2, as Borrower, 
the lenders named in such Credit Agreement and KeyBank National Association, as agent for the 
lenders  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter 
ended February 28, 2011.)

First Amendment Agreement to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004, dated as of 
February  24,  2006  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
October 1, 2010.)

Second Amendment Agreement to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004, dated as 
of  March  16,  2007  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
October 1, 2010.)

Third  Amendment  Agreement  to  the  Credit  Agreement  dated  as  of  May  28,  2004,  dated  as 
of  May  31,  2007  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
October 1, 2010.)

Fourth Amendment Agreement to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004, dated as of 
September 27, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended February 28, 2011.)

Fifth  Amendment  Agreement  to  the  Credit  Agreement  dated  as  of  May  28,  2004,  dated  as 
of  October  7,  2011  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
October 7, 2011.)

Sixth Amendment Agreement to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004, dated as of 
May  29,  2014  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  2.1  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Current 
Report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 2014.)

Seventh  Amendment  Agreement  to  the  Credit  Agreement  dated  as  of  May  28,  2004,  dated 
as  of  June  23,  2016  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
June 28, 2016.)

Amended  and  Restated  Credit  Agreement,  dated  as  of  September  16,  2016,  among  Cintas 
Corp.  No.  2,  the  Lenders  party  thereto  and  KeyBank  National  Association,  as  Administrative 
Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
September 22, 2016).

Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, among G&K 
Services, Inc. and the Note holders (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Current Report on Form 
8-K dated March 21, 2017).

Incentive Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Registration Statement No. 33-
23228 on Form S-8 filed under the Securities Act of 1933.)

Partners’ Plan, as Amended (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Registration Statement No. 33-
56623 on Form S-8 filed under the Securities Act of 1933.)

1999  Cintas  Corporation  Stock  Option  Plan  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Registration 
Statement No. 333-44654 on form S-8 filed under the Securities Act of 1933.)

88

CINTAS CORPORATION

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26*

10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

14

21**

23**

Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2000.)

Amended and Restated 2003 Directors’ Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ 
Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2004.)

Form  of  agreement  signed  by  Officers,  General/Branch  Managers,  Professionals  and  Key 
Managers, including Executive Officers (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2005.)

President and CEO Executive Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2005.)

2006 Executive Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended May 31, 2005.)

2005 Equity Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Definitive Proxy Statement 
on Schedule 14A filed on September 1, 2005.)

Criteria  for  Performance  Evaluation  of  the  President  and  CEO  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Cintas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2006.)

2007 Executive Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended May 31, 2006.)

Amendment  No.  1  to  2005  Equity  Compensation  Plan  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’ 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2011.)

Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Agreement  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2011.)

Amendment  No.  2  to  Cintas  Corporation  2005  Equity  Compensation  Plan  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012.)

Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Agreement  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Cintas’  Current  Report  on 
Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012.)

Amendment  No.  3  to  Cintas  Corporation  2005  Equity  Compensation  Plan  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 23, 2013.)

Amendment  No.  4  to  Cintas  Corporation  2005  Equity  Compensation  Plan  (Incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 22, 2014.)

Cintas  Corporation  Management  Incentive  Plan  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.5  to 
Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 23, 2013.)

Cintas Corporation 2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to 
Cintas’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 20, 2016).

Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Cintas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended May 31, 2004.)

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

CINTAS CORPORATION

89

31.1**

31.2**

32.1**

32.2**

Certification of Principal Executive Officer, Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934

Certification of Principal Financial Officer, Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

101.INS**

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*  Management compensatory contracts

**  Filed herewith

***  Certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted and Cintas agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission 

a copy of any omitted exhibits upon request.

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

None.

90

CINTAS CORPORATION

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has 
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CINTAS CORPORATION

By: /s/ Scott D. Farmer
Scott D. Farmer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

DATE SIGNED: July 31, 2017 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following 
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Capacity

Date

/s/ Scott D. Farmer
Scott D. Farmer

Chairman of the Board of Directors and 
Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Ronald W. Tysoe
Ronald W. Tysoe

/s/ John F. Barrett
John F. Barrett

Director

Director

/s/ James J. Johnson
James J. Johnson

Director

/s/ Robert E. Coletti
Robert E. Coletti

Director

July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017

July 31, 2017

/s/ J. Michael Hansen
J. Michael Hansen

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

July 31, 2017

CINTAS CORPORATION

91

Cintas Corporation 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(In thousands)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

May 31, 2015

May 31, 2016

May 31, 2017

Reserve for Obsolete Inventory

May 31, 2015

May 31, 2016

May 31, 2017

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year

(1) 
Additions

(2) 
Deductions

Balance at 
End 
of Year

$

$

$

$

$

$

14,262

15,497

19,103

30,459

30,531

32,716

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,289

8,274

6,446

2,952

5,195

10,049

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,054

4,668

5,024

2,880

3,010

4,460

$

$

$

$

$

$

15,497

19,103

20,525

30,531

32,716

38,305

(1)  Represents amounts charged to expense to increase reserve for estimated future bad debts or to increase reserve for obsolete inventory. 
Amounts related to inventory are computed by performing a thorough analysis of future marketability by specific inventory item as well as an 
estimate based on Cintas’ historical rates of obsolescence. 

(2)  Represents reductions in the balance sheet reserve due to the actual write-off of non-collectible accounts receivable or the physical disposal 

of obsolete inventory items. These amounts do not impact Cintas’ consolidated income statement.

92

CINTAS CORPORATION

 
Exhibit 31.1 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a)

I, Scott D. Farmer, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cintas Corporation;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, 
fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  of  the 
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures 
to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant, 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end 
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that 
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the 
case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board 
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial  reporting  which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record, 
process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 31, 2017

/s/ Scott D. Farmer

Scott D. Farmer

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

CINTAS CORPORATION

93

Exhibit 31.2 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a)

I, J. Michael Hansen, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cintas Corporation;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, 
fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  of  the 
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure 
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures 
to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant, 
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly 
during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end 
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  registrant’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  that 
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the 
case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board 
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial  reporting  which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the  registrant’s  ability  to  record, 
process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 31, 2017

/s/ J. Michael Hansen

J. Michael Hansen

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

94

CINTAS CORPORATION

Exhibit 32.1 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, 
as Adopted Pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Report of Cintas Corporation 
(the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending May 31, 2017 (the “Report”), I, Scott D. Farmer, certify, 
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best 
of my knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition 

and results of operation of the Company as of and for the periods presented.

/s/ Scott D. Farmer

Scott D. Farmer

Principal Executive Officer

July 31, 2017

CINTAS CORPORATION

95

Exhibit 32.2 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, 
as Adopted Pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Report of Cintas Corporation 
(the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending May 31, 2017 (the “Report”), I, J. Michael Hansen, certify, 
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best 
of my knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition 

and results of operation of the Company as of and for the periods presented.

/s/ J. Michael Hansen

J. Michael Hansen

Principal Financial Officer

July 31, 2017

96

CINTAS CORPORATION

Shareholder Information

Board of Directors

Executive Offices

Annual Meeting

October 17, 2017 
Cintas Corporation 
Corporate Headquarters 
6800 Cintas Boulevard 
Cincinnati, OH 45262-5737 
10:00 a.m.

Company Information

financial 

information 

For 
regarding 
Cintas  Corporation,  please  visit  our 
website  at  www.cintas.com.  Additional 
financial 
is  available  at 
www.nasdaq.com.

information 

Security Holder Information

May  31,  2017,  there  were  approximately 
2,000  shareholders  of  record  of  Cintas’ 
Common 
believes 
that this represents approximately 62,000 
beneficial owners.

Cintas 

Stock. 

Gerald S. Adolph
Retired Principal of PWC Strategy&

John F. Barrett
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer of 
Western & Southern Financial Group

Melanie W. Barstad
Retired President of Women’s 
Health Initiatives, Johnson & 
Johnson Family of Companies

Robert E. Coletti
Senior Partner, Keating Muething & 
Klekamp PLL

Richard T. Farmer 
Chairman Emeritus of the Board 
of the Corporation

Scott D. Farmer
Chairman of the Board and 
Chief Executive Officer 
of the Corporation

Cintas Corporation 
6800 Cintas Boulevard 
P.O. Box 625737 
Cincinnati, OH 45262-5737

Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP 
1900 Scripps Center 
312 Walnut Street 
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Market for Registrant’s 
Common Stock

is 
Cintas  Corporation  Common  Stock 
traded  on  the  Nasdaq  Global  Select 
Market. The symbol is CTAS.

Registrar and Transfer Agent

James J. Johnson 
Retired Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, 
the Procter & Gamble Company

Wells Fargo Bank 
161 North Concord Exchange 
South St. Paul, MN 55075 
(800) 468-9716

Joseph Scaminace 
Retired Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer of 
Vectra Corporation

Ronald W. Tysoe  
Retired Vice Chairman, 
Finance and Real Estate 
Macy’s, Inc.

BR172908-0817-AR

CINTAS CORPORATION6800 Cintas Boulevard Cincinnati, OH 45262-5737 513.459.1200www.cintas.com