TLDR
- Jeff Bezos sold another 6.6 million Amazon shares for $1.5 billion this week, bringing his total sales to $18.2 billion since 2024
- He still has 4.6 million shares worth $1 billion remaining on his current trading plan, his fourth in 18 months
- Amazon expanded Prime Day 2025 to four days, making it the longest and biggest Prime Day ever
- The company is reducing workforce while increasing AI adoption across various business areas
- Amazon invested $10 billion in North Carolina data centers and continues restructuring operations
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sold another massive chunk of his company stock this week. He unloaded 6.6 million shares for $1.5 billion on Monday and Tuesday.
The sales were disclosed in a Wednesday SEC filing. This brings his total stock sales to 95 million shares worth $18.2 billion since 2024.
Bezos uses 10b5-1 trading plans for these sales. These plans automatically execute trades when preset conditions are met. They help remove any appearance of insider trading.
The billionaire isn’t finished selling yet. His current trading plan still has 4.6 million shares remaining. Those shares are worth about $1 billion at current prices.
This marks his fourth trading plan in the past 18 months. Each plan has systematically reduced his Amazon holdings.
Even after all these sales, Bezos still owns massive stakes in the company he founded. He holds over a billion Amazon shares worth $232 billion.
Prime Day Expansion Drives Growth
Amazon recently wrapped up its biggest Prime Day event ever. The company expanded the shopping event to four days this year.
Prime Day ran from July 8-11 in the US. International markets like India got an extended version from July 12-14.
The event featured deals across multiple categories. Shoppers found discounts on smartphones, headphones, books, and kids’ clothing.
Amazon called it the longest and biggest Prime Day in the event’s history. The expanded timeframe aimed to capture more consumer spending.
Beyond his stock sales, Bezos also donated shares to charity. He gave away 4.5 million shares worth about $1 billion in 2024 and 2025.
Workforce Changes and AI Push
Amazon is making major changes to its workforce structure. CEO Andy Jassy recently indicated the company will need fewer people for certain jobs.
The shift comes as Amazon increases its use of generative AI. The technology is being deployed across various business areas.
Job cuts have hit multiple divisions. Amazon eliminated hundreds of AWS positions recently. The company also closed its Shanghai AI research lab.
These moves align with broader tech industry trends. Companies are prioritizing AI development while controlling costs.
Amazon invested $10 billion in North Carolina data centers. The project aims to create 500 jobs focused on AI computing.
The company is also improving wages for some workers. Fulfillment and transportation employees are getting pay increases and Prime benefits.
Amazon issued warnings about phishing scams targeting Prime users. The company urged customers to avoid messages requesting sensitive information.
The final season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” premiered on Prime Video July 16. New episodes are being released weekly.
Amazon will report Q2 2025 earnings on July 31. Analysts will watch closely for updates on the company’s AI strategy and financial performance.
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