WallStSmart

CoreCivic Inc (CXW)vsMSA Safety (MSA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CoreCivic Inc generates 22% more annual revenue ($2.34B vs $1.92B). MSA leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 5.5%. MSA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.99. MSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CXW

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

MSA

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.06
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CXWUndervalued (+45.3%)

Margin of Safety

+45.3%

Fair Value

$33.79

Current Price

$23.21

$10.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $33.79Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSA.

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
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.8%8/10

Revenue surging 25.8% year-over-year

MSA5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.998/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
22.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.2% 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

MSA1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
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 : MSA

The strongest argument for MSA centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 22.4%. PEG of 0.99 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CXW

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

Bear Case : MSA

The primary concerns for MSA are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CXW profiles as a growth stock while MSA is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

MSA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

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

MSA generates stronger free cash flow (65M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSA scores higher overall (74/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins. CXW offers better value entry with a 45.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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MSA Safety

INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA

MSA Safety Incorporated develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products that protect people and facility infrastructure in the oil, gas, petrochemical, fire, construction, industrial manufacturing, utility, military, and mining industries in America. North, Latin America and internationally. . The company is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

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