Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2004

Registration No. 333-106680


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


 

FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   7375   61-1437565

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

One Progress Plaza

Suite 2400

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

(727) 214-3411

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 


 

Kenneth D. DeGiorgio, Esq.

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary

First Advantage Corporation

1 First American Way

Santa Ana, California 92707-5913

(714) 800-3000

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

 


 

With a copy to:

Neil W. Rust, Esq.

White & Case LLP

633 West Fifth Street

Los Angeles, California 90071

(213) 620-7700

 


 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:    From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

 

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  ¨

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨                 

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨             

 


 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.

 



EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 includes First Advantage’s consolidated financial statements contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, and updates certain other disclosures contained in the prospectus that makes up a part of this registration statement.


THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THE COMPANY MAY NOT OFFER ANY SHARES HEREUNDER AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS MAY NOT SELL THEIR SHARES PURSUANT TO THIS PROSPECTUS UNTIL THE RELATED REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 23, 2004

 

PROSPECTUS

 

LOGO

 

4,000,000 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

 


 

We are offering up to 4,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock, par value $.001 per share, for issuance from time to time as full or partial consideration for the acquisition of businesses, assets or securities of other business entities.

 

People who receive shares of our Class A common stock in connection with an acquisition may be permitted by us to use this prospectus and a prospectus supplement to resell their shares. You should read the section entitled “Selling Shareholders” to find out more information about resales, if any, including the amount of securities being resold.

 

The specific terms of each acquisition will be determined at or near the time of the acquisition by negotiations with the owners of the businesses, assets or securities to be acquired. Shares of our Class A common stock issued hereunder will be valued at approximately the market value at the time the terms of the acquisition are tentatively or finally agreed to, when the acquisition is completed, or during a specific period of time before we deliver the shares.

 

We may be required to provide further information by means of a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or a prospectus supplement once we know the actual information concerning a specific acquisition. We urge you to read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement before you make your investment decision.

 

We do not expect to receive any cash proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock pursuant to this prospectus, or to use an underwriter or pay underwriting discounts or commissions with respect to such shares.

 

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol “FADV.” On March 19, 2004, the closing price of one share of our Class A common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $16.60.

 


 

An investment in First Advantage Class A common stock involves a number of risks. You should consider the risks specified in the “RISK FACTORS” section of this prospectus beginning on page 4 before making any investment decision.

 


 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued in connection with this prospectus or determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 


 

This prospectus is dated March 23, 2004.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

First Advantage has filed a registration statement on Form S-4, of which this prospectus forms a part, to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission the shares of First Advantage Class A common stock to be issued hereunder. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. First Advantage will file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and any reports, statements or other information that First Advantage files with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at Public Reference Room, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549.

 

Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the world wide web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

 

This information is also available to shareholders and prospective shareholders without charge upon written or oral request to:

 

First Advantage Corporation

Ken Chin

One Progress Plaza

Suite 2400

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

(727) 214-3411

 

To obtain timely delivery, you must request the information at least five business days before the date on which you must make a decision on whether to invest in First Advantage.

 

First Advantage has not authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the shares of Class A common stock or our company that is different from, or in addition to, that contained in this prospectus. Therefore, if anyone does give you information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this prospectus is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this prospectus does not extend to you. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this document unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Prospectus Summary

   1

Summary Historical Financial Information of First Advantage Corporation

   3

Risk Factors

   4

Selling Shareholders

   8

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

   10

Information about First Advantage

   11

Price Range of Common Stock and Dividends and Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

   18

Selected Historical Financial Information of First Advantage Corporation

   19

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   20

Description of First Advantage Capital Stock

   28

Experts

   30

Legal Matters

   30

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1

 

ii


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

Our Company

 

First Advantage Corporation is a growing, national provider of risk management solutions. Our Company was formed in the June 5, 2003 merger with The First American Corporation’s screening technology division and US SEARCH.com Inc. On June 6, 2003, First Advantage’s Class A common stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “FADV”.

 

Prior to June 5, 2003, our activities were limited to participation in the business combination transaction contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 13, 2002 by and among The First American Corporation, US SEARCH, First Advantage and Stockholm Seven Merger Corp.

 

On June 5, 2003, HireCheck, Inc., Employee Health Programs, Inc., SafeRent, Inc., Substance Abuse Management, Inc., American Driving Records, Inc. and First American Registry, Inc., each formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of First American and collectively comprising the First American Screening Technology division, and US SEARCH, a public company whose common shares were, until June 5, 2003, traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “SRCH”, became wholly-owned operating subsidiaries of First Advantage.

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on June 5, 2003, First American received First Advantage Class B common stock representing approximately 80% of the economic interest and 98% of the voting interest of First Advantage. The former shareholders of US SEARCH exchanged their outstanding shares of US SEARCH common stock for First Advantage Class A common stock representing, in the aggregate, approximately 20% of the economic interest and 2% of the voting interest in First Advantage. As of December 31, 2003, First American owned approximately 77% of the economic interest and 97% of the voting interest of First Advantage.

 

A more complete description of First Advantage’s business is found in the section entitled “INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST ADVANTAGE” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus.

 

The full name, address and telephone number of our company is:

 

First Advantage Corporation

One Progress Plaza

Suite 2400

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

(727) 214-3411

 

About this Prospectus

 

This prospectus and each prospectus supplement (if any) is part of a registration statement on Form S-4 that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to a total of 4,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock for use in connection with acquisitions by us of other businesses, assets or securities of other business entities. The consideration offered by us in such acquisitions, in addition to any shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus, may include cash, certain assets and/or assumption by First Advantage of liabilities of the businesses, assets or securities being acquired.

 

1


The terms of acquisitions involving the issuance of the Class A common stock covered by this prospectus are expected to be determined by direct negotiations with the owners or controlling persons of the assets, businesses or securities to be acquired. Factors that First Advantage may consider in determining whether to acquire a business include, among other factors, the quality and reputation of the business to be acquired and its management, the strategic market position of the business to be acquired, its proprietary assets, its ability to generate revenues and earnings, its cash flow and growth potential, and the market value of its equity securities when pertinent. It is anticipated that shares of our Class A common stock issued in any such acquisition will be offered at approximately the then current market value of the Class A common stock. The value will be determined either when the terms of the acquisition are tentatively or finally agreed to, when the acquisition is completed, or during a period of time before we deliver the shares.

 

We do not expect to pay underwriting discounts or commissions, although we may pay finders’ fees from time to time in connection with certain acquisitions. Any person receiving finders’ fees may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the resale of shares of Class A common stock purchased by them may be considered underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may sell. If required, each time we sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or supplements.

 

We may also permit individuals or entities who have received or will receive shares of our Class A common stock in connection with the acquisitions described above, or their transferees or successors-in-interest, to use this prospectus to cover their resale of such shares. See “Selling Shareholders,” as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, for a list of those individuals or entities that are authorized to use this prospectus to sell their shares of our Class A common stock.

 

In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any other information. If you receive any unauthorized information, you must not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale of these securities is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on which it is released by First Advantage.

 

2


SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

 

The table below presents summary financial information of First Advantage for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2003. This information has been derived from the selected financial data of First Advantage included in this prospectus.

 

First Advantage’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2003, include results for the FAST division from January 2003 and the results for US SEARCH.com from June 2003. First Advantage’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 include results for the FAST division only.

 

First Advantage’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2003, include results of operations for the acquired entities from their respective dates of acquisition. The FAST division’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 include the combined results for companies acquired in those years from their respective acquisition dates.

 

Certain amounts for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 have been reclassified to conform with the 2003 presentation.

 

The selected financial data from which this summary has been derived was itself derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of First Advantage for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the combined financial statements of the FAST division for the four years ended December 31, 2002. The combined financial statements for the FAST division for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 are not included in this document. This information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in this prospectus.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

   2002

   2001

    2000

   1999

 

Income Statement Data:

                                     

Total revenues

   $ 166,495,000    $ 100,925,000    $ 49,167,000     $ 38,582,000    $ 30,373,000  

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,803,000    $ 2,702,000    $ (579,000 )   $ 51,000    $ (336,000 )

Balance Sheet Data:

                                     

Total Assets

   $ 283,900,000    $ 164,008,000    $ 62,284,000     $ 26,628,000    $ 15,592,000  

Long-term debt

   $ 13,473,000    $ 651,000    $ 1,159,000     $ 2,261,000    $ 1,410,000  

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 240,336,000    $ 145,903,000    $ 53,075,000     $ 18,491,000    $ 12,390,000  

 

3


RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and the other information contained in this prospectus. We face risks other than those listed here, including those that are unknown to us and others of which we may be aware but, at present, consider immaterial. Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting our operating results, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

 

We are controlled by First American and as a result other stockholders have little or no influence over stockholders’ decisions.

 

As a result of the June 5, 2003 mergers, First American owns 100% of our Class B common stock, which have ten votes per share compared to one vote per share of our Class A common stock. Consequently, First American has over 95% of the total voting power of First Advantage and, therefore, First American has the right to control the outcome of any matter submitted for the vote or consent of First Advantage’s stockholders, unless a separate class vote is required under Delaware law. First American has the voting power to control the election of our board of directors and is able to cause an amendment of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws. First American also may be able to cause changes in the business without seeking the approval of any other party. These changes may not be beneficial to us or in the best interest of our other stockholders. For example, First American has the power to prevent, delay or cause a change in control and could take other actions that might be favorable to First American, but not necessarily to other stockholders. Similarly, subject to restrictions contained in the standstill agreement entered into as part of the June 5, 2003 mergers, First American has the voting power to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs and has the ability to make decisions concerning such things as:

 

  mergers or other business combinations;

 

  purchases or sales of assets;

 

  offerings of securities;

 

  indebtedness that we may incur; and

 

  payments of any dividends.

 

We cannot assure you that First American’s ownership of our common stock or its relationship with us will not have a material adverse effect on our overall business strategy or on the market price of our Class A common stock.

 

Moreover, under Nasdaq corporate governance rules, if a single stockholder holds more than 50% of the voting power of a company, that company is considered a “controlled company.” A controlled company is exempt from the Nasdaq rules requiring that a majority of the company’s board of directors be independent directors and that the compensation and nomination committees be comprised solely of independent directors. First American owns more than 50% of the voting power of First Advantage and we may take advantage of such exemptions afforded to controlled companies.

 

We have very little operating history as an independent company.

 

Before June 5, 2003, we had no operating history as a separate public company. Due to this lack of operating history as a separate public company, there can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful on a long-term basis. Several members of our management team have never operated a stand-alone public company.

 

Pursuant to a standstill agreement entered into between First American and First Advantage, a majority of our “disinterested directors” must approve most future transactions between First American and First Advantage.

 

4


We may need additional capital in order to finance operations or pursue acquisitions. Accordingly, we may have to obtain our own financing for operations and perform most of our own administrative functions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop successfully the financial and managerial resources and structure necessary to operate as an independent public company, or that our available financing and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements.

 

We are dependent on information suppliers. If we are unable to manage successfully our relationships with a number of these suppliers, the quality and availability of our services may be harmed.

 

We obtain some of the data used in our services from third party suppliers and government entities. If a number of suppliers are no longer able or are unwilling to provide us with certain data, we may need to find alternative sources. If we are unable to identify and contract with suitable alternative data suppliers and integrate these data sources into our service offerings, we could experience service disruptions, increased costs and reduced quality of our services. Additionally, if one or more of our suppliers terminates our existing agreements, there is no assurance that we will obtain new agreements with third party suppliers on terms favorable to us, if at all. Loss of such access or the availability of data in the future due to increased governmental regulation or otherwise could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may be subject to increased regulation regarding the use of personal information.

 

Certain data and services we provide are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local regulatory authorities. Compliance with existing federal, state and local laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition to date. Nonetheless, federal, state and local laws and regulations in the United States designed to protect the public from the misuse of personal information in the marketplace and adverse publicity or potential litigation concerning the commercial use of such information may increasingly affect our operations and could result in substantial regulatory compliance expense, litigation expense and a loss of revenue.

 

We face significant security risks related to our electronic transmission of confidential information.

 

We rely on encryption and other technologies to provide system security to effect secure transmission of confidential or personal information. We may license these technologies from third parties. There is no assurance that our use of applications designed for data security, or that of third-party contractors will effectively counter evolving security risks. A security or privacy breach could:

 

  expose us to liability;

 

  increase our expenses relating to resolution of these breaches;

 

  deter customers from using our services; and

 

  deter suppliers from doing business with us.

 

Any inability to protect the security and privacy of our electronic transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We could face liability based on the nature of our services and the content of the materials provided which may not be covered by insurance.

 

We may face potential liability from individuals, government agencies or businesses for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark infringement and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials that appear or are used in our products or services. Insurance may not be available to cover claims of these types or may not be adequate to cover us for all risks to which we are exposed. Any imposition of liability, particularly liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our insurance coverage, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations.

 

5


We may not be able to pursue our acquisition strategy.

 

We intend to grow through acquisitions. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, obtain the capital necessary to pursue our acquisition strategy or complete acquisitions on satisfactory terms. A number of our competitors also have adopted the strategy of expanding and diversifying through acquisitions. We likely will experience competition in our effort to execute on our acquisition strategy, and we expect the level of competition to increase. As a result, we may be unable to continue to make acquisitions or may be forced to pay more for the companies we are able to acquire.

 

The integration of companies we acquire may be difficult and may result in a failure to realize some of the anticipated potential benefits of our acquisitions.

 

When companies are acquired, we may not be able to integrate or manage these businesses so as to produce returns that justify the investment. Any difficulty in successfully integrating or managing the operations of the businesses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and could lead to a failure to realize any anticipated synergies. Our management also will be required to dedicate substantial time and effort to the integration of our acquisitions. These efforts could divert management’s focus and resources from other strategic opportunities and operational matters.

 

We may not be able to realize the entire book value of goodwill from acquisitions.

 

As of December 31, 2003 we have approximately $205 million of goodwill. We have implemented the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” which requires that existing goodwill not be amortized, but instead be assessed annually for impairment or sooner if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. We will monitor for impairment of goodwill on past and future acquisitions. In the event that the book value of goodwill is impaired, any such impairment would be charged to earnings in the period of impairment. There can be no assurances that future impairment of goodwill under SFAS 142 will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The goodwill valuation is performed by a third party.

 

We currently do not plan to pay dividends.

 

We intend to retain future earnings, if any, that may be generated from operations to help finance the growth and development of its business. As a result, we do not anticipate paying dividends to stockholders for the foreseeable future.

 

Our business depends on technology that may become obsolete.

 

We use the US SEARCH DARWIN technology and other information technology to better serve our clients and reduce costs. These technologies likely will change and may become obsolete as new technologies develop. Our future success will depend upon our ability to remain current with the rapid changes in the technologies used in our business, to learn quickly to use new technologies as they emerge and to develop new technology-based solutions as appropriate. If we are unable to do this, we could be at a competitive disadvantage. Our competitors may gain exclusive access to improved technology, which also could put us at a competitive disadvantage. If we cannot adapt to these changes, our business may be materially adversely affected.

 

First American could sell its controlling interest in us and therefore we could eventually be controlled by an unknown third party.

 

Subject to certain restrictions, First American could elect to sell all or a substantial or controlling portion of its equity interest in us to a third party without offering to our other stockholders the opportunity to participate in the transaction. If another party acquires First American’s interest in us, that third party may be able to control us in the same manner that First American is able to control us. A sale to a third party also may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock because the change in control may result in a change in management decisions, business policy and our attractiveness to future investors.

 

6


Our Class A common stock will have minimal liquidity due to its small public float.

 

Although as of December 31, 2003 there were approximately 21 million total shares of First Advantage common stock outstanding, approximately 77% are owned by First American and approximately 10% are held of record by Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P. Currently only approximately 13% of our issued and outstanding shares are freely transferable without restriction under the Securities Act. Accordingly, only a small number of shares of First Advantage actually trade – between June 6, 2003 and December 31, 2003 the average daily trading volume of our Class A common stock was approximately 10,000 shares per day. Consequently, our stockholders may have difficulty selling shares of our Class A common stock.

 

Significant stockholders may sell shares of our common stock which may cause our share price to fall.

 

Subject to certain restrictions, First American may at any time convert each of its shares of our Class B common stock into a share of Class A common stock. First American or Pequot may transfer shares of our common stock in a privately-negotiated transaction or to affiliates or shareholders. Any transfers, sales or distributions by First American or Pequot of a substantial amount of our Class A common stock in the marketplace, or to shareholders, or the market perception that these transfers, sales or distributions could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock.

 

Conflict of interest may arise because certain of our directors and officers are also directors and officers of First American.

 

Certain persons associated with the Company have a continuing relationship with First American. Parker Kennedy and Kenneth DeGiorgio, Chairman of the Board and General Counsel, respectively, of First Advantage, also serve as executive officers of First American and certain of its affiliates. Mr. Kennedy also serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of First American. As such they may have great influence on our business decisions. These persons, currently associated with First American, were asked to serve as directors and/or officers of First Advantage because of their knowledge of and experience with our business and its operations. Both own stock, and options to acquire stock, of First American.

 

These affiliations with both First American and First Advantage could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when these directors and executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for First American and First Advantage.

 

We are a party to a stockholders agreement which may impact corporate governance.

 

First Advantage, First American and Pequot have entered into a stockholders agreement pursuant to which First American has agreed to vote as many of its shares in First Advantage as is necessary to ensure that our board of directors has no more than ten members and that a representative of Pequot that meets certain requirements is elected a director of First Advantage or, at Pequot’s request, a board observer of First Advantage. Pequot’s right to designate a board member or observer will continue until such time as Pequot and its affiliates’ collective ownership of First Advantage stock is less than 75% of the holdings Pequot received in the June 5, 2003 mergers. As a result of this arrangement and First American’s dominant ownership position in First Advantage, holders of First Advantage Class A common stock (other than Pequot) will have little or no ability to cause a director selected by such holders to be appointed to our board of directors and, consequently, little or no ability to influence the direction or management of First Advantage.

 

7


SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

 

The persons to whom we issue shares of Class A common stock under this prospectus may be able to resell such shares in the public market without further registration and without being required to deliver a prospectus. However, certain persons who receive our Class A common stock may want to resell those securities in distributions that would require the delivery of a prospectus. With our consent, this prospectus may be used by certain shareholders who wish to sell our Class A common stock. As used in this prospectus, “selling shareholders” may include shareholders who receive our Class A common stock hereunder in connection with an acquisition and donees and pledgees selling shares received from such people. We may limit our consent to a specified time period and subject our consent to certain limitations and conditions, which may vary by agreement.

 

Selling shareholders may sell our Class A common stock in any combination of the following:

 

  through the Nasdaq National Market or any national securities exchange on which our Class A common stock has been approved for listing in the future;

 

  directly to purchasers in negotiated transactions;

 

  by or through brokers or dealers, in ordinary brokerage transactions or transactions in which the broker solicits purchases;

 

  in block trades in which the broker or dealer will attempt to sell securities as an agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal;

 

  in a transaction in which a broker or dealer purchases as principal for resale for its own account; or

 

  through underwriters and agents.

 

Resales by selling shareholders may be made directly to investors or through securities firms acting as underwriters, brokers or dealers. The fees earned by or paid to the securities firm may be the normal stock exchange commission or negotiated commissions or underwriting discounts to the extent permissible. Shares of our Class A common stock may be sold at a fixed offering price, which may be changed, at the prevailing market price at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market price or at negotiated prices. The securities firm may resell the shares through other securities dealers, and commissions or concessions to those other dealers may be allowed. Such selling shareholders may indemnify any securities firm participating in such transactions against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to reimburse them for any expenses in connection with an offering or sale of securities.

 

The selling shareholders and any broker-dealers who act in connection with the sale of shares hereunder may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. Any commissions received by them and profit on any resale of such shares as principal may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

 

Selling shareholders may also offer shares of Class A common stock covered by this prospectus by means of prospectuses under other registration statements or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, including sales that meet the requirements of Rule 144 or Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act. Selling shareholders should seek the advice of their own counsel about the legal requirements for such sales.

 

8


The following table sets forth:

 

  the name of each selling shareholder as of the date of this prospectus;

 

  the number of Class A common shares which such selling shareholder may sell from time to time pursuant to the prospectus; and

 

  the number of Class A common shares beneficially owned by the selling shareholder prior to the offering.

 

Selling Shareholder


   Amount of Class A common shares
that may be sold


   Class A common shares owned
before the offering


William H. Goss

   15,275    0

William Moore III

   104,572    0

Timothy E. Fargo

   14    0

Richard J. Taffet

   9,000    0

George M. Ellis, Jr.

   55,848    0

Bradley Trust, dated May 2, 1991

   26,020    0

Shaw Family Trust, created June 8, 2001

   15,612    0

Dan Cates

   14,041    0

Joni Cates

   10,283    0

Aon Solutions, Inc.

   53,419    0

Lamar Stevens

   25,965    0

Patrick Ryan

   25,965    0

Tom Hollenshead

   108,585    0

Lisa Dolezalik

   25,572    0

Mark Myers

   12,940    0

Shirley Shaffer

   11,829    0

Robby Collins

   6,627    0

Chad Woolery

   6,183    0

Dale Shaffer

   5,977    0

nGenuity Capital, Inc

   6,174    0

George Shaffer

   6,739    0

Richard Hollenshead

   3,370    0

Ken Glazier

   674    0

Ross Spinazzola

   627    0

Vincent Tsang

   30,780    0

Richard Young

   117,464    0

David Cerrone

   39,155    0

 

9


No selling shareholder has held any position or office with, been employed by or otherwise has had any material relationship with First Advantage or First Advantage’s predecessors or affiliates during the three years prior to the date of this prospectus.

 

A selling shareholder may offer all or some portion of the Class A common shares. Accordingly, no estimate can be given as to the amount or percentage of Class A common shares that will be held by the selling shareholders upon termination of sales pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, the selling shareholders may have sold, transferred or disposed of all or a portion of their Class A common shares since the date on which they provided the information regarding their holdings in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

This prospectus will be further amended or supplemented, if required by the Securities Act and the rules of the SEC, to disclose the identity of additional selling shareholders, the number of shares to be sold by the selling shareholders, any material relationship a selling shareholder may have with us, and other details of the resale to the extent appropriate.

 

We will not receive any part of the proceeds from the resale by the selling shareholders of any shares under this prospectus. We will bear all expenses other than selling discounts and commissions and fees and expenses of the selling shareholders in connection with the registration of the shares being re-offered by the selling shareholders.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

CERTAIN STATEMENTS IN THIS PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO RELATIONSHIPS WITH DATA SUPPLIERS, TERMINATION OF SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS, PRODUCT DEMAND, ACQUISITION TARGETS, RETENTION OF FUTURE EARNINGS, CONSOLIDATION OF OPERATIONS, INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, LITIGATION, EXPENSES, AND CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY ARE FORWARD LOOKING. 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 FIRST ADVANTAGE’S CLASS A COMMON STOCK; FIRST ADVANTAGE’S ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY RAISE CAPITAL; FIRST ADVANTAGE’S ABILITY TO IDENTIFY AND COMPLETE ACQUISITIONS AND SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE BUSINESSES IT ACQUIRES; CHANGES IN APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS; THE DEGREE AND NATURE OF FIRST ADVANTAGE’S COMPETITION; INCREASES IN FIRST ADVANTAGE’S EXPENSES; CONTINUED CONSOLIDATION AMONG FIRST ADVANTAGE’S COMPETITORS AND CUSTOMERS; UNANTICIPATED TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND REQUIREMENTS; FIRST ADVANTAGE’S ABILITY TO IDENTIFY SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY AND COST-EFFECTIVE DATA; AND OTHER FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE THEY ARE MADE. FIRST ADVANTAGE DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES OR EVENTS THAT OCCUR AFTER THE DATE THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE.

 

10


INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST ADVANTAGE

 

First Advantage is a growing, national provider of risk management solutions. Our Company was formed in the June 5, 2003 merger with The First American Corporation’s screening technology division and US SEARCH.com Inc. On June 6, 2003, First Advantage’s Class A common stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “FADV”.

 

Prior to June 5, 2003, our activities were limited to participation in the business combination transaction contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 13, 2002 by and among The First American Corporation, US SEARCH, First Advantage and Stockholm Seven Merger Corp.

 

On June 5, 2003, HireCheck, Inc., Employee Health Programs, Inc., SafeRent, Inc., Substance Abuse Management, Inc., American Driving Records, Inc. and First American Registry, Inc., each formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of First American and collectively comprising the First American Screening Technology division, and US SEARCH, a public company whose common shares were, until June 5, 2003, traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “SRCH”, became wholly-owned operating subsidiaries of First Advantage.

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on June 5, 2003, First American received First Advantage Class B common stock representing approximately 80% of the economic interest and 98% of the voting interest of First Advantage. The former shareholders of US SEARCH exchanged their outstanding shares of US SEARCH common stock for First Advantage Class A common stock representing, in the aggregate, approximately 20% of the economic interest and 2% of the voting interest in First Advantage. As of December 31, 2003, First American owned approximately 77% of the economic interest and 97% of the voting interest of First Advantage.

 

Business of First Advantage

 

Our operations are organized into three business segments: Enterprise Screening, Risk Mitigation and Consumer Direct.

 

A summary of our revenue, net income (loss) before income taxes and assets for our segments is found in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-24 of this prospectus.

 

Enterprise Screening

 

First Advantage’s Enterprise Screening segment helps thousands of companies in the United States manage risk with our employment screening, occupational health and resident screening products. Our Enterprise Screening segment accounted for approximately 67% of our consolidated revenue in 2003.

 

Our employment screening services include the provision of reports about a prospective employee’s criminal record, motor vehicle violations, credit standing and involvement in civil litigation. We also make inquiries of provided references and former employers, verify educational credentials and licenses, verify social security numbers and check industry specific records. A customer can order any of these and other related services individually, as a package with our other employment screening products or with other products we offer. Depending on a customer’s preference, orders may be placed and fulfilled directly from the Company, through a secure Internet connection, software, facsimile or through third party vendors.

 

Our occupational health products generally involve the design and management of a drug testing program, including provision for the collection and testing of specimens and interpretation of the results. We also provide physical examination services to employers. Reports of our findings are generally delivered through a secure Internet connection or through other direct means.

 

11


We also develop and manage employee assistance programs, which provide our customers’ employees with access to confidential counseling services and other resources to assist with personal issues that may affect workplace productivity. These programs cover a wide range of personal and workplace issues, including alcohol and drug abuse, marital problems, family matters, bereavement management, depression, stress, retirement and downsizing. First Advantage’s employee assistance programs also provide employers with a number of corporate-focused services, including management counseling, critical incident stress management programs, organizational change consulting and intensive specialty training on issues such as violence in the workplace.

 

Our resident screening offerings involve the provision of reports containing information about a prospective renter’s eviction record, lease and payment performance history, credit standing, references and criminal records to residential property managers and owners operating in the United States. Depending on a customer’s needs, our reports may contain one or any combination of these pieces of information. In serving our customers, we may draw on our database of landlord-tenant records, which is the largest of its kind in the United States, and our database of criminal conviction information, which is one of the largest for use in resident screening in the United States. We also offer a scoring product which assesses risk of default by a prospective renter based on a statistical scoring model developed exclusively for the multifamily housing industry. Customers generally order and receive the segment’s resident screening products through a secure Internet connection or through proprietary software.

 

Our employment screening and occupational health services generally experience seasonality near year-end, which is attributed to decreases in hiring. Our resident screening products experience seasonality during the winter months from November to March.

 

Risk Mitigation

 

First Advantage’s Risk Mitigation segment offers motor vehicle records and investigative services to the insurance industry and other businesses operating in the United States. Our Risk Mitigation segment accounted for approximately 27% of our consolidated revenue in 2003.

 

This segment provides customers with automated access to motor vehicle records from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Independent insurance agents operating in the United States represent the core of the customer base for this product, which they use for underwriting purposes. Employers also utilize the product to manage risk associated with employees that require the use of a vehicle in the performance of their duties. For most customers, we receive and fulfill orders through our proprietary Comprise/ZapApp® software, which allows the customer to integrate the process of obtaining motor vehicles reports with other processes utilized by the customer.

 

The segment also provides customers with investigative services designed to detect and expose worker’s compensation, disability and liability insurance fraud. Purchased mostly by insurance carriers, third party administrators and self-insuring companies, these services generally involve field surveillance and interviews conducted by more than 200 full-time licensed staff investigators. This segment receives orders in a variety of ways, including telephonic or other direct contact with the client, facsimile, e-mail or through the Internet. In most cases, investigation reports, including accompanying video, are sent via mail or courier to the client.

 

Demand for our motor vehicle records products usually decreases in November and December as a result of reductions in the insurance and employment markets. Our investigative services experience seasonality December through February as a result of the number of holidays which occur during this period and frequent year-end reorganizations which occur at our insurance clients.

 

Consumer Direct

 

Our Consumer Direct segment provides location, verification and screening services directly to consumers through the Internet. This segment uses a proprietary software platform and web-based systems to supply

 

12


customers with services such as individual location, identity verification, criminal record checks, employment and education verifications. We also offer assisted searches and screening services, both online and through toll-free telephone numbers.

 

This segment has developed US SEARCH DARWIN patent-pending technology, which automates the data management supply chain by accessing, assimilating, and compiling data from disparate sources. The current applications of the technology focus on individual locator and profile services. We are also adapting this technology for use in our Enterprise Screening segment.

 

Our Consumer Direct segment accounted for approximately 6% of our consolidated revenue in 2003.

 

Historical Growth

 

Prior to the June 5, 2003 mergers, HireCheck, Employee Health Programs, SafeRent, Substance Abuse Management, American Driving Records and First American Registry, now wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Advantage, were wholly-owned subsidiaries of First American and made up The First American Corporation Screening Technology (FAST) division.

 

In the late 1990s, First American initiated a diversification strategy which called for, among other things, the combination of one of its core competencies—data management and analysis—with businesses that are counter-cyclical to its long-standing real estate related products and services. First American also sought businesses that were complementary to its rapidly growing credit reporting business, First American CREDCO. First American management initially focused on the background screening industry—an information-intensive business with a heavy demand for credit reports and a relatively tangential tie to the real estate market.

 

In September 1998, First American began its entry into the employee screening industry by acquiring HireCheck. HireCheck, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is today the principal subsidiary through which our Enterprise Screening segment provides employment screening services. In this same month First American also entered the resident screening industry by acquiring First American Registry, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. First American Registry, which we believe to be the largest resident screening company in the United States, is today the principal subsidiary through which our Enterprise Screening segment provides resident screening products.

 

Continuing its efforts to provide a comprehensive set of risk management tools to its customers, in August 2001 First American entered the occupational health services business by acquiring Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Substance Abuse Management.

 

Five months later, in January 2002, First American further added to the menu of services offered by the FAST division by acquiring American Driving Records, a Rancho Cordova, California-based provider of motor vehicle reports. One of the largest competitors in its industry, American Driving Records brought to the FAST division not only a formidable player in a key area of the risk management industry, but also enhanced the division’s access to the motor vehicle records of almost every state in the United States. With American Driving Records, First American purchased ZapApp India Private Limited, a Bangalore, India-based private limited company that provides technology services to American Driving Records and now to all of First Advantage.

 

In an effort to improve the profitability of the companies then comprising the FAST division, in the second quarter of 2001 First American reorganized the division’s management structure by dedicating a single management group to the oversight of all operations. By emphasizing the group as a whole, First American believed this reorganization effort would position the FAST division to pursue cross-selling opportunities, take advantage of mutual supplier relationships and leverage technological developments and resources across the entire division. It also hoped to focus management on efforts to improve the division’s operating margins by increasing the volume of transactions performed using the division’s existing systems, whether through internal

 

13


sales growth or by acquiring businesses with complementary product offerings. In January 2002, First American formally created the FAST division and began reporting the division as a segment in its financial statements.

 

Strategic Acquisitions Following 2001 Reorganization

 

First American supplemented the division’s employee background screening operations by acquiring Factual Business Information, Inc., headquartered in Miami, Florida, in August 2001 and Pretiem Corporation, headquartered in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, in December of 2001. These acquisitions provided the division with an expanded customer base for employee screening services in three important employment markets: the Miami metropolitan area, New Jersey and New York State.

 

In the last quarter of 2002, the FAST division completed acquisitions of Employee Health Programs in October and SafeRent in November.

 

A competitor of Substance Abuse Management, the Bethesda, Maryland-based Employee Health Programs brought critical volume to the FAST division’s occupational health business. Through the acquisition of Employee Health Programs, the FAST division also expanded the scope of its existing services to include employee assistance programs, which are designed to help troubled employees resolve personal issues that can affect workplace productivity. Employee Health Programs and Substance Abuse Management are today the principal subsidiaries through which the Enterprise Screening segment provides occupational health services.

 

SafeRent, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, brought additional key customers to the FAST division’s leading resident screening business and increased the division’s penetration in key markets, in particular markets in the western United States.

 

June 5, 2003 Mergers

 

In the June 5, 2003 mergers, the companies comprising the FAST division and US SEARCH combined under one umbrella. US SEARCH brought to First Advantage not only many important employment screening customers through its Professional Resource Screening, Inc. subsidiary, but also an opportunity to pursue a new market – consumers – with specially tailored versions of our existing products. Ultimately, Professional Resource Screening was combined with the other companies in our Enterprise Screening segment and the other operations of US SEARCH became our Consumer Direct segment.

 

Strategic Acquisitions

 

Since becoming a public company in June 2003, we have actively pursued our acquisition strategy. In August 2003 we acquired two employment background screening companies, Liberatore Services, Inc. and Total Information Source, Inc., and an occupational health services company, Continental Compliance Systems. In September 2003 we further expanded our occupational health services with the acquisition of Employee Information Services, Inc. In that same month, we acquired Omega Insurance Services, Inc., which brought a new investigative services product to First Advantage. In November 2003 we made three acquisitions: occupational health services company Greystone Health Sciences Corporation; MedTech Diagnostics, Inc., a provider of both occupational health services and employment screening services; and Agency Records, Inc., a provider of motor vehicle records. In December 2003, we acquired Credential Check & Personnel Services, Inc., an employment screening company. In January 2004 we acquired Quantitative Risk Solutions LLC, a provider of cargo loss risk mitigation services and Proudfoot Reports Incorporated, an employment screening company. In February 2004, we acquired MVR’s Inc., a provider of motor vehicle records and Background Information Systems, Inc., an employment screening company. In March 2004 we acquired Infocheck, Ltd., a Canadian employment screening company and Landlord Protect, Inc., a provider of resident screening services.

 

14


Customers

 

First Advantage, through its subsidiaries, serves a wide variety of clients throughout the United States, including nearly a quarter of those businesses comprising the Fortune 1000, many major real estate investment trusts and property management companies, a number of the top providers of transportation services, insurance companies, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and health care providers. Dominant categories of customers vary depending on the type of product. Insurance carriers and agents, for example, purchase a substantial proportion of our Risk Mitigation segment’s products. Transportation companies are major consumers of our occupational health products. Multifamily housing property management companies and landlords of all sizes are represented in the resident screening business’ customer base. Larger employers represent the predominant share of the employee background screening business. Individual consumers dominate the customer base for our Consumer Direct segment. We derive a nominal amount of revenue from customers in Canada and Puerto Rico.

 

Excluding our Consumer Direct segment, which has a fluid customer base, we have in excess of 25,000 customers. No single customer is responsible for 2 percent or more of our revenue.

 

Suppliers

 

Data represents a key ingredient in most of our products. In obtaining such data, we draw upon a wide variety of sources, including governmental agencies, credit reporting agencies, third parties which compile public record information and on-line search services. Many of our suppliers provide this data in electronic format. We do not anticipate the termination of any significant relationship with any of our data suppliers. Because we believe we could acquire necessary data from other sources, we do not believe that the termination of any supplier relationship would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operating results.

 

In connection with our occupational health services, we depend upon services provided by specimen collection agencies and laboratories. There is significant competition among suppliers of these services and, consequently, we do not believe the termination of our relationship with any of these suppliers would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or operating results.

 

Governmental Regulation

 

Although generally our products or services do not require governmental approvals, our businesses are subject to various federal and state regulations that may impact our products and services. For example, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Drivers Privacy Protection Act and various state laws regulate products and services that include disclosure of personal information.

 

Many state and local laws require certain of our subsidiaries and employees engaged in providing our investigative services products to be licensed as private investigators. Some state and local governments require the same with respect to our employee screening companies.

 

Historically, we have been able to comply with existing laws and regulations without incurring substantial costs or restrictions on our business.

 

Competition

 

A number of companies compete with our product offerings. First Advantage’s most significant national competitors in employment screening services include ChoicePoint, Kroll, U.S. Investigative Services and ADP. A number of local and regional competitors also exist. The resident screening industry is highly fragmented, with only approximately 10 other companies providing significant competition on a national level. In our occupational health business, we believe that we have only one significant nationwide competitor, however, there are a significant number of local and regional companies in the industry. In motor vehicle reports, there are

 

15


approximately 10 major competitors to First Advantage, the most predominant of which is ChoicePoint. Three other companies compete with our investigative services products on a national basis, with a broad spectrum of regional and local competitors. In each of these markets, First Advantage competes foremost on the basis of customer service and secondarily on price and product differentiation.

 

The primary competitors to our Consumer Direct segment include telephone companies and other third parties who publish free printed or electronic directories, private investigation firms and web-based companies such as KnowX.com.

 

Intellectual Property

 

First Advantage owns a number of items of intellectual property, including trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents, domain names and unregistered trade secrets. First Advantage also owns the US SEARCH DARWIN software platform, which uses advanced technology to access, assimilate, compile, distribute and present data from public and private databases. The patent application for this technology was published on December 19, 2002 and is pending issuance. First Advantage is not dependent upon any single item of intellectual property.

 

Strategies for Future Growth of First Advantage

 

First Advantage believes that as the world becomes increasingly risky for individuals and organizations, demand for our products will grow. Our primary goal is to be well positioned to capture not only a substantial portion of the existing market, but also a substantial share of the expected growth. We intend to accomplish this goal in the following manner:

 

Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. We intend to continue pursuing acquisitions of companies that would enable us to enter new markets as well as increasing our share of those markets in which we are already operating. We will pursue companies with assets that will enhance our ability to fulfill orders, including companies with proprietary databases containing information for use in our products or technology that would make order placement or product delivery more efficient. We also expect to pursue acquisition opportunities which would enable us to enter into related product fields. Our acquisitions of Total Information Source and Employee Information Services are examples of the efforts to increase the volume of transactions performed by First Advantage’s existing businesses through strategic acquisitions. Our acquisition of Omega Insurance Services provides an example of our efforts to enter related product fields (investigation services) through acquisition.

 

Consolidate Operations. We intend to continue our aggressive efforts to consolidate the operations brought together in the June 2003 mergers and the operations of businesses we have since acquired and will acquire. This includes efforts not only to capture synergies by eliminating personnel and systems duplication, but also to exploit cross-selling opportunities by providing a single platform on which First Advantage can offer its entire menu of services to current and prospective customers.

 

International Expansion. We intend to pursue opportunities to offer our services outside the United States. Given the risks that face businesses around the world, we believe that international markets provide a substantial opportunity for growth. We expect that by expanding our offerings to other countries we will also enhance our ability to compete in the United States for the business of global companies.

 

Employees

 

We employ approximately 1,500 people, most of which are located in the United States. Of this number, approximately 30 are employed in Bangalore, India.

 

16


Properties

 

Our principal executive offices are located in approximately 20,800 square feet of leased office space in St. Petersburg, Florida. The lease expires on November 30, 2006. Current monthly rent is approximately $36,220. First Advantage, through its subsidiaries, maintains 32 other offices in the United States and an office in Bangalore, India. These offices, all of which are leased, comprise a total of approximately 318,000 square feet of space.

 

Legal Matters

 

First Advantage’s subsidiaries are involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of their businesses. We do not believe that the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation involving these entities will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or operating results.

 

17


PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS AND SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

 

Our Class A common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “FADV”. Our Class A common stock commenced trading on June 6, 2003. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices of our Class A common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.

 

     Class A Common
Stock Price


     High

   Low

2003

             

Quarter ended June 30, 2003

   $ 40.00    $ 16.39

Quarter ended September 30, 2003

   $ 19.50    $ 14.06

Quarter ended December 31, 2003

   $ 20.65    $ 14.71

 

The approximate number of record holders of Class A common stock on March 5, 2004 was 43.

 

Our Class B common stock is not listed or quoted on any exchange or quotation system. The First American Corporation owns all of our outstanding Class B common stock.

 

We have not paid any dividends on either our Class A common stock or our Class B common stock and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain our future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business.

 

The following table describes, as of December 31, 2003, the number of shares of our Class A common stock to be issued or remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans:

 

     Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options
(a)


  

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options

(b)


  

Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Column (a))

(c)


Equity compensation plan approved by security holders(1)

   2,101,500    $ 18.63    898,500

Equity compensation plan not approved by security holders(2)

   677,437    $ 43.17     

Warrants not approved by security holders(2)

   347,436    $ 21.87     

(1) Consists of the 2003 First Advantage Incentive Compensation Plan. See Note 13 to the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

(2) Consists of shares relating to all outstanding options and warrants assumed by the Company in connection with the merger with US SEARCH.com Inc. See Note 13 to the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

18


SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

OF FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

 

First Advantage’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2003, include results for the FAST division from January 2003 and the results for US SEARCH.com from June 2003. First Advantage’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 include results for the FAST division only.

 

First Advantage’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2003, include results of operations for the acquired entities from their respective dates of acquisition. The FAST division’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 include the combined results for companies acquired in those years from their respective acquisition dates.

 

Certain amounts for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 have been reclassified to conform with the 2003 presentation.

 

This selected financial data has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of First Advantage for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the combined financial statements of the FAST division for the four years ended December 31, 2002. The combined financial statements for the FAST division for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 are not included in this document. This information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in this prospectus.

 

     For the year ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Income Statement Data:

                                        

Service revenue

   $ 134,910,000     $ 73,040,000     $ 45,832,000     $ 35,230,000     $ 28,083,000  

Reimbursed government fee revenue

     31,585,000       27,885,000       3,335,000       3,352,000       2,290,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Total revenue

     166,495,000       100,925,000       49,167,000       38,582,000       30,373,000  

Cost of service revenue

     38,154,000       17,534,000       11,280,000       7,776,000       6,122,000  

Government fees paid

     31,585,000       27,885,000       3,335,000       3,352,000       2,290,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Total cost of service

     69,739,000       45,419,000       14,615,000       11,128,000       8,412,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross margin

     96,756,000       55,506,000       34,552,000       27,454,000       21,961,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Operating expenses

     90,055,000       51,005,000       35,008,000       26,856,000       22,294,000  

Impairment loss

     1,739,000       —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     4,962,000       4,501,000       (456,000 )     598,000       (333,000 )
    


 


 


 


 


Other (expense) income:

                                        

Interest expense

     (154,000 )     (229,000 )     (241,000 )     (313,000 )     (262,000 )

Interest income

     41,000       59,000       59,000       32,000       21,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Total interest (expense), net

     (113,000 )     (170,000 )     (182,000 )     (281,000 )     (241,000 )
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     4,849,000       4,331,000       (638,000 )     317,000       (574,000 )

Provision (benefit) for income tax

     2,046,000       1,629,000       (59,000 )     266,000       (238,000 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 2,803,000     $ 2,702,000     $ (579,000 )   $ 51,000     $ (336,000 )
    


 


 


 


 


Balance Sheet Data:

                                        

Total assets

   $ 283,900,000     $ 164,008,000     $ 62,284,000     $ 26,628,000     $ 15,592,000  

Long-term debt

   $ 13,473,000     $ 651,000     $ 1,159,000     $ 2,261,000     $ 1,410,000  

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 240,336,000     $ 145,903,000     $ 53,075,000     $ 18,491,000     $ 12,390,000  

Per Share Information:

                                        

Net income

                                        

Basic

   $ 0.14       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Diluted

   $ 0.14       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Weighted average shares outstanding

                                        

Basic

     20,260,854       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Diluted

     20,397,587       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 11.50       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Total shares outstanding at December 31, 2003

     20,893,648       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

19


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

First Advantage Corporation (Nasdaq: FADV) (“First Advantage” or the “Company”) was created by the June 5, 2003 merger of The First American Corporation’s Screening Technologies (“FAST”) division with US SEARCH.com Inc. (“US SEARCH”). First Advantage provides global risk management screening services to enterprise and consumer customers. The Company operates in three primary business segments: Enterprise Screening, Risk Mitigation and Consumer Direct. First Advantage is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has more than 1,400 employees in offices throughout the United States and in Bangalore, India.

 

The Enterprise Screening segment includes employment background screening, occupational health services and resident screening services. The Enterprise Screening segment serves over 20,000 customers, and six of the ten largest multifamily property management companies in the United States. Products and services relating to employment background screening include criminal records searches, employment verification, education verification, motor vehicle records, social security number verification and credit reporting. Occupational health services include drug-free workplace programs, physical examinations and employee assistance programs. Resident screening services include criminal background and eviction records, credit reporting, employment verification and lease performance and payment histories. The Company has a proprietary database of 34 million landlord-tenant records that include eviction court records, rental histories, payment trends and landlord contributed data.

 

The Risk Mitigation segment includes motor vehicle records and investigative services provided to nearly 8,000 customers comprised primarily of insurance companies, agents and brokers. Products and services offered by the Risk Mitigation segment include driver history reports, vehicle registration, surveillance services, field interviews and due diligence reports.

 

The Consumer Direct segment provides consumers with a single, comprehensive access point to a broad range of public information to assist them in locating, verifying and screening people. Consumer Direct segment customers can obtain addresses, aliases, listed phone numbers, property ownership, court records and other public data through the US SEARCH Web site. The services are highly automated utilizing the Company’s US SEARCH DARWIN technology, which automates the data management supply chain by accessing, assimilating and compiling data from disparate sources. US SEARCH completed over 630,000 transactions in 2003.

 

First Advantage intends to continue its efforts to consolidate the operations brought together in the June 2003 mergers and the operations of businesses since acquired. First Advantage also intends to continue pursuing acquisitions of businesses that will enable the Company to enter new markets as well as increase existing market share. First Advantage also expects to pursue acquisition opportunities, which will enable the Company to enter into related product fields.

 

First Advantage generates revenue in the form of fees from the reports generated by searches performed and services provided. First Advantage generally enters into agreements with customers under which they pay a fixed fee per report or for services provided. For purposes of analyzing operating results, gross margin and operating costs are compared to service revenues, excluding reimbursed government fee revenue. Elimination of inter-segment revenue is included in corporate.

 

Cost of sales includes fees paid to vendors or agencies for data procurement, specimen collection, laboratory testing, and investigators’ compensation, benefits and travel expenses.

 

First Advantage’s operating expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits costs for employees, occupancy and related costs, other selling, general and administrative expenses associated with operating its

 

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business, depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets. First Advantage’s expenses are likely to increase with increasing revenue levels.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

First Advantage’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon its audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. First Advantage’s results of operation for the year ended December 31, 2003 include the results of the FAST division from January 2003, and the results for US SEARCH from June 2003. Businesses acquired subsequent to June 2003 are included in First Advantage’s results of operations from the date of acquisition. The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 are the results of the FAST division only.

 

First Advantage believes the following are the more critical accounting policies that impact its financial statements, some of which are based on management’s best estimates available at the time of preparation. Other accounting policies also have a significant effect on First Advantage’s consolidated financial statements, and some of these policies also require the use of estimates and assumptions. Although First Advantage believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized at the time of delivery of the reports, as First Advantage has no ongoing obligation after delivery. Revenue from investigative services is recognized as services are performed. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company includes reimbursed government fees in revenue and in cost of service.

 

Allowance for Uncollectible Receivables

 

The allowance for all probable, 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 an estimate for the amount of accounts receivable that may ultimately be uncollectible. In circumstances where First Advantage is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, First Advantage records a specific allowance for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it reasonably believes will be collected. This analysis requires making significant estimates, and changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes in the allowance for uncollectible receivables.

 

Capitalized Software Development Costs

 

First Advantage capitalizes costs associated with developing software for internal use, which costs primarily include salaries of developers. Direct costs incurred in the development of software are capitalized once the preliminary project stage is completed, management has committed to funding the project and completion and use of the software for its intended purpose are probable. First Advantage ceases capitalization of development costs once the software has been substantially completed and is ready for its intended use.

 

Database Development Costs

 

Database development costs represent expenditures associated with First Advantage’s databases of information for customer usage. The costs are capitalized from the time technological feasibility is established until the information is ready for use.

 

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Impairment of Intangible and Long-Lived Assets

 

First Advantage carries intangible and long-lived assets at cost less accumulated amortization (where applicable). Accounting standards require that assets be written down if they become impaired. Intangible and long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable. At such time that an impairment in value of an intangible or long-lived asset is identified, the impairment will be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined by employing an expected present value technique, which utilizes multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect the range of possible outcomes and an appropriate discount rate. In accordance with SFAS 142, the Company completed a goodwill impairment test, for the year ending December 31, 2003, for all reporting units. A valuation date of September 30, 2003 was used for this impairment test and was performed by a third party. The test determined that each reporting unit had a fair value in excess of carrying value, therefore, no goodwill impairment was recorded.

 

Purchase Accounting

 

First Advantage completed nine acquisitions in 2003. The Company has acquired additional businesses in January, February and March of 2004 and anticipates it will continue with other acquisitions in 2004. The purchase method of accounting requires companies to assign values to assets and liabilities acquired based upon their fair values. In most instances, there is not a readily defined or listed market price for individual assets and liabilities acquired in connection with a business, including intangible assets. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in many instances requires a high degree of estimation. The valuation of intangibles assets, in particular, is very subjective. First Advantage generally uses internal cash flow models and, in certain instances, third party valuations in estimating fair values. The use of different valuation techniques and assumptions can change the amounts and useful lives assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired, including goodwill and other intangible assets and related amortization expense. Amounts allocated to certain assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2003 are based on preliminary estimates of fair value and may be revised in 2004. The Company does not anticipate that revisions to the amounts allocated to acquired assets and liabilities, if any, will be significant to the Company’s financial statements.

 

The following is a summary of the operating results by the Company’s business segments for the three years ended December 31, 2003.

 

     Enterprise
Screening


    Risk
Mitigation


    Consumer
Direct


    Corporate
and
Eliminations


    Total

 
2003                                         

Service revenue

   $ 107,580,000     $ 18,285,000     $ 10,525,000     $ (1,480,000 )   $ 134,910,000  

Reimbursed government fee revenue

     4,384,000       27,201,000       —         —         31,585,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Total revenue

     111,964,000       45,486,000       10,525,000       (1,480,000 )     166,495,000  

Cost of service revenue

     33,976,000       4,537,000     $ 1,121,000     $ (1,480,000 )     38,154,000  

Government fees paid

     4,384,000       27,201,000       —         —         31,585,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Total cost of service

     38,360,000       31,738,000       1,121,000       (1,480,000 )     69,739,000  

Gross margin

     73,604,000       13,748,000       9,404,000       —         96,756,000  

Salaries and benefits

     40,191,000       4,976,000       3,031,000       2,980,000       51,178,000  

Other operating expenses

     20,515,000       2,211,000       5,006,000       2,717,000       30,449,000  

Depreciation and amortization

     6,269,000       860,000       1,292,000       7,000       8,428,000  

Impairment loss

     1,739,000       —         —         —         1,739,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     4,890,000       5,701,000       75,000       (5,704,000 )     4,962,000  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross margin percentage

     68.4 %     75.2 %     89.3 %     N/A       71.7 %

 

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     Enterprise
Screening


    Risk
Mitigation


    Consumer
Direct


   Corporate
and
Eliminations


    Total

 
2002                                        

Service revenue

   $ 63,310,000     $ 10,570,000     $ —      $ (840,000 )   $ 73,040,000  

Reimbursed government fee revenue

     3,464,000       24,421,000       —        —         27,885,000  
    


 


 

  


 


Total revenue

     66,774,000       34,991,000       —        (840,000 )     100,925,000  

Cost of service revenue

     17,875,000       499,000            $ (840,000 )     17,534,000  

Government fees paid

     3,464,000       24,421,000       —        —         27,885,000  
    


 


 

  


 


Total cost of service

     21,339,000       24,920,000       —        (840,000 )     45,419,000  

Gross margin

     45,435,000       10,071,000       —        —         55,506,000  

Salaries and benefits

     28,851,000       3,012,000       —        —         31,863,000  

Other operating expenses

     13,554,000       1,492,000       —        —         15,046,000  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,497,000       599,000       —        —         4,096,000  
    


 


 

  


 


Income (loss) from operations

     (467,000 )     4,968,000       —        —         4,501,000  
    


 


 

  


 


Gross margin percentage

     71.8 %     95.3 %     N/A      N/A       76.0 %
     Enterprise
Screening


    Risk
Mitigation


    Consumer
Direct


   Corporate
and
Eliminations


    Total

 
2001                                        

Service revenue

   $ 45,832,000     $ —       $ —      $ —       $ 45,832,000  

Reimbursed government fee revenue

     3,335,000       —         —        —         3,335,000  
    


 


 

  


 


Total revenue

     49,167,000       —         —        —         49,167,000  

Cost of service revenue

     11,280,000                              11,280,000  

Government fees paid

     3,335,000       —         —        —         3,335,000  
    


 


 

  


 


Total cost of service

     14,615,000       —         —        —         14,615,000  

Gross margin

     34,552,000       —         —        —         34,552,000  

Salaries and benefits

     21,175,000       —         —        —         21,175,000  

Other operating expenses

     11,342,000       —         —        —         11,342,000  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,491,000       —         —        —         2,491,000  
    


 


 

  


 


(Loss) from operations

     (456,000 )     —         —        —         (456,000 )
    


 


 

  


 


Gross margin percentage

     75.4 %     N/A       N/A      N/A       75.4 %

 

Enterprise Screening Segment

 

2003 Compared to 2002

 

Total service revenue was $107.6 million in 2003, an increase of $44.3 million compared to 2002 service revenue of $63.3 million. Acquisitions accounted for approximately $40.2 million of the revenue increase. Two businesses were acquired in late 2002 and seven businesses in 2003. Revenue increased by $4.1 million, or 6.5%, at businesses owned in 2002. The growth rate of 6.5%, excluding acquisitions, is due to expanded market share and an increase in products and services.

 

The gross margin percentage of service revenue decreased from 71.8% to 68.4% due to a generally lower gross margin on drug screening revenue and generally higher gross margin on resident screening.

 

Salaries and benefits increased by $11.3 million. Salaries and benefits were 37.4% of service revenue in 2003 compared to 45.6% of service revenue in 2002. This decrease reflected economies achieved in 2003 by consolidating certain operations and leveraging databases.

 

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Other operating expenses increased by $7.0 million and were 19.1% of service revenue in 2003 compared to 21.4% in 2002. This decrease, as a percent of revenue, was the result of economies achieved in 2003 by consolidating certain operations that enabled greater utilization of existing facilities and economies in telecommunication and shipping costs.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.8 million. Depreciation and amortization was 5.8% of service revenue in 2003 compared to 5.5% in 2002. Intangible assets increased in 2003 due to acquisitions made in the fourth quarter of 2002 and during 2003.

 

An impairment charge of $1.7 million was recorded in 2003 for capitalized software in connection with the integration of operations.

 

Income from operations was $4.9 million in 2003, compared to an operating loss of $.5 million in 2002. The increase in income from operations was the result of increased revenue, primarily from acquisitions. Operating costs as a percent of revenue declined due to consolidation of businesses and leveraging of databases.

 

2002 Compared to 2001

 

Total service revenue was $63.3 million in 2002, an increase of $17.5 million compared to 2001 service revenue of $45.8 million. Acquisitions accounted for $14.1 million of the increase in service revenue. The remaining increase in service revenue of $3.4 million represents a growth rate of 7.4% over 2001. This increase was due primarily to expanded market share in the resident screening business.

 

The gross margin percentage of service revenue decreased from 75.4% in 2001 to 71.8% in 2002 due primarily to the addition of a larger concentration of lower margin drug screening revenue in 2002.

 

Salaries and benefits increased by $7.7 million. Salaries and benefits were 45.6% of service revenue in 2002 and 46.2% in 2001.

 

Other operating expenses increased by $2.2 million. Other operating expenses were 21.4% of service revenue in 2002 compared to 24.7% in 2001. As a percent of service revenue, this decrease was primarily due to operating efficiencies due to revenue growth.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased by $1 million. Depreciation and amortization was 5.5% of service revenue in 2002 compared to 5.4% in 2001. The increase was due primarily to an increase in amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions made in the fourth quarter of 2002 and in August 2001.

 

The segment incurred a loss from operations of $.5 million in 2002 and 2001.

 

Risk Mitigation Segment

 

2003 Compared to 2002

 

Total service revenue was $18.3 million in 2003, an increase of $7.7 million compared to 2002 service revenue of $10.6 million. In September 2003, the Company acquired an investigative service business, which accounts for substantially all of the increase in service revenue.

 

The gross margin percentage of service revenue decreased from 95.3% to 75.2% primarily due to the acquisition of the investigative service business, which generate margin levels lower than the motor vehicle records operations of this segment.

 

Salaries and benefits increased by $2 million. Salaries and benefits were 27.2% of service revenue in 2003 compared to 28.5% in 2002. The percentage decrease is primarily due to the acquisition in 2003.

 

Other operating expenses increased by $.7 million. Other operating expenses were 12.1% of service revenue in 2003 compared to 14.1% in 2002. The change is primarily due to the acquisition in 2003.

 

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Depreciation and amortization increased by $.3 million due to an increase in amortization of intangible assets as a result of the acquisition.

 

Income from operations was $5.7 million in 2003 compared to $5 million in 2002. Operating income from existing businesses increased by $.2 million.

 

2002 Compared to 2001

 

In January 2002, the Company acquired a motor vehicle reporting business. Prior to that time, the Company operated solely in the Enterprise Screening segment. Service revenue for the year was $10.6 million with a gross margin percentage of service revenue of 95.3%. Income from operations was $5 million.

 

Consumer Direct

 

This segment was formed in connection with the acquisition in June 2003 of US SEARCH. Operating results for this segment are for the period from June 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. Revenue for this seven month period was $10.5 million. Salaries and benefits were 28.8% of revenue. Other operating expenses totaled $5 million or 47.6% of revenue. Income from operations was $75 thousand.

 

Corporate

 

Corporate expenses were initially incurred when First Advantage was created by the June 5, 2003 merger of the FAST division with US SEARCH. Corporate costs and expenses represent primarily compensation and benefits for senior management and administrative staff and related general and administrative expenses including an administrative fee paid to First American.

 

Consolidated Results

 

2003 Compared to 2002

 

Consolidated service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $134.9 million, an increase of $61.9 million from 2002. Acquisitions accounted for $58.4 million of the increase.

 

The consolidated gross margin of service revenue was 71.7% in 2003 compared to 76% in 2002.

 

Salaries and benefits were 37.9% of service revenue in 2003 and 43.6% in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to reductions in salaries and benefits as a percentage of revenue in the Enterprise Screening segment offset by an increase in corporate salary and benefits incurred since the creation of First Advantage in June 2003.

 

Other operating expenses were 22.6% of service revenue in 2003 compared to 20.6% in 2002. The increase was due to acquisitions in 2003 in the Consumer Direct and Risk Mitigation segments and corporate expenses incurred in 2003. The increase was offset in part by operating efficiencies in the Enterprise Screening segment.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased by $4.3 million due to an increase in amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions.

 

An impairment charge of $1.7 million was recorded in 2003 for capitalized software in connection with the integration of operations in the Enterprise Screening segment.

 

Income from operations was $5 million in 2003 compared to $4.5 million in 2002. The increase of $.5 million is comprised of an increase in operating income of $5.4 million in the Enterprise Screening segment, an increase in operating income of $.7 million in the Risk Mitigation segment and an increase in operating income of $.1 million in the Consumer Direct segment. Corporate expenses of $5.7 million offset this combined increase of $6.2 million in operating income at the business segments.

 

2002 Compared to 2001

 

Consolidated service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $73 million, an increase of $27.2 million from 2001. Acquisitions accounted for $23.8 million of the increase.

 

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The consolidated gross margin of service revenue was 76% in 2002 compared to 75.4% in 2001.

 

Salaries and benefits were 43.6% of service revenue in 2002 and 46.2% in 2001.

 

Other operating expenses were 20.6% of service revenue in 2002 compared to 24.7% in 2001. The decrease was due to the acquisition in the Risk Mitigation segment in 2002 and operating efficiencies in the Enterprise Screening segment in 2002.

 

Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.6 million due to an increase in amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions.

 

Income from operations was $4.5 million in 2002 compared to an operating loss of $.5 million in 2001. The increase of $5 million was due to the acquisition in 2002 in the Risk Mitigation segment.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

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 and with First American. Prior to the June 5, 2003 merger with US SEARCH, contributions from First American were also a primary source of liquidity. As of December 31, 2003, cash and cash equivalents were $5.6 million.

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $1.8 million; $5.5 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Cash provided from operating activities decreased by $3.7 million from 2002 to 2003 while net income was $2.8 million in 2003 and $2.7 million in 2002. The decrease in cash provided from operating activities was due to an increase in depreciation and amortization, an impairment charge totaling $6.1 million, offset by a net cash outflow of $9.9 million due to changes in operating assets and liabilities compared to 2002. The primary changes in operating assets and liabilities were mainly due to reductions in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes offset by an increase in accrued compensation and other liabilities.

 

Cash provided from operating activities increased by $4.1 million from 2001 to 2002. Net income was $2.7 million in 2002 compared to a loss of $579 thousand in 2001. In addition to the increase in net income of $3.3 million, depreciation and amortization increased by $1.6 million. The change in operating assets and liabilities decreased net cash flow by $.8 million compared to 2001.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $13 million, $4.7 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In 2003, cash in the amount of $10.9 million was used for acquisitions. Purchases of property and equipment were $1.9 million in 2003 compared to $3.3 million in 2002 and $4.2 million in 2001. Database development costs were $2.2 million in 2003 compared to $2.8 million in 2002 and $2.1 million in 2001.

 

Cash provided by financing activities was $10.3 million, $4.5 million, and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. In 2003, proceeds from bank financing were $9 million. Repayment of debt was $4.3 million in 2003, $1.2 million in 2002 and $1.8 million in 2001. Prior to the June 2003 merger with US SEARCH, cash contributions from First American were $5.3 million in 2003, $5.7 million in 2002 and $4.8 million in 2001.

 

First Advantage also leases certain office facilities, automobiles and equipment under operating leases, which, for the most part, are renewable. The majority of these leases also provide that First Advantage will pay insurance and applicable taxes.

 

During July 2003, First Advantage entered into a $15 million loan agreement with a bank (the “Loan Agreement”). The outstanding principal balance under the related note cannot exceed the lesser of $15 million or 80% of eligible accounts receivable, as defined in the Loan Agreement. The Note bears interest at the one-month

 

26


LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% per annum to 2.5% per annum. The principal balance of the Loan Agreement is payable in July 2005. The Loan Agreement provides that the First Advantage maintain certain financial covenants. One of the financial covenants is the maintenance of a “Funded Debt to EDITDA” ratio not to exceed 2.5 to 1.0. Funded Debt is defined as all outstanding liabilities for borrowed money and other interest bearing liabilities less the non-current portion of subordinated liabilities. EDITDA, as defined in the Loan Agreement, means net income less income or plus losses from discontinued operations and extraordinary items, plus all of the following: income taxes, interest expense, depreciation, amortization, depletion and other non-cash charges. A second financial covenant requires that the company maintain a “Debt Service Coverage Ratio”, as defined in the Loan Agreement, of at least 1.5 to 1. At December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Loan Agreement. There was $9 million outstanding on this credit facility at December 31, 2003. An additional $5 million was borrowed subsequent to year-end to fund acquisitions.

 

In July 2003, First Advantage entered into a Promissory Note with The First American Corporation. The loan evidenced by the Promissory Note is a $10 million unsecured revolving loan with interest payable monthly. The principal balance of the Promissory Note is payable on July 31, 2006. The Promissory Note is subordinated to the $15 million bank debt and bears interest at the rate payable under the $15 million bank debt plus 0.5% per annum. There was no balance outstanding as of December 31, 2003. Subsequent to year end, the Company borrowed $4.5 million on this line to fund acquisitions and provide working capital.

 

In January 2004, the Company entered into a ten-year facilities lease. Aggregate minimum lease payments are $11.3 million over the term of the lease.

 

First Advantage filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the issuance of up to 4,000,000 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 July 14, 2003. A total of 864,082 of the 4,000,000 shares were issued for acquisitions as of December 31, 2003.

 

In 2003, 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. The extent of future acquisitions, however, is dependent upon the availability of capital and liquidity to fund such acquisitions.

 

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. The Company believes that, based on current levels of operations and anticipated growth, the Company’s cash flow from operations, together with available sources of liquidity, will be sufficient to fund operations, anticipated capital expenditures, make required payments of principal and interest on debt, and satisfy other long-term contractual commitments. However, any material adverse change in our operating results from our business plan, or acceleration of existing debt obligations or in the amount of investment in acquisitions, technology or products could require the Company to seek other funding alternatives including raising additional capital.

 

The following is a schedule of long-term contractual commitments (as of December 31, 2003) over the periods in which they are expected to be paid.

 

    2004

  2005

  2006

  2007

  2008

  Thereafter

  Total

Advertising commitments

  $ 600,000   $ 50,000   $ 17,000   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 667,000

Minimum contract purchase commitments

    486,000     240,000     9,000     1,000     —       —       736,000

Operating leases

    5,100,000     3,492,000     2,399,000     1,119,000     334,000     126,000     12,570,000

Long-term debt

    7,150,000     13,461,000     —       —       —       —       20,611,000

Capital leases

    81,000     12,000     —       —       —       —       93,000
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 13,417,000   $ 17,255,000   $ 2,425,000   $ 1,120,000   $ 334,000   $ 126,000   $ 34,677,000
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF FIRST ADVANTAGE CAPITAL STOCK

 

The following description of the terms of First Advantage’s capital stock does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to First Advantage’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are included in the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

General

 

First Advantage’s authorized capital stock consists of:

 

  75,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share;

 

  25,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share; and

 

  1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

Class A Common Stock

 

Holders of First Advantage Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of First Advantage common stock. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of First Advantage Class A common stock are entitled to dividends as may be declared from time to time by the First Advantage board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. Holders of First Advantage Class A common stock have no preemptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights. Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of First Advantage, the holders of First Advantage Class A common stock are entitled to share equally and ratably, together with the holders of First Advantage Class B common stock, in the assets of First Advantage, if any, remaining after the payment of all debts and liabilities of First Advantage and the liquidation preference of any First Advantage preferred stock then outstanding.

 

Class B Common Stock

 

Except as otherwise described as follows, the rights, preferences and privileges of the Class B common stock are identical to those of the Class A common stock described above. Holders of First Advantage Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of First Advantage common stock.

 

The First Advantage Class B common stock is convertible into shares of First Advantage Class A common stock at a one-to-one conversion ratio as follows:

 

  the holder of any share of First Advantage Class B common stock may elect at any time, and at such holder’s sole option, to convert such share into one fully paid and nonassessable share of First Advantage Class A common stock;

 

  if at any time First American and its affiliates collectively own less than 28% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of First Advantage, each issued and outstanding share of First Advantage Class B common stock will automatically be converted into one share of Class A common stock; or

 

  upon the transfer of any share of First Advantage Class B common stock to a person other than First American or an affiliate of First American (excluding certain permitted transfers), such share will automatically be converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A common stock.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, First American may transfer shares of Class B common stock (without conversion into Class A common stock) if such transfer is effected as part of a distribution by First American of shares of Class B common stock to its shareholders in a tax-free “spinoff” under Section 355(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any subsequent transfer of such shares will not cause such shares to convert into Class A common stock.

 

28


Preferred Stock

 

First Advantage’s certificate of incorporation allows its board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. First Advantage’s board of directors will have discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and liquidation preferences of each series of preferred stock.

 

The purpose of authorizing First Advantage’s board of directors to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with stockholder approval of specific issuances. First Advantage has no present plans to issue any of its authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.

 

Warrants to Purchase Class A Common Stock

 

As a part of the June 5, 2003 mergers, First Advantage assumed the obligations of US SEARCH contained in all warrants to purchase common stock of US SEARCH outstanding on the closing date of the mergers. Pursuant to the merger agreement and the terms of the warrants, after the closing of the mergers the holders of the warrants were entitled to receive upon exercise thereof 0.04 of a share of First Advantage Class A common stock for each share of US SEARCH common stock such warrant holder would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the warrant prior to the closing of the mergers. As of May 31, 2003, US SEARCH had outstanding warrants to purchase up to 8,657,019 shares of its common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.87 per share. Following the mergers, such warrants were converted into warrants to purchase 346,280 shares of First Advantage Class A common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $21.75 per share. As of December 31, 2003, First Advantage had outstanding warrants to purchase up to 347,436 shares of its common stock at exercise prices ranging from $.25 to $29.50 per share. Further information is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of First Advantage Corporation, at Note 13, beginning at page F-22 of this prospectus.

 

Registration Rights Relating to Class A Common Stock

 

Holders of certain US SEARCH warrants have the right to cause First Advantage to register the resale of the shares of Class A common stock underlying such warrants. First Advantage may be required to register the resale of up to 347,436 shares of Class A common stock underlying these warrants. Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P. also has the right to require First Advantage to register the resale of shares of Class A common stock held by it under circumstances specified in the stockholders agreement entered into in connection with the mergers.

 

Transfer Agent

 

The transfer agent and registrar of the First Advantage Class A common stock is Wells Fargo Shareowner Services. First Advantage acts as transfer agent and registrar of the First Advantage Class B common stock.

 

29


EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of First Advantage as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, included in this prospectus, have been included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

The consolidated financial statements of US SEARCH as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, included in this prospectus, have been included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The legality of the First Advantage Class A common stock offered by this prospectus has been passed upon for First Advantage by its counsel, White & Case LLP, Los Angeles, California.

 

30


INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

    

Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   F-4

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   F-7

Schedule II to Financial Statements: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   F-27

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF US SEARCH.COM INC.

    

Report of Independent Accountants

   F-28

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002

   F-29

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

   F-30

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

   F-31

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

   F-32

Notes to Financial Statements

   F-33

 

F-1


Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

 

To the Board of Directors and

Shareholders of First Advantage Corporation:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Advantage Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company) at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As further discussed in Note 1 and Note 2 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements, the initial formation of the Company resulted from the aggregation of several subsidiaries of First American Corporation.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Tampa, Florida

March 8, 2004

 

F-2


First Advantage Corporation

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

December 31,

2003


  

December 31,

2002


Assets

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,637,000    $ 6,514,000

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,327,000 and $788,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively)

     23,672,000      13,827,000

Income taxes receivable

     1,282,000      —  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     2,512,000      1,332,000
    

  

Total current assets

     33,103,000      21,673,000

Property and equipment, net

     19,719,000      12,535,000

Goodwill

     204,710,000      112,618,000

Intangible assets, net

     18,528,000      10,606,000

Database development costs, net

     7,162,000      6,226,000

Other assets

     678,000      350,000
    

  

Total assets

   $ 283,900,000    $ 164,008,000
    

  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

             

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

   $ 4,211,000    $ 3,047,000

Accrued compensation

     9,373,000      4,645,000

Accrued liabilities

     6,327,000      3,170,000

Due to affiliates

     992,000      —  

Income taxes payable

     —        1,576,000

Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases

     7,231,000      540,000
    

  

Total current liabilities

     28,134,000      12,978,000

Long-term debt and capital leases, net of current portion

     13,473,000      651,000

Deferred income taxes

     —        4,189,000

Other liabilities

     1,957,000      287,000
    

  

Total liabilities

     43,564,000      18,105,000
    

  

Commitments and contingencies

             

Stockholders’ equity:

             

Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

     —        —  

Class A common stock, $.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 4,866,362 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     5,000      —  

Class B common stock, $.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 16,027,286 and 1 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     16,000      —  

Additional paid-in capital

     233,101,000      141,492,000

Retained earnings

     7,214,000      4,411,000
    

  

Total stockholders’ equity

     240,336,000      145,903,000
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 283,900,000    $ 164,008,000
    

  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


First Advantage Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Service revenue

   $ 134,910,000     $ 73,040,000     $ 45,832,000  

Reimbursed government fee revenue

     31,585,000       27,885,000       3,335,000  
    


 


 


Total revenue

     166,495,000       100,925,000       49,167,000  
    


 


 


Cost of service revenue

     38,154,000       17,534,000       11,280,000  

Government fees paid

     31,585,000       27,885,000       3,335,000  
    


 


 


Total cost of service

     69,739,000       45,419,000       14,615,000  
    


 


 


Gross margin

     96,756,000       55,506,000       34,552,000  
    


 


 


Salaries and benefits

     51,178,000       31,863,000       21,175,000  

Other operating expenses

     30,449,000       15,046,000       11,342,000  

Depreciation and amortization

     8,428,000       4,096,000       2,491,000  

Impairment loss

     1,739,000       —         —    
    


 


 


Total operating expenses

     91,794,000       51,005,000       35,008,000  
    


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     4,962,000       4,501,000       (456,000 )
    


 


 


Interest (expense) income:

                        

Interest expense

     (154,000 )     (229,000 )     (241,000 )

Interest income

     41,000       59,000       59,000  
    


 


 


Total interest (expense), net

     (113,000 )     (170,000 )     (182,000 )
    


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     4,849,000       4,331,000       (638,000 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     2,046,000       1,629,000       (59,000 )
    


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 2,803,000     $ 2,702,000     $ (579,000 )
    


 


 


Per share amounts:

                        

Basic

   $ 0.14       N/A       N/A  
    


               

Diluted

   $ 0.14       N/A       N/A  
    


               

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

                        

Basic

     20,260,854       N/A       N/A  

Diluted

     20,397,587       N/A       N/A  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


First Advantage Corporation

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

    

Common

Stock

Shares


  

Common

Stock

Amount


  

Additional

Paid-in

Capital


  

Retained

Earnings


    Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2001

   —      $ —      $ 16,203,000    $ 2,288,000     $ 18,491,000  

Net loss for 2001

                        (579,000 )     (579,000 )

Contribution from First American - Operations

                 30,383,000              30,383,000  

Contribution from First American - Cash

                 4,780,000              4,780,000  
    
  

  

  


 


Balance at December 31, 2001

   —      $ —      $ 51,366,000    $ 1,709,000     $ 53,075,000  

Net income for 2002

                        2,702,000     $ 2,702,000  

Contribution from First American - Operations

                 84,458,000              84,458,000  

Contribution from First American - Cash

                 5,667,000              5,667,000  

Capitalization of entity

   1      —        1,000      —         1,000  
    
  

  

  


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

   1    $ —      $ 141,492,000    $ 4,411,000     $ 145,903,000  

Net income for 2003

          —        —        2,803,000       2,803,000  

Contribution from First American - Operations

          —        10,696,000      —         10,696,000  

Contribution from First American - Cash

          —        5,269,000      —         5,269,000  

Class A Shares issued in connection with US SEARCH.com acquisition

   3,974,761      4,000      60,147,000      —         60,151,000  

Class B Shares issued to First American in connection with US SEARCH.com acquisition

   16,027,285      16,000      —        —         16,000  

Class A Shares issued in connection with other acquisitions

   864,082      1,000      15,149,000      —         15,150,000  

Class A Shares issued in connection with stock option plan and employee stock purchase plan

   27,519      —        348,000      —         348,000  
    
  

  

  


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

   20,893,648    $ 21,000    $ 233,101,000    $ 7,214,000     $ 240,336,000  
    
  

  

  


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


First Advantage Corporation

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,803,000     $ 2,702,000     $ (579,000 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     8,428,000       4,096,000       2,491,000  

Impairment loss

     1,739,000       —         —    

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

                        

Accounts receivable

     (1,851,000 )     (390,000 )     891,000  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (5,000 )     (82,000 )     73,000  

Other assets

     1,291,000       216,000       560,000  

Accounts payable

     (7,167,000 )     (1,030,000 )     (1,282,000 )

Accrued liabilities

     (7,938,000 )     (6,154,000 )     (1,445,000 )

Due to affiliates

     213,000       —         —    

Income taxes

     (1,798,000 )     2,976,000       585,000  

Accrued compensation and other liabilities

     6,076,000       3,145,000       97,000  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,791,000       5,479,000       1,391,000  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Database development costs

     (2,156,000 )     (2,835,000 )     (2,064,000 )

Purchases of property and equipment

     (1,867,000 )     (3,321,000 )     (4,154,000 )

Cash paid for acquisitions

     (10,930,000 )     —         —    

Net book value of businesses acquired by First American

     —         (2,693,000 )     (275,000 )

Cash balance of companies acquired

     1,967,000       4,111,000       507,000  
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (12,986,000 )     (4,738,000 )     (5,986,000 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Proceeds from long-term debt

     9,000,000       —         —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     (4,299,000 )     (1,182,000 )     (1,775,000 )

Cash contributions from First American

     5,269,000       5,668,000       4,780,000  

Proceeds from class A shares issued in connection with stock option plan and employee stock purchase plan

     348,000       —         —    
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     10,318,000       4,486,000       3,005,000  
    


 


 


(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (877,000 )     5,227,000       (1,590,000 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     6,514,000       1,287,000       2,877,000  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 5,637,000     $ 6,514,000     $ 1,287,000  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                        

Cash paid for interest

   $ 170,000     $ 116,000     $ 168,000  
    


 


 


Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 62,800     $ —       $ 175,000  
    


 


 


Non-cash investing and financing activities:

                        

Operations contributed by First American

   $ 10,696,000     $ 84,458,000     $ 30,383,000  
    


 


 


Common stock issued in connection with US SEARCH.com acquisition

   $ 60,167,000     $ —       $ —    
    


 


 


Class A shares issued in connection with other acquisitions

   $ 15,150,000     $ —       $ —    
    


 


 


Debt issued in connection with acquisitions

   $ 11,250,000     $ —       $ —    
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

1. Organization and Nature of Business

 

In June 2003, First Advantage Corporation (the “Company”), a newly formed holding company, acquired US SEARCH.com and six operating subsidiaries of The First American Corporation (“First American”) that formerly comprised its First American Screening Technologies (“FAST”) division. The operating subsidiaries included HireCheck, Inc., First American Registry, Inc., Substance Abuse Management, Inc., American Driving Records, Inc., Employee Health Programs, Inc., and SafeRent, Inc. First American owns approximately 77% of the shares of capital stock of the Company as of December 31, 2003. The Class B common stock owned by First American is entitled to ten votes per share on all matters presented to the stockholders for vote.

 

The Company provides best-in-class single-source solutions for global risk mitigation and enterprise and consumer screening needs. The Company operates in three primary business segments; Enterprise Screening, Risk Mitigation and Consumer Direct.

 

The Enterprise Screening segment includes employment background screening, occupational health services and resident screening services.

 

The Risk Mitigation segment includes motor vehicle records and investigative services.

 

The Consumer Direct segment provides consumers with a single, comprehensive access point to a broad range of information to assist them in locating people and other public data searches.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The Company’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2003, include results for the FAST division from January 2003 and the results for US SEARCH.com from June 2003. The Company’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, include results for the FAST division only.

 

The Company’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2003, include results of operations for the acquired entities from their respective dates of acquisition. The FAST division’s operating results for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 include the combined results for companies acquired in 2002 and 2001 from their respective acquisition dates.

 

Certain amounts for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 have been reclassified to conform with the 2003 presentation.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 include the accounts of the Company and all majority owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.

 

F-7


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2003 and 2002, which includes cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The Company considers the variable rate debt to be representative of current market rates and, accordingly, estimates that the recorded amounts approximate fair market value. Fair value estimates of the fixed rate debt were determined using discounted cash flow methods with a discount rate of 4.0% and 4.25%, which is the rate that similar instruments could be negotiated at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes, are summarized as follows:

 

     December 31, 2003

    December 31, 2002

 
     Carrying
Amount


    Estimated Fair
Value


    Carrying
Amount


    Estimated
Fair Value


 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,637,000     $ 5,637,000     $ 6,514,000     $ 6,514,000  

Accounts receivable

     23,672,000       23,672,000       13,827,000       13,827,000  

Long-term debt and capital leases

     (20,704,000 )     (20,554,000 )     (1,191,000 )     (1,290,000 )

 

Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers cash equivalents to be all short-term investments that have an initial maturity of 90 days or less.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

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

 

The allowance for all probable 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 bad debts against amounts due, to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it reasonable believes will be collected. This analysis requires making significant estimates, and changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes in the allowance for uncollectible receivables. Management believes that the allowance at December 31, 2003 and 2002 is reasonably stated.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Property and equipment includes computer software acquired and developed for internal use. Software development costs are capitalized from the time technological feasibility is established until the software is ready for use.

 

The Company follows Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” SOP 98-1 requires the Company to capitalize interest costs incurred

 

F-8


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

and certain payroll-related costs of employees directly associated with developing software in addition to incremental payments to third parties.

 

Depreciation on leasehold improvements is computed on the straight-line method over the life of the related lease, ranging from 3 to 10 years. Depreciation on data processing equipment and furniture and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years. Capitalized software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years.

 

Database Development Costs

 

Database development costs represent the cost to develop the proprietary databases of information for customer usage. The costs are capitalized from the time technological feasibility is established until the information is ready for use. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful life of 7 years.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

In 2001, goodwill recognized in business combinations consummated prior to June 30, 2001, was amortized over its estimated useful life of 25 years. Other intangibles, which include customer lists and covenants not to compete, are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 20 years. The Company regularly evaluates the amortization period assigned to each intangible asset to ensure that there have not been any events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives.

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations”. This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for business combinations and supercedes Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 16, “Business Combinations”. All business combinations in the scope of SFAS 141 are to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The provisions of SFAS 141 apply to all business combinations initiated or closed after June 30, 2001. The adoption of SFAS 141 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142, goodwill is no longer amortized but is rather tested annually for impairment, unless there is a change in circumstances or conditions that may warrant a periodic assessment of impairment. The Company has selected September 30 as the annual valuation date to test goodwill for impairment. The valuation is performed by a third party.

 

The following table presents the results of operations on a comparable basis, after adjustment for goodwill amortization for the years ended December 31:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

 

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ 2,803,000    $ 2,702,000    $ (579,000 )

Goodwill amortization

     —        —        353,000  
    

  

  


Net income (loss), as adjusted

   $ 2,803,000    $ 2,702,000    $ (226,000 )
    

  

  


 

F-9


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Purchase Accounting

 

The purchase method of accounting requires companies to assign values to assets and liabilities acquired based upon their fair values. In most instances there is not a readily defined or listed market price for individual assets and liabilities acquired in connection with a business, including intangible assets. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in many instances requires a high degree of estimation. The valuation of intangibles assets, in particular is very subjective. The Company generally uses internal cash flow models and in certain instances third party valuations in estimating fair values. The use of different valuation techniques and assumptions could change the amounts and useful lives assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired, including goodwill and other intangible assets and related amortization expense. Amounts allocated to certain assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2003 are based on preliminary estimates of fair value and may be revised in 2004. The Company does not anticipate that revisions to the amounts allocated to acquired assets and liabilities, if any, will be significant to the Company’s financial statements.

 

Income Taxes

 

Taxes are based on income for financial reporting purposes and include deferred taxes applicable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount and the tax basis of certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The tax provision has been calculated on a separate return basis. The Company’s income tax returns are filed either as a separate company basis or as part of the consolidated income tax returns of First American, depending on when an operating subsidiary was acquired and the rules of the jurisdiction. The Company has a tax sharing arrangement with First American whereby the Company will fund any tax liabilities due related to its operations and First American will repay any refunds received related to the Company’s operations.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. SFAS 144 establishes a single accounting model for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, including discontinuance of operations. SFAS 144 superseded SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of” and APB Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. The initial adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

With respect to long-lived assets to be held and used, an asset (or group of assets) will be considered impaired when the expected undiscounted cash flows from use and disposition are less than the asset’s carrying value. The amount of any impairment charge will be based on the difference between the carrying and fair value of the asset. The determination of fair values considers quoted market prices, if available, and prices for similar assets and the results of other valuation techniques.

 

For assets to be sold, an asset (or group of assets) that meets the criteria established by SFAS 144 for classification of assets held for sale will be carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized at the time of delivery of the reports, as the Company has no ongoing obligation after delivery. Revenue from investigative services is recognized as services are performed. In accordance with

 

F-10


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

generally accepted accounting principles, the Company includes reimbursed government fees in revenue and in cost of service.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, governs the financial statement presentation of changes in stockholders’ equity resulting from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distribution to owners. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company had no items of comprehensive income (loss) other than net income (loss); therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) has not been presented for these periods.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure,” which amends SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. Furthermore, SFAS 148 requires more prominent and frequent disclosures in financial statements about the effects of stock-based compensation. The Company adopted SFAS 148 as of January 1, 2003 with respect to the disclosure requirements. The Company has elected to continue accounting for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB 25 and related interpretations. The fair value for each option grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model assuming a dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 34%; a weighted-average risk free interest rate of 3.24% and an expected life of nine years. If the Company had elected or was required to apply the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation, net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table.

 

    

Year Ended

December 31, 2003


Net income, as reported

   $ 2,803,000

Less: stock based compensation expense, net of tax

     1,428,000
    

Pro forma net income

   $ 1,375,000
    

Earnings per share:

      

Basic, as reported

   $ 0.14

Basic, pro forma

   $ 0.07

Diluted, as reported

   $ 0.14

Diluted, pro forma

   $ 0.07

 

3. Acquisitions

 

In June 2003, the Company acquired US SEARCH.com for a total purchase price of approximately $60.2 million. The purchase price was based upon an estimate of the fair value of the net assets of the FAST division contributed by First American to the Company in the mergers and estimated direct costs of the mergers. The allocation of the purchase price is based upon estimates of the assets and liabilities acquired in accordance with SFAS 141. In connection with the acquisition of US SEARCH.com, approximately $2.4 million of severance costs were accrued and included in net assets acquired in the allocation of the purchase price. In 2003, approximately $1.2 million of these severance costs were paid and charged to the accrual. The balance of the

 

F-11


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

severance costs are expected to be paid in 2004. A full determination of the purchase price allocation was made concurrent with the effective acquisition date based on internal cash flow models and third party valuation analysis of tangible and intangible assets.

 

The purchase price is as follows:

 

Fair value of FAST Division net assets

   $ 173,000,000
    

Fair value of 20% of the FAST Division net assets contributed

   $ 34,600,000

Net cash infusion from First American

     295,000

Merger related closing costs

     6,772,000

Cash loaned to US SEARCH.com by First American

     1,448,000
    

Total consideration paid by First American for 80% of US SEARCH.com

   $ 43,115,000
    

Value of 100% of US SEARCH.com

   $ 53,894,000

Value of vested options and outstanding warrants of US SEARCH.com

     6,273,000
    

Purchase price

   $ 60,167,000
    

 

Since August 2003, the Company has acquired nine businesses. The acquisitions have been included in the Company’s Enterprise Screening and Risk Mitigation segments. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price is based upon estimates of the assets and liabilities acquired in accordance with SFAS 141.

 

The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions is as follows:

 

Cash

   $ 10,930,000

Notes

     11,250,000

Stock

     15,150,000
    

Purchase price

   $ 37,330,000
    

 

The allocation of the aggregate purchase price of the acquisitions in 2003 is as follows:

 

     US Search

    Other

   Total

 

Goodwill

   $ 54,901,000     $ 27,592,000    $ 82,493,000  

Identifiable intangible assets

     3,032,000       6,113,000      9,145,000  

Reserve for fair value of operating leases

     (1,370,000 )     —        (1,370,000 )

Technology

     5,166,000       —        5,166,000  

Net assets acquired

     (1,562,000 )     3,625,000      2,063,000  
    


 

  


     $ 60,167,000     $ 37,330,000    $ 97,497,000  
    


 

  


 

F-12


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Goodwill as a result of acquisitions in 2003 was allocated to the following operating segments based on the relative benefits from the synergies, growth and economic potential anticipated from the respective acquisitions. The allocation was based, in part, on a fair value analysis of each of the reporting units by an independent third party. Other adjustments consist primarily of utilization of acquired net operating losses and the payment by First American of a contingent purchase price.

 

Operating Segment


   Balance at
12/31/02


   US Search
Acquisition


   Other
Acquisitions


   Other
Adjustments


    Balance at
12/31/03


Enterprise Screening

   $ 77,120,000    $ 26,266,000    $ 13,221,000    $ (1,012,000 )   $ 115,595,000

Risk Mitigation

     35,498,000      3,059,000      14,371,000      10,611,000       63,539,000

Consumer Direct

     —        25,576,000      —        —         25,576,000
    

  

  

  


 

Consolidated

   $ 112,618,000    $ 54,901,000    $ 27,592,000    $ 9,599,000     $ 204,710,000
    

  

  

  


 

 

In October 2002, First American acquired Employee Health Programs, Inc. and in November 2002, acquired SafeRent, Inc. for a total purchase price of approximately $47 million and contributed both of the operations to the Company. In January 2002, First American acquired American Driving Records, Inc. for approximately $40 million and contributed those operations to the Company. In August 2001, First American acquired the stock of Substance Abuse Management, Inc. for approximately $30 million and contributed the operations to the Company.

 

The allocation of the purchase price of the acquisitions consummated in 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

 

     2002

   2001

     ADR

   EHP

    SafeRent

   Total

   Total

Goodwill

   $ 35,498,000    $ 19,408,000     $ 20,901,000    $ 75,807,000    $ 27,224,000

Identifiable intangible assets

     3,300,000      4,000,000       1,200,000      8,500,000      2,501,000

Technology

     —        500,000       1,200,000      1,700,000      —  

Net assets acquired

     1,202,000      (908,000 )     699,000      993,000      275,000
    

  


 

  

  

Total Purchase Price

   $ 40,000,000    $ 23,000,000     $ 24,000,000    $ 87,000,000    $ 30,000,000
    

  


 

  

  

 

In applying the purchase method of accounting, management undertook a comprehensive review of the acquired entities to ensure that all identifiable assets and liabilities are properly recorded at their fair value. The acquisition of these companies is based on management’s consideration of past and expected future performance as well as the potential strategic fit with the long-term goals of First Advantage. The expected long-term growth, market position and expected synergies to be generated by inclusion of these companies are the primary factors which gave rise to an acquisition price which resulted in the recognition of goodwill.

 

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes a variety of valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis and outside appraisals to the extent necessary given materiality and complexity. All excess purchase price is appropriately recorded as goodwill. The useful lives for all assets recorded in purchase accounting are based on market conditions, contractual terms and other appropriate factors.

 

F-13


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Unaudited pro forma results of operations assuming all of the acquisitions were consummated on January 1, 2002 are as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

 

Total revenue

   $ 203,688,000    $ 193,344,000  
    

  


Net income (loss)

   $ 929,000    $ (16,369,000 )
    

  


Earnings per share:

               

Basic

   $ 0.04      N/A  
    

        

Diluted

   $ 0.04      N/A  
    

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

               

Basic

     20,882,450      N/A  

Diluted

     21,019,263      N/A  

 

4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other intangibles and supercedes APB Opinion No. 17, “Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 addresses how goodwill and other intangible assets should be accounted for in the financial statements. Pursuant to SFAS 142, the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives will not be amortized but rather will be tested at least annually for impairment. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and other intangible assets be allocated to various reporting units, which are either operating segments or one reporting unit below the operating segment. The Company’s reporting units for purposes of allocating goodwill and testing for impairment are employment background screening and occupational health services, resident screening, risk mitigation services and consumer direct.

 

The SFAS 142 impairment testing process includes two phases. The first phase (Test 1) compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its book value. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined by using discounted cash flow analysis, market approach valuations and third-party valuation advisors. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, the goodwill is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is required. However, if the book value is greater than the fair value, a second test (Test 2) must be completed to determine if the fair value of the goodwill exceeds the book value of the goodwill. The fair value of the goodwill is determined by discounted cash flow analysis and appraised values. If the fair value is less than the book value, an impairment is considered to exist and, in the initial year of adoption, would be recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

 

In accordance with the adoption of SFAS 142, the Company completed the transitional goodwill impairment test for all reporting units and determined that each reporting unit had a fair value in excess of carrying value, therefore, no goodwill impairment was recorded. The annual test for impairment was again performed in 2003, by a third party (using the September 30 valuation date) and the results were the same. Each reporting unit had a fair value in excess of carrying value and no goodwill impairment was recorded.

 

The Company has $18.5 million of intangible assets at December 31, 2003, with definite lives ranging from 2 to 20 years. These assets, comprised primarily of customer lists and non-compete agreements, are being amortized in a manner consistent with periods prior to adoption of SFAS 142.

 

F-14


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Goodwill

   $ 204,710,000     $ 112,618,000  
    


 


Intangible assets:

                

Customer lists

   $ 19,191,000     $ 10,448,000  

Noncompete agreements

     1,306,000       875,000  
    


 


       20,497,000       11,323,000  

Less accumulated amortization

     (1,969,000 )     (717,000 )
    


 


Intangible assets, net

   $ 18,528,000     $ 10,606,000  
    


 


 

Goodwill amortization expense was $0, $0 and $353,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Amortization expense of other intangible assets was $1,310,000, $390,000 and $89,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Amortization expense relating to intangible asset balances as of December 31, 2003 is expected to be as follows over the next five years:

 

Year ending December 31,


    

2004

   $ 1,976,000

2005

     1,949,000

2006

     1,705,000

2007

     1,631,000

2008

     1,627,000

Thereafter

     9,640,000
    

     $ 18,528,000
    

 

The change in the carrying amount of intangible assets is as follows for the year ending December 31, 2003:

 

     Intangible
Assets


 

Balance, at December 31, 2002

   $ 10,606,000  

Acquisitions

     9,145,000  

Amortization

     (1,310,000 )

Other adjustments

     87,000  
    


Balance, at December 31, 2003

   $ 18,528,000  
    


 

F-15


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

5. Property and Equipment

 

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, property and equipment is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Furniture and equipment

   $ 4,737,000     $ 2,632,000  

Data processing equipment

     6,639,000       3,936,000  

Capitalized software

     19,407,000       11,416,000  

Leasehold improvements

     2,230,000       854,000  
    


 


       33,013,000       18,838,000  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (13,294,000 )     (6,303,000 )
    


 


Property and equipment, net

   $ 19,719,000     $ 12,535,000  
    


 


 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $5,767,000, $2,708,000 and $1,305,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

An impairment charge of $1.7 million was recorded in 2003 for capitalized software that is in the process of being replaced by a new operating system for the Enterprise Screening segment. The carrying value of the software was reduced to $524,000, its estimated fair value. There is no active market for this proprietary software. The fair value was determined by management and is based upon estimated replacement cost and the remaining useful life of the software.

 

The capitalized cost of equipment under capital leases, which is included in data processing equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, was as follows at December 31:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Property and equipment

   $ 619,000     $ 619,000  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (530,000 )     (464,000 )
    


 


     $ 89,000     $ 155,000  
    


 


 

6. Database Development Costs

 

Database development costs for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Eviction data

   $ 9,617,000     $ 7,873,000  

Criminal data

     1,586,000       1,045,000  

Less accumulated amortization

     (4,041,000 )     (2,692,000 )
    


 


Database development costs

   $ 7,162,000     $ 6,226,000  
    


 


 

Amortization expense relating to database development costs was $1,351,000, $998,000 and $744,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

F-16


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

7. Debt

 

On July 31, 2003, the Company entered into a $15 million loan agreement with a bank (the “Loan Agreement”). The outstanding principal balance under the related Note cannot exceed the lesser of $15 million or 80% of eligible accounts receivable, as defined in the Loan Agreement. The Note bears interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% per annum to 2.5% per annum. The Loan Agreement provides that the Company must adhere to certain financial covenants. One of the financial covenants requires the maintenance of a “Funded Debt to EBITDA” ratio not to exceed 2.5 to 1.0. Funded Debt is defined as all outstanding liabilities for borrowed money and other interest bearing liabilities less the non-current portion of subordinated liabilities. EBITDA, as defined in the Loan Agreement, means net income less income or plus losses from discontinued operations and extraordinary items, plus all of the following: income taxes, interest expense, depreciation, amortization, depletion and other non-cash charges. A second financial covenant requires that the Company maintain a “Debt Service Coverage Ratio”, as defined in the Loan Agreement, of at least 1.5 to 1. At December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Loan Agreement.

 

On July 31, 2003, the Company entered into a Promissory Note with First American. The loan evidenced by the Promissory Note is a $10 million unsecured revolving loan, with interest payable monthly. The principal balance of the Promissory Note is payable on July 31, 2006. The Promissory Note is subordinated to the $15 million bank debt and bears interest at the rate payable under the $15 million bank debt plus 0.5% per annum. There was no balance outstanding as of December 31, 2003.

 

Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:

 

     2003

   2002

Acquisition debt:

             

Weighted average interest rate of 2.4% with maturities through 2005

   $ 10,031,000    $ —  

Loan Agreement:

             

Interest at 30-day LIBOR plus 1.39% (2.51% at December 31, 2003), matures July 2005

     9,000,000      —  

Promissory Note (related to US SEARCH.com acquisition):

             

Interest rate of 5%, principal and interest payments monthly of $127,000, matures December 2004

     1,430,000      —  

Capital leases and other debt:

             

Various interest rates with maturities through 2005

     243,000      1,080,000

Term note with related party:

             

Interest at prime (4.25% at December 31, 2002) principal payments annually at $750,000, matured April 2003

     —        111,000
    

  

Total long-term debt and capital leases

     20,704,000      1,191,000

Less current portion of long-term debt and capital leases

     7,231,000      540,000
    

  

Long-term debt and capital leases, net of current portion

   $ 13,473,000    $ 651,000
    

  

 

F-17


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Aggregate maturities of long-term borrowings over the next two years are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31,


    

2004

   $ 7,231,000

2005

     13,473,000
    

Total

   $ 20,704,000
    

 

8. Income Taxes

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes are summarized as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Current:

                        

Federal

   $ (653,000 )   $ 1,036,000     $ (1,070,000 )

State

     535,000       540,000       11,000  
    


 


 


       (118,000 )     1,576,000       (1,059,000 )
    


 


 


Deferred:

                        

Federal

     2,272,000       171,000       955,000  

State

     (108,000 )     (118,000 )     45,000  
    


 


 


       2,164,000       53,000       1,000,000  
    


 


 


Total Current and deferred

   $ 2,046,000     $ 1,629,000     $ (59,000 )
    


 


 


 

Income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate of 35.0%. A reconciliation of the difference is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Taxes calculated at federal rate

   $ 1,697,000     $ 1,516,000     $ (223,000 )

Amortization expense

     (12,000 )     —         93,000  

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     278,000       274,000       37,000  

Exclusion of certain meals and entertainment expenses

     121,000       74,000       30,000  

Other items, net

     (38,000 )     (235,000 )     4,000  
    


 


 


     $ 2,046,000     $ 1,629,000     $ (59,000 )
    


 


 


 

F-18


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

The primary components of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s net deferred tax liability is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Federal net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 40,174,000     $ 5,199,000  

State net operating loss carryforwards

     6,892,000       387,000  

Bad debt reserves

     557,000       292,000  

Employee benefits

     549,000       —    

Accrued expenses and loss reserves

     1,115,000       811,000  

Less: valuation allowance

     (38,279,000 )     (5,199,000 )
    


 


       11,008,000       1,490,000  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Depreciable and amortizable assets

     9,156,000       6,022,000  

State tax

     1,852,000       —    

Other

     —         (343,000 )
    


 


       11,008,000       5,679,000  
    


 


Net deferred tax liability

   $ —       $ 4,189,000  
    


 


 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company has federal and state net operating losses of approximately $114.8 million and $86.4 million, respectively. The $114.8 million federal and $71.4 of state net operating losses were generated by various subsidiaries prior to their acquisition by the Company. The use of these acquired net operating losses is subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and state jurisdictions. The net operating losses begin to expire at various times beginning in 2008. Management’s assessment is that the character and nature of the future taxable income may not allow the Company to realize certain tax benefits of net operating losses within the prescribed carryforward periods. Accordingly, an appropriate valuation allowance has been made. To the extent that the acquired net operating losses are used to offset future taxable income, an adjustment to goodwill will be recorded.

 

9. Employee Benefits

 

Employees of the Company are included in the benefit plans of First American. Employees of the Company are eligible to participate in The First American Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan (the Savings Plan), which is available to substantially all employees. The Savings Plan allows for employee-elective contributions up to the maximum deductible amount as determined by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company makes contributions to the Savings Plan based on profitability, as well as contributions of the participants. The Company’s expense related to the Savings Plan amounted to $1,506,000, $652,000 and $163,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, the Company created the First Advantage Corporation 401(k) Plan. All employees of the Company who participated in the First American Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan were transferred into the Company’s 401(k) plan. A total of 2.0 million shares of First Advantage Class A common stock is reserved for issuance in connection with the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

Certain employees of the Company are also included as part of First American’s pension plan. The Company charged to expense payments to the pension plan of approximately $210,000, $228,000 and $136,000

 

F-19


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits and net assets available for benefits to the Company’s employees under this plan is not readily available.

 

In August 2003, the Company’s board of directors approved the First Advantage Corporation 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The plan, which is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows eligible employees to purchase First Advantage Class A common stock through payroll deductions for 85% of the fair market value of the First Advantage Class A common stock. Participation in the plan is voluntary. Eligible employees may participate by authorizing payroll deductions of up to 15% of their base pay for each payroll period. At the end of each one-month offering period, each participant will receive an amount of First Advantage Class A common stock equal to the sum of that participant’s payroll deductions during such period divided by 85% of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the period. No employee may participate in the plan if such employee owns or would own after the purchase of options under the plan, 5% or more of the voting power of all classes of First Advantage stock. Shares of First Advantage Class A common stock issued under the plan must be held for a period of one year. A total of 1.0 million shares of First Advantage Class A common stock is reserved for issuance under the plan. A total of 3,492 shares have been issued in connection with the plan for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

10. Related Parties

 

First American and certain affiliates provide legal, financial, technology and other administrative services to the Company. The Company recognized other operating expenses of $457,000, $1,565,000 and $1,378,000 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, relating to these services. Prior to April 1, 2003, the amounts allocated to the Company were based on reasonable assumptions (primarily usage, time incurred and number of employees) as to the proportion of the services used by the Company in relation to the actual costs incurred by the First American and affiliates in providing the services.

 

On the effective date of the merger with US SEARCH.com, the Company and First American entered into a services agreement pursuant to which First American provides certain financial, administrative and managerial support services to the Company. Human resources systems and payroll systems and support, network services and financial systems will be provided at an annual cost of $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000, respectively. Legal and tax support, human resources support, investor relations and corporate communications support, accounting and financial management support, strategic planning and general management support are provided at an annual cost of $600,000 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses. The Company incurred $675,000 in service fees for the year ended December 31, 2003. In addition, certain other services including pension and 401(k) expenses, corporate and medical insurance, personal property leasing and company car programs are provided at actual cost. The agreement was implemented on April 1, 2003 and continued through December 31, 2003.

 

An amended and restated services agreement was entered into on January 1, 2004. Under the terms of the new agreement, human resources systems and payroll systems and support, network services and financial systems will be provided at an annual cost of $300,000. In addition, certain other services including pension and 401(k) expenses, corporate and medical insurance, personal property leasing and company car programs will be provided at actual cost. The term of the agreement is for one year.

 

Effective January 1, 2003, the Company and a subsidiary of First American entered into an agreement whereby the Company will act as an agent in selling renters insurance. The Company receives a commission of 12% of the insurance premiums and 20% of the profits (as defined in the agreement) of the insurance premiums written. Commissions earned in 2003 were $11,000.

 

F-20


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

The Company performs employment screening services for First American. Total revenue from First American was $353,000, $249,000 and $214,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Prior to June 2003, First American contributed certain operations relating to businesses acquired and has also forgiven certain amounts owed by the Company in connection with the acquisitions and in the funding of operations of the Company. Net assets, in connection with acquisitions, contributed to the Company by First American totaled $10,696,000, $84,458,000 and $30,383,000 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. These amounts have been treated as additional paid-in capital in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Amounts contributed to the Company by First American to fund operations are as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Allocated selling, general & administrative expenses

   $ 457,000    $ 1,565,000    $ 1,378,000

Cash advances

     809,000      2,776,000      1,085,000

Other, net

     5,621,000      1,327,000      2,317,000
    

  

  

     $ 5,269,000    $ 5,668,000    $ 4,780,000
    

  

  

 

These amounts have been treated as additional paid-in capital in the accompanying financial statements. Historically, First American has not charged any interest to the Company on intercompany balances.

 

The following is a summary of the FAST division’s net equity by operating subsidiary at December 31, 2002:

 

     2002

HireCheck, Inc.

   $ 10,322,000

First American Registry, Inc.

     14,882,000

Substance Abuse Management, Inc.

     32,088,000

American Driving Records, Inc.

     40,387,000

Employee Health Programs, Inc.

     23,785,000

SafeRent, Inc.

     24,438,000
    

     $ 145,902,000
    

 

11. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases certain office facilities, automobiles and equipment under operating leases, which, for the most part, are renewable. The majority of these leases also provide that the Company will pay insurance and taxes. Rent expense under operating leases was $5,082,000, $2,860,000 and $1,869,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

F-21


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Future minimum rental payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2003, are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31,


    

2004

   $ 5,100,000

2005

     3,492,000

2006

     2,399,000

2007

     1,119,000

2008

     334,000

Thereafter

     126,000
    

     $ 12,570,000
    

 

Litigation

 

The Company is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or operating results.

 

12. Earnings Per Share

 

Pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 128 “Earnings Per Share”, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Dilutive common stock equivalents represent shares issuable upon assumed exercise of stock options and warrants. Options and warrants totaling 2,140,712 were excluded from the weighted average diluted shares outstanding as they were antidilutive.

 

A reconciliation of earnings per share and weighted-average shares outstanding is as follows:

 

     2003

Net Income - numerator for basic and fully diluted earnings per share

   $ 2,803,000

Denominator:

      

Weighted-average shares for basic earnings per share

     20,260,854

Effect of dilutive securities - employee stock options and warrants

     136,733
    

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

     20,397,587
    

Earnings per share:

      

Basic

   $ 0.14

Diluted

   $ 0.14

 

13. Stock Option Plans

 

Incentive Compensation Plan

 

The Company’s board of directors has adopted the 2003 First Advantage Incentive Compensation Plan. The plan is intended to promote the long-term success of the Company and increase stockholder value by attracting, motivating, and retaining key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and by motivating

 

F-22


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

consultants who provide significant services to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. To achieve this purpose, the plan allows the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance unit awards, performance share awards and cash-based awards to eligible persons.

 

Subject to adjustment for certain changes in the Company’s capitalization, a total of 3.0 million shares of First Advantage Class A common stock is available for issuance under the plan. The plan is administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company.

 

Upon the occurrence of a change of control transaction (as defined in the plan), generally all awards under the plan accelerate, all restrictions are lifted and all performance goals are achieved, subject to certain limitations. The committee may provide that any award, the payment of which was deferred under the plan, will be paid or distributed as of, or promptly following, a change of control transaction. The committee may also provide that any awards subject to any such acceleration, payment, adjustment or conversion cannot be exercised after, or will terminate as of, a change of control transaction.

 

At December 31, 2003, stock options to purchase 2,116,500 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted under the First Advantage Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, Inc. The Company accounts for these stock options in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related Interpretations. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize compensation cost in connection with these plans, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

Warrants and Options to Purchase Class A Common Stock, Assumed in the Merger

 

The Company agreed to assume the obligations of US SEARCH.com contained in all warrants to purchase common stock of US SEARCH.com outstanding on the closing date of the merger. Pursuant to the merger agreement and the terms of the warrants, the holders of the warrants are entitled to receive upon exercise thereof 0.04 of a share of First Advantage Class A common stock for each share of US SEARCH.com common stock that such warrant holder would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the warrant prior to the closing of the merger. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding warrants to purchase up to 347,436 shares of its common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.25 to $29.50 per share.

 

All outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited stock appreciation rights and stock purchase rights of US SEARCH.com were assumed by the Company and converted automatically into options to purchase shares of First Advantage Class A common stock calculated in accordance with the exchange ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share. The exercise price is equal to the exercise price per share of US SEARCH.com common stock divided by the exchange ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole cent. The outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited stock appreciation rights and stock purchase rights of US SEARCH.com otherwise continue to be exercisable and vest subject to the terms and conditions applicable to them before the mergers. However, all outstanding stock options issued to US SEARCH.com employees and directors pursuant to the US SEARCH.com Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and all outstanding stock options issued to US SEARCH.com’s non-employee directors pursuant to the US SEARCH.com 1999 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan accelerated and became fully vested upon the occurrence of the mergers. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding options (previously issued by US SEARCH.com) to purchase up to 677,437 shares of its common stock at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $242.25 per share.

 

F-23


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

A total of 11,716 options were exercised at an average price of $12.08 and 132,250 options were forfeited at an average price of $33.07.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options and warrants outstanding at December 31, 2003:

 

     Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices


   Shares

   Weighted Avg
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years


   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


   Shares

   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


$  7.00 - $  12.50

   166,951    2.4    $ 11.88    158,038    $ 11.94

$12.51 - $  25.00

   2,393,152    9.0    $ 19.11    275,281    $ 22.63

$25.01 - $  50.00

   126,253    4.3    $ 40.13    123,077    $ 40.44

$50.01 - $242.25

   92,581    2.3    $ 168.56    92,572    $ 168.55
    
  
  

  
  

     2,778,937                648,968       
    
              
      

 

     Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices


   Shares

   Weighted Avg
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years


   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


$  0.25 - $22.50

   128,021    5.05    $ 14.54

$22.51 - $26.00

   216,415    2.52    $ 26.10

$26.01 - $29.50

   3,000    3.15    $ 29.38
    
  
  

     347,436            
    
           

 

14. Segment Information

 

The Company operates in three primary business segments: Enterprise Screening, Risk Mitigation and Consumer Direct.

 

The Enterprise Screening segment includes employment background screening, occupational health services and resident screening services. Products and services relating to employment background screening include criminal records searches, employment and education verification, social security number verification and credit reporting. Occupational health services include drug-free workplace programs, physical examinations and employee assistance programs. Resident screening services include criminal background and eviction searches, credit reporting, employment verification and lease performance and payment histories. Revenue for the Enterprise Screening segment includes $16,000 of sales to the Risk Mitigation segment in 2003.

 

The Risk Mitigation segment includes motor vehicle records and investigative services. Products and services provided by the Risk Mitigation segment include: driver history reports, vehicle registration, financial responsibility filings, surveillance services, statements and field interviews and due diligence reports. Revenue for the Risk Mitigation segment includes $1,447,000 and $840,000 of sales to the Enterprise Screening segment in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The Consumer Direct segment provides consumers with a single, comprehensive access point to a broad range of information to assist them in locating people and other public data searches. Revenue for the Consumer Direct segment includes $17,000 of sales to the Enterprise Screening segment in 2003.

 

F-24


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

The elimination of inter-segment revenue and cost of service revenue is included in Corporate. These transactions are recorded at cost.

 

Selected financial information for the Company’s operations by segment for each of the past three years is as follows:

 

     Revenue

    Depreciation
and Amortization


   Income (loss)
before income taxes


    Assets

2003

                             

Enterprise Screening

   $ 111,964,000     $ 6,269,000    $ 4,818,000     $ 163,146,000

Risk Mitigation

     45,486,000       860,000      5,714,000       79,810,000

Consumer Direct

     10,525,000       1,292,000      61,000       39,861,000

Corporate and Eliminations

     (1,480,000 )     7,000      (5,744,000 )     1,083,000
    


 

  


 

Consolidated

   $ 166,495,000     $ 8,428,000    $ 4,849,000     $ 283,900,000
    


 

  


 

2002

                             

Enterprise Screening

   $ 66,774,000     $ 3,497,000    $ (667,000 )   $ 117,864,000

Risk Mitigation

     34,991,000       599,000      4,998,000       46,143,000

Consumer Direct

     —         —        —         —  

Corporate and Eliminations

     (840,000 )     —        —         1,000
    


 

  


 

Consolidated

   $ 100,925,000     $ 4,096,000    $ 4,331,000     $ 164,008,000
    


 

  


 

2001

                             

Enterprise Screening

   $ 49,167,000     $ 2,491,000    $ (638,000 )   $ 62,284,000

Risk Mitigation

     —         —        —         —  

Consumer Direct

     —         —        —         —  

Corporate and Eliminations

     —         —        —         —  
    


 

  


 

Consolidated

   $ 49,167,000     $ 2,491,000    $ (638,000 )   $ 62,284,000
    


 

  


 

 

15. Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2003, the Company acquired six businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $23,476,000, comprised of $7,178,000 in cash, $7,600,000 in acquisition debt and $8,698,000 in the Company’s common stock. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded with additional borrowings under existing credit facilities with a bank and First American.

 

In January 2004, the Company entered into a ten-year facilities lease for operations in the Enterprise Screening segment. Aggregate minimum lease payments are $11.3 million over the term of the lease.

 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial data of First Advantage for the eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2003. First Advantage’s results of operation for the four quarters in the year ended December 31, 2003 include the results of the FAST division from January 2003, and the results for US SEARCH from June 2003. Businesses acquired subsequent to June 2003 are included in First Advantage’s financial data from date of acquisition. The financial data for the four quarters in the year ended December 31, 2002 are the results of the FAST division only.

 

This data has been derived from unaudited financial statements of the Company and the FAST division that, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments)

 

F-25


First Advantage Corporation

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

necessary for a fair statement of the information when read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

 

     For the quarters ended

 
     3/31/2003

   6/30/2003

   9/30/2003

   12/31/2003

 

Total revenue

   $ 31,541,000    $ 37,431,000    $ 47,634,000    $ 49,889,000  
    

  

  

  


Gross margin

   $ 17,722,000    $ 22,613,000    $ 28,894,000    $ 27,527,000  
    

  

  

  


Net income (loss)

   $ 330,000    $ 2,051,000    $ 1,429,000    $ (1,007,000 )
    

  

  

  


Per share amounts:

                             

Basic

     N/A    $ 0.10    $ 0.07      ($0.05 )

Diluted

     N/A    $ 0.10    $ 0.07      ($0.05 )

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

                             

Basic

     N/A      20,002,126      20,203,955      20,828,429  

Diluted

     N/A      20,122,023      20,337,947      21,020,537  
     For the quarters ended

 
     3/31/2002

   6/30/2002

   9/30/2002

   12/31/2002

 

Total revenue

   $ 22,647,000    $ 24,715,000    $ 26,914,000    $ 26,649,000  
    

  

  

  


Gross margin

   $ 12,360,000    $ 14,424,000    $ 14,480,000    $ 14,242,000  
    

  

  

  


Net income (loss)

   $ 778,000    $ 1,495,000    $ 976,000    $ (547,000 )
    

  

  

  


Per share amounts:

                             

Basic

     N/A      N/A      N/A      N/A  

Diluted

     N/A      N/A      N/A      N/A  

Weighted-average common share outstanding:

                             

Basic

     N/A      N/A      N/A      N/A  

Diluted

     N/A      N/A      N/A      N/A  

 

 

F-26


SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period


   Charged to
Costs and
Expenses


   Charged to
Other
Accounts (1)


   Deductions

    Balance at
End of
Period


Year ended December 31, 2003

   $ 788,000    317,000    559,000    (337,000 )   $ 1,327,000

Year ended December 31, 2002

   $ 717,000    266,000    164,000    (359,000 )   $ 788,000

Year ended December 31, 2001

   $ 461,000    281,000    200,000    (225,000 )   $ 717,000

(1) Allowances established as a result of acquisitions

 

F-27


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of US SEARCH.com Inc.:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of US Search.com Inc. and its subsidiary at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2, the Company has incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and has negative working capital at December 31, 2002. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regards to these matters are also described in Note 2. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

March 24 , 2003 except for the subsequent events in Note 16 as to which the date is April 1, 2003

 

F-28


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

December 31,

2001


   

December 31,

2002


 
ASSETS:                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,148,000     $ 2,254,000  

Restricted cash

     750,000       575,000  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $24,000 (2001) and $72,000 (2002)

     696,000       1,864,000  

Prepaids and other current assets

     1,854,000       1,150,000  
    


 


Total current assets

     6,448,000       5,843,000  

Property and equipment, net

     9,409,000       9,028,000  

Goodwill

     8,648,000       13,529,000  

Intangible assets, net

     2,960,000       2,650,000  

Other assets

     270,000       249,000  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 27,735,000     $ 31,299,000  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                 

Current Liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 7,182,000     $ 5,604,000  

Accrued liabilities

     1,930,000       2,958,000  

PRSI acquisition obligations, current portion

     902,000       474,000  

Bank debt, current portion

     1,375,000       1,142,000  

Notes payable, current portion

     3,896,000       50,000  

Capital lease obligations, current portion

     280,000       125,000  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     15,565,000       10,353,000  

PRSI acquisition obligations

     1,654,000       1,370,000  

Bank debt, net of current portion

     —         20,000  

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

     156,000       27,000  

Other non-current liabilities

     5,000       5,000  
    


 


Total liabilities

     17,380,000       11,775,000  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; 203,113 and 0 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 26,183,058 as of December 31, 2001 and 97,018,716 as of December 31, 2002

     26,000       97,000  

Additional paid-in capital

     84,847,000       118,021,000  

Accumulated deficit

     (74,518,000 )     (98,594,000 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     10,355,000       19,524,000  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 27,735,000     $ 31,299,000  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-29


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For The Years Ended December 31,

 

     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Net revenues

   $ 22,363,000     $ 18,399,000     $ 30,341,000  

Cost of services

     10,392,000       4,494,000       9,450,000  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     11,971,000       13,905,000       20,891,000  

Operating expenses:

                        

Selling and marketing

     25,890,000       10,069,000       11,237,000  

General and administrative

     12,220,000       10,016,000       14,175,000  

Information technology

     3,777,000       4,397,000       3,296,000  
    


 


 


Total operating expenses

     41,887,000       24,482,000       28,708,000  
    


 


 


Loss from operations

     (29,916,000 )     (10,577,000 )     (7,817,000 )

Interest expense (includes non-cash charges relating to warrants, beneficial conversion features, and amortization of debt issuance costs of $1,165,000 in 2001 and $15,966,000 in 2002)

     (108,000 )     (1,522,000 )     (16,212,000 )

Interest income

     663,000       167,000       68,000  

Other expense, net

     —         —         (110,000 )
    


 


 


Loss before income taxes

     (29,361,000 )     (11,932,000 )     (24,071,000 )

Provision for income taxes

     1,000       5,000       5,000  
    


 


 


Net loss

     (29,362,000 )     (11,937,000 )     (24,076,000 )

Beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock

     (1,029,000 )     —         —    

Deemed dividend on exchange of preferred stock

     —         (12,575,000 )     —    

Accretion of discount on preferred stock

     (156,000 )     (203,000 )     —    

Accrued preferred stock dividends

     (142,000 )     (200,000 )     —    
    


 


 


Net loss attributable to common stockholders before cumulative effect of accounting change

     (30,689,000 )     (24,915,000 )     (24,076,000 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change on beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock

     (3,754,000 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Net loss attributable to common stockholders

   $ (34,443,000 )   $ (24,915,000 )   $ (24,076,000 )
    


 


 


Basic and diluted net loss per share:

                        

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ (1.72 )   $ (1.38 )   $ (0.41 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change on beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock

     (0.21 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders

   $ (1.93 )   $ (1.38 )   $ (0.41 )

Weighted-average shares outstanding used in per share calculation

     17,836,000       18,054,000       58,711,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-30


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

    

Series A-1

Preferred Stock


   Common Stock

  

Additional
Paid-In

Capital


   

Unearned
Deferred

Compensation


   

Accumulated

Deficit


   

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

(Deficit)


 
     Shares

    Amount

   Shares

   Amount

        

Balance, December 31, 1999

   —       $ —      17,421,644    $ 17,000    $ 53,790,000     $ (1,099,000 )   $ (33,219,000 )   $ 19,489,000  

Amortization of unearned compensation

   —         —      —        —        —         418,000       —         418,000  

Issuance of warrants to third parties

   —         —      —        —        2,179,000       —         —         2,179,000  

Accretion of discount on preferred stock

   —         —      —        —        (156,000 )     —         —         (156,000 )

Accrued preferred dividends

   —         —      —        —        (142,000 )     —         —         (142,000 )

Forfeiture of stock options

   —         —      —        —        (1,622,000 )     681,000       —         (941,000 )

Amendment of terms of stock options to former employee

   —         —      —        —        220,000       —         —         220,000  

Allocation of relative fair value to warrants issued with Series A preferred stock

   —         —      —        —        3,552,000       —         —         3,552,000  

Exercise of stock options

   —         —      516,600      1,000      1,601,000       —         —         1,602,000  

Net loss

   —         —      —        —        —         —         (29,362,000 )     (29,362,000 )
    

 

  
  

  


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2000

   —         —      17,938,244      18,000      59,422,000       —         (62,581,000 )     (3,141,000 )

Modification of employee stock options

   —         —      —        —        68,000       —         —         68,000  

Issuance of warrants in conjunction with bank financing

   —         —      —        —        1,189,000       —         —         1,189,000  

Issuance of warrants to vendors

   —         —      —        —        216,000       —         —         216,000  

Allocation of relative fair value to warrants issued with notes payable

   —         —      —        —        250,000       —         —         250,000  

Conversion of notes payable and accrued interest to Series A-1 preferred stock

   103,113       —      —        —        10,311,000       —         —         10,311,000  

Exchange of Series A preferred stock and cancellation of warrant for Series A-1 preferred stock

   100,000       —      —        —        18,935,000       —         —         18,935,000  

Deemed dividend on exchange of preferred stock

   —         —      —        —        (12,575,000 )     —         —         (12,575,000 )

Accretion of preferred dividends and discount to preferred stock

   —         —      —        —        (403,000 )     —         —         (403,000 )

Beneficial conversion feature on convertible notes payable

   —         —      —        —        445,000       —         —         445,000  

Allocation of relative fair value to warrants issued with convertible Series A-1 preferred stock

   —         —      —        —        452,000       —         —         452,000  

Stock issued in conjunction with acquisition of PRSI

   —         —      8,148,148      8,000      6,492,000       —         —         6,500,000  

Exercise of stock options

   —         —      96,666      —        45,000       —         —         45,000  

Net loss

   —         —      —        —        —         —         (11,937,000 )     (11,937,000 )
    

 

  
  

  


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2001

   203,113       —      26,183,058      26,000      84,847,000       —         (74,518,000 )     10,355,000  

Issuance of warrants in conjunction with Bank financing

   —         —      —        —        48,000       —         —         48,000  

Issuance of warrants to vendors

   —         —      —        —        180,000       —         —         180,000  

Allocation of relative fair value to warrants issued with convertible notes payable

   —         —      —        —        1,937,000       —         —         1,937,000  

Conversion of Series A-1 preferred stock to common stock

   (203,113 )     —      42,107,303      42,000      (42,000 )     —         —         —    

Conversion of notes payable and accrued interest to common stock

   —         —      27,864,051      28,000      14,718,000       —         —         14,746,000  

Beneficial conversion feature on convertible notes payable

   —         —      —        —        11,749,000       —         —         11,749,000  

Adjustment to purchase consideration

   —         —      —        —        4,500,000       —         —         4,500,000  

Additional stock issued in conjunction with acquisition of PRSI

   —         —      651,852      1,000      (1,000 )     —         —         —    

Exercise of stock options

   —         —      212,452      —        85,000       —         —         85,000  

Net loss

   —         —      —        —        —         —         (24,076,000 )     (24,076,000 )
    

 

  
  

  


 


 


 


Balance, December 31, 2002

   —       $ —      97,018,716    $ 97,000    $ 118,021,000     $ —       $ (98,594,000 )   $ 19,524,000  
    

 

  
  

  


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-31


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31,

 

     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net loss

   $ (29,362,000 )   $ (11,937,000 )   $ (24,076,000 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     903,000       1,468,000       3,039,000  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     81,000       24,000       48,000  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     149,000       —         —    

Compensation charge for modification of options

     —         68,000       —    

Charge for warrants issued to third parties

     2,179,000       12,000       —    

Non-cash interest expense and beneficial conversion feature

     —         1,165,000       15,966,000  

Credit of unearned compensation

     (303,000 )     —         —    

Related-party charges

     —         161,000       —    

Change in assets and liabilities:

                        

Accounts receivable

     9,000       (86,000 )     (1,216,000 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     2,758,000       250,000       (514,000 )

Prepaid and other assets

     2,525,000       4,000       104,000  
    


 


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (21,061,000 )     (8,871,000 )     (6,649,000 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Additions to property and equipment

     (4,798,000 )     (3,740,000 )     (2,348,000 )

PRSI acquisition costs

     —         —         (220,000 )

Cash payments to PRSI

     —         (470,000 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (4,798,000 )     (4,210,000 )     (2,568,000 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Decrease in restricted cash

     800,000       450,000       175,000  

Proceeds from line of credit

     —         1,418,000       —    

Repayments of lines of credit

     —         (600,000 )     —    

Repayments of bank debt

     —         —         (233,000 )

Repayments of third party notes payable

     (373,000 )     (805,000 )     (723,000 )

Repayments of PRSI acquisition obligation

     —         —         (930,000 )

Repayments of capital lease obligations

     (184,000 )     (354,000 )     (284,000 )

Proceeds from notes payable, net

     —         13,500,000       10,233,000  

Issuance costs relating to preferred stock

     —         (256,000 )     —    

Proceeds from sale of Series A convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs of $537,000

     9,463,000       —         —    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     1,602,000       45,000       85,000  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     11,308,000       13,398,000       8,323,000  
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (14,551,000 )     317,000       (894,000 )

Cash at beginning of period

     17,382,000       2,831,000       3,148,000  
    


 


 


Cash at end of period

   $ 2,831,000     $ 3,148,000     $ 2,254,000  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-32


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Organization and Business:

 

US SEARCH.com Inc. (the “Company”) provides individual reference services and background information about individuals. The Company was formed as a California S Corporation in 1994, and reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in April 1999. On December 28, 2001 the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Professional Resource Screening, Inc. (“PRSI”), which provides pre-employment screening services primarily to Fortune 500 companies in the United States.

 

2. Management’s Plans:

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred net losses of $29.4 million in 2000, $11.9 million in 2001 and $24.1 million in 2002, and has used cash in operations of $21.1 million in 2000, $8.9 million in 2001 and $6.6 million in 2002. At December 31, 2002, the Company has cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million, a working capital deficiency of $4.5 million, an accumulated deficit of $98.6 million and stockholders’ equity of $19.5 million.

 

In December 2002, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with The First American Corporation (see Note 18).

 

On March 18, 2003, the Company amended its loan and security agreement with the bank to increase its revolving credit limit (see Note 16).

 

Based on the Company’s current operating plans, management believes existing cash resources, including the proceeds available from the amended loan and security agreement and cash forecasted by management to be generated by operations will be sufficient to meet working capital and capital requirements through December 31, 2003. Also, management’s plans to attain profitability and generate additional cash flows include, increasing revenues from enterprise and consumer services, focusing on cost reductions and operational efficiencies to be derived from further deployment of the Company’s technologies, and the launch of additional products. There is no assurance that management will be successful with these plans. However, if events and circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its current operating plan as expected, is unable to raise additional financing, or the merger with The First American Corporation is not consummated, the Company may be required to reduce certain discretionary spending, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives and continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The financial statements include the accounts of US SEARCH.com Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

F-33


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Restricted Cash

 

At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company had $575,000, and $750,000, respectively, in restricted cash principally related to deposits pledged as collateral in conjunction with the Company’s credit facility with the bank.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements and equipment under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the life of the lease. Depreciation and amortization periods by asset category are as follows:

 

Computer and office equipment and software

  

3-10 years

Furniture and fixtures

  

7 years

Leasehold improvements

  

Shorter of useful life or lease term

Equipment under capital leases

  

Shorter of useful life or lease term

 

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while renewals and improvements are capitalized. Upon the sale or retirement of property and equipment, the accounts are relieved of the cost and the related accumulated depreciation, with any resulting gain or loss included in the Statement of Operations.

 

Software Developed For Internal Use

 

The Company capitalizes costs of software, consulting services, hardware and payroll related costs incurred to purchase and develop internal-use software relating primarily to the Company’s Web site. The Company expenses costs incurred during the preliminary project assessment, research and development, reengineering, training and application maintenance phases. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, the Company had capitalized internal-use software totaling $3,780,000, and $5,560,000 respectively. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, accumulated depreciation on internal-use software was $68,000, and $552,000 respectively. The Company expensed $3,777,000, $4,397,000, and $3,296,000 of Web site development costs in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company identifies and records impairment losses on long-lived assets when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. To date, no such impairment has been recorded.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The estimated fair value of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable approximate cost because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

F-34


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Net Loss Per Common Share

 

Basic net loss per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and diluted net loss per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding. Common equivalent shares related to convertible preferred stock, convertible notes payable, stock options and warrants are excluded from the computation when their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

The following summarizes the stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock excluded from the weighted-average number of shares because their effect is anti-dilutive:

 

     2000

   2001

   2002

Stock options

   8,089,958    17,011,903    19,820,345

Common stock warrants

   1,750,000    5,132,013    10,407,019

Preferred stock warrants

   75,000    —      —  

Convertible preferred stock

   5,882,353    42,107,303    —  

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income generally represents all changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) during the period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, stockholders. The Company has no other comprehensive income items and accordingly net income (loss) equals comprehensive income (loss).

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and complies with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under APB No. 25, compensation cost, if any, is recognized over the respective vesting period based on the difference on the date of grant, between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the grant price.

 

The Company accounts for stock-based awards to non-employees in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and EITF 96-18. An expense is recognized for common stock, warrants, or stock options issued for services rendered by non-employees based on the estimated fair value of the security exchanged.

 

F-35


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share if compensation cost for all outstanding and unvested stock options and other stock-based employee compensation awards had been determined based on their fair values at the grant date, consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123:

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Net Loss

                        

As reported

   $ (29,362,000 )   $ (11,937,000 )   $ (24,076,000 )

Stock-based credit included in reported net loss

     (303,000 )     —         —    

Additional stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value method

     (3,029,000 )     (3,990,000 )     (6,391,000 )
    


 


 


Pro forma

   $ (32,694,000 )   $ (15,927,000 )   $ (30,467,000 )
    


 


 


Loss per share—basic and diluted

                        

As reported

   $ (1.93 )   $ (1.38 )   $ (0.41 )

Proforma

   $ (2.12 )   $ (1.60 )   $ (0.52 )

 

SFAS No. 123 requires the use of option pricing models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of short-lived exchange traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of employee stock options. See Note 13 for a discussion of the assumptions used in the option-pricing model and estimated fair value of employee stock options.

 

Because additional stock options are expected to be granted each year, the pro forma disclosures above are not representative of pro forma effects on reported financial results for future years.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company determines and discloses its segments in accordance with SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” which uses a “management” approach for determining segments. The management approach designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments. SFAS No. 131 also requires disclosures about products or services, geographic areas, and major customers. The Company’s management reporting structure provided for only one segment in 2000 and 2001, and accordingly, information for one segment, consumer-focused services, is presented for 2000 and 2001. Due to the acquisition of PRSI on December 28, 2001, the Company adopted a management reporting structure that provides for two segments in 2002: large business services and consumer-focused services, and accordingly, information for the Company’s two segments for 2002 is presented in Note 17. In addition, the Company operates only in the United States and no single customer accounts for more than 10% of revenues for any period presented.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax bases of

 

F-36


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company generates revenues by performing various information search services for customers. Revenue is recognized when the results of the search services are delivered to clients and after credit card authorization is obtained. The Company provides for estimated losses resulting from refunds and chargebacks resulting from disputes and complaints. The Company accrues for such estimated losses and classifies refunds as a reduction of revenues and chargebacks as a bad debt. The Company provides for estimated losses at the time of sale based on historical data that reflects known trends in the Company’s actual experience with chargebacks under the Company’s Merchant Card Agreements.

 

PRSI generates revenues by performing various background and pre-employment screening services for customers. PRSI’s services include reference checks, drug testing, credit checks, pre-employment and background checks through the use of publicly available information. Revenue is recognized upon the delivery of the results of the background and pre-employment checks, by mail, fax, and/or online, to the customer’s final site and the completion of related PRSI obligations, if any, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed and determinable and collectability is deemed probable.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Media costs are expensed in the month the advertising appears. Advertising expense was $21,836,000 for 2000 (including a non-cash charge of $2,179,000 related to warrants granted in connection with the restructuring of an on-line advertising agreement), $5,723,000 for 2001, and $6,910,000 for 2002.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, which became effective January 1, 2002. SFAS 142 requires, among other things, the discontinuance of goodwill amortization. In addition, the standard includes provisions for the reclassification of certain existing recognized intangibles as goodwill, reassessment of the useful lives of existing recognized intangibles, reclassification of certain intangibles out of previously reported goodwill and the identification of reporting units for purposes of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill. SFAS 142 also requires companies to complete a transitional goodwill impairment assessment. In conjunction with the December 28, 2001 acquisition of PRSI, the Company recorded $2,960,000 of intangibles and $8,648,000 in goodwill. As discussed more fully in note 10, during 2002, goodwill increased by $4,881,000 to $13,529,000 at December 31, 2002. Approximately $4,500,000 of additional goodwill was recorded upon the resolution of PRSI purchase price contingencies, and an additional $381,000 of goodwill was recorded to reflect adjustments to the fair values of PRSI assets acquired and liabilities assumed and additional acquisition related costs. The Company performed an initial review of goodwill and other intangibles in 2002 and plans to perform an annual impairment review thereafter. No goodwill impairment was indicated in connection with the annual valuation in accordance with SFAS 142, since the fair value of the PRSI reporting unit was determined to be greater than the carrying value of goodwill and other intangibles.

 

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. SFAS 144 establishes a single accounting model for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, including discontinuance of operations. SFAS 144 superseded Statement of Financial Accounting Standards

 

F-37


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of and APB Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. The provisions of SFAS 144 are effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, with early adoption permitted and, in general, are to be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS 144 did not have a significant impact on the financial statements.

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 nullifies EITF No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when it is incurred. Under EITF No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. Under SFAS No. 146, an entity may not restate its previously issued financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 146 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation —Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to that statement’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effects of the method on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. The transition and disclosure provisions of this statement are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has continued to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. The Company has made certain disclosures required by SFAS No. 148 in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002 and will begin making the additional disclosures required by SFAS No. 148 in the first quarter of 2003. Accordingly, adoption of SFAS No. 148 will not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years to conform with current year presentation.

 

4. Concentrations of Risk:

 

Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments which subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various domestic financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these institutions. From time to time, the Company’s cash balances with any one financial institution may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits.

 

The Company’s customers are concentrated in the United States. The Company extends different levels of credit to customers, does not require collateral, and maintains reserves based upon the expected collectability of accounts receivable. The financial loss, should a customer be unable to meet its obligation to the Company, would be equal to the recorded accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002 no customer represented 10% or more of gross accounts receivable. For the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, and 2002 no single customer exceeded 10% of net revenues of the Company.

 

F-38


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Business Risk

 

The Company provides services to its customers using internal and external computer systems. Operations are susceptible to varying degrees of physical and electronic security as well as varying levels of internal support. A disruption in security or internal support could cause a delay in the Company’s performance of services that would adversely affect operating results.

 

The Company is dependent on a limited number of third party database and other information suppliers. If one or more of the Company’s suppliers terminates our existing agreements, the Company might not be able to obtain new agreements with third party suppliers on terms favorable to the Company or at all, which would adversely affect operating results.

 

5. Prepaids and other current assets:

 

Prepaids and other current assets are comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2001

   2002

Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $367,000 (2001) and $1,021,000 (2002)

   $ 733,000    $ 127,000

Prepaid insurance

     255,000      342,000

Prepaid maintenance services

     333,000      116,000

Prepaid advertising

     250,000      345,000

Other

     283,000      220,000
    

  

Total

   $ 1,854,000    $ 1,150,000
    

  

 

6. Property and Equipment:

 

Property and equipment is comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2001

   2002

Computer and office equipment

   $ 4,372,000    $ 4,589,000

Purchased software

     2,358,000      2,630,000

Internally developed software

     3,780,000      5,560,000

Furniture and fixtures

     359,000      412,000

Leasehold improvements

     1,002,000      1,011,000
    

  

     $ 11,871,000    $ 14,202,000

Less: accumulated depreciation, including capital lease amortization of $447,000 (2001) and $802,000 (2002)

     2,462,000      5,174,000
    

  

Property and equipment, net

   $ 9,409,000    $ 9,028,000
    

  

 

Included in property and equipment is equipment purchases under capital leases totaling $1,391,000 in 2001 and 2002. Depreciation expense totaled $903,000, $1,468,000, and $2,712,000 for 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively.

 

F-39


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

7. Accrued Liabilities:

 

Accrued liabilities are comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2001

   2002

Sales and payroll taxes

   $ 57,000    $ 277,000

Accrued vacation and payroll

     914,000      959,000

Accrued bonuses

            900,000

Accrued professional fees

     43,000      135,000

Severance

     198,000      16,000

Litigation

     100,000      160,000

Other accrued expenses

     618,000      511,000
    

  

     $ 1,930,000    $ 2,958,000
    

  

 

8. Notes Payable:

 

As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, notes payable comprised of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2001

   2002

Convertible notes payable to Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P.; issued February and March 2001; converted June 2001

   $ —      $ —  

Convertible notes payable to Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P.; issued December 2001; converted July 2002

     3,031,000       

Other convertible notes payable

     100,000      —  

Convertible notes payable to various investors; issued January 2002; converted July 2002

     —        —  

Convertible notes payable to various investors; issued March 2002: converted July 2002

     —        —  

Notes payable to various individuals bearing interest at 10% per annum and repayable in full on demand

     50,000      50,000

Note payable to vendor net of discount of $74,000. The note bore interest at a rate of prime +1% (5.75% at December 31, 2001). Note was payable in monthly installments of $100,000 beginning July 2002.

     500,000      —  

Vendor financing notes payable

     215,000      —  
    

  

Total notes payable

     3,896,000      50,000

Less current portion

     3,896,000      50,000
    

  

Notes payable, net of current portion

   $ —      $ —  
    

  

 

In February 2001 and March 2001, Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (“Pequot”) advanced the Company an aggregate of $10,000,000 from the issuance of $10,150,000 of promissory notes that were convertible into Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock. The promissory notes bore interest at a rate of seven percent (7%) per annum. On June 5, 2001, the promissory notes and accrued interest and a previously issued Series A Preferred Stock were converted to 203,113 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock with a conversion price of $0.48237 per common share. The Company recorded as additional interest expense a non-cash charge of $445,000 for a contingent beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) relating to the March 2001 note. The BCF was computed based on the difference between the effective conversion price per share and the fair value of the common stock on the

 

F-40


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

commitment date of the March 30, 2001 note, multiplied by the most beneficial number of shares into which the promissory note was convertible. On June 5, 2001, to induce Pequot to advance the purchase price of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock in the form of the promissory notes, the Company agreed to issue to Pequot a warrant to purchase up to 5,000 shares of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock at an initial purchase price of $100 per share. In accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 14 “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants”, the relative fair value of the warrants of $250,000 was recorded as additional debt issuance costs in the second quarter of 2001.

 

In December 2001, the Company issued, to Pequot, a $3,500,000 promissory note and a warrant to purchase 1,117,497 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.044 per share. The promissory note bore interest at a rate of eight percent (8%) per annum and, if not previously converted into common stock, was due and payable on December 20, 2002. The note and accrued interest were converted on approval by the shareholders in July 2002 into 6,922,399 shares of common stock. The conversion price was the lower of (a) $0.783 or (b) 90% of the 10-day average closing bid price of the Company’s common stock prior to the date the Company received approval from its stockholders for the transaction ($0.5292). In connection with the conversion of this note, the Company issued to Pequot a warrant to purchase an additional 223,499 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.044 per share. On August 5, 2002, the Company issued to Pequot a warrant to purchase an additional 52,275 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.044 per share, in satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2001, between the Company and Pequot. The warrants expire on December 20, 2005. The Company recorded legal expenses of the offering of approximately $40,000 as a discount to the note.

 

In January 2002, the Company issued, to various unaffiliated investors, 8% Convertible Promissory Notes due January 17, 2003 in the aggregate principal amount of $4,651,000 and four year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,782,176 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.044 per share. These notes and accrued interest automatically converted into 9,143,181 shares of common stock at the conversion price of $0.5292 on approval of the shareholders on July 18, 2002.

 

In March 2002, the Company issued, to various unaffiliated investors, 8% Convertible Promissory Notes due December 20, 2002 in the aggregate principal amount of $6,075,000 ($5,700,000 in proceeds net of issuance costs) and five year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,144,118 shares of our common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.044 per share. The Company also issued warrants to purchase 714,706 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share to the principals of the offering placement agent. These notes and accrued interest automatically converted into 11,798,470 shares of common stock on approval of the shareholders on July 18, 2002. In July 2002, the Company issued additional warrants to purchase 142,464 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.044 per share to the investors in the convertible notes payable.

 

In accordance with APB Opinion No. 14, the Company allocated the relative fair value of the warrants issued in conjunction with the December, January and March notes (the “Notes”) of $452,000 and $730,000 and, $892,000, respectively as a discount on the notes payable. Warrants issued to the placement agent had a fair value of $315,000. The discounts were recorded as interest expense over the terms of the notes. During 2001 and 2002, the Company recorded $14,000 and $2,375,000 as additional interest expense.

 

In July 2002, upon the conversion of the 8% Convertible Promissory Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $14,226,000, the Company recorded as additional interest expense a non-cash charge of $11,749,000 for a beneficial conversion feature (BCF) relating to the Notes. The BCF was computed based on the difference between the effective conversion price per share and the fair value of the common stock on the commitment date, multiplied by the number of shares into which the promissory notes were convertible, limited to the amount of proceeds allocated to the notes at the commitment date.

 

F-41


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The terms of a note payable to a vendor, with a carrying value of $500,000 at December 31, 2001, provided that in the event that the Company closed a financing, as defined, in excess of $10,000,000, the then outstanding balance became due within 90 days after the financing. In connection with the renegotiation of this debt, the Company issued a ten-year warrant to purchase 80,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Company recorded the fair value of the warrants of $74,000 as a discount to the note payable. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company obtained financing in excess of $10,000,000, and entered into an agreement to settle the note payable for $525,000. The settlement agreement resulted in a gain of $61,000 which was recorded in the accompanying statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

9. Bank Debt:

 

In September 2001, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with a bank. On March 27, 2002 the company’s Loan Agreement with the bank was renewed through March 26, 2003 by Waiver and Amendment Number One. On August 7, 2002 the Loan Agreement was amended to provide a total credit extension of up to $1 million by Waiver and Amendment Number Two. The Loan Agreement was amended again on January 22, 2003 to retroactively reduce the restricted cash requirement to $550,000 at December 31, 2002 by Waiver and Amendment Number Three. Borrowings under this line at December 31, 2002 totaled $1,162,000 and bore interest at prime plus 2.5%, (6.75% at December 31, 2002). At various times throughout the year the Company was in violation of certain of its loan covenants related to minimum EBITDA and Debt/Tangible Net Worth, all violations of which the banked waived. As of December 31, 2002, the line was fully utilized.

 

The Company was in compliance with or had received a bank waiver of covenants at December 31, 2002.

 

On March 18, 2003, the loan was renewed and expanded to a $2.5 million Revolving Loan Facility. Availability under the Facility will be limited to an advance formula of up to 100% on the first $1.5 million of availability and 85% of eligible accounts receivable for amounts advanced in excess of $1.5 million up to $2.5 million. The Facility matures on April 30, 2004. The Facility is collateralized by all of the personal property of US SEARCH, tangible and intangible. Security will include a $450,000 pledged certificate of deposit, considered restricted cash. The borrowing rate is prime plus 1.50% on the first $1.5 million and prime plus 2.50% on amount above $1.5 million up to $2.5 million. The bank will receive a 7-year warrant to purchase common stock at a price per share exercise price equal to the closing price of such common stock on the date of consummation of the merger such that the product of such number of shares multiplied by such exercise price equals $25,000. The company will have to meet certain operating performance, minimum EBITDA and Debt/Tangible Net Worth covenants on a monthly basis.

 

In connection with the Loan Agreement, during 2001, the Company issued the bank a warrant to purchase 3,750 shares of the Company’s Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock with an exercise price of $100 per share. On conversion of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock to common stock in July 2002, the bank warrant converted to a warrant to purchase 777,412 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.48237 per share. The warrant expires on September 12, 2008.

 

During 2001, in connection with a forbearance agreement, the Company also issued the bank a warrant to purchase 121,328 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.783 per share. As a result of the issuance of the warrant, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $89,000 which is included in interest expense for 2001. The warrant expires on December 28, 2008.

 

In connection with an amendment to the loan and security agreement in April 2002, the Company agreed to issue the bank a warrant to purchase 55,487 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share. The warrant expires on March 14, 2007. As a result of the issuance of the warrant, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $48,000, which is included in debt issuance costs for the period ended December 31, 2002.

 

F-42


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As a result of the issuance of warrants, the Company recorded debt issuance costs of $4.1 million and $48,000 during 2001 and 2002, respectfully, which are being amortized over the life of the facility. For the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, debt issuance costs of $367,000 and $655,000, respectfully, were amortized.

 

10. Acquisition of Professional Resource Screening, Inc.:

 

On December 28, 2001, the Company acquired 100% of the securities of PRSI, a privately held background screening company. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price of $14,353,000 consisted of the present value of future installment obligations made to the selling shareholders, common stock and advances made to PRSI. The PRSI Merger Agreement (the “PRSI Merger Agreement”) also provided for an earn out whereby the selling shareholders of PRSI may be eligible for up to $1,500,000 in additional consideration after meeting certain profitability and revenue targets during the fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 2004. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, the revenue and profitability targets were not met and, consequently, no amounts have been recorded for the earn out contingency.

 

In accordance with the PRSI Merger Agreement, on December 28, 2001, the Company issued 8,148,148 shares of common stock to the selling shareholders. The Company was also required to issue additional stock consideration on January 30, 2002, in the event that the Company’s share price was below $1.35. On January 31, 2002, the Company issued an additional 651,852 shares of common stock. The fair value of the stock consideration of $11,000,000 was determined in accordance with EITF 97-15 “Accounting for Contingency Arrangements Based on Security Prices in a Purchase Business Combination” based on an amount equal to the lower of the target value of $11,000,000 and the maximum number of shares that could have been issued multiplied by the fair value per share at the date of acquisition. A total of 2,050,587 of the 8,148,148 shares issued on December 28, 2001, and all of the 651,852 shares issued on January 31, 2002 were placed into escrow pending finalization of the revenue contingency discussed below.

 

At December 28, 2001, the purchase price of $14,353,000 was reduced by the portion of the stock consideration that was considered to be conditionally issued pending the outcome of a revenue contingency. The PRSI Merger Agreement provided that in the event PRSI fiscal year 2002 net revenues, as defined, were less than $9,000,000, the selling shareholders would be required to return $500,000 plus any shortfall in revenues below $9,000,000 in cash or company stock. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the Company did not record $4,500,000 of the purchase price representing that portion of the purchase price which was deemed contingent. As of December 28, 2001, management determined that achieving a revenue threshold above $5,000,000 could not be determined beyond a reasonable doubt, as specified in SFAS No. 141. During the year ended December 31, 2002, PRSI achieved the $9,000,000 revenue threshold, as defined, and, upon the resolution of this contingency, the Company increased goodwill by $4,500,000.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company also recorded additional goodwill of $381,000 to reflect adjustments to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with PRSI acquisition and additional purchase costs. No goodwill from the acquisition of PRSI is deductible for tax purposes.

 

As discussed in Note 16, on February 28, 2003 the Company and Professional Resource Screening agreed to amend the PRSI Merger Agreement to, among other things, eliminate the $1,500,000 earn out contingency and release all amounts held in escrow at December 31, 2002 to the selling shareholders.

 

F-43


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The purchase price was determined as follows at December 28, 2001:

 

Fair value of US Search common stock

   $ 11,000,000  

Installment payments (principal of $3,000,000 less imputed interest of $444,000)

     2,556,000  

Cash advances from US Search to PRSI in the form of notes payable

     470,000  

Acquisition-related costs

     327,000  
    


Purchase price

     14,353,000  

Less, contingent portion of purchase consideration

     (4,500,000 )
    


Net purchase price recorded at closing

   $ 9,853,000  
    


 

The fair value of assets and liabilities assumed was as follows:

 

Current assets

   $ 664,000  

Property and equipment

     577,000  

Other assets

     80,000  

Current liabilities

     (2,920,000 )

Non-current liabilities

     (156,000 )

Intangible assets

     2,960,000  

Goodwill

     8,648,000  
    


Net purchase price

   $ 9,853,000  
    


 

Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of customer lists of $2,900,000 and a covenant not to compete of $60,000, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 10 and 3-year period, respectively. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2002 was $310,000. The expected aggregate amortization of unamortized intangible assets is $310,000 (2003), $310,000 (2004), $290,000 (2005), $290,000 (2006) $290,000 (2007) and $1,160,000 thereafter.

 

In connection with the PRSI Merger Agreement, the Company will make installment payments totaling $3,000,000. The installment obligations of $3,000,000 bear no interest, and was discounted by $444,000. Principal reductions of approximately $930,000 were made during 2002, and the remaining installment obligations mature as follows:

 

Years Ending December 31,


      

2003

   $ 550,000  

2004

     1,520,000  
    


Total

     2,070,000  

Less amount representing interest

     (226,000 )
    


       1,844,000  

Less current portion

     474,000  
    


Non-current portion

   $ 1,370,000  
    


 

Installment obligations of $1,520,000 may be accelerated in the event of PRSI achieving certain profitability and cash flow milestones.

 

F-44


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The results of operations of PRSI have been included in the Company’s consolidated results from the acquisition date, which for administrative purposes was as of December 31, 2001. The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the consolidated results of the Company and PRSI had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2001:

 

     2001

 

Net revenues

   $ 26,382  

Net loss

   $ (12,910 )

Net loss attributable to common stockholders

   $ (25,888 )

Loss per share attributable to common stockholders

   $ (0.96 )

 

These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and include material adjustments, such as amortization of identifiable intangible assets and interest on installment obligations. The results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the combination been in effect on January 1, 2001, or of future results of operations of the consolidated company.

 

11. Related-Party Transactions:

 

As discussed in Note 10, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, on December 28, 2001, the Company issued 8,148,148 shares of common stock to the former shareholders of PRSI. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on January 31, 2002 the Company issued an additional 651,852 shares of common stock to the former shareholders of PRSI.

 

As discussed in Note 10, in connection with the acquisition of PRSI, the Company recorded discounted acquisition obligations of $2,556,000, representing the present value of future installment obligations to be made to the selling shareholders. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company made installment payments of $930,000 to the former shareholders of PRSI. Following the merger, the selling shareholders became employees of the Company.

 

A member of the Board of Directors of the Company is Managing Director of Pequot Capital Management, the investment manager of Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (“Pequot”), a significant stockholder of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

 

As discussed in Note 8, on July 18, 2002, Pequot, the holder of the 203,113 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, elected to convert all of its Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock into common stock. The conversion price of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock was $0.48237 per share, which resulted in the issuance of an aggregate of 42,107,303 shares of common stock upon conversion of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

As discussed in Note 8, on December 20, 2001, the Company sold to Pequot for $3,500,000 an 8% Convertible Promissory Note due December 20, 2002 in the principal amount of $3,500,000, and a four year warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,117,497 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.044 per share. On July 18, 2002, these notes automatically converted into common stock pursuant to the terms of the underlying agreement. The conversion price of these notes was $0.5292 per share, which resulted in the issuance of an aggregate 6,922,399 shares of common stock upon conversion of these notes and the related accrued interest. In connection with the conversion of the 8% Convertible Promissory Note, on July 18, 2002, the Company issued to Pequot a warrant to purchase an additional 223,499 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.044 per share.

 

F-45


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

On August 5, 2002, the Company issued to Pequot a warrant to purchase an additional 52,275 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.044 per share, in satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2001, between the Company and Pequot.

 

A director of the Company is a partner at a law firm that provides legal services to the Company. The Company incurred legal fees of $351,000, $301,000 and $1,090,000 to the law firm during the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, liabilities of $459,000 and $819,000, respectively, are due to the law firm.

 

A director of the Company was the Executive Vice President of an internet search provider which provided advertising services to the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, the Company incurred $12,000 and $291,000, respectively, in costs to the internet search provider. As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, no amounts were due to this entity

 

A director of the Company is a partner at a consulting firm that provides consulting services to the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company incurred costs of $138,000 for consulting services from this consulting firm. As of December 31, 2002, $138,000 was due to this consulting firm.

 

An executive vice president of the Company is on the Board of Advisors of a web traffic monitoring service, and is the owner of 20,000 options to purchase stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share in this entity. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company incurred costs of $4,200 to this entity for web traffic monitoring services. At December 31, 2002, liabilities of $4,200 are due to this entity.

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies:

 

Operating and Capital Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases its Los Angeles, California headquarters under an operating lease that expires November 30, 2004, if not renewed. The Company has an option to renew the lease for a term of 60 months. The Company also leases office space in Northern California, where PRSI is located. The lease expires October 31, 2005. The Company has operating lease agreements for other office equipment. The Company also has entered into capital lease agreements for their telephone system and other office and computer equipment.

 

Rent expense pertaining to all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2000, and 2001 and 2002 was approximately $937,000, $1,050,000, and $1,600,000, respectively.

 

The future minimum lease payments under capital leases and noncancellable operating leases at December 31, 2002, are as follows:

 

Years Ending December 31,


   Capital
Leases


    Operating
Leases


2003

   $ 148,000     $ 1,540,000

2004

     25,000       1,484,000

2005

     4,000       392,000
    


 

Total minimum obligations

     177,000     $ 3,416,000
            

Less interest

     (25,000 )      
    


     

Present value of minimum obligations

     152,000        

Less current portion

     125,000        
    


     

Non-current obligations at December 31, 2002

   $ 27,000        
    


     

 

F-46


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Employment Agreements

 

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain key management. The agreements provide for base salaries ranging from $100,000 to $400,000, eligibility for options, performance bonuses and severance payments. In the year ended December 31, 2001, in connection with the termination of a key executive, the Company modified the terms of an option agreement. In connection with the modification, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $68,000 in the accompanying statement of operations during 2001.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreements, for the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company accrued performance bonuses of $900,000 for certain executives.

 

Strategic Alliance Commitments

 

The Company has several cancelable and non-cancelable distribution and marketing agreements with various Internet companies. Terms of these agreements provide for varying levels of exclusivity and minimum and maximum fees payable based on the number of banners, buttons and text links displayed on affiliate web sites. The Company’s minimum non-cancelable payments under these agreements is $3,300,000 for the year ending December 31, 2003 and $550,000 for the year ending December 31, 2004.

 

Purchase Commitments

 

The Company has entered into an agreement with a supplier of online public record data. The minimum non-cancelable payments under this agreement are $690,000 in 2003. In connection with this agreement, the Company issued a five-year warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.84 per share.

 

Litigation

 

In May 2001, ChoicePoint, Inc., the successor entity to DBT Online, Inc., our former data supplier, served the Company with a complaint filed in Palm Beach County, Florida alleging breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. ChoicePoint sought approximately $1.5 million relating to disputed invoices, as well as interest and attorneys’ fees. The Company removed this action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida ordered the matter to arbitration. In arbitration the Company alleged that ChoicePoint breached the contract by providing inferior data. The arbitration was concluded in April 2002 and in June 2002 the arbitrator found that ChoicePoint had provided inferior data and awarded the Company a credit of $297,671 to be deducted from invoices of $1,418,731. ChoicePoint filed a motion to confirm the Arbitration Award and the Company filed a motion to modify and correct the Arbitration Award to provide additional credits because of a calculation error by the Arbitrator. The Company is awaiting rulings on these motions. The Company has paid ChoicePoint $300,000 of the award. At December 31, 2002 the Company has approximately $780,000 accrued for this liability in accounts payable.

 

On June 25, 2002, a complaint seeking $434,000 in damages was filed against Professional Resource Screening, Inc. in Superior Court of California, county of Contra Costa, styled Wood Warren & Co. v. Professional Resource Screening, Inc., No. C02-01816, alleging breach of an oral agreement relating to fees for investment banking services in connection with the merger of Professional Resource Screening and US SEARCH, negligent misrepresentation, promissory estoppel, equitable estoppel and quantum meruit. Plaintiff Wood Warren admits that there was no written contract for investment banking services between Wood Warren and Professional Resource Screening in effect at the time of the merger. Professional Resource Screening denies that there was any oral agreement. Although it is too early to predict the outcome, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses to plaintiff’s claims.

 

F-47


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

From time to time, the Company has been party to other litigation and administrative proceedings relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

13. Capitalization:

 

Preferred Stock

 

The board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, in one or more series and to fix the powers, preferences, rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of the series.

 

Series A Preferred Stock

 

On September 7, 2000, the Company issued 100,000 shares of Series A mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), stated value $100 per share, and warrants to purchase 75,000 of Series A Preferred Stock to an investor for gross proceeds of $10 million. The warrants were exercisable for $100 per share at any time from the date of issuance through September 2005. The investor was also required to purchase in a second tranche an additional 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for $100 per share in the event the Company met certain performance metrics and other requirements. In February and March 2001, the net proceeds of the second tranche totaling $10 million were received by the Company in the form of convertible notes payable. The notes were converted into Series A-1 convertible preferred stock in June 2001 as discussed below.

 

In connection with the offering the Company incurred legal, accounting and other offering expenses of approximately $537,000. The net proceeds of the offering of $9,463,000 were allocated, based on an estimated relative fair value, between the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock ($5,911,000) and the warrants and right to invest in the second tranche ($3,552,000). The amount ascribed to the warrants and the right to invest in the second tranche was accreted to the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock over the redemption period. Accretion for the period from issuance to December 31, 2000 and for the year ended December 31, 2001 was approximately $156,000 and $203,000, respectively.

 

During the third quarter ended September 30, 2000, the Company recorded a non-cash charge to the net loss attributable to common stockholders of $1,029,000 relating to a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The beneficial conversion feature was computed based on the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of close of the agreement ($1.875 on September 9, 2000) and the conversion price of $1.70, multiplied by the number of shares into which the preferred stock is convertible.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2000, the EITF issued EITF Abstract No. 00-27 “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments” which included guidance on the computation of BCFs. Pursuant to EITF 00-27, the Company was required to record as a cumulative adjustment in the fourth quarter an additional BCF of $3,754,000 as a charge to net loss attributable to common stockholders for a change in the accounting for the computation of BCFs. Under the revised guidance of EITF 00-27, the BCF was computed based on the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of close and the effective conversion price multiplied by the most beneficial number of common shares into which the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible. The effective conversion price is determined by dividing the relative fair value allocated to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock by the most beneficial number of shares on the closing date of the preferred stock that the preferred stock was convertible into.

 

F-48


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On June 5, 2001 the Company issued 203,113 shares of the Company’s newly issued Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A-1 Preferred”) and a warrant to purchase an additional 5,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred (the “Series A-1 Warrant”). The Series A-1 Preferred and the Series A-1 Warrant (collectively, the “Securities”) were issued pursuant to a Preferred Stock Exchange and Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and Pequot (the “Agreement”). The Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock had a stated value of $100 per share, a par value of $0.001 per share and was convertible into common stock of the Company at $0.48237 per share of common stock.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, Pequot exchanged all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock it purchased in September 2000, delivered to the Company for cancellation the Series A Warrant to purchase up to 75,000 additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock that was issued in connection with the September transaction, and converted two promissory notes bearing interest at an annual rate of 7% in the aggregate amount of $10.150 million for 203,113 shares of Series A-1 Preferred.

 

As a result of the exchange of the Series A Preferred Stock for the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the Company recorded in the second quarter ended June 30, 2001, a deemed dividend on the exchange of $12.6 million, representing the excess of the fair value of the Series A-1 Preferred over the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock, the cancelled the Series A warrants and a portion of the beneficial conversion feature recorded in September 2000.

 

The Series A-1 Preferred were subject to certain non-cumulative dividend preferences through September 7, 2003 and cumulative dividend preferences after September 7, 2003, certain liquidation preferences, optional redemption rights, voting rights, approval rights and preemptive rights.

 

On July 18, 2002, Pequot, the holder of all 203,113 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding on that date, elected to convert all of its Series of A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock into 42,107,303 shares of common stock.

 

Stock Incentive Plans

 

The Company has three stock-based option and incentive plans in order to attract and retain employees (including officers and employee directors), directors and independent contractors, and consultants to the Company. An aggregate of 26,818,023 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and similar events, has been authorized for issuance upon exercise of options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards (“restricted awards”), and performance share awards (“performance awards”).

 

The Plans provide for the issuance of nonqualified and incentive stock options to employees, (including officers and employee directors), directors and independent contractors, and consultants to the Company. Incentive stock options may not be granted at less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant (110% if granted to an employee who owns 10% or more of the common stock). Options vest in accordance with the award agreement and generally expire 10 years after the award date (5 years if granted to an employee who owns 10% or more of the common stock).

 

The Plans provide for the issuance of SARs concurrently or independently with the grant of options. SARs granted concurrently with an option vest according to the option terms. SARs granted independently of any option vest according to the award agreement.

 

F-49


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Plans provide for the issuance of restricted awards or performance awards. Participants of restricted awards are entitled to receive dividends and vote whether or not vested. Restricted awards are nontransferable until vested and the terms of the restricted awards are determined on the grant date. The terms of performance awards are determined at the date of grant.

 

In the event a holder of an option, SAR, restricted award, or performance award ceases to be employed by the Company: all unvested options and SARs are forfeited, all vested options and SARs may be exercised within a period not to exceed 12 months, all vested SARs granted independently of options are exercisable in accordance with the award agreement, all unvested restricted and performance awards are forfeited, and all vested restricted and performance awards are exercisable in accordance with the award agreement. No SARs or restricted stock were granted as of December 31, 2002 and 2001.

 

A summary of the changes in the Company’s stock options for the three years ended December 31, 2002 is presented below:

 

     Shares

    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price


Outstanding at December 31, 1999

   1,699,873     5.19

Granted

   7,868,735     3.08

Exercised

   (516,600 )   3.10

Forfeited

   (962,050 )   5.01
    

   

Outstanding at December 31, 2000

   8,089,958     3.30

Granted

   12,039,692     0.72

Exercised

   (96,666 )   0.47

Forfeited

   (3,021,081 )   1.45
    

   

Outstanding at December 31, 2001

   17,011,903     1.78

Granted

   4,361,778     0.98

Exercised

   (212,451 )   0.39

Forfeited

   (1,340,885 )   1.07
    

   

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

   19,820,345     1.68

Options exercisable at December 31, 2002

   8,681,698     1.97

Options exercisable at December 31, 2001

   4,733,166     2.43

Options exercisable at December 31, 2000

   1,526,746     3.94

Options available for future grant

   6,997,688      

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2002:

 

     Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of exercise prices


   Number
Outstanding


  

Weighted-

Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)


  

Weighted-

Average
Exercise
Price


   Number
Outstanding


  

Weighted-

Average
Exercise
Price


Under $3.00

   17,835,205    8.6    $ 1.00    7,591,771    $ 1.17

$3.00-5.00

   253,592    6.9      3.82    215,741      3.85

$5.00-10.00

   1,731,548    7.1      8.41    874,186      8.41
    
              
      
     19,820,345    8.4    $ 1.68    8,681,698    $ 1.97
    
              
      

 

F-50


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Fair Value Disclosures

 

The Company has elected to account for its employee stock options in accordance with APB No. 25. The impact of accounting for its employee stock options using the fair value methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123 is disclosed in Note 3. The fair value of the options were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected volatility of 80%, risk free interest rate ranges of 4.3% to 4.86%, expected life of 3.5 years and no expected dividend yield. The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2000, 2001 and 2002 was $1.83, $0.38 and $0.61 per share.

 

Warrants

 

The following warrants to purchase common stock are outstanding at December 31, 2002:

 

Description


   Number

  

Exercise Price

Per Share


  

Expiration Date


Vendor warrants

   1,967,143    $ 0.01   

September 2010 to December 2011

Pequot warrants

   1,036,549    $ 0.48237   

June 2011

Pequot warrants

   1,393,271    $ 1.044   

December 2005

Bank warrants

   55,487    $ 0.85   

March 2007

Bank warrants

   121,328    $ 0.783   

December 2008

Bank warrants

   777,412    $ 0.48237   

September 2008

Vendor warrants

   250,000    $ 0.84   

October 2006

Investor warrants

   2,165,558    $ 1.044   

March 2007

Investor warrants

   1,850,565    $ 1.044   

January 2006

Vendor warrants

   75,000    $ 1.175   

February 2007

Placement agent warrants

   714,706    $ 0.85   

March 2007

    
           
     10,407,019            
    
           

 

14. Income Taxes:

 

Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred taxes consisted of the following at December 31, 2001 and 2002:

 

     December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 24,565,000     $ 27,044,000  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     —         29,000  

Accrued liabilities

     143,000       170,000  

Accrued bonuses

     —         359,000  

Vacation accrual

     122,000       171,000  
    


 


Total deferred tax assets

     24,830,000       27,773,000  

Less, Valuation allowance

     (23,231,000 )     (26,375,000 )
    


 


Net deferred tax assets

     1,599,000       1,398,000  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     (1,599,000 )     (1,398,000 )
    


 


Net deferred tax liabilities

     (1,599,000 )     (1,398,000 )
    


 


Net deferred tax

   $ —       $ —    
    


 


 

F-51


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based upon the level of historical losses and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, a full valuation allowance has been provided, as management believes that it is more likely than not based upon available evidence that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

As of December 31, 2002 the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $72.8 million and $39.2 million, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2017, and the state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2003. The Company’s ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards may be limited in the event that a change in ownership, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, occurs in the future.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, and 2002 differ from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:

 

     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Tax provision at the statutory rate

   (34.0 )%   (34.0 )%   (34.0 )%

State taxes, net of federal benefit

   (2.8 )%   (2.4 )%   (1.1 )%

Change in valuation allowance

   34.7 %   29.1 %   13.0 %

Stock Options and warrants

   2.1 %   7.3 %   22.1 %
    

 

 

     —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

15. Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure:

 

Supplemental cash flow disclosure is comprised of:

 

     2000

   2001

   2002

Cash paid during the year for:

                    

Interest

   $ 108,000    $ 68,000    $ 122,000

Income taxes

     1,000      1,000      51,000

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

                    

Conversion of notes payable to convertible preferred stock

     —        10,000,000      —  

Issuance of warrants to bank and vendor

     —        1,189,000      228,000

Issuance of warrants in connection with convertible notes payable and Series A-1 preferred stock

     —        702,000      1,937,000

Inception of capital leases

     596,000      —        —  

Conversion of trade payable to Note payable

     971,000      451,000      —  

Conversion of notes payable and accrued interest to common stock

     —        —        14,746,000

Beneficial conversion feature

     —        445,000      11,749,000

Goodwill recorded on resolution of purchase price contingencies

     —        —        4,500,000

 

16. Subsequent Events:

 

On March 18, 2003, the Company’s bank agreement (see Note 9) was renewed and expanded to a $2.5 million Revolving Loan Facility. Availability under the Facility will be limited to an advance formula of up to

 

F-52


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

100% on the first $1.5 million of availability and 85% of eligible accounts receivable for amounts advanced in excess of $1.5 million up to $2.5 million. The Facility matures on April 30, 2004. The Facility is collateralized by all of the personal property of US SEARCH, tangible and intangible. Security will include a $450,000 pledged certificate of deposit, considered restricted cash. The borrowing rate is prime plus 1.50% on the first $1.5 million and prime plus 2.50% on amounts above $1.5 million up to $2.5 million. The bank will receive a 7-year warrant to purchase common stock at a price per share exercise price equal to the closing price of such common stock on the date of consummation of the Company’s merger with the First American Corporation (see Note 18) such that the product of such number of shares multiplied by such exercise price equals $25,000. The Company will have to meet certain operating performance, minimum EBITDA and Debt/Tangible Net Worth covenants on a monthly basis. Borrowings under the facility are guaranteed by Pequot for up to $1,500,000 of the obligation.

 

As discussed in Note 10, on February 28, 2003, the Company and the selling shareholders agreed to amend the terms of the PRSI Merger Agreement. Based on the amended PRSI Merger Agreement, the Company has agreed to forego any demands on the selling shareholders for purchase price adjustments, and to allow the escrow properties to be distributed to the selling shareholders. In consideration for the Company forfeiting its rights to purchase price adjustments, the selling shareholders agreed to forfeit their rights to future potential earn outs as originally provided in the PRSI Merger Agreement.

 

On March 31, 2003, US SEARCH received a written notice from The First American Corporation, which alleged that US SEARCH had breached the merger agreement. The notice of breach concerned US SEARCH’s award of bonuses to certain executive officers of US SEARCH for services performed in 2002. Representatives of US SEARCH and First American discussed the concerns raised in First American’s notice and reached agreement as to how and when such bonuses will be paid during the pendency of the merger agreement. On April 1, 2003, US SEARCH and First American entered into a letter agreement relating to such bonuses and pursuant to which First American formally withdrew its notice of breach.

 

Pursuant to the letter agreement, the executives receiving bonuses will be paid their bonuses  1/2 in cash and  1/2 in shares of US SEARCH common stock. The shares of common stock issuable in respect of the stock portion of such bonuses will be issued pursuant to the Company’s 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and the number of shares issued will be determined by dividing the amount of the stock portion of such bonuses by the average closing price for US SEARCH common stock for the five trading days prior to and ending March 31, 2003. The cash and stock portions of such bonuses will be paid shortly following the date on which US SEARCH mails its proxy statement related to the merger agreement to US SEARCH stockholders.

 

17. Segment Information:

 

The Company’s management reporting structure provided for only one segment in 2000 and 2001, and accordingly, information for one segment, consumer-focused services, is presented for 2000 and 2001. Due to the acquisition of PRSI on December 28, 2001, the Company adopted a management reporting structure that provides for two segments in 2002: large business services and consumer-focused services, and accordingly, has presented segment information for the Company’s two segments.

 

Large Business Services. Through this segment, the Company provides large businesses, government agencies and other large employers with a variety of employment screening, background check and risk mitigation products and services via an online, web-based system that enables instant ordering and prompt delivery of results. The Company’s employment screening products include social security number traces, federal and state felony and misdemeanor record searches, employment and education verification, and credit histories. The Company also provides character reference checks and drug screening via third party providers. In addition, the Company offers a Management Services program that provides customers with an outsourced

 

F-53


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

solution to background investigations, which includes analysis of developed investigation data, management of Fair Credit Reporting Act communications, legal compliance, and direct applicant contact.

 

Consumer-Focused Services. Through this segment, the Company provides consumer clients and small and medium sized businesses with a single, comprehensive access point to a broad range of information to assist them in locating individuals or to learn more information about people in their lives or with whom they do business. The consumer clients can obtain public information including addresses, aliases, phone numbers, property ownership, court records, professional license verification, corporate affiliations and death record information. The Company also offers nanny and contractor background check services for consumers and employment screening for small businesses.

 

Segment information is presented in accordance with SFAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. This standard is based on a management approach, which requires segmentation based upon the Company’s internal organization and disclosure of revenue and operating results based upon internal accounting methods. The Company’s financial reporting systems present various data for management to run the business, including internal operating profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not necessarily in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The company uses shared-resources, including its IT infrastructure, for both segments. Therefore, a considerable amount of cost is shared by both of the company’s segments. These costs represent support functions such as Accounting and Finance, Legal, Human Resources, and other personnel and operating costs. For internal profit and loss statements, shared expenses are recorded on the financial statements of the consumer-focused services segment, and are not allocated to the large business segment. In addition, intercompany revenues and expenses are not recorded for internal management reporting. The consumer focused services segment also includes all IT development costs used by both segments.

 

Management evaluates segment performance based on segment operating profit or loss. Selected financial information about the Company’s operations by segment for the year ended December 31, 2002 is as follows:

 

December 31, 2002


   Consumer-focused
Services


   Large Business
Services


   Consolidated

Revenue

   $ 21,479,000    $ 8,862,000    $ 30,341,000

Operating Loss

     6,893,000      924,000      7,817,000

Depreciation and Amortization

     2,262,000      777,000      3,039,000

Interest Expense

     16,160,000      52,000      16,212,000

Interest Income

     68,000      —        68,000

Total Assets, all in USA

     30,563,000      736,000      31,299,000

Goodwill

     —        13,529,000      13,529,000

Identifiable Intangibles

     —        2,650,000      2,650,000

Total expenditures on long lived assets

     2,259,000      89,000      2,348,000

 

18. Pending Merger:

 

The First American Corporation, the nation’s leading diversified provider of business information and related products and services, and US Search have signed a definitive agreement to merge their background screening businesses and form a new company that will apply for listing on the NASDAQ National Market System. The Agreement and Plan of Merger (pending merger agreement) dated as of December 13, 2002, sets forth the terms and conditions of the mergers. Among other things, the pending merger agreement restricts the business conduct of the parties before the closing of the merger, contains representations and warranties of the parties to the agreement, prohibits US SEARCH from soliciting competing offers and provides for adjustments of

 

F-54


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

the exchange ratio in certain circumstances. Under certain specified terms in the merger agreement either First American or US Search may terminate the merger agreement, however, the agreement provides for the payment of a termination fee of $2,800,000 by US Search if the merger agreement is terminated for certain reasons. The parties have agreed to pay all of their own expenses relating to the mergers, including the fees and expenses of their financial advisers.

 

The merger, which will combine US Search’s consumer location and large business background screening services with First American’s Screening Information group, is scheduled to close during the second quarter of 2003. The combination of these businesses will create a new publicly held company that will be named First Advantage Corporation. First Advantage will be approximately 80 percent owned by The First American Corporation, with the remainder owned by the shareholders of US Search.

 

Completion of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions that include, among other things, receipt of required approvals from a majority of the outstanding shares of US SEARCH common stock, and receipt of required regulatory approvals. Only holders of record of US SEARCH common stock at the close of business on the record date of February 1, 2003 are entitled to vote. The transaction, while expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2003, may not be completed if any of the aforementioned conditions are not satisfied.

 

Pequot has entered into a voting agreement with First American, pursuant to which Pequot has agreed to vote the Company’s shares of common stock held by it in favor of the merger. Accordingly, approval of the merger by the stockholders of US SEARCH is assured as long as the voting agreement remains in effect and the parties perform their obligations thereunder.

 

The Subordinated Secured Promissory Note

 

In connection with the merger agreement, on January 15, 2003, First American loaned the Company $1.4 million pursuant to a subordinated secured promissory note. The note matures on June 30, 2003 and bears interest at a rate equal to the lesser of 10.0% and the prime rate plus 4.75%. If an event of default occurs under the note, all principal and accrued interest will become immediately due and payable and the interest rate will increase to the lesser of 10.0% and the prime rate plus 6.75%.

 

19. Event (Unaudited) Subsequent to the Date of the Independent Accountant’s Report:

 

On June 6, 2003, First Advantage Corporation filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting its acquisition of the Screening Technology Division of The First American Corporation (the “FAST Division”) and US SEARCH.com Inc.

 

F-55


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002

 

    

March 31,

2003


   

December 31,

2002


 

ASSETS:

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 899,000     $ 2,254,000  

Restricted cash

     475,000       575,000  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $72,000 as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002

     1,944,000       1,864,000  

Prepaids and other current assets

     1,045,000       1,150,000  
    


 


Total current assets

     4,363,000       5,843,000  

Property and equipment, net

     9,070,000       9,028,000  

Goodwill

     13,529,000       13,529,000  

Intangible assets, net

     2,572,000       2,650,000  

Other assets

     249,000       249,000  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 29,783,000     $ 31,299,000  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Current Liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 5,307,000     $ 5,604,000  

Accrued liabilities

     2,352,000       2,958,000  

PRSI acquisition obligations, current portion

     647,000       474,000  

Bank debt, current portion

     1,111,000       1,142,000  

Notes payable, current portion

     1,405,000       50,000  

Capital lease obligations, current portion

     111,000       125,000  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     10,933,000       10,353,000  

PRSI acquisition obligations

     1,091,000       1,370,000  

Bank debt, net of current portion

     —         20,000  

Capital lease obligation, net of current portion

     14,000       27,000  

Other non-current liabilities

     5,000       5,000  
    


 


Total liabilities

     12,043,000       11,775,000  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 4)

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 97,025,978 and 97,018,716 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively

     97,000       97,000  

Additional paid-in capital

     118,048,000       118,021,000  

Accumulated deficit

     (100,405,000 )     (98,594,000 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     17,740,000       19,524,000  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 29,783,000     $ 31,299,000  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-56


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

For The Three Months Ended March 31,

 

     2003

    2002

 

Net revenues

   $ 8,079,000     $ 6,663,000  

Cost of services

     2,693,000       1,988,000  
    


 


Gross profit

     5,386,000       4,675,000  

Operating expenses:

                

Selling and marketing

     2,766,000       2,782,000  

General and administrative

     3,430,000       3,031,000  

Information technology

     769,000       938,000  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     6,965,000       6,751,000  
    


 


Loss from operations

     (1,579,000 )     (2,076,000 )

Interest expense (includes non-cash charges relating to amortization of debt issuance costs of $171,000 and $886,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively)

     (230,000 )     (935,000 )

Other income, net

     —         15,000  
    


 


Loss before income taxes

     (1,809,000 )     (2,996,000 )

Provision for income taxes

     2,000       2,000  
    


 


Net loss

     (1,811,000 )     (2,998,000 )

Net loss per share

   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.11 )
    


 


Weighted-average shares outstanding used in per share calculation

     97,021,055       26,610,383  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-57


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

For The Three Months Ended March 31,

 

     2003

    2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net loss

   $ (1,811,000 )   $ (2,998,000 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     732,,000       830,000  

Provision for doubtful accounts

             48,000  

Non-cash interest expense

     171,000       886,000  

Change in assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

     (80,000 )     (670,000 )

Prepaid and other assets

     3,000       (126,000 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     903,000       (1,912,000 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (1,888,000 )     (3,942,000 )
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Purchase of property and equipment

     (696,000 )     (505,000 )

PRSI acquisition costs

     —         (158,000 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (696,000 )     (663,000 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Increase (Decrease) in restricted cash

     100,000       (1,250,000 )

Repayments of third party notes payable

     (45,000 )        

Repayments of PRSI acquisition obligation

     (150,000 )     (490,000 )

Repayment of bank debt

     (51,000 )     (234,000 )

Repayments of capital lease obligations

     (27,000 )     (81,000 )

Proceeds from notes payable, net

     1,400,000       10,233,000  

Proceeds from stock option exercises

     2,000       —    
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,229,000       8,178,000  
    


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,355,000 )     3,573,00  

Cash at beginning of period

     2,254,000       3,148,000  
    


 


Cash at end of period

   $ 899,000     $ 6,721,000  
    


 


Supplemental cash flow disclosure is comprised of:

                

Cash paid for interest

     29,000       —    

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

                

Issuance of warrants in connection with convertible notes payable

     —         1,937,000  

Issuance of warrants to bank

     25,000       —    

Issuance of warrants to third parties

     —         180,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-58


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Business:

 

US SEARCH.com Inc. (the “Company”) provides individual reference services and background information about individuals. The Company was formed as a California S Corporation in 1994, and reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in April 1999. On December 28, 2001 the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Professional Resource Screening, Inc. (“PRSI”), which provides pre-employment screening services primarily to large corporations, including Fortune 1000 companies in the United States.

 

Management’s Plans

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. Since inception, the Company has experienced negative cash flows from operations. At March 31, 2003, the Company has cash and cash equivalents of $0.9 million, a working capital deficiency of $6.6 million, an accumulated deficit of $100.4 million and stockholders’ equity of $17.7 million.

 

In December 2002, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with The First American Corporation (see Note 7).

 

On March 18, 2003, the Company amended its loan and security agreement with the bank to increase its revolving credit limit (see Note 3).

 

Based on the Company’s current operating plans, including the consummation of the merger with First American, management believes existing cash resources, including the proceeds available from the amended loan and security agreement and cash forecasted by management to be generated by operations will be sufficient to meet working capital and capital requirements through March 31, 2004. Also, management’s plans to attain profitability and generate additional cash flows include, increasing revenues from large business services and consumer-focused services, focusing on cost reductions and operational efficiencies to be derived from further deployment of the Company’s technologies, and the launch of additional products. There is no assurance that management will be successful with these plans. However, if events and circumstances occur such that the Company does not meet its current operating plan as expected, is unable to raise additional financing, or the merger with The First American Corporation is not consummated, the Company may be required to reduce certain discretionary spending, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives and continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

Basis of Presentation

 

These unaudited financial statements and accompanying notes prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q have been condensed and, therefore, do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual financial statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, you should read these unaudited condensed financial statements in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K.

 

The unaudited condensed financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2003, and the results of its operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full fiscal year.

 

F-59


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Principles of Consolidation. The financial statements include the accounts of US SEARCH.com Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and diluted net loss per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding. Common equivalent shares related to convertible preferred stock, convertible notes payable, stock options and warrants are excluded from the computation when their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

The following summarizes the stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock excluded from the weighted-average number of shares because their effect is anti-dilutive:

 

     March 31,

     2003

   2002

Stock options

   19,785,849    17,734,287

Common stock warrants

   10,407,019    10,209,427

Convertible preferred stock

   —      42,107,303

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and complies with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under APB No. 25, compensation cost, if any, is recognized over the respective vesting period based on the difference on the date of grant, between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the grant price.

 

The Company accounts for stock-based awards to non-employees in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and EITF 96-18. An expense is recognized for common stock, warrants, or stock options issued for services rendered by non-employees based on the estimated fair value of the security exchanged.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share if compensation cost for all outstanding and unvested stock options and other stock-based employee compensation awards had been determined based on their fair values at the grant date, consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123:

 

    

For the Three Months

Ended March 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 

Net Loss

                

As reported

   $ (1,811,000 )   $ (2,998,000 )

Stock-based compensation on expense determined under the fair value method

     (854,000 )     (1,598,000 )
    


 


Pro forma

   $ (2,665,000 )   $ (4,596,00 )
    


 


Loss per share—basic and diluted

                

As reported

   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.11 )

Pro Forma

   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.17 )

 

F-60


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

SFAS No. 123 requires the use of option pricing models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of short-lived exchange traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of employee stock options. The fair value of the options were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected volatility of 80%, risk free interest rate ranges of 4.3% to 4.86%, expected life of 3.5 years and no expected dividend yield.

 

Because additional stock options are expected to be granted each year, the pro forma disclosures above are not representative of pro forma effects on financial results for future years.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 nullifies EITF No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when it is incurred. Under EITF No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. Under SFAS No. 146, an entity may not restate its previously issued financial statements. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation —Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to that statement’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effects of the method on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. The transition and disclosure provisions of this statement are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has continued to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. The Company made the disclosures required by SFAS No. 148 in the consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2003. Accordingly, adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002 financial statements to conform to the 2003 presentation.

 

3. Bank Debt

 

On March 18, 2003, the Company renewed its loan facility with its bank. Availability under the new $2.5 million revolving loan facility (the “Facility”) is limited to an advance formula of up to 100% on the first $1.5 million of availability and 85% of eligible accounts receivable for amounts advanced in excess of $1.5 million up

 

F-61


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

to $2.5 million. The Facility matures on April 30, 2004. The Facility is collateralized by all of the personal property of US SEARCH, tangible and intangible. The Company is required to maintain a certificate of deposit with the bank of $450,000, which is classified as restricted cash in the accompanying balance sheet. The Facility bears interest at prime plus 1.50% on the first $1.5 million and prime plus 2.50% on amounts above $1.5 million up to $2.5 million. The bank will receive a 7-year warrant to purchase common stock at an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of such common stock on the last trading day preceding the date of consummation of the merger (see Note 7) such that the product of such number of shares multiplied by such exercise price equals $25,000. The company will have to meet certain operating performance, minimum EBITDA and Debt/Tangible Net Worth covenants on a monthly basis. The Company was in compliance with or had received a bank waiver of covenants at March 31, 2003 and expects the same at April 30, 2003.

 

4. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Strategic Alliance Commitments

 

The Company has several cancelable and non-cancelable distribution and marketing agreements with various Internet companies. The terms of these agreements provide for varying levels of exclusivity and minimum and maximum fees payable based on the number of banners, buttons and text links displayed on affiliate web sites. At March 31, 2003, the minimum non-cancelable payments due under these agreements are approximately $2,475,000 for the remainder of 2003, and approximately $550,000 for 2004.

 

The Company has entered into an agreement with a supplier of online public records data. At March 31, 2003, the non-cancelable payments under this agreement are $483,000 due in 2003.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

In May 2001, ChoicePoint, Inc., the successor entity to DBT Online, Inc., our former data supplier, served the Company with a complaint filed in Palm Beach County, Florida alleging breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. ChoicePoint sought approximately $1.5 million relating to disputed invoices, as well as interest and attorneys’ fees. The Company removed this action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida ordered the matter to arbitration. In arbitration the Company alleged that ChoicePoint breached the contract by providing inferior data. The arbitration was concluded in April 2002 and in June 2002 the arbitrator found that ChoicePoint had provided inferior data and awarded the Company a credit of $297,671 to be deducted from invoices of $1,418,731. ChoicePoint filed a motion to confirm the Arbitration Award and the Company filed a motion to modify and correct the Arbitration Award to provide additional credits because of a calculation error by the Arbitrator. The Company is awaiting rulings on these motions. The Company has paid ChoicePoint $300,000 of the award. At March 31, 2003 the Company has approximately $780,000 accrued for this liability in accounts payable.

 

On June 25, 2002, a complaint seeking $434,000 in damages was filed against Professional Resource Screening, Inc. in Superior Court of California, county of Contra Costa, styled Wood Warren & Co. v. Professional Resource Screening, Inc., No. C02-01816, alleging breach of an oral agreement relating to fees for investment banking services in connection with the merger of Professional Resource Screening and US SEARCH, negligent misrepresentation, promissory estoppel, equitable estoppel and quantum meruit. Plaintiff Wood Warren admits that there was no written contract for investment banking services between Wood Warren and Professional Resource Screening in effect at the time of the merger. Professional Resource Screening denies that there was any oral agreement. Although it is too early to predict the outcome, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses to plaintiff’s claims.

 

F-62


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

From time to time, the Company has been party to other litigation and administrative proceedings relating to claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

5. Related Party Transactions

 

A director of the Company is a partner at a law firm that provides legal services to the Company. The Company incurred legal fees of $241,000 and $25,000 to the law firm during the three months years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, liabilities of $1,039,000 and $819,000, respectively, are due to the law firm.

 

A director of the Company is a partner at a consulting firm that provides consulting services to the Company. During the three months ended March 31, 2003 and March 31, 2002, this firm provided no consulting services. As of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, $138,000 and $138,000 were due to this consulting firm.

 

An executive vice president of the Company is on the Board of Advisors of a web traffic monitoring service, and is the owner of 20,000 options to purchase stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share in this entity. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company incurred costs of $12,000 and $0, respectively, to this entity for web traffic monitoring services. At March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, liabilities of $5,000 and $4,200, respectively, are due to this entity.

 

6. Segment Information

 

As of March 31, 2003, the Company has organized its operations into two business segments: large business services and consumer-focused services. The business segments disclosed herein are based on this organizational structure and information reviewed by the Company’s management to evaluate the segment results. A description of the types of services provided by each reportable segment is as follows:

 

Large Business Services. Through this segment, the Company provides large businesses, government agencies and other large employers with a variety of employment screening, background check and risk mitigation products and services via an online, web-based system that enables instant ordering and prompt delivery of results. The Company’s employment screening products include social security number traces, federal and state felony and misdemeanor record searches, employment and education verification, and credit histories. The Company also provides character reference checks and drug screening via third party providers. In addition, the Company offers a Management Services program that provides customers with an outsourced solution to background investigations, which includes analysis of developed investigation data, management of Fair Credit Reporting Act communications, legal compliance, and direct applicant contact.

 

Consumer-Focused Services. Through this segment, the Company provides consumer clients and small and medium sized businesses with a single, comprehensive access point to a broad range of information to assist them in locating individuals or to learn more information about people in their lives or with whom they do business. The consumer clients can obtain public information including addresses, aliases, phone numbers, property ownership, court records, professional license verification, corporate affiliations and death record information. The Company also offers nanny and contractor background check services for consumers and employment screening for small businesses.

 

Segment information is presented in accordance with SFAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. This standard is based on a management approach, which requires segmentation based upon the Company’s internal organization and disclosure of revenue and operating results

 

F-63


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

based upon internal accounting methods. The Company’s financial reporting systems present various data for management to run the business, including internal operating profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not necessarily in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company uses shared-resources, including its IT infrastructure, for both segments. During the quarter ended March 31, 2003, the Company allocated certain shared service costs related to IT, human resources, general and administrative and depreciation to the large business services segment for management reporting purposes. The comparative segment information for 2002 has been presented on a consistent basis with the 2003 information.

 

Management evaluates segment performance based on segment operating profit or loss. Selected financial information about the Company’s operations by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2003


   Consumer-focused
Services


   Large Business
Services


   Consolidated

Revenue

   $ 5,706,000    $ 2,373,000    $ 8,079,000

Operating Loss

     552,000      1,027,000      1,579,000

Depreciation and Amortization

     451,000      281,000      732,000

Interest Expense

     124,000      106,000      230,000

Total expenditures on long lived assets

   $ 686,000    $ 10,000    $ 696,000

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2002


              

Revenue

   $ 4,781,000    $ 1,882,000    $ 6,663,000

Operating Loss

     1,093,000      983,000      2,076,000

Depreciation and Amortization

     380,000      450,000      830,000

Interest Expense

     611,000      324,000      935,000

Total expenditures on long lived assets

   $ 505,000    $ —      $ 505,000

 

7. Pending Merger

 

The First American Corporation, a leading diversified provider of business information and related products and services, and US Search have signed a definitive agreement to merge their background screening businesses and form a new company that will apply for listing on the NASDAQ National Market System. The Agreement and Plan of Merger (pending merger agreement) dated as of December 13, 2002, sets forth the terms and conditions of the mergers. Among other things, the pending merger agreement restricts the business conduct of the parties before the closing of the merger, contains representations and warranties of the parties to the agreement, prohibits US SEARCH from soliciting competing offers and provides for adjustments of the exchange ratio in certain circumstances. Under certain specified terms in the merger agreement either First American or US Search may terminate the merger agreement, however, the agreement provides for the payment of a termination fee of $2,800,000 by US Search if the merger agreement is terminated for certain reasons. The parties have agreed to pay all of their own expenses relating to the mergers, including the fees and expenses of their financial advisers.

 

The merger, which will combine US Search’s services with First American’s Screening Information group, (FAST), is scheduled to close during the second quarter of 2003. The combination of these businesses will create a new publicly held company that will be named First Advantage Corporation. First Advantage will be approximately 80 percent owned by The First American Corporation, with the remainder owned by the shareholders of US Search.

 

F-64


US SEARCH.COM INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Completion of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions that include, among other things, receipt of required approvals from a majority of the outstanding shares of US SEARCH common stock, and receipt of required regulatory approvals. Only holders of record of US SEARCH common stock at the close of business on the record date of May 1, 2003 are entitled to vote. The transaction, while expected to close in the second quarter of calendar year 2003, may not be completed if any of the aforementioned conditions are not satisfied.

 

Pequot Private Equity Fund II has entered into a voting agreement with First American, pursuant to which Pequot has agreed to vote the Company’s shares of common stock held by it in favor of the merger. Accordingly, approval of the merger by the stockholders of US SEARCH is assured as long as the voting agreement remains in effect and the parties perform their obligations thereunder.

 

On March 31, 2003, US SEARCH received a written notice from The First American Corporation, which alleged that US SEARCH had breached the merger agreement. The notice of breach concerned US SEARCH’s award of bonuses to certain executive officers of US SEARCH for services performed in 2002. Representatives of US SEARCH and First American discussed the concerns raised in First American’s notice and reached agreement as to how and when such bonuses will be paid during the pendency of the merger agreement. On April 1, 2003, US SEARCH and First American entered into a letter agreement relating to such bonuses and pursuant to which First American formally withdrew its notice of breach.

 

The Subordinated Secured Promissory Note

 

In connection with the merger agreement, on January 15, 2003, First American loaned the Company $1.4 million pursuant to a subordinated secured promissory note. The note matures on June 30, 2003 and bears interest at a rate equal to the lesser of 10.0% and the prime rate plus 4.75%. If an event of default occurs under the note, all principal and accrued interest will become immediately due and payable and the interest rate will increase to the lesser of 10.0% and the prime rate plus 6.75%.

 

F-65


4,000,000 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

 

LOGO

 


 

PROSPECTUS

 


 

We have not authorized anyone to give you any information that differs from the information in this prospectus. If you receive any different information, you should not rely on it.

 

The delivery of this prospectus shall not, under any circumstances, create an implication that First Advantage Corporation is operating under the same conditions that it was operating under on the date of this prospectus. Do not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is correct at any time past the date indicated.

 

This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities other than the securities to which it relates.

 

This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities to which it relates in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

DATED MARCH 23, 2004


PART II

 

Information Not Required in Prospectus

 

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

The Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) provides for the power to indemnify any directors, officers, employees and agents and to purchase and maintain insurance with respect to liability arising out of their capacity or status as directors, officers, employees and agents. The indemnification provisions are not exclusive of any other rights to which directors and officers may be entitled under a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or otherwise.

 

The Registrant’s certificate of incorporation provides that its directors will not be personally liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for damages for breach of any duty owed to the Registrant or its stockholders except for liability:

 

  for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders;

 

  for any acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

  under section 174 of the DGCL regarding negligent or wilful unlawful payment of dividends and stock redemption; or

 

  for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

The Bylaws of the Registrant provide that:

 

  subject to applicable law and certain qualifications, each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Registrant or is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a director or officer of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Registrant to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL (but, in the case of any future amendment to the DGCL, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Registrant to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer, and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The right to indemnification described in this paragraph is a contract right and, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, includes the right to be paid by the Registrant the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”); provided, however, that, if the DGCL so requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer shall be made only upon delivery to the Registrant of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses; and

 

  the Registrant is permitted to secure insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant or another business entity for any expense, liability or loss, regardless of whether the DGCL would permit indemnification.

 

II-1


Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 13, 2002, among the Registrant, US SEARCH.com Inc. and the other parties thereto, the Registrant has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the then present and former officers, directors, employees and agents of US SEARCH and its subsidiaries (each, an “Indemnified Party”) in respect of acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the effective time of the mergers contemplated thereby to the extent provided under US SEARCH’s and its subsidiaries’ certificates of incorporation (or equivalent organizational documents) and bylaws or any indemnification agreement with US SEARCH’s and its subsidiaries’ officers and directors to which US SEARCH and/or its subsidiaries is a party, in each case in effect on the date of the merger agreement; provided that such indemnification shall be subject to any limitation imposed from time to time under applicable law. The Registrant also agreed under the merger agreement that for a period of six years after the effective time of the mergers, the Registrant will use its reasonable best efforts to procure officers’ and directors’ liability insurance in respect of acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the effective time of the mergers covering each Indemnified Party previously covered by US SEARCH’s and/or its subsidiaries’ officers’ and directors’ liability insurance policy on terms substantially similar to those of such policy in effect on the date of the merger agreement (the “D&O Insurance”), provided that the Registrant shall not be required to maintain the D&O Insurance with respect to a specific officer or director if the premium for obtaining the D&O Insurance exceeds 200% of the amount per annum US SEARCH paid in fiscal year 2002 (the “Premium Limit”). If the Registrant is unable to obtain the D&O Insurance, it will obtain as much comparable insurance as possible for an annual premium equal to the Premium Limit. In the event the Registrant would be required to spend in excess of the Premium Limit per year to obtain the D&O Insurance, the Registrant will notify each Indemnified Party who would be covered thereby and permit any such Indemnified Party to pay the excess amount over the Premium Limit that may be necessary to maintain such D&O Insurance covering such Indemnified Party.

 

The Registrant’s 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (for purposes of this paragraph only, the “Plan”) provides that, “Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee or of the Board, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.”

 

The Registrant’s 401(k) Savings Plan (for purposes of this paragraph only, the “Plan”) provides that, subject to certain conditions, the Registrant may, through the purchase of insurance or otherwise, indemnify each member of the Board (or board of directors of any affiliate), each member of the committee charged with administering the Plan, and any other employees to whom any responsibility with respect to the Plan is allocated or delegated, from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, and any liability, including any amounts paid in settlement with the Registrant’s approval, arising from the individual’s action or failure to act, except when the same is judicially determined to be attributable to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such person.

 

Present and future directors and officers of the Registrant are covered by a policy of liability insurance obtained by First American which insures against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment under certain circumstances.

 

II-2


Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statements.

 

Exhibit

Number


  

Description


3.1*    First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.
3.2    Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
4.1    Form of certificate representing shares of the Registrant’s Class A common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file number 333-105847) filed June 5, 2003).
4.2    Form of certificate representing shares of the Registrant’s Class B common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
4.3    Description of the Registrant’s capital stock in Article IV of the Registrant’s First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (included in Exhibit 3.1).
4.4    Description of the Registrant’s Class A common stock, $.001 par value, contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed May 12, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.
5.1*    Opinion of White & Case LLP regarding the validity of the shares of Class A common stock being registered by the Registrant under this Registration Statement.
10.1    First Advantage Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the amendment to the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by the Registrant on April 4, 2003 (No. 333-102565)).
10.2    First Advantage Corporation 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the amendment to the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by the Registrant on April 24, 2003 (No. 333-102565)).
10.3    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2002, by and among the Registrant, The First American Corporation and Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
10.4    Standstill Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2003, between The First American Corporation and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
10.5*    Services Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2003, between The First American Corporation and the Registrant.
10.6    Amended and Restated Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2004, between the Registrant and The First American Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004 (No. 001-31666)).
10.7    Promissory Note, made July 31, 2003, by the Registrant to the order of The First American Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on August 13, 2003 (No. 001-31666)).
10.8    Employment Agreement, dated August 4, 2003, between the Registrant and David Wachtel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on August 13, 2003 (No. 001-31666)).

 

II-3


Exhibit

Number


  

Description


10.9    Service Agreement for End-User, effective December 31, 2003, by and between First Advantage Enterprise Screening Corporation and The First American Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004
(No. 001-31666)).
10.10    Agency/Company Agreement, effective January 1, 2003, between First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Multifamily Community Insurance Agency, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004 (No. 001-31666)).
10.11    Profit Share Program letter, dated January 1, 2003, from First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company to Multifamily Community Insurance Agency, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004
(No. 001-31666)).
21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in connection with First Advantage Corporation.
23.2    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in connection with US SEARCH.com Inc.
23.3*    Consent of White & Case LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 and incorporated herein by reference).
24.1*    Power of Attorney.
99.1    Loan Agreement, dated March 18, 2004 by and between the Registrant and Bank of America, N.A.
99.2    Promissory Note of the Registrant, dated as of March 18, 2004 in favor of Bank of America, N.A.

* Previously filed in connection with this registration statement.

 

Item 22. Undertakings.

 

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during the period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to:

 

(a) include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(b) reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and

 

(c) include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

 

(2) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.

 

(3) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

 

II-4


(4) That every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (3) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.

 

(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 20 above, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(6) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.

 

(7) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

* * *

 

II-5


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of St. Petersburg, State of Florida, on March 23, 2004.

 

   

    FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION

   

By:

  

/s/    JOHN LONG        


        

John Long

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Date: March 23, 2004

   By:   

/s/    JOHN LONG        


         

John Long

Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 23, 2004

   By:   

/s/    JOHN LAMSON        


         

John Lamson

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Date: March 23, 2004

  By:   

*


        

Parker Kennedy

Chairman

Date: March 23, 2004

  By:   

*


        

John Long

Director

Date: March 23, 2004

  By:   

*


        

J. David Chatham

Director

Date: March 23, 2004

  By:   

*


        

Barry Connelly

Director

Date: March 23, 2004

  By:   

*


        

Lawrence D. Lenihan, Jr.

Director

Date:

 

By:

  

 


        

Donald Nickelson

Director

 

II-6


Date: March 23, 2004

 

By:

  

*


        

Donald Robert

Director

Date:

 

By:

  

 


        

Adelaide Sink

Director

          

Date: March 23, 2004

 

By:

  

*


        

David Walker

Director

 

*By:

 

/s/    KENNETH D. DEGIORGIO        


    Kenneth D. DeGiorgio, Attorney-in-Fact

 

II-7


Exhibit Index.

 

Exhibit

Number


  

Description


3.1*    First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.
3.2    Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
4.1    Form of certificate representing shares of the Registrant’s Class A common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file number 333-105847) filed June 5, 2003).
4.2    Form of certificate representing shares of the Registrant’s Class B common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
4.3    Description of the Registrant’s capital stock in Article IV of the Registrant’s First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (included in Exhibit 3.1).
4.4    Description of the Registrant’s Class A common stock, $.001 par value, contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed May 12, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.
5.1*    Opinion of White & Case LLP regarding the validity of the shares of Class A common stock being registered by the Registrant under this Registration Statement.
10.1    First Advantage Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the amendment to the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by the Registrant on April 4, 2003 (No. 333-102565)).
10.2    First Advantage Corporation 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the amendment to the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by the Registrant on April 24, 2003 (No. 333-102565)).
10.3    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2002, by and among the Registrant, The First American Corporation and Pequot Private Equity Fund II, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
10.4    Standstill Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2003, between The First American Corporation and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-102565) filed January 17, 2003, as amended).
10.5*    Services Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2003, between The First American Corporation and the Registrant.
10.6    Amended and Restated Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2004, between the Registrant and The First American Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004 (No. 001-31666)).
10.7    Promissory Note, made July 31, 2003, by the Registrant to the order of The First American Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on August 13, 2003 (No. 001-31666)).
10.8    Employment Agreement, dated August 4, 2003, between the Registrant and David Wachtel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on August 13, 2003 (No. 001-31666)).


Exhibit

Number


  

Description


10.9    Service Agreement for End-User, effective December 31, 2003, by and between First Advantage Enterprise Screening Corporation and The First American Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004 (No. 001-31666)).
10.10    Agency/Company Agreement, effective January 1, 2003, between First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Multifamily Community Insurance Agency, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004 (No. 001-31666)).
10.11    Profit Share Program letter, dated January 1, 2003, from First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company to Multifamily Community Insurance Agency, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2004
(No. 001-31666)).
21.1    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to First Advantage Corporation.
23.2    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to US SEARCH.com Inc.
23.3*    Consent of White & Case LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 and incorporated herein by reference).
24.1*    Power of Attorney.
99.1    Loan Agreement, dated March 18, 2004 by and between the Registrant and Bank of America, N.A.
99.2    Promissory Note of the Registrant, dated as of March 18, 2004, in favor of Bank of America, N.A.

* Previously filed in connection with this registration statement.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Exhibit 21.1

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Subsidiary


  

Jurisdiction of
Organization


Agency Records, Inc.

   Connecticut

American Driving Records, Inc.

   California

Background Information Services, Inc.

   Texas

Credential Check & Personnel Services, Inc.

   Michigan

Employee Health Programs, Inc.

   Florida

First Advantage Enterprise Screening Corporation

   Delaware

First American Indian Holdings LLC

   Delaware

First American Registry, Inc.

   Nevada

Hirecheck, Inc.

   Florida

Infocheck, Ltd.

   Ontario, Canada

Landlord Protect, Inc.

   New Jersey

Liberatore Services, Inc.

   New York

Multifamily Community Insurance Agency, Inc.

   Maryland

MVRS, Inc.

   Louisiana

Omega Insurance Services, Inc.

   Florida

Professional Resource Screening, Inc.

   California

Proudfoot Reports Incorporated

   New York

Quantitative Risk Solutions LLC

   Arizona

SafeRent, Inc.

   Delaware

Seconda LLC (d/b/a Continental Compliance)

   California

Total Information Source, Inc.

   North Carolina

US SEARCH.com Inc.

   Delaware

ZapApp India Private Limited

   India

6162380 Canada Limited

   Canada

 

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

We hereby consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of First Advantage Corporation of our report dated March 8, 2004 relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial schedules of First Advantage Corporation, which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

 

Tampa, Florida

March 23, 2004

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Exhibit 23.2

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

 

We hereby consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of First Advantage Corporation of our report dated March 24, 2003, except for the subsequent events in Note 16 as to which the date is April 1, 2003, relating to the consolidated financial statements of US SEARCH.com Inc., which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

March 23, 2004

Loan Agreement

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 18th day of March, 2004, by and between FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION, doing business in Florida as FIRST ADVANTAGE HOLDING, INC. (the “Borrower”), a Delaware corporation, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (the “Bank”).

 

Recitals

 

The Borrower wishes to obtain credit from the Bank on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

BORROWING AND PAYMENT

 

1.01    Revolving Line of Credit.

 

(a) The Bank hereby establishes in favor of the Borrower a revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”). The Borrower shall be entitled to borrow, repay and reborrow funds under the Line of Credit in accordance with the terms hereof so long as the total principal amount owed to the Bank under the Line of Credit does not exceed $25,000,000.00 (or such lesser amount as is set forth herein) during the Revolving Period. The Bank’s obligation to make advances hereunder shall terminate at the expiration of the Revolving Period.

 

(b) The Borrower’s indebtedness under the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a promissory note (as amended, extended or renewed from time to time, the “Line of Credit Note”) of even date herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Bank in the original principal amount of $25,000,000.00. The Line of Credit Note shall bear interest at the rate set forth therein and shall be payable as set forth therein.

 

(c) The Bank shall make each advance under the Line of Credit upon written or telephonic notice from the Borrower to the Bank requesting an advance. The notice shall specify the date for which the advance is requested (which must be a Business Day) and the amount of the advance. The Bank must receive the notice prior to 12:00 noon (Eastern time) on the Business Day of the advance. Alternatively, the Borrower may request advances by drawing checks on a deposit account that is linked to the credit facility hereunder in accordance with disbursement arrangements that are mutually satisfactory to the parties. The Bank will make each requested advance available to the Borrower not later than the close of business on the Business Day of the request by crediting the Borrower’s account maintained with the Bank in the amount of the advance if as of such time: (i) the Bank’s obligation to make advances hereunder has not terminated or expired; (ii) a Default or Event of Default has not occurred; and (iii) all conditions to the advance set forth herein or in any other Loan Documents have been satisfied. The Bank may rely upon any written or telephonic notice given by any person that the Bank in good faith believes is an authorized representative of the Borrower without the necessity of any independent investigation. If any telephonic notice conflicts with a written confirmation, the telephonic notice shall govern if the Bank has acted in reliance thereon.

 

(d) For purposes hereof, the term “Revolving Period” shall mean a period commencing on the date hereof and terminating on March 18, 2007.

 


1.02    Term Loans.

 

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may from time to time, upon written notice to the Bank, convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit Note to one or more term loans (each, a “Term Loan”), upon satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(i) The Borrower shall provide written notice to the Bank, not less than thirty (30) business days prior to the requested effective date for such conversion of outstanding principal to a Term Loan.

 

(ii) Each such Term Loan shall be for a principal amount of at least $5,000,000.00 but not more than $10,000,000.00.

 

(iii) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred hereunder and be continuing at the time of such request.

 

(iv) The Borrower shall execute a promissory note (each, as amended, extended or renewed from time to time, a “Term Note”, in the form set forth on Exhibit “D” hereto. The Borrower, its Subsidiaries and the Guarantor shall execute such other documentation as the Bank shall reasonably require in connection with such Term Loan.

 

(v) The Borrower shall pay a fee upon the execution of each Term Note, in an amount reasonably set by the Bank.

 

(vi) The Borrower shall pay all of the Bank’s fees, expenses and costs in connection with the documentation, closing and administration of each Term Loan, including, without limitation, all attorneys fees and costs, documentary stamp taxes and intangible personal property taxes.

 

(b) Each Term Loan shall: (i) be for a term of 24 months; (ii) accrue interest at the rate to be reasonably agreed upon between the Borrower and the Bank; and (iii) be payable in monthly installments of principal plus interest in an amount required to fully amortize the principal amount of such Term Loan over 24 months, commencing on the date of such Term Loan.

 

(c) The Line of Credit shall be reduced by the original principal amount of each Term Loan, so that, notwithstanding any contrary provision set forth herein, the Outstanding Credit (as defined herein) shall not, at any time, exceed $25,000,000. For the purposes hereof, “Outstanding Credit” shall mean the sum of: (i) the outstanding principal amount under the Line of Credit Note; and (ii) the aggregate face amount of all Term Notes.

 

1.03    Loan Document.    The Obligations (the “Obligations”) now or hereafter evidenced by the Line of Credit Note and each Term Note (collectively, the “Notes”) shall be guaranteed by The First American Corporation (the “Guarantor”) pursuant to a Guaranty of Payment (as amended or restated from time to time, the “Guaranty”) of even date herewith.

 

1.04    Facility Fees.

 

(a) The Borrower shall pay the Bank an annual commitment fee equal to 0.38% of the face amount of the Line of Credit (after taking into account any Term Loans deducted therefrom), on March 18 of each calendar year, commencing on the date hereof, and continuing on each March 18th thereafter during the term hereof.

 

(b) The Borrower shall pay the Bank a fee equal to the 0.35% per annum (calculated on the basis of a 365/366 day year) of the daily average unused amount of the Line of Credit. The Borrower shall pay the fee: (i) quarterly in arrears within 15 days after each fiscal quarter end (commencing on April 15, 2004), the amount of such fee to be on a pro rata basis for each such calendar quarter; and (ii) on the termination or expiration of the Line of Credit for the pro rata portion of such fee for the quarter in which the Line of Credit terminates or expires.

 

2


1.05    Interpretation.

 

(a) Certain terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in Appendix I attached hereto.

 

(b) The definitions set forth in Appendix I attached hereto are equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense is required to be determined or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for the purposes of this Agreement, it shall be done in accordance with GAAP except where such principles are inconsistent with the specific provisions of this Agreement.

 

(c) The Borrower shall cause its Subsidiaries to comply with all covenants and agreements imposed upon the Subsidiaries herein. Each provision set forth herein obligating (or purportedly obligating) any Subsidiary to take, or refrain from taking, any action shall obligate the Borrower to cause such Subsidiary to take, or refrain from taking, such action.

 

ARTICLE II

CONDITIONS

 

2.01    Conditions to Initial Advance.    The obligation of the Bank to make an initial extension of credit hereunder is subject, without limitation, to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a) The Bank shall have received on or before the date hereof and the date of such extension of credit in form reasonably satisfactory to it: (i) the duly executed Loan Documents; (ii) such evidence of corporate authorization from the Borrower and the Guarantor as the Bank may reasonably require; (iii) good standing certificates indicating that the Borrower and the Guarantor are in good standing in their respective states of incorporation and in any other states where they are required to qualify to do business (except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect); and (iv) certified articles of incorporation, bylaws or other applicable organizational documents of the Borrower and the Guarantor.

 

(b) The Bank shall have received on or before the date hereof from attorneys for the Borrower reasonably acceptable to the Bank, an opinion addressed to the Bank in form attached hereto as Appendix II.

 

2.02    Conditions to Advances.    The obligation of the Bank to make any advances hereunder or under any Note is subject, without limitation, to satisfaction of the following additional conditions precedent:

 

(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Guarantor set forth in this Agreement and in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of each such advance or extension of credit.

 

(b) On the date of each such advance or extension of credit, the Borrower shall be in compliance with all the material terms and provisions set forth in this Agreement on its part to be observed or performed, and no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing hereunder.

 

2.03    Other Documents.    The Bank shall have received on or before the date hereof or the date of any advance or credit extension hereunder such other documents or items as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

ARTICLE III

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

3.01    Financial Statements.    The Borrower will deliver to the Bank the following:

 

(a) Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarter of the Borrower’s fiscal year (other than the last quarter of each fiscal year), a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for the

 

3


Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated and consolidating basis (except for statements of cash flows which will be on a consolidated basis only) as of the end of and for such period in reasonable detail certified by the chief financial officer or other senior financial officer of the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, a copy of the Borrower’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall satisfy this requirement.

 

(b) Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarter of the Guarantor’s fiscal year (other than the last quarter of each fiscal year), a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for the Guarantor, on a consolidated basis, as of the end of and for such period in reasonable detail certified by the chief financial officer or other senior financial officer of the Guarantor. For the avoidance of doubt, a copy of the Guarantor’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall satisfy this requirement.

 

(c) Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated and consolidating basis (except for statements of cash flows which shall be on a consolidated basis only) as of the end of and for such period in reasonable detail and such consolidated balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be audited and certified by independent certified public accounts acceptable to the Bank. For the avoidance of doubt, a copy of the Borrower’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall satisfy this requirement.

 

(d) Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Guarantor, a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for the Guarantor on a consolidated basis, as of the end of and for such period in reasonable detail, and such balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows for the Guarantor shall be audited and certified by independent certified public accountants acceptable to the Bank. For the avoidance of doubt, a copy of the Guarantor’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall satisfy this requirement.

 

(e) Not later than fifteen days after completion, the combined annual budget/projections for the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries, together with the combined capital expenditures budget for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (if available), certified to the Bank by the chief financial officer or other senior financial officer of the Borrower.

 

(f) Promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all management letters, if any, submitted to the Borrower by independent certified public accountants in connection with each annual or interim audit of the books of the Borrower by such accountants.

 

(g) Not later than three Business Days after the Borrower becomes aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, a notice thereof, specifying the nature thereof.

 

(h) Such other material information as the Bank may from time to time reasonably request.

 

3.02    Financial Information.    All financial information submitted by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time. The Borrower will maintain books of account in accordance with GAAP.

 

3.03    Taxes and Other Charges.    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, will pay and discharge or cause to be paid and discharged all taxes, charges, liabilities or claims of any type at any time assessed against or incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or that could become a lien against the Borrower or such Subsidiary or any of their properties if not paid when due. Nothing in this subsection shall require the payment of any such sum if the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, by appropriate proceedings contests the same in good faith and so long as the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, maintains adequate reserves therefor.

 

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3.04    Insurance.    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries will maintain adequate insurance with responsible insurers with coverage normally obtained by businesses similar to that of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, but covering at least: (i) damage to physical property from fire and other hazards for the full insurable value of such property; (ii) liability on account of injury to persons; and (iii) insurance against theft, forgery or embezzlement or other illegal acts of officers or employees in reasonable amounts.

 

3.05    Maintenance of Corporate Existence.    Except as otherwise permitted herein, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect their existence, material franchises, material rights and material privileges as corporations under the laws of their states of incorporation and any other jurisdiction where the conduct of their business or the ownership of their properties would require them to be qualified to do business (except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subsidiaries may merge into other Subsidiaries or into the Borrower, provided that: (i) the Borrower’s percentage interest (whether direct or indirect) in such merging Subsidiary is not reduced by such merger; (ii) the Bank is provided notice of such merger; (iii) such merger does not result in a Default or Event of Default hereunder; and (iv) such merger does not result in a default or event of default under any other agreements between the Borrower and the Bank.

 

3.06    Use of Proceeds.    The funds borrowed under the Note shall be used for working capital purposes, for Permitted Acquisitions and for such other purposes as the Bank may approve from time to time.

 

3.07    Notice of Litigation.    Not later than five (5) Business Days after the commencement thereof, the Borrower shall furnish the Bank notice of all material actions, suits and proceedings before any court or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to which an adverse determination against the Borrower or such Subsidiary could have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.08    Maintenance of Properties.    The Borrower and each Subsidiary shall maintain, preserve and keep its property, plant and equipment in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and shall from time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions and betterments thereto so that at all times the efficiency thereof shall be fully preserved and maintained.

 

3.09    ERISA.    The Borrower and each Subsidiary shall promptly pay and discharge all obligations and liabilities arising under ERISA of a character that if unpaid or unperformed could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of a Lien against any of its Property. The Borrower and each Subsidiary shall notify the Bank within five Business Days of: (a) the occurrence of any reportable event (as defined in ERISA) with respect to a Plan; (b) receipt of any notice from the PBGC of its intention to seek termination of any Plan or appointment of a trustee therefor; (c) its intention to terminate or withdraw from any Plan; and (d) the occurrence of any event with respect to any Plan that would result in the incurrence by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any material liability, fine or penalty, or any material increase in the contingent liability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to any Plan or any post-retirement Welfare Plan benefit.

 

3.10    Other Events.    The Borrower shall promptly notify the Bank of any material default under or violation of any material agreement, law or regulation to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound, if such default or violation could result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall promptly perform all of their material obligations under any material agreements to which any of them is a party, and each of them shall use its best efforts to ensure compliance by other parties in all material respects with such agreements.

 

3.11    Compliance with Laws.    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall comply in all material respects at all times with all statutes, regulations, orders and judgments to which they, or any of them, are subject, the non-compliance with which could result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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3.12    Access.    The Bank (by any of its officers, employees or agents) shall have the right, exercisable as frequently as the Bank reasonably determines to be appropriate, to inspect and make extracts from all of the records, files and books of account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, provided that, in exercising its rights under this Section, the Bank shall use reasonable efforts to minimize the disruption to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. All reasonable and documented costs, fees and expenses incurred by the Bank, or for which the Bank has become obligated, in connection with any such inspection or verification shall be payable by the Borrower to the Bank.

 

3.13    Deposits.    The Borrower shall maintain substantially all of its deposit accounts with the Bank.

 

ARTICLE IV

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

4.01    Liens.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any nature whatsoever on any of the assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary now or hereafter owned, or enter into or suffer to exist any conditional sales contracts or other title retention agreements except for Permitted Liens. For purposes hereof, “Permitted Liens” shall mean:

 

(a) Liens in favor of the Bank;

 

(b) Liens on equipment to secure indebtedness permitted hereunder to finance the acquisition thereof;

 

(c) the Lien of ad valorem and other taxes and assessments not yet due and payable;

 

(d) Liens (other than Liens under ERISA) arising out of pledges, deposits, or other amounts owed under worker’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social security or retirement benefits, or similar legislation, or to secure payment of premiums for insurance purchased in the usual course of operations or in connection with self-insurance or to secure the performance of bids, tenders or trade contracts incurred in the ordinary course of operations and not in connection with the borrowing of money;

 

(e) deposits for indemnity bonds and other bonds required in the ordinary course of the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s business, and not in connection with borrowed money;

 

(f) inchoate materialmen’s, suppliers’, operators’, mechanics’, workmen’s, repairmen’s, employees’, carriers’, warehousemen’s or attorneys’ Liens or other like statutory Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations (i) that are not delinquent or (ii) the amounts or validity of which are being contested in good faith as to which the Borrower has established appropriate funded reserves to the extent required by GAAP;

 

(g) deposits made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h) Liens of financial institutions arising in the ordinary process of collection of instruments;

 

(i) statutory landlord’s Liens, and contractual landlord’s Liens created prior to this date (or in the case of any Subsidiary acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition, prior to the date of such acquisition) provided that amounts secured thereby are not past due by more than 30 days.

 

(j) Liens filed by owners of leased equipment whose lien shall be limited to such leased equipment and no other assets of the Borrower;

 

(k) Liens in existence at the time any Subsidiary is acquired; and

 

(l) Pledge of stock in acquired companies to the seller of such Company.

 

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4.02    Obligations.

 

(a) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is or will become directly or indirectly obligated in any way for any Debt or other obligations for borrowed money except for Permitted Obligations without the prior written consent of the Bank. For purposes hereof, “Permitted Obligations” shall mean:

 

(i) any and all obligations now or hereafter owed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Bank;

 

(ii) customer deposits in the ordinary course of business;

 

(iii) obligations listed on Exhibit “A” hereto (provided; however, that all Debt of the Borrower to the Guarantor shall at all times be subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to the Guaranty;

 

(iv) obligations under Letters of Credit necessary to support the Borrower’s worker’s compensation, employment insurance, and social security obligations;

 

(v) indebtedness subordinated to the Bank’s rights pursuant to subordination agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Bank;

 

(vi) inter-company indebtedness;

 

(vii) leases of real property;

 

(viii) debt of acquired companies or incurred in connection with acquiring such companies not to exceed an aggregate total indebtedness of $3,000,000 for each such acquired company; and

 

(ix) operating leases and equipment leases.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing subparagraph (a), the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be entitled to enter into and maintain Capital Leases and purchase money indebtedness, in addition to existing amounts permitted under the foregoing subparagraph (a), for so long as the aggregate rentals and other amounts payable by the Borrower or such Subsidiaries, on an aggregate outstanding basis, under all such obligations will not exceed $3,750,000.00 or such greater amount as the Bank may approve in writing.

 

(c) Neither the Borrower nor the Subsidiaries shall: (i) purchase any Debt or other obligations for borrowed money (other than Debt or other obligations which are Permitted Obligations) or guarantee any obligations of any other Person (except that each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall be entitled to guaranty any Permitted Obligations, together with other obligations permitted in subparagraph (b) above, of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary); (ii) enter into any credit support, financial maintenance, credit enhancement or similar arrangement in favor of any Person; (iii) enter into any other transaction that is intended to assure performance of the obligations of any other Person; or (iv) subordinate any claim or demand that it may have to any claim or demand of any other Person (other than the Bank).

 

(d) The Borrower shall not enter into any agreement, other than the Loan Documents, prohibiting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its Property.

 

(e) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will enter into any Hedge Agreement without the Bank’s prior written consent. For purposes hereof, the term “Hedge Agreement” means each agreement between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any other party that provides for an interest rate or commodity swap, cap, floor, collar, forward foreign exchange transaction, currency swap, cross-currency rate swap, currency option, or any combination of, or option with respect to, these or similar transactions, for the purpose of hedging the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, currency valuations or commodity prices.

 

4.03    Merger; Consolidation; Sale of Substantial Assets.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will, except as permitted by Section 3.05 hereof, without the Bank’s prior written consent, which will not be withheld unreasonably: (a) merge into, consolidate with, or sell or transfer all or a substantial part of its assets to, any other Person; (b) take any action that would reduce the ownership or voting interest of the Borrower and its

 

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Subsidiaries in any Subsidiary; or (c) pledge or encumber any stock of any Subsidiary (except for pledges in favor of the Bank).

 

4.04    Loans, Investments and Acquisitions.

 

(a) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will purchase any stock, securities or evidence of indebtedness, or make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, or make any investment or acquire any interest in, any other Person (except, however, that the Borrower shall be entitled to make Permitted Acquisitions in accordance with the terms hereof). Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall, without the Bank’s prior written consent, enter into partnership or joint venture agreements with any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) the Borrower shall be entitled to extend credit and make advances to majority owned Subsidiaries; (ii) the Borrower may extend credit and make advances in the ordinary course of business, in addition to credit and advances permitted under the foregoing subparagraph; and (iii) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may invest in Eligible Securities. For purposes hereof, “Eligible Securities” shall mean: (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof whose obligations constitute the full faith and credit of the United States of America so long as all such obligations mature within one year of the date of issuance thereof; (ii) commercial paper rated P-1 or better by Moody’s and maturing within one year of the date of issuance thereof; (iii) certificates of deposit issued by the Bank; and (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in the foregoing clause (i) entered into with a United States commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $100,000,000. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.04(a), the limitations of this Section 4.04(a) shall not be applicable in connection with the Borrower’s formation and funding of a newly created Subsidiary for the purposes of consummating a Permitted Acquisition in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b) The Borrower shall be entitled to acquire businesses through stock acquisitions, asset purchases or mergers upon satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(i) Each such acquisition shall be made on arms length terms. The Borrower, after consummation of the acquisition, own and control a majority of the outstanding equity and voting rights in any Person acquired by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with the acquisition.

 

(ii) The Person acquired, or the business acquired, must be in the same or a related line of business as the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

(iii) The Borrower shall have given the Bank notice of such acquisition within three (3) business days from the date of public notice of such acquisition. Such notice may include a copy of the press release, but shall, at a minimum, include the name of the business to be acquired and the date of the press release.

 

(iv) The acquisition will not result in a Default or an Event of Default hereunder. In addition, the acquisition will not result in a default under the financial or other covenants contained in any other agreement between the Borrower and the Bank: (aa) at the time such acquisition is consummated after giving effect to such acquisition; and (bb) on a projected basis based upon reasonable projections after giving effect to such acquisition.

 

(c) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall form or create any new Subsidiary on or after the date hereof except for the sole purpose of consummating a Permitted Acquisition in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

4.05    Nature of Business.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will engage in any business if, as a result, the general nature of the business in which it would then be engaged would be substantially changed from the general nature of the business engaged in by it on the date of this Agreement.

 

4.06    Sale or Pledge of Property.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will sell, lease or otherwise dispose of or transfer any of its interests in any accounts receivable.

 

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4.07    Pension Plan Funding Deficiency.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall incur or suffer to exist any material accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of the ERISA or incur any material liability to the PBGC (or any successor) established thereunder in connection with any Plan.

 

4.08    Transactions with Affiliates.    Except as set forth on Exhibit “B” hereto, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall not directly or indirectly enter into any transaction with any Affiliate other than in the ordinary course and pursuant to the reasonable business requirements of the Borrower or such Subsidiaries. Any such transaction shall be upon fair and reasonable terms and provisions no less favorable to the Borrower or any such Subsidiary than it could have obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person who is not an Affiliate of the Borrower or such Subsidiary.

 

4.09    Sale and Leaseback.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will enter into any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of Property that has been sold or is to be sold or transferred by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries to such Person.

 

4.10    Fiscal Year.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall change its fiscal year from the fiscal year currently used by such entity.

 

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

The Borrower represents and warrants, and so long as this Agreement is in effect or any part of the Obligations remains unpaid, shall continue to represent and warrant at all times, that:

 

5.01    The Borrower and Subsidiaries.    The Borrower and the Subsidiaries are duly organized or incorporated and validly existing under and by virtue of their respective states of existence. Each is duly licensed and qualified in all other states and jurisdictions wherein the nature of the business transacted by it or the ownership of its properties makes such licensing or qualification as a foreign corporation necessary, if any, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries: (a) holds in full force and effect all material permits, licenses and franchises necessary for it to carry out its operations in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations; and (b) has full and adequate power to own its Property and conduct its business as now conducted.

 

5.02    Authorization, Conflicts and Validity.    The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is or will be a party and the performance by the Borrower of all of its obligations thereunder: (a) have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action; (b) will not violate or be in conflict with (i) any material provision of applicable law (including, without limitation, any applicable usury or similar law); (ii) any material order, rule or regulation of any court or other governmental authority; (iii) any material provision of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws, including any amendments thereto, or any resolution with continuing effect adopted by its Board of Directors or shareholders; or (iv) any material provision of any shareholders’ agreement or trust respecting securities of its issue or related rights; (c) will not violate, be in conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default (with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or both) under any material instrument, indenture, agreement or other obligation to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets and properties is or may be bound or subject; and (d) except as specifically contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien, charge or encumbrance of any nature upon any of its assets and properties. The Loan Documents to which the Borrower is or will be a party when executed and delivered will be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms and provisions.

 

5.03    Consents.    No consent, approval or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any governmental authority or other person (including, without limitation, the shareholders of the Borrower) is required as a condition precedent, concurrent or subsequent to or in connection with the due and valid execution,

 

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delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is or will be a party, or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of any of the respective representations, warranties, covenants and other terms and provisions thereof, which has not been obtained prior to the date hereof. Each franchise, license, certificate, authorization, approval or consent from any governmental authority material to the present conduct of the business and operations of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, or required for the acquisition, ownership, improvement, operation or maintenance by it of any material portion of the assets and properties it now owns, operates or maintains, has been obtained and validly granted, is in full force and effect and constitutes valid and sufficient authorization therefor.

 

5.04    Legal or Administrative Proceedings.    There are no material actions, suits, investigations or proceedings by any Person pending or to the best knowledge of the Borrower threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary or to which they are a party involving the possibility of any judgment or liability not fully covered by insurance or by adequate reserves set up on the books of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries.

 

5.05    Trademarks, Franchises and Licenses.    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries own, possess or have the right to use all necessary patents, licenses, software, franchises, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, copyrights, trade secrets, know how and confidential commercial and proprietary information to conduct their businesses as now conducted, without known conflict with any patent, license, franchise, trademark, trade name, trade style, copyright or other proprietary right of any other Person.

 

5.06    Corporate Restrictions.    Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to any contract or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction that would materially and adversely affect its property or business, or its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

5.07    Taxes.    The Borrower and the Subsidiaries have filed all federal and state tax returns that are required to be filed, and have paid all taxes as shown on the returns and on all assessments received by them to the extent that the taxes have become due. Proper and accurate amounts have been withheld by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries from their respective employees for all periods in full and complete compliance with the tax, social security and unemployment withholding provisions of applicable federal, state, local and foreign law and such withholdings have been timely paid to the respective governmental agencies.

 

5.08    Default.    There exists as of the date hereof no Default or Event of Default.

 

5.09    Other Representations.    All warranties and representations of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries contained in any of the Loan Documents are true and accurate in all material respects.

 

5.10    Subsidiaries.    As of the date hereof, the Borrower owns no Subsidiaries other than those Subsidiaries listed on Exhibit “C” attached hereto. Except as disclosed on Exhibit “C” attached hereto, the Borrower owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding capital stock of its Subsidiaries. The only persons or entities in which the Borrower owns an equity interest are the Subsidiaries. No Person holds or is entitled to obtain any other equity interest in the Subsidiaries.

 

5.11    ERISA.    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have fulfilled their obligations under the minimum funding standards of and are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA and the Code to the extent applicable to them. None of them has incurred any liability to the PBGC or a Plan under Title IV of ERISA other than a liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has any contingent liabilities with respect to any post-retirement benefits under any Plan or Welfare Plan, other than liability for continuation coverage described in article 6 of Title I of ERISA.

 

5.12    Compliance with Laws.    The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the requirements of all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to or pertaining to their Property or business operations (including, without limitation, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Americans with

 

10


Disabilities Act of 1990, and laws and regulations establishing quality criteria and standards for air, water, land and toxic or hazardous wastes and substances), non-compliance with which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received notice to the effect that its operations are not in compliance with any of the requirements of applicable federal, state or local environmental, health and safety statutes and regulations or are the subject of any governmental investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, which non-compliance or remedial action, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.13    Purpose of the Borrower.    The Borrower does not own any “margin security” within the meaning of Regulation U (12 CFR Part 221) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. None of the proceeds of the loan by the Bank to the Borrower will be used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security or for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness that was originally incurred to purchase or carry a margin security or for any other purpose that might constitute this transaction a “purpose credit” within the meaning of Regulation U, as now in effect or as it may hereafter be amended. Neither the Borrower nor any agent acting on its behalf has taken or will take any action that might cause this Agreement or any Loan Document to violate Regulation U or any other regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or to violate the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case as in effect now or as the same may hereafter be amended.

 

5.14    Solvency.    After giving effect to the full funding of the loans contemplated herein, the Borrower and each Subsidiary will be solvent. “Solvent” shall mean, when used with respect to any Person, that: (a) such Person does not intend to incur, and does not believe and has no reason to believe that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay as they become due; (b) the sum of such Person’s assets is greater than all of such Person’s liabilities at a fair valuation; (c) such Person has sufficient cash flow to enable it to pay its debts as they become due; and (d) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital to carry on such Person’s business as theretofore operated and all businesses in which such Person is about to engage. “Fair valuation” is intended to mean that value that can be obtained if the assets are sold within a reasonable time in arm’s-length transactions in an existing and not theoretical market.

 

5.15    Federal Acts.    Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or a “public utility holding company” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act.

 

5.16    Affiliate Transactions.    Except as set forth on Exhibit “B” hereto, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to any contracts or agreements with any of its Affiliates on terms and conditions that are less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than would be usual and customary in similar contracts or agreements between Persons not affiliated with one other.

 

5.17    Full Disclosure.    The statements and information furnished to the Bank in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the commitment by the Bank to provide all or part of the financing contemplated hereby do not contain any untrue statements of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the material statements contained herein or therein not misleading. The Bank acknowledges that, as to any projections furnished to the Bank, the Borrower only represents that the same were prepared on the basis of information and estimates that the Borrower believed to be reasonable.

 

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ARTICLE VI

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

6.01    Events of Default.    Each of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default” hereunder:

 

(a) if the Borrower defaults in the payment of any principal, interest or other amount under the Note, either by the terms thereof or otherwise as provided herein and such default continues for a period of ten days thereafter; or

 

(b) if the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary defaults in any payment of principal of or interest on any other obligation for borrowed money beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto if the effect of such default is to cause, or permit the holder or holders of such obligation (or trustee on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause, such obligation to become due prior to its stated maturity, except for obligations disputed in good faith if the Bank is promptly notified thereof and, if required by GAAP, funded reserves are established; or

 

(c) if any statement, representation or warranty made by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or the Guarantor herein or in any writing now or hereafter furnished in connection with or pursuant to the Loan Documents or in connection with any audit shall be false in any material respect as of the date made; or

 

(d) (i) if any Event of Default occurs under any Loan Document; or (ii) if the Borrower, any Subsidiary or the Guarantor defaults in the performance or observance of any other agreement, covenant, term or condition contained herein or in any other Loan Document and such default shall not have been remedied within 30 days after written notice thereof is sent by the Bank to the Borrower except, however, that an Event of Default shall not be deemed to have occurred if the Borrower, the Subsidiary or the Guarantor, as the case may be, commences to cure such default within such 30-day period and the Borrower, such Subsidiary or the Guarantor, as the case may be, completes such cure within 60 days after such notice; or

 

(e) If the Guarantor disputes, attempts to avoid or indicates its intent to seek to avoid its obligations under the Guaranty; or

 

(f) if the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or is generally not paying its debts as they become due; or

 

(g) if any order, judgment or decree is entered under the bankruptcy, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction adjudicating the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary, bankrupt or insolvent; or

 

(h) if the Borrower, the Guarantor, or any Subsidiary petitions or applies to any tribunal for, or consents to, the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator, or similar official, of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of the assets of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary, or commences a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or any proceedings relating to the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary, under the bankruptcy, insolvency, or moratorium law of any other jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect; or

 

(i) if any such petition or application is filed, or any such proceedings are commenced, against the Borrower, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary and if the Borrower, the Guarantor or the Subsidiary by any act indicates its approval thereof, consent thereto, or acquiescence therein, or an order is entered in an involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, or an order, judgment or decree is entered appointing any such trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator, or similar official, or approving the petition in any proceedings, and such order remains unstayed and in effect for more than 60 days; or

 

(j) if any order is entered in any proceedings against the Borrower or the Guarantor decreeing the dissolution or split-up of the Borrower or the Guarantor or if the Borrower or the Guarantor dissolves (or is dissolved) or its existence is terminated; or

 

(k) if any judgment or judgments are entered against the Borrower or the Guarantor, or against the Property of any such Person, in an aggregate amount in excess of: (i) $500,000.00 with respect to the

 

12


Borrower; or (ii) $1,000,000.00 with respect to the Guarantor, that remains unvacated, unbonded, unstayed and unsatisfied for a period of 45 days; or

 

(l) if any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower’s failure to make any payment when due occurs under that certain Loan Agreement dated July 31, 2003, between the Borrower and the Bank; or

 

(m) if any event of default occurs under any credit arrangements now existing or hereafter entered into between the Guarantor and the Bank; or

 

(n) if the Guarantor’s Debt Rating, as determined by S&P, is lower, at any time, then BBB-. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, at any time, an S&P Debt Rating for the Borrower is unavailable, then the Bank may use the Debt Rating of the Borrower issued by Moody’s, if available, and it shall be an Event of Default is such Debt rating issued by Moody’s is less than Baa3.

 

6.02    Default.    A “Default” shall be deemed to have occurred hereunder if any event or condition occurs that would constitute an Event of Default hereunder upon the satisfaction of any requirement for notice or passage of time in connection with such event or condition.

 

6.03    Remedies.

 

(a) During the continuation of any Default, the Bank shall have no obligation to make advances hereunder or under any other Loan Document. If any Event of Default shall occur, any obligation of the Bank to make advances hereunder or under any Loan Document shall be terminated without notice to the Borrower. If the Bank elects not to extend any further credit hereunder after the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Bank shall notify the Borrower of such election as promptly as practical after the date of such election. However, the Bank’s failure to give any such notice shall not impair its rights hereunder, and the Bank’s failure to give any such notice on one occasion shall not impair its rights upon the occurrence of any subsequent Event of Default.

 

(b) Except as otherwise provided in section 6.04 below, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Bank shall provide written notice thereof to the Guarantor. The Guarantor shall have five (5) business days (the “Guarantor Cure Period”) from receipt of notice of such Event of Default to either (i) cure such Event of Default, if such Event of Default is capable of being cured by the Guarantor; or (ii) pay all amounts then outstanding under the Loan, including, without limitation, all amounts due under the Line of Credit Note and each Term Loan, together with all other Obligations of the Borrower to the Bank under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

(c) Upon the expiration of the Guarantor Cure Period, if the Event of Default is still continuing, the Bank may, by notice to the Borrower, effective upon dispatch, declare the entire unpaid principal amount then outstanding under the Loan Documents, all interest accrued and unpaid under the Loan Documents and all other Obligations of the Borrower to the Bank under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable. Thereupon, the then outstanding principal amount under the Loan Documents, all accrued interest and all such other Obligations shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and the Bank may immediately enforce payment of all such amounts and exercise any or all of the rights and remedies of the Bank under this Agreement and other Loan Documents, including without limitation the right to resort to any or all collateral (if any) securing any obligations under the Loan Documents and exercise any or all of the rights of a secured party pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code of Florida and other applicable similar statutes in other jurisdictions.

 

6.04    Termination of Rights to Advances; Automatic Acceleration.    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (a) the Borrower’s right, if any, to obtain any additional advances or credit under the Loan Documents shall automatically terminate upon the initiation against the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any proceeding under the Federal Bankruptcy Code, or upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in subparagraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), or (k) of Section 6.01, and (b) all Obligations shall automatically be and become

 

13


immediately due and payable, without any Guarantor Cure Period, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in subparagraphs (h), (i), or (j) of Section 6.01.

 

6.05    Additional Rights of Bank.

 

(a) The Borrower acknowledges that its timely and complete compliance with all of the terms and conditions contained in the Loan Documents is a material consideration for the Bank’s extension of the credit facilities evidenced by the Loan Documents. In addition to all other rights and remedies that the Bank has upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Bank, in its sole discretion, may: (i) waive its rights resulting from such Event of Default; and (ii) charge the Borrower a fee for such waiver, provided that such fee shall not exceed 0.10% of the face amount of the Line of Credit Note.

 

(b) The Borrower acknowledges that the Bank’s ability to monitor the loans evidenced by the Loan Documents is dependent upon the Borrower’s providing all financial statements and other information required in Section 3.01 hereof within the time periods set forth in such section. In addition to all other rights and remedies that the Bank has upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Bank may by notice to the Borrower assess the Borrower a late fee upon each failure by the Borrower to deliver financial statements or information within the time periods set forth in Section 3.01 hereof (whether or not such failure constitutes a Default or an Event of Default hereunder). The amount of such late fee shall not exceed $1000.00. The Borrower shall pay such fee no later than ten days after the Bank has notified the Borrower of such assessment. The Bank may assess the late fee on successive occasions based upon any successive failures to deliver financial statements or financial information within the periods required herein. The Bank’s assessment of any such fee, and the Borrower’s payment of the same, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the Borrower’s continuing obligation to provide financial statements and other information required hereunder.

 

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

 

7.01    Expenses.    The Borrower agrees to pay, and save the Bank harmless against liability for the payment of, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses arising in connection with this transaction (including any renewals or modifications relating hereto), including any state documentary stamp taxes or other taxes (including interest and penalties, if any) that may be determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of any Loan Document or any renewal or modification of any Loan Document, and the reasonable fees and expenses of the Bank’s counsel. The Borrower acknowledges that it has participated with the Bank in establishing the structure of this transaction and that it has independently determined the amount of documentary stamp and other taxes due in connection herewith. The Borrower has not relied upon representations of the Bank or its counsel in calculating the amount of such taxes, and the Borrower shall be liable for any additional taxes (including interest and penalties) that may be due in connection with this transaction or any renewals hereof. If an Event of Default shall occur, the Borrower shall also pay all of the Bank’s costs of collection including reasonable Bank employee travel expenses, court costs and reasonable fees of attorneys and legal assistants (whether incurred in connection with trial or appellate proceedings). If the Borrower fails to pay any such expenses within five (5) Business Days after the Bank makes demand therefore, the Borrower authorizes the Bank to make advances under the Note and to debit its deposit accounts (other than accounts maintained by the Borrower with the Bank solely for payroll purposes and identified to the Bank as such) to pay all expenses.

 

7.02    Survival of Representations and Warranties.    All representations and warranties contained herein or made in writing by the Borrower in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents.

 

7.03    Successors and Assigns.    All covenants and agreements in this Agreement contained by or on behalf of any of the parties hereto shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto whether so expressed or not. The Borrower shall not be entitled to assign its rights hereunder. The

 

14


Bank may, without the Borrower’s consent, assign all or part of its rights hereunder or grant participations herein; provided, however, that no participant shall have any rights against the Borrower unless the Bank has failed to exercise its rights hereunder upon the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default. The Bank may disclose to any such assignee or participant (or any prospective assignee or participant) such information concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates as the Bank deems appropriate.

 

7.04    No Third Party Beneficiaries.    The Guarantor is not a third party beneficiary to this Loan Agreement and, in addition to the rights of the Bank set forth in the Guaranty, the Bank, with the concurrence of the Borrower, shall have the right without impairing the liability of the Guarantor, to alter and amend this Loan Agreement without notice to or consent by the Guarantor.

 

7.05    Notices.    All communications, notices or demands provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party shall be sent by first class mail, by courier, by hand or by certified mail as follows or to such other address with respect to any party as such party shall notify the others in writing:

 

To the Bank:

  

Bank of America, N.A.

    

9000 Southside Blvd., Bldg. 100

    

Jacksonville, Florida 32256

    

Attn: Commercial Client & Credit Services

To the Borrower:

  

First Advantage Holding, Inc.

    

One Progress Plaza, Suite 2400

    

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

    

Attn: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

with copy to:

  

The First American Corporation

    

1 First American Way

    

Santa Ana, California 92707

    

Attn: Controller

If to the Guarantor:

  

The First American Corporation

    

1 First American Way

    

Santa Ana, California 92707

    

Attn: Kenneth DeGiorgio, General Counsel

with copy to:

  

Neil W. Rust, Esquire

    

White & Case LLP

    

633 West Fifth Street

    

Los Angeles, California 90071

 

Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, each such communication, notice or demand shall be deemed given: (i) three days after deposited in the U.S. mail with proper postage affixed if sent by mail; or (ii) when actually delivered to the appropriate address if sent by courier or by hand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, failure to provide “copy to” notices set forth above shall not affect the validity of the notices or prevent the Bank’s enforcement of its rights and remedies hereunder.

 

7.06    Applicable Law.    This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

 

7.07    Headings.    The descriptive section headings herein have been inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect the construction of any provisions hereof.

 

7.08    Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in several counterparts. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original.

 

15


7.09    Remedies Cumulative.    All rights and remedies of the Bank hereunder are cumulative and in addition to any rights and remedies that the Bank may have under the laws of Florida. The Bank’s exercise of any one right or remedy against one party hereto will not deprive the Bank of any right or remedy against that party or any other parties hereto. No right, power or remedy conferred upon or reserved to the Bank under this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents is exclusive of any other right, power or remedy in any of the Loan Documents, but each and every such right, power and remedy shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to any other right, power and remedy given hereunder or under any other Loan Documents, or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity or by statute.

 

7.10    Delay or Omission.    No delay or omission of the Bank to exercise any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents or accruing upon any Event of Default shall exhaust or impair any such right, power or remedy or shall be construed to waive any such Event of Default or to constitute acquiescence therein. Every right, power and remedy given to the Bank under any of the Loan Documents may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient by the Bank.

 

7.11    No Waiver of One Default to Affect Another.    No waiver of any Default or Event of Default hereunder shall extend to or affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default or any other Default or Event of Default then existing, or impair any rights, powers or remedies consequent thereon.

 

7.12    Changes.    No term of any Loan Document may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, or by any action or inaction, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

 

7.13    Severability.    If any portion of any Loan Document is declared void by any court as illegal or against public policy, the remainder of the Loan Documents in question shall continue in full effect.

 

7.14    Lost or Damaged Note.    Upon receipt by the Borrower of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of the Line of Credit Note or any Term Note (each, a “Lost Note”) and of an indemnity agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, the Borrower will make and deliver to the Bank a new note of like tenor, date and principal amount in lieu of the Lost Note.

 

7.15    Merger.    This Agreement supersedes and replaces any commitment letter relating to the Obligations. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in the Loan Documents, no termination or cancellation (regardless of cause or procedure) of the financing under this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair the obligations, duties, and liabilities of the Borrower or the rights of the Bank relating to any transaction or event occurring prior to such termination. All indemnifications, warranties and representations contained in the Loan Documents shall survive such termination or cancellation.

 

7.16    Arbitration.    The parties agree to the following arbitration provisions:

 

(a) These arbitration provisions govern the resolution of any controversies or claims between the Borrower and the Bank, whether arising in contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies or claims (collectively, a “Claim”) that arise out of or relate to: (i) this Loan Agreement (including any renewals, restatements, extensions or modifications hereof); or (ii) any document related to this Loan Agreement.

 

(b) At the request of the Borrower or the Bank, any Claim shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U. S. Code) (the “Arbitration Act”). The Arbitration Act will apply even though this Loan Agreement provides that it is governed by the law of a specified state. Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance with the Arbitration Act, the rules and procedures for the arbitration of financial services disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof (“JAMS”), and the terms of this Section. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this Section shall control. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted in Hillsborough County, Florida. All Claims shall be

 

16


determined by one arbitrator. However, if Claims exceed $1,000,000, upon the request of any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All arbitration hearings shall commence within 90 days of the demand for arbitration and close within 90 days of commencement and the award of the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall be issued within 30 days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, upon a showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up to an additional 60 days. The arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall provide a concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed and enforced.

 

(c) The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement.

 

(d) These arbitration provisions do not limit the right of the Borrower or the Bank to: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure against any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary remedies.

 

(e) By agreeing to binding arbitration, the Borrower and the Bank irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material inducement for the Borrower’s executing, and the Bank’s accepting, this Loan Agreement. No provision in this Loan Agreement or in any document related hereto regarding submission to jurisdiction or venue in any court is intended or shall be construed to be in derogation of the provisions of this Loan Agreement or in any such other document for arbitration of any controversy or claim.

 

7.17.    NOTICE OF FINAL AGREEMENT.    THIS WRITTEN LOAN AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR UNDERSTANDINGS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed and sealed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION, a Delaware

corporation doing business in Florida as FIRST

ADVANTAGE HOLDING, INC.

/s/    JOHN LAMSON        

John Lamson
Chief Financial Officer

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

/s/    David I. Suellau II        

David I. Suellau II
Senior Vice President

 

18


APPENDIX I

 

The following terms when used in the Loan Agreement shall have the following meanings:

 

“Affiliate” means any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, another Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person for the purposes of this definition if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, common directors, trustees or officers, by conduct or otherwise.

 

Bank” is defined in the introductory paragraph of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Borrower” is defined in the introductory paragraph of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Business Day” means each day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any holiday on which commercial banks in Jacksonville, Florida are closed for business.

 

“Capital Lease” means any lease of Property which in accordance with GAAP is required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee.

 

“Capital Lease Obligation” means the amount of the liability shown on the balance sheet of any Person in respect of a Capital Lease determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute thereto.

 

“Debt” means for any Person (without duplication): (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, whether current or funded, or secured or unsecured, (b) all indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of Property or services, (c) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to Property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of a default are limited to repossession or sale of such Property), (d) all indebtedness secured by a purchase money mortgage or other Lien to secure all or part of the purchase price of Property subject to such mortgage or Lien, (e) all obligations under leases that shall have been or must be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as Capital Leases with respect to which such Person is liable as lessee, (f) any liability in respect of banker’s acceptances or letters of credit, (g) any indebtedness, whether or not assumed, secured by Liens on Property acquired by such Person at the time of acquisition thereof, (h) all indebtedness, whether or not for borrowed money, represented by notes, drafts, bonds, debentures and similar instruments, and (i) all indebtedness referred to in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) above which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by such Person or which such Person has agreed (contingently or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or in respect of which any of them have otherwise assured a creditor against loss. Debt shall not, however, include trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business that are not more than 90 days past due.

 

“Debt Rating” means, as of any date of determination, the rating as determined by either S&P or Moody’s of the Borrower’s non-credit-enhanced debt.

 

“Default” is defined in Section 6.02 of the Loan Agreement.

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or any successor statute thereto.

 

“Event of Default” means any event or condition identified as such in Section 6.01 of the Loan Agreement.

 

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“Funded Debt” is defined in Section 4.11(a) of the Loan Agreement.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth from time to time in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or agencies with similar functions of comparable stature and authority within the U.S. accounting profession), which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination.

 

“Guarantor” is defined in Section 1.03 of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Guaranty” is defined in Section 1.03 of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Lien” means any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge, charge or encumbrance of any kind in respect of any Property, including the interests of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale, Capital Lease or other title retention arrangement.

 

“Line of Credit” is defined in Section 1.01(a) of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Line of Credit Note” is defined in Section 1.01(b) of the Loan Agreement

 

“Loan Agreement” or “this Agreement” shall mean the Loan Agreement to which this Appendix is attached as such agreement may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

“Loan Documents” shall mean and include this Agreement (as amended from time to time), the Line of Credit Note, each Term Note, any agreement pertaining to any collateral, if any, securing the Loan, and all documents related to the foregoing documents. Loan Documents shall also include all documents executed by any Subsidiary in connection with the Loan on or after the date hereof.

 

Lost Note” is defined in Section 7.14 of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, Property, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to perform its obligations under any Loan Document, or (c) a material adverse effect upon (i) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Loan Document or the rights and remedies of the Bank thereunder or (ii) the perfection or priority of any Lien on any collateral securing the Loan.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

“Notes” is defined in Section 1.03 of the Loan Agreement.

 

Obligations” is defined in Section 1.04(a) of the Loan Agreement.

 

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any Person succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

 

“Permitted Acquisition” shall mean any acquisition made in accordance with Section 4.04(b) of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Permitted Liens” is defined in Section 4.01 of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Permitted Obligations” is defined in Section 4.02(a) of the Loan Agreement.

 

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“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization or any other entity or organization, including a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code that either (a) is maintained by the Borrower or any Subsidiary for employees of any such Person or (b) is maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions.

 

“Property” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

 

“Revolving Period” is defined in Section 1.01(d) of the Loan Agreement.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Solvent” is defined in Section 5.19 of the Loan Agreement.

 

“Subordinated Liabilities” means liabilities subordinated to Borrower’s obligations to the Bank pursuant to: (a) a subordination agreement between the Bank and the subordinate lender; or (ii) a subordination agreement between the Borrower and the subordinate lender, under which the Bank is a third party beneficiary with rights to enforce such subordination against the Borrower and the subordinate lender and providing that: (i) upon the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder, the subordinate lender shall not accept any payments on the subordinate indebtedness; and (ii) upon the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder, if the subordinated lender receives any payment on the subordinated indebtedness, such payments shall be held in trust for the Bank and shall be delivered to the Bank promptly after receipt of such payment.

 

“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other Person more than 50% of the outstanding ordinary voting shares or other equity interests of which is at the time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower, by one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by the Borrower and one or more of its Subsidiaries. All of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries existing as of the date hereof are listed on Exhibit “C” hereto.

 

“Term Note” is defined in Section 1.02 of the Loan Agreement

 

“Welfare Plan” means a “welfare plan” as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA.

 

21

Promissory Note of the Registrant

Exhibit 99.2

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

$25,000,000.00 March 18, 2004

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION, doing business in Florida as FIRST ADVANTAGE HOLDING, INC. (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to the order of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (the “Bank”), a national banking association, whose address is 9000 Southside Blvd., Building 100, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, the principal sum of Twenty Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00), together with interest on the outstanding principal balance hereof at the rate provided herein. This Note shall be governed by the following provisions:

 

1.    Advances.    The Borrower and the Bank have executed a Loan Agreement (as amended or restated from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) of even date herewith. The loan evidenced by this Note is a revolving loan, and the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow principal amounts hereunder during the term hereof subject to the terms contained herein and in the Loan Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outstanding principal balance hereof shall not exceed $25,000,000.00 at any one time (or such lesser amount as may be set forth in the Loan Agreement). This Note is the Line of Credit Note described in the Loan Agreement.

 

2.    Payments.

 

(a)    The Borrower shall pay all accrued interest hereunder on the first business day of each calendar month during the term hereof commencing on April 1, 2004, and continuing on the first day of each calendar month thereafter.

 

(b)    The Borrower shall pay all outstanding principal hereunder, together with all then accrued and unpaid interest, on March 18, 2007 (the “Maturity Date”).

 

(c)    This Note will be considered renewed if and only if the Bank has sent to Borrower a written notice of renewal (the “Renewal Notice”) effective as of the Maturity Date. If this Note is renewed, it will continue to be subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein except as modified by the Renewal Notice. If this Note is renewed, the term “Maturity Date” shall mean the date set forth in the Renewal Notice as the Maturity Date and all outstanding principal plus all accrued interest shall be paid on the Maturity Date. The same process for renewal will apply to any subsequent renewal of this Note. A renewal fee may be charged at the Bank’s option. The amount of the renewal fee will not exceed 0.50% of the renewal amount.

 

3.    Interest.

 

(a)    Interest shall accrue on the outstanding principal balance of this Note at a rate equal to the Wall Street Journal LIBOR One Month Floating Rate (as defined herein) plus the Applicable Margin (as defined herein). For purposes hereof, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(i)    The Wall Street Journal LIBOR One Month Floating Rate is a fluctuating rate of interest equal to the one month London Interbank offered rate as published in the “Money Rates” Section of the Wall Street Journal (or, if such source is not available, such alternate source as reasonably determined by the Bank), as adjusted from time to time in the Bank’s sole discretion for reserve requirements, deposit insurance assessment rates and other regulatory costs. Any change in the rate will take effect on the effective date as indicated in the Wall Street Journal. Interest will accrue on any non-banking day at the rate in effect on the immediately preceding banking day.

 

FLORIDA DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAXES DUE IN CONNECTION THIS NOTE HAVE BEEN PAID DIRECTLY TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.


(ii)    The “Applicable Margin” is the percentage per annum set forth below based on Borrower’s Funded Debt Ratio (as defined herein).

 

Applicable Margin

 

Funded Debt Ratio


 

Applicable Margin



Less than 1.5 to 1

  1.29% per annum

Equal to or greater than 1.50 to 1

but less than 2.50 to 1

  1.39% per annum

Equal to or greater than 2.50 to 1

  2.29% per annum

 

The Applicable Margin will be established based upon the Borrower’s annual financial statements due for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended December 31, 2003, delivered to the Bank as required in the Loan Agreement. The Applicable Margin will be in effect from the first day of the calendar month following receipt of such financial statements until the first day of the calendar month following receipt of the next financial statements from the Borrower required under the Loan Agreement. Until the Borrower’s annual financial statements due for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended December 31, 2003 have been received by the Bank, the Applicable Margin will be 1.39% per annum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any financial statements due under the Loan Agreement are not delivered when required under the Loan Agreement, the Applicable Margin from the date such financial statements were due until the date that the Bank receives the same will be 2.29% per annum, provided that the Bank shall notify the Borrower within five (5) days of increasing the Applicable Margin as a result of any such delinquency by the Borrower.

 

For the purposes hereof, the Borrower’s “Funded Debt Ratio” shall be the ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA. “Funded Debt” means all outstanding liabilities for borrowed money and other interest-bearing liabilities, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (as defined in Loan Agreement), on a combined basis, including current and long-term debt, less the non-current portion of Subordinated Liabilities (as defined in the Loan Agreement). For the purposes hereof, “EBITDA” means, with reference to any period, net income for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a combined basis, for the period plus, less income or plus losses from discontinued operations and less extraordinary items of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on a combined basis, plus all of the following of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on a combined basis: (a) income taxes, (b) interest expense, (c) depreciation, (d) depletion, (e) amortization and (f) other non-cash charges. This ratio will be calculated at the end of each reporting period for which the Bank requires financial statements from Borrower, using the results of the twelve-month period ending with that reporting period (or such shorter period if the Borrower has not been in existence for twelve months as of the date of such calculation).

 

(b)    Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year (based upon the actual number of days elapsed).

 

(c)    The total liability of the Borrower and any endorsers or guarantors hereof for payment of interest shall not exceed any limitations imposed on the payment of interest by applicable usury laws. If any interest is received or charged by any holder hereof in excess of that amount, the Borrower shall be entitled to an immediate refund of the excess.

 

(d)    Notwithstanding any contrary provision set forth herein, any principal of, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, any interest on this Note, and any other sum payable hereunder, that is not paid when due shall bear interest, from the date due and payable until paid, payable on demand, at a rate per annum (the “Default Rate”) equal to the lesser of: (i) the rate per annum otherwise payable under Section 3(a) hereof, as applicable, plus four percent (4%) per annum; or (ii) the highest rate permitted by law.

 

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4.    Prepayment.    The Borrower shall be entitled to prepay this Note in whole or in part at any time without penalty.

 

5.    Application of Payments.    All payments hereunder shall be applied first to the Bank’s costs and expenses, then to fees authorized hereunder or under the Loan Agreement, then to interest and then to principal.

 

6.    Default.    An Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred hereunder upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement. If any Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement) shall occur, any obligation of the Bank to make advances hereunder shall be terminated without notice to the Borrower. In addition, if any Event of Default shall occur, and upon the expiration of the Guarantor Cure Period (as defined in the Loan Agreement), the Bank may declare, in the manner set forth in the Loan Agreement, the outstanding principal of this Note, all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder and all other amounts payable under this Note to be forthwith due and payable. Thereupon, the outstanding principal of this Note, all such interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the outstanding principal of this Note, and any accrued and unpaid interest, shall bear interest at the Default Rate.

 

7.    Expenses.    All parties liable for the payment of this Note agree to pay the Bank all costs incurred by it in connection with the collection of this Note. Such costs include, without limitation, fees for the services of counsel and legal assistants employed to collect this Note, whether or not suit be brought, and whether incurred in connection with collection, trial, appeal or otherwise. All such parties further agree to indemnify and hold the Bank harmless against liability for the payment of state documentary stamp taxes, intangible personal property taxes or other taxes (including interest and penalties, if any) excluding income or service taxes of the Bank, which may be determined to be payable with respect to this transaction.

 

8.    Late Charge.    If any scheduled payment hereunder is 15 or more days late, the Borrower shall pay a fee equal to 4% of the unpaid portion of the scheduled payment. The fee is not a penalty, but liquidated damages to defray administrative and related expenses due to such late payment. The fee shall be immediately due and payable and shall be paid by the Borrowers to the Bank without notice or demand. This provision for a fee is not and shall not be deemed a grace period, and Bank has no obligation to accept a late payment. Further, the acceptance of a late payment shall not constitute a waiver of any default then existing or thereafter arising under this Note.

 

9.    Setoffs.    The Borrower and any endorsers, sureties, guarantors, and all others who are, or who may become liable for the payment hereof, other than The First American Corporation and its affiliates (excluding the Borrower and its subsidiaries) severally expressly grant to the Bank a continuing first lien security interest in any and all money, general or specific deposits, or property of any such parties now or hereafter in the possession of the Bank. The Borrower and such other parties authorize and empower the Bank, in its sole discretion, at any time after the occurrence of a default hereunder to appropriate and, in such order as the Bank may elect, apply any such money, deposits or property to the payment hereof.

 

10.    Auto Debit.    The Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to automatically deduct the amount of any payment due hereunder from any of the Borrower’s accounts now or hereafter maintained with the Bank (including, without limitation, account number 005491547850). If the funds in such account are insufficient to cover any payment, the Bank shall not be obligated to advance funds to cover the payment. At any time and for any reason, the Borrower or the Bank may voluntarily terminate automatic payments hereunder.

 

11.    Miscellaneous.    The Borrower and all sureties, endorsers and guarantors of this Note shall make all payments hereunder in lawful money of the United States at the Bank’s address set forth herein or at such other place as the Bank may designate in writing. The remedies of the Bank as provided herein shall be cumulative and concurrent, and may be pursued singly, successively or together, at the sole discretion of the Bank and may be

 

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exercised as often as occasion therefor shall arise. No act of omission or commission of the Bank, including specifically any failure to exercise any right, remedy or recourse, shall be effective, unless set forth in a written document executed by the Bank, and then only to the extent specifically recited therein. A waiver or release with reference to one event shall not be construed as continuing, as a bar to, or as a waiver or release of any subsequent right, remedy or recourse as to any subsequent event. This Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with Florida law and shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties hereto. The term “Bank” as used herein shall mean any holder of this Note. If more than one person or entity executes this Note, such persons and entities shall be jointly and severally liable hereunder. The Bank may, at its option, round any or all fractional interest rates under paragraph 3 upwards to the next higher 1/100 of 1%. The Borrower and all sureties, endorsers and guarantors of this Note hereby: (a) waive demand, notice of demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment or dishonor, protest, notice of protest and all other notice, filing of suit and diligence in collecting this Note, or in the Bank’s enforcing any of its rights under any guaranties securing the repayment hereof; (b) agree to any substitution, addition or release of any collateral or any party or person primarily or secondarily liable hereon; (c) agree that the Bank shall not be required first to institute any suit, or to exhaust his, their or its remedies against the Borrower or any other person or party to become liable hereunder, or against any collateral in order to enforce payment of this Note; (d) consent to any extension, rearrangement, renewal or postponement of time of payment of this Note and to any other indulgency with respect hereto without notice, consent or consideration to any of them; and (e) agree that, notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing (except with the express written release by the Bank of any such person), they shall be and remain jointly and severally, directly and primarily, liable for all sums due under this Note.

 

12.    Arbitration.    The Borrower, and the Bank by its acceptance hereof, agree to the following arbitration provisions:

 

(a)    These arbitration provisions govern the resolution of any controversies or claims between the Borrower and the Bank, whether arising in contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies or claims (collectively, a “Claim”) that arise out of or relate to: (i) this Note (including any renewals, restatements, extensions or modifications hereof); or (ii) any document related to this Note.

 

(b)    At the request of the Borrower or the Bank, any Claim shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U. S. Code) (the “Arbitration Act”). The Arbitration Act will apply even though this Note provides that it is governed by the law of a specified state. Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance with the Arbitration Act, the rules and procedures for the arbitration of financial services disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof (“JAMS”), and the terms of this Section. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this Section shall control. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted in Hillsborough County, Florida. All Claims shall be determined by one arbitrator. However, if Claims exceed $1,000,000, upon the request of any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All arbitration hearings shall commence within 90 days of the demand for arbitration and close within 90 days of commencement and the award of the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall be issued within 30 days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, upon a showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up to an additional 60 days. The arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be, shall provide a concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed and enforced.

 

(c)    The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this Note.

 

(d)    These arbitration provisions do not limit the right of the Borrower or the Bank to: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure against

 

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any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary remedies.

 

(e)    By agreeing to binding arbitration, the Borrower and the Bank irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material inducement for the Borrower’s executing, and the Bank’s accepting, this Note. No provision in this Note or in any document related hereto regarding submission to jurisdiction or venue in any court is intended or shall be construed to be in derogation of the provisions of this Note or in any such other document for arbitration of any controversy or claim.

 

13.    Assignment.    The Bank may sell or offer to sell this Note, together with any and all documents guaranteeing, securing or executed in connection with this Note, to one or more assignees without notice to or consent of the Borrower. The Bank is hereby authorized to share any information it has pertaining to the loan evidenced by this Note, including without limitation credit information on the undersigned, any of its principals, or any guarantors of this Note, to any such assignee or prospective assignee.

 

14.    NOTICE OF FINAL AGREEMENT.    THIS WRITTEN PROMISSORY NOTE REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR UNDERSTANDINGS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

FIRST ADVANTAGE CORPORATION, a

Delaware corporation doing business in Florida as

FIRST ADVANTAGE HOLDING, INC.

 
By:   /s/    JOHN LAMSON        
   
    John Lamson
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
     
    (SEAL)

 

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