Seattle-based Amazon.com's strong performance in a generally challenging retail environment, as evidenced by robust sales growth and margin expansion, resulted in a 40% increase in EBITDA year over year. Above-average credit ratios have further strengthened as a result of solid operational performance. We are raising our corporate credit rating on Amazon.com to 'A-' from 'BBB' and removing it from CreditWatch, where it was placed with positive implications on Dec. 17, 2009. The positive rating outlook reflects our expectations for continued robust momentum in performance and for credit metrics to remain above average. On Feb. 12, 2009, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its corporate credit rating on Seattle-based Amazon.com to 'A-' from 'BBB'. The upgrade reflects the company's strong performance
