The domain industry exceeded projections in the latter half of 2024, leading to an unexpected $2 million revenue boost for ICANN. The increase came as gTLD registries and registrars processed more transactions than anticipated, fueling higher-than-budgeted revenue.
Stronger-Than-Expected Domain Activity
ICANN’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) revenue for the first half (ending December 2024) reached $74 million, surpassing its $72 million estimate. However, this figure remains flat compared to FY24’s budget, indicating steady but not accelerated growth.
Key revenue sources:
• Registry transaction fees: $29 million (+$1M above budget)
• Registrar transaction fees: $20 million (+$1M above budget)
Controlled Costs Keep ICANN’s Budget on Track
ICANN’s operating expenses aligned with projections, with a notable decline in travel-related costs compared to FY24. A key factor was lower spending on flights and accommodations for ICANN 82 in Istanbul last October.
Takeaway: Domain Industry Holds Steady
While ICANN’s extra $2 million revenue reflects consistent domain activity, the overall budget remaining flat suggests a stable but not explosive industry landscape. With domain registrations, renewals, and transfers continuing to generate solid income, ICANN maintains a steady financial outlook heading into the rest of FY25.
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News Source: Kevin Murphy，This article does not represent our position.
