Unlike many other large tech companies, Amazon is comfortable sacrificing large profits in the short-term for long-term gains. That's why, despite the fact that 2011 revenues climbed to $48 billion, net income dropped 55% to $631 million.
The company leveled much of its capital at expansion efforts, including plans to open 17 new fulfillment centers. Later in the year, Amazon unleashed the Kindle Fire, a tablet which by one estimate may have sold sold as many as 6 million units last holiday season.
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