UniFirst: End-Market Weakness Is Transitional, Initiate With Buy Rating

  • Initiating UniFirst Corporation with a Buy rating and $209 fair value, as core laundry business recovery is likely with easing rates and trade policy clarity. UniFirst benefits from a diversified customer base and robust US service network, but remains smaller than Cintas, its primary competitor. Current growth is sluggish due to weak industrial demand and hiring, but I expect a rebound as macro headwinds subside and ERP-driven efficiencies materialize.