Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. operates in the Services sector, within the Retail (Mail Order and Catalog) industry, and was founded in 1999 in China by Jack Ma and a group of 18 entrepreneurs. Headquartered in Hangzhou, China, the company has established itself as one of the world’s largest e-commerce and technology conglomerates. It is currently led by CEO Eddie Wu and operates under the supervision of financial and technology regulatory authorities in China and other markets where it is active.
Alibaba’s business model is structured across multiple segments, including e-commerce, cloud computing, financial services, digital media, and technological innovation.
The company’s core activities include:
Digital Retail and Marketplace: Platforms such as Alibaba.com, Taobao, Tmall, and AliExpress connect millions of merchants to consumers across numerous countries.
Cloud Computing: Alibaba Cloud provides digital infrastructure and data solutions for enterprises and governments, ranking among Asia’s leading cloud service providers.
Financial Services: Alipay, a digital payment system operated by Ant Group, enables secure online transactions and plays a key role within Alibaba’s ecosystem.
Digital Media and Entertainment: Through Youku, Alibaba Pictures, and other platforms, the company delivers streaming services, content production, and interactive media.
Technological Innovation: Investments in artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) drive Alibaba’s diversification into emerging industries.
Alibaba operates globally, with a strong presence in China, the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Its integrated digital ecosystem serves both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations, facilitating connections between businesses and consumers worldwide.
The company’s competitiveness is shaped by factors such as global e-commerce growth, digital payment adoption, logistics efficiency, and technological advancement. Continuous innovation remains central to Alibaba’s strategy to strengthen its global market position.
Alibaba’s operational infrastructure includes technology hubs, digital platforms, financial services, and logistics networks, supported by approximately 117,600 employees across multiple regions.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker BABA.
History and Founding of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. was founded in 1999 when Jack Ma, a former English teacher, and a group of Chinese entrepreneurs recognized the opportunity to connect small businesses to the digital marketplace. Their vision was to create a platform that enabled companies to sell products online and compete globally.
In its first year, Alibaba received a $20 million investment from SoftBank, fueling rapid expansion. By 2001, the platform had surpassed 1 million registered users.
Key milestones that shaped Alibaba’s growth include:
2004: Launch of Alipay, its digital payments platform.
2009: Establishment of Alibaba Cloud, marking its entry into cloud computing.
2010: Launch of AliExpress, expanding sales to international markets.
2014: Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the NYSE, raising $25 billion, the largest IPO in U.S. stock market history at the time.
2020–2024: Expansion in artificial intelligence, logistics, and digital retail, alongside significant growth in Alibaba Cloud’s cloud infrastructure services.
Today, Alibaba continues its strategy of global diversification and innovation, focusing on enhancing its technological capabilities, improving customer experience, and strengthening its position in strategic markets worldwide.
Additional Information
The Company ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING (China), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 354.95 Billions, having an equity of $ 152.26 Billions.
With a total of 117.600 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Services and categorized in industry of Retail (Catalog & Mail Order).
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 139.01 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 20.36 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 17.43, a P/BV ratio of 2.33 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of BABA was at 1.31%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker BABA.