VRSN
TechnologyVeriSign, Inc. · Software - Infrastructure · $28B
What is VeriSign, Inc.?
VeriSign is the authoritative registry operator for the .com and .net domains — two of the internet's most critical naming systems. Incorporated in 1995 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the company underpins global e-commerce and online navigation at infrastructure scale.
VeriSign generates revenue primarily through domain name registration services for .com and .net, collecting a fee each time a domain is registered or renewed. The company also serves as root zone maintainer and operates two of the 13 internet root servers, supporting the security and stability of the broader internet. Additional back-end registry services cover .cc, .gov, .edu, and .name domains, making VeriSign a foundational layer of global internet infrastructure.
VeriSign was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.
- .com and .net domain name registry services
- Internet root zone maintainer and root server operations
- Back-end registry systems for .gov, .edu, .cc, and .name
- Distributed security, networking, and data integrity services
Is VRSN a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates VRSN as Good overall.
VeriSign's standout characteristic is its Moat pillar, which ranks among the strongest in the technology sector. As the sole authorized registry for .com and .net under a government-backed agreement, the company operates with a near-unassailable competitive position. Its infrastructure role gives it durable pricing power and predictable renewal-driven revenue.
The Growth pillar registers as Weak, reflecting the mature, slow-expanding nature of the domain registry market. Investors seeking rapid top-line expansion may find the growth profile underwhelming relative to other technology names.
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Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does VRSN pay dividends?
Yes — VeriSign, Inc. pays a dividend.
VeriSign pays a regular dividend, a relatively uncommon practice among pure-play internet infrastructure companies. The dividend reflects the business's highly predictable, recurring cash flows from domain renewals. Because the core registry model requires limited capital reinvestment, the company can return cash to shareholders while maintaining operational stability.
When does VRSN report earnings?
VeriSign reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed equities.
The company's results have historically reflected the steady, subscription-like nature of domain renewals, with revenue visibility that is above average for the technology sector. Growth has been modest but consistent, driven by gradual increases in the domain name base and periodic price adjustments permitted under its registry agreements.
For the most recent quarter's results, visit VeriSign's investor relations page directly.
VRSN Price History
+24.2% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in VeriSign, Inc.?
Based on VeriSign, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
VRSN Long-term Outlook
VeriSign's fundamental outlook is shaped by the tension between an exceptionally durable moat and a structurally low growth rate. The Risk pillar sits at Neutral, suggesting the business faces no acute near-term threats, while the Weak Growth pillar signals that meaningful revenue acceleration is unlikely without a significant expansion of its registry mandate. The Neutral Valuation pillar indicates the market is pricing in this stability without obvious mispricing in either direction.
Growth drivers
- Gradual expansion of the global registered domain name base
- Periodic price increases permitted under registry agreements
- Continued reliance on .com as the default domain for global commerce
Key risks
- Regulatory or contractual changes to the .com registry agreement
- Secular slowdown in new domain registrations as web presence shifts
- Limited diversification beyond core registry services
VRSN vs Peers
VeriSign operates in a distinct niche, but it is often evaluated alongside other technology and fintech infrastructure companies.
Corpay focuses on corporate payments infrastructure rather than internet naming, competing for technology-sector capital allocation rather than direct business overlap.
Zscaler operates in cloud-native cybersecurity, sharing VeriSign's internet-infrastructure theme but targeting enterprise security spend with a high-growth, subscription SaaS model.
Affirm is a buy-now-pay-later fintech that supports e-commerce transactions — a different layer of the digital economy that VeriSign's domain infrastructure ultimately helps enable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VeriSign do?
VeriSign operates the authoritative registry for .com and .net domain names, meaning every registration or renewal of those domains flows through its systems. It also serves as root zone maintainer and runs two of the 13 internet root servers, making it a foundational piece of global internet infrastructure.
Does VRSN pay dividends?
Yes, VeriSign pays a regular dividend. The company's highly predictable, renewal-driven revenue model generates consistent cash flow that supports shareholder distributions. Investors should verify the current dividend rate and schedule on VeriSign's investor relations page.
When does VRSN report earnings?
VeriSign reports on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. For the exact dates of upcoming earnings releases, check VeriSign's investor relations page or your brokerage's earnings calendar.
Is VRSN a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates VRSN as Good overall, with a particularly Strong Moat pillar reflecting its near-monopoly position in .com and .net registry services. However, the Growth pillar is Weak, which may not suit investors seeking rapid revenue expansion. The full pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.
Is VRSN overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for VRSN is rated Neutral, suggesting the market is pricing the stock in line with its fundamental profile — neither deeply discounted nor obviously stretched. Investors can view the complete valuation metrics by signing up for a Pro account.
How does VRSN compare to its competitors?
VeriSign's Moat pillar stands out relative to many technology peers, reflecting its contractually protected registry position. Compared to high-growth names like Zscaler, VeriSign trades growth velocity for durability and predictability — a different risk-return profile rather than a direct head-to-head competition.
What is VRSN's market cap bracket?
VeriSign is classified as a large-cap company, placing it among established, well-capitalized technology businesses with significant market presence and institutional investor coverage.
Who founded VeriSign?
VeriSign was incorporated in 1995. Founding details are widely available through public sources including the company's official history and SEC filings. The company has since evolved significantly from its original digital certificate roots into a focused domain registry business.
Is VRSN a long-term quality stock?
From a quality indicator perspective, VeriSign's Strong Moat pillar suggests the business has durable structural advantages that can persist over long periods. The Neutral Quality and Risk pillars indicate a stable but not exceptional operational profile. Long-term investors should weigh the low growth trajectory against the business's exceptional competitive protection.
What is the main competitive advantage of VeriSign?
VeriSign's primary advantage is its exclusive, government-backed authority to operate the .com and .net registries — a position that cannot be replicated by a competitor. This regulatory moat, combined with the internet's continued dependence on these domains, creates a durable and largely captive revenue stream.
Is VRSN a growth stock or value stock?
Based on UQS pillar labels, VRSN leans toward a value-oriented profile. The Growth pillar is rated Weak, reflecting the mature domain registry market, while the Valuation pillar is Neutral — suggesting the stock is priced for stability rather than rapid expansion.
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Pro Analysis
VRSN — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2026 | 53.5 | 56.2 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 53.7 | 50.9 | -0.2 |
| May 22, 2026 | 53.7 | 56.3 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 53.7 | 51.9 | -0.1 |
| May 21, 2026 | 53.8 | 56.3 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 53.7 | 52.6 | -0.2 |
| May 13, 2026 | 54.0 | 56.5 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 53.7 | 53.5 | -0.4 |
| May 12, 2026 | 54.4 | 56.7 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 53.7 | 56.0 | +0.3 |
| May 7, 2026 | 54.1 | 57.7 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 50.9 | 54.9 | 0.0 |
| May 3, 2026 | 54.1 | 57.7 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 50.9 | 55.3 | -0.1 |
| Apr 26, 2026 | 54.2 | 57.7 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 50.9 | 55.7 | +0.1 |
| Apr 25, 2026 | 54.1 | 57.7 | 80.0 | 19.0 | 50.9 | 55.0 | +0.9 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 53.2 | 57.7 | 80.0 | 16.8 | 50.9 | 51.7 | 0.0 |
VRSN — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 56.2/100 (25%)VeriSign, Inc. shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 19.0/100 (20%)VeriSign, Inc. faces growth headwinds with declining or stagnant revenue trends.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 53.7/100 (15%)VeriSign, Inc. has some risk factors including moderate leverage or solvency concerns.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 51.1/100 (15%)VeriSign, Inc. has a mixed valuation — some metrics suggest fair value while others appear stretched.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 80/100 (25%)VeriSign, Inc. benefits from powerful competitive advantages creating significant barriers to entry. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for VRSN.
Score Composition
Financial Data
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How is the VRSN UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for VeriSign, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses VeriSign, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether VeriSign, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.