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Quote:Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007.

Operating cash flow was $1.41 billion in 2007, compared with $0.70 billion in 2006. Free cash flow increased 143% to $1.18 billion in 2007, compared with $0.49 billion in 2006.

Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards outstanding totaled 435 million on December 31, 2007, compared with 436 million a year ago.

Net sales increased 42% to $5.67 billion in the fourth quarter, compared with $3.99 billion in fourth quarter 2006. Excluding the $0.20 billion favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales grew 37% compared with fourth quarter 2006.

Operating income increased 38% to $271 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $197 million in fourth quarter 2006. Excluding the $14 million favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, operating income grew 31% compared with fourth quarter 2006.

Net income increased 112% to $207 million in the fourth quarter, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared with net income of $98 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2006.

"This quarter showed accelerated sales growth and record operating profits," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "In our view, these unusual financial results are driven by one thing: continuously improving the customer experience."

Full Year 2007

Net sales increased 39% to $14.84 billion, or 35% excluding the $0.40 billion favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the year, compared with $10.71 billion in 2006.

Operating income increased 69% to $655 million, or 61% excluding the $29 million favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the year, compared with $389 million in 2006.

Net income increased 150% to $476 million in 2007, or $1.12 per diluted share, compared with net income of $190 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, in 2006.