FIRST ADVANTAGE CORP

Note 1. Organization, Nature of Business, and Basis of Presentation

First Advantage Corporation, a Delaware corporation, was formed on November 15, 2019. Hereafter, First Advantage Corporation and its subsidiaries will collectively be referred to as the “Company.” On October 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Sterling Check Corp. (“Sterling”) (the “Sterling Acquisition”), a leading provider of background screening and identity verification services. See Note 3. “Acquisitions” for additional information on the acquisition.

The Company derives its revenues from a variety of background check and compliance services performed across all phases of the workforce lifecycle from pre-onboarding services to post-onboarding and ongoing monitoring services, covering employees, contractors, contingent workers, tenants, and drivers. We generally classify our service offerings into three categories: pre-onboarding, post-onboarding, and adjacent products.

Pre-onboarding services are comprised of an extensive array of products and solutions that customers typically utilize to enhance their evaluation process and support compliance from the time a job or other application is submitted to a successful applicant’s onboarding date. This includes searches such as criminal background checks, drug / health screenings, extended workforce screening, biometrics and identity checks, education / workforce verification, driver records and compliance, healthcare credentials, and executive screening.

Post-onboarding services are comprised of continuous monitoring and re-screening solutions which are important tools to help keep their end customers, workforces, and other stakeholders safer, more productive, and more compliant. Our post-monitoring solutions include criminal records, healthcare sanctions, motor vehicle records, social media, and global sanctions screening continuously or at regular intervals selected by our customers.

Adjacent products include products that complement our pre-onboarding and post-onboarding products and solutions. This includes fleet and vehicle compliance, hiring tax credits and incentives, resident and tenant screening, employment eligibility, and investigative research.

Basis of Presentation— The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company includes the results of operations of acquired companies prospectively from the date of acquisition.

The Company has historically experienced seasonality with respect to certain customer industries as a result of fluctuations in hiring volumes and other economic activities. Generally, the Company’s highest revenues have historically occurred between October and November of each year, driven by many customers’ pre-holiday season hiring initiatives.

Segments— Operating segments are businesses for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The CODM is determined to be the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

The Company’s three reportable segments include:

•

First Advantage Americas. This segment pertains to our Legacy First Advantage business and performs a variety of background check and compliance services across all phases of the workforce lifecycle from pre-onboarding services to post-onboarding and ongoing monitoring services, covering employees, contractors, contingent workers, tenants, and drivers. We generally classify our service offerings into three categories: pre-onboarding, post-onboarding, and adjacent products. We deliver our solutions across multiple industry verticals in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

•

First Advantage International. The First Advantage International segment pertains to our Legacy First Advantage business and provides services similar to our Americas segment in regions outside of the Americas. We primarily deliver our solutions across multiple industry verticals in the Europe, India, and Asia Pacific.

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Sterling. This segment is comprised of the acquired entity, Sterling Check Corp., which was acquired on October 31, 2024. The Sterling segment provides similar services as compared to First Advantage’s Americas and International segments on a global basis.

The Company’s segment disclosure provides the users of its consolidated financial statements with a view of the business that is consistent with the view of the CODM of the Company. As of December 31, 2024, we were still assessing changes in our internal management reporting structure to incorporate Sterling and the effects it may have on our reportable segments. In future periods, the CODM may begin receiving and managing the business using revised discrete financial information. We will report changes to reportable segments and recast prior periods to reflect the change, as necessary, in the period the revised discrete financial information is first utilized. Details of segment results are discussed in Note 18, “Reportable Segments.”

Use of Estimates — The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Changes in these estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

Significant estimates, judgments, and assumptions, include, but are not limited to, the determination of the fair value and useful lives of assets acquired and liabilities assumed through business combinations, goodwill impairment, revenue recognition, capitalized software, assumptions used for purposes of determining share-based compensation, and income tax liabilities and assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — Certain financial assets and liabilities are reported at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurement. ASC 820 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation techniques required by ASC 820 are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect internal market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 — Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable (supported by little or no market activities). These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that reflect the Company’s best estimate of fair value from a market participant.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments (Level 1). The fair values and carrying values of the Company’s long-term debt are disclosed in Note 7, “Debt”.

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and their assigned levels within the valuation hierarchy as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Other intangible assets are subject to nonrecurring fair value measurement as the result of business acquisitions. The fair values of these assets were estimated using the present value of expected future cash flows through unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Cash and Cash Equivalents— The Company considers cash equivalents to be cash and all short-term investments that have an original maturity of ninety days or less. Interest income earned on short-term investments and interest bearing accounts is included in interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company recorded$9.6 million,$13.4 million, and$5.0 million of interest income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit are classified as current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company hadno outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit.

Accounts Receivable — Accounts receivable are due from customers in a broad range of industries located throughout the United States and internationally. Credit is extended based on evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, and generally, collateral is not required.

The allowance for all uncollectible receivables is based on a combination of historical data, cash payment trends, specific customer issues, write-off trends, general economic conditions, and other factors. These factors are continuously monitored by management to arrive at the estimate for the amount of accounts receivable that may be ultimately uncollectible. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, the Company records a specific allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due in order to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it reasonably believes will be collected. The Company believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2024 and 2023 is reasonably stated.

Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Property and equipment include computer software for internal uses either developed internally, acquired by business combination or otherwise purchased. Software development costs, including internal personnel and third-party professional services, are capitalized during the application development stage of initial development or during development of new features and enhancements. Amortization commences when the software is placed into service and is computed using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the underlying software ofthree tofive years. This is based on the historical observed pace of change in the Company’s delivery, technology, and product offerings as well as market competition. The Company amortizes purchased software using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life ofthree tofive years and incremental software acquired by business combination on an accelerated basis over its expected useful life offive years. Software development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalization are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation on leasehold improvements is computed on thestraight-line method over the shorter of the life of the asset, or the lease term, ranging fromone tofifteen years. Depreciation on data processing equipment and furniture and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three toten years.

Business Combinations — The Company records business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their acquisition-date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value is recorded as goodwill. Changes in the estimated fair values of net assets recorded for acquisitions prior to the finalization of more detailed analysis, but not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, will adjust the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are reflected in the period in which they occur.

In valuing the trade names, customer lists, and software developed for internal use, the Company utilizes variations of the income approach, which relies on historical financial and qualitative information, as well as assumptions and estimates for projected financial information. The Company considers the income approach the most appropriate valuation technique because the inherent value of these assets is their ability to generate current and future income. Projected financial information is subject to risk if estimates are incorrect. The most significant estimate relates to projected revenues and profitability. If the projected revenues and profitability used in the valuation calculations are not met, then the asset could be impaired.

Goodwill, Trade Names, Customer Lists, and Other Intangible Assets— The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31 or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value. During 2023, the Company changed its annual impairment testing date from December 31 to October 31. The Company believes the new date is preferable because it aligns the impairment test with the budgeting processes. The Company applied the change in accounting principle prospectively. The change in the annual impairment testing date did not delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level using a fair value approach. At October 31, 2024, the Company hadthree reporting units comprised of First Advantage Americas, First Advantage International, and Sterling. When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may first perform an optional qualitative assessment. If the Company determines it is not more likely than not the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, then no further analysis is necessary. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative impairment test will be performed. Under the quantitative impairment test, if the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company will recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess but limited to the total amount of goodwill. The Company performs a quantitative impairment test every three years, irrespective of the outcome of the Company’s qualitative assessment. No impairment charges have been required.

The Company’s trade names are amortized on an accelerated basis over their expected useful lives ranging from five totwenty years. The Company recorded$9.3 million,$7.3 million, and$7.6 million of amortization expense related to trade names for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Customer lists are amortized on an accelerated basis based upon their estimated useful lives, ranging from thirteen tofourteen years.

The Company recorded$58.9 million,$54.6 million, and$60.7 million of amortization expense related to customer lists for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

The Company’s other intangible assets are amortized on astraight-line or accelerated basis over their expected useful life offive years. The Company recorded$0.5 million and$0.1 million of amortization expense related to other intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. No amortization expense was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Company regularly evaluates the amortization period assigned to each intangible asset to determine whether there have been any events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives. No impairment charges have been required.

Income Taxes — The Company is a U.S. domiciled corporation for tax purposes. Accordingly, the Company has followed ASC 740, Income Taxes, which provides for income taxes using the liability method, which requires an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes for all periods presented. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect on future years of temporary differences in the carrying amount of assets and liabilities between financial statements and income tax purposes. Valuation allowances are established when the Company determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company evaluates its effective tax rates regularly and adjusts them when appropriate based on currently available information relative to statutory rates, apportionment factors and the applicable taxable income in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, among other factors.

The Company calculates additional tax provisions, where applicable, related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company adjusts its estimates of uncertain tax positions periodically because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations, and interpretations. The Company classifies interest and penalties associated with its unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense (see Note 9. “Income Taxes”).

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — The Company regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of property and equipment, ROU assets, and finite-life intangible assets may not be recoverable. Conditions that could indicate an impairment assessment is needed include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset or asset group, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset or asset group is used, or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group is not recoverable. When factors indicate that these long-lived assets or asset groups should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company assesses the potential impairment by determining whether the carrying value of such long-lived assets or asset groups will be recovered through the future undiscounted cash flows expected from use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group is determined not to be recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded based on the excess, if any, of the carrying amount over fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values or discounted cash flows analyses as applicable. The Company regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the useful lives of property and equipment, right of use (“ROU”) assets, and finite-life intangible assets may warrant revision. No material impairment charges have been required for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Leases —The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. The Company measures ROU assets and liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Minimum lease payments include the fixed lease and non-lease components of the agreement, as well as any variable rent payments that depend on an index, initially measured using the index at the lease commencement date. ROU assets are adjusted for any initial direct costs incurred less any lease incentives received, in addition to payments made on or before the commencement date of the lease. The Company recognizes lease expense for leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of the Company’s lease agreements, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate to determine the initial present value of lease payments.

The Company determines if a contract is or contains a lease at inception. The Company has operating and finance leases for office space, data centers, and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company enters into lease contracts ranging from 1 to 8 years.

Some leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 1 to 5 years or more. The exercise of these lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion and typically are not reasonably certain to renew at inception. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term.

Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Advertising costs were$2.9 million,$1.9 million, and$2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Derivative Instruments — The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations and mitigates interest rate risk through the use of derivative instruments. Interest rate swaps have been entered into to manage a portion of the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s variable-rate borrowings.

In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, the derivative instruments are recognized and subsequently measured on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company reviewed its interest rate swaps and determined they do not meet the definition of cash flow hedges. Therefore, the guidance requires that the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps be recognized as a component of income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income (see Note 8. “Derivatives”).

Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash is deposited with major financial institutions and, at times, such balances with each financial institution may be in excess of insured limits. The Company has not experienced, and does not anticipate, any losses with respect to its cash deposits. Accounts receivable represent credit granted to customers for services provided. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable.

The Company hadone customer which represented approximately 12%,12%, and 10% of its consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, in its First Advantage Americas segment. No other customer represented 10% or more of its revenue for these periods. The Company hadone customer which represented approximately 17%, of its consolidated accounts receivable, net as of December 31, 2023. No other customers represented 10% or more of its consolidated accounts receivable, net for any period presented.

The Company has entered into interest rate derivative agreements with a counterparty bank to reduce its exposure to interest rate volatility. The Company has determined the counterparty bank to be a high credit quality institution. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Revenue Recognition — Revenues are recognized when control of the Company’s services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers revenues are recognized based on the following steps:

a)

Identify the contract with a customer

b)

Identify the performance obligations in the contract

c)

Determine the transaction price

d)

Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

e)

Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation

A substantial majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from pre-onboarding and related services to our customers on a transactional basis, in which an individual background screening package or selection of services is ordered by a customer related to a single individual. Substantially all of the Company’s customers are employers, staffing companies, and other businesses or organizations. The Company’s revenues are mostly comprised of a significant volume of low-dollar services fulfilled by multiple highly automated, proprietary systems and applications. The processing of transactions and recording of revenue is based on contractual terms with the Company’s customers. The Company satisfies its performance obligations and recognizes revenues for services rendered as the orders are completed and the completed reports are transmitted, or otherwise made available. The Company’s remaining services, substantially consisting of tax consulting, fleet management, and driver qualification services, are delivered over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the services delivered. To measure the Company’s performance over time, the output method is utilized to measure the value to the customer based on the transfer to date of the services promised, with no rights of return once consumed. In these cases, revenues on transactional contracts with a defined price but an undefined quantity are recognized utilizing the right to invoice expedient resulting in revenues being recognized when the service is provided and becomes billable. Additionally, under this practical expedient, the Company is not required to estimate the transaction price.

For revenue arrangements containing multiple services, the Company accounts for the individual service as separate performance obligations if they are distinct, the service is separately identifiable from other terms in the contract, and if a customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer. If these criteria are not met, the promised services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation. The Company allocates the contract price to each performance obligation based on the standalone selling prices of each distinct product or service in the contract.

The Company considers negotiated and anticipated incentives and estimated adjustments, including historical collections experience, when recording revenues.

The Company’s contracts with customers generally include standard commercial payment terms acceptable in each region, and do not include any financing components. The Company does not have any significant obligations for refunds, warranties, or similar obligations. The Company records revenues net of sales taxes. Due to the Company’s contract terms and the nature of the background screening industry, the Company determined its contract terms for ASC 606 purposes are generally one year or less, but can extend up to three years in limited circumstances. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer are recognized as an asset if the benefit of such costs is expected to be longer than one year. Beginning in 2024, incremental costs primarily consist of sales commissions and are amortized over three years, for certain contracts, as management estimates that this corresponds to the period over which a customer benefits from the contract. Deferred commissions as of December 31, 2024 were immaterial and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company records third-party pass-through fees incurred as part of screening related services on a gross revenue basis, with the related expense recorded as a cost of services expense, as the Company has control over the transaction and is therefore considered to be acting as a principal. The Company records motor vehicle registration and other tax payments paid on behalf of the Company’s fleet management customers on a net revenue basis as the Company does not have control over the transaction and therefore, is considered to be acting as an agent of the customer. Amounts received from fleet management customers are recorded in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not legally restricted.

Contract balances are generated when the revenues recognized in a given period varies from billing. A contract asset is created when the Company performs a service for a customer and recognizes more revenues than what has been billed. The Company recognizes these contract assets as accounts receivable, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, when a conditional right to consideration exists and transfer of control has occurred. A contract liability is created when the Company transfers a good or service to a customer and recognizes less than what has been billed. The Company recognizes these contract liabilities as deferred revenues, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, when the Company has an obligation to perform services for a customer in the future and has already received consideration from the customer.

Foreign Currency — The functional currency of all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is the applicable local currency. The translation of the applicable foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenues and expense accounts using average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign currency financial statements are accumulated net of tax in a separate component of equity. Currency translation (loss) income included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income were approximately$(16.2) million,$1.2 million, and$(20.7) million, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, except for those relating to intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature, which are captured in a separate component of equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Currency transaction income (loss) included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was approximately$0.4 million,$(0.1) million, and$2.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Share-based Compensation — Prior to the Company’s Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), all share-based awards were issued by a parent of the Company under individual grant agreements and the partnership agreement (collectively the “2020 Equity Plan”). Following the IPO, share-based awards are issued to employees and non-employee directors under the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended by the First Amendment, dated as of May 10, 2023, the “2021 Equity Plan”). Both plans were designed with the intention of promoting the long-term success of the Company by attracting, motivating, and retaining key employees of the Company. Additionally, as discussed in Note 1. “Organization, Nature of Business, and Basis of Presentation”, the Company completed its cash-and-stock acquisition of Sterling on October 31, 2024. As part of the acquisition, certain outstanding equity awards held by Sterling employees were converted into equity awards of the Company (“Sterling Acquisition Awards”).

The Company accounts for awards issued in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Management expects to allow its employees granted awards under all plans to bear the risks and rewards normally associated with equity ownership for a reasonable period of time when all requisite vesting requirements have been rendered. No outstanding awards are callable, and therefore, the related share-based awards are classified as equity.

The calculation of share-based employee compensation expense involves estimates that require management’s judgment. These estimates include the fair value of each of the share-based awards granted, which is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. There are four inputs into the Black-Scholes option-pricing model: expected volatility, risk-free interest rates, expected term, and estimated fair value of the underlying unit. The Company estimates expected volatility based on an analysis of guidelines of publicly traded peer companies’ historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based on the treasury constant maturities rate based on data published by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The expected term of share-based awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under the Company’s share-based plans and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. Because of the limitations on the sale or transfer of our equity as a privately held company and a lack of historical option exercises as a public company, the Company does not believe our historical exercise pattern is indicative of the pattern we will experience in future periods. The Company has consequently used the simplified method to calculate the expected term, which is the average of the contractual term and vesting period, and plans to continue to use the simplified method until we have sufficient exercise and pricing history. Finally, prior to the IPO, the estimated fair value of the underlying equity was determined using either a transaction valuation or a blend of income and market approaches. After the IPO, the estimated fair value of the underlying equity was based on the observable market price of the Company’s equity.

The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, share-based compensation expenses could be materially different in the future. In addition, for awards with a service condition, the Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. Therefore, the Company will reverse compensation costs previously recognized when an unvested award is forfeited. For awards with a performance condition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate, and only recognize expenses for those shares expected to vest. The Company estimates the expected forfeiture rate based on the Company’s historical data, grant terms, and anticipated plan participant turnover. If the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, the share-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what the Company has recorded in the current period.

Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income includes gains and losses from foreign currency translation adjustments, net.

Net Income Per Share of Equity — Basic net income per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic weighted-average shares outstanding excludes nonvested restricted stock. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period after adjusting for the impact of securities that would have a dilutive effect on net income per share. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding, is similar to basic weighted-average shares outstanding, except that the weighted-average number of shares is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common share had been issued, including the dilutive impact of nonvested restricted stock. The Company uses the treasury stock method to incorporate potentially dilutive securities in diluted net income per share.

The potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2024 had an anti-dilutive effect and were therefore not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the period. The potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 had a dilutive effect and were included in the calculation of diluted net income per share for the period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements —In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires a public business entity to disclose specific categories in its annual effective tax rate reconciliation and disaggregated information about significant reconciling items by jurisdiction and by nature. The ASU also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments (net of refunds) to international, federal, and state and local jurisdictions. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and requires prospective application with the option to apply it retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact to its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (Subtopic 220-40). The ASU requires the disaggregated disclosure of specific expense categories, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization included in each relevant expense caption presented on the statement of operations. The guidance also requires disclosure of a qualitative description of the amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively, as well as the total amount of selling expenses and an entity’s definition of selling expenses. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption of the amendment is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact to its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements — In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting – Improvements to Reportable Segments Disclosures. The amendments improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures over significant segment expenses regularly provided to the CODM, extending certain annual disclosures to interim periods, and through permitting more than one measure of segment profit or loss to be reported under certain conditions. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2024, resulting in enhanced disclosure of segment expenses along with greater detail of our CODM and how he uses the reported measures of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources.

Note 3. Acquisitions

2024 Acquisition

On February 28, 2024, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among First Advantage, Sterling Check Corp., a Delaware corporation, and Starter Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of First Advantage (the “Merger Sub”).

On October 31, 2024, following the satisfaction or waiver of the applicable closing conditions, including receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals, First Advantage completed its acquisition of Sterling, pursuant to the Merger Agreement (the “Acquisition”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Sterling, with Sterling continuing as the surviving corporation in such merger and becoming an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of First Advantage. The cash-and-stock transaction valued Sterling at approximately $2.2 billion and was financed through cash on hand and the issuance of new debt and common stock as described in Note 7, “Debt”.

Each share of Sterling common stock issued and outstanding, subject to limitations, was converted into the right to receive, at the holder's election and subject to proration, $16.73 in cash per share (the "Cash Consideration"),0.979 shares of First Advantage common stock (the "Stock Consideration"), or a combination thereof (the “Merger Consideration”). No fractional shares of First Advantage Common Stock were issued. Sterling holders of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and net option shares (as calculated pursuant to the Merger Agreement) underlying in-the-money stock option awards of Sterling received the same election to receive the per-share Merger Consideration. Merger Consideration for unvested awards (other than unvested awards held by non-employee directors) was paid in the form of either an unvested cash award, an unvested First Advantage restricted stock award, or a First Advantage restricted stock unit at the holder’s election. First Advantage awards are subject to the same terms and conditions (including vesting) as applied to the replaced Sterling award. Any out-of-the-money Sterling stock options, whether vested or unvested, were canceled for no consideration.

The Sterling stockholders received consideration of approximately$1,168.1 million in cash and 27.15 million shares of First Advantage common stock with a fair value of$494.6 million.

Sterling was determined to constitute a business and the Company was deemed to be the acquirer under ASC 805. As a result, the Company has recorded the related purchase accounting as of October 31, 2024.The allocation of the purchase price is based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):

The fair values and useful lives of the acquired intangible assets by category were as follows (in thousands):

Goodwill recognized is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Costs incurred by the Company related to the Acquisition were primarily composed of deferred financing costs associated with the new financing structure which have been capitalized within current and long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7. “Debt”) and approximately $68.1 million of transaction costs, primarily consisting of change in control-related costs, professional service fees, and other third-party costs.

Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $41.2 million in compensation expense related to converted cash awards for post-combination services in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, of which $5.6 million remained unpaid and was included in accrued compensation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. The Company recognized $4.4 million in share-based compensation expense related to converted equity awards for post-combination services in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. See Note 11. “Share-based Compensation” for further discussion.

Results of operations include revenues of $113.1 million and a net loss of $57.4 million related to the Company’s Sterling segment since the date of acquisition. The transaction extends First Advantage’s high-quality and cost-effective background screening, identity, and verification technology solutions for the benefit of both companies' customers across industry verticals and geographies.

As of the date these consolidated financial statements were issued, the purchase accounting related to this acquisition was incomplete as the valuation of certain working capital balances, deferred taxes, and certain customary transaction adjustments were not yet finalized. The Company has reflected the provisional amounts in these consolidated financial statements. As such, the above balances may be adjusted in a future period as the valuation is finalized and these adjustments may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Pro Forma Results

The following summary, prepared on a pro forma basis pursuant to ASC 805, presents the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, as if the Acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2023. The pro forma results below include the impact of certain adjustments related to the amortization of intangible assets, transaction-related costs incurred as of the acquisition date, and interest expense on related borrowings, and in each case, the related income tax effects, as well as certain other post-acquisition adjustments attributable to the Acquisition. This pro forma presentation does not include any impact of transaction synergies. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the Acquisition been consummated as of January 1, 2023.

2023 Acquisition

On September 1, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interest of a digital identity and biometrics solutions company headquartered in New York, for $41.0 million. The acquired company operates under the trade name Infinite ID. The acquisition expanded the Company’s network and portfolio of identity solutions in the United States. The Company determined that the acquired company constitutes a business and the Company was deemed to be the acquirer under ASC 805. The Company recorded a preliminary allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of September 1, 2023. The allocation was finalized as of June 30, 2024 with an immaterial adjustment recorded related to the valuation of deferred taxes. The allocation of the purchase price is based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid and the amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):

Goodwill recognized is not deductible for tax purposes. Results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company’s First Advantage Americas segment since the date of acquisition.

2022 Acquisition

On January 1, 2022, the Company completed its asset purchase of Form I-9 Compliance, a U.S.-based technology solution and consulting service provider for I-9 and E-Verify compliance, for cash consideration of approximately $19.8 million. The Company recognized $9.1 million of goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets related to this acquisition totaled $8.5 million, of which $6.1 million was attributable to a customer related intangible asset with an estimated useful life of thirteen years and $2.4 million was attributable to developed technology with a useful life of five years. Goodwill recognized is deductible for tax purposes. Results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company’s First Advantage Americas segment since the date of the acquisition.

Note 4. Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following (in thousands):

Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment was approximately$77.2 million,$67.4 million, and$70.0 million, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Note 5. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following (in thousands):

Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):

The following summarizes the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for the Company’s trade names, customer lists, and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

Amortization expense of trade names, customer lists, and other intangible assets was approximately$68.7 million,$62.1 million, and$68.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Amortization expense relating to trade names, customer lists, and other intangible assets is expected to be as follows (in thousands):

Note 7. Debt

The fair value of the Company’s debt obligation approximated its book value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and consisted of the following (in thousands):

First Advantage Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was a party to a First Lien Credit Agreement (as amended, “Credit Agreement”), which provided for a term loan of $766.6 million due January 31, 2027 (“First Lien Credit Facility”), carrying an interest rate of 2.75% to 3.00%, based on the first lien ratio, plus the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“SOFR”)(subsequent to an amendment in June 2023 to transition the reference rate from LIBOR (the London Interbank Offer Rate)), with the addition of an applicable margin, and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility due July 31, 2026 (“Revolver”).

In connection with the acquisition of Sterling, on October 31, 2024, the Company refinanced its existing First Lien Credit Agreement and all related Sterling debt (the “2024 First Lien Credit Agreement”). The 2024 First Lien Credit Agreement provides for a term loan of $2.185 billion due October 31, 2031, carrying an interest rate of 3.00% to 3.25%, based on the first lien ratio, plus SOFR (“Amended First Lien Credit Facility”) and a $250.0 million revolving credit facility due October 31, 2029 (“Amended Revolver”). The effective interest rate on the Amended First Lien Credit Facility, which is calculated as the contractual interest rates adjusted for the debt issuance costs is 8.20%.

As a result of the refinancing, the Company incurred$0.4 million of loss on extinguishment of debt, related to the write-off of certain unamortized deferred financing costs.

Borrowings under the 2024 First Lien Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) a base rate or (b) SOFR, which is subject to a floor of 0.00% per annum. The applicable margins under the 2024 First Lien Credit Agreement are subject to stepdowns based on our first lien net leverage ratio. In addition, the borrower, First Advantage Holdings, LLC is required to pay a commitment fee on any unutilized commitments under the revolving credit facility. The commitment fee rate ranges between 0.25% and 0.50% per annum based on our first lien net leverage ratio. The borrower is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees. The Amended First Lien Credit Facility amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 1.00% of the principal amount. The Amended Revolver has no amortization.

The 2024 First Lien Credit Agreement requires the borrower to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with certain proceeds from non-ordinary course asset sales, issuance of debt not permitted by the credit agreement to be incurred and annual excess cash flows. In addition, any voluntary prepayment of term loans in connection with certain repricing transactions on or prior to April 30, 2025 are subject to a 1.00% prepayment premium. Otherwise, the borrower may voluntarily repay outstanding loans without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs.

The 2024 First Lien Credit Agreement is unconditionally guaranteed by Fastball Parent, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the direct parent of the borrower, and material wholly owned domestic restricted subsidiaries of Fastball Parent, Inc. The 2024 First Lien Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all assets and capital stock owned by direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and are governed by certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, liens, and other corporate actions such as investments and acquisitions. In the event the Company’s outstanding indebtedness under the Amended Revolver exceeds 40.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the revolving commitments then in effect, it is required to maintain a consolidated first lien leverage ratio no greater than 7.75 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2024, there wereno outstanding borrowings under the Amended Revolver and$2,185.0 million outstanding under the Amended First Lien Credit Facility. As the Company hadno outstanding amounts under the Amended Revolver, it was not subject to the consolidated first lien leverage ratio covenant. The Company was compliant with all covenants under the agreement as of December 31, 2024.

Scheduled maturities of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2024, are as follows (in thousands):

Note 8. Derivatives

To reduce exposure to variability in expected future cash outflows on variable rate debt attributable to the changes in one-month LIBOR, the Company has historically entered into interest rate derivative instruments to economically offset a portion of this risk and may do so in the future. In June 2023, the Company transitioned the reference rate for its interest rate derivative agreements from one-month LIBOR to one-month SOFR.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had the following outstanding derivatives that were not designated as a hedge in qualifying hedging relationships:

(a)

In conjunction with the June 2023 transition of the reference rate from LIBOR to SOFR, the fixed rate was reduced from 4.36% to 4.32%.

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements; however, the Company has not elected to apply hedge accounting for these instruments.

The following is a summary of location and fair value of the financial positions recorded related to the derivative instruments (in thousands):

The following is a summary of location and amount of gains and (losses) recorded related to the derivative instruments (in thousands):

Note 9. Income Taxes

The Company is a U.S. domiciled corporation for tax purposes. The Company’s income tax expense and balance sheet accounts reflect the results of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The domestic and foreign components of income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, were as follows (in thousands):

The domestic and foreign components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, were as follows (in thousands):

The following table reconciles the U.S. statutory federal tax rate of 21% to the Company’s effective income tax rate of 3.79%,23.07%, and 24.07%, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively:

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $146.2 million of accumulated unremitted earnings generated by its foreign subsidiaries. Under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“2017 Tax Act”), a portion of these earnings was subject to U.S. federal taxation with the one-time transition tax. With the exception of certain unremitted earnings in Canada, China, and India, the Company asserted indefinite reinvestment on its unremitted earnings as well as any other additional outside basis differences of its foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2024. Any future reversals could be subject to additional foreign withholding taxes, U.S. state taxes, and certain tax impacts relating to foreign currency exchange effects on any future repatriations of the unremitted earnings.

The primary components of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company believes that federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards will be available to reduce future taxable income after taking into account various federal and foreign limitations on the utilization of such net operating loss carryforwards. The net operating loss carryforward balances as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, are as follows (in thousands):

At December 31, 2024, the Company has $15.3 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) acquired from the Sterling acquisition. These NOLs are subject to annual use limitations and will begin to expire in 2026. The Company has a $7.9 million deferred tax asset for U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards that, if not utilized, have various expiration periods and will begin to expire in 2025, in addition to net operating loss carryforwards that carry forward indefinitely. The Company has a $7.6 million deferred tax asset for certain foreign net operating losses that, if not utilized, will begin to expire in 2025, in addition to net operating loss carryforwards that carry forward indefinitely.

The Company has fully utilized the research and development credit carryforward as of December 31, 2023.

After consideration of all of the evidence, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance of approximately $5.6 million and $1.9 million is necessary as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, for certain federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and other foreign deferred tax assets. The increase in the valuation allowance in 2024 is primarily due to the acquired U.S. federal net operating loss from the Sterling acquisition that is not expected to be fully utilized before expiration due to annual use limitation and establishment of a valuation allowance in Australia and Philippines during the year.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012, and state, local, and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities before 2008.

The aggregate changes in the balance of our gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest, for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, were as follows (in thousands):

An income tax benefit of approximately$6.9 million would be recorded if these unrecognized tax benefits are recognized. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its liability for unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next twelve months. The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense.

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) was signed into law in the U.S. Some of the key provisions in the IRA included implementation of a new alternative minimum tax, an excise tax on share repurchases, and significant tax incentives for energy and climate initiatives. The Company incurred excise taxes of $0.5 million on share repurchases in 2023 as a result of the IRA. No share repurchases occurred during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company has determined that the other provisions in the IRA had no impact on the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024.

On December 15, 2022, the European Union (“EU”) Member States formally adopted the EU’s Pillar Two Directive, which generally provides for a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, as established by the Organization for Economic Co-operating and Development (OECD) Pillar Two Framework. The EU effective dates are January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, for different aspects of the directive. A significant number of other countries are expected to also implement similar legislation with varying effective dates in the future. With the Sterling acquisition, the Company became subject to Pillar Two due to meeting the revenue threshold in 2024. The Company determined that it does not have a material Pillar Two Impact for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company will continue to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of the Pillar Two Framework, pending legislative adoption by additional individual countries.

Note 10. Revenues

Performance obligations

Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are recognized at a point in time when the orders are completed and the completed reports are reported, or otherwise made available. For revenues delivered over time, the output method is utilized to measure the value to the customer based on the transfer to date of the services promised, with no rights of return once consumed. In these cases, revenues on transactional contracts with a defined price but an undefined quantity is recognized utilizing the right to invoice expedient resulting in revenues being recognized when the service is provided and becomes billable. Additionally, under this practical expedient, the Company is not required to estimate the transaction price.

Accordingly, in any period, the Company does not recognize a significant amount of revenues from performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods and the amount of such revenues recognized for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, were immaterial.

Contract assets and liabilities

The contract asset balance was$5.9 million and$4.8 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included in accounts receivable, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The contract liability balance was$4.3 million and$1.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included in deferred revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. An immaterial amount of revenue was recognized in the current period related to the beginning balance of deferred revenues.

Note 11. Share-based Compensation

Share-based compensation expense is recognized in cost of services, product and technology expense, and selling, general, and administrative expense, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as follows (in thousands):

Prior to the IPO, all share-based awards were issued by Fastball Holdco, L.P., the Company’s previous parent company, under individual grant agreements and the partnership agreement of such parent company under the 2020 Equity Plan. In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended by the First Amendment, dated as of May 10, 2023, the “2021 Equity Plan”).

In May 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a modification of the vesting terms of outstanding unvested and unearned performance-based options, restricted stock units, and restricted stock (collectively, “Performance Awards”) previously issued under its equity plans. The modification, effective May 10, 2023, allowed for unvested and unearned Performance Awards outstanding as of the date of the modification, to vest based on time on the fourth, fifth, and sixth anniversaries of the relevant vesting commencement date, as set forth in each grant agreement (the “Vesting Commencement Date”), while preserving the eligibility to vest upon the Company’s investors receiving a targeted money-on-money return, subject to continued service. As of the modification date, unrecognized pre-tax non-cash compensation expense related to the Performance Awards, after accounting for the modification, was $28.8 million. The Company is recognizing pre-tax non-cash compensation expense related to the modification of Performance Awards prospectively from the date of modification, on a straight-line basis.

The fair value of the modified restricted stock units and restricted stock was estimated using the closing stock price on the date of modification. The fair value of the modified stock options was estimated on the date of modification using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

In connection with the Company’s declaration of a one-time special dividend in August 2023, the exercise price of outstanding stock option awards and stock purchases under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) was reduced by $1.50, in accordance with the non-discretionary anti-dilution provisions of the equity and stock purchase plans.

In August 2024 and September 2024, the Company modified the equity award agreements for its Chief Financial Officer and President, Americas, respectively, as part of each executive’s retirement agreement. The modifications allowed for accelerated vesting of certain unvested equity awards that would have otherwise been forfeited at retirement and modified certain provisions of the outstanding stock option agreements. As a result of the modifications, the related awards were revalued, resulting in an incremental $4.2 million of compensation expense recognized in 2024. Historical exercise prices noted in the below tables have not been adjusted.

In October 2024, as part of the acquisition of Sterling, unvested Sterling restricted stock, restricted stock units, and net option shares underlying in-the-money stock option awards were converted to an unvested cash award , an unvested First Advantage restricted stock award, or a First Advantage restricted stock unit at the holder’s election. Converted awards are subject to the same terms and conditions (including vesting) as applied to the replaced Sterling equity award. All out-of-the-money Sterling stock options, whether vested or unvested, were canceled for no consideration. See Note 3. “Acquisitions”.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately$37.3 million of unrecognized pre-tax non-cash compensation expense, comprised of approximately$12.8 million related to restricted stock,$11.1 million related to RSUs, and approximately$13.4 million related to stock options, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.0 year.

2020 Equity Plan

Awards issued under the 2020 Equity Plan consist of options and profit interests and vest based on two criteria: (1) Time — awards vest over five years at a rate of 20% per year; and (2) Performance — awards vest based upon a combination of thefive-year time vesting, subject to the Company’s investors receiving a targeted money-on-money return. Options issued under the 2020 Equity Plan generally expireten years after the grant date. No awards have been issued under the plan since the Company’s IPO.

A summary of the stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $3.2 million, $3.0 million, and $3.1 million, respectively.

A summary of changes in outstanding options and the related weighted-average exercise price per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

2021 Equity Plan

The 2021 Equity Plan is intended to provide a means through which to attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means whereby our directors, officers, employees, consultants, and advisors can acquire and maintain an equity interest in us, or be paid incentive compensation, including incentive compensation measured by reference to the value of our common stock, thereby strengthening their commitment to our welfare and aligning their interests with those of our stockholders. The 2021 Equity Plan provides for the grant of awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, and other equity-based or cash-based awards as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee. The 2021 Equity Plan initially had a total of 17,525,000 shares of common stock reserved. The number of reserved shares automatically increases on the first day of each calendar year commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on January 1, 2030, in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) 2.5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (y) a number of shares as determined by the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2024,19,216,600 shares were available for issuance under the 2021 Equity Plan.

Stock Options

Stock options issued immediately prior to the IPO vest based on two criteria: (1) Time — awards vest annually over five years; and (2) Performance — awards vest based upon a combination of thefive-year time vesting, subject to the Company’s investors receiving a targeted money-on-money return. Stock options issued after the IPO vest annually, generally over four orfive years. Stock options generally expireten years after the grant date.

The fair value for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighed average assumptions:

A summary of the option activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $4.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively. No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022.

A summary of changes in outstanding options and the related weighted-average exercise price per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (“RSU”) generally vest annually over three tofive years.

A summary of the RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 is as follows:

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes the restricted stock issued by the Company. These include grants of unvested 2020 Equity Plan profits interests grants that were converted into restricted stock, as well as restricted stock issued to new recipients. The restricted stock granted as a result of the conversion of 2020 Equity Plan profits interests retain the vesting attributes (including original service period vesting start date) of the original award.

A summary of the restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 is as follows:

Sterling Acquisition Awards

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes the RSUs issued by the Company as part of the acquisition of Sterling. These include Sterling restricted stock units and net option shares underlying in-the-money stock option awards that were unvested at close and converted to unvested First Advantage RSUs. The RSUs granted as a result of the conversion retain the vesting attributes (including the original service period vesting start dates) of the original award.

A summary of the RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes the restricted stock issued by the Company as part of the acquisition of Sterling. These include Sterling restricted stock and net option shares underlying in-the-money stock option awards that were unvested at close and converted to unvested First Advantage restricted stock. The restricted stock granted as a result of the conversion retain the vesting attributes (including the original service period vesting start dates) of the original award.

A summary of the restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On June 25, 2021, in connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the ESPP that allows eligible employees to voluntarily make after-tax contributions of up to 15% of such employee’s cash compensation to acquire Company stock during designated offering periods. Each offering period consists of one six-month purchase period. During the holding period, ESPP purchased shares are not eligible for sale or broker transfer. The Company recorded an associated expense of approximately$0.6 million,$0.8 million, and$0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Excess Tax Benefits

The Company recognized excess tax benefits of approximately $1.1 million, $0.3 million, and $0.5 million associated with equity award exercises and vesting in its income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Note 12. Defined Contribution Plan

The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan that principally consists of a contributory 401(k) savings plan. The Company makes discretionary matching contributions to the 401(k) savings plan based on a percentage of employee contributions. The expense recognized related to the Company’s contributions to the 401(k) savings plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was approximately$1.3 million,$1.2 million, and$1.3 million, respectively.

Note 13. Equity

Common and Preferred Stock

On June 25, 2021, the Company completed its IPO of 29,325,000 shares of the Company common stock, $0.001 par value per share at an offering price of $15.00 per share, pursuant to the Company’s IPO Registration Statement. The Company sold 22,856,250 shares, including 2,981,250 shares that were sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. Certain existing stockholders sold an aggregate of 6,468,750 shares, including 843,750 shares that were sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The Company received aggregate net proceeds of $316.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $22.3 million and other offering costs of $4.0 million.

Immediately prior to the completion of the IPO, the Company filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which authorized a total of 1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share and 250,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share. After filing the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, certain redemptions, exchanges, and conversions were made in connection with the dissolution of Fastball Holdco, L.P., the Company’s parent, which occurred prior to the completion of the IPO.

On November 15, 2021, the Company completed a follow-on offering (“November 2021 Follow-On”) where certain existing stockholders sold an aggregate of 15,000,000 shares, plus an additional 2,250,000 shares that were sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The Company did not sell any shares of its common stock in the November 2021 Follow-On Offering and did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares.

On October 31, 2024, the Company acquired Sterling in a cash-and-stock transaction where certain existing Sterling Stockholders received 27,150,000 shares of First Advantage common stock, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, with a fair value of$494.6 million.

See Note 3. “Acquisitions”. A portion of the shares of First Advantage common stock received by Sterling stockholders was converted into Sterling Acquisition Awards and will vest over time (see Note 11. “Share-based Compensation”).

As of December 31, 2024, no preferred stock had been issued.

Share Repurchase Program

On August 2, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock over the 12-month period ending August 2, 2023 (the “Repurchase Program”). On November 8, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase to the total available amount under its Repurchase Program to $150.0 million and extended the program through December 31, 2023. On February 28, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase to the total available amount under its Repurchase Program to $200.0 million. On September 14, 2023, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a one-year extension of its share repurchase authorization, extending the previously authorized $200.0 million program through December 31, 2024. In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company suspended purchases under its Repurchase Program.

Stock repurchases may be effected through open market repurchases at prevailing market prices, including through the use of block trades and trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, privately-negotiated transactions, through other transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws, or a combination of these methods on such terms and in such amounts as the Company deems appropriate and will be funded from available capital. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the timing, manner, value, and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s stock price and liquidity requirements, other business considerations and general market and economic conditions. No shares will be purchased from SLP Fastball Aggregator, L.P. and its affiliates. The Company may discontinue or modify purchases without notice at any time.

The Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2024. There have beenno additional authorizations for share repurchases after the expiration of the Repurchase Program.

A summary of the stock repurchase activity under the Repurchase Program for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, is summarized as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

Repurchased shares of common stock were retired. The par value of repurchased shares was deducted from common stock and the excess repurchase price over par value is reflected as a reduction to accumulated deficit. Additional associated costs include the related brokerage commissions and excise taxes on share repurchases.

Dividend

On August 8, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-time special cash dividend of $1.50 per share to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 21, 2023. An aggregate cash dividend of $217.7 million was paid on August 31, 2023. Dividends accrued for unvested RSUs are contingent and payable upon vesting of the underlying award. The Company recorded dividend related liabilities of$0.1 million and$0.2 million in accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024. The Company recorded dividend related liabilities of$0.2 million and$0.4 million in accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023.

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

The Company is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. At times, the Company, given the nature of its background screening business, is subject to lawsuits, or potential class action lawsuits, in multiple jurisdictions, related to claims brought primarily by consumers or individuals who were the subject of its screening services.

For all pending matters, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend vigorously or otherwise seek indemnification from other parties as appropriate. However, the Company has recorded a liability of$11.6 million and$5.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, for matters that it believes a loss is both probable and estimable. This is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The Company will continue to evaluate information as it becomes known and will record an estimate for losses at the time when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable.

Note 15. Leases

The Company has operating and finance leases for office facilities and equipment. Certain of our leases include rental payments that will adjust periodically for inflation or certain adjustments based on step increases. An insignificant number of our leases contain residual value guarantees and none of our agreements contain material restrictive covenants. Variable rent expenses consist primarily of maintenance, property taxes, and charges based on usage.

The Company rents or subleases certain real estate to third parties. The Company’s sublease portfolio consists of operating leases.

The components of lease costs are as follows (in thousands):

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):

Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

Lease term and discount rates are as follows:

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

(1)

Amortization of right of use operating lease assets during the period is reflected in operating lease liabilities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Note 16. Related Party Transactions

The Company hadno material related party transactions.

Note 17. Net (Loss) Income Per Share

Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share was calculated as follows:

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, a total of 3,630,723,4,725,584, and 2,669,162 stock options, RSUs, and restricted stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per share, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.

Note 18. Reportable Segments

As discussed in Note 1. “Organization, Nature of Business, and Basis of Presentation,” we have three reportable segments, First Advantage Americas, First Advantage International, and Sterling. Our CODM uses the performance measure of Adjusted EBITDA, on both a consolidated and a segment basis, to allocate resources and assess performance of our businesses. Our CODM also uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure for both segment and corporate management under our incentive compensation plans.

The segment financial information below aligns with how we report information to our CODM to assess operating performance and how the Company manages the business. Corporate costs are generally allocated to the segments based upon estimated revenue levels and other assumptions that management considers reasonable. Adjusted cost of services consists of amounts paid to third parties for access to government records, other third-party data and services, our internal processing fulfillment and customer care functions, and other cost of services excluding depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expenses, transaction expenses, and integration expenses. Other segment items consist of product and technology and selling, general, and administrative expenses, but similarly excludes depreciation and amortization, share based compensation, and other expenses excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

The CODM does not review the Company’s assets by segment as it does not provide additional insights into the performance of our business; therefore, such information is not presented. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as described in Note 1. “Organization, Nature of Business, and Basis of Presentation” and Note 10. “Revenues.”

Reconciliations of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

(a)

Represents charges incurred related to acquisitions and similar transactions, primarily consisting of change in control-related costs, professional service fees, and other third-party costs. Transaction and acquisition related charges for the year ended December 31, 2024 include approximately $125.7 million of expense associated with the acquisition of Sterling, primarily consisting of $41.2 million of compensation expense attributable to converted Sterling equity awards, of which $38.9 million related to accelerated vesting for employees terminated after the acquisition, $45.8 million of legal, regulatory, integration, and diligence professional service fees, $16.5 million in debt refinancing costs, $10.7 million in post-combination restructuring expenses, $9.5 million in success-based banking fees, and $2.0 million of other one-time transaction charges. Also includes incremental professional service fees incurred related to the initial public offering and the subsequent one-time compliance efforts. The year ended December 31, 2022 includes a transaction bonus expense related to one of the Company’s 2021 acquisitions.

(b)

Represents charges from organizational restructuring and integration activities, non-cash, and other charges primarily related to nonrecurring legal exposures, foreign currency (gains) losses, (gains) losses on the sale of assets, and other non-recurring items.

Geographic Information

The Company bases revenues by geographic region in which the revenues and invoicing are recorded. Other than the United States, no single country accounted for 10% or more of our total revenues during these periods.

The following summarizes revenues by geographical region (in thousands):

The following table sets forth net long-lived assets by geographic area (in thousands):

Note 19. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The accompanying note is an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

A statement of cash flows has not been presented as First Advantage Corporation (parent company) did not have any cash as of, or at any point in time during, the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 or 2022.

The accompanying note is an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

Note to Condensed Financial Statements of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

Basis of Presentation

Fastball Intermediate, Inc. was formed on November 15, 2019. In March 2021, Fastball Intermediate, Inc. changed its name to First Advantage Corporation.

These condensed parent company-only financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule I of Regulation S-X, as the restricted net assets of the subsidiaries of First Advantage Corporation (as defined in Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X) exceed the specified threshold amount of the consolidated net assets of the Company. Because we have a consolidated accumulated deficit, the 25% threshold described in Rule 4-08 does not apply and any restrictions of net assets at our subsidiaries trigger the requirement to present parent company-only financial information. The ability of First Advantage Corporation’s operating subsidiaries to pay dividends may be restricted due to the terms of the subsidiaries’ outstanding term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as described in Note 7 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

These condensed parent company-only financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting principles and policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, with the only exception being that the parent company accounts for its subsidiaries using the equity method. These condensed parent company-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.