Alibaba Group Holding （BABA.US）Internet Giant Embarking on New Journey

Investment Rating - Maintain BUY rating with a target price of USD 124.50, indicating a potential upside of 60% from the current price [57]. Core Insights - The report highlights a significant decline in Alibaba's market share in China's e-commerce sector, dropping from 71.4% in 2018 to 39.4% in 2023, with a projected further decline to 37.2% in 2024, suggesting a stabilization of share loss [2]. - The competition from content-based e-commerce platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou, as well as Pinduoduo, has intensified, impacting Taobao and Tmall's market position [5][6]. - Alibaba's strategy is shifting from "helping make business" to "helping improve business," focusing on enhancing efficiency and profit margins rather than solely driving GMV growth [11]. - The total retail sales of consumer goods in China increased from RMB 29 trillion in 2015 to RMB 47 trillion in 2023, with Alibaba's GMV rising from RMB 3 trillion in FY16 to approximately RMB 8 trillion in FY24, indicating its growing importance in the retail landscape [13]. Summary by Sections E-commerce Market Dynamics - The e-commerce market in China is experiencing a shift, with content-based platforms gaining traction and affecting traditional e-commerce models [5][6]. - Pinduoduo's rapid growth is attributed to its focus on low-tier cities and effective demand creation strategies, similar to Taobao's early days [6][7]. Financial Performance - T&T Group achieved a revenue growth of 5.2% year-on-year for FY24, with expectations of high-single-digit GMV growth for the retail business in FY25 [40]. - The adjusted EBITA for T&T Group increased by 3.0% year-on-year, with a margin of 44.8%, reflecting the impact of revenue mix changes [41]. Future Outlook - The report anticipates a positive cycle for Alibaba driven by user subsidies and improved monetization tools, which could enhance profit margins and support growth [54]. - The potential inclusion in the Hong Kong Stock Connect is expected to attract significant capital inflows, further bolstering Alibaba's market position [55].