In the fast-evolving technology sector, Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc. stand out as key players in software infrastructure, each driving innovation in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, respectively. Gen Digital’s extensive cyber safety solutions contrast with Veritone’s AI-powered data insights platform, highlighting diverse approaches to digital security and intelligence. This article will help you decide which company presents the most compelling investment opportunity in 2026.
Table of contents
Companies Overview
I will begin the comparison between Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc. by providing an overview of these two companies and their main differences.
Gen Digital Inc. Overview
Gen Digital Inc. provides comprehensive cyber safety solutions targeting consumers across multiple regions, including the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Its portfolio features Norton 360, LifeLock identity protection, VPN services, and privacy tools aimed at securing devices and personal information from online threats. Established in 1982 and based in Tempe, Arizona, Gen Digital is a significant player in the software infrastructure industry with a market cap of approximately 16.1B USD.
Veritone, Inc. Overview
Veritone, Inc. specializes in artificial intelligence computing solutions, operating the aiWARE platform that applies machine learning and cognitive processes to analyze structured and unstructured data. Serving sectors such as media, government, and legal, Veritone also offers media advertising agency services. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Veritone is a smaller technology firm with a market cap near 225M USD, focusing on AI-driven data insights and media services.
Key similarities and differences
Both Gen Digital and Veritone operate within the technology sector focusing on software infrastructure but diverge notably in their core offerings. Gen Digital emphasizes cybersecurity and privacy protection for consumers, while Veritone concentrates on AI-powered data processing and media-related services. Additionally, Gen Digital is a well-established, large-cap company with a broad international presence, whereas Veritone is a smaller, more specialized firm with a narrower market focus and higher beta, indicating greater volatility.
Income Statement Comparison
The table below presents a side-by-side comparison of the most recent fiscal year income statement metrics for Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc., highlighting their financial performance.
| Metric | Gen Digital Inc. | Veritone, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 16.1B | 225M |
| Revenue | 3.94B | 93M |
| EBITDA | 2.03B | -59M |
| EBIT | 1.61B | -88M |
| Net Income | 643M | -37M |
| EPS | 1.04 | -0.98 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2024 |
Income Statement Interpretations
Gen Digital Inc.
Gen Digital Inc. demonstrated steady revenue growth from $2.55B in 2021 to $3.94B in 2025, with net income also rising from $554M to $643M during this period. Gross margin remained favorable at 80.28%, and EBIT margin improved to 40.84%. In 2025, revenue growth slowed to 3.55%, but EBIT surged 44%, reflecting improved operational efficiency despite a slight margin contraction overall.
Veritone, Inc.
Veritone, Inc. saw fluctuating revenues, peaking at $150M in 2022 before declining to $93M in 2024, with net losses narrowing from -$64.7M in 2021 to -$37.4M in 2024. Gross margin stayed favorable at 70.58%, but EBIT margin remained deeply negative at -95.13%. In 2024, revenues dropped 7.35%, yet net margin and EPS showed favorable growth, signaling some operational improvements despite ongoing losses.
Which one has the stronger fundamentals?
Gen Digital Inc. exhibits stronger fundamentals with consistent revenue and net income growth, high gross and EBIT margins, and overall favorable income statement metrics despite some interest expense concerns. Veritone, while showing favorable margin and EPS improvements recently, continues to face significant losses and negative EBIT margins, suggesting ongoing challenges in achieving profitability.
Financial Ratios Comparison
The table below compares key financial ratios for Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) and Veritone, Inc. (VERI) based on their most recent fiscal year data, providing insights into profitability, liquidity, leverage, and efficiency.
| Ratios | Gen Digital Inc. (2025) | Veritone, Inc. (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 28.3% | -277.9% |
| ROIC | 7.8% | -58.3% |
| P/E | 25.4 | -3.34 |
| P/B | 7.19 | 9.27 |
| Current Ratio | 0.51 | 0.97 |
| Quick Ratio | 0.51 | 0.97 |
| D/E (Debt-to-Equity Ratio) | 3.66 | 8.91 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 53.7% | 60.5% |
| Interest Coverage | 2.79 | -7.31 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.25 | 0.47 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 36.1 | 8.51 |
| Payout Ratio | 48.7% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 0% |
Interpretation of the Ratios
Gen Digital Inc.
Gen Digital’s financial ratios show strength in net margin (16.34%) and return on equity (28.34%), with a favorable weighted average cost of capital (7.82%). However, concerns arise from a low current ratio (0.51) indicating liquidity risk, high debt levels (debt-to-equity 3.66, debt-to-assets 53.66%), and elevated valuation multiples (PE 25.36, PB 7.19). The company pays dividends with a neutral yield of 1.92%, but payout sustainability should be monitored given mixed cash flow coverage.
Veritone, Inc.
Veritone exhibits weak financial ratios with a negative net margin (-40.36%), deeply negative returns on equity (-277.91%) and invested capital (-58.27%), and a high cost of capital (11.43%). Liquidity is tight with a current ratio below 1 (0.97), and leverage is high (debt-to-equity 8.91). The firm does not pay dividends, reflecting ongoing losses and a probable focus on reinvestment and growth, amid challenging cash flow metrics and operational inefficiencies.
Which one has the best ratios?
Comparing both, Gen Digital’s ratios are generally stronger with positive profitability and returns despite some liquidity and leverage weaknesses. Veritone faces significant financial challenges with negative profitability, poor returns, and high leverage, resulting in a very unfavorable ratio profile. Thus, Gen Digital presents a comparatively more stable financial position based on current ratio evaluations.
Strategic Positioning
This section compares the strategic positioning of Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc. across Market position, Key segments, and Exposure to technological disruption:
Gen Digital Inc.
- Large market cap of 16B with established global presence; faces competition in cybersecurity software.
- Core revenues driven by consumer cyber safety and identity protection services; legacy segment is minimal.
- Positioned in cybersecurity with evolving privacy and identity protection tech; limited info on disruption exposure.
Veritone, Inc.
- Small market cap of 225M focused on AI computing; competes in niche AI solutions market.
- Revenue diversified across AI platform licensing, managed services, and media advertising.
- AI platform uses advanced machine learning models; operates in fast-changing AI technology sector.
Gen Digital Inc. vs Veritone, Inc. Positioning
Gen Digital shows a concentrated focus on cyber safety and identity solutions with a large global footprint, while Veritone pursues a diversified AI and media services model. Gen has scale advantages; Veritone targets emerging AI-driven markets but with smaller scale and higher volatility.
Which has the best competitive advantage?
Both companies have a very unfavorable MOAT evaluation, with declining ROIC and value destruction. Neither currently demonstrates a sustainable competitive advantage based on capital efficiency and profitability trends.
Stock Comparison
The stock price performance of Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) and Veritone, Inc. (VERI) over the past 12 months reveals significant bullish trends with decelerating momentum and contrasting recent declines in trading dynamics.
Trend Analysis
Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) exhibited a 17.89% price increase over the past year, indicating a bullish trend with decelerating acceleration. The stock ranged between 20.03 and 31.58, showing moderate volatility (std deviation 2.59). Recent trend shows a slight -0.99% dip.
Veritone, Inc. (VERI) showed a strong 147.22% gain over the 12-month period, also bullish with deceleration. Price fluctuated from 1.3 to 7.18, with lower volatility (std deviation 1.26). Recent trend is sharply negative at -28.91%.
Comparatively, VERI delivered the highest market performance with a 147.22% gain versus GEN’s 17.89%, despite both showing recent short-term declines and seller dominance in trading volumes.
Target Prices
The current analyst consensus presents a positive outlook for both Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Digital Inc. | 32 | 31 | 31.5 |
| Veritone, Inc. | 10 | 9 | 9.5 |
Analysts expect Gen Digital’s stock to trade around $31.5, significantly above the current $26.1 price, while Veritone’s target consensus of $9.5 is more than double its current $4.45 price, indicating strong upside potential.
Analyst Opinions Comparison
This section compares analysts’ ratings and grades for Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc.:
Rating Comparison
Gen Digital Inc. Rating
- Rating: B, considered very favorable by analysts.
- Discounted Cash Flow Score: 5, indicating very favorable valuation based on future cash flows.
- ROE Score: 5, showing strong efficiency in generating profit from shareholders’ equity.
- ROA Score: 3, moderate effectiveness in asset utilization.
- Debt To Equity Score: 1, very unfavorable, indicating high financial leverage risk.
- Overall Score: 3, moderate overall financial standing.
Veritone, Inc. Rating
- Rating: C, considered very favorable despite lower grades.
- Discounted Cash Flow Score: 5, similarly very favorable for valuation.
- ROE Score: 1, reflecting very unfavorable profitability from equity.
- ROA Score: 1, very unfavorable in using assets to generate earnings.
- Debt To Equity Score: 1, also very unfavorable due to financial risk.
- Overall Score: 2, moderate but lower overall financial standing.
Which one is the best rated?
Based strictly on the provided data, Gen Digital Inc. holds a better rating with a “B” and higher scores in ROE, ROA, and overall financial standing. Veritone, Inc. has a “C” rating with weaker profitability and asset utilization metrics.
Scores Comparison
Here is a comparison of the financial scores for Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc.:
Gen Digital Inc. Scores
- Altman Z-Score: 1.25, in distress zone, high bankruptcy risk
- Piotroski Score: 6, average financial strength
Veritone, Inc. Scores
- Altman Z-Score: -0.07, in distress zone, very high bankruptcy risk
- Piotroski Score: 3, very weak financial strength
Which company has the best scores?
Gen Digital Inc. has higher Altman Z-Score and Piotroski scores than Veritone, indicating relatively better financial stability and strength based on the provided data. However, both remain in the distress zone for bankruptcy risk.
Grades Comparison
The following section presents a comparison of grades assigned to Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc. by various grading companies:
Gen Digital Inc. Grades
This table summarizes recent grades from reputable grading firms for Gen Digital Inc.:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Sector Perform | 2025-11-07 |
| Evercore ISI Group | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-07 |
| Morgan Stanley | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-09-02 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-08-08 |
| Wells Fargo | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-08-08 |
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Sector Perform | 2025-08-08 |
| Barclays | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-07-14 |
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Sector Perform | 2025-05-07 |
| Morgan Stanley | Maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-04-16 |
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Sector Perform | 2025-01-31 |
Gen Digital’s grades largely cluster around “Sector Perform” and “Equal Weight,” with occasional “Outperform” and “Overweight” ratings, indicating a generally cautious but stable outlook.
Veritone, Inc. Grades
The following table lists recent grades for Veritone, Inc. from recognized grading institutions:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-09 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-04 |
| Needham | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-02 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-02 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-11-07 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-10-28 |
| HC Wainwright & Co. | Maintain | Buy | 2025-10-20 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-10-15 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-09-24 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-09-09 |
Veritone, Inc. consistently receives “Buy” ratings from multiple grading companies, reflecting a positive consensus on its stock.
Which company has the best grades?
Veritone, Inc. holds stronger and more consistent “Buy” grades compared to Gen Digital Inc.’s more mixed “Sector Perform” and “Equal Weight” ratings. This difference suggests Veritone’s stock is viewed more favorably by analysts, potentially influencing investor confidence and portfolio weighting decisions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Below is a comparison of key strengths and weaknesses for Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) and Veritone, Inc. (VERI) based on recent data.
| Criterion | Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) | Veritone, Inc. (VERI) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Strong focus on Cyber Safety with $3.88B revenue in 2025; limited Legacy segment ($50M) | Diverse AI-driven segments including Software Products & Services ($61M) and Managed Services ($31.5M) |
| Profitability | Positive net margin (16.34%), ROE (28.34%), ROIC (7.77%) — slightly favorable overall | Negative profitability with net margin -40.36%, ROE -277.91%, and ROIC -58.27% — very unfavorable |
| Innovation | Moderate innovation with focus on cybersecurity solutions | AI-powered products and services with ongoing expansion, but profitability challenges |
| Global presence | Established global footprint via Cyber Safety and Identity Protection | Smaller scale with niche AI markets, less global reach |
| Market Share | Large market share in consumer security sector | Smaller market share in AI and media services, growing but limited |
Key takeaways: Gen Digital shows strength in profitability and market leadership in cybersecurity despite some balance sheet weaknesses. Veritone is more diversified in AI services but faces significant profitability and financial health challenges, making it a higher risk investment at present.
Risk Analysis
Below is a comparative overview of key risk factors for Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) and Veritone, Inc. (VERI) based on the most recent data available.
| Metric | Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) | Veritone, Inc. (VERI) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Moderate (Beta 1.08) | High (Beta 2.05) |
| Debt level | High (Debt/Equity 3.66, Debt/Assets 53.7%) | Very High (Debt/Equity 8.91, Debt/Assets 60.5%) |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate (Cybersecurity sector, privacy regulations) | Moderate (AI sector with evolving data/privacy regulations) |
| Operational Risk | Moderate (Product integration & global reach) | High (AI tech development & client diversification) |
| Environmental Risk | Low (Software industry, limited direct impact) | Low (Software industry, limited direct impact) |
| Geopolitical Risk | Moderate (Global presence in multiple regions) | Moderate (US and UK markets focus) |
The most significant risks lie in Veritone’s elevated leverage and negative profitability, with high market volatility (beta 2.05), increasing bankruptcy risk indicated by a distress zone Altman Z-score. Gen Digital faces high debt levels but with stronger profitability and better operational stability, though it’s in the distress zone as well. Investors should prioritize risk mitigation around debt and market volatility for both stocks.
Which Stock to Choose?
Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) shows a favorable income statement with steady revenue growth of 3.55% in 2025 and a strong net margin of 16.34%. Its profitability is supported by a high return on equity of 28.34%, though financial ratios reveal a slightly unfavorable overall picture due to high debt levels and low liquidity. The company holds a very favorable rating with a B grade but faces challenges in value creation indicated by a very unfavorable MOAT status.
Veritone, Inc. (VERI) reports a mixed income evolution with a negative net margin of -40.36% but favorable long-term growth in net income and EPS. Its financial ratios are largely unfavorable, reflecting high leverage, weak profitability, and liquidity concerns, despite a very favorable rating grade C driven by discounted cash flow. VERI’s MOAT evaluation is also very unfavorable, signaling value destruction with declining returns.
Investors focused on stability and consistent profitability might find Gen Digital’s favorable income statement and rating more aligned with their risk-averse profile, while those with a higher risk tolerance and growth orientation could interpret Veritone’s recent price appreciation and improving earnings growth as offering potential upside despite weaker financial metrics. Both companies exhibit significant risks as reflected in their MOAT and financial ratios evaluations.
Disclaimer: Investment carries a risk of loss of initial capital. The past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Be sure to understand risks before making an investment decision.
Go Further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Gen Digital Inc. and Veritone, Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
