<Research> BOCI Increases Baidu's Target Price to USD 187, Anticipates Quick Value Unleashing from AI Full-Stack Features
Revenue Forecast: BOCI predicts BIDU-SW's 4Q25 revenue will decline by 6% YoY, with advertising revenue's decline narrowing to 16% and non-advertising revenue growing by 13%.
Profit Margin Expectations: The core adjusted operating profit margin for BIDU-SW is estimated to reach 10.3%, surpassing the market expectation of 9.8%.
Market Recognition Potential: BOCI anticipates that the potential spin-off of Kunlunxin for a Hong Kong listing will enhance the recognition of BIDU-SW's AI full-stack technical capabilities.
Investment Rating: BOCI maintains a Buy rating on Baidu (BIDU.US) and has raised its target price to USD 187.
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Stock Performance: BIDU-SW (09888.HK) experienced a decline of 2.2%, with short selling amounting to $786.36M and a ratio of 38.654%.
Autonomous Vehicle Initiative: Apollo Go has been selected as the exclusive provider of fully autonomous test ride vehicles for the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai, planning to deploy over 1,000 vehicles in the region.
Future Plans: The company aims to enhance its collaboration in the Middle East to help Dubai achieve its goal of 25% automation in transportation by 2030.
Market Reaction: Citi anticipates a positive market response to Baidu's (BIDU.US) $5B buyback plan, with a potential dividend announcement coinciding with quarterly results.

Transport Strategy Blueprint: The Transport and Logistics Bureau of Hong Kong has proposed a Transport Strategy Blueprint featuring six major strategies and 25 recommendations aimed at developing smart transportation in the region.
Government Commitment: The blueprint reflects the Hong Kong government's foresight and determination in advancing transportation technology, as highlighted by Nan Yang, Vice President of BIDU-SW.
Market Environment: Hong Kong is recognized as a complex right-hand drive market with an open policy environment and advanced technology resources, making it an ideal location for the growth of autonomous driving businesses.
Market Sentiment: Recent commentary from JPMorgan indicates that the volatility in internet stocks reflects fragile market sentiment, suggesting that current adjustments may present buying opportunities.

Transport Strategy Blueprint: The Transport and Logistics Bureau of Hong Kong has proposed a Transport Strategy Blueprint featuring six major strategies and 25 recommendations aimed at developing smart transportation in the region.
Government Commitment: Yang Nan, Vice President of BIDU-SW, highlighted the foresight and determination of the Hong Kong government in advancing transportation technology.
Market Potential: Hong Kong is recognized as a complex right-hand drive market with an open policy environment and advanced technology resources, making it an ideal location for the growth of autonomous driving businesses.
Stock Market Activity: Baidu's stock has experienced a decline, with significant short selling activity reported, while expectations for a US$5 billion buyback plan may positively influence market reactions.

Market Opening: Hong Kong stocks opened higher on the 3rd, initially gaining 350 points before closing down 203 points at 26,571, with a turnover of $111.427 billion.
Tech Sector Decline: Major technology stocks, including KUAISHOU-W, BIDU-SW, TENCENT, and BABA-W, experienced significant losses, contributing to the overall market downturn.
Short Selling Activity: High short selling ratios were noted for several stocks, with KUAISHOU-W and BIDU-SW showing particularly high short selling amounts of $476.78 million and $952.19 million, respectively.
Individual Stock Performance: KUAISHOU-W was the biggest loser among blue chips, down 6.36%, while TENCENT and BABA-W also saw declines of 5.1% and 4.1%, respectively.

Baidu's Financial Outlook: CLSA's report indicates that Baidu's core 4Q25 results may continue to be impacted by AI search transformation, but expects a narrowing decline in total revenue and adjusted EBIT year-over-year.
Cloud Business Growth: The growth of Baidu's cloud business is predicted to slow to about 10% YoY due to a high base, but is anticipated to resume growth this year with an estimated increase of 20% due to broader AI applications in China.
Robotaxi and Kunlunxin Growth: CLSA expects strong growth for Baidu's Robotaxi and Kunlunxin, and notes that recent personnel optimization efforts will aid in profit recovery this year.
Stock Rating Update: CLSA has raised Baidu's US stock target price from USD 160 to USD 176 while maintaining an Outperform rating.
Stock Performance: BLACK SESAME (02533.HK) and BIDU-SW (09888.HK) experienced slight declines in their stock prices, with short selling activity reported for both companies.
Strategic Cooperation: BLACK SESAME and Baidu's Apollo Go have entered a strategic partnership to develop an autonomous driving ecosystem aimed at enhancing China's intelligent driving industry.
Focus on Industry Chain: The collaboration will leverage both companies' technological and operational strengths to accelerate the development of the L4 autonomous driving industry chain.
Analyst Outlook: Citi maintains a "Buy" rating on Baidu (BIDU.US), citing its comprehensive technology capabilities in the sector.







