Rentokil Initial (RTO) vs Unifirst (UNF)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Unifirst (UNF) has outperformed Rentokil Initial (RTO) over the past year, gaining 57.8% versus a loss of 27.3%. Over five years, UNF leads with a +22.5% price change compared with -51.7% for RTO. Rentokil Initial is the larger company by market cap ($10.14 billion vs $4.73 billion), about 2.1 times the size.
On valuation, Rentokil Initial trades at a lower forward P/E (13.2x vs 32.3x for Unifirst). Rentokil Initial offers the higher dividend yield (0.63% vs 0.55%). Rentokil Initial converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.8% versus 6.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | RTO | UNF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $20.15 | $261.41 |
| Market cap | $10.14B | $4.73B |
| 1-day change | -0.52% | +0.70% |
| YTD return | -31.26% | +34.58% |
| 1-year return | -27.26% | +57.78% |
| 5-year return | -51.74% | +22.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 31.98 | 41.30 |
| Forward P/E | 13.22 | 32.33 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.63 | $6.33 |
| Dividend yield | 0.63% | 0.55% |
| Annual dividend | $0.127 | $1.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.91B | $2.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +4.40% | +0.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $470.00M | $148.27M |
| Gross margin | — | 36.59% |
| Operating margin | 8.45% | 7.59% |
| Net margin | 6.80% | 6.10% |
| 52-week high | $34.67 | $306.67 |
| 52-week low | $19.50 | $147.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -41.90% | -14.76% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +58.00% | +4.56% |
| Average volume | 1.70M | 249.78K |
| Shares outstanding | 503.25M | 14.53M |
| Employees | 63,388 | 16,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Other Consumer Services | Other Consumer Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Rentokil Initial is about 2.1 times larger than Unifirst by market value ($10.14B vs $4.73B).
- UNF has outperformed RTO by 85.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Unifirst trades at a higher earnings multiple (41.3x vs 32.0x trailing P/E).
About Rentokil Initial
RTO stock →Rentokil Initial plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides route-based services in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Pacific. The company offers a range of pest control services for rodents, and flying and crawling insects, as well as other forms of wildlife management.
Consumer Discretionary · Other Consumer Services · 63,388 employees
About Unifirst
UNF stock →UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Uniform & Facility Service Solutions; First Aid & Safety Solutions; and Other.
Consumer Discretionary · Other Consumer Services · 16,000 employees
RTO vs UNF FAQ
Which is bigger, Rentokil Initial or Unifirst?
Rentokil Initial (RTO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $10.14B compared with $4.73B for Unifirst (UNF).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, RTO or UNF?
UNF returned +57.78% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.26% for RTO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, RTO or UNF?
RTO has the lower trailing P/E at 32.0, versus 41.3 for UNF. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Rentokil Initial or Unifirst?
Rentokil Initial has the higher yield at 0.63%, compared with 0.55% for Unifirst.
Are Rentokil Initial and Unifirst in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Other Consumer Services industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.