10-KPeriod: FY2009

AMAZON COM INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2009

Filed January 29, 2010For Securities:AMZN

Summary

Amazon.com, Inc. reported robust performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, demonstrating significant growth in net sales and operational income. The company's strategic focus on customer-centricity, expanding selection, and competitive pricing continues to drive top-line growth across both its North America and International segments. Investments in technology, including Amazon Web Services and the Kindle e-reader, along with the expansion of its third-party seller services, underscore Amazon's commitment to innovation and diversification. Financially, Amazon exhibited strong cash flow generation, driven by increasing operating income and efficient working capital management. While the company continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and technology, the focus on long-term, sustainable free cash flow growth remains paramount. The report highlights the company's proactive approach to managing risks, including competitive pressures, international expansion challenges, and operational complexities, while maintaining a solid balance sheet and liquidity position.

Financial Highlights

52 data points
Beta

Revenue

$24.51B

22.6% Gross Margin

Net Income

$902.00M

3.7% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.10

Total Assets

$13.81B

Cash & Equivalents

$3.44B

Free Cash Flow

$2.92B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$24.51B
Cost of Revenue$18.98B
Gross Profit$5.53B
Operating Expenses$4.40B
Operating Income$1.13B
Interest Expense$34.00M
Net Income$902.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.10
EPS (Diluted)$0.10
Shares Outstanding (Basic)8.66B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)8.84B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales grew to $24.5 billion in 2009, up from $19.17 billion in 2008, representing a 28% increase.
  • 2Income from operations increased to $1.13 billion in 2009, a significant rise from $842 million in 2008.
  • 3Net income for 2009 was $902 million, up from $645 million in 2008.
  • 4Free cash flow showed substantial growth, reaching $2.92 billion in 2009 compared to $1.36 billion in 2008.
  • 5The company's operations are primarily divided into two segments: North America and International, both showing strong year-over-year net sales growth.
  • 6Amazon continues to invest heavily in technology and content, recognizing its critical role in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
  • 7Despite intense competition and ongoing global economic uncertainties, Amazon demonstrates resilience and a clear strategy for continued expansion and profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon's net sales in 2009 reached $24.5 billion, a 28% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by increased unit sales across both North America and International segments, fueled by competitive pricing, expanded product selection, improved in-stock availability, and growth in newer categories like electronics and general merchandise. The company also benefited from the increasing contributions of third-party seller services and its expanding digital initiatives like Amazon Web Services and the Kindle e-reader.

Amazon focused on managing its expenses by leveraging fixed costs and improving operational efficiencies, while continuing to invest in technology and content. Gross profit increased to $5.53 billion, and income from operations rose to $1.13 billion, reflecting effective cost management and sales growth. The company's strategy of reinvesting profits into strategic initiatives, such as expanding fulfillment capacity and technological infrastructure, is balanced with a focus on driving long-term profitability.

Amazon identified several key risks including intense competition from both online and physical retailers, the strain on its management and operational resources due to rapid expansion, and the inherent risks associated with entering new product, service, and geographic markets. Other significant risks include potential fluctuations in operating results, challenges in international market expansion, the complexities of optimizing fulfillment centers, seasonality impacting operations, and potential disruptions from system interruptions or security breaches. The company also noted the evolving regulatory landscape for e-commerce and taxation as ongoing concerns.

Amazon demonstrated strong cash flow generation in 2009, with net cash provided by operating activities increasing significantly to $3.29 billion. Free cash flow more than doubled to $2.92 billion, reflecting improved operating income and working capital management. The company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balance stood at $6.4 billion at year-end, providing ample liquidity to fund operations, investments, and strategic initiatives.