Amazon.com announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007. 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. Net income increased 112% to $207 million in the fourth quarter, compared with net income of $98 million 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."

Amazon.com shipped over half-a-million units in fourth quarter 2007 on behalf of sellers who utilized the Fulfillment by Amazon service. Over 330,000 developers have registered to use Amazon Web Services (AWS), up more than 30,000 from last quarter.

North America segment sales, representing the Company's U.S. and Canadian sites, were $3.08 billion, up 40% from fourth quarter 2006. International segment sales, representing the Company's U.K., German, Japanese, French and Chinese sites, were $2.59 billion, up 46% from fourth quarter 2006. Excluding the favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, International sales grew 35%.

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