**Why Amazon Stock Withered on Wednesday**
Amazon's stock price took a hit on Wednesday, closing nearly 3% lower. This decline was significantly worse than the 1% drop seen in the S&P 500 index. The reason behind this downturn lies in the company's decision to discontinue its Amazon Today service, a potentially lucrative business venture that offered same-day delivery from physical retail locations and shopping centers.
**The Discontinuation of Amazon Today**
Just before market close on Tuesday, CNBC reported that Amazon is ceasing all further development of Amazon Today. The service, which was set to be completely terminated by December 2, will still allow customers to access products through select retailers until January 24. However, the specific stores involved were not disclosed. The news was broken to Amazon Today employees during a meeting on Monday, where some were informed they would be laid off. According to sources, approximately 300 individuals were employed in the service, although Amazon claims the actual number is closer to 175.
**Impact on Amazon's Reputation and Cost-Cutting Efforts**
The discontinuation of Amazon Today could negatively impact the company's reputation. One of Amazon's key competitive strengths is its ability to deliver products swiftly, particularly for customers who subscribe to its Prime service. However, if the main issue with Amazon Today is its financial viability, it makes sense for the company to discontinue a non-profitable unit. Since 2022, Amazon's management has been focused on reducing expenses, particularly within smaller divisions that do not generate profit.
**Recent Stock Performance and Market Cap**
As of October 23, 2024, Amazon's stock price per share is $184.71. Despite the recent decline, Amazon's overall performance remains strong. The company's business has evolved dramatically in the past few years, with significant growth in its cloud services division, Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS nearly doubled its earnings in the first half of 2024, with operating income jumping to $19 billion year over year.
**Future Prospects for Amazon Stock**
Amazon still has a long runway ahead for both growth and profit expansion. The e-commerce segment, although less significant to the bottom line by 2027, will continue to contribute to the company's overall earnings. Additionally, AWS is expected to drive significant growth, potentially leading to higher profit margins. However, the company's ability to balance growth investments with