Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on September 28, 2026, to disclose a LinkedIn post by Chief Executive Officer Vincent Pilette. The post addressed recent acquisition rumors and provided an update on the company's financial outlook.
Pilette responded to the question of whether Gen Digital is acquiring GoDaddy without commenting on specific rumors. Instead, he outlined the company's acquisition criteria, stating that an acquisition is only considered if it makes Gen stronger and creates long-term value. The CEO noted that the company asks five specific questions regarding a potential deal: whether it fits the strategy, if the price is right, if it creates real efficiencies, if it is accretive, and if it is better than buying back stock while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
The filing highlights the company's disciplined approach to M&A, citing the acquisitions of Avast and MoneyLion as examples. According to the post, Avast added hundreds of millions of active users and accelerated monetization capabilities. MoneyLion expanded Gen Digital into Financial Wellness and is on track to deliver more than 30% return on invested capital in its second year.
Regarding financial performance, Pilette stated that Gen Digital has accelerated its momentum, transforming from a low single-digit growth company to double-digit growth. The company recently raised its fiscal 2027 outlook to 9% to 11% revenue growth and mid-to high-teens non-GAAP EPS growth. The CEO noted that the quarter ending October 2, 2026, and the full year outlook are both tracking to the higher end of guidance.
The filing also provided historical context, noting that six years ago, Gen Digital generated $2 billion in revenue and less than $1 of EPS. Today, the company generates more than $5 billion in revenue and nearly $3 of EPS.
