WallStSmart

CoreCivic Inc (CXW)vsFederal Signal Corporation (FSS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Federal Signal Corporation generates 5% more annual revenue ($2.45B vs $2.34B). FSS leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs 5.5%. CXW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. CXW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CXW

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.39

FSS

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.26
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CXWUndervalued (+45.0%)

Margin of Safety

+45.0%

Fair Value

$33.67

Current Price

$32.27

$1.40 discount

UndervaluedFair: $33.67Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for FSS.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CXW3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
65.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 65.7% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.8%8/10

Revenue surging 25.8% year-over-year

FSS3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.2610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.7%8/10

18.7% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

CXW4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.5%3/10

5.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.003/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-9.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

FSS3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CXW

The strongest argument for CXW centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 25.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : FSS

The strongest argument for FSS centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 18.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CXW

The primary concerns for CXW are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : FSS

The primary concerns for FSS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FSS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.

CXW is growing revenue faster at 25.8% — sustainability is the question.

FSS generates stronger free cash flow (95M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CXW scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100) and 25.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

CoreCivic Inc

INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA

CoreCivic, Inc. owns and operates partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.

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Federal Signal Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA

Federal Signal Corporation designs, manufactures, and supplies a suite of integrated products and solutions for municipal, government, industrial, and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.

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