First Advantage Corp (FA)vsGlobal Payments Inc (GPN)
FA
First Advantage Corp
$21.22
+3.92%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $3.53B
GPN
Global Payments Inc
$88.29
-0.29%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $24.54B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Global Payments Inc generates 514% more annual revenue ($10.21B vs $1.66B). FA leads profitability with a 1.5% profit margin vs -9.2%. GPN trades at a lower P/E of 44.0x. GPN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
FA
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
GPN
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+46.5%
Fair Value
$20.49
Current Price
$21.22
$0.73 discount
Margin of Safety
+49.5%
Fair Value
$142.91
Current Price
$88.29
$54.62 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 5499.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 68.6% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
1.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of -4.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 95.2%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FA
The strongest argument for FA centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : GPN
The strongest argument for GPN centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 68.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : FA
The primary concerns for FA are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 137.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : GPN
The primary concerns for GPN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. A P/E of 44.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FA profiles as a value stock while GPN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
FA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
GPN is growing revenue faster at 68.6% — sustainability is the question.
GPN generates stronger free cash flow (427M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GPN scores higher overall (59/100 vs 51/100) and 68.6% revenue growth. FA offers better value entry with a 46.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
First Advantage Corp
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES · USA
First Advantage Corporation provides technology solutions for human capital detection, verification, security and compliance globally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Global Payments Inc
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES · USA
Global Payments Inc. is an American company providing financial technology services globally headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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