Alibaba Group HoldingBABACOMMENTAug 11, 2017Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jul 24, 2026. Market Open.
Looks great on the numbers -- growth rate, EPS, etc. Trouble is you don't know what's going to happen with the Chinese government. This is a known hazard. Even when you do everything right with your portfolio, you'll still be hit by the unexpected. As an investor, you need open markets and the rule of law.
E-commerce and cloud computing (the most nascent piece). E-commerce is under a lot of strain. AI large-language models are compelling in Chinese market, but that entire market is very competitive and ripe for disruptors. A trading stock over the next 2-3 years. Not a buy-and-hold. Tactically a buy today, but be very careful.
Like Amazon, they dominate key secular growth areas in e-commerce, are in cloud computer though trade at only one third of Amazon's PE. Is a modest grower, but has a huge margin of safety. There's so much pessimism about tariffs now. Wait and see, but would be an opportunity if the tariffs are more bark than bite.
Population density lends itself very closely to local delivery, and this company does a very good job of that. It has a very big captive audience and a very good business model. He likes the concept and feels the business model is sustainable. However, he struggles with the valuation. It is very rich. There are concerns with the governments aspects, and disclosure is not as great as it could be. Until he sees some kind of correction in the stock, it is one he would not buy.