NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 11, 2003--Standard&Poor's Rating Services said today that it affirmed its 'B' corporate credit rating on Amazon.com and revised its outlook on the company to stable from negative. Amazon.com had $2.3 billion of funded debt outstanding as of Dec. 31, 2002. "The outlook revision is based on the company's increased rate of sales growth and improved operating performance during a difficult economic period. Amazon.com's rate of sales growth increased to 26% in 2002 from 13% in 2001 due to its free shipping program, increased product offerings, and continued growth of on-line sales," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Diane Shand. "Moreover, the company's operating margin increased to 9.9% in 2002 from 4.5% in
