UniFirst Corporation (UNF)

In October 2025, UniFirst announced a change in its reporting structure, consolidating segments into "Uniform & Facility Service Solutions," renaming the First Aid segment to "First Aid & Safety Solutions," and modifying the "Specialty Garments" segment to "Other." On October 22, 2025, UniFirst reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance. In December 2025, UniFirst confirmed receipt of an unsolicited proposal from Cintas Corporation to acquire it for $275.00 per share in cash, leading to a stock price increase. However, the stock experienced a decline leading up to November 2025 due to weak revenue and profitability. On January 7, 2026, UniFirst announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reporting a 2.7% increase in consolidated revenues, but GAAP profit was below estimates, leading to a negative market response.

Demand seasonality for UniFirst's products and services is particularly noted in its "Other" segment, which primarily consists of nuclear solutions. This segment's results are often affected by the cyclical and seasonal nature of the nuclear industry, including the timing and duration of power reactor outages and project-based activities. The company's business model of providing recurring uniform rental and facility services suggests a relatively stable demand, though general economic conditions can influence overall demand.

UniFirst Corporation is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, and first aid and safety supplies and services. The company, founded in 1936, operates in the business services sector, specifically the uniform and textile services industry. UniFirst's offerings include the design, manufacture, personalization, rental, cleaning, delivery, and sale of uniforms and protective clothing, as well as industrial wiping products, floor mats, restroom and cleaning supplies, and first aid and safety services. The company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries through its subsidiaries UniClean and UniTech Services Group.

UniFirst Corporation's operations span across North America and Europe. Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, the company maintains over 270 service locations and serves more than 300,000 customer locations. In the United States, UniFirst services 98 of the top 100 metropolitan markets. The company also has a significant presence in Canada and Europe, particularly through its UniTech division for nuclear-contaminated garments.

In the past year, UniFirst released its FY 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report on January 22, 2025, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company was also named to Selling Power's "60 Best Companies to Sell For" for the 22nd consecutive year in 2025, reinforcing a strong, customer-focused sales culture. No significant negative events impacting UniFirst's brand reputation in the past year were found in the provided search results.

UniFirst Corporation's ownership structure is characterized by a significant controlling interest held by the founding Croatti family, with Marie Croatti alone holding approximately 50.33% of the company's stock. Insiders hold a substantial portion of the shares, with major individual shareholders including Marie Croatti, the Croatti Family Limited Partnership, Cynthia Croatti, and Ronald D. Croatti. Institutional investors also hold a significant percentage, with approximately 78.17% of the common stock held by institutions as of late 2025.