Key TakeawaysFederal investigators have broadened their beef pricing probe to include Amazon alongside seven other major grocery chains like Walmart and Costco.The DOJ is demanding half a decade’s worth of pricing, purchasing, and profit margin information from each company.In July, ground beef prices hit $7.116 per pound—a 9.4% annual increase approaching historic peaks.Initially, the investigation focused on meat processing companies, where four firms dominate over 85% of the U.S. market.Analysts give AMZN a Strong Buy rating with a consensus target of $334.05, suggesting approximately 31% potential gains.Federal antitrust officials have widened their investigation into elevated beef costs, now targeting Amazon and seven additional prominent grocery retailers across the nation. In correspondence dispatched last July, the DOJ demanded comprehensive records spanning six years covering procurement practices, consumer pricing structures, profitability metrics, and competitive market assessments.The US Justice Department expanded its antitrust inquiry of the meatpacking industry by demanding information on surging beef prices from eight major food retailers, including Amazon, Costco and Walmart https://t.co/9qU91pBI5K— Bloomberg (@business) September 2, 2026The Seattle-based e-commerce giant joins seven other retail powerhouses in receiving federal data requests. The list includes Walmart, Costco, Albertsons, Kroger, Ahold Delhaize, Publix, and Aldi.Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward authorized the formal requests. Importantly, federal officials have not leveled any charges or allegations of misconduct against any retailer at this juncture.Amazon.com, Inc., AMZNThese data requests form a component of a more extensive antitrust examination exploring persistent elevation in beef pricing. During July, ground beef prices averaged $7.116 per pound, representing a 9.4% year-over-year climb and nearing all-time records.Evolution of the Federal ProbeInitially, DOJ investigators concentrated their efforts exclusively on meat processing facilities rather than retail operations. Currently, four dominant processing corporations maintain control over more than 85% of American beef processing capacity, triggering initial antitrust questions.Federal authorities are now examining downstream supply chain segments to comprehend pricing transformations occurring before products reach end consumers. Bringing major retailers like Amazon into the investigation demonstrates the DOJ’s commitment to obtaining comprehensive visibility across the entire pricing ecosystem.Supply constraints in cattle markets compound the situation. The American cattle inventory recently declined to levels not witnessed since the 1950s, maintaining upward pressure on beef costs independent of any potentially questionable pricing behaviors.Last August, President Trump unveiled initiatives permitting up to 300,000 metric tons of supplementary beef imports under reduced tariff structures for a 90-day window to address supply shortages. Separately, Walmart announced in July its intention to reduce prices on select seasonal merchandise, including certain beef products.Additional Regulatory Challenges Facing AmazonThis beef pricing investigation represents merely one element within Amazon’s broader regulatory landscape. The Federal Trade Commission, joined by 22 state attorneys general, has accused the company of manipulating advertising auction mechanisms and allegedly overcharging approximately 1.2 million advertisers by exceeding $20 billion. Additionally, Amazon has navigated planned corporate workforce reductions and labor actions, including a Teamsters strike affecting its Riverside distribution facility.From an institutional investment perspective, sentiment appears considerably stronger. Vanguard maintains ownership of over 832 million AMZN shares valued above $158 billion. Notable hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller expanded Duquesne’s Amazon holdings more than tenfold, while Coatue increased its position by 49%.The company’s second-quarter performance showed earnings of $5.75 per share, significantly exceeding the $1.82 analyst consensus. Revenue reached $200.61 billion, marking a 19.6% year-over-year increase.AMZN shares began Thursday’s trading session at $254.98, trading within a 52-week bandwidth of $196.00 to $287.20, supporting a market capitalization of $2.75 trillion.The post Amazon (AMZN) Stock Faces DOJ Scrutiny in Beef Pricing Probe appeared first on Blockonomi.