Chinese e-retail giant Alibaba more than doubled its net profit to $4.97 billion dollars in the first quarter, due to exceptional gains, it announced Wednesday.

Revenue rose 28 percent to $3.27 billion over the same period a year ago. Analysts had expected a sales figure of $3.39 billion.

In pre-session electronic trading Alibaba shares fell nearly five percent.

The report is for the period ending June 30. The company's earnings year is staggered over calendar years 2015 and 2016.