Amazon.com Inc. Beats Analyst Expectations

Analysts were expecting Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) earnings to come in at $0.48 per share for last quarter, but AMZN beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.51---3 cents above the consensus estimate. AMZN also issued earnings guidance for next quarter that is in line with current analyst expectations.

Today's announcement shows that AMZN has made some year-over-year improvements. This quarter's gain of 0.51 per share, compared with a gain of 0.45 per share during the same quarter a year ago is a positive sign for the company.

We'll have to see if this positive announcement helps AMZN's stock price in the near term. AMZN has gained 0.09 percent during the past month and is currently above its 200-day moving average.

Analysts also believe EBAY's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 8.19 percent while LINTA's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 14 percent. EBAY has gained 0.12 percent during the past month and is currently above its 200-day moving average. LINTA has gained 0.14 percent during the past month and is currently above its 200-day moving average.

Earnings season can be a volatile time in the stock market. Check out these videos and articles to be better prepared to take advantage of the large price moves that tend to accompany earnings announcements.