Why Amazon shares tumbled 8% today

A fellow internet name's numbers are casting a shadow of doubt on the e-commerce company's upcoming quarterly report.

| More on:
white arrow pointing down

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

What happened

Shares of e-commerce giant Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) ended Thursday down by 7.81%. The tumble follows another key internet company's fourth-quarter earnings miss, during a market-wide sell-off. Amazon's fourth-quarter earnings report is slated for release after Thursday's closing bell rings.

So what

Blame Meta Platforms (NYSE: FB) -- the company formerly known as Facebook -- mostly. The world's most prolific social network posted Q4 per-share earnings of $3.67 Wednesday evening, missing estimates of $3.84. Its revenue outlook for the quarter currently underway also came up short, with the company citing new competitive pressure and pricing challenges linked to policy changes with Apple's iOS mobile operating system.

Investors are (understandably) assuming Amazon is facing comparable headwinds.

Now what

Analysts expect Amazon to report earnings of between $3.58 and $3.88 per share, depending on the source, though those figures should be taken with a grain of salt. Amazon's profitability is being dramatically reduced by investments in its own growth. The company would normally report income on the order of $6 per share, and earned anywhere between $10 and $15 per share in the throes of the pandemic; it's difficult to meaningfully guess exactly how much money the company made as the world moves on from the COVID-19 contagion.

A more relevant measure of Amazon's fourth-quarter success will be the company's top line, which the analyst community collectively believes will be $137.6 billion, up 9.6% year over year.

Regardless, given today's volatility and the sheer uncertainty as to the actual health of the internet's top names, the smart move here is remaining on the sidelines if you're not already holding the stock, or sticking with Amazon if you're holding it for the long haul anyway. Short-term speculators stand to get burned. 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Amazon, Apple and Meta Platforms, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends the following options: long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, and Meta Platforms, Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on International Stock News

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
International Stock News

Amazon: A good quarter but some concerns

Here's our initial take on Amazon's financial report.

Read more »

Man looks up at apple on his head.
International Stock News

Apple: Growth in a difficult environment

Here's our initial take on Apple's financial report.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
International Stock News

Why Microsoft stock popped this week

Microsoft stock was up by 9.5% this week.

Read more »

Electric vehicle such as Tesla being charged at charging station.
International Stock News

Tesla searches for Musk successor: Why this matters

Could Elon get the chainsaw from his own board?

Read more »

customers inside and outside a Microsoft retail store
International Stock News

Microsoft shares earnings report: What's the verdict?

Investors moved the Microsoft share price significantly.

Read more »

Warren Buffett
International Stock News

Countdown to Berkshire's AGM: What do investors expect to hear from Warren Buffett this year?

All eyes will be on Omaha, Nebraska this weekend.

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
International Stock News

Meta surges on blockbuster earnings report

It's a good day to be a Meta investor.

Read more »

A family sits on their couch, eyes glued to the television.
International Stock News

Can Netflix be a $1 trillion company by 2030?

How much more can it grow its subscription base?

Read more »