ValueInvestor_2026

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VRSN·4 months agoBad management practices jeopardize long-term future of VRSN

Following our reply, Anonymous deleted their post. We must assume that the concern of our research and interview team (direct or indirect false flag operation by Verisign or Verisign-hired subjects) is one possibility that could explain this course of events. While we cannot be sure, we feel this might be the case, and we caution others to look out for similar attempts to obtain privileged information.

VRSN·4 months agoBad management practices jeopardize long-term future of VRSN

Here used to be a comment from an Anonymous, asking for access to our research and interview team. Anonymous implied that middle and upper management were engaging in unethical and anti-competitive behaviour. We had answered as follows: I have forwarded your request to the team responsible for conducting interviews with current employees and, in particular, former employees of the company. The team has indicated that they are presently unable to determine whether you possess a legitimate research interest in the information sought. A specific concern that has been raised is the possibility that the present inquiry could constitute a so-called “false flag” operation intended to identify either the members of the interviewing team and/or those employees who have agreed to provide information regarding the internal operations of the company. The team has further confirmed that, in the course of their interviews, they have received reports alleging instances of conduct by members of the company’s senior leadership that may be considered unethical in nature. However, they have not received reports suggesting the existence of anti-competitive practices. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the interviews in question are primarily designed to assess matters relating to management style and organizational culture, rather than compliance with competition law. In light of the foregoing, and absent satisfactory evidence demonstrating that you are a bona fide researcher and not acting—directly or indirectly—on behalf of Verisign, including for the purpose of identifying potential whistleblowers, I regret that I am unable to facilitate contact between you and the research team. Kindly advise how you intend to proceed, and I will consider what measures, if any, may be available in response. (continued in next comment)

VRSN·4 months agoBad management practices jeopardize long-term future of VRSN

I have forwarded your request to the team responsible for conducting interviews with current employees and, in particular, former employees of the company. The team has indicated that they are presently unable to determine whether you possess a legitimate research interest in the information sought. A specific concern that has been raised is the possibility that the present inquiry could constitute a so-called “false flag” operation intended to identify either the members of the interviewing team and/or those employees who have agreed to provide information regarding the internal operations of the company. The team has further confirmed that, in the course of their interviews, they have received reports alleging instances of conduct by members of the company’s senior leadership that may be considered unethical in nature. However, they have not received reports suggesting the existence of anti-competitive practices. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the interviews in question are primarily designed to assess matters relating to management style and organizational culture, rather than compliance with competition law. In light of the foregoing, and absent satisfactory evidence demonstrating that you are a bona fide researcher and not acting—directly or indirectly—on behalf of Verisign, including for the purpose of identifying potential whistleblowers, I regret that I am unable to facilitate contact between you and the research team. Kindly advise how you intend to proceed, and I will consider what measures, if any, may be available in response.

VRSN·6 months agoBad management practices jeopardize long-term future of VRSN

Well, by now we are already down to $211 from $240, on track with our risk analysis above. And that after VRSN reported not too shabby numbers for FY2025 and presented a decent outlook on FY2026. As for the "hearsay": When we interview (former) employees of tech companies and ask about company culture, work force sentiment etc. - how is this "hearsay"? This is valid information, sourced directly from individuals with core insights. Our advice to "Anonymous": Do at least as much research as we do before calling our risk analysis "absurd" or a "hit piece". Sometimes, in-depth research yields better results than feelings. In closing, absent any new material changes to VRSN's business practices, its (absurdly limited) product line-up, or the market, we stand by our risk analysis: VRSN is a one-trick pony with abysmal management practices, poor leadership, and a bleak future.