Amazon.com gave a weaker-than-expected forecast for operating profit in the current quarter, pointing toward tariffs and trade policies that may cause consumers to pull back on spending. The world’s largest online retailer projected operating profit of $13 billion to $17.5 billion, compared with an average estimate of $17.8 billion. Sales will be $159 billion to $164 billion in the period ending in June, the company said Thursday in a statement. Analysts, on average, expected $161.4 billion.

Amazon shares have fallen about 13% this year as Wall Street weighs the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on a retail operation that sources much of its goods from China. Investors are generally bullish on the company’s efforts to become a major force in artificial intelligence, but there are concerns that Amazon’s prodigious spending on data centers may not translate into meaningful sales growth any time soon.

Amazon Web Services, the largest seller of rented computing power, reported first-quarter sales gained 17% to $29.3 billion, in line with analysts’ estimates. It was the unit’s slowest growth in a year.
For instant reaction and analysis, hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with:
Bloomberg Technology co-host Caroline Hyde
Bloomberg Intelligence senior US e-commerce and retail analyst Poonam Goyal

 

Amazon.com gave a weaker-than-expected forecast for operating profit in the current quarter, pointing toward tariffs and trade policies that may cause consumers to pull back on spending. The world&rsquo;s largest online retailer projected operating profit of $13 billion to $17.5 billion, compared with an average estimate of $17.8 billion. Sales will be $159 billion to $164 billion in the period ending in June, the company said Thursday in a statement. Analysts, on average, expected $161.4 billion. Amazon shares have fallen about 13% this year as Wall Street weighs the impact of President Donald Trump&rsquo;s tariffs on a retail operation that sources much of its goods from China. Investors are generally bullish on the company&rsquo;s efforts to become a major force in artificial intelligence, but there are concerns that Amazon&rsquo;s prodigious spending on data centers may not translate into meaningful sales growth any time soon. Amazon Web Services, the largest seller of rented computing power, reported first-quarter sales gained 17% to $29.3 billion, in line with analysts&rsquo; estimates. It was the unit&rsquo;s slowest growth in a year. For instant reaction and analysis, hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with:
<ul>
<li>Bloomberg Technology co-host Caroline Hyde</li>
<li>Bloomberg Intelligence senior US e-commerce and retail analyst Poonam Goyal</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec bring you reporting from the magazine that helps global leaders stay ahead, plus insight on the people, companies and trends shaping today's complex economy.  Watch us LIVE on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.

Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec bring you reporting from the magazine that helps global leaders stay ahead, plus insight on the people, companies and trends shaping today's complex economy.&nbsp; Watch us LIVE on YouTube: <a href="http://bit.ly/3vTiACF">http://bit.ly/3vTiACF</a>.

Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec bring together the latest news from the world of business and finance and the interesting stories of global technology, politics, economics and more by harnessing the power of Bloomberg Businessweek reporters and editors.

Bloomberg Businessweek

Instant Reaction: Amazon Gives Weak Forecast on Trade Concerns

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