Amazon reported impressive first-quarter earnings in 2024, with its operating margin reaching a record high of 10.7%. This significant increase can be attributed to CEO Andy Jassy's cost-cutting measures and the growth of higher-margin businesses, particularly Amazon Web Services (AWS). The company's operating income more than tripled to $15.3 billion, and net income jumped over 200% to $10.4 billion.
Revenue at AWS increased by 17%, with almost two-thirds of operating income coming from this segment. Digital advertising revenue also grew by 24% to $11.8 billion.
Amazon's retail business continued to perform well, with net sales rising by 13% year-over-year. The company is investing heavily in its cloud computing business and generative A.I., which is expected to drive further growth.
Prime Video, a significant contributor to Amazon's ad revenue, has more than 200 million monthly viewers worldwide. The platform has secured deals with mega-influencers like MrBeast for reality-competition series such as 'Beast Games', which offers a $5 million prize.
Despite these positive results, it's important to note that Amazon is not without competition. Companies like Microsoft and Alphabet are also making strides in the tech industry, particularly in cloud computing and AI.
Amazon's focus on shipping products quickly and providing a customer-centric experience remains a key driver of its success. The company continues to innovate, investing in new technologies and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of consumers.