Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated May 1, 2026
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
As of May 7, 2026, CoreCivic, Inc. (CXW) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $15.50, based on estimates from 12 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $21.17, this represents a potential downside of -26.8%. The company has a market capitalization of $2.09B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $14.00 to a high of $17.00, representing a 19% spread in expectations. The median target of $15.50 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 10 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,2 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. This overwhelmingly bullish sentiment suggests analysts see significant catalysts for upside ahead.
From a valuation perspective, CXW trades at a trailing P/E of 19.6x and forward P/E of 14.0x.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $43.11, with bear and bull scenarios of $15.05 and $39.36 respectively. Model confidence stands at 53/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
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CXW's consensus price target is $15.5, -26.8% below the current price of $21.17. The 12 analysts tracking CXW see downside risk at present valuations.
CXW has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 12 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 10 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $15.5 implies -26.8% downside from current levels.
With a forward P/E of 14.0199x, CXW trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $15.5 implies -26.8% move, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $17 for CXW, while the most conservative target is $14. The consensus of $15.5 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $39 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
CXW is moderately covered, with 12 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 10 have Buy ratings, 2 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month CXW stock forecast based on 12 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $15.5, with estimates ranging from $14 (bear case) to $17 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $43, with bear/bull scenarios of $15/$39.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates CXW's fair value at $43 (base case), with a bear case of $15 and bull case of $39. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 53/100.
CXW trades at a forward P/E ratio of 14.0x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 19.6x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Analysts are cautious on CXW, with 0 Sell ratings and a price target of $15.5 (-26.8% from current price). The "Buy" consensus suggests careful evaluation before buying. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
CXW analyst price targets range from $14 to $17, a 19% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $15.5 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $15-$39 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.