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Mar 31, 2021

Amazon Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Amazon's first quarter results demonstrated substantial growth in net sales, operating income, and net income, driven by strong performance across North America, International, and AWS segments.

Key Takeaways

Amazon.com announced strong financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Net sales increased by 44% to $108.5 billion, operating income rose to $8.9 billion, and net income reached $8.1 billion, or $15.79 per diluted share.

Net sales increased 44% to $108.5 billion, compared to $75.5 billion in Q1 2020.

Operating income increased to $8.9 billion, compared to $4.0 billion in Q1 2020.

Net income increased to $8.1 billion, or $15.79 per diluted share, compared to $2.5 billion, or $5.01 per diluted share, in Q1 2020.

AWS has grown into a $54 billion annual sales run rate business, with growth accelerating to 32% year over year.

Total Revenue
$109B
Previous year: $75.5B
+43.8%
EPS
$0.79
Previous year: $0.25
+216.0%
Operating Margin
8.2%

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

For the second quarter of 2021, Amazon expects net sales to be between $110.0 billion and $116.0 billion, representing growth between 24% and 30% compared to Q2 2020. Operating income is expected to be between $4.5 billion and $8.0 billion, compared to $5.8 billion in Q2 2020, including approximately $1.5 billion of costs related to COVID-19.

Positive Outlook

  • Net sales are expected to grow between 24% and 30% compared with second quarter 2020.
  • Guidance anticipates a favorable impact of approximately 200 basis points from foreign exchange rates.
  • Prime Day is assumed to occur in second quarter 2021.
  • Continued growth in AWS and subscription services.
  • Innovation in delivery services and expansion of Amazon Scout.

Challenges Ahead

  • Operating income is expected to be lower compared to Q1 2021.
  • Guidance assumes approximately $1.5 billion of costs related to COVID-19.
  • Results are inherently unpredictable and may be materially affected by many factors.
  • Impacts on consumer demand and spending patterns, due to concerns over the current economic outlook.
  • Additional or unforeseen effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic climate may give rise to or amplify many of these risks.