Key Points
- Net sales of $148 billion landed at the higher end of management's guidance range.
- Operating income more than doubled year over year to $14.7 billion.
- Net income nearly doubled to $13.5 billion.
Amazon (AMZN -0.31%), the e-commerce and cloud computing giant, released its results for the second quarter on Aug 1. The company reported strong financial results, notably in its AWS segment, but also highlighted ongoing economic and competitive challenges. Net sales for the quarter were $148 billion, up 10% year over year and at the upper end of management's guidance range of $144 billion to $149 billion. Operating income was $14.7 billion, beating the guidance range of $10 billion to $14 billion. Net income for the quarter was $13.5 billion, or $1.26 per diluted share, nearly doubling from $6.8 billion, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the same period last year. Overall, Amazon demonstrated a solid quarter with significant growth across various segments.
| Metric | Q2 2024 Actual | Q2 2024 Management Guidance | Q2 2023 Actual | % Change (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $148 billion | $144 billion to $149 billion | $134.4 billion | 10% |
| Operating income | $14.7 billion | $10 billion to $14 billion | $7.7 billion | 91% |
| Net income | $13.5 billion | N/A | $6.8 billion | 101% |
| AWS sales | $26.3 billion | N/A | $22.1 billion | 19% |
| Source: Management guidance provided in the Q1 earnings report on April 30. |
An Overview of Amazon’s Business
Amazon, primarily known for its dominance in e-commerce, also operates in an array of other businesses, including cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS), digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. AWS continues to be the key profit driver, accounting for the majority of the company's net income.
Amazon's recent efforts have included enhancing its fulfillment network, improving delivery speeds, and introducing new subscription benefits.
Notable Developments During the Quarter
During Q2, Amazon reported several key achievements across its business segments.
First, the North America segment saw net sales increase by 9% year over year to $90 billion, and its operating income rose to $5.1 billion, up from $3.2 billion in Q2 2023. While this represents strong growth, the rate of increase has decelerated compared to previous quarters. Economic conditions, including inflation, impacted consumer spending within this segment.
The International segment experienced a notable turnaround, with net sales increasing by 7% to $31.7 billion (10% growth excluding foreign exchange impact). Operating income returned to positive territory at $300 million, compared to a $900 million loss in Q2 2023.
The AWS segment remained a standout performer, with net sales growing 19% to $26.3 billion. Operating income jumped to $9.3 billion, up from $5.4 billion in Q2 2023. The growth of AWS was driven by new generative AI services and expanded partnerships, reinforcing its market leadership in cloud computing.
Amazon’s operational highlights included its 10th Prime Day, which was its largest sales event to date. Additionally, Amazon expanded its market presence by establishing operations in South Africa and enhancing Prime membership value with added subscription benefits like Grubhub+.
Financial Outlook and Key Considerations
For Q3, management is guiding for net sales in the range of $154 billion to $158.5 billion, or 8% to 11% growth. This forecast includes an anticipated 90 basis point headwind from foreign exchange rates. Operating income is projected to be between $11.5 billion and $15 billion, compared to $11.2 billion in Q3 2023. The guidance indicates a continued trajectory of growth, although at potentially slower rates due to economic factors.
