Guolian Minsheng Securities·2026-01-25 13:37Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a "Buy" rating for Baidu Group, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock performance over the next 12 months [6]. Core Insights - Baidu has launched its new generative AI model, Wenxin 5.0, which boasts 2.4 trillion parameters and has outperformed competitors in over 40 benchmark evaluations [2]. - The company is undergoing a significant transformation towards AI, with its advertising business facing short-term pressures, while its intelligent cloud and autonomous driving sectors show high growth potential [4]. - Baidu's monthly active users for its app have reached 708 million, and approximately 70% of mobile search results now include AI-generated content, enhancing its competitive edge in AI [3]. Financial Projections - Revenue forecasts for Baidu Group from 2025 to 2027 are projected at 133.3 billion, 142.3 billion, and 153.8 billion RMB, reflecting growth rates of 0.13%, 6.76%, and 8.12% respectively [4][5]. - Adjusted net profits for the same period are expected to be 186 billion, 202 billion, and 230 billion RMB, with adjusted EPS projected at 6.78, 7.33, and 8.36 RMB [4][5]. - The current stock price corresponds to adjusted P/E ratios of 22, 20, and 18 for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively [4]. Business Developments - Baidu's autonomous driving service, "LuoBo Kuaipao," has achieved 3.1 million orders in Q3 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 212% [3]. - The company has expanded its global footprint, entering markets in Switzerland, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong [3]. - Baidu's Kunlun chip, a leading AI chip in China, is set to have a shipment volume of 69,000 units in 2024, enhancing its capabilities in AI cluster construction [2].