APRA AMCOS Reports Record-High Revenue, Local Content Streams Experience ‘Devastating’ Dip

SYDNEY, Australia — APRA AMCOS Group has reported an all-time-high revenue of A$857.4 million ($599 million) for the previous financial year, which saw an 8.8% increase, due to strong digital, international and public performance licensing. The group's net distributable revenue (NDR) soared to A$755.7 million ($528 million), up 10.6% year-on-year.

As APRA celebrates its 100th anniversary, its international revenue reached a record-high of A$103.2 million ($72 million), marking the first time it surpassed the $100 million milestone. The rise in revenue was driven by strong touring performances by international artists such as Ninajirachi and growing screen growth globally, led by the animated children's show Bluey.

The Digital category, which represents over 53% of overall share, grew by 12.5% compared to the same period last year. OneMusic's public performance revenue increased by 10.9% due to strong gains from concerts, events, fitness, and restaurants. APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston explains that "audiences continue to spend their entertainment dollars on large-scale, high-priced events like AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, and Oasis, leading to softer sales and greater price sensitivity for mid-tier tours and smaller festivals."

The report, published this week, highlights that "it's another year of strong results for our members, with more money out the door to them than ever before." According to the breakdown, APRA generated A$557.2 million ($389 million) in revenue for the year, which increased by 6.9%, while AMCOS posted A$300.2 million ($209 million), up by 12.6%. The group's expense-to-revenue ratio decreased to 11.86%, down from 13.26%.

One concern in APRA AMCOS' 2026 Year In Review is that 91% of the music streamed in Australia and New Zealand was imported, a troubling trend for the nation's homegrown music industry. New Zealand saw an even worse situation, with 96% of music consumed being created by international artists. Ormston warns that if the current trend continues, Australian members' share of streaming could fall to near 5% within the next five years. This is described as a "devastating statistic."

Despite the overall strong performance, Ormston emphasizes that the organization is focused on the challenges ahead. The group continues to work closely with governments, platforms, and international partners to ensure creators are given permission and receive payment when their works are used to train or generate AI content. APRA AMCOS leaders also called on the Australian government to maintain its stance on the Copyright Act amid lobbying from big tech for a total digital market (TDM).

The organization will continue making this case, clearly and consistently, until the issue is resolved.