Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2026-01-04 03:40Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs highlights that Baidu's chip division, Kunlun Chip, has officially submitted its listing application in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in unlocking asset value for Baidu [1][2]. Group 1: Listing and Ownership Structure - Kunlun Chip submitted its listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on January 1, 2026, through a global offering that includes both public and institutional placements [2]. - As of August 2025, Baidu holds a 59% controlling stake in Kunlun Chip, which is expected to remain a subsidiary post-listing, allowing Baidu to unlock market value while maintaining control over its core computing infrastructure [2]. Group 2: Financial Projections - Goldman Sachs projects that Kunlun Chip's revenue will reach approximately 6.5 billion RMB in 2026, with external sales expected to grow significantly, accounting for 14% of total cloud sales [7]. - The revenue structure is anticipated to shift towards more recurring and high-value subscription services, which could represent 43% of Baidu Cloud's total revenue by 2026 [7]. Group 3: Valuation Insights - If Kunlun Chip is valued similarly to Cambricon at a 40x price-to-sales ratio, Baidu's 59% stake could be worth up to $22 billion, representing 45% of Baidu's current market capitalization [1][12]. - A conservative valuation range for Kunlun Chip's 100% equity is estimated between $5 billion and $18 billion, translating to a value of $3 billion to $11 billion for Baidu's stake, which is 6% to 23% of its current market cap [12]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Comparisons with peers like Cambricon and Moore Threads indicate that these companies are trading at 40x to over 100x their projected 2026 sales, suggesting significant potential for Kunlun Chip's valuation [8]. - Goldman Sachs notes that Kunlun Chip's sales are expected to surpass those of Moore Threads and Wallen Technology by 2026, although it may lag behind Cambricon [8]. Group 5: Investment Implications and Catalysts - Goldman Sachs maintains a "Buy" rating on Baidu with a target price of $155, indicating confidence in Baidu's transition from traditional advertising to non-search business driven by AI [9]. - Key catalysts to watch include announcements regarding new orders or product upgrades for Kunlun Chip, updates on shareholder return policies, and progress on the listing in Hong Kong [13].