Online retail giant Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) just reported earnings of $0.32 EPS and revenues of $4.65 billion, Thomson Reuters had estimates for Bezos & Friends pegged at $0.32 EPS (rounded up) on $4.69 billion in revenues.  Its operating income was $159 million for the quarter.

We had some last minute whisper numbers that were closer to $0.36 and $4.8 billion.  This news from the company flies directly against every indication we had seen in trading activity today.

As far as guidance, the company is targeting a range of $120 million to $210 million for operating income and $4.75 billion to $5.25 billion in revenues.   Thomson Reuters had estimates pegged at $0.32 EPS and $4.92 billion in revenues.

Amazon closed up unofficially by 5.7% at $93.87, a 52-week high.  We said that the trading reaction would be more than a disappointment if Amazon did not post a blow-out quarter, and that is exactly what we are seeing in the after-hours session. Shares are trading around $88.75 in the early after-hours trading session.

JON C. OGG