Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016shares | |
Document and Entity Information | |
Entity Registrant Name | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd |
Entity Central Index Key | 1,577,552 |
Document Type | 20-F |
Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2016 |
Amendment Flag | false |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --03-31 |
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes |
Entity Voluntary Filers | No |
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 2,473,927,859 |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,016 |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY |
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS ¥ in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)¥ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)¥ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)¥ / sharesshares | |
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||
Revenue | $ 15,686 | ¥ 101,143 | ¥ 76,204 | ¥ 52,504 |
Cost of revenue | (5,328) | (34,355) | (23,834) | (13,369) |
Product development expenses | (2,138) | (13,788) | (10,658) | (5,093) |
Sales and marketing expenses | (1,753) | (11,307) | (8,513) | (4,545) |
General and administrative expenses | (1,428) | (9,205) | (7,800) | (4,218) |
Amortization of intangible assets | (455) | (2,931) | (2,089) | (315) |
Impairment of goodwill | (71) | (455) | (175) | (44) |
Income from operations | 4,513 | 29,102 | 23,135 | 24,920 |
Interest and investment income, net | 8,104 | 52,254 | 9,455 | 1,648 |
Interest expense | (301) | (1,946) | (2,750) | (2,195) |
Other income, net | 319 | 2,058 | 2,486 | 2,429 |
Income before income tax and share of results of equity investees | 12,635 | 81,468 | 32,326 | 26,802 |
Income tax expenses | (1,310) | (8,449) | (6,416) | (3,196) |
Share of results of equity investees | (269) | (1,730) | (1,590) | (203) |
Net income | 11,056 | 71,289 | 24,320 | 23,403 |
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 27 | 171 | (59) | (88) |
Net income attributable to Alibaba Group Holding Limited | 11,083 | 71,460 | 24,261 | 23,315 |
Accretion of Convertible Preference Shares | ¥ | (15) | (31) | ||
Dividends accrued on Convertible Preference Shares | ¥ | (97) | (208) | ||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders | $ 11,083 | ¥ 71,460 | ¥ 24,149 | ¥ 23,076 |
Earnings per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders | ||||
Basic | (per share) | $ 4.51 | ¥ 29.07 | ¥ 10.33 | ¥ 10.61 |
Diluted | (per share) | $ 4.33 | ¥ 27.89 | ¥ 9.70 | ¥ 10 |
Weighted average number of share/ADS used in computing earnings per share/ADS (million share) | ||||
Basic | shares | 2,458 | 2,458 | 2,337 | 2,175 |
Diluted | shares | 2,562 | 2,562 | 2,500 | 2,332 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||
Net income | $ 11,056 | ¥ 71,289 | ¥ 24,320 | ¥ 23,403 |
Foreign currency translation: | ||||
Change in unrealized gains | 48 | 312 | 52 | 538 |
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses recorded in net income | 3 | 21 | (14) | |
Net change | 51 | 333 | 52 | 524 |
Available-for-sale securities: | ||||
Change in unrealized gains | 363 | 2,343 | 3,102 | 306 |
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains recorded in net income | (65) | (422) | (13) | |
Less: tax effect | (76) | (488) | ||
Net change | 222 | 1,433 | 3,102 | 293 |
Interest rate swaps under hedge accounting: | ||||
Change in unrealized gains (losses) | (36) | 36 | ||
Forward exchange contracts under hedge accounting: | ||||
Change in unrealized losses | (26) | (168) | ||
Other comprehensive income | 247 | 1,598 | 3,118 | 853 |
Total comprehensive income | 11,303 | 72,887 | 27,438 | 24,256 |
Less: total comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 16 | 102 | (56) | (90) |
Total comprehensive income attributable to Alibaba Group Holding Limited | $ 11,319 | ¥ 72,989 | ¥ 27,382 | ¥ 24,166 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 16,566 | ¥ 106,818 | ¥ 108,193 |
Short-term investments | 729 | 4,700 | 14,148 |
Restricted cash | 209 | 1,346 | 2,297 |
Investment securities | 648 | 4,178 | 3,658 |
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | 2,640 | 17,028 | 13,813 |
Total current assets | 20,792 | 134,070 | 142,109 |
Investment securities | 4,558 | 29,392 | 14,611 |
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | 932 | 6,007 | 4,085 |
Investment in equity investees | 14,184 | 91,461 | 33,877 |
Property and equipment, net | 2,114 | 13,629 | 9,139 |
Land use rights | 446 | 2,876 | 3,105 |
Intangible assets | 833 | 5,370 | 6,575 |
Goodwill | 12,662 | 81,645 | 41,933 |
Total assets | 56,521 | 364,450 | 255,434 |
Current liabilities: | |||
Current bank borrowings | 667 | 4,304 | 1,990 |
Income tax payable | 433 | 2,790 | 2,733 |
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | 4,240 | 27,334 | 19,834 |
Merchant deposits | 1,134 | 7,314 | 7,201 |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | 1,597 | 10,297 | 7,914 |
Total current liabilities | 8,071 | 52,039 | 39,672 |
Deferred revenue | 65 | 418 | 445 |
Deferred tax liabilities | 1,004 | 6,471 | 4,493 |
Non-current bank borrowings | 290 | 1,871 | 1,609 |
Unsecured senior notes | 8,002 | 51,596 | 48,994 |
Other liabilities | 335 | 2,166 | 2,150 |
Total liabilities | $ 17,767 | ¥ 114,561 | ¥ 97,363 |
Commitments and contingencies | |||
Mezzanine equity | $ 54 | ¥ 350 | ¥ 658 |
Alibaba Group Holding Limited shareholders' equity: | |||
Ordinary shares, US$0.000025 par value; 4,000,000,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2015 and 2016; 2,495,499,036 and 2,473,927,859 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Additional paid-in capital | 20,504 | 132,206 | 117,142 |
Treasury shares at cost | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Restructuring reserve | (138) | (888) | (1,152) |
Subscription receivables | (27) | (172) | (411) |
Statutory reserves | 503 | 3,244 | 2,715 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | |||
Cumulative translation adjustments | (163) | (1,050) | (1,095) |
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, interest rate swaps and others | 760 | 4,894 | 3,397 |
Retained earnings | 12,213 | 78,752 | 24,842 |
Total Alibaba Group Holding Limited shareholders' equity | 33,652 | 216,987 | 145,439 |
Noncontrolling interests | 5,048 | 32,552 | 11,974 |
Total equity | 38,700 | 249,539 | 157,413 |
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and equity | $ 56,521 | ¥ 364,450 | ¥ 255,434 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares | Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||
Ordinary shares- par value | $ 0.000025 | $ 0.000025 |
Ordinary shares- shares authorized | 4,000,000,000 | 4,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 2,473,927,859 | 2,495,499,036 |
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding | 2,473,927,859 | 2,495,499,036 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Total Alibaba Group Holding Limited shareholders' equity (deficits)IPOCNY (¥) | Total Alibaba Group Holding Limited shareholders' equity (deficits)CNY (¥) | Ordinary SharesPartner Capital Investment Planshares | Ordinary SharesIPOshares | Ordinary SharesCNY (¥)shares | Additional paid-in capitalIPOCNY (¥) | Additional paid-in capitalCNY (¥) | Treasury sharesCNY (¥) | Restructuring reserveCNY (¥) | Subscription receivablesCNY (¥) | Statutory reservesCNY (¥) | Cumulative translation adjustmentsCNY (¥) | Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, interest rate swaps and othersCNY (¥) | Retained earnings (Accumulated deficits)CNY (¥) | Noncontrolling interestPartner Capital Investment PlanCNY (¥) | Noncontrolling interestCNY (¥) | Partner Capital Investment PlanCNY (¥) | IPOCNY (¥) | USD ($)shares | CNY (¥)shares |
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013 | ¥ (24) | ¥ 1 | ¥ 21,655 | ¥ 0 | ¥ (852) | ¥ 1,337 | ¥ (1,666) | ¥ (8) | ¥ (20,491) | ¥ 537 | ¥ 513 | |||||||||
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013 | shares | 2,175,220,739 | |||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 552 | 16 | 536 | 2 | 554 | |||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities | 293 | 293 | 293 | |||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps under hedge accounting | 36 | 36 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income for the year | 23,315 | 23,315 | 88 | 23,403 | ||||||||||||||||
Liquidation and deconsolidation of subsidiaries | (14) | (14) | (14) | |||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of shares of a consolidated subsidiary | (7) | (7) | (2) | (9) | ||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries | 276 | 276 | 276 | |||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries (in shares) | shares | 828,299 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares | ¥ 442 | ¥ 442 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares (in shares) | shares | 18,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of share options and vesting of early exercised options and RSUs, including repayment of related employee loans | 688 | 700 | (12) | 688 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercise of share options and vesting of early exercised options and RSUs, including repayment of related employee loans (in shares) | shares | 30,880,761 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares | (228) | (32) | 308 | (504) | (228) | |||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares (in shares) | shares | (3,943,139) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of compensation cost | 2,784 | 2,784 | 12 | 2,796 | ||||||||||||||||
Equity-settled donation | 1,269 | 1,269 | 1,269 | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares in relation to investment in equity investees and others | 637 | 637 | 637 | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares in relation to investment in equity investees and others (in shares) | shares | 5,824,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accretion to convertible preferred shareholders | (31) | (31) | (31) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend to convertible preferred shareholders | (208) | (208) | (208) | |||||||||||||||||
Appropriation to statutory reserves | 1,137 | (1,137) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014 | 29,338 | ¥ 1 | 27,043 | 0 | (540) | 2,474 | (1,144) | 321 | 1,183 | 1,079 | 30,417 | |||||||||
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014 | shares | 2,226,810,660 | |||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 59 | 49 | 10 | (7) | 52 | |||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities | 3,102 | 3,102 | 3,102 | |||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps under hedge accounting | (36) | (36) | (36) | |||||||||||||||||
Net income for the year | 24,261 | 24,261 | 63 | 24,324 | ||||||||||||||||
Liquidation and deconsolidation of subsidiaries | (26) | 26 | (378) | (378) | ||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries | 3,782 | 3,782 | 10,897 | 14,679 | ||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries (in shares) | shares | 8,876,755 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares | ¥ 61,536 | ¥ 61,536 | ¥ 61,536 | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of ordinary shares (in shares) | shares | 149,220,834 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of share options and vesting of early exercised options and RSUs, including repayment of related employee loans | 676 | 516 | 160 | 676 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercise of share options and vesting of early exercised options and RSUs, including repayment of related employee loans (in shares) | shares | 20,240,334 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares | (256) | (13) | 6 | (249) | (256) | |||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares (in shares) | shares | (892,859) | |||||||||||||||||||
Deemed disposals of partial interest in subsidiaries arising from exercise or vesting of share-based awards | (7) | (7) | 17 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchase from, net of subscription, by noncontrolling interest for Partner Capital Investment Plan | (37) | (37) | (86) | (123) | ||||||||||||||||
Redemption of treasury shares granted for Senior Management Share Incentive Scheme | 15 | 15 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||
Capital injection from noncontrolling interests | 174 | 174 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of compensation cost | 12,659 | 12,659 | 291 | 12,950 | ||||||||||||||||
Excess value receivable arising from the restructuring of the commercial arrangements with Ant Financial Services and related amortization | 166 | 1,318 | ¥ (1,152) | 166 | ||||||||||||||||
Conversion of convertible preferred shares | 10,293 | 10,293 | 10,293 | |||||||||||||||||
Conversion of convertible preferred shares (In shares) | shares | 91,243,312 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accretion to convertible preferred shareholders | (15) | (15) | (15) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend to convertible preferred shareholders | (97) | (97) | (97) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend declared by a consolidated subsidiary to noncontrolling interests | (61) | (61) | ||||||||||||||||||
Appropriation to statutory reserves | 267 | (267) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015 | 145,439 | ¥ 1 | 117,142 | 0 | (1,152) | (411) | 2,715 | (1,095) | 3,397 | 24,842 | 11,974 | ¥ 157,413 | ||||||||
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015 | shares | 2,495,499,036 | 2,495,499,036 | 2,495,499,036 | |||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 240 | (16) | 24 | 232 | 56 | ¥ 296 | ||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities | 1,433 | 1,433 | $ 222 | 1,433 | ||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of forward exchange contracts under hedge accounting | (168) | (168) | (26) | (168) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income for the year | 71,460 | 71,460 | (158) | 71,302 | ||||||||||||||||
Liquidation and deconsolidation of subsidiaries | 21 | 21 | (10,849) | (10,828) | ||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of shares of a consolidated subsidiary | (30) | (30) | (30) | |||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries | 31,409 | 31,409 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of share options and vesting of early exercised options and RSUs, including repayment of related employee loans | 774 | 519 | 255 | 774 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercise of share options and vesting of early exercised options and RSUs, including repayment of related employee loans (in shares) | shares | 25,016,386 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares | (19,795) | (2,774) | (17,021) | (19,795) | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares (in shares) | shares | (46,587,563) | |||||||||||||||||||
Redemption of treasury shares granted for Senior Management Share Incentive Scheme | 13 | 13 | (13) | |||||||||||||||||
Capital injection from noncontrolling interests | 56 | 56 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of compensation cost | 16,434 | 16,434 | 80 | 16,514 | ||||||||||||||||
Tax benefits from share-based awards | 725 | 725 | 725 | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of excess value receivable arising from the restructuring of the commercial arrangements with Ant Financial Services and others | 441 | 177 | 264 | 441 | ||||||||||||||||
Dividend declared by a consolidated subsidiary to noncontrolling interests | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||
Appropriation to statutory reserves | 529 | (529) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016 | ¥ 216,987 | ¥ 1 | ¥ 132,206 | ¥ 0 | ¥ (888) | ¥ (172) | ¥ 3,244 | ¥ (1,050) | ¥ 4,894 | ¥ 78,752 | ¥ 32,552 | $ 38,700 | ¥ 249,539 | |||||||
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016 | shares | 2,473,927,859 | 2,473,927,859 | 2,473,927,859 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)shares | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||
Net income | $ 11,056 | ¥ 71,289 | ¥ 24,320 | ¥ 23,403 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||
Revaluation of previously held equity interest | (2,885) | (18,603) | (6,535) | |
Loss (Gain) on disposals of equity investees | (479) | (3,089) | (128) | 3 |
Realized and unrealized gain related to investment securities | (141) | (906) | (178) | (90) |
Change in fair value of other assets and liabilities | 13 | 84 | 102 | (98) |
Gain on disposals of other subsidiaries | (4,174) | (26,913) | (307) | (387) |
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and land use rights | 584 | 3,770 | 2,326 | 1,339 |
Amortization of intangible assets | 455 | 2,931 | 2,089 | 315 |
Tax benefits from share-based awards | (174) | (1,120) | ||
Share-based compensation expense | 2,494 | 16,082 | 13,028 | 2,844 |
Equity-settled donation expense | 1,269 | |||
Impairment of cost method equity investees and investment securities | 289 | 1,864 | 419 | 119 |
Impairment of goodwill | 71 | 455 | 175 | 44 |
Gain on disposals of property and equipment | (2) | (11) | (13) | |
Amortization of restructuring reserve (Note 4(b)) | 41 | 264 | 166 | |
Share of results of equity investees | 269 | 1,730 | 1,590 | 203 |
Deferred income taxes | 190 | 1,226 | 1,659 | 1,466 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts relating to micro loans | (1) | (9) | 650 | 442 |
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and disposals: | ||||
Restricted cash and escrow receivables | (851) | (1,329) | ||
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | (622) | (4,012) | (13,927) | (12,742) |
Income tax payable | 192 | 1,237 | 1,410 | 1,008 |
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | 1,257 | 8,104 | 11,415 | 5,336 |
Merchant deposits | 18 | 113 | 2,490 | 1,628 |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | 364 | 2,350 | 1,317 | 1,606 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 8,815 | 56,836 | 41,217 | 26,379 |
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||
(Increase) Decrease in short term investments, net | 716 | 4,619 | (1,113) | (8,304) |
Decrease in restricted cash | 116 | 746 | 1,139 | 199 |
(Increase) Decrease in trading investment securities, net | 1 | 9 | (16) | (147) |
Acquisitions of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities | (2,382) | (15,363) | (11,801) | (2,972) |
Disposals of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities | 338 | 2,177 | 939 | 372 |
Acquisitions of equity investees | (5,835) | (37,625) | (23,430) | (16,468) |
Disposals of equity investees | 1,554 | 10,021 | 99 | 89 |
Acquisitions of: | ||||
Land use rights and construction in progress | (839) | (5,407) | (2,935) | (1,491) |
Other property, equipment and intangible assets | (843) | (5,438) | (4,770) | (3,285) |
Cash paid for business combinations, net of cash acquired | (232) | (1,495) | (10,255) | (732) |
Deconsolidation and disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash proceeds (Note 4(b) and (e)) | 758 | 4,890 | (1,271) | (46) |
Loans to employees, net of repayments | 5 | 35 | (40) | (212) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (6,643) | (42,831) | (53,454) | (32,997) |
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||
Issuance of ordinary shares, including repayment of loan and interest receivable on employee loans for the exercise of ordinary shares | 108 | 693 | 61,831 | 1,638 |
Repurchase of ordinary shares | (3,070) | (19,795) | (270) | (157) |
Issuance (Repurchase) of ordinary shares for Partner Capital Investment Plan (Note 8(c)) | (123) | 442 | ||
Payment of dividend on Convertible Preference Shares (Note 22) | (104) | (208) | ||
Redemption of Redeemable Preference Shares | (5,131) | |||
Acquisition of the remaining noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary | (9) | |||
Dividend paid by a consolidated subsidiary to noncontrolling interests | 0 | (3) | (61) | |
Capital Injection from noncontrolling interest | 9 | 56 | 174 | |
Deemed disposals of partial interest in subsidiaries, net of related costs | 6 | |||
Tax benefits from share-based awards | 112 | 725 | ||
Proceeds from secured borrowings relating to micro loans | 88,422 | 53,195 | ||
Repayment of secured borrowings relating to micro loans | (82,269) | (46,029) | ||
Proceeds from current bank borrowings | 4,374 | 28,208 | 25,804 | 681 |
Repayment of current bank borrowings | (4,086) | (26,349) | (24,734) | (423) |
Proceeds from non-current bank borrowings | 119 | 765 | 19,602 | 30,153 |
Repayment of non-current bank borrowings | (23) | (146) | (49,538) | (24,788) |
Proceeds from unsecured senior notes | 48,757 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (2,457) | (15,846) | 87,497 | 9,364 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 72 | 466 | (112) | (97) |
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (213) | (1,375) | 75,148 | 2,649 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 16,779 | 108,193 | 33,045 | 30,396 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 16,566 | 106,818 | 108,193 | 33,045 |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||
Payment of income taxes | 6,465 | 3,458 | 722 | |
Payment of interest | 1,560 | 956 | 1,220 | |
Business combinations: | ||||
Cash paid for business combinations | (3,055) | (16,291) | (767) | |
Cash acquired in business combinations | 1,560 | 6,036 | 35 | |
Cash paid for business combinations, net of cash acquired | $ (232) | (1,495) | ¥ (10,255) | ¥ (732) |
Major non-cash transactions: | ||||
Number of underlying ordinary shares issued | shares | 7,195,581 | |||
Restructuring of equity investments | ¥ 6,202 |
Organization and principal acti
Organization and principal activities | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Organization and principal activities | |
Organization and principal activities | 1. Organization and principal activities Alibaba Group Holding Limited (the "Company," and where appropriate, the term "Company" also refers to its subsidiaries and variable interest entities as a whole), was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on June 28, 1999. The Company is a holding company and conducts its businesses primarily through its subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs"). The Company is principally engaged in online and mobile commerce through offering of products, services and technology that enable merchants, brands and other businesses to transform the way they market, sell and operate in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC" or "China") and internationally. Major shareholders of the Company include SoftBank Corp. ("SoftBank") and Yahoo! Inc. ("Yahoo"). The Company's core commerce business is comprised of marketplaces operating in retail commerce in China, wholesale commerce in China and international and cross-border commerce. Retail commerce in China operated by the Company includes (i) the China online commerce destination ("Taobao Marketplace"); (ii) the China third-party platform for brands and retailers ("Tmall") and (iii) the sales and marketing platform for flash sales ("Juhuasuan"). Wholesale commerce in China operated by the Company includes the China domestic wholesale marketplace ("1688.com"). International and cross-border commerce operated by the Company includes (i) the global marketplace targeting consumers from around the world to buy directly from manufacturers and distributors in China ("AliExpress"); (ii) a platform within the Tmall for overseas brands and retailers to reach Chinese consumers without the need for physical operations in China ("Tmall Global") and (iii) the wholesale marketplace for global trade ("Alibaba.com"). In addition, the Company is a provider of public cloud services which offers a complete suite of cloud services: including elastic computing, database, storage and content delivery network, large scale computing, security and management and application services, to third-party customers ("Alibaba Cloud Computing"). The Company also operates business in mobile media and entertainment through three distribution platforms, UCWeb mobile media, game publishing and multi-screen entertainment as well as content creation and production companies in film, music and sports. The Company also participates in the logistics and local services sectors through investments in Cainiao Network (Note 4(w)) and Koubei (Note 4(n)), respectively. In addition, the Company has a profit sharing interest in Ant Financial Services (Note 4(b)), the financial services group that operates through Alipay.com Co., Ltd. ("Alipay"), a third-party online payment platform in China. The Company makes available online payment processing services ("Payment Services") on its marketplaces through an arrangement with Alipay. The Company derives substantially all of its revenue from the PRC. |
Summary of significant accounti
Summary of significant accounting policies | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Summary of significant accounting policies | |
Summary of significant accounting policies | 2. Summary of significant accounting policies (a) Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and statement of cash flows from Renminbi ("RMB") into the United States Dollar ("US$") as of and for the year ended March 31, 2016 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at the rate of US$1.00=RMB6.4480, representing the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on March 31, 2016. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on March 31, 2016, or at any other rate. (b) Use of estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. (c) Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, including the wholly-foreign owned enterprises ("WFOEs"), and VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All transactions and balances among the Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation. The results of subsidiaries and VIEs acquired or disposed of are recorded in the consolidated income statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. A subsidiary is an entity in which (i) the Company directly or indirectly controls more than 50% of the voting power; or (ii) the Company has the power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors or to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of the board of directors or to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee pursuant to a statute or under an agreement among the shareholders or equity holders. A VIE entity is required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity holders in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. To comply with the PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership of companies that operate Internet content and other restricted businesses, the Company operates its websites and engages in such restricted services in the PRC through certain PRC domestic companies, whose equity interests are held by certain management members or founders of the Company. The registered capital of these PRC domestic companies was funded by the Company through loans extended to certain management members or founders of the Company. The Company has entered into certain exclusive technical services agreements with these PRC domestic companies, which entitle it to receive a majority of their residual returns and make it obligatory for the Company to absorb a majority of the risk of losses from their activities. In addition, the Company has entered into certain agreements with those management members or founders, including loan agreements that require them to contribute registered capital to those PRC domestic companies, exclusive call option agreements to acquire the equity interests in these companies when permitted by the PRC laws, rules and regulations, equity pledge agreements of the equity interests held by those management members or founders, and proxy agreements that irrevocably authorize individuals designated by the Company to exercise the equity owner's rights over these PRC domestic companies. Details of the typical VIE structure of the Company's significant VIEs, primarily domestic companies associated with the operations of Taobao Marketplace, Tmall, Juhuasuan, 1688.com, AliExpress, Alibaba.com and Alibaba Cloud Computing, are set forth below: (i) Contracts that give the Company effective control of VIEs Loan agreements Pursuant to the relevant loan agreements, the respective WFOEs have granted interest-free loans to the relevant VIEs equity holders, which may only be used for the purpose of capital contributions to the relevant VIEs or as may be otherwise agreed by the WFOEs. The WFOEs may require acceleration of repayment at their absolute discretion. When the VIEs equity holders make early repayment of the outstanding amount, the WFOEs or a third party designated by the WFOEs may purchase the equity interests in the VIEs at a price equal to the outstanding amount of the loan, subject to any applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations. The VIEs equity holders undertake not to enter into any prohibited transactions in relation to the VIEs, including the transfer of any business, material assets, intellectual property rights or equity interests in the VIEs to any third party. Exclusive call option agreements The VIEs equity holders have granted the WFOEs exclusive call options to purchase their equity interest in the VIEs at an exercise price equal to the higher of (i) the registered capital in the VIEs; and (ii) the minimum price as permitted by applicable PRC laws. Each relevant VIE has further granted the relevant WFOE an exclusive call option to purchase its assets at an exercise price equal to the book value of the assets or the minimum price as permitted by applicable PRC laws, whichever is higher. The WFOEs may nominate another entity or individual to purchase the equity interest or assets, if applicable, under the call options. Each call option is exercisable subject to the condition that applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations do not prohibit completion of the transfer of the equity interest or assets pursuant to the call option. Each WFOE is entitled to all dividends and other distributions declared by the VIE, and the VIE equity holders have agreed to give up their rights to receive any distributions or proceeds from the disposal of their equity interests in the VIE which are in excess of the original registered capital that they contributed to the VIE, and to pay any such distributions or premium to the WFOE. The exclusive call option agreements remain in effect until the equity interest or assets that are the subject of such agreements are transferred to the WFOEs. Proxy agreements Pursuant to the relevant proxy agreements, each of the VIEs equity holders irrevocably authorizes any person designated by the WFOEs to exercise his rights as an equity holder of the VIEs, including the right to attend and vote at equity holders' meetings and appoint directors. Equity pledge agreements Pursuant to the relevant equity pledge agreements, the relevant VIEs equity holders have pledged all of their interests in the equity of the VIEs as a continuing first priority security interest in favor of the corresponding WFOEs to secure the outstanding amounts advanced under the relevant loan agreements described above and to secure the performance of obligations by the VIEs and/or the equity holders under the other structure contracts. Each WFOE is entitled to exercise its right to dispose of the VIEs equity holders' pledged interests in the equity of the VIE and has priority in receiving payment by the application of proceeds from the auction or sale of such pledged interests, in the event of any breach or default under the loan agreement or other structure contracts, if applicable. These equity pledge agreements remain in force for the duration of the relevant loan agreement and other structure contracts. These equity pledges have been registered with the relevant office of the Administrations for Industry and Commerce in the PRC. (ii) Contracts that enable the Company to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs Exclusive technical services agreements Each relevant VIE has entered into an exclusive technical services agreement with the respective WFOE, pursuant to which the relevant WFOE provides exclusive technical services to the VIE. In exchange, the VIE pays a service fee to the WFOE which typically amount to what would be substantially all of the VIE's pre-tax profit, resulting in a transfer of substantially all of the profits from the VIE to the WFOE. Other arrangements The exclusive call option agreements described above also enable the Company to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs by typically entitling the WFOEs to all dividends and other distributions declared by the VIEs and to any distributions or proceeds from the disposal by the VIEs equity holders of their equity interests in the VIEs that are in excess of the original registered capital that they contributed to the VIEs. Based on these contractual agreements, the Company believes that the PRC domestic companies as described above should be considered as VIEs because the equity holders do not have significant equity at risk nor do they have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest and the Company is the primary beneficiary of these PRC domestic companies. Accordingly, the Company believes that these VIEs should be consolidated based on the structure as described above. The following financial information of the VIEs in the PRC was recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements: As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments Amounts due from Ant Financial Services Investment in equity investees and securities Property and equipment and intangible assets Others Total assets Amounts due to WFOEs and other non-VIEs group companies Others Total liabilities Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Revenue (i) Net (loss) income (i) ) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities ) ) Net cash used in investing activities ) ) ) Net cash provided by financing activities (i) Revenue and net (loss) income earned and incurred by the VIEs are primarily from the businesses of providing display marketing on the Company's retail marketplaces, cloud computing services as well as mobile media and entertainment services and others. The VIEs did not have any material related party transactions except for those transacted with WFOEs which were eliminated in these consolidated financial statements and the related party transactions disclosed in Note 23 or elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements. Under the contractual arrangements with the VIEs, the Company has the power to direct activities of the VIEs and can have assets transferred out of the VIEs under its control. Therefore, the Company considers that there is no asset in any of the consolidated VIEs that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs, except for registered capital and PRC statutory reserves. As all consolidated VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the Company Law of the PRC, creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company for any of the liabilities of the consolidated VIEs. Currently there is no contractual arrangement which requires the Company to provide additional financial support to the VIEs. However, as the Company conducts its businesses primarily based on the licenses and approvals held by its VIEs, the Company has provided and will continue to provide financial support to the VIEs considering the business requirements of the VIEs, as well as the Company's own business objectives in the future. Unrecognized revenue-producing assets held by the VIEs include certain Internet content provision and other licenses, domain names and trademarks. The Internet content provision and other licenses are required under relevant PRC laws, rules and regulations for the operation of Internet businesses in the PRC, and therefore are integral to the Company's operations. The Internet content provision licenses require that core PRC trademark registrations and domain names are held by the VIEs that provide the relevant services. (d) Business combinations and noncontrolling interests The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805 "Business Combinations." The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities incurred by the Company to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated income statements. During the measurement period, which can be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations. In a business combination achieved in stages, the Company re-measures the previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the consolidated income statements. When there is a change in ownership interests that result in a loss of control of a subsidiary, the Company deconsolidates the subsidiary from the date control is lost. Any retained noncontrolling investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value and is included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiary. For the Company's majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs, a noncontrolling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. Consolidated net income (loss) on the consolidated income statements includes the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and mezzanine equity holders when applicable. Net income (loss) attributable to mezzanine equity holders is included in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated income statements, while it is excluded from the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity. The cumulative results of operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, along with adjustments for share-based compensation expense arising from outstanding share-based awards relating to subsidiaries' shares, are also recorded as noncontrolling interests in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions with noncontrolling interests are presented under financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. (e) Segment reporting Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker, which is a strategic committee comprised of members of the Company's management team. In the respective periods presented, the Company had one single operating and reportable segment, namely the provision of online and mobile commerce and related services. Although the online and mobile commerce and related services consist of different business units of the Company, information provided to the chief operating decision-maker is at the revenue level and the Company does not allocate operating costs or assets across business units, as the chief operating decision-maker does not use such information to allocate resources or evaluate the performance of the business units. Details of the Company's revenue are set out in Note 5. As the Company's long-lived assets are substantially all located in the PRC and substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from within the PRC, no geographical information is presented. (f) Foreign currency translation The functional currency of the Company is US$ and reporting currency of the Company is RMB. The Company's subsidiaries and VIEs with operations in the PRC, Hong Kong, United States and other jurisdictions use their respective currencies as their functional currencies. The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs, other than the subsidiaries and VIEs with the functional currency of RMB, are translated into RMB using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average exchange rate for the year for income and expense items. Translation gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss as a component of shareholders' equity. In the financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs, transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are measured and recorded in the functional currency using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. All gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recorded in the determination of net income or loss during the year in which they occur. (g) Revenue recognition Revenue principally represents online marketing services revenue, commissions on transactions, membership and storefront fees and cloud computing services revenue. Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of services in the ordinary course of the Company's activities and is recorded net of value-added tax ("VAT"). Consistent with the criteria of ASC 605 "Revenue Recognition" ("ASC 605"), the Company recognizes revenue when the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been provided, (iii) the selling price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting. The arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to each element based on their relative fair values for revenue recognition purposes. The consideration is allocated to each element using vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the standalone selling price for each deliverable, or if neither type of evidence is available, using management's best estimate of selling price. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables primarily relate to the sale of membership packages and online marketing services on the international wholesale marketplace, which are not material to the Company's total revenue. In accordance with ASC 605, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. When the Company is primarily obligated in a transaction, is subject to inventory risk, has latitude in establishing prices and selecting suppliers, or has several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded on a gross basis. When the Company is not the primary obligor, does not bear the inventory risk and does not have the ability to establish the price, revenue is recorded on a net basis. When services are exchanged or swapped for other services, the exchange is regarded as a revenue-generating transaction. The amount of revenue recognized for barter transactions was insignificant for each of the periods presented. Revenue recognition policies for each type of service are analyzed as follows: Online marketing services revenue The Company receives service fees from merchants on the retail and wholesale marketplaces for pay for performance ("P4P") marketing services, display marketing, placement services and Taobaoke program on the Company's marketplaces and certain third party marketing affiliates' websites. P4P marketing services allow merchants to bid for keywords that match product or service listings appearing in search or browser results on the Company's marketplaces. Merchants prepay for P4P marketing services and the related revenue is recognized when a user clicks their product or service listings. The positioning of such listings and the price for such positioning are determined through an online auction system, which facilitates price discovery through a market-based mechanism. Display marketing allows merchants to place advertisements in particular areas of a web page, at fixed prices or prices established by a real-time bidding system, in particular formats and over particular periods of time. In general, merchants need to prepay for display marketing and revenue is recognized ratably over the period in which the advertisement is displayed or when an advertisement appears on pages clicked or viewed by users. In delivery of these online marketing services, the Company, through the third-party marketing affiliate program, also places the P4P marketing services content of the participating merchants on third-party websites in the forms of picture or text links through contextual relevance technology to match merchants' marketing content to the textual content of the third-party website and the users' attributes based on the Company's systems and algorithms. When such links on third-party websites are clicked, users are diverted to a landing page of the Company's marketplaces where listings of the participating merchant as well as similar products or services of other merchants are presented. These other merchants may include those also participating in the online marketing services through the third-party marketing affiliate program or those only purchasing online marketing services on the Company's own marketplaces, as well as, in some cases, those who do not purchase online marketing services at all. Revenue is only recognized when such users further click on the P4P marketing content on such landing pages. In limited cases, the Company may embed a search box for one of its marketplaces on such third-party websites, and when a keyword is input into the search box, the user will be diverted to the Company's website where search results are presented and revenue can be generated through a similar mechanism. For third-party marketing affiliates with whom the Company has an arrangement to share such revenue, traffic acquisition cost is also recognized at the same time if the P4P marketing content on the landing page clicked by the users is from merchants participating in the third-party marketing affiliate program. The Company places display marketing content on third-party websites in a similar manner. A substantial portion of online marketing services revenue generated through the third-party marketing affiliate program represented P4P marketing services revenue for each of the years presented. P4P marketing service revenue as well as display marketing revenue generated on the Company's marketplaces or through the third-party marketing affiliate program are recorded on a gross basis principally because the Company is the primary obligor to the merchants in the arrangements. The Company receives placement services fees from merchants on promotional slots for a specified period on the Company's Juhuasuan marketplace and recognizes those fees as revenue when the underlying promotional services are provided. In addition, the Company offers the Taobaoke program which generates commissions from merchants for transactions completed and settled by consumers sourced from certain third party marketing affiliates' websites. The Company's portion of commission revenue generated through third party marketing affiliates' websites is recognized at the time when the underlying transaction is completed and is recorded on a net basis principally because the Company is not the primary obligor as it does not have latitude in establishing prices or does not have inventory risk. In certain occasions where the Company is obligated to pay for website inventory costs in fixed amounts to third-party marketing affiliates regardless of whether commission revenue is generated from these marketing affiliates, such commission revenue is recorded on a gross basis. Commissions on transactions The Company earns commissions from merchants when transactions are completed and settled on certain retail marketplaces of the Company. Such commissions are generally determined as a percentage based on the value of merchandise being sold by the merchants. Revenue related to commissions is recognized in the consolidated income statements at the time when the underlying transaction is completed. Membership and storefront fees The Company earns membership revenue from wholesale sellers in respect of the sale of membership packages and subscriptions which allow them to host premium storefronts on the Company's wholesale marketplaces. The Company also earns revenue from merchants who subscribe to Wangpu, the Company's storefront software that includes a suite of tools that assist merchants in upgrading, decorating and managing their storefronts on retail marketplaces. These service fees are paid in advance for a specific contracted service period. All these fees are initially deferred when received and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the respective service contracts as the services are provided. Cloud computing The Company earns revenue from cloud computing from the provision of services such as elastic computing, database services and storage and large scale computing services, as well as web hosting and domain name registration. Revenue is recognized at the time when the services are provided or ratably over the term of the service contracts as appropriate. Interest and other income Interest income on micro loans (Note 2(r)) is recognized as other revenue using the effective interest rate method which is reviewed and adjusted periodically based on changes in estimated cash flows. The Company disposed of certain equity interests and assets primarily relating to the micro loan business and related services and ceased to generate interest income on micro loans upon the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)). Other interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest method, and is classified as "interest and investment income" in the consolidated income statements. Other than the above, receipts of fees in respect of all other incidental services provided by the Company, including mobile value-added services, are recognized when services are delivered and the amounts relating to such incidental services are not material to the Company's total revenue. (h) Cost of revenue Cost of revenue consists primarily of staff costs and share-based compensation expense, payment processing fees, expenses associated with the operation of the Company's websites, such as bandwidth and co-location fees, depreciation and maintenance costs for computers, servers, call centers and other equipment, traffic acquisition costs, logistics costs and other related incidental expenses that are directly attributable to the Company's principal operations. (i) Product development expenses Product development expenses consist primarily of staff costs and share-based compensation expense and other related incidental expenses that are directly attributable to the development, maintenance and enhancement of the infrastructure, applications, operating systems, software, database and network for the Company's marketplaces, mobile products as well as transaction and service platforms. In addition, royalty fees accrued and paid to Yahoo up to the closing of the Company's initial public offering in September 2014 are recorded as part of product development expenses (Note 23). The Company expenses all costs that are incurred in connection with the planning and implementation phases of development and costs that are associated with repair or maintenance of the existing websites or the development of software and website content. Costs incurred in the development phase are capitalized and amortized over the estimated product life. However, since the inception of the Company, the amount of costs qualifying for capitalization has been insignificant and as a result, all website and software development costs have been expensed as incurred. (j) Sales and marketing expenses Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of online and offline advertising expenses, promotion expenses, sales commissions, staff costs and share-based compensation expense and other related incidental expenses that are incurred directly to attract or retain consumers and merchants for the Company's marketplaces. The Company expenses the costs of producing advertisements at the time production occurs, and expenses the costs of delivering advertisements in the period in which the advertising space or airtime is used. Advertising and promotional expenses totaled RMB2,022 million, RMB4,090 million and RMB5,524 million during the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. (k) Share-based compensation Share-based awards granted to the Company's employees are measured at fair value on grant date and share-based compensation expense is recognized (i) immediately at the grant date if no vesting conditions are required, or (ii) using the accelerated attribution method, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period. The fair value of share options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the fair value of restricted shares and restricted share units ("RSUs") is determined with reference to the fair value of the underlying shares. Share-based awards granted to non-employees are initially measured at fair value on the grant date and re-measured at each reporting date through the vesting date. Such value is recognized as expense over the respective service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation expense, when recognized, is charged to the consolidated income statements with the corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital or noncontrolling interests as disclosed in Note 2(d). At each date of measurement, the Company reviews internal and external sources of information to assist in the estimation of various attributes to determine the fair value of the share-based awards granted by the Company, including but not limited to the fair value of the underlying shares, expected life, expected volatility and expected forfeiture rates. As the Company was a private company prior to its initial public offering (Note 4(a)), the sources utilized to determine those attributes at the date of measurement were subjective in nature and required the Company to use judgment in applying such information to the share valuation models. The Company was required to consider many factors and made certain assumptions during this assessment. If any of the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the share-based awards changes significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current reporting period. (l) Other employee benefits The Company's subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC participate in a government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain retirement, medical and other w |
Recent accounting pronouncement
Recent accounting pronouncements | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Recent accounting pronouncements | |
Recent accounting pronouncements | 3. Recent accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)" and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 to clarify ASU 2014-09 on identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in the new revenue recognition standard. The new guidance is effective retrospectively for the Company for the year end ending March 31, 2019 and the interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2019, with early application permitted only for the annual reporting period ending March 31, 2018 and the interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2018. The Company is evaluating the existing revenue recognition policies to determine whether any contracts in the scope of the guidance will be affected by the new requirements. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement — Extraordinary and Unusual Items," which eliminates the concept of extraordinary and unusual items from U.S. GAAP. The new guidance is effective prospectively for the Company for the year end ending March 31, 2017 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810) — Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which amends the criteria for determining which entities are considered VIEs, amends the criteria for determining if a service provider possesses a variable interest in a VIE and ends the deferral granted to investment companies for application of the VIE consolidation model. The guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2017 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2017. The guidance may be applied retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Early application is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires debt issuance costs relating to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the consolidated balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new guidance is effective retrospectively for the Company for the year end ending March 31, 2017 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. At this time, the Company does not expect this accounting standard update to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805) — Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The new guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The new guidance is effective prospectively for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2017 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) — Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes," which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2018 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. At this time, the Company does not expect this accounting standard update to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10) — Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which amends various aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure for financial instruments. With respect to the Company's consolidated financial statements, the most significant impact relates to the accounting for equity investments. It will impact the disclosure and presentation of financial assets and liabilities. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2019 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2019. Early adoption is permitted only for certain provisions. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 "Leases" to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 creates a new ASC 842 "Leases" to replace the previous ASC 840 "Leases." ASU 2016-02 affects both lessees and lessors, although for the latter the provisions are similar to the previous model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and also the new revenue recognition provisions contained in ASU 2014-09. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2020 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05 "Derivatives and Hedging: Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships," which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under ASC 815 "Derivatives and hedging," does not, in and of itself, require designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2018 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06 "Derivatives and Hedging: Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments" to clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. An entity performing the assessment under the amendments is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. The amendments apply to all entities that are issuers of or investors in debt instruments (or hybrid financial instruments that are determined to have a debt host) with embedded call (put) options. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2018 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 "Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting," to simplify the accounting for equity method investments, which eliminates the requirement in ASC 323 "Investments — equity method and joint ventures" that an entity retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2018 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, introduction of accounting policy election on forfeitures, and the change of the threshold of share withholding by employer for settlement of employees' tax without causing the award to be liability classified. The new guidance is effective for the Company for the year ending March 31, 2018 and interim reporting periods during the year ending March 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects, if any, of the adoption of this revised guidance on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
Significant equity transactions
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments | |
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments | 4. Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments Equity transactions (a) Initial public offering On September 24, 2014, the Company completed its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol of "BABA." The Company offered 123,076,931 American Depositary Shares, or ADS, and other selling shareholders, including Yahoo, among others, offered an aggregate of 197,029,169 ADSs. Each ADS represents one ordinary share and was sold to the public at US$68.00 per ADS. On the same date of the initial public offering, the underwriters exercised in full the option to purchase an additional 26,143,903 ADSs and 21,871,997 ADSs at US$68.00 per ADS from the Company and certain other selling shareholders respectively. Net proceeds raised by the Company from the initial public offering amounted to US$10.0 billion after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. Restructuring transactions (b) Restructuring of Payment Services Restructuring of Payment Services in 2011 Pursuant to the regulations issued by the People's Bank of China (the "PBOC"), non-bank payment companies were required to obtain a license in order to operate a payment business in the PRC. These regulations provided specific guidelines for license applications only for domestic PRC-owned entities. These regulations stipulated that, in order for any foreign-invested payment company to obtain a license, the scope of business, the qualifications of any foreign investor and any level of foreign ownership would be subject to future regulations to be issued, which in addition would require approval by the PRC State Council. Further, the regulations required that any payment company that failed to obtain a license must cease operations by September 1, 2011. Although Alipay was prepared to submit its license application in early 2011, at that time the PBOC had not issued any guidelines applicable to license applications for foreign-invested payment companies. In light of the uncertainties relating to the license qualification and application process for a foreign-invested payment company, the Company's management determined that it was necessary to restructure Alipay as a company wholly-owned by PRC nationals in order to avail Alipay of the specific licensing guidelines applicable only to domestic PRC-owned entities. Accordingly, the Company divested all of its interest in and control over Alipay, which resulted in deconsolidation of Alipay from the consolidated financial statements. As part of the restructuring, the loan extended for the funding of paid-in capital of Zhejiang Ant Small and Micro Financial Services Group Co., Ltd. ("Ant Financial Services") that held the equity interests of Alipay was repaid by the management members in full to the Company. Certain agreements entered into between the Company and Ant Financial Services, such as the loan agreement, the pledge agreement for the same equity interests held by certain management members of the Company, the option agreement to acquire the equity interests in Ant Financial Services when permitted by the PRC laws, among others (the "Agreements"), which allowed the Company to control Ant Financial Services, were also terminated. Following the restructuring during the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company has not consolidated or equity accounted for the entities engaging in Payment Services because the Company has no direct and indirect investment in and does not control or have significant influence over Ant Financial Services, Alipay and their subsidiaries. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into the following commercial arrangements, among others, with APN Ltd., a company owned by two directors of the Company, Yahoo, SoftBank, Alipay, Ant Financial Services, and Ant Financial Services' equity holders, setting out the mechanism for the future collaboration among the relevant parties relating to the Payment Services: (i) Framework Agreement Pursuant to the terms of the Framework Agreement, the Company will receive from Ant Financial Services an amount equal to 37.5% of the equity value of Alipay less US$500 million (RMB3,100 million), being the face value of the Promissory Note payable, upon a Liquidity Event as defined in this agreement (the "Liquidity Payment"). Under no circumstances will the amount of the Liquidity Payment plus US$500 million be less than US$2.0 billion (RMB12.4 billion) or more than US$6.0 billion (RMB37.2 billion), subject to certain increases and additional payments if a Liquidity Event does not occur by the sixth anniversary of the agreement. If a Liquidity Event does not occur by the tenth anniversary of this agreement, the Company will have a right to demand Ant Financial Services and Alipay to effect a Liquidity Event as soon as practicable, provided that the equity value or enterprise value of Alipay at such time exceeds US$1.0 billion (RMB6.2 billion). If the Liquidity Event is demanded by the Company, the minimum amount of US$2.0 billion (RMB12.4 billion) described above will not apply to the Liquidity Payment, unless the Liquidity Event is effected by means of a transfer of more than 37.5% of the securities of Alipay. Upon payment of the Liquidity Payment, certain assets and intellectual property related to the operations of Payment Services, which were retained by the Company (the "Retained Business Assets"), will be transferred to Alipay. "Liquidity Event" means the earliest to occur of: (a) a qualified initial public offering of Alipay; (b) a transfer of 37.5% or more of the securities of Alipay; or (c) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Alipay. In addition, the Company received a non-interest bearing promissory note (the "Promissory Note") in the principal amount of US$500 million (RMB3,100 million) with a seven-year maturity from APN Ltd. The Promissory Note was secured by a pledge of 50 million ordinary shares of the Company, which were contributed by two directors of the Company to APN Ltd. The Promissory Note formed part of the consideration for the transfer of the Retained Business Assets upon the Liquidity Event and the Promissory Note was payable upon the earlier of the occurrence of the Liquidity Event or December 14, 2018. The Framework Agreement was subsequently amended and pursuant to the terms of the amendment, the Promissory Note was cancelled and the amount of the Liquidity Payment which the Company would be entitled to receive in the event of a Liquidity Event was increased by US$500 million, the principal amount of the cancelled Promissory Note. (ii) Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement Under the terms of this agreement, the Company licenses certain intellectual property and provides certain software technology services to Alipay in exchange for a royalty fee and software technology services fee in an amount equal to the costs incurred by the Company in providing the software technology services plus 49.9% of the consolidated pre-tax income of Alipay and its subsidiaries, subject to downward adjustments upon certain dilutive equity issuances by Ant Financial Services or Alipay, but in no case below 30.0%. If Alipay incurs a pre-tax loss, the fee that the Company would charge Alipay would equal the costs incurred by the Company in providing the software technology services. This agreement will terminate at the earlier of (a) the payment of the Liquidity Payment, and (b) such time when termination may be required by applicable regulatory authorities in connection with a qualified initial public offering by Alipay. (iii) Commercial Agreement Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives payment processing services from Alipay, the fee rate for which is subject to review and approval by the Company's independent directors designated by Yahoo and SoftBank on an annual basis (the "Payment Processing Fee"). This agreement has an initial term of fifty years and shall be renewable thereafter. If the commercial agreement is required by applicable regulatory authorities to be modified in certain circumstances, a one-time payment may be payable to the Company by Ant Financial Services as compensation for the impact of such adjustment. Expenses in connection with the Payment Processing Fee of RMB2,349 million, RMB3,853 million and RMB4,898 million were recorded in cost of revenue in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively (Note 23). All closing conditions attached to the Framework Agreement and related supplemental arrangements were fulfilled in December 2011. Restructuring of Payment Services in 2014 The Framework Agreement and related supplemental arrangements were terminated in August 2014 upon the restructuring of the commercial agreements with Payment Services when the Company entered into a share and asset purchase agreement (the "2014 SAPA") with Ant Financial Services, the other parties to the Framework Agreement entered into in 2011, Hangzhou Junhan Equity Investment Partnership ("Junhan") and Hangzhou Junao Equity Investment Partnership, a PRC limited partnership the interests in which are held by certain members of the Alibaba Partnership. Pursuant to the 2014 SAPA, the Company sold the micro loan business and related services (the "Transferred Business") to Ant Financial Services for aggregate cash consideration of RMB3,219 million. In addition, the Company entered into software system use and service agreements with Ant Financial Services relating to the know how and related intellectual property that the Company has agreed to sell together with the micro loan business and related services (Note 23). In calendar years 2015 to 2017, the Company received or will receive an annual fee equal to 2.5% of the average daily book balance of the micro loans managed by Ant Financial Services. In calendar years 2018 to 2021, the Company will receive an annual fee equal to the amount paid for the calendar year 2017 (together with the fees received in calendar years 2015 to 2017, the "SME Annual Fee"). The SME Annual Fee of RMB90 million and RMB708 million were recorded in revenue in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. In connection with the 2014 SAPA, the Company also entered into an amended intellectual property license agreement with Alipay ("amended Alipay IPLA"), pursuant to which the Company licenses certain intellectual property and provides certain software technology services to Alipay and the Transferred Business. Under the amended Alipay IPLA, the Company will receive royalty streams and a service fee (collectively, the "Profit Share Payments") which will be paid at least annually, amounting to the sum of an expense reimbursement plus 37.5% of the consolidated pre-tax income of Ant Financial Services, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, if the Company acquires any equity interest in Ant Financial Services, the Company will transfer an agreed portion of the underlying intellectual property to Ant Financial Services at the time of such equity issuance. At the same time, the Profit Share Payments will also be reduced in proportion to such equity issuances made to the Company. Income in connection with the royalty fee and software technology services fee under the Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement and the Profit Share Payments, net of costs incurred by the Company, of RMB1,764 million, RMB1,667 million and RMB1,122 million were recorded in other income, net in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively (Note 23). Pursuant to the terms of the 2014 SAPA, in the event of an initial public offering of Ant Financial Services or Alipay at an implied equity value exceeding US$25.0 billion which results in gross proceeds of at least US$2.0 billion (a "Qualified IPO"), if the Company's total ownership of equity interests in Ant Financial Services has not reached 33%, the Company would be entitled at its election to receive a one-time payment equal to 37.5% of the equity value of Ant Financial Services as determined immediately prior to such Qualified IPO. There is no cap on the maximum value of such liquidity event payment. If the Company acquires equity interests in Ant Financial Services in an aggregate amount less than 33%, the percentage of Ant Financial Services' equity value used to calculate such liquidity event payment will be reduced proportionately. In lieu of receiving such liquidity event payment, the Company may elect to continue to receive the Profit Share Payments in perpetuity, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals. In connection with a Qualified IPO and if the Company so elects, Ant Financial Services must use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the required approvals for continued payments under the amended Alipay IPLA. If such approvals are not obtained, Ant Financial Services will pay the liquidity event payment as described above to the Company. The 2014 SAPA provides for future potential equity issuances to the Company by Ant Financial Services. In the event that Ant Financial Services applies for and receives certain PRC regulatory approvals in the future, Ant Financial Services will issue and the Company will purchase newly issued equity interests in Ant Financial Services up to a 33% equity interest, or such lesser equity interest as may be permitted by the regulatory approvals. If the liquidity event payment described above has not become payable upon a Qualified IPO of Ant Financial Services, the Company's right to acquire equity interests up to the full 33% equity interest will continue after such Qualified IPO. However, the maximum equity interest that the Company is entitled to acquire will be reduced in proportion to any dilutive equity issuances by Ant Financial Services in and following such Qualified IPO. If the Company acquires an equity interest in Ant Financial Services pursuant to this arrangement which is below 33%, the liquidity event payment amount and the profit sharing arrangement under the amended Alipay IPLA will be proportionately reduced based on the amount of equity interests acquired by the Company. Concurrently with the 2014 SAPA, the Company entered into other ancillary agreements, including a data sharing agreement, an SME loan cooperation agreement, a trademark agreement, and an amended and restated shared services agreement. The Company also entered into a binding term sheet in respect of a technology services agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide certain cloud computing, database service and storage, large-scale computing services and certain other services to Ant Financial Services on a cost-plus basis. In addition, the existing Alipay Commercial Agreement will continue as currently in effect. The terms of the 2014 SAPA, the amended Alipay IPLA and other ancillary agreements took effect immediately upon their execution in August 2014. The transfer of the Transferred Business was completed in February 2015, a gain on disposal of RMB306 million was recorded in interest and investment income, net of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2015. Certain assets and liabilities, such as restricted cash and escrow receivables of RMB3,495 million, loan receivables, net of RMB23,363 million, secured borrowings of RMB15,417 million and escrow money payable of RMB3,495 million were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company upon the completion of the transfer of the Transferred Business. For accounting purposes, the fair value of the restructured arrangement exceeded the fair value of the pre-existing arrangement with Ant Financial Services by RMB1.3 billion. As Ant Financial Services is controlled by a director and major shareholder of the Company, the excess value provided to the Company in this related party transaction is accounted for as an equity contribution by the shareholder as restructuring reserve in the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. Given the nature of this transaction, the corresponding asset representing the excess value receivable by the Company is accounted for as a deduction from equity and amortized as an expense in the consolidated income statements over the expected term of the restructured arrangement which is estimated to be 5 years. The amortization of the excess value of RMB166 million and RMB264 million were recorded in the other income, net in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Furthermore, the Company accounts for the Profit Share Payments and the SME Annual Fee in the periods when the services are provided, where such payments are expected to approximate the estimated fair values of the services provided. Mergers and acquisitions (c) Acquisition of Alibaba Health Information Technology Limited ("Alibaba Health") In April 2014, the Company and Yunfeng Capital, of which the executive chairman of the Company has a 40% interest in its general partner, completed an acquisition of newly issued ordinary shares representing a total equity and voting interest of approximately 54% in Alibaba Health through their investments in a special purpose entity. Alibaba Health, a company that is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is primarily engaged in the business of developing the technology for product identification, authentication and tracking system for pharmaceutical and medical products in the PRC. The Company holds a 70% equity interest in the special purpose entity and Yunfeng Capital holds the remaining 30% equity interest. Cash consideration of HK$932 million (RMB741 million) was paid upon the closing of the transaction by the Company to acquire its equity interest in the special purpose entity. Although the Company controls the board of the special purpose entity, the investment and shareholders agreement provided that the underlying shares in Alibaba Health are voted by the Company and Yunfeng Capital separately based on their respective effective equity interest, including voting rights. The Company had an effective equity and voting interest of approximately 38% in Alibaba Health, exercised significant influence over and accounted for Alibaba Health as an equity method investee. In July 2015, in preparation of the transfer of the Tmall online pharmacy business operations of the Company to Alibaba Health (of which the agreement was subsequently terminated), the investment and shareholders agreement was amended under which Yunfeng Capital agreed to irrevocably give up its separate voting rights with respect to its indirect interest in Alibaba Health at no consideration. Such control is important for the Company to execute its digital and data-driven healthcare strategy through Alibaba Health as its flagship vehicle in this sector, indirectly economically benefiting all shareholders including Yunfeng Capital. As a result of the amendment, the Company obtained control over the entire 54% equity interest in Alibaba Health through its control over the board of the special purpose entity. Consequently, Alibaba Health became a consolidated subsidiary while the Company's effective equity interest in Alibaba Health remains at approximately 38%. The equity value of Alibaba Health of HK$64,319 million (RMB50,723 million), estimated based on the market price of the issued shares of Alibaba Health listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange which was the more readily ascertainable fair value as of the deemed acquisition date, was used to allocate the fair value of net assets acquired, the fair value of noncontrolling interests and calculate the gain of RMB18,603 million which was recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to obtaining control of Alibaba Health in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement for the year ended March 31, 2016. The allocation of the equity value of Alibaba Health at the date of the deemed acquisition is summarized as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired Amortizable intangible assets (i) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities ) Total The equity value comprised of: - fair value of previously held equity interests - fair value of noncontrolling interests Total (i) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding three years and a weighted-average amortization period of 2.6 years. The rationale for this transaction is to enable the Company to expand its products and services. This transaction will enable the Company to benefit from the focused healthcare expertise of Alibaba Health in the operation of the online pharmacy business and foster consumer trust through the sale of genuine pharmaceuticals through Alibaba Health's verification and authentication technology. Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to the synergies expected from the combined business which will create a technology enabled solution provider to consumers and other participants in the healthcare industry in the PRC. Subsequent to March 31, 2016, the Company and Alibaba Health entered into a services agreement under which Alibaba Health will provide outsourced services in relation to certain product categories in Tmall online pharmacy. (d) Acquisition of AutoNavi Holdings Limited ("AutoNavi") In May 2013, the Company completed an investment of newly issued ordinary shares and convertible preferred shares in AutoNavi representing a 28% equity interest on a fully-diluted basis. AutoNavi is a provider of digital map content and navigation and location based solutions in the PRC that was listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Stock Market ("Nasdaq"). The investment in convertible preferred shares of RMB1,285 million was accounted for under the cost method given that the convertible preferred shares were not considered in-substance common stock due to the existence of certain terms such as liquidation preference over ordinary shares, and the investment in ordinary shares of RMB533 million was accounted for under the equity method given the existence of significant influence. In July 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of AutoNavi that the Company did not already own. Following the completion of the transaction, AutoNavi became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the listing of the ADS of AutoNavi on the Nasdaq was withdrawn. The total cash consideration of US$1,032 million (RMB6,348 million) was paid upon the closing of the transaction. The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition is summarized as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired Amortizable intangible assets (i) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities ) Total Amounts (in millions of RMB) Total purchase price comprised of: - cash consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests Total (i) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding four years and a weighted-average amortization period of 3.0 years. A gain of RMB284 million was recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to the step acquisition of AutoNavi in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement for the year ended March 31, 2015. As AutoNavi was a publicly listed company prior to this step acquisition, the fair value of the previously held equity interest was estimated with reference to the market price upon the completion of the transaction, with an adjustment made to reflect other factors that may affect such fair value estimation. The rationale for this transaction is to enable the Company to expand its products and services. The Company believes the acquisition will help to develop and provide online-to-offline/offline-to-online commerce and location-based services to its mobile commerce user base. Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to the synergies expected from the combined operations of AutoNavi and the Company, the assembled workforce and the future development initiatives of the assembled workforce to enhance the mobile offerings of the Company beyond e-commerce. (e) Acquisition of Alibaba Pictures Group Limited ("Alibaba Pictures") In June 2014, the Company acquired control of Alibaba Pictures by completing an investment in newly issued ordinary shares representing an approximately 60% equity interest in Alibaba Pictures for a total cash consideration of HK$6,244 million (RMB4,955 million). Alibaba Pictures is a producer of movies and television programs in the PRC that is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition is summarized as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired (i) Amortizable intangible assets (ii) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Others Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities ) Noncontrolling interests ) Total (i) Net assets include the cash consideration of RMB4,955 million. (ii) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding three years and a weighted-average amortization period of 2.5 years. The rationale for this transaction is to enable the Company to expand its products and services. The Company believes the acquisition will help to advance the Company's vision of making media entertainment available to its customers. Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to the synergies expected from the combined operations of Alibaba Pictures and the Company, the assembled workforce and their knowledge and experience in the entertainment and media industry in the PRC. In June 2015, Alibaba Pictures placed newly issued ordinary shares to unrelated third-party investors with aggregate gross proceeds of HK$12,179 million (RMB9,647 million). The Company's equity interest in Alibaba Pictures was therefore diluted to 49.5% upon completion of the placing. As a result of the dilution, the Company deconsolidated the financial results of Alibaba Pictures and accounted for the investment in the remaining equity interest under the equity method. A gain of RMB24,734 million arising from the revaluation of the Company's remaining equity interest in Alibaba Pictures was recognized in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement for the year ended March 31, 2016. As Alibaba Pictures is a publicly listed company, the fair value of the remaining equity interest was estimated with reference to the market price upon the completion of the placing. In addition, during the year ended March 31, 2016, the Company disposed of its online movie ticketing business and movie and TV series financing platform to Alibaba Pictures at a cash consideration of US$350 million (RMB2,259 million) plus certain reimbursement amounts. A disposal gain of RMB2,214 million was recognized in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement for the year ended March 31, 2016. (f) Acquisition of UCWeb Inc. ("UCWeb") In June 2014, the Company exchanged all of the issued and outstanding shares in UCWeb held by the other shareholders that the Company did not already own. Prior to this transaction, UCWeb was an equity investee which was accounted for under the cost method and was 66% owned by the Company with a carrying amount of RMB4,394 million. UCWeb is a developer of leading mobile web browsers in the PRC, India and Indonesia. The total exchange consideration consisted of 12.3 million restricted shares and RSUs of the Company and US$458 million (RMB2,826 million) in cash. Out of the total exchange consideration, 3.4 million restricted shares and RSUs which is classified as equity, as well as cash consideration of US$126 million (RMB777 million) are settled on a deferred basis. The fair value of restricted shares and RSUs approximate US$613 million (RMB3,782 million) as of the acquisition date. The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition is summarized as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired (i) Amortizable intangible assets (ii) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Non-compete agreements Goodwill Deferred tax liabilities ) Total Total purchase price comprised of: - cash consideration - share-based consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests Total (i) Net assets acquired included noncontrolling interests of RMB220 million that is classified as mezzanine equity. (ii) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding four years and a weighted-average amortization period of 3.4 years. A gain of RMB3,593 million was recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to the step acquisition of UCWeb in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement for the year ended March 31, 2015. The fair value of the previously held equity interest was measured using an income approach determined by the Company. As UCWeb is a private company, the fair value of the previously held equity interest is estimated based on significant inputs that market participants would consider, which mainly include revenue growth rate, operating margin, discount rate and other factors that may affect such fair value estimation. UCWeb is an important part of the Company's ecosystem to offer mobile services to users from the PRC as well as other parts of the world, thereby strengthening user engagement as well as enabling a new marketing channel for the merchants in the Company's ecosystem. Furthermore, UCWeb creates additional revenue sources for the Company from mobile search and advertising and others. Goodwill arising from this acquisition was attributable to the synergies expected from the combined operations of UCWeb and the Company, the assembled workforce and the future development initiatives of the assembled workforce to enhance the mobile offerings of the Company beyond e-commerce. (g) Acquisition of Shenzhen OneTouch Business Services Ltd. ("OneTouch") In May 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of the remaining interests of OneTouch. The total purchase price consisted of cash consideration of RMB790 million and contingent consideration with a fair value of RMB1,094 million. Prior to this transaction, the Company had previously invested 65% interest in OneTouch by cash consideration and contingent consideration in 2011 and OneTouch was an equity investee which was accounted for under the equity method with a carrying amount of RMB196 million. OneTouch is a provider of comprehensive export-related services tailored to the needs of small businesses in the PRC, including customs clearance, logistics, cargo insurance, currency exchange, tax refund, financing and certification. The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition is summarized as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired Amortizable intangible assets (i) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Non-compete agreements Goodwill Deferred tax liabilities ) Total Total purchase price comprised of: - cash consideration - contingent cash consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests Total (i) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding five years and a weighted-average amortization period of 4.5 years The amount of the contingent consideration will be determined based on a formula tied to certain future operating targets of OneTouch for the year ending March 31, 2017, which will not exceed RMB3,420 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration included in the total purch |
Revenue
Revenue | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Revenue | |
Revenue | 5. Revenue Revenue breakdown is as follows: Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) China commerce Retail (i) Online marketing services Commission Others Wholesale (ii) Total China commerce International commerce Retail (iii) Wholesale (iv) Total international commerce Cloud computing (v) Others (vi) Total (i) Revenue from China commerce retail is primarily generated from the Company's China retail marketplaces. (ii) Revenue from China commerce wholesale is primarily generated from 1688.com and includes fees from memberships and value-added services and online marketing services revenue. (iii) Revenue from International commerce retail is primarily generated from AliExpress. (iv) Revenue from International commerce wholesale is primarily generated from Alibaba.com and includes fees from memberships and value-added services and online marketing services revenue. (v) Revenue from cloud computing is primarily generated from the provision of services, such as data storage, elastic computing, database and large scale computing services, as well as web hosting and domain name registration. (vi) Other revenue mainly represents revenue from online marketing and other services provided by UCWeb and AutoNavi, SME Annual Fee received from Ant Financial Services and interest income generated from micro loans before the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)). Revenue by type of service is as follows: Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Online marketing services P4P and display marketing Other online marketing services Total online marketing services Commission Membership fees and value-added services Others (i) Total (i) Other revenue mainly represents revenue from cloud computing, revenue from other services provided by UCWeb and AutoNavi, storefront fees, SME Annual Fee received from Ant Financial Services and interest income generated from micro loans before the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)). |
Other income, net
Other income, net | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Other income, net | |
Other income, net | 6. Other income, net Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Royalty fee and software technology services fee charged to Ant Financial Services and Alipay (Note 23) Government grants (i) Amortization of the excess value in relation to the restructuring of Payment Services (Note 4(b)) — ) ) Others Total (i) Government grants mainly represent amounts received from central and local governments in connection with the Company's investments in local business districts and contributions to technology development. |
Income tax expenses
Income tax expenses | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Income tax expenses | |
Income tax expenses | 7. Income tax expenses Composition of income tax expenses Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Current income tax expense Deferred taxation Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on its income or capital gains. In addition, upon payments of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax is imposed. The Company's subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong were subject to the Hong Kong profits tax rate at 16.5% for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Company's subsidiaries incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States, Singapore and Japan were subject to income tax charges calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantially enacted in the countries where the Company's subsidiaries operate and generate income. Current income tax expense primarily represents the provision for PRC Enterprise Income Tax ("EIT") for subsidiaries operating in the PRC. These subsidiaries are subject to EIT on their taxable income as reported in their respective statutory financial statements adjusted in accordance with the relevant tax laws, rules and regulations in the PRC. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law (the "EIT Law"), the standard enterprise income tax rate for domestic enterprises and foreign invested enterprises is 25%. In addition, the EIT Law provides for, among others, a preferential tax rate of 15% for enterprises qualified as High and New Technology Enterprises. Further, certain subsidiaries were recognized as having status as a Software Enterprise and thereby entitled to enjoy full exemption from EIT for two years beginning with their first profitable year and a 50% reduction for the subsequent three years. In addition, a duly recognized Key Software Enterprise within China's national plan can enjoy a preferential EIT rate of 10%. The Key Software Enterprise status is subject to review by the relevant authorities every two years. The timing of the annual review and notification by the relevant authorities may vary from year to year, and the related tax adjustments in relation to the change in applicable EIT rate are accounted for in the period in which the Key Software Enterprise status is recognized. The tax status of the subsidiaries of the Company with major taxable profits is described below: • Alibaba (China) Technology Co., Ltd. ("Alibaba China"), an entity primarily engaged in the operations of the Company's wholesale marketplaces, was recognized as a High and New Technology Enterprise and Key Software Enterprise during the taxation years of 2013 and 2014, and was thereby entitled to an EIT rate of 10% during these taxation years. • Taobao (China) Software Co., Ltd. ("Taobao China"), an entity primarily engaged in the operations of Taobao Marketplace, was recognized as a High and New Technology Enterprise and has been recognized as a Key Software Enterprise during the taxation years of 2013 and 2014 and was thereby subject to an EIT rate of 10% during such taxation years. • Zhejiang Tmall Technology Co., Ltd. ("Tmall China"), an entity primarily engaged in the operations of Tmall, was recognized as a High and New Technology Enterprise and has been granted the Software Enterprise status and is thereby entitled to enjoy an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year in taxation year of 2012, and a 50% reduction for the subsequent three years starting in taxation year of 2014. Accordingly, Tmall China was exempted from EIT during the taxation year of 2013 and entitled to an EIT rate of 12.5% during the taxation years of 2014, 2015 and 2016 and 15% thereafter for so long as Tmall China continues to qualify as a High and New Technology Enterprise. The consolidated financial statements did not reflect the potential tax rate adjustments that may arise from the renewal of the Key Software Enterprises status by Alibaba China and Taobao China for the taxation years of 2015 and 2016 because the annual review and notification has not yet been obtained up to March 31, 2016. Accordingly, Alibaba China and Taobao China, which continued to qualify as a High and New Technology Enterprise, applied an EIT rate of 15% in the consolidated financial statements during these periods. Most of the remaining PRC entities of the Company are subject to EIT at 25% for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Pursuant to the EIT Law, a 10% withholding tax is levied on dividends declared by PRC companies to their foreign investors. A lower withholding tax rate of 5% is applicable if direct foreign investors with at least 25% equity interest in the PRC company are incorporated in Hong Kong and meet the relevant requirements pursuant to the tax arrangement between the PRC and Hong Kong. Since the equity holders of the major PRC subsidiaries of the Company are Hong Kong incorporated companies, the Company has used 5% to provide for deferred tax liabilities on retained earnings which are anticipated to be distributed. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had fully accrued the withholding tax on the earnings distributable by all of the subsidiaries of the Company in the PRC, except for those undistributed earnings that the Company intends to invest indefinitely in the PRC of RMB13.6 billion. Composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Deferred tax assets Current: Deferred revenue and customer advances Tax losses carried forward and others (i) Less: Valuation allowance ) ) Total deferred tax assets, current portion (Note 13) Non-current: Deferred revenue and customer advances Property and equipment Tax losses carried forward and others (i) Less: Valuation allowance ) ) Total deferred tax assets, non-current portion (Note 13) Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Current: Others ) ) Non-current: Withholding tax on undistributed earnings (ii) ) ) Identifiable intangible assets ) ) Available-for-sale securities — ) Others ) ) Total deferred tax liabilities, non current portion ) ) Total deferred tax liabilities ) ) Net deferred tax liabilities ) ) (i) Others primarily represent accrued expenses which are not deductible until paid under PRC tax laws. (ii) The related deferred tax liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and 2016 were provided on the assumption that 100% of the distributable reserves of the major PRC subsidiaries will be distributed as dividends, except for those undistributed earnings that the Company intends to invest indefinitely in the PRC of RMB13.6 billion. Valuation allowances have been provided on the deferred tax assets mainly related to the tax losses carried forward due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization. If events occur in the future that improve the certainty of realization, an adjustment to the valuation allowances will be made and consequently reduce the income tax expenses. As of March 31, 2016, the accumulated tax losses of subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong, the United States and Singapore, subject to the agreement of the relevant tax authorities, of RMB1,175 million, RMB696 million and RMB220 million, respectively, are allowed to be carried forward to offset against future taxable profits. Such carry forward of tax losses in Hong Kong and Singapore has no time limit, while the tax losses in the United States will expire, if unused, in the years ending March 31, 2019 through 2036. The accumulated tax losses of subsidiaries incorporated in PRC, subject to the agreement of the PRC tax authorities, of RMB2,917 million as of March 31, 2016 will expire, if unused, in the years ending March 31, 2017 through 2021. Reconciliation of the differences between the statutory EIT rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities and the income tax expenses of the Company: Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB, except per share data) Income before income tax and share of results of equity investees Income tax computed at statutory EIT rate (25%) Effect of different tax rates available to different jurisdictions ) ) Effect of tax holiday and preferential tax benefit on assessable profits of subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC ) ) ) Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income, net (i) ) Tax savings from additional deductions on certain research and development expenses available for subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC (ii) ) ) ) Withholding tax on the earnings remitted and anticipated to be remitted Change in valuation allowance, deduction of certain share-based compensation expense and others Income tax expenses Effect of tax holidays inside the PRC on basic earnings per share/ADS (RMB) (i) Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and non-taxable income primarily represent investment income (loss), share-based compensation expense, equity-settled donation expense, interest expense, exchange differences. Investment income (loss) during the year ended March 31, 2016 included gains from the revaluation of the Company's remaining equity interest in Alibaba Pictures (Note 4(e)) and from the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to obtaining Control of Alibaba Health (Note 4(c)). (ii) This amount represents tax incentives relating to the research and development expenses of certain major operating subsidiaries in the PRC. This tax incentive enables the Company to claim an additional tax deduction amounting to 50% of the qualified research and development expenses incurred. |
Share-based awards
Share-based awards | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Share-based awards | |
Share-based awards | 8. Share-based awards Share-based awards such as incentive and non-statutory options, restricted shares, RSUs, dividend equivalent rights, share appreciation rights and share payments may be granted to any directors, employees and consultants of the Company or affiliated companies under the employee share option plans adopted in 1999, 2004, 2005, the incentive plan adopted in 2007 and the equity incentive plan adopted in 2011, which govern the terms of the awards. In September 2014, the Company adopted a post-IPO equity incentive plan (the "2014 Plan"). Share-based awards are only available for issuance under our 2014 Plan. If an award under the previous plan terminates, expires or lapses, or is cancelled for any reason, ordinary shares subject to the award become available for the grant of a new award under the 2014 Plan. On April 1, 2015 and each anniversary thereof, an additional amount equal to the lesser of (A) 25,000,000 ordinary shares, and (B) such lesser number of ordinary shares determined by the board of directors will become available for the grant of a new award under the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan has a ten-year term. All share awards granted under the 2014 Plan are subject to dilution protection should the capital structure of the Company be affected by a share split, reverse share split, share dividend or other dilutive action. The 2014 Plan has substantially similar terms as the plan adopted in 2011 and other previous plans except that (i) the 2014 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the board (or a subcommittee thereof), or such other committee of the board to which the board has delegated power to act, or the board in absence of any such committee and some definitions, and (ii) certain terms are adjusted for the purposes of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time, among others. As of March 31, 2016, the number of shares authorized but unissued was 23,050,439 ordinary shares. Share options and RSUs granted are generally subject to a four-year vesting schedule as determined by the administrator of the plans. Under the four-year vesting schedule, depending on the nature and the purpose of the grant, share options and RSUs in general vest 25% or 50% upon the first or second anniversary of the vesting commencement date, respectively, as defined in the grant agreement, and thereafter 25% every year. No outstanding share options or RSUs will be exercisable or subject to vesting after the expiry of a maximum of six years from the date of grant. Starting from the year ended March 31, 2015, certain share options and RSUs granted to senior management members of the Company were subject to a six-year pro rata vesting schedule. No outstanding share options or RSUs will be exercisable or subject to vesting after the expiry of a maximum of eight years from the date of grant. Early exercise of share options is allowable under all the aforementioned plans; however, any unvested shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at the lower of the original exercise price or the fair market value upon termination of service contracts with the grantees. (a) Share options relating to ordinary shares of the Company A summary of changes in the share options relating to ordinary shares granted by the Company during the year ended March 31, 2016 is as follows: Number of share options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual life US$ (in years) Outstanding at April 1, 2015 Granted Exercised ) Cancelled/forfeited/expired ) Outstanding at March 31, 2016 (i) Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2016 Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2016 (ii) (i) Outstanding options as of March 31, 2016 include 2,699,250 unvested options early exercised. (ii) The share options expected to vest are the result of applying the pre-vesting forfeiture rate assumptions to total outstanding share options, including early exercised options. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, 605,340 and 384,116 outstanding share options were held by non-employees, respectively. These share options are subject to re-measurement through each vesting date to determine the appropriate share-based compensation expense. As of March 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options was RMB2,964 million. As of the same date, the aggregate intrinsic value of options that were vested and exercisable and options that were vested and expected to vest is RMB757 million and RMB2,801 million, respectively. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the weighted average grant date fair value of share options granted was US$6.14, US$23.07 and US$28.65, respectively, and the total grant date fair value of options vested during the same years was RMB123 million, RMB134 million and RMB602 million, respectively. During the same years, the aggregate intrinsic value of share options exercised was RMB1,698 million, RMB488 million and RMB556 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under the share option plans, including repayment of loans and interest receivable on employee loans for the exercise of vested options, for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 was RMB1,543 million, RMB313 million and RMB693 million, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model and the assumptions below: Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 Risk-free interest rate (i) 0.69% - 1.52 % 1.38% - 1.99 % 1.24% - 1.79 % Expected dividend yield (ii) % % % Expected life (years) (iii) 4.25 - 4.38 4.25 - 5.75 4.25 - 5.75 Expected volatility (iv) 37.0% - 39.3 % 35.0% - 40.8 % 33.4% - 35.7 % (i) Risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of United States Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected life of the share options in effect at the time of grant. (ii) Expected dividend is assumed to be 0% as the Company has no history or expectation of paying a dividend on its ordinary shares. (iii) Expected life of share options is based on the average between the vesting period and the contractual term for each grant. (iv) Expected volatility is assumed based on the historical volatility of the Company's comparable companies in the period equal to the expected life of each grant. As of March 31, 2016, there were RMB1,021 million of unamortized compensation costs related to these outstanding share options, net of expected forfeitures and after re-measurement applicable to share options granted to non-employees. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of RMB417 million, RMB1,152 million and RMB578 million, respectively, in connection with the above share options, net of reimbursement from Ant Financial Services (Note 23). (b) Restricted shares and RSUs relating to ordinary shares of the Company A summary of the changes in the restricted shares and RSUs related to ordinary shares granted by the Company during the year ended March 31, 2016 is as follows: Number of restricted shares and RSUs Weighted- average grant date fair value US$ Awarded and unvested at April 1, 2015 Granted Vested ) Cancelled/forfeited ) Awarded and unvested at March 31, 2016 Expected to vest at March 31, 2016 (i) (i) Restricted shares and RSUs expected to vest are the result of applying the pre-vesting forfeiture rate assumptions to total outstanding restricted shares and RSUs. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, 6,447,715 and 5,880,443 outstanding RSUs were granted to non-employees, respectively. These awards are subject to re-measurement through each vesting date to determine the appropriate share-based compensation expense. As of March 31, 2016, there were RMB12,688 million of unamortized compensation costs related to these outstanding restricted shares and RSUs, net of expected forfeitures and after re-measurement applicable to these awards granted to non-employees. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of RMB2,378 million, RMB7,767 million and RMB9,915 million, respectively, in connection with the above restricted shares and RSUs, net of reimbursement from Ant Financial Services (Note 23). (c) Partner Capital Investment Plan relating to ordinary shares of the Company During the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2015, the Company offered selected members of the Alibaba Partnership subscription rights to acquire restricted shares of the Company. These rights and the underlying restricted shares are only subject to a non-compete provision but not other vesting conditions (employment or otherwise) and they entitle the holders to purchase restricted shares at US$14.50 per share during a four-year period. Upon the exercise of such rights, the underlying ordinary shares may not be transferred for a period of eight years from the date of subscription of the relevant rights. The number of ordinary shares underlying these rights is 18,000,000 shares of which the rights to subscribe 14,500,000 shares were offered and subscribed up to March 31, 2016. These rights were accounted for as a noncontrolling interest of the Company as such rights were issued by the subsidiaries and classified as equity at the subsidiary level. Share-based compensation expense of nil, RMB211 million and nil was recognized in connection with these rights for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of each right to acquire restricted shares is estimated on the subscription date using the Black-Scholes model and the assumptions below: Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 Risk-free interest rate (i) % % Expected dividend yield (ii) % % Expected life (years) (iii) Expected volatility (iv) % % Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions (v) % % (i) Risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of United States Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected life of the share-based awards in effect at the time of grant. (ii) Expected dividend is assumed to be 0% as the Company has no history or expectation of paying a dividend on its ordinary shares. (iii) Expected life of the rights is based on management's estimate on timing of redemption for ordinary shares by the participants. (iv) Expected volatility is assumed based on the historical volatility of the Company's comparable companies in the period equal to expected life of each right. (v) Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions applied on the underlying ordinary shares takes into consideration the restriction on sales of eight years. (d) Share-based awards relating to Ant Financial Services Junhan, the general partner of which is controlled by the executive chairman of the Company and a major equity holder of Ant Financial Services, made grants of certain share-based awards similar to share appreciation awards linked to the valuation of Ant Financial Services to a substantial number of employees of the Company. The vesting of such awards is conditional upon the fulfillment of requisite service conditions to the Company, and such awards will be settled in cash by Junhan upon the disposal by the holders. Junhan has the right to repurchase the vested awards from the holders upon an initial public offering of Ant Financial Services or the termination of the employment of the employees with the Company at a price to be determined based on the then fair market value of Ant Financial Services. The Company has no obligation to reimburse Junhan, Ant Financial Services or its subsidiaries for the cost associated with these awards. For accounting purposes, the cost relating to such share-based awards granted by the shareholder through Junhan is recognized by the Company as a shareholder contribution as the award will ultimately be settled in cash by Junhan. The award is accounted for as a financial derivative and initially measured at its fair value, and the related expense will be recognized over the requisite service period in the consolidated income statements with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the award are recorded in the consolidated income statements through the date on which the underlying award is settled by Junhan. As of March 31, 2016, there were RMB2,542 million of unamortized compensation costs related to these outstanding share-based awards of Ant Financial Services granted by Junhan, net of expected forfeitures. These amounts are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. During the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company recognized expenses of RMB3,788 million and RMB5,506 million in respect of the share-based awards relating to Ant Financial Services granted by Junhan, respectively. The expenses recognized for the year ended March 31, 2014 were insignificant. (e) Share-based compensation expense by function Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cost of revenue Product development expenses Sales and marketing expenses General and administrative expenses Total |
Equity-settled donation expense
Equity-settled donation expense | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Equity-settled donation expense | |
Equity-settled donation expense | 9. Equity-settled donation expense During the year ended March 31, 2014, the Company granted 50,000,000 share options to a non-profit organization designated by two members of management of the Company, subject to irrevocable instructions to designate and transfer these share options to the separate charitable trusts to be established by these two members of management of the Company. These share options were approved by the directors of the board and such options are not subject to any vesting conditions and are exercisable for a period of four years starting from the grant date. The exercise price of these options is US$25.00 per share and was determined with reference to the fair market value of the ordinary shares of the Company at the time of the grant. For each of the eight years beginning one year after the date of listing of the ordinary shares of the Company on a recognized stock exchange, the charitable trusts are permitted to sell only up to 6,250,000 ordinary shares per year excluding such number of unsold ordinary shares carried forward from previous years. The fair value of each share option is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model and the assumptions below: Year ended March 31, 2014 Risk-free interest rate (i) % Expected dividend yield (ii) % Expected life (years) (iii) Expected volatility (iv) % Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions (v) 18.0% - 38.0 % (i) Risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of United States Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected life of these options at the time of grant. (ii) Expected dividend is assumed to be 0% as the Company has no history or expectation of paying a dividend on its ordinary shares. (iii) Expected life of the options is based on management's estimate on timing of exercise. (iv) Expected volatility is assumed based on the historical volatility of the Company's comparable companies in the period equal to expected life of the options. (v) Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions applied on the underlying ordinary shares takes into consideration of the restriction on sales of two to eight years. As there are no vesting conditions attached to the above share options, equity-settled donation expense of RMB1,269 million was recognized in full and recorded in general and administrative expenses during the year ended March 31, 2014. |
Earnings per share
Earnings per share | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Earnings per share | |
Earnings per share | 10. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares, adjusted for outstanding ordinary shares that are subject to repurchase. For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for basic earnings per share is adjusted by the effect of dilutive securities, including share-based awards, under the treasury stock method. In addition, the computation of the diluted earnings per share assumes the conversion of Convertible Preference Shares (Note 22) since their issuance. Potentially dilutive securities, of which the amounts are insignificant, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share if their inclusion is anti-dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share/ADS for the following periods: Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB, except share data and per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for computing net income per ordinary share — basic Reversal of accretion of Convertible Preference Shares — Reversal of dividend of Convertible Preference Shares — Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for computing net income per ordinary share — diluted Shares (denominator): Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share — basic (million shares) Adjustments for dilutive share options and RSUs (million shares) Conversion of Convertible Preference Shares (million shares) — Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share — diluted (million shares) Net income per ordinary share/ADS — basic (RMB) Net income per ordinary share/ADS — diluted (RMB) |
Restricted cash
Restricted cash | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Restricted cash | |
Restricted cash | 11. Restricted cash As at March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cash pledged for a bank in connection with its loan facilities for option exercise in favor of employees of the Company and its related companies Cash pledged for treasury management activities Others |
Investment securities and fair
Investment securities and fair value disclosure | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Investment securities and fair value disclosure | |
Investment securities and fair value disclosure | 12. Investment securities and fair value disclosure As of March 31, 2015 Original cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Provision for decline in value Fair value (in millions of RMB) Assets Trading securities: Listed equity securities ) — Financial derivatives ) — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities and other treasury investments ) — Equity fund — — Held-to-maturity securities — — — Convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option ) — ) — As of March 31, 2016 Original cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Provision for decline in value Fair value (in millions of RMB) Assets Trading securities: Listed equity securities ) — Financial derivatives — — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities and other treasury investments ) ) Held-to-maturity securities — — ) Convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option — — ) ) During the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company completed several investments accounted for as investment securities. Details of these significant investments are summarized in Note 4. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, gross realized gain of RMB148 million, RMB141 million and RMB1,012 million and gross realized loss of RMB160 million, RMB97 million and RMB410 million from disposals of investment securities were recognized in the consolidated income statements, respectively. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, impairment loss of nil, nil and RMB962 million were charged in the consolidated income statements, respectively, as a result of other than temporary decline in values related to a listed equity security and a held-to-maturity security. As of March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, net unrealized gains of RMB299 million, RMB3,384 million and RMB5,502 million on available-for-sale securities were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, respectively. For available-for-sale securities with unrealized loss, their related aggregate fair values amounted to RMB4,929 million and RMB1,751 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The carrying amounts of available-for-sale securities that were in a loss position over twelve months were insignificant as of the same dates. The carrying amount of long-term held-to-maturity investments approximates their fair value due to the fact that the related interest rates approximate rates currently offered by financial institutions for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment. Fair value of short-term investments and listed equity securities are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. All other financial instruments, such as derivative instruments and forward exchange contracts, are valued based on quoted market prices of similar instruments and other significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. Convertible bonds are valued using binomial model with unobservable inputs including risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and dividend yield. Contingent consideration is valued using an expected cashflow method with unobservable inputs including the probability to achieve the operating and financial targets, which is assessed by the Company, in connection with the contingent consideration arrangements. The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy: As of March 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions of RMB) Assets Short-term investments — — Restricted cash — — Trading securities: Listed equity securities — — Financial derivatives — — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities — — Equity fund — — Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option — — Liabilities Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions — — As of March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions of RMB) Assets Short-term investments — — Restricted cash — — Trading securities: Listed equity securities — — Financial derivatives — — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities — — Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option — — Liabilities Forward exchange contracts — — Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions — — — Convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Balance at April 1, 2014 Additions (Note 4(r)) Decrease in fair value ) Foreign currency translation adjustments ) Balance at March 31, 2015 Increase in fair value Foreign currency translation adjustments Balance at March 31, 2016 Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Balance at April 1, 2014 Repayment ) Additions (Note 4(g)) Increase in fair value Balance at March 31, 2015 Decrease in fair value ) Balance at March 31, 2016 Other than contingent cash consideration disclosed in Note 4(g), items included in contingent consideration as of March 31, 2016 are individually insignificant. |
Prepayments, receivables and ot
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | |
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | 13. Prepayments, receivables and other assets As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Current: VAT receivables (i) Amounts due from related companies (ii) Prepaid cost of revenue, sales and marketing expenses and others Accounts receivable, net of allowance Deferred direct selling costs (iii) Deferred tax assets (Note 7) Advances to customers and merchants Loan receivables, net Interest receivables Employee loans and advances (iv) Others Non-current: Prepayment for acquisition of property and equipment Employee loans (iv) Prepaid upfront fees and debt issuance costs related to long-term borrowings and unsecured senior notes Deferred direct selling costs (iii) Deferred tax assets (Note 7) Prepayment for film rights, script agreements and in-production movies and TV episodes — Others (i) VAT receivables as of March 31, 2016 mainly represent VAT receivable from relevant PRC tax authorities arising from OneTouch's VAT refund service. OneTouch provides advance settlement of relevant VAT refund amount to its customers prior to receiving such VAT refund from tax authorities. To provide this service, OneTouch relies on short term banking facilities and takes on credit risk if OneTouch fails to recover the prepaid VAT amount. (ii) Amounts due from related parties primarily represent balances arising from transactions with Ant Financial Services and its subsidiaries (Note 4(b) and 23). The balances are unsecured, interest free and repayable within the next twelve months. (iii) The Company is obligated to pay certain costs upon the receipt of membership fees from merchants or other customers, which primarily consist of sales commissions. The membership fees are initially deferred and recognized as revenue in the consolidated income statements in the period in which the services are rendered. As such, the related costs are also initially deferred and recognized in the consolidated income statements in the same period as the related service fees are recognized. (iv) Employee loans mainly represent full recourse, interest-bearing share purchase, option exercise and tax loans, with a term of four to five years, to employees of the Company and its related companies in order to finance their purchase of ordinary shares, exercise of options underlying the ordinary shares as well as payment of related personal taxes. Such employee loans are pledged by ordinary shares owned by the employees and carried interest at market rates. The balance also includes an interest-free loan program, with a term of five years, to eligible employees for purchase of their first residential properties. |
Investment in equity investees
Investment in equity investees | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Investment in equity investees | |
Investment in equity investees | 14. Investment in equity investees Cost method Equity method Total (in millions of RMB) Balance at April 1, 2014 Additions Share of results and other comprehensive income (i) — ) ) Less: disposals and transfers (ii) ) ) ) Less: impairment loss ) ) ) Foreign currency translation adjustments Balance at March 31, 2015 Additions (iii) Share of results and other comprehensive income (i) — ) ) Less: disposals and transfers (ii) ) ) ) Less: impairment loss ) — ) Foreign currency translation adjustments Balance at March 31, 2016 (i) Share of results and other comprehensive income includes the share of results of the equity investees, the gain arising from the deemed disposal of the equity investees and the amortization of basis differences. The balance excludes the gain arising from fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to an equity investee and the expenses in connection with the share-based awards relating to ordinary shares of the Company and Ant Financial Services granted to employees of certain equity investees (Note 8(d)). (ii) During the year ended March 31, 2015, transfers under the equity method were primarily related to the step acquisitions of OneTouch (Note 4(g)), UCWeb (Note 4(f)), AutoNavi (Note 4(d)), as well as an additional investment in Weibo (Note 4(u)). During the year ended March 31, 2016, disposals under the cost method were primarily related to the partial disposal of the Company's investment in an equity investee. A gain of approximately US$471 million (RMB3,078 million) arising from such disposal was recognized in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement. Transfers under the equity method were primarily related to the consolidation of Alibaba Health upon which the control was obtained by the Company (Note 4(c)). (i) Additions during the year ended March 31, 2016 included the fair value of the retained noncontrolling investment in Alibaba Pictures which is accounted for as an equity method investee after the deconsolidation (Note 4(e)). During the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company completed several investments accounted for as equity investees. Details of the significant investments are summarized in Note 4. The Company continually reviews its investments in equity investees to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors the Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company's carrying value; the financial condition, operating performance and the prospects of the equity investee; and other company specific information such as recent financing rounds. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying value of the equity investee is written down to fair value. Impairment charges in connection with the equity method investments of nil, RMB438 million and nil were recorded in share of results of equity investees in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Impairment charges in connection with the cost method investments of RMB119 million, RMB419 million and RMB902 million were recorded in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The fair value measurements with respect to such impairment losses were individually insignificant and utilized a number of different unobservable inputs not subject to meaningful aggregation. As of March 31, 2016, the equity method investments with an aggregate carrying amount of RMB42,395 million that are publicly traded have decreased in value and the total open market values of these investments amounted to RMB38,344 million. A decline in the quoted market price below the carrying amount is not necessarily indicative of a loss in value that is other than temporary. The Company evaluated all factors and no impairment charge was recognized for these publicly traded equity method investments. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the cost method investments with an aggregate carrying amount of RMB6,046 million and RMB9,223 million have appreciated in value and the Company estimated the fair value to approximate RMB14,965 million and RMB25,639 million, respectively. As of the same dates, for certain other cost method investments with carrying amounts of RMB9,627 million and RMB24,041 million, the Company identified no events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair values of the investments and determined that it is not practicable to estimate their fair values, respectively. |
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, net | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Property and equipment, net | |
Property and equipment, net | 15. Property and equipment, net As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Computer equipment and software Buildings and leasehold improvements Construction in progress Furniture, office and transportation equipment Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ) ) Net book value Depreciation and amortization expenses recognized for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were RMB1,295 million, RMB2,282 million and RMB3,699 million, respectively. |
Intangible assets
Intangible assets | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Intangible assets | |
Intangible assets | 16. Intangible assets As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Non-compete agreements Developed technology and patents Trade names, trademarks and domain names User base and customer relationships Licenses and copyrights and others Less: accumulated amortization and impairment ) ) Net book value Amortization expenses for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 amounted to RMB315 million, RMB2,089 million and RMB2,931 million, respectively. During the same periods, no impairment charge was recognized in the consolidated income statements. The estimated aggregate amortization expenses for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) For the year ending March 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter |
Goodwill
Goodwill | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Goodwill | |
Goodwill | 17. Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016 were as follows: Amounts (in millions of RMB) Balance as of April 1, 2014 Additions Deconsolidation of a subsidiary ) Impairment ) Foreign currency translation adjustments — Balance as of March 31, 2015 Additions Deconsolidation of a subsidiary (Note 4(e)) ) Impairment ) Foreign currency translation adjustments — Balance as of March 31, 2016 Gross goodwill balances were RMB44,928 million and RMB85,095 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Accumulated impairment losses were RMB2,995 million and RMB3,450 million as of the same dates, respectively. In the annual impairment assessment of goodwill, the Company concluded that the carrying amounts of respective reporting units exceeded its fair value and recorded an impairment charge of RMB44 million, RMB175 million and RMB455 million during the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The impairment losses were resulted from a revision of long-term financial outlook and the change in business model of those reporting units. The impairment charge was determined by comparing the carrying amount of goodwill associated with that reporting unit with the implied fair value of the goodwill. |
Deferred revenue and customer a
Deferred revenue and customer advances | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | 18. Deferred revenue and customer advances Deferred revenue and customer advances primarily represent service fees prepaid by merchants for which the relevant services have not been provided. The respective balances are as follows: As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Deferred revenue Customer advances Less: current portion ) ) Non-current portion All service fees received in advance are initially recorded as customer advances. These amounts are transferred to deferred revenue upon commencement of the provision of services by the Company and are recognized in the consolidated income statements in the period in which the services are provided. In general, service fees received in advance are non-refundable after such amounts are transferred to deferred revenue. |
Accrued expenses, accounts paya
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | |
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | 19. Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Current: Accrued cost of revenue and sales and marketing expenses Accrued bonus and staff costs, including sales commission Other deposits received in rendering services on e-commerce marketplaces Amounts due to related companies (i) Accruals for purchases of property and equipment Payable to third party marketing affiliates Other taxes payable (ii) Accrued professional services expenses Accrual for interest expense Accrued donations Liabilities arising from treasury management activities Contingent and deferred consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions Unvested share options exercised Others Non-current: Contingent and deferred consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions Others (i) Amounts due to related companies primarily represent balances arising from the transactions with Ant Financial Services and its subsidiaries (Note 23). The balances are unsecured, interest free and repayable within the next twelve months. (ii) Other taxes payable represents business tax, value-added tax and related surcharges and PRC individual income tax of employees withheld by the Company. |
Bank borrowings
Bank borrowings | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Bank borrowings | |
Bank borrowings | |
Bank borrowings | 20. Bank borrowings Bank borrowings are analyzed as follows: As of March 31 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Long-term borrowings (i) Short-term borrowings (ii) (i) The weighted average interest rate for all long-term borrowings for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 was approximately 6.7%, 5.9% and 4.9%, respectively. Other loans are collateralized by a pledge of certain land use rights and construction in progress with carrying values of RMB2,216 million and RMB3,583 million in the PRC as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Such borrowings are all denominated in Renminbi. (ii) As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company had short-term borrowings from banks which were repayable within one year or on demand and charged at interest rates ranging from 2.0% to 11.6% and 4.0% to 7.1% per annum, respectively. Such borrowings are all denominated in Renminbi. In August 2014, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility agreement with certain financial institutions for an amount of US$3.0 billion which has not yet been drawn down. The interest rate on any outstanding utilized amount under this credit facility is calculated based on LIBOR plus 120 basis points. This facility is reserved for general corporate and working capital purposes. In March 2016, the Company signed a five-year US$3.0 billion syndicated loan agreement with a group of eight lead arrangers which has been subsequently drawn down in April 2016. The loan was upsized from US$3.0 billion to US$4.0 billion in May 2016 through a general syndication, which the upsized portion of the loan has not yet been drawn down. The loan has a five-year bullet maturity and is priced at 110 basis points over LIBOR. The proceeds of the loan will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes (including acquisitions). As of March 31, 2016, the borrowings will be due according to the following schedule: Principal amounts (in millions of RMB) Within 1 year Between 1 to 2 years Between 2 to 3 years Between 3 to 4 years Between 4 to 5 years |
Unsecured senior notes
Unsecured senior notes | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Unsecured senior notes | |
Unsecured senior notes | |
Unsecured senior notes | 21. Unsecured senior notes In November 2014, the Company issued unsecured senior notes included floating rate and fixed rate notes with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of US$8.0 billion. These notes are senior unsecured obligations and interest is payable in arrears, quarterly for the floating rate notes and semiannually for the fixed-rate notes, which are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The following table provides a summary of the Company's unsecured senior notes as of March 31, 2016: Amounts Effective interest rate (in millions of RMB) US$300 million floating rate notes due 2017 % US$1,000 million 1.625% notes due 2017 % US$2,250 million 2.500% notes due 2019 % US$1,500 million 3.125% notes due 2021 % US$2,250 million 3.600% notes due 2024 % US$700 million 4.500% notes due 2034 % Carrying value Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs Total principal amounts of unsecured senior notes The unsecured senior notes were issued at a discount amounting to US$24 million (RMB150 million). The debt issuance costs of US$29 million (RMB175 million) were presented as a direct deduction from the principal amount of the unsecured senior notes on the consolidated balance sheets. The effective interest rates for the unsecured senior notes include the interest charged on the notes as well as amortization of the debt discounts and debt issuance costs. The unsecured senior notes contain covenants including, among others, limitation on liens, consolidation, merger and sale of the Company's assets. In addition, the notes rank senior in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future indebtedness expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes and rank at least equally in right of payment with all of the Company's existing and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness (subject to any priority rights pursuant to applicable law). The proceeds from issuance of the unsecured senior notes were used in full to refinance a previous syndicated loan in the same amount. The related unamortized upfront fees of RMB830 million of such syndicated loan were charged to interest expenses on the consolidated income statements upon the repayment of the syndicated loan during the year ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, the future principal payments for the Company's unsecured senior notes will be due according to the following schedule: Principal amounts (in millions of RMB) Within 1 year — Between 1 to 2 years Between 2 to 3 years — Between 3 to 4 years Between 4 to 5 years — Thereafter As of March 31, 2016, the fair value of the Company's unsecured senior notes, based on Level 2 inputs, was US$8,111 million (RMB52,443 million). |
Convertible Preferences Shares
Convertible Preferences Shares | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Convertible Preferences Shares | |
Convertible Preferences Shares | 22. Convertible Preferences Shares As part of the arrangement for the repurchase of ordinary shares from Yahoo in 2012, the Company issued convertible preference shares ("Convertible Preference Shares") to Yahoo with a liquidation preference of US$1.7 billion (RMB10.7 billion) (the "Convertible Preference Shares"), net of issuance cost of RMB157 million. The Convertible Preference Shares were redeemable at an amount equal to their liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends at the Company's option at any time subsequent to the first anniversary of the issue date if certain conditions were met, and were mandatorily redeemable on the fifth anniversary of the issue date unless previously redeemed. The holders of the Convertible Preference Shares were entitled to semi-annual dividends at a pre-determined rate until such shares were redeemed. Such dividend rate shall be 2.0% per annum prior to the second anniversary of the issuance date, 5.0% per annum commencing on the second anniversary of the issuance date until the mandatory redemption date, and 8.0% per annum thereafter until the Convertible Preference Shares were redeemed or converted into ordinary shares. The Convertible Preference Shares were convertible at the holder's option at any time at an initial conversion price of US$18.50 per share subject to certain adjustments, and shall be mandatorily converted concurrently with the closing of a qualified IPO as defined in the Convertible Preference Share purchase agreement. The holders of such shares had no voting rights. The Convertible Preference Shares were classified in the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity on the consolidated balance sheets due to their mandatory redemption provision. Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Preference Shares were recorded as a reduction of the related proceeds received, and the related accretion was charged against additional paid-in capital over the period from the issuance date until the mandatory redemption date of such shares. The Convertible Preference Shares were converted into ordinary shares of the Company upon the closing of the Company's initial public offering in September 2014 (Note 4(a)). |
Related party transactions
Related party transactions | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Related party transactions | |
Related party transactions | 23. Related party transactions During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, other than disclosed elsewhere, the Company had the following material related party transactions: Transactions with Yahoo Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Amount incurred or disbursed by the Company Royalty fee (i) — Purchase of patents (ii) — (i) The Company and Yahoo entered into a Technology and Intellectual Property Licensing Agreement in October 2005 whereby Yahoo granted to the Company the use of certain intellectual property and the Company agreed to pay Yahoo a royalty fee equal to 2%, until December 31, 2012 and equal to 1.5% thereafter, of revenues recognized on a consolidated basis under U.S. GAAP, less traffic acquisition costs incurred in connection with third-party distribution partners, business tax, value-added tax or similar sales tax based on revenue paid to governments. The arrangement was terminated upon the completion the Company's initial public offering in September 2014. Such royalty expense was recognized in product development expenses. (ii) The Company and Yahoo entered into a patent sale and assignment agreement during the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 pursuant to which the Company acquired ownership of certain patents for aggregate consideration of US$70 million and US$24 million, respectively. Transactions with Ant Financial Services, Alipay, Koubei and their affiliates Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Amount earned by the Company Royalty fee and software technology services fee (i) SME Annual Fee (ii) — Reimbursement on options and RSUs (iii) Other services (iv) Amount incurred by the Company Payment processing fee (v) Other services (iv) (i) In 2011, the Company entered into an Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement with Alipay whereby the Company licenses certain intellectual properties and provides certain software technology services to Alipay in exchange for a royalty fee and software technology services fee in an amount equal to the costs incurred by the Company in providing the software technology services plus 49.9% of the consolidated pre-tax income of Alipay and its subsidiaries (Note 4(b)), effective from December 2011. In 2014, the Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement were terminated and the Company entered into the amended Alipay IPLA with Ant Financial Services. Under the amended Alipay IPLA, the Company will receive the Profit Share Payments amounting to the sum of an expense reimbursement plus 37.5% of the consolidated pre-tax income of Ant Financial Services, subject to certain adjustments (Note 4(b)), effective from August 2014. Royalty fee and software technology services fee under the Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement and the Profit Share Payments were recognized in consolidated income statements, net of the costs incurred for the provision of the software technology services reimbursed by Alipay. The amounts reimbursed by Ant Financial Services to the Company were RMB275 million, RMB486 million and RMB274 million for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. (ii) The Company entered into software system use and service agreements with Ant Financial Services in 2014. In calendar years 2015 to 2017, the Company received or will receive the SME Annual Fee equal to 2.5% of the average daily book balance of the micro loans made by Ant Financial Services and its affiliates. In calendar years 2018 to 2021, the Company will receive the SME Annual Fee equal to the amount paid for the calendar year 2017 (Note 4(b)). (iii) The Company entered into agreements with Ant Financial Services in 2012 and 2013 under which the Company will receive a reimbursement for options and RSUs relating to the ordinary shares granted to the employees of Ant Financial Services and its subsidiaries during the period from December 14, 2011 to March 31, 2014. Pursuant to the agreements, the Company will, upon vesting of such options and RSUs, receive a cash reimbursement equal to their respective grant date fair value. As this arrangement relates to share-based awards previously granted by the Company, the reimbursement is recognized as a reduction of share-based compensation expense. (iv) The Company also has other commercial arrangements, treasury management arrangements and cost sharing arrangements with Ant Financial Services, its subsidiaries and affiliates as well as Koubei on various technical, treasury management and other administrative services. (v) The Company and Alipay, among others, entered into a Commercial Agreement in 2011 whereby the Company receives payment processing services in exchange for a Payment Processing Fee (Note 4(b)), which was recognized in cost of revenue. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company had certain amounts of cash and short-term investments held in accounts managed by Alipay (Note 2(p) and 2(q)). In addition, as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company had certain assets and liabilities with a net amount of RMB1,428 million and RMB1,517 million, respectively, are managed by a subsidiary of Ant Financial Services which primarily comprised of cash and investment securities. Transactions with management of the Company Certain members of management of the Company have purchased their own aircraft for both business and personal use. The use of the these managements' own aircraft in connection with the performance of their duties as employees is free of charge, and the Company has agreed to assume the cost of maintenance, crew and operations of the aircraft where such cost is allocated for business purposes. Such reimbursement of the maintenance and incidental costs was insignificant for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. During the year ended March 31, 2014, the Company granted 50,000,000 share options to a non-profit organization designated by two members of management of the Company, subject to irrevocable instructions to designate and transfer these share options to the separate charitable trusts to be established by these two members of management of the Company (Note 9). Transactions with Cainiao Network The Company entered into agreements with Cainiao Network during the year ended March 31, 2014 whereby the Company disposed of two wholly-owned subsidiaries to a subsidiary of Cainiao Network for cash consideration of RMB524 million. The major assets of the disposed subsidiaries consist of land use rights in the PRC. The gain on disposals for the year ended March 31, 2014 amounted to RMB74 million. The Company also entered into an agreement with Cainiao Network during the year ended March 31, 2016 whereby the Company disposed of a wholly-owned subsidiary to Cainiao Network for cash consideration of US$33 million (RMB204 million). The major asset of the disposed subsidiary consist of a land use right in the PRC. The gain on disposals for the year ended March 31, 2016 amounted to RMB3 million. The Company has commercial arrangements with Cainiao Network to receive certain logistics services. Expenses incurred in connection with the logistics services provided by Cainiao Network of RMB785 million and RMB2,370 million were recorded in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The Company also has cost sharing and other services arrangements with Cainiao Network and its subsidiaries primarily related to various administrative services and cloud computing services. In connection with these services provided by the Company, RMB20 million and RMB86 million were recorded in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Transactions with Weibo The Company entered into a strategic collaboration agreement and a marketing cooperation agreement with Weibo during the year ended March 31, 2014. Expenses incurred in connection with the marketing services provided by Weibo of RMB154 million, RMB654 million and RMB715 million were recorded in the traffic acquisition cost and sales and marketing expenses in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The Company also has other commercial arrangements with Weibo primarily related to cloud computing services. In connection with such services provided by the Company, nil, RMB2 million and RMB38 million were recorded in revenue in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Other transactions The Company's ecosystem offers different platforms on which different enterprises operate and the Company believes that all transactions on the Company's platforms are conducted on terms obtained in arms-length transations with similar unrelated parties. Other than the transactions disclosed above or elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has commercial arrangements with SoftBank, Yahoo, its equity investees and other related parties to provide and receive certain marketing, logistics, traffic acquisition, cloud computing and other services. The amounts relating to these services provided and received represent less than 1% of the Company's revenue and total expenses, respectively, for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. In addition, the Company has made certain acquisitions and equity investments together with related parties from time to time during the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The acquisitions and equity investments agreements were entered into by the parties involved and conducted on fair value basis. The significant acquisitions and equity investments together with related parties are included in Note 4. |
Restricted net assets
Restricted net assets | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Restricted net assets | |
Restricted net assets | 24. Restricted net assets PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs incorporated in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs incorporated in the PRC are required to annually appropriate 10% of their net income to the statutory reserve prior to payment of any dividends, unless such reserve have reached 50% of their respective registered capital. In addition, registered share capital and capital reserve accounts are also restricted from withdrawal in the PRC, up to the amount of net assets held in each subsidiary and VIE. As a result of the restrictions described above and elsewhere under PRC laws and regulations, the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs incorporated in the PRC are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company in the form of dividends. Such restriction amounted to RMB39,116 million as of March 31, 2016. Even though the Company currently does not require any such dividends, loans or advances from the PRC entities for working capital and other funding purposes, the Company may in the future require additional cash resources from them due to changes in business conditions, funding of future acquisitions and development, or merely to declare and pay dividends or distributions to its shareholders. Except for the above or disclosed elsewhere, there is no other restriction on the use of proceeds generated by the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs to satisfy any obligations of the Company. |
Commitments
Commitments | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Commitments | |
Commitments | 25. Commitments (a) Capital commitments Capital expenditures contracted for are analyzed as follows: As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Contracted but not provided for: Purchase of property and equipment Construction of corporate campuses (b) Operating lease commitments for office facility and transportation equipment The Company has leased office premises and transportation equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. These leases have varying terms and renewal rights. The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years More than 5 years Total For the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Company incurred rental expenses under operating leases of RMB217 million, RMB322 million and RMB451 million, respectively. (c) Commitments for co-location, bandwidth fees and marketing expenses As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years More than 5 years — Total (d) Investment commitments The Company was obligated to pay up to RMB5,364 million and RMB65,597 million for the acquisition of investment securities and equity investees under various arrangements as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The commitment balance as of March 31, 2016 primarily includes the considerations for the acquisitions of Youku Tudou (Note 4(t)) and Suning (Note 4(aa)). (e) Commitments for licenses and copyrights The Company has entered into non-cancellable licensing agreements with third-party vendors to acquire certain licenses and copyrights for mobile media and entertainment business. The future aggregate minimum payments under non-cancellable licensing agreements are as follows: As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years Total |
Risks and contingencies
Risks and contingencies | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Risks and contingencies | |
Risks and contingencies | 26. Risks and contingencies (a) The Company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and considered as a foreign entity under PRC laws. Due to the restrictions on foreign investment and ownership on the business related to Internet content provision, telecom value-added services, financial services and others, the Company conducts its business through various contractual arrangements with VIEs that are generally owned and controlled by certain management members or founders of the Company. The VIEs hold the licenses and approvals that are essential for their business operations in the PRC and the Company has entered into various agreements with the VIEs and their equity holders such that the Company has the right to benefit from their licenses and approvals and generally has control of the VIEs. In the Company's opinion, the current ownership structure and the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity holders as well as the operations of the VIEs are in substantial compliance with all existing PRC laws, rules and regulations. However, there may be changes and other developments in PRC laws, rules and regulations. Accordingly, the Company gives no assurance that PRC government authorities will not take a view in the future that is contrary to the opinion of the Company. If the current ownership structure of the Company and its contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity holders were found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the Company's ability to conduct its business could be impacted and the Company may be required to restructure its ownership structure and operations in the PRC to comply with the changes in the PRC laws which may result in deconsolidation of the VIEs. (b) The PRC market in which the Company operates poses certain macro-economic and regulatory risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties extend to the ability of the Company to operate or invest in online and mobile commerce or other Internet related businesses, representing the principal services provided by the Company, in the PRC. The information and technology industries are highly regulated. Restrictions are currently in place or are unclear regarding what specific segments of these industries foreign owned enterprises, like the Company, may operate. If new or more extensive restrictions were imposed on the segments in which the Company is permitted to operate, the Company could be required to sell or cease to operate or invest in some or all of its current businesses in the PRC. (c) The Company's sales, purchase and expense transactions are generally denominated in RMB and a significant portion of the Company's assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In the PRC, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the PBOC. Remittances in currencies other than RMB by the Company in the PRC must be processed through the PBOC or other PRC foreign exchange regulatory bodies and require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance. If such foreign exchange control system prevents the Company from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy its currency demands, the Company may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies and the Company's ability to fund its business activities that are conducted in foreign currencies could be adversely affected. (d) Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash and investment securities. As of March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, substantially all of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash and investment securities were held by major financial institutions located worldwide, including Hong Kong and the PRC. If the banking system or the financial markets deteriorate or remain volatile, the financial institutions and other issuers of financial instruments held by the Company could become insolvent and the markets for these instruments could become illiquid, in which case the Company could lose some or all of the value of its investments. (e) During the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company offered a trade assurance program on the international wholesale marketplaces at no charge to the wholesale buyers and sellers. If the wholesale sellers who participate in this program do not deliver the products in their stated specifications to the wholesale buyers on schedule, the Company may compensate the wholesale buyers for their losses on behalf of the wholesale sellers up to a pre-determined amount following a review of each particular case. In turn, the Company will seek a full reimbursement from the wholesale sellers for the prepaid reimbursement amount yet the Company is exposed to a risk over the collectability of such reimbursement from the wholesale sellers. During the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company did not incur any material losses with respect to the compensation provided under this program. Given that the maximum compensation for each wholesale seller is the pre-determined based on their individual risk assessments by the Company based on their credit profile or other relevant information, the Company determined that the likelihood of material default on such payments are not probable and therefore no provisions have been made in relation to this program. (f) In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes strategic investments in privately held companies and listed securities to increase the service offerings and expand capabilities. The Company continually reviews its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors which the Company considers in its determination include the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company's carrying value; post-balance sheet date fair value of the investment; the financial condition, operating performance, strategic collaboration with and the prospects of the investee; the economic or technological environment in which the investee operates; and other entity specific information such as recent financing rounds completed by the investee companies. Fair value of the listed securities is subject to volatility and may be materially affected by market fluctuations. If the decline in fair value is significant and other than temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to its fair value and this may negatively impact the results of operations of the Company. (g) In the ordinary course of business, the Company is from time to time involved in legal proceedings and litigation relating to disputes relating to trademarks and other intellectual property, among others. There are no legal proceedings and litigations that have in the recent past had, or to the Company's knowledge, are reasonably possible to have, a material impact on the Company's financial positions, results of operations or cash flows. The Company did not accrue any loss contingencies in this respect as of March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 as the Company did not consider an unfavorable outcome in any material respects in these legal proceedings and litigations to be probable. |
Summary of significant accoun34
Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Summary of significant accounting policies | |
Basis of presentation | (a) Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and statement of cash flows from Renminbi ("RMB") into the United States Dollar ("US$") as of and for the year ended March 31, 2016 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at the rate of US$1.00=RMB6.4480, representing the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on March 31, 2016. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on March 31, 2016, or at any other rate. |
Use of estimates | (b) Use of estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. |
Consolidation | (c) Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, including the wholly-foreign owned enterprises ("WFOEs"), and VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All transactions and balances among the Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation. The results of subsidiaries and VIEs acquired or disposed of are recorded in the consolidated income statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. A subsidiary is an entity in which (i) the Company directly or indirectly controls more than 50% of the voting power; or (ii) the Company has the power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors or to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of the board of directors or to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee pursuant to a statute or under an agreement among the shareholders or equity holders. A VIE entity is required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity holders in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. To comply with the PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership of companies that operate Internet content and other restricted businesses, the Company operates its websites and engages in such restricted services in the PRC through certain PRC domestic companies, whose equity interests are held by certain management members or founders of the Company. The registered capital of these PRC domestic companies was funded by the Company through loans extended to certain management members or founders of the Company. The Company has entered into certain exclusive technical services agreements with these PRC domestic companies, which entitle it to receive a majority of their residual returns and make it obligatory for the Company to absorb a majority of the risk of losses from their activities. In addition, the Company has entered into certain agreements with those management members or founders, including loan agreements that require them to contribute registered capital to those PRC domestic companies, exclusive call option agreements to acquire the equity interests in these companies when permitted by the PRC laws, rules and regulations, equity pledge agreements of the equity interests held by those management members or founders, and proxy agreements that irrevocably authorize individuals designated by the Company to exercise the equity owner's rights over these PRC domestic companies. Details of the typical VIE structure of the Company's significant VIEs, primarily domestic companies associated with the operations of Taobao Marketplace, Tmall, Juhuasuan, 1688.com, AliExpress, Alibaba.com and Alibaba Cloud Computing, are set forth below: (i) Contracts that give the Company effective control of VIEs Loan agreements Pursuant to the relevant loan agreements, the respective WFOEs have granted interest-free loans to the relevant VIEs equity holders, which may only be used for the purpose of capital contributions to the relevant VIEs or as may be otherwise agreed by the WFOEs. The WFOEs may require acceleration of repayment at their absolute discretion. When the VIEs equity holders make early repayment of the outstanding amount, the WFOEs or a third party designated by the WFOEs may purchase the equity interests in the VIEs at a price equal to the outstanding amount of the loan, subject to any applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations. The VIEs equity holders undertake not to enter into any prohibited transactions in relation to the VIEs, including the transfer of any business, material assets, intellectual property rights or equity interests in the VIEs to any third party. Exclusive call option agreements The VIEs equity holders have granted the WFOEs exclusive call options to purchase their equity interest in the VIEs at an exercise price equal to the higher of (i) the registered capital in the VIEs; and (ii) the minimum price as permitted by applicable PRC laws. Each relevant VIE has further granted the relevant WFOE an exclusive call option to purchase its assets at an exercise price equal to the book value of the assets or the minimum price as permitted by applicable PRC laws, whichever is higher. The WFOEs may nominate another entity or individual to purchase the equity interest or assets, if applicable, under the call options. Each call option is exercisable subject to the condition that applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations do not prohibit completion of the transfer of the equity interest or assets pursuant to the call option. Each WFOE is entitled to all dividends and other distributions declared by the VIE, and the VIE equity holders have agreed to give up their rights to receive any distributions or proceeds from the disposal of their equity interests in the VIE which are in excess of the original registered capital that they contributed to the VIE, and to pay any such distributions or premium to the WFOE. The exclusive call option agreements remain in effect until the equity interest or assets that are the subject of such agreements are transferred to the WFOEs. Proxy agreements Pursuant to the relevant proxy agreements, each of the VIEs equity holders irrevocably authorizes any person designated by the WFOEs to exercise his rights as an equity holder of the VIEs, including the right to attend and vote at equity holders' meetings and appoint directors. Equity pledge agreements Pursuant to the relevant equity pledge agreements, the relevant VIEs equity holders have pledged all of their interests in the equity of the VIEs as a continuing first priority security interest in favor of the corresponding WFOEs to secure the outstanding amounts advanced under the relevant loan agreements described above and to secure the performance of obligations by the VIEs and/or the equity holders under the other structure contracts. Each WFOE is entitled to exercise its right to dispose of the VIEs equity holders' pledged interests in the equity of the VIE and has priority in receiving payment by the application of proceeds from the auction or sale of such pledged interests, in the event of any breach or default under the loan agreement or other structure contracts, if applicable. These equity pledge agreements remain in force for the duration of the relevant loan agreement and other structure contracts. These equity pledges have been registered with the relevant office of the Administrations for Industry and Commerce in the PRC. (ii) Contracts that enable the Company to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs Exclusive technical services agreements Each relevant VIE has entered into an exclusive technical services agreement with the respective WFOE, pursuant to which the relevant WFOE provides exclusive technical services to the VIE. In exchange, the VIE pays a service fee to the WFOE which typically amount to what would be substantially all of the VIE's pre-tax profit, resulting in a transfer of substantially all of the profits from the VIE to the WFOE. Other arrangements The exclusive call option agreements described above also enable the Company to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs by typically entitling the WFOEs to all dividends and other distributions declared by the VIEs and to any distributions or proceeds from the disposal by the VIEs equity holders of their equity interests in the VIEs that are in excess of the original registered capital that they contributed to the VIEs. Based on these contractual agreements, the Company believes that the PRC domestic companies as described above should be considered as VIEs because the equity holders do not have significant equity at risk nor do they have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest and the Company is the primary beneficiary of these PRC domestic companies. Accordingly, the Company believes that these VIEs should be consolidated based on the structure as described above. The following financial information of the VIEs in the PRC was recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements: As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments Amounts due from Ant Financial Services Investment in equity investees and securities Property and equipment and intangible assets Others Total assets Amounts due to WFOEs and other non-VIEs group companies Others Total liabilities Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Revenue (i) Net (loss) income (i) ) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities ) ) Net cash used in investing activities ) ) ) Net cash provided by financing activities (i) Revenue and net (loss) income earned and incurred by the VIEs are primarily from the businesses of providing display marketing on the Company's retail marketplaces, cloud computing services as well as mobile media and entertainment services and others. The VIEs did not have any material related party transactions except for those transacted with WFOEs which were eliminated in these consolidated financial statements and the related party transactions disclosed in Note 23 or elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements. Under the contractual arrangements with the VIEs, the Company has the power to direct activities of the VIEs and can have assets transferred out of the VIEs under its control. Therefore, the Company considers that there is no asset in any of the consolidated VIEs that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs, except for registered capital and PRC statutory reserves. As all consolidated VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the Company Law of the PRC, creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company for any of the liabilities of the consolidated VIEs. Currently there is no contractual arrangement which requires the Company to provide additional financial support to the VIEs. However, as the Company conducts its businesses primarily based on the licenses and approvals held by its VIEs, the Company has provided and will continue to provide financial support to the VIEs considering the business requirements of the VIEs, as well as the Company's own business objectives in the future. Unrecognized revenue-producing assets held by the VIEs include certain Internet content provision and other licenses, domain names and trademarks. The Internet content provision and other licenses are required under relevant PRC laws, rules and regulations for the operation of Internet businesses in the PRC, and therefore are integral to the Company's operations. The Internet content provision licenses require that core PRC trademark registrations and domain names are held by the VIEs that provide the relevant services. |
Business combinations and noncontrolling interests | (d) Business combinations and noncontrolling interests The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805 "Business Combinations." The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities incurred by the Company to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated income statements. During the measurement period, which can be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations. In a business combination achieved in stages, the Company re-measures the previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the consolidated income statements. When there is a change in ownership interests that result in a loss of control of a subsidiary, the Company deconsolidates the subsidiary from the date control is lost. Any retained noncontrolling investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value and is included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiary. For the Company's majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs, a noncontrolling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company. Consolidated net income (loss) on the consolidated income statements includes the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and mezzanine equity holders when applicable. Net income (loss) attributable to mezzanine equity holders is included in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated income statements, while it is excluded from the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity. The cumulative results of operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, along with adjustments for share-based compensation expense arising from outstanding share-based awards relating to subsidiaries' shares, are also recorded as noncontrolling interests in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows related to transactions with noncontrolling interests are presented under financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. |
Segment reporting | (e) Segment reporting Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker, which is a strategic committee comprised of members of the Company's management team. In the respective periods presented, the Company had one single operating and reportable segment, namely the provision of online and mobile commerce and related services. Although the online and mobile commerce and related services consist of different business units of the Company, information provided to the chief operating decision-maker is at the revenue level and the Company does not allocate operating costs or assets across business units, as the chief operating decision-maker does not use such information to allocate resources or evaluate the performance of the business units. Details of the Company's revenue are set out in Note 5. As the Company's long-lived assets are substantially all located in the PRC and substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived from within the PRC, no geographical information is presented. |
Foreign currency translation | (f) Foreign currency translation The functional currency of the Company is US$ and reporting currency of the Company is RMB. The Company's subsidiaries and VIEs with operations in the PRC, Hong Kong, United States and other jurisdictions use their respective currencies as their functional currencies. The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs, other than the subsidiaries and VIEs with the functional currency of RMB, are translated into RMB using the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and average exchange rate for the year for income and expense items. Translation gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss as a component of shareholders' equity. In the financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs, transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are measured and recorded in the functional currency using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. All gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recorded in the determination of net income or loss during the year in which they occur. |
Revenue recognition | (g) Revenue recognition Revenue principally represents online marketing services revenue, commissions on transactions, membership and storefront fees and cloud computing services revenue. Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of services in the ordinary course of the Company's activities and is recorded net of value-added tax ("VAT"). Consistent with the criteria of ASC 605 "Revenue Recognition" ("ASC 605"), the Company recognizes revenue when the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been provided, (iii) the selling price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into separate units of accounting. The arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to each element based on their relative fair values for revenue recognition purposes. The consideration is allocated to each element using vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the standalone selling price for each deliverable, or if neither type of evidence is available, using management's best estimate of selling price. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables primarily relate to the sale of membership packages and online marketing services on the international wholesale marketplace, which are not material to the Company's total revenue. In accordance with ASC 605, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. When the Company is primarily obligated in a transaction, is subject to inventory risk, has latitude in establishing prices and selecting suppliers, or has several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded on a gross basis. When the Company is not the primary obligor, does not bear the inventory risk and does not have the ability to establish the price, revenue is recorded on a net basis. When services are exchanged or swapped for other services, the exchange is regarded as a revenue-generating transaction. The amount of revenue recognized for barter transactions was insignificant for each of the periods presented. Revenue recognition policies for each type of service are analyzed as follows: Online marketing services revenue The Company receives service fees from merchants on the retail and wholesale marketplaces for pay for performance ("P4P") marketing services, display marketing, placement services and Taobaoke program on the Company's marketplaces and certain third party marketing affiliates' websites. P4P marketing services allow merchants to bid for keywords that match product or service listings appearing in search or browser results on the Company's marketplaces. Merchants prepay for P4P marketing services and the related revenue is recognized when a user clicks their product or service listings. The positioning of such listings and the price for such positioning are determined through an online auction system, which facilitates price discovery through a market-based mechanism. Display marketing allows merchants to place advertisements in particular areas of a web page, at fixed prices or prices established by a real-time bidding system, in particular formats and over particular periods of time. In general, merchants need to prepay for display marketing and revenue is recognized ratably over the period in which the advertisement is displayed or when an advertisement appears on pages clicked or viewed by users. In delivery of these online marketing services, the Company, through the third-party marketing affiliate program, also places the P4P marketing services content of the participating merchants on third-party websites in the forms of picture or text links through contextual relevance technology to match merchants' marketing content to the textual content of the third-party website and the users' attributes based on the Company's systems and algorithms. When such links on third-party websites are clicked, users are diverted to a landing page of the Company's marketplaces where listings of the participating merchant as well as similar products or services of other merchants are presented. These other merchants may include those also participating in the online marketing services through the third-party marketing affiliate program or those only purchasing online marketing services on the Company's own marketplaces, as well as, in some cases, those who do not purchase online marketing services at all. Revenue is only recognized when such users further click on the P4P marketing content on such landing pages. In limited cases, the Company may embed a search box for one of its marketplaces on such third-party websites, and when a keyword is input into the search box, the user will be diverted to the Company's website where search results are presented and revenue can be generated through a similar mechanism. For third-party marketing affiliates with whom the Company has an arrangement to share such revenue, traffic acquisition cost is also recognized at the same time if the P4P marketing content on the landing page clicked by the users is from merchants participating in the third-party marketing affiliate program. The Company places display marketing content on third-party websites in a similar manner. A substantial portion of online marketing services revenue generated through the third-party marketing affiliate program represented P4P marketing services revenue for each of the years presented. P4P marketing service revenue as well as display marketing revenue generated on the Company's marketplaces or through the third-party marketing affiliate program are recorded on a gross basis principally because the Company is the primary obligor to the merchants in the arrangements. The Company receives placement services fees from merchants on promotional slots for a specified period on the Company's Juhuasuan marketplace and recognizes those fees as revenue when the underlying promotional services are provided. In addition, the Company offers the Taobaoke program which generates commissions from merchants for transactions completed and settled by consumers sourced from certain third party marketing affiliates' websites. The Company's portion of commission revenue generated through third party marketing affiliates' websites is recognized at the time when the underlying transaction is completed and is recorded on a net basis principally because the Company is not the primary obligor as it does not have latitude in establishing prices or does not have inventory risk. In certain occasions where the Company is obligated to pay for website inventory costs in fixed amounts to third-party marketing affiliates regardless of whether commission revenue is generated from these marketing affiliates, such commission revenue is recorded on a gross basis. Commissions on transactions The Company earns commissions from merchants when transactions are completed and settled on certain retail marketplaces of the Company. Such commissions are generally determined as a percentage based on the value of merchandise being sold by the merchants. Revenue related to commissions is recognized in the consolidated income statements at the time when the underlying transaction is completed. Membership and storefront fees The Company earns membership revenue from wholesale sellers in respect of the sale of membership packages and subscriptions which allow them to host premium storefronts on the Company's wholesale marketplaces. The Company also earns revenue from merchants who subscribe to Wangpu, the Company's storefront software that includes a suite of tools that assist merchants in upgrading, decorating and managing their storefronts on retail marketplaces. These service fees are paid in advance for a specific contracted service period. All these fees are initially deferred when received and revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the respective service contracts as the services are provided. Cloud computing The Company earns revenue from cloud computing from the provision of services such as elastic computing, database services and storage and large scale computing services, as well as web hosting and domain name registration. Revenue is recognized at the time when the services are provided or ratably over the term of the service contracts as appropriate. Interest and other income Interest income on micro loans (Note 2(r)) is recognized as other revenue using the effective interest rate method which is reviewed and adjusted periodically based on changes in estimated cash flows. The Company disposed of certain equity interests and assets primarily relating to the micro loan business and related services and ceased to generate interest income on micro loans upon the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)). Other interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest method, and is classified as "interest and investment income" in the consolidated income statements. Other than the above, receipts of fees in respect of all other incidental services provided by the Company, including mobile value-added services, are recognized when services are delivered and the amounts relating to such incidental services are not material to the Company's total revenue. |
Cost of revenue | (h) Cost of revenue Cost of revenue consists primarily of staff costs and share-based compensation expense, payment processing fees, expenses associated with the operation of the Company's websites, such as bandwidth and co-location fees, depreciation and maintenance costs for computers, servers, call centers and other equipment, traffic acquisition costs, logistics costs and other related incidental expenses that are directly attributable to the Company's principal operations. |
Product development expenses | (i) Product development expenses Product development expenses consist primarily of staff costs and share-based compensation expense and other related incidental expenses that are directly attributable to the development, maintenance and enhancement of the infrastructure, applications, operating systems, software, database and network for the Company's marketplaces, mobile products as well as transaction and service platforms. In addition, royalty fees accrued and paid to Yahoo up to the closing of the Company's initial public offering in September 2014 are recorded as part of product development expenses (Note 23). The Company expenses all costs that are incurred in connection with the planning and implementation phases of development and costs that are associated with repair or maintenance of the existing websites or the development of software and website content. Costs incurred in the development phase are capitalized and amortized over the estimated product life. However, since the inception of the Company, the amount of costs qualifying for capitalization has been insignificant and as a result, all website and software development costs have been expensed as incurred. |
Sales and marketing expenses | (j) Sales and marketing expenses Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of online and offline advertising expenses, promotion expenses, sales commissions, staff costs and share-based compensation expense and other related incidental expenses that are incurred directly to attract or retain consumers and merchants for the Company's marketplaces. The Company expenses the costs of producing advertisements at the time production occurs, and expenses the costs of delivering advertisements in the period in which the advertising space or airtime is used. Advertising and promotional expenses totaled RMB2,022 million, RMB4,090 million and RMB5,524 million during the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. |
Share-based compensation | (k) Share-based compensation Share-based awards granted to the Company's employees are measured at fair value on grant date and share-based compensation expense is recognized (i) immediately at the grant date if no vesting conditions are required, or (ii) using the accelerated attribution method, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period. The fair value of share options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the fair value of restricted shares and restricted share units ("RSUs") is determined with reference to the fair value of the underlying shares. Share-based awards granted to non-employees are initially measured at fair value on the grant date and re-measured at each reporting date through the vesting date. Such value is recognized as expense over the respective service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation expense, when recognized, is charged to the consolidated income statements with the corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital or noncontrolling interests as disclosed in Note 2(d). At each date of measurement, the Company reviews internal and external sources of information to assist in the estimation of various attributes to determine the fair value of the share-based awards granted by the Company, including but not limited to the fair value of the underlying shares, expected life, expected volatility and expected forfeiture rates. As the Company was a private company prior to its initial public offering (Note 4(a)), the sources utilized to determine those attributes at the date of measurement were subjective in nature and required the Company to use judgment in applying such information to the share valuation models. The Company was required to consider many factors and made certain assumptions during this assessment. If any of the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the share-based awards changes significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current reporting period. |
Other employee benefits | (l) Other employee benefits The Company's subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC participate in a government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain retirement, medical and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. The relevant labor regulations require the Company's subsidiaries in the PRC to pay the local labor and social welfare authorities monthly contributions at a stated contribution rate based on the monthly basic compensation of qualified employees. The relevant local labor and social welfare authorities are responsible for meeting all retirement benefits obligations and the Company's subsidiaries in the PRC have no further commitments beyond their monthly contributions. The contributions to the plan are expensed as incurred. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, contributions to such plan amounting to RMB974 million, RMB1,601 million and RMB2,094 million, respectively, were charged to the consolidated income statements. The Company also makes payments to other defined contribution plans for the benefit of employees employed by subsidiaries outside of the PRC. Amounts contributed during the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were insignificant. |
Income taxes | (m) Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, under which deferred income taxes are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realizable in the foreseeable future. Deferred taxes are also recognized on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, which are presumed to be transferred to the parent company and are subject to withholding taxes, unless there is sufficient evidence to show that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation. The Company adopts ASC 740-10-25 "Income Taxes" which prescribes a more likely than not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures. The Company did not have significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions or any unrecognized liabilities, interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefit as of and for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. |
Government grants | (n) Government grants For government grants that are non-operating in nature and with no further conditions to be met, the amounts are recognized as income in other income, net upon receipt. For government grants that contain certain operating conditions, the amounts are recorded as liabilities upon receipt, and are recognized in the consolidated income statements as a reduction of the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate when the conditions are met. |
Leases | (o) Leases Leases are classified as either capital or operating leases. Leases that transfer substantially all the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases wherein rental payments are recognized in the consolidated income statements on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. The Company had no capital leases for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. |
Cash and cash equivalents | (p) Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents of the Company primarily represent bank deposits, fixed deposits with maturities less than three months and investments in money market funds. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company had certain amounts of cash held in accounts managed by Alipay in connection with the provision of online and mobile commerce and related services for a total amount of RMB1,443 million and RMB786 million, respectively, which have been classified as cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets. |
Short-term investments | (q) Short-term investments Short-term investments consist primarily of investments in fixed deposits with maturities between three months and one year and investments in money market funds or other investments whereby the Company has the intention to redeem within one year. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the fixed deposits that were recorded as short-term investments amounted to RMB11,462 million and RMB97 million, respectively. As of the same dates, the Company had certain amounts of short-term investments held in accounts managed by Alipay for a total amount of RMB1,185 million and RMB2,564 million, respectively. |
Loan and VAT receivables | (r) Loan and VAT receivables Loan receivables consist primarily of micro loans extended to small and medium size enterprises that are merchants on the Company's marketplaces. VAT receivables mainly represent the advance settlement of relevant VAT refund amounts provided by OneTouch (Note 4(g)) to its customers prior to receiving such VAT refund from tax authorities. Such amounts are recorded at the principal or claimed refund amount less allowance for doubtful accounts relating to micro loans and the VAT receivables, respectively, and include accrued interest receivable as of the balance sheet date. Allowance for doubtful accounts relating to micro loans and VAT receivables represent the Company's best estimate of the losses inherent in the outstanding portfolio of loans and VAT receivables. The credit periods extended by the Company to the merchants related to the micro loans generally range from 7 to 360 days and the collection periods related to the VAT receivables generally range from three to six months. Judgment is required to determine the allowance amounts and whether such amounts are adequate to cover potential bad debts, and periodic reviews are performed to ensure such amounts continue to reflect the best estimate of the losses inherent in the outstanding portfolio of debts. As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, allowance for doubtful accounts relating to VAT receivables amounted to RMB184 million and RMB699 million, respectively. The Company disposed of certain equity interests and assets primarily relating to the micro loan business and related services and upon the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)), accordingly the balances of micro loans and allowance for doubtful accounts relating to micro loans became insignificant since then. For the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the charge-offs and recoveries in relation to the allowance for doubtful accounts relating to micro loans and VAT receivables were also insignificant. |
Investment securities | (s) Investment securities The classification of investment securities is based on the Company's intent, which is re-evaluated at each balance sheet date, with respect to those securities. Investment securities classified as trading securities, comprising of listed equity securities and financial derivatives such as warrants and equity swaps used as market access products to invest in listed equity securities in the PRC, are carried at fair value with realized or unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated income statements. The securities that the Company has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and stated at amortized cost. The maturities of the held-to-maturity securities held by the Company generally range from one to ten years. Other investment securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses and provision for decline in value judged to be other than temporary, if any, are recognized in the consolidated income statements. In computing realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, the Company determines cost based on amounts paid, including direct costs such as commissions to acquire the security, using the average cost method. Other than the above, the Company has applied the fair value option for convertible bonds subscribed. Such fair value option permits the irrevocable fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option is carried at fair value with realized or unrealized gains and losses recorded in the consolidated income statements. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method which is reviewed and adjusted periodically based on changes in estimated cash flows. Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive the payment is established. |
Investment in equity investees | (t) Investment in equity investees Equity investments represent the Company's investments in privately held companies and listed securities. The Company applies the equity method to account for an equity investment, in common stock or in-substance common stock, according to ASC 323 "Investment — Equity Method and Joint Ventures," over which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control. An investment in in-substance common stock is an investment in an entity that has risk and reward characteristics that are substantially similar to that entity's common stock. The Company considers subordination, risks and rewards of ownership and obligation to transfer value when determining whether an investment in an entity is substantially similar to an investment in that entity's common stock. For other equity investments that are not considered as debt securities or equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and over which the Company neither has significant influence nor control through investment in common stock or in-substance common stock, the cost method is used. Under the equity method, the Company's share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the equity investee is recognized in the consolidated income statements and its share of post-acquisition movements in accumulated other comprehensive income is recognized in shareholders' equity. The Company records its share of the results of such equity investees on a one quarter in arrears basis. The excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the underlying equity in net assets of the equity investee represents goodwill and intangible assets acquired. When the Company's share of losses in the equity investee equals or exceeds its interest in the equity investee, the Company does not recognize further losses, unless the Company has incurred obligations or made payments or guarantees on behalf of the equity investee. Under the cost method, the Company carries the investment at cost and recognizes income to the extent of dividends received from the distribution of the equity investee's post-acquisition profits. |
Property and equipment | (u) Property and equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization less any provision required for impairment in value. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method with no residual value based on the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets, which range as follows: Computer equipment and software 3 - 5 years Furniture, office and transportation equipment 3 - 5 years Buildings 20 - 50 years Leasehold improvements shorter of remaining lease period or estimated useful life Construction in progress represents buildings and related premises under construction, which is stated at actual construction cost less any impairment loss. Construction in progress is transferred to the respective category of property and equipment when completed and ready for its intended use. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred and asset improvements are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of assets disposed of or retired are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated income statements. |
Land use rights | (v) Land use rights Land use rights represent lease prepayments to the local Bureau of Land and Resources. Land use rights are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Amortization is provided to write off the cost of lease prepayments on a straight-line basis over the period of the right which is 40 - 70 years. |
Intangible assets | (w) Intangible assets Intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions are recognized as assets separate from goodwill if they satisfy either the "contractual-legal" or "separability" criterion. Purchased intangible assets and intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries are recognized and measured at fair value upon acquisition. Separately identifiable intangible assets that have determinable lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows: User base and customer relationships 2 - 6 years Trade names, trademarks and domain names 3 - 12 years Developed technology and patents 2 - 5 years Licenses and copyrights 1 - 5 years Non compete agreements over the contracted term from 2 - 6 years Separately identifiable intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for identifiable intangible assets is based on the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. |
Goodwill | (x) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed of the acquired entity as a result of the Company's acquisitions of interests in its subsidiaries and VIEs. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the qualitative assessment, the Company considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. Based on the qualitative assessment, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed. In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the first step compares the fair values of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will not be required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. This allocation process is only performed for the purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment and does not result in an entry to adjust the value of any assets or liabilities. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. |
Impairment of long lived assets other than goodwill | (y) Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. No impairment of long-lived assets other than investment in equity investees was recognized for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. |
Derivatives and hedging | (z) Derivatives and hedging In accordance with ASC 815 "Derivatives and Hedging," all contracts that meet the definition of a derivative should be recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities and recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are either recognized periodically in the consolidated income statements or in other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivatives and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting and is so designated. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge relationship is designated and formally documented at inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge (which includes the item and risk that is being hedged), the derivative that is being used and how hedge effectiveness is being assessed. A derivative has to be effective in accomplishing the objective of offsetting either changes in fair value or cash flows for the risk being hedged. The effectiveness of the hedging relationship is evaluated on a prospective and retrospective basis using qualitative and quantitative measures of correlation. Qualitative methods may include comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item. Quantitative methods include a comparison of the changes in the fair value or discounted cash flow of the hedging instrument to the hedged item. A hedging relationship is considered effective if the results of the hedging instrument are within a ratio of 80% to 125% of the results of the hedged item. Interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments to hedge against the cash flows attributable to recognized assets or liabilities or forecast payments may qualify as cash flow hedges. During the year ended March 31, 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts to swap floating interest payments related to certain borrowings for fixed interest payments to hedge the interest rate risk associated with certain forecasted payments and obligations. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statements. The fair value change of the interest rate swaps not qualified for hedge accounting held by the Company resulted in a gain of RMB102 million and a loss of RMB43 million, which were recognized in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statements for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income shall be reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Upon the termination of the interest rate swap contracts during the year ended March 31, 2015, the hedging instruments were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheets and accumulated other comprehensive income was recorded in interest and investment income, net resulting in a loss of RMB59 million in the consolidated income statements for the year ended March 31, 2015. Forward exchange contracts Forward exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments to hedge against the future changes in currency exposure of net investments in foreign operations may qualify as net investment hedges. During the year ended March 31, 2016, the Company entered into several forward exchange contracts to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with investments in net assets of certain subsidiaries with operations in the PRC of which their functional currencies are RMB. The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the forward exchange contracts that are designated and qualified as net investment hedges is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income to offset the cumulative translation adjustments related to those subsidiaries. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion, which is measured based on changes in forward exchange rates, is recognized immediately in other income, net in the consolidated income statements. Amounts accumulated are removed from accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized in the consolidated income statements upon disposal of those subsidiaries. Once the hedge becomes ineffective, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. As of March 31, 2016, forward exchange contracts with fair value of US$40 million (RMB257 million) are qualified and designated as hedging instruments. During the year ended March 31, 2016, the Company recognized a loss of US$46 million (RMB298 million) in other income, net in the consolidated income statement, which was the aggregate of (i) the changes in fair value of the forward exchange contracts not qualified for hedge accounting and (ii) the ineffective portion of the changes in fair value of the forward exchange contracts that are designated and qualified as net investment hedges. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives not qualified for hedge accounting are reported in the consolidated income statements. The estimated fair value of the derivatives is determined based on relevant market information. These estimates are calculated with reference to the market rates using industry standard valuation techniques. |
Bank borrowing and unsecured senior notes | (aa) Bank borrowing and unsecured senior notes Bank borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of upfront fees and other incident fees incurred. Unsecured senior notes are recognized initially at fair value, net of debt discounts or premiums and debt issuance costs. Costs incurred which are directly attributable to the bank borrowings and unsecured senior notes are capitalized and amortized over the estimated term of the facilities using the effective interest method. Upfront fees, debt discount or premium and debt issuance costs are recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received and the related accretion is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated income statements over the estimated term of the facilities using the effective interest method. |
Merchant deposits | (ab) Merchant deposits The Company collects deposits representing an annual upfront service fee from merchants on Tmall at the beginning of each calendar year. These deposits are initially recorded as a liability by the Company. Such deposits are refundable to a merchant depending on the level of sales volume that is generated by that merchant on Tmall during the period. If the transaction volume target is not met at the end of each calendar year, the relevant deposits will be non-refundable and such portion of the deposits is recognized as revenue in the consolidated income statements. |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | (ac) Deferred revenue and customer advances Deferred revenue and customer advances represent service fees received from customers that relate to services to be provided in the future. Deferred revenue, mainly relating to membership and storefront fees, is stated at the amount of service fees received less the amount previously recognized as revenue upon the provision of the respective services over the terms of the respective service contracts. |
Commitments and contingencies | (ad) Commitments and contingencies In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of its business, that cover a wide range of matters. Liabilities for such contingencies are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. Certain conditions may exist as of the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company, in consultation with its legal counsel, evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible loss, if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the nature of the guarantee would be disclosed. |
Treasury shares | (ae) Treasury shares The Company accounts for treasury shares using the cost method. Under this method, the cost incurred to purchase the shares is recorded in the treasury shares account on the consolidated balance sheets. At retirement, the ordinary shares account is charged only for the aggregate par value of the shares. The excess of the acquisition cost of treasury shares over the aggregate par value is allocated between additional paid-in capital (up to the amount credited to the additional paid-in capital upon original issuance of the shares) and retained earnings. The treasury shares account includes 28,245,662 and 24,393,569 ordinary shares issued at par to subsidiaries of the Company for the purpose of certain equity investment plans for management as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. |
Subscription receivables | (af) Subscription receivables The Company made available loans to certain employees of the Company and its related companies in order to finance their exercise of share options and subscription for ordinary shares of the Company (Note 13). The participants of all such loans have pledged the ownership of their ordinary shares or restricted shares as security for these loans. For accounting purposes, loans outstanding with respect to the exercise of vested options and share subscription are recorded as subscription receivables in equity. Further, unvested options that were exercised are recorded as other current liabilities and they are transferred to equity upon vesting. |
Statutory reserves | (ag) Statutory reserves In accordance with the relevant regulations and their articles of association, subsidiaries of the Company incorporated in the PRC are required to allocate at least 10% of their after-tax profit determined based on the PRC accounting standards and regulations to the general reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of the relevant subsidiary's registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund are at the discretion of the respective board of directors of the subsidiaries. These reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable to the Company in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. During the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, appropriations to the general reserve amounted to RMB1,137 million, RMB267 million and RMB529 million, respectively. No appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund have been made by the Company. |
Reclassification of comparative figures | (ah) Reclassification of comparative figures In previous years, loan receivables arising from micro loans extended to small and medium size enterprises are separately presented as "Loan receivables, net" on the consolidated balance sheets. After the Company disposed of certain equity interests and assets primarily relating to the micro loan business and related services upon the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)), the loan receivables balance became insignificant. Accordingly, the Company revised the presentation to report the loan receivables balance under "Prepayments, receivables and other assets." Prior year amounts have been reclassified to maintain consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations and net assets. Corresponding reclassifications have also been made to the consolidated statement of cash flows. |
Summary of significant accoun35
Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Summary of significant accounting policies | |
Schedule of financial information of the VIEs in the PRC | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments Amounts due from Ant Financial Services Investment in equity investees and securities Property and equipment and intangible assets Others Total assets Amounts due to WFOEs and other non-VIEs group companies Others Total liabilities Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Revenue (i) Net (loss) income (i) ) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities ) ) Net cash used in investing activities ) ) ) Net cash provided by financing activities (i) Revenue and net (loss) income earned and incurred by the VIEs are primarily from the businesses of providing display marketing on the Company's retail marketplaces, cloud computing services as well as mobile media and entertainment services and others. |
Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment | Computer equipment and software 3 - 5 years Furniture, office and transportation equipment 3 - 5 years Buildings 20 - 50 years Leasehold improvements shorter of remaining lease period or estimated useful life |
Schedule of estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets | User base and customer relationships 2 - 6 years Trade names, trademarks and domain names 3 - 12 years Developed technology and patents 2 - 5 years Licenses and copyrights 1 - 5 years Non compete agreements over the contracted term from 2 - 6 years |
Significant equity transactio36
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Alibaba Health | |
Acquisition | |
Schedule of the allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired Amortizable intangible assets (i) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities ) Total The equity value comprised of: - fair value of previously held equity interests - fair value of noncontrolling interests Total (i) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding three years and a weighted-average amortization period of 2.6 years. |
AutoNavi | |
Acquisition | |
Schedule of the allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired Amortizable intangible assets (i) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities ) Total Amounts (in millions of RMB) Total purchase price comprised of: - cash consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests Total (i) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding four years and a weighted-average amortization period of 3.0 years. |
Alibaba Pictures | |
Acquisition | |
Schedule of the allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired (i) Amortizable intangible assets (ii) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Others Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities ) Noncontrolling interests ) Total (i) Net assets include the cash consideration of RMB4,955 million. (ii) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding three years and a weighted-average amortization period of 2.5 years. |
UCWeb | |
Acquisition | |
Schedule of the allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired (i) Amortizable intangible assets (ii) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Non-compete agreements Goodwill Deferred tax liabilities ) Total Total purchase price comprised of: - cash consideration - share-based consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests Total (i) Net assets acquired included noncontrolling interests of RMB220 million that is classified as mezzanine equity. (ii) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding four years and a weighted-average amortization period of 3.4 years. |
One Touch | |
Acquisition | |
Schedule of the allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Net assets acquired Amortizable intangible assets (i) User base and customer relationships Trade names, trademarks and domain names Developed technology and patents Non-compete agreements Goodwill Deferred tax liabilities ) Total Total purchase price comprised of: - cash consideration - contingent cash consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests Total (i) Acquired amortizable intangible assets have estimated amortization periods not exceeding five years and a weighted-average amortization period of 4.5 years |
Other acquisitions, summarized | |
Acquisition | |
Schedule of the allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Net assets Identifiable intangible assets Deferred tax assets — — Deferred tax liabilities ) ) ) Noncontrolling interests — ) ) Net identifiable assets acquired Goodwill Total purchase consideration Fair value of previously held equity interests — ) — Purchase consideration settled ) ) ) Contingent/deferred consideration as of year end Total purchase consideration comprised of: - cash consideration - fair value of previously held equity interests — — - share-based consideration — — Total |
Revenue (Tables)
Revenue (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Revenue | |
Schedule of revenue breakdown | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) China commerce Retail (i) Online marketing services Commission Others Wholesale (ii) Total China commerce International commerce Retail (iii) Wholesale (iv) Total international commerce Cloud computing (v) Others (vi) Total (i) Revenue from China commerce retail is primarily generated from the Company's China retail marketplaces. (ii) Revenue from China commerce wholesale is primarily generated from 1688.com and includes fees from memberships and value-added services and online marketing services revenue. (iii) Revenue from International commerce retail is primarily generated from AliExpress. (iv) Revenue from International commerce wholesale is primarily generated from Alibaba.com and includes fees from memberships and value-added services and online marketing services revenue. (v) Revenue from cloud computing is primarily generated from the provision of services, such as data storage, elastic computing, database and large scale computing services, as well as web hosting and domain name registration. (vi) Other revenue mainly represents revenue from online marketing and other services provided by UCWeb and AutoNavi, SME Annual Fee received from Ant Financial Services and interest income generated from micro loans before the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)). |
Schedule of revenue by type of service | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Online marketing services P4P and display marketing Other online marketing services Total online marketing services Commission Membership fees and value-added services Others (i) Total (i) Other revenue mainly represents revenue from cloud computing, revenue from other services provided by UCWeb and AutoNavi, storefront fees, SME Annual Fee received from Ant Financial Services and interest income generated from micro loans before the completion of the restructuring of Payment Services during the year ended March 31, 2015 (Note 4(b)). |
Other income, net (Tables)
Other income, net (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Other income, net | |
Other income, net | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Royalty fee and software technology services fee charged to Ant Financial Services and Alipay (Note 23) Government grants (i) Amortization of the excess value in relation to the restructuring of Payment Services (Note 4(b)) — ) ) Others Total (i) Government grants mainly represent amounts received from central and local governments in connection with the Company's investments in local business districts and contributions to technology development. |
Income tax expenses (Tables)
Income tax expenses (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Income tax expenses | |
Schedule of composition of income tax expenses | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Current income tax expense Deferred taxation |
Schedule of composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Deferred tax assets Current: Deferred revenue and customer advances Tax losses carried forward and others (i) Less: Valuation allowance ) ) Total deferred tax assets, current portion (Note 13) Non-current: Deferred revenue and customer advances Property and equipment Tax losses carried forward and others (i) Less: Valuation allowance ) ) Total deferred tax assets, non-current portion (Note 13) Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Current: Others ) ) Non-current: Withholding tax on undistributed earnings (ii) ) ) Identifiable intangible assets ) ) Available-for-sale securities — ) Others ) ) Total deferred tax liabilities, non current portion ) ) Total deferred tax liabilities ) ) Net deferred tax liabilities ) ) (i) Others primarily represent accrued expenses which are not deductible until paid under PRC tax laws. (ii) The related deferred tax liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and 2016 were provided on the assumption that 100% of the distributable reserves of the major PRC subsidiaries will be distributed as dividends, except for those undistributed earnings that the Company intends to invest indefinitely in the PRC of RMB13.6 billion. |
Schedule of reconciliation of the differences between the statutory EIT rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities and the income tax expenses of the Company | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB, except per share data) Income before income tax and share of results of equity investees Income tax computed at statutory EIT rate (25%) Effect of different tax rates available to different jurisdictions ) ) Effect of tax holiday and preferential tax benefit on assessable profits of subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC ) ) ) Non-deductible expenses and non-taxable income, net (i) ) Tax savings from additional deductions on certain research and development expenses available for subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC (ii) ) ) ) Withholding tax on the earnings remitted and anticipated to be remitted Change in valuation allowance, deduction of certain share-based compensation expense and others Income tax expenses Effect of tax holidays inside the PRC on basic earnings per share/ADS (RMB) (i) Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and non-taxable income primarily represent investment income (loss), share-based compensation expense, equity-settled donation expense, interest expense, exchange differences. Investment income (loss) during the year ended March 31, 2016 included gains from the revaluation of the Company's remaining equity interest in Alibaba Pictures (Note 4(e)) and from the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to obtaining Control of Alibaba Health (Note 4(c)). (ii) This amount represents tax incentives relating to the research and development expenses of certain major operating subsidiaries in the PRC. This tax incentive enables the Company to claim an additional tax deduction amounting to 50% of the qualified research and development expenses incurred. |
Share-based awards (Tables)
Share-based awards (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Share-based awards | |
Schedule of share-based compensation expense by function | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cost of revenue Product development expenses Sales and marketing expenses General and administrative expenses Total |
Options | |
Share-based awards | |
Summary of changes in the share options | Number of share options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual life US$ (in years) Outstanding at April 1, 2015 Granted Exercised ) Cancelled/forfeited/expired ) Outstanding at March 31, 2016 (i) Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2016 Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2016 (ii) (i) Outstanding options as of March 31, 2016 include 2,699,250 unvested options early exercised. (ii) The share options expected to vest are the result of applying the pre-vesting forfeiture rate assumptions to total outstanding share options, including early exercised options. |
Schedule of fair value assumptions | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 Risk-free interest rate (i) 0.69% - 1.52 % 1.38% - 1.99 % 1.24% - 1.79 % Expected dividend yield (ii) % % % Expected life (years) (iii) 4.25 - 4.38 4.25 - 5.75 4.25 - 5.75 Expected volatility (iv) 37.0% - 39.3 % 35.0% - 40.8 % 33.4% - 35.7 % (i) Risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of United States Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected life of the share options in effect at the time of grant. (ii) Expected dividend is assumed to be 0% as the Company has no history or expectation of paying a dividend on its ordinary shares. (iii) Expected life of share options is based on the average between the vesting period and the contractual term for each grant. (iv) Expected volatility is assumed based on the historical volatility of the Company's comparable companies in the period equal to the expected life of each grant. |
Restricted shares and RSUs | |
Share-based awards | |
Summary of changes in the restricted shares and RSUs | Number of restricted shares and RSUs Weighted- average grant date fair value US$ Awarded and unvested at April 1, 2015 Granted Vested ) Cancelled/forfeited ) Awarded and unvested at March 31, 2016 Expected to vest at March 31, 2016 (i) (i) Restricted shares and RSUs expected to vest are the result of applying the pre-vesting forfeiture rate assumptions to total outstanding restricted shares and RSUs. |
Partner Capital Investment Plan | Subscription rights | |
Share-based awards | |
Schedule of fair value assumptions | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 Risk-free interest rate (i) % % Expected dividend yield (ii) % % Expected life (years) (iii) Expected volatility (iv) % % Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions (v) % % (i) Risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of United States Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected life of the share-based awards in effect at the time of grant. (ii) Expected dividend is assumed to be 0% as the Company has no history or expectation of paying a dividend on its ordinary shares. (iii) Expected life of the rights is based on management's estimate on timing of redemption for ordinary shares by the participants. (iv) Expected volatility is assumed based on the historical volatility of the Company's comparable companies in the period equal to expected life of each right. (v) Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions applied on the underlying ordinary shares takes into consideration the restriction on sales of eight years. |
Equity-settled donation expen41
Equity-settled donation expense (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Equity-settled donation expense | |
Schedule of fair value assumptions | Year ended March 31, 2014 Risk-free interest rate (i) % Expected dividend yield (ii) % Expected life (years) (iii) Expected volatility (iv) % Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions (v) 18.0% - 38.0 % (i) Risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of United States Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected life of these options at the time of grant. (ii) Expected dividend is assumed to be 0% as the Company has no history or expectation of paying a dividend on its ordinary shares. (iii) Expected life of the options is based on management's estimate on timing of exercise. (iv) Expected volatility is assumed based on the historical volatility of the Company's comparable companies in the period equal to expected life of the options. (v) Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions applied on the underlying ordinary shares takes into consideration of the restriction on sales of two to eight years. |
Earnings per share (Tables)
Earnings per share (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Earnings per share | |
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net income per share | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB, except share data and per share data) Numerator: Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for computing net income per ordinary share — basic Reversal of accretion of Convertible Preference Shares — Reversal of dividend of Convertible Preference Shares — Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for computing net income per ordinary share — diluted Shares (denominator): Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share — basic (million shares) Adjustments for dilutive share options and RSUs (million shares) Conversion of Convertible Preference Shares (million shares) — Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share — diluted (million shares) Net income per ordinary share/ADS — basic (RMB) Net income per ordinary share/ADS — diluted (RMB) |
Restricted cash (Tables)
Restricted cash (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Restricted cash | |
Schedule of restricted cash | As at March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Cash pledged for a bank in connection with its loan facilities for option exercise in favor of employees of the Company and its related companies Cash pledged for treasury management activities Others |
Investment securities and fai44
Investment securities and fair value disclosure (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Investment securities and fair value disclosure | |
Schedule of investment securities at cost and at fair value | As of March 31, 2015 Original cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Provision for decline in value Fair value (in millions of RMB) Assets Trading securities: Listed equity securities ) — Financial derivatives ) — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities and other treasury investments ) — Equity fund — — Held-to-maturity securities — — — Convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option ) — ) — As of March 31, 2016 Original cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Provision for decline in value Fair value (in millions of RMB) Assets Trading securities: Listed equity securities ) — Financial derivatives — — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities and other treasury investments ) ) Held-to-maturity securities — — ) Convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option — — ) ) |
Table of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and categorized using the fair value hierarchy | As of March 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions of RMB) Assets Short-term investments — — Restricted cash — — Trading securities: Listed equity securities — — Financial derivatives — — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities — — Equity fund — — Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option — — Liabilities Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions — — As of March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions of RMB) Assets Short-term investments — — Restricted cash — — Trading securities: Listed equity securities — — Financial derivatives — — Available-for-sale securities: Listed equity securities — — Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option — — Liabilities Forward exchange contracts — — Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions — — — |
Schedule of rolling forward of convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Balance at April 1, 2014 Additions (Note 4(r)) Decrease in fair value ) Foreign currency translation adjustments ) Balance at March 31, 2015 Increase in fair value Foreign currency translation adjustments Balance at March 31, 2016 |
Schedule of rolling forward of contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Balance at April 1, 2014 Repayment ) Additions (Note 4(g)) Increase in fair value Balance at March 31, 2015 Decrease in fair value ) Balance at March 31, 2016 |
Prepayments, receivables and 45
Prepayments, receivables and other assets (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Prepayments, receivables and other assets | |
Schedule of components of prepayments, receivables and other assets | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Current: VAT receivables (i) Amounts due from related companies (ii) Prepaid cost of revenue, sales and marketing expenses and others Accounts receivable, net of allowance Deferred direct selling costs (iii) Deferred tax assets (Note 7) Advances to customers and merchants Loan receivables, net Interest receivables Employee loans and advances (iv) Others Non-current: Prepayment for acquisition of property and equipment Employee loans (iv) Prepaid upfront fees and debt issuance costs related to long-term borrowings and unsecured senior notes Deferred direct selling costs (iii) Deferred tax assets (Note 7) Prepayment for film rights, script agreements and in-production movies and TV episodes — Others (i) VAT receivables as of March 31, 2016 mainly represent VAT receivable from relevant PRC tax authorities arising from OneTouch's VAT refund service. OneTouch provides advance settlement of relevant VAT refund amount to its customers prior to receiving such VAT refund from tax authorities. To provide this service, OneTouch relies on short term banking facilities and takes on credit risk if OneTouch fails to recover the prepaid VAT amount. (ii) Amounts due from related parties primarily represent balances arising from transactions with Ant Financial Services and its subsidiaries (Note 4(b) and 23). The balances are unsecured, interest free and repayable within the next twelve months. (iii) The Company is obligated to pay certain costs upon the receipt of membership fees from merchants or other customers, which primarily consist of sales commissions. The membership fees are initially deferred and recognized as revenue in the consolidated income statements in the period in which the services are rendered. As such, the related costs are also initially deferred and recognized in the consolidated income statements in the same period as the related service fees are recognized. (iv) Employee loans mainly represent full recourse, interest-bearing share purchase, option exercise and tax loans, with a term of four to five years, to employees of the Company and its related companies in order to finance their purchase of ordinary shares, exercise of options underlying the ordinary shares as well as payment of related personal taxes. Such employee loans are pledged by ordinary shares owned by the employees and carried interest at market rates. The balance also includes an interest-free loan program, with a term of five years, to eligible employees for purchase of their first residential properties. |
Investment in equity investees
Investment in equity investees (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Investment in equity investees | |
Investment in equity investees | Cost method Equity method Total (in millions of RMB) Balance at April 1, 2014 Additions Share of results and other comprehensive income (i) — ) ) Less: disposals and transfers (ii) ) ) ) Less: impairment loss ) ) ) Foreign currency translation adjustments Balance at March 31, 2015 Additions (iii) Share of results and other comprehensive income (i) — ) ) Less: disposals and transfers (ii) ) ) ) Less: impairment loss ) — ) Foreign currency translation adjustments Balance at March 31, 2016 (i) Share of results and other comprehensive income includes the share of results of the equity investees, the gain arising from the deemed disposal of the equity investees and the amortization of basis differences. The balance excludes the gain arising from fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to an equity investee and the expenses in connection with the share-based awards relating to ordinary shares of the Company and Ant Financial Services granted to employees of certain equity investees (Note 8(d)). (ii) During the year ended March 31, 2015, transfers under the equity method were primarily related to the step acquisitions of OneTouch (Note 4(g)), UCWeb (Note 4(f)), AutoNavi (Note 4(d)), as well as an additional investment in Weibo (Note 4(u)). During the year ended March 31, 2016, disposals under the cost method were primarily related to the partial disposal of the Company's investment in an equity investee. A gain of approximately US$471 million (RMB3,078 million) arising from such disposal was recognized in interest and investment income, net in the consolidated income statement. Transfers under the equity method were primarily related to the consolidation of Alibaba Health upon which the control was obtained by the Company (Note 4(c)). (iii) Additions during the year ended March 31, 2016 included the fair value of the retained noncontrolling investment in Alibaba Pictures which is accounted for as an equity method investee after the deconsolidation (Note 4(e)). |
Property and equipment, net (Ta
Property and equipment, net (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Property and equipment, net | |
Schedule of property and equipment, net | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Computer equipment and software Buildings and leasehold improvements Construction in progress Furniture, office and transportation equipment Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ) ) Net book value |
Intangible assets (Tables)
Intangible assets (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Intangible assets | |
Schedule of intangible assets | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Non-compete agreements Developed technology and patents Trade names, trademarks and domain names User base and customer relationships Licenses and copyrights and others Less: accumulated amortization and impairment ) ) Net book value |
Schedule of estimated future aggregate amortization expenses | Amounts (in millions of RMB) For the year ending March 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter |
Goodwill (Tables)
Goodwill (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Goodwill | |
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill | Amounts (in millions of RMB) Balance as of April 1, 2014 Additions Deconsolidation of a subsidiary ) Impairment ) Foreign currency translation adjustments — Balance as of March 31, 2015 Additions Deconsolidation of a subsidiary (Note 4(e)) ) Impairment ) Foreign currency translation adjustments — Balance as of March 31, 2016 |
Deferred revenue and customer50
Deferred revenue and customer advances (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | |
Schedule of respective balances of deferred revenue and customer advances | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Deferred revenue Customer advances Less: current portion ) ) Non-current portion |
Accrued expenses, accounts pa51
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | |
Schedule of accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Current: Accrued cost of revenue and sales and marketing expenses Accrued bonus and staff costs, including sales commission Other deposits received in rendering services on e-commerce marketplaces Amounts due to related companies (i) Accruals for purchases of property and equipment Payable to third party marketing affiliates Other taxes payable (ii) Accrued professional services expenses Accrual for interest expense Accrued donations Liabilities arising from treasury management activities Contingent and deferred consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions Unvested share options exercised Others Non-current: Contingent and deferred consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions Others (i) Amounts due to related companies primarily represent balances arising from the transactions with Ant Financial Services and its subsidiaries (Note 23). The balances are unsecured, interest free and repayable within the next twelve months. (ii) Other taxes payable represents business tax, value-added tax and related surcharges and PRC individual income tax of employees withheld by the Company. |
Bank borrowings (Tables)
Bank borrowings (Tables) - Bank borrowings | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Bank borrowings | |
Analysis of bank borrowings | As of March 31 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Long-term borrowings (i) Short-term borrowings (ii) (i) The weighted average interest rate for all long-term borrowings for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 was approximately 6.7%, 5.9% and 4.9%, respectively. Other loans are collateralized by a pledge of certain land use rights and construction in progress with carrying values of RMB2,216 million and RMB3,583 million in the PRC as of March 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Such borrowings are all denominated in Renminbi. (ii) As of March 31, 2015 and 2016, the Company had short-term borrowings from banks which were repayable within one year or on demand and charged at interest rates ranging from 2.0% to 11.6% and 4.0% to 7.1% per annum, respectively. Such borrowings are all denominated in Renminbi. |
Schedule of borrowings under the credit facilities are due | As of March 31, 2016, the borrowings will be due according to the following schedule: Principal amounts (in millions of RMB) Within 1 year Between 1 to 2 years Between 2 to 3 years Between 3 to 4 years Between 4 to 5 years |
Unsecured senior notes (Tables)
Unsecured senior notes (Tables) - Unsecured senior notes | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Unsecured senior notes | |
Summary of the unsecured senior notes | The following table provides a summary of the Company's unsecured senior notes as of March 31, 2016: Amounts Effective interest rate (in millions of RMB) US$300 million floating rate notes due 2017 % US$1,000 million 1.625% notes due 2017 % US$2,250 million 2.500% notes due 2019 % US$1,500 million 3.125% notes due 2021 % US$2,250 million 3.600% notes due 2024 % US$700 million 4.500% notes due 2034 % Carrying value Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs Total principal amounts of unsecured senior notes |
Schedule of future principal payments due | As of March 31, 2016, the future principal payments for the Company's unsecured senior notes will be due according to the following schedule: Principal amounts (in millions of RMB) Within 1 year — Between 1 to 2 years Between 2 to 3 years — Between 3 to 4 years Between 4 to 5 years — Thereafter |
Related party transactions (Tab
Related party transactions (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Yahoo | |
Related party transactions | |
Schedule of transactions | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Amount incurred or disbursed by the Company Royalty fee (i) — Purchase of patents (ii) — (i) The Company and Yahoo entered into a Technology and Intellectual Property Licensing Agreement in October 2005 whereby Yahoo granted to the Company the use of certain intellectual property and the Company agreed to pay Yahoo a royalty fee equal to 2%, until December 31, 2012 and equal to 1.5% thereafter, of revenues recognized on a consolidated basis under U.S. GAAP, less traffic acquisition costs incurred in connection with third-party distribution partners, business tax, value-added tax or similar sales tax based on revenue paid to governments. The arrangement was terminated upon the completion the Company's initial public offering in September 2014. Such royalty expense was recognized in product development expenses. (ii) The Company and Yahoo entered into a patent sale and assignment agreement during the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2015 pursuant to which the Company acquired ownership of certain patents for aggregate consideration of US$70 million and US$24 million, respectively. |
Ant Financial Services, Alipay and Koubei and their affiliates | |
Related party transactions | |
Schedule of transactions | Year ended March 31, 2014 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Amount earned by the Company Royalty fee and software technology services fee (i) SME Annual Fee (ii) — Reimbursement on options and RSUs (iii) Other services (iv) Amount incurred by the Company Payment processing fee (v) Other services (iv) (i) In 2011, the Company entered into an Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement with Alipay whereby the Company licenses certain intellectual properties and provides certain software technology services to Alipay in exchange for a royalty fee and software technology services fee in an amount equal to the costs incurred by the Company in providing the software technology services plus 49.9% of the consolidated pre-tax income of Alipay and its subsidiaries (Note 4(b)), effective from December 2011. In 2014, the Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement were terminated and the Company entered into the amended Alipay IPLA with Ant Financial Services. Under the amended Alipay IPLA, the Company will receive the Profit Share Payments amounting to the sum of an expense reimbursement plus 37.5% of the consolidated pre-tax income of Ant Financial Services, subject to certain adjustments (Note 4(b)), effective from August 2014. Royalty fee and software technology services fee under the Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement and the Profit Share Payments were recognized in consolidated income statements, net of the costs incurred for the provision of the software technology services reimbursed by Alipay. The amounts reimbursed by Ant Financial Services to the Company were RMB275 million, RMB486 million and RMB274 million for the years ended March 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. (ii) The Company entered into software system use and service agreements with Ant Financial Services in 2014. In calendar years 2015 to 2017, the Company received or will receive the SME Annual Fee equal to 2.5% of the average daily book balance of the micro loans made by Ant Financial Services and its affiliates. In calendar years 2018 to 2021, the Company will receive the SME Annual Fee equal to the amount paid for the calendar year 2017 (Note 4(b)). (iii) The Company entered into agreements with Ant Financial Services in 2012 and 2013 under which the Company will receive a reimbursement for options and RSUs relating to the ordinary shares granted to the employees of Ant Financial Services and its subsidiaries during the period from December 14, 2011 to March 31, 2014. Pursuant to the agreements, the Company will, upon vesting of such options and RSUs, receive a cash reimbursement equal to their respective grant date fair value. As this arrangement relates to share-based awards previously granted by the Company, the reimbursement is recognized as a reduction of share-based compensation expense. (iv) The Company also has other commercial arrangements, treasury management arrangements and cost sharing arrangements with Ant Financial Services, its subsidiaries and affiliates as well as Koubei on various technical, treasury management and other administrative services. (v) The Company and Alipay, among others, entered into a Commercial Agreement in 2011 whereby the Company receives payment processing services in exchange for a Payment Processing Fee (Note 4(b)), which was recognized in cost of revenue. |
Commitments (Tables)
Commitments (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016 | |
Commitments | |
Schedule of operating lease commitments for office facility and transportation equipment | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years More than 5 years Total |
Capital expenditures | |
Commitments | |
Schedule of commitments | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) Contracted but not provided for: Purchase of property and equipment Construction of corporate campuses |
Co-location, bandwidth fees and marketing expenses | |
Commitments | |
Schedule of commitments | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years More than 5 years — Total |
Licenses and copyrights | |
Commitments | |
Schedule of commitments | As of March 31, 2015 2016 (in millions of RMB) No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years Total |
Organization and principal ac56
Organization and principal activities (Details) | Mar. 31, 2016item |
Organization and principal activities | |
Number of distribution platforms | 3 |
Summary of significant accoun57
Summary of significant accounting policies- VIEs (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)¥ / $ | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)¥ / $ | |
Convenience translation | |||||
Convenience exchange rate (RMB to USD) | ¥ / $ | 6.4480 | 6.4480 | |||
Total assets | $ 56,521 | ¥ 255,434,000,000 | ¥ 364,450,000,000 | ||
Total liabilities | 17,767 | 97,363,000,000 | 114,561,000,000 | ||
Revenue | 15,686 | ¥ 101,143,000,000 | 76,204,000,000 | ¥ 52,504,000,000 | |
Net (loss) income | 11,056 | 71,289,000,000 | 24,320,000,000 | 23,403,000,000 | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | 8,815 | 56,836,000,000 | 41,217,000,000 | 26,379,000,000 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (6,643) | (42,831,000,000) | (53,454,000,000) | (32,997,000,000) | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | $ (2,457) | (15,846,000,000) | 87,497,000,000 | 9,364,000,000 | |
Assets, except for registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of VIEs, that can only be used to settle obligations of the respective VIEs | 0 | ||||
Consolidated VIEs | |||||
Convenience translation | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments | 2,272,000,000 | 3,978,000,000 | |||
Amounts due from Ant Financial Services | 2,741,000,000 | 247,000,000 | |||
Investment in equity investees and securities | 4,018,000,000 | 11,605,000,000 | |||
Property and equipment and intangible assets | 1,353,000,000 | 1,218,000,000 | |||
Others | 3,427,000,000 | 2,698,000,000 | |||
Total assets | 13,811,000,000 | 19,746,000,000 | |||
Amounts due to WFOEs and other non-VIEs group companies | 7,741,000,000 | 12,372,000,000 | |||
Others | 3,679,000,000 | 4,649,000,000 | |||
Total liabilities | 11,420,000,000 | ¥ 17,021,000,000 | |||
Revenue | 8,558,000,000 | 10,457,000,000 | 6,170,000,000 | ||
Net (loss) income | 35,000,000 | 659,000,000 | (587,000,000) | ||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | 1,224,000,000 | (7,343,000,000) | (2,642,000,000) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (7,160,000,000) | (5,502,000,000) | (1,337,000,000) | ||
Net cash provided by financing activities | ¥ 6,494,000,000 | ¥ 13,018,000,000 | ¥ 4,157,000,000 |
Summary of significant accoun58
Summary of significant accounting policies- Various (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)segment | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)segment | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)segment | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2013CNY (¥) | |
Segment reporting | ||||||||
Number of operating segment | segment | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Number of reportable segment | segment | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Sales and marketing expenses | ||||||||
Advertising and promotional expenses | ¥ 5,524,000,000 | ¥ 4,090,000,000 | ¥ 2,022,000,000 | |||||
Leases | ||||||||
Capital Lease Obligations | 0 | ¥ 0 | ¥ 0 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
Amount of cash and cash equivalents | 33,045,000,000 | $ 16,566 | 106,818,000,000 | $ 16,779 | 108,193,000,000 | ¥ 30,396,000,000 | ||
Short term investments | ||||||||
Short-term investments- fixed deposits | 97,000,000 | 11,462,000,000 | ||||||
Short-term investments | $ 729 | 4,700,000,000 | 14,148,000,000 | |||||
Investment in equity investees | ||||||||
Period of time within which results of equity method earnings are recognized in arrears | 3 months | |||||||
Minimum | ||||||||
Loan and VAT receivables | ||||||||
Collection periods extended for VAT receivables | 3 months | |||||||
Investment securities | ||||||||
Maturities of held-to-maturity securities held | 1 year | |||||||
Maximum | ||||||||
Loan and VAT receivables | ||||||||
Collection periods extended for VAT receivables | 6 months | |||||||
Investment securities | ||||||||
Maturities of held-to-maturity securities held | 10 years | |||||||
Micro loans receivables | Minimum | ||||||||
Loan and VAT receivables | ||||||||
Credit periods extended | 7 days | |||||||
Micro loans receivables | Maximum | ||||||||
Loan and VAT receivables | ||||||||
Credit periods extended | 360 days | |||||||
VAT receivables | ||||||||
Loan and VAT receivables | ||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts relating to VAT receivables | 699,000,000 | 184,000,000 | ||||||
Cash held in accounts managed by Alipay | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
Amount of cash and cash equivalents | 786,000,000 | 1,443,000,000 | ||||||
Short term investments held in accounts managed by Alipay | ||||||||
Short term investments | ||||||||
Short-term investments | ¥ 2,564,000,000 | ¥ 1,185,000,000 | ||||||
Government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan in PRC | ||||||||
Other employee benefits | ||||||||
Contribution amount charged to the consolidated income statements | ¥ 2,094,000,000 | ¥ 1,601,000,000 | ¥ 974,000,000 |
Summary of significant accoun59
Summary of significant accounting policies- Long-lived assets (Details) - CNY (¥) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | |
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill | ¥ 0 | ¥ 0 | ¥ 0 |
Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Period of land use rights | 40 years | ||
Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Period of land use rights | 70 years | ||
User base and customer relationships | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 2 years | ||
User base and customer relationships | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 6 years | ||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 3 years | ||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 12 years | ||
Developed technology and patents | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 2 years | ||
Developed technology and patents | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 5 years | ||
Licenses and copyrights | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 1 year | ||
Licenses and copyrights | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 5 years | ||
Non-compete agreements | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 2 years | ||
Non-compete agreements | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of intangible assets | 6 years | ||
Computer equipment and software | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment | 3 years | ||
Computer equipment and software | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment | 5 years | ||
Furniture, office and transportation equipment | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment | 3 years | ||
Furniture, office and transportation equipment | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment | 5 years | ||
Buildings | Minimum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment | 20 years | ||
Buildings | Maximum | |||
Summary of significant accounting policies | |||
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment | 50 years |
Summary of significant accoun60
Summary of significant accounting policies- Others (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)shares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)shares | |
Statutory reserves | |||||
Percentage of after-tax profit from subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC required to be appropriated to the statutory reserves | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||
Limit of statutory reserve fund as a percentage of registered capital, after which allocations to statutory reserve fund are no longer required | 50.00% | 50.00% | |||
PRC | |||||
Statutory reserves | |||||
Appropriation to statutory reserves | ¥ 529,000,000 | ¥ 267,000,000 | ¥ 1,137,000,000 | ||
Appropriation to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus fund | ¥ 0 | ¥ 0 | 0 | ||
Share repurchase for purpose of certain equity investment plans for management | |||||
Treasury shares | |||||
Number of ordinary shares included in treasury shares account | shares | 24,393,569 | 28,245,662 | 24,393,569 | ||
Minimum | |||||
Derivatives and hedging | |||||
Ratio determining effective hedging relationship | 80.00% | 80.00% | |||
Maximum | |||||
Derivatives and hedging | |||||
Ratio determining effective hedging relationship | 125.00% | 125.00% | |||
Interest rate swaps | |||||
Derivatives and hedging | |||||
Gain (loss) on the fair value change of the interest rate swaps not qualified for hedge accounting | ¥ (43,000,000) | ¥ 102,000,000 | |||
Loss recorded in consolidated income statements upon termination of the interest rate swap contracts | ¥ 59,000,000 | ||||
Foreign exchange contracts | |||||
Derivatives and hedging | |||||
Fair value amount of qualified and designated as hedging instruments | $ 40 | ¥ 257,000,000 | |||
Loss recognized in other income, net | $ 46 | ¥ 298,000,000 |
Significant equity transactio61
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- IPO (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions | Sep. 24, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares |
ADS | Other selling shareholders named in the prospectus | |
Initial public offering | |
Number of shares offered | 197,029,169 |
IPO | |
Initial public offering | |
Number of ordinary shares represented by each ADS | 1 |
Net proceeds raised by the Company from the initial public offering | $ | $ 10 |
IPO | ADS | |
Initial public offering | |
Number of shares offered | 123,076,931 |
Share price | $ / shares | $ 68 |
Underwriters' option | ADS | |
Initial public offering | |
Number of shares offered | 26,143,903 |
Share price | $ / shares | $ 68 |
Underwriters' option | ADS | Other selling shareholders named in the prospectus | |
Initial public offering | |
Number of shares offered | 21,871,997 |
Significant equity transactio62
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Restructuring of Payment Services (Details) ¥ in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)item | Aug. 31, 2014CNY (¥)item | May. 31, 2014USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2012USD ($)itemdirectorshares | Feb. 28, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2012CNY (¥)shares | |
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Loan receivables, net | ¥ (390) | ¥ (835) | |||||||||
Amount of amortization of the excess value recorded | $ 41 | 264 | 166 | ||||||||
Two directors of the Company | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Number of directors of the Company (in directors) | director | 2 | ||||||||||
Ant Financial Services and Alipay | Royalty fee and software technology services fee | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 1,122 | 1,667 | ¥ 1,764 | ||||||||
Alipay | Royalty fee and software technology services fee | |||||||||||
Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement | |||||||||||
Additional fee, as a percentage of pre-tax income | 49.90% | 49.90% | |||||||||
Alipay | Royalty fee and software technology services fee | Minimum | |||||||||||
Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement | |||||||||||
Additional fee, as a percentage of pre-tax income, after downward adjustments | 30.00% | ||||||||||
Alipay | Payment processing fee | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Initial term of agreement | 50 years | ||||||||||
Expenses incurred | 4,898 | 3,853 | ¥ 2,349 | ||||||||
Ant Financial Services | Payment processing fee | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Number of payments that may be payable to Company to compensate for changes required regulatory authorities (in payments) | item | 1 | ||||||||||
Ant Financial Services | Sale of micro loan business and related services | Amount derecognized | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Restricted cash and escrow receivables | ¥ 3,495 | ||||||||||
Loan receivables, net | 23,363 | ||||||||||
Secured borrowings | 15,417 | ||||||||||
Escrow money payable | ¥ 3,495 | ||||||||||
Ant Financial Services | Amended Alipay IPLA | |||||||||||
Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement | |||||||||||
Additional fee, as a percentage of pre-tax income | 37.50% | 37.50% | |||||||||
Framework Agreement | Alipay | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Equity value or enterprise value of Alipay, limitation effecting Liquidity Event | $ 1,000 | ¥ 6,200 | |||||||||
Framework Agreement | Minimum | Alipay | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Percentage of securities of Alipay that may be transferred to Company, so that minimum US$2.0 billion amount applies to Liquidity Payment | 37.50% | ||||||||||
Percentage of securities of Alipay that may be transferred, occurrence of Liquidity Event | 37.50% | ||||||||||
Framework Agreement | Two directors of the Company | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Number of shares in the Company contributed by two directors that serve as security for Promissory Note | shares | 50 | 50 | |||||||||
Framework Agreement | Ant Financial Services | Alipay | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Percentage of the equity value of Alipay | 37.50% | 37.50% | |||||||||
Framework Agreement | Ant Financial Services | Minimum | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Liquidity Payment plus US$500 million | $ 2,000 | ¥ 12,400 | |||||||||
Framework Agreement | Ant Financial Services | Maximum | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Liquidity Payment plus US$500 million | 6,000 | 37,200 | |||||||||
Framework Agreement | APN | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Face value of Promissory Note deductible in calculation of Liquidity Payment | $ 500 | ¥ 3,100 | |||||||||
Maturity of Promissory Note | 7 years | ||||||||||
Amended Framework Agreement | Ant Financial Services | |||||||||||
Restructuring of Payment Services | |||||||||||
Increase in the Liquidity Payment due to cancellation of Promissory Note | $ | $ 500 | ||||||||||
2014 SAPA | Ant Financial Services | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Number of payments that the Company may elect to receive (in payments) | item | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Percentage of the equity value of Ant Financial Services that Company may elect to receive (as a percent) | 37.50% | ||||||||||
Percentage of the equity value of Ant Financial Services, Company purchase of newly issued equity interests (as a percent) | 33.00% | 33.00% | |||||||||
Expected term of the restructured arrangement | 5 years | 5 years | |||||||||
Amount of amortization of the excess value recorded | 264 | 166 | |||||||||
2014 SAPA | Ant Financial Services | Minimum | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Implied equity value in the event of an IPO of Ant Financial Services or Alipay that must be exceeded for the Company to receive one-time payment (in dollars) | $ | $ 25,000 | ||||||||||
Gross proceeds from an IPO of Ant Financial Services or Alipay that must be exceeded for the Company to receive one-time payment (in dollars) | $ | $ 2,000 | ||||||||||
2014 SAPA | Ant Financial Services | Maximum | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Company's equity interests in Ant Financial Services that must not be exceeded for the Company to receive one-time payment (as a percent) | 33.00% | ||||||||||
2014 SAPA | Ant Financial Services | Sale of micro loan business and related services | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Cash consideration received | ¥ 3,219 | ||||||||||
Gain on disposal | 306 | ||||||||||
2014 SAPA | Ant Financial Services | SME Annual Fee | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Annual fee as a percentage of the average daily book balance (as a percent) | 2.50% | 2.50% | |||||||||
Amount earned by the Company | ¥ 708 | ¥ 90 | |||||||||
2014 SAPA | Ant Financial Services | Amended Alipay IPLA | |||||||||||
Intellectual Property License and Software Technology Services Agreement | |||||||||||
Additional fee, as a percentage of pre-tax income | 37.50% | 37.50% | |||||||||
2014 SAPA | Director And Major Shareholder | |||||||||||
Commercial Agreement | |||||||||||
Value of restructured arrangement in excess of value of pre-existing arrangement, equity contribution by shareholder (in renminbi) | ¥ 1,300 |
Significant equity transactio63
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Alibaba Health (Details) HKD in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Jul. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Apr. 30, 2014HKD | Apr. 30, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Jul. 31, 2015HKD | Jul. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
The allocation of the equity value at the date of the deemed acquisition | ||||||||||
Goodwill | $ 12,662 | ¥ 81,645,000,000 | ¥ 41,933,000,000 | ¥ 11,793,000,000 | ||||||
User base and customer relationships | Maximum | ||||||||||
The equity value comprised of: | ||||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | |||||||||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Maximum | ||||||||||
The equity value comprised of: | ||||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 12 years | |||||||||
Developed technology and patents | Maximum | ||||||||||
The equity value comprised of: | ||||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 5 years | |||||||||
Yunfeng Capital | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Executive chairman's percentage interest in related parties | 40.00% | 40.00% | ||||||||
Alibaba Health | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Equity interest held (as a percentage) | 54.00% | 54.00% | ||||||||
Equity value | HKD 64,319 | ¥ 50,723,000,000 | ||||||||
Gain recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to obtaining control | ¥ 18,603,000,000 | |||||||||
The allocation of the equity value at the date of the deemed acquisition | ||||||||||
Net assets acquired | 1,290,000,000 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 49,320,000,000 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 19,000,000 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (19,000,000) | |||||||||
Total | HKD 64,319 | 50,723,000,000 | ||||||||
The equity value comprised of: | ||||||||||
- fair value of previously held equity interests | ¥ 19,264,000,000 | |||||||||
- fair value of noncontrolling interests | 31,459,000,000 | |||||||||
Total | ¥ 50,723,000,000 | |||||||||
Weighted average amortization period | 2 years 7 months 6 days | |||||||||
Alibaba Health | Maximum | ||||||||||
The equity value comprised of: | ||||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 3 years | |||||||||
Alibaba Health | User base and customer relationships | ||||||||||
The allocation of the equity value at the date of the deemed acquisition | ||||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 8,000,000 | |||||||||
Alibaba Health | Trade names, trademarks and domain names | ||||||||||
The allocation of the equity value at the date of the deemed acquisition | ||||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 35,000,000 | |||||||||
Alibaba Health | Developed technology and patents | ||||||||||
The allocation of the equity value at the date of the deemed acquisition | ||||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 70,000,000 | |||||||||
Special purpose entity | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 70.00% | 70.00% | ||||||||
Alibaba Health | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Equity interest held in subsidiary (as a percentage) | 38.00% | 38.00% | ||||||||
Alibaba Health | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 38.00% | 38.00% | ||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | HKD 932 | ¥ 741,000,000 | ||||||||
Alibaba Health | Yunfeng Capital | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Consideration paid to related party for giving up its voting rights with respect to its indirect interest in investee | ¥ 0 | |||||||||
Company and Yunfeng Capital | Alibaba Health | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 54.00% | 54.00% | ||||||||
Yunfeng Capital | Special purpose entity | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 30.00% | 30.00% |
Significant equity transactio64
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- AutoNavi (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
Jul. 31, 2014USD ($) | Jul. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | May. 31, 2013CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||||
Goodwill | ¥ 41,933 | ¥ 11,793 | $ 12,662 | ¥ 81,645 | ||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||||
- cash consideration | ¥ 3,055 | 16,291 | ¥ 767 | |||||
User base and customer relationships | Maximum | ||||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | |||||||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Maximum | ||||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 12 years | |||||||
Developed technology and patents | Maximum | ||||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 5 years | |||||||
AutoNavi | ||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||
Equity interest on a fully diluted basis (as a percent) | 28.00% | |||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||||
Net assets acquired | ¥ 2,236 | |||||||
Goodwill | 4,380 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets | 72 | |||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (284) | |||||||
Total | 8,295 | |||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||||
- cash consideration | $ 1,032 | 6,348 | ||||||
- fair value of previously held equity interests | 1,947 | |||||||
Total | ¥ 8,295 | |||||||
Weighted average amortization period | 3 years | 3 years | ||||||
Gain recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to the step acquisition | ¥ 284 | |||||||
AutoNavi | Maximum | ||||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 4 years | 4 years | ||||||
AutoNavi | User base and customer relationships | ||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 255 | |||||||
AutoNavi | Trade names, trademarks and domain names | ||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 249 | |||||||
AutoNavi | Developed technology and patents | ||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 1,387 | |||||||
AutoNavi | Convertible preferred shares | ||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | ¥ 1,285 | |||||||
AutoNavi | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||
Acquisition | ||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | ¥ 533 |
Significant equity transactio65
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Alibaba Picture (Details) ¥ in Millions, HKD in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Jun. 30, 2015HKD | Jun. 30, 2015CNY (¥) | Jun. 30, 2014HKD | Jun. 30, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Acquisition | |||||||||
Cash consideration | ¥ 3,055 | ¥ 16,291 | ¥ 767 | ||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Goodwill | $ 12,662 | ¥ 41,933 | ¥ 11,793 | ¥ 81,645 | |||||
Alibaba Pictures | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Aggregate gross proceeds from placement of shares | HKD 12,179 | ¥ 9,647 | |||||||
Percentage of equity interest after placement of new shares | 49.50% | 49.50% | |||||||
Deconsolidation gain arising from the revaluation of the Company's remaining equity interest | 24,734 | ||||||||
Alibaba Pictures | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Cash consideration arising from disposal of business | $ 350 | 2,259 | |||||||
Disposal gain | ¥ 2,214 | ||||||||
User base and customer relationships | Maximum | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | 6 years | |||||||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Maximum | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 12 years | 12 years | |||||||
Alibaba Pictures | |||||||||
Acquisition | |||||||||
Percentage of equity interest acquired | 60.00% | ||||||||
Cash consideration | HKD 6,244 | ¥ 4,955 | |||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Net assets acquired | 5,899 | ||||||||
Goodwill | 9,759 | ||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 13 | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (17) | ||||||||
Noncontrolling interests | (10,836) | ||||||||
Total | ¥ 4,955 | ||||||||
Weighted average amortization period | 2 years 6 months | 2 years 6 months | |||||||
Alibaba Pictures | Maximum | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 3 years | 3 years | |||||||
Alibaba Pictures | User base and customer relationships | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 4 | ||||||||
Alibaba Pictures | Trade names, trademarks and domain names | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 95 | ||||||||
Alibaba Pictures | Others | |||||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 38 |
Significant equity transactio66
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- UCWeb (Details) ¥ in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)shares | Jun. 30, 2014CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Acquisition | |||||||
Carrying value as cost method investment | ¥ 15,673 | ¥ 13,589 | ¥ 33,264 | ||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||
Goodwill | 41,933 | 11,793 | $ 12,662 | ¥ 81,645 | |||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
- cash consideration | ¥ 3,055 | 16,291 | ¥ 767 | ||||
User base and customer relationships | Maximum | |||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | ||||||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Maximum | |||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 12 years | ||||||
Developed technology and patents | Maximum | |||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 5 years | ||||||
Non-compete agreements | Maximum | |||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | ||||||
UCWeb | |||||||
Acquisition | |||||||
Percentage owned prior to acquisition (as a percent) | 66.00% | ||||||
Carrying value as cost method investment | ¥ 4,394 | ||||||
Cash consideration to be settled on a deferred basis | $ 126 | 777 | |||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||
Net assets acquired | 1,159 | ||||||
Goodwill | 10,376 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (21) | ||||||
Total | 14,595 | ||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
- cash consideration | 458 | 2,826 | |||||
- share based consideration | $ 613 | 3,782 | |||||
- fair value of previously held equity interests | 7,987 | ||||||
Total | 14,595 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interests classified as mezzanine equity | ¥ 220 | ||||||
Weighted average amortization period | 3 years 4 months 24 days | 3 years 4 months 24 days | |||||
Gain recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to the step acquisition | ¥ 3,593 | ||||||
UCWeb | Maximum | |||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 4 years | 4 years | |||||
UCWeb | Restricted Shares And RSUs | |||||||
Acquisition | |||||||
Equity consideration (in shares) | shares | 12.3 | 12.3 | |||||
Equity consideration classified as equity (in shares) | shares | 3.4 | 3.4 | |||||
UCWeb | User base and customer relationships | |||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 106 | ||||||
UCWeb | Trade names, trademarks and domain names | |||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 591 | ||||||
UCWeb | Developed technology and patents | |||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 561 | ||||||
UCWeb | Non-compete agreements | |||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | |||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 1,823 |
Significant equity transactio67
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- OneTouch (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
May. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Acquisition | ||||||
Carrying value as equity method investment | ¥ 18,204 | ¥ 4,077 | ¥ 58,197 | |||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||
Goodwill | 41,933 | 11,793 | $ 12,662 | ¥ 81,645 | ||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
- cash consideration | ¥ 3,055 | 16,291 | 767 | |||
User base and customer relationships | Maximum | ||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | |||||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | Maximum | ||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 12 years | |||||
Developed technology and patents | Maximum | ||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 5 years | |||||
Non-compete agreements | Maximum | ||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 6 years | |||||
One Touch | ||||||
Acquisition | ||||||
Percentage owned prior to acquisition (as a percent) | 65.00% | |||||
Carrying value as equity method investment | ¥ 196 | |||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||
Net assets acquired | 105 | |||||
Goodwill | 3,998 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (232) | |||||
Total | 4,799 | |||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
- cash consideration | 790 | |||||
- contingent cash consideration | 1,094 | |||||
- fair value of previously held equity interests | 2,915 | |||||
Total | ¥ 4,799 | |||||
Weighted average amortization period | 4 years 6 months | |||||
Maximum amount of contingent consideration | ¥ 3,420 | |||||
Gain recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to the step acquisition | 2,719 | |||||
Increase in fair value of contingent consideration | ¥ 17 | ¥ 85 | ¥ 178 | |||
One Touch | Maximum | ||||||
Total purchase price comprised of: | ||||||
Estimated amortization periods | 5 years | |||||
One Touch | User base and customer relationships | ||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 25 | |||||
One Touch | Trade names, trademarks and domain names | ||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 196 | |||||
One Touch | Developed technology and patents | ||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | 4 | |||||
One Touch | Non-compete agreements | ||||||
The allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition | ||||||
Amortizable intangible assets | ¥ 703 |
Significant equity transactio68
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Other acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Other acquisitions | |||||
Goodwill | ¥ 41,933,000,000 | ¥ 11,793,000,000 | $ 12,662 | ¥ 81,645,000,000 | |
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||
- cash consideration | ¥ 3,055,000,000 | 16,291,000,000 | 767,000,000 | ||
Other acquisitions, summarized | |||||
Other acquisitions | |||||
Net assets | 266,000,000 | 24,000,000 | 350,000,000 | ||
Identifiable intangible assets | 421,000,000 | 486,000,000 | 876,000,000 | ||
Deferred tax assets | 5,000,000 | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (95,000,000) | (29,000,000) | (198,000,000) | ||
Subtotal | 597,000,000 | 481,000,000 | 1,028,000,000 | ||
Noncontrolling interests | (269,000,000) | (10,000,000) | |||
Net identifiable assets acquired | 328,000,000 | 481,000,000 | 1,018,000,000 | ||
Goodwill | 1,806,000,000 | 543,000,000 | 1,403,000,000 | ||
Total | 2,134,000,000 | 1,024,000,000 | 2,421,000,000 | ||
Fair value of previously held equity interests | (107,000,000) | ||||
Purchase consideration settled | (1,927,000,000) | (731,000,000) | (2,360,000,000) | ||
Contingent/deferred consideration as of year end | 100,000,000 | 293,000,000 | ¥ 61,000,000 | ||
Total purchase price comprised of: | |||||
- cash consideration | 2,421,000,000 | 2,027,000,000 | 843,000,000 | ||
- fair value of previously held equity interests | 107,000,000 | ||||
- share based consideration | 181,000,000 | ||||
Total | 2,421,000,000 | 2,134,000,000 | 1,024,000,000 | ||
Loss recognized in relation to the revaluation of previously held equity interest relating to the step acquisition | ¥ 0 | ¥ 61,000,000 | ¥ 0 |
Significant equity transactio69
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Equity investments and others- Current Fiscal Year (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Nov. 30, 2015CNY (¥) | Aug. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | May. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Apr. 30, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | May. 23, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Pledge of collateral to PRC bank for its loan | One of the founders of the Company | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Investment in wealth management products, aggregate principal amount | ¥ 7,300 | |||||||||||
Investment in wealth management products, interest rate per annum | 5.00% | |||||||||||
Investment in wealth management products, maturity term | 5 years | |||||||||||
Related party's PRC bank loan | ¥ 6,900 | |||||||||||
Loan agreement | One of the founders of the Company | Maximum | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Principal amount | ¥ 2,000 | |||||||||||
Ele.me | Convertible preferred shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | $ 540 | ¥ 3,512 | ||||||||||
Ele.me | Convertible preferred shares | Future | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 22.00% | |||||||||||
Ele.me | Commitment to subscribe shares | Convertible preferred shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Amount committed | $ 900 | ¥ 5,891 | ||||||||||
Magic Leap | Convertible preferred shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 10.00% | 10.00% | ||||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | $ 430 | ¥ 2,775 | ||||||||||
CMC | Preferred shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 21.00% | 21.00% | ||||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | $ 197 | ¥ 1,270 | ||||||||||
Limited partnership managed by founder of CMC | Limited partnership | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 20.00% | 20.00% | ||||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | ¥ 1,250 | |||||||||||
Shiji Information | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Percentage of equity interest acquired | 13.00% | |||||||||||
Total cash consideration | ¥ 2,389 | |||||||||||
Huayi Brothers | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Percentage of equity interest acquired | 4.00% | |||||||||||
Total cash consideration | ¥ 1,533 | |||||||||||
Koubei | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 49.60% | 49.60% | ||||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | ¥ 3,000 | |||||||||||
Gain recognized in relation to the contribution of businesses | ¥ 128 | |||||||||||
YTO Express | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 12.00% | |||||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | ¥ 1,500 | |||||||||||
Company and Ant Financial Services | Ele.me | Commitment to subscribe shares | Convertible preferred shares | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Amount committed | $ | $ 1,250 | |||||||||||
Ant Financial Services | Koubei | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 49.60% | 49.60% |
Significant equity transactio70
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Equity investments and others- Prior Fiscal Year (Details) $ / shares in Units, ¥ in Millions, SGD in Millions, HKD in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / shares | Apr. 30, 2016CNY (¥) | Jul. 31, 2015SGD | Jul. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Feb. 28, 2015USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2015CNY (¥) | Jul. 31, 2014HKD | Jul. 31, 2014SGD | Jul. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | May. 31, 2014USD ($)director | May. 31, 2014CNY (¥)director | Apr. 30, 2014USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014HKD | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Apr. 30, 2013USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2013CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash consideration | ¥ 3,055 | ¥ 16,291 | ¥ 767 | |||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase price (in USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 27.60 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash consideration | $ 4,400 | ¥ 28,400 | ||||||||||||||||||
Meizu | Convertible preferred shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 29.00% | 29.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | $ 590 | ¥ 3,619 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intime | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash consideration | HKD 5,368 | ¥ 4,264 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intime | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Percentage of equity interest acquired | 9.90% | 9.90% | 9.90% | |||||||||||||||||
Intime | Convertible bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Percentage of equity interest upon conversion of convertible bond | 26.00% | 26.00% | 26.00% | |||||||||||||||||
Convertible bond interest per annum | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% | |||||||||||||||||
SingPost | Share purchase agreement with SingPost | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash consideration expected | SGD 187 | ¥ 895 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ownership to be acquired (as a percent) | 5.00% | 5.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Ownership of investee upon completion of transaction (as a percent) | 15.00% | 15.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
SingPost | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Percentage of equity interest acquired | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||||||||||||||
Purchase price | SGD 313 | ¥ 1,548 | ||||||||||||||||||
A wholly-owned subsidiary of SingPost | Joint venture agreement with SingPost | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ownership to be acquired (as a percent) | 34.00% | 34.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
A wholly-owned subsidiary of SingPost | Joint venture agreement with SingPost | Maximum | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash consideration expected | SGD 92 | ¥ 440 | ||||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Number of director appointed to investee | director | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Allocated to net assets acquired | ¥ 1,877 | |||||||||||||||||||
Maximum percentage available to be purchased by the management | 15.00% | 15.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | Amortizable intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | 918 | |||||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | Goodwill | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | 4,158 | |||||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | ¥ 230 | |||||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | Yunfeng Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest (as a percent) | 2.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
Youku Tudou | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 16.50% | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | $ 1,090 | ¥ 6,723 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 18.00% | 18.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchase consideration, cost method | $ 586 | ¥ 3,645 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 30.00% | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | $ 449 | ¥ 2,764 | ||||||||||||||||||
Allocated to net assets acquired | 1,548 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weibo | Amortizable intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | 1,126 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weibo | Goodwill | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | 3,978 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weibo | Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | ¥ 282 | |||||||||||||||||||
Haier | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Percentage of equity interest acquired | 2.00% | 2.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchase price | HKD 965 | ¥ 763 | ||||||||||||||||||
Logistics business of Haier | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 9.90% | 9.90% | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchase consideration, equity method | 540 | ¥ 427 | ||||||||||||||||||
Allocated to net assets acquired | 195 | ¥ 195 | ||||||||||||||||||
Logistics business of Haier | Amortizable intangible assets and goodwill | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | 252 | 252 | ||||||||||||||||||
Logistics business of Haier | Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between equity method carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets | 20 | ¥ 20 | ||||||||||||||||||
Haier convertible bond | Convertible bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash consideration | HKD 1,316 | ¥ 1,044 | ||||||||||||||||||
Bond exchange, equity interests (as a percent) | 24.00% | 24.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Cainiao Network | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 48.00% | 47.00% | 48.00% | 48.00% | ||||||||||||||||
Investment amount to date, equity method investment | ¥ 2,400 | ¥ 6,992 | ¥ 2,400 | ¥ 2,400 | ||||||||||||||||
Gain arising from deemed disposal | ¥ 448 |
Significant equity transactio71
Significant equity transactions, restructuring transactions, mergers and acquisitions and equity investments- Not completed at balance sheet date (Details) $ / shares in Units, ¥ in Millions, shares in Millions, HKD in Millions, $ in Billions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Apr. 30, 2016HKD | Apr. 30, 2016USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016HKDitem | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)item | Aug. 31, 2015$ / shares | Aug. 31, 2015CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)item | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Investment | ||||||||||
Cash consideration | ¥ | ¥ 3,055 | ¥ 16,291 | ¥ 767 | |||||||
Lazada | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Number of markets | 6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||
Number of countries in which the entity operates | 6 | 6 | 6 | |||||||
Number of retail channels | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
Investment vehicle owned by the Company and Ant Financial Services | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Equity interest held in investee (as a percentage) | 60.00% | 60.00% | 60.00% | |||||||
Investment vehicle owned by the Company and Ant Financial Services | Ant Financial Services | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Equity interest (as a percent) | 40.00% | 40.00% | 40.00% | |||||||
AGTech | Investment vehicle owned by the Company and Ant Financial Services | Subscription agreement with AGTech | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Ownership of investee upon completion of transaction and conversion of convertible bonds, percentage | 59.00% | 59.00% | 59.00% | |||||||
AGTech | Investment vehicle owned by the Company and Ant Financial Services | Subscription agreement with AGTech | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Ownership to be acquired (as a percent) | 51.00% | 51.00% | ||||||||
Total cash consideration expected | HKD 1,675 | ¥ 1,397 | ||||||||
AGTech | Investment vehicle owned by the Company and Ant Financial Services | Subscription agreement with AGTech | Convertible bonds | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Total cash consideration expected | HKD 713 | ¥ 595 | ||||||||
Suning | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Number of shares agreed to be subscribed by investee | shares | 26.3 | |||||||||
Percentage of equity interest in the Company | 1.10% | |||||||||
Cash consideration (USD per share) | $ / shares | $ 81.51 | |||||||||
Suning | Investment agreement with Suning | Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Ownership to be acquired (as a percent) | 19.99% | |||||||||
Total cash consideration expected | ¥ | ¥ 28,200 | |||||||||
Lazada | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Cash consideration | $ 1 | ¥ 6,500 | ||||||||
Period after the first anniversary of the closing of the transaction for purchasing remaining equity interest | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months | |||||||
SCMP | ||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||
Cash consideration | HKD 2,100 | ¥ 1,800 |
Revenue- Breakdown (Details)
Revenue- Breakdown (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | $ 15,686 | ¥ 101,143 | ¥ 76,204 | ¥ 52,504 |
Online marketing services | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 57,148 | 40,135 | 30,928 | |
Commission | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 27,793 | 22,705 | 12,778 | |
Others | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 8,575 | 6,933 | 3,663 | |
Cloud computing | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 3,019 | 1,271 | 773 | |
Others | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 6,174 | 5,510 | 1,748 | |
PRC | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 84,321 | 62,937 | 45,132 | |
PRC | Retail | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 80,033 | 59,732 | 42,832 | |
PRC | Retail | Online marketing services | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 52,396 | 37,509 | 29,729 | |
PRC | Retail | Commission | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 25,829 | 21,201 | 12,023 | |
PRC | Retail | Others | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 1,808 | 1,022 | 1,080 | |
PRC | Wholesale | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 4,288 | 3,205 | 2,300 | |
International commerce | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 7,629 | 6,486 | 4,851 | |
International commerce | Retail | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | 2,204 | 1,768 | 938 | |
International commerce | Wholesale | ||||
Revenue breakdown | ||||
Revenue | ¥ 5,425 | ¥ 4,718 | ¥ 3,913 |
Revenue- By type of service (De
Revenue- By type of service (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | $ 15,686 | ¥ 101,143 | ¥ 76,204 | ¥ 52,504 |
Online marketing services | ||||
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | 57,148 | 40,135 | 30,928 | |
P4P and display marketing | ||||
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | 53,185 | 36,197 | 27,869 | |
Other online marketing services | ||||
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | 3,963 | 3,938 | 3,059 | |
Commission | ||||
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | 27,793 | 22,705 | 12,778 | |
Membership fees and value-added services | ||||
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | 7,627 | 6,431 | 5,135 | |
Others | ||||
Revenue by type of service | ||||
Revenue | ¥ 8,575 | ¥ 6,933 | ¥ 3,663 |
Other income, net (Details)
Other income, net (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Other income, net | ||||
Government grants | ¥ 401 | ¥ 327 | ¥ 252 | |
Amortization of the excess value in relation to the restructuring of Payment Services | $ (41) | (264) | (166) | |
Others | 799 | 658 | 413 | |
Total | $ 319 | 2,058 | 2,486 | 2,429 |
Royalty fee and software technology services fee | Ant Financial Services and Alipay | ||||
Other income, net | ||||
Fees | ¥ 1,122 | ¥ 1,667 | ¥ 1,764 |
Income tax expenses- General (D
Income tax expenses- General (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
Mar. 31, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2012 | |
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Current income tax expense | ¥ 7,223 | ¥ 4,757 | ¥ 1,730 | ||||
Deferred taxation | $ 190 | 1,226 | 1,659 | 1,466 | |||
Income tax expenses | $ 1,310 | ¥ 8,449 | ¥ 6,416 | ¥ 3,196 | |||
Enterprise income tax rate (as a percent) | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | |||
Undistributed earnings intended to be invested indefinitely in the PRC | ¥ 13,600 | ||||||
Cayman Islands | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Withholding tax to be imposed upon payments of dividends to shareholders (as a percent) | 0.00% | 0.00% | |||||
Hong Kong | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Enterprise income tax rate (as a percent) | 16.50% | 16.50% | 16.50% | 16.50% | |||
PRC | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Enterprise income tax rate (as a percent) | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | |||
Withholding income tax rate on dividends declared by PRC companies to their foreign investors (as a percent) | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||
Lower withholding income tax rate on dividends declared by PRC companies to foreign investors with certain criteria met (as a percent) | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | |||
Minimum percentage of ownership interests held by investors in Hong Kong to qualify for lower withholding tax rate (as a percent) | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | |||
PRC | High and New Technology Enterprises | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 15.00% | 15.00% | |||||
PRC | Software Enterprise | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Period of full exemption from income tax | 2 years | 2 years | |||||
Reduction in preferential tax rate during subsequent three years (as a percent) | 50.00% | 50.00% | |||||
Period of 50% reduction to income tax rate | 3 years | 3 years | |||||
PRC | Key Software Enterprise | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||
Period of Enterprise status subject to review | 2 years | 2 years | |||||
Alibaba China | PRC | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||
Alibaba China | PRC | High and New Technology Enterprises | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 15.00% | 15.00% | 15.00% | ||||
Taobao China | PRC | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||||
Taobao China | PRC | High and New Technology Enterprises | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 15.00% | 15.00% | 15.00% | ||||
Tmall China | PRC | High and New Technology Enterprises | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 12.50% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 12.50% | |||
Tmall China | PRC | High and New Technology Enterprises | Future | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Preferential tax rate (as a percent) | 15.00% | ||||||
Tmall China | PRC | Software Enterprise | |||||||
Composition of income tax expenses | |||||||
Period of full exemption from income tax | 2 years | ||||||
Reduction in preferential tax rate during subsequent three years (as a percent) | 50.00% | ||||||
Period of 50% reduction to income tax rate | 3 years |
Income tax expenses- Compositio
Income tax expenses- Composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Current: | |||
Deferred revenue and customer advances | ¥ 15 | ¥ 24 | |
Tax losses carried forward and others | 767 | 381 | |
Total current deferred tax assets, gross | 782 | 405 | |
Less: Valuation allowance | (331) | (149) | |
Total deferred tax assets, current portion | 451 | 256 | |
Non-current: | |||
Deferred revenue and customer advances | 17 | 31 | |
Property and equipment | 25 | 14 | |
Tax losses carried forward and others | 1,021 | 1,139 | |
Total non-current deferred tax assets, gross | 1,063 | 1,184 | |
Less: Valuation allowance | (1,033) | (1,027) | |
Total deferred tax assets, non-current portion | 30 | 157 | |
Total deferred tax assets | 481 | 413 | |
Current: | |||
Others | (9) | (17) | |
Non-current: | |||
Withholding tax on undistributed earnings | (5,452) | (3,891) | |
Identifiable intangible assets | (508) | (575) | |
Available-for-sale securities | (488) | ||
Others | (23) | (27) | |
Total deferred tax liabilities, non current portion | $ (1,004) | (6,471) | (4,493) |
Total deferred tax liabilities | (6,480) | (4,510) | |
Net deferred tax liabilities | ¥ (5,999) | ¥ (4,097) | |
Assumed percentage of distributable reserve of major PRC subsidiaries to be distributed as dividends (as a percent) | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Undistributed earnings intended to be invested indefinitely in the PRC | ¥ 13,600 | ||
Hong Kong | |||
Income tax | |||
Accumulated tax losses of subsidiaries | 1,175 | ||
United States | |||
Income tax | |||
Accumulated tax losses of subsidiaries | 696 | ||
Singapore | |||
Income tax | |||
Accumulated tax losses of subsidiaries | 220 | ||
PRC | |||
Income tax | |||
Accumulated tax losses of subsidiaries | ¥ 2,917 |
Income tax expenses- Reconcilia
Income tax expenses- Reconciliations (Details) ¥ / shares in Units, ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)¥ / shares | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)¥ / shares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)¥ / shares | |
Reconciliation of the differences between the statutory EIT rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities and the income tax expenses of the Company | ||||
Income before income tax and share of results of equity investees | $ 12,635 | ¥ 81,468 | ¥ 32,326 | ¥ 26,802 |
Income tax computed at statutory EIT rate (25%) | 20,367 | 8,082 | 6,701 | |
Effect of different tax rates available to different jurisdictions | (869) | 33 | (9) | |
Effect of tax holiday and preferential tax benefit on assessable profits of subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC | (6,680) | (5,881) | (6,414) | |
Non deductible expenses and non taxable income, net (i) | (4,994) | 3,368 | 1,657 | |
Tax savings from additional deductions on certain research and development expenses available for subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC (ii) | (1,205) | (1,096) | (483) | |
Withholding tax on the earnings remitted and anticipated to be remitted | 1,573 | 1,898 | 1,445 | |
Change in valuation allowance, deduction of certain share-based compensation expense and others | 257 | 12 | 299 | |
Income tax expenses | $ 1,310 | ¥ 8,449 | ¥ 6,416 | ¥ 3,196 |
Statutory EIT rate (as a percent) | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% |
Tax deduction, percentage of the research and development expenses incurred | 50.00% | 50.00% | 50.00% | 50.00% |
PRC | ||||
Reconciliation of the differences between the statutory EIT rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities and the income tax expenses of the Company | ||||
Statutory EIT rate (as a percent) | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% | 25.00% |
Tax holiday effect | ||||
Effect of tax holidays inside the PRC on basic earnings per share/ADS (RMB) | ¥ / shares | ¥ 2.72 | ¥ 2.57 | ¥ 2.95 |
Share-based awards- General (De
Share-based awards- General (Details) - shares | Apr. 01, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2016 |
Share-based awards | |||
Number of shares authorized but unissued | 23,050,439 | ||
Share option and RSUs with four-year vesting schedule | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Vesting period | 4 years | ||
Vesting percentage per year after initial vesting | 25.00% | ||
Share option and RSUs with four-year vesting schedule | Maximum | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Expiry period | 6 years | ||
Share option and RSUs with four-year vesting schedule and initial vesting at first anniversary | Tranche one | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Vesting period | 1 year | ||
Vesting percentage | 25.00% | ||
Share option and RSUs with four-year vesting schedule and initial vesting at second anniversary | Tranche one | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Vesting period | 2 years | ||
Vesting percentage | 50.00% | ||
Share option and RSUs with six-year vesting schedule | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Vesting period | 6 years | ||
Share option and RSUs with six-year vesting schedule | Maximum | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Expiry period | 8 years | ||
2014 Plan | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Plan term | 10 years | ||
2014 Plan | Maximum | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Additional number of shares subject to award | 25,000,000 |
Share-based awards- Share optio
Share-based awards- Share options (Details) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
Mar. 31, 2016$ / shares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2015$ / shares | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2014$ / shares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)shares | |
Additional disclosure | |||||||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ | ¥ 16,082 | ¥ 13,028 | ¥ 2,844 | ||||
Options | |||||||
Number of share options | |||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | 21,339,410 | ||||||
Granted | 5,159,400 | ||||||
Exercised | (3,091,919) | ||||||
Cancelled/forfeited/expired | (5,699,563) | ||||||
Outstanding at end of year | 17,707,328 | 21,339,410 | |||||
Vested and exercisable | 4,062,743 | ||||||
Vested and expected to vest | 17,255,700 | ||||||
Weighted average exercise price | |||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | $ / shares | $ 42.29 | ||||||
Granted | $ / shares | 81.55 | ||||||
Exercised | $ / shares | 15.23 | ||||||
Cancelled/forfeited/expired | $ / shares | 54.99 | ||||||
Outstanding at end of year | $ / shares | 54.37 | $ 42.29 | |||||
Vested and exercisable | $ / shares | 50.21 | ||||||
Vested and expected to vest | $ / shares | 54.68 | ||||||
Weighted average remaining contractual life | |||||||
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding | 5 years 7 months 6 days | 6 years | |||||
Weighted average remaining contractual life, vested and exercisable | 5 years 9 months 18 days | ||||||
Weighted average remaining contractual life, vested and expected to vest | 5 years 9 months 18 days | ||||||
Additional disclosure | |||||||
Unvested options early exercised | 2,699,250 | ||||||
Aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding options | ¥ | ¥ 2,964 | ||||||
Aggregate intrinsic value of options that were vested and exercisable | ¥ | 757 | ||||||
Aggregate intrinsic value of options that were vested and expected to vest | ¥ | 2,801 | ||||||
Weighted average grant date fair value of share options | $ / shares | $ 28.65 | $ 23.07 | $ 6.14 | ||||
Total grant date fair value of options vested | ¥ | ¥ 602 | ¥ 134 | 123 | ||||
Aggregate intrinsic value of share options exercised | ¥ | 556 | 488 | 1,698 | ||||
Cash received from option exercises under the share option plans | ¥ | 693 | 313 | 1,543 | ||||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ | ¥ 578 | ¥ 1,152 | ¥ 417 | ||||
Fair value assumptions | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate, minimum | 1.24% | 1.38% | 0.69% | ||||
Risk-free interest rate, maximum | 1.79% | 1.99% | 1.52% | ||||
Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||||
Expected volatility, minimum | 33.40% | 35.00% | 37.00% | ||||
Expected volatility, maximum | 35.70% | 40.80% | 39.30% | ||||
Unamortized compensation costs | ¥ | ¥ 1,021 | ||||||
Weighted average period over which unamortized compensation costs expected be recognized | 2 years 9 months 18 days | ||||||
Minimum | Options | |||||||
Fair value assumptions | |||||||
Expected life (years) | 4 years 3 months | 4 years 3 months | 4 years 3 months | ||||
Maximum | Options | |||||||
Fair value assumptions | |||||||
Expected life (years) | 5 years 9 months | 5 years 9 months | 4 years 4 months 17 days | ||||
Non-employees | Options | |||||||
Number of share options | |||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | 605,340 | ||||||
Outstanding at end of year | 384,116 | 605,340 |
Share-based awards- Restricted
Share-based awards- Restricted shares and RSUs (Details) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016$ / shares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)shares | |
Weighted-average grant-date fair value | |||||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ | ¥ 16,082 | ¥ 13,028 | ¥ 2,844 | ||
Restricted shares and RSUs | |||||
Summary of changes in the restricted shares and RSUs | |||||
Awarded and unvested at beginning of year | 67,981,170 | ||||
Granted | 30,865,598 | ||||
Vested | (20,813,741) | ||||
Cancelled/forfeited | (6,196,662) | ||||
Awarded and unvested at end of year | 71,836,365 | 67,981,170 | |||
Expected to vest | 62,144,018 | ||||
Weighted-average grant-date fair value | |||||
Awarded and unvested at beginning of year | $ / shares | $ 45.68 | ||||
Granted | $ / shares | 72.30 | ||||
Vested | $ / shares | 34.60 | ||||
Cancelled/forfeited | $ / shares | 52.35 | ||||
Awarded and unvested at end of year | $ / shares | 59.75 | ||||
Expected to vest | $ / shares | $ 58.25 | ||||
Unamortized compensation costs | ¥ | ¥ 12,688 | ||||
Weighted average period over which unamortized compensation costs expected be recognized | 2 years 1 month 6 days | ||||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ | ¥ 9,915 | ¥ 7,767 | ¥ 2,378 | ||
RSUs | Non-employees | |||||
Summary of changes in the restricted shares and RSUs | |||||
Awarded and unvested at beginning of year | 6,447,715 | ||||
Awarded and unvested at end of year | 5,880,443 | 6,447,715 |
Share-based awards- Partner Cap
Share-based awards- Partner Capital Investment Plan (Details) | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)shares | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2014$ / sharesshares | |
Share-based awards | |||||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ | ¥ 16,082,000,000 | ¥ 13,028,000,000 | ¥ 2,844,000,000 | ||
Partner Capital Investment Plan | Subscription rights | |||||
Share-based awards | |||||
Agreed-upon exercise price | $ / shares | $ 14.50 | $ 14.50 | |||
Subscription period | 4 years | 4 years | |||
Restriction period for the transfer shares | 8 years | 8 years | |||
Number of shares underlying | shares | 18,000,000 | 18,000,000 | |||
Number of shares offered and subscribed | shares | 14,500,000 | ||||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ | ¥ 0 | ¥ 211,000,000 | ¥ 0 | ||
Subscription right fair value assumptions | |||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.50% | 1.03% | |||
Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | |||
Expected life (years) | 4 years | 4 years | |||
Expected volatility | 38.10% | 36.90% | |||
Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions | 35.00% | 38.00% |
Share-based awards- Expense by
Share-based awards- Expense by function (Details) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | |
Share-based awards | |||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ 16,082 | ¥ 13,028 | ¥ 2,844 |
Cost of revenue | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Share-based compensation expense | 4,003 | 4,176 | 1,154 |
Product development expenses | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Share-based compensation expense | 5,703 | 3,876 | 795 |
Sales and marketing expenses | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Share-based compensation expense | 1,963 | 1,235 | 189 |
General and administrative expenses | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Share-based compensation expense | 4,413 | 3,741 | ¥ 706 |
Share based awards relating to Ant Financial Services | |||
Share-based awards | |||
Unamortized compensation costs | ¥ 2,542 | ||
Weighted average period over which unamortized compensation costs expected be recognized | 1 year 8 months 12 days | ||
Share-based compensation expense | ¥ 5,506 | ¥ 3,788 |
Equity-settled donation expen83
Equity-settled donation expense (Details) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2014item$ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)itemshares | |
Equity-settled donation expense | ||
Share options granted | 50,000,000 | |
Numbers of management who designated donation to non-profit organization | item | 2 | 2 |
Exercise period | 4 years | |
Exercise price | $ / shares | $ 25 | |
Period over which charitable trusts are permitted to sell ordinary shares | 8 years | |
Period after which charitable trusts are permitted to sell ordinary shares | 1 year | |
Maximum number of shares charitable trusts are permitted to sell ordinary shares per year | 6,250,000 | 6,250,000 |
Fair value assumptions | ||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.02% | |
Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | |
Expected life (years) | 4 years | |
Expected volatility | 37.20% | |
General and administrative expenses | ||
Fair value assumptions | ||
Equity-settled donation expense | ¥ | ¥ 1,269 | |
Minimum | ||
Fair value assumptions | ||
Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions | 18.00% | |
Restriction period on sales | 2 years | |
Maximum | ||
Fair value assumptions | ||
Discount for post-vesting sale restrictions | 38.00% | |
Restriction period on sales | 8 years |
Earnings per share (Details)
Earnings per share (Details) ¥ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, ¥ in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)¥ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)¥ / sharesshares | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)¥ / sharesshares | |
Numerator: | ||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for computing net income per ordinary share - basic | $ 11,083 | ¥ 71,460 | ¥ 24,149 | ¥ 23,076 |
Reversal of accretion of Convertible Preference Shares | ¥ | 15 | 31 | ||
Reversal of dividend of Convertible Preference Shares | ¥ | 97 | 208 | ||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for computing net income per ordinary share - diluted | ¥ | ¥ 71,460 | ¥ 24,261 | ¥ 23,315 | |
Shares (denominator): | ||||
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - basic (million shares) | 2,458 | 2,458 | 2,337 | 2,175 |
Adjustments for dilutive share options and RSUs (million shares) | 104 | 104 | 120 | 66 |
Conversion of Convertible Preference Shares (million shares) | 43 | 91 | ||
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - diluted (million shares) | 2,562 | 2,562 | 2,500 | 2,332 |
Net income per ordinary share/ADS - basic | (per share) | $ 4.51 | ¥ 29.07 | ¥ 10.33 | ¥ 10.61 |
Net income per ordinary share/ADS - diluted | (per share) | $ 4.33 | ¥ 27.89 | ¥ 9.70 | ¥ 10 |
Restricted cash (Details)
Restricted cash (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Restricted cash | |||
Restricted cash | $ 209 | ¥ 1,346 | ¥ 2,297 |
Cash pledged for a bank in connection with its loan facilities for option exercise in favor of employees of the Company and its related companies | |||
Restricted cash | |||
Restricted cash | 302 | 997 | |
Cash pledged for treasury management activities | |||
Restricted cash | |||
Restricted cash | 760 | 1,013 | |
Others | |||
Restricted cash | |||
Restricted cash | ¥ 284 | ¥ 287 |
Investment securities and fai86
Investment securities and fair value disclosure- Cost to fair value (Details) - CNY (¥) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | |
Held-to-maturity securities | |||
Original cost | ¥ 10,760,000,000 | ¥ 1,384,000,000 | |
Provision for decline in value | (7,000,000) | ||
Fair value | 10,753,000,000 | 1,384,000,000 | |
Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option | |||
Cost of convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option | 4,256,000,000 | 3,983,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized gains | 366,000,000 | 150,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized losses | (414,000,000) | ||
Fair value of convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option | 4,622,000,000 | 3,719,000,000 | |
Total investment securities | |||
Original cost | 28,370,000,000 | 14,517,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized gains | 6,707,000,000 | 4,671,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized losses | (543,000,000) | (919,000,000) | |
Provision for decline in value | (964,000,000) | ||
Fair value | 33,570,000,000 | 18,269,000,000 | |
Gross realized gain | 1,012,000,000 | 141,000,000 | ¥ 148,000,000 |
Gross realized loss | 410,000,000 | 97,000,000 | 160,000,000 |
Impairment loss charged as a result of other than temporary decline in value | 962,000,000 | 0 | 0 |
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income | 5,502,000,000 | 3,384,000,000 | ¥ 299,000,000 |
Aggregate fair values of investment securities in continuous unrealized loss position | 1,751,000,000 | 4,929,000,000 | |
Listed equity securities | |||
Trading securities | |||
Original cost | 646,000,000 | 619,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized gains | 230,000,000 | 115,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized losses | (105,000,000) | (58,000,000) | |
Fair value | 771,000,000 | 676,000,000 | |
Financial derivatives | |||
Trading securities | |||
Original cost | 7,000,000 | 86,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized gains | 171,000,000 | 532,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized losses | (1,000,000) | ||
Fair value | 178,000,000 | 617,000,000 | |
Listed equity securities and other treasury investments | |||
Available-for-sale securities | |||
Original cost | 12,701,000,000 | 8,261,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized gains | 5,940,000,000 | 3,822,000,000 | |
Gross unrealized losses | (438,000,000) | (446,000,000) | |
Provision for decline in value | (957,000,000) | ||
Fair value | ¥ 17,246,000,000 | 11,637,000,000 | |
Equity fund | |||
Available-for-sale securities | |||
Original cost | 184,000,000 | ||
Gross unrealized gains | 52,000,000 | ||
Fair value | ¥ 236,000,000 |
Investment securities and fai87
Investment securities and fair value disclosure- Fair value hierarchy (Details) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Assets | ||
Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option | ¥ 4,622 | ¥ 3,719 |
Recurring basis | ||
Assets | ||
Short-term investments | 4,700 | 14,148 |
Restricted cash | 1,346 | 2,297 |
Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option | 4,622 | 3,719 |
Assets | 28,863 | 33,330 |
Liabilities | ||
Forward exchange contracts | 461 | |
Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions | 1,264 | 1,278 |
Liabilities | 1,725 | |
Recurring basis | Level 1 | ||
Assets | ||
Short-term investments | 4,700 | 14,148 |
Restricted cash | 1,346 | 2,297 |
Assets | 24,063 | 28,994 |
Recurring basis | Level 2 | ||
Assets | ||
Assets | 178 | 617 |
Liabilities | ||
Forward exchange contracts | 461 | |
Liabilities | 461 | |
Recurring basis | Level 3 | ||
Assets | ||
Convertible bond accounted for under the fair value option | 4,622 | 3,719 |
Assets | 4,622 | 3,719 |
Liabilities | ||
Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions | 1,264 | 1,278 |
Liabilities | 1,264 | |
Listed equity securities | ||
Assets | ||
Trading securities | 771 | 676 |
Listed equity securities | Recurring basis | ||
Assets | ||
Trading securities | 771 | 676 |
Available-for-sale securities | 17,246 | 11,637 |
Listed equity securities | Recurring basis | Level 1 | ||
Assets | ||
Trading securities | 771 | 676 |
Available-for-sale securities | 17,246 | 11,637 |
Financial derivatives | ||
Assets | ||
Trading securities | 178 | 617 |
Financial derivatives | Recurring basis | ||
Assets | ||
Trading securities | 178 | 617 |
Financial derivatives | Recurring basis | Level 2 | ||
Assets | ||
Trading securities | ¥ 178 | 617 |
Equity fund | ||
Assets | ||
Available-for-sale securities | 236 | |
Equity fund | Recurring basis | ||
Assets | ||
Available-for-sale securities | 236 | |
Equity fund | Recurring basis | Level 1 | ||
Assets | ||
Available-for-sale securities | ¥ 236 |
Investment securities and fai88
Investment securities and fair value disclosure- Rollforward of assets (Details) - Convertible bonds - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Convertible bonds accounted for under the fair value option | ||
Balance at beginning | ¥ 3,719 | ¥ 1,044 |
Additions | 2,944 | |
Increase (decrease) in fair value | 630 | (264) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 273 | (5) |
Balance at end | ¥ 4,622 | ¥ 3,719 |
Investment securities and fai89
Investment securities and fair value disclosure- Rollforward of liabilities (Details) - Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | |
Contingent consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions | ||
Balance at beginning | ¥ 1,278 | ¥ 326 |
Repayment | (227) | |
Additions | 1,094 | |
Increase (decrease) in fair value | (14) | 85 |
Balance at end | ¥ 1,264 | ¥ 1,278 |
Prepayments, receivables and 90
Prepayments, receivables and other assets (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Current: | |||
VAT receivables | ¥ 3,457 | ¥ 6,589 | |
Amounts due from related companies | 4,842 | 3,236 | |
Prepaid cost of revenue, sales and marketing expenses and others | 433 | 1,242 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance | 1,067 | 1,209 | |
Deferred direct selling costs | 809 | 948 | |
Deferred tax assets | 256 | 451 | |
Advances to customers and merchants | 373 | 435 | |
Loan receivables, net | 835 | 390 | |
Interest receivables | 561 | 314 | |
Employee loans and advances | 153 | 124 | |
Others | 1,027 | 2,090 | |
Total Current | $ 2,640 | 13,813 | 17,028 |
Non-current: | |||
Prepayment for acquisition of property and equipment | 1,883 | 4,358 | |
Employee loans | 534 | 451 | |
Prepaid upfront fees and debt issuance costs related to long-term borrowings and unsecured senior notes | 311 | 354 | |
Deferred direct selling costs | 149 | 148 | |
Deferred tax assets | 157 | 30 | |
Prepayment for film rights, script agreements and in-production movies and TV episodes | 375 | ||
Others | 676 | 666 | |
Total Non-current | $ 932 | ¥ 4,085 | ¥ 6,007 |
Due from employee additional disclosure | |||
Interest free employee loan maturity term | 5 years | 5 years | |
Minimum | |||
Due from employee additional disclosure | |||
Employee loan maturity term | 4 years | 4 years | |
Maximum | |||
Due from employee additional disclosure | |||
Employee loan maturity term | 5 years | 5 years |
Investment in equity investees-
Investment in equity investees- General (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Cost method | ||||
Balance at beginning of period | ¥ 15,673,000,000 | ¥ 13,589,000,000 | ||
Additions | 19,764,000,000 | 12,304,000,000 | ||
Less: disposals and transfers | (2,150,000,000) | (9,818,000,000) | ||
Less: impairment loss | (902,000,000) | (419,000,000) | ¥ (119,000,000) | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 879,000,000 | 17,000,000 | ||
Balance at end of period | 33,264,000,000 | 15,673,000,000 | 13,589,000,000 | |
Equity method | ||||
Balance at beginning of period | 18,204,000,000 | 4,077,000,000 | ||
Additions | 41,968,000,000 | 16,518,000,000 | ||
Share of results and other comprehensive income | (1,296,000,000) | (1,148,000,000) | ||
Less: disposals and transfers | (751,000,000) | (806,000,000) | ||
Less: impairment loss | 0 | (438,000,000) | 0 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 72,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
Balance at end of period | 58,197,000,000 | 18,204,000,000 | 4,077,000,000 | |
Total, cost and equity methods | ||||
Balance at beginning of period | 33,877,000,000 | 17,666,000,000 | ||
Additions | 61,732,000,000 | 28,822,000,000 | ||
Share of results and other comprehensive income | (1,296,000,000) | (1,148,000,000) | ||
Less: disposals and transfers | (2,901,000,000) | (10,624,000,000) | ||
Less: impairment loss | (902,000,000) | (857,000,000) | ||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 951,000,000 | 18,000,000 | ||
Balance at end of period | $ 14,184 | 91,461,000,000 | ¥ 33,877,000,000 | ¥ 17,666,000,000 |
Equity investee partial disposed | ||||
Total, cost and equity methods | ||||
Gain arising from disposal of investment | $ 471 | ¥ 3,078,000,000 |
Investment in equity investee92
Investment in equity investees- Others (Details) - CNY (¥) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | |
Investment in equity investees | |||
Carrying value as equity method investment | ¥ 58,197,000,000 | ¥ 18,204,000,000 | ¥ 4,077,000,000 |
Impairment charge of equity method investments | 0 | 438,000,000 | ¥ 0 |
Equity method investments, publicly traded | |||
Investment in equity investees | |||
Carrying value as equity method investment | 42,395,000,000 | ||
Open market values of equity method investments | 38,344,000,000 | ||
Impairment charge of equity method investments | 0 | ||
Individually immaterial cost method investments, fair value estimated | Carrying amount | |||
Investment in equity investees | |||
Cost method investment | 9,223,000,000 | 6,046,000,000 | |
Individually immaterial cost method investments, fair value estimated | Approximate fair value | |||
Investment in equity investees | |||
Cost method investment | 25,639,000,000 | 14,965,000,000 | |
Individually immaterial cost method investments, not practical to estimate fair value | Carrying amounts | |||
Investment in equity investees | |||
Cost method investments carrying value for which there is no fair value estimate | ¥ 24,041,000,000 | ¥ 9,627,000,000 |
Property and equipment, net (De
Property and equipment, net (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Property and Equipment, Net | |||||
Gross | ¥ 14,905 | ¥ 21,810 | |||
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (5,766) | (8,181) | |||
Net book value | 9,139 | $ 2,114 | 13,629 | ||
Depreciation and Amortization | |||||
Depreciation and amortization expenses | ¥ 3,699 | 2,282 | ¥ 1,295 | ||
Computer equipment and software | |||||
Property and Equipment, Net | |||||
Gross | 9,829 | 13,289 | |||
Buildings and leasehold improvements | |||||
Property and Equipment, Net | |||||
Gross | 2,828 | 6,155 | |||
Construction in progress | |||||
Property and Equipment, Net | |||||
Gross | 1,818 | 1,883 | |||
Furniture, office and transportation equipment | |||||
Property and Equipment, Net | |||||
Gross | ¥ 430 | ¥ 483 |
Intangible assets- General (Det
Intangible assets- General (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Intangible assets | |||||
Less: accumulated amortization and impairment | ¥ (3,543,000,000) | ¥ (6,809,000,000) | |||
Net book value | $ 833 | 6,575,000,000 | 5,370,000,000 | ||
Amortization of intangible assets | $ 455 | ¥ 2,931,000,000 | 2,089,000,000 | ¥ 315,000,000 | |
Impairment charge | ¥ 0 | 0 | ¥ 0 | ||
Non-compete agreements | |||||
Intangible assets | |||||
Gross carrying amount | 3,630,000,000 | 4,284,000,000 | |||
Developed technology and patents | |||||
Intangible assets | |||||
Gross carrying amount | 3,331,000,000 | 3,652,000,000 | |||
Trade names, trademarks and domain names | |||||
Intangible assets | |||||
Gross carrying amount | 2,007,000,000 | 2,222,000,000 | |||
User base and customer relationships | |||||
Intangible assets | |||||
Gross carrying amount | 855,000,000 | 1,234,000,000 | |||
Licenses and copyrights and others | |||||
Intangible assets | |||||
Gross carrying amount | ¥ 295,000,000 | ¥ 787,000,000 |
Intangible assets- Amortization
Intangible assets- Amortization (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Estimated aggregate amortization expenses | |||
2,017 | ¥ 3,103 | ||
2,018 | 1,734 | ||
2,019 | 449 | ||
2,020 | 71 | ||
2,021 | 8 | ||
Thereafter | 5 | ||
Net book value | $ 833 | ¥ 5,370 | ¥ 6,575 |
Goodwill (Details)
Goodwill (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Changes in goodwill | ||||
Goodwill at the beginning of period | ¥ 41,933 | ¥ 11,793 | ||
Additions | 50,723 | 30,319 | ||
Deconsolidation of a subsidiary | (10,556) | (4) | ||
Impairment of goodwill | $ (71) | (455) | (175) | ¥ (44) |
Goodwill at the end of period | $ 12,662 | 81,645 | 41,933 | ¥ 11,793 |
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss | ||||
Gross goodwill | 85,095 | 44,928 | ||
Accumulated impairment losses of goodwill | ¥ 3,450 | ¥ 2,995 |
Deferred revenue and customer97
Deferred revenue and customer advances (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Deferred revenue and customer advances | |||
Deferred revenue | ¥ 7,236 | ¥ 5,781 | |
Customer advances | 3,479 | 2,578 | |
Total | 10,715 | 8,359 | |
Less: current portion | $ (1,597) | (10,297) | (7,914) |
Non-current portion | $ 65 | ¥ 418 | ¥ 445 |
Accrued expenses, accounts pa98
Accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Current: | |||
Accrued cost of revenue and sales and marketing expenses | ¥ 8,328 | ¥ 5,158 | |
Accrued bonus and staff costs, including sales commission | 8,210 | 6,377 | |
Other deposits received in rendering services on e-commerce marketplaces | 1,503 | 1,391 | |
Amounts due to related companies | 1,456 | 927 | |
Accruals for purchases of property and equipment | 1,248 | 701 | |
Payable to third party marketing affiliates | 1,051 | 667 | |
Other taxes payable | 943 | 635 | |
Accrued professional services expenses | 603 | 302 | |
Accrual for interest expense | 571 | 535 | |
Accrued donations | 549 | 339 | |
Liabilities arising from treasury management activities | 539 | 776 | |
Contingent and deferred consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions | 322 | 329 | |
Unvested share options exercised | 321 | 518 | |
Others | 1,690 | 1,179 | |
Current accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities | $ 4,240 | 27,334 | 19,834 |
Non-current: | |||
Contingent and deferred consideration in relation to investments and acquisitions | 1,851 | 1,953 | |
Others | 315 | 197 | |
Other liabilities | $ 335 | ¥ 2,166 | ¥ 2,150 |
Bank borrowings- General (Detai
Bank borrowings- General (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
May. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)item | Aug. 31, 2014USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Long-term borrowings | $ 290 | $ 290 | ¥ 1,609 | ¥ 1,871 | |||
Current bank borrowings | $ 667 | $ 667 | 1,990 | 4,304 | |||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Current bank borrowings | 4,304 | ||||||
Total borrowings | 3,599 | 6,175 | |||||
Long-term borrowings | Bank loans | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Long-term borrowings | ¥ 1,609 | 1,871 | |||||
Weighted average interest rate for the year | 4.90% | 5.90% | 6.70% | ||||
Long-term borrowings | Bank loans | Land use rights and construction in progress | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Collateral amount pledged | ¥ 2,216 | 3,583 | |||||
Short-term borrowings | Bank loans | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Current bank borrowings | ¥ 1,990 | ¥ 4,304 | |||||
Short-term borrowings | Bank loans | Minimum | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Interest rates | 4.00% | 4.00% | 2.00% | 4.00% | |||
Short-term borrowings | Bank loans | Maximum | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Interest rates | 7.10% | 7.10% | 11.60% | 7.10% | |||
US$3.0 billion revolving credit facility agreement | Bank facility | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Amount of loan facility | $ | $ 3,000 | ||||||
US$3.0 billion revolving credit facility agreement | Bank facility | LIBOR | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Spread over variable rate (as a percent) | 1.20% | ||||||
Five year US$3.0 billion with subsequent upsize to $4.0 billion syndicated loan agreement | Bank facility | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Maturity term | 5 years | ||||||
Amount of loan facility | $ | $ 4,000 | $ 3,000 | $ 3,000 | ||||
Number of lead arrangers | item | 8 | ||||||
Five year US$3.0 billion with subsequent upsize to $4.0 billion syndicated loan agreement | Bank facility | LIBOR | |||||||
Bank borrowings | |||||||
Spread over variable rate (as a percent) | 1.10% | 1.10% |
Bank borrowings- Maturity sched
Bank borrowings- Maturity schedule (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) |
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | |||
Within 1 year | $ 667 | ¥ 4,304 | ¥ 1,990 |
Bank borrowings | |||
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | |||
Within 1 year | 4,304 | ||
Between 1 to 2 years | 682 | ||
Between 2 to 3 years | 520 | ||
Between 3 to 4 years | 502 | ||
Between 4 to 5 years | 167 | ||
Total borrowings | ¥ 6,175 | ¥ 3,599 |
Unsecured senior notes- General
Unsecured senior notes- General (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | Nov. 30, 2014USD ($) | Nov. 30, 2014CNY (¥) | |
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Carrying value | ¥ 48,994 | $ 8,002 | ¥ 51,596 | ||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | $ 8,000 | ||||
Carrying value | 51,596 | ||||
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs | 130 | ||||
Total principal amounts of unsecured senior notes | 51,726 | ||||
Discount when issued | 24 | ¥ 150 | |||
Debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the principal amount | $ 29 | 175 | |||
US$300 million floating rate notes due 2017 | Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | 300 | ||||
Carrying value | ¥ 1,940 | ||||
Effective interest rate | 1.22% | 1.22% | |||
US$1,000 million 1.625% notes due 2017 | Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | $ 1,000 | ||||
Fixed interest rate | 1.625% | 1.625% | |||
Carrying value | ¥ 6,462 | ||||
Effective interest rate | 1.73% | 1.73% | |||
US$2,250 million 2.500% notes due 2019 | Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | $ 2,250 | ||||
Fixed interest rate | 2.50% | 2.50% | |||
Carrying value | ¥ 14,506 | ||||
Effective interest rate | 2.64% | 2.64% | |||
US$1,500 million 3.125% notes due 2021 | Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | $ 1,500 | ||||
Fixed interest rate | 3.125% | 3.125% | |||
Carrying value | ¥ 9,662 | ||||
Effective interest rate | 3.24% | 3.24% | |||
US$2,250 million 3.600% notes due 2024 | Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | $ 2,250 | ||||
Fixed interest rate | 3.60% | 3.60% | |||
Carrying value | ¥ 14,524 | ||||
Effective interest rate | 3.66% | 3.66% | |||
US$700 million 4.500% notes due 2034 | Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Principal amount | $ | $ 700 | ||||
Fixed interest rate | 4.50% | 4.50% | |||
Carrying value | ¥ 4,502 | ||||
Effective interest rate | 4.59% | 4.59% | |||
A previous syndicated loan | Bank facility | Interest expenses on the consolidated income statements | |||||
Unsecured senior notes | |||||
Amount of unamortized upfront fees charged to interest expenses | ¥ 830 |
Unsecured senior notes- Maturit
Unsecured senior notes- Maturity schedule (Details) - Mar. 31, 2016 - Unsecured senior notes ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | USD ($) | CNY (¥) |
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||
Between 1 to 2 years | ¥ 8,405 | |
Between 3 to 4 years | 14,548 | |
Thereafter | 28,773 | |
Total principal amounts of unsecured senior notes | 51,726 | |
Level 2 | ||
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||
Fair value | $ 8,111 | ¥ 52,443 |
Convertible Preferences Shares
Convertible Preferences Shares (Details) - 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2012 - Convertible Preference Shares $ / shares in Units, ¥ in Millions, $ in Billions | USD ($)$ / shares | CNY (¥) | CNY (¥) |
Convertible Preferences Shares | |||
Initial conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 18.50 | ||
Prior to the second anniversary of the issuance date | |||
Convertible Preferences Shares | |||
Dividend rate per annum | 2.00% | ||
Second anniversary of the issuance date until the mandatory redemption date | |||
Convertible Preferences Shares | |||
Dividend rate per annum | 5.00% | ||
After the mandatory redemption date | |||
Convertible Preferences Shares | |||
Dividend rate per annum | 8.00% | ||
Yahoo | |||
Convertible Preferences Shares | |||
Liquidation preference | $ 1.7 | ¥ 10,700 | |
Issuance cost | ¥ | ¥ 157 |
Related party transactions- Tra
Related party transactions- Transactions with Yahoo (Details) - Yahoo ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | 21 Months Ended | 87 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2015USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥) | Sep. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |
TIPLA royalty fee | ||||||
Amount incurred or disbursed by the Company | ||||||
Fee | ¥ 448 | ¥ 748 | ||||
Fee, as a percentage of revenues | 1.50% | 2.00% | ||||
Purchase of patents | ||||||
Amount incurred or disbursed by the Company | ||||||
Purchases | $ 24 | ¥ 144 | $ 70 | ¥ 430 |
Related party transactions- 105
Related party transactions- Transactions with other related parties (Details) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Aug. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)subsidiary | Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥)subsidiary | Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥) | Mar. 31, 2014CNY (¥)subsidiaryitemshares | Mar. 31, 2012 | |
Ant Financial Services, Alipay and Koubei and their affiliates | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | ¥ 3,029,000,000 | ¥ 2,121,000,000 | ¥ 2,076,000,000 | ||||
Expenses incurred | 5,197,000,000 | 4,159,000,000 | 2,370,000,000 | ||||
Ant Financial Services and Alipay | Royalty fee and software technology services fee | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 1,122,000,000 | 1,667,000,000 | 1,764,000,000 | ||||
Alipay | Royalty fee and software technology services fee | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Additional fee, as a percentage of pre-tax income | 49.90% | 49.90% | |||||
Alipay | Payment processing fee | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Expenses incurred | 4,898,000,000 | 3,853,000,000 | 2,349,000,000 | ||||
Ant Financial Services | Reimbursement of the costs incurred for software technology services | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 274,000,000 | 486,000,000 | 275,000,000 | ||||
Ant Financial Services | Amended Alipay IPLA | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Additional fee, as a percentage of pre-tax income | 37.50% | ||||||
Ant Financial Services | Reimbursement on options and RSUs | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 113,000,000 | 206,000,000 | 266,000,000 | ||||
Ant Financial Services | Certain assets and liabilities managed by related party | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Net assets and liabilities | 1,517,000,000 | 1,428,000,000 | |||||
Ant Financial Services and its affiliates | SME Annual Fee | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 708,000,000 | 90,000,000 | |||||
Annual fee as a percentage of the average daily book balance (as a percent) | 2.50% | ||||||
Ant Financial Services, its subsidiaries and affiliates and Koubei | Other services | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 1,086,000,000 | 158,000,000 | 46,000,000 | ||||
Expenses incurred | ¥ 299,000,000 | 306,000,000 | ¥ 21,000,000 | ||||
Two members of management | Designation to a non-profit organization of granted share options | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Number of members of management (in individuals) | item | 2 | ||||||
Share options granted (in shares) | shares | 50,000,000 | ||||||
Cainiao Network | Disposal of subsidiaries | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Number of subsidiaries sold (in subsidiaries) | subsidiary | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||
Cash consideration received | $ 33 | ¥ 204,000,000 | ¥ 524,000,000 | ||||
Gain on disposals | 3,000,000 | 74,000,000 | |||||
Cainiao Network | Commercial arrangements to receive certain logistics services | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Expenses incurred | 2,370,000,000 | 785,000,000 | |||||
Cainiao Network | Cost sharing and other services arrangements for administrative services and cloud computing services | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 86,000,000 | 20,000,000 | |||||
Weibo | Other commercial arrangements to provide cloud computing services | Revenue | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Amount earned by the Company | 38,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 0 | ||||
Weibo | Strategic collaboration agreement and marketing cooperation agreement | Traffic acquisition cost and sales and marketing expenses | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Expenses incurred | ¥ 715,000,000 | ¥ 654,000,000 | ¥ 154,000,000 | ||||
Related parties who provide and receive certain services | Other related party transactions relating to services provided and received | Maximum | |||||||
Related party transactions | |||||||
Percentage of total revenue that are from related parties | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | |||
Percentage of total expenses that are from related parties | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
Restricted net assets (Details)
Restricted net assets (Details) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2016CNY (¥) | |
Restricted net assets | |
Percentage of net income from subsidiaries and VIEs incorporated in the PRC to be appropriated to the statutory reserve | 10.00% |
Limit of statutory reserve fund as a percentage of registered capital, after which allocations to statutory reserve fund are no longer required | 50.00% |
Restricted net assets | ¥ 39,116 |
Commitments- Capital commitment
Commitments- Capital commitments (Details) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Capital expenditures | ||
Capital commitments | ||
Contracted but not provided for | ¥ 2,491 | ¥ 3,089 |
Purchase of property and equipment | ||
Capital commitments | ||
Contracted but not provided for | 803 | 908 |
Construction of corporate campuses | ||
Capital commitments | ||
Contracted but not provided for | ¥ 1,688 | ¥ 2,181 |
Commitments- Operating lease co
Commitments- Operating lease commitments (Details) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | |
Operating lease commitments for office facility and transportation equipment | |||
No later than 1 year | ¥ 394 | ¥ 400 | |
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years | 441 | 623 | |
More than 5 years | 65 | 33 | |
Total | 900 | 1,056 | |
Rental expenses under operating leases | ¥ 451 | ¥ 322 | ¥ 217 |
Commitments- Fees and expenses
Commitments- Fees and expenses (Details) - Co-location, bandwidth fees and marketing expenses - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Commitments | ||
No later than 1 year | ¥ 2,680 | ¥ 2,089 |
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years | 4,919 | 3,045 |
More than 5 years | 823 | |
Total | ¥ 8,422 | ¥ 5,134 |
Commitments- Investment commitm
Commitments- Investment commitments (Details) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Acquisition of investment securities and equity investees, various arrangements | Maximum | ||
Investment commitments | ||
Amount committed | ¥ 65,597 | ¥ 5,364 |
Commitments- Licenses and copyr
Commitments- Licenses and copyrights (Details) - Licenses and copyrights - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 |
Commitments | ||
No later than 1 year | ¥ 885 | ¥ 280 |
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years | 2,885 | 2 |
Total | ¥ 3,770 | ¥ 282 |