Harry Potter audiobooks soar to record sales

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter franchise continues to demonstrate significant commercial strength, particularly in its audiobook and ebook divisions. Pottermore Limited, responsible for these digital formats, announced record-breaking sales figures of £54.3 million ($72.6 million) for the fiscal year concluding in March 2025. This represents an 11% increase from the previous year and contributed to a remarkable 50% rise in pre-tax profit, reaching £17.2 million, with a healthy 32% profit margin.

While the digital realm flourishes, the theatrical arm of the franchise, HPTP Holdings, which manages 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' experienced a substantial revenue decline. Sales were halved, dropping from £12.7 million to £5.8 million year-on-year. Pre-tax profits also saw a corresponding decrease, falling from £4.2 million to £1 million. This downturn is attributed to a combination of factors, including prior year show closures, a non-repeat of license fee income, and broader economic challenges affecting the live entertainment sector.

Despite the challenges faced by the stage production, the 'Harry Potter' brand maintains its popularity. The London production of 'The Cursed Child' celebrated its eighth anniversary during this period, with an income boost from a new US tour helping to partially offset revenue losses. The ongoing success of the audiobook adaptation, featuring a star-studded cast, highlights the franchise's continued appeal across diverse media platforms.