Cintas delivered a strong fiscal 2025 second quarter, underscoring durable demand for its diversified platform and the efficiency of its operating model. Revenue of $2.56 billion rose 7.8% year over year, with organic growth of 7.1% (adjusted for acquisitions and FX). Gross margin expanded to 49.8% from 48.0% a year ago, and operating margin reached a quarterly high of 23.1%, driving diluted EPS of $1.09 (up 21.1% YoY). Management attributed the margin strength to volume leverage, Six Sigma/engineering initiatives, route optimization (SmartTruck), and better sourcing, with no material one-offs reported for the quarter. Free cash flow for the first six months grew 34.9% YoY, supporting a disciplined capital allocation program that includes capex, acquisitions, dividends, and share repurchases.
Management raised fiscal 2025 guidance reflecting momentum: revenue expected to be $10.255–$10.32 billion (up from $10.22–$10.32B), organic growth guidance of 7.0–7.7%, and diluted EPS guidance of $4.28–$4.34 (up from $4.17–$4.25). The company emphasized a balanced mix of growth drivers including strength in First Aid & Safety, Fire Protection, and healthcare-related services, while Uniform Direct Sale remained a headwind in the quarter. The long-term growth framework remains anchored in efficiency gains, cross-selling, and strategic acquisitions to broaden the value proposition for customers.