Amazon.com 2Q profit down

SEATTLE Amazon.com announced that its net income for the second quarter decreased 10% to $142 million in the second quarter, or 32 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $158 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, in second quarter 2008.

Net sales increased 14% to $4.65 billion in the second quarter, compared with $4.06 billion in second quarter 2008.

Amazon.com, which has grown to be much more than an online book seller, saw sales in worldwide electronics and general merchandise grow 35% in the second quarter. Worldwide Media sales grew 1% to $2.44 billion.

For the third quarter, Amazon.com said it expects net sales to be between $4.75 billion and $5.25 billion, or to grow between 11% and 23% compared with third quarter 2008.  

Operating income is expected to be between $120 million and $210 million, or between 22% decline and 36% growth compared with third quarter 2008.