Audit Committee

Audit Committee Charter

Organization and Membership

This charter governs the operations of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Amazon.com, Inc. (the "Committee"). The Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and consists of at least three directors, each of whom will meet the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") requirements with respect to independence as determined by the Board. Each member of the Committee will meet financial literacy and other Nasdaq requirements relating to Audit Committee membership. Additionally, at least one member of the Committee will be an "audit committee financial expert," as defined in rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Committee reviews and reassesses this charter at least annually and recommends appropriate changes to the Board of Directors.

Statement of Purpose

The Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to:

  • The Company's financial statements and financial reporting process;
  • The qualifications, independence and performance of the Company's independent auditors;
  • The performance of the Company's internal audit function; and
  • The Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

In so doing, the Committee maintains free and open communication with the Company's independent auditors, internal audit department and management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Among its specific duties and responsibilities, the Committee performs the following, to the extent it deems necessary and appropriate, consistent with and subject to applicable laws, as well as rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, Nasdaq or other regulatory authorities:

Financial Statements and Financial Reporting Process
  1. Annual and Quarterly Financial Reporting: The Committee reviews and discusses with management and the independent auditors the annual audited and quarterly unaudited financial statements and related disclosures included in the Company's quarterly earnings releases and in the Company's periodic reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q (including the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section and officer certifications).

    The Committee recommends to the Board of Directors whether the annual audited financial statements should be included in the Company's Form 10-K.

  2. Annual Audit and Communications with Independent Auditors: The Committee reviews and discusses the scope and results of the independent auditors' annual audit and quarterly reviews of the Company's financial statements, and any other matters required to be communicated to the Committee by the independent auditors.
  3. Disclosure, Accounting and Financial Controls: The Committee discusses with management, the senior internal audit executive and the independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, and the Company's risk assessment and risk management policies, including business continuity and operational risks.
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Qualifications, Independence and Performance of the Independent Auditors
  1. Appointment, Compensation, Retention and Oversight: The independent auditors report directly to the Committee, which is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditors. The Company will provide appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of compensation to the independent auditors.
  2. Independence: The Committee considers the independence of the auditors as required by law or regulation. The Committee obtains and reviews a report by the independent auditors describing any relationships between (i) the independent auditors or their affiliates, and (ii) the Company or individuals in financial reporting oversight roles in the Company, that may reasonably be thought to bear on the independence of the auditors, and discusses with the auditors the potential effects of any disclosed relationships on the auditors' independence.
  3. Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services: To the extent required by law or regulation, the Committee reviews and approves in advance all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors and establishes related policies and procedures.
  4. Hiring Former Employees of Independent Auditors: The Committee establishes policies for the Company's hiring of employees and former employees of the independent auditors.
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Performance of the Internal Audit Function
  1. Internal Audits and Reports: The Committee reviews and discusses with the Company's senior internal audit executive the overall scope and staffing of the Company's internal audits. The Committee reviews all significant internal audit reports and management's responses.
  2. Senior Internal Audit Executive: The Committee reviews the appointment of individuals to, and any changes in, the senior internal audit position.
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Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Oversight
  1. Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance: The Committee oversees legal and regulatory matters that may have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (other than with respect to workplace discrimination and harassment). The Committee periodically reviews the Company's compliance policies and procedures, and receives and reviews certain reports on complaints, allegations, and incidents reported pursuant to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or through the Company’s other hotlines and procedures.
  2. Tax: The Committee reviews and discusses with management the Company’s tax planning and compliance.
  3. Government Relations: The Committee annually reviews and discusses with management the Company’s policies, procedures, and reports on political contributions and lobbying expenses, including donations to trade associations and social welfare organizations.
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Other Duties
  1. Complaints: The Committee establishes and oversees procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing, and federal securities law matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by the Company's employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting, auditing, and federal securities law matters.
  2. Outside Advisors: The Committee is empowered to investigate any matter brought to its attention and has the authority to engage outside counsel and other advisors as it deems necessary to carry out its duties. The Company will provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of compensation to such counsel and other advisors.
  3. Related Person Transactions: The Committee reviews and approves related-person transactions as defined by SEC rules.
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Meetings

The Committee meets at least four times a year, either in person or telephonically, at such times and places as the Committee determines. The Committee periodically meets separately in executive session with the senior internal audit executive, management and the independent auditors. The Committee reports regularly to the full Board of Directors with respect to its activities.

Indra K. Nooyi
Brad D. Smith
Wendell P. Weeks
  • Member
  • Chair