VeriSign Sets New Records in Domain Name Registrations and Revenue
VeriSign, a leading provider of internet infrastructure services, has reported strong results in its second quarter 2026 earnings call. The company delivered record-breaking domain name registrations and revenue growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the digital landscape.
In a notable achievement, VeriSign's combined .com and .net domain name base reached 179.1 million names, driven by a record 12.7 million new registrations during the second quarter. This represents a significant increase from the same period last year, where 10.4 million new registrations were recorded.
Jim Bidzos, Executive Chairman, President, and CEO of VeriSign, highlighted the importance of domain names in establishing digital credibility, stating that "the strength in new registrations attests to the vital role of domain names in being discovered." He also noted that registrars are focused on customer acquisition and are successfully engaged with VeriSign's marketing programs.
On the financial side, revenue increased by 6% year-over-year, while earnings per share (EPS) grew 7.7% compared to the same period last year. The company has also returned more than 100% of its free cash flow to shareholders in the past 12 months, totaling $1.17 billion in share repurchases and dividends.
VeriSign's board of directors has increased the amount authorized for share repurchases by $884 million, bringing the total to $1.5 billion available under the current program. The company also announced a cash dividend of $0.81 per share, payable on August 27th, 2026.
The U.S. and EMEA regions saw the strongest growth in domain name registrations during the second quarter. VeriSign attributes this to the increasing demand for digital credibility and the effectiveness of its marketing programs.
As a result of these trends, VeriSign has increased its guidance for domain name base growth to between 5.2% and 6% for 2026, narrowing from previous estimates. The company is optimistic about its prospects, citing solid renewal rates and a strong business outlook.
The first quarter renewal rate was the highest seen in 20 years, while the 12.7 million new registrations recorded during the second quarter are the largest ever for any quarter in VeriSign's history. These metrics demonstrate the company's continued leadership in the domain name industry.
