Baidu Reports Strong Q1 2025 Growth Driven by AI

Baidu Inc ( (BIDU) ) has released its Q1 earnings. Here is a breakdown of the information Baidu Inc presented to its investors.

Baidu Inc., a leading AI company with a strong internet foundation, operates in the technology sector, focusing on artificial intelligence and internet-related services. In its first-quarter 2025 earnings report, Baidu highlighted a 7% year-over-year growth in Baidu Core revenue, driven by a significant 42% increase in its AI Cloud business. The company also marked a milestone in its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, by expanding internationally to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Key financial metrics for the first quarter of 2025 include total revenues of RMB32.5 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, and a net income attributable to Baidu of RMB7.7 billion, reflecting a 42% increase. Baidu’s AI Cloud business was a major contributor to this growth, underscoring the company’s competitive edge in AI products and solutions. Additionally, Apollo Go provided over 1.4 million rides, a 75% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing momentum of its autonomous driving operations.

Baidu’s strategic initiatives included the release of ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1 models, enhancing its AI capabilities, and a partnership with CAR Inc. for autonomous vehicle rentals. The company also returned US$445 million to shareholders under its share repurchase program. Despite a decrease in online marketing revenue, Baidu’s non-online marketing revenue surged by 40%, primarily driven by its AI Cloud business.

Looking ahead, Baidu’s management remains committed to investing in AI technologies to sustain long-term growth. The company aims to leverage its technological strengths to capitalize on opportunities in the evolving AI landscape, positioning itself at the forefront of the industry.