First Advantage Corp

Korn Ferry reported fiscal second-quarter revenues of $764.6 million, up 6.9% year on year and 2.3% above analysts' expectations, scoring the highest guidance raise among its professional staffing and HR solutions peers. Across the 8 professional staffing and HR solutions stocks tracked, group revenues beat consensus estimates by 2.3% and next-quarter revenue guidance came in 3.9% above expectations, though share prices in the group are down 6.3% on average since the latest earnings results. ManpowerGroup posted the strongest quarter, with revenues of $4.86 billion, up 7.5% year on year and 2.9% above expectations, and its stock is up 46% since reporting, trading at $56.96. Barrett Business Services delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates, with revenues of $319.3 million, up 3.8% year on year and in line with expectations, alongside a significant miss on EPS, sending its stock down 21.2% to $31.61. Alight reported revenues of $511 million, down 3.2% year on year but 2.8% above expectations, and logged the group's weakest guidance update, with its stock down 33.3% at $11.46, while First Advantage reported revenues of $448.8 million, up 14.9% year on year and 8.2% above expectations, delivering the biggest estimate beat, fastest revenue growth, and highest full-year guidance raise of the group. Korn Ferry's stock is down 12.3% since reporting and currently trades at $71.97.

ManpowerGroup topped Q2 earnings among seven professional staffing and HR solutions companies tracked, with revenues of $4.86 billion, up 7.5% year on year and exceeding analyst expectations by 2.9%. The group's revenues beat consensus estimates by 2.3% on average, while next-quarter guidance came in 2% below. First Advantage also outperformed with revenues of $448.8 million, up 14.9% and beating estimates by 8.2%, while Barrett Business Services was the weakest, with revenues of $319.3 million, up 3.8% but missing EPS estimates significantly. Robert Half reported revenues of $1.34 billion, down 2.4% but beating estimates by 1%, and Insperity posted revenues of $1.69 billion, up 1.7% and topping expectations by 0.7%. Since reporting, ManpowerGroup shares have risen 59.2% to $62.13, while Barrett shares have fallen 14.9% to $34.15.

Professional staffing and HR solutions stocks reported a strong second quarter, with the seven companies tracked beating revenue consensus estimates by 2.3% on average, though next quarter's revenue guidance came in 2% below expectations. Alight reported revenues of $511 million, down 3.2% year over year, beating estimates by 2.8% but issuing weak guidance that sent its stock down 22.1% to $13.38. ManpowerGroup posted revenues of $4.86 billion, up 7.5% year over year and 2.9% above estimates, with its stock up 44.2% to $56.26. Barrett Business Services reported revenues of $319.3 million, up 3.8% year over year and in line with estimates, but missed EPS significantly and its stock fell 21.8% to $31.39. First Advantage reported revenues of $448.8 million, up 14.9% year over year and 8.2% above estimates, with its stock up 3.1% to $21.20. Robert Half reported revenues of $1.34 billion, down 2.4% year over year but beating estimates by 1%, with its stock up 11.3% to $42.15.

First Advantage shares rose after the background screening provider reported second-quarter 2026 results that beat expectations and raised its full-year financial guidance. Revenue grew 14.9% year over year to $448.8 million, while adjusted EPS increased 30% to $0.35. Management attributed the strong performance to improving hiring trends across several verticals, particularly in high-volume hiring, as well as the realization of synergies. The company raised its full-year 2026 outlook, now expecting revenue of $1.67 billion to $1.71 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.23 to $1.29. First Advantage also highlighted its focus on deleveraging, having made $70 million in voluntary debt prepayments between May and early August.

First Advantage reported record second quarter 2026 results and raised its full year guidance. Revenues grew 14.9% year-over-year to $448.8 million, net income reached $16.9 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose 12.8% to $128.5 million. The company also reported adjusted net income of $61.4 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.35. Full year 2026 guidance was raised to revenues of $1.67 billion to $1.71 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $472 million to $486 million, adjusted net income of $214 million to $225 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.23 to $1.29. Additionally, First Advantage made a voluntary debt prepayment of $45 million after the quarter and repurchased $18.7 million in shares under its $100 million share repurchase program.

First Advantage is set to join the S&P SmallCap 600 index, a move that may raise its profile with index-tracking and institutional investors. The company recently reported earnings that significantly surpassed analyst expectations, highlighting a material shift in its reported operating performance. The combination of index inclusion and stronger reported results forms a new storyline for the stock that has not yet been widely discussed. First Advantage operates in the background screening and verification industry, providing employers with tools to assess candidates and manage hiring risk.

Zacks Investment Research recommends three human capital management software stocks with strong short-term upside potential: Paycom Software, Paylocity Holding, and First Advantage. Paycom Software, carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), is expected to grow earnings 15.4% this year, with a consensus price target implying a 22.1% upside from its last close of $124.48. Paylocity Holding, also a Zacks Rank #1, has a price target suggesting a 54.5% increase from $100.48, with no downside risk. First Advantage, a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), is projected to grow earnings 18.3% this year, and its price target indicates an 8.2% rise from $16.76, also with no downside.

Professional staffing and HR solutions stocks delivered a strong first quarter, with the seven companies tracked by StockStory collectively beating revenue estimates by 1.8% and issuing in-line guidance for the next quarter. Kforce reported flat revenue of $330.4 million, matching expectations and beating EPS estimates, sending its shares up 49.4% since the report. Alight posted the biggest beat among peers with revenue of $534 million, down 2.6% year-on-year but 6.2% above estimates, though its stock fell 27.3%. Insperity, the weakest performer, reported $1.90 billion in revenue, up 1.7% and in line with estimates, but missed full-year EPS guidance, leading to a 1.7% stock decline. Barrett Business Services and First Advantage also exceeded expectations, with shares rising 12% and 30.6% respectively.