What to Know Before Buying Amazon Stock in 2026

Core Insights - Amazon's shares are currently 19% off their peak, attracting investor interest for potential buying opportunities in 2026 [1] - Over the past decade, Amazon's stock has increased by 632%, indicating strong long-term growth despite recent volatility [1] Financial Performance - Amazon Web Services (AWS) generated $129 billion in revenue last year, significantly outpacing competitors, and contributed $46 billion in operating income, accounting for 66% of Amazon's total [3][4] - Revenue from online and physical stores grew over 9% year over year to $88.9 billion in Q4 2025, with the North America segment achieving a 9% operating margin, up from 8% the previous year [5] Strategic Positioning - AWS is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications, enhancing its market share in the cloud computing sector [4][5] - Amazon is focusing on expanding its grocery business, having sold over $150 billion in groceries last year and planning to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Market stores in the coming years [6] Valuation Metrics - Amazon's market capitalization stands at $2.2 trillion, with net sales of $717 billion in 2025, indicating its status as a major player in the market [8] - The current price-to-earnings ratio is 28.3, one of the lowest in the past decade, suggesting that the stock is attractively valued for potential investors [9]