The only thing being ignored here is the fact that this week SCOTUS let stand New York State's requirement that Amazon collect sales tax. This would have been the big news story about Amazon this week if not for the suspiciously well timed 60 minutes drone and pony show.
Ok. What is the significance of SCOTUS and NY State's requirement that Amazon collect sales tax?
I thought Amazon was already moving towards the reality where they are collecting sales tax in all states, and have things in the works where that won't matter as much profit-wise down the road?
It doesn't matter to Amazon one bit. Amazon is probably going to open stores in various locations anyways which would make them have to collect taxes in those states.
The difference is that now sites like Newegg, which are completely online, will have to start charging and reporting taxes to states that mandate it. It's also a big deal that an individual state can regulate interstate commerce.
"Probably going to" is not now. Amazon faces having to collect state sales tax now with no hope that the courts will intervene. I think this does matter to investor perception of amazon.
However, I'd also like to know @rafcavallaro's reasoning: what is the significance of sales tax ruling, and if it is, what is the significance of covering it up with a 60 Minutes broadcast about drone delivery? I could be wrong about what I am seeing. Or maybe @rafcavallaro's reasoning won't hold up if we actually examine it closely. Won't really know until we hear from the person.
Instead of "Supreme Court to Amazon: 'collect state sales tax,'" we got "Amazon to deliver by drone." Big players, be they commercial or political, know how work the news cycle - thus is just another example.
