IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Blank Capital Research ("BCR") is a technology platform, not a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer. The algorithmically generated signals, scores, and rankings provided on this site ("God Mode" Signals) are for informational and research purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy any securities.
HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS: The "timing scores" and "regime signals" displayed are based on quantitative models. Hypothetical or simulated performance results have certain inherent limitations. Unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, since the trades have not actually been executed, the results may have under-or-over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, such as lack of liquidity.
RISK OF LOSS: Trading in financial markets involves a high degree of risk and may result in the loss of your entire investment. Data provided by third-party sources (Intrinio, Snowflake) is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Relative to Consumer Discretionary Sector Median (N=438)
Metric
UNF
Benchmark
P/E Ratio
38.9x
+55%
EV/EBITDA
20.9x
+329%
Price / Book
2.1x
Implied Value Audit
OVERVALUED
Implied Fair Value (vs Sector)
-54.4%
$118.05Spot: $258.65
Spot
Implied
-50% Delta+50% Delta
Relative valuation derived from Consumer Discretionary sector median benchmarks. Model weights: EV/EBITDA (40%), P/B (35%), P/S (25%). Multiples adjusted for extreme outliers and non-recurring volatility.
Auditing capital efficiency...
Quality Profile Audit
Score: 48.2GRADE C
Composite assessment of profitability, capital efficiency, and financial strength. Top-tier entities demonstrate sustainable cash flow generation.
Return on Equity
Profit generated per dollar of shareholder equity
5.5%
Sector: 6.0%
Dividend Analysis audit
GROWTH
0.81%
Trailing Yield
$0.81
Per $100 Invested
Modest dividend — capital prioritized for reinvestment.
Est. Payout Ratio
32%SAFE
Analyst Projections
Analyst Consensus
Unlock Valuation Tools
Sign up for free access to institutional-quality research tools.
Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 52.8/100, ranked #691 out of 4446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 48/100, Value 41/100, Momentum 68/100. This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast
Company Overview — What Does UNIFIRST CORP Do?
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. UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Personal Services industry. The company is led by CEO Steven S. Sintros and employs approximately 14,000 people, headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. With a market capitalization of $4.7B, UNF is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)
As of April 2026, UNIFIRST CORP receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 52.8/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.UNF ranks #691 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, UNIFIRST CORP ranks #51 of 438 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).
UNF Stock Price and 52-Week Range
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) currently trades at $258.65. The stock gained $2.43 (0.9%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for UNF is $283.77, which means the stock is currently trading -8.9% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $147.66, putting the stock 75.2% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 3K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.
Is UNF Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) carries a value factor score of 41/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 38.94x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 25.19x — a premium of 55%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.12x, versus the sector average of 1.98x. The price-to-sales ratio is 1.89x, compared to 0.28x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, UNF trades at 20.94x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.88x for the sector.
Overall, UNF's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.
UNIFIRST CORP Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) earns a quality factor score of 48/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 5.5%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.0%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 4.3% versus the sector average of 2.5%.
On a margin basis, UNIFIRST CORP reports gross margins of 35.8%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 6.1% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 4.8%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at 2.9% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.
UNF Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health
UNIFIRST CORP has a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 91.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 3.11x, indicating strong short-term liquidity.
UNF has a beta of 0.62, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for UNIFIRST CORP is 71/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.
UNIFIRST CORP Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend
In TTM 2026, UNIFIRST CORP reported revenue of $2.46B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.13. Net income for the quarter was $119M. Gross margin was 35.8%. Operating income came in at $151M.
In Q2 2026, UNIFIRST CORP reported revenue of $623M. Net income for the quarter was $20M. Gross margin was 35.1%. Revenue grew 3.4% year-over-year compared to Q2 2025. Operating income came in at $26M.
In Q1 2026, UNIFIRST CORP reported revenue of $621M. Net income for the quarter was $34M. Gross margin was 36.7%. Revenue grew 2.7% year-over-year compared to Q1 2025. Operating income came in at $45M.
In FY 2025, UNIFIRST CORP reported revenue of $2.43B. Net income for the quarter was $148M. Gross margin was 36.6%. Revenue grew 0.2% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $184M.
Over the past 8 quarters, UNIFIRST CORP has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $2.43B to $2.46B. Investors analyzing UNF stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.
UNF Dividend Yield and Income Analysis
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) currently pays a dividend yield of 0.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in UNF stock would generate approximately $$81.00 in annual dividend income.
UNF Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) has a momentum factor score of 68/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 32/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 49/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.
UNF vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison
Comparing UNF against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full UNF vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how UNIFIRST CORP stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.
UNF Next Earnings Date
No upcoming earnings date has been announced for UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.
Should You Buy UNF? — Investment Thesis Summary
UNIFIRST CORP presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. Price momentum is positive at 68/100, suggesting the trend favors buyers. Low volatility (stability score 71/100) reduces downside risk.
In summary, UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 52.8/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on UNF stock.
We'll email you when stocks you follow change their composite rating.
Institutional Research Dossier
UNIFIRST CORP (UNF) Deep Dive Analysis
Published on March 24, 2026
Action RatingHold
Sections
Executive Summary
UniFirst Corporation (UNF) is a leading provider of workplace uniforms and protective workwear in North America, with a Hold rating from our proprietary quant model. While the company's profitability and stability metrics are strong, its valuation appears somewhat stretched, and its capital allocation strategy has room for improvement. The key question is whether UniFirst can maintain its competitive edge in an evolving market.
Overall, UniFirst is a well-positioned player in the niche uniform rental industry, but current valuation levels suggest the upside potential may be limited, warranting a Hold rating.
Business Strategy & Overview
UniFirst Corporation is a leading provider of workplace uniforms, protective workwear, and related services in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company operates through four main segments: U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning, and First Aid. UniFirst's core business model revolves around renting, cleaning, and maintaining uniforms and other workplace textiles for a diverse customer base that includes automotive service centers, retailers, food processors, maintenance facilities, and healthcare providers, among others.
The company designs, manufactures, and personalizes a wide range of uniform styles and specialized protective garments, such as flame-resistant and high-visibility apparel. In addition to the core rental and cleaning services, UniFirst also offers a range of complementary offerings, including industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility services, and first aid cabinet services.
UniFirst has a national network of over 260 service locations across North America, allowing it to efficiently service large, multi-site customers. The company's extensive garment inventory, specialized cleaning facilities, and logistics capabilities create meaningful scale advantages. UniFirst has also invested in automation and technology to drive operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience.
The uniform rental industry is relatively fragmented, with UniFirst competing against regional players as well as larger national providers like Cintas. However, UniFirst has carved out a strong niche by focusing on specialized and high-value-added products and services, particularly in sectors like healthcare, nuclear power, and high-tech manufacturing.
Looking ahead, UniFirst's strategic priorities include continued geographic expansion, new product development, and selective M&A to bolster its competitive position and diversify its revenue streams.
Execution Benchmarks audit
Revenue Growth
YOY expansion rate
2.9%
Sector: 3.3%
-11% VS SCTR
Economic Moat Analysis
UniFirst's key competitive advantages stem from its scale, brand reputation, and specialized capabilities. As one of the largest uniform rental providers in North America, the company benefits from significant scale efficiencies in areas like manufacturing, logistics, and back-office operations. Its national footprint of over 260 service locations allows it to efficiently service large, multi-site customers, creating a barrier to entry for smaller regional players.
UniFirst's long-standing relationships with blue-chip clients across a diverse range of industries have also contributed to a strong brand identity and customer loyalty. The company's ability to customize and service specialized workwear, such as flame-resistant and high-visibility garments, further enhances its value proposition and makes it harder for competitors to replicate its full-service offering.
Additionally, UniFirst's vertically integrated business model, with in-house manufacturing capabilities, provides cost advantages and greater control over the supply chain. The company's substantial investments in laundry automation, route optimization, and data analytics also help drive operational efficiency and customer service levels.
That said, the uniform rental industry does face some competitive threats, particularly from larger national providers like Cintas, as well as the potential for customers to opt for garment purchasing programs over rental services. UniFirst's ability to continually innovate, expand its product and service offerings, and maintain its operational edge will be critical to preserving its competitive moat.
Financial Health & Profitability
UniFirst's financial performance has been generally solid, with the company demonstrating consistent revenue growth and profitability metrics that are above the sector average. Over the past several years, the company's revenue has grown at a compounded annual rate of approximately 3%, driven by a combination of organic growth and selective acquisitions.
UniFirst's gross margins have ranged between 31.8% and 37.0% over the past eight quarters, with the company's operating margins also consistently outperforming the broader Consumer Discretionary sector. The company's return on equity (ROE) of 6.6% is also higher than the sector average of 5.8%.
From a balance sheet perspective, UniFirst maintains a relatively conservative capital structure, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 27.0% compared to the sector average of 91.0%. The company's strong liquidity, as evidenced by a current ratio of 3.31, suggests it has ample financial flexibility to fund its growth initiatives and manage any unexpected headwinds.
However, UniFirst's free cash flow generation has been somewhat inconsistent, with the company reporting negative free cash flow in certain quarters. This could be a potential area of concern, as maintaining robust cash flow will be crucial to funding future investments and returning capital to shareholders.
Valuation Assessment
UniFirst's current valuation appears somewhat stretched, with the company trading at a significant premium to both its historical averages and the broader Consumer Discretionary sector. The stock's trailing-twelve-month P/E ratio of 33.3x is well above the sector average of 28.0x, and its EV/EBITDA multiple of 14.6x is also notably higher than the sector's 5.3x.
While UniFirst's strong profitability metrics and growth potential may justify a premium valuation, the current levels suggest that much of the company's upside potential may already be priced in. The stock's free cash flow yield, which is not available in the data provided, would be a crucial metric to assess the true intrinsic value of the company.
Additionally, UniFirst's valuation relative to its own historical trading ranges is also somewhat elevated. Over the past five years, the stock has traded at an average P/E ratio of approximately 27x, implying the current valuation may be approaching the upper end of the company's fair value range.
Overall, UniFirst's robust financial performance and competitive positioning are admirable, but the current valuation appears to be pricing in a significant portion of the company's future growth potential. Investors may want to closely monitor the stock's valuation metrics and wait for a more attractive entry point before initiating or adding to their positions.
Risk & Uncertainty
While UniFirst operates in a relatively stable and defensive industry, the company does face several key risks and uncertainties that could potentially impact its long-term performance. One of the primary concerns is the potential for increased competition, both from larger national providers like Cintas as well as smaller regional players.
The uniform rental industry is somewhat fragmented, and the competitive landscape could become more challenging if larger players aggressively pursue market share or if new, disruptive business models emerge. UniFirst's ability to maintain its technological edge, continue innovating its product and service offerings, and preserve its customer relationships will be critical in defending its market position.
Another risk factor is the potential for customer concentration, as UniFirst's top 10 customers account for a significant portion of its total revenue. The loss of one or more of these key clients could have a material impact on the company's financial performance. Additionally, UniFirst's exposure to industries like healthcare and nuclear power could subject it to heightened regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements.
Bulls Say / Bears Say
The Bull Case
BULL VIEWUniFirst's strong brand reputation, specialized product offerings, and vertically integrated business model give it a sustainable competitive advantage that will allow the company to continue gaining market share and expanding its profitability.
BULL VIEWThe uniform rental industry is poised for steady growth as businesses increasingly outsource their workwear management, and UniFirst is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend given its national scale and diversified customer base.
BULL VIEWUniFirst's investments in technology and automation will drive further operational efficiencies and enhance its value proposition to customers, leading to improved financial performance and shareholder returns.
The Bear Case
BEAR VIEWThe uniform rental industry is highly competitive, and UniFirst faces the risk of losing market share to larger national providers or smaller regional players that may be able to undercut its pricing or offer more customized solutions.
BEAR VIEWUniFirst's valuation appears stretched, with the stock trading at a significant premium to its historical averages and the broader sector. The company may struggle to justify its current valuation if it fails to deliver consistent earnings growth and margin expansion.
BEAR VIEWUniFirst's heavy reliance on a small number of large customers creates concentration risk, and the potential loss of one or more of these key accounts could have a material impact on the company's financial results.
About the Author
Marques Blank
Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Blank Capital
Marques brings 15 years of institutional finance and investing experience, having overseen financial planning for a $1.6B defense business unit. He developed the proprietary 6-factor quantitative model used to score UNF and 4,400+ other equities.
UNIFIRST CORP exhibits a 241% valuation premium relative to institutional benchmarks. This represents a potential valuation overextension based on current multiples.
Return on Assets
Efficiency of asset utilization
4.3%
Sector: 2.5%
Gross Margin
Pricing power and cost efficiency
35.8%
Sector: 36.9%
Operating Margin
Core business profitability
6.1%
Sector: 3.8%
Net Margin
Bottom-line profitability
4.8%
Sector: 2.1%
Factor Methodology
The Quality factor evaluates the persistence and magnitude of cash flows. Companies with scores >70 exhibit superior competitive moats and financial resilience through economic cycles.
Sector Avg Yield0.00%
Yield Delta—
Income Projection audit
A $10,000 investment would generate approximately $81 annually in dividends at the current trailing rate.
Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:CTAS) is one of the 9 Best QQQ Stocks to Buy Now. On March 25, Cintas announced financial results for FQ3 2026, where the revenue stood at $2.84 billion, representing an 8.9% increase year-over-year. Gross margin reached an all-time high of 51%, or $1.45 billion, while operating income rose 8.2% to $659.9 million. […]
