HSBC Says SEC Investigation To Have Little Financial Impact On Alibaba

While the disclosure of an SEC investigation yesterday pressured shares of Alibaba (BABA), the financial impact will be limited, HSBC analyst Chi Tsang tells investors in a research note.

If Alibaba is indeed found in violation of SEC accounting rules, the company would likely consolidate Cainiao and restate Singles Day gross merchandise volume figures, the analyst contends. Tsang believes these actions would not have a material impact on Alibaba's financials.

He recommends buying the shares following yesterday's pullback. The analyst keeps a Buy rating on China's e-commerce giant with a $113 price target. The stock closed yesterday down 7%, or $5.55, to $75.57. Yahoo (YHOO), which owns a stake in Alibaba, closed yesterday down 5% to $35.59.