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A N N U A L
R E P O R T
To our shareowners:
The American Customer Satisfaction Index recently announced the results of its annual survey, and for the 8th
year in a row customers ranked Amazon #1. The United Kingdom has a similar index, The U.K. Customer
Satisfaction Index, put out by the Institute of Customer Service. For the 5th time in a row Amazon U.K. ranked
#1 in that survey. Amazon was also just named the #1 business on LinkedIn’s 2018 Top Companies list, which
ranks the most sought after places to work for professionals in the United States. And just a few weeks ago,
Harris Poll released its annual Reputation Quotient, which surveys over 25,000 consumers on a broad range of
topics from workplace environment to social responsibility to products and services, and for the 3rd year in a row
Amazon ranked #1.
Congratulations and thank you to the now over 560,000 Amazonians who come to work every day with
unrelenting customer obsession, ingenuity, and commitment to operational excellence. And on behalf of
Amazonians everywhere, I want to extend a huge thank you to customers. It’s incredibly energizing for us to see
your responses to these surveys.
One thing I love about customers is that they are divinely discontent. Their expectations are never static – they go
up. It’s human nature. We didn’t ascend from our hunter-gatherer days by being satisfied. People have a
voracious appetite for a better way, and yesterday’s ‘wow’ quickly becomes today’s ‘ordinary’. I see that cycle of
improvement happening at a faster rate than ever before. It may be because customers have such easy access to
more information than ever before – in only a few seconds and with a couple taps on their phones, customers can
read reviews, compare prices from multiple retailers, see whether something’s in stock, find out how fast it will
ship or be available for pick-up, and more. These examples are from retail, but I sense that the same customer
empowerment phenomenon is happening broadly across everything we do at Amazon and most other industries
as well. You cannot rest on your laurels in this world. Customers won’t have it.
How do you stay ahead of ever-rising customer expectations? There’s no single way to do it – it’s a combination
of many things. But high standards (widely deployed and at all levels of detail) are certainly a big part of it.
We’ve had some successes over the years in our quest to meet the high expectations of customers. We’ve also
had billions of dollars’ worth of failures along the way. With those experiences as backdrop, I’d like to share
with you the essentials of what we’ve learned (so far) about high standards inside an organization.
Intrinsic or Teachable?
First, there’s a foundational question: are high standards intrinsic or teachable? If you take me on your basketball
team, you can teach me many things, but you can’t teach me to be taller. Do we first and foremost need to select
for “high standards” people? If so, this letter would need to be mostly about hiring practices, but I don’t think so.
I believe high standards are teachable. In fact, people are pretty good at learning high standards simply through
exposure. High standards are contagious. Bring a new person onto a high standards team, and they’ll quickly
adapt. The opposite is also true. If low standards prevail, those too will quickly spread. And though exposure
works well to teach high standards, I believe you can accelerate that rate of learning by articulating a few core
principles of high standards, which I hope to share in this letter.
Universal or Domain Specific?
Another important question is whether high standards are universal or domain specific. In other words, if you
have high standards in one area, do you automatically have high standards elsewhere? I believe high standards
are domain specific, and that you have to learn high standards separately in every arena of interest. When I
started Amazon, I had high standards on inventing, on customer care, and (thankfully) on hiring. But I didn’t
have high standards on operational process: how to keep fixed problems fixed, how to eliminate defects at the
root, how to inspect processes, and much more. I had to learn and develop high standards on all of that (my
colleagues were my tutors).
Understanding this point is important because it keeps you humble. You can consider yourself a person of high
standards in general and still have debilitating blind spots. There can be whole arenas of endeavor where you
may not even know that your standards are low or non-existent, and certainly not world class. It’s critical to be
open to that likelihood.
Recognition and Scope
What do you need to achieve high standards in a particular domain area? First, you have to be able to recognize
what good looks like in that domain. Second, you must have realistic expectations for how hard it should be (how
much work it will take) to achieve that result – the scope.
Let me give you two examples. One is a sort of toy illustration but it makes the point clearly, and another is a real
one that comes up at Amazon all the time.
Perfect Handstands
A close friend recently decided to learn to do a perfect free-standing handstand. No leaning against a wall. Not
for just a few seconds. Instagram good. She decided to start her journey by taking a handstand workshop at her
yoga studio. She then practiced for a while but wasn’t getting the results she wanted. So, she hired a handstand
coach. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but evidently this is an actual thing that exists. In the very first lesson,
the coach gave her some wonderful advice. “Most people,” he said, “think that if they work hard, they should be
able to master a handstand in about two weeks. The reality is that it takes about six months of daily practice. If
you think you should be able to do it in two weeks, you’re just going to end up quitting.” Unrealistic beliefs on
scope – often hidden and undiscussed – kill high standards. To achieve high standards yourself or as part of a
team, you need to form and proactively communicate realistic beliefs about how hard something is going to be –
something this coach understood well.
Six-Page Narratives
We don’t do PowerPoint (or any other slide-oriented) presentations at Amazon. Instead, we write narratively
structured six-page memos. We silently read one at the beginning of each meeting in a kind of “study hall.” Not
surprisingly, the quality of these memos varies widely. Some have the clarity of angels singing. They are brilliant
and thoughtful and set up the meeting for high-quality discussion. Sometimes they come in at the other end of the
spectrum.
In the handstand example, it’s pretty straightforward to recognize high standards. It wouldn’t be difficult to lay
out in detail the requirements of a well-executed handstand, and then you’re either doing it or you’re not. The
writing example is very different. The difference between a great memo and an average one is much squishier. It
would be extremely hard to write down the detailed requirements that make up a great memo. Nevertheless, I
find that much of the time, readers react to great memos very similarly. They know it when they see it. The
standard is there, and it is real, even if it’s not easily describable.
Here’s what we’ve figured out. Often, when a memo isn’t great, it’s not the writer’s inability to recognize the
high standard, but instead a wrong expectation on scope: they mistakenly believe a high-standards, six-page
memo can be written in one or two days or even a few hours, when really it might take a week or more! They’re
trying to perfect a handstand in just two weeks, and we’re not coaching them right. The great memos are written
and re-written, shared with colleagues who are asked to improve the work, set aside for a couple of days, and
then edited again with a fresh mind. They simply can’t be done in a day or two. The key point here is that you
can improve results through the simple act of teaching scope – that a great memo probably should take a week or
more.
Skill
Beyond recognizing the standard and having realistic expectations on scope, how about skill? Surely to write a
world class memo, you have to be an extremely skilled writer? Is it another required element? In my view, not so
much, at least not for the individual in the context of teams. The football coach doesn’t need to be able to throw,
and a film director doesn’t need to be able to act. But they both do need to recognize high standards for those
things and teach realistic expectations on scope. Even in the example of writing a six-page memo, that’s
teamwork. Someone on the team needs to have the skill, but it doesn’t have to be you. (As a side note, by
tradition at Amazon, authors’ names never appear on the memos – the memo is from the whole team.)
Benefits of High Standards
Building a culture of high standards is well worth the effort, and there are many benefits. Naturally and most
obviously, you’re going to build better products and services for customers – this would be reason enough!
Perhaps a little less obvious: people are drawn to high standards – they help with recruiting and retention. More
subtle: a culture of high standards is protective of all the “invisible” but crucial work that goes on in every
company. I’m talking about the work that no one sees. The work that gets done when no one is watching. In a
high standards culture, doing that work well is its own reward – it’s part of what it means to be a professional.
And finally, high standards are fun! Once you’ve tasted high standards, there’s no going back.
So, the four elements of high standards as we see it: they are teachable, they are domain specific, you must
recognize them, and you must explicitly coach realistic scope. For us, these work at all levels of detail.
Everything from writing memos to whole new, clean-sheet business initiatives. We hope they help you too.
Insist on the Highest Standards
Leaders have relentlessly high standards – many people may think these standards are unreasonably high.
-- from the Amazon Leadership Principles
Recent Milestones
The high standards our leaders strive for have served us well. And while I certainly can’t do a handstand myself,
I’m extremely proud to share some of the milestones we hit last year, each of which represents the fruition of
many years of collective effort. We take none of them for granted.
•
Prime – 13 years post-launch, we have exceeded 100 million paid Prime members globally. In 2017
Amazon shipped more than five billion items with Prime worldwide, and more new members joined
Prime than in any previous year – both worldwide and in the U.S. Members in the U.S. now receive
unlimited free two-day shipping on over 100 million different items. We expanded Prime to Mexico,
Singapore, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and introduced Business Prime Shipping in the U.S. and
Germany. We keep making Prime shipping faster as well, with Prime Free Same-Day and Prime Free
One-Day delivery now in more than 8,000 cities and towns. Prime Now is available in more than 50
cities worldwide across nine countries. Prime Day 2017 was our biggest global shopping event ever
(until surpassed by Cyber Monday), with more new Prime members joining Prime than any other day
in our history.
• AWS – It’s exciting to see Amazon Web Services, a $20 billion revenue run rate business, accelerate
its already healthy growth. AWS has also accelerated its pace of innovation – especially in new areas
such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and serverless computing. In
2017, AWS announced more than 1,400 significant services and features, including Amazon
SageMaker, which radically changes the accessibility and ease of use for everyday developers to build
sophisticated machine learning models. Tens of thousands of customers are also using a broad range of
AWS machine learning services, with active users increasing more than 250 percent in the last year,
spurred by the broad adoption of Amazon SageMaker. And in November, we held our sixth re:Invent
conference with more than 40,000 attendees and over 60,000 streaming participants.
• Marketplace – In 2017, for the first time in our history, more than half of the units sold on Amazon
worldwide were from our third-party sellers, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Over 300,000 U.S.-based SMBs started selling on Amazon in 2017, and Fulfillment by Amazon
shipped billions of items for SMBs worldwide. Customers ordered more than 40 million items from
SMBs worldwide during Prime Day 2017, growing their sales by more than 60 percent over Prime Day
2016. Our Global Selling program (enabling SMBs to sell products across national borders) grew by
over 50% in 2017 and cross-border ecommerce by SMBs now represents more than 25% of total third-
party sales.
• Alexa – Customer embrace of Alexa continues, with Alexa-enabled devices among the best-selling
items across all of Amazon. We’re seeing extremely strong adoption by other companies and
developers that want to create their own experiences with Alexa. There are now more than 30,000
skills for Alexa from outside developers, and customers can control more than 4,000 smart home
devices from 1,200 unique brands with Alexa. The foundations of Alexa continue to get smarter every
day too. We’ve developed and implemented an on-device fingerprinting technique, which keeps your
device from waking up when it hears an Alexa commercial on TV. (This technology ensured that our
Alexa Super Bowl commercial didn’t wake up millions of devices.) Far-field speech recognition
(already very good) has improved by 15% over the last year; and in the U.S., U.K., and Germany,
we’ve improved Alexa’s spoken language understanding by more than 25% over the last 12 months
through enhancements in Alexa’s machine learning components and the use of semi-supervised
learning techniques. (These semi-supervised learning techniques reduced the amount of labeled data
needed to achieve the same accuracy improvement by 40 times!) Finally, we’ve dramatically reduced
the amount of time required to teach Alexa new languages by using machine translation and transfer
learning techniques, which allows us to serve customers in more countries (like India and Japan).
• Amazon devices – 2017 was our best year yet for hardware sales. Customers bought tens of millions of
Echo devices, and Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa were the best-selling products across all of
Amazon – across all categories and all manufacturers. Customers bought twice as many Fire TV Sticks
and Kids Edition Fire Tablets this holiday season versus last year. 2017 marked the release of our
all-new Echo with an improved design, better sound, and a lower price; Echo Plus with a built-in smart
home hub; and Echo Spot, which is compact and beautiful with a circular screen. We released our next
generation Fire TV, featuring 4K Ultra HD and HDR; and the Fire HD 10 Tablet, with 1080p Full HD
display. And we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Kindle by releasing the all-new Kindle Oasis, our
most advanced reader ever. It’s waterproof – take it in the bathtub – with a bigger 7” high-resolution
300 ppi display and has built-in audio so you can also listen to your books with Audible.
•
Prime Video – Prime Video continues to drive Prime member adoption and retention. In the last year we
made Prime Video even better for customers by adding new, award-winning Prime Originals to the
service, like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, winner of two Critics’ Choice Awards and two Golden Globes,
and the Oscar-nominated movie The Big Sick. We’ve expanded our slate of programming across the
globe, launching new seasons of Bosch and Sneaky Pete from the U.S., The Grand Tour from the U.K.,
and You Are Wanted from Germany, while adding new Sentosha shows from Japan, along
with Breathe and the award-winning Inside Edge from India. Also this year, we expanded our Prime
Channels offerings, adding CBS All Access in the U.S. and launching Channels in the U.K. and Germany.
We debuted NFL Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, with more than 18 million total viewers over
11 games. In 2017, Prime Video Direct secured subscription video rights for more than 3,000 feature
films and committed over $18 million in royalties to independent filmmakers and other rights holders.
Looking forward, we’re also excited about our upcoming Prime Original series pipeline, which
includes Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan starring John Krasinski; King Lear, starring Anthony Hopkins and
Emma Thompson; The Romanoffs, executive produced by Matt Weiner; Carnival Row starring Orlando
Bloom and Cara Delevingne; Good Omens starring Jon Hamm; and Homecoming, executive produced by
Sam Esmail and starring Julia Roberts in her first television series. We acquired the global television
rights for a multi-season production of The Lord of the Rings, as well as Cortés, a miniseries based on the
epic saga of Hernán Cortés from executive producer Steven Spielberg, starring Javier Bardem, and we
look forward to beginning work on those shows this year.
• Amazon Music – Amazon Music continues to grow fast and now has tens of millions of paid
customers. Amazon Music Unlimited, our on-demand, ad-free offering, expanded to more than 30 new
countries in 2017, and membership has more than doubled over the past six months.
•
Fashion – Amazon has become the destination for tens of millions of customers to shop for fashion. In
2017, we introduced our first fashion-oriented Prime benefit, Prime Wardrobe – a new service that
brings the fitting room directly to the homes of Prime members so they can try on the latest styles
before they buy. We introduced Nike and UGG on Amazon along with new celebrity collections by
Drew Barrymore and Dwyane Wade, as well as dozens of new private brands, like Goodthreads and
Core10. We’re also continuing to enable thousands of designers and artists to offer their exclusive
designs and prints on demand through Merch by Amazon. We finished 2017 with the launch of our
interactive shopping experience with Calvin Klein, including pop-up shops, on-site product
customization, and fitting rooms with Alexa-controlled lighting, music, and more.
• Whole Foods – When we closed our acquisition of Whole Foods Market last year, we announced our
commitment to making high-quality, natural and organic food available for everyone, then immediately
lowered prices on a selection of best-selling grocery staples, including avocados, organic brown eggs,
and responsibly-farmed salmon. We followed this with a second round of price reductions in
November, and our Prime member exclusive promotion broke Whole Foods’ all-time record for
turkeys sold during the Thanksgiving season. In February, we introduced free two-hour delivery on
orders over $35 for Prime members in select cities, followed by additional cities in March and April,
and plan continued expansion across the U.S. throughout this year. We also expanded the benefits of
the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, enabling Prime members to get 5% back when shopping at
Whole Foods Market. Beyond that, customers can purchase Whole Foods’ private label products like
365 Everyday Value on Amazon, purchase Echo and other Amazon devices in over a hundred Whole
Foods stores, and pick-up or return Amazon packages at Amazon Lockers in hundreds of Whole Foods
stores. We’ve also begun the technical work needed to recognize Prime members at the point of sale
and look forward to offering more Prime benefits to Whole Foods shoppers once that work is
completed.
• Amazon Go – Amazon Go, a new kind of store with no checkout required, opened to the public in
January in Seattle. Since opening, we’ve been thrilled to hear many customers refer to their shopping
experience as “magical.” What makes the magic possible is a custom-built combination of computer
vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning, which come together to create Just Walk Out shopping. With
JWO, customers are able to grab their favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and grocery essentials
more conveniently than ever before. Some of our top-selling items are not surprising – caffeinated
beverages and water are popular – but our customers also love the Chicken Banh Mi sandwich,
chocolate chip cookies, cut fruit, gummy bears, and our Amazon Meal Kits.
• Treasure Truck – Treasure Truck expanded from a single truck in Seattle to a fleet of 35 trucks across
25 U.S. cities and 12 U.K. cities. Our bubble-blowing, music-pumping trucks fulfilled hundreds of
thousands of orders, from porterhouse steaks to the latest Nintendo releases. Throughout the year,
Treasure Truck also partnered with local communities to lift spirits and help those in need, including
donating and delivering hundreds of car seats, thousands of toys, tens of thousands of socks, and many
other essentials to community members needing relief, from those displaced by Hurricane Harvey, to
the homeless, to kids needing holiday cheer.
•
•
India – Amazon.in is the fastest growing marketplace in India, and the most visited site on both desktop
and mobile, according to comScore and SimilarWeb. The Amazon.in mobile shopping app was also the
most downloaded shopping app in India in 2017, according to App Annie. Prime added more members
in India in its first year than any previous geography in Amazon’s history. Prime selection in India now
includes more than 40 million local products from third-party sellers, and Prime Video is investing in
India original video content in a big way, including two recent premiers and over a dozen new shows in
production.
Sustainability – We are committed to minimizing carbon emissions by optimizing our transportation
network, improving product packaging, and enhancing energy efficiency in our operations, and we
have a long-term goal to power our global infrastructure using 100% renewable energy. We recently
launched Amazon Wind Farm Texas, our largest wind farm yet, which generates more than 1,000,000
megawatt hours of clean energy annually from over 100 turbines. We have plans to host solar energy
systems at 50 fulfillment centers by 2020, and have launched 24 wind and solar projects across the U.S.
with more than 29 additional projects to come. Together, Amazon’s renewable energy projects now
produce enough clean energy to power over 330,000 homes annually. In 2017 we celebrated the
10-year anniversary of Frustration-Free Packaging, the first of a suite of sustainable packaging
initiatives that have eliminated more than 244,000 tons of packaging materials over the past 10
years. In addition, in 2017 alone our programs significantly reduced packaging waste, eliminating the
equivalent of 305 million shipping boxes. And across the world, Amazon is contracting with our
service providers to launch our first low-pollution last-mile fleet. Already today, a portion of our
European delivery fleet is comprised of low-pollution electric and natural gas vans and cars, and we
have over 40 electric scooters and e-cargo bikes that complete local urban deliveries.
• Empowering Small Business – Millions of small and medium-sized businesses worldwide now sell
their products through Amazon to reach new customers around the globe. SMBs selling on Amazon
come from every state in the U.S., and from more than 130 different countries around the world. More
than 140,000 SMBs surpassed $100,000 in sales on Amazon in 2017, and over a thousand independent
authors surpassed $100,000 in royalties in 2017 through Kindle Direct Publishing.
•
Investment & Job Creation – Since 2011, we have invested over $150 billion worldwide in our
fulfillment networks, transportation capabilities, and technology infrastructure, including AWS data
centers. Amazon has created over 1.7 million direct and indirect jobs around the world. In 2017 alone,
we directly created more than 130,000 new Amazon jobs, not including acquisitions, bringing our
global employee base to over 560,000. Our new jobs cover a wide range of professions, from artificial
intelligence scientists to packaging specialists to fulfillment center associates. In addition to these
direct hires, we estimate that Amazon Marketplace has created 900,000 more jobs worldwide, and that
Amazon’s investments have created an additional 260,000 jobs in areas like construction, logistics, and
other professional services.
• Career Choice – One employee program we’re particularly proud of is Amazon Career Choice. For
hourly associates with more than one year of tenure, we pre-pay 95% of tuition, fees, and textbooks (up
to $12,000) for certificates and associate degrees in high-demand occupations such as aircraft
mechanics, computer-aided design, machine tool technologies, medical lab technologies, and nursing.
We fund education in areas that are in high demand and do so regardless of whether those skills are
relevant to a career at Amazon. Globally more than 16,000 associates (including more than 12,000 in
the U.S.) have joined Career Choice since the program launched in 2012. Career Choice is live in ten
countries and expanding to South Africa, Costa Rica, and Slovakia later this year. Commercial truck
driving, healthcare, and information technology are the program’s most popular fields of study. We’ve
built 39 Career Choice classrooms so far, and we locate them behind glass walls in high traffic areas
inside our fulfillment centers so associates can be inspired by seeing their peers pursue new skills.
The credit for these milestones is deserved by many. Amazon is 560,000 employees. It’s also 2 million sellers,
hundreds of thousands of authors, millions of AWS developers, and hundreds of millions of divinely discontent
customers around the world who push to make us better each and every day.
Path Ahead
This year marks the 20th anniversary of our first shareholder letter, and our core values and approach remain
unchanged. We continue to aspire to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, and we recognize this to be no
small or easy challenge. We know there is much we can do better, and we find tremendous energy in the many
challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A huge thank you to each and every customer for allowing us to serve you, to our shareowners for your support,
and to Amazonians everywhere for your ingenuity, your passion, and your high standards.
As always, I attach a copy of our original 1997 letter. It remains Day 1.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey P. Bezos
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Amazon.com, Inc.
1997 LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
(Reprinted from the 1997 Annual Report)
To our shareholders:
Amazon.com passed many milestones in 1997: by year-end, we had served more than 1.5 million customers,
yielding 838% revenue growth to $147.8 million, and extended our market leadership despite aggressive
competitive entry.
But this is Day 1 for the Internet and, if we execute well, for Amazon.com. Today, online commerce saves
customers money and precious time. Tomorrow, through personalization, online commerce will accelerate the
very process of discovery. Amazon.com uses the Internet to create real value for its customers and, by doing so,
hopes to create an enduring franchise, even in established and large markets.
We have a window of opportunity as larger players marshal the resources to pursue the online opportunity
and as customers, new to purchasing online, are receptive to forming new relationships. The competitive
landscape has continued to evolve at a fast pace. Many large players have moved online with credible offerings
and have devoted substantial energy and resources to building awareness, traffic, and sales. Our goal is to move
quickly to solidify and extend our current position while we begin to pursue the online commerce opportunities
in other areas. We see substantial opportunity in the large markets we are targeting. This strategy is not without
risk: it requires serious investment and crisp execution against established franchise leaders.
It’s All About the Long Term
We believe that a fundamental measure of our success will be the shareholder value we create over the long
term. This value will be a direct result of our ability to extend and solidify our current market leadership position.
The stronger our market leadership, the more powerful our economic model. Market leadership can translate
directly to higher revenue, higher profitability, greater capital velocity, and correspondingly stronger returns on
invested capital.
Our decisions have consistently reflected this focus. We first measure ourselves in terms of the metrics most
indicative of our market leadership: customer and revenue growth, the degree to which our customers continue to
purchase from us on a repeat basis, and the strength of our brand. We have invested and will continue to invest
aggressively to expand and leverage our customer base, brand, and infrastructure as we move to establish an
enduring franchise.
Because of our emphasis on the long term, we may make decisions and weigh tradeoffs differently than
some companies. Accordingly, we want to share with you our fundamental management and decision-making
approach so that you, our shareholders, may confirm that it is consistent with your investment philosophy:
• We will continue to focus relentlessly on our customers.
• We will continue to make investment decisions in light of long-term market leadership considerations
rather than short-term profitability considerations or short-term Wall Street reactions.
• We will continue to measure our programs and the effectiveness of our investments analytically, to
jettison those that do not provide acceptable returns, and to step up our investment in those that work
best. We will continue to learn from both our successes and our failures.
• We will make bold rather than timid investment decisions where we see a sufficient probability of
gaining market leadership advantages. Some of these investments will pay off, others will not, and we
will have learned another valuable lesson in either case.
• When forced to choose between optimizing the appearance of our GAAP accounting and maximizing
the present value of future cash flows, we’ll take the cash flows.
• We will share our strategic thought processes with you when we make bold choices (to the extent
competitive pressures allow), so that you may evaluate for yourselves whether we are making rational
long-term leadership investments.
• We will work hard to spend wisely and maintain our lean culture. We understand the importance of
continually reinforcing a cost-conscious culture, particularly in a business incurring net losses.
• We will balance our focus on growth with emphasis on long-term profitability and capital management.
At this stage, we choose to prioritize growth because we believe that scale is central to achieving the
potential of our business model.
• We will continue to focus on hiring and retaining versatile and talented employees, and continue to
weight their compensation to stock options rather than cash. We know our success will be largely
affected by our ability to attract and retain a motivated employee base, each of whom must think like,
and therefore must actually be, an owner.
We aren’t so bold as to claim that the above is the “right” investment philosophy, but it’s ours, and we
would be remiss if we weren’t clear in the approach we have taken and will continue to take.
With this foundation, we would like to turn to a review of our business focus, our progress in 1997, and our
outlook for the future.
Obsess Over Customers
From the beginning, our focus has been on offering our customers compelling value. We realized that the
Web was, and still is, the World Wide Wait. Therefore, we set out to offer customers something they simply
could not get any other way, and began serving them with books. We brought them much more selection than
was possible in a physical store (our store would now occupy 6 football fields), and presented it in a useful, easy-
to-search, and easy-to-browse format in a store open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. We maintained a dogged
focus on improving the shopping experience, and in 1997 substantially enhanced our store. We now offer
customers gift certificates, 1-ClickSM shopping, and vastly more reviews, content, browsing options, and
recommendation features. We dramatically lowered prices, further increasing customer value. Word of mouth
remains the most powerful customer acquisition tool we have, and we are grateful for the trust our customers
have placed in us. Repeat purchases and word of mouth have combined to make Amazon.com the market leader
in online bookselling.
By many measures, Amazon.com came a long way in 1997:
•
Sales grew from $15.7 million in 1996 to $147.8 million – an 838% increase.
• Cumulative customer accounts grew from 180,000 to 1,510,000 – a 738% increase.
•
•
The percentage of orders from repeat customers grew from over 46% in the fourth quarter of 1996 to
over 58% in the same period in 1997.
In terms of audience reach, per Media Metrix, our Web site went from a rank of 90th to within the
top 20.
• We established long-term relationships with many important strategic partners, including America
Online, Yahoo!, Excite, Netscape, GeoCities, AltaVista, @Home, and Prodigy.
Infrastructure
During 1997, we worked hard to expand our business infrastructure to support these greatly increased
traffic, sales, and service levels:
• Amazon.com’s employee base grew from 158 to 614, and we significantly strengthened our
management team.
• Distribution center capacity grew from 50,000 to 285,000 square feet, including a 70% expansion of our
Seattle facilities and the launch of our second distribution center in Delaware in November.
•
Inventories rose to over 200,000 titles at year-end, enabling us to improve availability for our customers.
• Our cash and investment balances at year-end were $125 million, thanks to our initial public offering in
May 1997 and our $75 million loan, affording us substantial strategic flexibility.
Our Employees
The past year’s success is the product of a talented, smart, hard-working group, and I take great pride in
being a part of this team. Setting the bar high in our approach to hiring has been, and will continue to be, the
single most important element of Amazon.com’s success.
It’s not easy to work here (when I interview people I tell them, “You can work long, hard, or smart, but at
Amazon.com you can’t choose two out of three”), but we are working to build something important, something
that matters to our customers, something that we can all tell our grandchildren about. Such things aren’t meant to
be easy. We are incredibly fortunate to have this group of dedicated employees whose sacrifices and passion
build Amazon.com.
Goals for 1998
We are still in the early stages of learning how to bring new value to our customers through Internet
commerce and merchandising. Our goal remains to continue to solidify and extend our brand and customer base.
This requires sustained investment in systems and infrastructure to support outstanding customer convenience,
selection, and service while we grow. We are planning to add music to our product offering, and over time we
believe that other products may be prudent investments. We also believe there are significant opportunities to
better serve our customers overseas, such as reducing delivery times and better tailoring the customer experience.
To be certain, a big part of the challenge for us will lie not in finding new ways to expand our business, but in
prioritizing our investments.
We now know vastly more about online commerce than when Amazon.com was founded, but we still have
so much to learn. Though we are optimistic, we must remain vigilant and maintain a sense of urgency. The
challenges and hurdles we will face to make our long-term vision for Amazon.com a reality are several:
aggressive, capable, well-funded competition; considerable growth challenges and execution risk; the risks of
product and geographic expansion; and the need for large continuing investments to meet an expanding market
opportunity. However, as we’ve long said, online bookselling, and online commerce in general, should prove to
be a very large market, and it’s likely that a number of companies will see significant benefit. We feel good about
what we’ve done, and even more excited about what we want to do.
1997 was indeed an incredible year. We at Amazon.com are grateful to our customers for their business and
trust, to each other for our hard work, and to our shareholders for their support and encouragement.
Jeffrey P. Bezos
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Amazon.com, Inc.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________
FORM 10-K
____________________________________
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission File No. 000-22513
____________________________________
AMAZON.COM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
91-1646860
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
410 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, Washington 98109-5210
(206) 266-1000
(Address and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
____________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required
to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
submit and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an
emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
Aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2017
$
387,327,844,190
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of January 24, 2018
484,107,183
____________________________________
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this Report, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated herein by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy
statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2018, which definitive proxy statement shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this Report relates.
AMAZON.COM, INC.
FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017
INDEX
PART I
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Item 9.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
PART III
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 15.
Item 16.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary
Signatures
PART IV
Page
3
6
14
16
16
16
17
18
19
33
35
73
73
75
75
75
75
75
75
76
76
78
2
AMAZON.COM, INC.
PART I
Item 1.
Business
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking
statements based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this filing. Actual results may differ materially
from those expressed in forward-looking statements. See Item 1A of Part I—“Risk Factors.”
Amazon.com, Inc. was incorporated in 1994 in the state of Washington and reincorporated in 1996 in the state of
Delaware. Our principal corporate offices are located in Seattle, Washington. We completed our initial public offering in May
1997 and our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “AMZN.”
As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our,” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the
context indicates otherwise.
General
Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995. We seek to be Earth’s most customer-centric
company. We are guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention,
commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. In each of our segments, we serve our primary customer sets,
consisting of consumers, sellers, developers, enterprises, and content creators. In addition, we provide services, such as
advertising services and co-branded credit card agreements.
We have organized our operations into three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services
(“AWS”). These segments reflect the way the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations.
Additional information on our operating segments and our net sales is contained in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Note 11—Segment Information.” Our company-sponsored research and development expense is set
forth within “Technology and content” in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Consolidated
Statements of Operations.” The financial results of Whole Foods Market, Inc. (“Whole Foods Market”) have been included in
our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on August 28, 2017.
Consumers
We serve consumers through our retail websites and physical stores and focus on selection, price, and convenience. We
design our websites to enable hundreds of millions of unique products to be sold by us and by third parties across dozens of
product categories. Customers access our offerings through our websites, mobile apps, Alexa, and physically visiting our stores.
We also manufacture and sell electronic devices, including Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, and Echo devices, and we
develop and produce media content. We strive to offer our customers the lowest prices possible through low everyday product
pricing and shipping offers, and to improve our operating efficiencies so that we can continue to lower prices for our customers.
We also provide easy-to-use functionality, fast and reliable fulfillment, and timely customer service. In addition, we offer
Amazon Prime, a membership program that includes unlimited free shipping on tens of millions of items, access to unlimited
instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV episodes, and other benefits.
We fulfill customer orders in a number of ways, including through: North America and International fulfillment and
delivery networks that we operate; co-sourced and outsourced arrangements in certain countries; digital delivery; and through
our physical stores. We operate customer service centers globally, which are supplemented by co-sourced arrangements. See
Item 2 of Part I, “Properties.”
Sellers
We offer programs that enable sellers to grow their businesses, sell their products on our websites and their own branded
websites, and fulfill orders through us. We are not the seller of record in these transactions. We earn fixed fees, a percentage of
sales, per-unit activity fees, interest, or some combination thereof, for our seller programs.
Developers and Enterprises
We serve developers and enterprises of all sizes, including start-ups, government agencies, and academic institutions,
through our AWS segment, which offers a broad set of global compute, storage, database, and other service offerings.
3
Content Creators
We serve authors and independent publishers with Kindle Direct Publishing, an online service that lets independent
authors and publishers choose a 70% royalty option and make their books available in the Kindle Store, along with Amazon’s
own publishing arm, Amazon Publishing. We also offer programs that allow authors, musicians, filmmakers, app developers,
and others to publish and sell content.
Competition
Our businesses encompass a large variety of product types, service offerings, and delivery channels. The worldwide
marketplace in which we compete is evolving rapidly and intensely competitive, and we face a broad array of competitors from
many different industry sectors around the world. Our current and potential competitors include: (1) online, offline, and
multichannel retailers, publishers, vendors, distributors, manufacturers, and producers of the products we offer and sell to
consumers and businesses; (2) publishers, producers, and distributors of physical, digital, and interactive media of all types and
all distribution channels; (3) web search engines, comparison shopping websites, social networks, web portals, and other online
and app-based means of discovering, using, or acquiring goods and services, either directly or in collaboration with other
retailers; (4) companies that provide e-commerce services, including website development, advertising, fulfillment, customer
service, and payment processing; (5) companies that provide fulfillment and logistics services for themselves or for third
parties, whether online or offline; (6) companies that provide information technology services or products, including on-
premises or cloud-based infrastructure and other services; and (7) companies that design, manufacture, market, or sell
consumer electronics, telecommunication, and electronic devices. We believe that the principal competitive factors in our retail
businesses include selection, price, and convenience, including fast and reliable fulfillment. Additional competitive factors for
our seller and enterprise services include the quality, speed, and reliability of our services and tools, as well as customers’
ability and willingness to change business practices. Some of our current and potential competitors have greater resources,
longer histories, more customers, greater brand recognition, and greater control over inputs critical to our various businesses.
They may secure better terms from suppliers, adopt more aggressive pricing, pursue restrictive distribution agreements that
restrict our access to supply, direct consumers to their own offerings instead of ours, lock-in potential customers with restrictive
terms, and devote more resources to technology, infrastructure, fulfillment, and marketing. Each of our businesses is also
subject to rapid change and the development of new business models and the entry of new and well-funded competitors. Other
companies also may enter into business combinations or alliances that strengthen their competitive positions.
Intellectual Property
We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary
technologies, and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright, and patent law,
trade-secret protection, and confidentiality and/or license agreements with our employees, customers, partners, and others to
protect our proprietary rights. We have registered, or applied for the registration of, a number of U.S. and international domain
names, trademarks, service marks, and copyrights. Additionally, we have filed U.S. and international patent applications
covering certain of our proprietary technology. We have licensed in the past, and expect that we may license in the future,
certain of our proprietary rights to third parties.
Seasonality
Our business is affected by seasonality, which historically has resulted in higher sales volume during our fourth quarter,
which ends December 31. We recognized 33%, 32%, and 34% of our annual revenue during the fourth quarter of 2015, 2016,
and 2017. Fourth quarter 2017 results include revenue attributable to Whole Foods Market, which we acquired on August 28,
2017.
Employees
We employed approximately 566,000 full-time and part-time employees as of December 31, 2017. However,
employment levels fluctuate due to seasonal factors affecting our business. Additionally, we utilize independent contractors and
temporary personnel to supplement our workforce. We have works councils, statutory employee representation obligations, and
union agreements in certain countries outside the United States and at certain of our studio operations within the United States.
We consider our employee relations to be good. Competition for qualified personnel in our industry has historically been
intense, particularly for software engineers, computer scientists, and other technical staff.
Available Information
Our investor relations website is www.amazon.com/ir and we encourage investors to use it as a way of easily finding
information about us. We promptly make available on this website, free of charge, the reports that we file or furnish with the
4
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), corporate governance information (including our Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics), and select press releases and social media postings.
Executive Officers and Directors
The following tables set forth certain information regarding our Executive Officers and Directors as of January 24, 2018:
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Name
Jeffrey P. Bezos
Jeffrey M. Blackburn
Andrew R. Jassy
Brian T. Olsavsky
Shelley L. Reynolds
Jeffrey A. Wilke
David A. Zapolsky
Age
54
48
50
54
53
51
54
Position
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board
Senior Vice President, Business Development
CEO Amazon Web Services
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Vice President, Worldwide Controller, and Principal Accounting Officer
CEO Worldwide Consumer
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
Jeffrey P. Bezos. Mr. Bezos has been Chairman of the Board of Amazon.com since founding it in 1994 and Chief
Executive Officer since May 1996. Mr. Bezos served as President of the Company from founding until June 1999 and again
from October 2000 to the present.
Jeffrey M. Blackburn. Mr. Blackburn has served as Senior Vice President, Business Development, since April 2006.
Andrew R. Jassy. Mr. Jassy has served as CEO Amazon Web Services since April 2016, and Senior Vice President,
Amazon Web Services, from April 2006 until April 2016.
Brian T. Olsavsky. Mr. Olsavsky has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2015, Vice
President, Finance for the Global Consumer Business from December 2011 to June 2015, and numerous financial leadership
roles across Amazon with global responsibility since April 2002.
Shelley L. Reynolds. Ms. Reynolds has served as Vice President, Worldwide Controller, and Principal Accounting
Officer since April 2007.
Jeffrey A. Wilke. Mr. Wilke has served as CEO Worldwide Consumer since April 2016, Senior Vice President,
Consumer Business, from February 2012 until April 2016, and as Senior Vice President, North America Retail, from January
2007 until February 2012.
David A. Zapolsky. Mr. Zapolsky has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary since May 2014,
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary from September 2012 to May 2014, and as Vice President and Associate
General Counsel for Litigation and Regulatory matters from April 2002 until September 2012.
Board of Directors
Name
Jeffrey P. Bezos
Tom A. Alberg
John Seely Brown
Jamie S. Gorelick
Daniel P. Huttenlocher
Judith A. McGrath
Jonathan J. Rubinstein
Thomas O. Ryder
Patricia Q. Stonesifer
Wendell P. Weeks
Age
54
77
77
67
59
65
61
73
61
58
Position
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board
Managing Director, Madrona Venture Group
Visiting Scholar and Advisor to the Provost, University of Southern California
Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Dean and Vice Provost, Cornell Tech at Cornell University
President, Astronauts Wanted * No experience necessary
Former co-CEO, Bridgewater Associates, LP
Retired, Former Chairman, Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Martha’s Table
Chief Executive Officer, Corning Incorporated
5
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Please carefully consider the following risk factors. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition,
operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the current global economic climate
amplifies many of these risks.
We Face Intense Competition
Our businesses are rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and we have many competitors in different industries,
including retail, e-commerce services, digital content and electronic devices, and web and infrastructure computing services.
Some of our current and potential competitors have greater resources, longer histories, more customers, and/or greater brand
recognition, particularly with our newly-launched products and services and in our newer geographic regions. They may secure
better terms from vendors, adopt more aggressive pricing, and devote more resources to technology, infrastructure, fulfillment,
and marketing.
Competition may intensify, including with the development of new business models and the entry of new and well-
funded competitors, and as our competitors enter into business combinations or alliances and established companies in other
market segments expand to become competitive with our business. In addition, new and enhanced technologies, including
search, web and infrastructure computing services, digital content, and electronic devices, may increase our competition. The
Internet facilitates competitive entry and comparison shopping, and increased competition may reduce our sales and profits.
Our Expansion Places a Significant Strain on our Management, Operational, Financial, and Other Resources
We are rapidly and significantly expanding our global operations, including increasing our product and service offerings
and scaling our infrastructure to support our retail and services businesses. This expansion increases the complexity of our
business and places significant strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, technical performance, financial
resources, and internal financial control and reporting functions. We may not be able to manage growth effectively, which could
damage our reputation, limit our growth, and negatively affect our operating results.
Our Expansion into New Products, Services, Technologies, and Geographic Regions Subjects Us to Additional Business,
Legal, Financial, and Competitive Risks
We may have limited or no experience in our newer market segments, and our customers may not adopt our new
offerings. These offerings may present new and difficult technology challenges, and we may be subject to claims if customers
of these offerings experience service disruptions or failures or other quality issues. In addition, profitability, if any, in our newer
activities may be lower than in our older activities, and we may not be successful enough in these newer activities to recoup our
investments in them. If any of this were to occur, it could damage our reputation, limit our growth, and negatively affect our
operating results.
We May Experience Significant Fluctuations in Our Operating Results and Growth Rate
We may not be able to accurately forecast our growth rate. We base our expense levels and investment plans on sales
estimates. A significant portion of our expenses and investments is fixed, and we may not be able to adjust our spending
quickly enough if our sales are less than expected.
Our revenue growth may not be sustainable, and our percentage growth rates may decrease. Our revenue and operating
profit growth depends on the continued growth of demand for the products and services offered by us or our sellers, and our
business is affected by general economic and business conditions worldwide. A softening of demand, whether caused by
changes in customer preferences or a weakening of the U.S. or global economies, may result in decreased revenue or growth.
Our sales and operating results will also fluctuate for many other reasons, including due to risks described elsewhere in
this section and the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
our ability to retain and increase sales to existing customers, attract new customers, and satisfy our customers’
demands;
our ability to retain and expand our network of sellers;
our ability to offer products on favorable terms, manage inventory, and fulfill orders;
the introduction of competitive websites, products, services, price decreases, or improvements;
changes in usage or adoption rates of the Internet, e-commerce, electronic devices, and web services, including
outside the U.S.;
timing, effectiveness, and costs of expansion and upgrades of our systems and infrastructure;
6
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the success of our geographic, service, and product line expansions;
the extent to which we finance, and the terms of any such financing for, our current operations and future growth;
the outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, which may include significant monetary damages or injunctive relief
and could have a material adverse impact on our operating results;
variations in the mix of products and services we sell;
variations in our level of merchandise and vendor returns;
the extent to which we offer free shipping, continue to reduce prices worldwide, and provide additional benefits to
our customers;
the extent to which we invest in technology and content, fulfillment, and other expense categories;
increases in the prices of fuel and gasoline, as well as increases in the prices of other energy products and
commodities like paper and packing supplies;
the extent to which our equity-method investees record significant operating and non-operating items;
the extent to which operators of the networks between our customers and our websites successfully charge fees to
grant our customers unimpaired and unconstrained access to our online services;
our ability to collect amounts owed to us when they become due;
the extent to which use of our services is affected by spyware, viruses, phishing and other spam emails, denial of
service attacks, data theft, computer intrusions, outages, and similar events; and
terrorist attacks and armed hostilities.
Our International Operations Expose Us to a Number of Risks
Our international activities are significant to our revenues and profits, and we plan to further expand internationally. In
certain international market segments, we have relatively little operating experience and may not benefit from any first-to-
market advantages or otherwise succeed. It is costly to establish, develop, and maintain international operations and websites,
and promote our brand internationally. Our international operations may not be profitable on a sustained basis.
In addition to risks described elsewhere in this section, our international sales and operations are subject to a number of
risks, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
local economic and political conditions;
government regulation of e-commerce and other services, electronic devices, and competition, and restrictive
governmental actions (such as trade protection measures, including export duties and quotas and custom duties and
tariffs), nationalization, and restrictions on foreign ownership;
restrictions on sales or distribution of certain products or services and uncertainty regarding liability for products,
services, and content, including uncertainty as a result of less Internet-friendly legal systems, local laws, lack of legal
precedent, and varying rules, regulations, and practices regarding the physical and digital distribution of media
products and enforcement of intellectual property rights;
business licensing or certification requirements, such as for imports, exports, web services, and electronic devices;
limitations on the repatriation and investment of funds and foreign currency exchange restrictions;
limited fulfillment and technology infrastructure;
shorter payable and longer receivable cycles and the resultant negative impact on cash flow;
laws and regulations regarding consumer and data protection, privacy, network security, encryption, payments, and
restrictions on pricing or discounts;
lower levels of use of the Internet;
lower levels of consumer spending and fewer opportunities for growth compared to the U.S.;
lower levels of credit card usage and increased payment risk;
difficulty in staffing, developing, and managing foreign operations as a result of distance, language, and cultural
differences;
different employee/employer relationships and the existence of works councils and labor unions;
7
•
•
•
compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable U.S. and foreign laws prohibiting
corrupt payments to government officials and other third parties;
laws and policies of the U.S. and other jurisdictions affecting trade, foreign investment, loans, and taxes; and
geopolitical events, including war and terrorism.
As international e-commerce and other online and web services grow, competition will intensify. Local companies may
have a substantial competitive advantage because of their greater understanding of, and focus on, the local customer, as well as
their more established local brand names. We may not be able to hire, train, retain, and manage required personnel, which may
limit our international growth.
The People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and India regulate Amazon’s and its affiliates’ businesses and operations in
country through regulations and license requirements that may restrict (i) foreign investment in and operation of the Internet, IT
infrastructure, data centers, retail, delivery, and other sectors, (ii) Internet content, and (iii) the sale of media and other products
and services. For example, in order to meet local ownership and regulatory licensing requirements, www.amazon.cn is operated
by PRC companies that are indirectly owned, either wholly or partially, by PRC nationals. In addition, we provide certain
technology services in China in conjunction with third parties that hold PRC licenses to provide services. In India, the
government restricts the ownership or control of Indian companies by foreign entities involved in online multi-brand retail
trading activities. For www.amazon.in, we provide certain marketing tools and logistics services to third-party sellers to enable
them to sell online and deliver to customers, and we hold indirect minority interests in entities that are third-party sellers on the
www.amazon.in marketplace. Although we believe these structures and activities comply with existing laws, they involve
unique risks, and the PRC is actively considering changes in its foreign investment rules that could impact these structures and
activities. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation of PRC and Indian laws and regulations, and it is
possible that these governments will ultimately take a view contrary to ours. In addition, our Chinese and Indian businesses and
operations may be unable to continue to operate if we or our affiliates are unable to access sufficient funding or in China
enforce contractual relationships with respect to management and control of such businesses. If our international activities were
found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC, Indian or other laws or regulations or if interpretations of those laws and
regulations were to change, our businesses in those countries could be subject to fines and other financial penalties, have
licenses revoked, or be forced to shut down entirely.
If We Do Not Successfully Optimize and Operate Our Fulfillment Network and Data Centers, Our Business Could Be
Harmed
If we do not adequately predict customer demand or otherwise optimize and operate our fulfillment network and data
centers successfully, it could result in excess or insufficient fulfillment or data center capacity, or result in increased costs,
impairment charges, or both, or harm our business in other ways. As we continue to add fulfillment and data center capability
or add new businesses with different requirements, our fulfillment and data center networks become increasingly complex and
operating them becomes more challenging. There can be no assurance that we will be able to operate our networks effectively.
In addition, a failure to optimize inventory in our fulfillment network will increase our net shipping cost by requiring
long-zone or partial shipments. We and our co-sourcers may be unable to adequately staff our fulfillment network and customer
service centers. If the other businesses on whose behalf we perform inventory fulfillment services deliver product to our
fulfillment centers in excess of forecasts, we may be unable to secure sufficient storage space and may be unable to optimize
our fulfillment network.
We rely on a limited number of shipping companies to deliver inventory to us and completed orders to our customers. If
we are not able to negotiate acceptable terms with these companies or they experience performance problems or other
difficulties, it could negatively impact our operating results and customer experience. In addition, our ability to receive inbound
inventory efficiently and ship completed orders to customers also may be negatively affected by inclement weather, fire, flood,
power loss, earthquakes, labor disputes, acts of war or terrorism, acts of God, and similar factors.
Under some of our commercial agreements, we maintain the inventory of other companies, thereby increasing the
complexity of tracking inventory and operating our fulfillment network. Our failure to properly handle such inventory or the
inability of these other companies to accurately forecast product demand would result in unexpected costs and other harm to
our business and reputation.
8
The Seasonality of Our Business Places Increased Strain on Our Operations
We expect a disproportionate amount of our net sales to occur during our fourth quarter. If we do not stock or restock
popular products in sufficient amounts such that we fail to meet customer demand, it could significantly affect our revenue and
our future growth. If we overstock products, we may be required to take significant inventory markdowns or write-offs and
incur commitment costs, which could reduce profitability. We may experience an increase in our net shipping cost due to
complimentary upgrades, split-shipments, and additional long-zone shipments necessary to ensure timely delivery for the
holiday season. If too many customers access our websites within a short period of time due to increased holiday demand, we
may experience system interruptions that make our websites unavailable or prevent us from efficiently fulfilling orders, which
may reduce the volume of goods we sell and the attractiveness of our products and services. In addition, we may be unable to
adequately staff our fulfillment network and customer service centers during these peak periods and delivery and other
fulfillment companies and customer service co-sourcers may be unable to meet the seasonal demand. We also face risks
described elsewhere in this Item 1A relating to fulfillment network optimization and inventory.
We generally have payment terms with our retail vendors that extend beyond the amount of time necessary to collect
proceeds from our consumer customers. As a result of holiday sales, as of December 31 of each year, our cash, cash
equivalents, and marketable securities balances typically reach their highest level (other than as a result of cash flows provided
by or used in investing and financing activities). This operating cycle results in a corresponding increase in accounts payable as
of December 31. Our accounts payable balance generally declines during the first three months of the year, resulting in a
corresponding decline in our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances.
Our Business Could Suffer if We Are Unsuccessful in Making, Integrating, and Maintaining Commercial Agreements,
Strategic Alliances, and Other Business Relationships
We provide e-commerce and other services to businesses through commercial agreements, strategic alliances, and
business relationships. Under these agreements, we provide web services, technology, fulfillment, computing, digital storage,
and other services, as well as enable sellers to offer products or services through our websites. These arrangements are complex
and require substantial infrastructure capacity, personnel, and other resource commitments, which may limit the amount of
business we can service. We may not be able to implement, maintain, and develop the components of these commercial
relationships, which may include web services, fulfillment, customer service, inventory management, tax collection, payment
processing, hardware, content, and third-party software, and engaging third parties to perform services. The amount of
compensation we receive under certain of our commercial agreements is partially dependent on the volume of the other
company’s sales. Therefore, if the other company’s offering is not successful, the compensation we receive may be lower than
expected or the agreement may be terminated. Moreover, we may not be able to enter into additional commercial relationships
and strategic alliances on favorable terms. We also may be subject to claims from businesses to which we provide these
services if we are unsuccessful in implementing, maintaining, or developing these services.
As our agreements terminate, we may be unable to renew or replace these agreements on comparable terms, or at all. We
may in the future enter into amendments on less favorable terms or encounter parties that have difficulty meeting their
contractual obligations to us, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our present and future e-commerce services agreements, other commercial agreements, and strategic alliances create
additional risks such as:
•
•
•
•
disruption of our ongoing business, including loss of management focus on existing businesses;
impairment of other relationships;
variability in revenue and income from entering into, amending, or terminating such agreements or relationships; and
difficulty integrating under the commercial agreements.
Our Business Could Suffer if We Are Unsuccessful in Making, Integrating, and Maintaining Acquisitions and
Investments
We have acquired and invested in a number of companies, and we may acquire or invest in or enter into joint ventures
with additional companies. These transactions (such as our acquisition of Whole Foods Market, Inc.) create risks such as:
•
•
•
•
disruption of our ongoing business, including loss of management focus on existing businesses;
problems retaining key personnel;
additional operating losses and expenses of the businesses we acquired or in which we invested;
the potential impairment of tangible and intangible assets and goodwill, including as a result of acquisitions;
9
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the potential impairment of customer and other relationships of the company we acquired or in which we invested or
our own customers as a result of any integration of operations;
the difficulty of completing such transactions and achieving anticipated benefits within expected timeframes, or at
all;
the difficulty of incorporating acquired operations, technology, and rights into our offerings, and unanticipated
expenses related to such integration;
the difficulty of integrating a new company’s accounting, financial reporting, management, information and
information security, human resource, and other administrative systems to permit effective management, and the lack
of control if such integration is delayed or not implemented;
for investments in which an investee’s financial performance is incorporated into our financial results, either in full or
in part, the dependence on the investee’s accounting, financial reporting, and similar systems, controls, and
processes;
the difficulty of implementing at companies we acquire the controls, procedures, and policies appropriate for a larger
public company;
the risks associated with businesses we acquire or invest in, which may differ from or be more significant than the
risks our other businesses face;
potential unknown liabilities associated with a company we acquire or in which we invest; and
for foreign transactions, additional risks related to the integration of operations across different cultures and
languages, and the economic, political, and regulatory risks associated with specific countries.
As a result of future acquisitions or mergers, we might need to issue additional equity securities, spend our cash, or incur
debt, contingent liabilities, or amortization expenses related to intangible assets, any of which could reduce our profitability and
harm our business or only be available on unfavorable terms, if at all. In addition, valuations supporting our acquisitions and
strategic investments could change rapidly given the current global economic climate. We could determine that such valuations
have experienced impairments or other-than-temporary declines in fair value which could adversely impact our financial
results.
We Have Foreign Exchange Risk
The results of operations of, and certain of our intercompany balances associated with, our international websites and
product and service offerings are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Upon translation, operating results may differ
materially from expectations, and we may record significant gains or losses on the remeasurement of intercompany balances.
As we have expanded our international operations, our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations has increased. We also hold cash
equivalents and/or marketable securities in foreign currencies including British Pounds, Euros, and Japanese Yen. If the
U.S. Dollar strengthens compared to these currencies, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances, when translated,
may be materially less than expected and vice versa.
The Loss of Key Senior Management Personnel Could Negatively Affect Our Business
We depend on our senior management and other key personnel, particularly Jeffrey P. Bezos, our President, CEO, and
Chairman. We do not have “key person” life insurance policies. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key
employees could harm our business.
We Could Be Harmed by Data Loss or Other Security Breaches
As a result of our services being web-based and the fact that we process, store, and transmit large amounts of data,
including personal information, for our customers, failure to prevent or mitigate data loss or other security breaches, including
breaches of our vendors’ technology and systems, could expose us or our customers to a risk of loss or misuse of such
information, adversely affect our operating results, result in litigation or potential liability for us, and otherwise harm our
business. We use third-party technology and systems for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, encryption and
authentication technology, employee email, content delivery to customers, back-office support, and other functions. Some
subsidiaries had past security breaches, and, although they did not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, there
can be no assurance of a similar result in the future. Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to
protect customer information and prevent data loss and other security breaches, including systems and processes designed to
reduce the impact of a security breach at a third-party vendor, such measures cannot provide absolute security.
10
We Face Risks Related to System Interruption and Lack of Redundancy
We experience occasional system interruptions and delays that make our websites and services unavailable or slow to
respond and prevent us from efficiently fulfilling orders or providing services to third parties, which may reduce our net sales
and the attractiveness of our products and services. If we are unable to continually add software and hardware, effectively
upgrade our systems and network infrastructure, and take other steps to improve the efficiency of our systems, it could cause
system interruptions or delays and adversely affect our operating results.
Our computer and communications systems and operations could be damaged or interrupted by fire, flood, power loss,
telecommunications failure, earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism, acts of God, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-
ins, and similar events or disruptions. Any of these events could cause system interruption, delays, and loss of critical data, and
could prevent us from accepting and fulfilling customer orders and providing services, which could make our product and
service offerings less attractive and subject us to liability. Our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery
planning may not be sufficient. In addition, we may have inadequate insurance coverage to compensate for any related losses.
Any of these events could damage our reputation and be expensive to remedy.
We Face Significant Inventory Risk
In addition to risks described elsewhere in this Item 1A relating to fulfillment network and inventory optimization by us
and third parties, we are exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect our operating results as a result of
seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer
demand and consumer spending patterns, changes in consumer tastes with respect to our products, spoilage, and other factors.
We endeavor to accurately predict these trends and avoid overstocking or understocking products we manufacture and/or sell.
Demand for products, however, can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of
sale. In addition, when we begin selling or manufacturing a new product, it may be difficult to establish vendor relationships,
determine appropriate product or component selection, and accurately forecast demand. The acquisition of certain types of
inventory or components may require significant lead-time and prepayment and they may not be returnable. We carry a broad
selection and significant inventory levels of certain products, such as consumer electronics, and we may be unable to sell
products in sufficient quantities or during the relevant selling seasons. Any one of the inventory risk factors set forth above may
adversely affect our operating results.
We May Not Be Able to Adequately Protect Our Intellectual Property Rights or May Be Accused of Infringing
Intellectual Property Rights of Third Parties
We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary technology, and
similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright, and patent law, trade secret
protection, and confidentiality and/or license agreements with our employees, customers, and others to protect our proprietary
rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are
made available. We also may not be able to acquire or maintain appropriate domain names in all countries in which we do
business. Furthermore, regulations governing domain names may not protect our trademarks and similar proprietary rights. We
may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to, infringe upon, or diminish the value of
our trademarks and other proprietary rights.
We may not be able to discover or determine the extent of any unauthorized use of our proprietary rights. Third parties
that license our proprietary rights also may take actions that diminish the value of our proprietary rights or reputation. The
protection of our intellectual property may require the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. Moreover,
the steps we take to protect our intellectual property may not adequately protect our rights or prevent third parties from
infringing or misappropriating our proprietary rights. We also cannot be certain that others will not independently develop or
otherwise acquire equivalent or superior technology or other intellectual property rights.
Other parties also may claim that we infringe their proprietary rights. We have been subject to, and expect to continue to
be subject to, claims and legal proceedings regarding alleged infringement by us of the intellectual property rights of third
parties. Such claims, whether or not meritorious, may result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial
resources, injunctions against us, or the payment of damages, including to satisfy indemnification obligations. We may need to
obtain licenses from third parties who allege that we have infringed their rights, but such licenses may not be available on terms
acceptable to us or at all. In addition, we may not be able to obtain or utilize on terms that are favorable to us, or at all, licenses
or other rights with respect to intellectual property we do not own. These risks have been amplified by the increase in third
parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims.
Our digital content offerings depend in part on effective digital rights management technology to control access to digital
content. If the digital rights management technology that we use is compromised or otherwise malfunctions, we could be
subject to claims, and content providers may be unwilling to include their content in our service.
11
We Have a Rapidly Evolving Business Model and Our Stock Price Is Highly Volatile
We have a rapidly evolving business model. The trading price of our common stock fluctuates significantly in response
to, among other risks, the risks described elsewhere in this Item 1A, as well as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
changes in interest rates;
conditions or trends in the Internet and the industry segments we operate in;
quarterly variations in operating results;
fluctuations in the stock market in general and market prices for Internet-related companies in particular;
changes in financial estimates by us or securities analysts and recommendations by securities analysts;
changes in our capital structure, including issuance of additional debt or equity to the public;
changes in the valuation methodology of, or performance by, other e-commerce or technology companies; and
transactions in our common stock by major investors and certain analyst reports, news, and speculation.
Volatility in our stock price could adversely affect our business and financing opportunities and force us to increase our
cash compensation to employees or grant larger stock awards than we have historically, which could hurt our operating results
or reduce the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders, or both.
Government Regulation Is Evolving and Unfavorable Changes Could Harm Our Business
We are subject to general business regulations and laws, as well as regulations and laws specifically governing the
Internet, e-commerce, electronic devices, and other services. Existing and future laws and regulations may impede our growth.
These regulations and laws may cover taxation, privacy, data protection, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution,
transportation, mobile communications, electronic device certification, electronic waste, energy consumption, environmental
regulation, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, consumer protection, employment, trade and
protectionist measures, web services, the provision of online payment services, information reporting requirements,
unencumbered Internet access to our services or access to our facilities, the design and operation of websites, health and
sanitation standards, the characteristics and quality of products and services, product labeling, and the commercial operation of
unmanned aircraft systems. It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, libel, and personal
privacy apply to the Internet, e-commerce, digital content, and web services. Jurisdictions may regulate consumer-to-consumer
online businesses, including certain aspects of our seller programs. Unfavorable regulations and laws could diminish the
demand for, or availability of, our products and services and increase our cost of doing business.
We Could Be Subject to Additional Sales Tax or Other Tax Liabilities
An increasing number of states and foreign jurisdictions have considered or adopted laws or administrative practices,
with or without notice, that impose new taxes on all or a portion of gross revenue or other similar amounts or impose additional
obligations on remote sellers and online marketplaces to collect transaction taxes such as sales, consumption, value added, or
similar taxes. We may not have sufficient lead time to build systems and processes to collect these taxes properly, or at all.
Failure to comply with such laws or administrative practices, or a successful assertion by such states or foreign jurisdictions
requiring us to collect taxes where we do not, could result in substantial tax liabilities, including for past sales, as well as
penalties and interest. In addition, if the tax authorities in jurisdictions where we are already subject to sales tax or other
indirect tax obligations were successfully to challenge our positions, our tax liability could increase substantially. In the U.S.,
although Supreme Court decisions restrict states’ rights to require remote sellers to collect state and local sales taxes, the
Supreme Court has recently agreed to hear a case that could overturn prior precedent. We support a federal law that would
allow states to require sales tax collection by remote sellers under a nationwide system.
We are also subject to U.S. (federal and state) and foreign laws, regulations, and administrative practices that require us
to collect information from our customers, vendors, merchants, and other third parties for tax reporting purposes and report
such information to various government agencies. The scope of such requirements continues to expand, requiring us to develop
and implement new compliance systems. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in significant penalties.
We Could Be Subject to Additional Income Tax Liabilities
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. (federal and state) and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Tax laws, regulations,
and administrative practices in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without notice, due to
economic, political, and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and
accruals for these taxes. There are many transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate
tax determination is uncertain. Our effective tax rates could be affected by numerous factors, such as intercompany
12
transactions, the relative amount of our foreign earnings, including earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where
we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory rates, the applicability
of special tax regimes, losses incurred in jurisdictions for which we are not able to realize the related tax benefit, changes in
foreign currency exchange rates, entry into new businesses and geographies, changes to our existing businesses and operations,
acquisitions (including integrations) and investments and how they are financed, changes in our stock price, changes in our
deferred tax assets and liabilities and their valuation, and changes in the relevant tax, accounting, and other laws, regulations,
administrative practices, principles, and interpretations. In addition, a number of countries are actively pursuing changes to
their tax laws applicable to corporate multinationals, such as the recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation commonly
referred to as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”). Finally, foreign governments may enact tax laws in
response to the 2017 Tax Act that could result in further changes to global taxation and materially affect our financial position
and results of operations.
The 2017 Tax Act significantly changes how the U.S. taxes corporations. The 2017 Tax Act requires complex
computations to be performed that were not previously required in U.S. tax law, significant judgments to be made in
interpretation of the provisions of the 2017 Tax Act and significant estimates in calculations, and the preparation and analysis of
information not previously relevant or regularly produced. The U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting
bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the 2017 Tax Act will be applied or otherwise administered that
is different from our interpretation. As we complete our analysis of the 2017 Tax Act, collect and prepare necessary data, and
interpret any additional guidance, we may make adjustments to provisional amounts that we have recorded that may materially
impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made.
We are also currently subject to audit in various jurisdictions, and these jurisdictions may assess additional income tax
liabilities against us. Developments in an audit, litigation, or the relevant laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles,
and interpretations could have a material effect on our operating results or cash flows in the period or periods for which that
development occurs, as well as for prior and subsequent periods. For instance, we have received Notices of Proposed
Adjustment (“NOPAs”) from the IRS for transactions undertaken in the 2005 and 2006 calendar years relating to transfer
pricing with our foreign subsidiaries and we have been contesting the matter in U.S. Tax Court. On March 23, 2017, the U.S.
Tax Court issued its decision regarding the issues raised in the IRS NOPAs. The Tax Court rejected the approach from the IRS
NOPAs in determining transfer pricing adjustments in 2005 and 2006 for the transactions undertaken with our foreign
subsidiaries and adopted, with adjustments, our suggested approach. On September 29, 2017, the IRS filed a notice of appeal to
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter. If the Tax Court
decision were reversed on appeal or if the IRS were to successfully assert transfer pricing adjustments of a similar nature to the
NOPAs for transactions in subsequent years, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities. In addition, in October
2014, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in
Luxembourg with regard to the corporate income tax paid by certain of our subsidiaries comply with European Union rules on
state aid. On October 4, 2017, the European Commission announced its decision that determinations by the tax authorities in
Luxembourg did not comply with European Union rules on state aid. This decision orders Luxembourg to calculate and recover
additional taxes from us for the period May 2006 through June 2014. We believe this decision to be without merit and will
consider our legal options, including an appeal. In December 2017, Luxembourg appealed the European Commission’s
decision. While the European Commission announced an estimated recovery amount of approximately €250 million, plus
interest, the actual amount of additional taxes subject to recovery is to be calculated by the Luxembourg tax authorities in
accordance with the European Commission’s guidance. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final
outcome of tax audits, investigations, and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax
provisions and accruals.
Our Supplier Relationships Subject Us to a Number of Risks
We have significant suppliers, including licensors, and in some cases, limited or single-sources of supply, that are
important to our sourcing, services, manufacturing, and any related ongoing servicing of merchandise and content. We do not
have long-term arrangements with most of our suppliers to guarantee availability of merchandise, content, components, or
services, particular payment terms, or the extension of credit limits. If our current suppliers were to stop selling or licensing
merchandise, content, components, or services to us on acceptable terms, or delay delivery, including as a result of one or more
supplier bankruptcies due to poor economic conditions, as a result of natural disasters, or for other reasons, we may be unable
to procure alternatives from other suppliers in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, if
our suppliers or other vendors violate applicable laws, regulations, our code of standards and responsibilities, or implement
practices regarded as unethical, unsafe, or hazardous to the environment, it could damage our reputation, limit our growth, and
negatively affect our operating results.
13
We May Be Subject to Risks Related to Government Contracts and Related Procurement Regulations
Our contracts with U.S., as well as state, local, and foreign, government entities are subject to various procurement
regulations and other requirements relating to their formation, administration, and performance. We may be subject to audits
and investigations relating to our government contracts, and any violations could result in various civil and criminal penalties
and administrative sanctions, including termination of contract, refunding or suspending of payments, forfeiture of profits,
payment of fines, and suspension or debarment from future government business. In addition, such contracts may provide for
termination by the government at any time, without cause.
We May Be Subject to Product Liability Claims if People or Property Are Harmed by the Products We Sell or
Manufacture
Some of the products we sell or manufacture may expose us to product liability or food safety claims relating to personal
injury or illness, death, or environmental or property damage, and may require product recalls or other actions. Certain third
parties also sell products using our e-commerce services that may increase our exposure to product liability claims, such as if
these sellers do not have sufficient protection from such claims. Although we maintain liability insurance, we cannot be certain
that our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that insurance will continue to be available to us on
economically reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, some of our agreements with our vendors and sellers do not indemnify us
from product liability.
We Are Subject to Payments-Related Risks
We accept payments using a variety of methods, including credit card, debit card, credit accounts (including promotional
financing), gift cards, direct debit from a customer’s bank account, consumer invoicing, physical bank check, and payment
upon delivery. For existing and future payment options we offer to our customers, we may become subject to additional
regulations and compliance requirements (including obligations to implement enhanced authentication processes that could
result in significant costs and reduce the ease of use of our payments products), as well as fraud. For certain payment methods,
including credit and debit cards, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time and raise our operating costs
and lower profitability. We rely on third parties to provide certain Amazon-branded payment methods and payment processing
services, including the processing of credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, and promotional financing. In each case, it
could disrupt our business if these companies become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us. We also offer co-
branded credit card programs, which could adversely affect our operating results if terminated. We are also subject to payment
card association operating rules, including data security rules, certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds
transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. If we fail to comply with
these rules or requirements, or if our data security systems are breached or compromised, we may be liable for card issuing
banks’ costs, subject to fines and higher transaction fees, and lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments from our
customers, process electronic funds transfers, or facilitate other types of online payments, and our business and operating
results could be adversely affected.
In addition, we provide regulated services in certain jurisdictions because we enable customers to keep account balances
with us and transfer money to third parties, and because we provide services to third parties to facilitate payments on their
behalf. In these jurisdictions, we may be subject to requirements for licensing, regulatory inspection, bonding and capital
maintenance, the use, handling, and segregation of transferred funds, consumer disclosures, and authentication. We are also
subject to or voluntarily comply with a number of other laws and regulations relating to payments, money laundering,
international money transfers, privacy and information security, and electronic fund transfers. If we were found to be in
violation of applicable laws or regulations, we could be subject to additional requirements and civil and criminal penalties, or
forced to cease providing certain services.
We Could Be Liable for Fraudulent or Unlawful Activities of Sellers
The law relating to the liability of providers of online payment services is currently unsettled. In addition, governmental
agencies could require changes in the way this business is conducted. Under our seller programs, we may be unable to prevent
sellers from collecting payments, fraudulently or otherwise, when buyers never receive the products they ordered or when the
products received are materially different from the sellers’ descriptions. Under our A2Z Guarantee, we reimburse buyers for
payments up to certain limits in these situations, and as our third-party seller sales grow, the cost of this program will increase
and could negatively affect our operating results. We also may be unable to prevent sellers on our sites or through other seller
sites from selling unlawful goods, selling goods in an unlawful manner, or violating the proprietary rights of others, and could
face civil or criminal liability for unlawful activities by our sellers.
14
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
15
Item 2.
Properties
As of December 31, 2017, we operated the following facilities (in thousands):
Description of Use
Office space
Office space
Physical stores (2)
Physical stores (2)
Fulfillment, data centers, and other
Fulfillment, data centers, and other
Total
Leased Square
Footage (1)
Owned Square
Footage
Location
12,712
7,466
20,349
202
131,419
67,832
239,980
3,674 North America
— International
735 North America
— International
4,406 North America
5,190
14,005
International
___________________
(1) For leased properties, represents the total leased space excluding sub-leased space.
(2) This includes 465 North America and 7 International open Whole Foods Market stores as of December 31, 2017.
Segment
North America
International
AWS
Total
Leased Square
Footage (1)
Owned Square
Footage (1)
147,277
66,328
6,197
219,802
2,140
4,167
4,024
10,331
___________________
(1) Segment amounts exclude corporate facilities. Shared facilities are allocated among the segments based on usage and
primarily relate to facilities that hold our technology infrastructure. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Note 11—Segment Information.”
We own and lease our corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Additionally, we own and lease corporate office,
fulfillment, sortation, delivery, warehouse operations, data center, customer service, physical stores, and other facilities,
principally in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies—
Legal Proceedings.”
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
16
PART II
Item 5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Market Information
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “AMZN.” The following table sets
forth the high and low per share sale prices for our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the Nasdaq Global
Select Market.
Year ended December 31, 2016
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Year ended December 31, 2017
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Holders
High
Low
$
$
$
$
657.72
731.50
839.95
847.21
883.55
1,009.91
1,061.78
1,202.29
474.00
585.25
716.54
710.10
753.08
889.50
940.17
956.98
As of January 24, 2018, there were 2,357 shareholders of record of our common stock, although there is a much larger
number of beneficial owners.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. See Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
17
Item 6.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and the information
contained in Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
Statements of Operations:
Net sales
Operating income
Net income (loss)
Basic earnings per share (2)
Diluted earnings per share (2)
Weighted-average shares used in computation of
earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Statements of Cash Flows:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (3)
Balance Sheets:
Total assets
Total long-term obligations
Year Ended December 31,
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017 (1)
(in millions, except per share data)
$
$
$
$
$
74,452
745
274
0.60
0.59
$
$
$
$
$
$ 107,006
88,988
2,233
178
$
(241) $
596
(0.52) $
1.28
(0.52) $
1.25
$ 135,987
4,186
$
2,371
$
5.01
$
4.90
$
$ 177,866
4,106
$
3,033
$
6.32
$
6.15
$
457
465
462
462
467
477
474
484
480
493
$
5,553
$
6,848
$
12,039
$
17,272
$
18,434
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
December 31,
(in millions)
$
$
39,528
6,810
$
$
53,618
14,794
$
$
64,747
17,477
$
$
83,402
20,301
$ 131,310
45,718
$
___________________
(1) We acquired Whole Foods Market on August 28, 2017. The results of Whole Foods Market have been included in our
results of operation from the date of acquisition. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—
Note 4—Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets” for additional information regarding this transaction.
(2) For further discussion of earnings per share, see Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1
—Description of Business and Accounting Policies.”
(3) As a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance, we retrospectively adjusted our consolidated statements of cash
flows to reclassify excess tax benefits of $78 million, $6 million, $119 million, and $829 million in 2013, 2014, 2015, and
2016 from financing activities to operating activities. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
—Note 1—Description of Business and Accounting Policies — Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted” for
additional information.
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Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance,
industry prospects, or future results of operations or financial position, made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-
looking. We use words such as anticipates, believes, expects, future, intends, and similar expressions to identify forward-
looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual
results could differ materially for a variety of reasons, including, among others, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, changes
in global economic conditions and customer spending, world events, the rate of growth of the Internet, online commerce, and
cloud services, the amount that Amazon.com invests in new business opportunities and the timing of those investments, the mix
of products and services sold to customers, the mix of net sales derived from products as compared with services, the extent to
which we owe income or other taxes, competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results,
international growth and expansion, the outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment, sortation, delivery, and data
center optimization, risks of inventory management, seasonality, the degree to which we enter into, maintain, and develop
commercial agreements, proposed and completed acquisitions and strategic transactions, payments risks, and risks of
fulfillment throughput and productivity. In addition, the current global economic climate amplifies many of these risks. These
risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from
management’s expectations, are described in greater detail in Item 1A of Part I, “Risk Factors.”
Overview
Our primary source of revenue is the sale of a wide range of products and services to customers. The products offered
through our consumer-facing websites and physical stores primarily include merchandise and content we have purchased for
resale from vendors and products offered by third-party sellers, and we also manufacture and sell electronic devices. Generally,
we recognize gross revenue from items we sell from our inventory as product sales and recognize our net share of revenue of
items sold by third-party sellers as service sales. We seek to increase unit sales across our businesses, through increased product
selection, across numerous product categories. We also offer other services such as compute, storage, and database offerings,
fulfillment, publishing, certain digital content subscriptions, advertising, and co-branded credit cards.
Our financial focus is on long-term, sustainable growth in free cash flows1. Free cash flows are driven primarily by
increasing operating income and efficiently managing working capital2 and cash capital expenditures, including our decision to
purchase or lease property and equipment. Increases in operating income primarily result from increases in sales of products
and services and efficiently managing our operating costs, partially offset by investments we make in longer-term strategic
initiatives. To increase sales of products and services, we focus on improving all aspects of the customer experience, including
lowering prices, improving availability, offering faster delivery and performance times, increasing selection, increasing product
categories and service offerings, expanding product information, improving ease of use, improving reliability, and earning
customer trust.
We seek to reduce our variable costs per unit and work to leverage our fixed costs. Our variable costs include product and
content costs, payment processing and related transaction costs, picking, packaging, and preparing orders for shipment,
transportation, customer service support, costs necessary to run AWS, and a portion of our marketing costs. Our fixed costs
include the costs necessary to build and run our technology infrastructure; to build, enhance, and add features to our websites
and web services, our electronic devices, and digital offerings; and to build and optimize our fulfillment centers and physical
stores. Variable costs generally change directly with sales volume, while fixed costs generally are dependent on the timing of
capacity needs, geographic expansion, category expansion, and other factors. To decrease our variable costs on a per unit basis
and enable us to lower prices for customers, we seek to increase our direct sourcing, increase discounts from suppliers, and
reduce defects in our processes. To minimize growth in fixed costs, we seek to improve process efficiencies and maintain a lean
culture.
_______________________
(1) See “Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for additional information on our non-GAAP free
cash flows financial measures.
(2) Working capital consists of accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable.
19
Because of our model we are able to turn our inventory quickly and have a cash-generating operating cycle3. On
average, our high inventory velocity means we generally collect from consumers before our payments to suppliers come due.
We expect variability in inventory turnover over time since it is affected by numerous factors, including our product mix, the
mix of sales by us and by third-party sellers, our continuing focus on in-stock inventory availability and selection of product
offerings, our investment in new geographies and product lines, and the extent to which we choose to utilize third-party
fulfillment providers. We also expect some variability in accounts payable days over time since they are affected by several
factors, including the mix of product sales, the mix of sales by third-party sellers, the mix of suppliers, seasonality, and changes
in payment terms over time, including the effect of balancing pricing and timing of payment terms with suppliers.
We expect spending in technology and content will increase over time as we add computer scientists, designers, software
and hardware engineers, and merchandising employees. Our technology and content investment and capital spending projects
often support a variety of product and service offerings due to geographic expansion and the cross-functionality of our systems
and operations. We seek to invest efficiently in several areas of technology and content, including AWS, and expansion of new
and existing product categories and service offerings, as well as in technology infrastructure to enhance the customer
experience and improve our process efficiencies. We believe that advances in technology, specifically the speed and reduced
cost of processing power and the advances of wireless connectivity, will continue to improve the consumer experience on the
Internet and increase its ubiquity in people’s lives. To best take advantage of these continued advances in technology, we are
investing in initiatives to build and deploy innovative and efficient software and electronic devices. We are also investing in
AWS, which offers a broad set of global compute, storage, database, and other service offerings to developers and enterprises
of all sizes.
We seek to efficiently manage shareholder dilution while maintaining the flexibility to issue shares for strategic purposes,
such as financings, acquisitions, and aligning employee compensation with shareholders’ interests. We utilize restricted stock
units as our primary vehicle for equity compensation because we believe this compensation model aligns the long-term
interests of our shareholders and employees. In measuring shareholder dilution, we include all vested and unvested stock
awards outstanding, without regard to estimated forfeitures. Total shares outstanding plus outstanding stock awards were 497
million and 504 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Our financial reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar and changes in foreign exchange rates significantly affect our
reported results and consolidated trends. For example, if the U.S. Dollar weakens year-over-year relative to currencies in our
international locations, our consolidated net sales and operating expenses will be higher than if currencies had remained
constant. Likewise, if the U.S. Dollar strengthens year-over-year relative to currencies in our international locations, our
consolidated net sales and operating expenses will be lower than if currencies had remained constant. We believe that our
increasing diversification beyond the U.S. economy through our growing international businesses benefits our shareholders
over the long-term. We also believe it is useful to evaluate our operating results and growth rates before and after the effect of
currency changes.
In addition, the remeasurement of our intercompany balances can result in significant gains and losses associated with the
effect of movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Currency volatilities may continue, which may significantly impact
(either positively or negatively) our reported results and consolidated trends and comparisons.
For additional information about each line item summarized above, refer to Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Note 1—Description of Business and Accounting Policies.”
_______________________
(3) The operating cycle is the number of days of sales in inventory plus the number of days of sales in accounts receivable
minus accounts payable days.
20
Critical Accounting Judgments
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States
(“GAAP”) requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses,
and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The
SEC has defined a company’s critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the
company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and
subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this
definition, we have identified the critical accounting policies and judgments addressed below. We also have other key
accounting policies, which involve the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that are significant to understanding our
results. For additional information, see Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1—Description
of Business and Accounting Policies.” Although we believe that our estimates, assumptions, and judgments are reasonable, they
are based upon information presently available. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different
assumptions, judgments, or conditions.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting of products available for sale, are primarily accounted for using the first-in first-out method, and
are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This valuation requires us to make judgments, based on currently
available information, about the likely method of disposition, such as through sales to individual customers, returns to product
vendors, or liquidations, and expected recoverable values of each disposition category. These assumptions about future
disposition of inventory are inherently uncertain and changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material
write-downs in the future. As a measure of sensitivity, for every 1% of additional inventory valuation allowance as of
December 31, 2017, we would have recorded an additional cost of sales of approximately $180 million.
In addition, we enter into supplier commitments for certain electronic device components and certain products offered in
our Whole Foods Market stores. These commitments are based on forecasted customer demand. If we reduce these
commitments, we may incur additional costs.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. (federal and state) and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Tax laws, regulations,
and administrative practices in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without notice, due to
economic, political, and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and
accruals for these taxes. There are many transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate
tax determination is uncertain. Our effective tax rates could be affected by numerous factors, such as intercompany
transactions, the relative amount of our foreign earnings, including earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where
we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory rates, the applicability
of special tax regimes, losses incurred in jurisdictions for which we are not able to realize the related tax benefit, changes in
foreign currency exchange rates, entry into new businesses and geographies, changes to our existing businesses and operations,
acquisitions (including integrations) and investments and how they are financed, changes in our stock price, changes in our
deferred tax assets and liabilities and their valuation, and changes in the relevant tax, accounting, and other laws, regulations,
administrative practices, principles, and interpretations. In addition, a number of countries are actively pursuing changes to
their tax laws applicable to corporate multinationals, such as the recently enacted U.S. tax reform legislation commonly
referred to as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”). Finally, foreign governments may enact tax laws in
response to the 2017 Tax Act that could result in further changes to global taxation and materially affect our financial position
and results of operations.
The 2017 Tax Act significantly changes how the U.S. taxes corporations. The 2017 Tax Act requires complex
computations to be performed that were not previously required in U.S. tax law, significant judgments to be made in
interpretation of the provisions of the 2017 Tax Act and significant estimates in calculations, and the preparation and analysis of
information not previously relevant or regularly produced. The U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting
bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the 2017 Tax Act will be applied or otherwise administered that
is different from our interpretation. As we complete our analysis of the 2017 Tax Act, collect and prepare necessary data, and
interpret any additional guidance, we may make adjustments to provisional amounts that we have recorded that may materially
impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made.
We are also currently subject to audit in various jurisdictions, and these jurisdictions may assess additional income tax
liabilities against us. Developments in an audit, litigation, or the relevant laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles,
and interpretations could have a material effect on our operating results or cash flows in the period or periods for which that
development occurs, as well as for prior and subsequent periods. For instance, we have received Notices of Proposed
Adjustment (“NOPAs”) from the IRS for transactions undertaken in the 2005 and 2006 calendar years relating to transfer
21
pricing with our foreign subsidiaries and we have been contesting the matter in U.S. Tax Court. On March 23, 2017, the U.S.
Tax Court issued its decision regarding the issues raised in the IRS NOPAs. The Tax Court rejected the approach from the IRS
NOPAs in determining transfer pricing adjustments in 2005 and 2006 for the transactions undertaken with our foreign
subsidiaries and adopted, with adjustments, our suggested approach. On September 29, 2017, the IRS filed a notice of appeal to
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter. If the Tax Court
decision were reversed on appeal or if the IRS were to successfully assert transfer pricing adjustments of a similar nature to the
NOPAs for transactions in subsequent years, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities. In addition, in October
2014, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in
Luxembourg with regard to the corporate income tax paid by certain of our subsidiaries comply with European Union rules on
state aid. On October 4, 2017, the European Commission announced its decision that determinations by the tax authorities in
Luxembourg did not comply with European Union rules on state aid. This decision orders Luxembourg to calculate and recover
additional taxes from us for the period May 2006 through June 2014. We believe this decision to be without merit and will
consider our legal options, including an appeal. In December 2017, Luxembourg appealed the European Commission’s
decision. While the European Commission announced an estimated recovery amount of approximately €250 million, plus
interest, the actual amount of additional taxes subject to recovery is to be calculated by the Luxembourg tax authorities in
accordance with the European Commission’s guidance. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final
outcome of tax audits, investigations, and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax
provisions and accruals.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 1—Description of Business and Accounting
Policies.”
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow information, which reflects retrospective adjustments to our consolidated statements of cash flows as described
in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Note 1 — Description of Business and Accounting
Policies — Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted,” is as follows (in millions):
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
12,039
(6,450)
(3,882)
$
17,272
(9,876)
(3,740)
18,434
(27,819)
9,860
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations and our cash, cash equivalents, and
marketable securities balances, which, at fair value, were $19.8 billion, $26.0 billion, and $31.0 billion as of December 31,
2015, 2016, and 2017. Amounts held in foreign currencies were $7.3 billion, $9.1 billion, and $11.1 billion, as of December 31,
2015, 2016, and 2017, and were primarily Euros, Japanese Yen, and British Pounds.
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $12.0 billion, $17.3 billion, and $18.4 billion in 2015, 2016, and
2017. Our operating cash flows result primarily from cash received from our consumer, seller, developer, enterprise, and
content creator customers, advertising agreements, and our co-branded credit card agreements, offset by cash payments we
make for products and services, employee compensation (less amounts capitalized related to internal-use software that are
reflected as cash used in investing activities), payment processing and related transaction costs, operating leases, and interest
payments on our long-term obligations. Cash received from our customers and other activities generally corresponds to our net
sales. Because consumers primarily use credit cards to buy from us, our receivables from consumers settle quickly. The
increase in operating cash flow in 2016, compared to the comparable prior year period, was primarily due to the increase in net
income, excluding non-cash charges such as depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation. The increase in
operating cash flow in 2017, compared to the comparable prior year period, was primarily due to the increase in net income,
excluding non-cash charges such as depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation. Cash provided by (used in)
operating activities is also subject to changes in working capital. Working capital at any specific point in time is subject to
many variables, including seasonality, inventory management and category expansion, the timing of cash receipts and
payments, vendor payment terms, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
22
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities corresponds with cash capital expenditures, including leasehold
improvements, internal-use software and website development costs, incentives received from property and equipment vendors,
cash outlays for acquisitions, investments in other companies and intellectual property rights, and purchases, sales, and
maturities of marketable securities. Cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $(6.5) billion, $(9.9) billion, and $(27.8)
billion in 2015, 2016, and 2017, with the variability caused primarily by cash paid for acquisitions, our decision to purchase or
lease property and equipment, and purchases, maturities, and sales of marketable securities. Cash capital expenditures were
$4.6 billion, $6.7 billion, and $10.1 billion in 2015, 2016, and 2017, which primarily reflect additional capacity to support our
fulfillment operations and additional investments in support of continued business growth in technology infrastructure (the
majority of which is to support AWS), during all three periods. Capital expenditures included $528 million, $417 million, and
$311 million for internal-use software and website development in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Stock-based compensation
capitalized for internal-use software and website development costs does not affect cash flows. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we
made cash payments, net of acquired cash, related to acquisition and other investment activity of $795 million, $116 million,
and $14.0 billion.
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $(3.9) billion, $(3.7) billion, and $9.9 billion in 2015, 2016, and
2017. Cash outflows from financing activities result from principal repayments on obligations related to capital leases and
finance leases and repayments of long-term debt and other. Principal repayments on obligations related to capital leases and
finance leases and repayments of long-term debt and other were $4.2 billion, $4.4 billion, and $6.4 billion in 2015, 2016, and
2017. Property and equipment acquired under capital leases were $4.7 billion, $5.7 billion, and $9.6 billion in 2015, 2016, and
2017, with the increase reflecting investments in support of continued business growth primarily due to investments in
technology infrastructure for AWS, which investments we expect to continue over time. Cash inflows from financing activities
primarily result from proceeds from long-term debt. Proceeds from long-term debt and other were $353 million, $621 million,
and $16.2 billion in 2015, 2016, and 2017. During 2017, cash inflows from financing activities consisted primarily of net
proceeds from the issuance of $16.0 billion of senior unsecured notes in seven tranches maturing in 2020 through 2057. The
proceeds from notes issued in August 2017 (the “August 2017 Notes”) were used to fund the consideration for the acquisition
of Whole Foods Market, to repay the 1.200% Notes due November 2017, and for general corporate purposes. See Item 8 of
Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 5—Long-Term Debt” for additional discussion of the notes.
We had no borrowings outstanding under our $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”)
and $592 million of borrowings outstanding under our $600 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) as
of December 31, 2017. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 5—Long-Term Debt” for
additional information.
In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we recorded net tax provisions of $950 million, $1.4 billion, and $769 million. The 2017 Tax
Act includes a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, all previously
unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been accrued have now been subject to U.S. tax.
Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, we intend to continue to invest most or all of these earnings, as well as our
capital in these subsidiaries, indefinitely outside of the U.S. and do not expect to incur any significant, additional taxes related
to such amounts. As of December 31, 2017, cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities held by foreign subsidiaries was
$9.6 billion.
We have tax benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions and accelerated depreciation deductions
that are being utilized to reduce our U.S. taxable income. The 2017 Tax Act extended through 2026 and enhanced the option to
claim accelerated depreciation deductions on qualifying property. Cash taxes paid (net of refunds) were $273 million, $412
million, and $957 million for 2015, 2016, and 2017. As of December 31, 2017, our federal net operating loss carryforward was
approximately $226 million and we had approximately $855 million of federal tax credits potentially available to offset future
tax liabilities. Our federal tax credits are primarily related to the U.S. federal research and development credit. As we utilize our
federal net operating losses and tax credits we expect cash paid for taxes to increase. We endeavor to manage our global taxes
on a cash basis, rather than on a financial reporting basis. In connection with its October 2017 decision against us on state aid,
the European Commission announced an estimated recovery amount of approximately €250 million, plus interest. The actual
amount of additional taxes subject to recovery is to be calculated by the Luxembourg tax authorities in accordance with the
European Commission's guidance. Once the recovery amount is computed by Luxembourg, we anticipate funding it, including
interest, into escrow, where it will remain pending conclusion of all appeals. We may be required to fund into escrow an
amount in excess of the estimated recovery amount announced by the European Commission.
Our liquidity is also affected by restricted cash balances that are pledged as collateral for real estate leases, workers’
compensation obligations, amounts due to third-party sellers in certain jurisdictions, debt, and standby and trade letters of
credit. To the extent we process payments for third-party sellers or offer certain types of stored value to our customers, some
jurisdictions may restrict our use of those funds. These restrictions would result in the reclassification of a portion of our cash
and cash equivalents from “Cash and cash equivalents” to restricted cash, which is classified within “Accounts receivable, net
and other” on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, restricted cash, cash equivalents, and
marketable securities were $600 million and $1.3 billion. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
23
—Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies” for additional discussion of our principal contractual commitments, as well as
our pledged assets. Additionally, purchase obligations and open purchase orders, consisting of inventory and significant non-
inventory commitments, were $13.0 billion as of December 31, 2017. These purchase obligations and open purchase orders are
generally cancellable in full or in part through the contractual provisions.
We believe that cash flows generated from operations and our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balances,
as well as borrowing available under our credit agreements, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating cash needs for
at least the next 12 months. However, any projections of future cash needs and cash flows are subject to substantial uncertainty.
See Item 1A of Part I, “Risk Factors.” We continually evaluate opportunities to sell additional equity or debt securities, obtain
credit facilities, obtain capital, finance, and operating lease arrangements, repurchase common stock, pay dividends, or
repurchase, refinance, or otherwise restructure our debt for strategic reasons or to further strengthen our financial position.
The sale of additional equity or convertible debt securities would likely be dilutive to our shareholders. In addition, we
will, from time to time, consider the acquisition of, or investment in, complementary businesses, products, services, capital
infrastructure, and technologies, which might affect our liquidity requirements or cause us to secure additional financing, or
issue additional equity or debt securities. There can be no assurance that additional credit lines or financing instruments will be
available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
24
Results of Operations
We have organized our operations into three segments: North America, International, and AWS. Our results reflect the
operations of Whole Foods Market from the date of acquisition. In Q1 2017, we combined stock-based compensation and
“Other operating expense, net” with operating expenses in our presentation of segment results. These segments reflect the way
the Company evaluates its business performance and manages its operations. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Note 11—Segment Information.”
Net Sales
Net sales include product and service sales. Product sales represent revenue from the sale of products and related shipping
fees and digital media content where we record revenue gross. Service sales represent third-party seller fees earned (including
commissions) and related shipping fees, AWS sales, certain digital content subscriptions, certain advertising services, and our
co-branded credit card agreements. Amazon Prime membership fees are allocated between product sales and service sales and
amortized over the life of the membership according to the estimated delivery of services. Net sales information is as follows
(in millions):
Net Sales:
North America
International
AWS
Consolidated
Year-over-year Percentage Growth:
North America
International
AWS
Consolidated
Year-over-year Percentage Growth, excluding the effect of foreign exchange
rates:
North America
International
AWS
Consolidated
Net sales mix:
North America
International
AWS
Consolidated
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
63,708
35,418
7,880
79,785
43,983
12,219
$
106,110
54,297
17,459
$
107,006
$
135,987
$
177,866
25%
6
70
20
26%
21
70
26
60%
33
7
100%
25%
24
55
27
25%
26
55
28
59%
32
9
100%
33%
23
43
31
33%
23
43
31
60%
30
10
100%
Sales increased 27% and 31% in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods. Changes in foreign
currency exchange rates impacted net sales by $(5.2) billion, $(550) million, and $210 million for 2015, 2016, and 2017. For a
discussion of the effect on sales growth of foreign exchange rates, see “Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates” below.
North America sales increased 25% and 33% in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods. The sales
growth in each year primarily reflects increased unit sales, including sales by third-party sellers, and, in 2017, the impact of the
acquisition of Whole Foods Market. Increased unit sales were driven largely by our continued efforts to reduce prices for our
customers, including from our shipping offers, increased in-stock inventory availability, and increased selection.
International sales increased 24% and 23% in 2016, and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods. The sales
growth in each year primarily reflects increased unit sales, including sales by third-party sellers. Increased unit sales were
driven largely by our continued efforts to reduce prices for our customers, including from our shipping offers, increased in-
stock inventory availability, and increased selection. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impacted International net
sales by $(5.0) billion, $(489) million, and $138 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
25
AWS sales increased 55% and 43% in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods. The sales growth
primarily reflects increased customer usage, partially offset by pricing changes. Pricing changes were driven largely by our
continued efforts to reduce prices for our customers.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income (loss) by segment is as follows (in millions):
Operating Income (Loss):
North America
International
AWS
Consolidated
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
$
1,425
(699)
1,507
$
2,361
(1,283)
3,108
2,233
$
4,186
$
2,837
(3,062)
4,331
4,106
Operating income was $2.2 billion, $4.2 billion, and $4.1 billion for 2015, 2016, and 2017. We believe that operating
income (loss) is a more meaningful measure than gross profit and gross margin due to the diversity of our product categories
and services.
The increase in North America operating income in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior
year periods, is primarily due to increased unit sales, including sales by third-party sellers, partially offset by increased levels of
operating expenses to expand our fulfillment network and spending on technology and content and marketing efforts. Changes
in foreign exchange rates impacted operating income by $30 million, $27 million, and $(4) million for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
The increase in International operating loss in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year
periods, is primarily due to increased levels of operating expenses to expand our fulfillment network and spending on
technology and content and marketing efforts, partially offset by increased unit sales, including sales by third-party sellers.
Changes in foreign exchange rates impacted operating loss by $(278) million, $89 million, and $(85) million for 2015, 2016,
and 2017.
The increase in AWS operating income in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year
periods, is primarily due to increased customer usage and cost structure productivity, partially offset by pricing changes and
increased spending on technology infrastructure and sales and marketing expenses and related payroll, which was primarily
driven by additional investments to support the business growth. Changes in foreign exchange rates impacted operating income
by $264 million, $(5) million, and $(53) million for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
26
Operating Expenses
Information about operating expenses is as follows (in millions):
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales
Fulfillment
Marketing
Technology and content
General and administrative
Other operating expense, net
Total operating expenses
Year-over-year Percentage Growth:
Cost of sales
Fulfillment
Marketing
Technology and content
General and administrative
Other operating expense, net
Percent of Net Sales:
Cost of sales
Fulfillment
Marketing
Technology and content
General and administrative
Other operating expense, net
Cost of Sales
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
71,651
13,410
5,254
12,540
1,747
171
88,265
17,619
7,233
16,085
2,432
167
$
111,934
25,249
10,069
22,620
3,674
214
$
104,773
$
131,801
$
173,760
14%
25
21
35
13
28
23%
31
38
28
39
(2)
27%
43
39
41
51
28
67.0%
64.9%
62.9%
12.5
4.9
11.7
1.6
0.2
13.0
5.3
11.8
1.8
0.1
14.2
5.7
12.7
2.1
0.1
Cost of sales primarily consists of the purchase price of consumer products, digital media content costs where we record
revenue gross, including video and music, packaging supplies, sortation and delivery center and related equipment costs, and
inbound and outbound shipping costs, including where we are the transportation service provider.
The increase in cost of sales in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods, is
primarily due to increased product and shipping costs resulting from increased sales.
Shipping costs to receive products from our suppliers are included in our inventory and recognized as cost of sales upon
sale of products to our customers. Shipping costs, which include sortation and delivery center and transportation costs, were
$11.5 billion, $16.2 billion, and $21.7 billion in 2015, 2016, and 2017. We expect our cost of shipping to continue to increase to
the extent our customers accept and use our shipping offers at an increasing rate, we reduce shipping rates, we use more
expensive shipping methods, and we offer additional services. We seek to mitigate costs of shipping over time in part through
achieving higher sales volumes, optimizing our fulfillment network, negotiating better terms with our suppliers, and achieving
better operating efficiencies. We believe that offering low prices to our customers is fundamental to our future success, and one
way we offer lower prices is through shipping offers.
Costs to operate our AWS segment are primarily classified as “Technology and content” as we leverage a shared
infrastructure that supports both our internal technology requirements and external sales to AWS customers.
27
Fulfillment
Fulfillment costs primarily consist of those costs incurred in operating and staffing our North America and International
fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and physical stores and payment processing costs. While AWS payment
processing and related transaction costs are included in fulfillment, AWS costs are primarily classified as “Technology and
content.” Fulfillment costs as a percentage of net sales may vary due to several factors, such as payment processing and related
transaction costs, our level of productivity and accuracy, changes in volume, size, and weight of units received and fulfilled,
timing of fulfillment network and physical store expansion, the extent we utilize fulfillment services provided by third parties,
mix of products and services sold, and our ability to affect customer service contacts per unit by implementing improvements in
our operations and enhancements to our customer self-service features. Additionally, because payment processing and
fulfillment costs associated with seller transactions are based on the gross purchase price of underlying transactions, and
payment processing and related transaction and fulfillment costs are higher as a percentage of sales versus our retail sales, sales
by our sellers have higher fulfillment costs as a percent of net sales.
The increase in fulfillment costs in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods, is
primarily due to variable costs corresponding with increased product and service sales volume and inventory levels, and costs
from expanding our fulfillment network, which includes physical stores.
We seek to expand our fulfillment network to accommodate a greater selection and in-stock inventory levels and to meet
anticipated shipment volumes from sales of our own products as well as sales by third parties for which we provide the
fulfillment services. We regularly evaluate our facility requirements.
Marketing
We direct customers to our websites primarily through a number of targeted online marketing channels, such as our
sponsored search, Associates program, social and online advertising, television advertising, and other initiatives. Our marketing
costs are largely variable, based on growth in sales and changes in rates. 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 costs.
The increase in marketing costs in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior year periods, is
primarily due to payroll and related expenses, as well as increased spending on online marketing channels.
While costs associated with Amazon Prime memberships and other shipping offers are not included in marketing
expense, we view these offers as effective worldwide marketing tools, and intend to continue offering them indefinitely.
Technology and Content
Technology and content costs include payroll and related expenses for employees involved in the research and
development of new and existing products and services, development, design, and maintenance of our websites, curation and
display of products and services made available on our websites, and infrastructure costs. Infrastructure costs include servers,
networking equipment, and data center related depreciation, rent, utilities, and other expenses necessary to support AWS, as
well as these and other efforts. Collectively, these costs reflect the investments we make in order to offer a wide variety of
products and services to our customers.
We seek to invest efficiently in numerous areas of technology and content so we may continue to enhance the customer
experience and improve our process efficiency through rapid technology developments, while operating at an ever increasing
scale. Our technology and content investment and capital spending projects often support a variety of product and service
offerings due to geographic expansion and the cross-functionality of our systems and operations. We expect spending in
technology and content to increase over time as we continue to add employees and technology infrastructure. These costs are
allocated to segments based on usage. The increase in technology and content costs in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017,
compared to the comparable prior year periods, is primarily due to increased payroll and related costs associated with technical
teams responsible for expanding our existing products and services and initiatives to introduce new products and service
offerings, and an increase in spending on technology infrastructure.
For 2015, 2016, and 2017, we capitalized $642 million (including $114 million of stock-based compensation), $511
million (including $94 million of stock-based compensation), and $395 million (including $84 million of stock-based
compensation) of costs associated with internal-use software and website development. Amortization of previously capitalized
amounts was $635 million, $634 million, and $545 million for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
General and Administrative
The increase in general and administrative costs in absolute dollars in 2016 and 2017, compared to the comparable prior
year periods, is primarily due to increases in payroll and related expenses and professional service fees.
28
Other Operating Expense, Net
Other operating expense, net was $171 million, $167 million, and $214 million during 2015, 2016, and 2017, and was
primarily related to the amortization of intangible assets.
Interest Income and Expense
Our interest income was $50 million, $100 million, and $202 million during 2015, 2016, and 2017. We generally invest
our excess cash in investment grade short- to intermediate-term fixed income securities and AAA-rated money market funds.
Our interest income corresponds with the average balance of invested funds based on the prevailing rates, which vary
depending on the geographies and currencies in which they are invested.
Interest expense was $459 million, $484 million, and $848 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The increase is primarily due
to increases in our capital and finance lease arrangements and long-term debt.
Our long-term debt was $7.7 billion and $24.7 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. Our other long-term liabilities
were $12.6 billion and $21.0 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data—Note 5—Long-Term Debt and Note 6—Other Long-Term Liabilities” for additional information.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net was $(256) million, $90 million, and $346 million during 2015, 2016, and 2017. The
primary component of other income (expense), net is related to foreign currency and equity warrant valuation.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate is subject to significant variation due to several factors, including variability in our pre-tax and
taxable income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, changes in how we do business, acquisitions
(including integrations) and investments, audit-related developments, changes in our stock price, foreign currency gains
(losses), tax law developments (including changes in statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative practices), and relative
changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized. Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less
volatile based on the amount of pre-tax income or loss. For example, the impact of discrete items and non-deductible expenses
on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower.
The 2017 Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate
income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions,
imposing a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of 2017, introducing new tax regimes,
and changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax. The 2017 Tax Act also enhanced and extended through 2026 the
option to claim accelerated depreciation deductions on qualified property. We have not completed our determination of the
accounting implications of the 2017 Tax Act on our tax accruals. However, we have reasonably estimated the effects of the
2017 Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017. We recorded a
provisional tax benefit for the impact of the 2017 Tax Act of approximately $789 million. This amount is primarily comprised
of the remeasurement of federal net deferred tax liabilities resulting from the permanent reduction in the U.S. statutory
corporate tax rate to 21% from 35%, after taking into account the mandatory one-time tax on the accumulated earnings of our
foreign subsidiaries. The amount of this one-time tax is not material. As we complete our analysis of the 2017 Tax Act, collect
and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other
standard-setting bodies, we may make adjustments to the provisional amounts. Those adjustments may materially impact our
provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made.
We recorded a provision for income taxes of $950 million, $1.4 billion, and $769 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Our
provision for income taxes in 2016 was higher than in 2015 primarily due to an increase in U.S. pre-tax income, partially offset
by an increase in the proportion of foreign losses for which we may realize a tax benefit, an increase in tax amortization
deductions, and a decline in the proportion of nondeductible expenses. We have recorded valuation allowances against the
deferred tax assets associated with losses for which we may not realize a related tax benefit.
Our provision for income taxes in 2017 was lower than in 2016 primarily due to excess tax benefits from stock-based
compensation and the provisional favorable effect of the 2017 Tax Act, partially offset by an increase in the proportion of
foreign losses for which we may not realize a tax benefit and audit-related developments.
We regularly assess whether it is more likely than not that we will realize our deferred tax assets in each taxing
jurisdiction in which we operate. In performing this assessment with respect to each jurisdiction, we review all available
evidence, including recent cumulative loss experience and expectations of future earnings, capital gains, and investment in such
jurisdiction, the carry-forward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, and other relevant factors. In Q2 2017, we
29
recognized an estimated charge to tax expense of $600 million to record a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax
assets in Luxembourg.
We have tax benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions and accelerated depreciation deductions that
are being utilized to reduce our U.S. taxable income. The 2017 Tax Act enhanced and extended through 2026 the option to
claim accelerated depreciation deductions on qualifying property. As of December 31, 2017, our federal net operating loss
carryforward was approximately $226 million and we had approximately $855 million of federal tax credits potentially
available to offset future tax liabilities. Our federal tax credits are primarily related to the U.S. federal research and
development credit.
See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 10—Income Taxes” for additional
information.
Equity-Method Investment Activity, Net of Tax
Equity-method investment activity, net of tax, was $(22) million, $(96) million, and $(4) million in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
The primary components of this activity during 2015, 2016, and 2017 were our equity-method investment losses during the
periods and impairments recorded in 2016.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Regulation G, Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, and other SEC regulations define and prescribe the
conditions for use of certain non-GAAP financial information. Our measures of free cash flows and the effect of foreign
exchange rates on our consolidated statements of operations, meet the definition of non-GAAP financial measures.
We provide multiple measures of free cash flows because we believe these measures provide additional perspective on
the impact of acquiring property and equipment with cash and through capital and finance leases. As a result of the adoption of
new accounting guidance, we retrospectively adjusted our consolidated statements of cash flows to reclassify excess tax
benefits of $119 million and $829 million in 2015 and 2016 from financing activities to operating activities.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is cash flow from operations reduced by “Purchases of property and equipment, including internal-use
software and website development, net of proceeds from property and equipment incentives,” which both are included in cash
flow from investing activities. The following is a reconciliation of free cash flow to the most comparable GAAP cash flow
measure, “Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities,” for 2015, 2016, and 2017 (in millions):
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Purchases of property and equipment, including internal-use software and
website development, net of proceeds from property and equipment incentives
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
12,039
$
17,272
$
18,434
(4,589)
7,450
$
(6,737)
10,535
$
(10,058)
8,376
(6,450) $
(3,882) $
(9,876) $
(3,740) $
(27,819)
9,860
$
$
$
$
30
Free Cash Flow Less Lease Principal Repayments
Free cash flow less lease principal repayments is free cash flow reduced by “Principal repayments of capital lease
obligations,” and “Principal repayments of finance lease obligations,” which are included in cash flow from financing activities.
Free cash flow less lease principal repayments approximates the actual payments of cash for our capital and finance leases. The
following is a reconciliation of free cash flow less lease principal repayments to the most comparable GAAP cash flow
measure, “Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities,” for 2015, 2016, and 2017 (in millions):
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
12,039
$
17,272
$
18,434
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Purchases of property and equipment, including internal-use software and
website development, net of proceeds from property and equipment incentives
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations
Free cash flow less lease principal repayments
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(4,589)
(2,462)
(121)
4,867
$
(6,737)
(3,860)
(147)
6,528
$
(10,058)
(4,799)
(200)
3,377
(6,450) $
(9,876) $
(27,819)
(3,882) $
(3,740) $
9,860
$
$
$
Free Cash Flow Less Finance Lease Principal Repayments and Assets Acquired Under Capital Leases
Free cash flow less finance lease principal repayments and assets acquired under capital leases is free cash flow reduced
by “Principal repayments of finance lease obligations,” which is included in cash flow from financing activities, and property
and equipment acquired under capital leases. In this measure, property and equipment acquired under capital leases is reflected
as if these assets had been purchased with cash, which is not the case as these assets have been leased. The following is a
reconciliation of free cash flow less finance lease principal repayments and assets acquired under capital leases to the most
comparable GAAP cash flow measure, “Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities,” for 2015, 2016, and 2017 (in
millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
12,039
$
17,272
$
18,434
Purchases of property and equipment, including internal-use software and
website development, net of proceeds from property and equipment incentives
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations
Free cash flow less finance lease principal repayments and assets acquired
under capital leases
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(4,589)
(4,717)
(121)
(6,737)
(5,704)
(147)
(10,058)
(9,637)
(200)
2,612
$
4,684
$
(1,461)
(6,450) $
(9,876) $
(27,819)
(3,882) $
(3,740) $
9,860
$
$
$
All of these free cash flows measures have limitations as they omit certain components of the overall cash flow statement
and do not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. For example, these measures of free cash
flows do not incorporate the portion of payments representing principal reductions of debt or cash payments for business
acquisitions. Additionally, our mix of property and equipment acquisitions with cash or other financing options may change
over time. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flows measures only as a complement to our entire
consolidated statements of cash flows.
31
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates
Information regarding the effect of foreign exchange rates, versus the U.S. Dollar, on our net sales, operating expenses,
and operating income is provided to show reported period operating results had the foreign exchange rates remained the same
as those in effect in the comparable prior year periods. The effect on our net sales, operating expenses, and operating income
from changes in our foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. Dollar is as follows (in millions):
Net sales
Operating expenses
Operating income
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Year Ended December 31, 2017
As
Reported
Exchange
Rate
Effect (1)
At Prior
Year
Rates (2)
As
Reported
Exchange
Rate
Effect (1)
At Prior
Year
Rates (2)
As
Reported
Exchange
Rate
Effect (1)
At Prior
Year
Rates (2)
$107,006
$
5,167
$112,173
$135,987
$
550
$136,537
$177,866
$
(210) $177,656
104,773
5,183
109,956
131,801
660
132,461
173,760
(352)
173,408
2,233
(16)
2,217
4,186
(110)
4,076
4,106
142
4,248
___________________
(1) Represents the change in reported amounts resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates from those in effect in the
comparable prior year period for operating results.
(2) Represents the outcome that would have resulted had foreign exchange rates in the reported period been the same as those
in effect in the comparable prior year period for operating results.
Guidance
We provided guidance on February 1, 2018, in our earnings release furnished on Form 8-K as set forth below. These
forward-looking statements reflect Amazon.com’s expectations as of February 1, 2018, and are subject to substantial
uncertainty. Our results are inherently unpredictable and may be materially affected by many factors, such as fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates, changes in global economic conditions and customer spending, world events, the rate of growth of the
Internet, online commerce, and cloud services, as well as those outlined in Item 1A of Part I, “Risk Factors.”
First Quarter 2018 Guidance
• Net sales are expected to be between $47.75 billion and $50.75 billion, or to grow between 34% and 42% compared
with first quarter 2017. This guidance anticipates a favorable impact of approximately $1.2 billion or 330 basis points
from foreign exchange rates.
• Operating income is expected to be between $300 million and $1.0 billion, compared with $1.0 billion in first quarter
2017.
• This guidance assumes, among other things, that no additional business acquisitions, investments, restructurings, or
legal settlements are concluded.
32
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk for the effect of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, and changes in the
market values of our investments. Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is set forth
below and in Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—
Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio and our long-term
debt. Our long-term debt is carried at amortized cost and fluctuations in interest rates do not impact our consolidated financial
statements. However, the fair value of our debt, which pays interest at a fixed rate, will generally fluctuate with movements of
interest rates, increasing in periods of declining rates of interest and declining in periods of increasing rates of interest. All of
our cash equivalent and marketable fixed income securities are designated as available-for-sale and, accordingly, are presented
at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. We generally invest our excess cash in investment grade short- to intermediate-
term fixed income securities and AAA-rated money market funds. Fixed income securities may have their fair market value
adversely affected due to a rise in interest rates, and we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities that have
declined in market value due to changes in interest rates.
The following table provides information about our cash equivalents and marketable fixed income securities, including
principal cash flows by expected maturity and the related weighted-average interest rates as of December 31, 2017 (in millions,
except percentages):
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
Estimated
Fair Value as
of December
31, 2017
Money market funds
$ 11,343
$ — $ — $ — $ — $
— $ 11,343
$
11,343
Weighted-average interest rate
Corporate debt securities
0.61%
2,717
868
484
155
25
—
4,249
4,257
0.61%
Weighted-average interest rate
1.79%
2.10%
2.27%
2.23%
2.00%
1.93%
4,836
4,823
1.69%
907
2.11%
621
1.81%
332
1.62%
905
620
338
$
22,286
U.S. government and agency
securities
2,995
1,476
310
54
1
Weighted-average interest rate
1.49%
1.98%
2.06%
2.41%
2.64%
Asset backed securities
341
273
262
31
Weighted-average interest rate
1.86%
2.29%
2.24%
2.05%
Foreign government and agency
securities
Weighted-average interest rate
Other securities
405
216
1.75%
1.93%
159
99
—
43
—
31
Weighted-average interest rate
1.15%
1.84%
2.24%
2.48%
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Cash equivalent and marketable
fixed income securities
$ 17,960
$ 2,932
$ 1,099
$
271
$
26
$
— $ 22,288
33
As of December 31, 2017, we had $24.9 billion of debt, including the current portion, primarily consisting of the
following fixed rate unsecured debt (in millions):
2.600% Notes due on December 5, 2019
1.900% Notes due on August 21, 2020
3.300% Notes due on December 5, 2021
2.500% Notes due on November 29, 2022
2.400% Notes due on February 22, 2023
2.800% Notes due on August 22, 2024
3.800% Notes due on December 5, 2024
5.200% Notes due on December 3, 2025
3.150% Notes due on August 22, 2027
4.800% Notes due on December 5, 2034
3.875% Notes due on August 22, 2037
4.950% Notes due on December 5, 2044
4.050% Notes due on August 22, 2047
4.250% Notes due on August 22, 2057
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,250
1,000
2,000
1,250
1,000
3,500
1,250
2,750
1,500
3,500
2,250
Based upon quoted market prices and Level 2 inputs, the fair value of our total debt was $26.4 billion as of December 31,
2017.
Foreign Exchange Risk
During 2017, net sales from our International segment accounted for 30% of our consolidated revenues. Net sales and
related expenses generated from our internationally-focused websites, and from www.amazon.ca and www.amazon.com.mx
(which are included in our North America segment), are primarily denominated in the functional currencies of the
corresponding websites and primarily include Euros, Japanese Yen, and British Pounds. The results of operations of, and certain
of our intercompany balances associated with, our internationally-focused websites and AWS are exposed to foreign exchange
rate fluctuations. Upon consolidation, as foreign exchange rates vary, net sales and other operating results may differ materially
from expectations, and we may record significant gains or losses on the remeasurement of intercompany balances. For
example, as a result of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates throughout the period compared to rates in effect the prior year,
International segment net sales increased by $137 million in comparison with the prior year.
We have foreign exchange risk related to foreign-denominated cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (“foreign
funds”). Based on the balance of foreign funds as of December 31, 2017, of $11.1 billion, an assumed 5%, 10%, and 20%
adverse change to foreign exchange would result in fair value declines of $555 million, $1.1 billion, and $2.2 billion. All
investments are classified as “available-for-sale.” Fluctuations in fair value are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive
loss,” a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
We have foreign exchange risk related to our intercompany balances denominated in various foreign currencies. Based on
the intercompany balances as of December 31, 2017, an assumed 5%, 10%, and 20% adverse change to foreign exchange
would result in losses of $280 million, $600 million, and $1.3 billion, recorded to “Other income (expense), net.”
See Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—
Results of Operations—Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates” for additional information on the effect on reported results of
changes in foreign exchange rates.
Investment Risk
As of December 31, 2017, our recorded value in equity and equity warrant investments in public and private companies
was $737 million. We record our equity and equity warrant investments in publicly traded companies at fair value, which is
subject to market price volatility, and represents $415 million of our investments as of December 31, 2017. We evaluate our
equity and equity warrant investments in private companies for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the
decline in fair value of such assets below the carrying value is other-than-temporary. Our analysis includes a review of recent
operating results and trends, recent sales/acquisitions of the investee securities, and other publicly available data. The current
global economic climate provides additional uncertainty. Valuations of private companies are inherently more complex due to
the lack of readily available market data. As such, we believe that market sensitivities are not practicable.
34
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
35
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Amazon.com, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Amazon.com, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the ‘financial
statements’). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Amazon.com, Inc. at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), Amazon.com, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the
financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures
included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also
included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1996.
Seattle, Washington
February 1, 2018
36
AMAZON.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
$
14,557
$
15,890
$
19,334
Year Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment, including internal-use software and
website development, and other amortization, including capitalized content costs
Stock-based compensation
Other operating expense, net
Other expense (income), net
Deferred income taxes
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventories
Accounts receivable, net and other
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other
Unearned revenue
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, including internal-use software and website
development
Proceeds from property and equipment incentives
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and other
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
Purchases of marketable securities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt and other
Repayments of long-term debt and other
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Foreign currency effect on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest on long-term debt
Cash paid for interest on capital and finance lease obligations
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases
Property and equipment acquired under build-to-suit leases
596
2,371
3,033
6,281
2,119
155
250
81
(2,187)
(1,755)
4,294
913
1,292
12,039
(5,387)
798
(795)
3,025
(4,091)
(6,450)
353
(1,652)
(2,462)
(121)
(3,882)
(374)
1,333
15,890
325
153
273
4,717
544
$
$
8,116
2,975
160
(20)
(246)
(1,426)
(3,367)
5,030
1,724
1,955
17,272
(7,804)
1,067
(116)
4,733
(7,756)
(9,876)
621
(354)
(3,860)
(147)
(3,740)
(212)
3,444
19,334
290
206
412
5,704
1,209
$
$
11,478
4,215
202
(292)
(29)
(3,583)
(4,786)
7,175
283
738
18,434
(11,955)
1,897
(13,972)
9,988
(13,777)
(27,819)
16,231
(1,372)
(4,799)
(200)
9,860
713
1,188
20,522
328
319
957
9,637
3,541
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
37
AMAZON.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
Net product sales
Net service sales
Total net sales
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales
Fulfillment
Marketing
Technology and content
General and administrative
Other operating expense, net
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income (expense), net
Total non-operating income (expense)
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Equity-method investment activity, net of tax
Net income
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Weighted-average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
79,268
$
94,665
$
118,573
27,738
107,006
71,651
13,410
5,254
12,540
1,747
171
104,773
2,233
50
(459)
(256)
(665)
1,568
(950)
(22)
596
1.28
1.25
467
477
$
$
$
41,322
135,987
88,265
17,619
7,233
16,085
2,432
167
131,801
4,186
100
(484)
90
(294)
3,892
(1,425)
(96)
2,371
5.01
4.90
474
484
$
$
$
59,293
177,866
111,934
25,249
10,069
22,620
3,674
214
173,760
4,106
202
(848)
346
(300)
3,806
(769)
(4)
3,033
6.32
6.15
480
493
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
38
AMAZON.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
596
$
2,371
$
3,033
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $10, $(49), and
$5
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax of $(5), $(12), and $5
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in “Other
income (expense), net,” net of tax of $0, $0, and $0
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income
$
(210)
(7)
5
(2)
(212)
384
$
(279)
9
8
17
(262)
2,109
533
(39)
7
(32)
501
$
3,534
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
39
AMAZON.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)
ASSETS
December 31,
2016
2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities
Inventories
Accounts receivable, net and other
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other
Unearned revenue
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:
Authorized shares — 500
Issued and outstanding shares — none
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
Authorized shares — 5,000
Issued shares — 500 and 507
Outstanding shares — 477 and 484
Treasury stock, at cost
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Total stockholders’ equity
$
19,334
$
20,522
10,464
16,047
13,164
60,197
48,866
13,350
8,897
131,310
$
6,647
11,461
8,339
45,781
29,114
3,784
4,723
83,402
$
$
25,309
$
13,739
4,768
43,816
7,694
12,607
34,616
18,170
5,097
57,883
24,743
20,975
—
—
5
(1,837)
17,186
(985)
4,916
19,285
5
(1,837)
21,389
(484)
8,636
27,709
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
83,402
$
131,310
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
40
AMAZON.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance as of January 1, 2015
465
$
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Exercise of common stock options
Excess tax benefits from stock-based
compensation
Stock-based compensation and issuance of
employee benefit plan stock
Issuance of common stock for acquisition
activity
Balance as of December 31, 2015
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Exercise of common stock options
Excess tax benefits from stock-based
compensation
Stock-based compensation and issuance of
employee benefit plan stock
Balance as of December 31, 2016
Cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle related to stock-based
compensation
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Exercise of common stock options
Stock-based compensation and issuance of
employee benefit plan stock
—
—
6
—
—
—
471
—
—
6
—
—
477
—
—
—
7
—
Balance as of December 31, 2017
484
$
5
—
—
—
—
—
—
5
—
—
—
—
—
5
—
—
—
—
—
5
$ (1,837) $ 11,135
—
—
$
—
—
—
—
—
(1,837)
—
—
—
—
—
4
119
2,131
5
13,394
—
—
1
829
—
(1,837)
2,962
17,186
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
(511) $
—
(212)
—
—
—
—
(723)
—
(262)
—
—
—
(985)
—
—
501
—
—
4,202
$ (1,837) $ 21,389
$
—
(484) $
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
1,949
$
10,741
596
—
—
—
—
—
2,545
2,371
—
—
—
—
4,916
687
3,033
—
—
—
596
(212)
4
119
2,131
5
13,384
2,371
(262)
1
829
2,962
19,285
687
3,033
501
1
4,202
8,636
$
27,709
41
AMAZON.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995. We seek to be Earth’s most customer-centric
company. In each of our segments, we serve our primary customer sets, consisting of consumers, sellers, developers,
enterprises, and content creators. We serve consumers through our retail websites and physical stores and focus on selection,
price, and convenience. We also manufacture and sell electronic devices. We offer programs that enable sellers to sell their
products on our websites and their own branded websites and to fulfill orders through us, and programs that allow authors,
musicians, filmmakers, app developers, and others to publish and sell content. We serve developers and enterprises of all sizes
through our AWS segment, which offers a broad set of global compute, storage, database, and other service offerings. In
addition, we provide services, such as fulfillment, publishing, certain digital content subscriptions, advertising, and co-branded
credit cards.
We have organized our operations into three segments: North America, International, and AWS. See “Note 11—Segment
Information.”
Prior Period Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, including the expanded
presentation of “Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities” on our consolidated statements of cash flows and the
allocation of stock-based compensation to “Other operating expense, net” in the segment results within “Note 11 - Segment
Information.” These revised segment results reflect the way our chief operating decision maker evaluates the Company’s
business performance and manages its operations. In addition, excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation were
reclassified from “Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities” to “Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities”
on our consolidated statements of cash flows as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amazon.com, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and
those entities in which we have a variable interest and of which we are the primary beneficiary, including certain entities in
India and China and that support our seller lending financing activities (collectively, the “Company”). Intercompany balances
and transactions between consolidated entities are eliminated. The financial results of Whole Foods Market, Inc. (“Whole
Foods Market”) have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on August 28, 2017.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining the selling
price of products and services in multiple element revenue arrangements and determining the amortization period of these
elements, incentive discount offers, sales returns, vendor funding, stock-based compensation forfeiture rates, income taxes,
valuation and impairment of investments, inventory valuation and inventory purchase commitments, collectability of
receivables, valuation of acquired intangibles and goodwill, depreciable lives of property and equipment, internal-use software
and website development costs, acquisition purchase price allocations, investments in equity interests, and contingencies.
Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share
is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares including the dilutive effect of stock awards as
determined under the treasury stock method. In periods when we have a net loss, stock awards are excluded from our
calculation of earnings per share as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.
42
The following table shows the calculation of diluted shares (in millions):
Shares used in computation of basic earnings per share
Total dilutive effect of outstanding stock awards
Shares used in computation of diluted earnings per share
Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
467
10
477
474
10
484
480
13
493
We recognize revenue from product sales or services rendered when the following four criteria are met: persuasive
evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been rendered, the selling price is fixed or
determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into
separate units and revenue is allocated using estimated selling prices if we do not have vendor-specific objective evidence or
third-party evidence of the selling prices of the deliverables. We allocate the arrangement price to each of the elements based on
the relative selling prices of each element. Estimated selling prices are management’s best estimates of the prices that we would
charge our customers if we were to sell the standalone elements separately and include considerations of customer demand,
prices charged by us and others for similar deliverables, and the price if largely based on the cost of producing the product or
service.
Sales of certain of our digital devices are considered arrangements with multiple deliverables, consisting of the device,
undelivered software upgrades and/or undelivered non-software services such as cloud services. The revenue allocated to the
device, which is the substantial portion of the total sale price, and related costs are generally recognized upon delivery. Revenue
related to undelivered software upgrades and/or undelivered non-software services is deferred and recognized generally on a
straight-line basis over the estimated period the software upgrades and non-software services are expected to be provided for
each of these devices.
Sales of Amazon Prime memberships are also considered arrangements with multiple deliverables, including shipping
benefits, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Photos, and access to the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. The revenue related to
the deliverables is amortized over the life of the membership based on the estimated delivery of services. Amazon Prime
membership fees are allocated between product sales and service sales. Costs to deliver Amazon Prime benefits are recognized
as cost of sales as incurred. As we add more benefits to the Prime membership, we update the method of determining the
estimated selling prices of each element as well as the allocation of Prime membership fees.
We evaluate whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount
earned as commissions. Generally, when we are primarily obligated in a transaction, are subject to inventory risk, have latitude
in establishing prices and selecting suppliers, or have several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded at the gross sale
price. We generally record the net amounts as commissions earned if we are not primarily obligated and do not have latitude in
establishing prices. Such amounts earned are determined using fixed fees, a percentage of seller revenues, per-unit activity fees,
or some combination thereof.
Product sales represent revenue from the sale of products and related shipping fees and digital media content where we
record revenue gross. Product sales and shipping revenues, net of promotional discounts, rebates, and return allowances, are
recorded when the products are shipped and title passes to customers. Retail sales to customers are made pursuant to a sales
contract that provides for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon our delivery to the carrier or the customer. Amazon’s
electronic devices sold through retailers are recognized at the point of sale to consumers.
Service sales represent third-party seller fees earned (including commissions) and related shipping fees, AWS sales,
certain digital content subscriptions, certain advertising services, and our co-branded credit card agreements. Service sales, net
of promotional discounts and return allowances, are recognized when service has been rendered.
Return allowances, which reduce revenue and cost of sales, are estimated using historical experience. Allowance for
returns was $153 million, $156 million, and $62 million as of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Additions to the allowance
were $1.3 billion, $1.5 billion, and $1.8 billion, and deductions to the allowance were $1.3 billion, $1.5 billion, and $1.9 billion
in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Revenue from product sales and services rendered is recorded net of sales and consumption taxes.
Additionally, we periodically provide incentive offers to our customers to encourage purchases. Such offers include current
discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases, inducement offers, such as offers for future discounts
subject to a minimum current purchase, and other similar offers. Current discount offers, when accepted by our customers, are
treated as a reduction to the purchase price of the related transaction, while inducement offers, when accepted by our
customers, are treated as a reduction to purchase price based on estimated future redemption rates. Redemption rates are
estimated using our historical experience for similar inducement offers. Current discount offers and inducement offers are
presented as a net amount in “Total net sales.”
43
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales primarily consists of the purchase price of consumer products, digital media content costs where we record
revenue gross, including video and music, packaging supplies, sortation and delivery centers and related equipment costs, and
inbound and outbound shipping costs, including where we are the transportation service provider. Shipping costs to receive
products from our suppliers are included in our inventory, and recognized as cost of sales upon sale of products to our
customers. Payment processing and related transaction costs, including those associated with seller transactions, are classified
in “Fulfillment” on our consolidated statements of operations.
Vendor Agreements
We have agreements with our vendors to receive funds for advertising services, cooperative marketing efforts,
promotions, and volume rebates. We generally consider amounts received from vendors to be a reduction of the prices we pay
for their goods, including property and equipment, or services, and therefore record those amounts as a reduction of the cost of
inventory, cost of services, or cost of property and equipment. Vendor rebates are typically dependent upon reaching minimum
purchase thresholds. We evaluate the likelihood of reaching purchase thresholds using past experience and current year
forecasts. When volume rebates can be reasonably estimated, we record a portion of the rebate as we make progress towards
the purchase threshold.
When we receive direct reimbursements for costs incurred by us in advertising the vendor’s product or service, the
amount we receive is recorded as an offset to “Marketing” on our consolidated statements of operations.
Fulfillment
Fulfillment costs primarily consist of those costs incurred in operating and staffing our North America and International
segments’ fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and physical stores, including costs attributable to buying, receiving,
inspecting, and warehousing inventories; picking, packaging, and preparing customer orders for shipment; payment processing
and related transaction costs, including costs associated with our guarantee for certain seller transactions; responding to
inquiries from customers; and supply chain management for our manufactured electronic devices. Fulfillment costs also include
amounts paid to third parties that assist us in fulfillment and customer service operations.
Marketing
Marketing costs primarily consist of targeted online advertising, payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in
marketing and selling activities, and television advertising. We pay commissions to participants in our Associates program
when their customer referrals result in product sales and classify such costs as “Marketing” on our consolidated statements of
operations. We also participate in cooperative advertising arrangements with certain of our vendors, and other third parties.
Advertising and other promotional costs are expensed as incurred and were $3.8 billion, $5.0 billion, and $6.3 billion in
2015, 2016, and 2017. Prepaid advertising costs were not significant as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Technology and Content
Technology and content costs include payroll and related expenses for employees involved in the research and
development of new and existing products and services, development, design, and maintenance of our websites, curation and
display of products and services made available on our websites, and infrastructure costs. Infrastructure costs include servers,
networking equipment, and data center related depreciation, rent, utilities, and other expenses necessary to support AWS, as
well as these and other efforts. Collectively, these costs reflect the investments we make in order to offer a wide variety of
products and services to our customers.
Technology and content costs are expensed as incurred, except for certain costs relating to the development of internal-
use software and website development costs, including software used to upgrade and enhance our websites and applications
supporting our business, which are capitalized and amortized over two years.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of payroll and related expenses; facilities and equipment, such as
depreciation expense and rent; professional fees and litigation costs; and other general corporate costs for corporate functions,
including accounting, finance, tax, legal, and human resources, among others.
44
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation cost for all stock awards expected to vest is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized
over the service period. The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the number of shares granted and the
quoted price of our common stock, and the fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
model. Such value is recognized as expense over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures, using the accelerated method.
The estimated number of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated
estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates
are revised. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including employee level, economic conditions,
time remaining to vest, and historical forfeiture experience.
Other Operating Expense, Net
Other operating expense, net, consists primarily of marketing-related, contract-based, and customer-related intangible
asset amortization expense, and expenses related to legal settlements.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net, consists primarily of foreign currency gains (losses) of $(266) million, $21 million, and
$247 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017, equity warrant valuation gains (losses) of $0 million, $67 million, and $109 million in
2015, 2016, and 2017, and realized gains (losses) on marketable securities sales of $(5) million, $(8) million, and $(7) million
in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense includes U.S. (federal and state) and foreign income taxes. Tax legislation commonly known as the
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) includes a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign
subsidiaries, and as a result, all previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been accrued have
now been subject to U.S. tax. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, we intend to continue to invest most or all of
these earnings, as well as our capital in these subsidiaries, indefinitely outside of the U.S. and do not expect to incur any
significant, additional taxes related to such amounts.
Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or
recovered.
Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent we believe they
will not be realized. We consider many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets,
including our recent cumulative loss experience and expectations of future earnings, capital gains and investment in such
jurisdiction, the carry-forward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, and other relevant factors.
We utilize a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain income tax positions (tax contingencies). The first
step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely
than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes. The second
step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating our tax positions and estimating our tax benefits, which may require
periodic adjustments and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes. We include interest and penalties related to our
tax contingencies in income tax expense.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the
following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted
prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities
in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably
available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.
45
For our cash, cash equivalents, or marketable securities, we measure the fair value of money market funds and equity
securities based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. All other financial instruments were valued
either based on recent trades of securities in inactive markets or based on quoted market prices of similar instruments and other
significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. We did not hold any cash, cash equivalents, or
marketable securities categorized as Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
As part of entering into commercial agreements, we often obtain equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock
of other companies. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, these warrants had a fair value of $223 million and $441 million, and
are recorded within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. The related gain (loss) recorded in “Other income
(expense), net” was $0 million, $67 million, and $109 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017. These assets are primarily classified as
Level 2 assets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We classify all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting of products available for sale, are primarily accounted for using the first-in, first-out method, and
are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This valuation requires us to make judgments, based on currently
available information, about the likely method of disposition, such as through sales to individual customers, returns to product
vendors, or liquidations, and expected recoverable values of each disposition category.
We provide Fulfillment by Amazon services in connection with certain of our sellers’ programs. Third-party sellers
maintain ownership of their inventory, regardless of whether fulfillment is provided by us or the third-party sellers, and
therefore these products are not included in our inventories.
We also purchase electronic device components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to
provide manufacturing services for our products. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing lead
times and help ensure adequate supply, we enter into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers for certain
electronic device components. A portion of our reported purchase commitments arising from these agreements consists of firm,
non-cancellable commitments. These commitments are based on forecasted customer demand. If we reduce these
commitments, we may incur additional costs. We also have firm, non-cancellable commitments for certain products offered in
our Whole Foods Market stores.
Accounts Receivable, Net and Other
Included in “Accounts receivable, net and other” on our consolidated balance sheets are amounts primarily related to
customers, sellers, and vendors. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, customer receivables, net, were $3.9 billion and $6.4
billion, seller receivables, net, were $661 million and $692 million, and vendor receivables, net, were $2.0 billion and $2.6
billion. Seller receivables are amounts due from sellers related to our seller lending program, which provides funding to sellers
primarily to procure inventory.
We estimate losses on receivables based on known troubled accounts and historical experience of losses incurred.
Receivables are considered impaired and written-off when it is probable that all contractual payments due will not be collected
in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $189 million, $237 million, and $348
million as of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Additions to the allowance were $289 million, $451 million, and $626
million, and deductions to the allowance were $290 million, $403 million, and $515 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The
allowance for loan losses related to our seller receivables was not material as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Internal-Use Software and Website Development
Costs incurred to develop software for internal use and our websites are capitalized and amortized over the estimated
useful life of the software. Costs related to design or maintenance of internal-use software and website development are
expensed as incurred. For the years ended 2015, 2016, and 2017, we capitalized $642 million (including $114 million of stock-
based compensation), $511 million (including $94 million of stock-based compensation), and $395 million (including $84
million of stock-based compensation) of costs associated with internal-use software and website development. Amortization of
previously capitalized amounts was $635 million, $634 million, and $545 million for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Incentives that we receive from property and
equipment vendors are recorded as a reduction in our costs. Property includes buildings and land that we own, along with
46
property we have acquired under build-to-suit, finance, and capital lease arrangements. Equipment includes assets such as
furniture and fixtures, heavy equipment, servers and networking equipment, and internal-use software and website
development. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (generally the lesser
of 40 years or the remaining life of the underlying building, two years for assets such as internal-use software, three years for
our servers, five years for networking equipment, five years for furniture and fixtures, and ten years for heavy equipment).
Depreciation expense is classified within the corresponding operating expense categories on our consolidated statements of
operations.
Leases and Asset Retirement Obligations
We categorize leases at their inception as either operating or capital leases. On certain of our lease agreements, we may
receive rent holidays and other incentives. We recognize lease costs on a straight-line basis without regard to deferred payment
terms, such as rent holidays, that defer the commencement date of required payments. Additionally, incentives we receive are
treated as a reduction of our costs over the term of the agreement. Leasehold improvements are capitalized at cost and
amortized over the lesser of their expected useful life or the non-cancellable term of the lease.
We establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred under build-to-suit lease arrangements to
the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to commencement of a
lease. Upon occupancy of facilities under build-to-suit leases, we assess whether these arrangements qualify for sales
recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance. If we continue to be the deemed owner, the facilities are accounted
for as finance leases.
We establish assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to retire long-lived assets at the
termination or expiration of a lease. Such assets are depreciated over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded
liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated retirement costs.
Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that
indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In testing goodwill for impairment, we may elect to utilize a qualitative
assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If
our qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we perform a two-step impairment test.
We test goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair
value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is
more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the
difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting units
using discounted cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating
expenses, based primarily on expected category expansion, pricing, market segment share, and general economic conditions.
We completed the required annual testing of goodwill for impairment for all reporting units as of April 1, 2017, and
determined that goodwill is not impaired as the fair value of our reporting units substantially exceeded their book value. There
were no triggering events identified from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2017 that would require an update
to our annual impairment test. See “Note 4—Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets.”
Other Assets
Included in “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets are amounts primarily related to acquired intangible assets,
net of amortization; video and music content, net of amortization; long-term deferred tax assets; certain equity investments;
marketable securities restricted for longer than one year, the majority of which are attributable to collateralization of bank
guarantees and debt related to our international operations; and equity warrant assets.
Video and Music Content
We obtain video and music content for customers through licensing agreements that have a wide range of licensing
provisions, which include both fixed and variable payment schedules. When the license fee for a specific movie, television, or
music title is determinable or reasonably estimable and the content is available for streaming, we recognize an asset
representing the fee and a corresponding liability for the amounts owed. We relieve the liability as payments are made and we
amortize the asset to “Cost of sales” on a straight-line basis or on an accelerated basis, based on estimated usage patterns,
which typically ranges from one to five years. If we are unable to reasonably estimate the cost per title, no asset or liability is
recorded and licensing costs are expensed as incurred. We also develop original content. Capitalized production costs
associated with our original content are limited by the amount of revenue we expect to earn, which results in a portion being
47
expensed as incurred. These capitalized costs are amortized to “Cost of sales” on an accelerated basis that follows the viewing
pattern of customer streams in the first months after availability.
Investments
We generally invest our excess cash in investment grade short- to intermediate-term fixed income securities and AAA-
rated money market funds. Such investments are included in “Cash and cash equivalents” or “Marketable securities” on the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value
with unrealized gains and losses included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.”
Equity investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting if the investment gives us the ability to
exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. Equity-method investments are included within “Other assets”
on our consolidated balance sheets. Our share of the earnings or losses as reported by equity-method investees, amortization of
basis differences, and related gains or losses, if any, are classified as “Equity-method investment activity, net of tax” on our
consolidated statements of operations.
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values and for which we do not have the ability to exercise
significant influence are accounted for using the cost method of accounting and classified as “Other assets” on our consolidated
balance sheets. Under the cost method, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines
in fair value, certain distributions, and additional investments.
Equity investments that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available-for-sale and are included in
“Marketable securities” on our consolidated balance sheets and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net
of tax, included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.”
We periodically evaluate whether declines in fair values of our investments below their book value are other-than-
temporary. This evaluation consists of several qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the severity and duration of the
unrealized loss as well as our ability and intent to hold the investment until a forecasted recovery occurs. Additionally, we
assess whether we have plans to sell the security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell any investment before
recovery of its amortized cost basis. Factors considered include quoted market prices; recent financial results and operating
trends; implied values from any recent transactions or offers of investee securities; credit quality of debt instrument issuers;
other publicly available information that may affect the value of our investments; duration and severity of the decline in value;
and our strategy and intentions for holding the investment.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment
assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner
in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or
group of assets may not be recoverable.
For long-lived assets used in operations, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not
recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the
difference between the carrying amount and estimated fair value. Long-lived assets are considered held for sale when certain
criteria are met, including when management has committed to a plan to sell the asset, the asset is available for sale in its
immediate condition, and the sale is probable within one year of the reporting date. Assets held for sale are reported at the
lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. Assets held for sale were not significant as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Accrued Expenses and Other
Included in “Accrued expenses and other” on our consolidated balance sheets are liabilities primarily related to
unredeemed gift cards, leases and asset retirement obligations, current debt, acquired digital media content, and other operating
expenses.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, our liabilities for unredeemed gift cards was $2.4 billion and $3.0 billion. We reduce
the liability for a gift card when redeemed by a customer. If a gift card is not redeemed, we recognize revenue when it expires
or when the likelihood of its redemption becomes remote, generally two years from the date of issuance.
Unearned Revenue
Unearned revenue is recorded when payments are received in advance of performing our service obligations and is
recognized over the service period. Unearned revenue primarily relates to prepayments of Amazon Prime memberships and
AWS services. Included in “Other long-term liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets was $499 million and $1.0 billion of
48
unearned revenue as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. The amortization of previously unearned revenue was approximately
$10.0 billion and $14.3 billion in 2016 and 2017.
Foreign Currency
We have internationally-focused websites for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan,
Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Net sales generated from these websites, as well as most of the
related expenses directly incurred from those operations, are denominated in local functional currencies. The functional
currency of our subsidiaries that either operate or support these websites is generally the same as the local currency. Assets and
liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end foreign exchange rates, and revenues and expenses
are translated at average rates prevailing throughout the period. Translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other
comprehensive loss,” a separate component of stockholders’ equity, and in the “Foreign currency effect on cash and cash
equivalents,” on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Transaction gains and losses including intercompany transactions
denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved are included in “Other income (expense),
net” on our consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the settlement and remeasurement of intercompany
balances, we recorded a loss of $215 million in 2015 and recorded gains of $62 million and $202 million in 2016 and 2017.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
modifying the accounting for inventory. Under this ASU, the measurement principle for inventory changed from lower of cost
or market value to lower of cost and net realizable value. The ASU defines net realizable value as the estimated selling price in
the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The ASU is
applicable to inventory that is accounted for under the first-in, first-out method. We adopted this ASU in Q1 2017 with no
material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for stock-based compensation and requiring excess tax
benefits and deficiencies to be recognized as a component of income tax expense rather than equity. The inclusion of excess tax
benefits and deficiencies as a component of our income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income
taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards depends on our stock price at
the date the awards vest. This guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the
statement of cash flows and allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to either estimate expected forfeitures or to
account for them as they occur. We adopted this ASU in Q1 2017 by recording the cumulative impact through an increase in
retained earnings of $687 million, and we will continue to estimate expected forfeitures. Additionally, we retrospectively
adjusted our consolidated statements of cash flows to reclassify excess tax benefits of $119 million and $829 million for the
year ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 from financing activities to operating activities.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU amending revenue recognition guidance and requiring more detailed disclosures
to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows
arising from contracts with customers. We will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018 with a cumulative adjustment that will
increase retained earnings by approximately $650 million rather than retrospectively adjusting prior periods. The cumulative
adjustment will primarily relate to unredeemed gift cards. We will begin to recognize revenue from estimated unredeemed gift
cards over the expected customer redemption period, which is substantially within nine months, rather than waiting until gift
cards expire or when the likelihood of redemption becomes remote, generally two years from the date of issuance. Other
changes relate to Amazon-branded electronic devices sold through retailers, which will be recognized upon sale to the retailer
rather than to end customers. We also will change how we recognize and classify Amazon Prime memberships, which are
currently considered arrangements with multiple deliverables that are allocated among products sales and service sales. Upon
adoption of the ASU, Amazon Prime memberships will be accounted for as a single performance obligation recognized ratably
over the membership period and will be classified as service sales. Other changes that we have identified relate primarily to the
presentation of revenue. Certain advertising services will be classified as revenue rather than a reduction in cost of sales, and
sales of apps, in-app content, and certain digital media content will primarily be presented on a net basis.
In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU which updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and
disclosure of financial instruments. Under this ASU, certain equity investments will be measured at fair value with changes
recognized in net income. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect
adoption of the ASU in Q1 2018 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the
recognition of lease assets and liabilities for operating leases with terms of more than 12 months, in addition to those currently
recorded, on our consolidated balance sheets. Presentation of leases within the consolidated statements of operations and
49
consolidated statements of cash flows will be generally consistent with the current lease accounting guidance. The ASU is
effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt this ASU
beginning in Q1 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact and expect the ASU will have a material impact on our
consolidated financial statements, primarily to the consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures.
In October 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance requires the
recognition of the income tax consequences of an intercompany asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the
transfer occurs. For intercompany transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory
has been sold to a third party. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early
adoption permitted. We will adopt this ASU beginning in Q1 2018. We estimate the ASU will have an impact of approximately
$250 million on our consolidated financial statements, including retained earnings and deferred taxes. This estimate takes into
account valuation allowances that we anticipate recording against certain material deferred tax assets. Any change in our
assessment of the likelihood of our ability to realize deferred tax assets will be reflected as an income tax benefit during the
quarter of such change.
In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU amending the presentation of restricted cash within the statement of cash
flows. The new guidance requires that restricted cash be included within cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash
flows. The ASU is effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption
permitted. We will adopt this ASU beginning in Q1 2018.
Note 2—CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES
As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities primarily consisted of cash,
U.S. and foreign government and agency securities, AAA-rated money market funds, and other investment grade securities.
Cash equivalents and marketable securities are recorded at fair value. The following tables summarize, by major security type,
our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized
using the fair value hierarchy (in millions):
Cash
Level 1 securities:
Money market funds
Equity securities
Level 2 securities:
Foreign government and agency securities
U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate debt securities
Asset-backed securities
Other fixed income securities
Less: Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable
securities (1)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities
December 31, 2016
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
$
6,883
$
— $
— $
6,883
11,940
20
337
4,821
2,105
355
97
$
26,558
$
—
31
—
2
1
—
—
34
$
—
—
—
(7)
(2)
(2)
—
(11) $
11,940
51
337
4,816
2,104
353
97
26,581
(600)
25,981
$
50
Cash
Level 1 securities:
Money market funds
Equity securities
Level 2 securities:
Foreign government and agency securities
U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate debt securities
Asset-backed securities
Other fixed income securities
Less: Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable
securities (1)
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable
securities
December 31, 2017
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
$
9,982
$
— $
— $
9,982
11,343
23
620
4,841
4,265
910
340
$
32,324
$
—
30
—
1
1
—
—
32
$
—
—
—
(19)
(9)
(5)
(2)
(35) $
11,343
53
620
4,823
4,257
905
338
32,321
(1,335)
$
30,986
___________________
(1) We are required to pledge or otherwise restrict a portion of our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as
collateral for real estate leases, workers’ compensation obligations, amounts due to third-party sellers in certain
jurisdictions, debt, and standby and trade letters of credit. We classify cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities
with use restrictions of less than twelve months as “Accounts receivable, net and other” and of twelve months or longer as
non-current “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies.”
The following table summarizes gross gains and gross losses realized on sales of available-for-sale marketable securities
(in millions):
Realized gains
Realized losses
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
2
7
$
3
11
5
11
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our cash equivalents and marketable fixed-income
securities as of December 31, 2017 (in millions):
Due within one year
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after ten years
Total
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
$
17,293
$
4,149
302
575
17,287
4,129
300
570
$
22,319
$
22,286
Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have certain prepayment conditions.
51
Note 3—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following (in millions):
Gross property and equipment (1):
Land and buildings
Equipment and internal-use software (2)
Other corporate assets
Construction in progress
Gross property and equipment
Total accumulated depreciation (1)
Total property and equipment, net
December 31,
2016
2017
$
$
13,998
25,989
649
1,805
42,441
13,327
29,114
$
$
23,718
38,387
2,390
4,078
68,573
19,707
48,866
___________________
(1) Excludes the original cost and accumulated depreciation of fully-depreciated assets.
(2) Includes internal-use software of $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Depreciation expense on property and equipment was $4.9 billion, $6.4 billion, and $8.8 billion which includes
amortization of property and equipment acquired under capital leases of $2.7 billion, $3.8 billion, and $5.4 billion for 2015,
2016, and 2017. Gross assets recorded under capital leases were $17.0 billion and $26.4 billion as of December 31, 2016 and
2017. Accumulated depreciation associated with capital leases was $8.5 billion and $13.4 billion as of December 31, 2016 and
2017.
We capitalize construction in progress and record a corresponding long-term liability for build-to-suit lease agreements
where we are considered the owner, for accounting purposes, during the construction period. For buildings under build-to-suit
lease arrangements where we have taken occupancy, which do not qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback
accounting guidance, we determined that we continue to be the deemed owner of these buildings. This is principally due to our
significant investment in tenant improvements. As a result, the buildings are being depreciated over the shorter of their useful
lives or the related leases’ terms. Additionally, certain build-to-suit lease arrangements and finance leases provide purchase
options. Upon occupancy, the long-term construction obligations are considered long-term finance lease obligations with
amounts payable during the next 12 months recorded as “Accrued expenses and other.” Gross assets remaining under finance
leases were $2.9 billion and $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. Accumulated depreciation associated with finance
leases was $361 million and $635 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Note 4—ACQUISITIONS, GOODWILL, AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Acquisition Activity
During 2015 and 2016, we acquired certain companies for an aggregate purchase price of $690 million and $103 million.
The primary reason for these acquisitions, none of which were individually material to our consolidated financial statements,
was to acquire technologies and know-how to enable Amazon to serve customers more effectively.
On May 12, 2017, we acquired Souq Group Ltd. (“Souq”), an e-commerce company, for approximately $583 million, net
of cash acquired, and on August 28, 2017, we acquired Whole Foods Market, a grocery store chain, for approximately $13.2
billion, net of cash acquired. Both acquisitions are intended to expand our retail presence. During 2017, we also acquired
certain other companies for an aggregate purchase price of $204 million. The primary reason for our other 2017 acquisitions
was to acquire technologies and know-how to enable Amazon to serve customers more effectively.
Acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred and were not significant. The valuation of certain assets and
liabilities in the Whole Foods Market acquisition is preliminary and subject to change.
52
Purchase Price Allocation
The aggregate purchase price of the 2015 and 2016 acquisitions, and the Whole Foods Market and other 2017
acquisitions, which primarily includes the acquisition of Souq, was allocated as follows (in millions):
Purchase Price
Cash paid, net of cash acquired
Stock options assumed
Indemnification holdback
Allocation
Goodwill
Intangible assets (1):
Marketing-related
Contract-based
Technology-based
Customer-related
Property and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Other assets acquired
Long-term debt
Deferred tax liabilities
Other liabilities assumed
2015
2016
2017
December 31,
Whole Foods
Market
Other 2017
Acquisitions
Total
$
$
$
$
599
5
86
690
482
3
1
208
18
230
4
55
53
(3)
(85)
(46)
690
$
$
$
$
81
—
22
103
60
2
1
53
1
57
3
17
10
(5)
(18)
(21)
103
$
$
$
$
13,176
—
—
13,176
9,010
$
$
$
1,928
407
—
—
2,335
3,794
95
1,711
(1,158)
(925)
(1,686)
13,176
$
683
—
104
787
491
$
$
$
59
33
166
54
312
16
22
147
(7)
(36)
(158)
787
$
13,859
—
104
13,963
9,501
1,987
440
166
54
2,647
3,810
117
1,858
(1,165)
(961)
(1,844)
13,963
___________________
(1) Intangible assets acquired in 2015, 2016, and the other 2017 acquisitions have estimated useful lives of between one and
six years, one and seven years, and one and seven years, with weighted-average amortization periods of five years, five
years, and four years. Acquired intangible assets for Whole Foods Market have estimated useful lives of between one and
twenty-five years, with a weighted-average amortization period of twenty-three years, primarily driven by the Whole
Foods Market trade name.
The fair value of assumed stock options, estimated using the Black-Scholes model, and restricted stock units of $9
million, $0 million, and $0 million for 2015, 2016, and 2017 will be expensed over the remaining service period. We
determined the estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired primarily by using the income approach. These
assets are included within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized to operating expenses on a
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
53
Pro Forma Financial Information - 2017 Acquisition Activity (unaudited)
The acquired companies were consolidated into our financial statements starting on their respective acquisition dates. The
aggregate net sales and operating loss of Whole Foods Market consolidated into our financial statements since the date of
acquisition was $5.8 billion and $(24) million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The aggregate net sales and operating
loss of other acquisitions consolidated into our financial statements since the respective dates of acquisition was $482 million
and $(142) million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The following financial information, which excludes certain
acquired companies for which the pro forma impact is not meaningful, presents our results as if the acquisitions during the year
ended December 31, 2017 had occurred on January 1, 2016 (in millions):
Net sales
Net income
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2016
2017
$
$
152,283
2,148
$
$
187,890
2,940
These pro forma results are based on estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable. They are not the results
that would have been realized had the acquisitions actually occurred on January 1, 2016 and are not necessarily indicative of
our consolidated results of operations in future periods. The pro forma results include adjustments related to purchase
accounting, primarily interest expense related to the proceeds from the issuance of the August 2017 Notes used in connection
with the acquisition of Whole Foods Market, depreciation of property and equipment, and amortization of intangible assets.
Goodwill
The goodwill of the acquired companies is primarily related to expected improvements in technology performance and
functionality, as well as sales growth from future product and service offerings and new customers, together with certain
intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill of the acquired companies is generally not
deductible for tax purposes. The following summarizes our goodwill activity in 2016 and 2017 by segment (in millions):
Goodwill - January 1, 2016
New acquisitions
Other adjustments (1)
Goodwill - December 31, 2016
New acquisitions (2)
Other adjustments (1)
Goodwill - December 31, 2017
North
America
International
AWS
Consolidated
$
$
2,012
30
2
2,044
9,115
6
11,165
$
$
719
13
(38)
694
368
46
1,108
$
$
1,028
17
1
1,046
18
13
1,077
$
$
3,759
60
(35)
3,784
9,501
65
13,350
___________________
(1) Primarily includes changes in foreign exchange rates.
(2) Primarily includes the acquisition of Whole Foods Market in the North America segment and Souq in the International
segment.
54
Intangible Assets
Acquired intangible assets, included within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets, consist of the following (in
millions):
2016
2017
December 31,
Acquired
Intangibles,
Gross (1)
Accumulated
Amortization (1)
Acquired
Intangibles,
Net
Acquired
Intangibles,
Gross (1)
Accumulated
Amortization (1)
Acquired
Intangibles,
Net
$
499
397
705
299
(299) $
(212)
(353)
(182)
200
185
352
117
$
2,486
$
1,013
640
283
(418) $
(213)
2,068
800
(252)
(168)
388
115
Weighted
Average Life
Remaining
23.0
13.0
4.4
2.1
Marketing-related
$
Contract-based
Technology- and
content-based
Customer-related
Acquired
intangibles (2)
$
1,900
$
(1,046) $
854
$
4,422
$
(1,051) $
3,371
17.8
___________________
(1) Excludes the original cost and accumulated amortization of fully-amortized intangibles.
(2) Intangible assets have estimated useful lives of between one and twenty-five years.
Amortization expense for acquired intangibles was $270 million, $287 million, and $366 million in 2015, 2016, and
2017. Expected future amortization expense of acquired intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
$
$
377
337
258
214
178
1,998
3,362
55
Note 5—LONG-TERM DEBT
As of December 31, 2017, we had $24.3 billion of unsecured senior notes outstanding (the “Notes”), including $17.0
billion of notes issued and assumed in connection with our August 2017 acquisition of Whole Foods Market. As of
December 31, 2016 and 2017, the net unamortized discount on the Notes was $90 million and $99 million. We also have other
long-term debt with a carrying amount, including the current portion and borrowings under our credit facility, of $588 million
and $692 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. The face value of our total long-term debt obligations is as follows (in
millions):
1.200% Notes due on November 29, 2017
2.600% Notes due on December 5, 2019 (2)
1.900% Notes due on August 21, 2020 (3)
3.300% Notes due on December 5, 2021 (2)
2.500% Notes due on November 29, 2022 (1)
2.400% Notes due on February 22, 2023 (3)
2.800% Notes due on August 22, 2024 (3)
3.800% Notes due on December 5, 2024 (2)
5.200% Notes due on December 3, 2025 (4)
3.150% Notes due on August 22, 2027 (3)
4.800% Notes due on December 5, 2034 (2)
3.875% Notes due on August 22, 2037 (3)
4.950% Notes due on December 5, 2044 (2)
4.050% Notes due on August 22, 2047 (3)
4.250% Notes due on August 22, 2057 (3)
Credit Facility
Other long-term debt
Total debt
Less current portion of long-term debt
Face value of long-term debt
December 31,
2016
2017
$
1,000
$
1,000
—
1,000
1,250
—
—
1,250
—
—
1,250
—
1,500
—
—
495
93
—
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,250
1,000
2,000
1,250
1,000
3,500
1,250
2,750
1,500
3,500
2,250
592
100
8,838
(1,056)
7,782
$
24,942
(100)
24,842
$
_____________________________
(1) Issued in November 2012, effective interest rate of the 2022 Notes were 2.66%.
(2) Issued in December 2014, effective interest rates of the 2019, 2021, 2024, 2034, and 2044 Notes were 2.73%, 3.43%,
3.90%, 4.92%, and 5.11%.
(3) Issued in August 2017, effective interest rates of the 2020, 2023, 2024, 2027, 2037, 2047, and 2057 Notes were 2.16%,
2.56%, 2.95%, 3.25%, 3.94%, 4.13%, and 4.33%.
(4) Consists of $872 million of 2025 Notes issued in December 2017 in exchange for notes assumed in connection with the
acquisition of Whole Foods Market and $128 million of 2025 Notes issued by Whole Foods Market that did not participate
in our December 2017 exchange offer. The effective interest rate of the 2025 Notes was 3.02%.
Interest on the Notes issued in 2012 is payable semi-annually in arrears in May and November. Interest on the Notes
issued in 2014 is payable semi-annually in arrears in June and December. Interest on the Notes issued in 2017 is payable semi-
annually in arrears in February and August. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears in June and
December. We may redeem the Notes at any time in whole, or from time to time, in part at specified redemption prices. We are
not subject to any financial covenants under the Notes. The proceeds from the November 2012 and December 2014 Notes were
used for general corporate purposes. The proceeds from the August 2017 Notes were used to fund the consideration for the
acquisition of Whole Foods Market, to repay the 1.200% Notes due November 2017, and for general corporate purposes. The
estimated fair value of the Notes was approximately $8.7 billion and $25.7 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, which is
based on quoted prices for our debt as of those dates.
In October 2016, we entered into a $500 million secured revolving credit facility with a lender that is secured by certain
seller receivables, which we subsequently increased to $600 million and may from time to time increase in the future subject to
lender approval (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility is available for a term of three years, bears interest at the London
interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.65%, and has a commitment fee of 0.50% on the undrawn portion. There was $495
56
million and $592 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, which had a
weighted-average interest rate of 2.3% and 2.7% as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. As of December 31, 2017, we have
pledged $686 million of our cash and seller receivables as collateral for debt related to our Credit Facility. The estimated fair
value of the Credit Facility, which is based on Level 2 inputs, approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2016 and
2017.
In December 2017, we conducted an exchange offer related to the $1.0 billion 5.200% senior notes due 2025 assumed in
our acquisition of Whole Foods Market. In connection with the exchange offer, we issued $872 million aggregate principal
amount of new Amazon 5.200% senior notes due 2025, and $128 million aggregate principal amount of Whole Foods Market’s
previously issued notes remained outstanding. We also amended the Whole Foods Market indenture to eliminate substantially
all the restrictive covenants and certain events of default from the remaining Whole Foods Market notes.
The other debt, including the current portion, had a weighted-average interest rate of 3.4% and 5.8% as of December 31,
2016 and 2017. We used the net proceeds from the issuance of this debt primarily to fund certain business operations. The
estimated fair value of the other long-term debt, which is based on Level 2 inputs, approximated its carrying value as of
December 31, 2016 and 2017.
As of December 31, 2017, future principal payments for our total debt were as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
$
$
100
1,334
1,258
1,000
1,250
20,000
24,942
In May 2016, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders
that provides us with a borrowing capacity of up to $3.0 billion. The Credit Agreement has a term of three years, but it may be
extended for up to three additional one-year terms if approved by the lenders. The initial interest rate applicable to outstanding
balances under the Credit Agreement is LIBOR plus 0.60%, with a commitment fee of 0.05% on the undrawn portion of the
credit facility, under our current credit ratings. If our credit ratings are downgraded these rates could increase to as much as
LIBOR plus 1.00% and 0.09%, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit agreements as of
December 31, 2016 and 2017.
57
Note 6—OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Our other long-term liabilities are summarized as follows (in millions):
Long-term capital lease obligations
Long-term finance lease obligations
Construction liabilities
Tax contingencies
Long-term deferred tax liabilities
Other
Total other long-term liabilities
Capital and Finance Leases
December 31,
2016
2017
$
$
5,080
2,439
714
1,395
392
2,587
12,607
$
$
8,438
4,745
1,350
1,004
990
4,448
20,975
Certain of our equipment, primarily related to technology infrastructure, and buildings have been acquired under capital
leases. Long-term capital lease obligations are as follows (in millions):
Gross capital lease obligations
Less imputed interest
Present value of net minimum lease payments
Less current portion of capital lease obligations
Total long-term capital lease obligations
December 31, 2017
14,811
(534)
14,277
(5,839)
8,438
$
$
We continue to be the deemed owner after occupancy of certain facilities that were constructed as build-to-suit lease
arrangements and previously reflected as “Construction liabilities.” As such, these arrangements are accounted for as finance
leases. Long-term finance lease obligations are as follows (in millions):
Gross finance lease obligations
Less imputed interest
Present value of net minimum lease payments
Less current portion of finance lease obligations
Total long-term finance lease obligations
Construction Liabilities
December 31, 2017
6,265
(1,238)
5,027
(282)
4,745
$
$
We capitalize construction in progress and record a corresponding long-term liability for build-to-suit lease agreements
where we are considered the owner during the construction period for accounting purposes. These liabilities primarily relate to
our corporate buildings and fulfillment, sortation, delivery, and data centers.
Tax Contingencies
We have recorded reserves for tax contingencies, inclusive of accrued interest and penalties, for U.S. and foreign income
taxes. These reserves primarily relate to transfer pricing, research and development credits, and state income taxes, and are
presented net of offsetting deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and tax credits. See “Note 10—Income Taxes” for
discussion of tax contingencies.
58
Note 7—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
We have entered into non-cancellable operating, capital, and finance leases for equipment and office, fulfillment,
sortation, delivery, data center, physical store, and renewable energy facilities. Rental expense under operating lease agreements
was $1.1 billion, $1.4 billion, and $2.2 billion for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
The following summarizes our principal contractual commitments, excluding open orders for purchases that support
normal operations and are generally cancellable, as of December 31, 2017 (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
Debt principal and interest
$
967
$ 2,234
$ 2,111
$ 1,834
$ 2,050
$ 31,799
$ 40,995
Capital lease obligations, including interest (1)
Finance lease obligations, including interest (2)
Operating leases
Unconditional purchase obligations (3)
Other commitments (4) (5)
Total commitments
6,084
445
2,427
3,527
1,584
4,788
460
2,376
3,561
1,016
2,590
466
2,258
3,195
733
557
476
2,039
3,039
571
262
472
1,813
2,922
438
530
14,811
3,946
11,935
7,956
4,744
6,265
22,848
24,200
9,086
$15,034
$14,435
$11,353
$ 8,516
$ 7,957
$ 60,910
$118,205
___________________
(1) Excluding interest, current capital lease obligations of $4.0 billion and $5.8 billion are recorded within “Accrued expenses
and other” as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, and $5.1 billion and $8.4 billion are recorded within “Other long-term
liabilities” as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
(2) Excluding interest, current finance lease obligations of $144 million and $282 million are recorded within “Accrued
expenses and other” as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, and $2.4 billion and $4.7 billion are recorded within “Other long-
term liabilities” as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
(3) Includes unconditional purchase obligations related to certain products offered in our Whole Foods Market stores and long-
term agreements to acquire and license digital media content that are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets. For
those digital media content agreements with variable terms, we do not estimate the total obligation beyond any minimum
quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. Purchase obligations associated with renewal provisions solely at the
option of the content provider are included to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified.
(4) Includes the estimated timing and amounts of payments for rent and tenant improvements associated with build-to-suit
lease arrangements and equipment lease arrangements that have not been placed in service and digital media content
liabilities associated with long-term digital media content assets with initial terms greater than one year.
(5) Excludes $2.3 billion of accrued tax contingencies for which we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount
and period of payment, if any.
Pledged Assets
As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we have pledged or otherwise restricted $715 million and $1.4 billion of our cash,
cash equivalents, and marketable securities, and certain property and equipment as collateral for real estate leases, workers’
compensation obligations, amounts due to third-party sellers in certain jurisdictions, debt, and standby and trade letters of
credit.
Suppliers
During 2017, no vendor accounted for 10% or more of our purchases. We generally do not have long-term contracts or
arrangements with our vendors to guarantee the availability of merchandise, particular payment terms, or the extension of credit
limits.
Other Contingencies
In 2016, we determined that we processed and delivered orders of consumer products for certain individuals and entities
located outside Iran covered by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act or other United States sanctions and
export control laws. The consumer products included books, music, other media, apparel, home and kitchen, health and beauty,
jewelry, office, consumer electronics, software, lawn and patio, grocery, and automotive products. Our review is ongoing and
we have voluntarily reported these orders to the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the
United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. We intend to cooperate fully with OFAC and BIS
59
with respect to their review, which may result in the imposition of penalties. For additional information, see Item 9B of Part II,
“Other Information — Disclosure Pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act.”
We are subject to claims related to various indirect taxes (such as sales, value added, consumption, service, and similar
taxes), including in jurisdictions in which we already collect and remit such taxes. If the relevant taxing authorities were
successfully to pursue these claims, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities. For example, in June 2017, the
State of South Carolina issued an assessment for uncollected sales and use taxes for the period from January 2016 to March
2016, including interest and penalties. South Carolina is alleging that we should have collected sales and use taxes on
transactions by our third-party sellers. We believe the assessment is without merit. If South Carolina or other states were
successfully to seek additional adjustments of a similar nature, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities. We
intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved from time to time in claims, proceedings, and litigation, including the following:
In November 2007, an Austrian copyright collection society, Austro-Mechana, filed lawsuits against Amazon.com
International Sales, Inc., Amazon EU S.à r.l., Amazon.de GmbH, Amazon.com GmbH, and Amazon Logistik in the
Commercial Court of Vienna, Austria and in the District Court of Munich, Germany seeking to collect a tariff on blank digital
media sold by our EU-based retail websites to customers located in Austria. In July 2008, the German court stayed the German
case pending a final decision in the Austrian case. In July 2010, the Austrian court ruled in favor of Austro-Mechana and
ordered us to report all sales of products to which the tariff potentially applies for a determination of damages. We contested
Austro-Mechana’s claim and in September 2010 commenced an appeal in the Commercial Court of Vienna. We lost this appeal
and in March 2011 commenced an appeal in the Supreme Court of Austria. In October 2011, the Austrian Supreme Court
referred the case to the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”). In July 2013, the ECJ ruled that EU law does not preclude
application of the tariff where certain conditions are met and directed the case back to the Austrian Supreme Court for further
proceedings. In October 2013, the Austrian Supreme Court referred the case back to the Commercial Court of Vienna for
further fact finding to determine whether the tariff on blank digital media meets the conditions set by the ECJ. In August 2015,
the Commercial Court of Vienna ruled that the Austrian tariff regime does not meet the conditions the ECJ set and dismissed
Austro-Mechana’s claims. In September 2015, Austro-Mechana appealed that judgment to the Higher Commercial Court of
Vienna. In December 2015, the Higher Commercial Court of Vienna confirmed that the Austrian tariff regime does not meet the
conditions the ECJ set and dismissed Austro-Mechana’s appeal. In February 2016, Austro-Mechana appealed that judgment to
the Austrian Supreme Court. In March 2017, the Austrian Supreme Court ruled in favor of Austro-Mechana and referred the
case back to the Commercial Court of Vienna for further proceedings. A number of additional actions have been filed making
similar allegations. In December 2012, a German copyright collection society, Zentralstelle für private Überspielungsrechte
(“ZPU”), filed a complaint against Amazon EU S.à r.l., Amazon Media EU S.à r.l., Amazon Services Europe S.à r.l., Amazon
Payments Europe SCA, Amazon Europe Holding Technologies SCS, and Amazon Eurasia Holdings S.à r.l. in the District Court
of Luxembourg seeking to collect a tariff on blank digital media sold by the Amazon.de retail website to customers located in
Germany. In January 2013, a Belgian copyright collection society, AUVIBEL, filed a complaint against Amazon EU S.à r.l. in
the Court of First Instance of Brussels, Belgium, seeking to collect a tariff on blank digital media sold by the Amazon.fr retail
website to customers located in Belgium. In November 2013, the Belgian court ruled in favor of AUVIBEL and ordered us to
report all sales of products to which the tariff potentially applies for a determination of damages. We dispute the allegations of
wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in these matters.
Beginning in August 2013, a number of complaints were filed alleging, among other things, that Amazon.com, Inc. and
several of its subsidiaries failed to compensate hourly workers for time spent waiting in security lines and otherwise violated
federal and state wage and hour statutes and common law. In August 2013, Busk v. Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc. and
Amazon.com, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, and Vance v. Amazon.com, Inc.,
Zappos.com Inc., another affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc., and Kelly Services, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court
for the Western District of Kentucky. In September 2013, Allison v. Amazon.com, Inc. and Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc.
was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, and Johnson v. Amazon.com, Inc. and an
affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. In October
2013, Davis v. Amazon.com, Inc., an affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc., and Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc. was filed in the
United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The plaintiffs variously purport to represent a nationwide
class of certain current and former employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and/or state-law-based subclasses for certain
current and former employees in states including Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kentucky, Washington,
and Nevada, and one complaint asserts nationwide breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims. The complaints seek an
unspecified amount of damages, interest, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees. We have been named in several other similar
cases. In December 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in Busk that time spent waiting for and undergoing security screening is not
compensable working time under the federal wage and hour statute. In February 2015, the courts in those actions alleging only
federal law claims entered stipulated orders dismissing those actions without prejudice. In March 2016, the United States
60
District Court for the Western District of Kentucky dismissed the Vance case with prejudice. In April 2016, the plaintiffs
appealed the district court’s judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In March 2017, the court of
appeals affirmed the district court’s decision. In June 2017, the United States District Court for the Western District of
Kentucky dismissed the Busk and Saldana cases with prejudice. We dispute any remaining allegations of wrongdoing and
intend to defend ourselves vigorously in these matters.
In March 2014, Kaavo, Inc. filed a complaint against Amazon.com, Inc. and Amazon Web Services, Inc. for patent
infringement in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges, among other things, that
Amazon Web Services’ Elastic Beanstalk and CloudFormation infringe U.S. Patent No. 8,271,974, entitled “Cloud Computing
Lifecycle Management For N-Tier Applications.” The complaint seeks injunctive relief, an unspecified amount of damages,
costs, and interest. In July 2015, Kaavo Inc. filed another complaint against Amazon.com, Inc. and Amazon Web Services, Inc.
in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The 2015 complaint alleges, among other things, that
CloudFormation infringes U.S. Patent No. 9,043,751, entitled “Methods And Devices For Managing A Cloud Computing
Environment.” The 2015 complaint seeks injunctive relief, an unspecified amount of damages, enhanced damages, attorneys’
fees, costs, and interest. In September 2017, the 2015 case was stayed pending resolution of a review petition we filed with the
United States Patent and Trademark Office. We dispute the allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves
vigorously in these matters.
In December 2014, Smartflash LLC and Smartflash Technologies Limited filed a complaint against Amazon.com, Inc.,
Amazon.com, LLC, AMZN Mobile, LLC, Amazon Web Services, Inc. and Audible, Inc. for patent infringement in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Amazon Appstore,
Amazon Instant Video, Amazon Music, Audible Audiobooks, the Amazon Mobile Ad Network, certain Kindle and Fire devices,
Kindle e-bookstore, Amazon’s proprietary Android operating system, and the servers involved in operating Amazon Appstore,
Amazon Instant Video, Amazon Music, the Fire TV app, Audible Audiobooks, Cloud Drive, Cloud Player, Amazon Web
Services, and Amazon Mobile Ad Network infringe seven related U.S. Patents: Nos. 7,334,720; 7,942,317; 8,033,458;
8,061,598; 8,118,221; 8,336,772; and 8,794,516, all entitled “Data Storage and Access Systems.” The complaint seeks an
unspecified amount of damages, an injunction, enhanced damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest. In May 2015, the case
was stayed until further notice. In March 2017, in an unrelated lawsuit, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit entered judgment invalidating all asserted claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,334,720; 8,118,221; and 8,336,772. We dispute
the allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter.
In March 2015, Zitovault, LLC filed a complaint against Amazon.com, Inc., Amazon.com, LLC, Amazon Web Services,
Inc., and Amazon Web Services, LLC for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Texas. The complaint alleges that Elastic Compute Cloud, Virtual Private Cloud, Elastic Load Balancing, Auto-Scaling, and
Elastic Beanstalk infringe U.S. Patent No. 6,484,257, entitled “System and Method for Maintaining N Number of Simultaneous
Cryptographic Sessions Using a Distributed Computing Environment.” The complaint seeks injunctive relief, an unspecified
amount of damages, enhanced damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest. In January 2016, the case was transferred to the
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. In June 2016, the case was stayed pending resolution of a
review petition we filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We dispute the allegations of wrongdoing and
intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter.
Beginning in September 2015, two cases have been filed alleging that Amazon violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act
with regard to processes undertaken to perform criminal background checks on candidates for employment and employees. In
September 2015, Hargrett v. Amazon.com LLC and Amazon.comdedc, LLC was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle
District of Florida. In August 2017, Mathis v. Amazon.comdedc, LLC and Accurate Background, LLC was filed in the U.S.
District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The plaintiffs variously purport to represent a nationwide class of certain
candidates for employment and employees who were subject to a background check, and allege that Amazon failed either to
provide proper disclosures before obtaining background checks or to provide appropriate notice before using background check
information in employment decisions. The complaints seek an unspecified amount of statutory damages, punitive damages,
costs, and attorneys’ fees. We dispute the allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in these matters.
In November 2015, Eolas Technologies, Inc. filed a complaint against Amazon.com, Inc. in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the use of “interactive features” on
www.amazon.com, including “search suggestions and search results,” infringes U.S. Patent No. 9,195,507, entitled “Distributed
Hypermedia Method and System for Automatically Invoking External Application Providing Interaction and Display of
Embedded Objects Within A Hypermedia Document.” The complaint sought a judgment of infringement together with costs
and attorneys’ fees. In February 2016, Eolas filed an amended complaint seeking, among other things, an unspecified amount of
damages. In February 2017, Eolas alleged in its damages report that in the event of a finding of liability Amazon could be
subject to $130-$250 million in damages. In April 2017, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California. We dispute the allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this
matter.
61
In October 2017, SRC Labs, LLC and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe filed a complaint for patent infringement against
Amazon Web Services, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., and VADATA, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District
of Virginia. The complaint alleges, among other things, that certain AWS EC2 Instances infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 6,434,687,
entitled “System and method for accelerating web site access and processing utilizing a computer system incorporating
reconfigurable processors operating under a single operating system image”; 7,149,867, entitled “System and method of
enhancing efficiency and utilization of memory bandwidth in reconfigurable hardware”; 7,225,324 and 7,620,800, both entitled
“Multi-adaptive processing systems and techniques for enhancing parallelism and performance of computational functions”;
and 9,153,311, entitled “System and method for retaining DRAM data when reprogramming reconfigurable devices with
DRAM memory controllers.” The complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages, enhanced damages, interest, and a
compulsory on-going royalty. We dispute the allegations of wrongdoing and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this
matter.
The outcomes of our legal proceedings and other contingencies are inherently unpredictable, subject to significant
uncertainties, and could be material to our operating results and cash flows for a particular period. In addition, for the matters
disclosed above that do not include an estimate of the amount of loss or range of losses, such an estimate is not possible or is
immaterial, and we may be unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the
application of non-monetary remedies.
See also “Note 10—Income Taxes.”
Note 8—STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock
We have authorized 500 million shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock. No preferred stock was outstanding for any
period presented.
Common Stock
Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying outstanding stock awards totaled 490 million, 497 million, and 504
million, as of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017. These totals include all vested and unvested stock awards outstanding,
including those awards we estimate will be forfeited.
Stock Repurchase Activity
In February 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common stock,
with no fixed expiration. This stock repurchase authorization replaced the previous $2.0 billion stock repurchase authorization,
approved by the Board of Directors in 2010. There were no repurchases of common stock in 2015, 2016, or 2017.
Stock Award Plans
Employees vest in restricted stock unit awards and stock options over the corresponding service term, generally between
two and five years.
62
Stock Award Activity
Stock options outstanding, which were primarily obtained through acquisitions, totaled 0.2 million, 0.1 million, and 0.1
million, as of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Stock-based compensation expense is as follows (in millions):
Cost of sales (1)
Fulfillment
Marketing
Technology and content
General and administrative
Total stock-based compensation expense (2)
___________________
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
— $
16
$
482
190
1,224
223
657
323
1,664
315
2,119
$
2,975
$
47
911
511
2,305
441
4,215
$
$
(1) Beginning in 2016, stock-based compensation expense was recorded to cost of sales for eligible employees providing
delivery services.
(2) The related tax benefits were $593 million, $907 million, and $860 million for 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2017, the tax
benefit reflects the permanent reduction in the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit activity (in millions):
Outstanding as of January 1, 2015
Units granted
Units vested
Units forfeited
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
Units granted
Units vested
Units forfeited
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016
Units granted
Units vested
Units forfeited
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017
Number of Units
Weighted Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
17.4
9.8
(5.6)
(2.7)
18.9
9.3
(6.1)
(2.3)
19.8
8.9
(6.8)
(1.8)
20.1
$
$
285
426
253
321
362
660
321
440
506
946
400
649
725
Scheduled vesting for outstanding restricted stock units as of December 31, 2017, is as follows (in millions):
Scheduled vesting—restricted stock units
7.3
7.3
3.6
1.6
0.1
0.2
20.1
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
Year Ended
As of December 31, 2017, there was $6.4 billion of net unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based
compensation arrangements. This compensation is recognized on an accelerated basis with approximately half of the
compensation expected to be expensed in the next twelve months, and has a weighted-average recognition period of 1.1 years.
The estimated forfeiture rate as of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017 was 28%. Changes in our estimates and assumptions
relating to forfeitures may cause us to realize material changes in stock-based compensation expense in the future.
During 2015, 2016, and 2017, the fair value of restricted stock units that vested was $2.7 billion, $4.3 billion, and $6.8
billion.
63
As matching contributions under our 401(k) savings plan, we granted 0.1 million shares of common stock in 2016 and
2017. Shares granted as matching contributions under our 401(k) plan are included in outstanding common stock when issued,
and recorded as stock-based compensation expense.
Common Stock Available for Future Issuance
As of December 31, 2017, common stock available for future issuance to employees is 116 million shares.
Note 9—ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2015, 2016, and 2017 are as follows (in
millions):
Balances as of January 1, 2015
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balances as of December 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balances as of December 31, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balances as of December 31, 2017
Foreign currency
translation
adjustments
Unrealized gains on
available-for-sale
securities
Total
$
$
(512) $
(210)
(722)
(279)
(1,001)
533
(468) $
$
1
(2)
(1)
17
16
(32)
(16) $
(511)
(212)
(723)
(262)
(985)
501
(484)
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are recorded net of their related income tax effects.
Note 10—INCOME TAXES
In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we recorded net tax provisions of $950 million, $1.4 billion, and $769 million. We have tax
benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions and accelerated depreciation deductions that are being utilized
to reduce our U.S. taxable income. Cash taxes paid, net of refunds, were $273 million, $412 million, and $957 million for 2015,
2016, and 2017.
The 2017 Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate
income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions,
imposing a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, introducing new tax regimes, and
changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax. The 2017 Tax Act also enhanced and extended through 2026 the option
to claim accelerated depreciation deductions on qualified property. We have not completed our determination of the accounting
implications of the 2017 Tax Act on our tax accruals. However, we have reasonably estimated the effects of the 2017 Tax Act
and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017. We recorded a provisional tax benefit
for the impact of the 2017 Tax Act of approximately $789 million. This amount is primarily comprised of the remeasurement of
federal net deferred tax liabilities resulting from the permanent reduction in the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate to 21% from
35%, after taking into account the mandatory one-time tax on the accumulated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The amount
of this one-time tax is not material. As we complete our analysis of the 2017 Tax Act, collect and prepare necessary data, and
interpret any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting bodies, we may
make adjustments to the provisional amounts. Those adjustments may materially impact our provision for income taxes in the
period in which the adjustments are made.
64
The components of the provision for income taxes, net are as follows (in millions):
Current taxes:
U.S. Federal
U.S. State
International
Current taxes
Deferred taxes:
U.S. Federal
U.S. State
International
Deferred taxes
Provision for income taxes, net
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
215
237
417
869
473
(171)
(221)
81
950
$
$
1,136
208
327
1,671
116
(31)
(331)
(246)
1,425
$
$
(137)
211
724
798
(202)
(26)
199
(29)
769
U.S. and international components of income before income taxes are as follows (in millions):
U.S.
International
Income (loss) before income taxes
2015
Year Ended December 31,
2016
2017
$
$
2,186
(618)
1,568
$
$
4,551
(659)
3,892
$
$
5,630
(1,824)
3,806
The items accounting for differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and the provision
recorded for income taxes are as follows (in millions):
Income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate
$
549
$
1,362
$
1,332
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Effect of:
Impact of foreign tax differential
State taxes, net of federal benefits
Tax credits
Stock-based compensation (1)
Domestic production activities deduction
Impact of 2017 Tax Act
Other, net
Total
350
37
(99)
149
(44)
—
8
950
$
(69)
110
(119)
189
(94)
—
46
1,425
$
1,178
114
(220)
(917)
—
(789)
71
769
$
___________________
(1) Includes non-deductible stock-based compensation and beginning in 2017, excess tax benefits from stock-based
compensation. For 2017, our tax provision includes $1.3 billion of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.
Our provision for income taxes in 2016 was higher than in 2015 primarily due to an increase in U.S. pre-tax income,
partially offset by an increase in the proportion of foreign losses for which we may realize a tax benefit, an increase in tax
amortization deductions, and a decline in the proportion of nondeductible expenses. We have recorded valuation allowances
against the deferred tax assets associated with losses for which we may not realize a related tax benefit.
Our provision for income taxes in 2017 was lower than in 2016 primarily due to excess tax benefits from stock-based
compensation and the provisional favorable effect of the 2017 Tax Act, partially offset by an increase in the proportion of
foreign losses for which we may not realize a tax benefit and audit-related developments.
We regularly assess whether it is more likely than not that we will realize our deferred tax assets in each taxing
jurisdiction in which we operate. In performing this assessment with respect to each jurisdiction, we review all available
evidence, including recent cumulative loss experience and expectations of future earnings, capital gains, and investment in such
jurisdiction, the carry-forward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, and other relevant factors. In Q2 2017, we
65
recognized an estimated charge to tax expense of $600 million to record a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax
assets in Luxembourg.
The 2017 Tax Act includes a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, all
previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been accrued have now been subject to U.S. tax.
Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, we intend to continue to invest most or all of these earnings, as well as our
capital in these subsidiaries, indefinitely outside of the U.S. and do not expect to incur any significant, additional taxes related
to such amounts.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
$
Deferred tax assets (1):
Loss carryforwards U.S. - Federal/States (2)
Loss carryforwards - Foreign (3)
Accrued liabilities, reserves, & other expenses
Stock-based compensation
Deferred revenue
Assets held for investment
Depreciation & amortization
Other items
Tax credits (4)
Total gross deferred tax assets
Less valuation allowance (5)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation & amortization
Acquisition related intangible assets
Other items
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), net of valuation allowance
$
December 31,
2016
2017 (6)
198
1,062
968
1,073
330
66
179
171
39
4,086
(1,012)
3,074
(2,332)
(226)
(62)
454
$
$
211
2,149
901
1,026
349
35
279
167
381
5,498
(2,538)
2,960
(2,568)
(531)
(58)
(197)
___________________
(1) Deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and tax credits are presented net of tax contingencies.
(2) Excluding $18 million of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016, related to net operating losses that result from
excess stock-based compensation. Beginning in 2017, losses resulting from excess stock-based compensation are now
recognized immediately as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance.
(3) Excluding $9 million of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016, related to net operating losses that result from excess
stock-based compensation. Beginning in 2017, losses resulting from excess stock-based compensation are now recognized
immediately as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance.
(4) Excluding $659 million of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016, related to tax credits that result from excess stock-
based compensation. Beginning in 2017, losses resulting from excess stock-based compensation are now recognized
immediately as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance.
(5) Relates primarily to deferred tax assets that would only be realizable upon the generation of net income in certain foreign
taxing jurisdictions and future capital gains.
(6) We recorded a provisional adjustment to our federal deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 to
reflect the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% resulting from the 2017 Tax Act.
As of December 31, 2017, our federal, foreign, and state net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes were
approximately $226 million, $8.0 billion, and $858 million. The federal, foreign, and state net operating loss carryforwards are
subject to limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable foreign and state tax law. If not utilized, a
portion of the federal, foreign, and state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2023, 2018, and 2019,
respectively. As of December 31, 2017, our tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes were approximately $1.1 billion.
If not utilized, a portion of the tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2021. As of December 31, 2017, our federal
capital loss carryforwards for income tax purposes was approximately $359 million. If not utilized, a portion of the capital loss
carryforwards will begin to expire in 2019.
66
Tax Contingencies
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. (federal and state) and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is
required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of
business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We establish
reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These
reserves are established when we believe that certain positions might be challenged despite our belief that our tax return
positions are fully supportable. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of
tax audits. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered
appropriate.
The reconciliation of our tax contingencies is as follows (in millions):
Gross tax contingencies – January 1
Gross increases to tax positions in prior periods
Gross decreases to tax positions in prior periods
Gross increases to current period tax positions
Lapse of statute of limitations
Gross tax contingencies – December 31 (1)
December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
710
254
(22)
242
(3)
1,181
$
$
1,181
355
(133)
308
(1)
1,710
$
$
1,710
223
(139)
518
(3)
2,309
___________________
(1) As of December 31, 2017, we had $2.3 billion of accrued tax contingencies, of which $1.2 billion, if fully recognized,
would decrease our effective tax rate.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we had accrued interest and penalties, net of federal income tax benefit, related to
tax contingencies of $67 million and $107 million. Interest and penalties, net of federal income tax benefit, recognized for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017 was $18 million, $9 million, and $40 million.
We are under examination, or may be subject to examination, by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the calendar
year 2005 and thereafter. These examinations may lead to ordinary course adjustments or proposed adjustments to our taxes or
our net operating losses with respect to years under examination as well as subsequent periods. As previously disclosed, we
have received Notices of Proposed Adjustment (“NOPAs”) from the IRS for transactions undertaken in the 2005 and 2006
calendar years relating to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries. The IRS is seeking to increase our U.S. taxable income
by an amount that would result in additional federal tax of approximately $1.5 billion, subject to interest. On March 23, 2017,
the U.S. Tax Court issued its decision regarding the issues raised in the IRS NOPAs. The Tax Court rejected the approach from
the IRS NOPAs in determining transfer pricing adjustments in 2005 and 2006 for the transactions undertaken with our foreign
subsidiaries and adopted, with adjustments, our suggested approach. On September 29, 2017, the IRS filed a notice of appeal to
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter. If the Tax Court
decision were reversed on appeal or if the IRS were to successfully assert transfer pricing adjustments of a similar nature to the
NOPAs for transactions in subsequent years, we could be subject to significant additional tax liabilities.
Certain of our subsidiaries were under examination or investigation by the French Tax Administration (“FTA”) for
calendar year 2006 and thereafter. In September 2012, we received proposed tax assessment notices for calendar years 2006
through 2010 relating to the allocation of income between foreign jurisdictions. In June 2015, we received final tax collection
notices for these years assessing additional French taxes, interest, and penalties through September 2012. In December 2017,
we settled this dispute with the FTA and included the impact thereof within our financial statements. In addition, in October
2014, the European Commission opened a formal investigation to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in
Luxembourg with regard to the corporate income tax paid by certain of our subsidiaries comply with European Union rules on
state aid. On October 4, 2017, the European Commission announced its decision that determinations by the tax authorities in
Luxembourg did not comply with European Union rules on state aid. This decision orders Luxembourg to calculate and recover
additional taxes from us for the period May 2006 through June 2014. We believe this decision to be without merit and will
consider our legal options, including an appeal. In December 2017, Luxembourg appealed the European Commission’s
decision. While the European Commission announced an estimated recovery amount of approximately €250 million , plus
interest, the actual amount of additional taxes subject to recovery is to be calculated by the Luxembourg tax authorities in
accordance with the European Commission’s guidance. Once the recovery amount is computed by Luxembourg, we anticipate
funding it, including interest, into escrow, where it will remain pending conclusion of all appeals. We may be required to fund
into escrow an amount in excess of the estimated recovery amount announced by the European Commission. We are also
subject to taxation in various states and other foreign jurisdictions including Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan,
67
Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. We are under, or may be subject to, audit or examination and additional assessments by
the relevant authorities in respect of these particular jurisdictions primarily for 2008 and thereafter.
We expect the total amount of tax contingencies will grow in 2018. In addition, changes in state, federal, and foreign tax
laws may increase our tax contingencies. The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is highly uncertain, and the
amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ from the amounts
accrued. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will receive additional assessments by various tax
authorities or possibly reach resolution of income tax examinations in one or more jurisdictions. These assessments or
settlements could result in changes to our contingencies related to positions on tax filings in years through 2017. The actual
amount of any change could vary significantly depending on the ultimate timing and nature of any settlements. We cannot
currently provide an estimate of the range of possible outcomes.
Note 11—SEGMENT INFORMATION
We have organized our operations into three segments: North America, International, and AWS. We allocate to segment
results the operating expenses “Fulfillment,” “Marketing,” “Technology and content,” and “General and administrative” based
on usage, which is generally reflected in the segment in which the costs are incurred. The majority of technology infrastructure
costs are allocated to the AWS segment based on usage. The majority of the remaining non-infrastructure technology costs are
incurred in the U.S. and are allocated to our North America segment. In Q1 2017, we combined stock-based compensation and
“Other operating expense, net” with operating expenses in our presentation of segment results. The results of Whole Foods
Market are included in our North America and International segments based on physical location. There are no internal revenue
transactions between our reportable segments. These segments reflect the way our chief operating decision maker evaluates the
Company’s business performance and manages its operations.
North America
The North America segment primarily consists of amounts earned from retail sales of consumer products (including from
sellers) and subscriptions through North America-focused websites such as www.amazon.com, www.amazon.ca, and
www.amazon.com.mx. This segment includes export sales from these websites.
International
The International segment primarily consists of amounts earned from retail sales of consumer products (including from
sellers) and subscriptions through internationally-focused websites such as www.amazon.com.au, www.amazon.com.br,
www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.in, www.amazon.it, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.nl,
www.amazon.es, and www.amazon.co.uk. This segment includes export sales from these internationally-focused websites
(including export sales from these sites to customers in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada), but excludes export sales from our
North American websites.
AWS
The AWS segment consists of amounts earned from global sales of compute, storage, database, and other service
offerings for start-ups, enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions.
68
Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated net income (loss) is as follows (in millions):
North America
Net sales
Operating expenses
Operating income
International
Net sales
Operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
AWS
Net sales
Operating expenses
Operating income
Consolidated
Net sales
Operating expenses
Operating income
Total non-operating income (expense)
Provision for income taxes
Equity-method investment activity, net of tax
Net income
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
63,708
62,283
1,425
35,418
36,117
(699) $
7,880
6,373
1,507
107,006
104,773
2,233
(665)
(950)
(22)
596
$
$
$
$
79,785
77,424
2,361
$
$
$
43,983
45,266
(1,283) $
12,219
9,111
3,108
135,987
131,801
4,186
(294)
(1,425)
(96)
2,371
$
$
$
$
106,110
103,273
2,837
54,297
57,359
(3,062)
17,459
13,128
4,331
177,866
173,760
4,106
(300)
(769)
(4)
3,033
Net sales by groups of similar products and services is as follows (in millions):
Net Sales:
Online stores (1)
Physical stores (2)
Third-party seller services (3)
Subscription services (4)
AWS
Other (5)
Consolidated
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
76,863
$
91,431
$
108,354
—
16,086
4,467
7,880
1,710
—
22,993
6,394
12,219
2,950
5,798
31,881
9,721
17,459
4,653
$
107,006
$
135,987
$
177,866
___________________
(1) Includes product sales and digital media content where we record revenue gross. We leverage our retail infrastructure to
offer a wide selection of consumable and durable goods that includes media products available in both a physical and
digital format, such as books, music, videos, games, and software. These product sales include digital products sold on a
transactional basis. Digital product subscriptions that provide unlimited viewing or usage rights are included in
Subscription services.
(2) Includes product sales where our customers physically select items in a store.
(3) Includes commissions, related fulfillment and shipping fees, and other third-party seller services.
(4) Includes annual and monthly fees associated with Amazon Prime membership, as well as audiobook, e-book, digital video,
digital music, and other non-AWS subscription services.
(5) Includes sales not otherwise included above, such as certain advertising services and our co-branded credit card
agreements.
69
Net sales generated from our internationally-focused websites are denominated in local functional currencies. Revenues
are translated at average rates prevailing throughout the period. Net sales attributed to countries that represent a significant
portion of consolidated net sales are as follows (in millions):
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Japan
Rest of world
Consolidated
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
$
$
70,537
11,816
9,033
8,264
7,356
107,006
$
$
90,349
14,148
9,547
10,797
11,146
135,987
$
$
2017
120,486
16,951
11,372
11,907
17,150
177,866
Total segment assets exclude corporate assets, such as cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, other long-term
investments, corporate facilities, goodwill and other acquired intangible assets, capitalized internal-use software and website
development costs, and tax assets. Technology infrastructure assets are allocated among the segments based on usage, with the
majority allocated to the AWS segment. Total segment assets reconciled to consolidated amounts are as follows (in millions):
North America (1)
International (1)
AWS (2)
Corporate
Consolidated
December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
16,772
7,754
9,787
30,434
64,747
$
$
22,225
10,429
12,698
38,050
83,402
$
$
35,844
18,014
18,660
58,792
131,310
___________________
(1) North America and International segment assets primarily consist of property and equipment, inventory, and accounts
receivable.
(2) AWS segment assets primarily consist of property and equipment and accounts receivable.
70
Property and equipment, net by segment is as follows (in millions):
North America
International
AWS
Corporate
Consolidated
December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
6,707
2,266
8,356
4,509
21,838
$
$
10,143
3,448
10,300
5,223
29,114
$
$
20,401
7,425
14,885
6,155
48,866
Total net additions to property and equipment by segment are as follows (in millions):
North America (1)
International (1)
AWS (2)
Corporate
Consolidated
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
2,485
658
4,681
1,801
9,625
$
$
5,132
1,680
5,193
1,580
13,585
$
$
13,200
5,196
9,190
2,197
29,783
___________________
(1) Includes property and equipment added under capital leases of $938 million, $1.5 billion, and $2.9 billion in 2015, 2016,
and 2017, and under other financing arrangements of $219 million, $849 million, and $2.9 billion in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
(2) Includes property and equipment added under capital leases of $3.7 billion, $4.0 billion, and $7.3 billion in 2015, 2016,
and 2017, and under finance leases of $81 million, $75 million, and $134 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
U.S. property and equipment, net was $16.8 billion, $22.0 billion, and $35.5 billion, in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and rest of
world property and equipment, net was $5.0 billion, $7.1 billion, and $13.4 billion in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Except for the
U.S., property and equipment, net, in any single country was less than 10% of consolidated property and equipment, net.
Depreciation expense, including amortization of capitalized internal-use software and website development costs and
other corporate property and equipment depreciation expense, are allocated to all segments based on usage. Total depreciation
expense, by segment, is as follows (in millions):
North America
International
AWS
Consolidated
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
$
$
1,551
822
2,576
4,949
$
$
1,971
930
3,461
6,362
$
$
3,029
1,278
4,524
8,831
71
Note 12—QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The following tables contain selected unaudited statement of operations information for each quarter of 2016 and 2017.
The following information reflects all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the
periods presented. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. Our
business is affected by seasonality, which historically has resulted in higher sales volume during our fourth quarter. Unaudited
quarterly results are as follows (in millions, except per share data):
Net sales
Operating income
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Net sales
Operating income
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income (loss)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
Year Ended December 31, 2016 (1)
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
$
29,128
1,071
1,056
(475)
513
1.09
1.07
471
481
$
30,404
1,285
1,179
(307)
857
1.81
1.78
473
483
$
32,714
575
491
(229)
252
0.53
0.52
474
485
43,741
1,255
1,166
(414)
749
1.57
1.54
476
486
Year Ended December 31, 2017 (1)
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter (2)
Fourth
Quarter (2)
$
35,714
1,005
953
(229)
724
1.52
1.48
477
490
$
37,955
628
666
(467)
197
0.41
0.40
479
492
$
43,744
347
316
(58)
256
0.53
0.52
481
494
60,453
2,127
1,872
(16)
1,856
3.85
3.75
483
496
___________________
(1) The sum of quarterly amounts, including per share amounts, may not equal amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This
is due to the effects of rounding and changes in the number of weighted-average shares outstanding for each period.
(2) We acquired Whole Foods Market on August 28, 2017. The results of Whole Foods Market have been included in our
results of operation from the date of acquisition. See Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—
Note 4—Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Acquired Intangible Assets” for additional information regarding this transaction.
72
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”), under the supervision
and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the 1934 Act, as of December 31, 2017.
Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of December 31,
2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be
disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within
the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined
in Rule 13a-15(f) of the 1934 Act. Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2017 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result of this assessment, management concluded that, as of
December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Ernst & Young has independently assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting and its report is included below.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on Controls
Our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable
assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls
and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no
matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements
due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been
detected.
73
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Amazon.com, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Amazon.com, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Amazon.com, Inc. maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Amazon.com, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2017 of Amazon.com, Inc. and our report dated February 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed
risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Seattle, Washington
February 1, 2018
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
74
Item 9B.
Other Information
Disclosure Pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act
We determined that, between January 2012 and December 2017, we processed and delivered orders of consumer products
for certain individuals and entities located outside Iran covered by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights
Act (“ITRA”), in addition to those we have previously disclosed, as follows: consumer products valued at approximately $800
for two Iranian embassies located in countries other than Iran; consumer products valued at approximately $38,200 for
individuals who may have been acting for 23 Iranian embassies and diplomatic organizations located in countries other than
Iran; consumer products valued at approximately $10,300 for 10 individuals and entities who are designated under Executive
Order 13224 or Executive Order 13882; consumer products valued at approximately $16,100 for individuals who may have
been acting for 13 individuals and entities designated under Executive Order 13224 or Executive Order 13882, three of which
are owned or controlled by the Iranian government; and consumer products valued at approximately $6,400 for individuals who
may have been acting for seven entities owned or controlled by the Iranian government. The consumer products included
books, other media, apparel, home and kitchen, jewelry, office, toys, health and beauty, consumer electronics, lawn and patio,
automotive, musical instruments, software, grocery, and pet products. In addition, the information provided pursuant to Section
13(r) of the Exchange Act in Item 5 of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
2017, June 30, 2017, and September 30, 2017 are hereby incorporated by reference to such reports. We are unable to accurately
calculate the net profit attributable to these transactions. We do not plan to continue selling to these accounts in the future. Our
review is ongoing and we are enhancing our processes designed to identify transactions associated with individuals and entities
covered by the ITRA.
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Information regarding our Executive Officers required by Item 10 of Part III is set forth in Item 1 of Part I “Business—
Executive Officers of the Registrant.” Information required by Item 10 of Part III regarding our Directors and any material
changes to the process by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors is included in our Proxy
Statement relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information relating to
our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and to compliance with Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act is set forth in our Proxy
Statement relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. To the extent
permissible under Nasdaq rules, we intend to disclose amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as well as
waivers of the provisions thereof, on our investor relations website under the heading “Corporate Governance” at
www.amazon.com/ir.
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Information required by Item 11 of Part III is included in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Information required by Item 12 of Part III is included in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by Item 13 of Part III is included in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required by Item 14 of Part III is included in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
75
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) List of Documents Filed as a Part of This Report:
(1) Index to Consolidated Financial Statements:
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years ended December 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2017
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2017
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(2) Index to Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules have been omitted because the required information is included in the consolidated financial
statements or the notes thereto, or because it is not required.
(3) Index to Exhibits
See exhibits listed under Part (b) below.
(b) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
2.1*
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Description
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 2017, among the Company, Walnut Merger Sub, Inc., and
Whole Foods Market, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June
16, 2017).
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2000).
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed February 25, 2016).
Indenture, dated as of November 29, 2012, between Amazon.com, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee, and Form of 0.650% Note due 2015, Form of 1.200% Note due 2017, and Form of 2.500%
Note due 2022 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 29,
2012).
Officers’ Certificate of Amazon.com, Inc., dated as of December 5, 2014, containing Form of 2.600% Note due
2019, Form of 3.300% Note due 2021, Form of 3.800% Note due 2024, Form of 4.800% Note due 2034, and Form
of 4.950% Note due 2044 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 5, 2014).
Officers’ Certificate of Amazon.com, Inc., dated as of August 22, 2017, containing Form of 1.900% Note due
2020, Form of 2.400% Note due 2023, Form of 2.800% Note due 2024, Form of 3.150% Note due 2027, Form of
3.875% Note due 2037, Form of 4.050% Note due 2047, and Form of 4.250% Note due 2057 (incorporated by
reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 22, 2017).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2017, among Amazon.com, Inc. and the representatives of
the initial purchasers of Amazon.com, Inc.’s 1.900% Notes due 2020, 2.400% Notes due 2023, 2.800% Notes due
2024, 3.150% Notes due 2027, 3.875% Notes due 2037, 4.050% Notes due 2047, and 4.250% Notes due 2057
(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 22, 2017).
Officers’ Certificate of Amazon.com, Inc., dated as of December 20, 2017, containing Form of 5.200% Note due
2025 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 20, 2017).
10.1†
1997 Stock Incentive Plan (amended and restated) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2013).
76
10.2†
10.3†
10.4†
10.5†
10.6†
10.7†
10.8
10.9+
12.1
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
1999 Nonofficer Employee Stock Option Plan (amended and restated) (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2013).
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its Directors (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-23795) filed March 24,
1997, as amended on April 21, 1997).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Officers and Employees (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2002).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2002).
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the Year ended December 31, 2001).
Form of Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2017).
Credit Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2016, among Amazon.com, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative
agent, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2016).
Independent Contractor Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2017, between Amazon Corporate LLC and William B.
Gordon (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March
31, 2017).
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
List of Significant Subsidiaries.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Certification of Jeffrey P. Bezos, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amazon.com, Inc., pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification of Brian T. Olsavsky, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Amazon.com, Inc.,
pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Certification of Jeffrey P. Bezos, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amazon.com, Inc., pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350.
Certification of Brian T. Olsavsky, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Amazon.com, Inc.,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
The following financial statements from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (ii) Consolidated Statements
of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (v)
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as
blocks of text and including detailed tags.
As permitted by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Company has not filed with this Annual Report on
Form 10-K certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries
because the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the
Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of such agreements
to the Commission upon request.
__________________
*
Certain schedules and exhibits to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and
the Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted
schedule and/or exhibit upon request.
†
+
Executive Compensation Plan or Agreement.
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
to a request for confidential treatment.
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
None.
77
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of February 1, 2018.
SIGNATURES
AMAZON.COM, INC.
By:
/s/ Jeffrey P. Bezos
Jeffrey P. Bezos
President, Chief Executive Officer,
and Chairman of the Board
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated as of February 1, 2018.
Signature
/s/ Jeffrey P. Bezos
Jeffrey P. Bezos
/s/ Brian T. Olsavsky
Brian T. Olsavsky
/s/ Shelley L. Reynolds
Shelley L. Reynolds
/s/ Tom A. Alberg
Tom A. Alberg
/s/ John Seely Brown
John Seely Brown
/s/ Jamie S. Gorelick
Jamie S. Gorelick
/s/ Daniel P. Huttenlocher
Daniel P. Huttenlocher
/s/ Judith A. McGrath
Judith A. McGrath
/s/ Jonathan J. Rubinstein
Jonathan J. Rubinstein
/s/ Thomas O. Ryder
Thomas O. Ryder
/s/ Patricia Q. Stonesifer
Patricia Q. Stonesifer
/s/ Wendell P. Weeks
Wendell P. Weeks
Title
Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial Officer)
Vice President, Worldwide Controller (Principal Accounting
Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
78
Stock Price Performance Graph
The graph set forth below compares cumulative total return on the common stock with the cumulative total
return of the Morgan Stanley Technology Index, the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P 500 Retailing Index, resulting
from an initial investment of $100 in each and, except in the case of the Morgan Stanley Technology Index,
assuming the reinvestment of any dividends, based on closing prices. Measurement points are the last trading day
of each of Amazon’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
s
r
a
l
l
o
D
$500
$450
$400
$350
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Year Ended December 31
Legend
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Cumulative Total Return
Year Ended December 31,
Amazon.com, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Technology Index
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Retailing Index
$100
$159
$124
$269
$299
$466
100
100
100
132
132
146
148
151
162
158
153
203
177
171
215
247
208
280
Note: Stock price performance shown in the Stock Price Performance Graph for the common stock is
historical and not necessarily indicative of future price performance.