New York Times
Amazon.com has joined Apple among the ranks of technology firms that are still growing robustly despite a shrinking economy. Amazon, the online retailer based in Seattle, posted stronger-than-expected earnings during the slow winter months, attracting cost-conscious consumers with offers of free shipping and competitive prices for its wide variety of products. Amazon’s net profit rose 24 percent, to $177 million, or 41 cents a share, in the quarter ending March 31, up from $143 million, or 34 cents a share, in the same quarter a year earlier.