10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

AMAZON COM INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2003

Filed October 24, 2003For Securities:AMZN

Summary

Amazon.com reported its third-quarter 2003 results, showing continued top-line growth with a 33% increase in net sales year-over-year for both the three and nine-month periods, reaching $1.13 billion and $3.32 billion respectively. The company achieved net income of $15.6 million for the quarter, a significant improvement from a net loss of $35.1 million in the prior year's third quarter, although full nine-month results still showed a net loss. The International segment exhibited particularly strong growth, with net sales up 61% and 69% for the three and nine-month periods, respectively. Operating income showed substantial improvement year-over-year, driven by revenue growth and better cost leverage, particularly in the North America segment. Despite the quarterly profit, the company highlighted significant foreign exchange impacts on earnings, primarily from the remeasurement of its Euro-denominated PEACS debt. The company also has substantial long-term debt obligations and is facing various legal proceedings. While the company generated positive operating income and cash flow from operations for the trailing twelve months, investors should remain aware of the ongoing risks related to competition, international expansion, and the inherent volatility of the e-commerce sector.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 33% to $1.13 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2003, and by 33% to $3.32 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.
  • 2Amazon.com reported a net income of $15.6 million for the third quarter of 2003, a substantial turnaround from a net loss of $35.1 million in the same period of 2002.
  • 3The International segment experienced robust growth, with net sales increasing by 61% year-over-year in the third quarter and 69% year-over-year for the nine-month period.
  • 4Operating income improved significantly, with income from operations of $51.9 million in Q3 2003 compared to a loss of $9.6 million in Q3 2002. For the nine-month period, operating income was $133 million versus a loss of $6.4 million.
  • 5Despite quarterly profitability, the company incurred a net loss of $37.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, compared to a loss of $151.8 million in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 6Long-term debt remains substantial, totaling $2.08 billion as of September 30, 2003, primarily related to convertible notes.
  • 7The company noted significant foreign currency impacts, particularly from the remeasurement of its Euro-denominated 6.875% PEACS, which resulted in substantial gains/losses impacting net income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon.com reported net sales of $1.13 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2003, representing a 33% increase compared to $851 million in the same period of 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, net sales were $3.32 billion, also a 33% increase from $2.50 billion in the prior year.

Yes, Amazon.com reported a net income of $15.6 million for the third quarter of 2003. This is a significant improvement from the net loss of $35.1 million reported in the third quarter of 2002. However, for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2003, the company still reported a net loss of $37.9 million.

The International segment showed stronger growth rates. Net sales for the International segment increased by 61% to $425 million in the third quarter of 2003 and by 69% to $1.20 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The North America segment also grew, with net sales increasing by 21% in the third quarter and 18% for the nine-month period.

As of September 30, 2003, Amazon.com had total long-term debt of approximately $2.08 billion, primarily consisting of convertible notes. The company reported combined cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $1.06 billion, which it believed was sufficient to meet its operating needs for at least the next 12 months. The company also announced a partial redemption of its 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes for $200 million in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Yes, the company's net income was significantly impacted by foreign currency fluctuations related to its Euro-denominated 6.875% PEACS debt. This remeasurement resulted in substantial gains or losses each quarter, affecting the overall net income. Additionally, stock-based compensation, particularly under variable accounting, also had a notable impact on reported results.