Baidu Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Baidu has launched the XiaoduPods, its first portable smart earbuds, and unveiled DuerOS 6.0 during the Baidu World 2020 event in Beijing. XiaoduPods feature advanced capabilities including built-in real-time translation and voice search, boasting a 28-hour battery life. DuerOS 6.0 enhances AI applications, making smart technology more integrated into daily life, particularly for elderly care and hospitality sectors. Baidu aims to broaden its AI services under its 'breaking boundaries' strategy, focusing on accessibility and tailored functions for diverse user needs.

Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) unveiled its Fully Automated Driving technology at Baidu World 2020, showcasing vehicles that can drive autonomously without a safety driver. Key components include pre-installed vehicles, an 'experienced AI driver', and a 5G Remote Driving Service. Apollo's technology has achieved over six million kilometers of testing without accidents. Baidu plans to commercialize unmanned driving by 2025, along with launching a vehicle model with L4 autonomous valet parking in 2021. DuerOS for Apollo has also been integrated into over one million vehicles, highlighting its market dominance in connected and autonomous driving.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) hosted its annual technology conference, Baidu World 2020, showcasing its advancements in AI. Themed 'Intelligence of Everything', it highlighted Baidu Apollo's Fully Automated Driving and 5G Remote Driving Service, emphasizing over six million kilometers of testing with zero accidents. The upgraded DuerOS 6.0 powers the newly launched XiaoduPods earbuds and Duxiaoxiao virtual assistant app. Furthermore, Baidu Brain 6.0 supports AI applications for 2.3 million developers and introduces advanced virtual personas.

Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) has launched the Apollo Go Robotaxi service in Beijing, marking the first robotaxi service in China's capital. The service covers a vast area of around 700 kilometers with nearly 100 stations in key districts, making it a pioneer in the autonomous driving sector. Baidu is also the only company operating robotaxi services in multiple Chinese cities, including Changsha and Cangzhou. The company aims to further the commercial application of autonomous driving technology and expand its fleet, which has completed over 519,000 kilometers of road tests in Beijing.

Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) launched its Apollo Go Robotaxi service in Cangzhou, Hebei, marking the first robotaxi rollout in downtown China. This initiative expands coverage to 55 stations, including key public areas. Previously, Baidu introduced robotaxi services in Changsha, Hunan, in April 2020. The Cangzhou launch follows extensive testing and aims to enhance autonomous driving accessibility, supported by a human operator in each vehicle for safety. Cangzhou's strategic location and investment in intelligent network technology facilitate this initiative, with Baidu's Apollo platform encompassing 500 autonomous vehicles and over 1,800 driving patents.