Cintas has operating leases for certain operating facilities, vehicles and equipment, which provide the right to use the underlying asset and require lease payments over the term of the lease. Each new contract is evaluated to determine if an arrangement contains a lease and whether that lease meets the classification criteria of a finance or operating lease. All identified leases are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding operating lease right-of-use asset, net, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the operating lease liabilities representing the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Short-term operating leases, which have an initial term of 12 months or less, are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term and include options to extend or terminate the lease when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The present value of lease payments is determined primarily using the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date. Lease expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease costs are recorded as incurred. Both lease expense and variable lease costs are primarily recorded in cost of uniform rental and facility services and other on the Company's consolidated statements of income. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Operating lease costs, including short-term lease expense and variable lease costs, which were immaterial in each period, were $101.2 million, $91.1 million and $83.2 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively.


(In thousands)	2026		2025

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	65,735	$	56,987
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new and renewed operating lease liabilities	$	95,527	$	84,629
Operating lease right-of-use assets acquired in business combinations	$	—	$	3,077


(In thousands)

2027	$	66,543
2028	62,762
2029	53,531
2030	41,724
2031	31,341
Thereafter	60,647
Total payments	316,548
Less interest	(38,664)
Total present value of lease payments	$	277,884