First Advantage (FA) vs Unifirst (UNF)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Unifirst (UNF) has outperformed First Advantage (FA) over the past year, gaining 57.8% versus a gain of 24.8%. Over five years, UNF leads with a +22.5% price change compared with -9.2% for FA. Unifirst is the larger company by market cap ($4.69 billion vs $3.22 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while First Advantage is growing revenue faster (+83.0% vs +0.2%).
On valuation, First Advantage trades at a lower forward P/E (12.4x vs 32.1x for Unifirst). Unifirst pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while First Advantage does not currently pay one. Unifirst converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.1% versus -2.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FA | UNF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $18.73 | $259.60 |
| Market cap | $3.22B | $4.69B |
| 1-day change | +1.96% | +2.89% |
| YTD return | +28.91% | +34.58% |
| 1-year return | +24.78% | +57.78% |
| 5-year return | -9.17% | +22.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 133.79 | 39.88 |
| Forward P/E | 12.44 | 32.10 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.14 | $6.51 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.57B | $2.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +83.02% | +0.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-34.82M | $148.27M |
| Gross margin | — | 36.59% |
| Operating margin | 8.41% | 7.59% |
| Net margin | -2.21% | 6.10% |
| 52-week high | $25.15 | $306.67 |
| 52-week low | $8.82 | $147.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -25.53% | -15.35% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +40.15% | +5.29% |
| Average volume | 2.01M | 247.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 171.75M | 14.53M |
| Employees | 9,500 | 16,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Specialty Business Services | Specialty Business Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- UNF has outperformed FA by 33.0 percentage points over the past year.
- First Advantage trades at a higher earnings multiple (133.8x vs 39.9x trailing P/E).
- Unifirst is more profitable, keeping 6.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -2.2 cents for First Advantage.
- First Advantage grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+83.02% vs +0.20%).
About First Advantage
FA stock →First Advantage Corporation provides employment background screening, digital identity, and verification solutions internationally. It offers pre-onboarding products and solutions, such as criminal background checks, drug/health screening, extended workforce screening, FBI channeling, identity checks and biometric fraud mitigation tools, education/work history verification, driver records and compliance, healthcare credentials, executive screening, and other screening products.
Industrials · Specialty Business Services · 9,500 employees
About Unifirst
UNF stock →UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Uniform & Facility Service Solutions; First Aid & Safety Solutions; and Other.
Industrials · Specialty Business Services · 16,000 employees
FA vs UNF FAQ
Which is bigger, First Advantage or Unifirst?
Unifirst (UNF) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.69B compared with $3.22B for First Advantage (FA).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FA or UNF?
UNF returned +57.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +24.78% for FA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FA or UNF?
UNF has the lower trailing P/E at 39.9, versus 133.8 for FA. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, First Advantage or Unifirst?
Unifirst pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while First Advantage does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are First Advantage and Unifirst in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Specialty Business Services industry within the Industrials sector.