CINCINNATI, July 9 -- Cintas Corporation announced today its results for the first quarter ending August 31, 1998. Sales for the quarter were $354.3 million, up 30% from the first quarter last year. Income before income taxes increased 29% to $55.4 million. Net income was $33.9 million, an increase of 27% on a pro forma basis. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $.32 up from pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share of $.26 last year. Prior year numbers reflect the restatement of Cintas financial results to include the impact of the acquisition of Uniforms To You (UTY) in April 1998 which was accounted for as a pooling of interests. UTY had previously been a "Sub-Chapter S" Corporation and had not recognized federal or state income taxes in its results. All UTY income taxes were previously paid by the shareholders rather than the Corporation. The income statement for UTY prior to April 8, 1998 did not reflect a tax provision. In order to show comparable results, a pro forma calculation is made adding a tax provision to UTY results for prior periods.

Richard T. Farmer, Chairman of the Cincinnati based uniform company, commented, "The excellent results achieved in the first quarter continue to reflect strong internal growth in our rental and other service revenues as well as the impact of the acquisitions made in April 1998. We are pleased with our ability to not only add to our customer base, but also our success in providing additional products and services to our existing customers."

Cintas is a leader in the corporate identity uniform business and also provides many ancillary services including entrance mats, sanitation supplies and first aid products and services. Cintas is publicly-held company traded over the Nasdaq under the symbol CTAS.