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 4.8% compared to fiscal 2010. Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue increased organically by 3.3% in fiscal 2011. This organic increase in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue was primarily due to improvements in sales representative productivity and improved customer retention. The remaining revenue growth of 1.5% was due to acquisitions made in this operating segment.

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 14.3% compared to fiscal 2010. The increase primarily resulted from an organic increase of 9.8% which was due to improved sales representative productivity, improved account retention and an increase in the average selling price of recycled paper. The remaining 4.5% represents growth derived through acquisitions in our Document Management Services operating segment and our First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment during fiscal 2011.

Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products increased 5.6% compared to fiscal 2010. 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 of rental uniforms and ancillary products increase compared to fiscal 2010 was due to increased Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment sales volume.

Cost of other services increased 11.8% compared to fiscal 2010. 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 from fiscal 2010 was due to increased Other Services sales volume.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $82.6 million, or 7.6%, compared to fiscal 2010. Labor and payroll tax expenses increased $47.5 million compared to the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of an increase in the number of sales representatives. In addition, bad debt expense increased $6.7 million due to a slight deterioration in the aging of receivables and professional services increased $10.9 million due to costs related to our enterprise-wide system conversion.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Cintas and the plaintiffs involved in the litigation, Paul Veliz, et al. v. Cintas Corporation, reached a settlement in principle. The pre-tax impact, net of insurance proceeds, was approximately $19.5 million. This settlement is more fully described in Note 12 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, Cintas had legal settlements that totaled $4.0 million, net of insurance proceeds. None of these settlements were significant individually. These settlements included litigation related to multiple subjects including employment practices and insurance coverage.

Operating income of $440.3 million in fiscal 2011 increased $49.5 million, or 12.7%, compared to fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily due to increased revenue in fiscal 2011, improved capacity utilization and the legal settlements which occurred in the prior fiscal year.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) increased $0.8 million from the prior fiscal year. This increase was due to a $1.1 million increase in interest expense caused by higher levels of borrowings in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010, offset by a $0.3 million increase in interest income.

17

Table of Contents

Income before income taxes was $392.7 million, a 14.2% increase compared to fiscal 2010. This change reflects the increase in operating income offset by the increase in net interest expense described above.

Cintas' effective tax rate was 37.1% for fiscal 2011 as compared to 37.3% and 37.4% for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively (also see Note 7 entitled Income Taxes of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for more information on income taxes).

Net income for fiscal 2011 of $247.0 million was a 14.5% increase compared to fiscal 2010, and diluted earnings per share of $1.68 was a 20.0% increase compared to fiscal 2010. These changes reflect the items described above. The increase in diluted earnings per share of 20.0% is higher than the 14.5% increase in net income due to the impact of the 15.4 million shares of Cintas common stock repurchased during the fiscal year.

Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products Operating Segment

As discussed above, Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue increased $122.9 million, or 4.8%, and the cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products increased $80.9 million, or 5.6%. The operating segment's fiscal 2011 gross margin was 43.2% of revenue compared to 43.6% in fiscal 2010. The reduction in gross margin as a percent of revenue over fiscal 2010 was due to a 15 basis point increase in maintenance costs and a 15 basis point increase in energy related costs, which include natural gas, electric and gas.

Selling and administrative expenses for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment increased $36.1 million in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 primarily due to an increase in selling labor due to the addition of sales representatives. The sales representatives were primarily added during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 to grow revenue in the operating segment. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue, at 30.5%, slightly decreased from 30.6% in fiscal 2010. This slight decrease as a percent of revenue was due to higher volume.

Income before income taxes increased $3.0 million to $339.6 million for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment for fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. This increase is primarily due to the increase in revenue offset by the increase in selling and administrative expenses discussed above.

Uniform Direct Sales Operating Segment

Uniform Direct Sales operating segment revenue increased $32.9 million, or 8.5%, compared to fiscal 2010. Cost of uniform direct sales increased $22.7 million, or 8.4%, compared to fiscal 2010. The gross margin as a percent of revenue was 30.2% for fiscal 2011, which is relatively consistent with the 30.1% in fiscal 2010.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $2.0 million, or 2.6%, in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue, at 18.7%, decreased from 19.7% in fiscal 2010. This decrease in selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue was due to the selling and administrative expenses being relatively consistent with fiscal 2010 while revenue increased by 8.5%.

Income before income taxes was $48.3 million in fiscal 2011, an increase of $8.2 million, or 20.3%, compared to fiscal 2010. The increase in income before income taxes is primarily due to the increase in revenue while keeping selling and administrative expenses relatively consistent.

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services Operating Segment

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue increased $39.0 million in fiscal 2011, an 11.5% increase compared to fiscal 2010. This increase primarily resulted from an organic increase of 7.3%, which is attributable to improved customer retention and sales representative productivity. The remaining 4.2% represents growth derived through acquisitions.

Cost of first aid, safety and fire protection services increased $14.7 million, or 7.1%, in fiscal 2011, due primarily to increased First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment volume. Gross margin for the First Aid,

18

Table of Contents

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 of revenue was 41.3% for fiscal 2011 compared to 38.9% in fiscal 2010. This increase is due to an increase in revenue and improved capacity utilization.

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $16.3 million, or 13.8%, in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 primarily due to an increase in the number of sales representatives and a $2.4 million increase in bad debt expense due to a slight deterioration in the aging of receivables. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue, at 35.6%, increased from 34.9% in fiscal 2010.

Income before income taxes for the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment was $21.5 million in fiscal 2011 compared to $13.4 million in fiscal 2010. This increase in income before income taxes was primarily due to the increase in First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue and improved capacity utilization.

Document Management Services Operating Segment

Document Management Services operating segment revenue increased $68.3 million for fiscal 2011, or 27.0%, over fiscal 2010. This increase primarily resulted from an organic increase of 15.3%. The organic increase is primarily due to the sale of destruction services to new customers and an increase in recycled paper revenue. This operating segment derives a portion of its revenue from the sale of shredded paper to paper recyclers. The average selling price from these paper sales increased by approximately 31% in fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. Excluding recycled paper revenue, this operating segment revenue grew 8.2% organically compared to last fiscal year. Acquisitions accounted for revenue growth of 11.7%.

Cost of document management services increased $33.3 million, or 27.1%, for fiscal 2011 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 of revenue was 51.3% for fiscal 2011, which is relatively consistent with the gross margin of 51.4% in fiscal 2010.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $28.2 million in fiscal 2011 over fiscal 2010. This increase is primarily due to an increase in the number of sales representatives. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue was 41.7% for fiscal 2011 which is consistent with the 41.8% in fiscal 2010.

Income before income taxes for the Document Management Services operating segment was $31.1 million, an increase of $6.8 million compared to fiscal 2010. Income before income taxes was 9.7% of the operating segment's revenue which is consistent with 9.6% in fiscal 2010.

Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009

The economic downturn that occurred in fiscal 2009 continued throughout most of our fiscal 2010. The U.S. economy, which lost millions of jobs in our fiscal 2009, continued to lose jobs through the first three quarters of our fiscal 2010. These job losses directly affected our business as many of our products and services are dependent on customer employee levels. We were encouraged, though, that the rate of U.S. job loss lessened as we progressed through the first three quarters of fiscal 2010, and U.S. employment levels slightly increased in our fourth fiscal 2010

19

Table of Contents

quarter. As this stabilization occurred in the general U.S. economic environment, our organic growth rate improved. Organic growth by quarter is shown in the table below.

Fiscal 2010 total revenue was $3.5 billion, a decrease of 6.0% compared to fiscal 2009. Total revenue decreased organically by 6.4%. Fiscal 2010 had one more workday than fiscal 2009, and this additional workday in fiscal 2010 accounted for the difference between the total decrease of 6.0% and the organic decrease of 6.4%. As a result of the economic downturn discussed above, we experienced decreases in uniform revenue, both rented and purchased, and revenue for our hygiene products and first aid and safety products. In addition, the continued difficult economic environment in fiscal 2010 caused many of our customers to reduce facility spending on items such as entrance mats and shop towels and delay spending on facility upgrades, resulting in a reduction in our facility services and fire protection revenue.

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 6.7% compared to fiscal 2009. Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue decreased organically by 6.9% in fiscal 2010. The decrease in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue was primarily due to decreased uniform wearers caused in large part by the difficult U.S. economic environment in fiscal 2010. Fiscal 2010 had one more workday than fiscal 2009, which resulted in an increase 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 4.1% compared to fiscal 2009. Other Services revenue decreased organically by 5.2%. Decreases in Uniform Direct Sales operating segment revenue and First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue were offset by increased revenue in our Document Management Services operating segment. 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 2010. Fiscal 2010 had one more workday than fiscal 2009, which resulted in an increase in revenue of 0.4%.

Cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products decreased 7.2% compared to fiscal 2009. 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 2009 was primarily driven by the volume decrease in the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue. We also incurred a loss on inventory valuation of $8.4 million in fiscal 2009 that did not reoccur in fiscal 2010 related to excess inventory levels.

Cost of other services decreased 9.3% compared to fiscal 2009. 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 2009 was due to the volume decrease in Other Services revenue. We also incurred a loss on inventory valuation of $19.1 million in fiscal 2009 that did not reoccur in fiscal 2010 related to excess inventory levels.

20

Table of Contents

Selling and administrative expenses increased $3.7 million, or 0.3%, compared to fiscal 2009. This increase is primarily due to a $9.6 million increase in medical expenses, an increase of $6.2 million in professional services and depreciation mainly related to the implementation of a new enterprise-wide computer system, and a $3.4 million increase in stock compensation expense, offset by a $15.6 million reduction in bad debt expense.

Legal settlements, net of insurance proceeds, of $23.5 million primarily related to a settlement in principle occurring in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 between Cintas and the plaintiffs involved in the litigation, Paul Veliz, et al. v. Cintas Corporation. The pre-tax impact, net of insurance proceeds, was approximately $19.5 million. This settlement is more fully described in Note 12 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

Operating income of $390.8 million in fiscal 2010 decreased $18.3 million, or 4.5%, compared to fiscal 2009. This decrease was primarily due to lower volumes resulting from the difficult U.S. economic environment in fiscal 2010.

Net interest expense (interest expense less interest income) decreased $0.6 million from the prior fiscal year. This decrease was due to a $1.1 million reduction in interest income caused by lower interest rates on Canadian treasury securities during fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009, offset by a decrease of $1.6 million in interest expense caused by lower levels of borrowings in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009.

Income before income taxes was $343.9 million, a 4.9% decrease compared to fiscal 2009. This change reflects the decrease in operating income described above.

Cintas' effective tax rate was 37.3% for fiscal 2010 as compared to 37.4% and 36.8% for fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively (also see Note 7 entitled Income Taxes of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for more information on income taxes).

Net income for fiscal 2010 of $215.6 million was a 4.7% decrease compared to fiscal 2009, and diluted earnings per share of $1.40 was a 5.4% decrease compared to fiscal 2009. These changes reflect the decrease in operating income and net interest expense described above.

Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products Operating Segment

As discussed above, Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment revenue decreased $185.7 million, or 6.7%, and the cost of rental uniforms and ancillary products decreased $112.7 million, or 7.2%. The operating segment's fiscal 2010 gross margin was 43.6% of revenue compared to 43.3% in fiscal 2009. A fiscal 2009 loss on inventory valuation of $8.4 million negatively affected the fiscal 2009 Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment gross margin by 30 basis points. Despite the lower volume, we were able to maintain the same gross margin (excluding the loss on inventory) as a percent of revenue due to lower material cost and due to cost reduction initiatives such as reducing both facility and route capacity resulting in lower depreciation, production labor and other facility related expenses.

Selling and administrative expenses for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment as a percent of revenue, at 30.6%, increased 270 basis points from 27.9% in fiscal 2009. This increase was due to increased medical expense and an increase in selling labor due to the addition of sales representatives.

The restructuring credit amount of ($2.9) million in fiscal 2010 represents a change in estimate related to restructuring charges taken in fiscal 2009. The change in estimate represents the difference between severance and other exit costs estimated based on information available in fiscal 2009 and severance and other exit costs actually paid in fiscal 2010.

Income before income taxes decreased $34.0 million to $336.5 million for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. This decrease is primarily due to the decrease in revenue described above combined with the increase in selling and administrative expenses.

21

Table of Contents

Uniform Direct Sales Operating Segment

Uniform Direct Sales operating segment revenue decreased $42.0 million, or 9.8%, compared to fiscal 2009. Cost of uniform direct sales decreased $52.3 million, or 16.2%, compared to fiscal 2009. The gross margin as a percent of revenue of 30.1% for fiscal 2010 increased from 24.8% in fiscal 2009. A fiscal 2009 loss on inventory valuation of $16.1 million negatively affected the fiscal 2009 Uniform Direct Sales operating segment gross margin by 370 basis points. Despite the lower volume in fiscal 2010, we were able to improve the gross margin as a percent of revenue due to cost reduction initiatives such as reducing distribution facility labor to adjust to the lower volumes and by sourcing improvements.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue, at 19.7%, decreased from 22.9% in fiscal 2009. This decrease is due to cost reduction initiatives to adjust the selling labor to better align with the current volume level.

Income before income taxes was $40.1 million in fiscal 2010, an increase of $36.9 million compared to fiscal 2009. Fiscal 2009 income before income taxes included a loss on inventory valuation of $16.1 million and a charge of $4.6 million related to restructuring activities. Additionally, the increase in income before income taxes in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 is due primarily to cost reduction initiatives to reduce capacity, labor and other resources to better align with the current volume level.

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services Operating Segment

First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment revenue decreased $39.4 million in fiscal 2010, a 10.4% decrease compared to fiscal 2009. This operating segment's revenue decreased organically by 10.6%. The difficult U.S. economic environment, which included job losses in fiscal 2010 and reductions in facility spending, directly impacted this operating segment's revenue. Acquisitions accounted for an increase in revenue of 0.2%. Fiscal 2010 had one more workday than fiscal 2009, which resulted in an increase in revenue of 0.4%.

Cost of first aid, safety and fire protection services decreased $27.0 million, or 11.5%, in fiscal 2010, due primarily to decreased 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 of revenue was 38.9% for fiscal 2010 compared to 38.1% in fiscal 2009. A fiscal 2009 loss on inventory valuation of $3.0 million negatively affected the fiscal 2009 First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment gross margin by 80 basis points. Despite the lower volume, we were able to maintain the same gross margin (excluding the loss on inventory) as a percent of revenue due to the elimination of lower margin fire installation business throughout the course of fiscal 2010 and due to cost reduction initiatives resulting in lower labor related expenses.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $8.8 million in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 primarily due to lower bad debt expense resulting from improved collection efforts. Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue, at 34.9%, increased from 33.6% in fiscal 2009. This increase as a percent of revenue was due to lower volume.

Income before income taxes for the First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment was $13.4 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $15.9 million in fiscal 2009. This decrease was primarily due to the reduced volume in First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services operating segment.

Document Management Services Operating Segment

Document Management Services operating segment revenue increased $39.8 million for fiscal 2010, or 18.6%, over fiscal 2009. This operating segment's organic growth for fiscal 2010 was 14.4% over fiscal 2009. The organic growth is primarily due to the sale of destruction services to new customers and an increase in recycled paper revenue. This operating segment derives a portion of its 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

22

Table of Contents

paper revenue, increased by 6.4% in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. Acquisitions accounted for revenue growth of 3.8%. Fiscal 2010 had one more workday than fiscal 2009, which resulted in an increase in revenue of 0.4%.

Cost of document management services increased $17.7 million, or 16.8%, for fiscal 2010, 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 of revenue was 51.4% for fiscal 2010, an increase from 50.6% in fiscal 2009. This increase from fiscal 2009 is mainly due to the increase in recycled paper prices in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue was 41.8% for fiscal 2010 compared to 41.4% in fiscal 2009. This increase was due to an increase in selling labor due to the addition of sales representatives and increased medical expense.

Income before income taxes for the Document Management Services operating segment was $24.3 million, an increase of $4.9 million compared to fiscal 2009. Income before income taxes was 9.6% of the operating segment's revenue compared to 9.1% in fiscal 2009. This increase is due to the increase in the average price of standard office paper, offset by the increase in selling and administrative expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following is a summary of our cash flows and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of and for the fiscal years ending May 31:

The cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of May 31, 2011, include $160.3 million that is located outside of the United States. We expect to use these amounts to fund our international operations and international expansion activities. The marketable securities at May 31, 2011, consist of Canadian treasury securities. We believe that our 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.

Cash flows provided by operating activities have historically supplied us with a significant source of liquidity. We generally use these cash flows to fund most, if not all, of our operations and expansion activities and dividends on our common stock. We may also use cash flows provided by operating activities, as well as proceeds from long-term debt and short-term borrowings, to fund growth and expansion opportunities, as well as other cash requirements such as share buybacks.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $340.9 million for fiscal 2011, a decrease of $224.8 million compared to fiscal 2010. Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2010 benefited from lower working capital needs associated with our decreasing sales volumes and the accrual of approximately $28.0 million in legal settlements. As sales volumes have increased in fiscal 2011, our working capital needs increased. Our operating cash flows were negatively impacted by the accounts receivable increase of $49.0 million and the inventories, net and uniforms and other rental items in service increase of $137.0 million, both due to the higher sales volume and a planned increase in inventory in anticipation of a planned enterprise-wide system conversion of the Cintas Global Supply Chain division. The average collection period at May 31, 2011 and 2010 was 42 days.

23

Table of Contents

Net cash used in investing activities includes capital expenditures and cash paid for acquisitions of businesses. Capital expenditures were $182.6 million and $111.1 million for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. These capital expenditures primarily relate to expansion efforts in Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products and Document Management Services operating segments and to our enterprise-wide system conversion. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2011 included $108.6 million for the Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segment and $45.6 million for the Document Management Services operating segment. Capital expenditures increased during fiscal 2011 over fiscal 2010 as economic conditions in the United States and Canada stabilized in 2010, providing better revenue growth opportunities. Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses was $171.6 million and $50.4 million for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The acquisitions in fiscal 2011 occurred in our Document Management Services, First Aid, Safety and Fire Protection Services and Rental Uniforms and Ancillary Products operating segments. The cash used for capital expenditures and acquisitions was offset by net proceeds from the redemption of marketable securities.

Net cash used in financing activities was $20.0 million and $76.5 million for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. We completed the May 2, 2005 share buyback program by purchasing 7.7 million shares of Cintas common stock for a total of $202.1 million of Cintas common stock by the end of September 30, 2010. On October 26, 2010, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized an additional $500.0 million share buyback program at market prices. Beginning in April 2011, under this new program, we purchased 7.7 million shares of Cintas common stock for a purchase price of $240.5 million which resulted in a total of $442.5 million of Cintas common stock through May 31, 2011. We completed the October 26, 2010 share buyback program by purchasing an additional 8.1 million shares of Cintas common stock in June and July 2011 for $259.5 million. From the inception of the October 26, 2010 share buyback program through July 29, 2011, Cintas has purchased a total of 15.8 million shares of Cintas common stock at an average price of $31.70 per share for a total purchase price of $500.0 million. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2011, Cintas purchased approximately 47,000 shares of Cintas common stock in trade for employee payroll taxes due on restricted stock awards that vested during the fiscal year. These shares were purchased at an average price of $23.88 per share for a total purchase price of approximately $1.1 million.

We paid an annual cash dividend of $71.8 million, or $0.49 per share, in December 2010. On a per share basis, this dividend is an increase of 2.1% over the dividend paid in fiscal 2010. This marks the 28^th consecutive year that Cintas has increased its annual dividend, every year since going public in 1983.

As of May 31, 2011, we had $1,275.0 million in fixed rate senior notes outstanding with maturities ranging from 2012 to 2036. On May 18, 2011, Cintas issued $250.0 million of senior notes due 2016 bearing an interest rate of 2.85% and an additional $250.0 million of senior notes due 2021 bearing an interest rate of 4.30%. The interest on both tranches of these senior notes will be paid semi-annually beginning December 1, 2011. The net proceeds generated from the offerings were used to repay our outstanding commercial paper borrowings, purchase shares of Cintas common stock under the October 26, 2010 share buyback program and other general corporate purchases. We also have $225.0 million of 10-year senior notes issued in fiscal 2002 at a rate of 6.0%, $250.0 million of 30-year senior notes issued in fiscal 2007 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%. During fiscal 2010, 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 has a commercial paper program with capacity of $300.0 million that is fully supported by a backup revolving credit facility through a credit agreement with its banking group. This revolving credit facility has an accordion feature that allows for a maximum borrowing capacity of $450.0 million and an expiration date of September 26, 2014. We believe this program will be adequate to provide necessary funding for our future cash requirements. No commercial paper or borrowings on our revolving credit facility were outstanding at May 31, 2011 or 2010.

Cintas has certain covenants related to debt agreements. These covenants limit our ability to incur certain liens, to engage in sale-leaseback transactions and to merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of Cintas' assets.

24

Table of Contents

These covenants also require Cintas to maintain certain debt to capitalization and interest coverage ratios. Cross-default provisions exist between certain debt instruments. If a default of a significant covenant were to occur, the default could result in an acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness, impair liquidity and limit the ability to raise future capital. As of May 31, 2011, Cintas was in compliance with all significant debt covenants.

Our access to the commercial paper and long-term debt markets has historically provided us with sources of liquidity. We do not anticipate having difficulty in obtaining financing from those markets in the future in view of our favorable experiences in the debt markets in the recent past. Our ability to continue to access the commercial paper and long-term debt markets on favorable interest rate and other terms will depend, to a significant degree, on the ratings assigned by the credit rating agencies to our indebtedness. As of May 31, 2011, our ratings were as follows:

In the event that the ratings of our commercial paper or our outstanding long-term debt issues were substantially lowered or withdrawn for any reason, or if the ratings assigned to any new issue of long-term debt securities were significantly lower than those noted above, particularly if we no longer had investment grade ratings, our ability to access the debt markets may be adversely affected. In addition, in such a case, our cost of funds for new issues of commercial paper and long-term debt would be higher than our cost of funds would have been had the ratings of those new issues been at or above the level of the ratings noted above. The rating agency ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our commercial paper or debt securities. Each rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization and should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Moreover, each credit rating is specific to the security to which it applies.

To monitor our credit rating and our capacity for long-term financing, we consider various qualitative and quantitative factors. One such factor is the ratio of our total debt to capitalization. For the purpose of this calculation, debt is defined as the sum of short-term borrowings, long-term debt due within one year, obligations under capital leases due in one year, long-term debt and long-term obligations under capital leases. Total capitalization is defined as debt plus shareholders' equity. At May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2010, the ratio of our total debt to capitalization was 35.8% and 23.7%, respectively. We believe these levels are reasonable and allow for additional funding if the need arises.

Long-Term Contractual Obligations

25

Table of Contents

Cintas also makes payments to defined contribution plans. The amounts of contributions made to the defined contribution plans are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors 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 $22.8 million, two to three years would be $49.1 million and four to five years would be $54.1 million. Payments for years thereafter are expected to continue increasing by approximately 5% each year.

(1)

Long-term debt primarily consists of $1,275.0 million in senior notes. Reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt and Derivatives of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for a detailed discussion of long-term debt.

(2)

Operating leases consist primarily of building leases.

(3)

Interest payments include interest on both fixed and variable rate debt. Rates have been assumed to increase 50 basis points in fiscal 2012, increase 150 basis points in fiscal 2013, increase 125 basis points in fiscal 2014, increase 100 basis points in both fiscal 2015 and 2016 and increase an additional 50 basis points in each year thereafter.

Other Commitments

(1)

Back-up facility for the commercial paper program (reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt and Derivatives of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further discussion).

(2)

Support certain outstanding debt (reference Note 5 entitled Long-Term Debt and Derivatives of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"), self-insured workers' compensation and general liability insurance programs.

Inflation and Changing Prices

Changes in wages, benefits and energy costs have the potential to materially impact Cintas' consolidated financial results. Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on Cintas' consolidated financial condition or a negative impact on results of operations.

Litigation and Other Contingencies

Cintas is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the ordinary course of its business, including personal injury, customer contract, environmental and employment claims. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course of business actions will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated 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 12 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of "Part II, Item 8. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for a detailed discussion of certain specific litigation.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of Cintas' consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (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

26

Table of Contents

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. 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.

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 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.

Goodwill and impairment

Goodwill, obtained through acquisitions of businesses, is valued at cost less any impairment. Cintas completes an annual impairment test which includes the determination of the estimated fair value of its reporting units. This test includes comparisons to current market values, where available, and discounted cash flow analyses. Significant

27

Table of Contents

assumptions include growth rates based on historical trends and margin improvement leveraged from such growth. The methodology used is consistent with prior years. Based on the results of the impairment tests, Cintas has not recognized an impairment of goodwill for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2011, 2010 or 2009.

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, 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Stock-based compensation

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 11 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 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 in Note 12 entitled Litigation and Other Contingencies of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

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 7 entitled Income Taxes of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for the types of items that give rise to significant deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are classified as assets or liabilities based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date. Cintas regularly reviews deferred tax assets for recoverability based upon projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. As a result of this review, Cintas has not established a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets.

Cintas is periodically reviewed by domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, Cintas records reserves as deemed appropriate. Based on Cintas' evaluation of current tax positions, Cintas believes its accruals are appropriate.

28

Table of Contents

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 $1.5 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.

29

Table of Contents

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended May 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

30

Table of Contents

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, 2011. 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, 2011, 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 on Form 10-K.

31

Table of Contents

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, 2011, 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 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, 2011, 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, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2011, of Cintas Corporation, and our report dated July 29, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

32

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, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2011. Our audits also included the consolidated 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, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2011, 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.

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, 2011, 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 29, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 29, 2011

33

Table of Contents

See accompanying notes.

34

Table of Contents

See accompanying notes.

35

Table of Contents

Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity