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VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN) is a global provider of critical internet infrastructure and domain name registry services, primarily enabling internet navigation for many of the world's most recognized domain names . The company plays a crucial role in the security, stability, and resiliency of the Domain Name System (DNS) and the internet by providing Root Zone Maintainer services, operating two of the thirteen global internet root servers, and offering registration services and authoritative resolution for the .com and .net top-level domains (TLDs), which support the majority of global e-commerce . VeriSign's business is heavily influenced by the growth in online advertising, e-commerce, and the number of internet users, with domain name registrations being a significant driver of revenue .
- Domain Name Registry Services - Provides registration services and authoritative resolution for the .com and .net top-level domains (TLDs), supporting global e-commerce.
- Root Zone Maintainer Services - Ensures the security, stability, and resiliency of the Domain Name System (DNS) by maintaining the root zone.
- Internet Root Servers Operation - Operates two of the thirteen global internet root servers, contributing to the overall stability and functionality of the internet.
| Name | Position | External Roles | Short Bio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
D. James Bidzos ExecutiveBoard | Executive Chairman, President, and CEO | None | Founder of VeriSign; internet and security industry pioneer; has held various leadership roles at VeriSign since its founding in 1995. | View Report → |
Danny R. McPherson Executive | EVP, Technology and Chief Security Officer | None | Over 25 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity; joined VeriSign in 2010; has authored security-related books and patents. | |
George E. Kilguss III Executive | Executive Vice President and CFO | None | Joined VeriSign in 2012; announced retirement effective May 31, 2025; recognized for financial expertise and leadership. | |
John D. Calys Executive | SVP, Chief Accounting Officer | None | Joined VeriSign in 2010; set to become CFO on May 31, 2025; has over 35 years of financial management experience. | |
Thomas C. Indelicarto Executive | EVP, General Counsel, and Secretary | None | Joined VeriSign in 2006; progressed through roles of increasing responsibility; former U.S. Army officer and private practice attorney. | |
Courtney D. Armstrong Board | Director | COO at Paramount Pictures and Filmed Entertainment Group | Joined VeriSign's board in 2021; extensive experience in business affairs and legal roles in the entertainment industry, including Warner Bros. and Disney. |
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Given the domain name base decreased by 1.1 million names in Q3 2024, and with U.S. registrars prioritizing ARPU over customer acquisition, what specific strategies are you implementing to reverse this trend and drive growth in domain registrations, especially considering the challenges in returning to growth in the second half of 2025?
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Can you provide more insight into the new registrar marketing programs you've developed, and explain why their adoption is taking longer than expected? What are the main obstacles, and how do you plan to encourage registrars to engage with these programs sooner?
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With China-related weakness significantly impacting the domain name base, what steps are you taking to mitigate this influence, and how confident are you that improvements in the Chinese economy will lead to better performance for Verisign?
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You mentioned that operating expenses are expected to grow more in 2025, particularly due to investments in marketing programs; can you elaborate on which areas will see increased spending and how these investments will contribute to profitable growth?
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Considering your strong cash position and substantial share buybacks, have you evaluated the possibility of leveraging your balance sheet further to enhance shareholder returns, or are there strategic reasons for maintaining a conservative financial stance?
Competitors mentioned in the company's latest 10K filing.
| Company | Description |
|---|---|
China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) | Among the competitors operating gTLD and ccTLD registries are this organization, which is part of the competition in the domain name registry space. |
DENIC eG | This entity is one of the numerous operational gTLD and ccTLD registries competing in the domain name registry space. |
Nominet | This organization is listed among the competitors in the domain name registry space, operating gTLD and ccTLD registries. |
Identity Digital | This company is part of the competition in the domain name registry space, operating various registries. |
Public Interest Registry (PIR) | This registry is one of the competitors in the domain name registry space, operating gTLD and ccTLD registries. |
CentralNic | This company is among the competitors in the domain name registry space, operating various registries. |
This tech giant is listed as a competitor in the domain name registry space, operating gTLD and ccTLD registries. | |
.xyz | This registry is part of the competition in the domain name registry space, operating gTLD and ccTLD registries. |
This well-known company is listed among the competitors in the domain name registry space, operating various registries. | |
Radix | This entity is part of the competition in the domain name registry space, operating gTLD and ccTLD registries. |
The company faces competition from social media networks like this one, as end-users may establish their online identity using social media instead of domain names. | |
This social media platform is a competitor as end-users might use it to establish their online identity instead of domain names. | |
TikTok | This social media network is part of the competition as end-users might prefer it for establishing their online identity over domain names. |
This platform is a competitor in the sense that end-users might use it to establish their online identity instead of domain names. | |
The company faces competition from e-commerce platforms like this one, as end-users might transact on these platforms instead of using domain names. | |
This e-commerce platform is a competitor as end-users might prefer it for transactions over using domain names. | |
This platform is part of the competition as end-users might use it for transactions instead of domain names. | |
Taobao | This e-commerce platform is a competitor as end-users might transact on it instead of using domain names. |
X (formerly Twitter) | This microblogging tool is a competitor as end-users might use it to establish their online identity instead of domain names. |
Recent press releases and 8-K filings for VRSN.
- Q1 2025 performance: Reported $402M in revenue, $271M operating income (4.7% YoY) and $199M net income, demonstrating modest growth
- Capital allocation: Executed share repurchase of 1M shares for $230M, initiated a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share and delivered $907M free cash flow TTM
- Debt management: Issued $500M of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2032 and repaid $500M Senior Notes due 2025 using cash on hand
- Full-year guidance: Revised 2025 outlook with revenue guidance of $1.635B–$1.650B and operating income guidance of $1.110B–$1.125B amid macroeconomic uncertainty
- CFO transition: John Calys is set to assume the CFO role following George Kilguss’s retirement at the end of May
- VeriSign completed a registered offering of $500 million in 5.250% Senior Notes, with the issuance executed on March 11, 2025 and a maturity date set for June 1, 2032.
- The notes are governed by both a Base Indenture and a Second Supplemental Indenture, which detail key provisions such as interest accrual, optional redemption terms, and change of control repurchase events.
- VeriSign, Inc. has initiated a debt issuance of $500 million 5.250% Senior Notes due 2032, under a supplemental indenture executed on March 11, 2025.
- The offering is priced at 99.581% of the principal amount with a yield to maturity of 5.322%, and the net proceeds of approximately $493.3 million are expected to be used to repay the outstanding $500 million Senior Notes due 2025, maturing on April 1, 2025.
- The deal involves underwriters including J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., with settlement scheduled for March 11, 2025 (T+5).