Document


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, 2018
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File No. 0-11399
CINTAS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
WASHINGTON
 
 
 
31-1188630
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
 
 
(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
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value
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
ü
 
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
 
ü
 
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
ü
 
NO
 
 
 
Indicate by 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
ü
 
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 this Form 10-K.        
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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.
Large Accelerated Filer
ü
Accelerated Filer
 
Non-Accelerated Filer
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)
Smaller Reporting Company
 
Emerging Growth 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 Act).
    
YES
 
 
NO
 
ü
    
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of November 30, 2017, was $16,762,648,293 based on a closing sale price of $157.44 per share. As of June 30, 2018, 182,752,319 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were issued and 106,279,307 shares were outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

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Cintas Corporation
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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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 a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas that operates 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.
Cintas’ reportable operating segments are Uniform Rental and Facility Services and First Aid and Safety Services. The Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, 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.
In fiscal 2018, Cintas sold a significant business referred to as "Discontinued Services." Prior to the sale of Discontinued Services, the operations were primarily included in All Other and classified as held for sale. 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.
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)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
$
5,247,124

 
$
4,202,490

 
$
3,759,524

First Aid and Safety Services
564,706

 
508,233

 
461,783

All Other
664,802

 
612,658

 
574,465

Total Revenue
$
6,476,632

 
$
5,323,381

 
$
4,795,772


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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 11,100 local delivery routes, 474 operational facilities and 11 distribution centers. At May 31, 2018, Cintas employed approximately 41,000 employees, of which approximately 1,600 were represented by labor unions.
Cintas sources finished products from many outside suppliers. In addition, Cintas operates five 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 $20 million in fiscal 2018 and approximately $14 million in fiscal 2017. Capital expenditures to limit or monitor hazardous substances totaled approximately $2 million in fiscal 2018 and approximately $3 million in fiscal 2017. As a result of the G&K acquisition in fiscal 2017, Cintas' environmental spend and the cost or environmental compliance could increase in future years; however, Cintas 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (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.com/investors/highlights.aspx and its Code of Conduct and Business Ethics can be found on the About Us page of its website at www.cintas.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.

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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 transaction will be accretive and within the expected timeframe and the actual amounts of future integration expenses; 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; the effect of new accounting pronouncements; 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 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.

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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 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 the indebtedness we 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.

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,

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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 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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.

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, including those acquired in the G&K acquisition. 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

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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 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 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 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. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (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

8



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.

If we are unable to accurately predict our future tax liabilities or become subject to increased levels of taxation or our tax contingencies are unfavorably resolved, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The United States recently adopted tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will increase our effective income tax rate by imposing a new tax regime impacting our non-U.S. operations. The U.S. tax changes also provide flexibility related to repatriating non-U.S. earnings to the United States without additional U.S. taxation, and as a result, we have changed classification of certain earnings that were previously deemed to be permanently reinvested offshore and recorded deferred tax liabilities for the associated withholding taxes. Other changes in tax laws or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we do business, including the United States, or changes in how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act or other tax laws are implemented or interpreted, could further increase our effective tax rate, further restrict our ability to repatriate undistributed offshore earnings, or impose new restrictions, costs or prohibitions on our current practices and reduce our net income and adversely affect our cash flows.

We are also subject to tax audits, including with respect to transfer pricing, in the United States and other jurisdictions and our tax positions may be challenged by tax authorities. Although we believe that our current tax provisions are reasonable and appropriate, there can be no assurance that these items will be settled for the amounts accrued, that additional tax exposures will not be identified in the future or that additional tax reserves will not be necessary for any such exposures. Any increase in the amount of taxation incurred as a result of challenges to our tax filing positions could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

9



Item 2.  Properties
Cintas occupies 485 facilities located in 330 cities. Cintas leases 251 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 five 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 five 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 20,200 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
# of Facilities
 
 
 
 
Rental Processing Plants
210

 
Rental Branches
151

 
First Aid and Safety Facilities
55

 
All Other Facilities
53

 
Distribution Centers
11

(1) 
Manufacturing Facilities
5

 
Total
485

 
(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



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 2018
 
 
 
Quarter Ended
High
 
Low
 
 
 
 
May 2018
$
184.22

 
$
162.11

February 2018
$
172.91

 
$
147.38

November 2017
$
157.81

 
$
131.75

August 2017
$
139.74

 
$
123.00

 
 
 
 
Fiscal 2017
 
 
 
Quarter Ended
High
 
Low
 
 
 
 
May 2017
$
128.85

 
$
117.21

February 2017
$
122.21

 
$
112.96

November 2016
$
119.94

 
$
102.07

August 2016
$
117.69

 
$
91.24

Holders
At May 31, 2018, there were approximately 2,000 shareholders of record of Cintas' common stock. Cintas believes that this represents approximately 106,000 beneficial owners.
Dividends
Dividends on Cintas' outstanding common stock have been paid annually and amounted to $1.62 per share, $1.33 per share and $1.05 per share in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

11



Stock Performance Graph
The following graph summarizes the cumulative return on $100 invested in Cintas' common stock, the S&P 500 Stock Index and 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 group 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. The companies included in the Peer Group are UniFirst Corporation, ABM Industries, Inc. and Rollins, Inc.

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 Group 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
comparisonof5yearcumulativet.jpg



12



Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases
Period
(In millions, except share and per share data)
Total number
of shares
purchased
 
Average
price paid
per share
 
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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 1 - 31, 2018 (2)
548

 
$
169.59

 

 
$
500.0

April 1 - 30, 2018
203,002

 
171.30

 
203,002

 
465.3

May 1 - 31, 2018 (3)
316,930

 
174.96

 
315,674

 
410.0

Total
520,480

 
$
173.53

 
518,676

 
$
410.0


(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. From the inception of the August 6, 2016 share buyback program through May 31, 2018, Cintas has purchased a total of 0.5 million shares of Cintas common stock at an average price of $173.51 per share for a total purchase price of $90.0 million.
(2) During March 2018, Cintas acquired 548 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 $169.59 per share for a total purchase price of less than $0.1 million.
(3) During May 2018, Cintas acquired 1,256 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 $180.62 per share for a total purchase price of $0.2 million.

13



Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
Five-Year Financial Summary
(In thousands except per share and percentage data)

Fiscal Years Ended May 31,
2014(1)
 
2015(1)
 
2016(1)
 
2017(1)(2)
 
2018(1)
 
Compound
Annual
Growth
(2014-2018)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
4,091,204

 
$
4,369,677

 
$
4,795,772

 
$
5,323,381

 
$
6,476,632

 
12.2
%
Net Income, Continuing Operations
330,541

 
402,553

 
448,605

 
457,286

 
783,932

 
24.1
%
Net Income, Discontinued Operations
43,901

 
28,065

 
244,915

 
23,422

 
58,654

 
7.5
%
Net Income
$
374,442


$
430,618


$
693,520

 
$
480,708

 
$
842,586

 
22.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations
$
2.72

 
$
3.44

 
$
4.08

 
$
4.27

 
$
7.24

 
27.7
%
Discontinued Operations
0.36

 
0.24

 
2.22

 
0.22

 
0.54

 
10.7
%
Basic Earnings Per Share
$
3.08

 
$
3.68

 
$
6.30

 
$
4.49

 
$
7.78

 
26.1
%
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Operations
$
2.69

 
$
3.39

 
$
4.02

 
$
4.17

 
$
7.03

 
27.1
%
Discontinued Operations
0.36

 
0.24

 
2.19

 
0.21

 
0.53

 
10.2
%
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
3.05

 
$
3.63

 
$
6.21

 
$
4.38

 
$
7.56

 
25.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends Per Share
$
0.77

 
$
1.70

 
$
1.05

 
$
1.33

 
$
1.62

 
20.4
%
Total Assets (3)
$
4,454,457

 
$
4,185,675

 
$
4,098,815

 
$
6,844,057

 
$
6,958,214

 
11.8
%
Shareholders' Equity
$
2,192,858

 
$
1,932,455

 
$
1,842,659

 
$
2,302,793

 
$
3,016,526

 
8.3
%
Return on Average Equity (4)
15.0
%
 
19.5
%
 
23.8
%
 
22.1
%
 
29.5
%
 
 
Long-Term Debt (3)
$
1,292,482

 
$
1,293,215

 
$
1,294,422

 
$ 3,133,524(5)

 
$
2,535,309

 
 

(1) 
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 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 and 2014 were reclassifications of $5.6 million, $6.8 million and $8.0 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



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 for consideration of approximately $2.1 billion. G&K is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cintas that operates 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.

Cintas’ reportable operating segments are Uniform Rental and Facility Services and First Aid and Safety Services. The Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are presented 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.

15



In fiscal 2018, Cintas sold a significant business referred to as Discontinued Services.  Prior to the sale, Discontinued Services was primarily included in All Other and classified as held for sale. 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:
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
81.0
%
 
79.0
%
 
78.4
%
First Aid and Safety Services
8.7
%
 
9.5
%
 
9.6
%
All Other
10.3
%
 
11.5
%
 
12.0
%
Total revenue
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales:
 
 
 
 
 
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
55.0
%
 
54.9
%
 
55.7
%
First Aid and Safety Services
52.9
%
 
54.7
%
 
57.3
%
All Other
57.5
%
 
58.3
%
 
58.6
%
Total cost of sales
55.1
%
 
55.3
%
 
56.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin:
 
 
 
 
 
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
45.0
%
 
45.1
%
 
44.3
%
First Aid and Safety Services
47.1
%
 
45.3
%
 
42.7
%
All Other
42.5
%
 
41.7
%
 
41.4
%
Total gross margin
44.9
%
 
44.7
%
 
43.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Uniform Rental and Facility Services
28.6
%
 
27.1
%
 
26.5
%
First Aid and Safety Services
33.7
%
 
34.9
%
 
31.9
%
All Other
33.9
%
 
34.5
%
 
33.1
%
Total selling and administrative expenses
29.6
%
 
28.7
%
 
27.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
G&K Services, Inc. transaction and integration expenses
0.6
%
 
1.5
%
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
1.7
%
 
1.6
%
 
1.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
13.0
%

12.9
%

14.7
%


16



Fiscal 2018 Compared to Fiscal 2017
Fiscal 2018 total revenue was $6.5 billion, an increase of 21.7% over the prior fiscal year. Revenue increased organically by 7.1% 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 14.3% due to acquisitions, primarily G&K. Revenue growth was positively impacted by 0.3% due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Organic growth by quarter is shown in the table below.
 
Organic Growth
 
 
First Quarter Ended August 31, 2017
8.3%
Second Quarter Ended November 30, 2017
7.7%
Third Quarter Ended February 28, 2018
7.8%
Fourth Quarter Ended May 31, 2018
5.1%
 
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2018
7.1%

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 24.9% compared to fiscal 2017. Revenue was positively impacted by 17.9% due to acquisitions, primarily G&K. The remaining increase primarily resulted from an organic growth increase in revenue of 6.7%. 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 positively impacted by 0.3% 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 9.7% compared to fiscal 2017. Revenue increased organically by 8.6% due primarily to improved sales representative productivity. Revenue growth was positively impacted by 0.1% due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Acquisitions positively impacted revenue by 1.0%.

Cost of uniform rental and facility services increased 25.1% compared to fiscal 2017. 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 2017 was due to increased Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment sales volume from organic 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 7.2% in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017. 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 $389.4 million, or 25.5%, compared to fiscal 2017 due primarily to a one-time cash payment to employee-partners, increased labor and other employee-partner related expenses as a result of the acquisition of G&K, increased amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired as a result of the G&K acquisition and increased costs related to investments in a new enterprise resource planning system. The one-time cash payment to employee-partners was made following the enactment of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) which was signed into legislation by the President on December 22, 2017. The one-time cash payment to employee-partners amounted to an expense of approximately $40 million, or 0.6% of total revenue. Operating income for fiscal 2018 was negatively impacted by $41.9 million, or 0.6% of total revenue, from transaction and integration expenses incurred in connection with the G&K acquisition and $79.2 million, or 1.5% of total revenue, in fiscal 2017.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) was $108.8 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $86.3 million in fiscal 2017. The increase in net interest expense is primarily due to the additional debt issued to finance the G&K acquisition.

17



Income before income taxes was $841.0 million, an increase of $153.6 million, or 22.3%, compared to fiscal 2017. The increase in income before income taxes was primarily due to revenue growing at a faster pace than expenses.

Cintas' effective tax rate on continuing operations was 6.8% for fiscal 2018 compared to 33.5% in fiscal 2017. The decrease was due to the impact of the Tax Act. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2017 was impacted by certain discrete items (primarily the tax accounting for stock-based compensation).

Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 2018 of $783.9 million was a 71.4% increase compared to fiscal 2017.
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $7.03 was a 68.6% increase compared to fiscal 2017. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased primarily due to the lower effective tax rate as a result of the Tax Act, the gain on the sale of Discontinued Services and higher gross margin.

Uniform Rental and Facility Services Reportable Operating Segment
Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment revenue increased $1,044.6 million, or 24.9%, and the cost of uniform rental and facility services increased $579.2 million, or 25.1%, as previously discussed. The reportable operating segment's fiscal 2018 gross margin was 45.0% of revenue compared to 45.1% in fiscal 2017. The slight decrease in gross margin was driven by the G&K acquisition, which had lower margins than the legacy Cintas margins. In addition, we incurred expected integration inefficiencies which impacted margins in the short-term.

Selling and administrative expenses for the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment increased $362.3 million in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of revenue for fiscal 2018 was 28.6% compared to 27.1% in fiscal 2017. The increase in selling and administrative expenses for the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment was primarily related to a one-time cash payment to employee-partners, increased labor and employee-partner related expenses as a result of the G&K acquisition, increased amortization expense related to intangibles acquired as a result of the G&K acquisition and an investment in an enterprise resource planning system.

As a result of the G&K acquisition, the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment incurred $41.9 million of transaction and integration expenses directly related to the acquisition. The expenses incurred in fiscal 2018 consisted of lease cancellation costs, facility closure expenses and other integration related expenses.

Income before income taxes increased $140.5 million to $817.6 million for fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017. Income before income taxes as a percent of revenue at 15.6% decreased 50 basis points from 16.1% in fiscal 2017. The decrease is primarily due to the increase in selling and administrative expenses as previously discussed.

First Aid and Safety Services Reportable Operating Segment
First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment revenue increased $56.5 million in fiscal 2018, an 11.1% increase compared to fiscal 2017. Revenue increased organically by 10.5% as a result of increased sales volume. Revenue growth was positively impacted by 0.5% due to acquisitions.

Cost of first aid and safety services increased $20.9 million, or 7.5%, in fiscal 2018, due primarily to higher sales 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 47.1% for fiscal 2018 compared to 45.3% in fiscal 2017. The increase was driven primarily by improved sourcing, leveraging of existing warehouses and optimization of delivery routes.

Selling and administrative expenses for the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment increased by $13.2 million, or 7.4%, in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017. The increase was due primarily to increased labor, including a one-time cash payment to employee-partners. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue were 33.7% in fiscal 2018 compared to 34.9% in fiscal 2017. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue was due to revenue growing at a faster pace than labor and employee-partner related expenses.

Income before income taxes was $75.2 million in fiscal 2018, an increase of $22.4 million, or 42.5%, compared to fiscal 2017. Income before income taxes as a percent of revenue at 13.3%, increased from 10.4% in fiscal 2017 due to the previously discussed growth in revenue, improvement in the gross margin percentage and improvement in selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue.

18



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.
 
Organic Growth
 
 
First Quarter Ended August 31, 2016
6.0%
Second Quarter Ended November 30, 2016
6.0%
Third Quarter Ended February 28, 2017
6.6%
Fourth Quarter Ended May 31, 2017
8.1%
 
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2017
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 related 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 was 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.

19



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 fiscal 2017.

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 was 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 Accounting Standard Codification (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 Medical Inc. (ZEE). These benefits included improved delivery efficiencies and improved sourcing of goods.

20



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 was 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.

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)
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
964,160

 
$
763,887

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(135,698
)
 
$
(2,310,349
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$
(864,140
)
 
$
1,578,502

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
$
138,724

 
$
169,266

Marketable securities at the end of the period
$

 
$
22,219


Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of May 31, 2018 and 2017 include $33.9 million and $125.5 million, respectively, that is located outside of the United States.

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 $964.2 million for fiscal 2018, which was an increase of $200.3 million compared to fiscal 2017. The increase was the result of higher net income offset by the $96.4 million gain on the sale of Discontinued Services, changes in deferred taxes as a result of the Tax Act and changes in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities was $135.7 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $2,310.3 million in fiscal 2017. Capital expenditures were $271.7 million and $273.3 million for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2018 included $225.7 million for the Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment and $27.9 million for the First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment. Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired, was $19.3 million and $2,102.4 million for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. The acquisitions in both fiscal 2018 and 2017 occurred in our Uniform Rental and Facility Services reportable operating segment, which included G&K in fiscal 2017, our First Aid and Safety Services reportable operating segment and our Fire Protection business, which is included in All Other. Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 included proceeds of $127.8 million related to the sale of Discontinued Services and $28.3 million related to the Storage and Shredding transactions. Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2018 and 2017 also included net proceeds of $26.1 million and $37.3 million, respectively, from purchases and redemptions of marketable securities and investments.

Net cash used in financing activities was $864.1 million for fiscal 2018, compared to $1,578.5 million of net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2017. The decrease in fiscal 2018 from fiscal 2017 is primarily due to the net payment of $600.5 million of debt compared to a net issuance of $1,732.7 million of debt in fiscal 2017. To finance the G&K acquisition in fiscal 2017, Cintas issued various forms of debt, totaling $2,091.2 million, net.

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On August 2, 2016, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million share buyback program, which does not have an expiration date. During fiscal 2018, under the August 2, 2016 share buyback program, we purchased 0.5 million shares at an average price of $173.51 per share for a total purchase price of $90.0 million. 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 under a previously authorized share buyback program. Subsequent to May 31, 2018 through July 27, 2018, Cintas purchased 0.3 million shares at an average price of $199.15 per share for a total purchase price of $60.0 million. Under the August 2, 2016 program through July 27, 2018, Cintas has purchased a total of 0.8 million shares of Cintas common stock at an average price of $182.93 per share for a total purchase price of $150.0 million. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, Cintas acquired 0.3 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 $130.30 per share for a total purchase price of $37.3 million.

On October 17, 2017, Cintas declared an annual cash dividend of $1.62 per share on outstanding common stock, a
21.8% increase over the annual dividend paid in the prior year. The dividend was paid on December 8, 2017 to shareholders of record as of November 10, 2017. This marked the 35th 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.

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, Cintas paid a net total of $50.5 million of commercial paper and paid off the term loan balance of $250.0 million with cash on hand. On December 1, 2017, Cintas paid the $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.13% 10-year senior notes that matured on that date with cash on hand and $265.0 million in proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper. On June 1, 2016, Cintas paid the $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of five-year senior notes that matured on that date with cash on hand and proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper.

The following table summarizes Cintas' outstanding debt at May 31:
(In thousands)
Interest
 Rate
 
Fiscal Year
Issued
 
Fiscal Year
Maturity
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt due within one year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes
6.13
%
 
2008
 
2018
 
$

 
$
300,000

Commercial paper
1.24
%
(1) 
Various
 
Various
 

 
50,500

Current portion of term loan
2.00
%
(1) 
2017
 
2018
 

 
12,500

Debt issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
(100
)
Total debt due within one year
 
 
 
 
 
 
$

 
$
362,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt due after one year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes
4.30
%
 
2012
 
2022
 
$
250,000

 
$
250,000

Senior notes
2.90
%
 
2017
 
2022
 
650,000

 
650,000

Senior notes
3.25
%
 
2013
 
2023
 
300,000

 
300,000

Senior notes (2)
2.78
%
 
2013
 
2023
 
52,119

 
52,554

Senior notes (3)
3.11
%
 
2015
 
2025
 
52,309

 
52,645

Senior notes
3.70
%
 
2017
 
2027
 
1,000,000

 
1,000,000

Senior notes
6.15
%
 
2007
 
2037
 
250,000

 
250,000

Long-term portion of term loan
2.00
%
(1) 
2017
 
2022
 

 
237,500

Debt issuance costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
(19,119
)
 
(22,075
)
   Total debt due after one year
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,535,309

 
$
2,770,624

(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%.

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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 existing term loan facility was paid in full during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. 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. No commercial paper or borrowings on our revolving credit facility were outstanding at May 31, 2018. 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.

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, 2018, our ratings were as follows:
Rating Agency
 
Outlook
 
Commercial Paper
 
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standard & Poor’s
 
Stable
 
A-2
 
BBB+
Moody’s Investors Service
 
Stable
 
P-2
 
A3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

On June 11, 2018, Standard & Poor's rating agency updated their ratings as follows:
Rating Agency
 
Outlook
 
Commercial Paper
 
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Standard & Poor’s
 
Positive
 
A-2
 
BBB+

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. 

On December 22, 2017, the United States adopted tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Act, which is generally effective January 1, 2018. The Tax Act includes a number of changes to U.S. tax law, including lowering the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21% and changing or limiting certain tax deductions. In addition, the Tax Act alters the landscape of taxation of non-U.S. operations and provides immediate deductions for certain new investments, among other provisions.


23



Cintas has reasonably estimated the effects of the Tax Act to be a net income tax benefit of $161.4 million for fiscal 2018. The significant components of this income tax benefit include (i) the remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities at the lower enacted U.S. corporate tax rate, which resulted in a net $175.6 million decrease in income tax expense; (ii) a $4.4 million net tax expense comprised of foreign withholding taxes related to certain non-U.S. earnings subject to repatriation; and (iii) $9.8 million in transition tax related to certain non-U.S. earnings subject to repatriation that were previously tax deferred.

The overall net impact of the Tax Act resulted in a net decrease in Cintas’ effective tax rates in fiscal 2018, and we anticipate the net impact of the Tax Act on future periods to also be a net decrease in our effective tax rates. While the reduction in the U.S. federal tax rate from 35% to 21% in fiscal 2018 and beyond will result in lower income tax expense, other elements of the Tax Act will partially offset this reduction. Elements of the Tax Act that will cause an increase in future income tax expense include:
• The Tax Act expands the limitation on the deduction of certain executive compensation. This expansion is subject to transition rules that provide relief for previously awarded compensation. We estimate that this deduction limitation will adversely impact our effective rate in future periods.
• The Tax Act limits certain entertainment deductions.
• The Tax Act eliminates the Section 199 deduction.
The estimated impacts of the Tax Act recorded during fiscal 2018 as well as the forward-looking estimates are provisional in nature, and Cintas will continue to assess the impact of the Tax Act and provide additional information and record adjustments through the income tax provision in the relevant period as amounts are known and reasonably estimable during the measurement period. Accordingly, the impact of the Tax Act may differ from our provisional estimates due to, among other factors, information currently not available, changes in interpretations and the issuance of additional guidance, as well as changes in assumptions Cintas has made, including actions Cintas may take in fiscal 2019 as a result of the Tax Act.
Contractual Obligations
 
Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)
Total
 
One year
or less
 
Two to
three years
 
Four to
five years
 
After five
years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt (1)
$
2,550,000

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,250,000

 
$
1,300,000

Operating leases (2)
196,774

 
49,313

 
75,336

 
44,409

 
27,716

Interest payments (3)
797,243

 
95,530

 
191,060

 
151,210

 
359,443

Unconditional purchase obligations

 

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations
$
3,544,017

 
$
144,843

 
$
266,396

 
$
1,445,619

 
$
1,687,159

(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 could include interest on both fixed and variable rate debt. As of May 31, 2018, Cintas did not have commercial paper outstanding, and therefore did not have any variable rate debt.
Cintas also makes payments to defined contribution plans and may make payments to defined benefit plans to satisfy minimum funding requirements. The amount of contributions made to the defined contribution plans are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Cintas. Future contributions to the defined contribution plans are expected to be $62.5 million in the next year, $134.5 million in the next two to three years and $148.3 million in the next four to five years. Future contributions to the defined benefit plans are expected to be $4.3 million in the next year, $5.6 million in the next two to three years and $5.6 million in the next four to five years.

24



Other Commitments
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period
(In thousands)
Total
 
One year
or less
 
Two to
three years
 
Four to
five years
 
After five
years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lines of credit (1)
$
599,876

 
$

 
$

 
$
599,876

 
$

Standby letters of credit and surety bonds (2)
143,035

 
143,035

 

 

 

Total other commitments
$
742,911

 
$
143,035

 
$

 
$
599,876

 
$

(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 and surety bonds 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.

New Accounting Standards
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued 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. Cintas adopted ASU 2014-08 during the quarter ended August 31, 2015 and applied the amended accounting guidance to Shred-it and all subsequent transactions, as appropriate.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," to clarify revenue recognition principles. The standard applies one comprehensive revenue recognition model across all contracts, entities and sectors. The core principal of the new standard is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard includes cost guidance, whereby all direct and incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract will be capitalized and amortized over the corresponding period of benefit, determined on a contract by contract basis. This guidance is also 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. Cintas adopted this standard on June 1, 2018. The largest impacts to the Company’s financial statements will result from the new qualitative and quantitative disclosures that will be required upon adoption of the new standard. There will be two implementation adjustments upon adoption of the new standard related to the capitalization of certain direct and incremental contract costs and the timing of revenue recognition for certain contracts with customers that create an asset with no alternative use to the Company. The Company will apply the modified retrospective adoption alternative for this standard and anticipates recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment in the range of approximately $185.0 million to $215.0 million of an increase to retained earnings as of June 1, 2018, which primarily reflects the deferral of contract costs.

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

25



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.

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. The Company currently expects the adoption of this standard to result in a material increase to the assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

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 excess tax benefits for share-based payments to 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates the two-step process that required identification of potential impairment and a separate measure of the actual impairment. Goodwill impairment charges, if any, would be determined by the difference between a reporting unit's carrying value and its fair value (impairment loss is limited to the carrying value). This standard is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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 retrospectively adopted ASU 2017-07 on June 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." ASU 2018-02 allows entities to elect to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Act on items within accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings and requires additional related disclosures. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Cintas is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2018-02 will have on its consolidated condensed 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.


26



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 net realizable value. 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 net realizable value. An inventory obsolescence reserve is determined by specific identification, as well as an estimate based on the Company's historical rates of obsolescence.
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 were 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 fiscal 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 fiscal years ended May 31, 2018 and 2016.
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

27



multiple data and our market capitalization to corroborate our reporting unit valuations. We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. Cintas has identified four reporting units for purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment: Uniform Rental and Facility Services, First Aid and Safety Services, and two reporting units within All Other. 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, 2018, 2017 or 2016. 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 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 is being 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, 2018, 2017 or 2016.
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 acquisition.
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. Generally, 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



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 not be impacted because we had no variable rate debt as of May 31, 2018. 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.

29



Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


30



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, 2018. 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.
Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 31, 2018, 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
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

31



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Cintas Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Cintas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018, 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). In our opinion, Cintas Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of May 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a), and our report dated July 27, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

Basis for Opinion
The Company’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 “Report of Management”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
 

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 27, 2018

32



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Cintas Corporation
 
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cintas Corporation (the Company) as of May 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at May 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018, 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 27, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1968
Cincinnati, Ohio
July 27, 2018


33



Consolidated
Statements of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Years Ended May 31,
(In thousands except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Uniform rental and facility services
$
5,247,124

 
$
4,202,490

 
$
3,759,524

Other
1,229,508

 
1,120,891

 
1,036,248

 
6,476,632

 
5,323,381

 
4,795,772

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of uniform rental and facility services
2,886,959

 
2,307,774

 
2,092,833

Cost of other
681,150

 
635,312

 
601,599

Selling and administrative expenses
1,916,792

 
1,527,380

 
1,332,399

G&K Services, Inc. transaction and integration expenses
41,897

 
79,224

 

Operating income
949,834

 
773,691

 
768,941

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
(1,342
)
 
(237
)
 
(896
)
Interest expense
110,175

 
86,524

 
64,522

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
841,001

 
687,404

 
705,315

Income taxes
57,069

 
230,118

 
256,710

Income from continuing operations
783,932

 
457,286

 
448,605

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $35,313,
  $15,057 and $138,184, respectively
58,654

 
23,422

 
244,915

Net income
$
842,586

 
$
480,708

 
$
693,520

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
7.24

 
$
4.27

 
$
4.08

Discontinued operations
0.54

 
0.22

 
2.22

Basic earnings per share
$
7.78

 
$
4.49

 
$
6.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
7.03

 
$
4.17

 
$
4.02

Discontinued operations
0.53

 
0.21

 
2.19

Diluted earnings per share
$
7.56

 
$
4.38

 
$
6.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared and paid per share
$
1.62

 
$
1.33

 
$
1.05


See accompanying notes.


34



Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Years Ended May 31,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
842,586

 
$
480,708

 
$
693,520

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
19,276

 
(10,252
)
 
(11,933
)
Cumulative translation adjustment on Shred-it

 

 
6,472

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

 
31,136

 
(12,156
)
Amortization of interest rate lock agreements
(933
)
 
1,076

 
1,952

Other
1,029

 
(115
)
 
(738
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense (benefit)
     of $690, $19,118 and ($9,813), respectively
19,372

 
21,845

 
(16,403
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
$
861,958

 
$
502,553

 
$
677,117


See accompanying notes.


35



Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
As of May 31,
(In thousands except share data)
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
138,724

 
$
169,266

Marketable securities

 
22,219

Accounts receivable, principally trade, less allowance of $33,510 and $20,525, respectively
804,583

 
736,008

Inventories, net
280,347

 
278,218

Uniforms and other rental items in service
702,261

 
635,702

Income taxes, current
19,634

 
44,320

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
32,383

 
30,132

Assets held for sale

 
38,613

Total current assets
1,977,932

 
1,954,478

 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
1,382,730

 
1,323,501

 
 
 
 
Investments
175,581

 
164,788

Goodwill
2,846,888

 
2,782,335

Service contracts, net
545,768

 
586,988

Other assets, net
29,315

 
31,967

 
$
6,958,214

 
$
6,844,057

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
215,074

 
$
177,051

Accrued compensation and related liabilities
140,654

 
149,635

Accrued liabilities
420,129

 
429,809

Liabilities held for sale

 
11,457

Debt due within one year

 
362,900

Total current liabilities
775,857

 
1,130,852

 
 
 
 
Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Debt due after one year
2,535,309

 
2,770,624

Deferred income taxes
352,581

 
469,328

Accrued liabilities
277,941

 
170,460

Total long-term liabilities
3,165,831

 
3,410,412

 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value:
 
 
 
100,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

 

Common stock, no par value:
 
 
 
425,000,000 shares authorized
 
 
 
2018: 182,723,471 shares issued and 106,326,383 shares outstanding
 

 
 

2017: 180,992,605 shares issued and 105,400,629 shares outstanding
618,464

 
485,068

Paid-in capital
245,211

 
223,924

Retained earnings
5,837,827

 
5,170,830

Treasury stock:
 

 
 

2018: 76,397,088 shares
 
 
 
2017: 75,591,976 shares
(3,701,319
)
 
(3,574,000
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
16,343

 
(3,029
)
Total shareholders' equity
3,016,526

 
2,302,793

 
$
6,958,214

 
$
6,844,057

See accompanying notes.

36



Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity
 
Common Stock  
 
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Other
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury Stock  
 
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
(In thousands)
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 1, 2015
178,117

 
$
329,248

 
$
157,183

 
$
4,227,620

 
$
(8,471
)
 
(66,414
)
 
$
(2,773,125
)
 
$
1,932,455

Net income

 

 

 
693,520

 

 

 

 
693,520

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(16,403
)
 

 

 
(16,403
)
Dividends

 

 

 
(115,273
)
 

 

 

 
(115,273
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 
79,293

 

 

 

 

 
79,293

Vesting of stock-based compensation awards
605

 
52,208

 
(52,208
)
 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised, net of shares
    surrendered
876

 
28,226

 

 

 

 

 

 
28,226

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(8,971
)
 
(780,151
)
 
(780,151
)
Other

 

 
20,992

 

 

 

 

 
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

Net income

 

 

 
480,708

 

 

 

 
480,708

Comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 
21,845

 

 

 
21,845

Dividends

 

 

 
(142,433
)
 

 

 

 
(142,433
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 
88,868

 

 

 

 

 
88,868

Vesting of stock-based compensation awards
429

 
43,516

 
(43,516
)
 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised, net of shares
    surrendered
966

 
31,870

 

 

 

 

 

 
31,870

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(207
)
 
(20,724
)
 
(20,724
)
Adoption of new accounting guidance

 

 
(26,688
)
 
26,688

 

 

 

 

Balance at May 31, 2017
180,993

 
485,068

 
223,924

 
5,170,830

 
(3,029
)
 
(75,592
)
 
(3,574,000
)
 
2,302,793

Net income

 

 

 
842,586

 

 

 

 
842,586

Comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 
19,372

 

 

 
19,372

Dividends

 

 

 
(175,589
)
 

 

 

 
(175,589
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 
112,835

 

 

 

 

 
112,835

Vesting of stock-based compensation awards
701

 
91,548

 
(91,548
)
 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised, net of shares
    surrendered
1,029

 
41,848

 

 

 

 

 

 
41,848

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(805
)
 
(127,319
)
 
(127,319
)
Balance at May 31, 2018
182,723

 
$
618,464

 
$
245,211

 
$
5,837,827

 
$
16,343

 
(76,397
)
 
$
(3,701,319
)
 
$
3,016,526


See accompanying notes.

37



Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Years Ended May 31,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
842,586

 
$
480,708

 
$
693,520

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
215,476

 
171,565

 
149,691

Amortization of intangible assets
63,940

 
25,030

 
15,588

Stock-based compensation
112,835

 
88,868

 
79,293

Gain on sale of business
(96,400
)
 

 

Gain on Storage

 
(1,460
)
 
(15,786
)
Gain on Shred-it

 
(25,457
)
 
(354,071
)
Asset impairment charge

 
23,331

 

G&K Services, Inc. transaction and integration costs

 
31,445

 

Short-term debt financing fees included in net income

 
17,062

 

Settlement of cash flow hedges

 
30,194

 

Deferred income taxes
(119,295
)
 
3,902

 
(59,302
)
Change in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable, net
(66,267
)
 
(93,557
)
 
(52,762
)
Inventories, net
(3,323
)
 
(668
)
 
(17,917
)
Uniforms and other rental items in service
(64,299
)
 
(8,732
)
 
(6,306
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(15,526
)
 
24,201

 
(965
)
Accounts payable
35,275

 
13,726

 
(564
)
Accrued compensation and related liabilities
(9,392
)
 
13,654

 
13,512

Accrued liabilities and other
42,468

 
(501
)
 
22,714