Billionaire Investor Trims Alibaba After Saying Buy 'Everything' China

Billionaire investor David Tepper, the founder of Appaloosa Management, recently trimmed his stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA), despite previously advising investors to buy "everything" related to China. This shift in Tepper's investment strategy raises questions about his confidence in the Chinese e-commerce giant and the broader market. Let's delve into the reasons behind Tepper's decision and the implications for investors.

Tepper's bullish stance on China was evident earlier this year when he advised investors to buy Chinese stocks, citing Beijing's stimulus measures. However, his recent move to trim his stake in Alibaba suggests a reassessment of the company's prospects. In the first quarter of 2024, Tepper's hedge fund held a 12.05% stake in Alibaba, up from 5.82% in the previous quarter. However, he has since reduced his position, indicating a change in his sentiment towards the company.

Alibaba's recent financial performance and strategic changes may have influenced Tepper's decision to trim his stake. In the March quarter of 2023, Alibaba's revenue grew by 2% year-over-year, with income from operations decreasing by 9%. While the company's net income attributable to ordinary shareholders increased by 17% year-over-year, driven by net gains from equity investments, Alibaba's adjusted EBITA increased by 60% year-over-year, indicating a focus on cost-cutting and operational efficiency. Additionally, Alibaba announced plans to spin off its Cloud Intelligence Group and explore IPOs for Cainiao Smart Logistics Group and Freshippo, signaling a shift towards a more diversified business model.

Geopolitical tensions, such as US-China relations, may also have played a role in Tepper's decision to trim his Alibaba stake. Despite his bullish stance on China, Tepper acknowledged the thorny relations between the two countries and the potential for new tariffs. While he downplayed their impact on his investment decisions, the ongoing geopolitical tensions could have contributed to his decision to reduce his exposure to Alibaba.

Tepper's investment in other Chinese stocks and ETFs, such as the iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) and PDD Holdings (PDD), underscores his bullish stance on the Chinese market. These investments, along with his increased stake in Alibaba, indicate his confidence in the country's economic recovery and potential growth. By diversifying his portfolio with these holdings, Tepper is positioning himself to benefit from a broad-based rebound in the Chinese market.



Tepper's self-imposed guardrails on Chinese stocks and his recent actions highlight the importance of risk management in his investment strategy. In a CNBC interview, Tepper mentioned having historic limits on his Chinese stock exposure, but these limits have been removed recently. This suggests that while Tepper was initially cautious about investing heavily in Chinese stocks, he has since become more bullish on the sector due to Beijing's stimulus measures. Despite the recent trim in Alibaba's stake, Tepper's overall exposure to Chinese stocks has increased, indicating his continued confidence in the market.

In conclusion, David Tepper's decision to trim his stake in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. reflects a reassessment of the company's prospects and the broader Chinese market. While Tepper remains bullish on China, his move indicates a more cautious approach to investing in the e-commerce giant. Investors should monitor Alibaba's performance and the geopolitical landscape to make informed decisions about their own portfolios.