Baidu (BIDU / 9888 HK) Q1 2026 (USD): Revenue 4.65bln (exp. 4.66bln), EPS 12.06 (exp. 11.84); co. says that AI has become the core driver of Baidu

• "In Q1, our Core AI-powered Business exceeded half of Baidu General Business revenue for the first time, marking a clear signal that AI has become the core driver of Baidu".
• "We see AI driving even greater value for Baidu in the quarters ahead".

• Revenue from Baidu Core AI-powered Business +49% Y/Y.
• Total revenue of Baidu General Business +2% Y/Y.

• "In the first quarter of 2026, Apollo Go, Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing service, delivered 3.2 million fully driverless operational rides with weekly rides peaking at over 350,000 in March. Total rides increased by over 120% year over year".

Baidu's Q1 2026 results show a slight miss on revenue expectations, but a beat on earnings per share, highlighting the growing significance of AI in their operations. While revenue growth was modest overall, AI-related revenues surged by 49% YoY, positioning the company for potential future gains. This shift not only underscores AI as a core driver for Baidu but may also attract more investor interest moving forward, particularly in the sectors linked to technology and autonomous services.