10-KPeriod: FY2008

AMAZON COM INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2008

Filed January 30, 2009For Securities:AMZN

Summary

Amazon.com, Inc. reported strong net sales growth of 29% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, reaching $19.17 billion. Despite the challenging global economic environment, the company demonstrated resilience, particularly in its International segment which grew 33% and now constitutes 47% of total net sales. Income from operations increased to $842 million, reflecting effective cost management and continued investment in technology and content to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The company continues to prioritize long-term growth in free cash flow per share, which grew to $1.36 billion in 2008. Amazon is strategically expanding its diverse offerings, catering to consumer, seller, and developer customers through its e-commerce platforms and Amazon Web Services. While facing intense competition and various risk factors, including economic downturns and evolving regulations, the company maintained a strong liquidity position with $3.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Key initiatives for 2009 include continued focus on customer-centricity, price reductions, and efficiency improvements across its operations.

Financial Highlights

50 data points
Beta

Revenue

$19.17B

22.3% Gross Margin

Net Income

$645.00M

3.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.07

Total Assets

$8.31B

Cash & Equivalents

$2.77B

Free Cash Flow

$1.36B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$19.17B
Cost of Revenue$14.90B
Gross Profit$4.27B
Operating Expenses$3.43B
Operating Income$842.00M
Interest Expense$71.00M
Net Income$645.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.08
EPS (Diluted)$0.07
Shares Outstanding (Basic)8.46B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)8.64B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales grew 29% year-over-year to $19.17 billion in 2008.
  • 2International segment net sales increased 33%, now representing 47% of total net sales.
  • 3Income from operations rose to $842 million, indicating improved profitability.
  • 4Free cash flow increased to $1.36 billion in 2008, demonstrating strong operational cash generation.
  • 5The company maintained a robust liquidity position with $3.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.
  • 6Amazon continues to invest in technology and content, essential for long-term growth and customer experience.
  • 7The company repurchased $100 million of its common stock in 2008 under an authorized $1 billion repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

In fiscal year 2008, Amazon's net sales increased by 29% to $19.17 billion. This growth was driven by increased unit sales in both its North America and International segments, attributed to lower prices for customers (including free shipping offers and Amazon Prime), a larger sales base in growing categories like electronics, improved inventory availability, and expanded product selection.

Amazon ended 2008 with a strong liquidity position, holding $3.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. The company also reported a healthy free cash flow of $1.36 billion, demonstrating its ability to generate cash from operations after capital expenditures. Long-term debt was $409 million.

Amazon highlighted several key risks, including intense competition from both online and physical retailers, the strain of rapid global expansion on its resources, risks associated with new product and service introductions, potential fluctuations in operating results due to economic conditions and consumer spending, challenges in international market expansion, operational risks related to fulfillment centers and inventory management, and the evolving regulatory landscape for the internet and e-commerce.

Amazon's operations are organized into two principal segments: North America and International. In 2008, the North America segment generated $10.23 billion in net sales with a 26% growth rate, while the International segment generated $8.94 billion with a 33% growth rate. The company anticipates that the International segment will eventually represent 50% or more of its consolidated net sales.