Amazon has reported a strong start to 2025 with first-quarter financial results showing a 9% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, totaling $155.7 billion. This performance slightly exceeded analyst expectations and marks a positive step for the retail giant. However, the company's cautious outlook on future earnings has raised concerns among investors, resulting in a drop in share value by as much as 5% in after-hours trading, according to Reuters.
Within the company's diverse segments, Amazon Web Services (AWS) posted a slower growth rate compared to previous quarters, with revenue rising 16.9% to $29.27 billion. Even though these numbers represent growth, they fell short of the 17.4% growth and $30.9 billion revenue anticipated by analysts. This performance led to disappointment in the market, considering the crucial role AWS plays in Amazon's profitability.
CEO Andy Jassy has voiced concerns over potential challenges posed by new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, though he noted that no significant impact on demand has been observed yet. Still, some price-sensitive product categories have seen increased buying activity. Additionally, Amazon's guidance for the next quarter places operating income between $13 billion and $17.5 billion, which is below the consensus estimate of $17.7 billion. This cautious forecast reflects ongoing uncertainties, making investors wary of future performance.