Amazon’s latest Australian accounts show its market share gains are accelerating. In 2023, we calculate the online retailer had $5.8 billion in gross transaction value (GTV), which would account for one in $10 of all online spending by Australians. It could reach $10 billion in GTV over the next three years. While Amazon is winning share, we find that it is doing so rationally on price.

Amazon Australia’s 2022 financial results reveal the retailer has delivered very strong sales growth with improving profitability. This is in stark contrast to the declining sales and loss-making results for some online pure plays. In our view, Amazon is investing for the long-term, which is evident in its distribution centre infrastructure, marketing investment and Amazon Prime membership, which may now be one in four Australian households. The debate in our mind is how much money and time will be spent by Wesfarmers and Woolworths trying to establish their own online ecosystem. We expect it to be costly for all involved.

Wesfarmers has increased its bid for API to $1.55 per share, a 12% lift in its offer price. The API Board has indicated support. While the enterprise value is less than $1 billion, it is an important development for Wesfarmers as it establishes a Health segment. More acquisitions may follow. API is also likely to be part of Wesfarmers digital ecosystem over time.