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CTAS vs UNF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Cintas Corporation (CTAS) vs. UniFirst Corporation (UNF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CTAS and UNF are direct competitors in North American uniform rental and facility services, and Cintas has an agreement to acquire UniFirst in a deal expected to close in the second half of 2026.
- Cintas is the larger, higher-margin operator, with roughly $11.3 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue and a market capitalization near $84 billion, versus UniFirst's roughly $2.5 billion revenue base.
- UniFirst shares have outperformed so far this year, rising roughly 37% to 39% as merger-related revaluation lifted the stock, while Cintas posted strong single-digit organic growth.
- Cintas generates gross margins above 50% and stronger profitability, while UniFirst has been managing margin compression tied to technology and operational investments.
- The pending acquisition introduces regulatory uncertainty — a second request from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC, the U.S. competition regulator) has extended the review timeline.
- Scale, momentum consistency, and a multi-decade dividend growth streak favor CTAS, while UNF's valuation is now largely anchored to the transaction terms.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the uniform and facility services sector frequently weigh CTAS against UNF, two of the largest names in the business of renting, cleaning, and maintaining workplace uniforms. The comparison has taken on added significance because the two companies are not only rivals but also parties to a pending merger. Growth-oriented traders, dividend investors, and merger arbitrage (event-driven) participants all follow this pair closely. Understanding how each company's relative performance, market positioning, and catalysts differ can help clarify which stock appears better situated under current market conditions.
CTAS Overview and Recent Performance
Cintas Corporation provides uniform rental and facility services, first aid and safety products, fire protection, and related services across North America. It is a Fortune 500 company and a component of both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 indexes. In recent quarters, CTAS has reported solid organic growth, with revenue rising roughly 8.9% in its most recent period alongside record gross margins and earnings per share (EPS, profit divided by shares outstanding) growth. Management has raised full-year guidance, citing steady customer retention, fresh contract wins, and strength in its ancillary safety and facility offerings. Sentiment has remained broadly positive, though some analysts have flagged valuation as rich after a strong run. The stock's market positioning reflects durable demand tied to customer headcount and a long track record of dividend increases.
UNF Overview and Recent Performance
UniFirst Corporation is a workplace uniform and facility services provider with a fleet serving more than 300,000 customer locations, alongside first aid and safety and specialty garment segments. UNF has seen its shares climb sharply in recent months, a move driven less by operational acceleration and more by the proposed acquisition by Cintas. Under the agreement, UniFirst shareholders would receive cash and Cintas stock, and UniFirst shareholders have already approved the transaction. Operationally, revenue has continued to grow modestly, but net income and margins have come under pressure from technology initiatives, including an enterprise resource planning (ERP, business-management software) rollout and other upgrade costs. The stock's recent behavior largely reflects merger expectations rather than standalone fundamentals.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two names is scale and profitability. CTAS operates with a larger revenue base, superior gross and operating margins, and stronger returns on capital. UNF has historically run lower margins and is currently investing in operational efficiency, which has compressed near-term earnings even as revenue holds up. Growth drivers also differ: Cintas benefits from cross-selling, acquisitions, and pricing power, while UniFirst leans on customer loyalty and service differentiation. On momentum, UNF has led over the past year due to the takeover premium, but that performance is transaction-driven. Risk factors for CTAS include integration and execution risk and a premium valuation; for UNF, the principal risks are regulatory approval timing, potential divestitures, and the possibility that the deal does not close on current terms. Both share the same sector exposure to employment trends, fuel and energy costs, and industrial demand.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, scale, profitability, and catalyst durability, Tickeron's AI would likely favor CTAS as the more stable, higher-quality franchise over a longer horizon. Cintas's stronger margins, consistent organic growth, and reliable capital returns suggest a more robust standalone profile, whereas UNF's recent outperformance is closely tied to merger completion, which carries regulatory and timing uncertainty. That said, the verdict is probabilistic rather than absolute: if the acquisition closes as planned, the relative positioning of the two tickers may converge as the combined entity integrates. Traders should weigh these dynamics against their own timeframes and risk tolerance.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CTAS is a Buy and UNF is a StrongBuy.
CTAS in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026
The 10-day moving average for CTAS crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
CTAS moved above its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.07% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CTAS advanced for three days, in 193 of 339 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 164 of 312 cases where CTAS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CTAS moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 11 of the 37 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 30%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 24 of 64 cases where CTAS's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 38%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 06, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CTAS as a result. In 27 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 33%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CTAS turned negative on November 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 14 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 33%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CTAS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 38%.
CTAS broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. CTAS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 33 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 94 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (17.284) is normal, around the industry mean (5.887). P/E Ratio (44.740) is within average values for comparable stocks, (33.618). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.144) is also within normal values, averaging (1.946). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.025) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.194) is also within normal values, averaging (9.907).
UNF's RSI Oscillator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for UNF moved out of oversold territory on November 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 31 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 20 of the 31 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +2.78% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UNF advanced for three days, in 169 of 311 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on UNF as a result. In 45 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 54%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for UNF turned negative on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 41 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 41 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 71%.
UNF moved below its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where UNF declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
UNF broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for UNF entered a downward trend on October 13, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. UNF’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 71 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.937) is normal, around the industry mean (5.887). P/E Ratio (35.559) is within average values for comparable stocks, (33.618). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.510) is also within normal values, averaging (1.946). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.025) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.947) is also within normal values, averaging (9.907).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. UNF’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 82 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
CTAS | UNF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 67 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 94 Overvalued | 71 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 16 | 76 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 26 | 82 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 18 | 56 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 33 | 6 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 65 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
UNF's Valuation (71) in the Other Consumer Services industry is in the same range as CTAS (94). This means that UNF’s stock grew similarly to CTAS’s over the last 12 months.
CTAS's Profit vs Risk Rating (16) in the Other Consumer Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for UNF (76). This means that CTAS’s stock grew somewhat faster than UNF’s over the last 12 months.
CTAS's SMR Rating (26) in the Other Consumer Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for UNF (82). This means that CTAS’s stock grew somewhat faster than UNF’s over the last 12 months.
CTAS's Price Growth Rating (18) in the Other Consumer Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for UNF (56). This means that CTAS’s stock grew somewhat faster than UNF’s over the last 12 months.
UNF's P/E Growth Rating (6) in the Other Consumer Services industry is in the same range as CTAS (33). This means that UNF’s stock grew similarly to CTAS’s over the last 12 months.
| CTAS | UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 30% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 38% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 33% | 1 day ago 54% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 33% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 42% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 57% | 12 days ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 38% | 4 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 40% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 49% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CTAS’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while UNF’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- CTAS’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- UNF’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CTAS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UNF’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CTAS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- UNF’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
CTAS (@Office Equipment/Supplies) experienced а +1.16% price change this week, while UNF (@Office Equipment/Supplies) price change was -7.63% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Office Equipment/Supplies industry was +8.89%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.25%, and the average quarterly price growth was +0.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
CTAS is expected to report earnings on Dec 17, 2026.
UNF is expected to report earnings on Jan 06, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Office Equipment/Supplies (+8.89% weekly)The industry produces equipment regularly used in offices by businesses and other organizations, and could range from items like Blank sheet paper, calendars, Label and adhesive paper, paper clips, janitorial supplies, to larger /higher cost products like computers, printers, photocopiers, office furniture and so on. Many businesses in the office supply industry have been expanding into related markets like business cards, plus printing and binding of high quality, high volume business and engineering documents. Some companies in this industry also offer shipping services, including packaging and bulk mailing. Herman Miller, Inc., Steelcase Inc. and HNI Corporation.
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CTAS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CTAS has been loosely correlated with EXPO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 62% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CTAS jumps, then EXPO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CTAS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTAS | 100% | +0.36% | ||
| EXPO - CTAS | 62% Loosely correlated | +1.71% | ||
| UNF - CTAS | 57% Loosely correlated | +1.16% | ||
| VRSK - CTAS | 51% Loosely correlated | -1.95% | ||
| ARLO - CTAS | 47% Loosely correlated | -1.62% | ||
| EFX - CTAS | 46% Loosely correlated | -0.66% | ||
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UNF and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, UNF has been loosely correlated with CTAS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 57% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if UNF jumps, then CTAS could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To UNF | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNF | 100% | +1.16% | ||
| CTAS - UNF | 57% Loosely correlated | +0.36% | ||
| EXPO - UNF | 48% Loosely correlated | +1.71% | ||
| ARLO - UNF | 42% Loosely correlated | -1.62% | ||
| LOPE - UNF | 39% Loosely correlated | -1.30% | ||
| BRC - UNF | 39% Loosely correlated | +1.52% | ||
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