Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.           )

  Filed by the Registrant ý

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

o

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

o

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

ý

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

o

 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12

 

CINTAS CORPORATION
 
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

    
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý

 

No fee required.

o

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
    (1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 
    (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 
    (3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
        
 
    (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
        
 
    (5)   Total Fee Paid:
        
 

o

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 

(1)

 

Amount Previously Paid:
        
 
    (2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
        
 
    (3)   Filing Party:
        
 
    (4)   Date Filed:
        
 

Table of Contents

GRAPHIC

6800 Cintas Boulevard
Cincinnati, Ohio 45262


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT

Dear Shareholder:

We invite you to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on October 20, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time at Cintas' Headquarters, 6800 Cintas Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio.

This booklet includes notice of the meeting and the proxy statement. The proxy statement tells you more about the agenda and procedures for the meeting. It also describes how the Board operates and gives personal information about our director candidates.

Shareholders entitled to vote at this Annual Meeting are those of record as of the close of business on August 25, 2009. Please note that only shareholders of record or holders of valid proxies from such shareholders may attend or vote at the meeting. Since seating will be limited, we ask shareholders to call 1-866-246-8277 to make a reservation for the meeting. When making your reservation, please give your full name, company name and address. If you do not make a reservation, you may not be provided entry into the meeting due to limited space.

Upon arrival at the Annual Meeting, shareholders may be asked for a form of personal identification and proof of stock ownership. This can be in the form of a brokerage statement or proxy card. Based on this proof of ownership and the reservation system noted above, an admission ticket will be given to the shareholder at the meeting. No cameras, recording equipment, electronic devices, cellular telephones, large bags, briefcases or packages will be permitted in the meeting.

We are pleased to take advantage of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. As a result, we are mailing to most of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and our 2009 Annual Report. The Notice contains instructions on how to access and review those documents over the Internet. We believe that this process will allow us to provide our shareholders with the information they need in a timely manner, while reducing the environmental impact and lowering the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials. If you received a Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice.

Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please complete and return your proxy card or vote by telephone or via the Internet by following the instructions on your proxy card.

Sincerely,

Richard T. Farmer

Richard T. Farmer
Chairman of the Board

September 4, 2009


Table of Contents


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF CINTAS CORPORATION

Time:   10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time

Date:

 

October 20, 2009

Place:

 

Cintas Corporate Headquarters
6800 Cintas Boulevard
Cincinnati, Ohio

Purpose:

 

 

1.

 

To elect as directors the ten nominees named in the attached proxy materials;

2.

 

To ratify Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010;

3.

 

To vote on a shareholder proposal if properly presented; and

4.

 

To conduct other business if properly raised.

Only shareholders of record on August 25, 2009, may attend or vote at the meeting. The approximate mailing date of the Notice is September 4, 2009.

The vote of each shareholder is important. You can vote your shares by completing and returning the proxy card sent to you. Shareholders can also vote their shares over the Internet or by telephone by following the voting instructions on the proxy card.

Thomas E. Frooman

Thomas E. Frooman
Vice President and Secretary — General Counsel

September 4, 2009


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  Page
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 
GENERAL INFORMATION     1  

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

2

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

5

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

 

6

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

 

9

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

10

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

28

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

 

29

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

 

30

 

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

 

 

31

 

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

32

 

OTHER ITEM TO BE VOTED ON BY SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

33

 

QUESTIONS

 

 

35

 

Cintas makes available, free of charge on its website, all of its filings that are made electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. These filings are also available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). To access these filings, go to our website (www.cintas.com) and click on the "Financial Reports" tab at the right under the "Investors" page. Copies of Cintas' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, including financial statements and schedules thereto, filed with the SEC, are also available without charge to shareholders upon written request addressed to:

Thomas E. Frooman
Vice President and Secretary – General Counsel
6800 Cintas Boulevard
P.O. Box 625737
Cincinnati, Ohio 45262-5737


Table of Contents


GENERAL INFORMATION

Who may vote
Shareholders of Cintas, recorded in our stock register on August 25, 2009, may vote at the meeting. As of that date, Cintas had 153,976,594 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to the shareholders at the annual meeting.

How to vote
You may vote in person at the meeting or by proxy. You may also vote by Internet or telephone using one of the methods described in the proxy card. We recommend you vote by proxy, Internet or telephone even if you plan to attend the meeting. If you vote by Internet or telephone, please do not return the proxy card. If voting by mail, please complete, sign and date your proxy card enclosed with these proxy materials. If desired, you can change your vote at the meeting.

How proxies work
Cintas' Board of Directors is asking for your proxy. Giving us your proxy means you authorize us to vote your shares at the meeting in the manner you direct. You may vote for all, some or none of our director nominees. You may also vote for or against the other proposals or abstain from voting.

All proxies properly signed will, unless a different choice is indicated, be voted "FOR" the election of all nominees proposed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, "FOR" the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010 and "AGAINST" the shareholder proposal if properly presented.

You may receive more than one proxy or voting card depending on how you hold your shares. Shares registered in your name are covered by one card. If you hold shares through someone else, such as a stockbroker or bank, you may get material from them asking how you want to vote. Specifically, if your shares are held in the name of your stockbroker or bank and you wish to vote in person at the meeting, you should request your stockbroker or bank to issue you a proxy covering your shares.

If any other matters come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment, each proxy will be voted in the discretion of the individuals named as proxies on the card.

Revoking a proxy
You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken by submitting a new proxy with a later date, by voting in person at the meeting or by notifying Cintas' Secretary in writing at the address under "Questions?" on page 35.

Quorum
In order to carry on the business of the meeting, we must have a quorum. This means at least a majority of the outstanding shares eligible to vote must be represented at the meeting, either by proxy or in person.

Votes needed
The ten nominees receiving the most votes will be elected as members of the Board of Directors subject to a resignation policy in our Bylaws that applies to any nominee who does not receive a majority of the votes cast. See "Election of Directors" on page 2. Approval of all other matters considered at the meeting, including postponement or adjournment, will require the affirmative vote of a majority of shares voting.

Only votes for or against a proposal count. Abstentions (including abstentions with respect to one or more nominees) and broker nonvotes count for quorum purposes, but not for voting purposes. Broker nonvotes occur when a broker returns a proxy, but does not have authority to vote on a particular proposal.

Attending in person
Only shareholders, their proxy holders and Cintas' guests, each of which must be properly registered as described in the notice herewith, may attend the meeting.

1


Table of Contents


ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Item 1 on the Proxy Card)

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors has nominated for election the following current directors, namely: Gerald S. Adolph, Paul R. Carter, Gerald V. Dirvin, Richard T. Farmer, Scott D. Farmer, Joyce Hergenhan, James J. Johnson, Robert J. Kohlhepp, David C. Phillips and Ronald W. Tysoe. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted for the election of these nominees. All directors elected at the Annual Meeting will be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting. In voting to elect directors, shareholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes.

In accordance with NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC ("NASDAQ") rules, our Board of Directors affirmatively determines the independence of each director and nominee for election as a director in accordance with the elements of independence set forth in the NASDAQ listing standards and Exchange Act rules. Cintas' Director Independence Standards are available on our website at www.cintas.com. Based on these standards, the Board determined that each of the following nonemployee directors is independent: Gerald S. Adolph, Paul R. Carter, Gerald V. Dirvin, Joyce Hergenhan, James J. Johnson, David C. Phillips and Ronald W. Tysoe. Our Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are composed solely of independent directors. All directors are elected for one-year terms. Information on each of our nominees is given below.

An uncontested election is one in which the number of nominees does not exceed the number of directors to be elected. In an uncontested election, any nominee who does not receive a majority of the shares cast shall promptly offer his or her resignation to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will take the matter under advisement and make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation or whether other action should be taken. The Board has 90 days following certification of the shareholder vote to consider the offer of resignation. Within such 90 day period, the Board will promptly disclose publicly its decision whether to accept the director's resignation offer.

If a director nominee becomes unavailable before the election, your proxy card authorizes us to vote for a replacement nominee if the Board names one.


The Board recommends you vote FOR each of the following candidates:

Gerald S. Adolph3 & 4
55
  Gerald S. Adolph was elected a Director of Cintas in 2006. Mr. Adolph is currently a Senior Vice President with Booz & Company. Mr. Adolph has held numerous leadership positions at Booz & Company, including Worldwide Chemicals Practice Leader, Worldwide Consumer and Health Practice Leader and Global Mergers and Restructuring Practice Leader. He has also served on the Booz & Company Board of Directors.

Paul R. Carter2 & 4
69

 

Paul R. Carter was elected a Director of Cintas in 2002 and is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Carter formerly was a Director of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its Chief Financial Officer. He retired as Executive Vice President of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and President of Wal-Mart's real estate division effective January 31, 2003.

2


Table of Contents

Gerald V. Dirvin3 & 4
72
  Gerald V. Dirvin was elected a Director of Cintas in 1993 and is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Dirvin joined The Procter & Gamble Company in 1959 and served in various management positions. He retired as Executive Vice President and Director of Procter & Gamble in 1994.

Richard T. Farmer
74

 

Richard T. Farmer is the founder of Cintas Corporation. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Cintas Corporation and its predecessor companies since 1968. Prior to the founding of Cintas, Mr. Farmer worked with his family owned company, which Cintas acquired in the early 1970s. Prior to August 1, 1995, Mr. Farmer also served as Chief Executive Officer.

Scott D. Farmer1
50

 

Scott D. Farmer joined Cintas in 1981. He has held the positions of Vice President – National Account Division, Vice President – Marketing and Merchandising, Rental Division Group Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1994, he was elected to the Board of Directors. He was elected Chief Executive Officer in July 2003.

Joyce Hergenhan3 & 4
67

 

Joyce Hergenhan was elected a Director of Cintas in 2004. Ms. Hergenhan was with the General Electric Company for 22 years, serving as both Vice President for Corporate Public Relations and President of the GE Foundation until her retirement in early 2004.

James J. Johnson4
62

 

James J. Johnson was appointed a Director of Cintas in 2009. Mr. Johnson was with the Proctor & Gamble Company for 35 years, retiring in June 2008 as Chief Legal Officer. He is also a Director of the Medical Center Fund of Cincinnati.

Robert J. Kohlhepp1
65

 

Robert J. Kohlhepp has been a Director of Cintas since 1979. He has been employed by Cintas since 1967 serving in various executive capacities including Vice President – Finance, Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer. He now serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. He is also a Director of Parker Hannifin Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio.

David C. Phillips1, 2 & 4
71

 

David C. Phillips was elected a Director of Cintas in 2003. He was designated as Lead Director of the Cintas Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Executive Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. He was with Arthur Andersen LLP for 32 years in which he served in several managing partner leadership positions. After retiring from Arthur Andersen in 1994, he became Chief Executive Officer of Downtown Cincinnati, Inc., from which he retired in 1999 to expand his financial consulting services business and to work with Cincinnati Works, Inc. Cincinnati Works, Inc. is an organization dedicated to reducing the number of people living below the poverty level by assisting them to strive towards self-sufficiency through work. He is also a Director of Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

3


Table of Contents

Ronald W. Tysoe2 & 4
56
  Ronald W. Tysoe was elected a Director of Cintas in 2008. Mr. Tysoe served as Senior Advisor of Perella Weinberg Partners LP from October 2006 to September 2007. He served as Vice Chairman of Federated Department Stores, Inc. from April 1990 to October 2006. Mr. Tysoe is also a Director of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., NRDC Acquisition Corp., Pzena Investment Management, Inc., and Taubman Centers Inc.

Richard T. Farmer is the father of Scott D. Farmer.

4


Table of Contents


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Cintas is a Washington corporation and, therefore, governed by the corporate laws of Washington. Since its stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and it files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it is also subject to the rules of NASDAQ as well as various provisions of federal securities laws and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX").

Governance of the corporation is placed in the hands of the directors who, in turn, elect officers to manage the business operations. The Board of Directors oversees the management of Cintas on your behalf. It reviews Cintas' long-term strategic plans and exercises direct decision making authority in all major decisions, such as significant acquisitions and the declaration of dividends. The Board also reviews financial and internal controls and management succession plans.

During fiscal 2009, the Board of Directors met on seven occasions (three of which were telephonic). In addition, the independent directors met on four occasions during fiscal 2009 without the presence of management directors. A lead director selected by such independent directors presides over each session.

Cintas expects all directors to attend all Board and shareholder meetings. All directors attended the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Each of Cintas' directors attended all meetings of the Board and committees of which they were a member.

Shareholders may communicate with the full Board or individual directors on matters concerning Cintas by mail or through our website, in each case to the attention of the Secretary.

At its meeting on April 28, 2004, the Board reviewed, approved and adopted the Cintas Code of Ethics. A copy of the Cintas Code of Ethics is available on our website, www.cintas.com. Cintas intends to post on its website within four business days after approval any amendments or waivers to the Code of Ethics.

The Directors have organized themselves into the committees described below to help carry out Board responsibilities. In particular, Board committees work on key issues in greater detail than would be possible at full Board meetings. Each committee reviews the results of its meetings with the full Board.

The Executive Committee is composed of David C. Phillips (Chairman), Scott D. Farmer and Robert J. Kohlhepp. It acts for the Board as required between Board meetings. This Committee had no meetings in fiscal 2009.

Each of the following committees is composed of nonemployee directors each of whom meets the relevant independence requirements established by NASDAQ and SOX that apply to their particular assignments.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for nominating persons for election as directors at each annual shareholders' meeting, making recommendations for filling any Board vacancies that may arise between meetings due to resignation or other factors and developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance policies and guidelines for Cintas. In nominating directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes into account, among other factors which it may deem appropriate, the judgment, skill, diversity, business experience and needs of the Board as its function relates to the business of Cintas. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by security holders in written correspondence directed to the Secretary of Cintas. However, in no event shall any nomination made by a shareholder be binding on Cintas unless it is made in strict accordance with Cintas' Bylaws as they may be amended from time to time. A copy of the

5


Table of Contents


Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on our website, www.cintas.com.

Committee members: David C. Phillips (Chairman), Gerald S. Adolph, Paul R. Carter, Gerald V. Dirvin, Joyce Hergenhan, James J. Johnson and Ronald W. Tysoe.

Meetings last year: Four (Two of which were telephonic meetings).

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter adopted by the Board. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is attached to the proxy statement for Cintas' 2006 Annual Shareholders' Meeting and is also available on our website, www.cintas.com. Each member of the Audit Committee has been designated as an Audit Committee financial expert by the Board of Directors and satisfies the expertise standards required by NASDAQ.

The Audit Committee is solely responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also evaluates information received from the independent registered public accounting firm and management to determine whether the registered public accounting firm is independent of management. The independent registered public accounting firm reports directly to the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by Cintas concerning accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and has established procedures for the confidential and anonymous submission by employees of any concerns they may have regarding questionable accounting, auditing or financial matters.

The Audit Committee approves all audit and nonaudit services performed for Cintas by its independent registered public accounting firm prior to the time that those services are commenced. The Chairman also has the authority to approve these services between regularly scheduled meetings. In this event, the Chairman reports approvals made by him to the full Committee at each of its meetings. For these purposes, the Committee, or its Chairman, is provided with information as to the nature, extent and purpose of each proposed service, as well as the approximate time frame and proposed cost arrangements for that service.

Committee members: Paul R. Carter (Chairman), David C. Phillips and Ronald W. Tysoe

Meetings last year: Ten (Seven of which were telephonic meetings).


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee oversees Cintas' financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of internal controls. As part of the oversight processes, the Audit Committee regularly meets with management of Cintas, Cintas' independent registered public accounting firm and Cintas' internal auditors. The Audit Committee regularly meets with each of these groups separately in closed sessions. Throughout the year, the Audit Committee had full access to management, the independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors for Cintas. To fulfill its responsibilities, the Audit Committee did, among other things, the following:

6


Table of Contents

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, Paul R. Carter (Chairman), David C. Phillips and Ronald W. Tysoe

7


Table of Contents

The Audit Committee appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the financial statements of Cintas' fiscal 2009.

Fees billed for services in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 are as follows:

 
  Fiscal 2009   Fiscal 2008  

Audit Fees

  $ 790,145   $ 773,250  

Audit Related Fees(1)

  $ 143,873   $ 186,098  

Tax Fees

  $ 351,377   $ 286,941  

All Other Fees

  $ 0   $ 0  

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is governed by a written charter adopted by the Board. A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter is available on our website, www.cintas.com. In discharging the responsibilities of the Board of Directors relating to compensation of Cintas' Chief Executive Officer and other senior executive officers, the purposes of the Compensation Committee are, among others, (i) to review and approve the compensation of Cintas' Chief Executive Officer and other senior executive officers, (ii) to oversee the compensation policies and programs of Cintas, including adopting, administering and approving Cintas' incentive compensation and stock plans and awards and amendments to the plans or awards and performing such duties and responsibilities under the terms of any executive compensation plan, incentive-compensation plan or equity-based plan and (iii) to oversee management succession planning. The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities to subcommittees as the Compensation Committee may deem appropriate in its sole discretion. The Committee believes it reviewed the necessary resources available to survey the compensation practices of Cintas' peers and keep abreast of compensation developments in the marketplace. As a result, while the Compensation Committee has in the past considered and expects to consider in the future the use of outside consultants in assisting with recommending the amount or form of executive or director compensation, neither Cintas nor the Committee engaged any outside compensation consultants for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009.

Cintas' executive compensation policies are designed to support the corporate objective of maximizing the long-term value of Cintas for its shareholders and employee-partners. To achieve this objective, the Committee believes it is important to provide competitive levels of compensation to attract and retain the most qualified employees, to recognize individuals who exceed expectations and to closely link executive compensation with corporate performance. The methods by which the Committee believes Cintas' long-term objectives can best be achieved are through incentive and equity compensation plans.

The Compensation Committee processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of executive and director compensation are discussed in the section entitled "Executive Compensation".

Committee members: Gerald V. Dirvin (Chairman), Gerald S. Adolph and Joyce Hergenhan.

Meetings last year: Two

8


Table of Contents

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of Cintas. None of the members of the Compensation Committee is an executive officer of another entity at which one of our executive officers serves on the Board of Directors. No named executive officer of Cintas serves as a director or as a member of a committee of any company of which any of Cintas' nonemployee directors are executive officers.

Mr. Adolph is Senior Vice President of Booz & Company. Booz & Company engages Cintas primarily for first aid, safety and fire protection services. Booz & Company paid Cintas fees of $504,905 for services provided during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009. Mr. Adoph does not receive any direct compensation from services provided by Cintas to Booz & Company.


COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on the review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Cintas' Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A.

Committee Members: Gerald V. Dirvin (Chairman), Gerald S. Adolph and Joyce Hergenhan.

9


Table of Contents


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This section discusses and analyzes the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the executive officers set forth in the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement (collectively, the named executive officers). It also discusses the principles underlying our policies and decisions.

Overview of Compensation Program

The Compensation Committee oversees the compensation programs of Cintas, with particular attention to the compensation for its Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers. It is the responsibility of the Committee to review and approve or, as the case may be, recommend to the Board of Directors for approval, changes to Cintas' compensation policies and benefits programs, to administer Cintas' stock plans including recommending and approving stock-based awards to named executive officers, and to otherwise ensure that Cintas' compensation philosophy is consistent with the best interests of Cintas and its shareholders and is properly implemented and monitored. Generally, the types of compensation and benefits provided to the named executive officers are similar to those provided to other executives.

The day-to-day administration of savings plans, profit sharing plans, stock plans, health, welfare and paid-time-off plans and policies applicable to salaried employees in general are handled by Cintas' human resources, finance and legal department employees. The responsibility for certain fundamental changes outside the day-to-day requirements necessary to maintain these plans and policies belongs to the Committee.

Cintas has no policy regarding share ownership by the named executive officers. Cintas strongly encourages the named executive officers to retain shares acquired through the long-term equity incentive program.

Compensation Objectives

The primary focus of our executive compensation program is to support the corporate objective of maximizing the long-term value for our shareholders and employee-partners. We also strive to provide a competitive level of total compensation to all of our employee-partners, including the named executive officers, that attracts and retains talented and experienced individuals and that motivates them to contribute to Cintas' short-term and long-term success.

Our incentive compensation program is designed to reward both individual and team performance, measured by overall Cintas results and the attainment of individual goals and productivity. The Executive Incentive Plan for fiscal 2009 applies to all named executive officers. The incentive compensation arrangement for our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Scott D. Farmer, was based on growth in earnings per share (EPS), growth in sales and other performance goals outlined by the Committee. The incentive compensation arrangement for our President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. J. Phillip Holloman, was based on growth in sales and operating income for operations within his responsibility and the accomplishment of certain individual goals. The incentive compensation arrangements for our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, William C. Gale, our Vice President and Secretary – General Counsel, Mr. Thomas E. Frooman and our Vice President and Treasurer, Mr. Michael L. Thompson were based on growth in EPS and the accomplishment of certain individual goals.

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

The Compensation Committee determines the compensation for the named executive officers based on recommendations made by management as discussed below. Annually, the Committee

10


Table of Contents


performs a market analysis of executive compensation plans. The analysis looks at companies in Cintas' industry as well as companies that we consider to be Cintas' peer group (G&K Services, Unifirst Corporation, Aramark Corporation, The ServiceMaster Corporation, Iron Mountain Incorporated, Convergys Corporation, Robert Half International Inc., Paychex, Inc., Walgreen Co. and Fifth Third Bancorp). The Committee benchmarks base salary, annual cash incentives, long-term compensation and other compensation. Our analysis shows that our named executive officers receive total compensation less than the total compensation of respective named executive officers of the majority of the companies in the peer group identified above.

Based on the market analysis and individual performance, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors makes a recommendation to the Committee on the Chief Executive Officer's base salary and annual cash incentive target for the upcoming fiscal year. The Chief Executive Officer makes a recommendation to the Committee for the base salaries and annual cash incentive targets for the upcoming fiscal year for the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President and Secretary – General Counsel and the President and Chief Operating Officer. The Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer makes a recommendation to the Committee on the Vice President and Treasurer's base salary and annual cash incentive target for the upcoming fiscal year.

Elements Used to Achieve Compensation Components

The table below summarizes the fiscal 2009 compensation program elements for our named executive officers:

 
   
   
   
   
 
  Element
   
  Form of Compensation
   
  Purpose
   
    Base Salaries       Cash       Provides competitive, fixed compensation to attract and retain exceptional executive talent.    
    Annual Cash Incentives       Cash       Provides a variable financial incentive to achieve corporate and individual operating goals.    
    Long-Term Equity Incentives       Non-qualified stock options and restricted stock       Encourages named executive officers to build and maintain a long-term equity ownership position in Cintas so that their interests are aligned with our shareholders.    
    Health, Retirement and Other Benefits       Eligibility to participate in benefit plans generally available to our employee-partners, including Partners' Plan contributions, health, life insurance and disability plans; deferred compensation plan; and certain perquisites       Benefit plans are part of a broad-based employee benefits program. The deferred compensation plan and perquisites provide competitive benefits to our named executive officers.    

We believe that each element of our compensation program plays a substantial role in maximizing long-term value for our shareholders and employee-partners because of the significant emphasis on pay-for-performance principles. Generally, approximately 50% of a named executive officer's total compensation is based on Cintas results and the attainment of individual goals. As a result, performance has a significant effect on the amount of compensation realized by the named executive officers.

11


Table of Contents

Each of these elements of pay is described in more detail below.

Base Salaries

The Compensation Committee annually reviews the base salaries of our named executive officers. The Committee also reviews a named executive officer's base salary whenever there is a change in that named executive officer's job responsibilities.

The factors that influence base salary decisions are levels of responsibility, potential for future responsibility, salary levels offered by comparably sized companies and overall performance of the individual. Taking these factors into account, following are the fiscal 2009 base salaries that were approved by the Committee for our named executive offers:

 
   
   
   
   
 
 
Officer

   
  Fiscal 2009
Base Salary

   
  % increase/(decrease)
over the prior year

   
    Scott D. Farmer       $ 725,000         3.6 %  
    William C. Gale       $ 442,000         3.4 %  
    Thomas E. Frooman       $ 407,500         3.5 %  
    J. Phillip Holloman       $ 530,000         30.8 %  
    Michael L. Thompson       $ 310,000         8.4 %  

The 30.8% increase over the prior year for Mr. Holloman reflects a full year of compensation as President and Chief Operating Officer in fiscal 2009 compared to only four months in fiscal 2008. Mr. Holloman's annualized base salary in his current position increased $30,000 (6.0%) from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2009.

Annual Cash Incentives

The Compensation Committee strongly believes that variable annual cash incentives provide a direct financial incentive to achieve corporate and individual operating goals. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Committee establishes an annual cash incentive target for each named executive officer based on certain financial and non-financial goals.

For fiscal 2009, the Committee approved a total compensation plan for Mr. S. D. Farmer. The aggregate amount of Mr. S. D. Farmer's annual cash incentive for fiscal 2009 is comprised of the financial objectives of growth of fiscal 2009 EPS and fiscal 2009 sales and certain corporate non-financial goals. The percentage of the target annual cash incentive related to the growth of fiscal 2009 EPS, the growth of fiscal 2009 sales and the non-financial goals relating to employee diversity, global expansion and safety are 43%, 43% and 14%, respectively. The Executive Incentive Plan provided that if Cintas met the targeted growth in EPS and sales and the other non-financial goals, Mr. S. D. Farmer would receive a target annual cash incentive of $420,000. Based upon the overall achievement of these objectives, Mr. S. D. Farmer could earn 0% up to a maximum of 200% of the target annual cash incentive.

12


Table of Contents

The annual cash incentive payout percentage multiplier for each component of Mr. S. D. Farmer's target annual cash incentive is provided in the following tables:

 
   
   
   
   
 
 

EPS Component Level of Achievement

   
  EPS Goals
   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Below Threshold       <$2.24         0 %  
    Threshold       $2.24         11 %  
    Target       $2.32         100 %  
    Maximum       $2.41         200 %  

 

 
   
   
   
   
 
 

Sales Growth Component Level of Achievement

   
  Sales Growth
Goals (% growth
over fiscal 2008)

   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Below Threshold       4% or below         0 %  
    Threshold         5%         25 %  
    Target         8%         100 %  
    Maximum       12%         200 %  

The EPS and sales growth goals were established in light of the operating plans for Cintas for fiscal 2009.

 
   
   
   
 
 
Employee Diversity, Global Expansion and Safety Component Level of
Achievement

   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Does Not Meet Goals         0 %  
    Meets Most Goals         50 %  
    Meets Goals         100 %  
    Exceeds Goals         150 %  
    Outstanding Achievement         200 %  

Under the Executive Incentive Plan, annual cash incentive calculations for achievement of financial goals are based on actual results, subject to adjustment at the discretion of the Compensation Committee to exclude items that are not operational, such as accounting principle changes or revenue from an acquisition that was not in the business plan.

The Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2009 table outlines estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards. Based on Cintas' EPS and sales growth for fiscal 2009, Mr. S. D. Farmer did not receive a bonus for these components. Mr. S. D. Farmer received $120,000 based on the performance of the non-financial goals outlined above. Mr. S. D. Farmer's total fiscal 2009 annual cash incentive award was $120,000.

For fiscal 2009, the Committee approved a total compensation plan for Mr. Holloman. Mr. Holloman's financial objectives are based on operations within his responsibility. The aggregate amount of Mr. Holloman's annual cash incentive for fiscal 2009 is comprised of the financial objectives of growth of fiscal 2009 sales and operating income and the accomplishment of certain individual non-financial goals. The percentage of the target annual cash incentive related to the

13


Table of Contents


growth of fiscal 2009 sales, the growth of fiscal 2009 operating income and the non-financial goals are 38%, 38% and 24%, respectively. The Executive Incentive Plan provided that if Cintas met the targeted growth in sales and operating income and the other non-financial goals, Mr. Holloman would receive a target annual cash incentive of $212,000. Based upon the overall achievement of these objectives, Mr. Holloman could earn 0% up to a maximum of 200% of the target annual cash incentive.

The annual cash incentive payout percentage multiplier for each financial component of Mr. Holloman's target annual cash incentive is provided in the following tables:

 
   
   
   
   
 
  Sales Growth Component Level of Achievement
   
  Sales Growth
Goals (% growth
over fiscal 2008)

   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Below Threshold       <2.36%         0 %  
    Threshold       2.36%         50 %  
    Target       4.45%         100 %  
    Maximum       9.68%         200 %  

 

 
   
   
   
   
 
  Operating Income Growth Component Level of Achievement
   
  Operating Income
Growth Goals
(% growth over
fiscal 2008)

   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Below Threshold       <9.00%         0 %  
    Threshold       9.00%         25 %  
    Target       12.40%         100 %  
    Maximum       18.00%         200 %  

The sales and operating income growth goals were established in light of the operating plans for operations within Mr. Holloman's responsibility for fiscal 2009.

 
   
   
   
 
  Individual Performance Component Level of Achievement
   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Does Not Meet Goals         0 %  
    Meets Most Goals         50 %  
    Meets Goals         100 %  
    Exceeds Goals         150 %  
    Outstanding Achievement         200 %  

Under the Executive Incentive Plan, annual cash incentive calculations for achievement of financial goals are based on actual results, subject to adjustment at the discretion of the Compensation Committee to exclude items that are not operational, such as accounting principle changes or revenue from an acquisition that was not in the business plan.

The Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2009 table outlines estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards. Based on the sales and operating income growth for fiscal 2009, Mr. Holloman did not receive a bonus for these components. Mr. Holloman's individual performance

14


Table of Contents


level was "Meets Goals" and, as a result, received $53,000. Mr. Holloman's total fiscal 2009 annual cash incentive award was $53,000.

For fiscal 2009, the Committee approved total compensation plans for Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson. The aggregate amount of annual cash incentive for fiscal 2009 for Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson is comprised of the sum of that named executive officer's incentive for the EPS component and the individual performance component. Based upon overall performance, the eligible named executive officers could earn 0% up to a maximum of 200% of the annual cash incentive target. The following table sets forth the annual cash incentive target and performance criteria that were reviewed and approved by the Committee:

 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 

Name

   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Target

   
  EPS Component
   
  Individual
Performance
Component

   
    William C. Gale       $ 196,100         50 %       50 %  
    Thomas E. Frooman       $ 198,750         50 %       50 %  
    Michael L. Thompson       $ 63,600         50 %       50 %  

The annual cash incentive payout percentage multiplier for each component is provided in the following tables:

 
   
   
   
   
 
 

EPS Component Level of Achievement

   
  EPS Goals
   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Below Threshold       <$2.25         0 %  
    Threshold       $2.25         50 %  
    Target       $2.32         100 %  
    Maximum       $2.44         200 %  

The EPS goals were established in light of the operating plans for Cintas for fiscal 2009.

 
   
   
   
 
 

Individual Performance Component Level of Achievement

   
  Annual
Cash Incentive
Payout

   
    Does Not Meet Goals         0 %  
    Meets Most Goals         50 %  
    Meets Goals         100 %  
    Exceeds Goals         150 %  
    Outstanding Achievement         200 %  

Under the Executive Incentive Plan, annual cash incentive calculations for achievement of financial goals are based on actual results, subject to adjustment at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer to exclude items that are not operational, such as accounting principle changes.

The Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2009 table outlines estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards. As presented to and approved by the Compensation Committee, the actual annual cash incentive payments earned for fiscal 2009 as reflected in the Summary

15


Table of Contents


Compensation Table are as follows: Mr. Gale earned a fiscal 2009 annual cash incentive award of $147,075. His individual performance level was "Exceeds Goals" and Cintas' EPS was "Below Threshold". Mr. Frooman earned a fiscal 2009 annual cash incentive award of $149,063. His individual performance level was "Exceeds Goals" and Cintas' EPS was "Below Threshold". Mr. Thompson earned a fiscal 2009 annual cash incentive award of $63,600. His individual performance level was "Outstanding Achievement" and Cintas' EPS was "Below Threshold".

The performance components and targets were derived from the operating plans for Cintas for fiscal 2009 and represent goals for that year that the Committee believes will be challenging for Cintas, yet achievable if senior and operating management meet or surpass their business unit goals and objectives.

The Committee anticipates that similar performance components and targets will be utilized in fiscal 2010. However, the Committee reserves the right to determine on an ongoing basis the performance components and targets it will use in developing the performance-based portion of the named executive officers' compensation.

Long-Term Equity Incentives

Long-term equity incentive compensation is comprised of non-qualified stock options and restricted stock. With respect to Mr. S. D. Farmer and Mr. Holloman, equity awards are made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and subjectively based on Cintas' performance and their individual performance during fiscal 2009. With respect to Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson, these awards are made pursuant to the criteria outlined in the Executive Incentive Plan. The purpose of such awards is to encourage named executive officers to build and maintain a long-term equity ownership position in Cintas so that their interests are aligned with those of our shareholders.

Under the Executive Incentive Plan, the amount of equity awards eligible for Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson is based on a target level of corporate EPS and achievement of individual goals.

The tables below provide more detail with respect to the award percentage multiplier tied to each milestone level of achievement:

 
   
   
   
   
 
 
EPS Component Level of Achievement

   
  EPS Goals
   
  Equity Award %
   
    Below Threshold       <$2.25         0 %  
    Threshold       $2.25         50 %  
    Target       $2.32         100 %  
    Maximum       $2.44         200 %  

The EPS goals were established in light of the operating plans for Cintas for fiscal 2009.

 
   
   
   
 
 
Individual Performance Component Level of Achievement

   
  Equity Award %
   
    Does Not Meet Goals         0 %  
    Meets Most Goals         50 %  
    Meets Goals         100 %  
    Exceeds Goals         150 %  
    Outstanding Achievement         200 %  

16


Table of Contents

For fiscal 2009, the Committee determined that equity awards made under the Executive Incentive Plan would be based on an established target for Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson. The factors that influence the setting of targets are level of responsibility, potential for future responsibility, market compensation analyses and overall performance of the individual. The Compensation Committee reviewed and approved the targets at the beginning of the fiscal year, and the award was granted based upon that named executive officer's performance compared to the targets outlined above.

Non-Qualified Stock Options

Mr. S. D. Farmer's awards were granted on the date the Compensation Committee met to discuss Mr. S. D. Farmer's performance against his performance goals. On July 27, 2009, the Committee awarded 5,000 non-qualified stock options to Mr. S. D. Farmer based on a subjective analysis of his level of performance versus his goals.

On July 17, 2009, Mr. Holloman was awarded 3,000 non-qualified stock options based on a subjective analysis of his level of performance versus his goals, and Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson were awarded 5,650 and 5,000 non-qualified stock options, respectively, based on Cintas' fiscal 2009 EPS and their individual performance level, as outlined above under the Annual Cash Incentives section. In accordance with the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, stock options are not granted to individuals age 55 or older, but instead, any stock option awards that would have been awarded to Mr. Gale were awarded as restricted shares. As such, Mr. Gale did not receive any non-qualified stock options.

As dictated by the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, stock option awards have an exercise price equal to the closing stock price on the date of the award. As a result, stock options awarded to the named executive officers increase in value only if the market price of the common stock increases.

Restricted Stock

Mr. S. D. Farmer's awards were granted on the date the Compensation Committee met to discuss Mr. S. D. Farmer's performance against his performance goals. On July 27, 2009, the Committee awarded 5,323 restricted stock shares to Mr. S. D. Farmer based on a subjective analysis of his level of performance versus his goals.

On July 17, 2009, Mr. Holloman was awarded 1,000 restricted stock shares based on a subjective analysis of his level of performance versus his goals, and Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson were awarded 3,784, 1,900 and 1,200 restricted stock shares, respectively, based on Cintas' fiscal 2009 EPS and their individual performance level, as outlined above under the Annual Cash Incentives section.

In addition, on July 21, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a one-time equity grant to retain and incentivize key officers and managers of Cintas and to better align their interests with the interests of the shareholders. Mr. Gale, Mr. Frooman and Mr. Thompson were awarded 34,075, 26,901 and 25,108 restricted stock shares, respectively, as part of this one-time equity grant.

Health, Retirement and Other Benefits

Cintas' benefits program includes retirement plans and group insurance plans. The objective of our group insurance plans is to provide our named executive officers with reasonable and competitive levels of protection from events which could interrupt the named executive officer's employment and/or income received as an active employee.

The retirement plans offered to named executive officers include Cintas' Partners' Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan. The Partners' Plan is a noncontributory employee stock ownership

17


Table of Contents


plan and profit sharing plan with a 401(k) savings feature which covers substantially all employees. The Deferred Compensation Plan is discussed in more detail in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2009 table of this proxy statement, and its accompanying narrative and footnotes.

Executive perquisites are kept by the Committee to a minimal level and do not play a significant role in executive compensation. These benefits and their incremental cost to Cintas are described in the Summary Compensation Table and its footnotes. The Committee believes these perquisites to be reasonable, comparable with peer companies and consistent with Cintas' overall compensation practices.

Change in Control Agreements

Cintas has no policy regarding change in control agreements. For a further discussion on this topic, please see the section titled "Potential Payments Upon Termination, Retirement or Change of Control" of this proxy statement.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1 million on the amount of compensation we may deduct in any one year with respect to each named executive officer. There is an exception to the $1 million limitation for performance-based compensation meeting certain requirements. The Committee believes that all compensation paid to the named executive officers for fiscal year 2009 is properly deductible under Section 162(m).

Recovery of Prior Awards

We do not have a policy with respect to adjustment or recovery of awards or payments if relevant company performance measures upon which previous awards were based are restated or otherwise adjusted in a manner that would reduce the size of such award or payment. Under those circumstances, we expect that the Compensation Committee would evaluate whether compensation adjustments were appropriate based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicable restatement or adjustment.

18


Table of Contents


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table provides information regarding the compensation earned by our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and our three other most highly compensated executive officers during fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007. These individuals are collectively known as our named executive officers.

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 

Name and Principal
Position

   
  Fiscal
Year

   
  Salary
($)

   
  Bonus(1)
($)

   
  Stock
Awards(2)
($)

   
  Option
Awards(3)
($)

   
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(4)
($)

   
  All Other
Compensation(5)
($)

   
  Total
($)

   

  

 

Scott D. Farmer

        2009         725,000                 213,578         247,656         120,000         70,101         1,376,335    

  

 

    Chief Executive Officer

        2008         700,000                 181,094         242,956         235,000         59,692         1,418,742    

  

 

    and Director

        2007         660,000                 130,771         228,120         200,000         69,119         1,288,010    

  

 

William C. Gale

        2009         442,000                 448,490         56,948         147,075         43,345         1,137,858    

  

 

    Senior Vice President and

        2008         427,330                 110,431         56,948         191,463         27,112         813,284    

  

 

    Chief Financial Officer

        2007         391,400                 73,801         56,948         159,800         25,258         707,207    

  

 

Thomas E. Frooman

        2009         407,500                 268,646         83,793         149,063         42,999         952,001    

  

 

    Vice President and

        2008         393,594                 70,406         78,482         191,463         32,615         766,560    

  

 

    Secretary – General

        2007         360,500                 51,979         66,613         158,900         31,989         669,981    

  

 

    Counsel

                                                                                   

  

 

J. Phillip Holloman

        2009         530,000                 99,181         99,072         53,000         26,437         807,690    

  

 

    President and Chief

        2008         405,333                 93,528         96,252         185,500         28,146         808,759    

  

 

    Operating Officer

        2007         325,000                 47,751         67,833         125,000         25,114         590,698    

  

 

Michael L. Thompson

        2009         310,000                 217,205         85,419         63,600         35,750         711,974    

  

 

    Vice President and

        2008         286,000                 35,419         80,719         75,790         25,271         503,199    

  

 

    Treasurer

        2007         267,120                 25,181         71,446         53,000         23,339         440,086    

19


Table of Contents


GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR FISCAL 2009

The following table sets forth certain information regarding all grants of plan-based awards made to the named executive officers during fiscal 2009:

 
   
 
   
   
   
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

   
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
  Name
   
  Grant
Date

   
  Threshold
($)

   
  Target
($)

   
  Maximum
($)

   
  Threshold
(#)

   
  Target
(#)

   
  Maximum
(#)

   
  All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock
or Units
(#)

   
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)

   
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards(8)
($/sh)

   
  Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)

   
    Scott D. Farmer(1)         8/19/2008         0         420,000         840,000         0 (2)       0 (2)       0 (2)                                          
              7/27/2009                                                                               5,000         24.41         51,700    
              7/27/2009                                                                     5,323                             129,934    
    William C. Gale(3)         8/13/2008         0         196,100         392,200                                                                          
              8/13/2008 (6)                                     0         5,000         10,000                                            
              7/21/2008 (7)                                                                   34,075                             950,011    
              7/17/2009                                                                     3,784                             85,556    
    Thomas E. Frooman(3)         8/15/2008         0         198,750         397,500                                                                          
              8/15/2008 (5)                                     0         7,500         15,000                                            
              8/15/2008 (6)                                     0         2,500         5,000                                            
              7/21/2008 (7)                                                                   26,901                             750,000    
              7/17/2009                                                                               5,650         22.61         58,421    
              7/17/2009                                                                     1,900                             42,959    
    J. Phillip Holloman(4)         8/15/2008         0         212,000         424,000         0 (2)       0 (2)       0 (2)                                          
              7/17/2009                                                                               3,000         22.61         31,020    
              7/17/2009                                                                     1,000                             22,610    
    Michael L. Thompson(3)         8/26/2008         0         63,600         127,200                                                                          
              8/26/2008 (5)                                     0         5,000         10,000                                            
              8/26/2008 (6)                                     0         1,200         2,400                                            
              7/21/2008 (7)                                                                   25,108                             700,011    
              7/17/2009                                                                               5,000         22.61         51,700    
              7/17/2009                                                                     1,200                             27,132    



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20


Table of Contents

21


Table of Contents


OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2009 YEAR-END

The following table provides information regarding unexercised stock options and unvested stock awards held by our named executive officers as of May 31, 2009:

 
 
   
  Option Awards(1)
   
  Stock Awards(2)
   
 
  Name
   
  Grant
Date(3)

   
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)

   
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)

   
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)

   
  Option
Expiration
Date

   
  Number of
Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)

   
  Market
Value of
Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)

   
    Scott D. Farmer         7/29/1999         15,000                 41.96         7/29/2009                        
              7/24/2000         15,000                 42.67         7/24/2010                        
              8/08/2001         10,000                 47.35         8/08/2011                        
              7/29/2003         10,000         40,000         39.29         7/29/2013                        
              7/26/2004                 25,000         42.06         7/26/2014                        
              8/01/2005                 25,000         44.43         8/01/2015                        
              7/24/2006                 15,000         35.99         7/24/2016                        
              7/23/2007                 7,500         38.74         7/23/2017                        
              7/21/2008                 10,000         27.88         7/21/2018                        
              7/27/2009                 5,000         24.41         7/27/2019                        
                                                                24,852         578,803    
    William C. Gale         7/29/1999         7,501                 41.96         7/29/2009                        
              7/24/2000         5,000                 42.67         7/24/2010                        
              7/22/2002         5,000                 41.65         7/22/2012                        
              2/28/2003         3,000         4,500         33.57         2/28/2013                        
              7/26/2004                 15,000         42.06         7/26/2014                        
              8/01/2005                 7,500         44.43         8/01/2015                        
              7/17/2006                 7,500         36.08         7/17/2016                        
                                                                50,117         1,167,225    
    Thomas E. Frooman         12/28/2001         25,000                 49.69         12/28/2011                        
              7/22/2002         15,000                 41.65         7/22/2012                        
              2/28/2003         8,000         12,000         33.57         2/28/2013                        
              7/26/2004                 15,000         42.06         7/26/2014                        
              8/01/2005                 7,500         44.43         8/01/2015                        
              7/17/2006                 7,500         36.08         7/17/2016                        
              7/03/2007                 6,575         39.84         7/03/2017                        
              7/17/2008                 8,000         27.30         7/17/2018                        
              7/17/2009                 5,650         22.61         7/17/2019                        
                                                                36,201         843,121    
    J. Phillip Holloman         7/29/1999         4,501                 41.96         7/29/2009                        
              7/24/2000         5,000                 42.67         7/24/2010                        
              9/29/2000         5,000                 43.56         9/29/2010                        
              8/08/2001         2,000                 47.35         8/08/2011                        
              7/22/2002         3,000                 41.65         7/22/2012                        
              3/28/2003         3,000         4,500         35.02         3/28/2013                        
              7/29/2003         200         800         39.29         7/29/2013                        
              7/26/2004                 7,500         42.06         7/26/2014                        
              8/01/2005                 15,000         44.43         8/01/2015                        
              7/17/2006                 5,650         36.08         7/17/2016                        
              7/03/2007                 7,500         39.84         7/03/2017                        
              1/31/2008                 25,000         32.82         1/31/2018                        
              7/17/2008                 8,000         27.30         7/17/2018                        
              7/17/2009                 3,000         22.61         7/17/2019                        
                                                                13,100         305,099    
    Michael L. Thompson         7/29/1999         2,250                 41.96         7/29/2009                        
              8/08/2001         1,000                 47.35         8/08/2011                        
              7/22/2002         5,000                 41.65         7/22/2012                        
              1/31/2003         1,200         1,800         41.30         1/31/2013                        
              7/29/2003         600         2,400         39.29         7/29/2013                        
              7/26/2004                 5,000         42.06         7/26/2014                        
              8/01/2005                 5,000         44.43         8/01/2015                        
              1/27/2006                 15,000         42.73         1/27/2016                        
              7/17/2006                 4,400         36.08         7/17/2016                        
              7/03/2007                 5,000         39.84         7/03/2017                        
              7/17/2008                 6,250         27.30         7/17/2018                        
              7/17/2009                 5,000         22.61         7/17/2019                        
                                                                30,108         701,215    



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22


Table of Contents


23


Table of Contents


NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2009

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan. This Deferred Compensation Plan permits a group of highly compensated employees of Cintas to defer the receipt of current year compensation which they have earned during the year. This Deferred Compensation Plan is intended to assist Cintas in the retaining and attracting of individuals of exceptional ability.

Our named executive officers may elect to defer up to 75% of their base salary and up to 100% of their earned annual cash incentive awards. Amounts deferred are credited to the named executive officer's account under the Deferred Compensation Plan and are fully vested.

Future payments are distributed in a lump sum or in annual installments, based on the choice of the named executive officer. If the form of payment selected provides for subsequent payments, subsequent payments will be made on the anniversary of the initial payment. All amounts are payable in a lump sum if the named executive officer terminates employment prior to the date specified. All distribution decisions and payments under the Deferred Compensation Plan are subject to compliance with section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

While deferred, amounts are credited with "earnings" as if they were invested as the named executive officer chose in one or more investment options available under the Deferred Compensation Plan. The named executive officers' accounts under the Deferred Compensation Plan will be adjusted from time to time, up or down, depending upon performance of the investment options chosen.

The following table provides information relating to the activity in the Deferred Compensation Plan accounts of the named executive officers during fiscal 2009 and the aggregate balance of the accounts as of May 31, 2009:

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
  Name
   
  Executive
Contributions
in Fiscal 2009(1)
($)

   
  Aggregate
Earnings
in Fiscal 2009(2)
($)

   
  Aggregate
Balance
at May 31, 2009
($)

   
    Scott D. Farmer         230,048         151         230,199    
    William C. Gale                            
    Thomas E. Frooman         20,362         (9,199 )       36,259    
    J. Phillip Holloman         45,021         (30,048 )       79,191    
    Michael L. Thompson         93,689         (40,942 )       138,778    

24


Table of Contents


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION, RETIREMENT OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

Payments Made Upon Termination

Regardless of the manner in which a named executive officer's employment terminates, except for a "for cause" termination, he is entitled to receive amounts earned during his term of employment. Such amounts include:

In addition, if Cintas elects to terminate a named executive officer, he will receive four weeks written notice or four weeks of base salary instead of notice. Generally, Cintas makes no payments to executives terminated for cause. Cintas has no policy regarding severance payments.

Payments Made Upon Retirement

In the event of the retirement of a named executive officer, he is entitled to receive amounts earned during his term of employment. Such amounts include:

Cintas has no policy regarding retirement arrangements.

Payments Made Upon Death or Disability

In the event of the death or disability of a named executive officer, in addition to the benefits listed under the heading "Payments Made Upon Retirement" above, the named executive officer will receive benefits under Cintas' disability plan or payments under Cintas' life insurance plan, as appropriate. These payments are generally available to all employees.

Payments Made Upon a Change of Control

Cintas has no policy regarding payments made upon a change of control.

25


Table of Contents


NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2009

For fiscal 2009, Directors who are not employees of Cintas received a $40,000 cash annual retainer, payable quarterly, plus an additional $2,750 for each meeting attended. Directors received $1,375 for each telephonic meeting attended. Committee members also received $1,200 for each Committee meeting attended and $600 for attending each telephonic Committee meeting. Committee Chairmen (other than the Audit Committee Chairman) received an additional fee of $5,000. The Audit Committee Chairman received an additional fee of $8,000. Directors are also reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board or Committee meetings. Directors who are employees of Cintas are not separately compensated for serving as Directors.

Directors also receive upon election or appointment to the Board restricted stock valued at $41,000 based on the closing market price of Cintas stock on the date preceding the grant and options to purchase Cintas stock valued at $41,000 based on the fair value of these options estimated at the date preceding the grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The value of the grants is prorated for Directors appointed to the Board for a partial year. With the exception of Mr. Johnson, each nonemployee Director was therefore granted 1,753 shares of restricted stock and an option to purchase 4,145 shares of Cintas stock at an exercise price equal to the closing market price on the date of grant. Mr. Johnson was appointed to the Board on March 24, 2009, and was granted 927 shares of restricted stock and an option to purchase 2,469 shares of Cintas stock at an exercise price equal to the closing market price on the date of grant. The restricted stock awards vest 100% after three years from the date of grant. The stock options vest 25% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant.

Nonemployee directors may choose to defer all or part of these fees into Cintas stock equivalents with dividends or into a deferred account that earns interest at a rate equal to one-year United States Treasury Bills, determined as of the preceding December 31, increased by 100 basis points. Deferred fees are payable either in a lump sum or over a period of 12 to 120 monthly installments beginning in the month selected by the Director, but in no case later than the first month after the Director leaves the Board.

The following table details fiscal 2009 compensation paid to nonemployee directors:

 
 
  Name
   
  Fees Earned
or Paid
in Cash(1)
($)

   
  Stock
Awards(2)
($)

   
  Option
Awards(3)
($)

   
  Total
($)

   

  

 

Gerald S. Adolph

        61,125         27,176         9,810         98,111    

  

 

Paul R. Carter

        74,525         27,176         14,190         115,891    

  

 

Gerald V. Dirvin

        66,725         27,176         14,190         108,091    

  

 

Joyce Hergenhan

        61,125         27,176         14,190         102,491    

  

  James J. Johnson(4)         20,750         5,680         1,802         28,232    

  

 

David C. Phillips

        71,525         27,176         14,190         112,891    

  

 

Ronald W. Tysoe

        74,525         13,753         4,333         92,611    

26


Table of Contents

 
  
  Name
   
  Grant Date
   
  Shares
Granted
(#)

   
  Grant Date
Fair Value
($)

   
     Gerald S. Adolph         10/14/2008         4,145         40,124    
     Paul R. Carter         10/14/2008         4,145         40,124    
     Gerald V. Dirvin         10/14/2008         4,145         40,124    
     Joyce Hergenhan         10/14/2008         4,145         40,124    
     James J. Johnson         3/24/2009         2,469         24,023    
     David C. Phillips         10/14/2008         4,145         40,124    
     Ronald W. Tysoe         10/14/2008         4,145         40,124    
 
  
  Name
   
  Options
Outstanding
(#)

   

  

 

Gerald S. Adolph

        9,145    

  

 

Paul R. Carter

        13,145    

  

 

Gerald V. Dirvin

        15,645    

  

 

Joyce Hergenhan

        11,145    

  

 

James J. Johnson

        2,469    

  

 

David C. Phillips

        12,145    

  

 

Ronald W. Tysoe

        6,145    

27


Table of Contents


PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth the names and addresses of the only shareholders known by Cintas to own beneficially 5% or more of its outstanding Common Stock as of August 25, 2009:

Name of
Beneficial Owner
   
  Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
  Percent of
Class
 
Scott D. Farmer(1)     15,402,737 (3)   10.0 %

Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC(2)

 

 

12,160,966

 

 

7.9

%

28


Table of Contents


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table shows the amount of Cintas Corporation Common Stock each director and named executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table owned on August 25, 2009:

 
   
  Common Stock
Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Name and Age of
Beneficial Owner
  Position   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
  Percent of
Class
 
Scott D. Farmer
50
  Chief Executive Officer and Director     15,402,737 (2)   10.0 %

Richard T. Farmer
74

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

3,091,141

(3)

 

2.0

%

Robert J. Kohlhepp
65

 

Vice Chairman of the Board

 

 

1,530,418

(4)

 

1.0

%

Gerald S. Adolph
55

 

Director

 

 

7,290

 

 

*

 

Paul R. Carter
69

 

Director

 

 

13,540

 

 

*

 

Gerald V. Dirvin
72

 

Director

 

 

38,282

 

 

*

 

Joyce Hergenhan
67

 

Director

 

 

10,540

 

 

*

 

James J. Johnson
62

 

Director

 

 

927

 

 

*

 

David C. Phillips
71

 

Director

 

 

11,640

(5)

 

*

 

Ronald W. Tysoe
56

 

Director

 

 

4,040

 

 

*

 

William C. Gale
57

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

81,620

 

 

*

 

Thomas E. Frooman
42

 

Vice President and Secretary – General Counsel

 

 

86,468

 

 

*

 

J. Phillip Holloman
53

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

32,233

 

 

*

 

Michael L. Thompson
43

 

Vice President and Treasurer

 

 

46,701

 

 

*

 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (14 persons)

 

 

20,357,577

(6)

 

13.2

%

29


Table of Contents

The following is a description of our non-director named executive officers:

William C. Gale joined Cintas in April 1995 as Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He was appointed Senior Vice President in July 2003. He is responsible for finance, accounting and administration.

Thomas E. Frooman joined Cintas in December 2001 as Vice President and Secretary – General Counsel.

J. Phillip Holloman joined Cintas in 1996. He has held various positions within Cintas, including Vice President Engineering/Construction from 1996 to 2000, Vice President of the Distribution/Production Planning Division from 2000 to 2003, Executive Champion of Six Sigma Initiatives from 2003 to 2005 and Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain Management from 2005 to 2008. He was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2008.

Michael L. Thompson joined Cintas in 1994. He has held various positions within Cintas, including Director of Corporate Development and Corporate Controller. He was elected Vice President and Treasurer in January 2006.


SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Cintas' executive officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of Cintas' Common Stock to file reports of ownership with the Commission and to furnish Cintas with copies of these reports. Based solely upon its review of reports received by it, or upon written representation from certain reporting persons that no reports were required, Cintas believes that during fiscal 2009 all filing requirements were met except that Mr. Johnson reported one day late a grant of restricted stock and a grant of stock options upon appointment as a director.

30


Table of Contents


RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Cintas Corporation has a 25% interest in a corporate airplane with its Chairman, Richard T. Farmer and his wholly owned company. This arrangement began on February 23, 2006. Cintas manages the airplane under an operating agreement whereby each party pays their own operating expenses for use of the plane, and common costs are shared based on ownership percentages. For fiscal 2009, Cintas was reimbursed $1,302,124 under this arrangement.

In connection with the derivative action captioned Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust v. Richard T. Farmer, et. al., A0806822, filed in the Court of Common Pleas, Hamilton County, Ohio, on or about July 17, 2008, as reported in Cintas' Form 10-K, Cintas hereby reports its intention pursuant to Section 23B.08.600 of the Washington Business Corporation Act ("WBCA"), subject to any and all applicable provisions of the WBCA and Cintas' Bylaws (as such may be amended from time to time), to indemnify and/or advance expenses (the specific amounts of which are unknown as of the date of mailing of Cintas' 2009 proxy materials) to the directors and executive officers named as defendants in this action. Specifically, Sections 23B.08.500 through 23B.08.600 of the WBCA provide that a corporation may indemnify a director who is made party to a proceeding if the director acted in good faith, reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the corporation's best interests and had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation (also known as a "derivative action") in which the director is adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with any other proceeding in which the director is adjudged liable on the basis that he or she received an improper personal benefit. In the case of derivative actions, indemnification extends only to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the action. Cintas' bylaws provide for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the maximum extent permitted by Washington law.

Cintas engages Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL for a variety of legal services. Robert E. Coletti, a partner of the firm, is an in-law of Richard T. and Scott D. Farmer. Cintas paid the firm fees of $8,085,648 for legal services during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009. Mr. Coletti does not receive any direct compensation from fees paid by Cintas to the firm.

Please refer to the section titled Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in this proxy statement for a description of a related party transaction relating to Mr. Adolph.

Joseph Automotive Group engages Cintas for a variety of services. George R. Joseph, a principle and part owner, is an in-law of Richard T. and Scott D. Farmer. Joseph Automotive Group paid Cintas fees of $394,598 for services provided during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009. Mr. Joseph does not receive any direct compensation from services provided by Cintas to the company.

The Farmer Family Foundation, based in Cincinnati, is committed to enhancing the community in which they live and serve through various contributions to non-profit organizations. One such contribution was to Cincinnati Works, Inc., co-founded by Mr. Phillips, a nonemployee director, which aims to educate and employ individuals in an effort to help them become economically self-sufficient. The independent members of the Board of Directors, excluding Mr. Phillips, discussed this contribution and determined that it did not impact his independence and did not adversely affect Mr. Phillips' ability to carry out his responsibility as Lead Director, Chairman of the Executive Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and member of the Audit Committee.

Certain stock exchange rules require Cintas to conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions (those required to be disclosed by Cintas pursuant to SEC Regulation S-K Item 404) for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis and that all such transactions must

31


Table of Contents


be approved by the Audit Committee or another committee comprised of independent directors. As a result, the Audit Committee annually reviews all such related party transactions and approves such related party transactions only if it determines that it is in the best interests of Cintas. In considering the transaction, the Audit Committee may consider all relevant factors, including as applicable (i) Cintas' business rationale for entering into the transaction; (ii) the alternatives to entering into a related person transaction; (iii) whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those available to third parties, or in the case of employment relationships, to employees generally; (iv) the potential for the transaction to lead to an actual or apparent conflict of interest and any safeguards imposed to prevent such actual or apparent conflicts; and (v) the overall fairness of the transaction to Cintas.

While Cintas adheres to this policy for potential related person transactions, the policy is not in written form (other than as part of listing agreements with stock exchanges to the extent required). However, approval of such related person transactions is evidenced by Audit Committee resolutions in accordance with our practice of approving transactions in this manner.


RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
(Item 2 on the Proxy Card)

Although not required, the Board is seeking shareholder ratification of the selection by the Audit Committee of Ernst & Young LLP as Cintas' independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010. If shareholders do not ratify this selection, the Audit Committee intends to continue the employment of Ernst & Young LLP at least through fiscal 2010, as the new fiscal year has already commenced. However, the Audit Committee will take the vote into account in selecting the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2011. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and to respond to appropriate questions that may be asked by shareholders.

32


Table of Contents


OTHER ITEM TO BE VOTED ON BY SHAREHOLDERS

Shareholder Proposal
(Item 3 on the Proxy Card)

RESOLVED: Shareholders of Cintas Corporation (the "Company") urge the Board of Directors to adopt principles for health care reform based upon principles reported by the Institute of Medicine:

Supporting Statement

The Institute of Medicine, established by Congress as part of the National Academy of Sciences, issued five principles for reforming health insurance coverage in a report, Insuring America's Health: Principles and Recommendations (2004). We believe principles for health care reform, such as those set forth by the Institute of Medicine, are essential if public confidence in our Company's commitment to health care coverage is to be maintained.

Access to affordable, comprehensive health care insurance is the most significant social policy issue in America according to polls by NBC News/The Wall Street Journal, the Kaiser Foundation, and The New York Times/CBS News. In our opinion, health care reform also is a central issue in the presidential campaign of 2008.

Many national organizations have made health care reform a priority. In 2007, representing "a stark departure from past practice," the American Cancer Society redirected its entire $15 million advertising budget "to the consequences of inadequate health coverage" in the United States (The New York Times, 8/31/07).

John Castellani, president of the Business Roundtable (representing 160 of the country's largest companies), has stated that 52 percent of the Business Roundtable's members say health costs represent their biggest economic challenge. "The cost of health care has put a tremendous weight on the U.S. economy," according to Castellani, "The current situation is not sustainable in a global, competitive workplace." (Business Week, July 3, 2007.)

The National Coalition on Health Care (whose members include some of the largest publicly-held companies, institutional investors and labor unions) also has created principles for health insurance reform. According to the National Coalition on Health Care, implementing its principles would save employers presently providing health insurance coverage an estimated $595-$848 billion in the first 10 years of implementation.

We believe that the 47 million Americans without health insurance results in higher costs, causing an adverse effect on shareholder value for our Company, as well as all other U.S. companies which provide health insurance to their employees. Annual surcharges as high as $1,160 for the uninsured are added to the total cost of each employee's health insurance, according to Kenneth Thorpe, a leading health economist at Emory University. Moreover, we feel that increasing health care costs further reduces shareholder value when it leads companies to shift costs to employees, thereby reducing employee productivity, health and morale.

33


Table of Contents

The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal for the following reasons:

Although the Board of Directors agrees that health care reform is an important issue that needs to be addressed, the Board does not believe that it is an appropriate subject for the boardroom or an annual meeting of shareholders. The health insurance questions raised in this proposal are not directly applicable to self-insured companies such as Cintas. On the broader topic of health care reform, the Board of Directors views health care reform as an important, but complex, public policy issue that will require action by the U.S. Congress and the President based on a thoughtful public dialogue and input and ideas from experts on health care issues, such as medical associations, health care providers and health care insurance companies. In light of the ongoing discussions in Washington, we believe that the coverage issues raised in this proposal may be addressed prior to the date of our annual meeting of shareholders.

Cintas is proud of its commitment to the health and well-being of our employee-partners and their families. Cintas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to provide our employee-partners with the tools to manage their health care. In addition, Cintas frequently reviews its health care benefits to ensure that they remain competitive and enable Cintas to continue to attract highly-qualified employee-partners.

Standard health care benefits afforded Cintas employee-partners include: medical insurance plans and prescription drug coverage, both with several options to meet the varying needs of our partners, dental and vision insurance plans. Cintas also provides its employee-partners with additional health and wellness benefits including, for example, a tobacco cessation program, future moms maternity program and employee assistance program.

Cintas is serious about ensuring the health and well-being of its employee-partners and views a strong, effective, high-quality and well-managed health care system as vital to our country's and Cintas' well-being, prosperity and strength. The Board believes that national health care reform is the province of political leaders and health care organizations and not the boardroom or the annual meeting of shareholders.

Accordingly, the Board requests a vote AGAINST this proposal.

Upon oral or written request to Thomas E. Frooman, Secretary, 6800 Cintas Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio 45262, Cintas will provide the name, address, and number of voting securities held by the proponent of Item 3.


PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR

Shareholders who desire to have proposals included in the Notice for the 2010 Shareholders' Meeting must submit their proposals in writing to Cintas at its offices on or before May 7, 2010, and must comply with any and all requirements set forth in Cintas' Bylaws as such may be amended from time to time.

The form of Proxy for Cintas' Annual Meeting of Shareholders grants authority to the designated proxies to vote in their discretion on any matters that come before the meeting except those set forth in Cintas' proxy statement and except for matters as to which adequate notice is received. In order for a notice to be deemed adequate for the 2010 Shareholders' Meeting, it must be received prior to July 22, 2010.

Cintas' Bylaws require that items of new business and nominees for director be presented at least 90 days prior to the date of the meeting. If there is a change in the anticipated date of next year's Annual Meeting or these deadlines by more than 30 days, Cintas will notify all shareholders of this change through Form 8-K, 10-Q or 10-K filings.

34


Table of Contents


OTHER MATTERS

Cintas knows of no other matters to be presented at the meeting other than those specified in the Notice.


QUESTIONS?

If you have questions or need more information about the annual meeting, write to:

For information about your record holding, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-468-9716. We also invite you to visit Cintas' Internet site at www.cintas.com. Internet site materials are for your general information and are not part of this proxy solicitation.

35


M17083-P84808 Meeting Information Meeting Type: Annual For holders as of: August 25, 2009 Date: October 20, 2009 Time: 10 a.m. EDT Location: You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company. This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side). We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions. CINTAS CORPORATION *** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials Cintas Headquarters 6800 Cintas Boulevard Mason, Ohio 45040 CINTAS CORPORATION 6800 CINTAS BOULEVARD P.O. BOX 625737 CINCINNATI, OH 45262-5737 ATTN: JUDY GIRTY

 


M17084-P84808 Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT FORM 10-K Before You Vote How to Access the Proxy Materials How To Vote Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods Vote In Person: Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the 12 Digit Control Number available and follow the instructions. Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before October 6, 2009 to facilitate timely delivery. How to View Online: Have the 12-Digit Control Number available (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: 1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the 12-Digit Control Number (located on the following page) in the subject line.

 


Voting Items 1a. Gerald S. Adolph 1d. Richard T. Farmer 1b. Paul R. Carter 1c. Gerald V. Dirvin 1g. James J. Johnson 1e. Scott D. Farmer 1f. Joyce Hergenhan 1i. David C. Phillips 3. Proposal to adopt principles for healthcare reform as reported by the Institute of Medicine. 1j. Ronald W. Tysoe 2. To ratify Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010. 1. Election of Directors Nominees: 1h. Robert J. Kohlhepp M17085-P84808 NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR each of the following candidates: The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposal 2. The Board of Directors recommends you vote AGAINST proposal 3.

 


M17086-P84808

 

 

 

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: Signature (Joint Owners) Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Date CINTAS CORPORATION M17081-P84808 For Against Abstain CINTAS CORPORATION 6800 CINTAS BOULEVARD P.O. BOX 625737 CINCINNATI, OH 45262-5737 ATTN: JUDY GIRTY For Against Abstain 1a. Gerald S. Adolph 1d. Richard T. Farmer 1b. Paul R. Carter 1c. Gerald V. Dirvin 1g. James J. Johnson 1e. Scott D. Farmer 1f. Joyce Hergenhan 1i. David C. Phillips 3. Proposal to adopt principles for healthcare reform as reported by the Institute of Medicine. 1j. Ronald W. Tysoe 2. To ratify Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010. 1. Election of Directors VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR each of the following candidates: Nominees: 1h. Robert J. Kohlhepp Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. If a director nominee becomes unavailable before the election, your proxy card authorizes us to vote for a replacement nominee if the Board names one. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposal 2. The Board of Directors recommends you vote AGAINST proposal 3.

 


CINTAS CORPORATION PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned hereby appoints Richard T. Farmer, Robert J. Kohlhepp and William C. Gale and each or any of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cintas Corporation (the "Company") to be held at Cintas' Headquarters, 6800 Cintas Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio, on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, and at any postponement or adjournment thereof, hereby revoking any proxies heretofore given, all shares of common stock of the Company, which the undersigned would be entitled to vote as directed on the reverse side, and, in their discretion, upon such other matters as may come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice and Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com. Continued and to be signed on reverse side M17082-P84808