Amazon is one of the most successful companies in the world. Over the years, it has expanded its operations to include everything from cloud computing to entertainment. Its stock has been a favourite among investors, consistently outperforming the market and making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that have contributed to Amazon's success, take a closer look at its stock performance, and discuss what the future may hold for investors who are interested in Amazon stock.
Amazon is a household name that needs no introduction. It is one of the largest companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $1.6 trillion. Amazon is known primarily for its e-commerce platform, but the company has expanded into a diverse range of businesses over the years, including cloud computing, entertainment, and even healthcare. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Amazon and how its business model has evolved over time.
The Early Years of Amazon
Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, who initially started the company as an online bookstore. At the time, Bezos was working on Wall Street and saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of the internet. He left his job to start Amazon in Seattle, Washington.
The early days of Amazon were not without their challenges. Bezos initially funded the company with his own money, and the company struggled to generate revenue. However, Bezos was committed to his vision of creating an online store that would offer customers a wide selection of products at low prices. He also recognized the potential of the internet to transform retail.
The Expansion of Amazon
In the years that followed, Amazon expanded its product offerings to include a variety of goods, from electronics to clothing. The company also introduced its own line of products, including the Kindle e-reader and the Amazon Echo smart speaker.
Amazon's success in e-commerce paved the way for its expansion into other businesses. In 2006, Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud computing platform that has become one of the most profitable parts of the company. AWS offers a wide range of services to businesses, including storage, computing power, and analytics.
Amazon has also made significant investments in entertainment. In 2011, the company launched Amazon Studios, a division focused on producing original content for its video streaming service, Amazon Prime Video. The company has also acquired other businesses, such as Whole Foods Market, a grocery chain, and PillPack, an online pharmacy.
The Business Model of Amazon
Amazon's business model has evolved over time, but the company's core principles have remained the same. Amazon's goal is to offer customers a wide selection of products at low prices, with fast and reliable delivery. The company achieves this by leveraging technology to streamline its operations and reduce costs.
Amazon's e-commerce platform is supported by a sophisticated logistics network that allows the company to deliver products quickly and efficiently. The company's investments in technology, such as robotics and machine learning, have enabled it to automate many of its processes, reducing the need for human labor.
Amazon's expansion into other businesses, such as cloud computing and entertainment, has been driven by the company's desire to leverage its technology and expertise in new ways. By entering these markets, Amazon has been able to diversify its revenue streams and capitalize on new opportunities.
Amazon's journey from an online bookstore to a global behemoth has been nothing short of remarkable. The company's business model has evolved over time, but its commitment to offering customers a wide selection of products at low prices has remained the same. With its investments in technology and a diverse range of businesses, Amazon is poised to continue its dominance in the years to come.
Key Statistics
Revenue CAGR since 2017 = +23.6%
Operating Profit CAGR since 2017 = 24.4%
ROIC = 4%
Operating Margins = 2.38%
EV/EBITDA = 28.2
Analyst Estimates
EPS December 2023 = $1.45
EPS December 2024 = $2.54 (+75% YoY)
EPS December 2025 = $3.61 (+42.34% YoY)
EPS December 2026 = $4.92 (+36.36% YoY)
Conclusion
Despite already being a huge business, I believe Amazon still has great potential for continued growth. I currently hold AMZN in my portfolio and plan to continue doing so unless something drastically changes within the business, or if the stock massively rallies and I feel it has become incredibly overvalued.