Exponent, Inc. (EXPO) vs First Advantage Corporation (FA)

A side-by-side comparison of Exponent, Inc. and First Advantage Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — EXPO vs FA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5y
EXPO -18.0% (-3.9%/yr)FA +3.6% (+0.7%/yr)FA compounded faster over this window
6080100120140Start $10020222023202420252026$82$104
EXPO FA

EXPO vs FA: by the numbers

  • •EXPO is the larger company ($3.35B vs $3.18B market cap).
  • •EXPO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.96 vs 126.03 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •EXPO converts more revenue to profit (17.67% vs 1.51% net margin).
  • •FA grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.61% vs 8.90% CAGR).
  • •EXPO pays a dividend (1.79% yield), while FA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricEXPOFA
P/E ratio30.96126.03
Forward P/E29.93N/A
PEG ratio5.20N/A
P/S ratio5.301.91
P/B ratio11.602.46
EV / EBITDA24.4011.64
FCF yield3.24%7.55%

Profitability

MetricEXPOFA
Gross margin24.60%36.27%
Operating margin20.17%10.76%
Net margin17.67%1.51%
ROE38.73%1.94%
ROIC18.49%3.42%

Dividends

MetricEXPOFA
Dividend yield1.79%N/A
Payout ratio55.16%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricEXPOFA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.90%22.61%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.65%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.14%21.23%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.77%-0.53%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, EXPO or FA?
EXPO has the lower trailing P/E: EXPO trades at 30.96 and FA at 126.03. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, EXPO or FA?
Over the past five years, FA grew revenue faster — EXPO at a 8.90% CAGR versus FA at 22.61%.
Does EXPO or FA pay a bigger dividend?
EXPO pays a dividend (1.79% yield), while FA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is EXPO or FA more profitable?
EXPO runs the higher net margin — EXPO at 17.67% versus FA at 1.51%.
How have EXPO and FA total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, EXPO delivered -8.77% and FA delivered -0.53% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.