Is GEN (Gen Digital Inc.) Halal or Haram?

Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, GEN is classified as Doubtful. It passed 3 of 4 compliance screens. Some scholars may permit investing with income purification, while others advise avoiding it. We recommend consulting a qualified Islamic scholar before investing in GEN.

Gen Digital Inc. is a global leader in consumer cybersecurity, operating well-known brands like Norton, LifeLock, and Avast. The company provides essential digital protection tools, including Norton 360 antivirus software and comprehensive identity theft monitoring services for millions of users worldwide. For Muslim investors, GEN currently holds a Doubtful status based on AAOIFI standards. While its core business of digital security is entirely halal, the stock fails our financial screening due to high levels of interest-bearing debt, meaning it cannot be considered shariah-compliant at this time. The primary concern from an Islamic finance perspective is Gen Digital's debt-to-market capitalization ratio, which stands at an alarming 72.2%, well above the 33% limit. Fortunately, its interest-earning cash reserves are minimal at 8.7% of market cap, and interest income accounts for just 0.71% of total revenue. Since the underlying software business is permissible, halal investors should monitor the company's balance sheet in upcoming quarters. If Gen Digital aggressively pays down its debt and brings the ratio below the 33% threshold, it could become a viable shariah-compliant tech investment. Gen Digital Inc. operates in the Technology sector under the Software - Infrastructure industry and is headquartered in Tempe, AZ, US. The company is led by CEO Vincent Pilette and employs approximately 3,400 people.

GEN was screened using AAOIFI-based shariah compliance criteria. Four tests are applied: (1) Business Activity — the company's core business must not derive primary income from haram (prohibited) activities such as alcohol, gambling, tobacco, or interest-based finance. (2) Debt-to-Market-Cap — total debt must not exceed 33% of market capitalization. (3) Interest Income — interest income must not exceed 5% of total revenue. (4) Cash & Securities — cash and interest-bearing securities must not exceed 33% of market cap. GEN passed 3 of these 4 screens.

GEN was last screened on 2026-04-29. Shariah compliance status can change as companies report new financial data, acquire new businesses, or shift revenue streams. We recommend checking back periodically for the most up-to-date screening results.