First Advantage Corporation (FA) vs McGrath RentCorp (MGRC)

A side-by-side comparison of First Advantage Corporation and McGrath RentCorp 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 — FA vs MGRC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5y
FA +3.6% (+0.7%/yr)MGRC +64.8% (+10.5%/yr)MGRC compounded faster over this window
50100150Start $10020222023202420252026$104$165
FA MGRC

FA vs MGRC: by the numbers

  • •FA is the larger company ($3.21B vs $2.91B market cap).
  • •MGRC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.21 vs 127.19 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •MGRC converts more revenue to profit (16.38% vs 1.51% net margin).
  • •FA grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.61% vs 10.24% CAGR).
  • •MGRC pays a dividend (1.67% yield), while FA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFAMGRC
P/E ratio127.1919.21
Forward P/EN/A18.61
PEG ratioN/A2.18
P/S ratio1.933.12
P/B ratio2.482.34
EV / EBITDA11.7010.04
FCF yield7.48%7.19%

Profitability

MetricFAMGRC
Gross margin36.27%46.87%
Operating margin10.76%25.51%
Net margin1.51%16.38%
ROE1.94%12.27%
ROIC3.42%8.06%

Dividends

MetricFAMGRC
Dividend yieldN/A1.67%
Payout ratioN/A31.56%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFAMGRC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)22.61%10.24%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A8.52%
FCF CAGR (5Y)21.23%20.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-0.53%11.39%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FA or MGRC?
MGRC has the lower trailing P/E: FA trades at 127.19 and MGRC at 19.21. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FA or MGRC?
Over the past five years, FA grew revenue faster — FA at a 22.61% CAGR versus MGRC at 10.24%.
Does FA or MGRC pay a bigger dividend?
MGRC pays a dividend (1.67% yield), while FA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is FA or MGRC more profitable?
MGRC runs the higher net margin — FA at 1.51% versus MGRC at 16.38%.
How have FA and MGRC total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, FA delivered -0.53% and MGRC delivered 11.39% 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.