Latest news with #RMB
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is JD Retail Poised to Ride China's Consumer Rebound in 2025?
JD core commerce engine, JD Retail, is gaining steady traction as China's consumption environment rebounds and consumers increasingly seek value-driven online experiences. JD Retail continues to play a central role in helping shoppers access quality products at competitive prices while offering brands a powerful and supply-chain-backed platform for scale. With rising user activity, enhanced brand partnerships and deeper category penetration, JD Retail remains the backbone of long-term growth strategy. JD Retail is expanding in high-growth areas like supermarkets, fashion, and food delivery, while reinforcing its low-price strategy. With initiatives like the RMB 200 billion 'export to domestic' program and strong momentum in food delivery, JD is confident that these moves will drive deeper engagement and support long-term growth. To support future growth, JD is accelerating AI adoption across its retail and fulfillment layers. From AI-powered shopping guides and personalized recommendations to automated ad targeting and fulfillment optimization, technology is driving efficiency and improving the experience for users and merchants. JD's 2025 618 campaign followed this playbook and broke records, with over 2.2 billion orders and more than double the number of shoppers year over year. The debut of food delivery and aggressive subsidies during 618 highlights JD's growing ecosystem scale. These efforts are translating into financial strength. In the first quarter of 2025, JD Retail generated revenues of RMB 263.8 billion (US$36.4 billion), accounting for approximately 87.7% of total revenues. With strong execution across categories and deep ecosystem integration, JD Retail looks well-positioned to ride China's consumer rebound through 2025 and beyond. JD Retail faces growing competition from Alibaba BABA and PDD Holdings Inc. Sponsored ADR PDD. Alibaba's Tmall and Taobao wrapped up 618 with solid brand growth, highlighting improved merchant tools and sustained consumer demand. Alibaba's platforms emphasized quality over quantity, reflecting a shift toward healthier, service-oriented growth. PDD Holdings, meanwhile, eased its 'lowest price' rule, adopting a 'same product, same price' model to attract more brands. PDD Holdings introduced price protection guarantees and extended its 618 campaign to over a month, using subsidies and flexible pricing to deepen engagement. Both platforms are innovating aggressively to challenge JD's dominance. Shares of have lost 8.4% in the year-to-date (YTD) period against the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry's growth of 4.2% and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector's return of 2.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, JD currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 7.75X, which is well below the industry's 24.39X. JD has a Value Score of B. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JD's second-quarter 2025 earnings is pegged at 77 cents per share, which has been revised downward by 20.6% over the past 30 days, indicating a 40.31% year-over-year decline. Inc. price-consensus-chart | Inc. Quote The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at $3.81 per share, which has been revised downward by 8.6% over the past 30 days, indicating a 10.56% year-over-year stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (JD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) : Free Stock Analysis Report PDD Holdings Inc. Sponsored ADR (PDD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alibaba Cloud's Rapid Rise: Is AI Setting Up More Upside Ahead?
Alibaba's BABA Cloud Intelligence Group is gaining strong momentum as its core unit, Alibaba Cloud, continues to scale with rising AI adoption, an area that is expected to remain a key driver of accelerated revenue growth. BABA's AI products are seeing broader adoption across a wide range of industry verticals, including Internet, retail, manufacturing and media, with a growing focus on value-added applications. Building on this momentum, Alibaba expects demand to accelerate in the coming quarters. The company highlighted that many businesses are moving away from traditional, in-house infrastructure and shifting AI workloads to the cloud. To meet this shift, the company is increasing investments in AI products and services, to increase cloud adoption for AI and maintain its market leadership. This focus is already showing through in product innovation and global expansion. In April, Alibaba released its Qwen3 model series, an open-source family of AI models built for tasks like coding and general reasoning. Globally, Alibaba Cloud is expanding its footprint with a second data center set to launch in South Korea by the end of June. New partnerships with SAP and Panasonic further integrate Alibaba's AI tools into enterprise operations and connected home ecosystems. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, Alibaba's Cloud Intelligence Group generated RMB 30.1 billion ($4.15 billion) in revenues, up 18% year over year, contributing around 12.7% of total revenues. This was driven by the increasing adoption of AI-related products. With AI-related product revenues growing at triple digits for seven straight quarters, Alibaba Cloud is fast becoming the foundation of the company's AI-driven future. Several players are competing with Alibaba Cloud in AI-powered cloud services, with Amazon AMZN and Microsoft MSFT expanding rapidly. Amazon recently added Claude 4 to Amazon Bedrock, strengthening its generative AI lineup and simplifying enterprise AI development. Bedrock remains a core part of Amazon's AWS' strategy to drive AI adoption. Microsoft is advancing through its Azure AI Essentials program, launched under its AI Center of Excellence. This initiative by Microsoft offers tools and guidance to help businesses scale AI responsibly. BABA shares have gained 34.3% in the year-to-date (YTD) period, outperforming the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector's growth of 4.2% and 2.8%, respectively. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, BABA stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 10.37X compared with the industry's 24.39X. BABA has a Value Score of B. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $2.48 per share, which has remained steady over the past 30 days, indicating 9.73% year-over-year growth. Alibaba Group Holding Limited price-consensus-chart | Alibaba Group Holding Limited Quote The consensus mark for fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $10.62 per share, which has remained steady over the past 30 days. The estimate indicates 17.87% year-over-year currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Finextra
5 hours ago
- Business
- Finextra
Standard Bank adds access to China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment system
In a first for the continent, Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking is the first authorised bank to offer transactions through China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. The bank was recently granted license to offer CIPS transactions at this year's Lujiazui Forum. The Forum was created as a high-level global platform for government officials, world financial leaders and outstanding scholars to discuss and foster international financial cooperation and further the financial reform and market opening in China. eponymous conference held in Shanghai. The payment system will allow for interbank payments between Africa and China using Chinese Renminbi (RMB) as the underpinning currency. Access to CIPS will provide banks and financial institutions the ability to clear and settle cross-border payments without the need to use different currencies. 'As an institution that is invested in driving Africa's economic growth, we are excited to be the first bank on the continent that offers CIPS transactions. This demonstrates our commitment and ability to deliver innovative solutions that truly add value for our clients,' says Anne Aliker, Group Head of Client Coverage at Standard Bank Corporate Investment Banking. According to Standard Bank's Trade Barometer 2024, 34% of surveyed businesses source their imports from China in contrast to 23% of the businesses surveyed in May 2023. This is indicative of the growing trade between Africa and China. 'We believe that CIPS will contribute to unlocking Africa's economic potential by fast tracking the advancement in trade that will support infrastructure development, greater regional integration and efficient deployment of capital,' adds Aliker. With China being Africa's largest export market, the new payment system will simplify and accelerate the clearance of transactions between the two markets. 'We will continue to seamlessly meet our clients' needs by providing flexibility in solutions in line with to the developing payments landscape,' concludes Aliker. CIPS transactions will be available on Standard Bank platforms from September 2025.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BABA Down 8% in a Month: Will Partnership With Apple Aid Recovery?
Alibaba Group's BABA shares have lost 8.2% over the past month, underperforming the Zacks Internet-Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector, thus reflecting investor uncertainty despite progress in the company's AI partnership with Apple. The Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant recently released versions of its Qwen3 AI models for Apple's MLX architecture, enabling compatibility with iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Mac computers. This development represents a significant step toward bringing Apple Intelligence features to the Chinese market, though regulatory headwinds continue to cloud the partnership's future. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The technical integration of Alibaba's AI models with Apple devices marks meaningful progress in their collaboration to deliver AI-powered features to Chinese consumers. Apple Intelligence encompasses various AI tools, including Genmoji and Writing Tools, which require local partnership to comply with Chinese regulations. The partnership has gained strategic importance as Apple's iPhone sales captured the top position in China during May, with global sales rising 15% year over year in April and May according to Counterpoint Research the collaboration faces mounting pressure from U.S. officials who have been scrutinizing the arrangement. Reports indicate that White House and congressional officials are examining Apple's plans to integrate Alibaba's AI technology into iPhones sold in China, reflecting broader tensions in U.S.-China technology relations. This scrutiny introduces uncertainty about the partnership's timeline and ultimate implementation, potentially affecting both companies' strategic plans in the crucial Chinese market. Alibaba's fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results presented a mixed picture that disappointed investors. Total revenues reached RMB 236.5 billion, representing 7% year-over-year growth, though this figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.49%. The company's adjusted EBITA showed stronger performance with 36% year-over-year growth to RMB 32.6 billion, indicating operational efficiency Taobao and Tmall Group demonstrated resilience with customer management revenues growing 12% year over year, primarily driven by improved take rates. Meanwhile, the Cloud Intelligence Group accelerated growth to 18% year over year, with AI-related product revenues maintaining triple-digit growth for the seventh consecutive quarter. This cloud performance underscores the potential value of the Apple partnership, though regulatory uncertainties may limit near-term various business segments showed mixed results, with some areas like Cainiao Smart Logistics experiencing revenue declines due to operational Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings indicates a downward revision of 1.5% over the past 60 days to $10.62 per share, the market appears to be pessimistic about Alibaba's growth trajectory. Alibaba Group Holding Limited price-consensus-chart | Alibaba Group Holding Limited Quote See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news. The regulatory environment presents the most significant risk to Alibaba's growth trajectory, particularly regarding the Apple partnership. U.S. resistance toward the Apple-Alibaba AI arrangement could limit cloud revenue upside potential. This uncertainty may prompt Alibaba to delay research investments and capital spending on related infrastructure until clearer regulatory guidance company's expansion beyond China continues through partnerships like the recent GoTo Group collaboration in Indonesia, where Alibaba Cloud successfully migrated GoTo Financial's infrastructure. Such international ventures provide diversification opportunities, though they cannot fully offset challenges in core markets. Despite recent declines, Alibaba's valuation metrics suggest the stock trades at a significant discount compared to global technology peers. The stock's forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 10.61X, as compared to the Zacks Internet-Commerce industry average of 24.05X, remains compressed due to ongoing regulatory concerns and slower growth expectations. This valuation gap reflects market skepticism about Chinese technology stocks generally, though it also presents potential upside for patient investors. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Competition in China's e-commerce and cloud markets continues intensifying. Domestic rivals like JD and Pinduoduo maintain pressure on e-commerce operations, while international cloud providers like Microsoft MSFT and Amazon AMZN compete for enterprise customers. However, Alibaba's market leadership position and AI capabilities provide defensive advantages, particularly in cloud computing, where technical expertise creates meaningful barriers to company's financial position remains robust with RMB 366.4 billion in net cash, providing flexibility for strategic investments and shareholder returns. During fiscal 2025, Alibaba repurchased $11.9 billion in shares and announced $4.6 billion in dividends, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value creation. Given current uncertainties surrounding the Apple partnership and broader regulatory environment, investors should consider maintaining existing positions while avoiding significant new investments until greater clarity emerges. The technical progress with Apple integration suggests long-term potential, but regulatory risks could delay meaningful benefits into fiscal stock's compressed valuation provides downside protection for current holders, while the company's strong cash position and improving operational metrics support a patient approach. Investors seeking new positions might benefit from waiting for the resolution of regulatory uncertainties or more attractive entry points that could emerge if partnership delays materialize. BABA stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Inc. (JD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
First Abu Dhabi Bank becomes First MENA Bank to join CIPS as direct participant
Abu Dhabi, UAE – First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE's global bank and one of the world's largest and safest financial institutions, has become a Direct Participant (DP) of the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), the official cross-border payment infrastructure for Renminbi (RMB). FAB's direct participation in CIPS enhances its ability to provide clients with faster, more secure and efficient cross-border RMB payment solutions, reinforcing its leadership in cash management and clearing across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as its reputation for operational excellence and robust risk management. FAB is currently the only UAE bank operating a fully licensed branch in Mainland China and is committed to supporting the needs of clients and partners in both markets. As the largest bank in the UAE and a cornerstone of the nation's economic, corporate, and financial ecosystem, FAB is uniquely positioned to drive growth and innovation across the China-UAE/GCC corridor. This landmark achievement underscores FAB's leadership in digital transformation and its commitment to advancing the UAE's position as a regional financial hub. Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer at FAB, said:"With a fully licensed branch in Mainland China, FAB holds a unique position among UAE banks enabling it to lead on the integration of the Renminbi into our existing global banking service offering. Our direct participation in CIPS significantly enhances our ability to provide faster, more secure and efficient RMB payment solutions and deliver real-time settlement capabilities. This development reinforces our leadership in regional cash management and clearing. It also strengthens FAB's role as a trusted financial infrastructure partner for clients transacting between China, the UAE and the broader MENA region. As cross-border transactions accelerate, we remain committed to delivering the infrastructure and innovation that enable financial connectivity at pace." FAB's participation as a Direct Participant of CIPS reflects its vision to remain at the forefront of financial innovation as MENA's leading bank. The bank continues to invest in advanced infrastructure and capabilities to ensure it remains the partner of choice for clients navigating the complexities of international trade and finance. About First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Headquartered in Abu Dhabi with a global footprint across 20 markets, FAB is the finance and trade gateway to the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). With total assets of AED 1.31 trillion (USD 356 billion) as of March-end 2025, FAB is among the world's largest banking groups. The bank provides financial expertise to its wholesale and retail client franchise across three business units: 1) Investment Banking & Markets, 2) Wholesale Banking, and 3) Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking Group. FAB is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and rated Aa3/AA-/AA- by Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, respectively, with a stable outlook. On sustainability, FAB holds an MSCI ESG rating of 'AA', and is also ranked among the top 6% of banks globally by Refinitiv's ESG Scores and ranked the Best diversified bank in MENA by Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating.
