Earnings per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

May 31, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share For Continuing Operations

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations using the two-class method for amounts attributable to Cintas' common shares for the fiscal years ended May 31:

Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations (In thousands except per share data)	2020		2019		2018
Income from continuing operations	$	876,360	$	882,635	$	783,932
Less: income from continuing operations allocated to     participating securities	8,158		9,568		11,794
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	868,202	$	873,067	$	772,138
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	103,816		106,080		106,593
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	8.36	$	8.23	$	7.24

Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations (In thousands except per share data)	2020		2019		2018
Income from continuing operations	$	876,360	$	882,635	$	783,932
Less: income from continuing operations allocated to    participating securities	8,158		9,568		11,794
Income from continuing operations available to common    shareholders	$	868,202	$	873,067	$	772,138
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	103,816		106,080		106,593
Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options	3,196		3,415		3,217
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	107,012		109,495		109,810
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	8.11	$	7.97	$	7.03

Summary of Buyback Activity by Program

The following table summarizes the buyback activity by program and fiscal year ended May 31:

	2020					2019					2018
Buyback Program (In thousands except    per share data)	Shares	Avg. Price per Share		Purchase Price		Shares	Avg. Price per Share		Purchase Price		Shares	Avg. Price per Share		Purchase Price
August 2, 2016	—	$	—	$	—	2,130	$	192.55	$	410,003	518	$	173.51	$	89,997
October 30, 2018	1,607	$	246.19	$	395,681	2,673	$	203.30	$	543,442	—	$	—	$	—
October 29, 2019	—	$	—	$	—	—	$	—	$	—	—	$	—	$	—
	1,607	$	246.19	$	395,681	4,803	$	198.53	$	953,445	518	$	173.51	$	89,997