Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-10 16:00Core Viewpoint - Alibaba is undergoing a strategic retreat by selling off non-core assets to focus on its primary business areas, particularly in instant retail and AI/cloud computing, rather than facing financial distress or "running away" [1][11]. Group 1: Asset Sales - Alibaba has sold various assets, including a portion of its stake in Sanjiang Shopping, realizing 2.52 billion yuan. Overall, it has recouped over 30 billion yuan through divestments from Intime Retail, a complete exit from RT-Mart, and other sales [1][3]. - The sold assets are characterized as heavy, slow-growing, and increasingly unprofitable traditional retail businesses, which are no longer aligned with Alibaba's core focus [3][5]. - Alibaba's Chairman, Cai Chongxin, stated that exiting these non-core businesses is a reasonable decision, indicating a shift from a "big and complete" empire to a "focused core" entity [3][5]. Group 2: Strategic Focus Areas - The 30 billion yuan raised from asset sales will be directed towards two main battles: instant retail and AI/cloud computing [5][10]. - In instant retail, Alibaba is investing heavily in delivery services, with initiatives like "one-hour delivery" and significant subsidies to compete against rivals like Meituan and JD.com. Instant retail revenue has shown rapid growth, with increases between 37% and 60% [5][10]. - For AI and cloud computing, Alibaba plans to invest 380 billion yuan over the next three years, which exceeds its total investment in these areas over the past decade. This investment aims to establish a foundational infrastructure for AI, positioning Alibaba as a key player in the future tech landscape [6][10]. Group 3: Leadership and Organizational Changes - The leadership structure at Alibaba has shifted, with power concentrated among three key figures: Cai Chongxin, Wu Yongming, and Jiang Fan, indicating a strong leadership drive for the new strategic direction [8][10]. - The partner committee has been streamlined from 26 to 17 members, reflecting a transition from a diverse expansion phase to a focused core strategy [8][10]. - Jiang Fan's return to a central role in overseeing e-commerce signifies a commitment to tackling the challenges in instant retail with experienced leadership [8][10]. Group 4: Lessons and Implications - The strategic shift at Alibaba serves as a lesson for businesses, emphasizing the need to adapt and evolve core competencies in response to changing market conditions [10][11]. - Focusing resources on high-value areas is crucial in the current economic landscape, where efficiency and technological advancement are paramount [10][11]. - Observing the capital flows of major companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and JD.com can provide insights into future economic trends, particularly in instant consumption and AI technology [10][11].