Baidu (BIDU) Stock Surges on AI Model Launch That Rivals Tech Giants

TLDR

• Baidu (BIDU) shares climbed nearly 10% to a three-year peak following Ernie 5.0 AI model release
• The AI model boasts 2.4 trillion parameters and outperforms Google and OpenAI models in key areas
• Baidu’s AI assistant now serves 200 million monthly active users
• Apollo Go robotaxi service launched commercial operations in Abu Dhabi
• Stock has gained 96% over the past year with Strong Buy analyst ratings

Baidu stock jumped nearly 10% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The rally came after the company officially launched Ernie 5.0, its newest AI model.

Baidu, Inc., BIDU

Shares hit HK$160.90, a new 52-week high. The move extended an 8.2% gain from the previous Nasdaq session.

The Chinese tech giant released Ernie 5.0 at a Shanghai AI conference. The model is now live on Baidu’s cloud platform.

Baidu says Ernie 5.0 outperforms Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro and OpenAI’s GPT-5. The company points to superior reasoning and comprehension abilities.

The model uses native full-modal modeling. It processes text, images, audio, and video in one integrated system.

Ernie 5.0 runs on 2.4 trillion parameters. This makes it one of the largest language models available today.

Strong User Growth Signals AI Traction

Baidu announced another win on January 20. Its AI assistant powered by the Ernie model reached 200 million monthly active users.

The user milestone shows rapid adoption across China. Generative AI tools are gaining traction with Chinese consumers and businesses.

Baidu first previewed Ernie 5.0 in November 2025. Investors reacted positively to that initial unveiling as well.

The company has invested heavily in AI over the past two years. Focus areas include foundational models, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise solutions.

Global Expansion Picks Up Speed

Baidu launched Apollo Go robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first international deployment of its autonomous driving technology.

The robotaxi expansion shows Baidu pushing beyond China’s borders. Self-driving vehicles represent another growth avenue alongside AI software.

Hong Kong shares climbed over 4% to HK$160.10 on Thursday. The Hang Seng index fell 0.2% the same day.

Baidu’s performance stood out in a down market. The stock’s strength reflects investor enthusiasm for AI developments.

Analyst Sentiment Stays Positive

TipRanks data shows a Strong Buy consensus rating. The rating comes from 10 Buy recommendations and 2 Hold ratings.

Analysts set an average price target of $164.81. This implies 1.6% upside from current trading levels.

Baidu stock has surged 96% over the past year. The gains reflect growing confidence in the company’s AI strategy and execution.

Ernie 5.0’s release strengthens Baidu’s position in China’s AI market. The company now competes directly with global AI leaders like Google and OpenAI.

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