diff --git a/fdroidserver/publish.py b/fdroidserver/publish.py
index 42945166..b6c0009a 100644
--- a/fdroidserver/publish.py
+++ b/fdroidserver/publish.py
@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@ def main():
     if failed:
         logging.error(_('%d APKs failed to be signed or verified!') % failed)
         if options.error_on_failed:
-            sys.exit(failed)
+            sys.exit(1)
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":