Amazon Com Stock Price, News & Analysis

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has unveiled new marketing tools at its annual seller conference, Accelerate, aimed at enhancing seller email marketing capabilities. The company introduced Tailored Audiences, allowing sellers to target specific customer groups at no cost, which can potentially boost customer retention. Additionally, Amazon launched Premium A+ Content for eligible brands, which has proven to increase sales by up to 20%. The Tailored Audiences tool will be available to U.S. sellers in early 2023, further solidifying Amazon’s commitment to supporting its seller community.

Amazon has launched two new programs to enhance benefits for its Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and their drivers. The Next Mile program offers up to $5,250 annually for access to over 1,700 academic programs, while a new 401(k) plan will help DSPs match employee contributions with an estimated investment of $60 million in the first year. These initiatives represent a total investment of over $450 million in the coming year, aiming to improve driver career prospects and DSP competitiveness.

Amazon announced the launch of the new Kindle and Kindle Kids, both featuring a 6-inch, 300 ppi high-resolution display, USB-C charging, and up to six weeks of battery life. The Kindle is priced at $99.99, while Kindle Kids is available for $119.99 and includes a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. Pre-orders start today, with shipping commencing on October 12. Key highlights include improved storage capacity, a glare-free screen, and sustainability initiatives focusing on reducing carbon emissions and recyclable packaging.

Amazon announced exclusive offers for Prime members ahead of the Thursday Night Football season kickoff on September 15. Members can access deals on NFL-licensed products and home entertainment devices through amazon.com/TNFcentral. An interactive kickoff event in Los Angeles will feature Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and exclusive VIP experiences await Prime members at all 15 TNF games. This initiative aims to enhance the value of Prime membership, making live sports a key attraction for customers.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced that its new series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, attracted over 25 million global viewers on its first day, setting a record for Prime Video. The series launched in more than 240 countries and territories and will continue releasing episodes weekly until the season finale on October 14. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, expressed gratitude to the creative team and fans, noting the series' significance in the fantasy genre.

VMware and Amazon Web Services (AWS) showcased innovations in VMware Cloud on AWS at VMware Explore 2022, emphasizing faster cloud migrations and cost reductions. New features claim to improve cloud performance, flexibility, and security with significant savings opportunities—46% faster migrations and 57% lower total cost of ownership. Customers like Lotte and Quality Bicycle Products have benefited from expedited transitions and enhanced operations. The service is now available in 21 regions globally, including AWS GovCloud. VMware aims to streamline cloud consumption through the AWS Marketplace.

Amazon has signed an agreement with Plug Power to supply 10,950 tons of green hydrogen annually for its operations starting in 2025. This green hydrogen will power 30,000 forklifts and 800 heavy-duty trucks as part of Amazon's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040. As a leader in renewable energy procurement, Amazon aims to decarbonize sectors reliant on fossil fuels and expand the hydrogen economy. The company plans to increase its use of hydrogen fuel-cells and has invested in developing electrolyzer technology to boost green hydrogen production.