Jim Bidzos

Jim Bidzos leads Verisign as Executive Chairman and CEO, overseeing what may be the most unique business model in technology: the exclusive registry operator for .com and .net domain names. Every time someone registers or renews a .com or .net domain, Verisign receives a fee. Every time anyone on the internet accesses a .com website, Verisign's infrastructure resolves the DNS query. The company processes over 25 billion DNS queries per day and operates two of the internet's 13 root name servers. Verisign's .com registry contract with ICANN gives it the exclusive right to operate the .com registry, with a presumptive right of renewal and the ability to increase .com prices by up to 7% annually in four of every six years. This creates one of the most predictable, high-margin revenue streams in all of business — with operating margins exceeding 65% and minimal capital requirements. The domain name base grows steadily as new businesses, organizations, and individuals establish web presences. Key stock drivers include .com domain name base growth, pricing increases under the ICANN contract, .net domain name trends, domain name renewal rates, new generic top-level domain (gTLD) competition, internet adoption in emerging markets, ICANN contract renewal terms, and the company's massive share repurchase program that reduces outstanding shares annually.