FIRST ADVANTAGE CORP 10-Q

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Notice to stockholders of Exchange Offer by First American On October 8, 2009, The First American Corporation (“First American”) commenced an exchange offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (“Class A Shares”) not owned or controlled by First American at an exchange ratio of 0.58 of a First American common share per Class A Share, and First American filed an Offer to Exchange and related materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. On October 8, 2009, the Company filed with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9. Stockholders are urged to read the Offer to Exchange and related materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement and any amendments thereto filed from time to time, because they will contain important information. Stockholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the Offer to Exchange and related materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . In addition, the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, as well as the Company’s other public SEC filings, can be obtained at www.fadv.com. Stockholders may also read and copy any reports, statements and other information filed by First American or the Company with the SEC at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) 732-0330 or visit the SEC’s website for further information on its public reference room. Note of Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q relate to future results of the Company and are considered “forward-looking statements”. These statements, which may be expressed in a variety of ways, including the use of future or present tense language, relate to among other things, sufficiency and availability of cash flows and other sources of liquidity, current levels of operations, anticipated growth, future market positions, synergies from integration, ability to execute its growth strategy, levels of capital expenditures and ability to satisfy current debt. These forward-looking statements, and others forward-looking statements contained in other public disclosures of the Company are based on assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, and that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control). Risks and uncertainties exist that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the anticipated results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements include: general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of the Company’s Class A common stock; the Company’s ability to successfully raise capital; the Company’s ability to identify and complete acquisitions and to successfully integrate businesses it acquires; changes in applicable government regulations; the degree and nature of the Company’s competition; increases in the Company’s expenses; continued consolidation among the Company’s competitors and customers; unanticipated technological changes and requirements; the Company’s ability to identify suppliers of quality and cost-effective data; statements with respect to First American's proposed exchange offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (“Class A Shares”) not owned or controlled by First American at an exchange ratio of 0.58 of a First American common share per Class A Share; and other factors described in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. In addition to the risk factors set forth above and in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, stockholders should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by the Form 8-K filed October 8, 2009, for the year ended December 31, 2008, as well as the other information contained the Company’s Annual Report, as updated or modified in subsequent filings. The Company faces risks other than those listed in the Annual Report, as updated, including those that are unknown and others of which the Company may be aware but, at present, considers immaterial. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied as a result of these risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. 26 Table of Contents MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Overview First Advantage Corporation (Nasdaq: FADV) (“First Advantage” or the “Company”) provides global risk mitigation, screening services and credit reporting to enterprise and consumer customers. The Company operates in five primary business segments: Credit Services, Data Services, Employer Services, Multifamily Services, and Investigative & Litigation Support Services. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company consolidated the previous Lender Services and Dealer Services segments and moved the consumer credit business from the Data Services segment to create the Credit Services segment. The prior periods have been recast to reflect the changed segments. First Advantage is headquartered in Poway, California and has approximately 3,800 employees in offices throughout the United States and abroad. The current economic downturn has caused decreased service revenue in the Credit Services segment related to the mortgage and auto industries and the Data Services segment related to the transportation and specialty finance businesses. Management expects continued weakness in the real estate and mortgage markets to continue impacting the Company’s Credit Services segment and the transportation and specialty credit businesses in the Data Services segment. In addition, the effect of the issues in the real estate and related credit markets together with the other macroeconomic matters has resulted in higher unemployment rates negatively impacting the volumes in the Employer Services segment. Given this outlook, management is focusing on expense reductions, operating efficiencies, and increasing market share throughout the Company. Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact on the Company’s business, there can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates and assumptions regarding the duration of the ongoing economic downturn, or the period or strength of recovery, made for purposes of the Company’s goodwill impairment testing during the year ended December 31, 2008 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the Company’s assumptions regarding forecasted revenue or margin growth rates of certain reporting units are not achieved, the Company may be required to record additional goodwill impairment losses in connection with the Company’s next annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2009 or in future periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment loss would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2009 included total service revenue of $156.0 million, this represents a decrease of 10.7% over the same period in 2008. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included total service revenue of $510.7 million, this represents a decrease of 6.4% over the same period in 2008. Operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $18.4 million and $59.2 million, respectively. Operating income decreased $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 in comparison to the same period in 2008. Operating income decreased $13.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 in comparison to the same period in 2008. On October 8, 2009, First American issued a press release announcing its intention to commence an exchange offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (“Class A Shares”) not owned or controlled by First American at an exchange ratio of 0.58 of a First American common share per Class A Share ( See Note 11 – Subsequent Event) . On October 9, 2009, First American filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which contains the Offer to Exchange and related materials. On that same day, the Company filed with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation on Schedule 14D-9 pursuant to which the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company recommended on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, that the stockholders of the Company accept the Offer and tender their shares pursuant to the Offer. The Offer is described in further detail in Note 11 – Subsequent Event. In the event that the Offer is accepted and consummated in the fourth quarter, operating results for the fourth quarter will be negatively impacted due to related costs. As further described in Note 11 – Subsequent Event, u pon meeting certain conditions, First American has announced that it intends to merge the Company with a wholly-owned subsidiary of First American. This merger will constitute a “Change in Control” under the FADV 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (“the Plan”). Upon a Change in Control, the unvested awards of stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock issued under the Plan will vest and the unamortized costs of those awards will be expensed. At September 30, 2009, the unamortized compensation expense was approximately $8.5 million and approximately $0.9 million related to the unvested restricted stock and unvested options, respectively. In addition, Morgan Stanley is acting as the Company’s financial advisor related to the Offer. Pursuant to the terms of Morgan Stanley’s engagement, in the event that the Offer is accepted, the Company has agreed to pay Morgan Stanley a transaction fee which is currently estimated to be approximately $3.0 million. 27 Table of Contents For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company incurred approximately $1.6 million in legal expenses related to the Offer and related litigation and expects additional professional fees in the fourth quarter related to the Offer and related litigation. As part of the Company’s streamlining initiative, in the second quarter of 2008, First Advantage sold First Advantage Investigative Services (“FAIS”), which was included in our Investigative and Litigation Support Services segment, and Credit Management Solutions, Inc. (“CMSI”), which was included in our Credit Services segment. The results of these businesses’ operations in the prior period are presented in discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The following is a summary of the operating results by the Company’s business segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. 28 Table of Contents (in thousands, except percentages) Credit Data Employer Multifamily Invest/Litigation Corporate Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Services Services Services Services Support Services and Eliminations Total Service revenue $ 59,443 $ 25,514 $ 41,731 $ 19,879 $ 9,804 $ (391 ) $ 155,980 Reimbursed government fee revenue 223 11,987 2,138 - - (762 ) 13,586 Total revenue 59,666 37,501 43,869 19,879 9,804 (1,153 ) 169,566 Cost of service revenue 26,691 12,419 10,651 1,790 495 (617 ) 51,429 Government fees paid 223 11,987 2,138 - - (762 ) 13,586 Total cost of service 26,914 24,406 12,789 1,790 495 (1,379 ) 65,015 Gross margin 32,752 13,095 31,080 18,089 9,309 226 104,551 Salaries and benefits 12,238 4,839 16,142 6,110 5,303 5,288 49,920 Facilities and telecommunications 1,771 551 2,036 754 675 954 6,741 Other operating expenses 4,721 1,680 5,202 2,415 1,270 3,165 18,453 Depreciation and amortization 1,533 2,435 3,771 1,542 724 988 10,993 Income (loss) from operations $ 12,489 $ 3,590 $ 3,929 $ 7,268 $ 1,337 $ (10,169 ) $ 18,444 Operating margin percentage 21.0 % 14.1 % 9.4 % 36.6 % 13.6 % N/A 11.8 % Credit Data Employer Multifamily Invest/Litigation Corporate Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Services Services Services Services Support Services and Eliminations Total Service revenue $ 60,837 $ 21,922 $ 54,199 $ 19,702 $ 18,600 $ (596 ) $ 174,664 Reimbursed government fee revenue - 11,743 2,828 - - (938 ) 13,633 Total revenue 60,837 33,665 57,027 19,702 18,600 (1,534 ) 188,297 Cost of service revenue 28,985 8,628 14,234 1,915 503 (745 ) 53,520 Government fees paid - 11,743 2,828 - - (938 ) 13,633 Total cost of service 28,985 20,371 17,062 1,915 503 (1,683 ) 67,153 Gross margin 31,852 13,294 39,965 17,787 18,097 149 121,144 Salaries and benefits 14,294 4,755 18,511 6,320 7,622 7,611 59,113 Facilities and telecommunications 2,203 643 2,280 836 722 1,105 7,789 Other operating expenses 4,844 1,646 9,275 2,533 2,569 (968 ) 19,899 Depreciation and amortization 1,728 2,570 3,255 1,444 837 1,064 10,898 Impairment loss 1,720 - - - - - 1,720 Income (loss) from operations $ 7,063 $ 3,680 $ 6,644 $ 6,654 $ 6,347 $ (8,663 ) $ 21,725 Operating margin percentage 11.6 % 16.8 % 12.3 % 33.8 % 34.1 % N/A 12.4 % 29 Table of Contents Credit Data Employer Multifamily Invest/Litigation Corporate Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Services Services Services Services Support Services and Eliminations Total Service revenue $ 191,567 $ 113,456 $ 119,350 $ 57,467 $ 30,224 $ (1,376 ) $ 510,688 Reimbursed government fee revenue 614 35,305 6,483 - - (2,497 ) 39,905 Total revenue 192,181 148,761 125,833 57,467 30,224 (3,873 ) 550,593 Cost of service revenue 86,292 68,806 31,367 5,029 1,366 (1,830 ) 191,030 Government fees paid 614 35,305 6,483 - - (2,497 ) 39,905 Total cost of service 86,906 104,111 37,850 5,029 1,366 (4,327 ) 230,935 Gross margin 105,275 44,650 87,983 52,438 28,858 454 319,658 Salaries and benefits 36,477 14,584 48,875 18,218 17,008 16,055 151,217 Facilities and telecommunications 5,153 1,758 6,248 2,247 1,985 2,874 20,265 Other operating expenses 14,355 9,552 15,692 6,899 4,936 4,963 56,397 Depreciation and amortization 4,470 7,367 11,058 4,553 2,176 2,950 32,574 Income (loss) from operations $ 44,820 $ 11,389 $ 6,110 $ 20,521 $ 2,753 $ (26,388 ) $ 59,205 Operating margin percentage 23.4 % 10.0 % 5.1 % 35.7 % 9.1 % N/A 11.6 % Credit Data Employer Multifamily Invest/Litigation Corporate Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Services Services Services Services Support Services and Eliminations Total Service revenue $ 202,723 $ 60,422 $ 163,397 $ 58,037 $ 63,281 $ (2,519 ) $ 545,341 Reimbursed government fee revenue - 35,958 7,859 - - (3,037 ) 40,780 Total revenue 202,723 96,380 171,256 58,037 63,281 (5,556 ) 586,121 Cost of service revenue 92,135 19,458 45,041 5,229 1,524 (2,664 ) 160,723 Government fees paid - 35,958 7,859 - - (3,037 ) 40,780 Total cost of service 92,135 55,416 52,900 5,229 1,524 (5,701 ) 201,503 Gross margin 110,588 40,964 118,356 52,808 61,757 145 384,618 Salaries and benefits 45,004 14,874 59,082 19,958 25,317 24,254 188,489 Facilities and telecommunications 6,544 1,922 7,330 2,666 2,217 3,394 24,073 Other operating expenses 17,469 5,353 28,899 7,947 8,356 (2,382 ) 65,642 Depreciation and amortization 4,480 7,601 9,629 4,242 2,460 3,108 31,520 Impairment loss 1,720 - 297 - - - 2,017 Income (loss) from operations $ 35,371 $ 11,214 $ 13,119 $ 17,995 $ 23,407 $ (28,229 ) $ 72,877 Operating margin percentage 17.4 % 18.6 % 8.0 % 31.0 % 37.0 % N/A 13.4 % 30 Table of Contents Credit Services Segment Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Service revenue was $59.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $1.4 million compared to service revenue of $60.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease is due to a $6.9 million decrease in revenue related to vehicle financing, reflecting an overall decline in auto and truck sales. This is partially offset by a $4.4 million increase in revenue related to our direct to consumer credit business and a $1.1 million increase in mortgage related credit revenue reflecting increased lending volumes as compared to the same period in 2008. Gross margin was $32.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $0.9 million compared to gross margin of $31.9 million in the same period of 2008. The impact of the increase in transactions resulted in an overall increase in gross margin. Gross margin was 55.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to 52.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Salaries and benefits decreased by $2.1 million. Salaries and benefits were 20.6% of service revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 23.5% during the same period in 2008. Salaries and benefits expense decreased due to operational efficiencies and reduced staffing. Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased $0.4 million. Facilities and telecommunication expense were 3.0% in and 3.6% of service revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease is due to the consolidation of operations. Other operating expenses were flat compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. Other operating expenses were 7.9% and 8.0% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. 31 Table of Contents Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.2 million. Depreciation and amortization was 2.6% of service revenue during the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2.8% in the same period in 2008. Income from operations was $12.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $7.1 million in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage increased from 11.6% to 21.0% primarily due operational efficiencies gained related to the segment’s cost reduction measures in the prior year and the $1.7 million impairment loss recorded in 2008. Data Services Segment Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $25.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $3.6 million compared to service revenue of $21.9 million in the same period of 2008. This segment has experienced an increase in service revenue primarily due to the lead generation business, offset by reduced volumes in the specialty credit and transportation businesses as a result of the overall economic downturn. Gross margin was $13.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $0.2 million compared to gross margin of $13.3 million in the same period of 2008. Gross margin as a percentage of service revenue was 51.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to 60.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in the gross margin as a percentage of service revenue is primarily due to the revenue mix. The lead generation’s eAdvertising business has lower margins. Salaries and benefits were flat when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. Salaries and benefits were 19.0% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 21.7% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2008. Facilities and telecommunication expenses for the third quarter of 2009 were comparable to the same period in 2008. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 2.2% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2.9% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2008. Other operating expenses were flat when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008. Other operating expenses were 6.6% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 7.5% in the third quarter of 2008. Depreciation and amortization for the third quarter of 2009 was comparable to the same period in 2008. Depreciation and amortization was 9.5% of service revenue during the third quarter of 2009 compared to 11.7% in the same period in 2008. The operating margin percentage decreased from 16.8% to 14.1% in comparing the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in the operating margin is primarily due to the change in the revenue mix of the businesses in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Income from operations was $3.6 million for the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $0.1 million compared to $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease is primarily driven by the lead generation business where cost of service and operating expenses have increased related to the increase in service revenue. 32 Table of Contents Employer Services Segment Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $41.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $12.5 million compared to service revenue of $54.2 million in the same period of 2008. The decrease was a result of a decrease in hiring in the United States and abroad. The recession has caused increased unemployment, which directly affects this segment. Salaries and benefits decreased by $2.4 million. Salaries and benefits were 38.7% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 34.2% in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is a direct effect of office consolidations and the reduction in staffing, offset by an increase in salary and benefit expense related to moving technology personnel from Corporate to Employer Services. Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased by $0.2 million. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 4.9% and 4.2% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The expense decrease is a direct effect of office consolidations. Other operating expenses decreased by $4.1 million. Other operating expenses were 12.5% and 17.1% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The expense decrease in other operating expenses is primarily due to moving technology personnel from Corporate to Employer Services which were previously allocated from Corporate to other expenses, a decrease in professional fees, bad debt expense and decreased foreign currency losses. Depreciation and amortization increased by $0.5 million. Depreciation and amortization was 9.0% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 6.0% in the same period of 2008. The increase is primarily due to accelerated depreciation on software related to outsourcing certain services in our drug screening division in 2009. The operating margin percentage decreased from 12.3% to 9.4% primarily due to the decline in revenue. Income from operations was $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $2.7 million compared to income from operations of $6.6 million in the same period of 2008. The decrease is due to the decline in service revenue, offset by a 18.5% decrease in operating expenses. Multifamily Services Segment Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $0.2 million compared to service revenue of $19.7 million in the same period of 2008. Salaries and benefits cost decreased $0.2 million. Salaries and benefits were 30.7% of service revenue for the third quarter of 2009 compared to 32.1% of service revenue in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is primarily due to a reduction in employees. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were flat when compared to the third quarter of 2008. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 3.8% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 4.2% in the third quarter of 2008. 33 Table of Contents Other operating expenses were flat when compared to the third quarter of 2008. Other operating expenses were 12.1% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 12.9% in the same period of 2008. The decrease is due to reduced leased equipment, marketing and travel expenses. Depreciation and amortization was flat when compared to the third quarter of 2008. Depreciation and amortization was 7.8% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 7.3% in the same period of 2008. Income from operations was $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to income from operations of $6.7 million in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage increased from 33.8% to 36.6% primarily due to management’s cost containment initiatives. Investigative and Litigation Services Segment Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $8.8 million compared to service revenue of $18.6 million in the same period of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the diminished case activity level in the Litigation Support Services division. Salaries and benefits decreased by $2.3 million. Salaries and benefits were 54.1% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 41.0% in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is mainly due to the decline of compensation related to revenue and profitability. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were flat compared to the same period in 2008. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 6.9% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 3.9% in the third quarter of 2008. Other operating expenses decreased by $1.3 million. Other operating expenses were 13.0% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 13.8% for the same period of 2008. The decrease in expense is primarily due to a reduction in bad debt expense, travel expenses and professional fees. Depreciation and amortization was flat when compared to the third quarter of 2008. Depreciation and amortization was 7.4% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 4.5% in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage decreased from 34.1% to 13.6%. The decrease in margin is primarily due to the revenue decline on the higher margin electronic discovery business. Income from operations was $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $6.3 million for the same period of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the revenue decrease on the higher margin electronic discovery business. Corporate Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Corporate costs and expenses represent primarily compensation and benefits for senior management, administrative staff, and their related expenses in addition to an administrative fee paid to First American. The corporate expenses were $10.2 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to expenses of $8.7 million in the same period of 2008. The expense increase is primarily due to $1.6 million in legal expenses recorded related to the Offer and related litigation. This increase is offset by expense decreases due to moving technology personnel from Corporate to Employer Services, decreases in compensation and benefit expenses, and travel expenses. 34 Table of Contents Consolidated Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Consolidated service revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $156.0 million, a decrease of $18.7 million compared to service revenue of $174.7 million in the same period in 2008. The decrease in service revenue compared to the third quarter of 2008 is directly related to the downturn in domestic and international hiring, weakness in the credit markets, and overall economic slowdown, offset by the increase in the Data Services segment. Salaries and benefits decreased $9.2 million. Salaries and benefits were 32.0% of service revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 33.8% for the same period in 2008. The decrease is primarily due to strategic reductions in employees, a decline of compensation related to revenue and profitability, and the elimination of the 401(k) match in 2009. Facilities and telecommunication decreased by $1.0 million compared to the same period in 2008. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 4.3% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 and 4.5% in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to savings related to office consolidations. Other operating expenses decreased by $1.4 million compared to the same period in 2008. Other operating expenses were 11.8% and 11.4% of service revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in expense is due to office consolidations and cost reduction measures offset by an increase in legal fees. Depreciation and amortization was flat when compared to the third quarter of 2008. Depreciation and amortization was 7.0% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 6.2% in the same period of 2008. The consolidated operating margin was 11.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to 12.4% for the same period in 2008. Income from operations was $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $21.7 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease of $3.3 million is comprised of an increase in Corporate expenses of $1.5 million, a decrease in operating income of $5.0 million in Investigative and Litigation Support Services, $0.1 million in Data Services, and $2.7 million at Employer Services offset by increases in operating income of $5.4 million in Credit Services, and $0.6 million in Multifamily Services. Credit Services Segment Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Service revenue was $191.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $11.1 million compared to service revenue of $202.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. A decrease in revenue at the dealer services division resulted in an overall decrease in service revenue, which is partially offset by an increase in revenue from the mortgage credit and consumer credit divisions. The challenging credit markets and overall economy continues to affect our credit reporting businesses compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008. 35 Table of Contents Gross margin was $105.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $5.3 million compared to gross margin of $110.6 million in the same period of 2008. The decline in gross margin is primarily due to the overall decrease in revenue and revenue mix compared to prior year. Gross margin was 55.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to 54.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Salaries and benefits decreased by $8.5 million. Salaries and benefits were 19.0% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 22.2% during the same period in 2008. Salaries and benefits expense decreased due to operational efficiencies and reduced staffing. Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased $1.4 million. Facilities and telecommunication expense were 2.7% and 3.2% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The expense decrease is due to the office consolidations. Other operating expenses decreased by $3.1 million. Other operating expenses were 7.5% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 8.6% for the same period of 2008. The decrease is due to a decline in lease expense, marketing expense, bad debt expense, office expenses and travel expense, offset by an increase in temporary labor and professional service fees. Depreciation and amortization was flat when compared to the nine months ended 2008. Depreciation and amortization was 2.3% of service revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2.2% in the same period of 2008. Income from operations was $44.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $35.4 million in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage increased from 17.4% to 23.4% primarily due operational efficiencies gained related to the segment’s cost reduction measures in 2008 the $1.7 million impairment loss recorded in 2008. Data Services Segment Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $113.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $53.1 million compared to service revenue of $60.4 million in the same period of 2008. This segment has experienced a significant increase in service revenue primarily due to the lead generation business, offset by reduced volumes in the specialty credit and transportation businesses as a result of the overall economic downturn. Gross margin was $44.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $3.7 million compared to gross margin of $41.0 million in the same period of 2008. Gross margin as a percentage of service revenue was 39.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to 67.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in the gross margin as a percentage of service revenue is primarily due to the revenue mix. The lead generation’s eAdvertising business has lower margins. Salaries and benefits decreased by $0.3 million. Salaries and benefits were 12.9% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 24.6% of service revenue in the same period of 2008. The decrease in expense is related to the reduction in staffing as compared to the same period in 2008. 36 Table of Contents Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased $0.2 million. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 1.5% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 3.2% of service revenue in the same period of 2008. Other operating expenses increased by $4.2 million. Other operating expenses were 8.4% of service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 8.9% in the same period of 2008. The expense increase is primarily due to the increase in bad debt expense at the lead generation business. Depreciation and amortization decreased by $0.2 million. Depreciation and amortization was 6.5% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 12.6% in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage decreased from 18.6% to 10.0% primarily due to the revenue mix of the businesses in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Income from operations was $11.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of $0.2 million compared to $11.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The increase is primarily driven by the lead generation business where revenue has increased, offset by increased cost of service and operating expenses. Employer Services Segment Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $119.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $44.0 million compared to service revenue of $163.4 million in the same period of 2008. The decrease was a result of the decline in hiring in the United States and abroad. The recession has caused increased unemployment, which directly affects this segment. Salaries and benefits decreased by $10.2 million. Salaries and benefits were 41.0% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 36.2% in the same period of 2008. The decrease in expense is a direct effect of office consolidations and the reduction in staffing, offset by an increase in expense related to moving technology personnel from Corporate to Employer Services. Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased by $1.1 million. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 5.2% and 4.5% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The expense decrease is a direct effect of office consolidations. Other operating expenses decreased by $13.2 million. Other operating expenses were 13.1% and 17.7% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The expense decrease in other operating expenses is primarily due to moving technology personnel from Corporate to Employer Services which increased costs allocated out of Employer services, a decrease in temporary labor, a decrease in bad debt expense and decreased foreign currency losses. Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.4 million. Depreciation and amortization was 9.3% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 5.9% in the same period of 2008. The increase is primarily due to the rollout of internally developed software and the accelerated depreciation on software related to outsourcing certain services in our drug screening division. 37 Table of Contents The operating margin percentage decreased from 8.0% to 5.1% primarily due to the decline in service revenue. Income from operations was $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $7.0 million compared to income from operations of $13.1 million in the same period of 2008. The decrease is due to the decline in service revenue, offset by a 22.2% decrease in operating expenses. Multifamily Services Segment Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $57.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $0.5 million compared to service revenue of $58.0 million in the same period of 2009. The decrease is primarily due to a decline in revenue related to the current economic conditions. Salaries and benefits cost decreased $1.7 million. Salaries and benefits were 31.7% of service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 34.4% of service revenue in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is primarily due to a reduction in employees. Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased $0.4 million. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 3.9% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 4.6% in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is a direct effect of office consolidations. Other operating expenses decreased $1.0 million. Other operating expenses were 12.0% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 13.7% in the same period of 2008. The decrease is due to reduced leased equipment, marketing and travel expenses. Depreciation and amortization increased $0.3 million. Depreciation and amortization was 7.9% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 7.3% in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage increased from 31.0% to 35.7% primarily due to management’s cost containment initiatives. Income from operations was $20.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to income from operations of $18.0 million in the same period of 2008. Investigative and Litigation Services Segment Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Total service revenue was $30.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $33.1 million compared to service revenue of $63.3 million in the same period of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the diminished case activity level in the Litigation Support Services division. Salaries and benefits decreased by $8.3 million. Salaries and benefits were 56.3% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 40.0% in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is mainly due to the decline of compensation related to revenue and profitability. Facilities and telecommunication expenses decreased $0.2 million. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 6.6% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 3.5% in the first quarter of 2008. 38 Table of Contents Other operating expenses decreased by $3.4 million. Other operating expenses were 16.3% of service revenue in the nine months September 30, 2009 and 13.2% for the same period of 2008. The decrease in expense is primarily due to a reduction in bad debt expense, travel expenses and professional fees. Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.3 million. Depreciation and amortization was 7.2% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 3.9% in the same period of 2008. The operating margin percentage decreased from 37.0% to 9.1%. Income from operations was $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $23.4 million for the same period of 2008. The decrease in margin is primarily due to the revenue decrease on the higher margin electronic discovery business. Corporate Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Corporate costs and expenses represent primarily compensation and benefits for senior management, administrative staff, and their related expenses in addition to an administrative fee paid to First American. The Corporate expenses were $26.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to expenses of $28.2 million in the same period of 2008. The expense decrease is due to moving technology personnel from Corporate to Employer Services, decreases in compensation and benefit expenses, and travel expenses. The decrease is offset by $1.6 million in legal expenses recorded in the current quarter related to the Offer and related litigation. Consolidated Results Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Consolidated service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $510.7 million, a decrease of $34.6 million compared to service revenue of $545.3 million in the same period in 2008. The decrease in service revenue is directly related to the downturn in domestic and international hiring, the decline in the mortgage industry, weakness in the credit markets, and overall economic slowdown, partially offset by an increase in the Data Services segment. Salaries and benefits decreased $37.3 million. Salaries and benefits were 29.6% of service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 34.6% for the same period in 2008. The decrease is primarily due to strategic reductions in employees, office consolidations, a decline of compensation related to revenue and profitability, and a reduction in the 401(k) match expense. Facilities and telecommunication decreased by $3.8 million compared to the same period in 2008. Facilities and telecommunication expenses were 4.0% of service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 4.4% in the same period of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to savings related to office consolidations. Other operating expenses decreased by $9.2 million compared to the same period in 2008. Other operating expenses were 11.0% and 12.0% of service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in expense is due to office consolidations and cost reduction measures. This is offset by an increase in bad debt expense at the Data Services segment and $1.6 million in legal expenses recorded related to the Offer and related litigation. Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.1 million due to fixed asset additions and the roll out of internally developed software, offset by certain fixed assets and intangibles becoming fully depreciated. 39 Table of Contents The consolidated operating margin was 11.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to 13.4% for the same period in 2008. Income from operations was $59.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $72.9 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease of $13.7 million is comprised of a decrease in operating income of $20.6 million in Investigative and Litigation Support Services, and $7.0 million at Employer Services offset by increases in operating income of $9.4 million in Credit Services, $0.2 million in Data Services, $2.5 million in Multifamily Services and a decrease of Corporate expenses of $1.8 million. Critical Accounting Estimates Critical accounting policies are those policies used in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements that require management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingencies. A summary of these policies can be found in Management’s Discussion and Analysis in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008. Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview The Company’s principal sources of capital include, but are not limited to, existing cash balances, operating cash flows and borrowing under its Secured Credit Facility (see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company’s short-term and long-term liquidity depends primarily upon its level of net income, working capital management (accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses), capital expenditures and bank borrowings. The Company believes that, based on current forecasts and anticipated market conditions, sufficient operating cash flow will be generated to meet all operating needs, to make planned capital expenditures, scheduled debt payments, and tax obligations for the next twelve months. Any material variance of operating results could require us to seek other funding alternatives including raising additional capital, which may be difficult in the current economic conditions. In previous years, First Advantage sought to acquire other businesses as part of its growth strategy. The Company will continue to evaluate acquisitions in order to achieve economies of scale, expand market share and enter new markets. While uncertainties within the Company’s industry exist, management is not aware of any trends or events likely to have a material adverse effect on liquidity or the accompanying financial statements. Management expects continued weakness in the real estate and mortgage markets to continue impacting the Company’s Credit Services segment and the transportation and specialty credit businesses in the Data Services segment. In addition, the effect of the issues in the real estate and related credit markets and other macroeconomic matters has resulted in higher unemployment rates negatively impacting the volumes in the Employer Services segment. Given this outlook, management is focusing on expense reductions, operating efficiencies, and increasing market share throughout the Company. Statements of Cash Flows The Company’s primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations and amounts available under credit lines the Company has established with a bank. As of September 30, 2009, cash and cash equivalents were $57.8 million. 40 Table of Contents Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $57.0 million and $33.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations increased by $24.0 million when comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and the same period in 2008. Income from continuing operations was $34.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $41.9 million for the same period in 2008. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the first quarter 2008 income tax payments of $56.9 million related to the sale of DealerTrack shares. Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations was $36.1 million and $78.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash in the amount of $19.5 million was used for earnout provisions from prior year acquisitions, compared to $51.2 million in the same period of 2008. Purchases of property and equipment were $14.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $24.3 million in the same period of 2008. Cash used in financing activities of continuing operations was $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations of $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, proceeds from existing credit facilities were $50.9 million compared to $100.3 million in the same period of 2008. Repayment of debt was $62.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $85.5 million in the same period of 2008. Cash used to acquire noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary was $5.9 million and $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, $1.1 million was distributed to noncontrolling interests in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Debt and Capital In 2005, the Company executed a revolving credit agreement with a bank syndication (the “Credit Agreement”). Borrowings available under the Credit Agreement total up to $225 million. The Credit Agreement includes a $10 million sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit and up to a $5 million swing loan facility. The credit facility maturity date is September 28, 2010. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by the stock and accounts receivable of the Company’s subsidiaries. At September 30, 2009, the Company had available lines of credit of $209.7 million, and was in compliance with the financial covenants of its loan agreements. In the event that the First American Offer is accepted and consummated with a merger, this may be determined to be an "Event of Default," under the terms of the Credit Agreement. First Advantage filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the issuance of up to 5.0 million shares of our Class A common stock, par value $.001 per share, from time to time as full or partial consideration for the acquisition of businesses, assets or securities of other business entities. The Registration Statement was declared effective on January 9, 2006. A total of 1,338,631 shares were issued for acquisitions as of September 30, 2009. Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments The following is a schedule of long-term contractual commitments, as of September 30, 2009, over the periods in which they are expected to be paid. (In thousands) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Thereafter Total Minimum contract purchase commitments $ 1,019 $ 2,653 $ 897 $ 41 $ 41 $ 26 $ 4,677 Advertising commitments 105 - - - - - 105 Operating leases 3,670 12,576 8,931 7,024 6,958 14,907 54,066 Debt and capital leases 2,359 18,420 492 72 78 53 21,474 Interest payments related to debt (1) 197 231 4 - - - 432 Total (2) $ 7,350 $ 33,880 $ 10,324 $ 7,137 $ 7,077 $ 14,986 $ 80,754 (1) Estimated interest payments are calculated assuming current interest rates over minimum maturity periods specified in debt agreements. (2) Excludes tax liability of $4.9 million due to uncertainty of payment period. 41 Table of Contents Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk There have been no material changes in the Company’s risk since filing its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.