diff --git a/cdist/conf/type/__process/gencode-remote b/cdist/conf/type/__process/gencode-remote
index f178f706..41bc5381 100755
--- a/cdist/conf/type/__process/gencode-remote
+++ b/cdist/conf/type/__process/gencode-remote
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ fi
 
 parameter_state="$__object/parameter/state"
 if [ -f "$_parameter_state" ]; then
-    state_should=(cat "$__object/parameter/state")
+    state_should=$(cat "$__object/parameter/state")
 else
     state_should="present"
 fi