3 Reasons to Hold BIDU Stock Now Despite a 42.3% Year-to-Date Rally

Core Insights - Baidu (BIDU) has experienced a 42.3% increase year to date, outperforming the Zacks Internet-Services industry and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector, which rose by 28.9% and 22.9% respectively, driven by investor confidence in its AI Cloud growth, autonomous driving platform Apollo Go, and generative AI applications [1][8] Group 1: Apollo Go's Expansion - Apollo Go has surpassed 14 million cumulative rides, demonstrating triple-digit year-over-year growth and solidifying Baidu's leadership in China's autonomous mobility sector [3] - Strategic partnerships with Uber and Lyft are facilitating a global rollout across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, allowing Baidu to leverage established ride-hailing networks while maintaining a capital-light model [3] - The operational breakeven in domestic markets indicates strong economics for Apollo Go, especially as it expands into higher-fare international cities [4] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Competition in autonomous mobility is intensifying, with Tesla advancing its Full Self-Driving system; however, Baidu's Apollo Go operates fully driverless fleets under regulatory approval in multiple Chinese cities, showcasing a clear execution lead [5] - As regulatory frameworks mature globally, Apollo Go presents a differentiated growth engine for Baidu, extending beyond its traditional advertising business [5] Group 3: AI Advancements - Baidu's AI capabilities are central to its long-term growth narrative, with ERNIE 4.5 models and Qianfan Cloud platform forming the backbone of its AI ecosystem [9] - The company has maintained its position as China's top AI cloud provider for six consecutive years, supported by a robust four-layer architecture [10] - Continued reinvestment in AI infrastructure is expected to pressure margins and free cash flow in the near term, with a focus on commercializing AI Search and Qianfan Cloud [11] Group 4: Valuation Insights - Baidu trades at a forward P/E of 14.82X, a 38% discount to the sub-industry average of 23.98X and nearly 50% below the sector multiple of 29.24X, indicating potential undervaluation of its long-term AI and autonomous mobility prospects [12][15] - The valuation gap is notable compared to peers like Alibaba and Tencent, which trade at higher multiples, reflecting their premium valuations in enterprise AI and digital services [15] - Baidu's net cash position of RMB 155.1 billion as of June 30, 2025, provides flexibility for innovation while maintaining financial stability [16] Group 5: Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 2025 revenues is $4.34 billion, indicating a 9.33% year-over-year decline, with EPS expected at $1.32, reflecting a 44.30% year-over-year decline [17] - Baidu's investments in AI, cloud infrastructure, and autonomous driving are setting the stage for future growth, although slower monetization and ongoing reinvestment may constrain near-term profitability [19] - The current valuation reflects optimism about Baidu's transformation, yet it still trades at a discount to peers, suggesting a cautious approach for investors [20]