Cintas forecasts upbeat annual revenue on resilient demand for uniforms, safety gear

July 17 (Reuters) - Cintas CTAS.O on Thursday forecast its annual revenue above Wall Street expectations, betting on resilient demand for its uniform rentals and fire safety supplies, even as uncertainties loomed over the retail environment in the U.S.

A rebound in the country's job growth boosted demand for the company's rental business as well as services such as facility cleaning and first-aid training. Its cost-saving and efficiency-boosting initiatives also aided its profit margin.

Moderation in price hikes, bundled services and lower-priced products helped Cintas retain customers when threats of President Donald Trump's tariff policies cast a gloom over consumer spending.

Analysts expect that the return of bonus depreciation via the "Big, Beautiful Bill" could benefit the company as it may accelerate bulk orders from firms.

Bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows businesses to deduct a large percentage of the price of business assets rather than depreciating them over time.

The company expects its fiscal 2026 total revenue to be in the range of $11 billion to $11.15 billion, largely above analysts' average estimates of $11.04 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Cintas projected full-year earnings of $4.71 to $4.85 per share, compared with that of $4.40 in fiscal year 2025. Analysts, meanwhile, expect annual profit of $4.84 per share.

The company's fourth-quarter revenue rose 8% to $2.67 billion, compared with estimates of $2.63 billion.

It earned $1.09 per share in the three months ended May 31, slightly above the estimate of $1.07.