ZACKS·2025-11-17 16:41Core Insights - Alibaba Group's aggressive shift towards artificial intelligence is facing skepticism from investors regarding the sustainability of profitability from its technology investments [1][9] - The company is experiencing growth in its e-commerce ecosystem, but rising costs and execution risks are clouding the outlook for meaningful returns [1] AI Strategy and Developments - Alibaba.com is set to launch AI Mode in November 2025, aiming to leverage generative AI in B2B commerce, with European order volume increasing by 57% year-over-year and active suppliers growing by 50% [2] - The planned AI subscription service, priced at $20 monthly or $99 annually, is an attempt to generate revenue in a competitive landscape where rivals are offering similar services for free [3] - Recent rebranding of the Tongyi app to Qwen and the integration of AI features into Taobao highlight Alibaba's efforts to stand out in a crowded AI market [4] Competitive Landscape - JD.com has made significant investments in AI, with over $280 million directed towards AI robotics startups and a user base exceeding 700 million [6] - Amazon is expanding its AI capabilities with features like the Rufus shopping assistant and Project Amelia, positioning itself as a strong competitor in both e-commerce and enterprise AI [6] Financial Performance and Valuation - Alibaba's shares have increased by 81.4% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings is projected at $6.57 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 27.08% [12] - Alibaba's stock is trading at a forward price/sales ratio of 2.37X, slightly above the industry average of 2.36X, with a Value Score of D [15]