Amazon’s first quarter ended March 31 was one of the strongest in its history, with total revenue at the e-tailer rising 33%, to $3.02 billion, and, more importantly to analysts, operating income jumping 38%, to $145 million. Analysts have been concerned about Amazon’s slim margins, but the big gain in earnings mollified Amazon critics, at least for the moment.
Sales in the North America media group, home of the book segment, rose 21% in the quarter, to $990 million.
In addition to adding more categories and countries, Amazon attributed the strong company performance to a significant increase in the number of customers using Amazon Prime, its membership program that offers discounts on shipping to members.
