Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- impressive /im-PRES-iv/
- discrepancy /dih-SKREP-uhn-see/
- surpass /ser-PAS/
- prompt /prompt/
- core /kawr/
[adjective] – extremely good or remarkable
The orchestra’s performance was so impressive that it left the audience in awe, with many standing and applauding enthusiastically.
[noun] – a difference or inconsistency between two things that should be the same
There was a discrepancy between the numbers on the report and the numbers on the invoice.
[verb] – to go beyond or exceed in quality or amount
The team managed to surpass their goal for the fundraising event by raising even more money than expected.
[verb] – to cause or encourage someone to take action
The teacher’s question prompted the students to think more deeply about the topic.
[noun] – the central or most important part of something
The core of the problem was a misunderstanding between the two teams.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Amazon reported a significant increase in profits on August 1, 2024, revealing earnings of $13.5 billion for the second quarter, spanning from April to June. This figure marks a notable rise from the $6.7 billion earned during the same period the previous year. Despite this impressive profit, Amazon’s revenue reached $148 billion, falling slightly short of the anticipated $148.67 billion. This discrepancy contributed to a notable decrease in Amazon’s stock price, which dropped by over 6% during after-hours trading.
For the second quarter, Amazon’s earnings per share were $1.26, surpassing the forecasted $1.03. The company expects revenue for the quarter ending September 30 to range between $154 billion and $158.5 billion, lower than the anticipated $158.22 billion, which has raised investor concerns. The pandemic prompted Amazon to increase spending to meet the surge in online shopping, leading to substantial cost reductions, including the layoff of over 27,000 employees. Amazon Web Services (AWS) saw a 19% rise in revenue due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, Amazon has invested more than $30 billion in infrastructure and plans further investments in data centers across Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Mississippi. However, the company’s core e-commerce segment showed only 5% growth, excluding Prime Day sales, reflecting slower growth in North America due to cautious consumer spending and a shift toward more affordable items. Challenges also include a recall of 400,000 hazardous products and an antitrust lawsuit alleging overcharging of sellers and stifling competition.
For the second quarter, Amazon’s earnings per share were $1.26, surpassing the forecasted $1.03. The company expects revenue for the quarter ending September 30 to range between $154 billion and $158.5 billion, lower than the anticipated $158.22 billion, which has raised investor concerns. The pandemic prompted Amazon to increase spending to meet the surge in online shopping, leading to substantial cost reductions, including the layoff of over 27,000 employees. Amazon Web Services (AWS) saw a 19% rise in revenue due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, Amazon has invested more than $30 billion in infrastructure and plans further investments in data centers across Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Mississippi. However, the company’s core e-commerce segment showed only 5% growth, excluding Prime Day sales, reflecting slower growth in North America due to cautious consumer spending and a shift toward more affordable items. Challenges also include a recall of 400,000 hazardous products and an antitrust lawsuit alleging overcharging of sellers and stifling competition.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever followed news about a company’s financial performance or major changes? If so, which company was it and what did you find interesting about it? If not, what kind of news about companies would you like to know more about?
- Have you experienced a situation where your expectations were not met, similar to Amazon’s revenue falling short of the forecast? If so, how did you handle it? If not, how do you think you would react in such a situation?
- Do you agree that making large investments in infrastructure can help a company grow, even if it faces short-term challenges?
- Considering Amazon’s recent financial performance, what strategies could the company use to ensure its revenue meets or exceeds forecasts in the future?
- What are the potential long-term effects on a company’s stock price when it fails to meet revenue expectations, despite having impressive profits?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- figure
- contribute
- revenue
- reduction
- cautious