Amazon.com dropped in late trading after projecting weaker-than-expected operating income and trailing the sales growth of its cloud rivals, leaving investors searching for signs that the company’s huge investments in artificial intelligence are paying off. Operating profit will be $15.5 billion to $20.5 billion in the period ending in September, compared with an average estimate of $19.4 billion. Sales will be $174 billion to $179.5 billion, the company said Thursday in a statement. Analysts, on average, expected $173.2 billion. Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy is engaged in an AI infrastructure arms race with Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. that requires heavy spending on data centers. Both of those rivals earlier reported strong earnings showing they are benefiting from the AI boom.For instant reaction and analysis, hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with: Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Technology Analyst Anurag Rana Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Analyst for E-commerce & Athleisure Poonam Goyal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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