Form 4: Verisign Executive Chairman D. James Bidzos Reports Acquisition of Restricted Stock Units

D. James Bidzos, Executive Chairman, President, and CEO of Verisign, reports the acquisition of 23,398 restricted stock units (RSUs) on February 10, 2025.

Summary

• On February 10, 2025, D. James Bidzos, the Executive Chairman, President, and CEO of Verisign, acquired 23,398 restricted stock units (RSUs).
• Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of Verisign common stock upon vesting.
• The RSUs vest 25% on February 15, 2026, and then ratably (6.25%) each quarter for the following twelve quarters, subject to applicable taxes upon delivery.
• Following the reported transaction, Bidzos beneficially owns 551,719 shares of common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive. The granting of RSUs is a standard practice and suggests confidence in the company's future, but it's not a major event that would drastically alter investor sentiment.

Positives

• The acquisition of RSUs by the Executive Chairman could be seen as a positive sign, indicating confidence in the company's future performance.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule of the RSUs extends over three years, suggesting a long-term commitment from the executive.

Industry Context

Executive compensation in the form of stock options and RSUs is a common practice in the tech industry to align management's interests with those of shareholders.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Verisign's executive compensation practices, including the use of RSUs, are generally in line with those of other publicly traded technology companies of similar size and scope.
• Companies like GoDaddy and Cloudflare also utilize equity-based compensation to incentivize their executives.

Stakeholder Impact

• The RSU grant aligns the executive's interests with those of shareholders, potentially driving long-term value creation.

Key Dates