Online retailer Amazon.com has posted a first-ever net profit of $5 million that topped even the most optimistic expectations.
Strong turnout from holiday shoppers fuelled a 15 per cent rise in sales at the online superstore.
For its fourth quarter - Amazon said its net profit including charges such as acquisition expenses, stock compensation and interest payments on debt - was $5 million, or one cent a share, compared to a loss of $545 million, or $1.53 cents a share a year earlier.