Is Amazon Poised for Major Shift With Potential Dividends and Share Buybacks on the Horizon?
Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri
Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) is considering a shift in its capital-return policy due to its substantial cash reserves, with potential share buybacks and dividends on the horizon. Unlike its peers Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META), Amazon has been conservative with capital returns. However, with $32 billion in free cash flow in 2023 and expectations to double that in 2024, analysts anticipate a change under CEO Andy Jassy's leadership. Amazon's stock has surged over 77% in the past year, outperforming the Nasdaq 100.

April 04, 2024 | 2:44 pm
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NEUTRAL IMPACT
Alphabet Inc's history of significant share buybacks contrasts with Amazon's conservative approach, but Amazon's potential policy shift may not directly impact Alphabet's stock in the short term.
Alphabet Inc's stock price is influenced by its own financial performance and market strategies rather than Amazon's capital-return policies. Any impact would be indirect and more related to overall market perceptions of tech stocks.
CONFIDENCE 75
IMPORTANCE 40
RELEVANCE 50
NEUTRAL IMPACT
Meta Platforms Inc's aggressive share buyback strategy contrasts with Amazon's, but Amazon's potential shift towards buybacks and dividends may not have a direct short-term impact on META's stock.
Meta Platforms Inc's stock performance is primarily driven by its own financial health and strategic decisions. Amazon's change in capital-return policy is unlikely to directly affect META's stock in the short term.
CONFIDENCE 75
IMPORTANCE 40
RELEVANCE 50
POSITIVE IMPACT
Amazon's consideration of share buybacks and dividends, fueled by its significant cash reserves and strong financial performance, could positively impact its stock price in the short term.
Amazon's substantial cash reserves and the anticipation of share buybacks or dividends signal a strong financial position and a potential increase in shareholder value, likely attracting more investors and positively impacting the stock price.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 90
RELEVANCE 100
POSITIVE IMPACT
ProShares Online Retail ETF (NYSE:ONLN), which includes Amazon, could benefit from Amazon's potential shift towards share buybacks and dividends, positively impacting its value.
Given Amazon's inclusion in the ONLN ETF, any increase in Amazon's stock price resulting from potential share buybacks or dividends would likely have a positive effect on ONLN's overall value.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 70
RELEVANCE 80
POSITIVE IMPACT
SPDR Select Sector Fund – Consumer Discretionary (NYSE:XLY), which includes Amazon as a component, could see a positive impact on its value if Amazon initiates share buybacks or dividends.
As Amazon is a significant component of the XLY ETF, any positive change in Amazon's stock price due to potential share buybacks or dividends would likely contribute to an increase in XLY's value.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 70
RELEVANCE 80