Amazon Stock Decoded: A No-Nonsense Financial Statement Guide for New Investors (2025 Edition)

Wall Street's favorite retail giant just dropped its latest numbers—here's what actually matters.

Cash Flow or Casino?

Amazon's balance sheet reads like a blockchain whitepaper: promises stacked higher than warehouse pallets. Free cash flow swung positive last quarter, but remember when they reported $3 billion in 'technology infrastructure' costs? That's code for 'Alexa still isn't turning a profit.'

Revenue Growth: Real or Recycled?

Prime subscriptions hit 200 million—great until you realize they're counting the same customer three times (student, family, and that account you forgot to cancel). AWS growth slowed to 12%, proving even cloud kingdoms face turbulence.

The Bottom Line

Amazon stock remains the ultimate 'story' investment—because if analysts valued it on traditional metrics, we'd all be shopping at Walmart. Beginners take note: this isn't investing, it's faith-based finance with free two-day shipping.