Baidu wants the world — and wants it now

Baidu's goal is to generate more than half of its revenue outside China by 2020

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If Qihoo 360 (NYSE: QIHU) is going to use its browser to break into search, Baidu (Nasdaq: BIDU) is going to use its search engine to make a bigger dent in Web browsing.

Tech blog The Next Web reports that China's leading search engine has rolled out a new mobile browser based on Google's (Nasdaq: GOOG) market-leading Android platform. Baidu Explorer claims to run 20% faster than its competition, giving it an edge that China's dot-com darling hopes to exploit internationally.

The service is available in more than just Chinese, and a distribution deal with France Telecom's Orange in Egypt is already in place. Baidu rolled out its online services in Arabic and Thai late last year, it's in the process of opening up a research centre in Singapore to penetrate Southeast Asia, and it introduced a Portuguese version of its Hao123 link-list website to enter Brazil.

Baidu's goal is to generate more than half of its revenue outside China by 2020, although that target seems aggressive from today's perspective. It hasn't exactly moved the needle in Japan, where it's been pushing its Japanese search engine for four years.

These initiatives won't pay off right away, but Baidu is doing what it has to. Wall Street has shaved off nearly US$8 billion of Baidu's market cap over the past two weeks on reports that Qihoo 360 was taking market share in search at Baidu's expense — and all Qihoo 360 did was replace Google with a proprietary solution on its popular browser.

Like any smart company, Baidu isn't too proud to learn from what's working elsewhere. If browsers can be shoehorns for search, why can't Baidu follow suit — both in and beyond China?

Baidu's browser naturally incorporates the company's own search, and its success in mobile — where its market share has been lower than it has been in desktop search — should benefit greatly from this move if its browser can catch on.

If you're in the market for some high yielding ASX shares, look no further than our "Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" report. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favourite income ideas. But hurry – the report is free for only a limited time.

 More reading

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

A version of this article, written by Rick Aristotle Munarriz, originally appeared on fool.com

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »