By Tracy Qu
Baidu is scheduled to report results for the fourth quarter on Thursday. Here's what you need to know:
NET PROFIT FORECAST: The Chinese search-engine company is likely to post net profit of 2.56 billion yuan, equivalent to about $369.96 million, for the three months ended December, according to the consensus estimate of 18 analysts in a FactSet poll. That would compare with net profit of 5.19 billion yuan in the year-earlier period.
REVENUE FORECAST: Baidu is expected to post revenue of 32.23 billion yuan for the quarter, according to FactSet, slightly lower than the 34.12 billion yuan it posted a year ago.
The company's Hong Kong-listed shares dropped 1.3% in the final quarter of 2025.
WHAT TO WATCH:
--Cloud: Baidu's cloud business growth is expected to be slower than expected, according to Citi analysts in a note. The bank lowers its total 4Q cloud revenue growth to 11.5% year-on-year, compared with a 15% increase previously forecast. This reflects a high base and the fluctuation of project-based revenue, they said.
--Kunlunxin listing: Investors are closely watching for any developments of Baidu's chip unit's listing plan. The proposed spin-off of Kunlunxin is likely to be a positive catalyst for Baidu, Jefferies analysts said. Jefferies has a buy rating for Baidu, with a target price of US$181.00 of its ADRs, which last closed at US$133.935.
Write to Tracy Qu at tracy.qu@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 24, 2026 04:01 ET (09:01 GMT)
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