First Advantage Corp (FA)vsRelx PLC ADR (RELX)
FA
First Advantage Corp
$15.88
+0.70%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.83B
RELX
Relx PLC ADR
$35.15
+2.00%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $59.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Relx PLC ADR generates 498% more annual revenue ($9.59B vs $1.61B). RELX leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 0.5%. RELX trades at a lower P/E of 22.7x. RELX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
FA
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
RELX
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.9%
Fair Value
$20.27
Current Price
$15.88
$4.39 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.1%
Fair Value
$70.55
Current Price
$35.15
$35.40 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 169 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.5% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 82.4%
1.2% revenue growth
Trading at 79.9x book value
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FA
The strongest argument for FA centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.
Bull Case : RELX
The strongest argument for RELX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.5% and operating margin at 31.4%. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : FA
The primary concerns for FA are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 329.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : RELX
The primary concerns for RELX are Revenue Growth, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.10 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.
FA is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.
RELX generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
RELX scores higher overall (62/100 vs 39/100), backed by strong 21.5% margins. FA offers better value entry with a 45.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Relx PLC ADR
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES · USA
RELX PLC provides information-based decision-making and analysis tools for professional and commercial clients in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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