Morningstar Investment Services LLC Sells 3,432 Shares of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)

Morningstar Investment Services LLC cut its holdings in Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA - Free Report) by 48.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,621 shares of the specialty retailer's stock after selling 3,432 shares during the quarter. Morningstar Investment Services LLC's holdings in Alibaba Group were worth $479,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Inlight Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Alibaba Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Alibaba Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA purchased a new position in shares of Alibaba Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Valley National Advisers Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Alibaba Group by 151.9% during the 1st quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 267 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 161 shares during the period. Finally, ORG Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Alibaba Group by 950.0% during the 1st quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 315 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 285 shares during the period. 13.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have weighed in on BABA. Mizuho reduced their target price on Alibaba Group from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 16th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Alibaba Group from $170.00 to $169.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Bank of America dropped their price target on Alibaba Group from $145.00 to $135.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 11th. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Alibaba Group from $147.00 to $142.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on Alibaba Group from $180.00 to $145.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. 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.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $150.80.

Alibaba Group Stock Performance

BABA stock opened at $120.22 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $286.85 billion, a PE ratio of 16.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 0.21. Alibaba Group Holding Limited has a 12-month low of $73.87 and a 12-month high of $148.43. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The stock's 50 day simple moving average is $116.76 and its 200 day simple moving average is $115.65.

Alibaba Group Cuts Dividend

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

Alibaba Group 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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