Amazon (AMZN) Stock Surges 20% in April as Cramer Favors It Over Microsoft (MSFT)

Key Takeaways

• Amazon shares reached $250.56, sitting just 1.4% beneath the record closing high of $254.
• The e-commerce giant’s stock has climbed 20% during April, finishing higher in nine out of the past 10 trading days.
• Truist Securities lifted its target to $285, forecasting 25% AWS revenue expansion in Q1.
• TD Cowen analyst John Blackledge maintained his Buy stance with a $300 target price.
• Amazon announced plans to purchase Globalstar for approximately $12 billion and partnered with Apple on satellite services.

Amazon has been building impressive momentum over recent weeks. Shares concluded Friday’s session at $250.56 — the highest closing price since November 3, 2025 — leaving the stock within striking distance of its all-time record close of $254, just 1.4% away.

Amazon.com, Inc., AMZN

The upward trajectory has been consistent and methodical. AMZN shares have finished in positive territory for nine of the last ten trading sessions, accumulating a remarkable 20% gain throughout April. For the year, the stock has advanced approximately 8.6%.

As Amazon prepares to report Q1 results on April 29, investor focus has intensified. Wall Street analysts are projecting earnings per share of $1.63 — a slight uptick from the $1.59 posted in the same period last year — alongside total revenue of approximately $177 billion, marking roughly 14% year-over-year expansion.

Truist Securities analyst Youssef Squali upgraded his price objective Friday to $285 from $280, reaffirming his Buy recommendation. His forecast anticipates AWS revenue climbing 25% in Q1, representing an acceleration from the 23% growth achieved in Q4 2024, fueled by expanding AI collaborations with companies including OpenAI and Anthropic.

Squali further projects North America marketplace revenue will expand approximately 10% compared to last year, characterizing economic pressures such as elevated fuel prices as “manageable” assuming they remain temporary.

Financial commentator Jim Cramer offered his perspective over the weekend, labeling Amazon “ascendant” while drawing a sharp contrast with Microsoft, which he characterized as becoming viewed as a “chronic underperformer.” Cramer positioned Amazon as the superior investment choice currently, citing its growth momentum against Microsoft’s decelerating revenue trends.

Wall Street Eyes $300 Price Level

John Blackledge from TD Cowen, recognized as a 5-star analyst, reaffirmed his Buy recommendation alongside a $300 price objective — representing approximately 20% potential upside from Friday’s closing price. His projections suggest Q1 revenue will marginally exceed consensus estimates, with operating income tracking roughly 4% ahead of expectations.

Blackledge highlights high-margin advertising revenue and AWS as primary profit catalysts, supplemented by ongoing improvements in fulfillment operations.

Looking toward Q2 2026, his revenue forecast sits 1.5% above Street consensus while his operating income estimate runs 5% higher — indicating expectations for continued AWS growth acceleration.

Across Wall Street, Amazon commands a Strong Buy consensus rating derived from 42 Buy recommendations and only 3 Hold ratings. The average analyst price target registers at $284.77, suggesting approximately 14% upside potential from present levels.

During Q4 2025, AWS delivered 24% year-over-year revenue growth. CEO Andy Jassy characterized this performance as the division’s “fastest growth in 13 quarters” — a metric that analysts are incorporating heavily into their Q1 projections.

Amazon Enters Satellite Communications Market

Beyond the upcoming earnings report, Amazon executed a significant strategic transaction this week. Tuesday brought the announcement of an agreement to purchase Globalstar at an equivalent price of $90 per share — establishing a valuation approaching $12 billion for the satellite communications company.

This acquisition positions Amazon to develop its own space-based internet infrastructure, challenging the market dominance currently held by Elon Musk’s Starlink operation.

Additionally, Amazon finalized an arrangement with Apple to deliver satellite connectivity capabilities for existing and upcoming iPhone and Apple Watch products. This partnership leveraged a pre-existing Globalstar relationship that Apple had previously established.

The consensus Wall Street price target of $284.77 implies approximately 14% potential appreciation from AMZN’s latest closing price of $250.56.