Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) AI Stock Analysis
GEN AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchGen Digital Inc. (GEN) is a global provider of consumer cyber safety and identity theft solutions, operating brands such as Norton, LifeLock, and Avira. In FY2026, the company generated $5.00B in revenue, delivering a 43.1% operating margin and $1.52B in free cash flow. However, the company carries significant leverage, with total debt reaching $8.18B against $564.0M in cash as of June 30, 2026.
- Market cap
- $14.46B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $5.08B
- P/E
- 14.1x fwd 9.3x
- 1Y return
- -6.9% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $32.33 33.8% vs last close
Bull case
- Operating margin expanded to 43.1% in FY2026, supporting $1.52B in annual free cash flow.
- The stock trades at a forward P/E of 9.3x, well below the S&P 500 Technology peer median of 20.9x.
- Analysts project EPS to grow 15.0% in FY2027 to $2.94, following 4 consecutive quarters of earnings beats.
Bear case
- The balance sheet carries $8.18B in total debt against $564.0M in cash, with a current ratio of 0.47.
- The 5-year annualized dividend growth rate is -47.5%, and gross margin decreased from 85.4% in FY2022 to 78.5% in FY2026.
- Shares declined 6.9% over the past year, lagging the S&P 500 return of 16.8%.
What Gen Digital does
Gen Digital Inc. provides cyber safety solutions designed to protect consumers worldwide across regions including the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, the company delivers services under its flagship Norton brand, such as the Norton 360 integrated security platform for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. It also offers identity theft protection via Norton and LifeLock, privacy tools including Norton Secure VPN and Privacy Monitor Assistant, and fraud alerts via Home Title Protect. Its portfolio further includes Avira Security, Dark Web Monitoring, and AntiTrack, distributed via retailers, telecom providers, hardware OEMs, employee benefit providers, and e-commerce platforms.
Growth and profitability
Gen Digital grew revenue from $2.80B in FY2022 to $5.00B in FY2026, achieving a 5-year revenue CAGR of 14.4%. Revenue expansion peaked in FY2026 with a 27.1% increase, while gross margin compressed from 85.4% in FY2022 to 78.5% in FY2026. Operating margin reached 43.1% in FY2026, up from 35.9% in FY2022, and net income rose to $973.0M. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2026, revenue stood at $5.08B with a net profit margin of 20.7%. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 6.3% year-over-year while quarterly earnings expanded 64.0%.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, Gen Digital held $564.0M in cash and short-term investments alongside total debt of $8.18B, resulting in net debt of $7.61B. Shareholders' equity was $2.66B, producing a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.08 and a current ratio of 0.47. Operating cash flow reached $1.54B in FY2026, supporting $22.0M in capital expenditures. Cash allocation in FY2026 included $634.0M directed toward share buybacks and $312.0M paid in dividends.
Valuation and performance
GEN trades at a trailing P/E of 14.1x and a forward P/E of 9.3x, sitting below the median of its S&P 500 Technology peers of 31.5x and 20.9x, respectively. Its price-to-sales multiple is 2.8x compared to the peer median of 6.3x, and its EV-to-EBITDA stands at 9.4x against the peer median of 19.9x. Over the past year, GEN shares delivered a return of -6.9%, underperforming the S&P 500 benchmark return of 16.8%. Over a 5-year period, the stock generated a 6.0% return versus 83.0% for the S&P 500.
GEN dividend
Gen Digital pays a quarterly dividend totaling an annualized forward rate of $0.50 per share, representing a 2.07% dividend yield and a 19.5% payout ratio. The company has paid dividends for 14 consecutive years. Its 5-year annualized dividend growth rate stands at -47.5%, and the most recent ex-dividend date occurred on August 17, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage consists of 4 Strong Buy and 6 Hold ratings among 10 analysts. The mean price target is $32.33, implying upside of 33.8% over the last close of $24.16. Consensus expectations project FY2027 revenue of $5.45B and EPS of $2.94, representing 15.0% earnings growth. For FY2028, revenue is estimated at $5.79B with EPS of $3.31. Gen Digital has beaten EPS estimates in each of the last 4 quarters, with its next earnings report scheduled for October 28, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- The debt-to-equity ratio of 3.08 and net debt of $7.61B leave the business sensitive to financing conditions.
- Gross margins have narrowed each year from 85.4% in FY2022 to 78.5% in FY2026.
- Quarterly revenue growth slowed to 6.3% year-over-year in the quarter ended June 30, 2026, below the peer median of 20.5%.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this GEN AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of Gen Digital Inc. (GEN). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: GEN income statement, GEN balance sheet, GEN key metrics, GEN analyst forecast, GEN chart. See the GEN stock overview for the latest quote and news.
GEN AI stock analysis FAQ
What is Gen Digital's current valuation multiple?
Gen Digital trades at a trailing P/E of 14.1x, a forward P/E of 9.3x, and an EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 9.4x.
Does Gen Digital pay a dividend?
Yes, Gen Digital pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward amount of $0.50 per share, yielding 2.07% with a payout ratio of 19.5%.
How much debt does Gen Digital carry?
As of June 30, 2026, the company held $8.18B in total debt and $564.0M in cash and short-term investments, resulting in net debt of $7.61B.
When is Gen Digital's next earnings date?
Gen Digital's next earnings announcement is scheduled for October 28, 2026.