Analyst Sets Bullish Target for Amazon Stock Ahead of Earnings Report

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Amazon’s dominance in the retail sector remains unchallenged as a recent survey revealed that 62% of consumers prefer the e-commerce giant for their online shopping needs, surpassing Google and Walmart. The survey highlighted Amazon’s appeal, driven by factors such as low prices, fast and cost-effective shipping, extensive selection, and a user-friendly website. Despite Amazon’s already widespread use, online shopping constitutes a growing but relatively small portion of total U.S. retail sales.

As one of the “Magnificent Seven” stocks, Amazon is set to report fourth-quarter earnings on February 1. Analysts expect the company to post earnings of 79 cents per share on revenue of $165.9 billion, showcasing a significant lift from the previous year. Telsey Advisory recently raised its price target for Amazon to $185 from $165, citing an anticipated robust 2023 holiday season, early gains from Prime events, improved fulfillment, stabilized AWS (Amazon Web Services), and a heightened focus on profits.

AWS, Amazon’s leading profit source, continues to grow its market share, reaching 50.1% among the top 10 cloud providers. The AWS customer growth rate stands at an impressive 31%, positioning Amazon to gain market share through its loyal Prime member base, small business relationships, and technological advancements. Analysts anticipate AWS stabilization, with potential gains from the industry-wide shift towards AI.

Stephen Guilfoyle, a Real Money columnist, emphasized the interconnected success of Amazon and AWS, particularly as the latter expands into the intersection of cloud services and AI. Amazon’s focus on diversifying its business, including ventures into grocery, pharmacy, fashion, and telehealth, is expected to enhance its overall value. The company’s commitment to newer businesses aligns with the ongoing structural shift towards online platforms, product expansions, and market diversification.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted the transformative power of AI during an interview, acknowledging its potential to revolutionize customer experiences across various industries. With approximately 71.6 million U.S. users of its virtual assistant technology, Alexa, Amazon continues to invest in AI development. Jassy emphasized that AI is still in its early stages, with Amazon aiming to make Alexa “the world’s best personal assistant” through the creation of expansive language models.

As Amazon gears up to announce its fourth-quarter results, the company’s focus on technological innovation, diverse business ventures, and the integration of AI positions it as a market leader with sustained growth potential. The interplay between its robust retail presence and the expanding influence of AWS underscores Amazon’s multifaceted approach to maintaining its dominance in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.