VRSN vs WAT Comparison

Verisign is an operator of critical infrastructure within the domain name system, or DNS. As the registry for some of the world's most popular TLDs, .com and .net, Verisign directs DNS resolvers to the appropriate registry where IP addresses are stored. Verisign's control over its TLDs is regulated by ICANN and the NTIA and are subject to contract renewal every six years. The company generates revenue through annual subscriptions allowing customers to use .com and .net as their TLD of choice for their respective websites.

Water sells liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis tools. These analytical instruments provide essential information on various products, such as their molecular structures and physical properties, to help clients enhance the health and well-being of end users. As a percentage of sales in 2024, Waters generated 58% from biopharmaceutical customers, 31% from industrial clients, and 11% from academic/government institutions. In early 2026, Waters plans to merge with BD's life science and diagnostics business, which will substantially change those concentrations. Waters will wind up with more concentration in diagnostics (versus none now) and discovery-related life science tools.