"Alibaba Completes $9.5 Billion Share Repurchase in 2023"
Alibaba Group has repurchased $9.5 billion worth of its shares in 2023, totaling 897.9 million shares across U.S. and Hong Kong markets. This buyback is part of a larger program authorized by the Board, with $11.7 billion remaining until March 2025. The repurchases have led to a 3.3% net reduction in outstanding shares, considering the issuance of shares under the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). As of December 31, Alibaba had 20 billion outstanding shares, down from 29.7 billion at the end of the previous year.