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SEATTLE--Feb. 2, 2005--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004.
 

Operating cash flow was $567 million for 2004, compared with $392 million for 2003. Free cash flow grew 38% to $477 million for 2004, compared with $346 million for 2003. Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards outstanding totaled 434 million at December 31, 2004, compared with 433 million a year ago.

Net sales were $2.54 billion in the fourth quarter, compared with $1.95 billion in fourth quarter 2003, an increase of 31%. Net sales, excluding the $85 million benefit from changes in foreign exchange rates, grew 26% compared with fourth quarter 2003.

Operating income was $162 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $138 million in fourth quarter 2003. Consolidated segment operating income grew 16% to $177 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $153 million in the fourth quarter 2003. Excluding the $5 million benefit from changes in foreign exchange rates, consolidated segment operating income grew 13% compared with fourth quarter 2003.

Net income was $347 million in the fourth quarter, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared with net income of $73 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2003. Pro forma net income in the fourth quarter was $394 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared with $125 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2003. Excluding the benefit from realizing a $244 million deferred tax asset related primarily to net operating loss carryforwards attributable to continuing operations, fourth quarter pro forma net income would have been $149 million, or $0.35 per diluted share.

Today the Company also introduced "Amazon Prime," Amazon.com's first ever membership program. For a flat membership fee of $79 per year, members get unlimited, express two-day shipping for free, with no minimum purchase requirement. Members also get one-day, overnight shipping for only $3.99 per item -- order as late as 6:30PM ET.

"Amazon Prime is 'all-you-can-eat' express shipping," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "Though expensive for the Company in the short-term, it's a significant benefit and more convenient for customers. With Amazon Prime, there's no minimum purchase to think about, and no consolidating orders -- two-day shipping becomes an everyday experience rather than an occasional indulgence."

Members can also share the benefits of Amazon Prime with up to four family members living in their household. Details can be found at www.amazon.com/prime.

Full Year 2004

Net sales were $6.92 billion in 2004, compared with $5.26 billion in 2003, an increase of 31%. Net sales, excluding the $276 benefit from foreign exchange rates, grew 26% compared with 2003.

Operating income was $440 million in 2004, compared with $271 million in 2003. Consolidated segment operating income grew 36% to $490 million in 2004, compared with $361 million in 2003. Excluding the $20 million benefit from foreign exchange rates, consolidated segment operating income grew 30% in 2004 compared with 2003.

Net income was $588 million in 2004, or $1.39 per diluted share, compared with net income of $35 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in 2003. Pro forma net income for 2004 was $639 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, compared with $256 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, in 2003. Excluding the benefit from realizing a $244 million deferred tax asset related primarily to net operating loss carryforwards attributable to continuing operations, 2004 pro forma net income would have been $395 million, or $0.93 per diluted share.

Amazon.com also announced today that on March 7, 2005 it will redeem EUR 200 million ($261 million at the Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate on January 31, 2005) in principal amount of its outstanding 6.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2010, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including February 16, 2005 to March 6, 2005, under its previously announced $500 million debt repurchase authorization. No premium payment is required to redeem these notes.

Highlights

  • North America segment sales, representing the Company's U.S. and Canadian sites, were $1.39 billion, up 22% compared with fourth quarter 2003. Segment operating income increased to $122 million from $114 million, compared with fourth quarter 2003.
  • North America Media growth was 18% in the fourth quarter, driven in part by continued price reductions, including an increase in the discount on books over $15 from 30% to 32%, and books over $25 from 32% to 34%.
  • International segment sales, representing the Company's U.K., German, French, Japanese, and Chinese sites, were $1.15 billion, up 43% compared with fourth quarter 2003. Excluding the benefit from exchange rates, net sales growth was 33%. Segment operating income increased to $55 million from $39 million, compared with fourth quarter 2003.
  • International segment sales accounted for 44% of worldwide net sales in 2004, up from 38% in 2003. Shipments to 225 countries outside the U.S. accounted for 49% of worldwide shipments in 2004, up from 43% in 2003.
  • Electronics & Other General Merchandise sales grew 53% to $1.69 billion for 2004, representing 24% of worldwide net sales. During the Thanksgiving weekend, consumer electronics sales in the U.S. exceeded books sales for the first time in the Company's history, and in the December issue of the leading consumer research magazine Amazon.com was named the best place to shop for consumer electronics.
  • Amazon.co.uk launched a new DVD rental service with plans that start from just GBP 7.99 per month. Rental members also receive an extra 10% discount off Amazon's already low prices on all of their DVD purchases from Amazon.co.uk.
  • Customers worldwide have placed hundreds of thousands of preorders for the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, scheduled to be released on July 16, 2005.
  • A9.com, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, launched A9.com Yellow Pages, a new service that helps users find and discover local businesses in a completely new way, including "Block View(TM)," a powerful technology which brings the Yellow Pages to life by showing a street view of millions of businesses and their surroundings. Block View allows users to see storefronts and virtually walk up and down the streets of currently more than 10 U.S. cities using over 20 million photographs. In addition, A9.com Yellow Pages uses features on Amazon.com that allow users to review, rate, provide more information, collect lists, and get recommendations on more than 14 million businesses across the U.S. A9.com Yellow Pages are available now on the A9.com homepage at www.a9.com.
  • In the first two weeks following the South Asia tsunami on December 26th, Amazon.com's worldwide customers made over 200,000 donations totaling more than $15 million to the Red Cross for tsunami disaster relief.

See "Financial Measures" for additional information.

Financial Guidance

The following forward-looking statements reflect Amazon.com's expectations as of February 2, 2005. Results may be materially affected by many factors, such as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, changes in global economic conditions and consumer spending, world events, the rate of growth of the Internet and online commerce, and the various factors detailed below.

First Quarter 2005 Guidance

  • Net sales are expected to be between $1.80 billion and $1.95 billion, or grow between 18% and 27%, compared with first quarter 2004.
  • Operating income is expected to be between $80 million and $110 million, or decline between (28%) and 0%, compared with first quarter 2004, assuming, among other things, that the Company adopts SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2005, stock-based compensation is $25 million, and there are no further revisions to restructuring-related estimates.

Full Year 2005 Expectations

  • Net sales are expected to be between $8.05 billion and $8.65 billion, or grow between 16% and 25%.
  • Operating income is expected to be between $385 million and $510 million, or between (13%) and 16% growth, compared with 2004, assuming, among other things, that the Company adopts SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2005, stock-based compensation is $115 million, and there are no further revisions to restructuring-related estimates.

A conference call will be webcast live today at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET, and will be available at least through March 31, 2005, at www.amazon.com/ir. This call will contain forward-looking statements and other material information regarding the Company's financial and operating results.

These forward-looking statements are inherently difficult to predict. Actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons, including, in addition to the factors discussed above, the amount that Amazon.com invests in new business opportunities and the timing of those investments, the mix of products sold to customers, the mix of net sales derived from products as compared with services, competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, international growth and expansion, fulfillment center optimization, risks of inventory management, seasonality, the degree to which the Company enters into, maintains and develops commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, and risks of fulfillment throughput and productivity. Other risks and uncertainties include, among others, risk of future losses, significant indebtedness, system interruptions, consumer trends, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, fraud, and new business areas. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and all subsequent filings.

Financial Measures

The following measures are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as non-GAAP financial measures.

Free Cash Flow

Operating cash flow is net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, including cash outflows for interest and excluding proceeds from the exercise of stock-based employee awards. Free cash flow is operating cash flow less cash outflows for purchases of fixed assets, including internal-use software and website development. A tabular reconciliation of differences from the comparable GAAP measure -- operating cash flow -- is included in the attached "Supplemental Financial Information and Business Metrics."

Consolidated Segment Operating Income

Consolidated segment operating income is the sum of segment operating income of our individual segments and excludes the following line items on the Company's statements of operations:

  • Stock-based compensation and
  • Other operating expense (income).

A tabular reconciliation of differences from the comparable GAAP measure -- operating income -- is included in the attached "Pro Forma Statements of Operations."

Pro Forma Net Income

Pro forma net income excludes the following line items on the Company's statements of operations:

  • Stock-based compensation,
  • Other operating expense (income), and
  • Remeasurements and other.

A tabular reconciliation of differences from the comparable GAAP measure -- net income (loss) -- is included in the attached "Pro Forma Statements of Operations."

For additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures, see Exhibit 99.2 to our Form 8-K filed contemporaneously with the issuance of this release.

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN - News), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and third-party sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished, and used items in categories such as health and personal care, jewelry and watches, gourmet food, sports and outdoors, apparel and accessories, books, music, DVDs, electronics and office, toys and baby, and home and garden.

Amazon.com and its affiliates operate seven websites: www.amazon.comwww.amazon.co.ukwww.amazon.dewww.amazon.co.jpwww.amazon.frwww.amazon.ca, and www.joyo.com.

As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                            (in thousands)                              (unaudited)                      Three Months Ended       Twelve Months Ended                         December 31,              December 31,                    -----------------------  ------------------------                       2003        2004         2003         2004                    -----------------------  ------------------------CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD             $  666,418  $  745,608   $  738,254  $ 1,102,273OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Net income              73,154     346,688       35,282      588,451Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  Depreciation of   fixed assets,   including internal-   use software   and website   development, and   other amortization   18,467      20,831       75,558       75,724  Stock-based   compensation         15,039      19,629       87,751       57,702  Other operating   expense (income)        141      (4,777)       2,752       (7,964)  Losses (gains) on   sales of   marketable   securities, net        (205)        204       (9,598)        (586)  Remeasurements and   other                36,505      32,045      130,097          824  Non-cash interest   expense and other       166       1,354       12,918        4,756Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  Inventories          (42,785)   (107,724)     (76,786)    (168,896)  Accounts   receivable, net   and other current   assets              (16,341)      6,883        1,616       (1,745)  Accounts payable     299,316     423,944      167,732      286,091  Accrued expenses   and other current   liabilities          72,226      37,869      (27,982)     (15,110)  Deferred income   taxes                  (311)   (244,221)         931     (256,696)  Additions to   unearned revenue     22,989      25,467      101,641      109,936  Amortization of   previously   unearned revenue    (26,021)    (30,732)    (111,740)    (106,886)  Interest payable      28,623      30,107        1,850          959                     ----------  ----------   ----------  -----------Net cash provided by operating activities            480,963     557,567      392,022      566,560INVESTING ACTIVITIES:Sales and maturities of marketable securities and other investments     232,173     419,375      813,184    1,426,786Purchases of marketable securities           (121,448)   (448,057)    (535,642)  (1,584,089)Purchases of fixed assets, including internal-use software and website development   (17,236)    (36,755)     (45,963)     (89,133)Proceeds from sale of subsidiary               -           -        5,072            -Acquisition, net of cash acquired               -           -            -      (71,195)                     ----------  ----------   ----------  -----------Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities             93,489     (65,437)     236,651     (317,631)FINANCING ACTIVITIES:Proceeds from exercises of stock options                30,490      17,491      163,322       60,109Repayments of long- term debt and capital lease obligations          (207,732)       (559)    (495,308)    (157,401)                     ----------  ----------   ----------  -----------Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities           (177,242)     16,932     (331,986)     (97,292)Foreign-currency effect on cash and cash equivalents       38,645      47,930       67,332       48,690                     ----------  ----------   ----------  -----------Net increase in cash and cash equivalents           435,855     556,992      364,019      200,327                     ----------  ----------   ----------  -----------CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD          $1,102,273  $1,302,600   $1,102,273  $ 1,302,600                     ==========  ==========   ==========  ===========SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:Fixed assets acquired under capital leases and other financing arrangements       $       29  $      202   $    2,677  $       860Cash paid for interest                3,112          39      119,947      107,604Cash paid for income taxes              197       1,392        1,825        4,051Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                 Consolidated Statements of Operations                 (in thousands, except per share data)                              (unaudited)                        Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended                           December 31,             December 31,                      ----------------------- ------------------------                         2003        2004        2003         2004                      ----------------------- ------------------------Net sales             $1,945,772  $2,540,959  $5,263,699  $ 6,921,124Cost of sales          1,518,935   1,996,493   4,006,531    5,319,127                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------Gross profit             426,837     544,466   1,257,168    1,601,997Operating expenses:  Fulfillment            158,815     204,454     477,032      590,397  Marketing               40,291      58,200     122,787      158,022  Technology and   content                51,811      72,821     207,809      251,195  General and   administrative         22,984      31,697      88,302      112,220  Stock-based   compensation (1)       15,039      19,629      87,751       57,702  Other operating   expense (income)          281      (4,777)      2,892       (7,964)                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------        Total         operating         expenses        289,221     382,024     986,573    1,161,572                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------Income from operations   137,616     162,442     270,595      440,425Interest income            5,330       9,778      21,955       28,197Interest expense         (29,299)    (27,134)   (129,979)    (107,227)Other income (expense), net           (1,621)     (5,021)      6,514       (4,701)Remeasurements and other                   (36,505)    (32,045)   (130,097)        (824)                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------        Total non-         operating         expense, net    (62,095)    (54,422)   (231,607)     (84,555)                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------Income before income taxes                    75,521     108,020      38,988      355,870Provision (benefit) for income taxes          2,367    (238,668)      3,706     (232,581)                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------Net income            $   73,154  $  346,688  $   35,282  $   588,451                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========Basic earnings per share                $     0.18  $     0.85  $     0.09  $      1.45                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========Diluted earnings per share                $     0.17  $     0.82  $     0.08  $      1.39                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:  Basic                  401,422     408,227     395,479      405,926                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========  Diluted                425,214     425,034     419,352      424,757                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========(1) Components of stock-based compensation:  Fulfillment         $    1,739  $    3,779  $   17,960  $    10,073  Marketing                  802       1,483       4,968        4,253  Technology and   content                 9,747      11,240      49,555       31,781  General and   administrative          2,751       3,127      15,268       11,595                       ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------                      $   15,039  $   19,629  $   87,751  $    57,702                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ===========Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                  Pro Forma Statements of Operations                 (in thousands, except per share data)                              (unaudited)                                         Three Months Ended                                         December 31, 2003                                 ----------------------------------                                 As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma                                      (1)                                 ----------------------------------Net sales                        $1,945,772  $      -   $1,945,772Cost of sales                     1,518,935         -    1,518,935                                  ----------  --------   ----------Gross profit                        426,837         -      426,837Operating expenses: Fulfillment                        158,815         -      158,815 Marketing                           40,291         -       40,291 Technology and content              51,811         -       51,811 General and administrative          22,984         -       22,984 Stock-based compensation            15,039   (15,039)           - Other operating expense (income)       281      (281)           -                                  ----------  --------   ----------       Total operating expenses     289,221   (15,320)     273,901                                  ----------  --------   ----------Income from operations              137,616    15,320      152,936 (2)Interest income                       5,330         -        5,330Interest expense                    (29,299)        -      (29,299)Other expense, net                   (1,621)        -       (1,621)Remeasurements and other            (36,505)   36,505            -                                  ----------  --------   ----------       Total non-operating        expense, net                (62,095)   36,505      (25,590)                                  ----------  --------   ----------Income before income taxes           75,521    51,825      127,346Provision (benefit) for income taxes                                2,367         -        2,367                                  ----------  --------   ----------Net income                       $   73,154  $ 51,825   $  124,979                                  ==========  ========   ==========Basic earnings per share         $     0.18  $   0.13   $     0.31                                  ==========  ========   ==========Diluted earnings per share       $     0.17  $   0.12   $     0.29                                  ==========  ========   ==========Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:  Basic                             401,422               401,422                                  ==========            ==========  Diluted                           425,214               425,214                                  ==========            ==========Net cash provided by operating activities                                            $  480,963Purchases of fixed assets, including internal-use software and website development                                  (17,236)                                                        ----------Free cash flow                                         $  463,727                                                        ==========Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                                  $   93,489                                                        ==========Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                  $ (177,242)                                                        ==========                                          Three Months Ended                                           December 31, 2004                                 ----------------------------------                                 As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma                                      (1)                                 ----------------------------------Net sales                        $2,540,959   $      -  $2,540,959Cost of sales                     1,996,493          -   1,996,493                                  ----------   --------  ----------Gross profit                        544,466          -     544,466Operating expenses: Fulfillment                        204,454          -     204,454 Marketing                           58,200          -      58,200 Technology and content              72,821          -      72,821 General and administrative          31,697          -      31,697 Stock-based compensation            19,629    (19,629)          - Other operating expense (income)    (4,777)     4,777           -                                  ----------   --------  ----------       Total operating expenses     382,024    (14,852)    367,172                                  ----------   --------  ----------Income from operations              162,442     14,852     177,294 (2)Interest income                       9,778          -       9,778Interest expense                    (27,134)         -     (27,134)Other expense, net                   (5,021)         -      (5,021)Remeasurements and other            (32,045)    32,045           -                                  ----------   --------  ----------       Total non-operating        expense, net                (54,422)    32,045     (22,377)                                  ----------   --------  ----------Income before income taxes          108,020     46,897     154,917Provision (benefit) for income taxes                             (238,668)         -    (238,668)                                  ----------   --------  ----------Net income                       $  346,688   $ 46,897  $  393,585                                  ===========  ========  ==========Basic earnings per share         $     0.85   $   0.11  $     0.96                                  ==========   ========  ==========Diluted earnings per share       $     0.82   $   0.11  $     0.93                                  ==========   ========  ==========Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:  Basic                              408,227               408,227                                   ==========            ==========  Diluted                            425,034               425,034                                   ==========            ==========Net cash provided by operating activities                                             $  557,567Purchases of fixed assets, including internal-use software and website development                                   (36,755)                                                         ----------Free cash flow                                          $  520,812                                                         ==========Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                                   $  (65,437)                                                         ==========Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                   $   16,932                                                         ==========(1) In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the    United States.(2) Consolidated segment operating income.Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                  Pro Forma Statements of Operations                 (in thousands, except per share data)                              (unaudited)                                        Twelve Months Ended                                         December 31, 2003                                 ----------------------------------                                 As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma                                      (1)                                 ----------------------------------Net sales                        $5,263,699  $      -   $5,263,699Cost of sales                     4,006,531         -    4,006,531                                  ----------  --------   ----------Gross profit                      1,257,168         -    1,257,168Operating expenses: Fulfillment                        477,032         -      477,032 Marketing                          122,787         -      122,787 Technology and content             207,809         -      207,809 General and administrative          88,302         -       88,302 Stock-based compensation            87,751   (87,751)           - Other operating expense (income)     2,892    (2,892)           -                                  ----------  --------   ----------       Total operating expenses     986,573   (90,643)     895,930                                  ----------  --------   ----------Income from operations              270,595    90,643      361,238 (2)Interest income                      21,955         -       21,955Interest expense                   (129,979)        -     (129,979)Other income (expense), net           6,514         -        6,514Remeasurements and other           (130,097)  130,097            -                                  ----------  --------   ----------       Total non-operating        expense, net               (231,607)  130,097     (101,510)                                  ----------  --------   ----------Income before income taxes           38,988   220,740      259,728Provision (benefit) for income taxes                                3,706         -        3,706                                  ----------  --------   ----------Net income                       $   35,282  $220,740   $  256,022                                  ==========  ========   ==========Basic earnings per share         $     0.09  $   0.56   $     0.65                                  ==========  ========   ==========Diluted earnings per share       $     0.08  $   0.53   $     0.61                                  ==========  ========   ==========Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:  Basic                             395,479               395,479                                  ==========            ==========  Diluted                           419,352               419,352                                  ==========            ==========Net cash provided by operating activities                                            $  392,022Purchases of fixed assets, including internal-use software and website development                                  (45,963)                                                        ----------Free cash flow                                         $  346,059                                                        ==========Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                                  $  236,651                                                        ==========Net cash used in financing activities                                            $ (331,986)                                                        ==========                                          Twelve Months Ended                                           December 31, 2004                                 -------------------------------------                                 As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma                                      (1)                                 ----------------------------------Net sales                        $6,921,124   $      -  $6,921,124Cost of sales                     5,319,127          -   5,319,127                                  ----------   --------  ----------Gross profit                      1,601,997          -   1,601,997Operating expenses: Fulfillment                        590,397          -     590,397 Marketing                          158,022          -     158,022 Technology and content             251,195          -     251,195 General and administrative         112,220          -     112,220 Stock-based compensation            57,702    (57,702)          - Other operating expense (income)    (7,964)     7,964           -                                  ----------   --------  ----------       Total operating expenses   1,161,572    (49,738)  1,111,834                                  ----------   --------  ----------Income from operations              440,425     49,738     490,163 (2)Interest income                      28,197          -      28,197Interest expense                   (107,227)         -    (107,227)Other income (expense), net          (4,701)         -      (4,701)Remeasurements and other               (824)       824           -                                  ----------   --------  ----------       Total non-operating        expense, net                (84,555)       824     (83,731)                                  ----------   --------  ----------Income before income taxes          355,870     50,562     406,432Provision (benefit) for income taxes                             (232,581)         -    (232,581)                                  ----------   --------  ----------Net income                       $  588,451   $ 50,562  $  639,013                                  ==========   ========  ==========Basic earnings per share         $     1.45   $   0.12  $     1.57                                  ==========   ========  ==========Diluted earnings per share       $     1.39   $   0.11  $     1.50                                  ==========   ========  ==========Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:  Basic                              405,926               405,926                                   ==========            ==========  Diluted                            424,757               424,757                                   ==========            ==========Net cash provided by operating activities                                             $  566,560Purchases of fixed assets, including internal-use software and website development                                   (89,133)                                                         ----------Free cash flow                                          $  477,427                                                         ==========Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                                   $ (317,631)                                                         ==========Net cash used in financing activities                                             $  (97,292)                                                         ==========(1) In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the    United States.(2) Consolidated segment operating income.Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                          Segment Information                            (in thousands)                              (unaudited)                         Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended                            December 31,            December 31,                       ----------------------- -----------------------                          2003        2004        2003        2004                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------North AmericaNet sales              $1,141,907  $1,392,283  $3,258,413  $3,847,344Cost of sales             853,253   1,037,659   2,391,749   2,823,792                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Gross profit              288,654     354,624     866,664   1,023,552Direct segment operating expenses       174,383     232,618     583,619     702,676                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Segment operating income                   114,271     122,006     283,045     320,876InternationalNet sales                 803,865   1,148,676   2,005,286   3,073,780Cost of sales             665,682     958,834   1,614,782   2,495,335                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Gross profit              138,183     189,842     390,504     578,445Direct segment operating expenses        99,518     134,554     312,311     409,158                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Segment operating income                    38,665      55,288      78,193     169,287ConsolidatedNet sales               1,945,772   2,540,959   5,263,699   6,921,124Cost of sales           1,518,935   1,996,493   4,006,531   5,319,127                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Gross profit              426,837     544,466   1,257,168   1,601,997Direct segment operating expenses       273,901     367,172     895,930   1,111,834                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Segment operating income                   152,936     177,294     361,238     490,163Stock-based compensation              15,039      19,629      87,751      57,702Other operating expense (income)                     281      (4,777)      2,892      (7,964)                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Income from operations    137,616     162,442     270,595     440,425Total non-operating expense, net              62,095      54,422     231,607      84,555Provision (benefit) for income taxes               2,367    (238,668)      3,706    (232,581)                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------Net income (loss)      $   73,154  $  346,688  $   35,282  $  588,451                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========Segment Highlights:Y/Y net sales growth:North America                  18%         22%         18%         18%International                  74          43          71          53Consolidated                   36          31          34          31Y/Y gross profit growth:North America                  19%         23%         17%         18%International                  49          37          55          48Consolidated                   27          28          27          27Y/Y segment operating income growth:North America                  39%          7%         58%         13%International                  96          43         N/A         116Consolidated                   50          16         101          36Net sales mix:North America                  59%         55%         62%         56%International                  41          45          38          44Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                  Supplemental Net Sales Information                            (in thousands)                              (unaudited)                         Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended                            December 31,            December 31,                       ----------------------- -----------------------                          2003        2004        2003        2004                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------North AmericaMedia                  $  750,891  $  885,354  $2,269,472  $2,589,438Electronics and other general merchandise      352,517     448,890     878,519   1,127,754Other                      38,499      58,039     110,422     130,152                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------                        1,141,907   1,392,283   3,258,413   3,847,344InternationalMedia                     682,741     911,011   1,779,476   2,512,911Electronics and other general merchandise      120,850     236,927     224,606     558,490Other                         274         738       1,204       2,379                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------                          803,865   1,148,676   2,005,286   3,073,780ConsolidatedMedia                   1,433,632   1,796,365   4,048,948   5,102,349Electronics and other general merchandise      473,367     685,817   1,103,125   1,686,244Other                      38,773      58,777     111,626     132,531                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------                       $1,945,772  $2,540,959  $5,263,699  $6,921,124                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========Y/Y Net Sales Growth:North America:Media                          16%         18%         14%         14%Electronics and other general merchandise           22          27          29          28Other                          36          51          29          18International:Media                          59%         33%         61%         41%Electronics and other general merchandise          290          96         241         149Other                         (24)        169         (38)         98Consolidated:Media                          33%         25%         31%         26%Electronics and other general merchandise           48          45          48          53Other                          35          52          28          19Consolidated Net Sales Mix:Media                          74%         71%         77%         74%Electronics and other general merchandise           24          27          21          24Other                           2           2           2           2Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.                      Consolidated Balance Sheets                 (in thousands, except per share data)                              (unaudited)                                                   December 31,                                                 2003         2004                                              -----------  -----------ASSETSCurrent assets:  Cash and cash equivalents                  $ 1,102,273  $ 1,302,600  Marketable securities                          292,550      476,599                                              -----------  -----------     Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable      securities                               1,394,823    1,779,199  Inventories                                    293,917      479,709  Current deferred tax assets                        596       81,388  Accounts receivable, net and other current   assets                                        131,473      199,100                                              -----------  -----------       Total current assets                    1,820,809    2,539,396Fixed assets, net                                224,285      246,156Goodwill                                          69,121      138,999Long-term deferred tax assets                      4,142      281,757Other assets                                      43,676       42,200                                              -----------  -----------       Total assets                          $ 2,162,033  $ 3,248,508                                              ===========  ===========LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICITCurrent liabilities:  Accounts payable                           $   819,811  $ 1,141,733  Accrued expenses and other current   liabilities                                   317,730      361,128  Unearned revenue                                37,844       41,099  Interest payable                                73,100       74,059  Current portion of long-term debt and   other                                           4,216        2,381                                              -----------  -----------       Total current liabilities               1,252,701    1,620,400Long-term debt and other                       1,945,439    1,855,319Commitments and contingenciesStockholders' deficit:  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:      Authorized shares -- 500,000      Issued and outstanding shares -- none            -            -  Common stock, $0.01 par value:      Authorized shares -- 5,000,000      Issued and outstanding shares --       403,354 and 409,711                         4,034        4,097  Additional paid-in capital                   1,899,398    2,124,598  Deferred stock-based compensation               (2,850)      (2,038)  Accumulated other comprehensive income          37,739       32,109  Accumulated deficit                         (2,974,428)  (2,385,977)                                              -----------  -----------       Total stockholders' deficit            (1,036,107)    (227,211)                                              -----------  -----------           Total liabilities and            stockholders' deficit            $ 2,162,033  $ 3,248,508                                              ===========  ===========Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of the press release financial statements.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.        Supplemental Financial Information and Business Metrics                 (in millions, except per share data)                              (unaudited)----------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                Y/Y %                       Q4 2003 Q1 2004 Q2 2004 Q3 2004 Q4 2004 Change                       ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------Cash Flows and SharesOperating cash flow -- trailing twelve months (TTM)          $  392  $  393  $  410  $  490  $  567      45%Purchase of fixed assets (incl. internal-use software & website development) -- TTM   $   46  $   49  $   56  $   70  $   89      94%Free cash flow (operating cash flow less purchases of fixed assets) -- TTM  $  346  $  344  $  354  $  420  $  477      38%Common shares and stock-based awards                                            less outstanding              433     432     434     434     434  than 1%Common shares outstanding              403     405     407     407     410       2%Stock-based awards outstanding               29      27      27      27      25    (16%)Stock-based awards outstanding -- % of common shares outstanding              7.3%    6.8%    6.7%    6.6%    6.0%    N/AResults of OperationsWorldwide (WW) net sales                 $1,946  $1,530  $1,387  $1,462  $2,541      31%WW net sales -- Y/Y growth, excluding the effect of foreign exchange rates          29.4%   33.2%   21.9%   23.9%   26.2%    N/AWW net sales --  TTM   $5,264  $5,710  $5,998  $6,326  $6,921      31%Gross profit           $  427  $  361  $  341  $  356  $  544      28%Gross margin -- % of WW net sales            21.9%   23.6%   24.6%   24.3%   21.4%    N/AGross profit -- TTM    $1,257  $1,347  $1,415  $1,484  $1,602      27%Gross margin -- TTM % of WW net sales         23.9%   23.6%   23.6%   23.5%   23.1%    N/AFulfillment costs -- % of WW net sales          8.2%    8.3%    8.8%    9.3%    8.0%    N/AFulfillment costs -- TTM % of WW net sales    9.1%    8.8%    8.6%    8.6%    8.5%    N/AConsolidated direct segment operating expenses              $  274  $  244  $  240  $  261  $  367      34%Consolidated direct segment operating expenses -- TTM       $  896  $  937  $  970  $1,019  $1,112      24%Consolidated segment operating income      $  153  $  117  $  101  $   95  $  177      16%Consolidated segment operating margin -- % of WW net sales          7.9%    7.6%    7.3%    6.5%    7.0%    N/AConsolidated segment operating income -- TTM                   $  361  $  411  $  444  $  466  $  490      36%Consolidated segment operating margin -- TTM % of WW net sales    6.9%    7.2%    7.4%    7.4%    7.1%    N/AGAAP operating income  $  138  $  110  $   86  $   81  $  162      18%GAAP operating margin -- % of WW net sales     7.1%    7.2%    6.2%    5.6%    6.4%    N/AGAAP operating income -- TTM                $  271  $  342  $  386  $  416  $  440      63%GAAP operating margin -- TTM % of WW net sales                    5.1%    6.0%    6.4%    6.6%    6.4%    N/APro forma net income (1)            $  125  $   97  $   75  $   73  $  394     215%Pro forma net income per diluted share (1) $ 0.29  $ 0.23  $ 0.18  $ 0.17  $ 0.93     215%Pro forma net income -- TTM (1)            $  256  $  313  $  345  $  370  $  639     150%Pro forma net income per diluted share -- TTM (1)               $ 0.61  $ 0.74  $ 0.81  $ 0.87  $ 1.50     146%GAAP net income        $   73  $  111  $   76  $   54  $  347     374%GAAP net income per diluted share         $ 0.17  $ 0.26  $ 0.18  $ 0.13  $ 0.82     374%GAAP net income -- TTM                $   35  $  157  $  276  $  315  $  588     N/AGAAP net income per diluted share -- TTM  $ 0.08  $ 0.37  $ 0.65  $ 0.74  $ 1.39     N/ANorth America segment:  Net sales            $1,142  $  847  $  792  $  816  $1,392      22%  Net sales -- TTM     $3,258  $3,401  $3,490  $3,597  $3,847      18%  Gross profit         $  289  $  226  $  220  $  223  $  355      23%  Gross margin -- % of   North American net   sales                 25.3%   26.7%   27.7%   27.4%   25.5%    N/A  Gross profit -- TTM  $  867  $  906  $  935  $  958  $1,024      18%  Gross margin -- TTM   % of North America   net sales             26.6%   26.6%   26.8%   26.6%   26.6%    N/A  Operating income     $  114  $   76  $   66  $   57  $  122       7%  Operating margin --   % of North America   net sales             10.0%    8.9%    8.3%    7.0%    8.8%    N/A  Operating income --   TTM                 $  283  $  307  $  318  $  313  $  321      13%  Operating margin --   TTM % of North   America net sales      8.7%    9.0%    9.1%    8.7%    8.3%    N/A----------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ -------Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of this Supplemental Financial Information and Business Metrics(1) Excluding the benefit from realizing a $244 million deferred tax    asset related primarily to net operating loss carryforwards    attributable to continuing operations, pro forma net income    would have been $149 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for Q4,    and $395 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, for 2004.                           AMAZON.COM, INC.        Supplemental Financial Information and Business Metrics    (in millions, except inventory turnover, accounts payable days,                          and employee data)                              (unaudited)----------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                Y/Y %                        Q4 2003 Q1 2004 Q2 2004 Q3 2004 Q4 2004 Change                        ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------International segment:  Net sales             $  804  $  684  $  595  $  646  $1,149     43%  Net sales -- Y/Y   growth, excluding   the effect of   foreign exchange   rates                  53.6%   57.9%   38.1%   38.9%   32.5%   N/A  Net sales -- TTM      $2,005  $2,310  $2,508  $2,729  $3,074     53%  Gross profit          $  138  $  135  $  121  $  132  $  190     37%  Gross margin -- % of   International net   sales                  17.2%   19.8%   20.4%   20.5%   16.5%   N/A  Gross profit -- TTM   $  391  $  442  $  479  $  527  $  578     48%  Gross margin -- TTM %   of International net   sales                  19.5%   19.1%   19.1%   19.3%   18.8%   N/A  Operating income      $   39  $   41  $   35  $   38  $   55     43%  Operating margin -- %   of International net   sales                   4.8%    6.1%    5.9%    5.8%    4.8%   N/A  Operating income --   TTM                  $   78  $  104  $  126  $  153  $  169    116%  Operating margin --   TTM % of   International net   sales                   3.9%    4.5%    5.0%    5.6%    5.5%   N/AInternational segment -- TTM % of net sales    38.1%   40.5%   41.8%   43.1%   44.4%   N/AWorldwide net sales shipped outside the U.S. -- TTM % of net sales                    43.4%   45.6%   46.9%   48.2%   49.2%   N/ASupplemental Worldwide Net Sales:  Media                 $1,434  $1,175  $1,037  $1,094  $1,796     25%  Media -- TTM          $4,049  $4,351  $4,523  $4,740  $5,102     26%  Electronics and other   general merchandise  $  473  $  331  $  325  $  344  $  686     45%  Electronics and other   general merchandise   -- TTM               $1,103  $1,244  $1,360  $1,474  $1,686     53%  Other                 $   39  $   24  $   25  $   24  $   59     52%  Other -- TTM          $  112  $  116  $  115  $  113  $  133     19%Supplemental North America Segment Net Sales:  Media                 $  751  $  599  $  542  $  564  $  885     18%  Media -- TTM          $2,269  $2,351  $2,394  $2,455  $2,589     14%  Electronics and other   general merchandise  $  353  $  224  $  226  $  229  $  449     27%  Electronics and other   general merchandise   -- TTM               $  879  $  935  $  983  $1,031  $1,128     28%  Other                 $   38  $   24  $   25  $   24  $   58     51%  Other -- TTM          $  110  $  115  $  113  $  111  $  130     18%Supplemental International Segment Net Sales:  Media                 $  683  $  576  $  496  $  530  $  911     33%  Media -- TTM          $1,779  $2,000  $2,129  $2,285  $2,513     41%  Electronics and other   general merchandise  $  121  $  107  $   99  $  116  $  237     96%  Electronics and other   general merchandise   -- TTM               $  225  $  309  $  377  $  442  $  558    149%  Other                 $    0  $    0  $    1  $    0  $    1    169%  Other -- TTM          $    1  $    1  $    2  $    2  $    2     98%Balance SheetCash and marketable securities             $1,395  $  998  $1,151  $1,185  $1,779     28%Inventory, net -- ending                 $  294  $  282  $  284  $  357  $  480     63%Inventory -- average inventory % of TTM net sales                     4.1%    4.1%    4.3%    4.6%    4.9%   N/AInventory turnover, average -- TTM           18.4    18.7    17.9    16.6    15.7   (15%)Fixed assets, net       $  224  $  217  $  216  $  227  $  246     10%Accounts payable days -- ending                  50      44      51      57      53      6%OtherEmployees (full-time and part-time; excludes contractors & temporary personnel)    7,800   8,100   8,200   8,800   9,000     15%-----------------------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------ ------Note: The attached "Financial and Operational Summary" is an integralpart of this Supplemental Financial Information and Business Metrics

AMAZON.COM, INC.

Financial and Operational Summary (unaudited)

Quarterly Results of Operations (comparisons are with the equivalent period of the prior year, unless otherwise stated)

Net Sales

  • Shipping revenue, which excludes amounts earned from third-party sellers where Amazon does not provide fulfillment services, was $156 million, up 14% from $137 million.

Cost of Sales

  • Cost of sales consists of the purchase price of consumer products sold by us, inbound and outbound shipping charges, packaging supplies, and costs incurred in operating and staffing our fulfillment and customer service centers on behalf of other businesses, such as Toysrus.com and Target.com.
  • Outbound shipping-related costs totaled $234 million, up from $193 million. Net shipping loss was $78 million, up from a net loss of $56 million, resulting primarily from our free-shipping offers.

Direct Segment Operating Expenses

  • Fourth quarter direct segment operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were as follows:
                                         2003     2004                                         ----     ----            Fulfillment                  8.2%     8.0%            Marketing                    2.1%     2.3%            Technology and content       2.7%     2.9%            General and administrative   1.2%     1.2%
  • Depreciation was $21 million in fourth quarter 2004 and $75 million over the trailing twelve months.

Fulfillment

  • Fulfillment costs include those costs incurred in operating and staffing our fulfillment and customer service centers, including costs attributable to buying, receiving, inspecting and warehousing inventories; credit card fees, and bad debt costs, including costs associated with our guarantee for certain third-party seller transactions. Fulfillment costs also include amounts paid to third parties, who assist us in fulfillment and customer service operations.
  • Credit card fees associated with third-party seller transactions are based on the gross purchase price of underlying transactions, and therefore represent a larger percentage of our recorded revenue than credit card fees on our retail sales. Bad debt costs, including costs associated with our guarantee program, are also higher as a percentage of recorded revenue versus our retail sales. Accordingly, this negatively affects fulfillment costs as a percentage of net sales.
  • Fulfillment costs decreased as a percentage of sales from the prior year, but increased in absolute dollars due to variable costs corresponding with sales volume, our mix of product sales, credit card fees, and bad debt costs, including costs associated with our guarantee for certain third-party seller transactions. We expect absolute amounts spent in fulfillment to increase over time.

Marketing

  • Marketing efforts include targeted online marketing channels, such as our Associates and Syndicated Stores programs, sponsored search, portal advertising, e-mail campaigns and other initiatives. Since our marketing expenses are largely variable, we expect absolute amounts spent in marketing to increase over time. To the extent there is increased or decreased competition for these traffic sources, or to the extent our mix of these channels shifts, we would expect to see a corresponding change in our marketing expense. While costs associated with free shipping are not included in marketing expense, we view our free-shipping offers as an effective worldwide marketing tool and intend to continue offering them indefinitely.

 

Technology and Content

  • Technology and content expenses consist principally of payroll and related expenses for employees involved in development of our websites, including editorial content, merchandising selection, systems and telecommunications support; costs associated with the systems and telecommunications infrastructure; and costs of acquired content.
  • Our spending in technology and content has increased as we are adding computer scientists and software engineers to enhance the customer experience on our websites and those websites powered by us, and improve our process efficiency. Additionally, we continue to invest in several areas of technology, including seller platform, A9.com, web services, additional development centers and digital initiatives. We intend to continue investing in these and other initiatives and expect absolute dollars spent in technology and content to increase over time as we continue to add computer scientists and software engineers to our staff.
  • A significant majority of these costs are incurred in the U.S. and most of them are allocated to our North America segment.
  • We expense costs related to the development of internal-use software and website development other than those incurred during the application development stage. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the two-year estimated useful life of the software. For the three months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we capitalized $16 million and $9 million of internal-use software costs, which was offset by amortization of previously capitalized amounts of $8 million and $7 million.

General and Administrative

  • General and Administrative costs increased primarily due to increases in professional and litigation costs. We expect absolute dollars spent in general and administrative to increase over time.

Stock-Based Compensation

  • Since October 2002, we have awarded restricted stock units as our primary form of stock-based compensation. Restricted stock units, under fixed accounting, are generally measured at fair value on the date of grant based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock. Such value is recognized as an expense on an accelerated basis over the corresponding service period. To the extent that restricted stock units are forfeited prior to vesting, the corresponding previously recognized expense is reversed as an offset to stock-based compensation.
  • Stock-based awards generally fully vest over service periods of between three and six years.
  • Stock-based compensation was $20 million for the fourth quarter, consisting of $4 million in expense for stock awards under variable accounting, and $16 million for stock awards under fixed accounting plus matching stock contributions under our 401(k) program.
  • Payroll tax expense resulting from exercises of stock-based awards is a cash expense and is not classified in "Stock-based compensation," but is allocated to the corresponding operating expense categories on the statement of operations.
  • We granted 0.8 million stock awards, primarily restricted stock units, during the fourth quarter at a per-share weighted average fair value of $40. Year-to-date we have granted 3.5 million stock awards, primarily restricted stock units, at a per-share average fair value of $44.
  • At December 31, 2004, there were 25 million stock awards outstanding, consisting of 18 million stock options with a $13 weighted average exercise price, 6 million restricted stock units, and 0.5 million shares of restricted stock (included in common stock outstanding).
  • 1 million outstanding stock awards, primarily stock options, were subject to variable accounting. Variable accounting treatment results in expense or contra-expense recognition using the cumulative expense method, calculated based on the quoted price of our common stock and vesting schedules of underlying awards. For example, since the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2004, $44.29, was higher than the closing price on September 30, 2004, $40.86, we recorded an expense associated with variable accounting treatment for the fourth quarter of 2004.
  • SFAS 123R requires us to measure compensation cost for all share-based awards at fair value. The adoption of this standard will result in the recognition of stock-based compensation in future periods for remaining unvested stock options under fixed accounting and will not affect our accounting for restricted stock units, as we already account for those using fair value. We will be early-adopting the provisions of SFAS 123R with an implementation date of January 1, 2005, two quarters prior to the required adoption date of July 1, 2005.

Other Operating Expense (Income)

  • Included in "Other operating expense (income)" are restructuring-related expenses or credits and amortization of other intangibles. Amortization of other intangibles was $0.5 million and $0.1 million for fourth quarter 2004 and 2003.
  • Our first quarter 2001 operational restructuring plan is complete; however, we may periodically adjust our restructuring-related estimates, such as lease obligations, in the future if necessary.
  • Cash payments resulting from our 2001 operational restructuring were $3 million in fourth quarter 2004 and 2003.
  • During the fourth quarter we determined that some of the office space previously vacated as part of our 2001 restructuring, which we had been unable to sublease due to poor real estate market conditions, was necessary for our future needs. This resulted in a gain of $5 million for the fourth quarter. Future lease payments for this office space will be expensed over the lease period and classified to the corresponding operating expense categories on the consolidated statements of operations.
  • We estimate, based on currently available information, the remaining net cash outflows associated with restructuring-related leases and other commitments will be $5 million in 2005, and $8 million thereafter. Amounts due within twelve months are included within "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and the remaining amounts within "Long-term debt and other" on our balance sheet. These amounts are net of anticipated sublease income of $20 million (we have signed sublease agreements for $13 million).

Other Income (Expense), Net

  • Other expense of $5 million was primarily foreign-currency losses on interest payable for our 6.875% PEACS.

Remeasurements and Other

  • Remeasurements includes foreign-currency losses on remeasurement of the principal amount of our 6.875% PEACS from Euros to U.S. Dollars of $77 million, compared with a loss of $65 million.
  • Other includes a $44 million gain from the remeasurement of foreign-currency intercompany balances, which are to be repaid amongst subsidiaries.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Asset

  • We have recorded a tax benefit for current and deferred U.S. federal, state, and foreign income taxes, classified as "Provision (benefit) for income taxes" on the consolidated statements of operations.
  • We periodically evaluate the likelihood of future realization of deferred tax assets, and reduce the carrying amount of these deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance to derive a net deferred tax asset we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We consider many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets, including our recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, the carry forward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, and other relevant factors.
  • In the fourth quarter we determined that $363 million of our deferred tax asset is realizable through future operations, and recorded a current tax benefit of $244 million to "Provision (benefit) for income taxes" in our results of operations, and a $106 million credit to "Stockholders' Equity" on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004.
  • Our net deferred tax assets are $363 million at December 31, 2004, comprised of approximately $270 million related to our net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) and the remainder related to temporary timing differences between tax and financial reporting.
  • Classification of deferred tax assets between current and long-term asset categories is based on the expected timing of realization, and the valuation allowance is allocated ratably.
  • At December 31, 2004, our gross deferred tax assets related to our NOLs were approximately $800 million (associated with approximately $2.6 billion of NOLs, the majority of which expire between 2017 and 2024), offset by a valuation allowance on approximately $530 million due to uncertainty about their future realization. Substantially all of the remaining $530 million, if realized, would be credited to "Stockholders' equity" rather than results of operations for financial reporting purposes since they primarily relate to tax-deductible stock-based compensation in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes.
  • Significant judgment is required in making the assessment of deferred tax asset realization, and it is very difficult to predict when, if ever, our assessment may conclude that the remaining portion of our deferred tax assets is realizable.
  • We expect net income for 2005 to decline because we expect a tax provision in 2005, rather than the large tax benefit we received in 2004.
  • We expect our cash taxes paid in 2005 to be approximately $25 million, compared with $4 million in 2004.

Net Income

  • We believe that our reported net income for the fourth quarter 2004 should not be viewed, on its own, as a material positive event, and the year-over-year increase in net income of $274 million is not necessarily predictive of our future results for a variety of reasons. For example, in the fourth quarter we had a benefit from realizing a $244 million deferred tax asset related primarily to net operating loss carryforwards attributable to continuing operations. Additionally, the remeasurement of our 6.875% PEACS and intercompany balances resulted in significant gains and charges associated with the effect of movements in currency exchange rates. Accordingly, we encourage readers of our financial statements to evaluate the effect on our operating trends of these items since future income taxes and changes in currency exchange rates may create significant variability in our future operating results.

Foreign Exchange

  • As our financial reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar, our total sales, profit, and operating and free cash flow have benefited significantly the past ten quarters from weakness in the U.S. Dollar in comparison to the currencies of our international websites. We believe it is important to evaluate our growth rates after the effect of currency changes.
The effect of changes in exchange rates in the fourth quarter is as follows (in millions):     Effect of exchange      rate on:                 2003               2004                               ----               ----     Net sales               $  98             $   85     Gross profit               17                 14     Operating expenses        (11)                (9)                               ----               ----     Operating income            6                  5     Net interest expense      and other                 (6)                (5)     Remeasurements and      other (1)                (30)               (33)                               ----               ----     Net income (loss)         (29)               (32)     Diluted earnings (loss)      per diluted share     $(0.07)            $(0.08)                            =======            =======(1) Includes foreign-currency gains (losses) on remeasurement of    6.875% PEACS and intercompany balances.    These amounts represent the impact on reported results that is due    to year-over-year changes in exchange rates. Absent    year-over-year changes in exchange rates, reported amounts    would have been lower (higher) by these amounts.

Cash Flows and Balance Sheet

  • Operating cash flows and free cash flows can be volatile and are sensitive to many factors, including changes in working capital. Working capital at any specific point in time is subject to many variables, including world events, seasonality, the timing of expense payments, discounts offered by vendors, vendor payment terms, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
  • Our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $1.78 billion, at fair value, primarily consist of cash, commercial paper and short-term securities, U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, asset-backed, and agency securities and certificates of deposit. Included are amounts held in foreign currencies of $970 million, primarily in Euros, British Pounds, and Yen.
  • We have pledged $74 million of our marketable securities as collateral for property leases and other contractual obligations, compared with $87 million as of December 31, 2003.
  • "Other assets" includes, among other things, deferred issuance costs on long-term debt, other equity investments, and intangibles.
  • "Unearned revenue" is recorded when payments are received from third parties in advance of our providing the associated service.
  • "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" includes, among other things, liabilities for gift certificates, marketing activities, and workforce costs, including accrued payroll, vacation, and other benefits.
  • "Long-term debt and other" primarily includes the following (in millions):
                                Principal    Interest     Principal                               at Maturity     Rate        Due Date                              ------------- ----------  --------------Convertible Subordinated Notes   $900 (1)(2)    4.750%   February 2009PEACS (3).....................    935 (4)(5)    6.875%   February 2010                              --------------                                  $1,835 (6)                              ==============

 

  1. Convertible at the holders' option into our common stock at $78.0275 per share. We have the right to redeem the Convertible Subordinated Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of 101.900% of the principal, which decreases every February 1 by 47.5 basis points until maturity, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
  2. During the previous twelve-month period we redeemed an aggregate principal amount of $150 million.
  3. PrEmium Adjustable Convertible Securities.
  4. EUR 690 million principal amount, convertible at the holders' option into our common stock at EUR 84.883 per share ($115.03 per share based on the U.S. Dollars per Euro exchange rate of $1.3552 as of December 31, 2004). We have the right to redeem the PEACS, in whole or in part, by paying the principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. We do not hedge any portion of the PEACS. The U.S. Dollar equivalent principal, interest, and conversion price fluctuates based on the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange ratio. Due to fluctuations in this exchange ratio, our principal debt obligation since issuance in February 2000 has increased by $255 million as of December 31, 2004.
  5. Under our previously announced $500 million debt repurchase authorization, on March 7, 2005 we will be redeeming EUR 200 -- or $261MM at the Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate on January 31, 2005 -- in principal amount of our PEACS at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including February 16, 2005 to March 6, 2005. We expect to record a charge of approximately $2 million in unamortized deferred debt issuance costs which will be classified in "Remeasurements and other" in the first quarter 2005.
  6. The "if converted" number of shares associated with our convertible debt instruments (approximately 20 million total shares) are excluded from diluted shares as their effect is anti dilutive.

 

Certain Definitions and Other

  • We present segment information along two lines: North America and International. We measure operating results of our segments using an internal performance measure of direct segment operating expenses that excludes stock-based compensation and other operating expenses (income), each of which is not allocated to segment results. Other centrally incurred operating costs are fully allocated to segment results. Our operating results, particularly for the International segment, are affected by movements in foreign exchange rates.
  • The North America segment consists of amounts earned from retail sales of consumer products (including from third-party sellers) through www.amazon.com and www.amazon.ca; from North America focused Syndicated Stores, such as www.cdnow.com; from our mail-order tool catalog; and from non-retail activities such as North America-focused Merchant.com, marketing, and promotional agreements. This segment includes export sales from www.amazon.com and www.amazon.ca.
  • The International segment consists of amounts earned from retail sales of consumer products (including from third-party sellers) through www.amazon.co.uk , www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, and, since September, 2004, www.joyo.com; from internationally focused Syndicated Stores; from our DVD rental service in the U.K.; and from non-retail activities such as internationally-focused marketing and promotional agreements. This segment includes export sales from these internationally based sites (including export sales from these sites to customers in the U.S. and Canada), but excludes export sales from www.amazon.com and www.amazon.ca.
  • We provide supplemental sales information within each segment for three categories: "Media," "Electronics and other general merchandise," and "Other." Media consists of amounts earned from DVD rental and retail sales from all sellers of books, music, DVD/video, magazine subscriptions, software, video games, and video game consoles. Electronics and other general merchandise consists of amounts earned from retail sales from all sellers of items not included in Media, such as electronics and office, toys and baby, tools, home and garden, apparel, sports and outdoors, gourmet food, jewelry, health and personal care, beauty, and musical instruments. The Other category consists of non-retail activities, such as the Merchant.com program and miscellaneous marketing and promotional activities.
  • Operating cycle is number of days of sales in inventory plus number of days of sales in accounts receivable minus accounts payable days. Inventory days are calculated as the quotient of inventory to cost of sales, multiplied by the number of days in the period. Accounts payable days are calculated as the quotient of accounts payable to cost of sales, multiplied by the number of days in the period. Inventory turns are calculated as the quotient of cost of sales to average inventory over five quarters.
  • References to customers mean customer accounts, which are unique e-mail addresses, established either when a customer's initial order is shipped or when a customer orders from certain third-party sellers on our websites. Customer accounts include customers of Amazon Marketplace, Auctions and zShops, and our Merchants@, Syndicated Stores programs, but exclude DVD rental customers, Joyo.com customers, Merchant.com program customers, Amazon.com Payments customers, our catalog customers, and the customers of select companies with whom we have a technology alliance or marketing and promotional relationship. A customer is considered active when they have placed an order during the preceding twelve-month period.
  • References to sellers or merchants mean active seller accounts, which are established when a seller receives an order from a customer account. Seller accounts include sellers in Amazon Marketplace, Auctions, zShops, and Merchants@ platforms, but exclude Merchant.com sellers. A seller is considered active when they have received an order during the preceding twelve-month period.
  • References to units mean units sold (net of returns and cancellations) by us and third-party sellers at Amazon.com domains worldwide -- such as www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, and www.amazon.ca -- and at Syndicated Stores domains, as well as Amazon.com-owned items sold through catalogs and at non-Amazon.com domains, such as books, music, and DVD/video items ordered from Amazon.com's store at www.target.com. Units do not include Joyo.com units sold, Amazon.com gift certificates or DVD rentals.