Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. Makes New Investment in Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)

Key Points

• Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. has entered a new position in Alibaba Group, purchasing 2,205 shares valued at approximately $291,000 in the 1st quarter.
• Alibaba recently cut its dividend to $0.95, reflecting a yield of 0.8%, with a dividend payout ratio of 12.75%.
• Analyst price targets for Alibaba have been adjusted, with several institutions lowering their estimates, while the average rating remains a "Moderate Buy" with a target of $153.29.

Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. acquired a new stake in shares of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA - Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 2,205 shares of the specialty retailer's stock, valued at approximately $291,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of Alibaba Group by 3,214.5% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 4,378,671 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $578,992,000 after purchasing an additional 4,246,564 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in Alibaba Group by 208.5% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 2,995,640 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $254,000,000 after buying an additional 2,024,640 shares in the last quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC grew its stake in shares of Alibaba Group by 95.4% in the 4th quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 2,112,187 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $179,087,000 after buying an additional 1,030,999 shares during the period. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd grew its stake in shares of Alibaba Group by 218.1% in the 1st quarter. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd now owns 1,325,120 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $175,221,000 after buying an additional 908,544 shares during the period. Finally, Voloridge Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Alibaba Group in the fourth quarter worth approximately $73,727,000. 13.47% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BABA has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Loop Capital set a $176.00 price target on Alibaba Group in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Wall Street Zen cut Alibaba Group from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, June 27th. Arete cut shares of Alibaba Group from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $153.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. Barclays decreased their target price on Alibaba Group from $180.00 to $145.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Alibaba Group from $170.00 to $169.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Alibaba Group presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $153.29.

Alibaba Group Price Performance

NYSE:BABA traded up $3.11 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $120.49. 8,982,092 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 22,106,666. The firm's 50-day moving average is $115.70 and its 200-day moving average is $117.44. The stock has a market cap of $287.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.20, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 0.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 1.55. Alibaba Group Holding Limited has a 1-year low of $73.87 and a 1-year high of $148.43.

Alibaba Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a -- dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 12th were paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.8%. Alibaba Group's dividend payout ratio is currently 12.75%.

Alibaba Group Company Profile

Alibaba Group Holding Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help merchants, brands, retailers, and other businesses to engage with their users and customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates through seven segments: China Commerce, International Commerce, Local Consumer Services, Cainiao, Cloud, Digital Media and Entertainment, and Innovation Initiatives and Others.