Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-17 13:38Core Viewpoint - Baidu plans to spin off its AI chip company Kunlun Chip for an independent IPO, aiming to submit its application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in early 2026 and complete the IPO by early 2027, with projected revenue exceeding 2 billion yuan in 2025 [1][31]. Group 1: Company Overview - Kunlun Chip was established in April 2021, evolving from Baidu's internal AI chip department, and has developed a full-stack product line from chips to software platforms [5][34]. - The latest Kunlun Chip product, the P800, is designed for large-scale AI clusters and has shown significant improvements in memory specifications compared to competitors [7][36]. - Kunlun Chip has secured major contracts, including a significant order from China Mobile, capturing 70% to 100% of the procurement project for AI computing devices [8][37]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Kunlun Chip's revenue is projected to exceed 1 billion yuan in 2024 and over 2 billion yuan in 2025, positioning it among the top three in the domestic AI chip sector [15][44]. - Despite strong revenue growth, Kunlun Chip's valuation stands at approximately 21 billion yuan, significantly lower than competitors like Cambricon and Moore Threads, which have market valuations exceeding 600 billion yuan [19][48]. - The company has attracted substantial investment, with a recent funding round raising about 2.83 billion yuan, involving notable investors such as BYD and China Mobile [10][39]. Group 3: Market Position and Challenges - Kunlun Chip's market presence is limited compared to competitors, with a significant portion of its business still reliant on Baidu, raising concerns about its long-term growth potential [19][53]. - The competitive landscape in the AI chip sector is intense, with established players like Nvidia and Huawei having built strong ecosystems that Kunlun Chip is still developing [21][50]. - Analysts suggest that Kunlun Chip's lower valuation may stem from market skepticism regarding its ability to achieve independent profitability and diversify its customer base beyond Baidu [19][54].