For the same period last year, the company posted a loss of $149m (拢81.35m). Sales at the international division, including , contributed to the good results, rising 74% to $803m in the fourth quarter and exceeding $2bn in 2003 for the first time.
Shares in Amazon.com lost 3% on Wednesday morning in New York, falling $1.70 to $54, after the online retailer said its strategy to pass on low prices to consumers would hit its gross margins.
Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO, said: "Consistent with our strategy, we're making a choice to return some of the operating efficiencies that we're getting to consumers. We're not trying to optimise the company for gross margins."
Best-selling items at the retailer now extend way beyond its traditional lines of books and CDs, with electronics and other general merchandise generating revenues of more than $1.1bn last year.
"In addition to purchasing thousands of $29 DVD players this holiday season, customers also bought Tibetan yak cheese, pomegranate molasses and zero carb cheese straws," Bezos said.
Amazon was also upbeat on the forthcoming quarter, expecting sales growth of between 28% and 38%.
Looking ahead, Amazon.com raised its projected revenue, saying it expects sales in 2004 between $6.2bn and $6.7bn. Analysts expect it to post 2004 sales of $6.2bn.
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