Freedom Capital Markets Lifts Baidu (BIDU) Price Target, Maintains Buy Rating

Core Viewpoint - Baidu, Inc. is gaining attention on Wall Street as an AI stock, with analysts optimistic about its transformation efforts despite current margin pressures [1][2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Insights - Analyst Roman Lukianchikov raised Baidu's price target from $120.00 to $160.00 while maintaining a "Buy" rating, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [1][3]. - Baidu's quarterly results have generally surpassed expectations, reflecting the positive impact of its ongoing transformation, which has involved higher capital expenditures [2][3]. - Despite elevated spending affecting margins, analysts believe that scaling less profitable ventures could lead to a recovery in profitability over the medium term [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Baidu, Inc. is recognized as a Chinese internet giant and AI pioneer, with significant investments in artificial intelligence technology and a dominant position in the domestic search engine market [3].