Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) showcases a story of resilience, innovation, and unparalleled growth, evolving from a simple online bookstore into one of the world’s largest companies. Its journey through the stock market, marked by annual fluctuations, encapsulates the tech giant’s ability to adapt and thrive amidst the sector’s volatility.
Annual Returns of Amazon Stock (AMZN)
| Year | Beginning | Ending | Gain/Loss | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $85.82 | $151.94 | 77.04% | 24.73% |
| 2022 | $170.40 | $84.00 | -50.71% | -19.95% |
| 2021 | $159.33 | $166.72 | 4.64% | 28.79% |
| 2020 | $94.90 | $162.85 | 71.60% | 15.29% |
| 2019 | $76.96 | $92.39 | 20.06% | 28.71% |
| 2018 | $59.45 | $75.10 | 26.32% | -7.01% |
| 2017 | $37.68 | $58.47 | 55.17% | 18.42% |
| 2016 | $31.85 | $37.49 | 17.72% | 11.24% |
| 2015 | $15.43 | $33.79 | 119.07% | -0.69% |
| 2014 | $19.90 | $15.52 | -22.02% | 12.39% |
| 2013 | $12.87 | $19.94 | 54.98% | 26.39% |
| 2012 | $8.95 | $12.54 | 40.13% | 11.68% |
| 2011 | $9.21 | $8.65 | -6.04% | -1.12% |
| 2010 | $6.70 | $9.00 | 34.43% | 11.00% |
| 2009 | $2.72 | $6.73 | 147.46% | 19.67% |
| 2008 | $4.81 | $2.56 | -46.72% | -37.58% |
| 2007 | $1.93 | $4.63 | 139.38% | 3.65% |
| 2006 | $2.38 | $1.97 | -17.07% | 11.78% |
| 2005 | $2.23 | $2.36 | 5.91% | 3.84% |
| 2004 | $2.60 | $2.21 | -14.66% | 9.33% |
| 2003 | $0.98 | $2.63 | 168.88% | 22.32% |
| 2002 | $0.55 | $0.94 | 72.35% | -23.80% |
| 2001 | $0.69 | $0.54 | -22.02% | -10.53% |
| 2000 | $4.47 | $0.78 | -82.59% | -9.27% |
| 1999 | $2.96 | $3.81 | 28.68% | 19.64% |
| 1998 | $0.25 | $2.68 | 979.83% | 26.07% |
| 1997 | $0.10 | $0.25 | 156.38% | 31.67% |
The table above displays the AMZN Yearly Return Rate, highlighting Amazon’s annual stock performance on a split-adjusted basis. This data does not include dividends, stock spin-offs, taxes, or transaction commissions.
Amazon (AMZN) Stock History
Early Market Presence and Growth (1997-2003)
Amazon.com, Inc. embarked on its public trading journey with its initial public offering in 1997, setting the stage for its transformation into a digital commerce behemoth. The late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of rapid expansion and bold strategic moves, including diversifying beyond books into various product categories.
The company’s stock performance in these initial years reflected the volatile nature of internet stocks during the dot-com bubble and its aftermath. Amazon saw an extraordinary surge in 1998, with its stock value skyrocketing by 979.83%, a testament to investor enthusiasm for the burgeoning online retail model.
However, the subsequent years, particularly 2000, marked a significant correction with an 82.59% loss as the bubble burst, challenging Amazon to stabilize and refine its business model amidst a skeptical market.
Resilience and Recovery (2004-2010)
This period showcased Amazon’s resilience and its ability to innovate and expand. Despite the tech industry’s challenges, Amazon began showing a steady recovery and growth from 2004 onwards, with significant gains highlighted in years like 2005 and 2007, where the stock rose by 5.91% and 139.38%, respectively.
The launch of key services and expansion into new markets during these years played a crucial role in restoring investor confidence and setting the stage for future growth.
Dominance and Diversification (2011-2020)
Amazon’s relentless expansion into new product lines, services, and international markets defined this era. The company’s foray into cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence, alongside its core e-commerce platform, contributed to its reputation as an innovative and disruptive force in multiple industries.
The stock’s performance mirrored this success, with notable years of gains, such as a 55.17% increase in 2017 and a 71.60% surge in 2020, reflecting Amazon’s solidifying position as a global leader in technology and retail. These years underscored the company’s ability to capitalize on emerging trends and navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Recent Trends and Adjustments (2021-2023)
The latest phase of Amazon’s market journey has been marked by continued growth tempered by market adjustments and increasing competition. Despite a global pandemic’s challenges, Amazon’s stock achieved a 4.64% gain in 2021, demonstrating the company’s operational resilience and the increased demand for e-commerce and cloud services.
However, 2022 presented a more challenging scenario, with the stock experiencing a significant downturn of 50.71%, a reflection of broader market volatility and perhaps investor concerns over growth sustainability and market valuation.
In 2023, Amazon showcased a remarkable recovery, with its stock value rising by 77.04%, indicating a strong rebound and continued investor confidence in its business model and future growth prospects.