Baidu completes $2.1 billion acquisition of YY Live

BEIJING - Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU), Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888), a prominent AI firm with a strong internet presence valued at $34.2 billion, has concluded the acquisition of YY Live, a video-based entertainment live streaming business in mainland China, previously owned by JOYY (NASDAQ:YY) Inc. The transaction was finalized for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.1 billion. According to InvestingPro analysis, Baidu currently appears undervalued compared to its Fair Value, with strong financial metrics supporting its expansion strategy.

The acquisition signifies Baidu’s strategic expansion in the live streaming space, an area that has seen substantial growth in China. The deal also involved the release of approximately $1.6 billion that Baidu had previously deposited into escrow accounts under a share purchase agreement that is no longer in force. These funds are now expected to be redirected towards enhancing Baidu’s cloud and AI infrastructure. The company maintains a healthy financial position with a current ratio of 2.09, indicating strong liquidity to support its growth initiatives. InvestingPro data reveals 8 additional key financial insights that could help investors better understand Baidu’s growth potential.

Baidu, established in 2000, has been a frontrunner in the AI industry and maintains a substantial footprint in the internet sector, generating $18.2 billion in revenue over the last twelve months with an impressive 50.4% gross profit margin. The company’s stocks are publicly traded on NASDAQ and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, trading at a P/E ratio of 10.6, which suggests an attractive valuation relative to its earnings potential.

The press release contains forward-looking statements under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which include Baidu’s anticipated investment in its cloud and AI capabilities. However, these statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what has been projected.

Baidu’s growth strategies and future business development efforts, including the introduction of new products and services, are factors that could influence the company’s ability to attract and retain users and customers. The Chinese Internet search and newsfeed market is highly competitive, and Baidu’s revenue streams and cost structures are subject to change.

The press release also acknowledges the potential impact of ongoing litigation, intellectual property rights disputes, the growth of the Chinese-language internet search market, and the number of internet and broadband users in China. Governmental policies and general economic conditions in China and elsewhere could also affect Baidu’s operations.

This news is based on a press release statement, and Baidu has not undertaken any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. The information in the press release is current as of the date of the announcement.

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