CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) Real Estate Portfolio & Strategy

CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) is a specialty REIT focused on correctional and detention facilities, offering real estate solutions to government partners. The company operates in a niche market, providing correctional management, residential reentry services, and government real estate across the United States, with a market capitalization of $3.16B.

What Is the Investment Thesis for CXW?

CoreCivic presents a nuanced investment case. The company's focus on correctional and detention facilities provides a stable revenue stream through government contracts. With a market capitalization of $3.16B and a P/E ratio of 21.1, CoreCivic's valuation reflects its established position in the specialty REIT sector. The company's commitment to rehabilitation programs and reentry services could drive long-term value by reducing recidivism rates and strengthening relationships with government partners. However, potential shifts in government policy and public sentiment toward private prisons pose ongoing risks. Investors should monitor contract renewals, occupancy rates, and legislative developments to assess CoreCivic's long-term growth potential.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

CXW Key Highlights

Market capitalization of $3.16B, reflecting its established position in the specialty REIT sector.

• P/E ratio of 21.1, indicating a potentially reasonable valuation compared to broader market averages.
• Gross margin of 23.6%, showcasing the company's ability to manage costs within its operations.
• Profit margin of 5.5%, reflecting the profitability of its government contracts and real estate solutions.
• Beta of 0.61, suggesting lower volatility compared to the overall market, which may appeal to risk-averse investors.

Who Are CXW's Competitors?

CXW is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are CXW's Key Strengths?

Established market position in the correctional facilities sector.

• Long-term contracts with government agencies provide stable revenue.
• Expertise in managing complex facilities and providing rehabilitation programs.
• Real estate portfolio provides a tangible asset base.

What Are CXW's Weaknesses?

Reliance on government contracts makes it vulnerable to policy changes.

• Negative public perception of private prisons can impact business opportunities.
• High operating costs associated with security and healthcare.
• Exposure to legal and regulatory risks related to inmate treatment.

What Could Drive CXW Stock Higher?

Contract renewals with federal and state government agencies.

• Expansion of residential reentry programs and related services.
• Potential legislative changes impacting the private prison industry.
• Implementation of new technologies to improve operational efficiency.
• Strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses.

What Are the Key Risks for CXW?

Changes in government policies regarding private prisons.

• Negative publicity and reputational damage.
• Litigation and legal challenges related to inmate welfare.
• Economic downturns impacting government budgets.
• Fluctuations in occupancy rates at correctional facilities.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for CXW?

• Expansion of Residential Reentry Programs: CoreCivic can capitalize on the growing demand for effective recidivism reduction programs. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that approximately two-thirds of released prisoners are rearrested within three years. By expanding its network of residential reentry centers and enhancing rehabilitation services, CoreCivic can attract additional government contracts and improve outcomes for individuals reentering society. This initiative aligns with broader criminal justice reform efforts and presents a long-term growth opportunity.
• Strategic Acquisitions of Complementary Businesses: CoreCivic can pursue strategic acquisitions to diversify its service offerings and expand its geographic reach. Acquiring companies specializing in electronic monitoring, inmate transportation, or correctional healthcare could enhance CoreCivic's value proposition and create synergies across its existing operations. This approach would allow CoreCivic to capture a larger share of the corrections market and reduce its reliance on traditional correctional facilities. The timeline for such acquisitions would depend on market conditions and available opportunities.
• Development of Government Real Estate Solutions: CoreCivic can leverage its real estate expertise to develop and manage government properties beyond correctional facilities. This could include courthouses, office buildings, and other essential infrastructure. By offering comprehensive real estate solutions, CoreCivic can strengthen its relationships with government partners and generate additional revenue streams. The market for government real estate is substantial, with ongoing needs for modernization and expansion. CoreCivic's experience in managing complex facilities positions it well to compete in this market.
• Technological Innovation in Correctional Management: Investing in technology to improve operational efficiency and enhance security can drive growth for CoreCivic. Implementing advanced surveillance systems, data analytics platforms, and digital rehabilitation programs can reduce costs, improve outcomes, and differentiate CoreCivic from its competitors. The market for correctional technology is rapidly evolving, with opportunities for innovation in areas such as biometric identification, predictive policing, and virtual reality training. CoreCivic can partner with technology companies to develop and deploy cutting-edge solutions.
• International Expansion into New Markets: CoreCivic can explore opportunities to expand its operations into international markets with similar needs for correctional and detention facilities. Countries with growing populations, high crime rates, and limited resources may be receptive to CoreCivic's expertise in correctional management. However, international expansion would require careful consideration of political, legal, and cultural factors. CoreCivic could partner with local governments or private sector entities to mitigate risks and ensure successful entry into new markets. The timeline for international expansion would depend on market research and due diligence.

What Are CXW's Competitive Advantages?

• Established relationships with government partners.
• Specialized expertise in correctional management.
• Significant infrastructure and real estate assets.
• Long-term contracts providing stable revenue streams.

What Does CXW Do?

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, CoreCivic, Inc. has evolved into a leading provider of partnership corrections and detention management services in the United States. Originally known as Corrections Corporation of America, the company pioneered the concept of private sector involvement in correctional facilities. CoreCivic owns and operates a diversified portfolio of correctional, detention, and residential reentry facilities. The company operates through three segments: CoreCivic Safety, which focuses on correctional and detention facilities; CoreCivic Community, which manages residential reentry centers; and CoreCivic Properties, which leases real estate to government agencies. CoreCivic's facilities offer a range of rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, faith-based services, life skills and employment training, and substance abuse treatment. As of December 31, 2021, CoreCivic owned and operated 46 correctional and detention facilities, 26 residential reentry centers, and 10 properties for lease. The company's mission is to provide cost-effective and innovative solutions to government partners while maintaining high standards of safety and security.

What Products and Services Does CXW Offer?

• Owns and operates correctional and detention facilities.
• Manages residential reentry centers for former inmates.
• Provides real estate solutions to government partners.
• Offers rehabilitation and educational programs.
• Provides correctional and detention management services.
• Manages facilities under long-term government contracts.
• Focuses on reducing recidivism through reentry programs.

How Does CXW Make Money?

• Generates revenue through long-term contracts with government agencies.
• Operates correctional and detention facilities on behalf of government partners.
• Leases real estate to government entities.
• Provides residential reentry services for a fee.

What Industry Does CXW Operate In?

CoreCivic operates within the specialty REIT sector, focusing on correctional and detention facilities. The industry is characterized by long-term government contracts and relatively stable occupancy rates. However, it faces increasing scrutiny due to ethical and social concerns surrounding private prisons. The market is influenced by government policies, demographic trends, and crime rates. Competitors include other private prison operators and companies providing related services. CoreCivic's position is shaped by its scale, experience, and relationships with government partners, but it must navigate evolving public sentiment and regulatory landscapes.

Who Are CXW's Key Customers?

• Federal government agencies (e.g., Bureau of Prisons, ICE).
• State government agencies (e.g., Departments of Corrections).
• Local government agencies (e.g., county jails).
• Other government entities requiring correctional or detention services.

Company Profile

CoreCivic, Inc. operates in the REIT - Specialty industry within the Industrials sector. It is headquartered in Brentwood, US. The company is led by CEO Patrick Swindle. CXW has traded publicly since 1997.

Return on equity for CoreCivic, Inc. stands at 9.0%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 4.8%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. CXW trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 21.11, roughly in line with the Real Estate sector average of ~21x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 2.44 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 0.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

CXW Valuation & Market Position

With a $3.16B market cap, CoreCivic, Inc. sits in the mid-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, CXW's quantitative score of 95/100 is above the peer average of 57/100.

Quarterly Financial Performance: CoreCivic, Inc.

Revenue for CoreCivic, Inc. came in at $684.9M during Q2 2026, a 11.4% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $37.1M, with diluted EPS of $0.36. Revenue has increased across the last three reported quarters, suggesting sustained momentum for this mid-cap Real Estate company. Across the four most recent quarters, CXW averaged $0.30 in diluted EPS.

CoreCivic, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 1.93 places it in the grey zone, a middle ground that warrants monitoring.

CoreCivic, Inc. has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 6 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 32.3% above estimates on average.

Wall Street analysts project CoreCivic, Inc. revenue of about $2.56B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $1.61. The estimate reflects 4 contributing analysts.

CXW Financials

CXW Latest News

CXW Analyst Consensus

CXW MoonshotScore

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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