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CTAS vs UNF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Cintas (CTAS) vs. UniFirst (UNF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CTAS (Cintas) and UNF (UniFirst) are direct competitors in the uniform rental and facility services industry, but operate at sharply different scales.
- Cintas reported roughly 9.3% year-over-year revenue growth in its most recent quarter, while UniFirst's revenue grew about 2.7% over a comparable period.
- A renewed $275-per-share all-cash takeover offer from Cintas for UniFirst has become the dominant catalyst shaping UNF's recent share price behavior.
- Cintas carries an operating margin near 23%, well above UniFirst's single-digit margin, reflecting a significant gap in scale and efficiency.
- Relative performance and market positioning have diverged, with Cintas exhibiting steadier operational momentum and UniFirst trading around event-driven sentiment.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the business services sector frequently encounter two prominent names in workplace uniform and facility services: Cintas Corporation and UniFirst Corporation. Although both companies rent, clean, and maintain uniforms and protective workwear, their relative performance and market positioning differ considerably. This stock comparison is especially relevant for traders and long-term investors weighing a large-cap, higher-margin operator against a mid-cap competitor navigating an active acquisition narrative. Recent market activity—including divergent quarterly results and a high-profile takeover proposal—has reshaped sentiment around both tickers, making a side-by-side assessment timely for anyone tracking relative performance in the commercial services space.
CTAS Overview and Recent Performance
CTAS, Cintas Corporation, is a Fortune 500 uniform rental and facility services provider headquartered in Cincinnati. Beyond uniforms, the company operates first aid and safety services and fire protection services, supporting a diversified route-based business model across North America. In its most recent quarter, Cintas posted revenue of about $2.80 billion, an increase of roughly 9.3% year over year, alongside diluted earnings per share (EPS) that rose about 11%. Management raised its full-year revenue and EPS guidance, citing record revenue, an all-time high operating margin, and robust cash generation.
Recent market activity has reflected steady institutional interest, with several sell-side analysts adjusting price targets following the earnings release. Cintas' operating margin near 23% and strong customer retention have supported a premium valuation, while its market capitalization of roughly $76 billion underscores its scale advantage. The stock's momentum has been relatively consistent, driven by organic growth, cross-selling across service lines, and disciplined capital returns through buybacks and dividends.
UNF Overview and Recent Performance
UNF, UniFirst Corporation, is a North American provider of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, and first aid and safety supplies, headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. With more than 270 service locations and a market capitalization in the low single-digit billions, UniFirst is a smaller, more concentrated competitor. Its most recent quarterly results showed revenue of about $621 million, up roughly 2.7% year over year, while EPS came in below analyst expectations. Operating margin declined to about 7.3% from 9.2% a year earlier, reflecting planned investments in sales, service capabilities, and technology, along with higher healthcare costs.
UniFirst's share price has been heavily influenced by event-driven sentiment rather than organic fundamentals in recent weeks. The company's confirmation of an unsolicited, non-binding $275-per-share all-cash acquisition proposal from Cintas triggered a sharp rally, as the offer represented a substantial premium to UniFirst's prior trading range. Management has engaged advisors to review the proposal but has not recommended shareholder action, leaving the outcome uncertain.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks lies in scale and profitability. Cintas converts roughly 23% of revenue into operating income, while UniFirst operates near a 7% margin, a gap driven by route density, supply chain leverage, and a broader service mix. This efficiency advantage has historically supported a higher valuation multiple for CTAS relative to UNF.
Growth dynamics also diverge. Cintas has sustained mid-to-high single-digit organic growth through cross-selling and vertical expansion into healthcare, education, and government. UniFirst's slower growth has been compounded by softer customer employment levels and elevated operating investments tied to an ongoing enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrade. On the risk front, Cintas faces valuation and antitrust considerations from its proposed UniFirst acquisition, while UniFirst shareholders face execution risk and uncertainty around whether a transaction will close.
Market sentiment differs accordingly. Cintas has shown steadier, fundamentals-driven behavior, whereas UniFirst's recent move has been dominated by the takeover premium, creating a more event-dependent risk-reward profile.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor CTAS on trend consistency and relative positioning. Cintas combines stronger organic growth, a materially higher operating margin, all-time-high customer retention, and upwardly revised guidance—traits that signal durable momentum. UniFirst's appeal currently rests on an uncertain acquisition catalyst and margin headwinds, making its trend less self-sustaining. That said, a completed takeover could compress the valuation gap quickly, so the AI's preference would lean probabilistic rather than absolute, with Cintas appearing better positioned on fundamentals and UniFirst more dependent on deal resolution.
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 Hold and UNF is a Hold.
CTAS in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026
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. In 26 of 39 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CTAS as a result. In 49 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CTAS just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where CTAS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
Following a +1.66% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CTAS advanced for three days, in 197 of 343 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 10-day moving average for CTAS crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
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 12, 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 CTAS entered a downward trend on October 05, 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock better than average.
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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 31 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average 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 87 (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 (15.408) is normal, around the industry mean (8.137). P/E Ratio (39.562) is within average values for comparable stocks, (60.108). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.144) is also within normal values, averaging (1.946). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.013) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.194) is also within normal values, averaging (9.694).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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.
UNF's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for UNF turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where UNF's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where UNF's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 17 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 35 of 57 cases where UNF's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on UNF as a result. In 50 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Following a +1.10% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UNF advanced for three days, in 165 of 308 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
UNF may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
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 63%.
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 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. UNF’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (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 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (2.134) is normal, around the industry mean (8.137). P/E Ratio (40.986) is within average values for comparable stocks, (60.108). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.510) is also within normal values, averaging (1.946). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.013) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.947) is also within normal values, averaging (9.694).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock slightly 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 | 36 | 30 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 87 Overvalued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 64 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 26 | 82 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 31 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 6 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 50 |
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 (63) in the Other Consumer Services industry is in the same range as CTAS (87). This means that UNF’s stock grew similarly to CTAS’s over the last 12 months.
CTAS's Profit vs Risk Rating (21) in the Other Consumer Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for UNF (64). 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 (31) in the Other Consumer Services industry is in the same range as UNF (47). This means that CTAS’s stock grew similarly to UNF’s over the last 12 months.
UNF's P/E Growth Rating (6) in the Other Consumer Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CTAS (55). This means that UNF’s stock grew somewhat faster than CTAS’s over the last 12 months.
| CTAS | UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 22% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 42% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 4 days ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 16 days ago 38% | 16 days ago 63% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 39% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 65% |
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 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UNF’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CTAS’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- UNF’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
CTAS (@Office Equipment/Supplies) experienced а +5.80% price change this week, while UNF (@Office Equipment/Supplies) price change was +2.29% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Office Equipment/Supplies industry was -2.16%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.75%.
Reported Earning Dates
CTAS is expected to report earnings on Dec 17, 2026.
UNF is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Office Equipment/Supplies (-2.16% 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% | +1.09% | ||
| EXPO - CTAS | 62% Loosely correlated | -0.22% | ||
| UNF - CTAS | 53% Loosely correlated | N/A | ||
| VRSK - CTAS | 51% Loosely correlated | +2.22% | ||
| ARLO - CTAS | 47% Loosely correlated | -2.07% | ||
| EFX - CTAS | 46% Loosely correlated | +0.86% | ||
More | ||||
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 54% 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% | N/A | ||
| CTAS - UNF | 54% Loosely correlated | +1.09% | ||
| EXPO - UNF | 48% Loosely correlated | -0.22% | ||
| ARLO - UNF | 42% Loosely correlated | -2.07% | ||
| LOPE - UNF | 39% Loosely correlated | +0.88% | ||
| BRC - UNF | 39% Loosely correlated | -1.62% | ||
More | ||||