iQIYI surges toward Hong Kong stocks: plans to spend $100 million on buybacks, releases AI creation tool, up 12% before market open

Ask AI · How will iQIYI’s Hong Kong stock listing enhance its international image?

Lei Di Network, by Leidi Network, March 30

iQIYI (NASDAQ stock code: IQ) today announced details of its latest corporate and business developments, including its plan to list on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the adoption of a share repurchase program, and the public commercial testing of its independently developed AI intelligent agent, “Nadou Pro.”

iQIYI said it has submitted a confidential listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, seeking to list and trade the company’s Class A ordinary shares on the Stock Exchange. The proposed listing is intended to strengthen the company’s financing channels in the Hong Kong capital market, expand its investor base by increasing engagement with Asian institutional and retail investors, and enhance the company’s international image.

The details of iQIYI’s proposed listing have not yet been finalized. The proposed listing is subject to conditions, including obtaining approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, completing the filing with the Securities and Futures Commission, and the Company’s final decision.

iQIYI also announced that on March 30, 2026, its board of directors approved a stock repurchase plan. Under the plan, the company will have the right to repurchase up to USD 100 million worth of the company’s stock over the next 18 months (including in the form of American depositary receipts). The stock repurchase plan takes effect immediately upon approval. The purpose of the stock repurchase plan is to demonstrate the company’s confidence in its long-term business outlook and to create value for shareholders.

The proposed repurchase of shares may be carried out from time to time through open-market transactions at the prevailing market price, through block trades and/or through other legally permitted means, and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The company’s board of directors will review the share repurchase plan periodically and may authorize adjustments to its terms and scale. The company expects to fund the share repurchase plan using its existing cash balance.

With the release of its AI creation tool “Nadou Pro,” the company has recently launched the public commercial testing of its independently developed AI creation tool “Nadou Pro.” This is the first AI intelligent agent in China designed specifically for professional film and television creation. By combining leading pre-trained models with iQIYI’s deep experience in producing high-quality content, Nadou Pro can effectively streamline the entire production process—from creative ideation to final video generation.

As of this morning’s close in the U.S. stock market, iQIYI’s share price was $1.2, with a market capitalization of $1.158 billion. Driven by the positive impact of this announcement, iQIYI’s pre-market stock price jumped by more than 12%.

Although this iQIYI announcement is short, it clearly releases three layers of good news:

1, iQIYI is going to list in Hong Kong, which enables deeper engagement with Asian institutional and retail investors and expands the company’s investor base. For example, iQIYI has a large user base in China. Repurchasing shares in Hong Kong can help unify iQIYI’s users with iQIYI’s Mainland China investors;

In addition, iQIYI is ramping up overseas markets. As iQIYI’s “second growth curve,” its overseas business has maintained growth in the fourth quarter. Membership revenue increased 40% year over year, with the Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia markets performing particularly well; the year-over-year increases in membership revenue in all these markets were over 80%. iQIYI is also continuing to expand in markets such as Thailand. Returning to the Hong Kong stock market can help iQIYI enhance its international image and further expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

2, spending USD 100 million to repurchase shares is positive for the company’s stock price. At present, iQIYI’s share price in the U.S. market is continuously undervalued. iQIYI’s 2025 revenue was RMB 27.29 billion, and Non-GAAP (non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) operating profit was RMB 640 million, with operating profitability for four consecutive years. iQIYI also has some strength to carry out share repurchases, supporting a rebound in the company’s stock price.

3, releasing the AI creation tool “Nadou Pro” sends a signal that iQIYI is embracing AI technology. In its 2025 financial report, iQIYI disclosed that it is developing the AI intelligent agent platform “Nadou Pro.”

“Nadou Pro” combines globally leading foundation models with iQIYI’s deep experience in professional content production. From script evaluation to final generation, it comprehensively optimizes the production workflow.

At present, Nadou Pro is officially open and has entered the pre-commercial usage stage, providing support for creators across all types of professional content fields such as movies, TV series, and animation.

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