Shares of Gen Digital (GEN) have gained 0% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $26.37, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $34.38 indicates a potential upside of 30.4%.The mean estimate comprises eight short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $5.5. While the lowest estimate of $29.00 indicates a 10% increase from the current pri ...

Core Viewpoint - Gen Digital (GEN) shows potential for significant upside, with a mean price target of $34.38 indicating a 28.7% increase from its current price of $26.72 [1][11]. Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of eight short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $5.5, suggesting variability in analyst predictions. The lowest estimate is $29.00 (8.5% increase), while the highest is $46.00 (72.2% increase) [2][9]. - A low standard deviation among price targets indicates strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price direction, which can serve as a starting point for further research [9]. Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have shown growing optimism regarding GEN's earnings prospects, as evidenced by a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions. This correlation between earnings revisions and stock price movements supports the expectation of an upside [11][12]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 1.3%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [12]. Zacks Rank and Investment Potential - GEN holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, indicating strong potential for near-term upside [13]. - While consensus price targets may not be entirely reliable, the implied direction of price movement appears to be a useful guide for investors [14].

Core Insights - Avast has launched Scam Guardian and Scam Guardian Pro for mobile devices, enhancing AI-powered scam protection for Android and iOS users [1][2] - Over 80% of attacks blocked by Gen Threat Labs on mobile devices this year have been scams and social engineering attacks, with an average of four scam attacks blocked every second [2] Product Features - Scam Guardian Pro includes advanced features such as Call Guard, Email Guard, SMS Guard, Avast Assistant, and Web Guard, designed to proactively block and flag scams [3][7] - Call Guard automatically blocks or labels incoming scam calls, while Email Guard uses AI to detect sophisticated email scams [7] - SMS Guard focuses on identifying text message scams, and Avast Assistant provides 24/7 advice on suspicious online activities [7] Availability - Scam Guardian and Scam Guardian Pro are initially available in France and Germany, with plans for a global rollout soon [4]

Core Insights - The article compares Gen Digital (GEN) and Zeta Global Holdings (ZETA) to determine which stock offers better value for investors [1] - A strong Zacks Rank combined with favorable Value category scores is highlighted as an effective method for identifying value opportunities [2] Company Rankings - Gen Digital has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while Zeta Global Holdings has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a more favorable earnings outlook for GEN [3] Valuation Metrics - GEN has a forward P/E ratio of 10.40, significantly lower than ZETA's forward P/E of 28.53, suggesting that GEN may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for GEN is 0.80, compared to ZETA's PEG ratio of 1.13, indicating that GEN has a better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - GEN's P/B ratio is 6.6, while ZETA's P/B ratio is 6.87, further supporting the notion that GEN is more attractively valued [6] Value Grades - GEN has received a Value grade of A, whereas ZETA has a Value grade of D, reflecting GEN's stronger valuation metrics and estimate revision activity [6][7]

Revenue Performance - Net revenues for the three months ended October 3, 2025, increased by $246 million, primarily driven by a $221 million increase in Trust-Based Solutions, including $202 million from the acquisition of MoneyLion[178]. - For the six months ended October 3, 2025, net revenues rose by $538 million, with $424 million attributed to Trust-Based Solutions, including $370 million from MoneyLion, and an additional $87 million from an extra week in the fiscal calendar[179]. - Total net revenues reached $1,220 million for the three months ended October 3, 2025, up from $974 million (25%) in the same period last year, and $2,477 million for the six months, compared to $1,939 million (28%)[188]. - Total bookings increased to $1,222 million for the three months ended October 3, 2025, compared to $964 million (27%) in the prior year[184]. Income and Expenses - Operating income for the three months ended October 3, 2025, increased by $36 million, while for the six months, it rose by $65 million, both primarily due to increased net revenues[172]. - Net income for the three months ended October 3, 2025, was $134 million, a decrease of $27 million compared to the prior year, while for the six months, it was $269 million, down $73 million[164]. - Cost of revenues increased by $72 million (37%) for the three months ended October 3, 2025, primarily due to a $46 million increase in partner revenue share in Trust-Based Solutions[191]. - Operating expenses totaled $516 million for the three months ended October 3, 2025, a 37% increase from $378 million in the same period last year[193]. - Sales and marketing expenses rose by $113 million (61%) for the three months ended October 3, 2025, mainly due to increased marketing expenses and headcount costs[194]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $305 million compared to March 28, 2025, mainly due to the cash paid for the acquisition of MoneyLion[172]. - As of October 3, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $691 million, with $380 million held by foreign subsidiaries[215]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended October 3, 2025, was $525 million, an increase from $422 million in the same period of 2024[211][212]. - The company used $880 million in investing activities primarily for the acquisition of MoneyLion[213]. - Financing activities generated $48 million, mainly from the issuance of an Incremental Term Loan B of $741 million[214]. - Total outstanding debt as of October 3, 2025, was $8,794 million, including $6,304 million in term loans and $2,450 million in senior notes[220]. - The company has an undrawn revolving credit facility of $1,494 million, expiring in September 2027[216]. Acquisitions and Strategic Initiatives - The company completed the acquisition of MoneyLion on April 17, 2025, enhancing its identity solutions and financial wellness offerings[166]. - The company's Cyber Safety Platform and Trust-Based Solutions are designed to meet the needs of today's digital generation, focusing on cybersecurity and financial empowerment[161]. - Trust-Based Solutions revenue rose by $221 million (119%) and $424 million (134%) for the three and six months ended October 3, 2025, primarily due to the acquisition of MoneyLion and growth in identity point solutions[182]. - Cyber Safety Platform revenue increased by $25 million (3%) and $114 million (7%) for the three and six months ended October 3, 2025, respectively, driven by growth in cyber safety membership offerings[182]. Market Conditions and Outlook - The company anticipates that global macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and geopolitical conflicts, may impact customer behavior and financial performance[168]. - The company remains confident in its long-term business health and product strength despite current economic uncertainties[169]. Shareholder Returns and Taxation - A cash dividend of $0.125 per share was announced on November 6, 2025, to be paid in December 2025[221]. - The company executed stock repurchases of 5 million shares for $134 million during the six months ended October 3, 2025[217]. - The effective tax rate for the three months ended October 3, 2025, was 42%, compared to 38% for the same period last year[204]. Non-Operating Income and Financial Management - Non-operating income (expense), net, increased by $61 million for the three months ended October 3, 2025, primarily due to a $69 million change in fair value and impairment of non-marketable equity investments[202]. - A hypothetical 100 basis point change in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) would result in a $63 million increase in annual interest expense[228]. - The company manages foreign currency exposure through monthly foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge balance sheet exposures[234].

Core Insights - Gen Digital Inc. reported strong second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenues and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showcasing a year-over-year earnings growth of 14.8% [1][10] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP earnings for the second quarter were 62 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.64% [1] - Non-GAAP revenues reached $1.22 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 25.3% and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.3% [2] - Cyber Safety revenues amounted to $814 million, up 3% year over year, while Trust-Based Solutions segment revenues surged 119% to $406 million [3] - Direct Customer revenues rose 17% year over year to $1.01 billion, and Partner revenues improved 88% to $210 million [3] - Quarterly bookings advanced 27% year over year to $1.22 billion, with the average direct customer count increasing to 77 million from 67 million a year ago [4] Profitability Metrics - Non-GAAP gross profit grew 22% year over year to $1.021 billion, although gross margin contracted by 240 basis points to 83.7% [5] - Non-GAAP operating income totaled $623 million, up 10% year over year, with an operating margin of 51.1%, down 710 basis points year over year [6] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $701 million, down from $828 million in the previous quarter, while long-term debt decreased to $8.421 billion [7] - Operating cash flow generated was $116 million, with free cash flow at $107 million; the company paid out $77 million in dividends and repaid $169 million of debt [8] Guidance - For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Gen Digital anticipates revenues between $1.22 billion and $1.24 billion, with projected non-GAAP earnings between 62 cents and 64 cents [9] - The full-year revenue outlook for fiscal 2026 has been raised to a range of $4.92 billion to $4.97 billion, up from the previous guidance of $4.8 billion to $4.9 billion [9]

Core Insights - Gen Digital (GEN) reported quarterly earnings of $0.62 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.61 per share, and up from $0.54 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +1.64% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $1.22 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.30% and increasing from $975 million year-over-year [2] - Gen Digital has consistently outperformed consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the last four quarters [2] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise for the previous quarter was +6.67%, with actual earnings of $0.64 per share compared to an expected $0.60 [1] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.63, with projected revenues of $1.2 billion, and for the current fiscal year, the EPS estimate is $2.53 on revenues of $4.86 billion [7] Market Position - Gen Digital shares have declined approximately 5.6% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 15.6% [3] - The Zacks Rank for Gen Digital is currently 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Technology Services industry, to which Gen Digital belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated just over $1.2 billion in revenue, up 25% year-over-year [8][20] - Non-GAAP operating margin was maintained above 50%, with non-GAAP EPS at $0.62, reflecting a 15% increase year-over-year [9][26] - Q2 bookings and revenue were over $1.2 billion, up 27% and 25% year-over-year, respectively [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer fintech business, MoneyLion, grew by 50% [8] - The cybersafety segment saw bookings grow by 5% year-over-year, with a robust operating margin of 61% [9][21] - The trust-based solution segment's revenue increased over 25% on a pro forma basis, with an operating margin of 30% [11][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over 77 million customers, with a sequential increase of approximately 1 million [24] - The employee benefits channel continues to grow in double digits, reflecting strong demand for bundled solutions [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a leader in consumer cybersafety and fintech, focusing on secure financial wellness [8][14] - There is a strategic emphasis on integrating AI across products and enhancing customer engagement through personalized offerings [15][16] - The company is raising its annual guidance to $4.92 to $4.97 billion, reflecting strong momentum and a commitment to innovation [17][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted the increasing complexity of the threat landscape and the importance of consumer trust in financial wellness [6][7] - The company has not observed significant changes in consumer behavior despite economic fluctuations, indicating resilience in its subscription and security revenue streams [39][40] Other Important Information - The company is focused on disciplined growth investments in AI, data, and platform architecture to enhance customer value [9][15] - The integration of MoneyLion is progressing smoothly, unlocking revenue synergies and enhancing the customer experience [12][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the view on the macro environment and consumer health? - Management indicated that there is no significant correlation between economic downturns and subscription revenue, and consumer demand for financial wellness remains strong [37][39] Question: Can you discuss the trajectory of partner revenue? - Management expects partner revenue to continue growing faster than direct revenue, driven by embedded services and marketplace expansion [49][50] Question: What are the keys to momentum in upselling Norton 360 memberships? - The introduction of new features like Norton Genie and Norton Money is enhancing customer engagement and driving upsell opportunities [58][60] Question: How does the company view the profitability of the MoneyLion business? - Management highlighted that MoneyLion's operating margin is currently around 20%, with a focus on balancing subscription and transaction-based revenue [72][73] Question: What drove the sequential growth in cybersafety customers? - Management attributed the growth to increased engagement, improved retention, and effective customer acquisition strategies [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated just over $1.2 billion in revenue, up 25% year-over-year [8] - Non-GAAP operating margin maintained above 50%, with non-GAAP EPS of $0.62, up 15% year-over-year [9][26] - Q2 bookings and revenue were over $1.2 billion, up 27% and 25% year-over-year, respectively [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer fintech business, MoneyLion, grew by 50% [8] - Cybersafety segment bookings grew 5% year-over-year, with a robust operating margin of 61% [9] - Trust-based solutions segment revenue grew over 25% on a pro forma basis, with an operating margin of 30% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over 77 million customers, up approximately 1 million sequentially [24] - The employee benefits channel continues to grow double digits, with a robust pipeline ahead of the annual enrollment period [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a global leader in consumer cybersafety and fintech, focusing on secure financial wellness [8] - The integration of MoneyLion is expected to unlock revenue synergies by unifying data systems across cybersafety and trust-based solutions [12] - The strategic direction includes expanding customer cohorts and enhancing user experience through technology leadership [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers face a rapidly evolving threat landscape, with cybercrimes projected to exceed $15 billion annually in the U.S. [7] - The company raised its annual guidance to $95 million at the midpoint, reflecting over 25% growth on a reported basis [16] - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business, supported by a highly recurring revenue base and strong customer retention [28] Other Important Information - The company paid down $160 million of debt at the end of the quarter, with net leverage at 3.2 times EBITDA [27] - A regular quarterly cash dividend of 12.5 cents per common share was approved for Q3 fiscal 2026 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: View of the macro environment and health of the consumer - Management indicated that there is no significant correlation between economic downturns and subscription or security revenue streams, with strong growth in secure financial wellness offerings [38] Question: Frequency of member interaction with LifeLock products - Management discussed the integration of MoneyLion and the focus on revenue synergies, particularly through the Norton Money platform and curated marketplaces [41] Question: Trajectory of partner revenue - Management expects partner revenue to continue growing faster than direct revenue, driven by the embedded services in partner organizations [50] Question: Free cash flow trajectory and capital allocation - Management confirmed strong free cash flow generation and a balanced approach to capital allocation between debt paydown and share repurchases [53] Question: Momentum in upselling customers into higher-tier Norton 360 memberships - Management highlighted the engagement of Norton 360 and the introduction of new features like Norton Money to drive upselling [60] Question: Growth trends in the core cybersafety business - Management noted that revenue reflects trailing bookings and emphasized the importance of innovation and customer engagement in driving future growth [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated just over $1.2 billion in revenue, up 25% year-over-year [6] - Non-GAAP operating margin was maintained above 50%, with non-GAAP EPS of $0.62, up 15% year-over-year [8][25] - Q2 bookings and revenue were over $1.2 billion, up 27% and 25% year-over-year, respectively [19] - Q2 net income was $387 million, with diluted EPS of 62 cents, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of achieving or exceeding the 12% to 15% EPS growth target [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer fintech business, MoneyLion, grew by 50% [6] - In the cybersafety segment, bookings grew by 5% year-over-year, with a robust operating margin of 61% [8] - The trust-based solution segment saw revenue growth of over 25% on a pro forma basis, with an operating margin of 30% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over 77 million customers, up approximately 1 million sequentially [23] - The employee benefits channel continues to grow in double digits, with a robust pipeline ahead of the annual enrollment period [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a global leader in consumer cybersafety and fintech, focusing on secure financial wellness [6] - There is a strategic emphasis on integrating AI across all operations, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency [14][16] - The company is expanding its ecosystem by embedding financial wellness features into its existing products [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a complex threat landscape with increasing cyber threats, emphasizing the need for robust security solutions [5][34] - The company raised its annual guidance to $95 million at the midpoint, reflecting strong momentum and a resilient business model [16][27] - Management expressed confidence in the continued demand for financial wellness solutions, regardless of economic fluctuations [36] Other Important Information - The company is committed to a balanced capital allocation strategy, focusing on debt paydown and share repurchases [48] - The integration of MoneyLion is progressing smoothly, unlocking revenue synergies and enhancing customer offerings [11][76] Q&A Session Summary Question: View of the macro environment and consumer health - Management indicated that there has been no significant correlation between economic downturns and subscription or security revenue streams, with strong growth in personal financial management offerings [32][35] Question: Frequency of member interaction with LifeLock products - Management highlighted the integration of MoneyLion and LifeLock, focusing on enhancing the customer experience through curated marketplaces and embedded financial tools [38][39] Question: Trajectory of partner revenue - Management expects partner revenue to continue growing faster than direct revenue, driven by the integration of services and marketplace expansion [44] Question: Free cash flow trajectory and capital allocation - Management confirmed strong free cash flow generation and a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing debt paydown and share repurchases [46][48] Question: Keys to momentum in upselling Norton 360 memberships - Management noted increased engagement through new features like Norton Genie and the launch of Norton Money, which are driving upsell opportunities [54][55] Question: Growth trends in the core cybersafety business - Management acknowledged slight differences in growth rates but emphasized the potential for improved revenue growth driven by customer acquisition and innovation [78][80]