Quad Graphics (NYSE:QUAD) vs. CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW) Head to Head Contrast

CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW) and Quad Graphics (NYSE:QUAD) are both industrials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares CoreCivic and Quad Graphics’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
CoreCivic	5.15%	9.22%	3.99%
Quad Graphics	1.31%	47.90%	4.61%

Risk & Volatility

CoreCivic has a beta of 0.6, indicating that its share price is 40% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Quad Graphics has a beta of 1.08, indicating that its share price is 8% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares CoreCivic and Quad Graphics”s gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
CoreCivic	$2.21 billion	1.58	$116.50 million	$1.25	28.29
Quad Graphics	$2.42 billion	0.20	$27.00 million	$0.63	15.16

CoreCivic has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Quad Graphics. Quad Graphics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than CoreCivic, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for CoreCivic and Quad Graphics, as reported by MarketBeat.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
CoreCivic	0	0	4	0	3.00
Quad Graphics	0	1	3	1	3.00

CoreCivic currently has a consensus price target of $37.00, indicating a potential upside of 4.63%. Quad Graphics has a consensus price target of $12.00, indicating a potential upside of 25.63%. Given Quad Graphics’ higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Quad Graphics is more favorable than CoreCivic.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

85.1% of CoreCivic shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 39.5% of Quad Graphics shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.8% of CoreCivic shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 14.2% of Quad Graphics shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

About CoreCivic

CoreCivic, Inc. owns and operates partnership correctional, detention, and residential reentry facilities in the United States. It operates through three segments: CoreCivic Safety, CoreCivic Community, and CoreCivic Properties. The company provides a range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through corrections and detention management, a network of residential reentry centers to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. Its correctional, detention, and residential reentry facilities offer rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, faith-based services, life skills and employment training, and substance abuse treatment. The company owns and operates correctional and detention facilities, residential reentry centers, and properties for lease. CoreCivic, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

About Quad Graphics

Quad/Graphics, Inc. provides marketing solutions worldwide. The company operates through United States Print and Related Services, and International segments. It offers printing services, such as retail inserts, publications, catalogs, special interest publications, journals, direct mail, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, newspapers, custom print products, and other commercial and specialty printed products; and paper procurement services. The company also provides marketing and other services, including data and analytics, technology solutions, media services, creative and content solutions, managed services, and execution in non-print channels, as well as manufactures ink. It serves blue-chip companies that operate in various industries, and serve businesses and consumers across various industry verticals comprising retail, consumer packaged goods and direct-to-consumer, as well as financial services and health. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Sussex, Wisconsin.