Alibaba grants employee equity awards to boost talent retention

Alibaba Group Holding Limited disclosed the grant of awards involving 2,277,600 underlying shares to employees on December 23, 2025, under its 2024 Equity Incentive Plan. These awards, representing approximately 0.01% of total shares in issue (excluding treasury shares), aim to attract and retain talent, provide incentives for contributions, and align employee interests with those of the group and its shareholders. The grants were made without performance targets and are not subject to shareholder approval. The closing price of the shares on the grant date was HK$147.20 per share.

The awards feature mixed vesting schedules, with grants vesting in batches over periods up to four years, and some within 12 months of the grant date. The company noted that none of the grantees are directors, chief executives, or substantial shareholders. The grant also does not exceed the 1% individual limit under the Hong Kong Listing Rules for any single grantee over a 12-month period.

Following this grant, the maximum number of shares available for future grants under the 2024 Plan is 403,692,569, with 93,716,369 shares allocated under the service provider sub-limit. The awards will be satisfied through the issuance of new shares within the scheme mandate limit.