Baidu, Inc. Class A
Baidu, Inc. is a prominent Chinese technology company specializing in internet search services, structured into two main divisions: Baidu Core and iQIYI. The Baidu Core segment encompasses a comprehensive suite of products and services. Its mobile ecosystem features the Baidu App, offering search, personalized news feeds, and other functionalities; Baidu Search for web queries; and Baidu Feed, which customizes content timelines based on user demographics and interests. Additional mobile applications include Haokan, a short-form video platform, and Baidu Health, designed to assist users in finding medical professionals and facilities. The company also cultivates online communities and knowledge-sharing platforms such as Baidu Knows (a Q&A forum), Baidu Wiki, Baidu Experience, Baidu Post, and Baidu Wenku. For navigation and travel, Baidu Maps provides a voice-enabled mobile application. Other offerings include Baidu Drive, Baijiahao, and DuerOS, an artificial intelligence-powered smart assistant platform. Within Baidu Core, the company delivers extensive online marketing solutions. These include "pay for performance," an auction-style service where advertisers bid for prime placement of sponsored links to reach relevant users. Other marketing options range from display advertising to various performance-based online campaigns. Baidu also offers cloud computing services, spanning Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). A key focus is on advanced self-driving technologies, including sophisticated maps, automated valet parking, navigation pilots, electric vehicles, and robotaxi fleets, complemented by its range of Xiaodu smart devices. The iQIYI segment operates as an online entertainment platform, providing a diverse library of original and licensed video content, various membership tiers, and revenue generation through online advertising. Baidu, Inc., originally known as Baidu.com, Inc. upon its incorporation in 2000, is headquartered in Beijing, China, and has a strategic partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.