GuruFocus -
- Total (EPA:TTEF) Revenue: RMB236.5 billion, an increase of 5% year-over-year.
- Adjusted EBITDA: RMB40.6 billion, a decrease of 5%.
- Non-GAAP Net Income: RMB36.5 billion, a decrease of 9%.
- GAAP Net Income: RMB43.5 billion, an increase of 63%.
- Free Cash Flow: RMB13.7 billion, a decrease of 70% from the same quarter last year.
- Cloud Revenue: RMB29.6 billion, an increase of 7%.
- International Digital Commerce Revenue Growth: 29% year-over-year.
- China Commerce Retail Revenue: RMB93 billion, compared to RMB92.6 billion in the same quarter last year.
- Share Repurchase: USD4.1 billion in the September quarter, totaling approximately USD10 billion for the first half of fiscal 2025.
- Net Cash Position: RMB352.1 billion or USD50.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) reported a new all-time high in monthly active consumers on Taobao and Tmall, indicating strong user engagement.
- The company achieved a 29% revenue growth in its Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, driven by cross-border business expansion.
- Alibaba Cloud's revenue, excluding consolidated subsidiaries, grew by 7%, with AI-related products maintaining triple-digit growth for the fifth consecutive quarter.
- The company successfully concluded the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, achieving robust growth in GMV and a record high in monthly active consumers.
- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) repurchased shares totaling USD4.1 billion in the September quarter, contributing to a 4.4% net reduction in share count for the first half of fiscal 2025.
- Despite a 5% increase in total consolidated revenue, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) reported a 5% decrease in consolidated adjusted EBITDA, attributed to increased investments in e-commerce businesses.
- The company's non-GAAP net income decreased by 9%, reflecting challenges in maintaining profitability amidst investments.
- Free cash flow decreased by 70% compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to investments in Alibaba Cloud infrastructure and refunds to Tmall merchants.
- The adjusted EBITDA for Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group was a loss of RMB2.9 billion, compared to a loss of RMB384 million in the same quarter last year, due to increased investments in cross-border businesses.
- Intensifying e-commerce competition poses a challenge, requiring Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) to continue investing in core user groups and product categories to drive sustainable growth.
A: Eddie Wu, CEO, explained that the 11.11 campaign exceeded expectations, with robust GMV growth. Platform and category coupons were used, benefiting long-term brand growth and CMR revenue. Recent fiscal stimulus measures are expected to positively impact consumption and reduce merchants' destocking cycles.
Q: How has the take rate stabilized, and what does this mean for CMR growth?
A: Toby Xu, CFO, stated that the take rate is stable due to monetization progress, including a 0.6% software service fee and increased adoption of marketing tools. However, new business models with low monetization are offsetting these gains. There's potential to increase the take rate, but a balanced approach is needed to ensure merchant health.
Q: What are the investment strategies for Taobao and Tmall, and how do they affect EBITDA?
A: Eddie Wu, CEO, highlighted investments in user experience, merchant capabilities, and AI technology. These investments are expected to drive user growth and retention, leading to fluctuating EBITDA in the coming quarters. Interoperability with WeChat Pay is seen as a significant opportunity for user acquisition.
Q: How is the cloud business performing, and what is the outlook for profitability given recent price decreases?
A: Eddie Wu, CEO, noted that cloud revenue is growing due to technology advantages and scale effects. Recent price reductions for API tokens are seen as investments in user growth, leading to increased usage of compute power and other cloud products. The long-term view is positive, with profitability expected to improve as the user base expands.
Q: What is the impact of trade-in subsidy programs on GMV, and are more subsidies expected?
A: Eddie Wu, CEO, confirmed significant growth in categories affected by trade-in subsidies since September. Different regions have varying policies, impacting categories like appliances and home furnishings. These programs are expected to continue, driving further growth in relevant categories.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.