Amazon’s Hidden Power: Why It Might Surpass Nvidia in the AI Race

In recent years, Nvidia has dominated the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, claiming a staggering 80% share of the AI chip market. This impressive foothold has allowed the company to report consistent triple-digit revenue growth, causing its stock price to surge by more than 2,200% over the past five years. Other tech giants like Apple and Alphabet have also seen their stock values rise, but Nvidia’s gains have eclipsed them all.

While investors remain optimistic about Nvidia’s future, there are growing concerns about the company’s heavy reliance on AI for revenue, especially in the current economic climate. In the last three months alone, Nvidia’s stock has slipped by 12%, raising questions about its ability to sustain momentum. This situation opens a door for investors to look elsewhere, particularly towards companies that, while benefitting from the AI trend, have diversified revenue streams capable of weathering economic fluctuations.

Enter Amazon, a household name recognized for its vast e-commerce capabilities. Beyond offering everyday essentials and a plethora of merchandise, Amazon’s membership service, Prime, boasts over 200 million subscribers globally. This expansive user base has propelled the company to report over $121 billion in revenue from both North American and international markets in its most recent quarter.

With upcoming promotional events like Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon is expected to attract even more subscribers, further solidifying its market position. Prime members enjoy unparalleled value, including fast, free delivery on millions of items, which ensures strong retention rates—last year, 72% of trial users opted for a paid subscription.

Complementing its strong consumer retail presence, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is at the heart of its growth strategy. This robust cloud computing division is experiencing rapid expansion, thanks in part to its commitment to AI initiatives. AWS not only offers a wide range of cloud services but is deeply invested in AI, marketing its own cost-effective chips and a comprehensive AI platform known as Amazon Bedrock.

With AWS projected to achieve an annual revenue run rate of $105 billion this year, it has become a crucial profit engine for Amazon, contributing 63% of the company’s operating income in the latest quarter. Although Nvidia’s exceptional growth has captured headlines, cautious investor sentiment may steer them towards more stable companies like Amazon that foster growth in the AI sector without being entirely reliant on it.

Presently, both Nvidia and Amazon have similar forward earnings valuations—trading at approximately 37 times their respective earnings estimates—thus offering a compelling comparison. Given the recent downturn in Nvidia’s stock, many investors may find Amazon a more attractive option for long-term growth.

While Nvidia’s potential in the AI sphere remains promising, the volatility surrounding its stock performance might create opportunities for other players to shine. As Amazon gears up to make substantial strides both in e-commerce and cloud-based AI, it presents itself as a formidable contender that could outpace Nvidia in the coming months.

Before considering an investment in Amazon, it’s worth noting that while it has garnered significant attention, research suggests that other stocks might also present substantial long-term returns. Diversifying your portfolio and exploring a range of investment opportunities can be a prudent approach as the tech landscape continues to evolve.

This evolving market landscape indicates that smart investors should keep an eye on companies like Amazon, with its multifaceted growth strategy in both retail and cloud sectors, positioning itself as a resilient player in the ever-changing world of technology and investment opportunities.