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Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] |
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Coupang, Inc. (“Coupang” or the “Parent”), together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” or “our”), is a Delaware corporation, which owns and operates a retail business that primarily serves the Korean retail market. Through our mobile applications and Internet websites, we offer products and services that span a wide range of categories, including home goods and décor, apparel and beauty products, fresh food and grocery, sporting goods, electronics, everyday consumables, travel, restaurant order and delivery, content streaming, and advertising, which are offered through a fully integrated technology, fulfillment and logistics infrastructure. We are headquartered in the United States, with operations and support services performed in geographies including South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, and India. We completed our initial public offering (“IPO”) on March 15, 2021, in which we issued and sold 100 million shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $35.00 per share and received net proceeds of $3.4 billion. In connection with our IPO, Coupang, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, converted into a Delaware corporation pursuant to a statutory conversion, which changed our name to Coupang, Inc. (“Corporate Conversion”). Farfetch Acquisition In January 2024 we acquired the business and assets of Farfetch Holdings plc (“Farfetch”), a leading global marketplace for the luxury fashion industry (the “Farfetch Acquisition”). Refer to Note 15 — " Subsequent Event - Farfetch" for additional information. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to current year presentation. Our fiscal year is consistent with the calendar year and ends on December 31. References to years relate to the fiscal year ended December 31. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Segment Information We have two reportable segments: Product Commerce and Developing Offerings. Refer to Note 3 — "Segment Reporting" for additional information. Foreign Currency Our functional currency, including that of the Parent, is the United States dollar (“U.S. dollar”). The Korean Won is the local and functional currency for our Korean subsidiary, Coupang Corp., which is our primary operating subsidiary. The other subsidiaries predominantly utilize their local currencies as their functional currencies. Assets and liabilities of each subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each period. Revenue and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average rates that approximate those in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income,” a separate component of stockholders’ equity and in the “Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash” in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Transaction gains and losses are included in “Other expense, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues on the amount of expected consideration it will receive, which incorporates reductions for estimated returns, promotional discounts, and earned loyalty rewards. Revenue excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties, such as value added taxes. Historical experience is used to estimate returns at the time of sale at a portfolio level using the expected value method. We include these amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur and updates as additional information becomes available. For revenue contracts with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation using the relative stand-alone selling price. We primarily determine stand-alone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers. Net Retail Sales Retail sales are earned from our online product sales to consumers. Retail revenue is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which occurs upon delivery to the customer. Net Other Revenue Net other revenue includes commissions and logistics and fulfillment fees earned from merchants that sell their products through our online business. We are not the seller of record in these transactions, nor do we take control of the related inventory. Although we process and collect the entire amount of these transactions, we record revenue on the net commission because we are acting as an agent. Commission revenue is recognized when the order is completed and transmitted to the third-party merchant. Logistics and fulfillment fees are recognized as the services are rendered. Net other revenue also includes consideration from our online restaurant ordering and delivery services, performed by us, as well as advertising services provided on our website and mobile applications. Revenues from online restaurant ordering and delivery are recognized when we deliver the order. Advertising revenue is recognized as ads are delivered over a period of time or based on number of clicks and impressions. We offer a subscription service to our Rocket WOW membership program, which provides customers with access to benefits such as access to Rocket Fresh, no minimum spend for Rocket Delivery, Dawn Delivery, product discounts, free shipping on returns, discounts on restaurant orders via Coupang Eats, and access to content streaming. Subscription benefits represent a single, stand-ready obligation and revenue from subscription fees are recognized over the subscription period. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue primarily relates to retail sales and is recorded when payments are received in advance of delivery to customers. Deferred revenue is generally recognized as revenue in the following month when delivery is made to customers. Discount Coupons and Loyalty Rewards For discount coupons or loyalty rewards offered as part of revenue transactions, we defer a portion of the revenue based on the estimated standalone selling price of the discount coupons or loyalty rewards earned and recognize the revenue as they are redeemed in future transactions or when they expire. Discount coupons and loyalty rewards expire after six months and are generally redeemed within six months from issuance and therefore, breakage is not significant. We also issue discount coupons or loyalty rewards that are not earned in conjunction with the purchase of a product as part of our marketing activities. This is not a performance obligation and is recognized as a reduction of the transaction price when rendered by the customer. Cost of Sales Cost of sales are primarily comprised of the purchase price of products sold to customers where we record revenue gross, and includes logistics center costs. Inbound shipping and handling costs to receive products from suppliers are included in inventory and recognized in cost of sales as products are sold. Additionally, cost of sales includes outbound shipping and logistics related expenses, and delivery service costs from our restaurant delivery business, primarily where we are the delivery service provider, as well as depreciation and amortization. Payments from Suppliers We receive consideration from suppliers for various programs, including rebates, incentives, and discounts, as well as advertising services provided on our website and mobile applications. We generally record these amounts received from suppliers to be a reduction of the prices we pay for their goods, and a subsequent reduction in cost of sales as the inventory is sold. Operating, General and Administrative Expenses Operating, general and administrative expenses include all our operating costs, excluding cost of sales, as described above. More specifically, these expenses include costs incurred in operating and staffing our fulfillment centers (including costs attributable to receiving, inspecting, picking, packaging, and preparing customer orders), customer service related costs, payment processing fees, costs related to the design, execution and maintenance of our technology infrastructure and online offerings, advertising costs, general corporate function costs, and depreciation and amortization. Advertising expenses, which are expensed as incurred, were $711 million, $605 million, and $433 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Equity-Based Compensation We account for equity-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires compensation expense for the grant-date fair value of equity-based awards to be recognized over the requisite service period. We determine the fair value of equity-based awards granted or modified on the grant date or modification date using appropriate valuation techniques. Forfeitures are estimated using historical experience at the time of grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. Restricted Stock Units We previously granted restricted equity units (“REUs”) under our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (“2011 Plan”), which vest upon the satisfaction of both a service-based condition and a performance-based condition. The performance condition was satisfied at the time of the IPO, and we recorded cumulative equity-based compensation expense for the awards based on the service-based conditions. The fair value of the REUs were estimated based on the fair market value of our common units on the date of grant. In connection with our Corporate Conversion, the outstanding awards were converted into restricted stock units (“RSUs”). We have subsequently granted RSUs that generally vest upon the satisfaction of a service-based condition as defined in our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (“2021 Plan”). The grant-date fair value of each RSU, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized as expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis for RSUs with service only vesting conditions. Stock Options We previously granted unit options under the 2011 Plan, which vest over a service period of generally four years. In connection with our Corporate Conversion, the outstanding awards were converted into stock options. The grant-date fair value of each stock option award, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized as expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the award, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the award, and expected dividends. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the stock of industry peers. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of U.S. Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected term of the options for each option group. Defined Severance Benefits We accrue severance benefits for employees of our Korean subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act of Korea, eligible employees with one or more years of service are entitled to severance payments upon the termination of their employment based on their length of service and pay rate. We recognize the defined severance benefits obligation in the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding adjustment to operating expenses and “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income”. The obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a remeasurement event, based on our measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions and methodologies. We use certain assumptions including, but not limited to, the selection of the: (i) discount rates; (ii) salary growth rates; and (iii) certain employee-related factors, such as turnover, retirement age and mortality. We review our actuarial assumptions and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Our deferred tax assets are recorded net of valuation allowances when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income. In considering the need for a valuation allowance, we consider our historical, as well as future projected taxable income, along with other positive and negative evidence in assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Decreases to valuation allowances are recorded as reductions to our income tax expense and increases to valuation allowances result in additional expense for income taxes. Global Intangible Low-taxed Income (“GILTI”) provisions are applied, providing for incremental tax on foreign income. We have made the policy election to record any liability associated with GILTI in the period in which it is incurred. We recognize and measure uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return utilizing a two-step process. In the first step, recognition, we determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The second step addresses measurement of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not criteria. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a likelihood of greater than 50 percent of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive common stock outstanding during the period. We have two classes of common stock outstanding, Class A common stock and Class B common stock (collectively “common stock”), with equal rights to dividends and income. Earnings per share are therefore the same for Class A and Class B common stock, both on an individual and combined basis. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase, or deposit accounts that can be withdrawn at any time without significant penalty. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily consists of certain cash pledged as collateral for loan facility agreements, cash on deposit designated for interest and principal debt repayments, as well as cash on deposit pledged as collateral for potential refunds on transactions with customers or future payments to suppliers. Restricted cash with remaining restrictions of one year or less are classified as current on the consolidated balance sheets. Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net are stated at their carrying value, net of allowance for credit losses based on lifetime expected losses. Accounts receivable balances are primarily trade receivables due from payment gateway providers, customers, suppliers and sellers, net of estimated allowances for credit losses. Amounts included in accounts receivable, or collected from payment gateway providers, to be remitted to merchants are included in accounts payable. Receivables from suppliers and sellers primarily relate to advertising activities. We estimate the allowance for credit losses based upon historical experience, the age and delinquency rates of receivables and credit quality, as well as economic and regulatory conditions combined with reasonable and supportable management forecasts of collectability and other economic factors over the lifetime of the receivables. We write off accounts against the allowance for credit losses when they are deemed to be uncollectible. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, net receivables from customers and sellers were $71 million and $64 million, respectively. The allowance amounts were immaterial for all periods presented. Inventories Our inventories, which consist of products available for sale, are accounted for using the weighted average cost method, and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. This valuation requires management judgments, based on currently available information, about the likely method of disposition, such as through sales to individual customers, returns to product suppliers, or liquidations, and expected recoverable values of separate inventory categories. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net are stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment primarily includes buildings and structures, land, leasehold improvements, furniture, internal-use software, vehicles, information technology equipment, heavy equipment, and other fulfillment equipment. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective asset categories. Depreciation and amortization expense is classified within the corresponding operating expense categories on the consolidated statements of operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Fulfillment Center Fire In June 2021, a fire extensively damaged our Deokpyeong fulfillment center (“FC Fire”) resulting in a loss of the inventory, building, equipment, and other assets at the site. Inventory and property and equipment losses from the FC Fire of $158 million and $138 million were recognized in “Cost of sales” and “Operating, general and administrative”, respectively, in 2021. While we are insured on property losses from the FC Fire, investigations surrounding the fire continue. In December 2022 and September 2023, we received refundable insurance cash advance payments of $79 million and $59 million, respectively, which are included within other current liabilities. We have not recognized any insurance benefit in our consolidated statements of operations to date. Whether and to what extent the advances will become non-refundable or additional proceeds will be received is currently unknown. Leases We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. Leases are classified as either operating or finance. Lease obligations and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are recognized at the present value of the fixed lease payments. We only consider options to extend or terminate a lease if it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option. We determine our discount rate at lease inception using our incremental borrowing rate. For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with an initial contractual term of twelve months or less are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term and we do not recognize lease liabilities and ROU assets. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Conditions that may necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded if the asset’s carrying value is not recoverable through its undiscounted future cash flows. Impairment losses are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and estimated fair value of the related asset or asset group. No impairment losses were recorded for 2023, 2022, and 2021. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our primary financial instruments include cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, other assets, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Refer to Note 8 — "Fair Value Measurement" for further information. Concentration of Credit Risk Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and accounts receivable are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash are placed with several financial institutions and money market funds that management believes are of high credit quality, of which 47% and 70% were held at two and three financial institutions as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our gross accounts receivable includes amounts concentrated with three payment processing companies representing 51% and 41% of gross accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-04, “Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50) - Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations.” The standard requires entities that use supplier finance programs to make disclosures about the key terms of the program, the balance sheet presentation of the related amounts and disclose the amounts outstanding, including providing a rollforward of such amounts. The adoption of the ASU in the first quarter resulted in incremental disclosures in our consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the rollforward disclosure which will be effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Yet To Be Adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The standard requires additional disclosures about an entities segments, primarily about significant segment expenses that are reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. Early adoption is allowed under the standard. We are evaluating the effect of adopting the ASU on our disclosures, which is effective beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and interim reporting beginning with the period ended March 31, 2025. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The standard requires disclosure of specific categories of an entities income tax expenses and income taxes paid among other disclosures. Early adoption is allowed under the standard. We are evaluating the effect of adopting the ASU on our disclosures, which is effective beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Basis of Presentation These condensed Parent company-only financial statements have been derived from its consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Coupang, Inc. and subsidiaries included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Parent’s significant accounting policies are consistent with those described in Note 1 — "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Part II, Item 8, except that all subsidiaries are accounted for as equity method investments. Certain subsidiaries in Korea hold various licenses and/or are regulated by governmental requirements. As a result, the ability of these subsidiaries to pay dividends or loan money to our Parent company is restricted due to terms which require the subsidiaries to meet certain financial covenants, including maintaining a positive net equity balance; having a minimum percentage of its total assets in low-risk, cash-like assets; and maintaining a minimum current asset to current liability ratio. In addition, the Parent has certain regulatory restrictions that only allow dividend payments to be made while maintaining a positive net equity balance or if dividends are paid out of the current years' income, if any.

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