Quick verdict: CPAY vs GEN in 2026

CPAY appears to have a stronger overall financial profile, leading in growth, profitability margins, and analyst conviction. Corpay is the clear growth leader with substantially higher revenue expansion, while also demonstrating superior operational efficiency with impressive net and EBITDA margins. For investors prioritizing potential future returns, Gen Digital presents a compelling case with a significantly higher analyst price target upside and DCF valuation. Not investment advice.

CPAY vs GEN: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of CPAY and GEN across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-04-01.

CPAY vs GEN valuation comparison

The CPAY vs GEN valuation presents a nuanced picture for investors assessing fundamental value in 2026. Corpay (CPAY) trades at a P/E ratio of 18.87x, slightly more attractive than Gen Digital (GEN) which stands at 19.2x. When examining the price-to-book (P/B) ratio, GEN appears marginally cheaper at 4.97x compared to CPAY’s 5.2x, suggesting GEN’s assets might be valued slightly less aggressively by the market relative to book value.

However, a deeper look at intrinsic value suggests both stocks are significantly undervalued according to Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models. GEN shows a slightly higher DCF upside of +164.2% from its current price of $18.83 to a DCF of $49.75, implying substantial room for appreciation based on future cash flows. CPAY, currently priced at $290.99, also presents a robust DCF upside of +157.1% to a DCF of $748.13. While both offer considerable long-term potential, GEN’s slightly higher DCF upside could appeal to investors seeking the greatest implied undervaluation from this metric, though CPAY’s lower P/E ratio could indicate it is marginally cheaper on traditional earnings multiples and also boasts a lower Debt/Equity ratio of 2.6x versus GEN’s 3.61x, suggesting better financial health.

CPAY vs GEN growth comparison

In terms of growth, Corpay (CPAY) clearly exhibits stronger momentum compared to Gen Digital (GEN). CPAY reported an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of +13.9%, showcasing its robust expansion in its financial technology and business payments sector. This substantial growth rate underscores CPAY’s ability to capture market share and scale its operations effectively, indicating a strong performance in this cpay vs gen stock comparison 2026 for growth investors.

In contrast, Gen Digital (GEN) registered a more modest revenue growth of +3.6% over the same period. While positive, this growth rate indicates a slower pace of expansion for the cybersecurity and digital identity company. CPAY’s significantly higher revenue growth, coupled with its superior net and EBITDA margins (23.62% net margin and 51.65% EBITDA margin for CPAY, compared to GEN’s 12.76% net margin and 46.14% EBITDA margin), paints a picture of a company not only growing faster but also more efficiently. This stronger top-line expansion suggests CPAY possesses a more compelling growth narrative for investors looking for dynamic companies in 2026, implying better forward estimates.

CPAY vs GEN profitability

When assessing CPAY vs GEN profitability, Corpay (CPAY) demonstrates a clear advantage in operational efficiency, particularly concerning its net margin. CPAY boasts a net margin of 23.62%, significantly higher than Gen Digital’s (GEN) 12.76%. This indicates that CPAY converts a much larger portion of its revenue into actual profit, reflecting strong cost management and pricing power within its business model. Furthermore, CPAY’s EBITDA margin of 51.65% also outpaces GEN’s 46.14%, reinforcing its superior operational profitability before accounting for depreciation, amortization, interest, and taxes.

However, when examining Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield, Gen Digital (GEN) takes the lead with an impressive 13.06% compared to Corpay’s (CPAY) 6.38%. This metric suggests that GEN is more efficient at converting its earnings into free cash that can be used for debt reduction, dividends, or reinvestment, which is a critical factor for many investors. Both companies report ‘N/A%’ for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on that specific profitability measure. While CPAY excels in converting sales into profit, GEN’s higher FCF yield suggests it generates more actual cash relative to its market capitalization, offering a different perspective on which company generates more cash.

Analyst ratings: CPAY vs GEN

The analyst ratings for CPAY vs GEN reveal a stronger consensus and higher conviction for Corpay (CPAY) among financial professionals. Out of 18 analysts covering CPAY, a notable 72.2% have issued a “Buy” rating, reflecting a strong positive sentiment towards the company’s future prospects. The consensus target price for CPAY stands at $362.13, representing a potential upside of +24.4% from its current price of $290.99. This solid backing from analysts, combined with a “Buy” consensus, indicates a belief in Corpay’s continued performance and value appreciation, making it the preferred choice for analysts by a significant margin in terms of buy percentage.

Gen Digital (GEN), while also holding a “Buy” consensus, exhibits a slightly less enthusiastic analyst sentiment. With 21 analysts providing coverage, 52.4% recommend a “Buy” rating. Despite this lower percentage of buy ratings compared to CPAY, GEN presents a significantly higher potential upside according to analyst targets. The consensus target price for GEN is $31.5, which implies a substantial +67.3% upside from its current price of $18.83. This suggests that while fewer analysts may be as bullish on GEN compared to CPAY, those who are see a much greater potential for capital appreciation, making GEN an intriguing option for investors willing to pursue higher risk for potentially higher reward.

Should I buy CPAY or GEN stock in 2026?

Deciding should I buy CPAY or GEN stock in 2026 depends heavily on an investor’s specific objectives and risk tolerance. For growth-oriented investors, Corpay (CPAY) presents a more compelling case. With a revenue growth rate of +13.9% year-over-year, CPAY significantly outpaces GEN’s +3.6% growth. This robust top-line expansion, combined with CPAY’s superior net margin of 23.62% and EBITDA margin of 51.65%, suggests a company with strong operational efficiency and a proven ability to scale profitably. Its higher analyst buy rating percentage also indicates a stronger conviction among market professionals regarding its growth trajectory.

For value investors, the choice between CPAY and GEN offers a mixed bag, necessitating a closer look at “cpay vs gen fundamentals and valuation”. CPAY trades at a slightly lower P/E ratio of 18.87x compared to GEN’s 19.2x, and also boasts a healthier Debt/Equity ratio of 2.6x against GEN’s 3.61x, suggesting better financial stability. However, Gen Digital offers a more substantial DCF upside of +164.2% and a higher analyst target upside of +67.3%, implying greater potential undervaluation and capital appreciation if these targets are met. Investors prioritizing a blend of lower P/E and better debt management might lean towards CPAY, while those seeking maximum implied intrinsic value upside might consider GEN.

Regarding income investors, neither CPAY nor GEN are particularly attractive dividend plays. Corpay (CPAY) currently offers a 0% dividend yield, making it unsuitable for those seeking regular income from their investments. Gen Digital (GEN), while technically paying a dividend, offers a minimal yield of 0.03%. This negligible payout means that both stocks are primarily geared towards capital appreciation rather than income generation. Therefore, investors focused on dividend income should likely look elsewhere. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own thorough research.

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FAQ: CPAY vs GEN