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Schedule I - Basis of Presentation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation 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 an e-commerce 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 markets including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and China.
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 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
In March 2022, we revised our reportable segments which led to the following two reportable segments: Product Commerce and Developing Offerings. Refer to Note 3 — "Segment Reporting" for additional information.
Initial Public Offering
On March 15, 2021, we completed our initial public offering (“IPO”) in which we issued and sold 100,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $35.00 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $3.4 billion from the IPO after deducting underwriting discounts of $69 million and other offering costs.
Immediately prior to effectiveness of our IPO registration statement on Form S-1, 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”).
For additional information related to our Corporate Conversion and IPO, see Note 14 — "Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Stockholders'/Members' Equity (Deficit)" and Note 15 — "Convertible Notes and Derivative Instrument."
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 income (loss),” 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) income, 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 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 possession or 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. The revenue is recognized when the order is completed and transmitted to the third-party merchant.
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, free shipping on returns 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 $605 million, $433 million, and $128 million for 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 income (loss)”. 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.
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
We compute net loss per share using the two-class method required for multiple classes of common stock and participating securities. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the undistributed earnings or loss are allocated on a proportionate basis to each class of common stock, and the resulting basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders are therefore the same for Class A and Class B common stock on both an individual and a combined basis. Basic net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock and potentially dilutive Class A and Class B potential common shares outstanding during the period. Our basic and diluted net loss per share are the same because we have generated net loss to common stockholders.
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 and are mainly comprised of bank deposits.
(in thousands)202220212020
Supplemental disclosure of cash-flow information
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$5,911 $2,588 $857 
Cash paid for interest$19,336 $21,465 $23,658 
Non-cash investing and financing activities
(Decrease) increase in property and equipment-related accounts payable$(67,665)$45,205 $48,236 
Conversion of common units into Class A and Class B common stock$— $87,064 $— 
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred units into Class A and Class B common stock$— $3,465,611 $— 
Conversion of convertible notes into Class A common stock$— $609,999 $— 
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, 2022 and 2021, net receivables from customers and sellers were $64 million and $90 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, we received a refundable insurance cash advance payment of $79 million, which is 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 advance 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 with contractual terms greater than twelve months are classified as either operating or finance. Leases with an initial contractual term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. When we have the option to extend the term or terminate the lease before the contractual expiration date, and it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option, we consider these options in determining the lease term.
For operating leases, expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, interest expense on the lease liability is recognized using the effective interest method and amortization of the right-of-use (“ROU”) asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Our leases may include variable payments based on measures that include, but are not limited to, changes in price indices or market rates, which are expensed as incurred.
Lease obligations are recognized at the present value of the fixed lease payments, reduced by landlord incentives, using a discount rate based on our incremental borrowing rate at lease inception. Our incremental borrowing rate is based on a credit-adjusted risk-free rate at commencement date, which best approximates a secured rate over a similar term of lease. Lease ROU assets are recognized based on the initial present value of the fixed lease payments, reduced by landlord incentives, plus any direct costs from executing the leases or lease prepayments.
Operating lease ROU assets are presented as “Operating lease right-of-use assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. The current portion of operating lease liabilities is presented as “Current portion of long-term operating lease obligations” and the long-term portion is presented separately as “Long-term operating lease obligations” on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets, which are immaterial, are included in “Property and equipment, net” with the associated portions included in “Other current liabilities” and “Defined severance benefits and other” on the consolidated balance sheets.
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 2022, 2021, and 2020.
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 9 — "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 that management believes are of high credit quality, of which 70% and 77% were held at three and four financial institutions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our gross accounts receivable includes amounts concentrated with three and one payment processing companies representing 41% and 14% of gross accounts receivable as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
We adopted ASU 2020-06, “Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)” effective January 1, 2022. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We adopted ASU 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers” effective January 1, 2023. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Yet To Be Adopted
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, “Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50) - Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations.” The standard will require 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 ASU is effective on a retrospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with the exception of the rollforward disclosure which will be effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is allowed under the standard. We are evaluating the effect of adopting the ASU on our disclosures.
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.