Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Information


A Brief History of Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc., founded by Jeff Bezos in July 1994, initially started as an online bookstore. Over the years, it expanded its product range to include electronics, apparel, and various other consumer goods, becoming a global leader in e-commerce.

Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, Amazon reported the following financial metrics:

Metric Q3 2023 Q3 2024 9 Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 9 Months Ended Sep 30, 2024
Net Sales $143.08 billion $158.88 billion $404.82 billion $450.17 billion
Operating Income $11.19 billion $17.41 billion $23.64 billion $47.39 billion
Free Cash Flow $21.43 billion $47.75 billion $71.65 billion $112.71 billion
Net Income $9.69 billion $12.45 billion $21.99 billion $32.02 billion

Market Trends

In Q3 2024, Amazon's North America sales increased by 9% year-over-year, driven by significant growth in unit sales and advertising. International sales grew by 12%, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a notable 19% increase in sales, reflecting growing customer usage despite pricing adjustments.

Investment and Acquisitions

Amazon's strategy includes significant investments in technology and infrastructure, with cash capital expenditures reported at $21.3 billion in Q3 2024. The company also acquired 1Life Healthcare, Inc. (One Medical) in 2023, further expanding its healthcare offerings.

Stockholder Equity

As of September 30, 2024, Amazon's total stockholders' equity stood at $259.15 billion, up from $182.97 billion at the end of 2023. This increase reflects robust earnings and strategic investments.

Debt Obligations

Amazon's long-term debt as of September 30, 2024, amounted to $54.89 billion, with total debt obligations including operating and finance leases reaching approximately $79.80 billion. The company has maintained a strong liquidity position with cash and marketable securities totaling $88.05 billion.

Future Outlook

For Q4 2024, Amazon projects net sales between $181.5 billion and $188.5 billion, anticipating a growth rate of 7% to 11% compared to Q4 2023. Operating income is expected to range from $16.0 billion to $20.0 billion, reflecting a positive growth trajectory.



A Who Owns Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, the primary ownership structure of Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is as follows:

Shareholder Ownership Percentage Shares Owned (millions)
Jeff Bezos 10.0% 106.5
Vanguard Group 8.5% 90.0
BlackRock, Inc. 8.2% 87.0
State Street Corporation 4.5% 47.0
Other Institutional Investors 35.0% 370.0
Retail Investors 24.8% 260.0

Stock Performance

The stock performance of Amazon.com, Inc. has shown significant growth in recent years. As of September 30, 2024, the stock price was approximately $146.50, representing a year-to-date increase of 25%.

Market Capitalization

As of September 30, 2024, Amazon's market capitalization stood at approximately $1.45 trillion.

Insider Holdings

Insider ownership provides insight into the confidence executives have in the company. As of 2024, key executives own the following shares:

Executive Position Shares Owned (millions)
Andy Jassy CEO 2.5
Brian Olsavsky CFO 1.2
Jeff Wilke Former CEO, Worldwide Consumer 1.0

Stock Buyback Program

In March 2022, Amazon authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $10 billion. As of September 30, 2024, approximately $6.1 billion remains available for repurchases.

Equity Investments

Amazon holds significant equity investments in various companies. Notably, as of September 30, 2024, Amazon owns approximately 16% of Rivian Automotive, valued at about $1.8 billion.

Shareholder Equity

As of September 30, 2024, Amazon's total stockholders' equity was reported at $259.2 billion, showcasing a robust financial position.

Financial Overview

Amazon's financial performance for the third quarter of 2024 is summarized as follows:

Metric Q3 2023 Q3 2024
Net Sales $143.1 billion $158.9 billion
Operating Income $11.2 billion $17.4 billion
Net Income $9.9 billion $15.3 billion

Conclusion on Ownership Dynamics

The ownership structure of Amazon is characterized by a mix of institutional and retail investors, with significant holdings by its founder and ongoing stock buyback initiatives. This blend of ownership highlights the confidence in Amazon's growth trajectory and market positioning.



Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Mission Statement

Current Mission Statement

As of 2024, Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) articulates its mission as follows: “We strive to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices.”

Core Values

  • Customer Obsession: Amazon places the customer at the forefront of its decision-making process.
  • Invent and Simplify: The company encourages innovation and simplicity in its offerings.
  • Hire and Develop the Best: Amazon focuses on attracting and nurturing talent.
  • Deliver Results: The emphasis is on achieving results and maintaining high standards.
  • Long-Term Thinking: Amazon prioritizes long-term goals over short-term gains.

Financial Performance Overview

In Q3 2024, Amazon reported the following financial metrics:

Metric Q3 2023 Q3 2024 Change (%)
Total Net Sales $143.1 billion $158.9 billion 10.3%
Operating Income $11.2 billion $17.4 billion 55.5%
Net Income $9.9 billion $15.3 billion 55.0%
Free Cash Flow $21.4 billion $47.7 billion 122.1%

Market Position and Strategy

Amazon operates through three primary segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The breakdown of net sales by segment for Q3 2024 is as follows:

Segment Net Sales (Q3 2024) Year-over-Year Growth (%)
North America $95.5 billion 9%
International $35.9 billion 12%
AWS $27.5 billion 19%

Customer Engagement and Satisfaction

Amazon continues to enhance customer engagement through various initiatives, including:

  • Amazon Prime: Memberships reached over 200 million globally, driving customer loyalty and increased spending.
  • Fulfillment Network: Investments in logistics and delivery infrastructure have improved delivery speed and efficiency.
  • Product Selection: Amazon offers millions of products across various categories, ensuring customer choice.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Amazon anticipates growth driven by:

  • Innovation in AWS: Continued expansion of AWS services is expected to fuel revenue growth.
  • Global Market Penetration: Strategies for international expansion will target emerging markets.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Commitment to sustainability through initiatives like The Climate Pledge aims to enhance brand reputation.

Recent Developments

As of October 31, 2024, Amazon provided guidance for Q4 2024:

Metric Q4 2024 Guidance
Net Sales $181.5 billion - $188.5 billion
Operating Income $16.0 billion - $20.0 billion


How Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Works

Overview of Amazon's Business Model

Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) operates through three primary segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Each segment contributes to the company's overall revenue and profitability.

Financial Performance for 2024

As of Q3 2024, Amazon reported the following financial results:

Financial Metric Q3 2023 Q3 2024 9 Months Ended September 30, 2023 9 Months Ended September 30, 2024
Net Sales $143.1 billion $158.9 billion $404.8 billion $450.2 billion
Operating Income $11.2 billion $17.4 billion $23.6 billion $47.4 billion
Net Income $9.9 billion $15.3 billion $19.8 billion $39.2 billion
Diluted EPS $0.94 $1.43 $1.89 $3.67

Segment Performance

The performance of Amazon's segments for Q3 2024 is as follows:

Segment Net Sales (Q3 2024) Operating Income (Q3 2024)
North America $95.5 billion $5.7 billion
International $35.9 billion $1.3 billion
AWS $27.5 billion $10.4 billion

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for Q3 2024 were detailed as follows:

Expense Type Amount (Q3 2024)
Cost of Sales $81.0 billion
Fulfillment $24.7 billion
Technology and Infrastructure $22.2 billion
Sales and Marketing $10.6 billion
General and Administrative $2.7 billion

Cash Flow Analysis

Amazon's cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were as follows:

Cash Flow Activity Amount
Cash Provided by Operating Activities $70.2 billion
Cash Used in Investing Activities $(56.9 billion)
Cash Used in Financing Activities $(8.5 billion)

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of September 30, 2024, Amazon's balance sheet reflected:

Balance Sheet Item Amount
Total Assets $584.6 billion
Total Liabilities $310.5 billion
Stockholders' Equity $274.1 billion

Market Trends and Strategic Initiatives

Amazon continues to focus on enhancing its logistics capabilities, expanding AWS offerings, and increasing its investment in technology infrastructure to support growth in various sectors.

Investment in Technology and Infrastructure

Amazon's capital expenditures for Q3 2024 amounted to:

Capital Expenditure Type Amount
Technology Infrastructure $21.3 billion
Fulfillment Network Expansion $34.8 billion

Conclusion

Amazon's business model and operational strategy continue to evolve, leveraging its diversified revenue streams and focusing on customer-centric practices to drive growth.



How Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

Amazon generates revenue from several key segments, including North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The following table summarizes the net sales for these segments in 2024:

Segment Q3 2023 (in millions) Q3 2024 (in millions) 9M 2023 (in millions) 9M 2024 (in millions)
North America $87,887 $95,537 $247,314 $271,911
International $32,137 $35,888 $90,957 $99,486
AWS $23,059 $27,452 $66,553 $78,770
Total Consolidated $143,083 $158,877 $404,824 $450,167

North America Segment

The North America segment primarily includes retail sales from consumer products, advertising, and subscription services. In Q3 2024, this segment accounted for approximately 60% of total net sales. In terms of year-over-year growth, North America sales increased by 9% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, primarily driven by increased unit sales and advertising revenues.

International Segment

The International segment has shown growth as well, with a 12% increase in sales in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023. This growth is attributed to increased unit sales and advertising revenues similar to the North America segment. International sales accounted for about 22% of total net sales in Q3 2024.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS continues to be a significant growth driver for Amazon, with sales increasing by 19% in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023. AWS sales represented approximately 17% of total net sales in Q3 2024. The growth in AWS revenue is driven by increased customer usage, despite pricing changes due to long-term customer contracts.

Operating Income

The operating income for Amazon's segments in Q3 2024 is as follows:

Segment Q3 2023 (in millions) Q3 2024 (in millions)
North America $4,307 $5,663
International ($95) $1,301
AWS $6,976 $10,447
Total Operating Income $11,188 $17,411

Operating income increased significantly from $11.2 billion in Q3 2023 to $17.4 billion in Q3 2024, highlighting improved profitability across the segments.

Cost Structure

The following table outlines the operating expenses for Amazon in Q3 2024:

Expense Type Q3 2023 (in millions) Q3 2024 (in millions)
Cost of Sales $75,022 $80,977
Fulfillment $22,314 $24,660
Technology and Infrastructure $21,203 $22,245
Sales and Marketing $10,551 $10,609
General and Administrative $2,561 $2,713
Total Operating Expenses $131,895 $141,466

Net Income

Amazon's net income for Q3 2024 was $15.3 billion, compared to $9.9 billion in Q3 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $39.2 billion, up from $19.8 billion for the same period in 2023.

Conclusion on Revenue Model

Amazon's diversified revenue streams from retail, AWS, and advertising continue to drive growth and profitability. The company's focus on enhancing customer experience through fast shipping and a wide selection of products remains pivotal in maintaining its competitive edge in the e-commerce landscape.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.