Core Insights - Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results on August 7, with expected non-GAAP revenues between $1.18 billion and $1.21 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 22.4% [1][8] - The company anticipates non-GAAP earnings per share in the range of 59-61 cents, with a consensus estimate of 60 cents, indicating a year-over-year increase of 13.2% [2][8] - Factors contributing to GEN's performance include increased demand for cybersecurity products, particularly due to a rise in global hacking incidents, and the successful launch of new features like Genie Scam Protection [3][4] Revenue and Segment Performance - The Consumer Security segment is projected to generate revenues of approximately $730.9 million, representing a 20.4% year-over-year increase, while the Identity and Information Protection division is expected to see revenues of $440.8 million, indicating a growth of 28.1% [4] - The increase in client bookings, strong retention rates, and international expansion are expected to positively impact top-line growth [5] Market Challenges - Despite positive indicators, GEN's performance may be affected by a decline in IT spending due to high interest rates and inflation, leading enterprises to defer significant IT investments [6][8] - The broader economic environment, including macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, is also anticipated to weigh on enterprise demand [6] Earnings Expectations - The company's earnings model suggests a strong likelihood of an earnings beat, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of 1.67% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [7]

Core Insights - Avast has been recognized as the Best Antivirus by Software Experts, highlighting its strong threat detection, wide platform support, and comprehensive privacy features [1][12] - The need for robust cybersecurity solutions is increasing due to evolving digital threats and growing user reliance on personal devices [1][10] Company Overview - Avast is a leading global provider of digital security software, offering real-time antivirus, privacy, and performance solutions for consumers and businesses [2][13] - The company supports over 435 million users worldwide and has received multiple certifications from independent labs [11][13] Product Features - Avast Premium Security includes malware detection, phishing protection, ransomware shields, and web threat prevention, available in single-device and multi-device plans [3][5] - The newly introduced Scam Guardian Pro feature provides multi-layered defense against online scams, including tools like Avast Assistant, Web Guard, and Email Guard [4][5] Performance Recognition - Avast has received numerous accolades, including the Best MacOS Security Award from AV-Test in 2024 and a perfect score in protection, performance, and usability [7][8] - The company achieved an A+ grade from Virus Bulletin with a 99.69% malware detection rate and was rated Approved in the AVLab Internet Banking Protection Test [9] Market Trends - The digital landscape is evolving, with macOS and mobile platforms experiencing increased threat activity, necessitating cross-platform protection and adaptive safeguards [2][10] - Antivirus software is expanding its role to manage security, privacy, and performance across various devices, especially in personal and financial domains [10]

Core Insights - Norton has launched AI-powered deepfake protection through its Norton Genie AI Assistant, currently in early access phase, to help users defend against malicious AI-generated audio and video content [1][4] - The deepfake protection feature analyzes audio and visual content for signs of manipulation, providing contextual protection by identifying inconsistencies in physical features in videos [2][3] - The service currently supports English-language YouTube videos, with plans for future expansion in platform and language support [3] Company Overview - Norton is a leader in Cyber Safety and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), dedicated to empowering digital freedom with trusted consumer brands [5] - The company aims to provide award-winning protection for devices, online privacy, and identity, certified by independent testing organizations [5] Product Features - The early access version of Norton Deepfake Protection is available on Norton 360 mobile products in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, with desktop support coming soon [4] - The Genie AI Assistant offers real-time guidance on the authenticity of video content by allowing users to upload YouTube links [3][4] - Future updates will extend deepfake protection to AI PCs powered by Intel chipsets and enhance detection capabilities on both desktop and mobile platforms [4]

Core Insights - Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate have been recognized as the top malware protection products for Mac users by Software Experts in 2025, highlighting the increasing cybersecurity threats targeting Apple devices [1][8] Product Performance - Software Experts' analysis evaluated Avast's performance in four key areas: malware protection, usability, real-world effectiveness, and feature set, with Avast excelling in all categories [3][13] - Avast Premium Security offers essential protections against various threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing, with features like real-time malware detection and email scam filtering [4][9] New Features - Avast has introduced Scam Guardian Pro, an AI-powered feature in Avast Premium Security, which includes tools for real-time web content scanning, suspicious message guidance, and risky email flagging [5][8] Multi-Device Solutions - Avast Ultimate provides a comprehensive multi-device solution, including a VPN, device performance optimizer, and anti-tracking tools, compatible across Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS [6][10] Industry Recognition - Avast received the Best macOS Security Award from AV-Test in 2024 and was recognized as a Top-Rated Product by AV-Comparatives in 2023, indicating strong performance and user-friendly interface [7][8] Cybersecurity Landscape - The evolving nature of online threats necessitates supplemental software for Mac users, as traditional native protections may not suffice against phishing, browser hijacking, and targeted ad tracking [12][11] - The rise of hybrid work models and increased personal device usage emphasizes the need for reliable cybersecurity tools across all platforms, including macOS [11][12]

Group 1 - Gen Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GEN) has been generating consistent cash flow, which has been utilized to pay down its current debt, indicating that while the debt is high, it remains under control [1] - The target price for Gen Digital Inc. is set at $34.80, suggesting a positive outlook for the company's stock [1] - The analysis emphasizes a bottom-up approach focusing on operational fundamentals, execution history, and sustainable growth drivers, particularly in the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors [1] Group 2 - The investment philosophy combines income and value investing strategies, highlighting the importance of a margin of safety in both multiples and projected cash flow [1] - Dividend yield is considered a fundamental component for generating returns and mitigating risks, especially in low coverage stocks [1] - The analysis occasionally includes options suggestions when they align with the main thesis and provide an asymmetric advantage [1]

Core Insights - The Q2/2025 Gen Threat Report highlights a significant rise in cyber threats, particularly those utilizing AI, with a focus on fake pharmacies and ransomware [1][2][3] Cyber Threat Trends - There has been a 21% increase in data breaches, with nearly 16% more breached emails reported [7] - Financial scams surged by 340% from April to June 2025, with many linked to deceptive ads on Facebook [6][7] - Sextortion scams doubled, indicating a growing trend in personal-targeted cybercrime [1][7] - Tech support scams on Facebook accounted for 14% of all blocked threats, driven by fake help pages [7] PharmaFraud Operations - Gen researchers identified over 5,000 fraudulent online pharmacy websites, collectively referred to as "PharmaFraud," which have been responsible for 1 million blocked attacks [3][4] - These scams employ tactics such as malicious code injection, manipulated search results, and AI-generated content to appear legitimate [4] Ransomware Developments - Gen uncovered a critical flaw in FunkSec, the first known AI-assisted ransomware, allowing victims to recover files without payment through a free decryptor [5] Emerging Threats - There was a 317% increase in malicious push notifications, often disguised as legitimate alerts [7] - Remote access attacks rose by 62%, particularly involving the Wincir RAT and cloud service abuses [12] Company Initiatives - Gen offers various protective solutions, including Norton Genie and Scam Guardian, to help users avoid falling victim to these scams [8]

Core Insights - The 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report highlights significant challenges parents face regarding cyberbullying and children's use of AI for emotional support, with 24% of parents reporting their children have been victims of cyberbullying and 41% indicating their children turn to AI for companionship [1][6] Cyberbullying Statistics - Over half (54%) of cyberbullying victims reported that the perpetrator was a classmate or peer, indicating that bullying extends beyond school hours and into digital spaces [2][4] - The report identifies various platforms where cyberbullying occurs, with social media being prominent: Facebook (52%), YouTube (46%), Instagram (45%), Snapchat (40%), and TikTok (37%) [4] Children's Digital Behavior - A significant number of parents (86%) attempt to manage their child's screen time, yet 56% of children find ways to bypass these limits [5] - Parents report concerning online behaviors among children, including accessing blocked sites (25%) and engaging in cyberbullying (9%) [5] Role of AI in Children's Lives - The report notes that 41% of parents say their children use AI for companionship, with 46% specifically using ChatGPT [6] - While 40% of parents recognize the benefits of AI for learning, there are concerns about its unintended effects, with fathers more likely to see its benefits compared to mothers [7] Recommendations for Parents - The report provides actionable steps for parents to enhance their children's online safety, including starting conversations about online behavior early, using parental control tools, teaching children to recognize red flags, modeling healthy tech use, and staying involved in their online activities [9][10][11][12][12]

The Business Services group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Is Gen Digital (GEN) one of those stocks right now? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Gen Digital is one of 259 individual stocks in the Business Services sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #3 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the in ...

Core Viewpoint - Gen Digital (GEN) is positioned well to continue its trend of beating earnings estimates, making it a stock worth considering for investors [1]. Earnings Performance - Gen Digital has a strong history of surpassing earnings estimates, averaging a 1.77% beat over the last two quarters [2]. - In the most recent quarter, the company reported earnings of $0.58 per share against an expectation of $0.59, resulting in a surprise of 1.72% [2]. - For the previous quarter, Gen Digital exceeded the consensus estimate of $0.55 per share by reporting $0.56, achieving a surprise of 1.82% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for Gen Digital have been trending higher, supported by its history of earnings surprises [5]. - The stock has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP of +1.67%, indicating that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) suggests a strong likelihood of another earnings beat in the upcoming report [8]. Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [6]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7].

Core Insights - Gen Digital Inc. is set to host an investor event to discuss its strategic expansion into Financial Wellness following the acquisition of MoneyLion [1][2] - The event will cover the company's vision for financial wellness, platform integration, product capabilities, and market strategies [1] - Gen aims to combine cyber safety and financial wellness solutions to provide value for consumers and shareholders in a digital-first environment [1] Event Details - The Financial Wellness Opportunity: Analyst and Investor Briefing 2025 is scheduled for September 8, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST in New York City [2] - A live webcast of the event will be available on the company's investor relations website and will be accessible for replay for one year [2] Company Overview - Gen Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GEN) focuses on empowering Digital Freedom through its consumer brands, including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, and MoneyLion [3] - The company aims to provide financial empowerment and cyber safety for digital generations, serving nearly 500 million users across more than 150 countries [3] - Gen offers award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy, identity protection, and financial wellness [3]