Baidu Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) has been recognized as the top holder and applicant of AI-related patents in China, with 2,682 patents granted and 9,364 applications as of October 2020. This achievement, reported by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, reflects Baidu's leadership in various AI sub-fields, including deep learning and autonomous driving. The company's technology has been applied across its business segments, enhancing products like the Apollo Go Robotaxi service and intelligent healthcare solutions, thereby driving innovation and economic growth.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) reported third-quarter 2020 results, showing revenue growth of 1% year-over-year to RMB 28.2 billion ($4.16 billion). Operating income surged 69% year-over-year, reaching RMB 6.2 billion ($907 million), with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32%. Strong performance in AI and cloud services contributed to the growth, alongside a remarkable turnaround in advertising revenue. Baidu's cash and short-term investments totaled RMB 146 billion ($21.5 billion). For Q4 2020, Baidu anticipates revenue between RMB 28.6 billion ($4.2 billion) and RMB 31.3 billion ($4.6 billion).

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) announced its acquisition of JOYY Inc.'s video-based entertainment live streaming business in China, known as YY Live, for approximately US$3.6 billion in cash. This acquisition is set to diversify Baidu's revenue sources and enhance its mobile ecosystem, expected to close in the first half of 2021. Baidu's CEO, Robin Li, stated that YY Live will benefit from Baidu's traffic and platform, while Baidu gains operational experience and a strong creator network. The deal positions Baidu to lead in the live streaming space and beyond.

Baidu, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIDU) announced its financial results for Q3 2020 will be released after U.S. market close on November 16, 2020. An earnings conference call will follow at 8:15 PM ET the same day, corresponding to 9:15 AM Beijing Time on November 17. Interested participants must pre-register for access details through a provided link. The conference will also be available via live and archived webcast at Baidu's investor relations site. A replay will be accessible via phone until November 24, 2020.

Baidu has launched its flagship Xiaodu Smart Display X10 and upgraded XiaoduPods smart earbuds during the 2020 Xiaodu Fall New Product Launch in Beijing. The Xiaodu Smart Display X10 features advanced AI-powered capabilities including gesture control and voiceprint recognition, designed for seamless family interaction. The XiaoduPods introduce a 'voice note' function aimed at enhancing work efficiency. Price reductions across the product range aim to increase accessibility for users. These innovations reflect Baidu's commitment to breaking boundaries in smart living.

Baidu, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIDU) has priced a public offering of US$950 million in notes, comprising US$650 million of 1.720% notes due 2026 and US$300 million of 2.375% notes due 2030. The offering aims to generate approximately US$945 million after expenses, primarily to repay existing debt. The notes will be registered under U.S. law and listed on the Singapore Exchange. Joint bookrunners include Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, and J.P. Morgan. This announcement does not offer securities for sale in the U.S., and prospective investors should review the related prospectus.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) announced on October 6, 2020, that it has filed a preliminary prospectus supplement with the SEC for a proposed offering of senior notes. The company plans to use the proceeds to repay existing debt. Goldman Sachs (Asia), BofA Securities, and J.P. Morgan are the joint bookrunners for this offering. The announcement includes forward-looking statements regarding the company's anticipated use of proceeds and future business development strategies, while also cautioning that risks and uncertainties may affect actual results.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) announced on Sept. 29, 2020, that its Smart Living Group has secured Series A financing, achieving a post-money valuation of approximately $2.9 billion. This investment involves partnerships with CPE, Baidu Capital, and IDG Capital, and is expected to finalize in Q4 2020. Baidu will maintain super voting rights and consolidate SLG’s financial results as a majority shareholder. CEO Robin Li highlighted the rapid growth of SLG since 2017, positioning it as a leader in the voice assistant and smart device market leveraging Baidu’s AI technology.

Sectigo, a leader in digital identity management, has partnered with Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) to provide back-end services for the new Baidu Trust SSL Certificates. This collaboration will allow Baidu to offer various types of SSL certificates, enhancing web security for its users in China and expanding Sectigo's reach in Asia. Baidu's initiative aims to simplify technology for users while reinforcing trust through Sectigo's established certificate authority, known for issuing over 100 million certificates globally.