Here's where we stand. Amazon
Let's face it, this Amazon is legit. The leading online retailer silenced most doubters quarters ago with its profitability and ascension to the role of virtual landlord over brick-and-mortar giants like Target
This latest triumph -- a 37% jump in sales to $1.1 billion -- isn't about convincing doubters. It's about emerging as a non-seasonal, year-round retail juggernaut. Consider, Amazon moved 1.4 million copies of Harry Potter's new book in a single month. Now consider how that magical $25 million in sales gets lost in a $1.1 billion quarter.
From here, Amazon is looking to ring up between $4.9 billion and $5.1 billion in sales this year. It would take 50 Amazons to equal the global tally of Wal-Mart
Management didn't offer bottom-line guidance, but it does expect operating profits of between $215 million and $255 million this year. With a market cap approaching $15 billion, multiples remain high by most valuation metrics. Still, the company continues to do the right things like trimming its costs and turning its inventory over faster.
That Amazon bears watching is something the competition knows all too well. This month Barnes & Noble
David Gardner argues that certain great stocks invariably trade at rich valuations. That's one reason Amazon is one of this top picks in Motley Fool Stock Advisor. What do you think?
Is Amazon here to stay or is it still vulnerable? Will Barnes & Noble's online store succeed now that it's mirroring Amazon's free shipping policy? Can you really buy one of those cool Segway scooters on Amazon? All this and more -- in the Amazon discussion board . Only on Fool.com.