WallStSmart

Gen Digital Inc. (GEN)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 6434% more annual revenue ($331.84B vs $5.08B). MSFT leads profitability with a 40.3% profit margin vs 20.7%. GEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. GEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

GEN

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.54

MSFT

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

GENSignificantly Overvalued (-32.8%)

Margin of Safety

-32.8%

Fair Value

$18.58

Current Price

$30.26

$11.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $18.58Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSFT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GEN5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Return on EquityProfitability
39.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
64.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 64.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
20.7%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$3.68T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
40.3%10/10

Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$19.64B10/10

Generating 19.6B in free cash flow

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

GEN3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.542/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.081/10

Elevated debt levels

MSFT3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.604/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
8.3x4/10

Trading at 8.3x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GEN

The strongest argument for GEN centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.7% and operating margin at 35.5%.

Bull Case : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 40.3% and operating margin at 45.1%. Revenue growth of 17.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : GEN

The primary concerns for GEN are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.08 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MSFT

The primary concerns for MSFT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GEN profiles as a mature stock while MSFT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

GEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.

MSFT is growing revenue faster at 17.7% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (19.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GEN scores higher overall (74/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 20.7% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Gen Digital Inc.

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Gen Digital Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions for consumers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Japan. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.

Microsoft Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

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