VeriSign (VRSN)


Market Price (10/26/2026): $299.0 | Market Cap: $26.8 BilInvestor Relations Sector: Information Technology | Industry: Internet Services & Infrastructure

VeriSign (VRSN)


Market Price (10/26/2026): $299.0
Market Cap: $26.8 Bil
Sector: Information Technology
Industry: Internet Services & Infrastructure

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

0

Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 68%

Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 61%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 59%

Stock buyback support
Stock Buyback 3Y Total is 3.0 Bil

Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 29%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Cybersecurity, and 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Themes include Network Security, and Telecom Infrastructure.

Trading close to highs
Dist 52W High is -2.8%, Dist 3Y High is -2.8%

Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -33%

Key risks
VRSN key risks include [1] its critical dependence on exclusive ICANN agreements, Show more.

0 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 68%
1 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 61%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 59%
2 Stock buyback support
Stock Buyback 3Y Total is 3.0 Bil
3 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 29%
4 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Cybersecurity, and 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Themes include Network Security, and Telecom Infrastructure.
5 Trading close to highs
Dist 52W High is -2.8%, Dist 3Y High is -2.8%
6 Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -33%
7 Key risks
VRSN key risks include [1] its critical dependence on exclusive ICANN agreements, Show more.

VRSN in ETFs

Weight = VRSN's share of each fund

SPY0.04%
VOO0.03%
IVV0.04%
VTI0.03%
ITOT0.03%
IWB0.03%
RSP0.21%
VUG0.09%
+24 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 10/22/2026

VeriSign (VRSN) stock has gained about 20% since 6/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q2 2026 Performance and Shareholder Return Program. VeriSign reported fiscal Q2 2026 revenue of $434.6 million, up 6.0% year-over-year, surpassing analyst expectations of $433.2 million, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.38, which topped the consensus estimate of $2.36. Additionally, the company's Board of Directors authorized a new $1.50 billion common stock repurchase program on July 23, 2026, signaling a strong commitment to shareholder returns.

2. Record New Domain Registrations and Robust Domain Name Base Expansion in Fiscal Q3 2026. VeriSign achieved a record 13.1 million new domain registrations in fiscal Q3 2026, marking a significant 24% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This strong performance contributed to the combined .com and .net domain name base growing to 182.5 million names by the end of fiscal Q3 2026, representing a 6.1% increase year-over-year. Management attributed this growth partly to the tailwinds from artificial intelligence (AI) tools facilitating content and website creation.

Show more
Updated on 10/22/2026

VeriSign (VRSN) stock has gained about 20% since 6/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q2 2026 Performance and Shareholder Return Program. VeriSign reported fiscal Q2 2026 revenue of $434.6 million, up 6.0% year-over-year, surpassing analyst expectations of $433.2 million, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.38, which topped the consensus estimate of $2.36. Additionally, the company's Board of Directors authorized a new $1.50 billion common stock repurchase program on July 23, 2026, signaling a strong commitment to shareholder returns.

2. Record New Domain Registrations and Robust Domain Name Base Expansion in Fiscal Q3 2026. VeriSign achieved a record 13.1 million new domain registrations in fiscal Q3 2026, marking a significant 24% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This strong performance contributed to the combined .com and .net domain name base growing to 182.5 million names by the end of fiscal Q3 2026, representing a 6.1% increase year-over-year. Management attributed this growth partly to the tailwinds from artificial intelligence (AI) tools facilitating content and website creation.

3. Increased Full-Year Fiscal 2026 Guidance. Following strong performance, VeriSign raised and narrowed its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance for domain name base growth to a range of 6.5% to 7.0%, up from the previous guidance of 5.2% to 6.0%. The company also increased its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $1.755 billion to $1.760 billion, up from $1.745 billion to $1.755 billion.

4. Strategic Growth Initiatives and .web Top-Level Domain Launch. VeriSign announced the delegation of the .web generic top-level domain (gTLD) into the DNS root zone in July 2026, with a staged launch calendar including a Sunrise phase in mid-December and General Availability thereafter. The company also introduced Verisign Informed™, a high-assurance validation service designed to enhance trust in digital certificate transactions.

Show less
Holding a concentrated position? Know your true downside before the momentum shifts.
Protect Your Wealth →

Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 19.7% change in VRSN stock from 6/30/2026 to 10/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 16.5% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)630202610242026Change
Stock Price ($)250.82300.3219.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,6831,7322.9%
Net Income Margin (%)50.0%49.1%-1.8%
P/E Multiple27.331.816.5%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)92901.7%
Cumulative Contribution19.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

6/30/2026 to 10/24/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN19.7% 
Market (SPY)1.8%11.8%
Sector (XLK)-3.8%-17.5%

Fundamental Drivers

The 21.6% change in VRSN stock from 3/31/2026 to 10/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 15.3% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)331202610242026Change
Stock Price ($)246.98300.3221.6%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,6571,7324.5%
Net Income Margin (%)49.8%49.1%-1.6%
P/E Multiple27.631.815.3%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)92902.4%
Cumulative Contribution21.6%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

3/31/2026 to 10/24/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN21.6% 
Market (SPY)17.2%0.8%
Sector (XLK)38.0%-15.3%

Fundamental Drivers

The 8.8% change in VRSN stock from 9/30/2025 to 10/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 8.4% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)930202510242026Change
Stock Price ($)276.13300.328.8%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,5981,7328.4%
Net Income Margin (%)50.0%49.1%-1.9%
P/E Multiple32.431.8-1.7%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)94904.1%
Cumulative Contribution8.8%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

9/30/2025 to 10/24/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN8.8% 
Market (SPY)15.0%3.1%
Sector (XLK)30.5%-10.2%

Fundamental Drivers

The 51.0% change in VRSN stock from 9/30/2023 to 10/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 18.4% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)930202310242026Change
Stock Price ($)198.92300.3251.0%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,4621,73218.4%
Net Income Margin (%)48.8%49.1%0.6%
P/E Multiple29.031.89.9%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1049015.3%
Cumulative Contribution51.0%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

9/30/2023 to 10/24/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN51.0% 
Market (SPY)83.9%23.4%
Sector (XLK)127.5%10.1%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
VRSN Return17%-19%0%0%18%27%43%
Peers Return26%-52%57%-9%28%59%80%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%12%104%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
VRSN Win Rate58%33%50%50%67%60% 
Peers Win Rate54%28%63%45%58%58% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%50% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
VRSN Max Drawdown-13%-38%-16%-18%-24%-20% 
Peers Max Drawdown-36%-59%-37%-40%-40%-39% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: NET, AKAM, FSLY, VRSN, DOCN. See VRSN Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 10/23/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventVRSNS&P 500
2023 SVB Regional Banking Crisis
  % Loss-10.2%-6.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven11.3%7.1%
  Time to Breakeven24 days31 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-37.9%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven61.1%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven1015 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-28.4%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven39.7%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven30 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-15.1%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven17.8%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven9 days105 days
2011 US Debt Ceiling Crisis & European Contagion
  % Loss-18.5%-17.9%
  % Gain to Breakeven22.7%21.8%
  Time to Breakeven36 days123 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-55.1%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven122.7%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven806 days1085 days

Compare to NET, AKAM, FSLY, VRSN, DOCN

In The Past

VeriSign's stock fell 0.0% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 0.0% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventVRSNS&P 500
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-37.9%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven61.1%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven1015 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-28.4%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven39.7%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven30 days140 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-55.1%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven122.7%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven806 days1085 days

Compare to NET, AKAM, FSLY, VRSN, DOCN

In The Past

VeriSign's stock fell 0.0% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 0.0% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About VeriSign (VRSN)

VeriSign (VRSN) is a critical internet infrastructure company that provides foundational services enabling global internet navigation, security, stability, and resiliency. At its core, the company operates as a domain name registry, managing the authoritative databases that allow internet users to find websites associated with specific domain names. It also serves as a root zone maintainer and operates two of the 13 global internet root servers, making it a pivotal player in the internet's core architecture.

The company's primary services include offering registration and authoritative resolution for the widely used .com and .net top-level domains, which are essential for global e-commerce and countless online businesses worldwide. Additionally, VeriSign provides back-end systems for other important domain names such as .cc, .gov, .edu, and .name, along with distributed server, networking, security, and data integrity services. Its customers are effectively anyone who relies on these critical domains for their online presence, from individuals and businesses to government and educational institutions globally.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are 1-3 brief analogies to describe VeriSign:

1. The Experian for internet domain names: VeriSign acts like a credit bureau for website addresses, managing the official records for .com and .net domains and ensuring they can always be found by users.

2. A critical utility company for the internet's addressing system: Similar to how a power grid operator ensures electricity, VeriSign provides essential, always-on infrastructure to keep the internet's navigation for .com and .net running smoothly and securely.

3. A title company for .com and .net internet properties: VeriSign verifies ownership and guarantees the stability and clear access for the most common website addresses, much like a title company ensures clear ownership for physical real estate.

AI Analysis | Feedback

```html
  • Domain Name Registry Services: VeriSign provides registration and authoritative resolution services for various top-level domains, including .com, .net, .cc, .gov, .edu, and .name.
  • Internet Infrastructure Services: The company operates root zone maintainer services and two of the internet's 13 root servers, ensuring the security, stability, and resiliency of global internet navigation.
```

AI Analysis | Feedback

VeriSign (VRSN) operates as a domain name registry, meaning its primary customers are not individuals or end-users directly. Instead, VeriSign sells its services to domain name registrars, who then sell domain names to businesses and individuals.

Based on this model, VeriSign's major customers are the large domain name registrars around the world. While VeriSign doesn't typically disclose a specific list of its largest customers, prominent registrars that rely on VeriSign's registry services for .com and .net domains include:

  • GoDaddy Inc. (Symbol: GDDY)
  • Alphabet Inc. (Symbol: GOOGL) - through its Google Domains service
  • Tucows Inc. (Symbol: TCX) - through its OpenSRS wholesale domain platform
  • Companies that own other major registrars like Namecheap, Domain.com, Bluehost, and Register.com. (Note: Many of these are part of larger, often privately held, corporations.)

AI Analysis | Feedback

null

AI Analysis | Feedback

D. James Bidzos Executive Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

D. James Bidzos is the founder of VeriSign, established in 1995 as a spin-off from RSA Security Inc.. He is recognized as an internet and security industry pioneer, having been instrumental in building RSA Security into an early leader for authentication and encryption, and launching VeriSign to develop the digital certificate infrastructure for internet commerce. Prior to VeriSign, Mr. Bidzos served as President and CEO of RSA Security from 1986 to 1999 and then as its Vice Chairman from 1999 to 2002. He began his career at IBM in the 1970s. He was re-appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of VeriSign on August 1, 2011, and resumed the office of President in April 2024.

John Calys Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

John Calys serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding George E. Kilguss III, whose retirement was effective May 31, 2025. Mr. Calys joined VeriSign in December 2010 and has over 35 years of experience in financial management and business leadership. His previous roles at VeriSign include Senior Vice President, Global Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer. He also served as interim Chief Financial Officer during 2011 and 2012.

Danny McPherson Executive Vice President, Technology and Chief Security Officer

Danny McPherson is the Executive Vice President, Technology and Chief Security Officer at VeriSign. His role is considered crucial given the company's position as a core provider of domain name system (DNS) security and infrastructure.

Thomas Indelicarto Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Thomas Indelicarto holds the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at VeriSign.

Dr. Burt Kaliski Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Burt Kaliski Jr. is the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for VeriSign.

AI Analysis | Feedback

```html

Here are the key risks to VeriSign's business:

  1. Regulatory and Contractual Dependence: VeriSign's core business and revenue are heavily reliant on its long-term agreements with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, particularly for the operation of the .com and .net top-level domains. Approximately 85% of its revenue is generated from these domain services. Any unfavorable changes to these agreements, including pricing mechanisms or renewal terms, or increased regulatory scrutiny and intervention, could significantly impact VeriSign's financial performance and operational stability.

  2. Cybersecurity Threats and Infrastructure Vulnerability: As a critical provider of internet infrastructure and operator of root servers, VeriSign faces constant and evolving cybersecurity threats. Sophisticated cyber-attacks, such as advanced persistent threats and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, could disrupt its services, compromise data integrity, and damage its reputation. The increasing use of AI-based tools by attackers further complicates defense efforts, requiring continuous and significant investment in cybersecurity measures to protect its systems and maintain the stability and resiliency of the internet.

  3. Technological Evolution and Shifting Internet Behaviors: The internet landscape is dynamic, with continuous technological evolution and changes in user preferences. There is a risk that shifts in internet behavior towards alternative online identity establishments, such as social media platforms, e-commerce sites, or emerging alternative namespaces and AI-driven content discovery, could reduce the demand for traditional domain names. Additionally, new rounds of generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) could introduce competitive alternatives to .com, potentially impacting VeriSign's long-term registration growth and market position.

```

AI Analysis | Feedback

null

AI Analysis | Feedback

VeriSign, Inc. operates primarily in the domain name registry services sector, managing critical internet infrastructure globally. The addressable market for VeriSign's main products and services, particularly its domain name registry services for .com and .net, can be understood through the global domain name registrar market and the sheer volume of domains under its management. The global Domain Name Registrar market size was valued at approximately $2.33 billion in 2024. This market is projected to grow to about $3.33 billion by 2032, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.23% (global). Other estimates place the global domain name register market size at $2.6 billion in 2023, expected to reach $4.0 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.7% (global). Another projection indicates that the market for Domain Name Registrar was estimated to be worth $2.65 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% to reach $4.05 billion by 2031 (global). VeriSign holds a unique and dominant position as the exclusive registry operator for the .com and .net top-level domains (TLDs). As of June 30, 2025, the combined .com and .net domain base managed by VeriSign comprised 170.5 million registrations (global). More specifically, as of September 30, 2025, the .com and .net TLDs had a combined total of 171.9 million domain name registrations (global), with the .com domain base totaling 159.4 million and the .net domain base totaling 12.5 million. The .com domains alone represent a significant portion of all websites, accounting for approximately 38.11% to 44.4% of them and over 157 million registrations (global). Beyond domain name registry services, VeriSign also provides essential internet infrastructure services, including operating two of the 13 global internet root servers and serving as the back-end system for other domain names like .cc, .gov, .edu, and .name. While these services are foundational to internet navigation and security, specific monetary addressable market sizes for these infrastructure components, separate from the overarching domain name market, are not typically reported as distinct markets. VeriSign's revenue, which was $410 million in Q2 2025 and projected to be between $1.635 billion and $1.650 billion for the full year 2025, largely reflects its central role in the global domain name system.

AI Analysis | Feedback

VeriSign (VRSN) is anticipated to experience future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years, driven by several key factors related to its core domain name registry services and strategic initiatives.

The expected drivers of future revenue growth for VeriSign include:

  • Continued Growth in the .com and .net Domain Name Base: VeriSign's primary revenue stream comes from the registration and renewal of .com and .net domain names. The company has consistently reported year-over-year increases in its domain name base. For instance, the .com and .net domain name base reached 171.9 million in Q3 2025, marking a 1.4% increase from the prior year, with 10.6 million new domain registrations during the quarter. By the end of fiscal 2025, the .com and .net domain name base had grown to 173.5 million, a 2.6% year-over-year increase.
  • Periodic Price Increases for Domain Name Services: VeriSign has historically leveraged its pricing power, and future revenue growth is expected to benefit from planned rate increases. Notably, a high single-digit rate increase for domain services is slated to begin in September 2026, which is expected to contribute to revenue in the latter half of that year.
  • Stable to Improving Renewal Rates: The consistent renewal of existing domain names is a crucial component of VeriSign's recurring revenue. The company has demonstrated strong renewal rates, with a preliminary renewal rate of 75.3% in Q3 2025, an increase from 72.2% in the same quarter of the previous year. Similarly, the preliminary renewal rate for Q4 2025 was 75%, up from 74% in the prior year. Management has also indicated that enhanced marketing programs are contributing to improved renewal rates.
  • Exploration and Expansion into New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): Beyond its established .com and .net domains, VeriSign is actively exploring opportunities in new gTLDs. The company is developing marketing programs for 2026 and investigating the potential of the .web domain, pending legal outcomes. Additionally, VeriSign is preparing for ICANN's new gTLD round scheduled for Q2 2026, highlighting its strategic focus on future growth opportunities through diversification in the domain market.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Share Repurchases

  • In 2025, VeriSign returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly dividends.
  • As of the end of Q4 2025, VeriSign had $1.08 billion remaining under its share repurchase program.
  • During Q4 2025, VeriSign repurchased 1.0 million shares of its common stock for $251 million.

Capital Expenditures

  • VeriSign's capital expenditures for 2026 are projected to be between $55 million and $65 million.
  • The anticipated increase in capital expenditures for 2026 is primarily for end-of-life equipment replacement and capacity expansion, largely influenced by AI-driven demand.
  • In Q4 2025, VeriSign invested $4.5 million in capital expenditures.

Better Bets vs. VeriSign (VRSN)

Peer Outperformance in Internet Services & Infrastructure

VRSN has outperformed 80% of its 5 Internet Services & Infrastructure peers over 5Y. Among the peers that beat it is GDDY. Internet Services & Infrastructure ranks 9th of 12 industries in Information Technology by median 5Y return. The sector’s gains have largely come from elsewhere.
Share of Internet Services & Infrastructure constituents that VRSN has outperformed, by holding period. Peers without a full price history over a given window are excluded from that window.
1Y
60%
of 5 industry peers · 23.1% return
3Y
40%
of 5 industry peers · 48.1% return
5Y
80%
of 5 industry peers · 39.8% return
Internet Services & Infrastructure peers with revenue growth within 4pp of VRSN's that beat it on at least 2 of 3 windows, and by at least 20pp over 5Y. Growth is matched by construction, so the gap is largely a re-rating gap. The multiple column is the context for it.
Ticker Name Rev Growth 3Y Avg P/E 1Y3Y5Y 5Y Gap
VRSN VeriSign 5.3% 31.8x 23.1%48.1%39.8% —
GDDY GoDaddy 7.1% 16.2x -13.9%54.8%62.5% +23pp
Price returns, excluding dividends. P/E shown for context only and not used for matching.
Median price return by industry across the Information Technology sector, ranked by 5Y. Internet Services & Infrastructure is VRSN's own industry. Use this to see which corners of the sector have carried the returns.
Industry Names 1Y med3Y med5Y med Top 3 by 5Y
Electronic Manufacturing Services 10 22.7%137.2%207.2% TTMI 496% · FLEX 458% · JBL 351%
Technology Distributors 9 43.0%90.9%87.5% AVT 163% · SNX 151% · CNXN 116%
Communications Equipment 36 1.0%115.3%72.7% AAOI 800% · LITE 800% · ANET 606%
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment 28 43.5%70.4%63.1% AXTI 510% · KLAC 346% · LRCX 335%
Electronic Components 26 -3.4%71.3%38.8% CLS 2684% · BELFA 1101% · APH 291%
Semiconductors 54 1.9%41.8%24.4% MU 1231% · NVDA 832% · AVGO 582%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 21 13.2%83.6%21.4% SMCI 833% · DELL 772% · STX 733%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments 27 -12.6%25.2%-7.0% PI 204% · OSIS 108% · KEYS 79%
Internet Services & Infrastructure ← 6 4.6%51.4%-7.1% GDDY 63% · VRSN 40% · DOCN -1%
IT Consulting & Other Services 29 -22.5%4.4%-22.1% CHRN 388584% · APLD 297% · IBM 150%
Application Software 126 -19.7%-4.2%-44.2% PLTR 705% · FROG 185% · AGYS 133%
Systems Software 69 -14.3%42.6%-49.7% ZETA 315% · CRWD 264% · FTNT 168%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are limited to companies above $2B market cap.

Latest Trefis Analyses

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYDOCNMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly DigitalO. 
Mkt Price299.00327.5693.4224.2592.1793.42
Mkt Cap26.9116.113.53.89.613.5
Rev LTM1,7322,5124,3236871,0111,732
Op Inc LTM1,171-204515-82150150
FCF LTM1,02431563034-4315
FCF 3Y Avg960218724269218
CFO LTM1,0626331,447120310633
CFO 3Y Avg9904711,47554295471

Growth & Margins

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYDOCNMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly DigitalO. 
Rev Chg LTM6.5%33.5%5.9%20.4%21.4%20.4%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg5.3%30.6%5.7%13.8%15.9%13.8%
Rev Chg Q5.7%35.9%5.4%23.3%28.6%23.3%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM1.4%7.9%1.3%5.3%6.6%5.3%
Op Inc Chg LTM6.5%-9.5%-18.0%40.8%14.8%6.5%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg5.8%-1.2%-8.2%26.0%212.2%5.8%
Op Mgn LTM67.6%-8.1%11.9%-12.0%14.8%11.9%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg67.8%-9.9%14.9%-23.8%13.8%13.8%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM-0.2%1.2%-1.8%4.0%-1.6%-0.2%
CFO/Rev LTM61.3%25.2%33.5%17.4%30.7%30.7%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg60.5%23.7%36.0%8.3%34.6%34.6%
FCF/Rev LTM59.1%12.5%14.6%5.0%-0.4%12.5%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg58.7%10.9%17.7%-0.2%9.0%10.9%

Valuation

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYDOCNMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly DigitalO. 
Mkt Cap26.9116.113.53.89.613.5
P/S15.646.23.15.69.59.5
P/Op Inc23.0-569.826.2-46.564.423.0
P/EBIT22.6-622.225.4-54.046.822.6
P/E31.7-562.732.9-47.141.031.7
P/CFO25.4183.29.332.031.131.1
Total Yield4.2%-0.2%3.0%-2.1%2.4%2.4%
Dividend Yield1.1%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg4.2%0.4%5.3%-0.7%2.1%2.1%
D/E0.10.00.70.10.20.1
Net D/E0.0-0.00.40.00.10.0

Returns

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYDOCNMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly DigitalO. 
1M Rtn2.4%-8.7%-15.4%-9.1%-34.9%-9.1%
3M Rtn7.1%25.0%-19.0%19.8%-25.4%7.1%
6M Rtn11.7%58.2%-1.9%2.1%-3.2%2.1%
12M Rtn22.5%50.4%24.5%191.1%133.6%50.4%
3Y Rtn47.4%479.9%-8.9%70.5%337.9%70.5%
1M Excs Rtn3.5%-7.7%-14.3%-8.1%-33.9%-8.1%
3M Excs Rtn6.3%20.5%-20.1%18.2%-26.1%6.3%
6M Excs Rtn5.3%51.8%-8.3%-4.3%-9.5%-4.3%
12M Excs Rtn6.4%41.6%11.3%187.5%122.8%41.6%
3Y Excs Rtn-33.5%347.6%-89.4%-15.8%225.8%-15.8%

Comparison Analyses

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Single Segment1,6571,5571,4931,4251,328
Total1,6571,5571,4931,4251,328


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$300.32 
Market Cap ($ Bil)27.1 
First Trading Date01/30/1998 
Distance from 52W High-2.8% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$292.94$269.16
DMA Trendupup
Distance from DMA2.5%11.6%
 3M1YR
Volatility24.3%28.5%
Downside Capture72.3724.70
Upside Capture99.9843.08
Correlation (S&P 500)23.1%1.2%
VRSN Betas & Captures as of 9/30/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta0.940.900.17-0.050.040.37
Up Beta2.001.23-0.01-0.65-0.420.24
Down Beta0.19-0.80-1.45-0.64-0.300.32
Up Capture77%83%79%38%21%20%
Bmk +ve Days6162766132424
Stock +ve Days12223770134401
Down Capture120%125%20%26%43%72%
Bmk -ve Days16263760120328
Stock -ve Days10202756118351

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with VRSN
VRSN20.8%28.5%0.65-
Sector ETF (XLK)29.0%26.7%0.92-12.0%
Equity (SPY)14.8%12.7%0.800.8%
Gold (GLD)-2.8%28.5%-0.11-10.6%
Commodities (DBC)52.1%20.7%1.91-3.1%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.3%13.9%0.0615.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-24.8%43.5%-0.54-4.7%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with VRSN
VRSN7.4%25.9%0.26-
Sector ETF (XLK)19.5%26.0%0.6737.2%
Equity (SPY)12.7%17.1%0.5647.2%
Gold (GLD)17.3%18.9%0.731.6%
Commodities (DBC)9.5%19.5%0.371.6%
Real Estate (VNQ)1.1%18.9%-0.0542.2%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)5.7%51.7%0.2917.6%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with VRSN
VRSN15.1%26.4%0.55-
Sector ETF (XLK)24.0%25.1%0.8754.4%
Equity (SPY)15.3%17.9%0.7258.8%
Gold (GLD)11.8%16.4%0.594.8%
Commodities (DBC)8.4%18.1%0.3812.5%
Real Estate (VNQ)5.2%20.7%0.2145.6%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)62.4%66.2%1.0214.0%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date9302026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity2.0 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 91520261.1%
Average Daily Volume0.8 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest2.6 days
Basic Shares Quantity90.1 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares2.2%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 10/26/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
10/22/2026-1.4%  
7/23/20267.0%9.6%8.0%
4/23/2026-2.8%-3.0%12.2%
2/5/20260.7%-10.5%1.5%
10/23/2025-1.4%-6.0%0.6%
7/24/20256.7%-6.2%-5.7%
4/24/20258.0%10.7%11.1%
2/6/2025-0.3%3.0%8.9%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive11913
# Negative141511
Median Positive4.2%6.6%4.6%
Median Negative-2.4%-4.5%-6.3%
Max Positive9.5%10.7%16.0%
Max Negative-14.3%-15.7%-15.4%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
10/22/2026-1.4%  
7/23/20267.0%9.6%8.0%
4/23/2026-2.8%-3.0%12.2%
2/5/20260.7%-10.5%1.5%
10/23/2025-1.4%-6.0%0.6%
7/24/20256.7%-6.2%-5.7%
4/24/20258.0%10.7%11.1%
2/6/2025-0.3%3.0%8.9%
10/24/2024-2.1%-4.5%-2.3%
7/25/20244.2%6.6%1.5%
4/25/2024-3.9%-7.8%-6.3%
2/8/20240.4%-2.5%-4.6%
10/26/2023-5.8%-2.0%4.6%
7/27/2023-0.6%-0.6%-1.8%
4/27/20232.3%1.8%4.2%
2/9/2023-2.0%0.6%-10.0%
10/27/20229.5%-3.0%6.4%
7/28/20223.6%8.0%2.7%
4/28/2022-14.3%-15.7%-15.4%
2/10/2022-3.1%-3.3%-7.0%
10/28/20215.7%9.4%16.0%
7/22/2021-4.7%-7.5%-8.8%
4/22/2021-0.4%3.4%4.2%
2/11/20210.7%-1.0%-7.4%
10/22/2020-3.4%-7.8%-5.5%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive11913
# Negative141511
Median Positive4.2%6.6%4.6%
Median Negative-2.4%-4.5%-6.3%
Max Positive9.5%10.7%16.0%
Max Negative-14.3%-15.7%-15.4%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
09/30/202610/22/202610-Q
06/30/202607/23/202610-Q
03/31/202604/23/202610-Q
12/31/202502/05/202610-K
09/30/202510/23/202510-Q
06/30/202507/24/202510-Q
03/31/202504/24/202510-Q
12/31/202402/13/202510-K
09/30/202410/24/202410-Q
06/30/202407/25/202410-Q
03/31/202404/25/202410-Q
12/31/202302/15/202410-K
09/30/202310/26/202310-Q
06/30/202307/27/202310-Q
03/31/202304/27/202310-Q
12/31/202202/17/202310-K
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
09/30/202610/22/202610-Q
06/30/202607/23/202610-Q
03/31/202604/23/202610-Q
12/31/202502/05/202610-K
09/30/202510/23/202510-Q
06/30/202507/24/202510-Q
03/31/202504/24/202510-Q
12/31/202402/13/202510-K
09/30/202410/24/202410-Q
06/30/202407/25/202410-Q
03/31/202404/25/202410-Q
12/31/202302/15/202410-K
09/30/202310/26/202310-Q
06/30/202307/27/202310-Q
03/31/202304/27/202310-Q
12/31/202202/17/202310-K
09/30/202210/27/202210-Q
06/30/202207/28/202210-Q
03/31/202204/28/202210-Q
12/31/202102/18/202210-K
09/30/202110/28/202110-Q
06/30/202107/22/202110-Q
03/31/202104/22/202110-Q
12/31/202002/19/202110-K
09/30/202010/22/202010-Q
06/30/202007/23/202010-Q
03/31/202004/23/202010-Q
12/31/201902/14/202010-K

Insider Activity

Updated 10/21/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10212026306.303,3001,010,775113,888,997Form
2Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10142026302.853,300999,404113,607,170Form
3Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10092026293.14500146,5709,349,563Form
4Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10072026292.333,300964,691110,625,896Form
5Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10022026284.38500142,1909,212,357Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10212026306.303,3001,010,775113,888,997Form
2Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10142026302.853,300999,404113,607,170Form
3Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10092026293.14500146,5709,349,563Form
4Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10072026292.333,300964,691110,625,896Form
5Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10022026284.38500142,1909,212,357Form
6Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9302026278.783,300919,976106,418,171Form
7Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9232026304.743,3001,005,658117,335,124Form
8Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9162026296.583,300978,713115,169,975Form
9Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9092026289.16500144,5809,511,783Form
10Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9092026284.403,300938,525111,379,387Form
11Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9022026290.78500145,3909,710,462Form
12Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9022026291.093,300960,592114,958,840Form
13Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy8312026293.44144,2261,535,205Form
14Armstrong, Courtney D DirectBuy8312026294.3851,445526,783Form
15Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell8262026291.163,300960,812115,905,568Form
16Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell8192026277.853,300916,910111,526,440Form
17Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell8132026291.983,300963,549118,644,762Form
18Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell8112026292.35500146,17510,100,998Form
19Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell8042026292.20500146,10010,241,915Form
20Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7292026281.203,300927,964116,118,972Form
21Calys, JohnEVP, Chief Financial OfficerDirectSell7292026281.56500140,7788,752,608Form
22Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7222026270.443,300892,466112,569,438Form
23Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell7222026280.00500140,0009,954,292Form
24Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7152026267.843,300883,875112,369,730Form
25Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell7092026269.2325067,3089,706,023Form
26Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7082026266.093,300878,105112,514,245Form
27Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell7022026255.8325063,9589,286,896Form
28Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7012026250.943,300828,110106,936,366Form
29Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6242026248.533,300820,141106,727,382Form
30Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6172026274.223,300904,926118,665,644Form
31Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell6112026283.54500141,77010,363,683Form
32Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6112026284.293,300938,169123,963,168Form
33Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell6032026293.45500146,72510,872,629Form
34Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6032026297.473,300981,646130,689,522Form
35Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy5292026305.28144,2151,592,711Form
36Armstrong, Courtney D DirectBuy5292026309.012714273,337Form
37McPherson, Danny REVP - Technology & CSODirectSell4292026271.025,0001,355,1069,538,639Form
38Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell4152026270.06498134,49010,316,902Form
39Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell4082026274.00498136,45210,603,871Form
40Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy3252026250.17163,9801,301,752Form
41Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell3112026240.6233279,8869,551,714Form
42Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy3032026223.54194,2001,159,628Form
43Armstrong, Courtney D DirectBuy3032026219.443712193,600Form
44Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell2112026219.2416636,3949,213,126Form
45Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell2042026249.08498124,0427,501,048Form
46Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell1122026250.0016641,5007,777,754Form
47Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell1072026240.8333279,9567,532,444Form
48Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12182025245.042,000490,089103,188,069Form
49Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12182025244.252,000488,498103,341,601Form
50Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12182025241.795,0001,208,954102,785,030Form
51Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12112025244.462,000488,913105,140,608Form
52Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12112025242.072,000484,150104,600,333Form
53Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12112025244.595,0001,222,973106,178,282Form
54Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell12102025250.07501125,2857,904,467Form
55Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell12032025252.62501126,5638,111,632Form
56Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11202025248.092,000496,172108,901,369Form
57Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11202025246.052,000492,109108,501,840Form
58Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11202025250.055,0001,250,250110,763,753Form
59Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11132025252.832,000505,670113,633,796Form
60Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11132025251.272,000502,544113,433,858Form
61Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11132025248.145,0001,240,700112,516,304Form
62Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell11122025250.0033483,5008,296,818Form
63Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell11122025246.4733482,3218,261,988Form
64Calys, JohnEVP, Chief Financial OfficerDirectSell11102025242.711,001242,9556,003,223Form
65Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell11052025244.5233481,6708,278,291Form
66McPherson, Danny REVP - Technology & CSODirectSell11032025236.872,500592,1756,768,996Form
67Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10232025249.702,000499,400114,472,194Form
68Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10232025261.542,000523,080120,423,209Form
69Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10232025267.435,0001,337,174123,672,170Form
70Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10162025261.792,000523,585122,371,857Form
71Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10162025264.062,000528,120123,960,068Form
72Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10162025265.575,0001,327,873125,202,160Form
73Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10152025262.92501131,7238,989,043Form
74Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10082025270.87501135,7069,396,554Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Oct 26, 2026
13F holdings as of Mar 31, 2026 (Q1 2026)

Active managers (13F portfolio over $250M, at least 3 holdings) with a position over $5M that is either over 10% of their portfolio or held in a concentrated book of 50 or fewer total positions. Index/ETF, sovereign, bank, community-bank and charitable/donor-advised filers are excluded.

Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP$227.3 Mil8.3%48ADD +48.5%13F
Troy Asset Management Ltd$194.6 Mil5.8%30New13F
GFI Investment Counsel Ltd.$10.8 Mil1.5%24New13F
Cadian Capital Management, LP$11.2 Mil1.4%23New13F
Nishkama Capital, LLC$5.9 Mil0.8%39New13F
Fundsmith LLP$28.2 Mil0.2%34TRIM -58.1%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Troy Asset Management Ltd$194.6 Mil5.8%30New13F
Cadian Capital Management, LP$11.2 Mil1.4%23New13F
GFI Investment Counsel Ltd.$10.8 Mil1.5%24New13F
Nishkama Capital, LLC$5.9 Mil0.8%39New13F
Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP$227.3 Mil8.3%48ADD +48.5%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Fundsmith LLP$28.2 Mil0.2%34TRIM -58.1%13F
Active ManagerValue% of PortfolioTotal PositionsQoQFiling
Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP$227.3 Mil8.3%48ADD +48.5%13F
Troy Asset Management Ltd$194.6 Mil5.8%30New13F
Fundsmith LLP$28.2 Mil0.2%34TRIM -58.1%13F
Cadian Capital Management, LP$11.2 Mil1.4%23New13F
GFI Investment Counsel Ltd.$10.8 Mil1.5%24New13F
Nishkama Capital, LLC$5.9 Mil0.8%39New13F

VRSN Trade Sentinel


Stock Conviction

Constructive

CONVICTION RATIONALE

VeriSign is experiencing a significant re-acceleration in its core business, with domain base growth guidance raised to 6.5%-7.0% for 2026. This strong operational momentum is balanced by a new, material antitrust lawsuit filed in September 2026 that directly challenges the company's foundational .com pricing power, creating a significant but unquantified risk.

STOCK ARCHETYPE
Regulated Recurring Revenue

Total Domain Name Base x Average Wholesale Price Per Domain Executing contractually-permitted price increases on the large, stable, and growing installed base of domain names, which generates high-margin incremental revenue.

Looking for high-conviction positions with a better risk/reward profile? See what's currently in the Trefis High Quality Portfolio.
INVESTMENT THESIS
Is the re-acceleration in domain demand a durable new growth phase?

Evidence points to a structural uplift, driven by new AI tools and effective marketing, with three consecutive quarters of record new domain registrations.

Mechanism: Compounding value by applying contractual price increases to a re-accelerating user base. Full-year 2026 domain base growth is now guided to 6.5%-7.0%. The .com price will rise to $10.97 on November 1, 2026, and new products like .web are launching, layering on growth.
Supporting Evidence:
  • Full-year 2026 domain base growth guidance was raised to 6.5%-7.0%.
  • New .com and .net registrations hit a record 13.1 million in Q3 2026.
  • The .com wholesale price increases to $10.97 on November 1, 2026.
  • The .web top-level domain is launching, with a sunrise period in mid-December 2026.
PRIMARY RISK
Antitrust Lawsuit Threatens Core Monopoly

A class-action lawsuit filed September 4, 2026, alleges an illegal monopoly and excessive fees for .com domains. An adverse outcome could fundamentally impair the company's exclusive contract and contractually-defined pricing power, which are the primary sources of its high margins and predictable cash flow.

Mechanism: A court ruling that allows the case to proceed past a motion to dismiss.
Supporting Evidence:
  • A class action complaint was filed against Verisign and ICANN on September 4, 2026.
  • The suit asserts claims under federal and California antitrust laws.
  • The complaint specifically targets the .com Registry Agreement and domain name pricing.
  • The .com agreement is the foundation of the company's 67.6% operating margin.
Key KPI Watchlist
KPI Status Rationale
.com and .net Domain Name Base Growth182.5 million domain names as of Q3 2026 - AcceleratingThe domain base growth has shown significant acceleration throughout the year. Full-year 2025 growth was 2.6%. In response to the momentum, management has repeatedly raised its full-year 2026 growth guidance, from an initial 1.5%-3.5% to a current 6.5%-7.0% as of the October earnings call. Sequential net additions have also accelerated for three consecutive quarters.
New .com and .net Registrations13.1 million new registrations in Q3 2026 - AcceleratingNew registrations have set a record for three consecutive quarters, increasing from 11.5 million in Q1 to 12.7 million in Q2 and 13.1 million in Q3. This accelerating top-of-funnel activity is the primary driver of the domain base growth.
.com and .net Renewal Rate74.3% (expected) (Q3 2026)Measures the retention of the existing domain base. A high and stable renewal rate is critical for revenue predictability. The rate is expected to decrease slightly year-over-year due to a higher mix of first-time renewing names.
Core Investment Debate

AI-Driven Growth vs. Antitrust Threat

BULL VIEW

Bulls believe the 'stunningly strong' demand, with new registrations hitting a record 13.1 million in Q3, is a durable trend that will compound value faster than the market expects, making the legal risk a manageable long-term issue.

CORE TENSION

Can accelerating domain growth (guided to 6.5%-7.0%) create enough value to offset the new, unquantified risk from the September 2026 antitrust lawsuit?


PREVAILING SENTIMENT
CAUTIOUSLY BULLISH

Current evidence favors the bull case operationally, as management has raised full-year domain growth guidance for three consecutive quarters, demonstrating tangible momentum.

BEAR VIEW

Bears argue the new antitrust lawsuit is a structural threat to the entire business model. They believe the market is underestimating the risk of a negative legal outcome that could permanently impair VeriSign's pricing power and monopoly status.

Next 6 months: Risks and Catalysts
Timeline Event & Metric To Watch
November 1, 2026
.com Domain Price Increase
Watch: The annual wholesale price for .com domain names increases from $10.26 to $10.97.
by year end
VeriSign Informed Pricing Finalized
Watch: Pricing for the new VeriSign Informed security service is expected to be finalized.
2/3/2027
Renewal Rate Decline
Watch: The Q4 renewal rate and full-year 2027 domain base growth guidance in the next earnings report.
2/3/2027
Next Quarterly Earnings Report
Watch: The company is scheduled to report its next quarterly earnings.
2/8/2027
Peer Growth Divergence
Watch: Cloudflare's commentary on developer platform growth and agentic AI trends in its next earnings report.
2/8/2027
Cloudflare Earnings Report
Watch: Peer Cloudflare (NET) is scheduled to report its quarterly earnings.
2/9/2027
Fastly Earnings Report
Watch: Peer Fastly (FSLY) is scheduled to report its quarterly earnings.
2/17/2027
Akamai Earnings Report
Watch: Peer Akamai Technologies (AKAM) is scheduled to report its quarterly earnings.
March 1, 2027
.net Domain Price Increase
Watch: The annual wholesale fee for .net domain names will increase from $10.91 to $12.00.
mid December
New Product Launch Execution
Watch: Registrar feedback on pricing and terms, initial registration volumes for .web, and early customer adoption for VeriSign Informed.
Key Events in Last 6 Months
Date Event Stock Impact
2026-10-22
Q3 Results and Guidance Raise
Details: Verisign reported Q3 revenue of $443 million, up 5.7% YoY. Management raised and narrowed its 2026 domain name base growth guidance to between 6.5% and 7.0%.
-2.3%
$307.25 -> $300.32
2026-09-04
Antitrust Lawsuit Filed
Details: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Verisign and ICANN, alleging an illegal monopoly and excessive fees for .com domains.
-3.8%
$293.35 -> $282.20
2026-07-23
Positive Q2 Earnings Reaction
Details: The two-day stock reaction around the earnings call dated 2026-07-23 was 7.0%, outperforming the S&P 500, which declined over the same period.
+6.6%
$261.82 -> $279.18
2026-07-23
Q2 Results and .web Milestone
Details: Management also announced the .web domain was delegated into the root zone.
+6.6%
$261.82 -> $279.18
2026-04-26
Post-Earnings Stock Decline
Details: Following its Q1 earnings report, the company's stock traded down 6.5% on April 26, 2026.
-3.3%
$275.41 -> $266.41
2026-04-23
Q1 Results and Price Hike
Details: Verisign reported Q1 revenue of $429 million, up 6.6% YoY. The company also announced a price increase for .com domain names, effective November 1, 2026.
-0.2%
$268.33 -> $267.70
Risk Management
Position Sizing

4% - 6%

NORMAL POSITION

Sizing is volatility-based: VRSN trades at roughly 24% annualized realized (three-month) volatility versus about 11% for the S&P 500 (2.2x the market). A 4% - 6% position keeps a single-name swing of that size within a diversified portfolio's risk budget.

Diversification Alternatives
AKAM - a business partner
Diversified Infrastructure Play

Akamai offers exposure to a much larger, more diversified content delivery and security business, though with lower operating margins compared to VeriSign's 67.6%.

Core Thesis: A stable, large-scale internet infrastructure provider generating consistent cash flow.
NET - a business partner
Hyper-Growth Disruptor

a business partner provides exposure to a hyper-growth (33.5% TTM revenue growth) developer-focused platform at the center of AI and edge computing trends, albeit with negative current operating margins.

Core Thesis: A high-growth, disruptive player capturing the next wave of internet application architecture.
How Is The Market Pricing VRSN?

VeriSign is a regulated digital utility, operating the toll road for the internet's most valuable real estate (.com) with contractually guaranteed pricing power.

The company's core business is a high-margin, cash-generative monopoly for .com domains, underpinned by a long-term contract with ICANN. Revenue growth is a simple and predictable function of modest unit growth in its massive domain base plus periodic, contractually-allowed price hikes. Strong cash flows are returned to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, creating a compounding earnings opportunity.

What will confirm the thesis

Continued strong domain base growth, successful implementation of announced price increases without significant churn, and a favorable resolution to the recent antitrust lawsuit.

What will damage the thesis

Any adverse regulatory action from ICANN or the U.S. government that threatens the renewal or terms of the .com registry agreement, or a structural decline in the relevance of domain names.

Noise: Real but irrelevant to thesis

Short-term fluctuations in quarterly new registrations or renewal rates, which can be influenced by marketing program timing and the mix of renewing names.

Repricing Catalyst

Accelerating domain name base growth, driven by AI and marketing, which has led to upward revisions in company guidance. The upcoming launch of the .web TLD and a new security service, VeriSign Informed, offer potential new growth vectors.

What VRSN Makes & Who Pays
TTM figures based on the twelve months through fiscal Q2 2026
VRSN Evolution: Price Return by Era
Since 2015 · Post-Divestiture Focus
+53%
After divesting non-core businesses, management has focused exclusively on its core mission of providing critical internet infrastructure, primarily the .com and .net registries. This has resulted in a highly profitable, single-segment business model with a disciplined capital allocation strategy.
2026-2027 · Growth Vector Expansion
+28%
The company is preparing to launch the .web gTLD, which offers more pricing and marketing flexibility than .com or .net. It also announced a new security service, VeriSign Informed, which leverages its core infrastructure, signaling a carefully measured expansion into adjacent, high-assurance services.
Market Appears To Be Aligned With Core Thesis
Price structure is strongly bullish. The regime, trend, and proximity to highs all point towards intact institutional trend. Relative to SPY: Decisively outperforming and improving. Potential evidence of active institutional rotation. Volume and momentum are strongly confirming. The institutional accumulation is evident and momentum is accelerating. Earnings history is mildly supportive. The reaction or drift are positive but not both at full conviction.
① Structure
+4
Structural pillar score (-4 to +4). Driven by trend regime, SMA cross events, proximity to 52W high, and relative strength vs SPY.
② Volume / Momentum
+4
Volume/Momentum pillar score (-4 to +4). Driven by institutional footprint score, OBV divergence, and momentum character.
③ Catalyst
+1
Catalyst pillar score (-4 to +4). Driven by earnings day reaction, 20D post-earnings drift, and post-earnings volume character.
Combined Score
9 / 12
1 Price Structure & Trend Trending Up · - ▾
2 Momentum Accelerating ▾
3 Relative Strength vs. SPY Strong Outperformance ▾
4 Institutional Footprint & Volume Mild Accumulation ▾
5 Volatility Compressed ▾
6 Key Price Levels Range · Vol Rising ▾
7 Earnings Reaction History Inconsistent ▾
8 How the Verdict Is Derived Three Pillars ▾
Core Cache Last Updated: 10/24/2026