Form 4: VeriSign CEO Sells 8,900 Shares Under 10b5-1 Plan

VeriSign's Executive Chairman, President, and CEO, D. James Bidzos, sold 8,900 shares of common stock over three days in October 2025, pursuant to a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.

Summary

• D. James Bidzos, Executive Chairman, President, and CEO of VeriSign Inc./CA (VRSN), reported the sale of 8,900 shares of common stock.
• The transactions occurred on October 21, 2025, October 22, 2025, and October 23, 2025.
• The sales were executed under a Rule 10b5-1(c) contract, instruction, or written plan, indicating a pre-scheduled trading arrangement.
• On October 21, 2025, a total of 4,900 shares were sold at weighted average prices ranging from $266.3166 to $268.3594.
• On October 22, 2025, a total of 2,000 shares were sold at weighted average prices ranging from $251.45 to $267.695.
• On October 23, 2025, a total of 2,000 shares were sold at weighted average prices ranging from $247.035 to $251.2325.
• Following these transactions, D. James Bidzos's direct beneficial ownership of VeriSign common stock stands at 458,438.7009 shares.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral. While insider selling can sometimes be a negative signal, the fact that these sales were conducted under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan mitigates concerns that the executive is selling due to a negative outlook on the company's future. It is a routine, planned transaction.

Positives

• The sales were conducted under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which suggests the transactions were pre-scheduled and not based on new, material non-public information, mitigating concerns about opportunistic insider selling.

Negatives

• The transactions represent a reduction in direct insider ownership by a key executive, which can sometimes be perceived negatively by investors.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction.

Management Comments

• The filing was signed by Thomas C. Indelicarto by Power of Attorney for D. James Bidzos.

Industry Context

Insider trading reports (Form 4s) are routine disclosures for executives of publicly traded companies, particularly when managing personal equity holdings through pre-arranged trading plans like Rule 10b5-1. These plans are common practice for executives to diversify their holdings and manage liquidity without concerns of trading on inside information.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The reduction in direct insider ownership by a key executive could be noted by investors, though the 10b5-1 plan context generally lessens any negative interpretation.
• Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Creditors: No direct impact on these stakeholders is indicated by this filing.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The reported sales by D. James Bidzos are part of a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Such planned transactions are generally considered less indicative of management's immediate sentiment regarding the company's prospects compared to unplanned, open-market sales. Therefore, this filing alone does not provide a strong signal to alter an investment position, leading to a 'hold' recommendation.

Keywords

VeriSign, VRSN, D. James Bidzos, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Sale, 10b5-1 Plan, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership