Needham Reiterates Hold on First Advantage
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 13 2024
0mins
Should l Buy FA?
Source: Benzinga
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Analyst Views on FA
Wall Street analysts forecast FA stock price to rise
6 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 10.500
Low
17.00
Averages
17.33
High
18.00
Current: 10.500
Low
17.00
Averages
17.33
High
18.00
About FA
First Advantage Corporation is a global provider of software and data in the human resource technology industry. Enabled by its technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the Company’s platforms, data, and application programming interfaces (APIs) power employment background screening, digital identity solutions, and verification services. The Company’s product suite enables its customers across all industry sectors to perform pre-onboarding screening and post-onboarding monitoring of employees, contractors, contingent workers, tenants, and drivers. Its pre-onboarding products include criminal background checks, drug/health screening, extended workforce screening, FBI channeling, identity checks and biometric fraud mitigation tools, education/work history verification, healthcare credentials, executive screening and others. Its post-onboarding solutions include criminal records monitoring, healthcare sanctions, motor vehicle records, social media and global sanctions and licenses.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Cortland Associates Sells Shares of First Advantage Amid Underperformance
- Share Reduction: On January 28, 2026, Cortland Associates sold 399,384 shares of First Advantage for an estimated $5.63 million, indicating concerns about the company's future performance.
- Holding Changes: Following the sale, Cortland's stake in First Advantage decreased to 935,704 shares, with an overall position value declining by $6.95 million, reflecting weakened market confidence in the stock.
- Performance Decline: First Advantage's stock price has dropped 29.1% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by 45.1 percentage points, indicating a lack of competitiveness in the employment services market.
- Market Challenges: The rise of artificial intelligence is creating dual pressures of declining demand and poor execution for First Advantage, leading to diminished investor confidence in its growth prospects, suggesting retail investors should exercise caution.
See More
First Advantage Partners with LPGA Star Lauren Coughlin
- Brand Ambassador Partnership: First Advantage has announced a sponsorship with LPGA professional golfer Lauren Coughlin, who will serve as the first Brand Ambassador, reinforcing the company's alignment with top-tier talent.
- Event Promotion: Coughlin will represent First Advantage throughout the 2026 LPGA season, with the brand logo featured on her apparel during tournament appearances, starting with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions from January 29 to February 1.
- Digital Promotion: Both parties will collaboratively promote the sponsorship through digital outlets such as social media and exclusive appearances throughout the year, enhancing brand visibility and market impact.
- User Conference Participation: Coughlin will be a guest speaker at First Advantage's annual user conference, showcasing her close connection with the brand and alignment with the company's core values.
See More
Onex Increases First Advantage Stake by $3.06 Million
- Increased Holdings: Onex Canada Asset Management raised its position in First Advantage by 240,978 shares in Q3 2025, bringing the total value to $11.88 million, an increase of $3,060,597 from the previous quarter, indicating a bullish outlook on the company.
- Market Performance: As of November 13, 2025, First Advantage shares were priced at $13.13, down 27.14% year-over-year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 41.92 percentage points, reflecting market caution regarding its future growth.
- Financial Metrics: First Advantage reported Q3 revenue of $409.2 million, a significant increase from $199.1 million year-over-year, with a net income of $2.6 million compared to a net loss of $8.9 million last year, highlighting the positive impact of its acquisition of Sterling Check Corp.
- Outlook: Although the company lowered its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to $1.57 billion, its strong market position in background screening and compliance solutions suggests potential for sustained growth in the future.
See More
Onex Canada Increases First Advantage Stake to 772,147 Shares Worth $11.88 Million
- Increased Holdings: Onex Canada Asset Management raised its position in First Advantage by 240,978 shares in Q3 2025, bringing total holdings to 772,147 shares valued at $11.88 million, indicating a bullish outlook on the company.
- Asset Management Shift: This transaction elevates First Advantage to 1.5% of Onex's reportable 13F assets, reflecting its growing significance in the investment portfolio, despite not being among the top five holdings.
- Performance Recovery: First Advantage reported Q3 revenue of $409.2 million, up from $199.1 million year-over-year, with a net income of $2.6 million compared to a net loss of $8.9 million last year, showcasing the company's recovery potential.
- Market Performance: Although First Advantage's stock price has declined by 27.14% over the past year and hit a 52-week low of $11.95 in November, Onex's increased stake suggests confidence in a future rebound in share price.
See More
Onex Canada Increases First Advantage Stake by $3.1 Million
- Share Increase: Onex Canada Asset Management increased its stake in First Advantage by 240,978 shares in Q3 2025, raising its total holdings to 772,147 shares valued at $11.88 million, indicating a bullish outlook on the company.
- Asset Management Shift: This transaction brings First Advantage to 1.5% of Onex's reportable 13F assets, although it remains outside the top five holdings, reflecting its growing significance in the investment portfolio.
- Financial Performance: First Advantage reported Q3 2025 revenue of $409.2 million, a substantial increase from $199.1 million year-over-year, with a net income of $2.6 million, showcasing the positive impact of the Sterling Check Corp acquisition.
- Market Outlook: Although the company lowered its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to $1.57 billion, potentially contributing to a stock price decline, its strong quarterly performance and market position still support future growth prospects.
See More
FA Stock Price Fluctuations: 52-Week Low at $11.95, High at $20.275
- Stock Price Analysis: FA's 52-week low is $11.95, while the high is $20.275, with the last trade at $15.47, indicating stability within the price range that may influence investor confidence and market expectations.
- Market Trend Observation: The fluctuation range of FA's stock price over the past 52 weeks suggests that, despite being below the high, it remains above the low, reflecting market interest and potential investment opportunities.
- Technical Indicator Reference: FA's stock price recently crossed above the 200-day moving average, which may attract more attention from technical analysis investors, potentially driving short-term price increases.
- Investor Sentiment Impact: With the current price around $15.47, although below the 52-week high, it still shows a degree of market activity that could influence investor buying decisions and overall market sentiment.
See More
Cortland Associates Sells Shares of First Advantage Amid Underperformance
- Share Reduction: On January 28, 2026, Cortland Associates sold 399,384 shares of First Advantage for an estimated $5.63 million, indicating concerns about the company's future performance.
- Holding Changes: Following the sale, Cortland's stake in First Advantage decreased to 935,704 shares, with an overall position value declining by $6.95 million, reflecting weakened market confidence in the stock.
- Performance Decline: First Advantage's stock price has dropped 29.1% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by 45.1 percentage points, indicating a lack of competitiveness in the employment services market.
- Market Challenges: The rise of artificial intelligence is creating dual pressures of declining demand and poor execution for First Advantage, leading to diminished investor confidence in its growth prospects, suggesting retail investors should exercise caution.
See More
First Advantage Partners with LPGA Star Lauren Coughlin
- Brand Ambassador Partnership: First Advantage has announced a sponsorship with LPGA professional golfer Lauren Coughlin, who will serve as the first Brand Ambassador, reinforcing the company's alignment with top-tier talent.
- Event Promotion: Coughlin will represent First Advantage throughout the 2026 LPGA season, with the brand logo featured on her apparel during tournament appearances, starting with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions from January 29 to February 1.
- Digital Promotion: Both parties will collaboratively promote the sponsorship through digital outlets such as social media and exclusive appearances throughout the year, enhancing brand visibility and market impact.
- User Conference Participation: Coughlin will be a guest speaker at First Advantage's annual user conference, showcasing her close connection with the brand and alignment with the company's core values.
See More
Onex Increases First Advantage Stake by $3.06 Million
- Increased Holdings: Onex Canada Asset Management raised its position in First Advantage by 240,978 shares in Q3 2025, bringing the total value to $11.88 million, an increase of $3,060,597 from the previous quarter, indicating a bullish outlook on the company.
- Market Performance: As of November 13, 2025, First Advantage shares were priced at $13.13, down 27.14% year-over-year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 41.92 percentage points, reflecting market caution regarding its future growth.
- Financial Metrics: First Advantage reported Q3 revenue of $409.2 million, a significant increase from $199.1 million year-over-year, with a net income of $2.6 million compared to a net loss of $8.9 million last year, highlighting the positive impact of its acquisition of Sterling Check Corp.
- Outlook: Although the company lowered its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to $1.57 billion, its strong market position in background screening and compliance solutions suggests potential for sustained growth in the future.
See More
Onex Canada Increases First Advantage Stake to 772,147 Shares Worth $11.88 Million
- Increased Holdings: Onex Canada Asset Management raised its position in First Advantage by 240,978 shares in Q3 2025, bringing total holdings to 772,147 shares valued at $11.88 million, indicating a bullish outlook on the company.
- Asset Management Shift: This transaction elevates First Advantage to 1.5% of Onex's reportable 13F assets, reflecting its growing significance in the investment portfolio, despite not being among the top five holdings.
- Performance Recovery: First Advantage reported Q3 revenue of $409.2 million, up from $199.1 million year-over-year, with a net income of $2.6 million compared to a net loss of $8.9 million last year, showcasing the company's recovery potential.
- Market Performance: Although First Advantage's stock price has declined by 27.14% over the past year and hit a 52-week low of $11.95 in November, Onex's increased stake suggests confidence in a future rebound in share price.
See More
Onex Canada Increases First Advantage Stake by $3.1 Million
- Share Increase: Onex Canada Asset Management increased its stake in First Advantage by 240,978 shares in Q3 2025, raising its total holdings to 772,147 shares valued at $11.88 million, indicating a bullish outlook on the company.
- Asset Management Shift: This transaction brings First Advantage to 1.5% of Onex's reportable 13F assets, although it remains outside the top five holdings, reflecting its growing significance in the investment portfolio.
- Financial Performance: First Advantage reported Q3 2025 revenue of $409.2 million, a substantial increase from $199.1 million year-over-year, with a net income of $2.6 million, showcasing the positive impact of the Sterling Check Corp acquisition.
- Market Outlook: Although the company lowered its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to $1.57 billion, potentially contributing to a stock price decline, its strong quarterly performance and market position still support future growth prospects.
See More
FA Stock Price Fluctuations: 52-Week Low at $11.95, High at $20.275
- Stock Price Analysis: FA's 52-week low is $11.95, while the high is $20.275, with the last trade at $15.47, indicating stability within the price range that may influence investor confidence and market expectations.
- Market Trend Observation: The fluctuation range of FA's stock price over the past 52 weeks suggests that, despite being below the high, it remains above the low, reflecting market interest and potential investment opportunities.
- Technical Indicator Reference: FA's stock price recently crossed above the 200-day moving average, which may attract more attention from technical analysis investors, potentially driving short-term price increases.
- Investor Sentiment Impact: With the current price around $15.47, although below the 52-week high, it still shows a degree of market activity that could influence investor buying decisions and overall market sentiment.
See More
