Amazon Grows Sales 24 Percent in Third Quarter 2019

Amazon.com grew sales 24% to $70 billion in the third quarter of 2019, the company announced today.

Of interest to sellers, it included in third-quarter highlights the following:

“Since the beginning of the year, Amazon has launched more than 150 new tools and services to help small and medium-sized businesses grow their sales in Amazon’s stores. Recently launched tools and services include Target Inventory Levels, which allows sellers to better manage their Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) inventory; Appstore and third-party tools, which help selling partners identify trusted third-party applications that complement Amazon’s free tools and help them streamline their business operations; and Sold by Amazon, a free, opt-in service that helps selling partners save time and increase sales by automating prices.”

Excerpt of press release follows:

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2019.

Operating cash flow increased 33% to $35.3 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $26.6 billion for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2018. Free cash flow increased to $23.5 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $15.4 billion for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2018. Free cash flow less principal repayments of finance leases and financing obligations increased to $14.6 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $8.1 billion for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2018. Free cash flow less equipment finance leases and principal repayments of all other finance leases and financing obligations increased to $10.5 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $5.4 billion for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2018.

Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards totaled 511 million on September 30, 2019, compared with 507 million one year ago.

Net sales increased 24% to $70.0 billion in the third quarter, compared with $56.6 billion in third quarter 2018. Excluding the $500 million unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales increased 25% compared with third quarter 2018.

Operating income decreased to $3.2 billion in the third quarter, compared with operating income of $3.7 billion in third quarter 2018.

Net income decreased to $2.1 billion in the third quarter, or $4.23 per diluted share, compared with net income of $2.9 billion, or $5.75 per diluted share, in third quarter 2018.

“We are ramping up to make our 25th holiday season the best ever for Prime customers — with millions of products available for free one-day delivery,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “Customers love the transition of Prime from two days to one day — they’ve already ordered billions of items with free one-day delivery this year. It’s a big investment, and it’s the right long-term decision for customers. And although it’s counterintuitive, the fastest delivery speeds generate the least carbon emissions because these products ship from fulfillment centers very close to the customer — it simply becomes impractical to use air or long ground routes. Huge thanks to all the teams helping deliver for customers this holiday.”

See the full press release for highlights, charts, additional financial information and guidance:

SOURCE: Amazon Press Release

Ina Steiner

Ina Steiner is co-founder and Editor of EcommerceBytes and has been reporting on ecommerce since 1999. She's a widely cited authority on marketplace selling and is author of "Turn eBay Data Into Dollars" (McGraw-Hill 2006). Her blog was featured in the book, "Blogging Heroes" (Wiley 2008). She is a member of the Online News Association (Sep 2005 - present) and Investigative Reporters and Editors (Mar 2006 - present). Follow her on Twitter at @ecommercebytes and send news tips to ina@ecommercebytes.com. See disclosure at EcommerceBytes.com/disclosure/.