Tracking Amazon's Thin Margin

Amazon.com(AMZN Quote) has had a hard time pleasing Wall Street with its earnings numbers. From most indications, investors are likely to again hear a sour note.

Analysts are calling for Amazon to post a profit of 10 cents a share on both a pro forma and GAAP basis, according to Thomson First Call. Revenue is projected to reach $1.73 billion, which would mark a 25% gain from the year-ago quarter.

In addition to Amazon's bottom line, Wall Street will be keenly watching a few other numbers: revenue growth rates, including international revenue growth and operating-profit margin. In particular, investors have recently fixated on Amazon's operating margin. ...