10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

AMAZON COM INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed April 25, 2003For Securities:AMZN

Summary

Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) reported its first quarter 2003 results, showing continued revenue growth but also a net loss. Net sales increased by 28% year-over-year to $1.08 billion. The company's international segment demonstrated particularly strong growth, up 68%, while North America grew by 13%. Despite the top-line growth, Amazon reported a net loss of $10.1 million for the quarter, an improvement from the $23.2 million net loss in the same period last year. This improvement was driven by increased operating income from its segments and a reduction in restructuring charges, though it was partially offset by higher stock-based compensation expenses and currency-related losses. Financially, the company's cash position decreased significantly to $495.8 million from $738.3 million at the end of 2002, largely due to operating activities consuming cash. Amazon continues to manage a substantial debt load, though it announced the upcoming redemption of its 10% Senior Discount Notes. Investors should note the company's ongoing reliance on debt financing and the continued operating losses, balanced against its strong revenue growth and efforts to improve operational efficiencies and international expansion.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales grew 28% to $1.08 billion, driven by a robust 68% increase in the International segment.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $10.1 million, an improvement from a $23.2 million loss in the prior year's first quarter.
  • 3Operating income improved significantly, turning positive at $39.2 million compared to $1.8 million in Q1 2002, reflecting segment performance and cost management.
  • 4Cash and cash equivalents decreased by over $242 million to $495.8 million, primarily due to net cash used in operating activities ($251.8 million).
  • 5Total assets decreased by approximately $285 million to $1.71 billion, while total liabilities remained substantial at $2.30 billion (excluding current portion of long-term debt).
  • 6Amazon announced the redemption of its 10% Senior Discount Notes for $277 million, which will occur in the second quarter of 2003.
  • 7Stock-based compensation expense more than doubled year-over-year to $27.3 million, significantly impacting the bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended March 31, 2003, Amazon reported net sales of $1.08 billion, a 28% increase compared to $847.4 million in the same period of 2002. The company reported a net loss of $10.1 million, or a loss of $0.03 per share, which is an improvement from the net loss of $23.2 million, or $0.06 per share, in the first quarter of 2002.

Amazon reorganized its reporting segments to North America and International. The North America segment reported net sales of $705 million, a 13% increase. The International segment showed significant growth, with net sales of $379 million, an increase of 68%. Operating income for North America was $52 million, and the International segment turned profitable with $16 million in operating income, compared to a loss of $11 million in the prior year.

Amazon's cash and cash equivalents decreased to $495.8 million as of March 31, 2003, from $738.3 million at the end of 2002, mainly due to negative cash flow from operations. Total long-term debt stood at approximately $2.30 billion. The company announced its intention to redeem its 10% Senior Discount Notes for $277 million in the second quarter of 2003.

The report highlights several risks, including an accumulated deficit of $3.02 billion, significant indebtedness, intense competition, potential difficulties in integrating commercial agreements, inventory risks, potential system interruptions, foreign exchange risks, and the evolving regulatory landscape for e-commerce. The company also notes the volatile nature of its stock price and the potential impact of stock-based compensation.