GEN

We rate Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) as a Reduce with a composite score of 49.6/100 at a current price of $21.96. The quantitative profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting limited upside potential and elevated risk of underperformance relative to peers over the next 12 months.

The rating is primarily driven by strength in stability (79th percentile) and value (61th percentile), which together account for the majority of the composite score. Offsetting weakness in investment (34th percentile) and momentum (52th percentile) tempers our overall conviction. We assign a Narrow Moat rating (54/100), High uncertainty, and Standard capital allocation.

Key items to watch: balance sheet deleveraging progress; sustainability of the current growth rate. Any material change in these dynamics could warrant a reassessment of our rating. The moat trend is stable, which suggests the competitive landscape is stable for now.

Gen Digital Inc. holds a top-quartile position (#0 of 50) within the Services sector, based on our composite quantitative scoring across quality, value, momentum, and stability factors. The composite score of 49.6/100 places it at rank #2074 in our full 7,333-stock universe. With a $17.1B market capitalization, Gen Digital Inc. operates at meaningful scale within the Services sector, providing competitive advantages in distribution, procurement, and customer reach.

Revenue is growing at 28%, though momentum at the 52th percentile suggests the market has not yet fully recognized this trajectory. This potential disconnect between fundamental improvement and market recognition could represent an opportunity for patient investors if the growth trend persists.

The margin cascade tells an important story: gross margins of 79% (+19.7pp vs sector) narrow to operating margins of 38% (+34.0pp vs sector) and net margins of 14.8%, yielding a gross-to-net conversion rate of 19%. This conversion rate is typical for the sector, suggesting a standard cost structure without notable efficiency advantages or disadvantages.

At a current price of $21.96, Gen Digital Inc. is trading near fair value based on current fundamentals. Our value factor score of 61/100 reflects a composite assessment across multiple valuation metrics including price-to-earnings, price-to-book, EV/EBITDA, and price-to-sales ratios relative to both sector peers and the broader market. Valuation metrics are mixed, with no strong signal of mispricing in either direction.

The stock currently trades at a P/E of 20.9x (roughly in line with the sector median of 23.7x), EV/EBITDA of 13.3x (near the sector median), P/B of 5.8x, P/S of 3.1x. The below-sector P/E suggests possible undervaluation or the market pricing in near-term headwinds.

We assign a High uncertainty rating to Gen Digital Inc.. Key risk factors include significant leverage (361% debt-to-equity). The wide range of potential outcomes widens our fair value estimate and increases the possibility of permanent capital impairment. Investors considering this name should size positions accordingly and demand a meaningful margin of safety before initiating.

Specific risk factors that inform our assessment include: significant leverage (361% debt-to-equity). Each of these factors independently widens the distribution of potential outcomes, and in combination they create a risk profile that demands careful position sizing. The stability factor at the 79th percentile and quality factor at the 52th percentile provide a quantitative summary of the overall risk landscape.

Key risk mitigants include: healthy gross margins of 79% provide a buffer against cost pressures; above-average stability (79th percentile) suggests predictable business dynamics. These factors partially offset the identified risks and provide downside protection in adverse scenarios. On balance, the risk-reward profile warrants caution and disciplined position management.

We rate Gen Digital Inc.'s capital allocation as Standard. Management has shown adequate — though not exceptional — stewardship of shareholder capital. Returns on equity stand at 27.7%, and the balance sheet is managed within acceptable parameters (D/E: 361%). Exemplary allocators typically sustain ROE above 20% and D/E below 50%; Gen Digital Inc. falls short on at least one dimension.

There is room for improvement in optimizing the capital structure or enhancing shareholder returns. The 1.80% dividend yield provides some income return, but the overall capital allocation framework would benefit from either higher reinvestment returns, improved balance sheet efficiency, or increased shareholder distributions. We will monitor for signs of strategic improvement that could warrant an upgrade.

In summary, Gen Digital Inc. receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 49.6/100 (rank #2074 of 7,333). Our quantitative framework assigns a Narrow Moat (54/100, trend: stable), High uncertainty, and Standard capital allocation. The average factor score across quality, value, momentum, stability, and investment is 56/100.

Our analysis does not support a constructive view on Gen Digital Inc. at this time. The combination of the current quantitative profile, high uncertainty, and standard capital allocation suggests unfavorable risk-reward at current levels. We recommend investors avoid new positions and existing holders consider reducing exposure.