Amazon.com files to raise another $2 billion

Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) filed a shelf registration with the SEC to raise up to $2 billion in debt and securities Wednesday. The online retailer said it would use the cash for general corporate purposes.

The registration means Amazon.com will be able to sell common and preferred stock to investors up to a total value of $2 billion.

Amazon.com shares closed up 6 15/16, or 5 percent, to 139 9/16 ahead of the announcement.

Back on Jan. 28, it raised another $1.25 billion in a debt offering.

In a press release, company officials said it filed the registration statement "to gain additional flexibility in accessing the capital markets."

Amazon.com shares, much like the rest of Internet sector, have tailed off in recent weeks, falling from a peak of 221 3/8 in April to below 130 last week.

First Call consensus expects it to lose 50 cents a share in its second quarter and $1.70 a share in the fiscal year.

Fifteen of the 20 analysts following the stock maintain either a "buy" or "strong buy" recommendation.