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Michael Burry Awaits 50% Drop to Buy Alibaba Stock

Famed investor sees opportunity in Chinese tech giant's shares

Yahoo Finance2 min

1Burry's Alibaba call

Michael Burry, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, stated he would buy Alibaba shares if they drop 50% from current levels. The Scion Asset Management founder gained fame through The Big Short movie. Alibaba's stock has lost over 60% in the past year. Burry believes the tech selloff still has room to continue, creating value opportunities for patient investors.

2Alibaba's current challenges

Alibaba Group has been significantly impacted by China's tech crackdown, with market cap falling below $700B from 2020 highs. Revenue growth slowed to 9% last quarter, the lowest since 2014. The canceled Ant Group IPO damaged investor confidence. Regulatory pressures continue as China tightens control over internet platforms. The company faces intense competition in e-commerce from rivals like JD.com and Pinduoduo.

3Burry's investment approach

The value investor is known for identifying overvalued stocks and market bubbles. His bearish bets against Tesla and GameStop made headlines in 2021. Scion Asset Management initiated $165M in new positions in Q1 2022. Burry typically holds concentrated positions in deeply undervalued companies. His investment letters emphasize fundamental analysis over market timing.

4Risks for Chinese tech stocks

Chinese tech firms face regulatory uncertainty from data security laws and antitrust measures. US accounting watchdog PCAOB raises concerns about auditing standards. Alibaba trades on NYSE but faces potential delisting risks under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. Geopolitical tensions add another layer of complexity for investors considering Chinese equities.

5Analyst opinions diverge

65% of Wall Street analysts rate Alibaba as 'buy', with average price target 70% above current levels. Morgan Stanley highlights cloud computing and retail growth potential. JP Morgan remains cautious due to China's economic slowdown. The company maintains $75B in cash reserves. Alibaba continues investing in international expansion and AI technologies.

6Value proposition

Alibaba's P/E ratio of 12 is less than half of Amazon's. Free cash flow has grown steadily for four consecutive quarters. China's expanding middle class provides long-term growth potential. Projected revenue growth for 2023 remains in 15-20% range. The company dominates 50% of China's e-commerce market despite increasing competition.

7Global market context

Fed rate hikes continue pressuring tech valuations, with Nasdaq down over 25% in 2022. China's zero-COVID policy disrupts supply chains. Russia-Ukraine war dampens global growth forecasts. Inflation concerns dominate investor sentiment. These macro factors contribute to reduced risk appetite for growth stocks worldwide.

8Investment implications

Burry's comments highlight potential value in battered tech names. Alibaba's future depends on China's regulatory approach and economic recovery. Short-term volatility may create entry points for long-term investors. However, geopolitical risks require careful monitoring. Diversification remains crucial when investing in politically sensitive markets.

Original article: Yahoo Finance — Michael Burry Alibaba Hisse Alımı İçin %50 Düşüş Bekliyor