UNF

UniFirst Corporation

Fundamental data last updated:October 19, 2026

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company profile

SECTOR

Industrials

industry

Specialty Business Services

Exchange

NYSE

County of HQ

US

Next Earnings Date

Pending Announcement

Business Summary

UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company operates through U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning, and First Aid segments. It designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, and aprons; and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. The company also rents and sells industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products, and dry and wet mops; restroom and cleaning supplies comprising air fresheners, paper products, gloves, masks, sanitizers, and hand soaps; and other textile products. In addition, it provides first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies; decontaminates and cleans work clothes, and other items that is exposed to radioactive materials; and services special cleanroom protective wear and facilities. Further, it offers a range of garment service options, including full-service rental programs in which garments are cleaned and serviced; lease programs in which garments are cleaned and maintained by individual employees; and purchase programs to buy garments and related items directly. The company serves automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, healthcare providers, government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies, and utilities operating nuclear reactors, as well as others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection, or utility purposes. UniFirst Corporation was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

 


VALUATION

P/E

34.48

Market Cap ($M USD)

$4.90B

Forward P/E

N/A

PEG

N/A

PRICE TO SALES

1.99

PRICE TO BOOK

2.14

EV / EBITDA

15.01

5-Year Average P/E

Free Cash Flow Yield

1.84%

DCF Value

$122.50

Graham Number

$147.98

Price to FCF

54.26

EV to FCF

53.46

Earnings Yield

2.90%

FCF Yield

1.84%

DIVIDEND

Yield

0.53%

Annual Payout

$1.43

Payout Ratio

18.40%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

$7.77

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

$0.00

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

$2.92B

Return on Equity (ROE)

6.24%

FREE CASH FLOW

Operating Margin

6.85%

Debt-to-Equity

0.03

Piotroski F-Score

6

Altman Z-Score

7.12

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

6.74%

Current Ratio

3.11

Quick Ratio

2.60

Net Debt to EBITDA

-0.22

Interest Coverage

0.00

Gross Profit margin

36.66%

FCF PER SHARE

$5.18

REVENUE PER SHARE

$141.59

Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

The market seems to have priced UniFirst Corporation at a premium, with its snapshot price significantly above its DCF value and Graham Number. The Price/Earnings ratio of 32.47 suggests high expectations, yet the earnings yield of just 3.08% indicates limited immediate return potential. However, the Altman Z-score of 6.89 signals strong financial stability, reducing bankruptcy risk. Despite the absence of a Forward P/E, the company’s robust balance sheet and low debt levels offer some reassurance, but the valuation remains a concern for value investors.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

Operating in the Specialty Business Services industry, UniFirst is well-positioned to integrate AI and modern technology into its operations. The sector's inherent need for efficiency and cost management aligns with AI-driven solutions. This adaptability could enhance operational margins and customer service, crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.

The Bull Case

For the discerning GARP investor, UniFirst offers a compelling narrative. With a ROIC of 6.74% and a Piotroski F-Score of 6, the company demonstrates efficient capital allocation and solid financial health. Its operating margin of 6.85% and a low debt/equity ratio further underscore its pricing power and operational efficiency. The current ratio of 3.11 suggests strong liquidity, providing a buffer against economic downturns.

The Bear Case

Despite its strengths, UniFirst's valuation multiples raise red flags. A Price/Book ratio of 2.02 and Price/Sales of 1.87 indicate the stock may be overvalued relative to its tangible assets and revenue. The Price to FCF ratio of 51.09 and EV to FCF of 50.30 highlight poor cash flow efficiency, suggesting the market may be overly optimistic about future growth. Additionally, trading close to its 52-week high, the stock appears technically overextended.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

Analyst Consensus

Hold

Average Analyst Price Target

$202.00

Institutional Ownership %

1-Year Beta

0.63

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

Distance to 52-Week High

5.87%

Distance to 52-Week Low

44.91%

EARNINGS SURPRISE %

3.31%

50-DAY SMA

$258.84

200-DAY SMA

$206.44

⚠️ Financial Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Information may be delayed or inaccurate. We may earn a commission from partner links.