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Tuesday, 25 July 2006, 22:34 GMT 23:34 UK

Amazon profits slump 58% on costs

Screen grab taken from the Amazon website Online shopping giant Amazon.com has seen quarterly profits tumble, following spending on new technology and investment in its toy business.

Net income fell 58% to $22m (£12m) in the three months to 30 June, from $52m a year earlier. Sales were up 22% in the quarter to $2.14bn.

Amazon has increased spending, as it strives to stay ahead of rivals by offering deals such as free postage.

It also has expanded its toy section after ending a tie-up with Toys R Us.

Amazon's shares fell in after-hours electronic trading in New York, indicating that they will start $3.37 lower when markets open on Wednesday.

Analysts questioned the company's strategy of focusing on its discount shipping programme, Amazon Prime, at a time when it was facing intense competition and having to increase spending on technology.

Martin Pyykkonen, an analyst at Global Crown Capital, said that Amazon did not seem to be stimulating sales growth in the way many had hoped.

"Although Amazon Prime may be having some shipping impact, it's not a windfall for the company," Mr Pyykkonen said.



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Related to this story:
Amazon puts corn flakes on menu (18 Apr 06 |  Business )
Toys R Us wins Amazon lawsuit (03 Mar 06 |  Business )
Amazon buys Shopbop fashion site (28 Feb 06 |  Business )
Poor end to the year for Amazon (03 Feb 06 |  Business )
Amazon puts the web up for rent (15 Dec 05 |  Technology )
Amazon profits dip as sales rise (26 Jul 05 |  Business )

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