form10k053107.htm
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 Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2007
   
o
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)
 
 
 
     
Incorporated under the Laws of Washington
6800 Cintas Boulevard
P.O. Box 625737
Cincinnati, Ohio  45262-5737
IRS Employer ID
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Address of principal executive offices)
No. 31-1188630
 
(513) 459-1200
 
 
(Telephone number of principal executive offices)
 
 
 
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 checkmark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
YES     ü                                         NO    __­

Indicate by checkmark 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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES     ü                                         NO    __­
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K.   ü

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer   ü                 Accelerated Filer ___                Non-Accelerated Filer ___

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ___ No    ü  




The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of November 30, 2006, was $6,749,778,423 based on a closing sale price of $42.20 per share.  As of June 30, 2007, 172,898,842 shares of Common Stock were issued and 158,701,519 shares were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III as specified.

2

 
Cintas Corporation

Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K 


     
Page
Part I
     
 
Item 1.
Business.
4
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
6
 
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
9
 
Item 2.
Properties.
10
 
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
11
 
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
11
       
Part II
     
 
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related
Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities.
12
 
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
15
 
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
16
 
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.
28
 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
28
 
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
59
 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
59
 
Item 9B.
Other Information.
59
       
Part III
     
 
Item 10.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
59
 
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
59
 
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
59
 
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and
Director Independence.
59
 
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
59
       
Part IV
     
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
60

3

 
Part I
 


Item 1.  Business

Cintas Corporation (Cintas), a Washington corporation, provides highly specialized products and services to businesses of all types throughout the United States and Canada.  Cintas’ products and services are designed to enhance its customers’ images and brand identification as well as provide a safe and efficient work place.  Cintas was founded in 1968 by Richard T. Farmer, Chairman of the Board, 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 our customers.

The products and services provided by Cintas are as follows:

 
·
Uniforms and Apparel
 
·
Mats, Mops and Towels
 
·
Restroom and Hygiene Service
 
·
First Aid
 
·
Safety
 
·
Fire Protection
 
·
Branded Promotional Products
 
·
Document Shredding and Storage
 
·
Cleanroom Resources
 
·
Flame Resistant Clothing

These products and services are provided to approximately 800,000 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 revenues.  As a result, the loss of one account would not have a significant financial impact on Cintas.

Cintas classifies its business into two operating segments, Rentals and Other Services, based on the similar economic and organizational characteristics of the products and services within each segment. The Rentals segment reflects the rental and servicing of uniforms and other garments, mats, mops and shop towels.  In addition to these rental items, we also provide restroom and hygiene products and services within this segment.  The Other Services segment consists of the direct sale of uniforms and related items, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services, document management services and branded promotional products.

The following table sets forth the revenues derived from each operating segment provided by Cintas:

                   
Year Ended May 31, (in thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                   
Rentals
  $
2,734,629
    $
2,568,776
    $
2,363,397
 
Other Services
   
972,271
     
834,832
     
703,886
 
    $
3,706,900
    $
3,403,608
    $
3,067,283
 

See Note 13 entitled Segment Information in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

The primary markets served by both Cintas operating segments 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’ locations.  Product, design, price, quality, service and convenience to the customer are the competitive elements in both operating segments.

Within the Rentals segment, Cintas provides its products and services to customers via local delivery routes originating from rental processing plants and branches.  Within the Other Services segment,

4


Cintas provides its products and services via its distribution network and local delivery routes or local representatives.  In total, Cintas has approximately 7,300 local delivery routes, 407 operations and 7 distribution centers.

Cintas sources finished products from many outside suppliers.  In addition, Cintas operates eleven manufacturing facilities which provide for a substantial amount of its 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 our 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 $16 million in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.  Capital expenditures to limit or monitor hazardous substances were approximately $2 million in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.  These expenditures were primarily related to the purchase of water treatment systems, which are depreciated over a useful life of ten years.  Cintas does not expect a material change in the cost of environmental compliance on a percent to revenue basis and is not aware of any material non-compliance with environmental laws.

At May 31, 2007, Cintas employed approximately 34,000 employees of which approximately 400 were represented by labor unions.  Since January 2003, Cintas has been the target of a corporate unionization campaign by Unite Here and the Teamsters unions.  These unions are attempting to pressure Cintas into surrendering its employees’ rights to a government-supervised election and unilaterally accept union representation.  This is unacceptable.  Cintas’ philosophy in regard to unions is straightforward:  We believe that employees have the right to say yes to union representation and the freedom to say no.  This campaign could be materially disruptive to our business and could materially adversely affect results of operations.  We will continue to vigorously oppose this campaign and to defend our employees’ rights.  Cintas considers its relationships with its employees to be satisfactory.

Cintas files annual and quarterly reports and proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The public may copy these materials at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580 Washington, D.C.  20549 and may obtain further information concerning the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains the same information regarding Cintas that is filed electronically with the SEC.  The address of that site is: http://www.sec.gov.  Cintas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available free of charge as posted on its website, www.cintas.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing with the SEC.  Cintas is not including the other information contained on its website as part of or incorporating it by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

5

 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The statements in this section, as well as statements described elsewhere in this Form 10-K, or in other SEC filings, describe risks that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the trading price of our debt or equity securities could decline.  These risks are not the only risks that we face.  Our business, financial condition and results of operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations.

In addition, this section sets forth statements which constitute our cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
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 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.  We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized.  These statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties 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, the possibility of greater than anticipated operating costs including energy costs, lower sales volumes, loss of customers due to outsourcing trends, the performance and costs of integration of acquisitions, 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, 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 initiation or outcome of litigation, higher assumed sourcing or distribution costs of products, the disruption of operations from catastrophic events, changes in federal and state tax laws and the reactions of competitors in terms of price and service.  Cintas undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made.  You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Q and 8-K reports to the SEC.

Also note that we provide the following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to our businesses. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. We note these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.  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.  Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

General economic factors may adversely affect our financial performance.
General economic conditions, in North America and globally, 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 healthcare and insurance costs, labor shortages or shortages of skilled labor, higher material costs for items such as fabrics and textiles, higher fuel and other energy costs, higher interest rates, inflation, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws and other economic factors could increase our costs of rentals and other services and selling and administrative expenses and could adversely affect our results of operations.


6


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 our 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 Cintas.  These competitive pressures could adversely affect our sales and 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, inflation and other factors relating to the suppliers and the countries in which they are located are beyond our control. In addition, United States and Canadian 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 results of operations.

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

Unionization campaigns could adversely affect our results of operations.
Cintas continues to be the target of a corporate unionization campaign by several unions.  These unions are attempting to pressure Cintas into surrendering our employees' rights to a government-supervised election by unilaterally accepting union representation.  We continue to vigorously oppose this campaign and defend our employees' rights to a government-supervised election.  This campaign could be materially disruptive to our business and could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Within our Document Management business, we handle customers’ confidential information.  Our failure to protect our customers’ confidential information against security breaches could damage our reputation, harm our business and adversely impact our results of operations.
Our Document Management business includes both document destruction and document storage services.  These services involve the handling of our customers’ confidential information and the subsequent shredding or storage of this information.  Any compromise of security, accidental loss or theft of customer data in our possession could damage our reputation and expose us to risk of liability, which could harm our business and adversely impact our results of operations.

7


Compliance with environmental laws and regulations could result in significant costs that adversely affect our results of operations.
Our operating locations are subject to environmental laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and health and safety matters, including those governing discharges of pollutants to the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the clean-up of contaminated sites. The operation of our businesses entails risks under environmental laws and regulations. We could incur significant costs, including clean-up costs, fines and sanctions and claims by third parties for property damage and personal injury, as a result of violations of or liabilities under these laws and regulations. We are currently involved in a limited number of remedial investigations and actions at various locations.  While, based on information currently known to us, we believe that we maintain adequate reserves with respect to these matters, our liability could exceed forecasted amounts, and the imposition of additional clean-up obligations or the discovery of additional contamination at these or other sites could result in additional costs. 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 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 Cintas regularly engages in environmental due diligence in connection with acquisitions, we can give no assurance that locations that have been acquired or leased have been operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations during prior periods or that future uses or conditions will not make us liable under these laws or expose us to third-party actions including tort suits.
 
We are subject to legal proceedings that may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We are party to various litigation claims and legal proceedings.  Certain of these lawsuits or potential future lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability material to our financial condition and results of operations.  We discuss these lawsuits and other litigation to which we are party in greater detail below under the caption “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and in Note 12 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Failure to comply with the regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other state and local agencies that oversee safety compliance could adversely affect our results of operations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, or “OSHA”, establishes certain employer responsibilities, including maintenance of a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious injury, compliance with standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and various record keeping, disclosure and procedural requirements. Various OSHA standards may apply to our operations. 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 OSHA and other state and local laws and regulations.  The failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines by government authorities, payment of damages to private litigants and affect our ability to service our customers.

Risks associated with our acquisition policy 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 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.  Although we conduct due diligence investigations prior to each acquisition, there can be no assurance that we will discover all material liabilities of an acquired business for which we may be responsible as a successor owner or operator.  The failure to successfully integrate these acquired businesses or to discover such liabilities could adversely affect our results of operations.



8


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.
 
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 tornados, war or terrorist activities, unplanned outages, supply disruptions, failure of equipment or systems or changes in laws and/or regulations impacting our business, could adversely affect our 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.
 
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 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.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

Cintas has not received any written comments from the SEC Staff regarding its periodic or current reports within 180 days prior to the end of the fiscal year ended May 31, 2007.

9


Item 2.  Properties
 
Cintas occupies 414 facilities located in 280 cities.  Cintas leases 210 of these facilities for various terms ranging from monthly to the year 2016.  Cintas expects that it will be able to renew its leases on satisfactory terms.  Of the eleven manufacturing facilities listed below, Cintas controls the operations of three of these manufacturing facilities, but does not own or lease the real estate related to these operations.  All other facilities are owned.  The corporate office 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 seven distribution centers and eleven manufacturing facilities.  Cintas also operates first aid, safety and fire protection and document management facilities and direct sales offices.  Cintas considers the facilities it operates to be adequate for their intended use. Cintas owns or leases approximately 14,000 vehicles.
 
The following chart provides additional information concerning Cintas' facilities:


 
Type of Facility
 
# of Facilities
 
       
Rental Processing Plants
   
175
 
         
Rental Branches
   
96
 
         
First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Facilities
   
61
 
         
Document Management Facilities
   
43
 
         
Distribution Centers
    7 *
         
Manufacturing Facilities
   
11
 
         
Direct Sales Offices
   
21
 
         
Total
   
414
 


Rental processing plants, rental branches, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities are used in Cintas’ Rentals segment.  Rental processing plants, rental branches, first aid, safety and fire protection facilities, document management facilities, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities and direct sales offices are all used in the Other Services segment.
 
* Includes the corporate office, which is attached to the distribution center in Cincinnati, OH.

10

 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
 
We discuss certain legal proceedings pending against us in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under “Litigation and Other Contingencies” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in Note 12 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”  We refer you to those discussions for important information concerning those legal proceedings, including the basis for such actions and, where known, the relief sought.  We provide the following additional information concerning those legal proceedings which sets forth the name of the lawsuit, the court in which the lawsuit is pending and the date on which the petition commencing the lawsuit was filed.

Wage and Hour Litigation: Paul Veliz, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, United States District Court, Northern District of California, Oakland Division, March 19, 2003.  On August 23, 2005, an amended complaint was filed alleging additional state law wage and hour claims under the following state laws: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.  On February 14, 2006, the court permitted plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint alleging state law claims in the 15 states listed above only with respect to the putative class members that may litigate their claims in court.

Race and Gender Litigation and Related Charges: Robert Ramirez, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, January 20, 2004, alleging class action claims of race, national origin and gender discrimination in hiring, promotion and pay; On April 27, 2005, the EEOC intervened in Ramirez; Mirna E. Serrano, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, May 10, 2004, alleging class action claims of gender discrimination in hiring into service sales representative positions; On November 15, 2005, the EEOC intervened in Serrano; On May 11, 2006, the Ramirez African-American, Hispanic and female failure to hire into service sales representative positions claims and the EEOC’s intervention were transferred to the Serrano case, the remaining claims in Ramirez were dismissed or compelled to arbitration; Colleen Grindle, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, Court of Common Pleas, Wood County, Ohio, February 20, 2007, alleging class action claims on behalf of female employees at Cintas’ Perrysburg, Ohio rental location who allegedly were denied hire, promotion or transfer into SSR positions; Larry Houston, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, United States District Court for the Northern District of California, August 3, 2005; On November 22, 2005, the named plaintiffs in Houston were ordered to arbitration; EEOC charge filed by Clifton Cooper on March 23, 2005, with the EEOC Systemic Litigation Unit; Mr. Cooper’s claims are now part of the Houston arbitration matter; EEOC Commissioner’s charge filed on November 30, 2004, with the EEOC Systemic Litigation Unit alleging:  (i) failure to hire and assign females to production job positions; and (ii) failure to hire females, African-Americans and Hispanics into the Management Trainee program.

Breach of Fiduciary Duties:  J. Lester Alexander, III vs. Cintas Corp., et al., Circuit Court, Randolph County, Alabama, October 25, 2004.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

11


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 shows the high and low closing prices of shares of Cintas’ Common Stock by quarter during the last two fiscal years:

Fiscal 2007
           
Quarter Ended
 
High
 
 
Low
 
             
May 2007
  $
40.51
    $
35.95
 
February 2007
   
42.81
     
39.71
 
November 2006
   
43.63
     
37.39
 
August 2006
   
42.54
     
34.92
 

Fiscal 2006
           
Quarter Ended
 
High
   
Low
 
             
May 2006
  $
44.30
    $
39.90
 
February 2006
   
45.40
     
39.78
 
November 2005
   
45.17
     
38.31
 
August 2005
   
45.49
     
37.51
 

Holders

At May 31, 2007, there were approximately 2,500 shareholders of record of Cintas’ Common Stock.  Cintas believes that this represents approximately 65,000 beneficial owners.
 
Dividends

Dividends on the outstanding Common Stock have been paid annually and amounted to $0.39 per share, $0.35 per share and $0.32 per share in fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively.
 
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.  Prior to fiscal 2007, Cintas compared its common stock returns to the three largest publicly traded companies engaged primarily in the uniform related industry determined by net assets at year end (Old Peer Group).  The companies included in the Old Peer Group were Aramark Corporation, G & K Services, Inc. and UniFirst Corporation.  On or about January 26, 2007, Aramark Corporation ceased being listed on a public stock exchange.  As a result, Cintas made the change to a new peer group (New Peer Group).  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 New Peer Group used in the performance graph combines four publicly traded companies in the business services industry that have similar characteristics as Cintas, such as route based delivery of products and services.  The companies included in the New Peer Group are G & K Services, Inc., UniFirst Corporation, ABM Industries and Ecolab, Inc.





12


Total shareholder return was based on the increase in the price of the stock and assumed reinvestment of all dividends.  Further, total return was weighted according to market capitalization of each company.  The companies in the New Peer Group are not the same as those considered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
                  
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Uses of Proceeds from Registered Securities

None in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

13


Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases

On May 2, 2005, Cintas announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500 million stock buyback program at market prices.  In July 2006, Cintas announced that the Board of Directors approved the expansion of its share buyback program by an additional $500 million.  The Board of Directors did not specify an expiration date for the stock buyback program.

During fiscal 2007, Cintas purchased 4.8 million shares of Cintas stock at an average price of $41.38 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $199 million.

Period
 
Total number of shares purchased
   
Average price paid per share
   
Total number of shares purchased as part of the publicly announced plan
   
Maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
 
March 2007
   
    $
     
14,197,323
    $
419,438,500
 
                                 
April 2007
   
    $
     
14,197,323
    $
419,438,500
 
                                 
May 2007
   
    $
     
14,197,323
    $
419,438,500
 
                                 
Total
   
    $
     
14,197,323
    $
419,438,500
 

In fiscal 2007, Cintas also acquired 95,616 shares as payment received from employees upon the exercise of options under the stock option plan.

From the inception of the stock buyback program through July 27, 2007, Cintas has purchased a total of approximately 14.2 million shares of Cintas stock at an average price of $40.89 per share for a total purchase price of approximately $580.6 million.  The maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan as of July 27, 2007, is $419.4 million.

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Eleven Year Financial Summary

(In thousands except per share and percentage data)
Years Ended May 31,
 
1997
   
1998
   
1999
   
2000
   
2001
   
2002
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
10-Year Compd Growth
 
                                                                         
Revenue
  $
1,261,899
     
1,476,945
     
1,751,568
     
1,901,991
     
2,160,700
     
2,271,052
     
2,686,585
     
2,814,059
     
3,067,283
     
3,403,608
     
3,706,900
      11.4 %(3)
Net Income
  $
117,207
     
130,797
     
136,796
     
190,386
     
218,665
     
229,466
     
243,191
     
265,078
     
292,547
     
323,382
     
334,538
      11.1 %
Pro Forma Net Income(1)
  $
111,413
     
125,847
     
136,796
     
190,386
     
218,665
     
229,466
     
243,191
     
265,078
     
292,547
     
323,382
     
334,538
      11.6 %
Basic EPS
  $
0.75
     
0.81
     
0.83
     
1.14
     
1.30
     
1.35
     
1.43
     
1.55
     
1.70
     
1.93
     
2.09
      10.8 %
Diluted EPS
  $
0.74
     
0.80
     
0.81
     
1.12
     
1.27
     
1.33
     
1.41
     
1.54
     
1.69
     
1.92
     
2.09
      10.9 %
Pro Forma Basic EPS (1)
  $
0.71
     
0.78
     
0.83
     
1.14
     
1.30
     
1.35
     
1.43
     
1.55
     
1.70
     
1.93
     
2.09
      11.4 %
Pro Forma Diluted EPS(1)
  $
0.70
     
0.77
     
0.81
     
1.12
     
1.27
     
1.33
     
1.41
     
1.54
     
1.69
     
1.92
     
2.09
      11.6 %
Dividends Per Share
  $
0.10
     
0.12
     
0.15
     
0.19
     
0.22
     
0.25
     
0.27
     
0.29
     
0.32
     
0.35
     
0.39
      14.6 %
Total Assets
  $
1,101,182
     
1,305,400
     
1,407,818
     
1,581,342
     
1,752,224
     
2,519,234
     
2,582,946
     
2,810,297
     
3,059,744
     
3,425,237
     
3,570,480
      12.5 %
Shareholders’ Equity
  $
650,604
     
756,799
     
871,433
     
1,042,896
     
1,231,346
     
1,423,814
     
1,646,418
     
1,888,093
     
2,104,574
     
2,090,192
     
2,167,738
      12.8 %
Return on Average Equity (2)
    18.5 %     17.9 %     16.8 %     19.9 %     19.2 %     17.3 %     15.8 %     15.0 %     14.7 %     15.4 %     15.7 %        
Long-Term Debt
  $
227,799
     
307,633
     
283,581
     
254,378
     
220,940
     
703,250
     
534,763
     
473,685
     
465,291
     
794,454
     
877,074
         
 
Note:
Results prior to June 1, 2007, have been restated to reflect the adoption of FAS 123(R) using the modified-retrospective method.
 
Results prior to March 24, 1999, have been restated to include Unitog Company, acquired in a pooling of interests transaction.
 
Results prior to April 8, 1998, have been restated to include Uniforms To You Companies, acquired in a pooling of interests transaction.

(1)
Results for 1998 and 1997 were adjusted on a pro forma basis to reflect the true tax impact of Uniforms To You as if it had been reported as a C corporation prior to the merger with Cintas.
   
(2)
Return on average equity using pro forma net income.  Return on average equity is computed as net income divided by the average of shareholders’ equity.  We believe that this calculation gives management and shareholders a good indication of Cintas’ historical performance.
   
(3)
Represents the 10-year compound annual growth rate based on revenue as restated for pooling of interests transactions noted above.

15


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

Cintas provides highly specialized products and services to businesses of all types throughout the United States and Canada.  We refer to ourselves as “The Service Professionals.”  We bring value to our customers by helping them provide a cleaner, safer, more pleasant atmosphere for their customers and employees.  Our products and services are designed to improve our customers’ image.  We also help our customers protect their employees and their company by enhancing workplace safety and helping to ensure legal compliance in key areas of their business.

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 products and services, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services, document management services and branded promotional products.

Our business 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 Cintas has not historically served.  We will also continue to identify additional product and service opportunities for our current and future customers.  Our long-term goal is to provide a product or service to every business in North America.

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 a few ways.  Cintas has a national sales organization introducing all of our products and services to prospects in all business segments.  Our ever expanding 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 emerging businesses of first aid and safety, fire protection and document management.  Finally, we will continue to evaluate strategic acquisitions as opportunities arise.

Continuous cost containment and product and process innovation are considered hallmarks of our organization.  In order to sustain these efforts, we employ a Six Sigma effort within Cintas.  Six Sigma is an analytical process that assists companies in improving quality and customer satisfaction while reducing cycle time and operating costs.  We are pleased with our progress in this endeavor and are optimistic about the improved efficiencies that this process will continue to yield to Cintas.
 
Results of Operations

Fiscal 2007 marked the 38th consecutive year of uninterrupted growth in sales and profits for Cintas.  In addition to achieving this milestone, Cintas increased its diluted earnings per share by 8.9% and its dividends paid to shareholders by 11.4%.  During fiscal 2007, we reorganzied our sales efforts to become more efficient and productive.  This reorganization effort has taken longer and been more costly in fiscal 2007 than anticipated.  However, Cintas continues to believe that this reorganization will benefit revenue growth results in the long-term.

Cintas classifies its businesses into two operating segments, Rentals and Other Services, based on the similar economic and organizational characteristics of the products and services within each segment. The Rentals segment reflects the rental and servicing of uniforms and other garments, mats, mops and shop towels.  In addition to these rental items, we also provide our restroom and hygiene products and services within this segment.  The Other Services segment consists of the direct sale of uniforms and related items, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services, document management services and branded promotional products.  Both segments provide these products and services throughout the United States and Canada to businesses of all types - from small service and manufacturing companies to major corporations that employ thousands of people.

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The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of income data as a percentage of revenue by segment and in total for the periods indicated:

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
         
(Restated)*
   
(Restated)*
 
Revenue:
                 
Rentals
    73.8%       75.5%       77.1%  
Other services
    26.2%       24.5%       22.9%  
                         
Total revenue
    100.0%     100.0%       100.0%  
                         
Cost of sales:
                       
Rentals
    55.4%     54.8%       54.8%  
Other services
    62.8%       64.9%       66.3%  
                         
Total cost of sales
    57.3%       57.3%       57.5%  
                         
Gross margin:
                       
Rentals
    44.6%       45.2%       45.2%  
Other services
    37.2%       35.1%       33.7%  
                         
Total gross margin
    42.7%       42.7%       42.5%  
                         
Selling and administrative expenses
    27.1%       26.8%       26.6%  
Interest income
    -0.2%       -0.2%       -0.2%  
Interest expense
    1.4%       0.9%       0.8%  
                         
Income before income taxes
    14.4%       15.2%       15.3%  

* Restated to reflect the adoption of FAS 123(R) using the modified-retrospective method.  See Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
As evidenced above, our revenue growth continues to be higher in the Other Services segment versus the Rentals segment, resulting in a moderate shift in the percentage of revenue between our segments.  This shift was mainly driven by the acquisitions of first aid, safety and fire protection businesses and document management businesses.  Information related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 8 entitled Acquisitions of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
 
Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

Fiscal 2007 total revenue was $3.7 billion, an increase of 8.9% over fiscal 2006.  Internal growth was 5.3% in fiscal 2007, compared to 7.8% in fiscal 2006.  This decline in internal growth is due to economic pressure experienced throughout the year from the continued off-shoring of manufacturing jobs as well as the ripple effect felt at other customers that serve these manufacturing businesses.  In addition, the reorganization of our sales force has taken longer in the current year than we anticipated. Our internal growth continues to be generated mainly through the sale of uniform rental programs to new customers and the increased penetration of ancillary products to our existing customer base.  The remaining growth in total revenue was generated predominantly through acquisitions of rental, first aid, safety and fire protection service businesses and document management businesses.  Information related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 8 entitled Acquisitions of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Rentals segment revenues consist predominantly of revenues derived from the rental of corporate identity uniforms and other garments, and the rental and/or sale of mats, mops, shop towels, restroom supplies and other rental services.  Revenue from the Rentals segment increased 6.5% over fiscal 2006.  Internal growth for the Rentals segment was 4.2% in fiscal 2007.  The increase in the Rentals segment revenue was primarily due to growth in the customer base as well as the continued penetration of ancillary products into our existing customer base.  New business remained the main driver of our internal growth as we continued to sell rental programs to new customers.  We also continued to expand our rental market, with over half of our new business being

17


comprised of customers who were first time users of uniform rental programs.  The remaining growth of 2.3% in fiscal 2007 resulted from the acquisition of rental volume.

Other Services segment revenues are predominantly derived from the design, manufacture and direct sale of uniforms and related items, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services, document management services and branded promotional products.  The Other Services segment revenue increased 16.5% over fiscal 2006.  Internal growth in the Other Services segment was 8.6% in fiscal 2007.  This internal growth was mainly due to an increase in the customer base and through further penetration of first aid, safety and fire protection products and services and document management services into our existing customer base.  The remaining revenue growth of 7.9% was generated through the acquisitions of first aid, safety and fire protection businesses and document management businesses.

Cost of rentals increased 7.7% over fiscal 2006.  Cost of rentals consists primarily of production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service inventory, including uniforms, mats, shop towels and other rental items.  The cost increase over fiscal 2006 was primarily driven by the growth in Rentals segment revenues.  In addition, delivery labor increased $34.1 million due to increased Rentals segment revenue and the introduction of our restroom cleaning service.  As a result, cost of rentals as a percent of Rentals segment revenues increased to 55.4% in fiscal 2007 compared to 54.8% in fiscal 2006.

Cost of other services increased 12.6% over fiscal 2006.  Cost of other services consists primarily of cost of goods sold (predominantly uniforms and first aid products), delivery expenses and distribution expenses.  The increase over fiscal 2006 was due to the growth in Other Services revenue, derived through a combination of internal growth and acquisitions.  Gross margin within this segment may fluctuate depending on the type of product or service sold, as more cost efficient sourcing is employed and as products which require additional services or specialization generate higher gross margins.  For example, tailored garments that incorporate high levels of design and customization tend to generate higher gross margins than work wear and standard catalog items.  The gross margin for fiscal 2007 is 37.2%.  The gross margin for the Other Services segment has historically been in the 30% to 35% range.  However, a combination of economies of scale at growing operations, Six Sigma, sourcing improvements and other cost containment initiatives have allowed us to exceed this historical range.  Due to the success of these initiatives and our continued efforts, we believe the future gross margins will be in the 35% to 40% range.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 10.1% over fiscal 2006.  Selling and administrative expenses increased mainly due to higher selling expenses.  In fiscal 2007, we reorganized our sales efforts to become more efficient and productive in the long-term.  This reorganization, as well as increased marketing plans and sales promotions, combined to increase our selling costs by $32.6 million over the prior fiscal year.  The cost of providing medical and retirement benefits to our employees increased $21.8 million, representing a 15.7% increase over the prior year.  In addition, administrative expenses increased by $7.1 million due to the amortization of intangibles generated by new acquisitions and $6.2 million as a result of an increase in professional services relating to legal and the outsourcing of certain human resource functions.  We also terminated a cash settled forward starting interest rate swap (forward starting swap) resulting in a $6.2 million reduction of administrative expenses.  This forward starting swap is explained in more detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased $18.8 million from the prior fiscal year.  This increase was primarily a result of increased interest expense from higher debt outstanding as a result of our share buybacks.

Income before income tax was $533.6 million, a 3.0% increase over fiscal 2006.  Income before income tax from the Rentals segment decreased 0.1% over the prior year due to higher selling expenses associated with the reorganization of the sales force and higher delivery labor primarily as a result of our restroom cleaning service.  Income before income tax for the Other Services segment increased 45.7% from the prior year mainly due to increased revenue and cost containment initiatives.

Cintas' effective tax rate was 37.3% for fiscal 2007, as compared to 37.6% for fiscal 2006 (see also Note 7 entitled Income Taxes of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Net income for fiscal 2007 of $334.5 million was a 3.4% increase over fiscal 2006, and diluted earnings per share of $2.09 was an 8.9% increase over fiscal 2006.  The increase in diluted earnings per share was greater than the increase in net income due to the impact of the share buyback program, which is discussed in more detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.  Return on average equity was 15.7% in fiscal 2007 and 15.4% in fiscal 2006.  Return on average equity is computed as net income divided by the average of shareholders’ equity.

18


We believe that this calculation gives management and shareholders a good indication of Cintas’ historical performance.

Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005

Certain amounts below have been restated for the effects of the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123(R), Shared-Based Payment, using the modified-retrospective method.  See the Stock-based compensation section below within Critical Accounting Policies for further information.

Fiscal 2006 total revenue was $3.4 billion, an increase of 11.0% over fiscal 2005.  Internal growth improved in fiscal 2006 to 7.8%, up from 6.3% in fiscal 2005.  Our internal growth continues to be generated mainly through the continued sale of uniform rental programs to new customers and the increased penetration of ancillary products to our existing customer base.  The remaining growth in total revenue was generated predominantly through acquisitions of rental, first aid, safety and fire protection service businesses and document management businesses.  Information related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 8 entitled Acquisitions of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Rentals segment revenues consist predominantly of revenues derived from the rental of corporate identity uniforms and other garments, and the rental and/or sale of mats, mops, shop towels, restroom supplies and other rental services.  Revenue from the Rentals segment increased 8.7% over fiscal 2005.  The increase in Rentals segment revenue was primarily due to growth in the customer base as well as the continued penetration of ancillary products into our existing customer base.  New business remained healthy as we experienced continued success in selling rental programs to new customers.  We also continued to expand our rental market, with over half of our new business being comprised of customers who were first time users of uniform rental programs.  Internal revenue growth for the Rentals segment was 7.3% in fiscal 2006 compared to 6.8% in fiscal 2005.  We estimate that the effects of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma negatively impacted our Rentals segment internal growth rate by approximately 0.3%.  The 1.4% of remaining growth in fiscal 2006 resulted from the acquisition of rental volume.

Other Services segment revenues are predominantly derived from the design, manufacture and direct sale of uniforms and related items, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services, document management services and branded promotional products.  Other Services segment revenue increased 18.6% over fiscal 2005, primarily due to acquisitions of first aid, safety and fire protection businesses and document management businesses.

Internal revenue in the Other Services segment increased 9.6% over fiscal 2005.  This increase was mainly driven by the growth of the sale of first aid, safety and fire protection products and services and document management services.  We estimate that the effects of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma negatively impacted our Other Services segment internal growth rate by approximately 0.4%.  Growth in the Other Services segment continues to be through an increase in the customer base and through further penetration of additional products and services into our existing customer base.

Cost of rentals increased 8.6% over fiscal 2005.  Cost of rentals consists primarily of production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service inventory, including uniforms, mats, shop towels and other rental items.  The cost increase over fiscal 2005 was primarily driven by the growth in Rentals segment revenues.  However, rising energy costs also contributed to this increase.  Rentals segment energy costs increased 31.7% in fiscal 2006, from $77.6 million in fiscal 2005 to $102.2 million in fiscal 2006.  Various cost containment initiatives implemented throughout the year helped offset the significant increase in energy costs.  As a result, cost of rentals as of percent of Rentals segment revenues remained at 54.8% in both fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.

Increases in energy costs will continue to impact our results of operations negatively in coming quarters, except to the extent we are able to offset such costs with price increases and increased operating efficiencies.  Our New Orleans rental operation and Gulf Coast direct sale business continue to be impacted negatively by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.  While physical damage to our facilities was minimal, many of our customers in the region have yet to reopen or to return to pre-hurricane staffing levels.  This lower business volume will continue to have an impact on our results.  We are actively pursuing recoupment of our losses related to these hurricanes with our insurance carrier.  We do not yet have a clear indication of when a recoupment agreement will be resolved, nor can we be sure of the amount we will receive.

19


Cost of other services increased 16.2% over fiscal 2005.  Cost of other services consists primarily of cost of goods sold (predominantly uniforms and first aid products), delivery expenses and distribution expenses.  The increase over fiscal 2005 was due to the growth in Other Services segment revenue, derived through a combination of internal growth and acquisitions.  Gross margin within this segment may fluctuate depending on the type of product or service sold, as more cost efficient sourcing is employed and as products which require additional services or specialization generate higher gross margins.  For example, tailored garments that incorporate high levels of design and customization tend to generate higher gross margins than work wear and standard catalog items.  The gross margin for fiscal 2006 is 35.1%.  The gross margin for the Other Services segment has historically been in the 30% to 35% range.  However, Six Sigma and other cost containment initiatives have allowed us to exceed this historical range.  Due to the success of these initiatives and our continued efforts, we believe the future gross margins will be in the 32% to 37% range.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 11.4% over fiscal 2005.  Selling and administrative expenses increased mainly due to higher selling expenses.  In order to accelerate revenue growth, we have increased our sales force, marketing plans and sales promotions.  These measures combined to increase our selling costs by $24.0 million over the prior fiscal year.  The cost of providing medical and retirement benefits to our employees increased $17.0 million, representing a 13.9% increase over the prior year.  In addition, administrative expenses increased by $4.7 million as a result of an increase in the bad debt reserve and by $11.8 million as a result of an increase in professional services relating to legal and the outsourcing of certain human resource functions.  Administrative expenses also increased by $5.2 million due to the amortization of intangibles generated by new acquisitions.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased $7.5 million from the prior fiscal year.  This increase in net interest expense is due to increased interest rates on our outstanding debt and the increased level of borrowing used to fund acquisitions and the stock buyback program.

Income before income tax was $518.0 million, a 10.4% increase over fiscal 2005.  Income before income tax from the Rentals segment increased 9.5% over the prior year due to higher rental revenue and various cost containment initiatives, which offset the increases in selling expenses, medical and energy costs.  Income before income tax for the Other Services segment increased 27.0% from the prior year mainly due to increased revenue and cost containment initiatives.

Cintas' effective tax rate was 37.6% for both fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 (see also Note 7 entitled Income Taxes of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Net income for fiscal 2006 of $323.4 million was a 10.5% increase over fiscal 2005, and diluted earnings per share of $1.92 was a 13.6% increase over fiscal 2005.  The increase in diluted earnings per share was greater than the increase in net income due to the impact of the share buyback program, which is discussed in more detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.  Return on average equity was 15.4% in fiscal 2006 and 14.7% in fiscal 2005.  Return on average equity is computed as net income divided by the average of shareholders’ equity.  We believe that this calculation gives management and shareholders a good indication of Cintas’ historical performance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At May 31, 2007, Cintas had $155.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, representing a decrease of $86.0 million from May 31, 2006, or 35.6%.  This decrease is primarily due to acquisitions and the share buyback program.  Cash generated from operations was $449.4 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to $461.0 million generated in fiscal 2006.  This $11.6 million decrease was primarily due to increased inventory levels and increased taxes paid, offset by increased net income and lower rental items in service.  Significant uses of cash in fiscal 2007 were capital expenditures of $180.8 million, acquisitions of $160.7 million (net of cash acquired), repurchases of common stock of $198.9 million and dividends of $62.0 million.  Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be used to finance future acquisitions, capital expenditures, expansion and share buybacks.

Marketable securities consist primarily of municipal bonds and federal government securities.  Cintas' investment policy pertaining to marketable securities is conservative.  The criteria used in making investment decisions is the preservation of principal, while earning an attractive yield.

Accounts receivable increased $19.0 million, primarily due to increased revenues.  The average collection period in fiscal 2007 remained comparable with fiscal 2006.

20



Inventories increased $33.7 million, or 17.0%.  Inventory levels at May 31, 2006, were relatively low due to strong uniform sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.  The increase in inventory from May 31, 2006 to May 31, 2007, reflects a replenishment of inventory to more normalized levels.

Working capital decreased $14.0 million to $753.7 million in fiscal 2007.  This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in marketable securities for the execution of the share buyback program.

Net property and equipment increased by $56.5 million due to continued investment in rental facilities and equipment and real estate purchased in conjunction with the acquisitions of rental, first aid, safety and fire protection and document management businesses.  Capital expenditures for fiscal 2007 totaled $180.8 million, including $132.8 million for the Rentals segment and $48.0 million for the Other Services segment, exceeding depreciation expense by approximately $45.6 million.  Cintas continues to reinvest in land, buildings and equipment in an effort to expand capacity for future growth.  During the year, Cintas completed construction of two new uniform rental facilities and has an additional five uniform rental facilities in various stages of construction to accommodate growth in rental operations.  Cintas anticipates that capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 will be between $170.0 and $190.0 million.

Long-term debt totaled $877.1 million at May 31, 2007.  This amount includes $225.0 million in long-term debt due on June 1, 2007, that was refinanced effective June 1, 2007, under Cintas’ existing commercial paper program.  Long-term debt also includes $225.0 million of ten-year senior notes at a rate of 6.0% which was borrowed in order to finance the Omni acquisition in fiscal 2002 and $250.0 million of thirty-year senior notes issued in August 2006 at a rate of 6.15%.  Proceeds from the thirty-year senior notes issuance were used to extinguish outstanding commercial paper at the time of that debt issuance.  Cintas has earned credit ratings on these notes of “A” from Standard & Poor’s and “A2” from Moody’s. In addition, long-term debt also includes $168.0 million in commercial paper. Cintas utilizes a $600.0 million commercial paper program, on which it has earned credit ratings of “A-1” from Standard & Poor’s and “Prime-1” from Moody’s.  We believe these ratings are reflective of our commitment to conservative financial policies, strong financial management and a disciplined integration strategy for acquisitions. The commercial paper program is fully supported by a long-term credit facility that matures in fiscal 2011.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2006, Cintas entered into a forward starting swap to protect forecasted interest payments from interest rate movement in anticipation of a $200.0 million, 30-year debt issuance in early fiscal 2008.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, Cintas changed its intent on issuing this 30-year debt.  This decision was based on current market conditions and interest rate environment as well as the additional payment flexibility provided to Cintas under its commercial paper program.  As a result of this decision, Cintas terminated the forward starting swap and recorded the resulting $6.2 million gain in fiscal 2007 as a reduction of administrative expenses.

Cintas’ total debt to capitalization ratio has increased from 27.6% at May 31, 2006, to 28.9% at May 31, 2007. Total debt increased $82.4 million in fiscal 2007 through the net activity of debt issuance noted above (see Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt and Note 8 entitled Acquisitions of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”).  This additional indebtedness was used to execute the share buyback program. During fiscal 2007, Cintas bought back $198.9 million of Cintas stock.

During the year, Cintas paid dividends of $62.0 million, or $0.39 per share.  On a per share basis, this dividend is an increase of 11.4% over the dividend paid in fiscal 2006.  This marks the 24th consecutive year that Cintas has increased its annual dividend since going public in 1983.

On May 2, 2005, Cintas announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million stock buyback program at market prices.  In July 2006, Cintas announced that the Board of Directors approved the expansion of its share buyback program by an additional $500.0 million.  During fiscal 2007, Cintas purchased 4.8 million shares of Cintas stock at an average price of $41.38 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $198.9 million.  From the inception of the stock buyback program through July 27, 2007, Cintas has purchased 14.2 million shares of Cintas stock at an average price of $40.89 per share for a total purchase price of approximately $580.6 million.  The Board of Directors did not specify an expiration date for this program.

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Following is information regarding Cintas' long-term contractual obligations and other commitments outstanding as of May 31, 2007:

Long-Term Contractual Obligations

 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 (In thousands)  
Total
   
One year
or less
   
Two to
three
years
   
Four to
five years
   
After five
years
 
                               
Long-term debt (1)                                                   
  $
879,454
    $
3,521
    $
1,379
    $
394,251
    $
480,303
 
Capital lease obligations (2)
   
1,761
     
620
     
661
     
240
     
240
 
Operating leases (3)                                                   
   
76,198
     
22,352
     
30,631
     
15,431
     
7,784
 
Interest payments (4)                                                   
   
589,738
     
48,471
     
80,056
     
87,563
     
373,648
 
Interest swap agreements (5)
   
     
     
     
     
 
Unconditional purchase obligations
   
     
     
     
     
 
Total contractual cash obligations
  $
1,547,151
    $
74,964
    $
112,727
    $
497,485
    $
861,975
 

Cintas also makes payments to defined contribution plans.  The amounts of contributions made to the plans are made at the discretion of Cintas.  Future contributions are expected to increase 10% annually.  Assuming this 10% increase, payments due in one year or less would be $31,986, two to three years would be $73,887 and four to five years would be $89,404.  Payments for years thereafter are expected to continue increasing by 10% each year.

(1)
Long-term debt primarily consists of $700,000 in long-term notes and $168,000 in commercial paper.  Reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a detailed discussion of long-term debt.
(2)
Capital lease obligations are included in long-term debt detailed in Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
(3)
Operating leases consist primarily of building leases and a synthetic lease on a corporate jet.
(4)
Interest payments include interest on both fixed and variable rate debt.  Rates have been assumed to increase 25 basis points for fiscal 2008, an additional 25 basis points in fiscal 2009 and then remain constant in future years.
(5)
Reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a detailed discussion of interest swap agreements.

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)                                                   
  $
600,000
    $
    $
    $
600,000
    $
 
Standby letters of credit (2)         75,453       75,453      
           
 
Guarantees                                                   
   
     
     
     
     
 
Standby repurchase obligations
   
     
     
     
     
 
Other commercial commitments
   
     
     
     
     
 
Total commercial commitments
  $
675,453
    $
75,453
    $
    $
600,000
    $
 

(1)
Back-up facility for the commercial paper program (reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further discussion).
(2)
Support certain outstanding debt (reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”), self-insured workers' compensation and general liability insurance programs.

Cintas has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than the synthetic lease on a corporate jet.  The synthetic lease on the aircraft does not currently have, and is not reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on Cintas’ financial condition, changes in Cintas’ financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

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Inflation and Changing Prices

Changes in wages, benefits and energy costs have the potential to materially impact Cintas’ financial results.  Medical benefits and energy costs, in particular, continue to rise.  Medical benefit costs have increased due to a combination of rising healthcare costs and an increase in the number of covered participants.  Medical benefits were 3.4% of total revenues in fiscal 2007 and 3.2% of total revenues in fiscal 2006.  Energy costs were 3.3% of total revenues in fiscal 2007 and 3.4% of total revenues in fiscal 2006.

Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on Cintas' financial condition or a negative impact on operations.
 
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.  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 financial position or results of operations of Cintas.  Cintas is party to additional litigation not considered in the ordinary course of business, including the litigation discussed below.

Cintas is a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit, Paul Veliz, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, filed on March 19, 2003, in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, Oakland Division, alleging that Cintas violated certain federal and state wage and hour laws applicable to its service sales representatives, whom Cintas considers exempt employees, and asserting additional related ERISA claims.  On August 23, 2005, an amended complaint was filed alleging additional state law wage and hour claims under the following state laws: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.  The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief or both.  Cintas denies these claims and is defending the plaintiffs’ allegations.  On February 14, 2006, the court ordered a majority of the opt-in plaintiffs to arbitrate their claims in accordance with the terms of their Cintas employment agreement.  On February 14, 2006, the court also permitted plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint alleging state law claims in the 15 states listed above only with respect to the putative class members that may litigate their claims in court.  No determination has been made by the court or an arbitrator regarding class certification.  There can be no assurance as to whether a class will be certified or, if a class is certified, as to the geographic or other scope of such class.  If a court or arbitrator certifies a class in this action and there is an adverse verdict on the merits, or in the event of a negotiated settlement of the action, the resulting liability and/or any increased costs of operations on an ongoing basis could be material to Cintas.  Any estimated liability relating to this lawsuit is not determinable at this time.

Cintas also is a defendant in a purported class action lawsuit, Mirna E. Serrano, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, filed on May 10, 2004, and pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division (Serrano).  Serrano alleges that Cintas discriminated against women in hiring into various service sales representative positions across all divisions of Cintas throughout the United States.  On November 15, 2005, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) intervened in the Serrano lawsuit.  The Serrano plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and other remedies.  Cintas is a defendant in another purported class action lawsuit, Nelly Blanca Avalos, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, currently pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division (Avalos).  Avalos alleges that Cintas discriminated against women, African-Americans and Hispanics in hiring into various service sales representative  positions in Cintas’ Rental division only throughout the United States.  On April 27, 2005, the EEOC intervened in the claims asserted in Avalos.  The Avalos plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and other remedies.  The claims in Avalos originally were brought in the previously disclosed lawsuit captioned Robert Ramirez, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, filed on January 20, 2004, in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division (Ramirez).  On May 11, 2006, however, those claims were severed from Ramirez and transferred to the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, where the case was re-named Avalos.  On July 10, 2006, Avalos and Serrano were consolidated for all pretrial purposes, including proceedings on class certification.  The consolidated case is known as Mirna E. Serrano/Blanca Nelly Avalos, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, and remains pending in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.  No filings or determinations have been made in Serrano/Avalos as to class certification.  There can be no assurance as to whether a class will be certified or, if a class is certified, as to the geographic or other scope of such class.  The non-service sales representative hiring claims in the previously disclosed Ramirez case that have not been dismissed remain pending in the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, but were ordered to arbitration and stayed pending the completion of arbitration.  The Ramirez purported class action claims currently in arbitration

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include allegations that Cintas failed to promote Hispanics into supervisory positions, discriminated against African-Americans and Hispanics in service sales representative route assignments and discriminated against African-Americans in hourly pay in Cintas’ Rental division only throughout the United States.  The Ramirez plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and other remedies.  No filings or determinations have been made in Ramirez as to class certification.  There can be no assurance as to whether a class will be certified or, if a class is certified, as to the geographic or other scope of such class.  On February 24, 2006, a motion to intervene in Serrano was filed by intervening plaintiffs Colleen Grindle, et al., on behalf of a subclass of female employees at Cintas’ Perrysburg, Ohio rental location who allegedly were denied hire, promotion or transfer to service sales representative positions.  On March 24, 2006, plaintiffs Colleen Grindle, et. al. withdrew their motion to intervene without prejudice.  On February 20, 2007, the plaintiffs Colleen Grindle, et. al. filed a separate lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas, Wood County, Ohio, captioned Colleen Grindle, et al. v. Cintas Corporation (Grindle), on behalf of a class of female employees at Cintas’ Perrysburg, Ohio location who allegedly were denied hire, promotion or transfer to service sales representative positions on the basis of their gender.  The Grindle plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and other remedies.  No filings or determinations have been made in Grindle as to class certification.  There can be no assurance as to whether a class will be certified or, if a class is certified, as to the geographic or other scope of such class.  In addition, a class action lawsuit, Larry Houston, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, was filed on August 3, 2005, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of African-American managers alleging racial discrimination (Houston).  On November 22, 2005, the court entered an order requiring the named plaintiffs in the Houston lawsuit to arbitrate all of their claims for monetary damages.  If there is an adverse verdict or a negotiated settlement of all or any of these actions, the resulting liability and/or any increased costs of operations on an ongoing basis could be material to Cintas.  Any estimated liability relating to these proceedings is not determinable at this time.

Other similar administrative proceedings are pending including two charges filed on November 30, 2004, by an EEOC Commissioner with the EEOC Systemic Litigation Unit alleging:  (i) failure to hire and assign females to production job positions; and (ii) failure to hire females, African-Americans and Hispanics into the Management Trainee program.  The investigations of these allegations are pending and no determinations have been made.  On August 29, 2006, the EEOC Indianapolis District Office issued a dismissal and notice of rights and closed its file on the Clifton Cooper charge served on Cintas on March 23, 2005, by Cooper on behalf of himself and a similarly situated class with the EEOC Systemic Litigation Unit alleging discriminatory pay and treatment due to race.  Mr. Cooper’s claims are now part of the Houston arbitration matter disclosed hereinabove.

Cintas is also a defendant in a lawsuit, J. Lester Alexander, III vs. Cintas Corporation, et al., which was originally filed on October 25, 2004, and is currently pending in the Circuit Court of Randolph County, Alabama.  The case was brought by J. Lester Alexander, III, the Chapter 7 Trustee (the Trustee) of Terry Manufacturing Company, Inc. (TMC) and Terry Uniform Company, LLC (TUC), against Cintas in Randolph County, Alabama.  The Trustee seeks damages against Cintas for allegedly breaching fiduciary duties to TMC and TUC and for allegedly aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duties by others to those entities.  The complaint also includes allegations that Cintas breached certain limited liability company agreements, or alternatively, misrepresented its intention to perform its obligations in those agreements and acted as alter egos of the bankrupt TMC and is therefore liable for all of TMC's debts.  The Trustee is seeking $50 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages.  Cintas denies these claims and is vigorously defending itself against all claims in the complaint.   If there is an adverse verdict on the merits or in the event of a negotiated settlement of this lawsuit, the resulting liability could be material to Cintas.  Any estimated liability relating to this lawsuit is not determinable at this time.

The litigation discussed above, if decided adversely to or settled by Cintas, may, individually or in the aggregate, result in liability material to Cintas’ financial condition or results of operations.  Cintas may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements if it believes such settlement is in the best interests of Cintas’ shareholders.

Cintas is subject to various environmental laws and regulations, as are other companies in the industry.  While environmental compliance is not a material component of our 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 $16 million in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.  Capital expenditures to limit or monitor hazardous substances were approximately $2 million in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.  These expenditures were primarily related to the purchase of water treatment systems, which are depreciated over a useful life of ten years.  Cintas does not expect a material change in the cost of environmental compliance on a percent to revenue basis and is not aware of any material non-compliance with environmental laws.

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New Accounting Standards

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  Cintas will adopt this Interpretation on June 1, 2007, and is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial statements.  Any necessary transition adjustments will not affect net income in the period of adoption and will be reported as a change in accounting principle in our consolidated financial statements.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of Cintas' consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 is recognized when services are performed and other services revenue is recognized when either  services are performed or when products are shipped and the title and risks of ownership pass to the customer.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Cintas establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts.  This allowance is an estimate based on historical rates of collectibility.  An uncollectible accounts provision is recorded for overdue amounts, beginning with a nominal percentage and increasing substantially as the account ages.  The amount provided as the account ages will differ slightly between the Rentals and Other Services segments, because of differences in customers served and the nature of each segment.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.  Substantially all inventories represent finished goods.  Cintas applies a commonly accepted practice of using inventory turns to apply variances between actual to standard costs to the inventory balances.  The judgments and estimates used to calculate inventory turns will have an impact on the valuation of inventory at the lower of cost or market.  Inventory obsolescence is determined by specific identification, as well as an estimate based on 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 garments) are amortized over their useful life of eighteen months.  Other rental items including shop towels, mats, cleanroom garments, flame resistant garments, linens and restroom dispensers are amortized over their useful lives which range from eight to forty-eight months.  The amortization rates used are based on industry experience, Cintas' experience and wear tests performed by Cintas.  These factors are critical to determining the amount of in service inventory that is 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, which is typically thirty to forty years for buildings, five to twenty years for building improvements, three to ten years for equipment and two to five years for leasehold improvements.  When events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) are
25


compared to the carrying amount of the assets.  If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recorded.  The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the assets with their carrying amounts.  Fair value is determined by discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate.  Long-lived assets that are held for disposal are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value, less estimated costs related to disposition.

Goodwill and impairment

Goodwill, obtained through acquisitions of businesses, is valued at cost less any impairment.  Cintas performs annual impairment tests by segment.  These tests include comparisons to current market values, where available, and discounted cash flow analyses.  Significant assumptions include growth rates based on historical trends and margin improvement leveraged from such growth.  Based on the results of the impairment tests, Cintas has not recognized an impairment of goodwill for the years ended May 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005.

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 five to ten years.  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 through specific identification.  No impairment has been recognized by Cintas for the years ended May 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005.

Stock-based compensation

At May 31, 2007, Cintas had an equity compensation plan, which is more fully described in Note 11 entitled Stock-Based Compensation of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”  Prior to June 1, 2006, Cintas accounted for this plan under the intrinsic value method proscribed by APB Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123 (FAS 123), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.  Effective June 1, 2006, Cintas adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R) (FAS 123(R)), Share-Based Payment, using the modified-retrospective transition method.  Under that transition method, all prior periods have been restated based on the amounts previously calculated in the pro forma footnote disclosures required by FAS 123.  FAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including stock options, to be recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of income based on their fair values.  Due to this restatement, Cintas’ income before income taxes and net income decreased by $3.8 million for the year ended May 31, 2006, and $8.0 million for the year ended May 31, 2005.  This adoption lowered basic earnings per share from $1.95 per share to $1.93 per share for fiscal 2006 and from $1.75 per share to $1.70 per share for fiscal 2005.  In addition, diluted earnings per share were lowered from $1.94 per share to $1.92 per share for fiscal 2006 and from $1.74 per share to $1.69 per share for fiscal 2005.  The cumulative effect of the change on paid-in-capital and retained earnings as of June 1, 2005, was $21,241 and ($39,567), respectively.  The cumulative effect of the change on deferred taxes as of June 1, 2005, was less than $1million.

As a result of adopting FAS 123(R) on June 1, 2006, Cintas’ income before income taxes and net income for the year ended May 31, 2007, are $4.5 million and $3.1 million lower, respectively, than if Cintas had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.  Basic and diluted earnings per share are both $.02 lower for the year ended May 31, 2007, than if Cintas had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB 25.

Litigation and environmental matters

Cintas is subject to legal proceedings and claims related to environmental matters arising from the ordinary course of business.  U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require 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.  Cintas regularly consults with attorneys to ensure that all of the relevant facts and circumstances are considered before a contingent liability is 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.

26

 
A detailed discussion of litigation matters is discussed above in the section entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies.
 
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.  Please reference Note 7 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.  Deferred income taxes that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date.  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.  As a result of this review, Cintas has not established a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets.

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 accruals are appropriate.
 
Outlook

Our outlook is positive for fiscal 2008.  In fiscal 2007, we reorganized our sales efforts to become more efficient and productive.  Although this reorganization has taken longer and been more costly than anticipated, we expect to see revenue growth benefits in fiscal 2008 and continued benefit over the long-term.  We will continue searching out additional products and services to become an even more valuable resource for our customers.  We believe that the high level of customer service provided by our partners and supported by our infrastructure, quality products, financial resources and corporate culture will provide for continued business success.  As such, we see upside potential for all of our business units.  Although difficult to predict, we anticipate continued growth in all of our business units.

In the marketplace, competition and related pricing pressure will continue; however, we believe cost containment initiatives, technological advances and continued leverage of our infrastructure will soften or offset any impact.

When appropriate opportunities arise, we will supplement our internal growth with strategic acquisitions.

Like most other companies, we experienced, and anticipate continuing to experience, increased costs for wages and benefits, including medical benefits.  Changes in energy costs and changes in federal and state tax laws also impact our results.

Cintas continues to be the target of a corporate unionization campaign by Unite Here and the Teamsters unions.  These unions are attempting to pressure Cintas into surrendering our employees' rights to a government-supervised election and unilaterally accept union representation.  Cintas' philosophy in regard to unions is straightforward:  We believe that employees have the right to say yes to union representation and the freedom to say no.  This campaign could be materially disruptive to our business and could materially adversely affect results of operations.  We will continue to vigorously oppose this campaign and to defend our employees' rights.

27


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Cintas manages interest rate risk by using a combination of variable and fixed rate debt and investing in marketable securities.  Earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates due to the use of commercial paper of approximately $168 million, with an average interest rate of 5.28%.  This exposure is limited by the investment in marketable securities, which act as a hedge against variability in short-term rates.  If short-term rates change by one-half percent (or 50 basis points), Cintas' income before income taxes would change by approximately $2 million.  This estimated exposure considers the mitigating effects of marketable securities on the change in the cost of variable rate debt.  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.  The primary foreign currency to which Cintas is exposed is the Canadian dollar.  Cintas does not currently use forward exchange contracts to limit potential losses in earnings or cash flows from foreign currency exchange rate movements.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended May 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
     
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
29
     
 
Reports of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
30
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
32
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
33
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
34
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
35
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
36



28


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 President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2007. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 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, 2007, 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, audited management's assessment and 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.
 
     
       
 
/s/
Scott D. Farmer  
    Scott D. Farmer  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
       

     
       
 
/s/
William C. Gale  
    William C. Gale  
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
 


29



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cintas Corporation:

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Cintas Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Cintas Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Cintas Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2007, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria.  Also, in our opinion, Cintas Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Cintas Corporation as of May 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2007, of Cintas Corporation, and our report dated July 27, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 27, 2007

30



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cintas Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cintas Corporation as of May 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of Cintas Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Cintas Corporation at May 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been restated for the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, in fiscal 2007, using the modified-retrospective transition method.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Cintas Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated July 27, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 27, 2007


31


Consolidated
Statements of Income

   
Years Ended May 31,
 
                   
 (In thousands except per share data)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
         
(Restated)*
   
(Restated)*
 
Revenue:
                 
Rentals                                                          
  $
2,734,629
    $
2,568,776
    $
2,363,397
 
Other services                                                          
   
972,271
     
834,832
     
703,886
 
     
3,706,900
     
3,403,608
     
3,067,283
 
                         
Costs and expenses (income):
                       
Cost of rentals                                                          
   
1,515,185
     
1,406,829
     
1,295,992
 
Cost of other services                                                          
   
610,360
     
541,987
     
466,532
 
Selling and administrative expenses
   
1,003,958
     
911,750
     
818,203
 
Interest income                                                          
    (6,480 )     (6,759 )     (6,914 )
Interest expense                                                          
   
50,324
     
31,782
     
24,448
 
     
3,173,347
     
2,885,589
     
2,598,261
 
                         
Income before income taxes                                                             
   
533,553
     
518,019
     
469,022
 
Income taxes                                                             
   
199,015
     
194,637
     
176,475
 
Net income                                                             
  $
334,538
    $
323,382
    $
292,547
 
                         
Basic earnings per share                                                             
  $
2.09
    $
1.93
    $
1.70
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share                                                             
  $
2.09
    $
1.92
    $
1.69
 
                         
Dividends declared and paid per share
  $
.39
    $
.35
    $
.32
 
 
* Restated to reflect the adoption of FAS 123(R) using the modified-retrospective method.  See Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies.


See accompanying notes.

32


Consolidated
Balance Sheets
   
As of May 31,
 
(In thousands except share data)
 
2007
   
2006
 
         
(Restated)*
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                          
  $
35,360
    $
38,914
 
Marketable securities                                                                                          
   
120,053
     
202,539
 
Accounts receivable, principally trade, less
               
allowance of $14,486 and $15,519, respectively                                                                                       
   
408,870
     
389,905
 
Inventories, net                                                                                          
   
231,741
     
198,000
 
Uniforms and other rental items in service                                                                                          
   
344,931
     
337,487
 
Prepaid expenses                                                                                          
   
15,781
     
11,163
 
Total current assets                                                                                            
   
1,156,736
     
1,178,008
 
                 
Property and equipment, at cost, net                                                                                            
   
920,243
     
863,783
 
                 
Goodwill                                                                                            
   
1,245,877
     
1,136,175
 
Service contracts, net                                                                                            
   
171,361
     
179,965
 
Other assets, net                                                                                            
   
76,263
     
67,306
 
    $
3,570,480
    $
3,425,237
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable                                                                                          
  $
64,622
    $
71,635
 
Accrued compensation and related liabilities                                                                                          
   
62,826
     
50,134
 
Accrued liabilities                                                                                          
   
200,686
     
188,927
 
Income taxes:
               
Current                                                                                       
   
18,584
     
43,694
 
Deferred                                                                                       
   
52,179
     
51,669
 
Long-term debt due within one year                                                                                          
   
4,141
     
4,288
 
Total current liabilities                                                                                            
   
403,038
     
410,347
 
                 
Long-term debt due after one year                                                                                            
   
877,074
     
794,454
 
                 
Deferred income taxes                                                                                            
   
122,630
     
130,244
 
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, no par value:
               
100,000 shares authorized, none outstanding                                                                                       
   
     
 
Common stock, no par value:
               
425,000,000 shares authorized
               
2007: 172,874,195 shares issued and 158,676,872 shares outstanding
               
2006: 172,571,083 shares issued and 163,181,738 shares outstanding
   
120,811
     
109,948
 
Paid in capital                                                                                          
   
56,909
     
58,556
 
Retained earnings                                                                                          
   
2,533,459
     
2,260,917
 
    Treasury stock:
               
        2007: 14,197,323 shares
               
2006:   9,389,345 shares                                                                                       
    (580,562 )     (381,613 )
Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation                                                                                       
   
41,815
     
34,389
 
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives                                                                                       
    (4,421 )    
9,150
 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities                                                                                       
    (273 )     (1,155 )
Total shareholders' equity                                                                                            
   
2,167,738
     
2,090,192
 
    $
3,570,480
    $
3,425,237
 

* Restated to reflect the adoption of FAS 123(R) using the modified-retrospective method.  See Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies.

See accompanying notes.


33






Consolidated Statements of                          
 Other
                 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity              
 Paid
         
Accumulated
               
Total
 
        Common Stock    
 In
     Retained    
 Comprehensive
   
Treasury Stock
   
 Shareholders'
 
(In thousands)
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
 Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Equity
 
Balance at June 1, 2004 (Restated)*
   
171,378
    $
85,553
    $
40,736
    $
1,758,951
    $
2,853
     
    $
    $
1,888,093
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
292,547
     
     
     
     
292,547
 
Equity adjustment for foreign currency
 translation
   
     
     
     
     
9,033
     
     
     
9,033
 
Change in fair value of derivatives
   
     
     
     
     
290
     
     
     
290
 
Comprehensive income, net of tax
                   
 
                                     
301,870
 
Dividends
   
     
     
      (54,968 )    
     
     
      (54,968 )
Effects of acquisitions
   
289
     
     
12,818
      (105 )    
     
     
     
12,713
 
Stock-based compensation
   
     
     
7,971
     
     
     
     
     
7,971
 
Stock options exercised, net of shares
         surrendered
   
461
     
9,993
      (2,894 )    
     
     
     
     
7,099
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
     
     
     
     
      (1,469 )     (58,204 )     (58,204 )
Balance at May 31, 2005 (Restated)*
   
172,128
     
 95,546
     
58,631
     
1,996,425
     
12,176
      (1,469 )     (58,204 )    
2,104,574
 
                                                                 
Net income
   
     
     
     
323,382
     
     
     
     
323,382
 
    Equity adjustment for foreign currency
         transaction
   
     
     
     
      20,882      
     
      20,882  
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of
 $5,985 of tax
   
     
     
     
     
10,481
     
     
     
10,481
 
Change in fair value of available-for-sale
securities, net of ($674) of tax
   
     
     
     
      (1,155 )    
     
      (1,155 )
Comprehensive income, net of tax
                                                           
353,590
 
Dividends
   
     
     
      (58,823 )    
     
     
      (58,823 )
Effects of acquisitions
   
     
     
      (67 )    
     
     
      (67 )
Stock-based compensation
   
     
     
5,277
     
     
     
     
     
5,277
 
Stock options exercised, net of shares
surrendered
   
443
     
14,402
      (5,352 )    
     
     
     
     
9,050
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
     
     
     
     
      (7,920 )     (323,409 )     (323,409 )
Balance at May 31, 2006 (Restated)*
   
172,571
     
109,948
     
58,556
     
2,260,917
     
42,384
      (9,389 )     (381,613 )    
2,090,192
 
                                                                 
Net income
   
     
     
     
334,538
     
     
     
     
334,538
 
Equity adjustment for foreign currency
         translation
   
     
     
     
     
7,426
     
     
     
7,426
 
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of
     $8,196 of tax
   
     
     
     
      (13,571 )    
     
      (13,571 )
Change in fair value of available-for-sale
         securities, net of $522 of tax
   
     
     
     
     
882
     
     
     
882
 
Comprehensive income, net of tax
                                                           
329,275
 
Dividends
   
     
     
      (61,996 )    
     
     
      (61,996 )
Stock-based compensation
   
     
     
4,500
     
     
     
     
     
4,500
 
Stock options exercised, net of shares
 surrendered
   
303
     
10,863
      (6,147 )    
     
     
     
     
4,716
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
     
     
     
     
      (4,808 )     (198,949 )     (198,949 )
Balance at May 31, 2007
   
172,874
    $
120,811
    $
56,909
    $
2,533,459
    $
37,121
      (14,197 )   $ (580,562 )   $
2,167,738
 

* Restated to reflect the adoption of FAS 123(R) using the modified-retrospective method.  See Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies.

See accompanying notes.

34

 
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows

   
Years Ended May 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
         
(Restated)*
   
(Restated)*
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income                                                                        
  $
334,538
    $
323,382
    $
292,547
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
         cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation                                                                   
   
135,181
     
127,117
     
119,813
 
Amortization of deferred charges                                             
   
40,745
     
33,536
     
28,362
 
Stock-based compensation                                                       
   
4,500
     
4,725
     
7,971