VeriSign (VRSN)


Market Price (9/23/2026): $293.37 | Market Cap: $26.6 BilInvestor Relations Sector: Information Technology | Industry: Internet Services & Infrastructure

VeriSign (VRSN)


Market Price (9/23/2026): $293.37
Market Cap: $26.6 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 64%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 62%

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 -3.1%, Dist 3Y High is -3.1%

Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -23%

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 64%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 62%
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 -3.1%, Dist 3Y High is -3.1%
6 Weak multi-year price returns
3Y Excs Rtn is -23%
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%
VOO0.04%
IVV0.04%
VTI0.03%
ITOT0.03%
IWB0.03%
RSP0.21%
VUG0.08%
+25 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 9/18/2026

VeriSign (VRSN) stock has gained about 5% since 5/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q2 2026 Financial Performance and Upgraded Full-Year Guidance.

VeriSign reported robust financial results for its fiscal second quarter of 2026 (ended June 30, 2026), with revenue increasing by 6.0% year-over-year to $435 million, surpassing consensus estimates. The company also achieved diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.38, exceeding analyst expectations. Following these positive outcomes, VeriSign raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $1.745 billion to $1.755 billion and projected domain name base growth of 5.2% to 6.0%, signaling sustained operational strength and a favorable outlook.

2. Record New Domain Name Registrations.

The company experienced significant growth in its core business during fiscal Q2 2026, processing a record 12.7 million new .com and .net domain registrations. This represents a substantial 21% increase from the same period in 2025, expanding the combined .com and .net domain base to 179.1 million registrations by the end of the quarter, demonstrating strong demand for its fundamental internet infrastructure services.

Show more
Updated on 9/18/2026

VeriSign (VRSN) stock has gained about 5% since 5/31/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q2 2026 Financial Performance and Upgraded Full-Year Guidance.

VeriSign reported robust financial results for its fiscal second quarter of 2026 (ended June 30, 2026), with revenue increasing by 6.0% year-over-year to $435 million, surpassing consensus estimates. The company also achieved diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.38, exceeding analyst expectations. Following these positive outcomes, VeriSign raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $1.745 billion to $1.755 billion and projected domain name base growth of 5.2% to 6.0%, signaling sustained operational strength and a favorable outlook.

2. Record New Domain Name Registrations.

The company experienced significant growth in its core business during fiscal Q2 2026, processing a record 12.7 million new .com and .net domain registrations. This represents a substantial 21% increase from the same period in 2025, expanding the combined .com and .net domain base to 179.1 million registrations by the end of the quarter, demonstrating strong demand for its fundamental internet infrastructure services.

3. Increased Shareholder Returns through Enhanced Buyback Program.

VeriSign's commitment to returning value to shareholders was underscored on July 23, 2026, when its Board of Directors increased the share repurchase authorization by $884 million, bringing the total available for buybacks to $1.5 billion. Over the preceding 12 months, the company consistently returned more than 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders, reinforcing investor confidence in its financial health and capital allocation strategy.

4. Positive Analyst Sentiment and Upgraded Price Targets.

Wall Street analysts maintained a "Buy" consensus rating for VeriSign, with an average price target ranging from $321.40 to $333.00, implying a potential upside of 10-18%. Notably, Zacks upgraded the stock to a "Strong Buy" on July 28, 2026, and Wedbush further raised its price target to $341 in September 2026, reflecting growing analyst confidence in the company's future performance and growth prospects.

5. Anticipated Future Revenue Streams from .web TLD and .net Price Adjustment.

The delegation of the .web top-level domain (TLD) into the DNS root zone in July 2026, with general availability expected in late 2026 or early 2027, is poised to introduce a new potential growth vector for VeriSign. Furthermore, a planned 10% wholesale price increase for .net domains, from $10.91 to $12.00, effective March 1, 2027, is expected to provide incremental support for future revenue and cash flow, contributing to positive market sentiment.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 5.2% change in VRSN stock from 5/31/2026 to 9/22/2026 was primarily driven by a 3.2% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)53120269222026Change
Stock Price ($)284.54299.425.2%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,6831,7081.5%
Net Income Margin (%)50.0%49.8%-0.4%
P/E Multiple31.032.03.2%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)92910.9%
Cumulative Contribution5.2%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

5/31/2026 to 9/22/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN5.2% 
Market (SPY)2.5%-6.4%
Sector (XLK)2.9%-30.4%

Fundamental Drivers

The 32.1% change in VRSN stock from 2/28/2026 to 9/22/2026 was primarily driven by a 26.2% change in the company's P/E Multiple.
(LTM values as of)22820269222026Change
Stock Price ($)226.67299.4232.1%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,6571,7083.1%
Net Income Margin (%)49.8%49.8%-0.1%
P/E Multiple25.332.026.2%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)92911.7%
Cumulative Contribution32.1%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

2/28/2026 to 9/22/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN32.1% 
Market (SPY)13.3%-2.4%
Sector (XLK)41.8%-18.2%

Fundamental Drivers

The 10.9% change in VRSN stock from 8/31/2025 to 9/22/2026 was primarily driven by a 6.9% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)83120259222026Change
Stock Price ($)270.01299.4210.9%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,5981,7086.9%
Net Income Margin (%)50.0%49.8%-0.5%
P/E Multiple31.732.01.0%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)94913.3%
Cumulative Contribution10.9%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

8/31/2025 to 9/22/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN10.9% 
Market (SPY)21.2%1.4%
Sector (XLK)50.4%-12.3%

Fundamental Drivers

The 46.7% change in VRSN stock from 8/31/2023 to 9/22/2026 was primarily driven by a 16.8% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)83120239222026Change
Stock Price ($)204.09299.4246.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)1,4621,70816.8%
Net Income Margin (%)48.8%49.8%2.0%
P/E Multiple29.732.07.6%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1049114.4%
Cumulative Contribution46.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

8/31/2023 to 9/22/2026
ReturnCorrelation
VRSN46.7% 
Market (SPY)78.3%22.8%
Sector (XLK)127.9%9.8%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
VRSN Return17%-19%0%0%18%28%45%
Peers Return9%-40%57%10%13%59%101%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%13%107%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
VRSN Win Rate58%33%50%50%67%67% 
Peers Win Rate50%32%62%53%50%58% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%56% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
VRSN Max Drawdown-13%-38%-16%-18%-24%-20% 
Peers Max Drawdown-35%-50%-28%-35%-40%-35% 
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, GDDY. 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 9/22/2026 (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, GDDY

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, GDDY

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

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  • 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.
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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

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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

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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.

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AI Analysis | Feedback

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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. Internet Services & Infrastructure ranks 8th 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
40%
of 5 industry peers · 7.2% return
3Y
40%
of 5 industry peers · 52.6% return
5Y
80%
of 5 industry peers · 40.8% return
No Internet Services & Infrastructure peer with a comparable growth profile has beaten VRSN by more than 20pp over 5Y.
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 9 62.3%191.7%280.0% TTMI 923% · FLEX 732% · SANM 453%
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment 27 105.5%97.6%109.4% AXTI 794% · AEHR 754% · LRCX 434%
Technology Distributors 9 31.2%74.9%96.3% CLMB 393% · AVT 198% · SNX 169%
Communications Equipment 36 14.9%82.3%72.4% AAOI 1394% · FEIM 1016% · LITE 1006%
Electronic Components 26 37.7%74.9%69.1% CLS 3582% · BELFA 1352% · COHR 406%
Semiconductors 55 24.9%42.6%40.2% POET 1906% · MU 1418% · NVDA 922%
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 20 33.2%95.1%37.9% STX 1145% · DELL 1068% · SMCI 1008%
Internet Services & Infrastructure ← 6 8.7%54.9%32.4% DOCN 67% · VRSN 41% · GDDY 37%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments 26 -14.1%13.0%-10.6% PI 194% · OSIS 114% · ACFN 100%
IT Consulting & Other Services 30 -26.5%-16.8%-38.5% CHRN 557795% · APLD 1259% · TSSI 745%
Application Software 125 -31.1%-14.2%-47.5% VIDA 151567% · INLX 5065% · PLTR 543%
Systems Software 74 -21.5%12.2%-58.8% QNC 510% · ZETA 384% · PANW 365%
Median of constituents with a full price history over each window. Top names are unfiltered by size in this render.

Latest Trefis Analyses

Recent Active Movers

Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYGDDYMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly GoDaddy  
Mkt Price299.42353.00118.3426.0898.24118.34
Mkt Cap27.2125.117.14.112.817.1
Rev LTM1,7082,5124,3236875,1042,512
Op Inc LTM1,159-204515-821,286515
FCF LTM1,066315630341,703630
FCF 3Y Avg94621872421,436724
CFO LTM1,1016331,4471201,7291,101
CFO 3Y Avg9824711,475541,460982

Growth & Margins

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYGDDYMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly GoDaddy  
Rev Chg LTM6.9%33.5%5.9%20.4%7.4%7.4%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg5.3%30.6%5.7%13.8%7.1%7.1%
Rev Chg Q6.0%35.9%5.4%23.3%6.6%6.6%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM1.5%7.9%1.3%5.3%1.6%1.6%
Op Inc Chg LTM6.8%-9.5%-18.0%40.8%24.2%6.8%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg6.0%-1.2%-8.2%26.0%34.7%6.0%
Op Mgn LTM67.9%-8.1%11.9%-12.0%25.2%11.9%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg67.8%-9.9%14.9%-23.8%21.7%14.9%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM-0.1%1.2%-1.8%4.0%1.3%1.2%
CFO/Rev LTM64.5%25.2%33.5%17.4%33.9%33.5%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg60.8%23.7%36.0%8.3%30.5%30.5%
FCF/Rev LTM62.4%12.5%14.6%5.0%33.4%14.6%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg58.5%10.9%17.7%-0.2%30.0%17.7%

Valuation

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYGDDYMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly GoDaddy  
Mkt Cap27.2125.117.14.112.817.1
P/S15.949.84.06.02.56.0
P/Op Inc23.5-614.133.2-50.010.010.0
P/EBIT23.0-670.532.1-58.19.89.8
P/E32.0-606.441.7-50.714.114.1
P/CFO24.7197.511.834.47.424.7
Total Yield4.2%-0.2%2.4%-2.0%7.1%2.4%
Dividend Yield1.1%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg4.3%0.4%5.3%-0.6%9.0%4.3%
D/E0.10.00.50.10.30.1
Net D/E0.0-0.00.30.00.20.0

Returns

VRSNNETAKAMFSLYGDDYMedian
NameVeriSign Cloudfla.Akamai T.Fastly GoDaddy  
1M Rtn6.3%20.4%7.2%4.5%1.2%6.3%
3M Rtn21.5%56.9%-1.3%56.5%29.1%29.1%
6M Rtn24.9%65.6%3.4%-7.5%22.3%22.3%
12M Rtn7.2%54.6%54.3%197.7%-33.5%54.3%
3Y Rtn52.6%511.1%10.0%41.0%34.2%41.0%
1M Excs Rtn5.1%19.2%6.0%3.4%0.0%5.1%
3M Excs Rtn16.1%51.5%-6.7%51.1%23.7%23.7%
6M Excs Rtn7.0%42.0%-14.6%-27.3%-1.2%-1.2%
12M Excs Rtn-9.1%39.7%38.6%185.7%-48.6%38.6%
3Y Excs Rtn-22.6%388.0%-61.2%-47.5%-44.8%-44.8%

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$299.42 
Market Cap ($ Bil)27.2 
First Trading Date01/30/1998 
Distance from 52W High-3.1% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$286.23$262.96
DMA Trendupup
Distance from DMA4.6%13.9%
 3M1YR
Volatility29.3%29.1%
Downside Capture-34.5928.58
Upside Capture69.7831.36
Correlation (SPY)-1.3%1.0%
VRSN Betas & Captures as of 8/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta0.89-0.18-0.30-0.12-0.000.36
Up Beta1.09-0.40-0.96-0.71-0.490.24
Down Beta-2.29-2.01-0.61-0.46-0.290.32
Up Capture89%80%8%40%21%19%
Bmk +ve Days10213268138427
Stock +ve Days10243471133399
Down Capture159%-19%3%-6%34%70%
Bmk -ve Days11213259113324
Stock -ve Days11183056118352

[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
VRSN7.4%29.1%0.24-
Sector ETF (XLK)41.7%26.5%1.28-12.3%
Equity (SPY)17.6%13.0%0.980.9%
Gold (GLD)18.0%29.3%0.56-12.4%
Commodities (DBC)46.6%20.7%1.75-3.7%
Real Estate (VNQ)5.2%13.6%0.1216.8%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-26.0%44.9%-0.54-5.0%

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
VRSN6.6%25.9%0.23-
Sector ETF (XLK)21.1%26.0%0.7237.8%
Equity (SPY)13.3%17.2%0.5947.7%
Gold (GLD)18.9%18.8%0.811.0%
Commodities (DBC)10.8%19.6%0.432.0%
Real Estate (VNQ)1.0%18.9%-0.0542.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)12.7%52.6%0.4217.9%

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
VRSN14.9%26.3%0.55-
Sector ETF (XLK)25.0%25.0%0.9054.6%
Equity (SPY)15.4%17.9%0.7358.8%
Gold (GLD)12.2%16.4%0.614.6%
Commodities (DBC)8.3%18.1%0.3712.5%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.7%20.7%0.1945.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)64.0%66.2%1.0413.8%

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

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date8312026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity1.6 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 81520268.7%
Average Daily Volume0.6 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest2.6 days
Basic Shares Quantity90.8 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares1.8%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 8/25/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
7/23/20267.0%9.6%8.0%
4/23/2026-2.8%-3.0%12.2%
2/5/2026-7.6%-10.1%0.3%
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%
2/6/20250.5%4.2%8.6%
10/24/2024-2.1%-4.5%-2.3%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive11813
# Negative131611
Median Positive4.2%7.3%4.6%
Median Negative-2.8%-3.8%-6.2%
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
7/23/20267.0%9.6%8.0%
4/23/2026-2.8%-3.0%12.2%
2/5/2026-7.6%-10.1%0.3%
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%
2/6/20250.5%4.2%8.6%
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%
2/8/2024-1.3%-1.6%-4.1%
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%
2/9/20231.0%-0.3%-8.1%
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%
2/10/20220.7%-2.0%-6.2%
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%
2/11/2021-1.1%-3.2%-6.9%
10/22/2020-3.4%-7.8%-5.5%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive11813
# Negative131611
Median Positive4.2%7.3%4.6%
Median Negative-2.8%-3.8%-6.2%
Max Positive9.5%10.7%16.0%
Max Negative-14.3%-15.7%-15.4%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
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
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
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
09/30/201910/25/201910-Q

Insider Activity

Updated 9/23/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9232026304.743,3001,005,658117,335,124Form
2Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9162026296.583,300978,713115,169,975Form
3Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9092026289.16500144,5809,511,783Form
4Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9092026284.403,300938,525111,379,387Form
5Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9022026290.78500145,3909,710,462Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9232026304.743,3001,005,658117,335,124Form
2Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9162026296.583,300978,713115,169,975Form
3Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9092026289.16500144,5809,511,783Form
4Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9092026284.403,300938,525111,379,387Form
5Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9022026290.78500145,3909,710,462Form
6Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9022026291.093,300960,592114,958,840Form
7Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy8312026293.44144,2261,535,205Form
8Armstrong, Courtney D DirectBuy8312026294.3851,445526,783Form
9Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell8262026291.163,300960,812115,905,568Form
10Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell8192026277.853,300916,910111,526,440Form
11Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell8132026291.983,300963,549118,644,762Form
12Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell8112026292.35500146,17510,100,998Form
13Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell8042026292.20500146,10010,241,915Form
14Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7292026281.203,300927,964116,118,972Form
15Calys, JohnEVP, Chief Financial OfficerDirectSell7292026281.56500140,7788,752,608Form
16Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7222026270.443,300892,466112,569,438Form
17Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell7222026280.00500140,0009,954,292Form
18Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7152026267.843,300883,875112,369,730Form
19Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell7092026269.2325067,3089,706,023Form
20Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7082026266.093,300878,105112,514,245Form
21Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell7022026255.8325063,9589,286,896Form
22Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell7012026250.943,300828,110106,936,366Form
23Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6242026248.533,300820,141106,727,382Form
24Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6172026274.223,300904,926118,665,644Form
25Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell6112026283.54500141,77010,363,683Form
26Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6112026284.293,300938,169123,963,168Form
27Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell6032026293.45500146,72510,872,629Form
28Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell6032026297.473,300981,646130,689,522Form
29Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy5292026305.28144,2151,592,711Form
30Armstrong, Courtney D DirectBuy5292026309.012714273,337Form
31McPherson, Danny REVP - Technology & CSODirectSell4292026271.025,0001,355,1069,538,639Form
32Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell4152026270.06498134,49010,316,902Form
33Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell4082026274.00498136,45210,603,871Form
34Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy3252026250.17163,9801,301,752Form
35Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell3112026240.6233279,8869,551,714Form
36Armstrong, Courtney D by The Armstrong Family TrustBuy3032026223.54194,2001,159,628Form
37Armstrong, Courtney D DirectBuy3032026219.443712193,600Form
38Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell2112026219.2416636,3949,213,126Form
39Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell2042026249.08498124,0427,501,048Form
40Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell1122026250.0016641,5007,777,754Form
41Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell1072026240.8333279,9567,532,444Form
42Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12182025245.042,000490,089103,188,069Form
43Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12182025244.252,000488,498103,341,601Form
44Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12182025241.795,0001,208,954102,785,030Form
45Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12112025244.462,000488,913105,140,608Form
46Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12112025242.072,000484,150104,600,333Form
47Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell12112025244.595,0001,222,973106,178,282Form
48Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell12102025250.07501125,2857,904,467Form
49Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell12032025252.62501126,5638,111,632Form
50Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11202025248.092,000496,172108,901,369Form
51Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11202025246.052,000492,109108,501,840Form
52Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11202025250.055,0001,250,250110,763,753Form
53Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11132025252.832,000505,670113,633,796Form
54Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11132025251.272,000502,544113,433,858Form
55Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell11132025248.145,0001,240,700112,516,304Form
56Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell11122025250.0033483,5008,296,818Form
57Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell11122025246.4733482,3218,261,988Form
58Calys, JohnEVP, Chief Financial OfficerDirectSell11102025242.711,001242,9556,003,223Form
59Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell11052025244.5233481,6708,278,291Form
60McPherson, Danny REVP - Technology & CSODirectSell11032025236.872,500592,1756,768,996Form
61Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10232025249.702,000499,400114,472,194Form
62Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10232025261.542,000523,080120,423,209Form
63Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10232025267.435,0001,337,174123,672,170Form
64Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10162025261.792,000523,585122,371,857Form
65Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10162025264.062,000528,120123,960,068Form
66Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell10162025265.575,0001,327,873125,202,160Form
67Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10152025262.92501131,7238,989,043Form
68Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell10082025270.87501135,7069,396,554Form
69Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9192025287.962,000575,925137,196,402Form
70Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9172025288.482,000576,963138,020,688Form
71Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9172025287.345,0001,436,717138,050,928Form
72Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9112025287.672,000575,347139,647,786Form
73Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9112025283.872,000567,731138,367,079Form
74Bidzos, D JamesExec. Chairman, Pres, & CEODirectSell9112025283.245,0001,416,190138,627,630Form
75Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9102025282.28501141,4229,933,792Form
76Indelicarto, Thomas CEVP, Gen Counsel & SecretaryDirectSell9032025270.46501135,5009,653,332Form

Investor Activity (13F)

Updated Sep 23, 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

High Conviction

CONVICTION RATIONALE

Conviction is high as Verisign is demonstrating a clear reacceleration in its core business, evidenced by record new registrations of 12.7 million in Q2 2026. Management has translated this into a significant increase in its 2026 domain growth forecast to 5.2%-6.0%. This volume growth is layered upon contractually guaranteed price increases and a new growth option with the .web launch.

STOCK ARCHETYPE
Regulated Monopoly / Recurring Revenue

(Domain Name Base * Renewal Rate * Avg. Price) + (New Registrations * Avg. Price) Contractual price increases applied to the large, stable, and high-margin .com domain base.

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 AI-driven demand surge a structural reacceleration for a mature monopoly?

Evidence points to a genuine reacceleration, with record new domain registrations and a significant upward revision to 2026 growth guidance.

Mechanism: Growth is driven by accelerating volumes, with domain base growth now guided to 5.2%-6.0%, plus a contractual price hike to $10.97 for .com domains in November 2026.
Supporting Evidence:
  • New .com and .net registrations hit a record 12.7 million in Q2 2026.
  • Full-year 2026 domain base growth guidance was raised to 5.2%-6.0%.
  • The .com wholesale price will increase to $10.97 on November 1, 2026.
  • The company secured the rights to launch the new .web top-level domain.
  • The basic share count has been reduced by 12.6% over the last three years.
PRIMARY RISK
Low-Quality Growth Reversion

The surge in new registrations may be from lower-quality, AI-generated sites that will not renew, causing growth to revert to its prior low-single-digit pace as churn increases.

Mechanism: A material decline in the reported renewal rate below the historical 75.2% level.
Supporting Evidence:
  • Management noted an expectation for a potential 'tick down' in renewal rates.
  • The core .com and .net base grew 5.1% YoY, slower than the total domain market's growth.
  • Competition exists from social media platforms as alternative online presences.
  • Operating expenses grew 10.1% year-over-year, outpacing revenue growth of 6.9%.
Key KPI Watchlist
KPI Status Rationale
Domain Name Base Growth179.1 million names for the combined .com and .net domain name base at the end of Q2 2026 - AcceleratingThe year-over-year growth in the domain name base has shown consistent and significant acceleration over the past year. Reflecting this strength, management raised its full-year 2026 guidance for domain name base growth to between 5.2% and 6%, a substantial increase from the 3.1% to 4.3% range provided in the prior quarter.
New RegistrationsA record 12.7 million in Q2 2026 - AcceleratingManagement described the 12.7 million new registrations as the largest for any quarter in the company's history. This metric, a key leading indicator for domain base growth, is showing exceptional strength and momentum.
Renewal Rate75.2% (expected) (Q2 2026)The percentage of existing domains that are renewed, a key indicator of customer retention and revenue stability.
Core Investment Debate

AI Tailwind vs. Low-Quality Churn

BULL VIEW

Bulls believe the AI-driven ease of website creation is a durable tailwind, structurally increasing demand for .com domains and supporting the company's new 5.2%-6.0% growth outlook.

CORE TENSION

Can the record 12.7 million new registrations drive sustained growth, or will a lower renewal rate from this cohort offset the volume gain?


PREVAILING SENTIMENT
BULLISH

The latest evidence strongly favors the bull view. The company's significant guidance increase for 2026 domain base growth reflects management's confidence in the current trend's strength.

BEAR VIEW

Bears argue the new registration surge is a sugar high of low-intent users whose domains will churn, causing the renewal rate to fall and growth to revert to its historical, slower pace.

Next 6 months: Risks and Catalysts
Timeline Event & Metric To Watch
8/6/2026
Peer Competitive Read-Across
Watch: Cloudflare commentary on internet traffic trends, developer activity, and overall demand environment.
August 27, 2026
Quarterly Dividend Payment
Watch: A cash dividend of $0.81 per share is payable on August 27, 2026.
10/21/2026
Renewal Rate Deceleration
Watch: Preliminary Q3 renewal rate and any change in management's outlook for first-time vs. previously-renewed cohorts.
November 1, 2026
.com Price Increase
Watch: The annual wholesale price for .com domain names will increase from $10.26 to $10.97.
11/3/2026
Peer Earnings Report
Watch: Peer DigitalOcean (DOCN) is scheduled to report earnings on 11/3/2026.
11/3/2026
Peer Earnings Report
Watch: Peer Fastly (FSLY) is scheduled to report earnings on 11/3/2026.
later this year
.web Domain Launch
Watch: The company plans to begin offering .web domain names through its channel partners.
in the coming months
New Security Product Blogs
Watch: The company will share a series of blogs to introduce enhanced security components.
No set date
Disappointing Web Launch Details
Watch: Company announcements detailing .web wholesale pricing, marketing spend, and rules for the Limited Registration Period for existing .com holders.
Key Events in Last 6 Months
Date Event Stock Impact
2026-07-23
Q2 Earnings and Guidance Raise
Details: Reported Q2 revenue of $435 million, up 6.0%. Raised 2026 domain name base growth guidance to between 5.2% and 6.0%. The stock reacted positively by 7.0%.
+6.6%
$262.59 -> $280.00
2026-07-22
Web TLD Delegation Announced
Details: Verisign announced that .web has been delegated into the global Domain Name System’s root zone, with Verisign as the designated registry operator, following resolution of all disputes.
-1.7%
$266.15 -> $261.58
2026-05-07
Analyst Commentary on AI Impact
Details: An analyst note stated the stock appears fairly priced and that the investment case hinges on whether generative AI is a threat or a tailwind for the business.
+4.5%
$275.03 -> $287.45
2026-04-23
Q1 Earnings and Guidance Raise
Details: Reported Q1 revenue of $429 million, up 6.6%. Raised 2026 domain name base growth guidance to between 3.1% and 4.3%. Announced a .com price increase for November 2026.
-0.2%
$269.11 -> $268.49
2026-02-05
Q4 Earnings and Negative Reaction
Details: The company reported Q4 results and guided for 2026 domain name base growth of 1.5-3.5%. The two-day stock reaction around the earnings call was -7.0%.
-7.0%
$239.44 -> $222.75
Risk Management
Position Sizing

2% - 4%

REDUCED POSITION

Sizing is volatility-based: VRSN trades at roughly 34% annualized options-implied volatility versus about 15% for the S&P 500 (2.3x the market), around the 100th percentile of its own trailing year. A 2% - 4% position keeps a single-name swing of that size within a diversified portfolio's risk budget.

Diversification Alternatives
NET - a business partner
Higher-Growth Infrastructure Play

a business partner offers a broader, integrated platform of security and performance services, with revenue growing 31.6% year-over-year, appealing to customers seeking a single, innovative vendor.

Core Thesis: Investing in a unified, high-growth platform aiming to displace legacy internet infrastructure vendors.
AKAM - a business partner
Mature, Diversified Peer

Akamai provides a more diversified revenue stream across content delivery, security, and cloud computing, with revenue 2.5 times that of Verisign, offering greater scale.

Core Thesis: Investing in a scaled and profitable internet infrastructure leader with a broader service portfolio.
How Is The Market Pricing VRSN?

A regulated monopoly on critical internet 'real estate' (.com/.net) with built-in pricing power, high margins, and accelerating growth from AI tailwinds.

Verisign functions as a quasi-utility for the internet, operating the foundational registry for .com and .net domains. Its revenue is highly predictable, driven by a massive, stable base of renewing domains and contractual price increases. While mature, the business is experiencing an acceleration in new registrations, which management attributes to AI tools making it easier to get online and to effective, evolving marketing programs.

What will confirm the thesis

Continued domain base growth at or above the high end of the new guidance, successful implementation of the November 2026 price hike without a material drop in renewal rates, and a successful launch of the .web TLD.

What will damage the thesis

A significant, sustained decline in renewal rates, regulatory action that threatens the exclusivity or pricing terms of its registry agreements, or a structural shift in user behavior away from domain names toward other forms of online identity.

Noise: Real but irrelevant to thesis

Short-term quarterly fluctuations in new registrations, as long as the overall domain base and renewal rates remain strong.

Repricing Catalyst

The recent delegation of the .web TLD, which provides a new growth vector with greater pricing flexibility, and the significant upward revision of the 2026 domain name base growth guidance, signaling accelerating demand.

What VRSN Makes & Who Pays
TTM figures based on the twelve months through fiscal Q1 2026
VRSN Evolution: Price Return by Era
Post-2015 · Post-Divestiture Focus
+53%
After divesting non-core businesses, Verisign has focused exclusively on its core mission as a critical internet infrastructure provider, centered on the secure and stable operation of the .com and .net registries.
2025-2026 · AI-Driven Growth Acceleration
+53%
The company is experiencing a period of accelerating growth in new domain registrations, which management attributes to tailwinds from AI tools that simplify website creation, as well as more effective, flexible marketing programs for its registrar channel.
2026 onwards · Expansion with .web
+29%
Following the successful resolution of disputes, Verisign is launching the .web TLD. This marks a significant expansion, as .web will not be subject to the same pricing restrictions as .com, offering a new avenue for growth with greater commercial flexibility.
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: Strong 63D outperformance but 'relative strength' momentum is fading, indicating that money rotation may be maturing. Volume and momentum are mixed. There is no clear institutional footprint in either direction. Earnings history is strongly validating. The market rewarded the print and institutional follow-through confirms thesis re-rating is underway.
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
0
Volume/Momentum pillar score (-4 to +4). Driven by institutional footprint score, OBV divergence, and momentum character.
③ Catalyst
+3
Catalyst pillar score (-4 to +4). Driven by earnings day reaction, 20D post-earnings drift, and post-earnings volume character.
Combined Score
7 / 12
1 Price Structure & Trend Trending Up · -
2 Momentum Decelerating
3 Relative Strength vs. SPY Mild Outperformance
4 Institutional Footprint & Volume Mild Accumulation
5 Volatility Normal
6 Key Price Levels Range · Vol Rising
7 Earnings Reaction History Inconsistent
8 How the Verdict Is Derived Three Pillars
Core Cache Last Updated: 9/22/2026