F5, Inc. (FFIV) vs VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN)

FFIV leads on 9 of 14 compared metrics, though VRSN is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of F5, Inc. and VeriSign, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — FFIV vs VRSN

growth of $100 · last 27y
FFIV +5143.2%VRSN +800.5%FFIV compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020042009201420192024$5,243$901
FFIV VRSN

FFIV vs VRSN: by the numbers

  • VRSN is the larger company ($24.45B vs $22.02B market cap).
  • VRSN trades at the lower earnings multiple (30.26 vs 31.90 P/E).
  • VRSN converts more revenue to profit (49.96% vs 21.96% net margin).
  • VRSN grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.69% vs 5.49% CAGR).
  • VRSN pays a dividend (1.15% yield) while FFIV does not currently pay one.

Which is better, FFIV or VRSN?

Metric tally: FFIV 9 · VRSN 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueVRSN(lower P/E)
GrowthVRSN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityFFIV(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFFIVVRSN
P/E ratio31.9030.26
Forward P/E23.5827.85
P/S ratio6.9114.94
P/B ratio6.10
PEG ratio1.132.66
EV / EBITDA22.4122.16
FCF yield4.32%4.17%

Profitability

MetricFFIVVRSN
Gross margin81.90%88.35%
Operating margin24.65%67.93%
Net margin21.96%49.96%
ROE19.41%-38.33%
ROIC13.85%-61876.44%

Dividends

MetricFFIVVRSN
Dividend yield1.15%
Payout ratio35.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFFIVVRSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.49%5.69%
EPS CAGR (5Y)18.82%4.52%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.35%8.12%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.73%3.94%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FFIV or VRSN?
It depends on your goal. value: VRSN (lower P/E); growth: VRSN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: FFIV (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FFIV leads 9 to 5.
Is FFIV or VRSN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, VRSN is cheaper: FFIV trades at a 31.90 P/E and VRSN at 30.26.
Which has grown faster, FFIV or VRSN?
Over the past five years, VRSN grew revenue faster — FFIV at a 5.49% CAGR versus VRSN at 5.69%.
Does FFIV or VRSN pay a bigger dividend?
VRSN pays a dividend (1.15% yield) while FFIV does not currently pay one.
Is FFIV or VRSN more profitable?
VRSN runs the higher net margin — FFIV at 21.96% versus VRSN at 49.96%.
Which has been the better investment, FFIV or VRSN?
Over the past 10-year, FFIV delivered the higher annualized total return — FFIV at 12.65% versus VRSN at 12.38%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 17, 2026.