Speculative Euphoria Is Fading
Alibaba (BABA) is trying our patience. The company’s performance through the first nine months of its fiscal 2015 has been solid. Revenue advanced 45% year-over-year, non-GAAP EBITDA margins were nearly 60% and adjusted free cash flow came in at ~$5 billion. Yes, that’s right – free cash flow of $5 billion, and we don’t give the company credit for changes in its loan receivables in that mark. Disappointing? Hardly. Alibaba’s EBITDA increase in its most recently-reported quarter of 34%, to $2.43 billion, was better than expectations calling for ~24% growth. In our opinion, earnings matter – and Alibaba’s were good! The company’s shares, however, have fallen into the mid-$80s from ~$120 per share, and I fear that if they break … Read more