UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is preparing to disclose its financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, with the results scheduled for release before the market opens on Wednesday, January 7. Current analyst consensus projects the company’s earnings per share (EPS) to register at $2.06 for the quarter, signifying a decrease relative to the $2.40 EPS reported in the corresponding period last year. Despite the anticipated dip in profitability metrics, revenue expectations remain optimistic with forecasts pointing to a rise from $604.91 million previously to approximately $615.23 million, as indicated by Benzinga Pro data.
In a notable corporate development, UniFirst received a significant acquisition proposal on December 22 from Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), offering a cash price of $275 per share. This move has injected a new dynamic into UniFirst’s market valuation and strategic considerations. Following the announcement, UniFirst’s stock reflected increased volatility, with shares closing at $192.90 on the trading day subsequent to the bid, marking a decline of 1.1%.
Investor attention has remained fixed on the evolving analyst perspectives concerning UniFirst’s valuation and prospects. The insights below highlight recent revisions and stances from some of the most accurate analysts as captured by Benzinga’s data:
- UBS: Analyst Joshua Chan has upheld a Neutral rating stance on UniFirst stock. However, on October 23, 2025, he adjusted his price target downward from $190 to $182. Chan’s analysis maintains a 55% accuracy rate, suggesting a moderate track record in forecast precision.
- Barclays: Manav Patnaik has continued with an Underweight rating for UniFirst shares, signaling a cautious outlook. Alongside the rating, Patnaik lowered the price target from $152 to $145 on October 23, 2025. He boasts a higher accuracy rate at 73%, reflecting considerable reliability in his projections.
- JP Morgan: Andrew Steinerman reinstated an Underweight rating for UniFirst on July 14, 2025, assigning a price target of $175. His accuracy rate stands at 71%, indicative of consistency in forecast outcomes.
- Baird: On April 3, 2025, Andrew Wittmann maintained a Neutral rating but revised his price target down to $197 from $218. Wittmann’s predictive accuracy is recorded at 74%, underscoring solid analytical performance.
These analyst updates collectively showcase a mixed sentiment surrounding UniFirst’s near-term outlook, with price target adjustments reflecting varied interpretations of the company’s valuation post the Cintas acquisition approach. The divergence in ratings and target revisions points to a degree of uncertainty in balancing revenue growth prospects against the anticipated earnings contraction.
Market participants thus face a complex environment in evaluating UniFirst’s trajectory amid these factors. The broader implications of the acquisition deal, alongside forthcoming earnings data, will be pivotal in shaping investment decisions and market performance for the stock.