Verisign(VRSN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - VeriSign reported revenue of $419 million for Q3 2025, reflecting a 7.3% increase year-over-year [7] - Net income for the quarter was $213 million, compared to $201 million in Q3 2024, resulting in diluted EPS of $2.27, up from $2.07 a year ago [7] - Operating cash flow was $308 million, and free cash flow was $303 million, compared to $248 million in the same quarter last year [7][8] - The domain name base for .com and .net reached 171.9 million, up 1.4% year-over-year, with 10.6 million new registrations in the quarter [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The renewal rate for Q3 2025 improved to 75.3%, up from 72.2% a year ago, indicating stronger customer retention [5][16] - Net registrations added during the third quarter were 1.45 million names, supported by strong new registration volumes [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domain name base grew sequentially across the three main regions, with the U.S. and EMEA showing the strongest growth [5][15] - The Asia Pacific region, including China, experienced growth but was not as strong as in the first half of 2025 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue enhancing its marketing programs based on registrar feedback, aiming for higher quality and renewing names [33] - VeriSign expects domain name base growth to be between 2.2% and 2.5% for 2025, reflecting positive trends observed in the first three quarters [5][17] - The company is focused on leveraging AI to improve domain name suggestions and enhance DNS resolution services, which is expected to drive future growth [25][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the improved domain name base trends are a result of effective marketing adjustments and favorable cyclical shifts [9][14] - The company anticipates continued strength in demand for domain names, particularly due to the increasing use of AI [25][28] Other Important Information - VeriSign returned $287 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter [4][6] - The Board declared a cash dividend of $0.77 per share, payable on November 25, 2025 [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on domain name base trends and marketing programs - Management highlighted improvements in marketing programs and registrar engagement as key factors driving growth, with a positive response to 2026 program rollouts [12][14][15] 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 model, focusing on domains intended for resale [18][19][20] Question: AI's impact on the business - Management noted that AI is positively influencing registrations and DNS services, with ongoing efforts to utilize AI for domain name suggestions and operational efficiencies [24][25][28] Question: Updates on .web and new TLD auctions - Management confirmed that the final hearing for .web is scheduled for mid-November 2025, and they are preparing for ICANN's new gTLD round expected to open in Q2 2026 [41][42][50]