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Mar 31, 2020

Amazon Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Amazon's Q1 2020 results were impacted by increased net sales but decreased operating and net income compared to Q1 2019.

Key Takeaways

Amazon's first quarter 2020 results showed a 26% increase in net sales to $75.5 billion, but operating income decreased to $4.0 billion and net income decreased to $2.5 billion, or $5.01 per diluted share, compared to the previous year. The company is investing heavily in COVID-19 related expenses to protect employees and serve customers.

Net sales increased by 26% to $75.5 billion, driven by increased customer demand.

Operating income decreased to $4.0 billion, impacted by COVID-19 related expenses.

Net income decreased to $2.5 billion, or $5.01 per diluted share, compared to $3.6 billion, or $7.09 per diluted share, in Q1 2019.

Amazon plans to spend approximately $4 billion on COVID-19 related expenses in Q2 2020 to ensure employee safety and customer service.

Total Revenue
$75.5B
Previous year: $59.7B
+26.4%
EPS
$0.25
Previous year: $0.35
-28.6%

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Amazon expects net sales between $75.0 billion and $81.0 billion, representing growth between 18% and 28% compared to Q2 2019. Operating income (loss) is expected to be between $(1.5) billion and $1.5 billion, compared with $3.1 billion in Q2 2019, which includes approximately $4.0 billion of costs related to COVID-19.

Positive Outlook

  • Net sales are expected to grow between 18% and 28% compared to second quarter 2019.
  • Guidance anticipates an unfavorable impact of approximately 70 basis points from foreign exchange rates.
  • Continued investment in employee safety measures.
  • Prioritizing stocking and delivery of essential items.
  • AWS supporting critical research and solutions.

Challenges Ahead

  • Operating income (loss) is expected to be between $(1.5) billion and $1.5 billion, compared with $3.1 billion in second quarter 2019.
  • Guidance assumes approximately $4.0 billion of costs related to COVID-19.
  • Uncertainty regarding the duration and spread of the pandemic.
  • Potential impact on global and regional economies and economic activity.
  • Potential effects on suppliers, creditors, and third-party sellers.