Verisign(VRSN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VeriSign reported revenue of $419 million for Q3 2025, an increase of 7.3% year over year [10] - Net income for the quarter was $213 million, compared to $207 million in the previous quarter and $201 million in Q3 2024 [10] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $2.27, up from $2.21 in the previous quarter and $2.07 a year ago [11] - The renewal rate for 2025 is expected to be 75.3%, an increase from 72.2% a year ago [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domain name base for .com and .net reached 171.9 million, up 1.4% year over year [5] - New registrations totaled 10.6 million for the quarter, contributing to net registrations of 1.45 million [6] - The company returned $287 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domain name base grew sequentially across three main regions, with the U.S. and EMEA showing the strongest growth [7] - The company anticipates domain name base growth to be between 2.2% and 2.5% for 2025 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing registrar engagement and adapting marketing programs to improve domain name demand [13] - Plans for 2026 have been rolled out based on feedback from registrars, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement [21] - The company sees AI as a significant driver for future growth, particularly in domain name suggestions and DNS resolution services [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued positive trends in domain name registrations and renewals [13] - The company views the impact of AI as beneficial, with expectations for increased reliance on DNS services [34] - Management remains optimistic about the company's financial stability and liquidity, with $618 million in cash and equivalents [8] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.77 per share, payable on November 25, 2025 [8] - The company has $1.33 billion remaining under its current share repurchase program [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on domain-based trends and marketing programs - Management noted improvements in domain-based trends due to enhanced marketing programs and registrar engagement [20][21] Question: Impact of Google AdSense changes - Management indicated that changes to Google AdSense are part of a long-term trend and have minimal impact on their business [24] Question: AI's impact on the business - Management highlighted that AI is positively affecting registrations and DNS services, with ongoing efforts to leverage AI for efficiency [36] Question: Update on .web timeline and new TLDs - Management confirmed that the final hearing for .web is scheduled for mid-November 2025 and discussed the upcoming ICANN round of new gTLDs expected to open in Q2 2026 [57][60]