Jeff Bezos Sells $5.7 Billion in Amazon Shares via 10b5-1 Plan as Stock Surges 38% on AI Momentum

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, executed a $5.7 billion stock sale in early July 2025, marking one of the largest single-transaction divestitures in the company’s history. The transaction, which spanned two days and included the final unload of 4.2 million shares for $954 million, was conducted under a 10b5-1 plan he filed earlier in the year [1]. The shares were sold at prices ranging between $228 and $233 per share, reflecting strong investor confidence in Amazon’s stock despite macroeconomic uncertainties. The timing of the sale—occurring ahead of Amazon’s July 31 earnings report—has drawn attention, though no direct correlation between the transaction and earnings performance has been established [2].

The sale aligns with Bezos’s long-standing strategy of diversifying his wealth. Since 2002, he has sold over $50 billion in Amazon shares, with last year’s $13.6 billion in proceeds underscoring his systematic approach to paring down his stake. Only once, in 2023, did he purchase a single share of Amazon stock. The $5.7 billion addition to his portfolio comes amid a 38% surge in Amazon’s stock price since its April low, creating favorable conditions for the divestiture [1].

Amazon’s recent financial trajectory has been bolstered by its focus on artificial intelligence and cloud computing. However, the company faces pressure to justify its $104 billion in 2025 capital expenditures, including $30 billion allocated for new data centers in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Analysts expect earnings of $1.32 per share on $162 billion in revenue for the quarter, figures that lag behind the broader "Magnificent Seven" tech group’s 15% earnings growth and 12% revenue increase [2].

Bezos’s sale, while substantial, does not signal a near-term strategic shift for Amazon. The company remains focused on AI-driven innovations, including automation in retail and logistics. Bank of America analysts estimate that AI and robotics could save Amazon over $7 billion annually by 2032, while Morgan Stanley highlights the retail unit as a potential "under-appreciated GenAI beneficiary."

Market reactions to the sale were muted, with Amazon’s stock trading within a narrow range during the transaction. This suggests investors did not interpret the move as a bearish signal. However, the sheer volume of shares sold could temporarily influence sentiment, particularly if similar large-scale transactions follow. Analysts have not linked the sale to broader corporate strategy changes, noting that Bezos’s actions appear to reflect personal wealth management rather than operational concerns [2].

Bezos retains approximately 884 million Amazon shares, representing over 8% of the company and constituting the bulk of his $252.3 billion net worth. The sale also coincided with his $190 million donation of Amazon stock to nonprofits this year, further illustrating his multifaceted approach to wealth allocation.

Source: [1] [Jeff Bezos Nets $5.7 Billion in Amazon Stock Sale Amid AI Investment Surge] [https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jeff-bezos-nets-5-7-billion-in-amazon-stock-sale-amid-ai-investment-surge-175****432086] [2] [Bezos Wraps Up Massive Amazon Share Sale, Netting $5.7 Billion] [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-25/bezos-wraps-up-massive-amazon-share-sale-netting-5-7-billion]