Amazon is spending $1 billion on communities where it builds data centers; here’s what that means

Amazon (AMZN) has agreed to a $309.5 million settlement for customers who did not receive proper refunds for returned merchandise. The settlement covers a class-action lawsuit alleging refund processing failures from 2017 to 2026. Customers can file claims by Dec. 1, 2026, with a final approval hearing scheduled for March 2027. Amazon denies wrongdoing but has agreed to monitor return processing times and notify customers of refund statuses.

Amazon has built its 1,000th satellite for its Project Kuiper internet service, aiming to launch soon. Despite rapid production, only 396 satellites are in orbit, falling short of FCC requirements. Amazon seeks to regain spectrum priority by proving hardware completion and launch bookings. The company has invested heavily in satellite manufacturing and testing.

Securitize (SECZ) launched tokenized shares of Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Nvidia (NVDA), and others, backed 1:1 by actual shares. Tokens operate on Solana, settle in USDC, and offer shareholder rights. The company aims to bridge traditional markets with tokenization, with plans for round-the-clock trading.

Amazon introduced Alexa Tablets, its first Android-based tablets, priced from $230 to $550. The devices feature Alexa+ and aluminum cases. Amazon aims to compete with Apple and Samsung in the premium tablet market, despite a 12% global decline in tablet sales. The company holds 1.9% of the global tablet market, down from 8% a year earlier, according to IDC.

Duke Energy reached a settlement in North Carolina requiring large-load customers, including data centers operated by Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, to pay upfront for grid infrastructure. The agreement lowers the threshold for large loads from 100MW to 50MW with an 80% load factor for ESAs signed after June 1, 2026. Duke Energy aims to shield other customers from these costs while ensuring reliability and economic benefits.

Amazon (AMZN) reported accelerating AWS growth with AI-related business at a significant annual run rate, according to TD Cowen. Analysts raised price targets, citing AI and AWS strength, with targets ranging from $350 to $385. The company plans a $25B bond sale in the U.S., a record C$14B in Canada, and a Swiss franc tranche. Amazon also announced 30,000 layoffs through 2026 and a six-year Emmy streaming deal for Prime Video.