CINTAS CORP - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

CINTAS CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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.

Indicate by checkmark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Indicate by checkmark 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.

Indicate by checkmark 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.         

Indicate by a checkmark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer   ü         Accelerated Filer                Smaller Reporting Company                Non-Accelerated Filer                (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of November 30, 2008, was $3,669,978,425 based on a closing sale price of $24.02 per share. As of June 30, 2009, 173,085,926 shares of Common Stock were issued and 152,790,170 shares were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission for its 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III as specified.

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Cintas Corporation
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K

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Part I

Item 1.  Business

Cintas Corporation (Cintas), a Washington corporation, provides highly specialized products and services to businesses of all types primarily 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 its customers.

Cintas classifies its businesses into four operating segments. The Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment reflects the rental and servicing of uniforms and other garments including flame resistant clothing, mats, mops and shop towels and other ancillary items. In addition to these rental items, restroom and hygiene products and services are also provided within this operating segment. The Uniform Direct Sales operating segment consists of the direct sale of uniforms and related items and branded promotional products. The First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment consists of first aid, safety and fire protection products and services. The Document Management Services operating segment consists of document destruction, document imaging and document retention services.

We provide our products and services 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 revenue. As a result, the loss of one account would not have a significant financial impact on Cintas.

The following table sets forth the revenue derived from each operating segment provided by Cintas.

Additional information is also included in Note 15 entitled Operating Segment Information in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

The primary markets served by all 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' local operations. Product, design, price, quality, service and convenience to the customer are the competitive elements in each of our operating segments.

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Within the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment, Cintas provides its products and services to customers via local delivery routes originating from rental processing plants and branches. Within the Uniform Direct Sales and First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segments, Cintas provides its products and services via its distribution network and local delivery routes or local representatives. Within the Document Management Services operating segment, Cintas provides its services via local service routes originating from document management branches and document retention facilities. In total, Cintas has approximately 7,900 local delivery routes, 411 operations and 8 distribution centers. At May 31, 2009, Cintas employed approximately 31,000 employees of which approximately 300 were represented by labor unions.

Cintas sources finished products from many outside suppliers. In addition, Cintas operates 6 manufacturing facilities which provide for standard uniform needs. Cintas purchases fabric, used in its manufacturing process, from several suppliers. Cintas is not aware of any circumstances that would hinder its ability to continue obtaining these materials.

Cintas is subject to various environmental laws and regulations, as are other companies in the uniform rental industry. While environmental compliance is not a material component of 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 $19 million in fiscal 2009 and approximately $17 million in fiscal 2008. Capital expenditures to limit or monitor hazardous substances were approximately $2 million in fiscal 2009 and approximately $4 million in fiscal 2008. 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.

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. The information on Cintas' website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The statements in this section describe major risks that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation, and the trading price of our debt or equity securities could decline.

In addition, this section sets forth statements which constitute our cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous assumptions, risks or uncertainties. 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

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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 effects of credit market volatility and changes in our credit ratings, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange, 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, asset impairment charges, 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 and labor laws, the reactions of competitors in terms of price and service and other factors set forth in this Item 1A. "Risk Factors" section. 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.

Negative global economic factors may adversely affect our financial performance.
Negative 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, lower recycled paper prices, higher interest rates, inflation, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws and other economic factors could increase our costs of rental uniforms and ancillary products and other services and selling and administrative expenses. As a result, these factors could adversely affect our sales and results of operation.

The effects of credit market volatility and changes in our credit ratings could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operation.
Our operating cash flows, combined with access to the credit markets, provide us with significant discretionary funding capacity. However, deterioration in the global credit markets may limit our ability to access credit markets, which could adversely affect our liquidity and/or increase our cost of borrowing. In addition, credit market deterioration and its actual or perceived effects on our results of operation and financial condition, along with deterioration in general economic conditions, may increase the likelihood that the major independent credit agencies will downgrade our credit ratings, which could increase our cost of borrowing. Increases in our cost of borrowing could adversely affect our results of operation.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operation.
We earn revenue, pay expenses, own assets and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the Canadian dollar and the euro. In fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, revenue denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar represented less than 10% of our consolidated revenue. Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate revenue, income and expenses, as well as assets and liabilities, into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect during or at the end of each reporting period. Therefore, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies, particularly in the event of significant increases in foreign currency revenue, will impact our revenue and operating income and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. This impact could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operation.

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

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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 operation. 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 operation.

Risks associated with the suppliers from whom our products are sourced could adversely affect our results of operation.
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 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 operation.

Increases in fuel and energy costs could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.
The price of fuel and energy needed to run our vehicles and equipment is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries, regional production patterns, limits on refining capacities, natural disasters and environmental concerns. The increases in oil prices during 2008, which moderated in late 2008 and 2009, resulted in significantly higher fuel costs to Cintas. Similar increases in the future in fuel and energy costs could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.

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 operation.
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 operation.

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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 operation.
Our Document Management Services business includes both document destruction and document retention services. These services involve the handling of our customers' confidential information and the subsequent destruction or retention 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 operation.

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations could result in significant costs that adversely affect our results of operation.
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 significant additional costs which could adversely affect our results of operation. 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 operation.
We are party to various litigation claims and legal proceedings. We discuss these lawsuits and other litigation to which we are party in greater detail under the caption "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and in Note 14 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." Certain of these lawsuits or potential future lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability and expense material to our financial condition and results of operation.

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 operation.
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 OSHA 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. Any 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 and adversely affect our results of operation.

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Risks associated with our acquisition practice could adversely affect our results of operation.
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 operation.

We may experience difficulties in attracting and retaining competent personnel in key positions.
We believe that a key component of our success is our corporate culture which has been imparted by management throughout our corporate organization. This factor, along with our entire operation, depends on our ability to attract and retain key employees. Competitive pressures within and outside our industry may make it more difficult and expensive for us to attract and retain key employees which could adversely affect our businesses.

Unexpected events could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operation.
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 businesses, could adversely affect our results of operation. 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.

Deterioration in general economic conditions, primarily in North America, may result in the recognition of impairment charges which could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.
We assess our goodwill and other intangible assets and our long-lived assets for impairment when required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These accounting principles require that we record an impairment charge if circumstances indicate that the asset carrying values exceed their fair values. The fair value of these assets is impacted by general economic conditions in the locations in which we operate. Deterioration in these general economic conditions may result in: declining revenue which can lead to excess capacity and declining operating cash flow; reductions in management's estimates for future revenue and operating cash flow growth; increases in borrowing rates and other deterioration in factors that impact our weighted average cost of capital; and deteriorating real estate values. If our assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets or long-lived assets indicates an impairment of the carrying value for which we recognize an impairment charge, this may adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could adversely affect our business and stock price.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the consolidated financial statement preparation and presentation. While we continue to evaluate our internal controls, we cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were to discover material weaknesses in our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could cause us to be unable to produce reliable

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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

Not applicable.

Item 2.  Properties

Cintas occupies 419 facilities located in 279 cities. Cintas leases 216 of these facilities for various terms ranging from monthly to the year 2019. Cintas expects that it will be able to renew its leases on satisfactory terms. Of the 6 manufacturing facilities listed below, Cintas controls the operations of 2 of these manufacturing facilities, but does not own or lease the real estate related to these operations. All other facilities are owned. The principal executive office in Cincinnati, Ohio, provides centrally located administrative functions including accounting, finance, marketing and computer system development and support. Cintas operates rental processing plants that house administrative, sales and service personnel and the necessary equipment involved in the cleaning of uniforms and bulk items, such as entrance mats and shop towels. Branch operations provide administrative, sales and service functions. Cintas operates 8 distribution centers and 6 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 14,400 vehicles which are used for the route-based deliveries and by the sales, service and management employee-partners.

The following chart provides additional information concerning Cintas' facilities:

Rental processing plants, rental branches, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities are used in Cintas' Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment. Rental processing plants, rental branches, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities and direct sales offices are all used in the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment. First aid, safety and fire protection facilities, rental processing facilities and distribution centers are used in the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment. Document management facilities and rental processing facilities are used in the Document Management Services operating segment.

* Includes the principal executive office, which is attached to the distribution center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

We discuss material legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business) pending against us in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," in Note 14 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." We refer you to and incorporate by reference into this Item 3 that discussion for important information concerning those legal proceedings, including the basis for such actions and, where known, the relief sought.

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

None in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

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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:

Holders

At May 31, 2009, there were approximately 3,000 shareholders on record of Cintas' common stock. Cintas believes that this represents approximately 72,000 beneficial owners.

Dividends

Dividends on the outstanding common stock have been paid annually and amounted to $0.47 per share, $0.46 per share and $0.39 per share in fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, 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. Because our products and services are diverse, Cintas does not believe that any single published industry index is appropriate for comparing shareholder return. Therefore, the peer group used in the performance graph combines 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 peer group are G & K Services, Inc., UniFirst Corporation, ABM Industries and Ecolab, Inc.

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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 peer group are not the same as those considered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Total Shareholder Returns
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

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 share 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 share buyback program.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Cintas purchased 0.9 million shares of Cintas' common stock at an average price of $28.61 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $26 million and Cintas purchased no other shares in fiscal 2009.

From the inception of the share buyback program through July 30, 2009, Cintas has purchased a total of 20.3 million shares of Cintas' common stock at an average price of $39.31 per share for a total purchase price of approximately $798 million. The maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the share buyback program as of July 30, 2009, is approximately $202 million.

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Eleven-Year Financial Summary

(1)

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.

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Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

Business Strategy

Cintas provides highly specialized products and services to businesses of all types primarily 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' images. 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.

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 evaluate strategic acquisitions as opportunities arise.

Results of Operation

The economic environment in fiscal 2009 presented challenges not experienced in decades. The financial crisis which began in September, 2008, caused many of our customers to immediately reduce spending. As the economic turmoil continued, we saw our customers make dramatic reductions in spending. Significant job losses in the U.S. and Canada followed the financial crisis, as these economies lost millions of jobs from October, 2008, through May, 2009.

The suddenness and severity of the economic downturn required us to react quickly to reduce our cost structure. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we closed two manufacturing plants in Kentucky, initiated hiring and wage freezes in many parts of the organization, eliminated many overhead positions and reduced discretionary and capital spending. These initiatives resulted in a reduction to selling and administrative expenses of approximately $60 million when comparing the last six months of fiscal 2009 to the first six months of fiscal 2009.

In addition to the actions described above, we initiated restructuring activities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to reduce excess capacity and further reduce our cost structure. These activities included closing or converting to branches 16 of our rental processing plants and reducing our workforce by 1,200 employees. We

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expect these restructuring activities to be completed by May 31, 2010. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded charges of $48.9 million in long-lived asset impairment costs, $7.9 million in employee termination costs and $2.3 million in other exit costs for a total of $59.1 million that will be incurred as a result of this restructuring. The following summarizes these amounts by operating segment:

A progression of our restructuring liability balance, primarily recorded in accrued compensation and related liabilities, at May 31, 2009, is as follows:

The restructuring activities are more fully described in Note 2 entitled Restructuring and Related Activity of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

Despite the economic turmoil during fiscal 2009, we were still able to generate strong operating cash flow. Net cash provided by operating activities was $523.5 million. We reduced capital and acquisition spending by $110.9 million in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. We were able to pay down $157.1 million in net borrowings during fiscal 2009, resulting in no outstanding commercial paper borrowings as of May 31, 2009. Additionally, we were still able to pay shareholders an increased dividend of $0.47 per share.

Cintas classifies its businesses into four operating segments. The Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment reflects the rental and servicing of uniforms and other garments including flame resistant clothing, mats, mops and shop towels and other ancillary items. In addition to these rental items, restroom and hygiene products and services are also provided within this operating segment. The Uniform Direct Sales operating segment consists of the direct sale of uniforms and related items and branded promotional products. The First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment consists of first aid, safety and fire protection products and services. The Document Management Services operating segment consists of document destruction, document imaging and document retention services.

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

The reduction in Uniform Direct Sales and First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services revenue as a percentage of total revenue in fiscal 2009 reflects the significant reduction in spending by customers of these businesses during the economic turmoil in fiscal 2009. Despite a significant decrease in the price of recycled paper prices during fiscal 2009, Document Management Services revenue increased as a percentage of total revenue over the last two fiscal years as a result of acquisitions and internal growth in our destruction services.

Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue increased in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 due to lower revenue levels in all operating segments other than Document Management Services. The significant deterioration of the U.S. and Canadian economies, particularly in the last five months of the year ended May 31, 2009, which led to reduced revenue levels in our Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment, our Uniform Direct Sales operating segment and our First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment, created excess inventory levels in these operating segments. As a result, we reduced the carrying amount of specific inventory to

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realizable values and recorded a pre-tax loss in the year ended May 31, 2009, of $27.5 million. The following summarizes this loss by operating segment:

Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue in Document Management Services increased as a percentage of revenue in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of a significant decrease in the price of recycled paper. This operating segment derives revenue from the sale of shredded paper to paper recyclers. The weighted average price of standard office paper, which accounts for the majority of the recycled paper revenue, dropped by 24.2% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 as a result of the lower revenue in fiscal 2009.

Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Fiscal 2009 total revenue was $3.8 billion, a decrease of 4.1% compared to fiscal 2008. Acquisitions in our First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment and our Document Management Services operating segment accounted for growth of 0.7% during fiscal 2009. Information related to acquisitions is discussed in Note 10 entitled Acquisitions of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." Total revenue decreased organically by 4.5%. The difficult U.S. and Canadian economic environments that began with the financial crisis in our second fiscal quarter deteriorated in our third and fourth fiscal quarters. These economies lost millions of jobs from October, 2008, through May, 2009. Because of customer job losses, we experienced decreases in uniform revenue, both rented and purchased, and revenue for our hygiene products and first aid and safety products. In addition, facility closures by our customers reduced our volume of entrance mats, mops, shop towels and other facility needs such as fire protection services and document management services. Fiscal 2009 had one fewer workday than fiscal 2008, which resulted in a decrease in revenue of 0.3%.

Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue consists predominantly of revenue derived from the rental of corporate identity uniforms and other garments including flame resistant clothing, and the rental and/or sale of mats, mops, shop towels, restroom supplies and other rental services. Revenue from the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment decreased 2.8% compared to fiscal 2008. Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue decreased organically by 2.4% in fiscal 2009. The decrease in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue was primarily due to decreased uniform wearers caused in large part by job losses in the U.S. and Canadian economies. Fiscal 2009 had one fewer workday than fiscal 2008, which resulted in a decrease in revenue of 0.4%.

Other Services revenue, consisting of revenue from the reportable operating segments of Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services and Document Management Services, decreased 7.6% compared to fiscal 2008. Acquisitions in our First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment and our Document Management Services operating segment accounted for growth of 2.5% during fiscal 2009. Other Services revenue decreased organically by 9.7%. The turmoil in the U.S. and Canadian economies significantly affected our Other Services revenue, particularly in the Uniform Direct Sales and First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services

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operating segments. The revenue decreases in these operating segments were partially offset by increased revenue in our Document Management Services operating segment. Fiscal 2009 had one fewer workday than fiscal 2008, which resulted in a decrease in revenue of 0.4%.

Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products decreased 1.2% compared to fiscal 2008. Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products consists primarily of production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service inventory, including uniforms, mats, mops, shop towels and other ancillary items. The cost decrease compared to fiscal 2008 was primarily driven by the volume decrease in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue. The cost decrease due to reduced volume was partially offset by a loss on inventory valuation of $8.4 million, as described above.

Cost of other services decreased 1.9% compared to fiscal 2008. Cost of other services consists primarily of cost of goods sold (predominantly uniforms and first aid products), delivery expenses and distribution expenses in the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment, the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment and the Document Management Services operating segment. The decrease from fiscal 2008 was due to the volume decrease in Other Services. The cost decrease due to reduced volume was partially offset by a loss on inventory valuation of $19.1 million, as described above.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $21.4 million, or 1.9%, compared to fiscal 2008. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease of $18.9 million in labor costs and payroll taxes related to our fiscal 2009 cost reduction efforts.

Operating income of $409.1 million in fiscal 2009 decreased $168.4 million, or 29.2%, compared to fiscal 2008. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation of $27.5 million and the charges of $59.1 million relating to the restructuring activities, operating income decreased by $81.8 million, or 14.2%, compared to fiscal 2008. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes brought on by the turmoil in the U.S. and Canadian economies in fiscal 2009.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased $0.7 million from the prior fiscal year. This increase was due to a $3.3 million reduction in interest income caused by lower interest rates on Canadian treasury securities during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, offset by a decrease of $2.6 million in interest expense caused by lower levels of borrowings in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.

Income before income tax was $361.6 million, a 31.9% decrease compared to fiscal 2008. This change reflects the decrease in operating income described above.

Cintas' effective tax rate was 37.4% for fiscal 2009 as compared to 36.8% and 37.3% for fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively (also see Note 9 entitled Income Taxes of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for more information on income taxes).

Net income for fiscal 2009 of $226.4 million was a 32.5% decrease compared to fiscal 2008, and diluted earnings per share of $1.48 was a 31.2% decrease compared to fiscal 2008. These changes reflect the decrease in operating income described above.

Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products Operating Segment

As discussed above, Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue decreased $79.6 million, or 2.8%, and the cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products decreased $19.4 million, or 1.2%. The operating segment's gross margin was $1,192.8 million, or 43.3% of revenue. This gross margin percent of revenue of 43.3% decreased from 44.2% in fiscal 2008. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation of $8.4 million in fiscal 2009, the gross margin percent in fiscal 2009 was 43.6%. The decrease of 60 basis points from 44.2% in fiscal 2008 to 43.6% in fiscal 2009 is primarily due to the reduced volume in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment.

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Selling and administrative expenses for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment as a percent to revenue, at 27.9%, decreased 40 basis points from 28.3% in fiscal 2008. This decrease was due to a reduction in labor costs associated with our cost reduction efforts.

Income before income taxes decreased $80.7 million to $370.5 million for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. Income before income taxes was 13.4% of this operating segment's revenue. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation of $8.4 million and the charges of $53.0 million relating to the restructuring activities, income before income taxes as a percent of revenue was 15.7% in fiscal 2009, which is relatively consistent with the 15.9% in fiscal 2008.

Uniform Direct Sales Operating Segment

Uniform Direct Sales operating segment revenue decreased $89.1 million for fiscal 2009, a 17.2% decrease compared to fiscal 2008. There were no acquisitions in the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment during fiscal 2009.

Cost of uniform direct sales decreased $26.9 million, or 7.7%, for fiscal 2009 due to decreased Uniform Direct Sales operating segment volume, partially offset by a loss on inventory valuation of $16.1 million. The gross margin as a percent to revenue of 24.8% for fiscal 2009 decreased from 32.5% in fiscal 2008. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation of $16.1 million in fiscal 2009, the gross margin percent in fiscal 2009 was 28.5%. The decrease from 32.5% in fiscal 2008 to 28.5% in fiscal 2009 is primarily due to the reduced volume.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent to revenue, at 22.9%, increased from 20.0% in fiscal 2008. This increase is due to lower volume and an increase in bad debt expense of 70 basis points.

Income before income taxes was $3.2 million in fiscal 2009, a decrease of $61.5 million compared to fiscal 2008. This decrease is primarily due to the reduced volume in the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment, as well as the loss on inventory valuation of $16.1 million and the charges of $4.6 million relating to the restructuring activities. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation and the charges relating to the restructuring activities, income before income taxes was $24.0 million in fiscal 2009, a decrease of $40.8 million.

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services Operating Segment

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue decreased $25.5 million in fiscal 2009, a 6.3% decrease compared to fiscal 2008. This operating segment's revenue decreased organically by 7.6%. The turmoil in the U.S. and Canadian economies affected our First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue. Our customers in this segment reduced their spending at the onset of the financial crisis in September, 2008, resulting in decreased revenue in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. Acquisitions accounted for growth of 1.7%. Fiscal 2009 had one fewer workday than fiscal 2008, which resulted in a decrease in revenue of 0.4%.

Cost of first aid, safety and fire protection services decreased $8.8 million, or 3.6%, in fiscal 2009, due to decreased First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment volume, partially offset by a loss on inventory valuation of $3.0 million. Gross margin for the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment is defined as revenue less cost of goods, warehouse expenses, service expenses and training expenses. The gross margin as a percent to revenue was 38.1% for fiscal 2009. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation of $3.0 million in fiscal 2009, the gross margin percent in fiscal 2009 was 38.9%. The decrease from 39.9% in fiscal 2008 to 38.9% in fiscal 2009 is primarily due to the reduced volume.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent to revenue, at 33.6%, increased from 31.0% in fiscal 2008. This increase was due to lower volume and an increase in bad debt expense of 130 basis points.

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Income before income taxes for the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment was $15.9 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $35.6 million in fiscal 2008. This decrease of $19.7 million was primarily due to the reduced volume in First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment, as well as the loss on inventory valuation of $3.0 million and the charges of $1.2 million relating to the restructuring activities. Excluding the loss on inventory valuation and the charges relating to the restructuring activities, income before income taxes was $20.1 million, or 5.3% of revenue, in fiscal 2009 compared to 8.8% of revenue in fiscal 2008.

Document Management Services Operating Segment

Document Management Services operating segment revenue increased $30.9 million for fiscal 2009, or 17.0% over fiscal 2008. This operating segment's internal growth for fiscal 2009 was 6.0% over fiscal 2008. The internal growth is primarily due to the sale of destruction services to new customers, offset by a decline in recycled paper revenue. This operating segment derives revenue from the sale of shredded paper to paper recyclers. The weighted average price of standard office paper, which accounts for the majority of the recycled paper revenue, dropped by 24.2% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. Acquisitions accounted for growth of 11.4%. Fiscal 2009 had one fewer workday than fiscal 2008, which resulted in a decrease in revenue of 0.4%.

Cost of document management services increased $22.7 million, or 27.4%, for fiscal 2009, due to increased Document Management Services volume. Gross margin for the Document Management Services operating segment is defined as revenue less production and service costs. The gross margin as a percent to revenue was 50.6% for fiscal 2009, down from 54.6% in fiscal 2008. This decrease from fiscal 2008 is mainly due to the sharp decline in recycled paper prices compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in the average price of standard office paper resulted in a decrease in gross margin as a percent to revenue of 2.9%.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent to revenue was 41.4% compared to 40.5% in fiscal 2008. This increase is due to the sharp decline in recycled paper prices compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in the average price of standard office paper resulted in an increase in selling and administrative expense as a percent to revenue of 2.4%.

Income before income taxes for the Document Management Services operating segment was $19.4 million, a decrease of $6.4 million compared to fiscal 2008. Income before income taxes was 9.1% of the operating segment's revenue compared to 14.1% in fiscal 2008. The decrease in the average price of standard paper resulted in a decrease in income before income taxes as a percent to revenue of 14.5%.

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

Fiscal 2008 total revenue was $3.9 billion, an increase of 6.2% over fiscal 2007. Internal growth was 4.6% in fiscal 2008, compared to 5.3% in fiscal 2007. The deterioration in the U.S. and Canadian economies created a challenging environment throughout fiscal 2008. The rising unemployment in the U.S. put pressure on our ability to grow rental uniform wearers, particularly in the latter half of fiscal 2008, as many of our customers reduced their workforces. In addition, our fire protection services business within the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment suffered due to pressure on fire installation system revenue and lower than anticipated recurring service revenue. Our internal growth was generated primarily through the sale of document management services to new and existing customers, continued penetration of our ancillary products and services such as mats, hygiene supplies and restroom cleaning services to existing customers, and first aid and safety products and services to new and existing customers. 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 10 entitled Acquisitions of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

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Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue consists predominantly of revenue derived from the rental of corporate identity uniforms and other garments including flame resistant clothing, and the rental and/or sale of mats, mops, shop towels, restroom supplies and other rental services. Revenue from the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment increased 3.7% over fiscal 2007. Internal growth for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment was 3.4% in fiscal 2008. The increase in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating 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 comprised of customers who were first time users of uniform rental programs. The remaining growth of 0.3% in fiscal 2008 resulted from the acquisition of rental businesses.

Other Services revenue, consisting of revenue from the reportable operating segments of Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services and Document Management Services, increased 13.5% over fiscal 2007. Internal growth accounted for 8.2% of this increase. This internal growth was generated primarily through the increased sales of first aid, safety and fire protection products and services and document management services to customers. The remaining revenue growth of 5.3% was generated through a combination of acquisitions of first aid, safety and fire protection businesses and document management businesses.

Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products increased 4.4% over fiscal 2007. Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products consists primarily of production expenses, delivery expenses and the amortization of in service inventory, including uniforms, mats, mops, shop towels and other ancillary items. The cost increase over fiscal 2007 was primarily driven by the growth in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue. In addition, rising energy costs, especially in the second half of the fiscal year, contributed to this increase. Energy costs increased 11.1% in fiscal 2008, from $104.6 million in fiscal 2007 to $116.2 million in fiscal 2008.

Cost of other services increased 10.5% over fiscal 2007. Cost of other services consists primarily of cost of goods sold (predominantly uniforms and first aid products), delivery expenses and distribution expenses in the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment, the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment and the Document Management Services operating segment. The increase over fiscal 2007 was due to the growth in other services revenue, derived through a combination of internal growth and acquisitions. Rising energy costs also impacted the cost of other services. Other services energy costs increased 35.4% from $18.1 million in fiscal 2007 to $24.5 million in fiscal 2008. Improved leverage and various cost containment programs in our Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services and Document Management Services operating segments helped to partially offset the increases in energy costs.

Selling and administrative expenses increased 10.0% over fiscal 2007. 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 $53.1 million over the prior fiscal year. In addition, administrative expenses increased by $10.4 million due to an increase in legal and other professional services.

Operating income of $577.5 million in fiscal 2008, was relatively flat over fiscal 2007. Gross margin increased by $100.2 million, but was offset by the increase of $100.2 million in selling and administrative expenses.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased $2.9 million from the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily a result of increased interest expense from additional debt added in fiscal 2008 used to buyback shares under our share buyback program.

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Income before income taxes was $530.7 million, a 0.5% decrease over fiscal 2007. This change reflects the relatively flat operating income being reduced by the higher net interest expense.

Cintas' effective tax rate was 36.8% for fiscal 2008 as compared to 37.3% for fiscal 2007 (see also Note 9 entitled Income Taxes of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

Net income for fiscal 2008 of $335.4 million was a 0.3% increase over fiscal 2007, and diluted earnings per share of $2.15 was a 2.9% increase over fiscal 2007. 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.

Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products Operating Segment

As discussed above, Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue increased $99.9 million, or 3.7%, and the cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products increased $66.4 million, or 4.4%. The operating segment's gross margin was $1,253.0 million, or 44.2% of revenue. This gross margin percent of revenue of 44.2% decreased from the 44.6% in fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of an 11.1% increase in energy costs.

Selling and administrative expenses for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment as a percent to sales, at 28.3%, increased 60 basis points from the 27.7% in the prior fiscal year. This increase was due to the increased investment in our sales organization and increases in our marketing efforts and sales promotions as described above.

Income before income taxes decreased $11.1 million to $451.3 million for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment for fiscal 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year. Income before income taxes was 15.9% of this operating segment's revenue, which is a 100 basis point decrease compared to fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of the increased energy costs and the increased investment in our sales organization and increases in our marketing efforts and sales promotions.

Uniform Direct Sales Operating Segment

Uniform Direct Sales operating segment revenue increased $16.0 million for fiscal 2008, a 3.2% increase over fiscal 2007. There were no acquisitions in the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment during fiscal 2008.

Cost of uniform direct sales increased $8.5 million, or 2.5%, for fiscal 2008 due to increased Uniform Direct Sales operating segment volume. The gross margin as a percent to revenue was 32.5% for fiscal 2008, which was a 50 basis point improvement over the prior fiscal year. This improvement is due to both sourcing improvements for catalog products as well as the increased sales volume.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent to revenue, at 20.0%, increased 60 basis points compared to fiscal 2007. This increase is in part due to the catalog costs associated with the introduction of the new "Uniform Book" and new healthcare catalog.

Income before income taxes increased $1.5 million to $64.8 million for the Uniform Direct Sales operating segment for fiscal 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year. Income before income taxes was 12.5% of the operating segment's revenue, which is a 10 basis point decrease compared to fiscal 2007. This decrease is primarily due to the increased catalog costs noted above, offset by the gross margin improvements due to sourcing improvements and increased sales volume.

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services Operating Segment

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue increased $41.1 million for fiscal 2008, an 11.4% increase over fiscal 2007. This operating segment's internal growth for fiscal 2008 was 6.1% over the prior fiscal year. The operating segment's internal growth was negatively impacted by lower than anticipated fire

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suppression system installation revenue and lower than anticipated recurring service revenue within the fire protection services business. Internal growth was generated primarily by the sale of first aid and safety products and services to new customers. The remaining growth was generated through the acquisition of first aid, safety and fire protection businesses.

Cost of first aid, safety and fire protection services increased $24.8 million, or 11.4%, for fiscal 2008, due to increased First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment volume. Gross margin for the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment is defined as revenue less cost of goods, warehouse expenses, service expenses and training expenses. The gross margin as a percent to revenue was 39.9% for fiscal 2008, which is consistent with the prior fiscal year.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent to revenue, at 31.0%, increased 170 basis points compared to fiscal 2007. This increase was due to the increased investment in our sales organization and increases in our marketing efforts and sales promotions as described above.

Income before income taxes for the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment decreased by $2.6 million in fiscal 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year. Income before income taxes was 8.8% of the operating segment's revenue, which is a 180 basis point decrease compared to last fiscal year primarily as a result of the increased investment in our sales organization and increases in our marketing efforts and sales promotions.

Document Management Services Operating Segment

Document Management Services operating segment revenue increased $73.9 million for fiscal 2008, or 68.1% over the prior fiscal year. This operating segment's internal growth for fiscal 2008 was 38.2% over fiscal 2007. The internal growth is primarily due to the sale of destruction services to new customers. The remaining growth was generated through the acquisition of document management businesses.

Cost of document management services increased $31.1 million, or 60.2%, for fiscal 2008, due to increased Document Management Services operating segment volume. Gross margin for the Document Management Services operating segment is defined as revenue less production and service costs. The gross margin as a percent to revenue was 54.6% for fiscal 2008, which is a 220 basis point improvement over the gross margin percentage in fiscal 2007. This improvement is primarily due to the operating segment's increased sales volume and favorable recycled paper prices relative to the prior fiscal year.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent to revenue was 40.5% compared to 45.7% in fiscal 2007. This decrease is due to better leveraging of administrative functions resulting from the operating segment's increased sales volume, partially offset by the increased investment in our sales organization and increases in our marketing efforts and sales promotions.

Income before income taxes for the Document Management Services operating segment increased $18.6 million for fiscal 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year. Income before income taxes was 14.1% of the operating segment's revenue compared to 6.6% in fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of the operating segment's increased sales volume.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At May 31, 2009, Cintas had $250.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, representing an increase of $58.4 million, or 30.5% from May 31, 2008. This increase is attributable to the improvement in net working capital and lower use of cash for financing and investing activities. Net working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) increased by $37.7 million in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. Cash used for investing and financing activities decreased by $56.1 million in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. Cash generated from operations was $523.5 million in fiscal 2009 as compared to $542.7 million generated in fiscal 2008. This $19.2 million decrease is a result of lower income during the current fiscal year offset by improvements in working

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capital. Significant uses of cash in fiscal 2009 were capital expenditures of $160.1 million, net repayment of long-term debt of $157.1 million and dividends of $72.2 million. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be used to finance future acquisitions and capital expenditures.

Marketable securities consist primarily of Canadian treasury securities. Cintas believes that its investment policy pertaining to marketable securities is conservative. The criterion used in making investment decisions is the preservation of principal, while earning an attractive yield.

Accounts receivable decreased $72.4 million, primarily due to decreased revenue. The average collection period in fiscal 2009 remained comparable with fiscal 2008.

Inventories and uniforms and other rental items in service decreased $71.3 million, or 11.7% due to a $27.5 million reduction of inventory related to the loss on inventory valuation and due to an overall reduction in inventory levels in response to customer demands driven by the current economic environment.

Working capital increased $37.7 million to $952.8 million in fiscal 2009, due to the increased cash balances discussed above offset by reductions in accounts receivable and inventory levels.

Net property and equipment decreased $59.9 million due to normal ongoing property and equipment activity and the impact of the restructuring activities, including the categorization of $15.7 million in assets held for sale. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 totaled $160.1 million, including $114.4 million for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment and $22.8 million for the Document Management Services operating segment, exceeding depreciation expense by $2.5 million. Included in the overall capital expenditure figure and in some of the operating segment data are approximately $43 million of costs related to information technology capital projects, including implementation costs of an enterprise computer system. During fiscal 2009, Cintas completed construction of three new uniform rental facilities.

Long-term debt totaled $786.7 million at May 31, 2009. This amount includes $225.0 million of 10-year senior notes at a rate of 6.0% issued in fiscal 2002, $250.0 million of 30-year senior notes issued in fiscal 2006 at a rate of 6.15% and $300.0 million of 10-year senior notes issued in fiscal 2008 at a rate of 6.125%. Cintas has earned credit ratings on these notes of "A" from Standard & Poor's and "A2" from Moody's. 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. As of May 31, 2009, there were no outstanding borrowings under this program. During fiscal 2009, Cintas initiated a $7.5 million loan with PIDC Regional Center, LP for funding related to a facility being built in Philadelphia. It is a 5-year note with a 2.75% interest rate.

Cintas' total debt to capitalization ratio has decreased from 29.5% at May 31, 2008, to 24.9% at May 31, 2009. Total debt decreased $157.2 million in fiscal 2009 through the use of cash generated by operations to reduce commercial paper balances.

During fiscal 2009, Cintas paid dividends of $72.2 million, or $0.47 per share. On a per share basis, this dividend is an increase of 2.2% over the dividend paid in fiscal 2008. This marks the 26^th consecutive year that Cintas has increased its annual dividend, every year since going public in 1983.

On May 2, 2005, Cintas announced that the Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million share 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 the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Cintas purchased 0.9 million shares of Cintas stock at an average price of $28.61 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $26 million. From the inception of the share buyback program through July 30, 2009, Cintas has purchased

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20.3 million shares of Cintas' common stock at an average price of $39.31 per share for a total purchase price of approximately $798 million. The Board of Directors did not specify an expiration date for this program.

Following is information regarding Cintas' long-term contractual obligations and other commitments outstanding as of May 31, 2009:

Long-Term Contractual Obligations

Cintas also makes payments to defined contribution plans. The amounts of contributions made to the defined contribution plans are made at the discretion of Cintas. Future contributions are expected to increase approximately 3% to 5% annually. Based on that increase, payments due in one year or less would be $25,221, two to three years would be $54,287 and four to five years would be $59,852. Payments for years thereafter are expected to continue increasing by approximately 5% each year.

(1)

Long-term debt primarily consists of $775,000 in senior notes. Reference Note 7 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 7 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 aircraft.

(4)

Interest payments include interest on both fixed and variable rate debt. Rates have been assumed to increase 25 basis points in fiscal 2010, increase 75 basis points for both fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012, increase 100 basis points in fiscal 2013, increase 50 basis points in fiscal 2014 and increase an additional 50 basis points in each year thereafter.

Other Commitments

(1)

Back-up facility for the commercial paper program (reference Note 7 entitled Long-Term Debt of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further discussion).

(2)

Support certain outstanding debt (reference Note 7 entitled Long-Term Debt of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"), self-insured workers' compensation and general liability insurance programs.

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Cintas has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than the synthetic lease on a corporate aircraft. 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, revenue or expenses, results of operation, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Inflation and Changing Prices

Changes in wages, benefits and energy costs have the potential to materially impact Cintas' financial results. Medical benefit costs increased as a percent to revenue due to increased utilization and rising healthcare industry costs. Medical benefits were 3.5% of total revenue in fiscal 2009 and 3.1% of total revenue in fiscal 2008. Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on Cintas' financial condition or a negative impact on results of operation.

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 operation of Cintas. Cintas is party to additional litigation not considered in the ordinary course of business. Please refer to "Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and Note 14 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of "Part II, Item 8. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for a detailed discussion of certain specific litigation.

New Accounting Standards

Effective June 1, 2008, Cintas adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. FASB Staff Position 157-2 delayed the effective date of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). For all non-financial assets and liabilities, FAS 157 is effective for Cintas beginning June 1, 2009. The adoption of FAS 157 for our financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on Cintas' results of operation or financial condition. Cintas' adoption of FAS 157 is more fully described in Note 3 entitled Fair Value Measurements of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." Cintas does not believe that the adoption of FAS 157 with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities will materially impact its financial position and results of operation.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (FAS 141(R)). Under FAS 141(R), an entity is required to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. It further requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred, restructuring costs generally be expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period impact income tax expense. For Cintas, FAS 141(R) is effective for acquisitions and adjustments to an acquired entity's deferred tax asset and liability balances occurring after May 31, 2009. The adoption of FAS 141(R) will have an impact on Cintas' consolidated financial statements when effective, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the terms and size of the acquisitions consummated after the effective date.

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Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of Cintas' consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that have a significant effect on the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These critical accounting policies should be read in conjunction with Note 1 entitled Significant Accounting Policies of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." Significant changes, estimates or assumptions related to any of the following critical accounting policies could possibly have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Rental revenue, which is recorded in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment, is recognized when services are performed. Other services revenue, which is recorded in the Uniform Direct Sales, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services and Document Management Services operating segments, 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 includes an estimate based on historical rates of collectability and allowances for specific accounts identified as uncollectible. The allowance that is an estimate based on historical rates of collectability 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 Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment and the three other operating segments because of differences in customers served and the nature of each operating 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 and standard costs to the inventory balances. The judgments and estimates used to calculate inventory turns will have an impact on the valuation of inventories at the lower of cost or market. An inventory obsolescence reserve is determined by specific identification, as well as an estimate based on historical rates of obsolescence. The significant deterioration of the U.S. and Canadian economies, particularly in the last five months of the year ended May 31, 2009, led to reduced revenue in our Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment, our Uniform Direct Sales operating segment and our First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment, which created excess inventory amounts in these operating segments. As a result, we reduced the carrying amount of specific inventory to realizable values and recorded a pre-tax loss in the year ended May 31, 2009, of $27.5 million. The following summarizes this amount by operating segment:

Uniforms and other rental items in service

Uniforms and other rental items in service are valued at cost less amortization, calculated using the straight-line method. Uniforms in service (other than cleanroom and flame resistant clothing) are amortized over their useful life

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of 18 months. Other rental items including shop towels, mats, cleanroom garments, flame resistant clothing, linens and restroom dispensers are amortized over their useful lives which range from 8 to 48 months. The amortization rates used are based on industry experience, Cintas' specific experience and wear tests performed by Cintas. These factors are critical to determining the amount of in service inventory 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 30 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 20 years for building improvements, 3 to 10 years for equipment and 2 to 15 years for leasehold improvements. When events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the carrying amount of the assets. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value is generally determined by discounted cash flows or based on prices of similar assets, as appropriate. Long-lived assets that are held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value, less estimated costs to sell. See Note 2 entitled Restructuring and Related Activity of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for discussion of impairment of long-lived assets.

Goodwill and impairment

Goodwill, obtained through acquisitions of businesses, is valued at cost less any impairment. Cintas performs annual impairment tests by operating 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 fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Service contracts and other assets

Service contracts and other assets, which consist primarily of noncompete and consulting agreements obtained through acquisitions of businesses, are amortized by use of the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the agreements, which are generally 5 to 10 years. Certain noncompete agreements, as well as all service contracts, require that a valuation be determined using a discounted cash flow model. The assumptions and judgments used in these models involve estimates of cash flows and discount rates, among other factors. Because of the assumptions used to value these intangible assets, actual results over time could vary from original estimates. Impairment of service contracts and other assets is accomplished through specific identification. No impairment has been recognized by Cintas for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Stock-based compensation

As required under FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, compensation expense is recognized for all share-based payments to employees, including stock options, in the consolidated statements of income based on the fair value of the awards that are granted. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Measured compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the related share-based compensation award.

See Note 13 entitled Stock-Based Compensation of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further information.

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. GAAP requires that a liability for contingencies be recorded when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required to determine

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the existence of a liability, as well as the amount to be recorded. While a significant change in assumptions and judgments could have a material impact on the amounts recorded for contingent liabilities, Cintas does not believe that they will result in a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

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. See Note 9 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.

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 investments in marketable securities and money market accounts and periodic issuances of commercial paper. If short-term rates changed by one-half percent (or 50 basis points), Cintas' income before income taxes would change by approximately $0.5 million. This estimated exposure considers the effects on investments and 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. Foreign denominated revenue and profit represents less than 10% of Cintas' consolidated revenue and profit. Cintas periodically uses foreign currency hedges such as average rate options and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exchange rate movements resulting from foreign currency revenue and from international cash flows. The primary foreign currency to which Cintas is exposed is the Canadian dollar.

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Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

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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 Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009. 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, 2009, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

We reviewed the results of management's assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Additionally, our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, independently assessed the effectiveness of Cintas Corporation's internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP has issued an attestation report, which is included in this Annual Report.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cintas Corporation:

We have audited Cintas Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, 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 included in the accompanying Management's Report on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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, Cintas Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, 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, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009, of Cintas Corporation, and our report dated July 27, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

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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, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a). These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of Cintas Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule 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, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in fiscal 2008, Cintas Corporation adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Cintas Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, 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, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

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See accompanying notes.

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See accompanying notes.

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Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity