Virtu Financial LLC Acquires New Stake in Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU)

Virtu Financial LLC bought a new position in Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 29,966 shares of the information services provider’s stock, valued at approximately $2,591,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BIDU. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its holdings in Baidu by 5.2% during the fourth quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 4,207 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $501,000 after acquiring an additional 207 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLC bought a new stake in Baidu during the fourth quarter worth approximately $232,000. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in Baidu in the fourth quarter worth approximately $500,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Baidu by 2.8% in the fourth quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 22,994 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $2,706,000 after buying an additional 619 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Baidu by 9.1% during the 4th quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,751 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $685,000 after acquiring an additional 481 shares during the last quarter.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BIDU has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Benchmark decreased their target price on Baidu from $180.00 to $135.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Susquehanna cut their price objective on Baidu from $135.00 to $105.00 and set a “positive” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Baidu from $170.00 to $155.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 15th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Baidu from $125.00 to $115.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Baidu from $128.00 to $117.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $135.13.

Baidu Trading Up 0.5 %

NASDAQ:BIDU opened at $84.08 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $29.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.26 and a beta of 0.48. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $87.27 and its 200 day moving average price is $95.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.32 and a current ratio of 2.32. Baidu, Inc. has a 52 week low of $79.68 and a 52 week high of $136.53.

Baidu Profile

Baidu, Inc engages in the provision of internet search services in China. It operates through two segments: Baidu Core and iQIYI. The company offers Baidu App to access search, feed, and other services using mobile devices; Baidu Search to access its search and other services; Baidu Feed that provides users with personalized timeline based on their demographics and interests; Baidu Health that helps users to find the doctor and hospital for healthcare needs; and Haokan, a short video app.