Alibaba Stock's a Strong Buy After Open-Source AI Reveal
Alibaba stock is higher Thursday after the Chinese e-commerce giant released over 100 AI models, but Wall Street was already bullish on BABA.


U.S.-listed Alibaba Group Holding (BABA) shares are trading notably higher Thursday after the Chinese e-commerce giant released over 100 open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models and a new text-to-video tool, according to media reports. At last check, BABA stock was up around 4%.
The new AI models, dubbed Qwen 2.5, are designed for use in a wide range of applications and sectors, and have more advanced capabilities in math and coding, according to CNBC. The text-to-video tool is based on Alibaba's AI models, allowing users to input a prompt and have a video created.
"Alibaba Cloud is investing, with unprecedented intensity, in the research and development of AI technology and the building of its global infrastructure," said Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu in a keynote address at the company's annual Apsara Conference.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Wu added that Alibaba is "rebuilding future-oriented advanced AI infrastructure from chips, servers, networks, storage, to cooling, power supply, and data centers."
The executive concluded his speech by saying we are "standing at the dawn of the AI era" and he is "truly excited."
Is Alibaba stock a buy, sell or hold?
Alibaba had a rough start to 2024, but shares have been trending higher over the past month or so, and are up more than 22% since late June. And Wall Street remains very bullish on the Chinese consumer discretionary stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the consensus recommendation among the analysts following the stock that it tracks is a Strong Buy.
Financial services firm Jefferies is one of those with a Buy rating on BABA stock, alongside a $116 price target.
"Alibaba has multiple growth drivers in the years ahead, in our view, with its core marketplace a strong cash cow that enjoys secular growth momentum amid consumption upgrade in China, thanks to solid execution and technological strength in digitalizing the retail sector with enhanced efficiencies," says Jefferies analyst Thomas Chong.
He adds that BABA’s cloud computing unit has "clear market leadership as the backbone of digitalization across different industries."
Jefferies' $116 price target represents implied upside of roughly 32% to current levels.
Related Content
- Best Blue Chip Stocks: 21 Hedge Fund Top Picks
- Analysts' Top S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now
- Stock Picks That Billionaires Love
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Should You Do A Roth IRA Conversion? Nine Things to Consider
The Tax Letter Thinking of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor highlights nine factors you should consider before making a move.
By Joy Taylor
-
33 Stocks That Could Rally 50% or More This Year
Analysts say these S&P 500 stocks have at least 50% price upside over the next year or so.
By Dan Burrows
-
33 Stocks That Could Rally 50% or More This Year
Analysts say these S&P 500 stocks have at least 50% price upside over the next year or so.
By Dan Burrows
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Drops 971 Points as Powell Pressure Ramps Up
President Trump is increasing his attacks against Jerome Powell, insisting the Fed chair cut interest rates.
By Karee Venema
-
When Should You Hand Over the Keys — to Your Investments?
The secret to retirement planning? "The best time to hand over the keys is before you’ve realized you need to hand over the keys."
By Maurie Backman
-
Going to College? How to Navigate the Financial Planning
College decisions this year seem even more complex than usual, including determining whether a school is a 'financial fit.' Here's how to find your way.
By Chris Ebeling
-
Financial Steps After a Loved One's Alzheimer's Diagnosis
It's important to move fast on legal safeguards, estate planning and more while your loved one still has the capacity to make decisions.
By Thomas C. West, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®
-
How Soon Can You Walk Away After Selling Your Business?
You may earn more money from the sale of your business if you stay to help with the transition to new management. The question is, do you need to?
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA®
-
Two Don'ts and Four Dos During Trump's Trade War
The financial rules have changed now that tariffs have disrupted the markets and created economic uncertainty. What can you do? (And what shouldn't you do?)
By Maggie Kulyk, CRPC®, CSRIC™
-
I'm Single, With No Kids: Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Unless you have a plan in place, guess who might be making all the decisions about your prized possessions, or even your health care: a court.
By Cynthia Pruemm, Investment Adviser Representative