Q2 2026 VeriSign Inc Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Good day, everyone. Welcome to the Verisign's Q2 2026 earnings call. Today's conference is being recorded. Recording of this call is not permitted unless pre-authorized.
Speaker #1: At this time, I'd like to turn the conference over to Mr. David Atchleye, Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Treasurer. Please go ahead, sir.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Operator. Welcome to Verisign's Q2 2026 earnings call. Joining me are Jim Bidzos, Executive Chairman, President, and CEO, and John Callis, Executive Vice President and CFO.
Speaker #1: Good day, everyone. Welcome to Verisign's second quarter 2026 earnings call. Today's conference is being recorded. Recording of this call is not permitted unless pre-authorized.
Speaker #2: This call and presentation are being webcast from the Investor Relations website, which is available under About Verisign on verisign.com. There you will also find our earnings release.
Speaker #1: At this time, I'd like to turn the conference over to Mr. David Atchley, Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Treasurer. Please go ahead, sir.
Speaker #2: At the end of this call, the presentation will be available on that site, and within a few hours the replay of the call will be posted.
Speaker #2: Thank you, operator. Welcome to VeriSign's second quarter 2026 earnings call. Joining me are Jim Bidzos, Executive Chairman, President, and CEO, and John Calys, Executive Vice President and CFO.
Speaker #2: Financial results in our earnings release are unaudited, and our remarks include forward-looking statements that are subject to the risks and uncertainties that we discuss in detail in our documents filed with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Speaker #2: This call and presentation are being webcast from the Investor Relations website, which is available under 'About VERISIGN' on verisign.com. There you will also find our earnings release.
Speaker #2: Verisign does not plan to update financial performance or guidance during the quarter. The financial results in today's call and the matters we will be discussing today include gap results and free cash flow, a non-gap measure used by Verisign.
Speaker #2: At the end of this call, the presentation will be available on that site, and within a few hours, the replay of the call will be posted.
Speaker #2: Financial results in our earnings release are unaudited, and our remarks include forward-looking statements that are subject to the risks and uncertainties that we discuss in detail in our documents filed with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Speaker #2: Gap to non-gap reconciliation information is appended to the slide presentation, which can be found on the Investor Relations section of our website. Available after this call.
Speaker #2: Jim and John will provide some prepared remarks, and afterward we will open the call for your questions. With that, I would like to turn the call over to Jim.
Speaker #2: VERISIGN does not plan to update financial performance or guidance during the quarter. The financial results in today's call and the matters we will be discussing today include GAAP results and free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure used by VERISIGN. GAAP-to-non-GAAP reconciliation information is appended to the slide presentation, which can be found on the Investor Relations section of our website; it will be available after this call.
Speaker #3: Thanks, David. Good afternoon to everyone, and thank you for joining us. Last week we marked 29 years of delivering 100% availability for the dot-com and dot-net domain name resolution system, an unprecedented achievement that speaks to the robustness of the high assurance-critical infrastructure we operate.
Speaker #3: Alongside that technical milestone, we're also pleased to report that Verisign delivered strong results in the Q2 of 2026, both operationally and financially. The combined dot-com and dot-net domain name base is now at 179.1 million names, driven by a record 12.7 million new registrations during the Q2.
Speaker #2: Jim and John will provide some prepared remarks, and afterward, we will open the call for your questions. With that, I would like to turn the call over to Jim.
Speaker #3: Thanks, David. Good afternoon to everyone, and thank you for joining us. Last week, we marked 29 years of delivering 100% availability for the .com and .net domain name resolution system—an unprecedented achievement that speaks to the robustness of the high-assurance, critical infrastructure we operate.
Speaker #3: With continued solid renewal rates. On a financial side, revenue is up 6% year over year, and EPS increased 7.7% year over year. We have returned more than 100% of our free cash flow to our shareholders in the last 12 months, totaling $1.17 billion in share repurchases and dividends.
Speaker #3: Alongside that technical milestone, we're also pleased to report that Verisign delivered strong results in the second quarter of 2026, both operationally and financially. The combined .com and .net domain name base is now at 179.1 million names, driven by a record 12.7 million new registrations during the second quarter.
Speaker #3: Effective today, the Board of Directors has increased the amount authorized for share repurchases of Verisign Common Stock by $884 million, for a total of $1.5 billion available under the current share repurchase program, which has no expiration.
Speaker #3: With continued solid renewal rates. On the financial side, revenue is up 6% year over year, and EPS increased 7.7% year over year. We have returned more than 100% of our free cash flow to our shareholders in the last 12 months, totaling $1.17 billion in share repurchases and dividends.
Speaker #3: As announced in today's earnings release, Verisign's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $81 per share of Verisign's outstanding Common Stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 19, 2026, payable on August 27, 2026.
Speaker #3: Effective today, the Board of Directors has increased the amount authorized for share repurchases of VeriSign common stock by $884 million, for a total of $1.5 billion available under the current share repurchase program, which has no expiration.
Speaker #3: Verisign intends to continue to pay cash dividend on a quarterly basis. Verisign's performance in the Q2 shows continued robust demand for domain names. During the quarter, the domain name base for dot-com and dot-net grew 3.05 million, from the prior quarter end.
Speaker #3: As announced in today's earnings release, VeriSign's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $81 per share of VeriSign's outstanding common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 19, 2026, payable on August 27, 2026.
Speaker #3: New registrations for the Q2 were a record 12.7 million, compared to 11.5 million last quarter, and 10.4 million for the Q2 of last year.
Speaker #3: Verisign intends to continue to pay a cash dividend on a quarterly basis. Verisign's performance in the second quarter shows continued robust demand for domain names.
Speaker #3: The renewal rate for the Q2 of 2026 is expected to be 75.2%, compared to 75.5% a year ago. The U.S. and EMEA were the regions in which we saw the strongest growth during the Q2.
Speaker #3: During the quarter, the domain name base for .com and .net grew by 3.05 million from the prior quarter-end. New registrations for the second quarter were a record 12.7 million, compared to 11.5 million last quarter and 10.4 million for the second quarter of last year.
Speaker #3: The factors driving the solid domain name base trends the past several quarters accelerated during the Q2. Registrars are focused on customer acquisition and are successfully engaged with our marketing programs.
Speaker #3: The renewal rate for the second quarter of 2026 is expected to be 75.2%, compared to 75.5% a year ago. The U.S. and EMEA were the regions in which we saw the strongest growth during the second quarter.
Speaker #3: Additionally, AI tools are making content and website creation faster and easier. The strength in new registrations attests to the vital role of domain names in being discovered and establishing digital credibility.
Speaker #3: With the trends we've observed in the first half of 2026 and our expectations for Q2, we're increasing and narrowing our guidance for domain name base growth to be between 5.2% and 6% for 2026.
Speaker #3: The factors driving the solid domain name base trends over the past several quarters accelerated during the second quarter. Registrars are focused on customer acquisition and are successfully engaged with our marketing programs.
Speaker #3: Additionally, AI tools are making content and website creation faster and easier. The strength in new registrations attests to the vital role of domain names in being discovered and establishing digital credibility.
Speaker #3: As a reminder, you can monitor the progression of the domain name base on our website, which is updated daily. The first quarter renewal rate is the highest rate we have seen in 20 years.
Speaker #3: The 12.7 million new registrations are the largest we have seen for any quarter in our history. The record metrics we have seen during the first half of 2026 and the solid outlook made for our upward revision for domain name base growth for 2026.
Speaker #3: With the trends we've observed in the first half of 2026, and our expectations for the second half, we're...
Speaker #3: We're very pleased with the strong business metrics, which are leading to strong financial metrics for the company. Before having John review the financial metrics, I want to spend a minute talking about dot-web.
Speaker #3: Last night we announced that dot-web had been delegated into the global domain name systems root zone, with Verisign as the registry operator. The delegation of dot-web follows the successful resolution of all previous disputes related to the generic top-level domain.
Speaker #3: With a worldwide channel of registrar partners and decades of experience leveraging channel relationships to market and distribute TLDs like dot-com and dot-net, Verisign is poised to offer dot-web as an attractive new domain for TLD registrants across the globe.
Before having John review the financial metrics, I want to spend a minute talking about that web.
Speaker #3: Verisign plans to begin offering dot-web domains through its channel partners later this year, and will share further details about the planned launch in the coming months.
Speaker #3: As the launch is expected late this year, at this time we don't expect meaningful revenue or expenses related to dot-web for 2026. We understand there may be questions about the new products we discussed in our last earnings call.
Last night, we announced that .web had been delegated into the global Domain Name System's root zone with Verisign as the registry operator. The delegation of .web follows the successful resolution of all previous disputes related to the generic top-level domain.
Speaker #3: We didn't put our new product efforts on hold. They are and have been there are and have been teams working without interruption on them, and they've been operate the products have been operational and test mode since early this year.
With a worldwide channel of registrar partners, and decades of experience leveraging channel relationships to market and distribute TLDs like .com and .net, their assigned team is poised to offer .web as an attractive new domain for TLD registrars across the globe.
Speaker #3: We simply paused the rollout of the blogs as we focused on resolving and delegating dot-web, and with that complete, we can turn our attention back to introducing those products, and you'll see the blogs in the coming months.
Speaker #3: I can say that the products are very assurance, high-performance infrastructure, and that they also benefit from our long history in public key infrastructure and DNS security.
Their assigned plans to begin offering .web domains through its channel partners later this year and will share further details about the planned launch in the coming months, as the launch is expected late this year. At this time, we don't expect meaningful revenue or expenses related to .web for 2026.
We understand there may be questions about the new products we discussed at our last earnings call.
Speaker #3: They're designed to provide a high level of performance and reliability at global scale, as our DNS resolution does. We believe today's increasing reliance on online services, especially those that are AI-related, with the evolving threat environment, will demand greater and deeper deployment of security technology and practices which will come with performance security and scalability challenges, our infrastructure will address those challenges, and more.
We didn't put our new product efforts on hold; they are and have been—there are and have been—teams working without interruption on them. And they've been operating; the products have been operational and in test mode since early this year. We simply paused the rollout of the blogs as we focused on resolving and delegating web. And with that complete, we can turn our attention back to introducing those products, and you'll see the blogs in the coming months.
Speaker #3: Now I'd like to turn a call over to John. I'll return when John has completed his financial report with closing remarks. John?
I can say that the products are very secure, security-focused, that they benefit from our highest high-performance infrastructure, and that they also benefit from our long history in public key infrastructure and DNS security.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Jim, and good afternoon, everyone. For the quarter end of June 30, 2026, the company generated revenue of $435 million, up 6% from the same quarter a year ago.
Speaker #2: Operating expense in Q2 2026 totaled $138 million, which compared to $135 million last quarter and $121 million for the Q2 a year ago. Operating income totaled $296 million, up $16 million, or 5.6%, from the previous year.
They're designed to provide a high level of performance and reliability at global scale, as is our DNS resolution. We believe today's increasing reliance on online services, especially those that are AI-related, together with the evolving threat environment, will demand greater and deeper deployment of security technology and practices. This will come with performance, security, and scalability challenges. Our infrastructure will address those challenges and more.
Now I'd like to turn the call over to John. I'll return with closing remarks after John has completed his financial report. John?
Thank you, Jim, and good afternoon, everyone.
Speaker #2: Operating income was up $3 million, or 0.9%, sequentially. Net income for the Q2 totaled $217 million, compared to $215 million last quarter and $207 million, for the same quarter a year ago.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, the company generated revenue of $435 million, up 6% from the same quarter a year ago.
Speaker #2: This resulted in diluted earnings per share of $2.38 for the Q2 this year, compared to $2.34 last quarter and $2.21 for the Q2 last year.
Operating expenses in Q2 2026 totaled $138 million, compared to $135 million last quarter and $121 million for the second quarter a year ago.
Operating income totaled $2,096 million, up $16 million or 5.6% from the previous year.
Speaker #2: Operating cash flow for the Q2 of 2026 was $232 million, and free cash flow was $213 million, compared with $202 million and $109 million respectively, in the year ago quarter.
Operating income was up $3 million, or 0.9%, sequentially.
Net income for the second quarter totaled $217 million, compared to $215 million last quarter and $207 million for the same quarter a year ago.
Speaker #2: Our financial and liquidity position remains stable, with $1.34 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at the end of the quarter. That amount included $546 million of net proceeds from the issuance of 5.1% senior notes maturing in 2031.
This resulted in diluted earnings per share of $2.38 for the second quarter this year, compared to $2.34 in the prior-year quarter.
Speaker #2: On July 20, 2026, the company redeemed its $550 million of outstanding 4.75% senior notes due in 2027, thereby reducing our liquidity from quarter end.
Operating cash flow for the second quarter of 2026 was $232 million, and free cash flow was $213 million, compared with $202 million and $109 million, respectively, in the year-ago quarter.
Speaker #2: I will now discuss our updated full year 2026 guidance, which is Jim mentioned earlier, does not anticipate meaningful revenue or expense related to dot-web at this time.
Our financial and liquidity position remains stable, with $1.034 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at the end of the quarter.
That amount included $546 million of net proceeds from the issuance of 5.1% senior notes maturing in 2031.
Speaker #2: Revenue is now expected to be between $1.74 billion and $1.75 billion. Operating income is now expected to be between $1.18 billion and $1.19 billion.
On July 20th, 2026, the company redeemed its $550 million of outstanding 4.75% senior notes due in 2027, thereby reducing our liquidity from quarter end.
Speaker #2: Interest expense and non-operating net is narrowed and expected to be an expense between $15.9 and $65 million, reflecting the impacts related to the refinancing I mentioned earlier.
I will now discuss our updated full-year 2026 guidance, which, as Jim mentioned earlier, does not anticipate meaningful revenue or expense related to .web at this time.
Speaker #2: Capital expenditures are still expected to be between $55 and $65 million. The gap effective tax rate is still expected to be between $22 and $25%.
1,755 million.
Speaker #2: I will now turn the call back to Jim for his closing remarks.
Operating income is now expected to be between $1,185 million and $1,195 million.
Speaker #3: Thanks, John. While we're very pleased that dot-web is now delegated, we'd like to focus on the very solid trends we're seeing in our business in 2026.
Speaker #3: We extended our record of 100% service availability to 29 years. We saw strength in all metrics, in particular with new registrations and solid financial performance.
Interest expense, and non-operating net, is narrowed and expected to be an expense between $59 million and $65 million, reflecting the impacts related to the refinancing I mentioned earlier.
Capital expenditures are still expected to be between $55 and $65 million.
Speaker #3: We returned more than 100% of our free cash flow to the investing public. We've seen strong execution of our marketing programs, which are better suited to our evolving channel.
The GAAP effective tax rate is still expected to be between 22% and 25%.
I will now turn the call back to Jim for his closing remarks.
Speaker #3: These programs are a great investment as they contribute significantly to our long-term growth and profitability. Importantly, the first time renewal rate has stayed in a tight range in the mid-40% range for several quarters.
Speaker #3: Names registered in the first half of last year are renewing at rates consistent with our longer-term first-time renewal rate. Our programs are carefully designed to produce these results.
Speaker #3: Now, as we look at the significant increase in new registrations, for example, up 14% year over year in the first quarter, and up 21% year over year in the second quarter, we're encouraged that the factors that are driving the new registration strength, including our programs, have been producing quality names.
Thanks, John. While we're very pleased that Webb is now delegated, we'd like to focus on the very solid trends we're seeing in our business. In 2026, we extended our record of 100% service availability to 29 years. We saw strength in all metrics, in particular with new registrations and solid financial performance. We returned more than 100% of our free cash flow to the investing public. We've seen strong execution of our marketing programs, which are better suited to our evolving channel.
Speaker #3: This should translate to long-term profitable growth for this company. And as a reminder, once a name renews at least once, it becomes part of our previously renewed base.
Speaker #3: The previously renewed rate is in the mid-80% range. Additionally, we're benefiting from some factors that include AI. AI has made finding a good domain name, building a website, and getting online faster and easier.
These programs are a great investment as they contribute significantly to our long-term growth and profitability. Importantly, the first time renewal rate has stayed in a tight range. In the mid 40% range, for several quarters names, registered in the first half of last year are renewing at rates consistent with our longer term. First time renewal rate, our programs are carefully designed to produce these results.
Speaker #3: This includes leveraging AI-enabled tools we've made available to our registrar partners. Our record high domain name base and record high new registrations are contributing to the ever-increasing reliance on Verisign's high assurance critical internet infrastructure.
Now, as we look at the significant increase in new registrations—for example, up 14% year-over-year in the first quarter and up 21% year-over-year in the second quarter—we're encouraged that the factors driving the new registration strength, including our programs, have been producing quality names. This should translate to long-term profitable growth for this company.
Speaker #3: We've seen a substantial increase in the number of DNS transactions to our servers. Operating the high assurance infrastructure remains our priority, and is at the core of Verisign.
And as a reminder, once a name renews at least once, it becomes part of our previously renewed base. The previously renewed rate is in the mid-80% range.
Speaker #3: We also believe that our uptime record is a significant contributor to the growth of our domains, and that reliability will allow individuals and businesses to register dot-web domain names with confidence.
Additionally, we're benefiting from some factors that include AI. AI has made finding a good domain name, building a website, and getting online faster and easier. This includes leveraging AI-enabled tools we've made available to our registrar partners.
Speaker #3: Thanks for your attention today. This concludes our prepared remarks, and now we'll open the call for your questions. Operator, we're ready for the first question.
Speaker #4: If you are using a speakerphone, please make sure you're mute function is turned off to allow your signal to reach our equipment. Once your question has been stated, please mute your line.
Our record high domain name base, and record high new registrations, are contributing to the ever-increasing reliance on various sciences and critical internet infrastructure. We've seen a substantial increase in the number of DNS transactions to our servers.
Operating the high assurance infrastructure remains our priority and is at the core of their assignments.
Speaker #4: Our first question comes from Rob Oliver with Baird.
Speaker #5: Great. Good afternoon. Thanks. I had a couple of questions Jim. I'll just start with you. I appreciate some of the color you provided around the really strong domain trends.
We also believe that our uptime record is a significant contributor to the growth of our domains, and that reliability will allow individuals and businesses to register web domain names with confidence.
Speaker #5: And I was wondering if you could just add a bit more. I know some of what's at work here is you guys have really sharpened your marketing programs, and your efforts, and I think that's really showing in not just the registrations but also in those first-time renewal rates in terms of the quality you're also seeing these tailwinds around AI, around application development, the importance of the domain.
Thanks for your attention today. This concludes our prepared remarks, and now we'll open the call for your questions. Operator, we're ready for the first question.
If you are using a speakerphone,
...turned off to allow your signal.
Equipment.
Once your question has been stated,
Mute your line.
Our first question comes from Rob Oliver with Baird.
Speaker #5: And I was wondering if you could help contextualize kind of maybe breaking those apart, help us better understand of this strength you're seeing how each is responsible for them.
Speaker #5: And then I had a couple of other questions.
Speaker #3: Okay. Well, let me see if I can answer that briefly here. First of all, the components I can easily describe. I think one of them I mentioned earlier was our high assurance infrastructure.
Great, good afternoon. Uh, thanks. I had a couple of questions. Uh, Jim, I'll just start with you. I appreciate some of the color you provided around the really strong domain trends, and I was wondering if you could just add a bit more. I know some of what's at work here is you guys have really sharpened your marketing programs and your efforts, and I think that's really showing in not just the registrations but also in those first-time renewal rates, in terms of the quality. You're also seeing these tailwinds around a—
Speaker #3: I think that contributes to people's confidence in online operations. AI is definitely enhancing demand for domain names. AI tools make it easier for content creators, for businesses, to find domain names, create content, create and maintain content on their websites.
...guy around application development, the importance of the domain, and I was wondering if you could help contextualize, you know, kind of...
Maybe breaking those apart will help us better understand, you know, of this strength you're seeing—how each is responsible for them. And then I had a couple of other questions.
Speaker #3: And businesses and content creators compete not only for attention online, through AI-driven search, but the credibility and digital identity that a domain name encapsulates become even more critical.
Speaker #3: So those are all contributing trends and tailwinds. Active registrar engagement with and strong execution of our marketing programs. Is definitely helping. I think last quarter I called that if I didn't use the word convergence, I should have.
Okay, um, well, let me, let me see if I can, uh, answer that, uh, uh, briefly here. Uh, first of all, the, the components I can easily describe, uh, I think 1 of them. I mentioned earlier, was our high Assurance infrastructure, I think that contributes to people's confidence in, in online operations.
Speaker #3: I'll use it now. A synergistic conversion of some of the AI tailwind and other tailwinds like the ongoing registrar focus now on customer acquisition, where we saw this sort of cyclical trend some time ago.
Speaker #3: To ARPU, now we're seeing things shift as we predicted they would. So there's a bit of good fortune here, but I think our marketing programs and their design are clearly a contributor.
Speaker #3: Sort of taking those apart with any precision is really difficult. Not sure we could even give you that kind of detail. We just see them working synergistically.
Speaker #3: I think we've also gotten much better at these marketing programs. I often talk about the evolving changing channel. They're business models are changing. And we've been able to adapt to that.
Speaker #3: Just might mention with dot-web, we can adapt even further because we have fewer restrictions on that TLD. So all those factors together are contributing to the strength that you're seeing.
Speaker #3: It's primarily, as I mentioned, in the US and EMEA. That's a positive for us because the quality and the renewal rates from these regions tend to be stronger.
Speaker #3: So like I said, taking it all apart, parsing it out in detail, difficult, but I think we're seeing the growth. We recognize the tailwinds.
The domain name encapsulates, become even more critical. So those are all contributing uh uh Trends and Tailwind active register engagement with and strong execution of our marketing programs. Um, is definitely helping I think uh last quarter I called that uh uh if I didn't use the word convergence, I I should I should have, I'll use it now a synergistic synergistic conversion of some of the AI tailwind and other Tailwind like the ongoing, registar Focus. Now on customer acquisition, where we saw this sort of cyclical Trend some time ago, uh, to arpu, now we're seeing uh, things shift as we predicted. They would. So there's a bit of good fortune here but I think our our marketing programs and their design are are clearly a contributor sort of taking those apart with any Precision is really difficult. Not sure. We we could even give you that kind of detail. We just see them working synergistically, I think, we've also gotten much better at these marketing programs. I often talk about the evolving changing Channel, their business models are changing
Speaker #3: We definitely know we're very close to the channel. We understand the value and benefit and effectiveness of the marketing programs. And again, I'll say again that when you see 14 and 21 percent increase in units, respectively, in the last two quarters, and you see first-time renewal rates essentially within a narrow range, with long-term strong renewal rates, that's going to yield profitable growth long-term.
Um, and we've been able to adapt to that. I just might mention with .web, we can adapt even further because we have fewer restrictions, uh, um, on that TLD.
So, all those factors together are contributing to the strength that you're seeing. It's primarily, as I mentioned, in the US and AMEA. That's a positive for us because the quality and the renewal rates from these regions tend to be stronger.
Speaker #3: So these are all very good for the business. And one point to clarify here, we've received questions about the current strength. Is it related to pull forward, related to the November dot-com wholesale price increase?
Speaker #3: I can't say with that that's not a factor. It could be a factor for some registrations. We just don't see it as anything coming close to a material factor in the current registration strength.
Speaker #3: So hopefully that's helpful.
Speaker #5: Okay. Great. Yeah. No, that is helpful. And thanks on that last point. That was a. Question I was going to ask as well. I wanted to ask about dot-web also and congrats.
Speaker #5: I'm happy. I thought I'd be in my dotage by the time that deal finally closed. So congratulations on that. I guess I know you knowing you guys, you're not going to talk about pricing and things like that, but maybe try to ask the question a different way.
So, like I said, taking it all apart, parsing it out in detail difficult. But uh, I think, uh, we're seeing the growth, we recognize the Tailwind, we definitely know. We're we're very close to the channel, we understand the the value and benefit uh and effectiveness of the marketing programs. And again, I'll I'll say again that uh when you see 14 and 21%, uh uh increase in units, respectively in the last 2 quarters, and you see, first time renewal rates essentially within a narrow range with long-term strong, renewal rates, that's going to yield profitable growth long term. So these are all very good for the business and uh, uh uh, you know, 1 point to clarify here. You know, we've received questions, uh, about the current strength, is it related to pull forward, uh, related to the november.com wholesale price, increase.
Speaker #5: You guys have obviously the premier anchor asset in dot-com. You do have experience with other assets like dot-net. But conceptually, how should we think about the way in which you'll think about approaching dot-web marketing, dot-web, and how, if at all, will it be different from dot-com?
Um, I can't say with—you know, that that's not a factor. It could be a factor for some registrations. We just don't see it as anything coming close to a material factor in the current registration strength.
So uh, hopefully that's helpful.
Speaker #5: And then I'll pass it on. I know we got more people on the call. Thanks a lot, guys.
Speaker #3: Okay. Thanks. Well, dot-web is different from dot-com. Dot-com is uniquely the only TLD in the entire DNS industry that's regulated by a cooperative agreement between Verisign and the Department of Commerce.
Okay, great. Yeah, no, that is helpful and thanks on that last point. That was a question. I was going to ask as well. I want to ask about that web also, and congrats on. Um, I'm happy. I I thought I'd be in my dotage, by the time that deal finally closed. So, congratulations on that. Um, um, uh, you know, I, I guess I know you. You knowing you guys, you're not you're not going to talk about pricing and things like that, but maybe if you try to ask the question in a different way, you guys have obviously the premiere.
You know, anchor asset in .com, um, you do have experience with other, you know, assets, um, like .net, but—
Speaker #3: The NTIA. Dot-web is a TLD like the other thousand, 2,000 almost TLDs that I can oversees and regulates. And it's operating parameters are actually quite different.
Speaker #3: We don't have many of the restrictions. So for example, like all these other TLDs, it's governed by a standard registry agreement. They are all operating from the same registry agreement, which is only with ICANN, as I mentioned, not with any other regulatory body.
Conceptually, how should we think about the way in, which you'll think about approaching web marketing web, uh, and how will how if at all, will it be different from, um, from.com. And then I'll pass it on. I know we got more people on the call. Thanks a lot, guys.
Speaker #3: Obviously, there are other global regulations that affect all tech companies, but the administration and regulation of the domain name industry is by ICANN. And this agreement is no different than the others.
Speaker #3: I'd say the most obvious difference with dot-web from com and dot-net is that we have complete wholesale pricing flexibility. That the only requirement is a six-month notice.
Speaker #3: Other than that, we can price we have complete pricing flexibility. But like dot-com, we one thing that is in common with dot-com is that we are a wholesaler as a registry, and it will be registrars, of course, who set the retail pricing.
Speaker #3: So dot-web wholesale pricing is completely within our control, subject to that notice period to the registrars of six months. This includes the ability to sell premium names as well, which we cannot do in com or dot-net.
Uh, okay, thanks. Well, uh, that that web is different from is uniquely. The only TLD in the entire DNS industry that's um, regulated by a Cooperative agreement between verisign uh and the Department of Commerce, the ntia uh, Webb is a TLD like the other thousand 20000 almost tlds that I can overseas and regulate and it's, uh, operating, uh, uh, uh, parameters are actually quite different. We don't have many of the restrictions. So, uh, for example, like, uh, like all these other tlds. It's governed by a standard registry agreement. They are all operating from the same registry agreement, which is only what I can, as I mentioned not with any other regulatory body. Uh, obviously, there are other Global regulations that affect all tech companies but the, the the administration and regulation of the domain name industry, is by I can. And this agreement is no different than the others. I'd say the, the, the most obvious difference with that web from cam and.net, is that uh we have complete wholesale pricing.
Speaker #3: And now that it's delegated in the root zone, the process, just to give you a sense of what to expect coming up, there is a 90-day required period of security testing.
Speaker #3: So that's the first thing we'll do. We're beginning that. Then there is a required minimum 30-day period in which only trademark holders may come and get their dot-web registration.
Speaker #3: So we'll certainly observe that. So that puts us 120 days out. Then we have something optional called an LRP or a limited registration period.
Speaker #3: This is where registries have the opportunity to set their own rules for who can come in before you go to general availability. And we intend to offer we tend to run an LRP, and the rules that we will use is we will give all of our holders of dot-com registrations the opportunity to come and get the same registration in dot-web before we open registrations for general availability.
Speaker #3: We're working out the details of how long that will run, but we do intend to do that. So that puts general availability, we think it'll be either late this year or very, very early next year.
Speaker #3: And that's pretty much everything about dot-web I can share right now. We'll obviously provide you further updates, but we're excited. I noticed that it's been quite a while since we've been in pursuit of dot-web, but it is a very different TLD, and I appreciate your question.
Speaker #3: Those are the ways that it's significantly different. And there's also flexibility in how we market to the channel. We have we do not have the same restrictions that we have now.
Speaker #3: We can be more flexible, more creative, more engaging individually with the channel. I think that's going to translate into an opportunity to even more effectively engage this diverse and evolving channel.
Just to give you a sense of what to expect coming up. There is a 90-day required period of security testing. So, that's the first thing we'll do. Um, we're beginning that then there is a required minimum, um, 30-day period in which only trademark holders may come and get their dot web registration. So we'll certainly observe that. So that puts us 120 days out then. Um, we have something optional, Colton lrp or a limited registration period. This Is Where um, Registries have the opportunity to set their own rules for who can come in before you go to General availability and we intend to uh, offer. Uh, we tend to run an lrp and the rules that we will use is we will give uh, all of our holders of.com registrations the opportunity, uh, to come and get the same registration in.web before we open registrations for General availability, uh, we're working out the details of how long that will run, but we do intend to do that. So so that puts a general availability, we think it'll be either late this.
Speaker #3: So all in all, the prospects are promising. It's exciting. It's something new and different for us. We've been looking forward to it.
Speaker #5: Great. Thanks, Jim. Really appreciate it.
Speaker #3: Sure. Pleasure.
Speaker #1: And we'll go next to Igal, Arudian with Wedbush.
Speaker #6: Hey. Good afternoon, guys. Maybe first, just with the guidance, the high-end domain growth, approaching 5%. And as I sort of look back to it's been quite a while since domains have grown 5% sustainably.
Year or very, very early next year. And, um, that's pretty much everything about that. Webb bike and share right now. Uh, we'll obviously provide you further updates, but we're excited. Uh, I noticed that it's been quite a while since we've been in Pursuit of.web, but it is a very different T TLD. And I appreciate your question. Those are the ways that it's significantly different. And, uh, there's, there's also flexibility in how, we, how we Market to the channel. We have, uh, we do not have the same restrictions that we have. Now, we can be more flexible more.
Creatively, we're engaging more individually with the channel. I think that's going to translate into an opportunity to even more effectively engage this diverse and evolving channel. So, all in all, the prospects are promising—it's exciting. It's something new and different for us, and we've been looking forward to it.
Speaker #6: I know we are now, but looking back to even the 2025 and the years before, but it's been a long time since we've been at that level.
Great. Thanks, Jim. Really appreciate it.
Sure, pleasure.
Speaker #6: I know we're talking about some of the factors, particularly AI. Does it feel like we're structurally at a different type of growth rate? Maybe driven by AI?
And we'll go next to Eagle Audian with Wedbush.
Hey, uh, good afternoon, guys. Um,
Speaker #6: And then within that, and you're talking about some of the AI factors that are driving the growth. How are you seeing agentic play out here?
Speaker #6: And is that do you think that's driving any incremental growth on the agentic AI piece specifically? And I'll have one follow-up.
Speaker #3: Okay. Well, first of all, Igal, welcome back. It's good to have you back following Verisign again. We appreciate that. Good. Let me try to answer this from a higher altitude, so to speak.
Speaker #3: I'm not sure I can specifically answer some of the things you seem to be asking towards the end there, but let's start with why are domain why is there a general increase in what's AI doing to it?
Speaker #3: I think AI is definitely increasing demand for the obvious reason we mentioned, which is that it's easier and faster to build a domain name.
First just was the guidance, uh, the high-end, uh, domain growth, you know, approaching 5%. And as I sort of look back to it, it's been quite a while since domains have grown 5% sustainably. I know we are now and but, you know, looking back to even the 2025 and the years before, but it's been a long time since we've been at that level. Um, I know we're talking about some of the factors particularly AI. Does it feel like we're structurally at a, at a different type of growth rate, maybe driven by Ai? And then, you know, with within that and, and, and that you, you're talking about some of the AI, um, factors that that are driving the growth, how, how, how are you seeing a, a magentic, uh, play out here and, and is that do you think that's driving any incremental growth? Um, with on the agentic AIP specifically? And I I'll have 1 follow up.
Speaker #3: But I think that sort of only saying that, I think, tells only part of the story. The other part of the story is that AI is driving obviously more engagement, more is happening, more quickly.
Speaker #3: And I think what's happening is that the strength of the DNS is sort of shining through here. We've often said that alternate namespaces don't really have what the DNS has, which is this governance by ICANN that creates what is a secure, stable, global, and identifier.
Speaker #3: It's secure because of all the security required by ICANN. And then we do above and beyond as many other registries do as well. It's stable certainly in our operations because we just completed a 29th record, 29 years of uninterrupted availability.
Okay, uh well, first of all, y'all welcome back. It's good to have you back following verisign again. Uh, we appreciate that good. Uh, let me try to answer this from, you know, a, a higher altitude so to speak. I'm not sure I can specifically answer some of the, the the things you seem to be asking uh, towards the end there. But let's start with, you know, why our domain? Why is there a general increase in in in, what's AI doing to it? I I I think AI is definitely increasing demand for the obvious reason we mentioned, which is that it's easier and faster to build a domain name. But I think that uh, sort of only saying that I think tells only part of the story. The other part of the story is that AI is driving, obviously more engagement. Um, more is happening more quickly.
Speaker #3: And it's global because ICANN operates in 150-plus countries. And so these domain names are guaranteed to be unique and stable and secure up to a very high level due to this governance structure.
Speaker #3: I think that's underappreciated as a contributor to the rapid willingness and eagerness to adopt e-commerce and to get online. Here they are. They work.
Speaker #3: Now, the DNS under the covers is very complex, and I think AI is obscuring some of the complexity and making it easier for people to get online.
And uh, I think what's happening is that the strength of the DNS is sort of shining through here. Uh, We've often said that, um, alternate namespaces, don't really have what the DNS has, which is this, this governance, um, by I can uh, that, uh, creates uh, what is a secure stable Global and identifiers? Um, it's secure because of all the security required by I can and then uh we do above and beyond as many other registries do as well. Um it's uh it's stable certainly in in our operations because we just just uh completed a 29 record 29 years of uninterrupted, availability and it's Global because I can't operate in
Speaker #3: I would say that might be the single biggest influence if you wanted to look for external influences. As I said, we are making our own contribution.
Speaker #3: We've gotten smarter, more engaged with our channel. We understand what they're doing. They do have complex business models. They have evolved. Many have gone public.
Speaker #3: Some public ones have gone private. Some sell wholesale. Some only sell retail. It's very diverse, and it keeps evolving. So it feels like if it feels like the world is spinning faster, well, it does to me.
Speaker #3: And I think we're seeing those effects. And those effects and that stability and our willingness and ability to adapt to them, I think, is behind our growth.
Speaker #3: I can't speak for everything, but that's my sense of the best answer I can give to your question if that's helpful.
Speaker #6: Okay. Great. Thanks. Yeah. Very helpful. And then yeah, great to see dot-web finally come through. Let me change how we write about it. The caller you gave on the timing is really helpful.
Speaker #6: I'm just wondering, as we think about kind of how we build this into our models, are there upfront costs? You mentioned the marketing a little bit.
Speaker #6: Are there costs to build the registry or anything else that come ahead of revenue recognition? I just want to think through how that impacts your financials, thanks.
Get online. I would say that might be the single biggest influence. Uh, uh, if you wanted to look for external influences, as I said, we you know, we we are making our own contribution. We've gotten smarter more engaged with our Channel. We understand what they're doing. Um, they do have complex business models. They have evolved many have gone public some public ones, have gone private um some some sell wholesale, some only sell retail, it's very diverse and it keeps evolving. So it feels like if it feels like the world is spinning faster. Well, it does to me. And, uh, I, I think we're seeing those effects and, and, and, uh, those effects and that's stability. And, and our willingness and ability to adapt to them, I think is, is behind our growth. I can't speak for everything, but that's my sense of the best answer. I can give to your question if that's helpful.
Speaker #3: Well, I think as we finalize our launch plans and marketing plans, there'll be some marketing spends as there is now with Common Net. But in terms of any registry costs, no, we run multiple TLDs now.
Speaker #3: We have a number of TLDs that we operate. We've operated many over the years, not just Common Net. So this is as natural as integration and integration as one could imagine.
Speaker #3: There's simply nothing new about the integration of dot-web and processing registrations the manner in which the registrars engage and bring their registrations to our operations is identical to everything we're doing now.
Okay, great thanks. Yeah, very helpful and then yeah. Uh, could see that web finally come through, um, and we can change how we write about it. Uh, the, the color you gave on the timing is really helpful. I was just wondering, um, this is, I think about kind of how, how we build this into our models, are there upfront costs and you mentioned the marketing a little bit of their their you know cost uh to to, to build the registry or anything else. That come ahead of Revenue. Recognition. You just want to think through how how that impacts your your financials? Thanks.
Speaker #3: It's another TLD. There's just more flexibility in engagement and marketing with the channel, which is really a big plus for us.
Speaker #6: John, any comments?
Speaker #2: Yeah. I'd say from a marketing expense standpoint, given where we're at and the time frame that Jim laid out in his comments, there won't be a significant amount of marketing expense this year.
Speaker #2: That we recognize. And the same is true for revenue. It's likely to be fairly late in the year and because of our method of revenue recognition, you won't see a big bump even if you see some nice sales before the end of the year.
Well, I think as we finalize our launch plans and marketing plans, there'll be some marketing expense as there is now, uh, with common net. Uh, but in terms of any registry costs know, we run multiple tlds now uh we have a a number of tlds that we operate. We've operated many over the years, not just common net. Uh we so so this is as natural uh as integration uh and integration as 1 could imagine, there's simply nothing new about the uh integration of web and uh processing registrations the manner in which the registrars engage and bring their registrations. To our operations is identical to everything we're doing now. It's another TD. Um there's just more flexibility in engagement and marketing with the channel which is really a big plus for us.
Speaker #2: You won't see revenue. Recognition happened right away. It'll take some time to build.
Uh, John, any comments? You know, I'd say from a marketing expense standpoint, given where we're at in the time frame that Jim laid out.
Speaker #6: Got it. Thank you, guys.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Speaker #1: And our next question comes from James Michael, Sherman Lewis with City.
Speaker #7: Good afternoon. Thank you for taking my question. Two here, if I may. Number one, on the dot-web rollout, I'm curious how you're thinking about the go-to-market approach across marketing channels and specifically where do you think the point of sale is most likely to occur?
Speaker #7: Could these be predominantly net new dot-web domain sale opportunities, or potentially as an attached for a dot-com domain sale, or even upselling existing customers at renewal?
Uh, in his comments, uh, you know, there won't be a significant amount of marketing expense this year that we recognize. And the same is true for revenue. It's likely to be fairly late in the year, and because of our method of revenue recognition, you won't see a big bump. Even if you see some nice sales before the end of the year, you won't see revenue recognition happen right away. It'll take some time to build.
Got it. Thank you guys.
Thank you.
Speaker #7: I just want to better understand how you're thinking about possible approaches here.
And our next question comes from James, Michael Sherman Lewis with Citi.
Speaker #3: Thanks. Well, first of all, I think certainly it'll there's a couple of different factors here that I think should result in what we think will be a favorable reception by the market and our channel for dot-web.
Speaker #3: First of all, it runs on our high assurance infrastructure. And I think that's often underappreciated. Secondly, I mentioned that we would be running a limited registration program.
Speaker #3: And that gives dot-com holders the opportunity to get their web. So if they want to companion web, they can have it. So that may be an opportunity.
Good afternoon. Thank you for taking my question. Uh, to hear if I met, uh, number one on the web rollout. I'm curious how you're thinking about the go-to-market approach, uh, across marketing channels, and specifically where you think the point of sale is most likely to occur. Could these be predominantly net new, that web domain, still opportunities? Or potentially, is it an attach for a, you know, a .com domain sale or even upselling existing customers and renewals? I just want to better understand how you're thinking about possible approaches here.
Speaker #3: It may be as in a new website, but a companion website that some may have want for a variety of reasons. In addition to that, I think there are a lot of folks who might find it just a more appealing.
Speaker #3: It's a very descriptive. It's a short TLD. This is why we got interested in it years ago. At the very beginning, there are, by the way, well over 1,000 TLDs today that the market has to choose from.
Speaker #3: And many of them, by the way, compared to in that market, Com is a very low-price TLD. We have nothing to say about dot-web pricing today.
Um, thanks well. Uh, first of all, um, I I think certainly it'll, there's a couple of different factors here that I think should um, result in uh, what we think will be a favorable reception by the market and our channel for web. First of all, it runs on our high Assurance infrastructure and I think that's often underappreciated, um, uh, secondly, uh, I mentioned that we would be running a, uh, a limited registration program and uh, uh, that that gives that uh, cam holders, the opportunity to get their web. So if they want the companion web uh, they can have it. So that may be an opportunity that maybe isn't a new website, but a companion website that some may have want for a variety of reasons.
Speaker #3: We're still working on that. But certainly, there's there are very few that are really short, descriptive TLDs. And I think this is one of them, which is why it appealed to us.
Speaker #3: So I think that will be inviting for folks. The namespace will be available because at this moment, there are zero registrations in dot-web. So for those reasons, I think there certainly will be a market.
Speaker #3: I think the channel, we're very good at engaging with them. They're the ones who do the sort of retail marketing. We try to support them in that.
Speaker #3: John mentioned that there might be very, very modest marketing expense here late in the year. I think maybe just getting the word out that there's a period in which if you hold a Com, you may come and register your dot-web.
Speaker #3: It's reserved for you. We might do a little bit of messaging with that would be. Entirely non-material expense. Very, very minimum expense for marketing.
Speaker #3: So I think there's a market for existing holders. I mean, there were literally hundreds and hundreds of new GTLDs brought to market over the last 12 years.
Speaker #3: And many of those are growing at rates much faster than dot-com. And so there's clearly a market for these TLDs. And I think dot-web will be an attractive option for folks.
Speaker #7: That's very helpful. Thank you. And then just a quick follow-up on the renewals. I know you had some commentary and you prepared remarks about this, but as we look to the back half of the year and certain lapping this higher mix of new registrations and go through the price hike, could you update us on your churn expectations?
Speaker #3: What was the last word? Update us on our.
Tlds and I think this is 1 of them, which is why it appealed to us. So I think that will be uh, inviting for folks. Uh, the namespace will be available because at this moment, there are zero registrations in web. So, for those reasons, I think there certainly will be a market. I think, uh, the channel, you know, we're very good at engaging with them, they're the ones who do the sort of retail marketing. Uh, we try to support them in that John mentioned that there might be very, very modest marketing expense here. Late in the year, I think maybe just getting the word out that there's a period in which if you hold a Comm, you may come and register your web. It's reserved for you. We might, we might do a little bit of messaging with that would be, uh, entirely, uh, non-material expense, very, very minimum expense for marketing. So I think there's a market for existing, uh, holders. I mean there were literally hundreds and hundreds of new gtlds brought to Market over the last 12 years. And uh, many of those are are growing at rates, much faster, than.com.
Speaker #7: Churn expectations. Thank you.
Speaker #3: Oh. Oh, renewal rate. I know we've said in the past quarters, we expected a little bit of a tick down as the mix first-time renewing names grows because of the strength of our new registrations here in the last call it six quarters.
And so, there's clearly a market for these TLDs, and I think that Webb will be an attractive option for folks.
Speaker #3: Or so. We still have some expectation there in the remainder of this year and in possibly into next year. But I think I would reiterate something Jim mentioned earlier, and that is we've gotten much better at marketing to our registrars, trying to encourage the registrations that they chase to be of higher quality.
But, uh, very helpful. Thank you. Uh, and then just a quick follow-up on the renewals, uh, I know you have some commentary, and you have a good day remarks about this. But as we look to the back half of the year in certain lapping, the entire mix of, you know, new registrations and go to the price hike, could you update us on your term expectations?
What was the last word?
Update on our application. Thank you. Oh, renewal rate—um, you know, I know we've said in past quarters we expected a little bit of a tick down as the mix.
Speaker #3: And our programs are geared towards higher quality so there's some offset to that natural tendency. And as Jim mentioned in his comments, if you look at the renewal rate that we've had the last couple of quarters, it's been very consistent with our historical rate for first-time renewals.
Speaker #3: And we had very strong new registrations early in 2025. So I think our renewal rates holding up fairly well given our programs and just the natural trends that the strength in our new registrations have.
Speaker #7: Understood. Thank you very much.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Speaker #1: And we'll go next to Alexi Gogolev with JP Morgan.
Speaker #8: Thank you. And hello, everyone. I guess, Jim, could we start with the discussion around some of your plans for new product rollouts? You talked about possible security services or any other solutions will those get the backseat now that you have dot-web to focus on, or are you still continuing to roll those out in the near term?
Of first time, renewing names grows because of the strength of our new registrations here in the last you'll call it 6 quarter or so. Um, I, you know, we still have some expectation there, uh, in the remainder of this year, um, and then possibly into next year, but I think I would reiterate, uh, some of the Jim mentioned earlier. And that is, you know, we've we've gotten much better at marketing to our registrars, try to encourage the registrations that they chase to be of higher quality and our programs are are geared towards higher quality so that so there's some offset to that natural tendency. And as as Jim mentioned in his comments, um, you know, if you look at the renewal rate, um, that we've had the last couple quarters, it's been very consistent with our historical rate for first-time renewals and and we had very strong, um, you know, new registrations
Early in 2025. So, you know, I I think our renewal rates holding up fairly well, uh, given our programs. Uh, and and just the the natural trends that uh, the strengthen our new registrations have.
Understood, thank you very much.
Thank you.
And we'll go next to Alexei Gov with J.P. Morgan.
Speaker #3: I think the short answer to that is no. They will not. The first product that we're likely to roll out, it's just a different product.
Thank you, and hello everyone. Um,
Speaker #3: I would think of it this way. We have done we are a pioneering company in public key infrastructure. We started doing this in the '80s.
I guess Jim could. Will we start with the discussion around some of your plans for new product rollouts?
Speaker #3: This company was created from RSA, which invented the most popular form of public key cryptography. Digital signatures, Verisign was formed to play a role in PKI in the very first browsers that came from Netscape in 1994.
Um, you talked about possible security services or any other solutions. Um, will those, uh, take a back seat now that you have, uh, that web to focus on? Or will you still continue to roll those out in the near term?
Speaker #3: There are a lot of components cryptographic security components that come with that service that we were performing that today are becoming more important. In my comments, I alluded to the requirement to engage deeper with security in the AI world.
Speaker #3: You don't need to take my word for that. You can see that in the headlines of every newspaper just about every single day. That there are concerns that security is going to be a challenge in AI.
Speaker #3: I'm sure we'll address it, but what we plan to do is offer security features that are sort of going to benefit from operating in our high assurance environment.
Uh, I think the short answer to that is no, they will not I think the um, you know, the the the first product that we're likely to roll out, it's it's just a different product. I, I would think of it this way. Uh, we we have done. You know, we are a pioneering company and public key. Infrastructure we started doing this in the 80s. Um, this company was created from RSA which invented the most popular form of public key cryptography. A digital signatures veric sign was formed to play a role in pki. In the very first browsers that came from Netscape in 1994. There are a lot of components, um, uh, cryptographic
Speaker #3: We believe, I certainly believe that what we're going to see is that AI, the security challenge with AI will be met by sharpening and hardening the tools and making full use of them in pursuit of compliance with something called the Zero Trust principles.
Speaker #3: And that will put demands on these security functions. And I think our infrastructure as well aligned to provide them. And you won't have to wait too much longer to hear about that.
Speaker #3: But the teams that develop that and the teams that develop it have done their work in that. It operates on our infrastructure in a way very similar to the way we ingest and service domain names.
Speaker #3: And. Its performance, however, will benefit from our infrastructure immensely. More of it will be needed in an agentic AI world. And I think we're in a great position to offer at global scale, millisecond performance along with many hundreds of billions of DNS resolutions that we answer today with significant overcapacity designed that way.
Speaker #3: We think we can offer a valuable service.
Speaker #8: Okay. Thank you, Jim. And maybe another question for John. With regards to CAPEX, you kept the guidance for the year unchanged. Obviously, we're seeing price pressure all around.
Speaker #8: Do you see any risk going forward? What sort of CAPEX do you think Verisign will have over the next couple of years?
I, we believe, I certainly believe that what we're going to see. Is that AI, the security challenge with AI will be met by sharpening and hardening the tools and making full use of them in pursuit of compliance with something called the zero trust, uh, principles and uh, um, that will put, uh, uh, demands on on these security functions. And I think our infrastructure as well aligned to provide them and you want to have to wait, too much longer to hear about that. But the teams that develop that and, uh, uh, the teams that develop, it have done their work in that, it operates on our infrastructure in a way, very similar to The Way We ingest and service domain names. And uh it's performance, however will benefit from our infrastructure. Immensely more of it will be needed in an agentic AI world and I think we're in a great position to offer uh, at global scale millisecond performance. Uh, along with the hunt, many hundreds of billions of DNS resolutions that we answer today with significant overcapacity. This
Speaker #3: Yeah. So our CAPEX guidance for this year is certainly takes into consideration the price increases and the server memory chip kind of markets. And it has had a meaningful impact on our business.
Designed that way. Um, we think we can offer a valuable service.
Speaker #3: Our technology people are very good about adapting and making changes where they can, to get more bang for the buck, so to speak. And we've done that.
Speaker #3: We've even pulled forward some spend that we would have expected next year to avoid price increases that we know are coming. In the upcoming six months.
Okay, thank you Jim and and uh, maybe another question for John. Um, with regards to capex, you kept the guidance for the year and changed. Obviously, we're seeing uh price pressure uh all around. Do you see any any risk going forward? What sort of capex needs? Do you think uh um, air sign will have for the next couple of years?
Speaker #3: So we've done some of that. As far as what next year holds, I mean, we don't guide to 2027 at this point in time.
Speaker #3: But our expectation is prices in that marketplace are going to stay elevated and probably be more elevated. We're competing with a lot of data center capacity that's trying to be built right now.
Speaker #8: Makes sense. Thank you.
Speaker #3: I would just add that regardless of what the market price for the technology, the servers, et cetera, that we need to acquire in the operation of our mission, we will simply make that investment and acquire the equipment that we need without hesitation.
Speaker #1: And we'll take our last question from Rob Oliver with Baird.
Yeah. So our, our our capex guidance for this year is it certainly takes into consideration, uh, the price increases and the server memory chip kind of markets. And it has had a, a meaningful impact on our business. Uh, you know, our technology people are very good about, uh, adapting and making changes, uh, where they can, uh, to get more bang for the buck, so to speak. And we've done that, we've even, uh, We've even pulled forward. Some spend that we would have expected next year, uh, to avoid price increases that we know are coming, um, in in the upcoming 6 months. So, um, we we've done some of that as far as what next year holds and we don't guide uh you know to 2027 at this point in time. Uh but our expectation is you know prices in that Marketplace are going to stay elevated and probably be more elevated. Um you know,
We're competing with a lot of data center capacity that's trying to be built right now.
Speaker #9: Great. Thanks, guys. Sorry, I just had one more. John, for you, I know you guys talked about the price increase you guys have coming up in November.
Makes sense. Thank thank you.
Speaker #9: Jim mentioned it earlier, alluding to the potential for kind of pull forward ahead. As you look at it, that price increase, is there anything different or how you're thinking about the revenue flow through from those price increases?
Yeah, I I would just add that um um, regardless of of what the market, uh, price for the technology, the servers Etc that we need to acquire and, and the operation of our mission. Um, we will simply, um, make that investment and acquire the equipment that we need without hesitation.
And we'll take our last question from Rob Oliver with Baird.
Speaker #9: Occasionally, we get questions on how, if at all, it differs we think we've got it pretty well modeled, but just wanted to see if there's any difference or anything you can point to which would be helpful.
Speaker #9: Thanks.
Speaker #3: Yeah, sure, Rob. It's important to remember that while our customers pay at the time of registration, our revenue recognition is done radically over the life of the domain name subscription.
Speaker #3: So if they subscribe for one year, we recognize the revenue from that payment upfront over the next 12 months. And then when you think about the price increase that goes into effect on November 1st, a domain name that renews on October 30th, let's say, it's October 30, 2027 before we start to realize any price increase.
Great. Thanks guys. Sorry I just had 1 more. Um John John for you, I know um, you guys talked about uh the the the price increase you guys have coming up in November uh, Jim mentioned. It earlier alluding to the potential for, uh, kind of pull forward ahead. As you look at it, that price increase is, is, is there anything different, uh, or how you're thinking about the revenue flow through from those price increases, uh, occasionally we get questions on, you know, how if at all it differs, we think we've got it pretty well modelled, but just wanted to see if there's any difference or anything you can point to which would be helpful. Thanks.
Speaker #3: And then it flows through revenue in the following year after that renewal. So you could really think about the price increase as it relates to our existing base takes two years to really flow through revenue completely.
Yeah, sure, Rob. Um, you know, it's important to remember that, you know, while our customers pay at the time of registration, our revenue recognition is done ratably over the life of the domain name subscription. Um, so if they subscribe for one year, we recognize the revenue from that payment upfront over the next 12 months.
Speaker #3: And in some cases, longer because we do have some names that are registered for longer than one year. It's a relatively small percentage. But think about it as it takes about a two-year period.
Um, you know, and then when you think about the price increase that goes into effect on November 1st, you know, a domain name that renews...
Speaker #3: Our own modeling if this helps you a little bit, or helps others, is we would expect about 50% of November's 7% price increase on com to be recognized in 2027 revenues the rest of it would be 2028 and a little bit beyond for the longer term subscription periods.
Speaker #9: Okay. Really helpful. And then just while I've got you, John, just a follow-up to you all's question earlier, just on the dot web. I think it was his dot web ramp costs.
Speaker #9: I think it was your predecessor who had said at one point that, hey, if we ended up getting dot web years ago earlier in the year, that there may be some additional costs.
Speaker #9: I just want to clarify what we heard from you is that those costs are factored in to your guidance for this year. And not something that as this period ramps, we will see incremental.
It's a relatively small percentage, uh, but but think about it as um you know, it takes about a 2 year period you know our own modeling. You know, if this helps you a little bit uh or helps others is we would expect about 50% of November's 7% price increase on cam to be recognized in 2027 revenues, the rest of it would be 2028 and a little bit beyond for the longer term. Um, subscription periods.
Speaker #9: Just wanted to clarify. Thanks.
Speaker #3: That's correct, Rob. Any costs that we might incur this year as Jim mentioned are probably not large, but they are factored in to our guidance.
Okay, really helpful. And then just while I've got you, John um you know just a follow up to to you guys's question earlier just on the
Speaker #9: Okay. Thanks again, guys. Appreciate it.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Speaker #1: I'll turn the call back over to David Ashley for final comments.
Speaker #8: Thank you, operator. Please call the investor relations department with any follow-up questions from this call. Thank you for your participation. This concludes our call.
Speaker #8: Have a good evening.
Web. I think it was his ramp costs. Um I I think it was your predecessor who had set at 1 point that you know, hey if we ended up getting Webb years ago earlier in the year, that there may be some additional costs. I I I just want to clarify what we heard from you is that those costs are are factored in to your guidance for this year and not something that as this period ramps. Uh, we, we will see incremental, just wanted to clarify. Thanks, that, that that's correct Rob. Any, any cost that we might incur this year is Jim, mentioned are probably not large, but they are factored in to our guidance.
Okay. Thanks again, guys. Appreciate it.
Thank you.
I'll turn the call back over to David, actually, for final comments.
Thank you, operator, please. Call the investor relations department with any follow-up questions. From this call. Thank you for your participation. This concludes our call have a good evening.
and this desk,
