Topic: Growth Stocks

AMAZON.COM $714.26

AMAZON.COM $714.26 (Nasdaq symbol AMZN; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (206-266-1000; www.amazon.com; Shares outstanding: 471.8 million; Market cap: $339.4 billion; No dividends paid) used its website to launch a new series of original TV shows in June.

Traditionally, television producers make only pilot episodes of new shows. If broadcast or cable networks like a pilot, they order a series of about 13 episodes. But instead of that, Amazon streams pilots for new shows on its website, which viewers can then watch for free. If enough people like a show, the company produces more episodes.

Amazon has generated Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and several other popular series in this way. Its children’s shows include the Annedroids, Niko and Tumble Leaf.

Showcasing TV pilots is a low-risk way for Amazon to attract new customers, as it only funds shows that people want to buy. The programming will also help it compete with Netflix Inc. (symbol NFLX on Nasdaq). That industry-leader continues to add original content to its own Internet-streaming service.

Amazon.com is still a hold.

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