VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN) — ESG & Values Scores

Environment story

VeriSign discloses minimal direct environmental operational data. As a domain registry and DNS infrastructure operator, the company's Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are not quantified in available filings. No net-zero commitment or decarbonization targets are disclosed. The company does not appear to face material resource-consumption controversies (water, toxic waste) typical of manufacturing or datacenter-heavy operators. However, absence of disclosed emissions metrics and net-zero targets triggers automatic deductions per rubric. No evidence of physical decarbonization investments is available.

Criticisms on file

No material criticisms on file for this pillar.

Disclosed initiatives

Critical Internet Infrastructure Stewardship

VeriSign operates root zone servers and manages .com/.net registries, positioning itself as a steward of internet infrastructure security and stability.

Social story

VeriSign reports CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio of 192:1 (Danny R. McPherson, CSO, data point; CEO Bidzos ratio not explicitly disclosed but inferred lower than 200:1 threshold from available executive-officer aggregate data). No documented union-suppression activities or strikes within 24 months reported. Board diversity: 3 of 7 directors (43%) are women; leadership diversity data not fully disclosed but board composition exceeds 30% threshold. No material supply-chain human-rights controversies disclosed. Company emphasizes talent attraction/retention in cybersecurity and DNS specialties as strategic priority.

Criticisms on file

No material criticisms on file for this pillar.

Disclosed initiatives

Highly Skilled Talent Attraction and Retention

Company emphasizes need to attract and retain specialized DNS operations and cybersecurity expertise; acknowledges competition for skilled employees.
DEI Representation

Board includes 3 women out of 7 members (43%); leadership diversity program details not disclosed.

Governance story

VeriSign maintains strong governance structures: board independence of 6 out of 7 directors (86%) exceeds 75% threshold. Single voting class (one share, one vote) with no dual-class supermajority structure; no poison pill in place. Annual board elections and majority-voting standard for directors. Lead Independent Director (Kathleen A. Cote) holds robust responsibilities including calling independent-director sessions. All audit, compensation, and governance committees composed entirely of independent directors. No material antitrust or SEC enforcement proceedings disclosed in 10-K risk factors. Annual Say-on-Pay vote conducted. Lobbying expenditures not quantified in filings; no evidence of climate-regulation or consumer-protection rollback advocacy. One contested shareholder proposal (independent chair policy) rejected by board in 2026 proxy.

Criticisms on file

Stockholder proposal for independent board chairman (Proposal 5, 2026 proxy). Proponent John Chevedden argues separation of Chairman and CEO roles would improve oversight. Board recommended vote AGAINST, citing flexibility and prior shareholder rejections (2019: 73%, 2023: 71% against similar proposals).
Source: VeriSign 2026 Proxy Statement (DEF 14A), Proposal No. 5

Disclosed initiatives

Lead Independent Director with Robust Responsibilities

Kathleen A. Cote serves as Lead Independent Director with authority to preside over independent-director sessions, approve board agendas, call special meetings, and liaison with Chairman.

Enhances independent oversight of CEO/Chairman Bidzos
Independent Committee Structure

All members of Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance & Nominating committees are independent directors.

Ensures independent oversight of financial reporting, executive compensation, and board nominations
Annual Board Self-Evaluation

Board conducts annual self-evaluations and leadership structure reviews to assess effectiveness.
Stock Retention Policy

Directors and executives subject to stock retention policy to align long-term interests.
Political Contributions Policy

Formal prohibition on direct political contributions to candidates, parties, and PACs in response to shareholder feedback.

These are Missionomics' own editorial scores — directional signals built from disclosed facts under a published method, not certifications or definitive ratings of VeriSign, Inc.. Coverage and confidence vary by data point, and figures can lag real-world changes. Read the full Methodology for sourcing, scoring, and correction details — or open VeriSign, Inc. in the app for interactive charts and portfolio building.

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