Amazon recently reported their best ever Q3 figures. Net income grew to $199 million – a 70% increase on the same period last year. Revenues and profits both exceeded expectations and a strong fourth quarter is now expected. Following the announcement the Amazon share price rose by 27% based on the expectation that they will shortly become the dominant internet retail outlet source.

The Amazon Kindle e-book reader has been a major element of Amazon’s success. Originally launched in 2007, and now in its second generation, the Kindle enjoys a 60% share of the US e-book market. Amazon has now, after a long wait, started shipping the Kindle 2 reader internationally to over 100 different countries. The Kindle DX is scheduled to start international shipping in early 2010.

The announcement of international shipping was accompanied by a second price reduction. A third reduction to $259 followed less than two weeks later – and this was considered by many to be a reaction to the announcement of the “Nook” e-book reader by Barnes and Noble. Whatever the reasons, a focus on the huge worldwide market makes a lot of sense and can only further boost Amazon’s sales.

Apple, Sony, Asus and Apple all have new e-book readers in various stages of development. The e-book market may be relatively new, but it is changing and growing at exponential speed. Considering the domination of Amazon thus far, and the fact that the Kindle is now their number one selling product, it seems unlikely that Amazon will rest on its laurels and watch other manufacturers speed by it (just as Amazon themselves leapfrogged Sony a couple of years ago).

Amazon is, of course, far from being a one trick pony. Strong growth in Amazon prime memberships was seen – which offers enhanced delivery options for a one off yearly payment. Growth was particularly strong in international markets.

An Amazon spokesman advised that analysts could expect to see Amazon expand the range of products on offer – probably accompanied by geographical expansion with time.

Sales in the range of $ 8.13 billion to $ 9.13 billion are forecast for the fourth quarter.

Learn more about the Amazon Kindle international version. See which countries it ships to and check out the average price of books, the wireless coverage and more.

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