10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2021

AMAZON COM INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2021

Filed April 30, 2021For Securities:AMZN

Summary

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) reported robust financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Total net sales surged by 44% year-over-year to $108.5 billion, driven by strong performance across all segments, particularly North America and International, which saw sales growth of 40% and 60% respectively. Operating income more than doubled, reaching $8.9 billion, with significant contributions from AWS and a notable turnaround in the International segment from a loss to a profit. The company continues to invest heavily in its infrastructure, with capital expenditures increasing substantially, indicating a focus on long-term growth and capacity expansion to meet sustained consumer demand, partly fueled by ongoing pandemic-related behavioral shifts. The company reported a net income of $8.1 billion, a substantial increase from $2.5 billion in the prior year period, translating to diluted earnings per share of $15.79. Despite increased operating expenses, particularly in fulfillment and technology infrastructure, Amazon demonstrated strong operational leverage and cost management. Management anticipates continued sales growth in the second quarter of 2021, albeit at a moderating pace, and expects to incur significant COVID-19 related costs. The company's strong cash flow generation supports its ongoing investments and strategic initiatives.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$108.52B
Cost of Revenue$62.40B
Gross Profit$46.12B
Operating Expenses$99.65B
Operating Income$8.87B
Interest Expense$399.00M
Net Income$8.11B
EPS (Basic)$0.80
EPS (Diluted)$0.79
Shares Outstanding (Basic)10.08B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)10.26B

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales increased by 44% to $108.5 billion in Q1 2021 compared to $75.5 billion in Q1 2020.
  • 2Operating income more than doubled, rising from $4.0 billion in Q1 2020 to $8.9 billion in Q1 2021.
  • 3Net income surged to $8.1 billion ($15.79 per diluted share) from $2.5 billion ($5.01 per diluted share) in the prior year period.
  • 4North America segment sales grew 40% to $64.4 billion, while International segment sales grew an impressive 60% to $30.6 billion.
  • 5AWS segment sales increased 32% to $13.5 billion, maintaining strong growth.
  • 6Capital expenditures significantly increased, with purchases of property and equipment up from $6.8 billion in Q1 2020 to $12.1 billion in Q1 2021, reflecting continued investment in infrastructure.
  • 7The company incurred approximately $2.0 billion in COVID-19 related costs in Q1 2021 and expects further impacts in Q2 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon reported a 44% year-over-year increase in total net sales for the first quarter of 2021, reaching $108.5 billion. This growth was driven by strong performance in all segments, with the International segment showing particularly high growth at 60%.

Profitability saw a significant improvement. Operating income more than doubled to $8.9 billion from $4.0 billion in the prior year quarter. Net income also increased substantially to $8.1 billion, up from $2.5 billion in Q1 2020, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $15.79.

For the second quarter of 2021, Amazon expects net sales to be between $110.0 billion and $116.0 billion, representing growth of 24% to 30% compared to Q2 2020. Operating income is projected to be between $4.5 billion and $8.0 billion, and the company anticipates incurring approximately $1.5 billion in COVID-19 related costs.

Amazon is heavily investing in its infrastructure. Purchases of property and equipment increased by 78% year-over-year to $12.1 billion in Q1 2021. This investment is primarily directed towards expanding its fulfillment network and technology infrastructure to support ongoing business growth, particularly for AWS.