Marietta Investment Partners LLC Takes $3.59 Million Position in Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)

Key Points

• Marietta Investment Partners LLC has acquired a new position in Alibaba Group, purchasing 27,148 shares valued at approximately $3.59 million during the first quarter.
• Alibaba recently cut its dividend to $0.95 per share, resulting in a yield of 0.8%, while the company maintains a low dividend payout ratio of 12.75%.
• Wall Street analysts have mixed views on Alibaba, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $150.80, despite some downgrades from other ratings.

Marietta Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA - Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 27,148 shares of the specialty retailer's stock, valued at approximately $3,590,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Alibaba Group in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $585,479,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its stake in 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 acquiring an additional 4,246,564 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised 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 acquiring an additional 2,024,640 shares in the last quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC lifted its position in shares of Alibaba Group by 95.4% during 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 acquiring an additional 1,030,999 shares during the period. Finally, Polunin Capital Partners Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Alibaba Group by 218.1% during the 1st quarter. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd now owns 1,325,120 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $175,221,000 after purchasing an additional 908,544 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.47% of the company's stock.

Alibaba Group Stock Down 0.9%

Shares of NYSE BABA opened at $120.05 on Friday. Alibaba Group Holding Limited has a 1 year low of $73.87 and a 1 year high of $148.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 1.55. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $115.96 and a 200-day moving average price of $116.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $286.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.21.

Alibaba Group Cuts Dividend

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

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Arete downgraded Alibaba Group from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $153.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th. Arete Research cut shares of Alibaba Group from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. Benchmark reaffirmed a "buy" rating on shares of Alibaba Group in a report on Monday. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Alibaba Group from $170.00 to $169.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $176.00 price objective on shares of Alibaba Group in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $150.80.

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.

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