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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 20-F
(Mark One)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
☐
or
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
☒
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
☐
For the transition period from to
or
☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 000-51469
Baidu, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Baidu Campus
No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street
Haidian District, Beijing 100085
The People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Rong Luo, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: +(86 10) 5992-8888
Email: ir@baidu.com
Facsimile: +(86 10) 5992-0000
Baidu Campus
No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street,
Haidian District, Beijing 100085
The People’s Republic of China
(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
American depositary shares (each American depositary share representing eight Class A
ordinary shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share)
Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share*
Trading Symbol
BIDU
Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share
9888
*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on The Nasdaq Global Select Market of American depositary shares.
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report 2,254,485,072 Class A ordinary shares and 542,100,320 Class B ordinary shares, par value
US$0.000000625 per share, as of December 31, 2022.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2
of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under
Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to
§240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☒
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐
Other ☐
Item 17 ☐
Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a
court. Yes ☐ No ☐
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Key Information
Information on the Company
Unresolved Staff Comments
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Financial Information
The Offer and Listing
Additional Information
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
INTRODUCTION
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
PART I
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 4A.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
PART II
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16A.
Item 16B.
Item 16C.
Item 16D.
Item 16E.
Item 16F.
Item 16G.
Item 16H.
Item 16I.
PART III
Item 17.
Item 18.
Item 19.
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Controls and Procedures
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Code of Ethics
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Corporate Governance
Mine Safety Disclosure
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Financial Statements
Financial Statements
Exhibits
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In this annual report, except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this annual report only:
INTRODUCTION
•
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•
“ADSs” refers to our American depositary shares, each ADSs representing eight Class A ordinary shares;
“China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; and “mainland China” refers to the
People’s Republic of China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan;
“Class A ordinary shares” refers to Class A ordinary shares of the share capital of our company with a par value of US$0.000000625 each,
conferring a holder of a Class A ordinary share one vote per share on all matters submitted for voting at general meetings of our company;
“Class B ordinary shares” refers to Class B ordinary shares of the share capital of our company with a par value of US$0.000000625 each,
conferring weighted voting rights in our company such that a holder of a Class B ordinary share is entitled to 10 votes per share on all
matters submitted for voting at general meetings of our company;
“DAU”, or daily active user, refers to the average number of mobile devices that launched our mobile apps at least once during a day
within a specific period;
“Hong Kong” or “HK” or “Hong Kong S.A.R.” are to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC;
“Hong Kong Listing Rules” are to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, as
amended or supplemented from time to time;
“Hong Kong Share Registrar” are to Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited;
“Hong Kong Stock Exchange” are to The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;
“Main Board” are to the stock market (excluding the option market) operated by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange which is independent
from and operated in parallel with the Growth Enterprise Market of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange;
“MAU”, or monthly active user, refers to the number of mobile devices that launched our mobile apps during a given month;
“our company” refers to Baidu, Inc., which is not a PRC operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations
primarily conducted through (i) our mainland China subsidiaries and (ii) contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities, or the
VIEs, based in mainland China. This structure entails unique risks to investors, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks
Related to our Corporate Structure” for more details;
“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of mainland China;
“SFO” refers to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong), as amended or supplemented from time to
time;
“shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, which include both Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares;
“user traffic” or “traffic” refers generally to page views of a website, with “page views” measuring the number of web pages viewed by
internet users over a specified period of time except that multiple page views of the same page viewed by the same user on the same day
are counted only once;
“U.S. GAAP” refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States;
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•
•
•
•
“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Baidu” refers to Baidu, Inc., its subsidiaries, and, in the context of describing our operations and consolidated
financial information, the variable interest entities in mainland China, including, but not limited to, Beijing Baidu Netcom Science
Technology Co., Ltd., or Baidu Netcom, Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Perusal, Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology
Co., Ltd., or Beijing iQIYI, and all of the variable interest entities are domestic companies incorporated in mainland China in which we do
not have any equity ownership but whose financial results have been consolidated into our consolidated financial statements based solely
on contractual arrangements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure” for
an illustrative diagram of our corporate structure;
“iQIYI” refers to iQIYI, Inc., a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “IQ” and one of our
subsidiaries;
“$,” “dollars,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States; and
all discrepancies in any table between the amounts identified as total amounts and the sum of the amounts listed therein are due to
rounding.
On March 1, 2021, Baidu, Inc. effected a change to its authorized share capital by 1-to-80 subdivision of shares. Concurrently, Baidu, Inc. effected
a proportionate change in ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share to each ADS representing 8 Class A
ordinary shares, or the Share Subdivision. Such changes been reflected retroactively throughout this document.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. These
statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-
looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “is/are likely to” or
other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and
financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
our operations and business prospects;
our business and operating strategies and our ability to implement such strategies;
our ability to develop and manage our operations and business;
competition for, among other things, capital, technology and skilled personnel;
our ability to control costs;
our ability to identify and conduct investments and acquisitions, obtain relevant regulatory approvals from governmental authorities, as
well as integrate acquired target(s);
changes to regulatory and operating conditions in the industry and geographical markets in which we operate;
our dividend policy; and
all other risks and uncertainties described in “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors.”
We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction
with the risk factors disclosed in “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors.” Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in a rapidly evolving
environment. New risks emerge from
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time to time and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent
to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We do not
undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law.
Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this annual report are made at a rate
of RMB6.8972 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 30, 2022 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S.
dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.
Item 1.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
PART I
Item 2.
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3.
Key Information
Our Corporate Structure and Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities
Baidu, Inc. is not a PRC operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations primarily conducted through (i) our
subsidiaries incorporated in mainland China, or mainland China subsidiaries, and (ii) contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities based in
mainland China. Our internet content services, value-added telecommunication-based services, internet map services, online audio and video services
and mobile application distribution businesses in mainland China have been conducted through the applicable VIEs in order to comply with the laws and
regulations of mainland China, which restrict and impose conditions on foreign direct investment in companies involved in the provision of such
businesses. Accordingly, we operate these businesses in mainland China through the variable interest entities, and rely on contractual arrangements
among Baidu, Inc./iQIYI, Inc., our mainland China subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their nominee shareholders to control the business
operations of the variable interest entities. External revenues contributed by the variable interest entities accounted for 43%, 44% and 47% of our total
external revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As used in this annual report, “our company” refers to Baidu,
Inc., whereas “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Baidu” refers to Baidu, Inc., its subsidiaries, and, in the context of describing our operations and consolidated
financial information, the variable interest entities in mainland China and all of the variable interest entities are domestic companies incorporated in
mainland China in which we do not have any equity ownership but whose financial results have been consolidated into our consolidated financial
statements based solely on contractual arrangements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Investors in our ADSs are not purchasing equity interest in the
variable interest entities in mainland China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
Our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their shareholders have entered into a series of contractual agreements. These contractual
arrangements:
•
•
enable us to receive the economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities in consideration for the
services provided by our subsidiaries;
effectively assigned all of the voting rights underlying the nominee shareholders’ equity interest in the variable interest entities to us; and
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•
enable us to hold an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the variable interest entities when and to the extent
permitted by the laws of mainland China.
These contractual arrangements among Baidu, Inc./iQIYI, Inc., our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their shareholders generally
include shareholder voting rights trust agreements or proxy agreements, exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements or exclusive purchase
option agreements, loan agreements, operating agreements or business operation agreements, exclusive technology consulting and services agreements,
and equity pledge agreements, as the case may be. As for some of the variable interest entities, our subsidiaries have entered into additional business
cooperation agreements, power of attorney, license agreements and/or commitment letters (as the case may be) with these variable interest entities and
their respective shareholders. Terms contained in each set of contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their respective shareholders
are substantially similar. As a result of the contractual arrangements, the shareholders of the variable interest entities effectively assigned all of their
voting rights underlying their equity interest in the variable interest entities to the primary beneficiaries of these companies, which gives our company or
its subsidiaries/iQIYI the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entities’ economic performance. The nominee
shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Beijing Perusal and Beijing iQIYI, the variable interest entities, are directors or members of senior management of us or
iQIYI. We or iQIYI consider such people suitable to act as the nominee shareholders of these variable interest entities because of, among other
considerations, their contribution to us or iQIYI, their competence and their length of service with and loyalty to us or iQIYI. For more details of these
contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest
Entities and the Nominee Shareholders.”
However, the contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over the variable interest entities
and we may incur substantial costs to enforce the terms of the arrangements. If the variable interest entities or the nominee shareholders fail to perform
their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited in our ability to enforce the contractual arrangements that
effectively assigned us the voting rights in the variable interest entities, and these agreements have not been tested in the courts of mainland China.
Furthermore, if we are unable to maintain such effective assignment, we would not be able to continue to consolidate the financial results of these
entities in our financial statements. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Our contractual
arrangements with the variable interest entities in mainland China and the individual nominee shareholders may not be as effective in providing control
over these entities as direct ownership” and “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—The individual
nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may adversely affect our business. We do
not have any arrangements in place to address such potential conflicts.”
There are also substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future laws, regulations and rules of mainland
China regarding the status of the rights of our Cayman Islands holding company with respect to its contractual arrangements with the variable interest
entities and their nominee shareholders. It is uncertain whether any new laws or regulations of mainland China relating to variable interest entity
structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of the variable interest entities is found to be in violation of any existing
or future laws or regulations of mainland China, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory
authorities would have broad discretion in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations to take action in dealing with such violations or failures.
See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Laws and regulations of mainland China governing our
businesses and the validity of certain of our contractual arrangements are uncertain. If we are found to be in violation, we could be subject to sanctions.
In addition, changes in the laws and regulations of mainland China or changes in interpretations thereof may materially and adversely affect our
business.”
Our operations are primarily conducted in mainland China through (i) our mainland China subsidiaries and (ii) contractual arrangements with the
variable interest entities based in mainland China, and revenues are
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primarily generated from mainland China. Though the Foreign Investment Law does not explicitly classify contractual arrangements as a form of
foreign investment, the definition of “foreign investment” thereunder is relatively wide and contains a catch-all provision which includes investments
made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore,
there is no assurance that foreign investment via contractual arrangement would not be interpreted as a type of indirect foreign investment activities in
the future. If any of the variable interest entities were deemed as a foreign-invested enterprise under any such future laws, administrative regulations or
provisions and any of our business would be included in any negative list or other form of restrictions on foreign investment, we may need to take
further actions to comply with such future laws, administrative regulations or provisions. Such actions may have a material and adverse impact on our
business, financial condition, result of operations and prospects. In addition, if the PRC regulatory authorities were to find our legal structure and
contractual arrangements to be in violation of any laws, administrative regulations or provisions of mainland China, we are uncertain what impact of
above PRC regulatory authorities’ actions would have on us and our ability to consolidate the variable interest entities in the consolidated financial
statements. For more details, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties exist with
respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Regulations and how it may impact the
viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.”
Our corporate structure is subject to risks associated with our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities. Our company and its
investors may never have a direct ownership interest in the businesses that are conducted by the variable interest entities. Uncertainties in the PRC legal
system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements have not been tested in a court of law. If the
PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business in mainland China do not comply with the laws and
regulations of mainland China, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we
and the variable interest entities could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. This would result in the
variable interest entities being deconsolidated. The majority of our assets, including the necessary licenses to conduct business in mainland China, are
held by the variable interest entities. A significant part of our revenues are generated by the variable interest entities. An event that results in the
deconsolidation of the variable interest entities would have a material effect on our operations and result in the value of the securities of our company
diminish substantially or even become worthless. Our company, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities, and investors of our
company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with
the variable interest entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the variable interest entities and our company as a
whole. Baidu, Inc. may not be able to repay its indebtedness, and the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs of our company may decline in value or become
worthless, if we are unable to assert our contractual control rights over the assets of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities
that conduct all or substantially all of our operations. For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, please refer to risks
disclosed under “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
Our company and the variable interest entities face various risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China. For example, we face risks
associated with regulatory approvals on offshore offerings, antimonopoly regulatory actions, and oversight on cybersecurity and data privacy. These
risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to
continue to offer securities to investors, or adversely affect the value of such securities. For a detailed description of risks related to doing business in
China, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China.”
PRC government’s certain administrative measures in regulating (i) our operations and (ii) offerings conducted overseas by, and foreign
investment in, China-based issuers, could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors.
Implementation of industry-wide
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regulations, including data security or anti-monopoly related regulations, in this nature may result in adverse effect on the value of such securities. For
more details, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Failure to meet the PRC government’s
complex regulatory requirements on our business operation could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the value of our securities.”
Risks and uncertainties arising from the PRC legal system, including risks and uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws and quickly
evolving rules and regulations in mainland China, could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs. For more
details, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties exist with respect to the
interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Regulations and how it may impact the viability of our
current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.”
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act
Pursuant to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCAA, if the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC,
determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspections by the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our shares or the ADSs from being traded on a national
securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC
of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland
China and Hong Kong, including our auditor. In April 2022, the SEC conclusively listed us as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA
following the filing of our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report
that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to
inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. For this reason, we do not expect to be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer
under the HFCAA after we file this annual report on Form 20-F. Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely
audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to
inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these
jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the SEC, we would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following
the filing of the annual report on Form 20-F for the relevant fiscal year. There can be no assurance that we would not be identified as a Commission-
Identified Issuer for any future fiscal year, and if we were so identified for two consecutive years, we would become subject to the prohibition on trading
under the HFCAA. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PCAOB had historically been
unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections
of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the benefits of such inspections.” and “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Doing Business in China—Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is
unable to inspect or investigate completely auditors located in China. The delisting or prohibition of trading of the ADSs, or the threat of their being
delisted or prohibited from trading, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.”
Permissions Required from the PRC Government Authorities for Our Operations
We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in mainland China. Our operations in mainland China
are governed by the laws and regulations of mainland China. As of the date of this annual report, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable
interest entities have obtained the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are material for the business operations of our
subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in mainland China, including, among others, the Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating
License, the Internet News Information Service License, the
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Short Messaging Service Access Code Certificate, the Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License, the Radio and Television Program
Production License, the Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate for internet map services, the Internet Culture Business Permit, the Publication
Business Operating License, the Filing Certificate for Internet Drug and Medical Devices Information Services/the Qualification Certificate for Internet
Drug Information Services, the Human Resource Services License, the Filing Certificate for the Online Transaction Platform, the Filing Certificate for
Business of Category II Medical Devices, the Registration Certificate for Medical Devices, the Food Business License, the Medicine Business License,
the Filing Certificate for the Online Publication Transaction Platform, the Internet Domain Name Services License, the Medical Device Operation
License, the Medical Device Production License, the Filing Certificate for Third-Party Platform Provider of Online Trading Service for Medical Device,
the Practice License of Medical Institutions, the Internet Religious Information Service License, the Filing Certificate of Artworks Operators, the Filing
Information Form of Third Party Platform Providers of Online Food Trading, the Aquatic Wildlife Operation and Utilization License and certain permits
for road testing and demonstration application of autonomous driving vehicles. Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant
laws and regulations and the enforcement practice by relevant government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings
or approvals for the functions and services of our platform in the future. For more detailed information, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors
—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in the regulations of internet
and related business and companies in mainland China.”
Furthermore, in connection with our historical issuance of securities to foreign investors, we, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable
interest entities, (i) are not required to obtain permissions from the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, (ii) are not required to go
through cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, and (iii) have not been asked to obtain such permissions by any
PRC government authority.
However, the PRC government has promulgated certain regulations and rules to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted
overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies and five supporting guidelines, or, collectively, the Filing Rules, which will take effect on
March 31, 2023. According to the Filing Rules, domestic companies in mainland China that directly or indirectly offer or list their securities in an
overseas market are required to file with the CSRC. In addition, an overseas listed company must also submit the filing with respect to its follow-on
offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other equivalent offering activities, within a specific time frame
requested under the Filing Rules. Therefore, we will be required to file with the CSRC for our overseas offering of equity and equity linked securities in
the future within the applicable scope of the Filing Rules. For more detailed information, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related
to Doing Business in China—The approval of and/or filing with the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our
offshore offerings under the laws of mainland China, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such approval
or complete such filing.”
Cash Flows through Our Organization
Baidu, Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations in mainland China primarily through our subsidiaries
and the variable interest entities in mainland China. As a result, although other means are available for us to obtain financing at the holding company
level, Baidu, Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to the shareholders and to service any debt it may incur may depend upon dividends paid by our mainland
China subsidiaries and license and service fees paid by the variable interest entities. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf, the
instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to Baidu, Inc. In addition, our mainland China subsidiaries are permitted to pay
dividends to Baidu, Inc. only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Further,
our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are required to make
7
Table of Contents
appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations to certain discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends
except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies. For more details, see “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity
and Capital Resources—Holding Company Structure.”
Under the laws and regulations of mainland China, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are subject to certain
restrictions with respect to paying dividends or otherwise transferring any of their net assets to us. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned
enterprise out of mainland China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. The
amounts restricted include the paid-up capital and the statutory reserve funds of our mainland China subsidiaries and the net assets of the variable
interest entities in which we have no legal ownership, totaling RMB45.0 billion, RMB45.9 billion and RMB47.3 billion (US$6.9 billion) as of
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. For risks relating to the fund flows of our operations in mainland China, see “Item 3.D. Key
Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Our subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in mainland China are
subject to restrictions on paying dividends and making other payments to our holding company.”
From 2020 to 2022, certain of our mainland China subsidiaries have declared and distributed profits earned to Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited for an
aggregate amount of RMB20.0 billion (US$2.9 billion); the dividend payments are subject to withholding tax. We have made tax provisions based on
the corresponding tax rate. If our mainland China subsidiaries further declare and distribute profits earned after January 1, 2008 in the future, the
dividend payments will be subject to withholding tax, which will increase our tax liability and reduce the amount of cash available to our company. For
the potential distributable profits to be distributed to our qualified Hong Kong incorporated subsidiary, the deferred tax liabilities are accrued at a 5%
withholding tax rate. For more information on related risks, please see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in
China—If our mainland China subsidiaries declare and distribute dividends to their respective offshore parent companies, we will be required to pay
more taxes, which could have a material and adverse effect on our result of operations.”
Under the laws of mainland China, Baidu Inc. may provide funding to our mainland China subsidiaries only through capital contributions or loans,
and to the variable interest entities only through loans, subject to satisfaction of applicable government registration and approval requirements.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Baidu, Inc. provided loans with principal amount of RMB10.0 billion, RMB14.5 billion
and RMB11.0 billion (US$1.6 billion), respectively, to its subsidiaries, and the subsidiaries repaid principal amount of RMB15.4 billion, RMB4.9 billion
and RMB12.6 billion (US$1.8 billion), respectively, to Baidu, Inc.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the subsidiaries of Baidu, Inc. provided loans with principal amount of RMB6.5 billion,
RMB3.1 billion and RMB22.3 billion (US$3.2 billion), respectively, to Baidu, Inc. and Baidu, Inc. repaid principal amount of RMB3.5 billion,
RMB3.0 billion and RMB3.1 billion (US$449 million), respectively, to its subsidiaries.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, loans for the amounts of RMB602 million, RMB409 million and RMB65 million (US$9
million), respectively, were provided to the nominee shareholders to fund the capitalization of the variable interest entities for which the Company does
not intend to seek repayment, and nil was repaid by the nominee shareholders.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the variable interest entities received RMB5.0 billion, RMB6.9 billion and
RMB5.4 billion (US$780 million), respectively, as capital contributions or loans from the subsidiaries of Baidu, Inc. and the variable interest entities
repaid principal amount of RMB1.1 billion, nil and RMB6.5 billion (US$940 million), respectively, to the subsidiaries.
8
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For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the variable interest entities provided loans with principal amount of RMB261 million,
RMB450 million and nil, respectively, to the subsidiaries of Baidu, Inc. and the subsidiaries repaid principal amount of RMB36 million, RMB10 million
and RMB200 million (US$29 million), respectively, to the variable interest entities.
Baidu, Inc. has not declared or paid any cash dividends, nor does it has any present plan to pay any cash dividends on its ordinary shares in the
foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business. See
“Item 8. Financial Information— A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividend Policy.” For mainland China and United
States federal income tax considerations of an investment in our ADSs, see “Item 10. Additional Information— E. Taxation.”
A.
Selected Financial Data
The following table presents the selected consolidated financial information for our company. The selected consolidated statements of
comprehensive income data and cash flow data for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and the consolidated balance sheets data as
of December 31, 2021 and 2022 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in this annual report
beginning on page F-1. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income data and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2018
and 2019 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, which are not included in this annual report. Our historical results do not
necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects” below. Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Year Ended December 31,
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
(In millions, except per share and per ADS data)
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
RMB
2022
US$
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Data:
Revenues:
Online marketing services
Others
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
81,912
20,365
74,711 10,832
7,099
48,964
102,277 107,413 107,074 124,493 123,675 17,931
80,695
43,798
72,840
34,234
78,093
29,320
62,850
51,744
19,910
19,231
15,772
18,346
86,747 101,106
6,307
15,530
(6,647)
11,795
(340)
27,325
1,948
4,743
(2,288)
22,582
(4,345)
(4,991)
2,057
27,573
9
64,314
24,723
24,938
63,935
20,514
23,315
9,269
55,158
2,975
18,063
19,513
3,380
92,734 113,975 107,764 15,624
2,307
14,340
(841)
8,750
1,466
23,090
4,064
374
1,092
19,026
(4)
(3,446)
1,096
22,472
10,518
260
10,778
3,187
7,591
(2,635)
10,226
15,911
(5,799)
10,112
2,578
7,534
(25)
7,559
Table of Contents
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments, net(1)
Total assets(2)
Short-term loans
Long-term loans, current portion
Long-term loans
Notes payable, current portion
Notes payable
Convertible senior notes, current portion(3)
Convertible senior notes(3)
Total liabilities
Total Baidu, Inc. shareholders’ equity
2018
2019
As of December 31,
2021
2020
2022
RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
996
2,189
3,046
84
7,456
6,871
27,638 33,443 35,782 36,850 53,156 7,707
758 10,821 11,330 1,643
111,626 112,924 126,402 143,243 120,839 17,520
297,566 301,316 332,708 380,034 390,973 56,686
775
— —
— 12,629 13,722 1,990
6,904 1,001
— 10,505
42,735 38,090 48,408 43,120 39,893 5,784
8,305 1,204
9,568 1,387
121,814 128,501 140,865 156,082 153,168 22,208
162,897 163,599 182,696 211,459 223,478 32,401
—
4,712 12,297 11,927 12,652
2,618
737
7,804
5,219
3,016
7,427
4,168
2
5,343
4,752
—
—
(1) We adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) on January 1, 2020, which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized
cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit
losses.
(2) We adopted ASU No. 2016-02: Leases on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. Right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) and lease
liabilities (including current and non-current) for operating leases are presented on the face of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019, 2020,
2021 and 2022, while the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 has been prepared in accordance with ASC Topic 840, Leases (“ASC 840”).
(3) We adopted ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”) on January 1, 2022 using a
modified retrospective transition method. Upon the adoption of ASU 2020-06, all of the proceeds received from the issuance of the existing notes should be
recorded as a liability on the balance sheet in accordance with ASC 470-20. The difference between the principal amount of each of the existing notes and net
proceeds from the issuance is considered debt discount and is amortized at their respective effective interest rates to accrete the carrying value of the existing notes
to its face value on the respective put dates of the existing notes.
Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Financial Information Related to the Variable Interest Entities
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
35,967 28,458 24,200 20,122 26,170 3,794
(572)
(34,460) (19,974) (27,552) (31,444) (3,944)
5,665 23,396 (6,390)
15,082
(926)
2,101 11,131 17,565 2,547
18,491
(3,873)
4,612
The following tables present the condensed consolidating schedule of financial performance, financial position and cash flows for Baidu, Inc., its
wholly owned subsidiaries that are the Primary Beneficiaries of the VIEs under U.S. GAAP (the “Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs excluding Baidu,
Inc.”), its other subsidiaries that are not the Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs (the “Other Subsidiaries”), the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries that we
consolidate for the periods and as of the dates presented.
•
“Baidu Inc.” is our holding company in the Cayman Islands, and the primary beneficiary of the VIEs including Beijing Baidu Netcom
Science Technology Co., Ltd. (“Baidu Netcom”) and Beijing Perusal
10
Table of Contents
Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”) and other VIEs. “Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs excluding Baidu, Inc.” mainly refer to iQIYI,
Inc., the primary beneficiary of Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing iQIYI”) and other iQIYI VIEs.
•
“Other Subsidiaries” refer to the sum of non-VIE subsidiaries, which mainly include Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(“Baidu Online”), Baidu (China) Co., Ltd. (“Baidu China”), Baidu.com Times Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Baidu Times”), Beijing
QIYI Century Science & Technology Co., Ltd (“Beijing QIYI Century”, a wholly-owned foreign enterprise of iQIYI, Inc.), and other
wholly-owned subsidiaries, which mainly provide online marketing services to external customers. In addition, as instructed by the
primary beneficiaries of the VIEs, certain wholly-owned subsidiaries including Baidu Online and Beijing QIYI Century also provide long-
term loans to the nominee shareholders of the VIEs to fund the capitalization of these entities as well as exclusive technology consulting
and services to the VIEs.
•
“VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries” refer to the sum of Baidu Netcom, Beijing Perusal, Beijing iQIYI and other iQIYI VIEs, and other VIEs.
Selected Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income Information
Revenues
Share of income (loss) of the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries
Net income (loss)
Revenues
Share of (loss) income of the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries
Net income (loss)
Revenues
Share of income (loss) of the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries
Net income (loss)
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
14
164
(272)
Baidu,
Inc.
—
158
7,559
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
4
(2,067)
(6,248)
Baidu,
Inc.
—
(276)
10,226
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
—
(1,045)
(7,055)
Baidu,
Inc.
—
2,483
22,472
11
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
RMB
(In millions)
82,471
—
11,640
62,121
—
212
Consolidated
Eliminations
Total
(20,931)
(322)
(11,605)
123,675
—
7,534
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
RMB
(In millions)
83,424
—
16,330
61,380
—
(220)
Consolidated
Eliminations
Total
(20,315)
2,343
(12,497)
124,493
—
7,591
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
RMB
(In millions)
69,425
—
26,137
52,666
—
2,091
Consolidated
Eliminations
Total
(15,017)
(1,438)
(24,619)
107,074
—
19,026
Table of Contents
Selected Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Information
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Others
Total current assets
Fixed assets, net
Intangible assets, net
Licensed copyrights, net
Produced content, net
Long-term investments, net
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Contractual interests in the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(1)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Others
Total non-current assets
Amounts due from the entities within Baidu(2)
Total assets
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customers’ deposits and deferred revenue
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total non-current liabilities
Amounts due to the entities within Baidu(2)
Total liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Equity
Total Baidu shareholders’ equity(3)
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and
As of December 31, 2022
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
Other
Subsidiaries
RMB
(In millions)
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
Consolidated
Eliminations
Total
4,351
—
—
48
4,399
—
—
—
—
365
—
243
—
—
152
760
22,648
27,807
167
—
—
8,305
8,472
—
9,568
9,568
—
18,040
5,604
1,041
3,122
4,163
26,333
110,704
3,325
18,587
158,949
16,124
45
4,889
468
36,775
23,329
—
23,778
4,905
32,781
143,094
3,206
305,249
21,482
5,729
255
5,804
33,270
245
3,448
3,693
—
36,963
2,678
265,640
(32)
265,608
3,781
4,650
8,408
8,487
25,326
7,624
1,209
1,952
12,534
18,157
300
—
—
5,460
10,829
58,065
—
83,391
15,749
7,387
2,554
4,678
30,368
4,565
2,098
6,663
18,743
55,774
111
24,662
2,844
27,506
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(274,726)
(24,662)
—
—
(299,388)
(25,854)
(325,242)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(33,899)
(33,899)
—
(291,343)
—
(291,343)
53,156
120,839
11,733
27,122
212,850
23,973
1,254
6,841
13,002
55,297
23,629
—
—
10,365
43,762
178,123
—
390,973
38,014
13,116
2,809
25,691
79,630
4,810
68,728
73,538
—
153,168
8,393
223,478
5,934
229,412
Baidu,
Inc.
18,691
5,485
—
—
24,176
225
—
—
—
—
—
274,483
884
—
—
275,592
—
299,768
616
—
—
6,904
7,520
—
53,614
53,614
15,156
76,290
—
223,478
—
223,478
equity
299,768
27,807
305,249
83,391
(325,242)
390,973
12
Table of Contents
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
Baidu,
Inc.
As of December 31, 2021
Other
VIEs and
VIEs’
Subsidiaries
subsidiaries Eliminations
Consolidated
Total
RMB
(In millions)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Others
Total current assets
Fixed assets, net
Intangible assets, net
Licensed copyrights, net
Produced content, net
Long-term investments, net
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Contractual interests in the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(1)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Others
Total non-current assets
Amounts due from the entities within Baidu(2)
Total assets
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customers’ deposits and deferred revenue
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total non-current liabilities
Amounts due to the entities within Baidu(2)
Total liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Equity
Total Baidu shareholders’ equity(3)
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and
11,448
6,499
—
61
18,008
199
—
—
—
—
—
251,929
2,117
—
—
254,245
6,116
278,369
712
—
—
10,450
11,162
—
55,748
55,748
—
66,910
—
211,459
—
211,459
1,673
2
—
50
1,725
—
1
—
—
374
—
—
—
—
152
527
18,751
21,003
71
—
—
—
71
—
12,655
12,655
—
12,726
4,912
20,850
133,756
2,491
15,056
172,153
13,923
74
4,969
525
36,046
7,914
—
24,095
4,989
33,548
126,083
3,269
301,505
22,249
7,656
243
2,515
32,663
316
6,589
6,905
—
39,568
1,580
850
2,515
3,365
259,577
780
260,357
2,879
2,986
7,490
8,074
21,429
8,905
1,614
2,289
10,426
22,998
—
106
—
7,076
10,697
64,111
—
85,540
18,352
6,050
2,619
3,571
30,592
5,253
1,033
6,286
19,744
56,622
656
26,212
2,050
28,262
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(252,035)
(26,212)
—
—
(278,247)
(28,136)
(306,383)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(19,744)
(19,744)
—
(286,639)
—
(286,639)
36,850
143,243
9,981
23,241
213,315
23,027
1,689
7,258
10,951
59,418
7,914
—
—
12,065
44,397
166,719
—
380,034
41,384
13,706
2,862
16,536
74,488
5,569
76,025
81,594
—
156,082
7,148
211,459
5,345
216,804
equity
278,369
21,003
301,505
85,540
(306,383)
380,034
13
Table of Contents
Note:
(1)
(2)
(3)
It represents the elimination of the contractual interests in the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries, which includes contractual interests in the VIEs through loans to
nominee shareholders or capital contributions and the primary beneficiaries’ share of income (loss) from the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries.
It represents the elimination of intercompany balances among Baidu, Inc., the primary beneficiaries, other subsidiaries and the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries. The
short-term loans and long-term loans provided to the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries were RMB8.8 billion (US$1.3 billion) and RMB8.1 billion (US$1.2 billion),
respectively, as of December 31, 2022 and RMB7.4 billion and RMB10.6 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.
The loans provided to the nominee shareholders were RMB19.1 billion (US$2.8 billion) and RMB19.4 billion as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively,
which will mature from 2027 to 2047. The loans provided to the nominee shareholders were to fund the capitalization of the VIEs for which the Company does not
intend to seek repayment. The term of all such loans provided to the nominee shareholders has historically been extended prior to their respective original maturity
dates, and we will continue to extend the term of all outstanding loans before they become due.
Selected Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows Information
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by/ (used in) investing activities
Including: Cash contribution to VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(1)(2)
Loans provided to VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(3)
Loans repayments from VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(3)
Net cash provided by/ (used in) financing activities
Including: Cash contribution to VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(1)(2)
Loans provided to VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(3)
Loans repayments from VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(3)
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
Eliminations
Consolidated
Total
RMB
(In millions)
(161)
(2,773)
25,664
(21,268)
2,938
(1,898)
147
19,242
26,170
(3,944)
—
—
—
5,580
—
—
—
(65)
(5,313)
6,480
795
—
—
—
(64)
65
5,313
—
—
(6,480)
(19,389)
—
(7,024)
—
—
65
5,313
(65)
(5,313)
—
(6,480)
6,480
—
—
—
Baidu,
Inc.
(2,418)
2,753
—
—
—
6,054
—
—
—
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Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Including: Cash contribution to VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(1)(2)
Loans provided to VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(3)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Including: Cash contribution to VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(1)(2)
Loans provided to VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(3)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Including: Cash contribution to VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(1)(2)
Loans provided to VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(3)
Loans repayments from VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(3)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Including: Cash contribution to VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(1)(2)
Loans provided to VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries(3)
Loans repayments from VIEs and VIEs’
subsidiaries(3)
Baidu,
Inc.
(1,853)
(16,183)
—
—
25,628
—
—
Baidu,
Inc.
(1,912)
5,921
—
—
—
(1,757)
—
—
—
15
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
Consolidated
Eliminations
Total
RMB
(In millions)
(371)
(3,564)
18,080
(25,522)
4,121
(7,551)
145
21,376
20,122
(31,444)
—
—
(272)
—
—
(1,408)
(5,520)
15,562
—
—
—
—
3,999
1,408
5,520
1,408
5,520
(21,521)
(1,408)
(5,520)
—
—
23,396
—
—
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Primary
Beneficiaries
of VIEs
excluding
Baidu, Inc.
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs and
VIEs’
subsidiaries
RMB
(In millions)
Consolidated
Eliminations
Total
(295)
(7,284)
21,643
(27,557)
4,616
(8,382)
(3,502)
(1,507)
1,136
2,566
—
—
—
—
—
3,859
3,502
1,507
—
—
—
10,895
—
—
—
—
(1,136)
1,136
148
9,750
3,502
1,507
(1,136)
(9,898)
(3,502)
(1,507)
24,200
(27,552)
—
—
—
5,665
—
—
—
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Note:
(1)
(2)
(3)
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the primary beneficiaries designated its subsidiaries to provide loans totaling RMB602 million,
RMB409 million and RMB65 million (US$9 million), respectively, to the nominee shareholders to fund the capitalization of the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries for
which the primary beneficiaries do not intend to seek repayment, and nil was repaid by the nominee shareholders.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries received RMB2.9 billion, RMB1.0 billion and nil, respectively, as capital
contribution from other subsidiaries.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries received RMB1.5 billion, RMB5.5 billion and RMB5.3 billion (US$770
million), respectively, as loans from other subsidiaries and the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries repaid principal amounts of RMB1.1 billion, nil and RMB6.5 billion
(US$940 million), respectively, to other subsidiaries.
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares involves significant risks. Below is a summary of material risks we face, organized under
relevant headings. All the operational risks associated with being based in and having operations in mainland China also apply to operations in Hong
Kong. With respect to the legal risks associated with being based in and having operations in mainland China, the laws, regulations and the discretion of
mainland China governmental authorities discussed in this annual report are expected to apply to mainland China entities and businesses, rather than
entities or businesses in Hong Kong which operate under a different set of laws from mainland China. These risks are discussed more fully in Item 3.D.
Key Information—Risk Factors.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
If we fail to retain existing customers or attract new customers for our online marketing services, our business, results of operations and
growth prospects could be seriously harmed;
Our business and results of operations could continue to be materially and adversely affected by the challenging macroeconomic
environment impacting online marketing demand;
Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand, our business and results of operations
may be harmed;
We face risks associated with our proposed acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business;
We face significant competition and may suffer from loss of users and customers as a result;
If our expansions into new businesses are not successful, our results of operation and growth prospects may be materially and adversely
affected;
We have experienced slowdowns and declines in our revenues, and we may sustain net loss from time to time, and we may experience
downward pressure on our operating and profit margins in the future;
Our business is subject to complex and evolving Chinese and international laws and regulations, including those regarding data privacy
and cybersecurity. Failure to comply with these laws and
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regulations would result in claims, penalties, damages to our reputation and brand, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise
harm our business; and
•
We have been and may again be subject to legal proceedings, claims and investigations and could be adversely impacted by unfavorable
results of legal proceedings and investigations.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
•
•
•
Our company is a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the variable interest entities and we conduct our
operations in mainland China through (i) our mainland China subsidiaries and (ii) the variable interest entities with which we have
maintained contractual arrangements. Investors in our Class A ordinary shares or the ADSs thus are not purchasing equity interest in the
variable interest entities in mainland China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman Islands holding company. If the PRC
government deems that our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities do not comply with mainland China’s regulatory
restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are
interpreted differently in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. Our
holding company in the Cayman Islands, the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future
actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and,
consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the variable interest entities and our company as a group;
Our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities in mainland China and the individual nominee shareholders may not be as
effective in providing control over these entities as direct ownership; and
We are in the process of registering the pledges of equity interests by nominee shareholders of some of the variable interest entities, and we
may not be able to enforce the equity pledges against any third parties who acquire the equity interests in good faith in the relevant variable
interest entities before the pledges are registered.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material and adverse effect on our
business and operations;
The approval of and/or filing with the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our offshore
offerings under the laws of mainland China, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such
approval or complete such filing;
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us;
We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in the regulations of internet and related business and
companies in mainland China;
Failure to meet the PRC government’s complex regulatory requirements on our business operation could have a material adverse effect on
our operations and the value of our securities;
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with the enacted Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other anti-
monopoly laws and regulations may result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, litigation or claims against us and could
have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations;
It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigation or collect evidence within mainland China;
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•
•
The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and
the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the benefits of such
inspections; and
Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or
investigate completely auditors located in China. The delisting or prohibition of trading of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted or
prohibited from trading, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
Risks Related to our ADSs and Class A Ordinary Shares
•
•
•
•
The trading price of our ADSs and/or our Class A ordinary shares has been and is likely to continue to be volatile regardless of our
operating performance;
We adopt different practices as to certain matters as compared with many other companies primarily listed on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange;
Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs in the public market could cause the price
of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs to decline; and
The different characteristics of the capital markets in Hong Kong and the U.S. may negatively affect the trading prices of our Class A
ordinary shares and/or ADSs.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
If we fail to retain existing customers or attract new customers for our online marketing services, our business, results of operations and growth
prospects could be seriously harmed.
We generate a substantial majority of our revenues from online marketing services. Our online marketing customers will not continue to do
business with us if their investment does not generate sales leads and ultimately consumers, or if we do not deliver their web pages in an appropriate and
effective manner. Our online marketing customers may choose to discontinue their business with us, which are not subject to fixed-term contracts. In
addition, third parties may develop and use certain technologies to block the display of our customers’ advertisements and other marketing products on
our Baidu platform, which may in turn cause us to lose customers and adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, as our auction-based P4P
services enable our customers to bid for priority placement of their paid sponsored links, we may lose customers if they find the bidding mechanism not
cost effective or otherwise not attractive. Additionally, if our users do not increase their engagement on our platform, or our content ecosystem fails to
offer rich and quality content that meets users’ tastes and preferences, or our users spend more time with or otherwise satisfy their content consumption
demands on competing platforms, or we otherwise experience user traffic decline due to any reason, it would be difficult for us to attract new customers
or retain existing customers. If our customers determine that their expenditures on our platform do not generate expected returns, they may allocate a
portion or all of their advertising budgets to other advertising channels, such as other online marketing platforms, television and outdoor media, and
reduce or discontinue business with us. Failure to retain our existing customers or attract new customers for our online marketing services could
seriously harm our business, results of operations and growth prospects. We have recorded substantial customer deposits and deferred revenue, which
mainly consist of deposits received from certain customers of our online marketing services. If we are unable to fulfill our obligation in respect of such
customer deposits and deferred revenue, we may have to refund the balance to our customers and our cash flow and liquidity position would be
materially adversely affected.
Since most of our customers are not bound by long-term contracts, they may amend or terminate advertising arrangements with us. Failure to
retain existing customers or attract new ones to advertise on our platform may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects.
We have in the past removed, and may in the future again remove, questionable listings or advertisements to ensure the quality and reliability of
our search results and/or information feed. Such removal, whether temporary
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or permanent, may cause affected customers to discontinue their business with us or negatively impact our relationships with affected Baidu Union
partners. We also examine the relevant business licenses and bank accounts of prospective customers prior to business engagement, as a quality control
measure. In addition, we have taken steps to implement measures requested by PRC regulatory authorities, such as modifying paid search practices and
limiting the displays of advertisements in connection with certain industries. We have also proactively implemented numerous additional measures to
deliver a better user experience and build a safer and more trustworthy platform for users. Such measures have had a negative impact on the number of
customers and our revenues, although we believe such impact is likely to be temporary. Regulations on online marketing services in mainland China are
evolving, and uncertainties remain with respect to the implementation of and compliance with new regulations that may emerge, which in turn may have
a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.
Our business and results of operations could continue to be materially and adversely affected by the challenging macroeconomic environment
impacting online marketing demand.
Online marketing services continue to be a primary source of our revenues and declined in 2022, mainly due to the weakness in online advertising
demand as our customers face challenging macroeconomic environment in their respective industries and in the general economy, including the
significant adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our business and results of operations could continue to be materially and adversely affected by
the challenging macroeconomic environment and the general growth in online marketing through internet search or feed. While the internet has
developed to a more advanced stage in China, customers have many channels to conduct online marketing and promotions. As users may not spend as
much time on search-plus-newsfeed as they do on other types of internet platforms, many current and potential customers may not allocate as much of
their marketing budgets to online marketing through search-plus-newsfeed, as compared to other methods of online marketing. Our ability to increase
revenue and profitability from online marketing may be adversely impacted by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including
but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
difficulties associated with developing and maintaining a larger user base with demographic characteristics attractive to online marketing
customers and maintaining and increasing user engagement;
increased competition and potential re-allocation of marketing budgets and downward pressure on online marketing prices, for example,
resulting from an oversupply of advertising inventory released into the market;
higher customer acquisition costs due in part to the limited experience of small to medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, with the internet as
a marketing channel or due to competition;
decreased use of our search and paid click because search queries are increasingly being undertaken via voice-activated smart devices,
apps, social media or other online platforms;
ineffectiveness of our online marketing delivery, tracking and reporting systems;
decreased use of internet or online marketing in China; and
tightened regulatory environment in mainland China’s internet and mobile internet space.
Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand, our business and results of operations may be
harmed.
We believe that our brand “Baidu” has contributed significantly to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing the
“Baidu” brand is critical to increasing the number of our users, customers, Baidu Union partners and content providers, as well as to expanding our
developer communities and to attracting and retaining enterprise and public sector customers and partners. We have conducted various marketing and
brand promotion activities, but we cannot assure you that these activities will achieve the brand promotion effect expected by us. If we fail to maintain
and further promote the “Baidu” brand, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and results of operations may be materially and
adversely affected.
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In addition, any negative publicity about us, our products and services, our employees, our business practices, our search results or the platform to
which our search results link, regardless of its veracity, could harm our brand image and in turn adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to defuse negative publicity to the satisfaction of our investors, users, customers and business partners. From
time to time, there has been negative publicity about us, our brand image, our value proposition and our business practice, which has adversely affected
our public image and reputation during certain periods of intense negative publicity. Moreover, our platform and services by nature may from time to
time be related to, or perceived to be related to, certain controversial public events or discussion, leading to public criticism against us. The negative
publicity surrounding similar incidents have resulted in significant adverse impact on our public image and reputation. Intense negative publicity may
divert our management’s attention and may adversely impact our business. We cannot assure you that our brand, public image and reputation will not be
materially and adversely affected in the future.
We face risks associated with our proposed acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.
Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. and certain of its affiliates, which
are collectively referred to as JOYY, to acquire JOYY’s domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business in China (“YY Live”) on
November 16, 2020, and subsequently amended the share purchase agreement on February 7, 2021. The closing of this acquisition is subject to certain
conditions, including, among others, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from governmental authorities. The share purchase agreement is subject
to termination if the closing does not occur by the long stop date, and we and JOYY have agreed to extend the long stop date indefinitely until the
extension is terminated by either party. We have paid an aggregate of US$1.9 billion, after considering working capital adjustment of US$0.1 billion, to
JOYY and its designated escrow account, and deposited an aggregate of US$1.6 billion into several escrow accounts, in accordance with the terms and
schedule set forth in the share purchase agreement. Despite good faith efforts, we have not obtained necessary regulatory approvals with respect to the
proposed acquisition as of the date of this annual report. There can be no assurance that the relevant regulatory approvals will be obtained or the
acquisition of YY Live will be closed. In the event the acquisition is not closed, we will not be able to achieve the intended objectives, benefits or
opportunities associated thereto, despite the significant diversion of resources and management attention to date, and we may also suffer from material
adverse impact on our business, prospects, reputation, liquidity, financial results and face disputes or other proceedings.
On November 18, 2020, Muddy Waters issued a short seller report containing certain allegations against JOYY, including YY Live business.
Based on public records, in November 2020, JOYY and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in a federal
putative securities class action alleging that they made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the
allegations contained in the Muddy Waters short seller report. On February 8, 2021, JOYY publicly disclosed that its audit committee conducted an
independent review of the allegations raised in the report related to the YY Live business, with the assistance of independent counsel, working with a
team of experienced forensic auditors and data analytics experts, and that the review concluded that the allegations raised and conclusions reached in the
report about the YY Live business were not substantiated. In March 2022, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss in its entirety with prejudice.
On April 8, 2022, the co-lead plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal. JOYY cannot reasonably estimate a potential future loss at this stage. We are unable to
predict any further consequence that may arise from or relate in any way to the allegations contained in the Muddy Waters short seller report. There
might be other class actions or regulatory enforcement actions in connection with such allegations. Any adverse outcome as a result of the short seller
report, or any class action or regulatory enforcement action in connection thereof, could have a material adverse effect on YY Live’s business, financial
condition, results of operation, cash flows, and reputation, and we may record impairment charges of intangible assets and goodwill in connection with
the acquisition, if closed, in the future. Although the allegations against JOYY have been proven to be groundless, we had already allocated a portion of
our resources to make assessment in relation to the short seller report and various matters provided for in the share purchase agreement. In the event that
there is a dispute as to whether indemnification provision is triggered, we may need to utilize a
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significant portion of our resources and divert management’s attention from our day-to-day operations to resolve such disputes, including any litigation
or other legal proceedings arising thereof.
Even if the acquisition of YY Live is closed eventually, there can be no assurance that the acquisition will bring the anticipated benefits and
opportunities to us. We have relatively limited experience with operating the online live streaming business and we may not be able to successfully
integrate YY Live into our existing business. We face uncertainties and challenges in navigating the complex regulatory environment, competing
effectively in attracting and retaining users and hosts, and developing and/or upgrading products and services as well as technologies to meet
everchanging user needs. If implemented ineffectively or if impacted by unforeseen negative economic or market conditions or other factors, we may
not realize the full anticipated benefits of the acquisition of YY Live. Our failure to meet the challenges involved in realizing the anticipated benefits of
the acquisition of YY Live could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our results of operations.
The acquisition and integration of the businesses may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses and
diversion of management’s attention, and we may record impairment charges in connection therewith if the anticipated benefits of the acquisition fail to
realize. We would be subject to and may not be able to successfully manage a variety of additional risks associated with combining YY Live with us.
These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the online live streaming business is based on a relatively new business model in a relatively new market in which user demand may
change or decrease substantially;
challenges in the integration of operations and systems and in managing the expanded operations of a larger and more complex company;
challenges in achieving anticipated business opportunities and growth prospects from combining YY Live with the rest of our businesses;
rules and measures governing online live streaming businesses and hosts, both in and outside of mainland China, are complex and
evolving, and we may not be able to navigate such complex regulatory environment or to respond to future changes in regulatory
environment in an effective and timely manner;
we may face significant risks related to the content and communications on YY Live, as a majority of the communications on YY Live are
conducted in real time, and we are unable to verify the sources of all information posted thereon or examine the content generated by users
before it is posted;
the revenue model for online live streaming may not remain effective, and we may not be able to retain existing users, attract new users,
keep users engaged and attract more paying users;
we may not be able to retain or attract popular talents such as performers, channel managers, professional game players, commentators and
hosts for our live streaming platform or these talents may fail to draw fans or participants; and
unanticipated additional costs and expenses resulting from integrating into our business additional personnel, operations, products,
services, technology, internal controls and financial reporting responsibilities.
In addition, on March 12, 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC, and the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOC,
issued the Negative List for Market Access (2022 Version), which, among others, prohibits non-state capital from engaging in live streaming and
broadcasting of events and activities involving politics, economy, military affairs, diplomatic affairs, major social events, culture, science and
technology, public health, education and sports and such other activities and events related to political direction, public opinion orientation and value
orientation. The scope of these restricted subject matters for live streaming and broadcasting is relatively broad and vague, and is subject to further
clarifications and interpretations by the regulator. Even if we were able to close the acquisition of YY Live eventually, we may need to further adjust the
business and operations of YY Live, which may be adversely affected.
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We face significant competition and may suffer from loss of users and customers as a result.
We face significant competition in almost every aspect of our business. For Baidu Core business, our primary competitors are mainly internet
companies, online marketing platforms in China and other search engines. We compete with these entities for both users and customers on the basis of
user traffic, cyber security quality (relevance) of search (and other marketing and advertising) results, availability and user experience products and
services, distribution channels and the number of associated third-party websites. iQIYI competes with other internet media and entertainment services,
such as internet and social platforms and short-form video platforms, as well as major TV stations. iQIYI competes with these market players for both
users and advertising customers, and primarily on the basis of obtaining IP rights to popular content, conducting brand promotions and other marketing
activities, and making investments in and acquisitions of business partners. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—
Competition.” Some of our competitors have significant financial resources, long operating histories and are experienced in attracting and retaining their
users, accommodating their users’ habits and preferences and managing customers. They may use their experience and resources to compete with us in a
variety of ways, including competing for users and their time, customers, third-party agents, content, strategic partners and networks of third-party
websites/wapsites, investing more heavily in research and development and making investments and acquisitions. Our business environment is rapidly
evolving and competitive. Our business faces changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of rival products and services.
Some of our competitors in the search sector may have innovative business models, extensive distribution network or proprietary content or
technologies that may provide users with better user experience and customers with better services. They may use their resources in ways that could
affect our competitive position, including developing new products, making acquisitions, continuing to invest heavily in research and development and
in talent, and continuing to compete aggressively for users, advertisers, customers, the acquisition of traffic and content. If any of our competitors
provides comparable or better Chinese language search and feed experience or internet video services, our user traffic could decline significantly.
Additionally, if the channels and properties that we use to distribute services or products to our users and customers are no longer available to us, we
may experience a decline in user traffic. Any such decline in traffic could weaken our brand and result in loss of users and customers, which could have
a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
There are vertical service providers in the forms of mobile apps and/or websites that allow users to search within their closed ecosystems. These
players often purchase traffic from search engines and try to retain their users by offering comprehensive services on their platforms. As these vertical
service providers expand, though they will continue to acquire traffic from search engines, their reliance on search engines may decline, especially if
they can consolidate their industry verticals.
We also face competition from other types of advertising media, including traditional advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, yellow
pages, billboards, other forms of outdoor media, television and radio, mobile apps, webcasting and online video. Large companies in China generally
allocate, and may continue to allocate, a limited portion of their budgets to online marketing, as opposed to traditional advertising and other forms of
advertising media. If these companies do not devote a larger portion of their marketing budgets to online marketing services provided by us, or if our
existing customers reduce the amount they spend on online marketing, our results of operations and growth prospects could be adversely affected.
If our expansions into new businesses are not successful, our results of operation and growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
As part of our growth strategy, we enter into new businesses from time to time to generate additional revenue streams and through our
development of new business lines or strategic investments in or acquisitions of other businesses. Expansions into new businesses may present
operating, marketing and compliance challenges that differ from those that we currently encounter.
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We have invested significant resources in the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and have made significant
progress in the commercialization of AI-enabled offerings, including in-app services, cloud services and solutions, intelligent driving services and
solutions and smart devices and services. We plan to continue to invest capital and other resources into our AI-enabled business operations. However, AI
technology is rapidly evolving with significant uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that our investment and exploration in AI technology and
AI-enabled products and services will be successful. Our operating results may also suffer if our innovation is not responsive to the needs of our users,
customers and partners, inappropriately timed with market opportunities, or marketed ineffectively. For example, we have limited experience with
operating and scaling AI-enabled business, including cloud services and solutions, intelligent driving services and solutions and smart devices and
services, which could subject us to various challenges and risks, including developing and managing relationships with enterprises and public sector
customers and partners, who are likely to have different needs and preferences from our existing customers, users and partners, highly competitive
procurement processes, instances of corrupt practices or other illegal gains, longer receivable payment cycles and lower collection rates. We also may
not alter our business practices in time to avoid or reduce adverse effects from any of the foregoing risks. In addition, our AI-enabled business requires
very different products and services, sales and marketing channels and internal operational systems and processes. These requirements could disrupt our
current operations and harm our financial condition and operating results, especially during the initial stage of investment, development and scaling of
our new AI-enabled offerings.
We may also enter into other markets and industries/industry verticals that are new to us through organic business initiatives or investment and
acquisitions, such as e-commerce, short-video, and healthcare vertical including internet hospital, which may subject us to different and unforeseen
risks. However, we cannot assure you that such efforts will be successful. For these new markets and industries/industry verticals, we may not have
sufficient experience and may not be able to navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory environment or forecast and meet the continually changing
demands and preferences for products and services. Some of these new markets and industries/industry verticals are emerging with relatively novel and
untested business models. Any of the foregoing could pose significant challenges to us. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our investments or
acquisitions, due to the uncertainties related to the performance and valuation of the relevant targets, or failure to integrate the targets into our existing
business, or difficulty in operating the acquired business with our existing expertise and resources. See also “—Our strategy of investments and
acquiring complementary businesses and assets may fail.”
It is uncertain whether our strategies will attract users and customers or generate the revenue required to succeed. If we fail to generate sufficient
usage of our new products and services, we may not grow revenue in line with the significant resources we invest in these new businesses. This may
negatively impact gross margins and operating income. Commercial success of our expansion into new business areas depends on many factors,
including innovativeness, competitiveness, effectiveness of distribution and marketing, and pricing and investments strategies, especially in the early
stage of competition for market share. For example, the smart transportation industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Our current and potential
competitors in this industry range from large and established technology companies to emerging start-ups. Some competitors have longer operating
histories in the sector. They can use their experience, resources and network in ways that could affect our competitive position, including making
acquisitions, continuing to invest heavily in research and development and in talents, aggressively initiating intellectual property claims (whether or not
meritorious), and continuing to compete aggressively for customers, partners and investees. Our competitors may be able to innovate and provide
products and services faster than we can or may foresee product-and-service needs before us. As a result, we may not achieve significant revenues from
our new business areas, such as our AI-enabled business operations, for several years, or at all, and may incur significant losses during the process and
fail to recoup our investments. On the other hand, market conditions and general acceptance of products and services could be adversely impacted if
other players in the market fail to adopt appropriate business and operational model, develop and offer successful products and services and develop and
adapt appropriate technologies and infrastructure. If the markets of our new businesses, such as intelligent driving and electric vehicle, do not
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develop and grow as we anticipate, we may incur significant loss from our new businesses and our growth prospects may be materially adversely
impacted.
In addition, we may encounter regulatory uncertainties related to new business areas that we enter into. The laws and regulations related to AI
technology and products are at an early stage of development and still evolving in mainland China. The effects of such laws and regulations remain
unclear and may add uncertainties to the development and operation of our AI-related business. For example, as mainland China’s regulatory framework
on autonomous driving evolves, we may be required to comply with approval and other compliance requirements for autonomous driving road test,
operation and commercialization, internet security and related data collection and sharing promulgated by PRC government authorities from time to
time. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Artificial Intelligence.” We may confront other
challenges as we enter new business domains, including the lack of adoption of new products and services, the lack of management talent in the new
business, cost management and other factors required for the expansion of new businesses.
We have experienced slowdowns and declines in our revenues, and we may sustain net loss from time to time, and we may experience downward
pressure on our operating and profit margins in the future.
From 2018 to 2022, we experienced a slow-down in revenue growth or even a decrease due to macroeconomic environment and the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic. We could continue to experience a decline in our revenues, as a result of a number of factors, including changes in the mix of
products and services, customer demographics, industry and channel, changes in policy or policy implementation, increase in market competition for
marketing and/or new AI offerings, and decrease in pricing arising from an oversupply of advertising inventory in the market, which has been witnessed
since 2019. We may also experience a decline in our revenue or revenue growth rate, if there is a decrease in the rate of adoption for our products,
services and technologies, or deceleration or decline in demand for platforms used to access our services, among other factors.
Our operating margin and net income attributable to us as a percentage of revenue fluctuated notably from 2018 to 2022 due to macroeconomic
environment and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may experience downward pressure on our operating margin from increasing competition,
revenue growth slower than expenses, and increased costs and expenses from many aspects of our business, including within online marketing where
revenue growth does not keep up with traffic cost growth and related infrastructure costs to support our online properties, such as Baidu App, video-
related and other products requiring huge data transmission and computing power. We may also pay increased fees for our distribution channels, as well
as increased content acquisition costs to content providers. Additionally, an increase in personnel-related costs, an increase in spending to promote new
products and services, the expiration of temporary tax exemptions or reductions, and the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has negatively
affected our revenue growth and delayed certain spending, may dampen our operating margin. We may also experience downward pressure on our
operating margin resulting from a variety of factors, such as the expansion of our business into new areas, including AI cloud, intelligent driving, voice
assistant & smart device, all of which have margins much lower than that of online marketing. Our operating margin may also be negatively impacted
from a greater proportion of revenue contributed by new business areas, which has grown faster than online marketing.
In addition, we may also sustain net loss from time to time due to investment impairment and foreign currency fluctuation. Declining operating
margin and investment impairment have caused us to experience a net loss in the first quarter of 2020, and there is no guarantee that we will not
experience loss in the future.
Due to these factors and the evolving nature of our business, our historical revenue growth rate, historical operating margin and historical
profitability may not be indicative of our future performance.
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If we fail to continue to innovate and provide products, services and high-quality internet experience that attract and retain users, we may not be
able to generate sufficient user traffic to remain competitive; we may expend significant resources in order to remain competitive.
Our success depends on providing products and services to attract users and enable users to have a high-quality internet experience. In order to
attract and retain users and compete against our competitors, we must continue to invest significant resources in research and development to enhance
our AI or other new technologies, improve our existing products and services, and introduce additional high-quality products and services. If we are
unable to anticipate user preferences or industry changes, enhance the quality of our products and services on a timely basis or fail to provide sufficient
content, or provide other consumer-facing services and products, including our maps and smart devices, to our users’ satisfaction, we may suffer a
decline in the size of our user base. Our results of operations may also suffer if our innovations do not respond to the needs of our users, are not
appropriately timed with market opportunities or are not effectively brought to market. As search, marketing and AI technologies and new forms of
devices and apps continue to develop, we may expend significant resources in research and development and strategic investments and acquisitions in
order to remain competitive.
If we fail to keep up with technological advancements and upgrades, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially
and adversely affected.
Our businesses operate in industries that are subject to rapid technological advancements, upgrades and changing consumer needs. Our success
will depend on our ability to keep up with the latest developments in technology innovations and commercialization and if we fail to do so successfully,
the demand for our products, solutions and services may decline. For instance, the ChatGPT chatbot developed by OpenAI, whose core function is to
mimic a human conversationalist, has recently been prevalently tried by people worldwide. Similar applications of ChatGPT or related technology to our
products and services to cater to consumer needs may be essential for us to remain competitive in the market. In addition, research and development of
technological changes and innovations will typically require substantial capital expenditures as well as upgrades of products or services. Furthermore,
we may not execute successfully on our development strategy, including because of challenges with regard to technical hurdles that we fail to overcome
in a timely fashion. As such, if we fail to adapt our products and services to technological innovations in an effective and timely manner, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If our content ecosystem fails to continually offer quality content in a cost effective manner, we may experience declines in user traffic and user
engagement, our business and results of operations may be harmed.
Our content ecosystem consists of products developed for our partners, such as Baijiahao, Smart Mini Program, Managed Page, Baidu Union, and
internally developed content and services products, such as Baidu Knows, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Healthcare, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Experience, Baidu Post,
Haokan, and iQIYI. The success of our content ecosystem depends on our ability to attract content creators and producers to contribute quality content
to our platform by leveraging our user traffic and enhance user engagement through the provision of attractive content, so as to create a virtuous cycle.
We have relied, and will continue to rely, on third parties for the majority of the content offered in our content ecosystem and some of our products
include third party intellectual property. As the competition for quality content becomes increasingly intense in China, we cannot assure you that we will
be able to manage our content acquisition costs effectively and generate sufficient revenues to outpace future increase in content spending. We may also
be unable to renew some of our content or intellectual property licensing agreements upon their expiration or termination and any renewal of the content
or intellectual property licensing agreements may involve higher costs or less favorable terms. If we are not able to license popular premium content on
commercially reasonable terms or renew our content or intellectual property licensing agreements, our financial condition and results of operations may
be materially and adversely affected. We have undertaken significant commitments of future minimum payments under non-cancellable agreements
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for produced content and licensed copyrights. If the content does not achieve anticipated popularity and commercial success, such commitments may not
be recoverable. In addition, we rely on users to contribute content to our various products, including Baijiahao, Baidu Knows, Baidu Wiki, Baidu
Healthcare, Baidu Experience, Baidu Post, Baidu Wenku, Haokan and iQIYI’s user generated content. If these parties fail to develop and maintain high-
quality and engaging content, if our desired premium content becomes exclusive to our competitors, if we are unable to continue to grow our content
offerings and stay competitive vis-à-vis other content platforms, or if a large number of our existing relationships are terminated, the attractiveness of
our content offerings to users may be severely impaired. If we are unable to offer content that meets users’ tastes and preferences on a continuing basis,
including continuously upgrading our content recommendation engines and in a cost effective manner, our user experience may deteriorate, we may
suffer from reduced user traffic, our business and results of operations may be harmed.
We have been and may again be subject to legal proceedings, claims and investigations and could be adversely impacted by unfavorable results of
legal proceedings and investigations.
We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and government investigations, penalties or actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of
business and have not yet been fully resolved, and new legal proceedings, claims, regulatory investigations, penalties or actions may arise in the future.
In addition, agreements entered into by us sometimes include indemnification provisions which may subject us to costs and damages in the event of a
claim against an indemnified third party. The existence of litigation, claims, governmental investigations and proceedings have adversely affected and
may continue to adversely affect our reputation, business and the trading price of our securities. In 2020, the SEC’s Division of Enforcement asked our
subsidiary iQIYI to produce certain financial and operating records and documents related to certain acquisitions and investments that were identified in
the April 7, 2020 short-seller report on iQIYI released by Wolfpack Research (the “Wolfpack Report”). In sum and substance, the Wolfpack Report
alleges that iQIYI inflated its user numbers, inflated its revenue and deferred revenue in connection with certain parts of iQIYI’s business, inflated its
expenses and the purchase prices of certain assets to conceal revenue inflation, and provided misleading financial statements of cash flows by adopting
an incorrect accounting method. Following the publication of the Wolfpack Report, the SEC requested iQIYI to produce certain financial, operating, and
other documents and records primarily related to the allegations in the Wolfpack Report. iQIYI has voluntarily and publicly disclosed the SEC’s request
for information, and, through its legal counsel, it has provided the SEC with requested documents and information. Although no further information was
requested from iQIYI since early 2021, we are unable to predict the timing, outcome, or consequences of the SEC investigation of iQIYI, or from the
SEC’s review of the documents and records requested from iQIYI. In the same year, iQIYI and certain of its current and former directors and officers
were named as defendants in several federal putative securities litigations. Also in 2020, we and certain of our current and former officers were named
as defendants in three federal putative securities class actions, two of which are in regard to certain of the key allegations contained in the Wolfpack
Report. As explained further below, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the third securities class action, which does not relate to the
allegations in the Wolfpack Report, in April 2021, and plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the action in its entirety with prejudice in May 2021. In 2021, we
and certain of our former officers were added as defendants to a separate federal putative securities class action alleging that our subsidiary, iQIYI, made
false and misleading statements relating to the allegations in the Wolfpack Report in its public disclosure documents in violation of federal securities
laws. In the event that a court finds that iQIYI, Baidu and/or other defendants violated any of the applicable securities laws, or in the event that iQIYI,
Baidu and/or other defendants choose to reach a settlement with plaintiffs, iQIYI and/or Baidu may be liable for civil monetary damages and the
potential financial, operational and reputational impact on iQIYI and/or Baidu may be material. However, we cannot predict the timing, outcome or
consequences of these class actions, and there is no basis to conclude at this point whether such actions will be successful or whether we will be subject
to any damages, let alone how much. For more details, see “Item 8.A. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
—Legal Proceedings.” Regardless of the merit of particular claims, legal proceedings, government investigations and proceedings may result in
reputational harm, be expensive to respond, time consuming, disruptive to our operations and distracting to management. In the event we or iQIYI does
not prevail or we or iQIYI enters into
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settlement arrangements in any of these proceedings or investigations, we or iQIYI may incur significant expenses which may materially adversely
affect our results of operations. Separately, in April 2020, we and certain of our current and former officers were named as defendants in a federal
putative securities class action alleging, in sum and substance, that our disclosures were materially false or misleading as they misrepresented Baidu’s
ability to monitor and filter illicit or improper content on its platform, and failed to disclose alleged investigations and violations of PRC regulatory
requirements relating to the monitoring or filtering of illicit or improper content online. In April 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California granted defendants’ motion to dismiss in its entirety, and in May 2021, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed this action in its entirety with
prejudice.
The outcome of legal proceedings and investigations is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters were resolved against us or an
indemnified third party in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, our financial condition and operating results for that
reporting period could be materially adversely affected. Further, such an outcome could result in significant compensatory, punitive or trebled monetary
damages, disgorgement of revenue or profits, remedial corporate measures or injunctive relief against us that could materially adversely affect our
financial condition and operating results.
In addition to the content developed and posted on our platform by ourselves, our users may post information on Baidu Post, Baidu Knows, Baidu
Wiki, Baidu Wenku and other sections of our platform, our content providers may provide content through Baijiahao platform and our P4P customers
may create text-based descriptions, image descriptions and other phrases to be used as text, images or keywords in our search listings, and users can also
use our personal cloud computing service to upload, store and share documents, images, audio and videos on our cloud servers. We have been and may
continue to be subject to claims and investigations for intellectual property ownership and infringement, defamation, negligence or other legal theories
based on the content found on our platform, the results in our paid search listings or our other products and services, which, with or without merit, may
result in diversion of management attention and financial resources and negative publicity for our brand and reputation. In November 2018, an
individual, together with his related company, filed a complaint alleging acts of, among others, defamation and libel and commercial disparagement
against, among others, us and Robin Yanhong Li in his capacity as our chairman and chief executive officer, in the Supreme Court of New York. The
complaint alleged, among other things, that the defendants published articles containing false and defamatory statements concerning the plaintiffs, and
sought damages in an aggregate amount of US$11 billion, including purported punitive damages of US$10 billion. The plaintiff filed a notice of
voluntary discontinuance of the complaint in the Second State Court Lawsuit, and subsequently filed a nearly identical complaint in the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of New York. In January 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed that complaint in its
entirety with prejudice, and the time for plaintiff to appeal that dismissal has expired. In February 2020, the Supreme Court of New York granted
defendants’ motions to discontinue the Second State Court Lawsuit with prejudice. No appeal of that order has been filed as of the date of this annual
report. We believe these claims to be without merit and intend to continue to defend ourselves vigorously. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information—
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” Furthermore, if the content posted on our platform or found, stored or
shared through our other products and services contains information that government authorities find objectionable, our platform or relevant products or
services may be shut down and we may be subject to other penalties. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We may be subject to liability
for information displayed on or linked to our websites, mobile apps, Smart Mini Program or Managed Page and negative publicity in international media
and our business may be adversely affected as a result.”
We have been, and may again in the future be, subject to claims, investigations or negative publicity based on the results in our paid search
listings. Claims have been filed against us after we allowed certain customers to register keywords containing trademarks, trade names or brand names
owned by others and displayed links to such customers’ websites in our paid search listings. While we maintain a database of certain well-known
trademarks and continually update our system algorithms and functions to guard against customers keywords containing the well-known trademarks that
are owned by others, it is not possible for us to completely prevent
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our customers from bidding on keywords that contain trademarks, trade names or brand names owned by others. There has been negative publicity about
fraudulent information in our paid search listings. Although we have been continually enhancing our technology, control and oversight to prevent
fraudulent websites, web pages and information from appearing in our paid search listings, there is no guarantee that the measures we have taken are
effective at all times. Claims, investigations and negative publicity based on the results in our paid search listings, regardless of their merit, may divert
management attention, severely disrupt our operations, adversely affect our results of operations and harm our reputation.
If we fail to keep up with rapid changes in technologies and user behavior, our future success may be adversely affected.
Our future success will depend on our ability to respond to rapidly changing technologies, adapt our products and services to evolving industry
standards and improve the performance and reliability of our products and services. Our failure to adapt to such changes could harm our business. In
addition, changes in user behavior resulting from technological developments may also adversely affect us. For example, the number of people
accessing the internet through mobile devices and internet of things, or IoTs, such as smartphones, tablets and smart (voice-activated internet) home
devices, has increased in recent years, and we expect this trend to continue while 5G and more advanced mobile communications technologies are
broadly implemented. If we fail to develop products and technologies that are compatible with all mobile devices, IoTs and operating systems, or if the
products and services we develop are not widely accepted and used by users of various mobile devices and IoTs, our position in the mobile internet and
AI sectors may be adversely affected. In addition, the widespread adoption of new internet, networking or telecommunications technologies or other
technological changes could require substantial expenditures to modify or integrate our products, services or infrastructure. If we fail to keep up with
rapid technological changes to remain competitive, or consequently fail to retain users with products and services of exceptional quality, our future
success may be materially and adversely affected.
Our increasing focus on cloud-based services presents execution, competitive and compliance risks; Baidu Core’s results of operations and financial
performance may be materially adversely affected by our ability to develop cloud-based services and generate sufficient usage of such services.
A growing part of our business involves cloud-based services available across a spectrum of computing devices. Our Baidu Core’s cloud services
revenue was RMB17.7 billion (US$2.6 billion), increasing by 18% from 2021. We are devoting significant resources to provide AI solutions, cloud
infrastructure, and other services to enterprises and individuals. At the same time, our competitors are rapidly developing and deploying their cloud-
based solutions and services. Pricing and delivery models are evolving. Devices and form factors influence how users access services in the cloud and
sometimes the user’s choice of which suite of cloud-based services to use. Our success in cloud-based services strategy will depend on the level of
adoption of our products and services. We may not establish market share sufficient to achieve scale necessary to achieve our business objectives or
recoup costs incurred to build and maintain infrastructure to support our cloud-based services. It is uncertain whether our strategies will attract the users
or generate the revenue required to succeed. If we fail to generate sufficient usage of our new products and services, we may not grow revenue in line
with the costs associated with infrastructure development and research and development investments. This may negatively and materially impact our
results of operations and financial performance.
The development of cloud-based services is accompanied by regulatory compliance risks. For example, PRC government authorities are
increasing enforcement efforts against non-compliance relating to companies operating content delivery networks, internet data centers, and internet
service providers. However, the interpretation and application of relevant laws in mainland China and other jurisdictions are often uncertain and in flux,
and any failure or perceived failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations may result in legal proceedings or regulatory actions against us,
and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
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In the past, our peers have experienced data security and infrastructure stability issues arising out of their cloud services. Our cloud services may
also encounter similar issues, which could have a material and adverse impact on our brand, operations and financial performance.
Potential issues in the adoption and use of artificial intelligence in our product offerings may result in reputational harm or liability.
We are building AI into many of our product offerings and we expect this element of our business to be a driver for our future growth. We
envision a future in which AI operates in our services and applications, such as search-plus-feed, cloud services and solutions, intelligent driving
services and solutions and Xiaodu smart devices and services, and the cloud helps our customers become more productive. As with many disruptive
innovations, AI presents risks and challenges that could affect its adoption, and, therefore, our business. Our products and services based on AI may not
be adopted by our users or customers. AI algorithms may be flawed. Datasets may be insufficient or contain biased information. Inappropriate or
controversial data practices by us or others could impair the acceptance of our AI solutions. AI generated content may result in copyright and other legal
issues and our AI generated content related offerings may not be able to compete against that of our competitors. These deficiencies could undermine
the decisions, predictions, or analysis that AI applications produce, subjecting us to legal liability, and brand or reputational harm. In addition, some AI
scenarios present ethical issues. If we enable or offer AI solutions that are controversial because of their impact on human rights, privacy, employment,
or other social issues, we may experience reputational harm or be exposed to liability.
We may face challenges in connection with developing, manufacturing and marketing new Xiaodu smart products in response to changing customer
requirements, new technologies and market competition.
The market for our Xiaodu smart products is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, short product life cycles,
frequent new product introductions, continual improvement in product price and performance characteristics, and price and feature sensitivity on the
part of consumers and businesses. As a result, we must continually introduce new products and technologies and enhance existing products in order to
remain competitive.
The success of our Xiaodu smart products depends on several factors, including our ability to:
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anticipate technology and market trends;
develop innovative new products and enhancements on a timely basis;
distinguish our products from those of our competitors;
manufacture and deliver high-quality products in sufficient volumes at competitive cost structure;
establish strong, efficient online and offline distribution channels;
price our products competitively;
develop a vibrant DuerOS skills store and a large developer community to increase user stickiness and loyalty; and
innovate post-hardware sales monetization models.
If we are unable to develop, manufacture, market and introduce enhanced or new Xiaodu smart products in a timely manner in response to
changing market conditions or customer requirements, including changing fashion trends and styles, it will materially adversely affect our business,
revenue growth, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, as we develop new generations of products more quickly, we expect that the
pace of product obsolescence will increase concurrently. The disposition of inventories of excess or obsolete products may result in reductions to our
operating margins and materially and adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.
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The success of our Xiaodu smart products depends on the continued growth of the smart device market, our ability to establish and maintain the
brand and market share and compete with other companies, and our ability to monetize through services after the initial hardware sale.
We have invested significant resources in the “Xiaodu” brand and the research and development of Xiaodu smart products. If the smart device
market does not continue to grow or grow in unpredictable ways, or we fail to maintain and further promote the “Xiaodu” brand, our revenue may fall
short of expectations and our operating results may be harmed. Also, we have continued to offer sales discounts on Xiaodu smart products to attract
customers, build our brand and gain market share. Offering such discounts has negatively affected, and will continue to negatively affect, our financial
performance in the long term. We cannot assure you that our decision to offer or cease to offer such sales discounts is producing, or will produce,
positive outcomes for our results of operations. The market for smart devices may not continue to grow; even if it does, we may not be successful in
developing and selling devices that appeal to consumers or gain sufficient market acceptance, which typically takes longer in the smart device market.
To succeed in this market, we will need to design, produce and sell innovative and compelling products and partner with other businesses that enable us
to capitalize on new technologies, some of which have developed or may develop and sell smart devices of their own. We are currently exploring
different business models with Xiaodu smart devices, and exploring different monetization model through services after hardware sales, such as
membership, advertising and revenue sharing from distribution of third-party skills. Whether we will be able to achieve profitability in smart devices
depends in part on our ability to generate revenue through services after the initial hardware sale at a level sufficient to cover associated operating
expenses, but there can be no assurance that we will succeed in formulating and implementing the appropriate business and monetization model.
Moreover, competition from other companies that seek to provide smart devices will adversely affect our profitability.
We face a number of manufacturing, supply chain, distribution channel and inventory risks as well as product quality and financing risks that, if
not properly managed, could harm our financial condition, operating results, and prospects.
We rely on third parties to manufacture our Xiaodu smart products, to design certain of our components and parts, and to participate in the
distribution of our products. Our business could be negatively affected if we are not able to engage these companies with the necessary capabilities or
capacity on reasonable terms, or if those we engage fail to meet their obligations (whether due to financial difficulties or other reasons), or make adverse
changes in the pricing or other material terms of our arrangements with them.
We may experience supply shortages and price increases driven by a variety of factors, such as raw material availability, manufacturing capacity,
labor shortages, tariffs, trade disputes and barriers, natural disasters, and significant changes in the financial or business condition of our suppliers. We
may experience shortages or other supply chain disruptions that could negatively affect our operations. In addition, some of the components we use in
our Xiaodu smart products are available only from a single source or limited sources, and we may not be able to find replacement vendors on favorable
terms in the event of a supply chain disruption.
Our Xiaodu smart products may have quality issues resulting from design, manufacturing, or operations. Sometimes, these issues may be caused
by components we purchase from other manufacturers or suppliers. If the quality of our Xiaodu smart products does not meet expectations or are
defective, it could harm our reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
We are exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect our operating results as a result of seasonality, new product launches, rapid
changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, and other factors. We
endeavor to accurately predict these trends and avoid overstocking or understocking issues. Demand for our Xiaodu smart products, however, can
change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. We may misjudge customer demand, resulting in
inventory buildup and possible significant inventory write-down. It may
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also make it more difficult for us to inspect and control quality and ensure proper handling, storage and delivery. We may experience higher return rates
on new products, receive more customer complaints about them and face costly product liability claims as a result of selling them, which would harm
our brand and reputation as well as our financial performance.
Our Smart Living Group (SLG), which runs the DuerOS and Xiaodu operations, completed its first and second rounds of funding from 2020 to
2022, and has historically experienced an operating loss. If SLG is unable to satisfy its cashflow needs by generating sufficient cash from its operations
in the near future, it may need to rely on subsequent round(s) of financing. If SLG’s operating cashflow does not improve and if SLG fails to conduct
financing on reasonable terms, it may not be able to continue its business operations, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial
performance.
Du Xiaoman’s financial services business may subject us to operational and reputational risks, which may have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
In August 2018, we completed the divestiture of a majority equity stake in our financial services business unit, which has been rebranded as Du
Xiaoman Financial, or Du Xiaoman. After the divestiture, we hold a non-controlling equity interest in Du Xiaoman and have since then deconsolidated
the financial results of Du Xiaoman from our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Du Xiaoman runs a one-stop platform
which offers financial services across small business owner and consumer credit enablement, supply chain financing technology, wealth management,
digital payment and fintech solutions, connecting end users’ needs with financial institution partners. We are still the largest shareholder of Du Xiaoman
and would be exposed to losses from Du Xiaoman.
The laws and regulations of mainland China concerning the internet finance industry, particularly those governing wealth management and credit
lending, are evolving. Although to our knowledge Du Xiaoman has taken careful measures to comply with the laws and regulations that are applicable
to its financial services, the PRC government authorities may promulgate new policies, rules and regulations regulating the internet finance industry. For
example, the Supreme Court of the PRC has issued a judicial interpretation in August 2020 and revised it in December 2020, which has capped the
interest rate of loan contract at four times the one-year Loan Prime Rate then effective when such loan contract is executed. In addition, the People’s
Bank of China, or the PBOC, issued the Announcement of the People’s Bank of China [2021] No. 3, or No. 3 Announcement, on March 12, 2021. In
accordance with the No. 3 Announcement, when credit business institutions market loan products through websites, mobile applications, posters or
similar channels, they must explicitly indicate the applicable annualized loan interest rate to the borrower in a conspicuous manner, and specify such
annualized interest rate in the loan contract. It is allowed to indicate the daily interest rate or the monthly interest rate at the same time only if they are
not displayed in a manner more conspicuous than the annualized interest rate. Under the No. 3 Announcement, “credit business institutions” include,
among others, deposit financial institutions, consumer financing companies, micro-loan companies and online platforms providing advertisement and
displaying services to credit business operators.
On December 31, 2021, the PBOC and other six PRC government authorities issued a draft of Administration Measures for Online Marketing of
Financial Products, or the Draft Administration Measures, for public comments. Pursuant to the Draft Administration Measures, third-party platform
operators who are entrusted by financial institutions to promote financial products on the Internet are governed by this Draft Administration Measures.
The Draft Administration Measures prohibited institutions and individuals from providing online marketing services for any illegal financial activities,
such as illegal fundraising, unauthorized issuance of securities or lending, and virtual currency transactions. In addition, third-party platform operators
must market the financial products in conformity with the online marketing contents which have been approved by the financial institutions, and should
not change the contents arbitrarily. Without the approval from the finance regulators, no third-party platform operator should be involved, whether
directly or in any disguised form, in any sale activities of financial products, such as consulting with customers about financial products,
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conducting the appropriateness assessment on financial customers, entering into any sale contract, or transferring any funds. However, since these Draft
Administration Measures have not been formally promulgated and become effective as of the date of this annual report, substantial uncertainties still
exist with respect to the final content, interpretation and implementation of these measures.
As we hold a non-controlling equity interest in Du Xiaoman and do not control Du Xiaoman’s business conduct and operations, we cannot assure
you that the practices of Du Xiaoman would not be deemed to violate any applicable laws or regulations, nor can we ensure that all business cooperators
on Du Xiaoman’s platform meet all the regulatory compliance requirements. If Du Xiaoman were deemed to violate any current or future applicable
laws or regulations, such as the exposure draft of the Interim Measures for the Administration of Internet Small Loan Business released in November
2020, we may be exposed to negative publicity as a result of the potential misconception that Du Xiaoman is still part of our consolidated group. For
example, on December 15, 2020, officials from PBOC publicly named deposit products provided by internet financial platforms as illegal and should be
subject to regulatory supervision. Many internet financial platforms, including Du Xiaoman, has removed deposit products from their platforms. Events
like this may expose us to negative publicity as well.
Interruption or failure of our own information technology and communications systems or those of third-party service providers we rely upon could
impair our ability to provide products and services, which could damage our reputation and harm our results of operations.
Our ability to provide products and services depends on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems.
Any damage to or failure of our systems could interrupt our services. Service interruptions could reduce our revenue and profit and damage our brand if
our systems are perceived to be unreliable. Our systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption as a result of terrorist attacks, wars, earthquakes,
floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, health epidemics, undetected errors or “bugs” in our software, computer viruses, interruptions in
access to our platform through the use of “denial of service” or similar attacks, hacking or other attempts to harm our systems, and similar events. Some
of our systems are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning does not account for all possible scenarios. We have experienced service
disruptions in the past which adversely affected our user experience.
Our servers, which are hosted at third-party or our own internet data centers, are vulnerable to break-ins, sabotage and vandalism. The occurrence
of natural disasters or closure of an internet data center by a third-party provider without adequate notice could result in lengthy service interruptions. In
addition, our domain names are resolved into internet protocol (IP) addresses by systems of third-party domain name registrars and registries. Any
interruptions or failures of those service providers’ systems, which are beyond our control, could significantly disrupt our own services. If we experience
frequent or persistent system failures on our platform, whether due to interruptions and failures of our own information technology and communications
systems or those of third-party service providers that we rely upon, our reputation and brand could be severely harmed. The steps we take to increase the
reliability and redundancy of our systems may cause us to incur heavy costs and reduce our operating margin, and may not be successful in reducing the
frequency or duration of service interruptions.
We may not be able to manage our expanding operations effectively.
We expect to continue to expand our operations as we grow our user and customer base and explore new opportunities. To manage the further
expansion of our business and growth of our operations and personnel, we need to continually improve our operational and financial systems,
procedures and controls, and expand, train, manage and maintain good relations with our growing employee base. We have experienced labor disputes in
the past and may experience the same in the future. Although these disputes were resolved promptly, we cannot assure you that there will not be any
new labor disputes in the future.
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We expect our AI-enabled business to become a key revenue driver of Baidu Core, and believe our future growth relies on the success of our
AI-enabled business. Our systems and processes were designed in the past to support our mobile ecosystem business operations. For our AI-enabled
business operations to be successful, we must be able to attract industry expertise and talents, and adapt to systems and processes suitable for the
enterprise and public sector business environment. If we are unable to do so, we may not be competitive in these markets and our AI-enabled business
offerings will not be successful. In addition, we must maintain and expand our relationships with other websites, internet companies and other third
parties. Our current and future personnel, systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our expanding operations, and consequently
our financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
We may face intellectual property infringement claims and other related claims, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result
in an adverse impact over our operations.
Internet, technology and media companies are frequently involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights,
unfair competition, invasion of privacy, defamation and other violations of other parties’ rights. The validity, enforceability and scope of protection of
intellectual property in internet-related and AI-related industries, particularly in mainland China, are uncertain and still evolving. The evolving laws and
regulations on the protection of intellectual property may require us to take more actions to prevent from infringing third-parties’ intellectual property. If
we cannot take the necessary actions in time, disputes may arise alleging us to infringe certain third-parties’ intellectual property. As we face increasing
competition and as litigation becomes more common in mainland China in resolving commercial disputes, we face a higher risk of being the subject of
intellectual property infringement claims. We may be subject to administrative actions brought by relevant PRC competent government authorities such
as the PRC National Copyright Administration and in the most severe scenario, criminal prosecution for alleged copyright infringement, and as a result
may be subject to fines and other penalties and be required to discontinue infringing activities. Furthermore, as we expand our operations outside of
China, we may be subject to claims brought against us in jurisdictions outside of China.
Our search products and services link to materials in which third parties may claim ownership of trademarks, copyrights or other rights. As we
adopt new technologies and roll out new products and services, we face the risk of being subject to intellectual property infringement claims that may
arise from our use of new technologies and provision of new products and services. Our products and services including those based on content storage
and sharing, such as Baidu Knows, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Post, Baidu Drive, Baijiahao, Haokan, and iQIYI’s user-generated content, allow
our users to upload, store and share documents, images, audio and videos on our servers, or share, link to or otherwise provide access to contents from
other websites, and we also operate distribution platforms whereby developers can upload, share and sell their apps or games to users. Although we have
made commercially reasonable efforts to request users or developers to comply with applicable intellectual property laws, we cannot ensure that all of
our users or developers have the rights to upload or share these contents or apps. In addition, we have been and may continue to be subject to copyright
or trademark infringement and other related claims from time to time, in China and internationally.
We have been making continuous efforts to keep ourselves informed of and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations affecting our
business. However, the laws and regulations of mainland China are evolving, and uncertainties still exist with respect to the legal standards as well as
the judicial interpretation of the standards for determining liabilities of internet search and other internet service providers for providing links to content
on third-party websites that infringe upon others’ copyrights or hosting such content, or providing information storage space, file sharing technology or
other internet services that are used by internet users to disseminate such content. The Supreme People’s Court of the PRC promulgated a judicial
interpretation on infringement of the right of dissemination through internet in December 2012, which was further amended on December 29, 2020 and
came into effect on January 1, 2021. This judicial interpretation, like certain court rulings and certain other judicial interpretations, provide that the
courts will place the burden on internet service providers to remove not only links or contents that have been specifically mentioned in the notices of
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infringement from right holders, but also links or contents they “should have known” to contain infringing content. The interpretation further provides
that where an internet service provider has directly obtained economic benefits from any content made available by an internet user, it has a higher duty
of care with respect to internet users’ infringement of third-party copyrights. A guidance on the trial of audio/video sharing copyright disputes
promulgated by the Higher People’s Court of Beijing in December 2012 provides that where an internet service provider has directly obtained economic
benefits from any audio/video content made available by an internet user who has no authorization for sharing such content, the internet service provider
shall be presumed to be at fault. These interpretations could subject us and other internet service providers to significant administrative burdens and
litigation risks. The Civil Code of the PRC, or the Civil Code, promulgated in 2020 has further elaborated the circumstances where internet service
providers may be found liable for the infringement of third parties. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—
Regulations on Tort Liability.” The Copyright Law which became effective in June 2021 further provided that the competent copyright authority may
require compliance from the relevant parties in the process of investigating the infringing activities.
We conduct our business operations primarily in mainland China. There might be claims that we are subject to U.S. copyright laws, including the
legal standards for determining indirect liability for copyright infringement, although we believe such claims are without merit. We cannot assure you
that we will not be subject to copyright infringement lawsuits or other proceedings in the U.S. or elsewhere in the future.
Intellectual property litigation is expensive, time-consuming and could divert resources and management attention from the operations of our
business. We are currently named as defendant in certain copyright infringement suits in connection with Baidu Feed, P4P, Baidu Post, Baidu Search,
iQIYI, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Drive, Baijiahao, Haokan, Xiaodu and certain other products or services. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information—
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” There is no guarantee that the courts will accept our defenses and rule
in our favor. If there is a successful claim of infringement, we may be required to discontinue the infringing activities, pay substantial fines and damages
and/ or enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. Our failure to obtain a license of
the rights on a timely basis could harm our business. Any intellectual property litigation by third parties and/or negative publicity alleging our
intellectual property infringement could have an adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations. To address the
risks relating to intellectual property infringement, we may have to substantially modify, limit or terminate some of our search services. Any such
change could materially affect user experience and in turn have an adverse impact on our business.
Liability claims against, or any unauthorized control or manipulation of our autonomous driving systems, could result in the loss of confidence in
us, our brands and our products, and harm our business.
Our Intelligent Driving platform, contains complex information technology systems. We have designed, implemented and tested security measures
intended to prevent unauthorized access to our Intelligent Driving platform, but there can be no assurance that vulnerabilities will not be identified in the
future, or that our remediation efforts are or will be successful. Hackers have reportedly attempted, and may attempt in the future, to gain unauthorized
access to modify, alter and use our Intelligent Driving platform to gain control of, or to change, functionality, user interface and performance
characteristics of vehicles utilizing our Intelligent Driving platform, or to gain access to data stored in or generated by the vehicles. Any unauthorized
access to or control of autonomous driving vehicles or their systems or any loss of data could result in death and personal injury, and legal claims or
proceedings against us.
Our Intelligent Driving platform may be involved in crashes resulting in property damage, death or personal injury in the future, and such crashes
may be the subject of significant public attention. We may face claims related to any misuse or failure of new technologies that we are pioneering,
including our Intelligent Driving platform and related solutions, such as smart transportation. A successful product liability claim against us could
require us to pay substantial monetary damages.
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Moreover, product liability claims or reports of unauthorized access to our Intelligent Driving platform or data, regardless of their veracity, could
generate substantial negative publicity about our products and business and could have material adverse impact on our brand, business, prospects and
operating results.
Our strategy of investments and acquiring complementary businesses and assets may fail.
As part of our business strategy, we have pursued, and intend to continue to pursue, selective strategic investments and acquisitions of businesses
and assets that complement our existing business and help us execute our growth strategies. For example, we invested in Trip.com Group Limited
(Trip.com) (formerly known as Ctrip). In November 2020, we entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. and certain of its affiliates to acquire
its domestic video-based entertainment live streaming business in China, or YY Live, which includes YY mobile app, YY.com website and PC YY,
among others. For more details, see “—We face risks associated with our proposed acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.”
We intend to make other strategic investments and acquisitions in the future if suitable opportunities arise. Investments and acquisitions involve
uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to:
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potential ongoing financial obligations and unforeseen or hidden liabilities, including liability for infringement of third-party copyrights or
other intellectual property;
failure to achieve the intended objectives, benefits or revenue-enhancing opportunities,
non-occurrence of anticipated or speculative transactions and any resulting negative impact;
costs and difficulties of integrating acquired businesses and managing a larger business;
in the case of investments where we do not obtain management and operational control, lack of influence over the controlling partner or
shareholder, which may prevent us from achieving our strategic goals in the investments;
possible unsatisfactory operational or financial performance, including financial loss, or fraudulent activities of a target business;
possible loss of key employees of a target business;
potential claims or litigation regarding our board’s exercise of its duty of care and other duties required under applicable law in connection
with any of our significant acquisitions or investments approved by the board;
diversion of resources and management attention;
regulatory hurdles and compliance risks, including the anti-monopoly and competition laws, rules and regulations of mainland China and
other jurisdictions and the enhanced compliance requirement for outbound acquisitions and investment under the laws and regulations of
mainland China;
in the case of acquisitions of businesses or assets outside of China, the need to integrate operations across different business cultures and
languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political, and regulatory risks associated with specific countries; and
potential fair value changes, which impact our profits.
Any failure to address these risks successfully may have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Investments and acquisitions may require a significant amount of capital, which would decrease the amount of cash available for working capital or
capital expenditures. In addition, if we use our equity securities to pay for investments and acquisitions, we may dilute the value of our listed securities
and the ordinary shares underlying our ADSs. If we borrow funds to finance investments and acquisitions, such debt instruments may contain restrictive
covenants that could, among other things, restrict us from distributing dividends. Moreover, acquisitions may also generate significant amortization
expenses related to intangible
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assets. We are required to test our intangible assets and goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that they may be impaired. We may also incur investment loss or impairment charges to acquired businesses and assets.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving Chinese and international laws and regulations, including those regarding data privacy and
cybersecurity. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would result in claims, penalties, damages to our reputation and brand, or declines
in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
We are required by privacy and data protection laws in mainland China and other jurisdictions, including, without limitation, the Cyber Security
Law of the PRC and the PRC Data Security Law, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information of our users, customers, third-
party agents, content providers and Baidu Union partners, and other data, which is also essential to maintaining their confidence in our online products
and services. In addition, the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law became effective in 2015 and the Civil Code promulgated in 2020 also provides
specific provisions regarding the protection of personal information. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations.”
However, the interpretation and application of such laws in mainland China and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux.
Since 2021, the PRC government authorities have increasingly focused on the protection of personal information and are improving the legislative
system on information and data security continuously. On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took
effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law, among others, provides for a security review procedure for the data activities that may affect national
security. Furthermore, Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2020, which became effective on June 1, 2020, set
forth the cybersecurity review mechanism for critical information infrastructure operators, and provided that critical information infrastructure operators
who intend to purchase internet products and services that affect or may affect national security should be subject to a cybersecurity review. On
December 28, 2021, the CAC published the Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021, which became effective
on February 15, 2022 and replaced the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2020. Such Measures further restate and expand the applicable scope of the
cybersecurity review. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021, critical information infrastructure operators that procure internet products
and services, and network platform operators engaging in data processing activities, must be subject to the cybersecurity review if their activities affect
or may affect national security. Since the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 are relatively new and provide no further explanation or interpretation
on the determination of “affecting national security,” there remain uncertainties as to whether our data processing activities may be deemed to affect
national security. However, as of the date of this annual report, we have not received any formal notice from any cybersecurity regulator that we should
apply for a cybersecurity review. In addition, network platform operators holding over one million users’ personal information must apply with the
Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any public offering in a foreign country. On July 30, 2021, the State Council
promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective on September 1, 2021. Pursuant to the
Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, critical information infrastructure means any important network facilities or
information systems of the important industry or field, which may endanger national security, people’s livelihood and public interest in case of damage,
function loss or data leakage. The operators should be informed about the final determination as to whether they are categorized as critical information
infrastructure operators. However, the exact scope of “critical information infrastructure operators” under the current regulatory regime remains unclear,
and the PRC government authorities may have wide discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of these laws. Therefore, we cannot rule out the
possibility that we may be deemed as a critical information infrastructure operator under the laws and regulations of mainland China. If we are deemed
as a critical information infrastructure operator under the cybersecurity laws and regulations of mainland China, we must fulfill certain obligations as
required under such cybersecurity laws and regulations, including, among others, storing personal information and important data collected and
produced within the
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territory of mainland China during our operations in mainland China, which we have fulfilled in our business, and we may be subject to review when
purchasing internet products and services. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations.”
On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Regulations on the Network Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Regulations. The
Draft Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that autonomously determine the purpose and the manner of
processing data. In accordance with the Draft Regulations, data processors must apply for a cybersecurity review for the following activities: (i) merger,
reorganization or division of Internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic
development or public interests to the extent that affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing abroad of data processors which process over one
million users’ personal information; (iii) the listing of data processors in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data
processing activities that affect or may affect national security. However, there have been no clarifications from the authorities as of the date of this
annual report as to the standards for determining such activities that “affect or may affect national security.” See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company
—Business Overview—Regulations.” As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Regulations were released for public comment only, and their
respective provisions and the anticipated adoption or effective date may be subject to change with substantial uncertainty. The Draft Regulations remain
unclear on whether the relevant requirements will be applicable to companies that have been listed in the United States and Hong Kong, such as us.
Similar to the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021, they are relatively new and may be subject to interpretation of the regulators. We cannot predict the
impact of the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 and the Draft Regulations, if any, at this stage, and we will closely monitor and assess any
development in the rule-making process. If the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 or the enacted versions of the Draft Regulations mandate
clearance of cybersecurity review and other specific actions to be completed by mainland China-based companies listed on a U.S. stock exchange and
Hong Kong Exchanges, such as us, we face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all. As of the date of this annual
report, we have not been involved in any formal investigations on cybersecurity review made by the CAC on such basis. However, if we are not able to
comply with the cybersecurity and network data security requirements in a timely manner, or at all, we may be subject to government enforcement
actions and investigations, fines, penalties, suspension of our non-compliant operations, or removal of our app from the relevant application stores,
among other sanctions, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition to the cybersecurity review, the
Draft Regulations requires that data processors processing “important data” or listed overseas should conduct an annual data security assessment by
itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity
department by the end of January each year. If a final version of the Draft Regulations is adopted, we may be subject to review when conducting data
processing activities and annual data security assessment and may face challenges in addressing its requirements and make necessary changes to our
internal policies and practices in data processing. Based on the foregoing, our PRC legal counsel does not expect that, as of the date of this annual
report, the current applicable laws of mainland China on cybersecurity would have a material adverse impact on our business.
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law, which integrates the scattered rules with
respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and took effect on November 1, 2021. Our mobile apps and websites only collect user
personal information that is necessary to provide the corresponding services. We update our privacy policies from time to time to meet the latest
regulatory requirements of the CAC and other authorities and adopt technical measures to protect data and ensure cybersecurity in a systematic way.
Nonetheless, the Personal Information Protection Law raises the protection requirements for processing personal information, and many specific
requirements of the Personal Information Protection Law remain to be clarified by the CAC, other regulatory authorities, and courts in practice. We may
be required to make further adjustments to our business practices to comply with the personal information protection laws and regulations. See “Item
4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview— Regulations.”
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The PRC government authorities also further enhanced the supervision and regulation of cross-border data transmission. On July 7, 2022, the
CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer, which became effective on September 1, 2022. In
accordance with such measures, data processors will be subject to security assessment conducted by the CAC prior to any cross-border transfer of data if
the transfer involves (i) important data; (ii) personal information transferred overseas by operators of critical information infrastructure or a data
processor that has processed personal data of more than one million persons; (iii) personal information transferred overseas by a data processor which
has already provided personal data of 100,000 persons or sensitive personal data of 10,000 persons overseas since January 1 of the preceding year; or
(iv) other circumstances as required by the CAC. In addition, any cross-border data transfer activities conducted in violation of the Measures for the
Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer before the effectiveness of such measures are required to be rectified within 6 months of the
effectiveness date thereof. Since these measures are relatively new, there are still substantial uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and
implementation of these measures in practice and how they will affect our business operation.
The Cyber Security Law, the Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law are relatively new and subject to interpretation by
the regulators. Although we only gain access to user information that is necessary for, and relevant to, the services provided, the data we obtain and use
may include information that is deemed as “personal information,” “network data” or “important data” under the relevant data privacy and protection
laws and regulations. As such, we have adopted a series of measures to ensure that we comply with relevant laws and regulations in the collection, use,
disclosure, sharing, storage, and security of user information and other data. The Data Security Law also stipulates that the relevant authorities will
formulate the catalogs for important data and strengthen the protection of important data, and state core data, i.e., data having a bearing on national
security, the lifelines of national economy, people’s key livelihood and major public interests, should be subject to stricter management system. See
“Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview— Regulations.” The exact scopes of important data and state core data remain unclear
and may be subject to further interpretation. If any data that we are in possession of constitutes important data or state core data, we may be required to
adopt stricter measures for protection and management of such data.
While we take all these measures to comply with all applicable data privacy and protection laws and regulations and although we believe that we
have complied with such laws and regulations issued by the CAC in all material aspects, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of the measures
undertaken by us and business partners, and such measures may still be determined as insufficient, improper, or even as user-privacy invasive, by the
relevant authorities, which may result in penalties against us. The activities of third parties such as our customers and business partners are beyond our
control. If our business partners violate the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and personal information protection, or fail to fully comply with
the service agreements with us, or if any of our employees fail to comply with our internal control measures and misuse the information, we may be
subject to penalties and other legal liabilities. As part of the efforts by the CAC and other regulators to enhance data protection, a wide number of apps
and companies have been reprimanded since the first half of 2021, including certain Baidu apps. We have updated the apps and will be committed to
keeping our apps fully compliant with the requirements of the CAC. Nevertheless, due to the rapidly evolving regulatory requirements, we still cannot
guarantee you that we will not be subject to more similar rectification requests from the governmental authorities or that we will fully comply with all
applicable rules and regulations at all times. In addition, as the PRC regulators and enforcement regime with regard to cybersecurity, data security, data
privacy and personal information protection has been evolving and PRC regulators have been increasingly focusing on regulation in these areas, some of
our business operations, in particular our cloud services, may be subject to enhanced oversight and scrutiny. As a result, we may be involved with
enquiries, claims, complaints or other administrative actions from time to time, which are subject to the uncertainties associated with the evolving
legislative activities and varied local enforcement practices. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with all applicable data privacy and protection
laws and regulations or to take prompt rectification actions as required by the enforcement authorities, or any failure or perceived failure of our business
partners to do so, or any failure or perceived failure of our employees to comply with our internal control measures, may result in negative publicity and
legal proceedings or regulatory actions against us, and could damage our reputation, discourage current and
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potential users and customers from using our products or services and subject us to fines, damages and rectification, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Compliance with the above laws and regulations of mainland China, including the PRC National Security Law, the Cyber Security Law, the
Measures for Cybersecurity Review, the Data Security Law and, as well as additional laws and regulations that PRC regulatory bodies may enact in the
future, including data security and personal information protection laws and policies, rules and regulations on specific industries such as education and
game, may result in decrease in revenue, and additional expenses to us and subject us to negative publicity, which could harm our reputation and
business operations. There are also uncertainties with respect to how such laws and regulations will be implemented and interpreted in practice. For
example, PRC regulators, including the Ministry of Public Security, the MIIT, the State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR, and the
CAC, have been increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security and data protection, and are enhancing the protection of privacy and
data security by rule-making and enforcement actions at central and local levels.
Besides the evolving regulatory requirements on cybersecurity and data privacy in mainland China, which may be subject to varying
interpretations or significant changes and may result in uncertainties about the scope of our responsibilities in that regard, there are also a number of
legislative proposals in the European Union and the United States, at both the federal and state level, as well as other jurisdictions that could impose new
obligations in areas affecting our business. New laws or regulations concerning data protection, or the interpretation and application of existing
consumer and data protection laws or regulations, which are often uncertain and in flux, may be inconsistent with our practices. The introduction of new
products or other actions that we may take may subject us to additional laws, regulations, or other government scrutiny. Complying with new laws and
regulations could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner materially adverse to our business. For
example, if the new laws and regulations promulgated in the future impose restrictions on selling demographically targeted advertising, it could increase
our cost and the complexity to provide such services such that we may become less attractive to online advertising customers. In addition, some
countries are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing of data or
similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to prevent information security breaches or to comply with data security and privacy policies or related legal
obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized use, release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other data,
could cause our users to lose trust in us and could expose us to legal claims or penalties. Any perception by the public that privacy of user information or
data security are becoming increasingly unsafe or vulnerable to attacks could inhibit the growth of our products and services generally. We expect that
these areas will be subject to greater public scrutiny and attention from regulators and more frequent and rigid investigation or review by regulators,
which will increase our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges. We may have to spend much more personnel cost and time
evaluating and managing these risks and challenges in connection with our products and services in the ordinary course of our business operations, and
cooperated and will keep cooperating in the future with the competent regulators in these respects. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could
become subject to penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
Our business may be adversely affected if we were found to have failed to fulfill the additional obligations under the online advertising rules.
Although the PRC Advertising Law has not specified “paid search results” as a form of advertising, the Interim Administration Measures of
Internet Advertising, or the Internet Advertising Measures, which was promulgated by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (currently
known as the SAMR) and became effective on September 1, 2016, characterizes “paid search results” as a form of internet advertising from
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the perspective of regulating the online advertising business. Pursuant to the Internet Advertising Measures, we are subject to additional legal
obligations to monitor our P4P customers’ listings on our website during the course of our provision of P4P services. For example, we must examine,
verify and record identity information of our P4P customers, such as the customer’s name, address and contact information, and maintain an updated
verification of such information on a regular basis. Moreover, we must examine supporting documentation provided by our P4P customers. Where a
special government review is required for specific categories of advertisements before posting, we must confirm that the review has been performed and
approval has been obtained. If the content of the advertisement is inconsistent with the supporting documentation, or the supporting documentation is
incomplete, the advertisement cannot be published. On November 26, 2021, the SAMR promulgated the draft of the Measures for the Administration of
Internet Advertisements for public comment. Although the draft measures do not refer to paid search results, it stipulates that the promotion of
commodities or services in the form of paid listing on the Internet must be conspicuously identified as an advertisement. The draft measures further
require advertisers, operators and publishers of internet advertisements containing links to examine the contents in the next level link. As of the date of
this annual report, such draft measures were released for public comment only, and their provisions and the anticipated adoption or effective date may be
subject to change with substantial uncertainty. In addition, the PRC government may, from time to time, promulgate new advertising laws and
regulations in the future to impose further requirements on online advertising services relating to medical, pharmaceutical, health care, after-school
tutoring and other similar businesses. For example, the Circular on the Administration of After-School Tutoring Advertisement jointly issued by the
SAMR and seven other authorities on November 3, 2021 prohibits new media, internet platforms and other mainstream media from publishing or
broadcasting any advertisement of after-school tutoring services targeted at pre-school children and primary and middle school students. Similarly, the
draft of the Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertisements also proposes to ban internet advertisement of such after-school tutoring
services. We cannot assure you that we will be in compliance with the requirements under these new laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these
obligations may subject us to fines and other administrative penalties. If advertisements shown on our platform are in violation of applicable advertising
laws and regulations, or if the supporting documentation and government approvals provided to us by our P4P customers in connection with the
advertising content are not complete or accurate, we may be subject to legal liabilities and our reputation could be harmed. Furthermore, we may modify
the operation of our online marketing business and curb advertisements of certain restricted sectors in order to meet the evolving compliance
requirements on the industry, which may adversely affect our online marketing revenue. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business
Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Advertisements and Online Advertising.”
We may be subject to patent infringement claims with respect to our P4P platform.
Our technologies and business methods, including those relating to our P4P platform, may be subject to third-party claims or rights that limit or
prevent their use. We applied for certain patents in mainland China for our P4P platform, but some of our applications were rejected on the ground that
they are not patentable. Certain U.S.-based companies, including Overture Services Inc., have been granted patents in the United States relating to P4P
platforms and similar business methods and related technologies. While we believe that we are not subject to U.S. patent laws since we conduct our
business operations primarily in mainland China, we cannot assure you that U.S. patent laws would not be applicable to our business operations, or that
holders of patents relating to a P4P platform would not seek to enforce such patents against us in the United States or mainland China.
Many parties are actively developing and seeking protection for internet-related technologies, including patent protection. They may hold patents
issued or pending that relate to certain aspects of our technologies, products, business methods or services. Any patent infringement claims, regardless
of their merits, could be time-consuming and costly to us. If we were sued for patent infringement claims with respect to our P4P platform and were
found to infringe upon the patents and were not able to adopt non-infringing technologies, we may be severely limited in our ability to operate our P4P
platform, which would have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and prospects.
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Our business may be adversely affected by third-party software apps or practices that interfere with our receipt of information from, or provision of
information to, our users, which may impair our users’ experience.
Our business may be adversely affected by third-party malicious or unintentional software apps that make changes to our users’ computers and
interfere with our products and services. These software apps may change our users’ internet experience by hijacking queries to our platform, altering or
replacing our search results, or otherwise interfering with our ability to connect with our users. The interference often occurs without disclosure to or
consent from users, resulting in a negative experience, which users may associate with our platform. These software apps may be difficult to remove or
disable, may reinstall themselves and may circumvent other apps’ efforts to block or remove them.
In addition, our business may be adversely affected by the practices of third-party website owners, content providers and developers which
interfere with our ability to crawl and index their web pages and contents including apps. The ability to provide a superior user experience is critical to
our success. If we are unable to successfully combat malicious third-party software apps that interfere with our products and services, our reputation
may be harmed. If a significant number of website owners, content providers and developers prevent us from indexing and including their high-quality
web pages and content including apps in our search results, or if we cannot effectively combat web spam from low-quality and irrelevant content
websites, the quality of our search results may be impaired, which may damage our reputation and deter our current and potential users from using our
products and services.
We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our
intellectual property rights. The protection of intellectual property rights in mainland China may not be as effective as those in the United States or other
jurisdictions. The steps we have taken may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of our technology. Reverse engineering, unauthorized copying
or other misappropriation of our technologies could enable third parties to benefit from our technologies without paying us. Moreover, unauthorized use
of our technology could enable our competitors to offer products and services that compete with ours, which could harm our business and competitive
position. We have in the past resorted to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, and may have to do so from time to time in the future.
There is no guarantee that the competent courts will accept our claims and rule in our favor. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion
of resources and management attention.
Our success depends on the continuing and collaborative efforts of our management team and other key personnel, and our business may be
disrupted if we lose their services and are not able to find their successors in a timely manner.
Our success depends heavily upon the continuing services of our management team, in particular our chairman and chief executive officer, Robin
Yanhong Li. If one or more of our executives or other key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions and we are not able to
find their successors in a timely manner, our business may be disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Competition for management and key personnel is intense, the pool of qualified candidates is limited, and we may not be able to retain the services of
our executives or key personnel, or attract and retain experienced executives or key personnel in the future.
If any of our executives or other key personnel joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may not be able to successfully retain
customers, key agents, know-how and key personnel. Each of our executive officers and key employees has entered into an employment agreement with
us, containing confidentiality and non-competition provisions. If any disputes arise between any of our executives or key personnel and us, we cannot
assure you the extent to which any of these agreements may be enforced.
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We rely on highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to retain or motivate them or hire additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to grow
effectively.
Our performance and future success depend on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. We will need to continue to identify, hire,
develop, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization and business operations. Competition for qualified employees in
the industries we operate in is intense. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and
motivate our existing employees. As competitions in our industries intensify, it may be more difficult for us to hire, motivate and retain highly skilled
personnel. In general, if we do not succeed in attracting additional highly skilled personnel or retaining or motivating our existing personnel, we may be
unable to grow effectively. In certain emerging industry, such as autonomous driving, many players with sufficient funds would heavily devote their
resources to compete for talents with us. To keep our competitiveness and market position, we would need to, among others, recruit, train and retain our
key talents and employees, in particular research and development personnel. If we fail to do so, we may lag behind with respect to the ever-emerging
and cutting-edge technologies in the emerging industry, and our prospects in such industry would be ultimately harmed.
We are exposed to significant downward adjustments or impairments in the market values of our investments, which may materially affect our
financial results.
As part of our business strategy, we have investments in both private and public companies. Fair values of these investments can be negatively
impacted by fluctuations in the share prices of public companies we own, the fair value of private companies we own, liquidity, credit deterioration or
losses, financial results, foreign exchange rates, changes in interest rates, or other factors. In addition, after adopting ASC Topic 321, Investments—
Equity Securities (“ASC 321”), on January 1, 2018, for investments previously accounted for using the cost method, we elected to use the measurement
alternative to measure these investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly
transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair
value, and any changes in fair value are recognized in earnings, instead of through other comprehensive income if they were previously designated as
available for sale equity securities under legacy GAAP. The change of these equity securities’ fair value could result in significant fluctuation of our
financial condition and operating results.
For example, we have recognized impairment charges on our long-term investments from 2020 to 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19,
regulatory and competitive environment of the industries, circumstances of our invested companies and other factors. For instance, the market value of
KE Holdings Inc. and DiDi Global Inc. declined, and the continuing low market price of its shares caused us to recognize a fair-value loss in 2021 and
2022. We may still suffer significant impairment loss or downward adjustments of our investments in the future, due to the potential worsening global
economic conditions and the recent disruptions to, and volatility in, the global financial markets resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and
tensive geopolitical conflicts. The carrying amounts of short-term investments, long-term investments, and long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity
investments as of December 31, 2022 were RMB120.8 billion (US$17.5 billion), RMB55.3 billion (US$8.0 billion) and RMB23.6 billion
(US$3.4 billion), respectively. The value or liquidity of our investments could decline and result in a material impairment, which could materially
adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to risks and uncertainties faced by companies in a rapidly evolving industry.
We operate in the rapidly evolving internet industry, which makes it difficult to predict our future results of operations. Accordingly, you should
consider our future prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties experienced by companies in evolving industries. Some of these risks and
uncertainties relate to our ability to:
•
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maintain our leading position in the Chinese-language internet search market;
offer attractive, useful and innovative products and services to attract and retain a larger user base;
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•
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procure content from studios and other content providers, as well as distribution channels and other licensors of content;
attract users’ continuing use of internet search services;
retain existing customers and attract additional customers and increase spending per customer;
evaluate the credit worthiness and collectability of accounts receivables from an evolving variety of customers, whose failure to pay us in a
timely manner may adversely affect our liquidity position;
retain members and attract new members of iQIYI’s membership services;
upgrade our technology to support increased traffic and expanded product-and-service offerings;
further enhance our brand;
respond to competitive market conditions;
respond to evolving user preferences or industry changes;
respond to changes in the regulatory environment and manage legal risks, including those associated with intellectual property rights;
maintain effective control of our costs and expenses;
execute our strategic investments and acquisitions and post-acquisition integrations effectively;
attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel and maintain good relations with a young and growing work force; and
build profitable operations in new markets and other overseas internet markets we have entered into.
If we are unsuccessful in addressing any of these risks and uncertainties, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to obtain additional capital on reasonable terms when necessary.
As of December 31, 2022, we had an aggregate of RMB83.7 billion (US$12.1 billion) of outstanding indebtedness (including loans, convertible
senior notes and notes payable), which will mature between 2023 and 2031, which include RMB21.2 billion (US$3.1 billion) of outstanding
indebtedness of iQIYI. On April 2, 2021, we entered into a five-year term and revolving facilities agreement with a group of 22 arrangers, pursuant to
which we are entitled to borrow US$3.0 billion with a term of five years and we have drawn down US$2.0 billion (RMB13.8 billion) loan under the
facility commitment. See “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” We may incur additional
indebtedness in the future. Our current and future debt requires us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow to service interest and principal payments and
may limit our ability to engage in other transactions. Our ability to pay interest and repay the principal for our indebtedness is dependent upon our
ability to manage our business operations, generate sufficient cash flows, raise additional capital and the other factors discussed in this section. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to manage any of these risks successfully.
Certain of our outstanding indebtedness include financial and other covenants. For example, certain of these covenants require iQIYI to maintain
minimum liquidity or pertain to iQIYI’s solvency or listing status. If we fail to comply with these covenants and are unable to remedy or obtain a waiver
or amendment, an event of default would result. If an event of default were to occur, the lenders could, among other things, declare outstanding amounts
due and payable. In addition, outstanding notes of Baidu, Inc. contain customary cross default and cross acceleration provisions, which would permit the
notes holders to accelerate the repayment of these notes. In particular, for certain of the outstanding notes of Baidu, Inc., an event of default or
declaration of acceleration
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under the indebtedness of principal controlled entities, such as iQIYI, could also result in an event of default under such notes of Baidu, Inc., which
would permit the notes holders to accelerate the repayment of such notes of Baidu, Inc. For more detailed description of cross default and cross
acceleration provisions under these notes, see “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” If the
payment of any of our outstanding notes is accelerated, we may be required to renegotiate, repay or refinance these obligations and may not have
sufficient funds available to repay it, and our liquidity and financial position would be materially and adversely affected.
We may require additional capital to support our business growth or to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances.
Our ability to obtain additional capital, if and when required, will depend on our business plans, investor demand, our operating performance, the
condition of the capital markets, and other factors, and our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds. We may have difficulty
incurring new debt on terms that we would consider to be commercially reasonable. In addition, we may also need to refinance a portion or all of our
outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing may not be as
favorable as the terms of our existing debt.
iQIYI has significant working capital requirements, and our controlling interest in iQIYI may be diluted if iQIYI raises additional capital by issuing
and selling additional equity in the future.
iQIYI, our controlled subsidiary listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, had experienced a working capital deficit as of December 31, 2020,
2021 and 2022. There is no assurance that iQIYI will be able to improve its working capital position and achieve working capital surplus, although
iQIYI will take actions to manage its working capital. In March 2022, iQIYI issued ordinary shares for a total cash purchase price of US$285 million in
a private placement transaction. In December 2022, iQIYI issued US$500 million convertible senior notes due January 2028, or the iQIYI PAG Notes,
to PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited, PAG Pegasus Fund LP and/or their affiliates, collectively referred to as PAG in this annual report. In February 2023,
iQIYI issued to PAG an additional US$50 million principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes upon its exercise to subscribe for additional notes in full. In
January 2023, iQIYI completed a registered follow-on public offering of iQIYI’s ordinary shares in the form of ADSs and received net proceeds of
US$500 million in aggregate. In March 2023, iQIYI completed an offering of US$600 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible
senior notes due March 2028, or the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes. Concurrently with and shortly after the offering of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible
Notes, iQIYI entered into separate individually and privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes to
repurchase US$340 million principal amount of such notes for cash. There can be no assurance that iQIYI will be able to raise additional equity or debt
financing on terms that are acceptable to iQIYI in the future. Any failure to do so as and when necessary could materially adversely affect iQIYI’s
liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and ability to operate. In addition, when iQIYI obtains additional financing by issuing and selling
additional equity or equity-linked securities, such as convertible bonds, our interest in iQIYI will be diluted.
iQIYI operates in a capital intensive industry and requires a significant amount of cash to fund its operations, content acquisitions and technology
investments. If iQIYI cannot obtain sufficient capital, its business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
The operation of an internet video streaming platform requires significant and continuous investment in content and technology. Producing high-
quality original content is costly and time-consuming and it will typically take a long period of time to realize returns on investment, if at all. To date,
iQIYI has financed its operations primarily with net cash generated from financing activities such as placements of shares, convertible senior notes and
asset-based securities, bank loans, and the proceeds from its initial public offering and offering of securities. In order to implement its growth strategies,
iQIYI will incur additional capital in the future to cover, among others, costs to produce and license content. iQIYI may need to obtain additional
financing, including
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equity offerings or debt financing, to fund the operation and expansion of business. iQIYI’s ability to obtain additional financing in the future, however,
is subject to a number of uncertainties, including those relating to:
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iQIYI’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
general market conditions for financing activities by companies in iQIYI’s industry; and
macro-economic and other conditions in mainland China and elsewhere.
As a public company with a growing business, iQIYI expects to increasingly rely on net cash provided by operating activities, financing through
capital markets and commercial banks for its liquidity needs. However, iQIYI cannot assure you that it will be successful in its efforts to further
diversify its sources of liquidity and obtain financing. In addition, certain financing may pose additional capital needs on iQIYI, for example, the
potential redemption by holders of iQIYI’s convertible notes. As of December 31, 2021, there was substantial doubt regarding iQIYI’s ability to
continue as a going concern as it did not have sufficient funds without securing additional financing to repurchase all or a significant portion of its
outstanding 2025 convertible notes if redeemed by noteholders on April 1, 2023. iQIYI has implemented plans and improved its financial position by
reducing discretionary capital expenditures and operational expenses and secured additional financing. As a result of the improved operating cash flows,
coupled with the plans and funds raised, the substantial doubt regarding iQIYI’s ability to continue as a going concern has been resolved. See “Item 5.B.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Further, inability to maintain liquidity or solvency might result in
default under iQIYI’s existing indebtedness, which would pose additional repayment needs and negatively impact iQIYI’s ability to raise more funds
through new financing. Moreover, the potential worsening global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to, and volatility in, the global
financial markets resulting from factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and tensive geopolitical conflicts, may adversely impact iQIYI’s
ability to secure additional financing. If iQIYI cannot obtain sufficient capital to meet its capital needs, iQIYI may not be able to execute its growth
strategies and its business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
Our results of operations may fluctuate, which makes our results difficult to predict and could cause our results to fall short of expectations.
Our results of operations may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For these reasons, comparing our
results of operations on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future
performance. Our quarterly and annual revenues and costs and expenses as a percentage of our revenues may be significantly different from our
historical or projected figures. Our results of operations in future quarters may fall below expectations. We have ceased or downsized certain of our
business, such as games and education, in the past year due to the changing business and regulatory environment in China, which had an adverse effect
on our financial results. We cannot assure you that similar cessation or downsize of business will not take place in the future, and our financial results
may be adversely affected. Any of the foregoing could cause the price of our ADSs to fall. Any of the risk factors listed in this “Risk Factors” section,
and in particular the following factors, could cause our results of operations to fluctuate from quarter to quarter:
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general economic conditions in China and economic conditions specific to the internet, internet search and feed, and online marketing
industries;
our ability to continue to attract users to our platform despite the emergence of mobile apps and other services;
our ability to retain existing customers, attract additional customers and increase spending per customer;
the announcement or introduction of new or enhanced products and services by us or our competitors;
the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the maintenance and expansion of our businesses, operations
and infrastructure;
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the results of our acquisitions of, or investments in, other businesses or assets;
Mainland China’s regulations or government actions pertaining to activities on the internet, including various forms of entertainment,
online payment and activities otherwise affecting our online marketing customers, and those relating to the products and services we
provide;
unforeseen events, such as negative publicity arising from widespread media coverage and other sources and labor disputes, or unexpected
cessation or downsize of existing business; and
geopolitical events, natural disasters or epidemics.
Because of the rapid growth of our business, our historical results of operations may not be useful to you in predicting our future results of
operations. Our user traffic tends to be seasonal. For example, we generally experience less user traffic during public holidays and other special event
periods in China. In addition, advertising and other marketing spending in China has historically been cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as
well as budgeting and buying patterns. As we continue to grow, we expect that the cyclicality and seasonality in our business may cause our results of
operations to fluctuate.
A severe and prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
COVID-19 has had a severe and negative impact on the Chinese and global economy since early 2020. Whether this will lead to a prolonged
downturn in the economy is still unknown, especially considering the multiple recent outbreaks in various countries and regions as well as the
uncertainties brought by the vaccination programs. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, the global macroeconomic environment had been facing
challenges. The growth of the Chinese economy has gradually slowed down in recent years and the trend may continue. There is considerable
uncertainty over the long-term effects of the monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s
leading economies, including the United States and China. There have been concerns over unrest and terrorist threats in the Middle East, Europe and
Africa. Recently, the Russia-Ukraine war has caused, and continues to intensify, significant geopolitical tensions in Europe and across the global. The
resulting sanctions are expected to have significant impacts on the economic conditions of the targeted countries and markets. There have also been
concerns on the relationship between China and other countries, including surrounding Asian countries, which may potentially lead to foreign investors
closing down their businesses or withdrawing their investments in China and, thus, exiting the China market, and other economic effects. In particular,
there are significant uncertainties about the future relationship between the United States and China with respect to trade policies, treaties, government
regulations and tariffs. Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as changes in domestic economic and political
policies and the expected or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy
may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may
adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs. Our customers may reduce or delay spending with us, while we may
have difficulty expanding our customer base fast enough, or at all, to offset the impact of decreased spending by our existing customers. In addition, to
the extent we offer credit to any customer and the customer experiences financial difficulties due to the economic slowdown, we could have difficulty
collecting payment from the customer.
Rising international political tensions, including changes in U.S. and international trade policies, particularly with regard to China, may adversely
impact our business and operating results.
The U.S. government has made statements and taken certain actions that may lead to changes in U.S. and international trade policies towards
China. In January 2020, the “Phase One” agreement was signed between the United States and China on trade matters. However, it remains unclear what
additional actions, if any, will be taken by the U.S. or other governments with respect to international trade agreements, the imposition of tariffs on
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goods imported into the United States, tax policy related to international commerce, or other trade matters. While cross-border business may not be an
area of focus for us, any unfavorable government policies on international trade, such as capital controls or tariffs, may affect the demand for our
products and services, impact the competitive position of our products or prevent us from selling products in certain countries. If any new tariffs,
legislation and/or regulations are implemented, or if existing trade agreements are renegotiated or, in particular, if the U.S. government takes retaliatory
trade actions due to recent U.S.-China trade tensions, such changes could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In addition, we have been closely monitoring domestic policies in the United States designed to restrict certain Chinese companies from supplying
or operating in the U.S. market. These policies include the Clean Network project initiated by the U.S. Department of State in August 2020, new
authorities granted to the Department of Commerce to prohibit or restrict the use of information and communications technology and services, or ICTS,
and Executive Order on Protecting America’s Sensitive Data from Foreign Adversaries published in June 2021. While a substantial majority of our
business is conducted in mainland China, policies like these may deter U.S. users from accessing and/or using our search engine, apps and other
products in the United States, which could adversely impact our user experience and reputation. Similarly, India has permanently banned a large number
of apps since 2020 out of national security concerns, many of which are China-based apps (including our apps), escalating regional political and trade
tensions. From time to time, in connection with perceived security incidents, the U.S. government may impose more stringent control measures or
restrictions on the products and services of Chinese companies. The government measures taken and potential subsequent developments are beyond our
control, and we could be adversely affected regardless whether or not we were actually involved in the incidents.
Likewise, we are monitoring policies in the United States that are aimed at restricting U.S. persons from investing in or supplying certain Chinese
companies. The United States and various foreign governments have imposed controls, license requirements and restrictions on the import or export of
technologies and products (or voiced the intention to do so). For instance, in October 2022, the U.S. government imposed a set of export control
measures with respect to China (“the October 2022 Export Control Measures”). Among other things, these measures add certain semiconductor
manufacturing equipment, advanced chips, and items containing such chips to the Commerce Control List (CCL); expand the number of items made
outside the United States that are subject to U.S. export controls in the advanced computing and semiconductor context; and add license requirements
for certain items destined for China for use in supercomputers, the development or production of semiconductors or semiconductor manufacturing
equipment, or destined for semiconductor fabrication facilities in China that produce certain advanced chips. These measures also restrict the ability of
U.S. persons to provide “support” for semiconductor manufacturing and related activities in China and may affect the ability of certain Chinese
companies, including us, to purchase or obtain certain semiconductor manufacturing equipment or advanced chips, which may in turn affect the
operations and development of AI technologies of such companies.
In addition, the United States is in the process of developing new export controls with respect to “emerging and foundational” technologies, which
may include certain AI and semiconductor technologies. The U.S. government also reportedly is considering imposing new restrictions on the ability of
U.S. persons to make investments in or engage in transactions with certain Chinese companies. The United States has also restricted U.S. persons from
investing in publicly-traded securities of “Chinese Military-Industrial Complex” companies identified by the Treasury Department. Measures such as
these could deter suppliers in the United States and/or other countries that impose export controls and other restrictions from providing technologies and
products to, making investments in, or otherwise engaging in transactions with Chinese companies.
As a result of these and other measures, Chinese companies may have to identify and secure alterative supplies or sources of financing, which they
may not be able to do so in a timely manner and at commercially acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, Chinese companies may have to limit and
reduce their research and
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development and other business activities, or cease conducting transactions with parties, in the United States and other countries that impose export
controls or other restrictions. Like other Chinese companies, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected as a
result.
Failure to retain key third-party agents or attract additional third-party agents, or termination of our relationship with third-party agents could
materially and adversely affect our business. Moreover, there is no assurance that our direct sales model in some key geographic markets will
continue to be successful.
We rely, to a large extent, on a nationwide distribution network of third-party agents for our sales to, and collection of payment from, our
customers. The operations and conduct of such third-party agents are beyond our control. They may fail to provide quality services to our customers or
otherwise breach their contracts with our customers, or experience operational or financial difficulties or run out of business, or engage in misconduct
with respect to our sales and our customers. If any of the foregoing issues arise, we may terminate our relationship with third-party agents, lose
customers and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In the past, there had been alleged incidents of certain of our
employees and consultants colluding with third-party agents in illegal activities. Although we have zero tolerance towards any illegal activities and have
internal policies and procedures against employee misconduct, we cannot assure you that our employees would always comply with such policies and
procedures, nor can we control third-party agents’ conduct or guarantee that such incidents would not happen again. In addition, since most of third-
party agents are not bound by long-term contracts, we cannot assure you that we will continue to maintain favorable relationships with them. If we fail
to retain key third-party agents or attract additional ones on terms that are commercially reasonable, our business and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected. We may decide to terminate existing third-party agents and transition to new ones or to our own distribution channel.
If we decide and fail to smoothly transition our business to new third-party agents or to our own distribution channel, our business and results of
operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We have transitioned to using our direct sales force to serve customers in some key geographic markets, such as Beijing, Shanghai and other
cities. There is no assurance that our direct sales model in those markets will continue to be successful. If we fail to maintain an adequate direct sales
force, retain existing customers and continue to attract new customers in those markets, our business, results of operations and prospects could be
materially and adversely affected.
We may not be able to detect or prevent misconduct committed by our employees or third parties.
Misconduct by our employees, such as unauthorized business transactions, bribery, corruption and breach of our internal policies and procedures,
or by consultants or other third parties, such as breach of law, may be difficult to detect or prevent. It could subject us to financial loss and sanctions
imposed by governmental authorities while seriously damaging our reputation. This may also impair our ability to effectively attract prospective users,
develop customer loyalty, obtain financing on favorable terms and conduct other business activities. Our risk management systems, information
technology systems and internal control procedures are designed to monitor our operations and overall compliance. Historically we have identified
certain incidents of employee and third-party misconduct. However, there can be no assurance we will be able to identify non-compliance or illegal
activities promptly, or at all. Furthermore, it is not always possible to detect and prevent misconduct committed by our employees or third parties, and
the precautions we take to prevent and detect such activities may not be effective. This may materially and adversely affect our business, brand, financial
condition and results of operations.
We rely on Baidu Union partners for a significant portion of our revenues. If we fail to retain existing Baidu Union partners or attract additional
members, our revenue growth and profitability may be adversely affected.
We pay Baidu Union partners a portion of our revenues as we leverage traffic of the Baidu Union partners’ internet properties. Some of Baidu
Union partners, however, may compete with us in one or more areas of our
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business. Therefore, they may decide in the future to terminate their relationships with us. If Baidu Union partners decide to use a competitor’s or their
own internet search services, or if our competitors offer more attractive prices to bid for union traffic, our user traffic may decline, which may adversely
affect our revenues. If we fail to attract additional Baidu Union partners, our revenue growth may be adversely affected. In addition, if we have to share
a larger portion of our revenues to retain existing Baidu Union partners or attract additional partners, our profitability may be adversely affected.
Our overseas operations may not be successful.
We have launched products and services in local languages to internet users in several countries. It is uncertain when the operation will become
profitable, if at all. In particular, we rely on local telecommunication operators and service providers to provide us with network services and data center
hosting services, and our systems for these international products and services are not redundant across different regions and data centers. Any
interruption to the internet infrastructure or any data center may render our products and services in the region unavailable.
We face certain risks inherent in doing business internationally, including:
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difficulties in developing, staffing and simultaneously managing a foreign operation as a result of distance, language and cultural
differences;
challenges in formulating effective local sales and marketing strategies targeting users from various jurisdictions and cultures, who have a
diverse range of preferences and demands;
challenges in identifying appropriate local business partners and establishing and maintaining good working relationships with them;
dependence on local platforms in marketing our international products and services overseas;
challenges in selecting suitable geographical regions for international business;
longer customer payment cycles;
currency exchange rate fluctuations;
political or social unrest or economic instability;
compliance with applicable foreign laws and regulations and unexpected changes in laws or regulations;
exposure to different tax jurisdictions that may subject us to greater fluctuations in our effective tax rate and potentially adverse tax
consequences; and
increased costs associated with doing business in foreign jurisdictions.
One or more of these factors could harm our overseas operations and consequently, could harm our overall results of operations.
If we are unable to adapt or expand our existing technology infrastructure to accommodate greater traffic, content or additional customer
requirements, our business may be harmed.
Our Baidu platform regularly serves a large number of users and customers and delivers a large number of daily page views. Our technology
infrastructure is highly complex and may not provide satisfactory service in the future, especially as the number of users and customers increases. We
may be required to upgrade our technology infrastructure to keep up with the increasing traffic on our Baidu platform, such as increasing the capacity of
our servers and the sophistication of our software. If we fail to adapt our technology infrastructure to accommodate greater traffic or customer
requirements, our users and customers may become dissatisfied with our services and switch to our competitors’ websites, which could harm our
business.
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If we fail to detect fraudulent click-throughs, our customers’ confidence in us could be damaged and our revenues could decline.
We are exposed to the risk of click-through fraud on our paid search results. Click-through fraud occurs when a person clicks paid search results
for a reason other than to view the underlying content of search results. Although our anti-spam algorithms and tools can identify and respond to spam
web pages quickly and effectively and thus capture and prevent some fraudulent click-throughs, there is no assurance that our anti-spam technology is
able to detect and stop all fraudulent click-throughs. If we fail to detect fraudulent clicks or otherwise are unable to prevent this fraudulent activity, the
affected customers may experience a reduced return on investments, or ROI, in our online marketing services and lose confidence in the integrity of our
systems, and we may have to issue refunds to our customers. If this happens, we may be unable to retain existing customers or attract new customers for
our online marketing services, and our online marketing revenues could decline. In addition, affected customers may also file legal actions against us
claiming that we have over-charged or failed to refund them. Any such claims or similar claims, regardless of their merits, could be time-consuming and
costly for us to defend against and could also adversely affect our brand and our customers’ confidence in the integrity of our systems. We experienced a
number of incidents involving fraudulent click-throughs in recent years. Although the amount of revenue involved in these incidents was immaterial,
such cases of fraudulent click-throughs, if occurring on a large-scale and widespread manner, may damage the reputation of our search ecosystem.
The successful operation of our business depends upon the performance and reliability of the internet infrastructure and fixed telecommunications
networks in China.
Our business depends on the performance and reliability of the internet infrastructure in China. Almost all access to the internet is maintained
through state-owned telecommunication operators under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of the MIIT. In addition, the national
networks in mainland China are connected to the internet through international gateways controlled by the PRC government. These international
gateways are the only channels through which a domestic user can connect to the internet. It is unpredictable whether a more sophisticated internet
infrastructure will be developed in mainland China. We may not have access to alternative networks in the event of disruptions, failures or other
problems with mainland China’s internet infrastructure. In addition, the internet infrastructure in mainland China may not support the demands
associated with continued growth in internet usage.
We rely heavily on China Telecommunications Corporation, or China Telecom, China United Network Communications Group Company
Limited, or China Unicom, and China Mobile Communications Corporation, or China Mobile, to provide us with network services and data center
hosting services. We have entered into contracts with various local branches or subsidiaries of China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile to
obtain data communications capacity. We have limited access to alternative services in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with the fixed
telecommunications networks of these companies, or if these companies otherwise fail to provide the services. Any unscheduled service interruption
could damage our reputation and result in a decrease in our revenues. Furthermore, we have no control over the costs of the services provided by these
telecommunication companies. If the prices that we pay for telecommunications and internet services rise significantly, our gross margins could be
adversely affected. In addition, if internet access fees or other charges to internet users increase, our user traffic may decrease, which in turn may harm
our revenues.
Security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, or any system failure or compromise of our security, could harm
our reputation and adversely affect our business.
Our business is prone to cyber-attacks seeking unauthorized access to our data or user data or to disrupt our ability to provide services. Any failure
to prevent or mitigate security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, such as personal information, including names,
accounts, user IDs and passwords, and payment or transaction related information, could result in the loss or misuse of such data, which
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could cause a loss or give rise to liabilities to the owners of confidential information, such as our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers
and Baidu Union partners, subject us to penalties imposed by administrative authorities, and disrupt our operations. For example, Baidu Drive provides
services to many individual users who may upload sensitive personal information and documents of significance to Baidu Drive. In the event of an
unauthorized access, such information and documents might be leaked or even further sold through illegal means. In addition, computer malware,
viruses, social engineering (predominantly spear phishing attacks), and general hacking have become more prevalent in our industry, have occurred on
our systems in the past, and may occur again on our systems in the future. We also regularly encounter attempts to create false or undesirable user
accounts, purchase ads, or take other actions on our platform for purposes such as spamming, spreading misinformation, or other objectionable ends. As
a result of our prominence, the size of our user base, and the types and volume of personal data on our systems, we believe that we are a particularly
attractive target for such breaches and attacks. Such attacks may cause interruptions to the services we provide, degrade the user experience, cause users
or customers to lose confidence and trust in our products and services, impair our internal systems, or result in financial harm to us.
We have adopted strict information security policies and deployed advanced measures to implement the policies, including, among others,
advanced encryption technologies. However, we may not be able to implement adequate preventative measures or prevent compromises or breaches of
our preventative measures due to the evolution of the sophistication of cyber-attacks, advances in technology, an increased level of sophistication and
diversity of our products and services, an increased level of expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or others, software bugs or
other technical malfunctions, employee, contractor, or vendor error or malfeasance, government surveillance, or other evolving threats. As a result, we
may incur significant costs in protecting against or remediating cyber-attacks.
In addition, some of our developers or other partners, such as those that help us measure the effectiveness of advertisements, may receive or store
information provided by us or by our users through mobile or web applications integrated with our products. We provide limited information to such
third parties based on the scope of services provided to us. However, if these third parties fail to adopt or adhere to adequate data security practices, or in
the event of a breach of their networks, our data or our users’ data may be improperly accessed, used, or disclosed.
Affected users or government authorities could initiate legal or regulatory actions against us in connection with any actual or perceived security
breaches or improper disclosure of data, which could cause us to incur significant expense and liabilities or result in orders or consent decrees forcing us
to modify our business practices. Such incidents or our efforts to remediate such incidents may also result in a decline in our user base or engagement
levels. Any of these events could have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation, or results of operations.
Defects or errors in our products or services could diminish demand for our products or services, harm our business and results of operations and
subject us to liability.
Our customers use our products for important aspects of their personal lives or businesses. Any errors, defects or disruptions to our products and
any other performance problems with our products could damage our customers’ personal lives or businesses and, in turn, hurt our brand and reputation.
We provide regular updates to our products, which have in the past contained, and may in the future contain, undetected errors, failures, vulnerabilities
and bugs when first introduced or released. Real or perceived errors, failures or bugs in our products could result in negative publicity, loss of or delay in
market acceptance of our platform, loss of competitive position, lower customer retention or claims by customers for losses sustained by them. In such
an event, we may be required, or may choose, for customer relations or other reasons, to expend additional resources in order to help correct the
problem. In addition, we may not carry insurance to compensate us for any losses that may result from claims arising from defects or disruptions in our
products. As a result, our reputation and our brand could be harmed, and our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely
affected.
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Concerns and unfavorable media coverage relating to our privacy practices could damage our reputation, deter current and potential users and
customers from using our products and services and negatively impact our business.
The internet industry is facing significant challenges with respect to information security and privacy, including the storage, transmission and
sharing of confidential information. The general public, our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers and Baidu Union partners are
increasingly aware of the vulnerability of confidential and private information. We will continue to experience media or regulatory scrutiny of our
actions or decisions regarding user privacy, content or advertising. Furthermore, concerns have been expressed from time to time about whether our
products, services or processes could compromise the privacy of users and others.
We transmit and store confidential and private information of our users, customers, third-party agents, content providers and Baidu Union
partners, such as personal information, including names, accounts, user IDs and passwords, and payment or transaction related information. Historically
there has been negative publicity or media reports making allegations about our practice, and we cannot rule out similar possibilities of such in the
future. Although we strive to comply with all privacy related requirements, we cannot guarantee that our products or services are at all times without
defect due to the complexity and rapid evolvement of technology, etc. Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure, or
security of personal information or other privacy related matters, and any negative publicity on our information safety or privacy protection mechanism
and policy, even if unfounded, has in the past, and could adversely affect our business and results of operations and financial condition. Such concerns
and negative publicity could damage our reputation and brand, and have an adverse effect on the size, engagement and loyalty of our user base, which
could adversely affect our business and results.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may lose investor confidence in the reliability of our
financial statements.
We are subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual
report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. In addition, an independent
registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. We have been
subject to these requirements since the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022. See “Item 15. Controls
and Procedures.” Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report, which has concluded that our internal control over
financial reporting was effective in all material aspects as of December 31, 2022. However, if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control
over financial reporting in the future, our management and our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to conclude that we have
effective internal control over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level. This could in turn result in loss of investor confidence in the reliability
of our financial statements and negatively impact the trading price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs. Furthermore, we have incurred and
anticipate that we will continue to incur considerable costs, management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other requirements.
Termination or other changes of related party transactions in the ordinary course of business may have an adverse impact on our results of
operations and financial performance.
Certain parties with which we transact may be deemed as our related parties by virtual of our equity interests in or significant influence over them.
We have entered into transactions with these related parties in the
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ordinary course of business such as providing online marketing and/or other services to them. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had related party transactions
of RMB2.8 billion, RMB4.4 billion and RMB4.4 billion (US$0.6 billion) in aggregate, respectively, in connection with online marketing and other
services provided to related parties in our ordinary course of business. Please refer to “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for
more details. However, such related party transactions may discontinue in the future for a variety of reasons, such as the development status of relevant
business or our relationship with the relevant parties. For example, a party may cease to be our related party, when we strategically dispose of our equity
interests or otherwise cease to have significant influence over it, and such change in relationship may adversely affect our transactions and other
business collaboration with the party. In addition, if we later on acquire a controlling stake in a related party or otherwise consolidate its results into our
consolidated financial statements, our transactions with such party will no longer be related party transactions, and will not contribute to our financial
results on a consolidated basis. Although we do not rely on these related party transactions, such change in relationship and/or transactions with related
parties may have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial performance.
We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities.
We are subject to enterprise income tax, or EIT, VAT, and other taxes in many provinces and cities in mainland China and our tax structure is
subject to review by various local tax authorities. The determination of our provision for income tax and other tax liabilities requires significant
judgment. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. For
example, if our P4P service is classified as a form of advertisement distribution service, we may be required to pay a cultural business construction fee.
See “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation—Mainland China VAT in Lieu of Business Tax.” In
addition, if this classification of P4P services were to be retroactively applied, we might be subject to sanctions, including payment of delinquent fees
and fines for the revenues generated from our P4P services prior to the classification. Moreover, under the EIT Law, the PRC tax authorities may impose
reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s-length principles. Particularly,
pursuant to the Administrative Measures for Special Tax Adjustment and Investigation and Mutual Consultation Procedures issued by the State
Administration of Tax in March 2017, if a mainland China enterprise makes an outbound payment to its overseas related party which undertakes no
functions, bears no risks or has no substantial operation or activities and such payment is inconsistent with arm’s-length principles, the tax authorities
may carry out a special tax adjustment based on the full amount deducted prior to tax. Although we believe all our related party transactions, including
all payments by our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities to our non-mainland China entities, are made on an arm’s-length basis
and our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate decisions by the relevant tax authorities may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements
and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.
Furthermore, due to shifting economic and political conditions, tax policies, laws, or rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant
changes in ways that could impair our financial results. Various jurisdictions around the world have enacted or are considering enacting digital services
taxes, which could lead to inconsistent and potentially overlapping international tax regimes of highly-digitalized businesses. The Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development continues to advance proposals relating to its initiative for modernizing international tax rules including
Two-Pillar Solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy, with the goal of having different countries implement a
modernized and aligned international tax framework, but there are uncertainties on the rules and implementations and there is no guarantee that this will
not affect our financial results.
In addition, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities providing advertising services are exempted from cultural business
construction fee for 2020 and 2021 and enjoy a 50% reduction of cultural business construction fee from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. There
is no assurance that the 50% reduction will continue after 2024.
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We are subject to changing laws and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance and public disclosures that have increased
both our costs and the risk of non-compliance.
We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the SEC, which is charged with the protection of
investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and the various regulatory authorities in China and the Cayman Islands,
and to new and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law. Our efforts to comply with new and changing laws and regulations have resulted in
and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-
generating activities to compliance activities.
Moreover, because these laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, their application in practice may evolve over time
as new guidance becomes available. This evolution may result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs necessitated
by ongoing revisions to our disclosure and governance practices. If we fail to address and comply with these regulations and any subsequent changes,
we may be subject to penalty and our business may be harmed.
We have limited business insurance coverage.
We have purchased insurance to cover certain liabilities, properties, product quality and employees in connection with our intelligent driving
business. We only have limited business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in mainland China. Any business disruption may
result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of our resources.
We face risks related to health epidemics, severe weather conditions and other outbreaks.
In recent years, there have been outbreaks of health epidemics in China and globally, including the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Our results
of operations have been and may continue to be adversely and materially affected to the extent COVID-19 or any other epidemic harms the Chinese and
global economy in general. Beginning in 2020, COVID-19 has resulted in quarantines, travel restrictions, and temporary closure of businesses and
facilities in China and worldwide. For its impact on our financial results, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Potential
impacts include, but are not limited to, the following:
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temporary closure of offices, travel restrictions or suspension of services of our customers and suppliers have negatively affected, and
could continue to negatively affect, the demand for our services;
our customers in industries that are negatively impacted by COVID-19, including healthcare, travel, offline education, franchising,
auto/transportation and real estate/home furnishing sectors, may reduce their budgets on online advertising and marketing, which may
materially adversely impact our revenue from online marketing services;
our customers may require additional time to pay us or fail to pay us at all, which could significantly increase the amount of accounts
receivable and require us to record additional allowances for doubtful accounts. We have provided and may continue to provide significant
sales incentives to our customers and third-party agents during the pandemic, which may in turn materially adversely affect our financial
condition and operating results;
the business operations of our third-party agents have been and could continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic, which may
negatively impact our distribution channel, or result in loss of customers or disruption of our services, which may in turn materially
adversely affect our financial condition and operating results;
any disruption of our supply chain, logistics providers or customers could adversely impact our business and results of operations,
including causing us or our suppliers to cease manufacturing Xiaodu smart devices for a period of time or materially delay delivery to
customers, which may also lead to loss of customers, as well as reputational, competitive and business harm to us;
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•
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many of our customers, third-party agents, suppliers and other partners are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may not
have strong cash flows or be well capitalized, and may be vulnerable to a pandemic and slowing macroeconomic conditions. If the SMEs
that we work with cannot weather COVID-19 and the resulting economic impact, or cannot resume business as usual after a prolonged
pandemic, our revenues and business operations may be materially and adversely impacted;
the global stock markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant decline from the COVID-19 pandemic and the
private and public companies that we have invested in could be materially adversely affected, which may lead to significant impairment in
the fair values of our investments and in turn materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results; and
corporate social responsibility initiatives we put forth in response to COVID-19, such as the RMB300 million charitable initiative with the
goal of providing awareness education and improving public health in China, and many other efforts to leverage our technology, products
and services to help contain the pandemic, may negatively affect our financial condition and operating results.
The potential downturn brought by and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic may be difficult to assess or predict, and actual effects will
depend on many factors beyond our control. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we provided additional allowance for credit losses for accounts
receivable and contract assets, recognized impairment charges on our long-term investments and content assets, and recorded loss from equity method
investments, due to various factors including the severe impact of COVID-19. During the year ended December 31, 2021, macroeconomy was gradually
recovering in China and business activities largely resumed. In 2022, macroeconomy remained challenging due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in
several regions in China; surges of cases in many cities in China had a negative impact on our operations.
China began to modify its COVID control policy at the end of 2022, and most of the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were lifted in
December 2022. There remains uncertainty as to the future impact of the virus. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our long-term
results will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, unpredictable and beyond our control, including the frequency, duration and
extent of outbreaks of COVID-19, the appearance of new variants with different characteristics, the effectiveness of efforts to contain or treat cases, and
future actions that may be taken in response to these developments, and measures to stimulate the general economy to improve business condition
especially for SMEs. As a result, certain of our estimates and assumptions, including the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of certain debt and
equity investments, long-term investments, content assets and long-lived assets subject to impairment assessments, require significant judgments and
carry a higher degree of variabilities and volatilities that could result in material changes to our current estimates in future periods. Consequently, the
COVID-19 pandemic may continue to materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in the current and future
years. We are closely monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on us.
In general, our business could be adversely affected by the effects of epidemics, including, but not limited to, the COVID-19, avian influenza,
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the influenza A virus, Ebola virus, severe weather conditions such as a snowstorm, flood or hazardous air
pollution, or other outbreaks. In response to an epidemic, severe weather conditions, or other outbreaks, government and other organizations may adopt
regulations and policies that could lead to severe disruption to our daily operations, including temporary closure of our offices and other facilities. These
severe conditions may cause us and/or our partners to make internal adjustments, including, but not limited to, temporarily closing down business,
limiting business hours, and setting restrictions on travel and/or visits with clients and partners for a prolonged period of time. Various impact arising
from a severe condition may cause business disruption, resulting in material, adverse impact to our financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
Laws and regulations of mainland China governing our businesses and the validity of certain of our contractual arrangements are uncertain. If we
are found to be in violation, we could be subject to sanctions. In addition, changes in the laws and regulations of mainland China or changes in
interpretations thereof may materially and adversely affect our business.
Current laws and regulations of mainland China place certain restrictions and conditions on foreign ownership of certain areas of businesses. For
example, pursuant to the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2021 Version), foreign investors are not
allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a value-added telecommunication service provider (excluding e-commerce, domestic multiparty
communications, store-and-forward and call centers). In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in companies engaged in internet
culture businesses (except for music) and radio and television program production businesses.
We and our mainland China subsidiaries are still considered foreign persons or foreign-invested enterprises under the laws related to foreign
investment of mainland China. As a result, we and our mainland China subsidiaries are subject to legal restrictions on or conditions for foreign
ownership of various industries, including the aforementioned ones. Due to these restrictions and conditions, we operate our platform and conduct
business in certain restricted or prohibited industries in mainland China through the variable interest entities. As all the nominee shareholders of the
variable interest entities are either citizens of mainland China or domestic enterprises in mainland China, these entities are therefore considered as
domestic enterprises under the laws of mainland China. The “nominee shareholders” refer to those shareholders who have entered into exclusive equity
purchase and transfer option agreements and equity pledge agreements with us as part of the contractual arrangements. Our contractual arrangements
with the variable interest entities and the nominee shareholders allow us to have the power to direct the activities of these entities that most significantly
impact their economic performance. These contractual arrangements demonstrate our ability and intention to continue to exercise the ability to absorb
losses or receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we derived 43%, 44%
and 47% of our external revenues from the variable interest entities, respectively.
However, our company is a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the variable interest entities and we conduct our
operations in mainland China through (i) our mainland China subsidiaries and (ii) the variable interest entities with which we have maintained
contractual arrangements. Investors in our Class A ordinary shares or the ADSs thus are not purchasing equity interest in the variable interest entities in
mainland China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman Islands holding company. If the PRC government deems that our contractual
arrangements with the variable interest entities do not comply with mainland China’s regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant
industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we could be subject to
severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. Baidu, Inc. may not be able to repay our indebtedness, and our shares may
decline in value or become worthless, if we are unable to assert our contractual control rights over the assets of the variable interest entities. Our holding
company in the Cayman Islands, the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC
government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and, consequently, significantly affect
the financial performance of the variable interest entities and our company as a group.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the laws and regulations of mainland China, including, but not
limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements with the variable
interest entities, including but not limited to Baidu Netcom and the nominee shareholders. These laws and regulations may be subject to change, and
their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future
businesses may also be applied retroactively. Due to the
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uncertainty and complexity of the regulatory environment, we cannot assure you that we would always be in full compliance with applicable laws and
regulations, the violation of which may have adverse effect on our business and our reputation.
Although we believe we, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities comply with current laws and regulations of mainland
China, we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree that our contractual arrangements comply with the licensing, registration or other
regulatory requirements of mainland China, with existing policies or with requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. The PRC
government has discretion in determining rectifiable or punitive measures for non-compliance with or violations of the laws and regulations of mainland
China. If the PRC government determines that we or the variable interest entities do not comply with applicable law, it could revoke the variable interest
entities’ business and operating licenses, require the variable interest entities to discontinue or restrict the variable interest entities’ operations, restrict
the variable interest entities’ right to collect revenues, block the variable interest entities’ websites, require the variable interest entities to restructure
their operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which the variable interest entities may not be able to comply, impose restrictions on
the variable interest entities’ business operations or on their customers, or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against the variable interest
entities that could be harmful to their business. Any of these or similar occurrences could significantly disrupt our or the variable interest entities’
business operations or restrict the variable interest entities from conducting a substantial portion of their business operations, which could materially and
adversely affect the variable interest entities’ business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of these occurrences results in our inability to
direct the activities of any of the variable interest entities that most significantly impact its economic performance, and/or our failure to receive the
economic benefits from any of the variable interest entities, we may not be able to consolidate these entities in our consolidated financial statements in
accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities in mainland China and the individual nominee shareholders may not be as effective
in providing control over these entities as direct ownership.
Since the laws of mainland China restrict or impose conditions on foreign equity ownership in, among other areas, the internet content services,
value-added telecommunication-based services, internet map services, online audio and video services and mobile application distribution companies in
mainland China, we operate our platform and conduct our internet content services, value-added telecommunication-based services, internet map
services, online audio and video services and mobile application distribution businesses through the variable interest entities in mainland China. We
have no equity interest in any of these entities and must rely on contractual arrangements to control and operate the businesses and assets held by the
variable interest entities, including the domain names and trademarks that have been transferred from our subsidiaries to the variable interest entities in
accordance with requirements of the laws of mainland China. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control over these
entities as direct ownership. For example, the variable interest entities and the individual nominee shareholders could breach their contractual
arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to operate our business, such as using the domain names and trademarks our subsidiaries have
transferred to them or maintaining our platform, in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. If the variable
interest entities or the individual nominee shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur
substantial costs to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under the laws of mainland China, including contract remedies, which may
not be sufficient or effective. If we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the
process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the
economic performance of the variable interest entities, and we may lose control over the assets owned by the variable interest entities, including our
baidu.com domain name and website, and any other domain names and websites we have access to may not attract a large number of users and
customers at the same level as baidu.com. As a result, our ability to conduct our business may be materially and adversely affected, and we may not be
able to consolidate the
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financial results of the relevant variable interest entities into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which may materially
and adversely affect our results of operations and damage our reputation.
Our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities in mainland China may result in adverse tax consequences to us.
As a result of our corporate structure and the contractual arrangements between our subsidiaries and each of the variable interest entities in
mainland China, we would be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities were to determine that the contracts between our
subsidiaries and these variable interest entities were not on an arm’s-length basis and therefore constituted a favorable transfer pricing. Under the PRC
Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, an enterprise must submit its annual tax return together with information on related-party transactions to
the PRC tax authorities. The PRC tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions
that are inconsistent with arm’s-length principles. For example, the PRC tax authorities could request that the variable interest entities adjust their
taxable income upward for PRC tax purposes. Such adjustment could adversely affect us by increasing the variable interest entities’ tax expenses
without reducing our subsidiaries’ tax expenses, which could subject the variable interest entities to interest due on late payments and other penalties for
under-payment of taxes.
The individual nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may adversely affect our
business. We do not have any arrangements in place to address such potential conflicts.
We have designated individuals who are PRC nationals to be the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities in mainland China. For
example, Robin Yanhong Li, our chairman, chief executive officer and co-founder, is also the principal nominee shareholder of Baidu Netcom, which is
the principal variable interest entity.
Although the individual nominee shareholders are contractually obligated to act in good faith and in our best interest, they may still have potential
conflicts of interest with us. For example, some individual nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities do not have a significant equity stake in
our company other than the share options granted to them. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these individuals will
act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. In addition, these individuals may breach, cause the variable
interest entities to breach or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements with us. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address
potential conflicts of interest between these individuals and our company, except that we could exercise our transfer option under the exclusive equity
purchase and transfer option agreement with the relevant individual nominee shareholder to request him/her to transfer all of his/her equity ownership in
the relevant variable interest entity to a mainland China entity or individual designated by us. We rely on Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, who is also a director
of our company, to abide by the Cayman Islands law, which provides that directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company, and those who are also
directors or officers of our mainland China subsidiaries to abide by the laws of mainland China, which provides that directors and officers owe a
fiduciary duty to the company. Such fiduciary duty requires directors and/or officers to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company and not
to use their positions for personal gains. There are, however, no specific provisions under the Cayman Islands law or the laws of mainland China on how
to address potential conflicts of interest. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and the individual nominee shareholders of
the variable interest entities, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could disrupt our business, distract management and subject us to
substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
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We may be unable to collect long-term loans to the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities in mainland China.
As of December 31, 2022, we have made long-term loans in an aggregate principal amount of RMB19.1 billion (US$2.8 billion) to the nominee
shareholders of the variable interest entities. We extended these loans to enable the nominee shareholders to fund the capitalization of these entities. We
may in the future provide additional loans to the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities in mainland China in connection with any increase
in their capitalization to the extent necessary and permissible under applicable law. Our ability to ultimately collect these loans will depend on the
profitability of these variable interest entities and their operational needs, which are uncertain. As of the date of this annual report, we do not have any
repayment schedule with respect to such loans to the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities.
We are in the process of registering the pledges of equity interests by nominee shareholders of some of the variable interest entities, and we may not
be able to enforce the equity pledges against any third parties who acquire the equity interests in good faith in the relevant variable interest entities
before the pledges are registered.
Pursuant to equity pledge agreements under the contractual arrangements, the nominee shareholders of each of the variable interest entities should
pledge all of their equity interests in the relevant variable interest entities to our subsidiaries. An equity pledge agreement becomes effective among the
parties upon execution. However, according to the Civil Code which became effective from January 1, 2021, an equity pledge is not perfected as a
security property right unless it is registered with the relevant local administration for market regulation. We are still in the process of registering the
pledge relating to certain variable interest entity(ies), relating to recent equity interest transfers and capital increase. Prior to the completion of the
registration, we may not be able to successfully enforce the equity pledge against any third parties who have acquired property right interests in good
faith in the equity interests in the relevant variable interest entity(ies).
If the chops of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons
or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised.
In mainland China, a company chop or seal serves as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a
signature. Each legally registered company in mainland China is required to maintain a company chop, which must be registered with the local Public
Security Bureau. In addition to this mandatory company chop, companies may have several other chops which can be used for specific purposes. The
chops of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are generally held securely by personnel designated or approved by us in
accordance with our internal control procedures. To the extent those chops are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for
unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised and those corporate entities may be
bound to abide by the terms of any documents so chopped, even if they were chopped by an individual who lacked the requisite power and authority to
do so. In addition, if the chops are misused by unauthorized persons, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to
take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve while distracting management from our operations.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material and adverse effect on our business and
operations.
Most of our business operations are conducted in mainland China. Accordingly, our business, results of operations, financial condition and
prospects are affected by economic, political and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.
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China’s economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the extent of government involvement, level
of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. In recent decades, the PRC government has implemented a series
of reform measures, including among others, emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform and the establishment of improved
corporate governance in business enterprises. Meanwhile, a considerable portion of productive assets in mainland China is still owned by the
government. In addition, the PRC government also plays a significant role in regulating industry development and has extensive influence over China’s
economic growth through allocating resources, foreign exchange control, and setting monetary and fiscal policy.
Growth of China’s economy has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the growth of the Chinese
economy has slowed down in recent years. Some of the government measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect
on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or
changes in tax regulations. Some of the stimulus measures designed to boost the Chinese economy may contribute to higher inflation, which could
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. For example, certain operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation
and office operating expenses, may increase as a result of higher inflation. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our assets consists of cash and
cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments, high inflation could significantly reduce the value and purchasing power of these assets.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in mainland China. Our operations in mainland China
are governed by the laws and regulations of mainland China. Our subsidiaries are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign
investments in mainland China. The legal system of mainland China is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but
have limited precedential value.
The laws and regulations of mainland China have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in
mainland China for the past decades. However, because certain recently enacted laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited
volume of published decisions and their nonbinding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties.
Furthermore, the legal system of mainland China is based in part on government policies, some of which are not published or not on a timely
basis. As a result, we may not be aware of our potential violation of these policies and rules. In addition, certain administrative and court proceedings in
mainland China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
PRC government has complex regulatory requirements on the conduct of our business and it has recently promulgated certain regulations and
rules to exert more oversight over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in mainland China-based issuers. Such action could
significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to
significantly decline.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in the regulations of internet and related business and companies in
mainland China.
The PRC government regulates the internet and related industry extensively, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit
requirements pertaining to, companies in the internet industry. These internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and rapidly evolving, and
thus their interpretation and enforcement, and
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under certain circumstances, the compliance requirements still involve significant uncertainties. For example, we only have contractual control over our
websites. We do not own the websites due to the restriction of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunications services in
mainland China, including online information services.
The licensing requirements relating to the internet business in mainland China are uncertain and evolving. This means that permits, licenses or
operations at some of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities may be subject to challenge, or we may not be able to obtain or
renew certain permits or licenses, including, without limitation, a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License, which is issued by the
MIIT, an Internet News License, which is issued by the CAC, a Short Messaging Service Access Code Certificate, which is issued by the MIIT, an
Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License, which is issued by the State Administration of Press Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the
SAPPRFT (the corresponding regulatory body currently known as National Radio and Television Administration, or the NRTA), a Radio and Television
Program Production License, which is issued by the local bureau of the NRTA, a Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate for internet map
services, which is issued by the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geo-information, an Internet Culture Business Permit, which is
issued by the local bureau of the then Ministry of Culture, or the Ministry of Culture and Tourism which has replaced the Ministry of Culture, a
Publication Business Operating License, which is issued by the local bureau of the SAPPRFT or NPPA, a Filing Certificate for Internet Drug and
Medical Devices Information Services or the Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services, which is issued by provincial branch of
the State Food and Drug Administration (the corresponding regulatory body currently known as the National Medical Products Administration), a
Human Resource Services License, which is issued by the local bureau of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, a Filing Certificate for
the Online Transaction Platform, which is issued by Beijing News and Publications Bureau, a Filing Certificate for Business of Category II Medical
Devices, which is issued by Haidian Branch of Beijing Administration for Market Regulation, a Registration Certificate for Medical Devices, which is
issued by Beijing Medical Products Administration, a Food Business License, which is issued by Zengcheng Branch of Guangzhou Administration for
Market Regulation, a Medicine Business License, which is issued by Guangdong Medical Products Administration, a Filing Certificate for the
Publication Online Transaction Platform, which is issued by Shanghai News and Publications Bureau, an Internet Domain Name Services License,
which is issued by Beijing Communications Administration, a Medical Device Operation License, which is issued by Guangzhou Administration for
Market Regulation, a Medical Device Production License, which is issued by Beijing Medical Products Administration, a Filing Certificate for Third-
Party Platform Provider of Online Trading Service for Medical Devices, which is issued by Beijing Medical Products Administration, the Practice
Licenses of Medical Institutions, which are issued by the local competent government authorities of Yinchuan and Hainan, an Internet Religious
Information Service License, which is issued by Beijing Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission, a Filing Certificate of Artworks Operators, which is
issued by Haidian Brach of Beijing Culture and Tourism Bureau, a Filing Information Form of Third Party Platform Providers of Online Food Trading,
which is issued by Beijing Medical Products Administration, an Aquatic Wildlife Operation and Utilization License, which is issued by Guangzhou
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, and certain permits for road testing and demonstration application of autonomous driving vehicles, which are
issued by the local competent administrations for autonomous driving. Violation of relevant laws and regulations governing these licenses, approvals,
filings or qualifications may result in penalties and even suspension or revocation of the licenses, approvals, filings or qualifications. Failure to obtain,
maintain or renew these permits and licenses may significantly disrupt our business, or subject us to sanctions, requirements to increase capital or other
conditions or enforcement, or compromise enforceability of related contractual arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us.
New laws and regulations may be promulgated to regulate internet activities, including online advertising and internet cultural activities. Other
aspects of our online operations may be further regulated in the future. If these new laws and regulations are promulgated, additional licenses may be
required for our online operations. If our operations do not comply with these new regulations at the time they become effective, or if we fail to obtain
any licenses required under these new laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties.
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We provide value-added telecommunications services through the variable interest entities, which hold the required licenses. In July 2006, the
MIIT issued the Notice of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-
Added Telecommunications Services. This notice prohibits domestic telecommunication service providers from leasing, transferring or selling
telecommunication business operating licenses to any foreign investor in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor
for their illegal operation of a telecommunication business in mainland China. According to this notice, either the holder of a Value-Added
Telecommunication Business Operating License or its shareholders must directly own the domain names and trademarks used by the license holder in its
provision of value-added telecommunications services. The major variable interest entities hold the necessary assets that are material to the operation of
our business, including domain names, personnel, facilities and most of our intellectual property rights.
As we enter into new businesses, we may encounter additional regulatory uncertainties. For example, the current legal framework of mainland
China on autonomous cars or autonomous driving is relatively new and evolving. Pursuant to the local rules and regulations in various cities including
Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Wuhan and other cities, any entity intending to conduct a road testing and/or demonstration application of
autonomous driving vehicles in these cities must file an application for road testing and/or demonstration application with a designated local agency
supervising road testing, operation and commercialization of autonomous vehicles in these cities. It also remains uncertain what additional compliance
requirements we need to meet in order to undertake a road testing, operation and commercialization of our autonomous driving cars in other locations in
mainland China. Baidu has obtained permits to conduct road testing in certain regions or cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Yangquan, Shanghai,
Tianjin, Shenzhen, Changsha, Wuhan, Hefei, Wuzhen and Chongqing, and obtained the qualification for demonstration application (or commercial trial
operation) of autonomous driving vehicles in certain regions and cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan, Changsha, Hefei, Wuzhen and
Yangquan. In particular, Baidu has obtained the permits to charge fees for driverless ride-hailing services (with safety officers in the vehicles, but not
behind the steering wheel) on public roads in Beijing in July 2022, and obtained the permits for fully driverless ride-hailing services on open roads in
Chongqing and Wuhan in August 2022. There is no guarantee that the road testing and demonstration application of our autonomous driving cars in
other locations fully complies with local laws and regulations. If our road testing and demonstration application are deemed by local enforcement
authority as a violation of the applicable traffic and transportation laws, in addition to being warned or fined according to the laws and regulations on
road traffic safety, we may also have to suspend the testing and the demonstration application, which may result in that the progress of our research and
development of autonomous cars will be adversely affected and our revenue from driverless ride-hailing services will decline. We also engage in
generative AI business which is a new business area in mainland China. The regulatory and legal framework on generative AI is evolving rapidly and
may not sufficiently cover all aspects of the research, development and application of generative AI in mainland China. Before the year of 2022, the
regulations related to generative AI were also provided in other regulations and rules of Internet information services dispersedly. However, PRC
government authorities have gradually accelerated the pace of legislation for generative AI related technologies including algorithm recommendation
and deep synthesis recently. Since the end of 2021, PRC government authorities released the Administration Provisions on Algorithmic
Recommendation of Internet Information Services and the Administrative Provisions on Deep Synthesis of Internet Information Services successively.
See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Artificial Intelligence—Regulations on Generative
AI.” However, since these laws and regulations are still relatively new and significant uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and
implementation of such laws and regulations, we cannot assure whether we will be able to comply with the requirements of such laws and regulations in
a timely manner or at all. If we are unable to obtain the necessary approvals or if we have any dispute with any third party relating to intellectual
property or data security, our business operation may be adversely affected.
The interpretation and application of existing laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies of mainland China
relating to the internet industry have created substantial uncertainties
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regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, internet businesses in mainland China, including
our business.
Failure to meet the PRC government’s complex regulatory requirements on our business operation could have a material adverse effect on our
operations and the value of our securities.
We conduct our business primarily through the variable interest entities and the variable interest entities’ subsidiaries in mainland China. The PRC
government has significant oversight over the conduct of our business according to the laws and regulations of mainland China. However, since the PRC
legal system continues to rapidly evolve and many laws and regulations are relatively new, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws, regulations
and rules involve uncertainties. Any failure to meet the PRC government’s complex regulatory requirements due to such uncertainties could have a
material adverse effect on our operation and/or the value of our ADSs. Also, the PRC government has recently promulgated certain regulations and rules
to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. For example, on July 6,
2021, the relevant PRC government authorities made public the Opinions on Strictly Scrutinizing Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the
Law, or the Opinions. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on
overseas listings by mainland China-based companies. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies and five supporting guidelines, or collectively, the Filing Rules, which will come into effect on
March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Filing Rules, domestic companies that seek to offer or list their securities in an overseas market, whether directly or
indirectly, are required to fulfill relevant filing procedure and report relevant information to the CSRC. On December 28, 2021, the CAC issued the
Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021, which required that, among others, network platform operators holding over one million users’ personal
information are required to apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any public offering in a foreign country. On
November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Regulations on the Network Data Security, or the Draft Regulations, for public comments, which stipulates,
among others, that a prior cybersecurity review is required for listing abroad of data processors which process over one million users’ personal
information, and the listing of data processors in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security. Since the Draft Regulations are in the process
of being formulated, and the Opinions, the Filing Rules and the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 are relevantly new and remain unclear on how
they will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant PRC government authorities, it remains uncertain whether we can obtain the specific
regulatory approvals from, and complete the required filings with the CSRC, CAC or any other PRC government authorities for our future securities
offering in a timely basis or at all. If we are unable to obtain such approvals or complete such filings, or such approvals or filings are rescinded even if
obtained, our ability to continue to offer securities to investors will be significantly limited or completely hindered and the value of such securities may
be significantly declined. In addition, implementation of industry-wide regulations directly targeting our operations could result in adverse effect on the
value of our securities. Therefore, investors of our company and our business face potential uncertainty from any of our failure to meet the PRC
government’s regulatory requirements on our operation.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with the enacted Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other anti-monopoly laws
and regulations may result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, litigation or claims against us and could have an adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The PRC anti-monopoly enforcement agencies have in recent years strengthened enforcement under the PRC Anti-monopoly Law. In March
2018, the SAMR was formed as a new governmental agency to take over, among other things, the anti-monopoly enforcement functions from the
relevant departments under the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, the NDRC and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (now the
SAMR), respectively. Since its inception, the SAMR has continued to strengthen anti-monopoly enforcement. In November 2021, the National Anti-
monopoly Bureau was inaugurated by the State Council, which aims to
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further implement the fair competition policies, and strengthen anti-monopoly supervision in mainland China, especially to strengthen oversight and law
enforcement in areas involving platform economy, innovation, science and technology, information security and people’s livelihood.
In September 2020, the SAMR issued Anti-monopoly Compliance Guideline for Operators, which encourages, under the PRC Anti-monopoly
Law, operators to establish anti-monopoly compliance management systems to prevent anti-monopoly compliance risks. In particular, on February 7,
2021, the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council officially promulgated Guidelines to Anti-Monopoly in the Field of Internet Platforms, or the
Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms. Pursuant to an official interpretation from the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council, the
Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms mainly covers five aspects, including general provisions, monopoly agreements, abuse of market
dominance, concentration of undertakings, and abuse of administrative powers that eliminate or restrict competition. The Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for
Internet Platforms prohibits certain monopolistic acts of internet platforms so as to protect market competition and safeguard interests of consumers and
undertakings participating in internet platform economy, including without limitation, prohibiting companies with dominant position from abusing their
market dominance (such as discriminating customers in terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and analytics, coercing
counterparties into exclusivity arrangements through entering into written or oral agreements or using technologies to block competitors’ interface or
reduce positions in search results of goods displays, using bundle services to sell different services or products, compulsory collection of unnecessary
user data). In addition, the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms also reinforces anti-monopoly merger review for internet platform related
transactions to safeguard market competition. In practice, the PRC government authority also strengthens the supervision of monopoly and other unfair
competition acts, and requests to establish a new order of the platform economy. In April 2021, the SAMR, together with certain other PRC government
authorities convened an administrative guidance meeting, focusing on the problem of requiring the operators on the platform to choose “one out of two”
competitive platforms and other prominent problems, requesting major internet companies to conduct self-inspection and rectification on the activities
which may violate anti-monopoly, anti-unfair competition, tax and other related laws and regulations, to comply with relevant laws and regulations
strictly and to be subject to public supervision. In addition, many internet companies, including the over 30 companies which attended such
administrative guidance meeting, are required to conduct a comprehensive self-inspection and make necessary rectification accordingly. The SAMR has
stated it will organize and conduct inspections on the companies’ rectification results. If the companies are found to conduct illegal activities, more
severe penalties are expected to be imposed on them in accordance with the laws. As of the date of this annual report, we have completed such self-
inspection and have not received any further inquiry from the relevant governmental authorities. As the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet
Platforms was newly promulgated, we are unable to estimate its specific impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We cannot assure you that our business operations comply with such regulations and authorities’ requirements in all respects. If any non-compliance is
raised by relevant authorities and determined against us, we may be subject to fines and other penalties.
The Provisions of the State Council on the Threshold for the Filing of Concentration of Undertakings (Revised Draft for Comments) released on
June 27, 2022, propose to raise the filing threshold of revenue, and provide that certain transactions should also be reported to the anti-monopoly
authority even if the revenue threshold is not met. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on
Anti-Monopoly Matters related to Internet Platform Companies.” If these provisions become effective as their current form, certain acquisition or
investment transactions between one party with large revenue, like us, and small-scale enterprises, may be also subject to the filing of concentration of
undertakings. As of the date of this annual report, these provisions have not been promulgated in their final form, therefore, substantial uncertainties still
exist with respect to the final content, interpretation and implementation of such provisions. In addition, the PRC Anti-monopoly Law, which was
amended and became effective on August 1, 2022, raises the maximum fines for failure to file for concentration of undertakings, and introduces a “stop-
clock mechanism” which may prolong the length of period for concentration review. See “Item 4.B. Information on the
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Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Anti-Monopoly Matters related to Internet Platform Companies.”
To our knowledge, there had been few precedents where internet companies with a VIE structure were investigated for being involved in the
concentrations of undertaking before year of 2020. It had been long debated whether transactions involving internet companies with a VIE structure are
subject to prior filing of notification requirements, since filing of notification of concentration of undertaking made by some internet companies were
not accepted in the past. Due to such regulatory history in the industry and as a matter of common industry practice in the past, we did not file prior
notification of concentrations of undertaking. However, since 2020, the SAMR has indicated a change of its regulatory practice in this regard by
publishing cases of concentration of undertaking involving a VIE structure, explicit inclusion for the first time of the filing requirement for
concentrations involving a VIE structure in the anti-monopoly regulations and rules and penalizing certain internet companies with a VIE structure for
failure to file prior notifications of implementing concentrations. Hence, starting from 2020, the SAMR has been reviewing historical cases of
concentrations of undertaking of internet companies with a VIE structure, and past failure to file prior notification of concentrations of undertaking may
be investigated and penalized.
We have received enquiries from the SAMR related to failure to file prior notification of concentrations of undertaking, and with respect to certain
past transactions for which we failed to file the prior notification, we have been fined with an amount of RMB500,000 for each case. There can be no
assurance that we will not be subject to more enquiries or penalties in the future. If the anti-monopoly authority determines we, in the past or in the
future, have failed to file other concentrations which are subject to the prior notification, we may be subject to penalty, and in extreme case being
ordered to terminate the contemplated concentration, to dispose of our equity or asset within a prescribed period, to transfer our business within a
prescribed time or to take any other necessary measures to restore to the pre-concentration status.
Due to the enhanced enforcement of and tightened regulatory requirements under the amended Anti-Monopoly Law, we may receive greater
scrutiny and attention from regulators and more frequent and stringent investigation or review by regulators, which will increase our compliance costs
and subject us to heightened risks and challenges. In addition, there are significant uncertainties on the evolving legislative activities and varied local
implementation practices of anti-monopoly and competition laws and regulations in mainland China. We may have to spend much more personnel cost
and time evaluating and managing these risks and challenges in connection with our products and services as well as our investments in our ordinary
business course to avoid any failure to comply with these regulations. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with the enacted Anti-Monopoly
Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other anti-monopoly laws and regulations may result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions,
lawsuits or claims against us and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to various economic sanction and export control laws.
We are subject to various economic and trade sanctions laws in different jurisdictions. For example, U.S. economic sanctions prohibit the
provision of products and services to countries, governments, and persons targeted by U.S. sanctions, including specific license requirements for the
export, re-export and/or transfer of specified items. United Kingdom financial sanctions and European Union sanctions also have similar regime to
prohibit the provision of products and services to countries, governments and persons on their respective target list.
In August 2020, MOFCOM and the Ministry of Technology jointly promulgated a notice to adjust and pronounce the Catalog of Technologies
Prohibited or Restricted from Export of the PRC, which has provided that certain technologies on interactive interface of AI (including voice
recognition, microphone array, voice wake-up and interactive understanding) could be restricted for export from mainland China without approval.
According to the Administrative Measures on the Import and Export of Technologies of the PRC, which was recently
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revised by the State Council in November 2020, if we would like to conduct any type of cross-border technology service or cooperation involving
certain AI technologies which are or may be (subject to determination by the relevant governmental authority) restricted from export, we would be
required to apply for approval from the provincial competent commercial department before entering into any substantial stage of negotiation or
execution of any technology export contract. If and after such contract is executed, we must apply for an export certificate and such contract would only
come into effect after the competent commercial department has granted us the permit. Such process may be time consuming and there is no guarantee
that such permit would always be granted, which could negatively affect our potential cross-border technology service or cooperation.
While we believe that we have been, and that we continue to be, in compliance with applicable economic sanction and export control laws, our
failure to employ appropriate safeguards with respect to users located in countries that are targets of economic sanctions or export control may result in a
violation of such laws and regulations. Non-compliance with applicable governmental economic sanctions or export control laws could subject us to
adverse media coverage, investigations, severe administrative, civil and possibly criminal sanctions, and expenses related to remedial measures and legal
expenses, which could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
There are uncertainties associated with the laws and regulations of mainland China on virtual assets, and therefore it is not clear what liabilities, if
any, we may have relating to the loss of virtual assets by our users.
While participating on our platform, our users may acquire, purchase and accumulate certain virtual assets, such as gifts or certain statuses and
privileges. Such virtual assets can be important to users and have monetary value and, in some cases, can be cashed to actual money. However, virtual
assets may become lost for various reasons, often through unauthorized use of the account of one user by other users and occasionally through data loss
caused by delays in network service, network crashes or hacking activities. Currently, there are uncertainties associated with the laws and regulations of
mainland China on virtual assets. As a result, uncertainties still exist as to who the legal owner of virtual assets is, whether and how the ownership of
virtual assets is protected by law, and whether an operator of a platform would have any liability, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, to users or other
interested parties, for loss of such virtual assets. Some recent judgments of the courts of mainland China ordered certain online platform operators liable
for losses of virtual assets by platform users, and have ordered online platform operators to restore the lost virtual items to users or pay damages and
losses. In case of a loss of virtual assets, we may be sued by our users and held liable for losses, which may negatively affect our reputation, business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects. We have been involved in virtual items related lawsuits in the past, and we cannot assure you
that such lawsuits will not be brought against us again in the future.
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Regulations
and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On January 1, 2020, the PRC Foreign Investment Law, or the Foreign Investment Law, and the Regulations for Implementation of the Foreign
Investment Law of the PRC, or the Implementation Regulations, came into effect and replaced the trio of prior laws regulating foreign investment in
mainland China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the
Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Foreign Investment Law and the
Implementation Regulations embody an expected regulatory trend of mainland China to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with
prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments.
However, since they are relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to their interpretation and implementation. For instance, under the Foreign
Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities directly or indirectly conducted in mainland China by foreign individuals,
enterprises or other entities. Though it does not
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explicitly classify contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, there is no assurance that foreign investment via contractual arrangement
would not be interpreted as a type of indirect foreign investment activities under the definition in the future. In addition, the definition contains a
catch-all provision which includes investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other
methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore, it still leaves leeway for future laws, administrative regulations or provisions promulgated by the
State Council to provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. In any of these cases, it will be uncertain whether our contractual
arrangements will be deemed to be in violation of the market access requirements for foreign investment under the laws and regulations of mainland
China. Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate further actions to be taken by
companies with respect to existing contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete such actions in a
timely manner, or at all.
If any of the variable interest entities would be deemed as foreign invested enterprise under any such future laws, administrative regulations or
provisions and any of our business would be included in any negative list or other form of restrictions on foreign investment, we may need to take
further actions to comply with such future laws, administrative regulations or provisions. Such actions may have a material and adverse impact on our
business, financial condition, result of operations and prospects. If we or any of the variable interest entities is found to be in violation of any existing or
future laws, administrative regulations or provisions of mainland China, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the
relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take corresponding action regarding such violations or failures to such entities, such
as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
order to immediately terminate prohibited investment activities and to take certain measures to return to the pre-investment status;
order to rectify within prescribed period and to take necessary measures to comply with such laws, administrative regulations or
provisions;
revocation of such entities’ business licenses and/or operating licenses;
shutting down of our website, or discontinuance or restriction on any transactions between certain of our mainland China subsidiaries with
them;
fines, confiscation of the income from our mainland China subsidiaries or the variable interest entities, or other requirements with which
we or the variable interest entities may not be able to comply;
order to restructure our ownership structure, corporate governance and business operations, including terminating the contractual
arrangements with the variable interest entities and deregistering the equity pledges of the variable interest entities, which in turn would
affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or impose control over the variable interest entities; or
restriction or prohibition on our use of the proceeds of any financing outside mainland China to finance our business operations in
mainland China, and other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business.
Any of the above penalties may result in a material and adverse effect on our business operation. In addition, if the PRC regulatory authorities
were to find our legal structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of any laws, administrative regulations or provisions of mainland China,
we are uncertain what impact of above PRC regulatory authorities’ actions would have on us and our ability to consolidate the variable interest entities
in the consolidated financial statement. If any of these regulatory actions result in us losing our right to direct the activities of the variable interest
entities or to receive substantially all the economic benefits and residual returns from the variable interest entities and we are not able to restructure our
ownership structure and operations in a satisfactory manner, we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of the variable interest
entities in the consolidated financial statements. Any of the above results, or any other
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significant unfavorable actions that might be imposed on us in this event, would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could
materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigation or collect evidence within mainland China.
Shareholder claims or regulatory investigation that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or
practicality in mainland China. For example, in mainland China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for
regulatory investigations or litigation initiated outside mainland China. Although the authorities in mainland China may establish a regulatory
cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration,
such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the United States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation
mechanism. Furthermore, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, or Article 177, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas
securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of mainland China. While detailed
interpretation of or implementation rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseas securities regulator to directly
conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within mainland China may further increase difficulties faced by you in protecting your interests.
See also “—Risks Related to Our ADSs and Class A Ordinary Shares—Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be
enforceable.” for risks associated with investing in us as a Cayman Islands company.
We may be subject to liability for information displayed on or linked to our websites, mobile apps, Smart Mini Program or Managed Page and
negative publicity in international media, and our business may be adversely affected as a result.
The PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet access and distribution of news and other information over the internet. Under
these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet content that, among other
things, violates the laws and regulations of mainland China, impairs the national dignity of China, contains terrorism or extremism content, or is
reactionary, obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to
provide internet content and other licenses and the closure of the concerned websites. In the past, failure to comply with these requirements has resulted
in the closure of certain websites. The website operator may also be held liable for the information displayed on or linked to the website or the mobile
apps.
In particular, the MIIT, has published regulations that subject website operators to potential liability for content displayed on their websites or
mobile apps and the actions of users and others using their systems, including liability for violations of the laws and regulations of mainland China
prohibiting the dissemination of content deemed to be socially destabilizing. The Ministry of Public Security has the authority to order any local internet
service provider to block any internet website at its sole discretion. From time to time, the Ministry of Public Security has stopped the dissemination
over the internet of information which it believes to be socially destabilizing. The State Secrecy Bureau is also authorized to block any website it deems
to be leaking state secrets or failing to meet the relevant regulations relating to the protection of state secrets in the dissemination of online information.
Furthermore, we are required to report any suspicious content to relevant governmental authorities, and to undergo computer security inspections. If we
fail to implement the relevant safeguards against security breaches, our websites may be shut down and our business and ICP licenses may be revoked.
In addition, the CAC has, from time to time, also issued rules enhancing the internet service provider’s obligations to monitor information displayed on
its information platform and prevent dissemination of illegal contents. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations
—Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunications Services and Internet Content Services—Regulations on Content.”
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The Anti-Terrorism Law, which took effect on January 1, 2016 and was amended on April 27, 2018, further requires internet service providers to
verify the identity of their users, and to not provide services to anyone whose identity is unclear or who declines verification. Although the identity
verification requirements are already embodied in some internet related regulations, the Anti-Terrorism Law extends these requirements to all types of
internet services. The internet service providers are also required to provide technical interfaces, decryption and other technical support and assistance
for the competent departments to prevent and investigate terrorist activities. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—
Regulations—Regulations on Information Security” for more details.
Although we attempt to monitor the content in our search results, mobile apps, online communities such as Baidu Post, Smart Mini Programs and
Managed Page, we are not able to control or restrict the content of other internet content providers linked to or accessible through our websites, mobile
apps, or content generated or placed on our Baidu Post message boards, mini programs, Managed Page, or our other online communities by our users.
To the extent that PRC regulatory authorities find any content displayed on our websites or mobile apps illegal, they may require us to limit or eliminate
the dissemination of such information on our websites or mobile apps. To the extent that PRC regulatory authorities find any content displayed on our
websites or mobile apps objectionable, they may suggest that we limit or eliminate the dissemination of such information on our websites or mobile
apps. If third-party websites linked to or accessible through our websites or mini programs accessible through our mobile apps conduct unlawful
activities such as online gambling, PRC regulatory authorities may require us to report such unlawful activities to relevant authorities and to remove the
links to such websites or mobile apps, or they may suspend or shut down the operation of these third-party websites. PRC regulatory authorities may
also temporarily block access to certain websites or mobile apps for a period of time for reasons beyond our control. Any of these actions may reduce
our user traffic and adversely affect our business. In addition, we have been and may be subject to penalties in the future for violations of those
regulations arising from information displayed on or linked to our websites or mobile apps, including a suspension or shutdown of our online operations.
For example, in April 2020, we were approached and inquired by the CAC with respect to the display and dissemination of vulgar contents and
insufficient content monitoring on the public accounts on Baidu App. As a consequence, our Baidu App was ordered to suspend any updates for over
two weeks before updates resumed to normal. Although we will make our best efforts to closely monitor and filter the contents displayed and
disseminated on our Baidu App and other products, we cannot assure you that incidents of similar type would not take place in the future. Moreover, our
compliance with mainland China’s regulations governing internet access and distribution of news and other information over the internet may subject us
to negative publicity or even legal actions outside of mainland China.
Discontinuation of any of the preferential income tax treatments currently available to us in mainland China could have a material and adverse
effect on our result of operations and financial condition.
Pursuant to the EIT Law, as further clarified by subsequent tax regulations implementing the EIT Law, foreign-invested enterprises and domestic
enterprises are subject to EIT at a uniform rate of 25%. Certain enterprises may benefit from a preferential tax rate of 15% under the EIT Law if they
qualify as “High and New Technology Enterprises strongly supported by the state,” subject to certain general factors described in the EIT Law and the
related regulations. Furthermore, an enterprise can claim a 150% super deduction for eligible research and development expenses (a 175% super
deduction from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023).
A number of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are entitled to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% due to their
qualification as “High and New Technology Enterprise,” which are subject to renewal every three years. If any or some of these mainland China
subsidiaries and variable interest entities fail to maintain the “High and New Technology Enterprise” qualification, their applicable EIT rate will increase
to 25%. Certain of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities enjoy a 175% super deduction for eligible research and
development expenses. However, there is no assurance that the 175% super deduction preferential policy will continue after 2023.
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Discontinuation of any of the above-mentioned preferential income tax treatments currently available to us in mainland China could have a
material and adverse effect on our result of operations and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our current
effective tax rate in the future.
If our mainland China subsidiaries declare and distribute dividends to their respective offshore parent companies, we will be required to pay more
taxes, which could have a material and adverse effect on our result of operations.
Under the EIT Law and related regulations, dividends, interests, rent or royalties payable by a foreign-invested enterprise, such as our mainland
China subsidiaries, to any of its foreign non-resident enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such foreign enterprise investor’s disposition of assets
(after deducting the net value of such assets) are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless the foreign enterprise investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation
has a tax treaty with mainland China that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax. Undistributed profits earned by foreign-invested enterprises
prior to January 1, 2008 are exempted from any withholding tax. The British Virgin Islands, where Baidu Holdings Limited, which wholly owns our
mainland China subsidiaries, Baidu Online and Beijing Duyou Information Technology Co., Ltd., is incorporated, does not have such a tax treaty with
mainland China. Hong Kong has a tax arrangement with mainland China that provides for a 5% withholding tax on dividends subject to certain
conditions and requirements, such as the requirement that the Hong Kong resident enterprise owns at least 25% of the mainland China enterprise
distributing the dividend at all times within the 12-month period immediately preceding the distribution of dividends and be a “beneficial owner” of the
dividends. For example, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, which directly owns our mainland China subsidiaries Baidu China and Baidu Times, is
incorporated in Hong Kong.
However, if Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited is not considered to be a Hong Kong tax resident enterprise or the beneficial owner of dividends paid or
to be paid to it by Baidu China and Baidu Times under the tax circulars promulgated in February 2009 and 2018, such dividends would be subject to
withholding tax at a rate of 10%. See “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation—Mainland China
Enterprise Income Tax.” If our mainland China subsidiaries further declare and distribute profits earned after January 1, 2008 to us in the future, such
payments will be subject to withholding tax, which will further increase our tax liability and reduce the amount of cash available to our company.
We may be deemed a mainland China resident enterprise under the EIT Law, which could subject us to mainland China’s taxation on our global
income, and which may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
Under the EIT Law and related regulations, an enterprise established outside of mainland China with “de facto management body” within
mainland China is considered a mainland China resident enterprise and is subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income as well as PRC
EIT reporting obligations. The related regulations define the term “de facto management body” as “the establishment that exercises substantial and
overall management and control over the production, business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise.” The State Administration of
Taxation issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Offshore-Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on
the basis of de facto management bodies, issued on April 22, 2009 and further amended on December 29, 2017, or the SAT Circular 82 in April 2009,
which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a Chinese-controlled overseas-incorporated
enterprise is located in mainland China. The State Administration of Taxation issued additional rules to provide more guidance on the implementation of
SAT Circular 82 in July 2011, and issued an amendment to SAT Circular 82 delegating the authority to its provincial branches to determine whether a
Chinese-controlled overseas-incorporated enterprise should be considered a mainland China resident enterprise, in January 2014. See “Item 5.A.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation—Mainland China Enterprise Income Tax.” Although the SAT Circular
82, the additional guidance and amendment apply only to overseas registered enterprises controlled by mainland China enterprises, not to those
controlled by mainland China individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in
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SAT Circular 82 may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in
determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by enterprises or individuals of mainland China. If
we are deemed a mainland China resident enterprise, we may be subject to the EIT at 25% on our global income, except that the dividends we receive
from our mainland China subsidiaries may be exempt from the EIT to the extent such dividends are deemed as “dividends among qualified mainland
China resident enterprises.” If we are deemed a mainland China resident enterprise and earn income other than dividends from our mainland China
subsidiaries, a 25% EIT on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden and materially and adversely affect our cash flow and
profitability.
Under the tax laws of mainland China, dividends payable by us and gains on the disposition of our shares or ADSs may be subject to mainland
China taxation.
If we are considered a mainland China resident enterprise under the EIT Law, our shareholders and ADS holders who are deemed non-resident
enterprises may be subject to the EIT at the rate of 10% upon the dividends payable by us or upon any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or
ADSs, if such income is deemed derived from mainland China; provided that (i) such foreign enterprise investor has no establishment or premises in
mainland China, or (ii) it has establishment or premises in mainland China but its income derived from mainland China has no real connection with such
establishment or premises. If we are required under the EIT Law to withhold mainland China income tax on our dividends payable to our non-mainland
China resident enterprise shareholders and ADS holders, or if any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs by our non-mainland China
resident enterprise shareholders and ADS holders are subject to the EIT, your investment in our shares or ADSs could be materially and adversely
affected.
Furthermore, if we are considered a mainland China resident enterprise and relevant PRC tax authorities consider dividends we pay with respect to
our shares or ADSs and the gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs to be income derived from sources within mainland China, it is
possible that such dividends and gains earned by non-resident individuals may be subject to mainland China individual income tax at a rate of 20%. If
we are required under the tax laws of mainland China to withhold mainland China income tax on dividends payable to our non-mainland China
investors that are non-resident individuals or if you are required to pay mainland China income tax on the transfer of our shares or ADSs, the value of
your investment in our shares or ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
Our subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in mainland China are subject to restrictions on paying dividends and making other payments to
our holding company.
Baidu, Inc. is our holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As a result of the holding company structure, it currently relies on
dividend payments from our subsidiaries in mainland China. However, the regulations of mainland China currently permit payment of dividends only
out of accumulated profits, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our subsidiaries and the variable interest
entities in mainland China are also required to set aside a portion of their after-tax profits according to PRC accounting standards and regulations to fund
certain reserve funds. The PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of foreign
currencies out of mainland China. We may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign
currency. See “—Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.” Furthermore, if our subsidiaries or the variable
interest entities in mainland China incur debt on their own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or
make other payments. If our subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in mainland China are unable to pay dividends or make other payments to us,
we may be unable to pay dividends on our ordinary shares and ADSs.
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Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of foreign
currency out of mainland China. We receive most of our revenues in RMB. Under our current structure, our income at the Cayman Islands holding
company level will primarily be derived from dividend payments from our mainland China subsidiaries. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency
may restrict the ability of our mainland subsidiaries and the variable interest entities to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other
payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing foreign exchange regulations of mainland China,
payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions, can be made in
foreign currencies without prior approval from the SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate
government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of mainland China to pay capital expenses such
as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign
currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our
currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders or ADS holders.
Mainland China’s regulation of loans to and direct investment in entities in mainland China by offshore holding companies and governmental
control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans to our mainland China subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and
certain related parties, or making additional capital contributions to our mainland China subsidiaries, which could adversely affect our ability to
fund and expand our business.
Baidu, Inc. is our offshore holding company conducting operations in mainland China through our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable
interest entities. We may make loans to our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities, or we may make additional capital
contributions to our mainland China subsidiaries. Loans by Baidu, Inc. or any of our offshore subsidiaries to our mainland China subsidiaries, which are
treated as foreign-invested enterprises under the laws of mainland China, or to the variable interest entities are subject to the regulations and foreign
exchange loan registrations of mainland China. Such loans to any of our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities to finance their
activities cannot exceed a statutory upper limit and must be filed with SAFE through the online filing system of SAFE pursuant to the applicable
regulations of mainland China. We may also decide to finance our mainland China subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, in which case the
mainland China subsidiary is required to register the details of the capital contribution with the local branch of SAMR and submit a report on the capital
contribution via the online enterprise registration system to the Ministry of Commerce. Meanwhile, we are not likely to finance the activities of the
variable interest entities by means of capital contributions given the mainland China’s legal restrictions on foreign ownership of internet content
services, value-added telecommunication-based services, internet map services, online audio and video services and mobile application distribution
businesses. We have also entered into several loan agreements with Du Xiaoman, our related party. Please refer to “Item 7. Major Shareholders and
Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Loan transactions with Du Xiaoman.”
In May 2014, SAFE promulgated the Provisions on the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules on Cross-border Guarantee, which, along with the
PRC Foreign Currency Administration Rules, provides that failure to register a cross-border guarantee may subject the violator to order to rectify,
warning and a fine no more than RMB300,000. In June 2016, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular No. 16, which removed certain restrictions previously
provided under several SAFE circulars, including SAFE Circular No. 19, in respect of conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency
registered capital into RMB and use of such RMB capital. However, SAFE Circular No. 16 continues to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from,
among other things, using RMB fund converted from its foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond its business scope, and providing loans to
non-affiliated enterprises except as permitted in the business scope. On October 23, 2019, the SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting Cross-
border Trade and Investment Facilitation, or SAFE
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Circular 28. Among others, SAFE Circular 28 relaxes prior restrictions and allows foreign-invested enterprises that do not have equity investments in
their approved business scope to use their capital obtained from foreign exchange settlement to make domestic equity investments as long as the
investments are real and in compliance with the foreign investment-related laws and regulations.
In light of the various requirements imposed by the regulations of mainland China on loans to and direct investment in entities in mainland China
by offshore holding companies, including SAFE Rules and Circulars referred to above, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the
necessary government registrations or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to existing and future loans by us to our mainland China
subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and certain related parties or additional capital contributions by us to our mainland China subsidiaries, and
conversion of such loans or capital contributions into RMB. If we fail to complete such registrations or filings, our ability to capitalize or otherwise fund
our operations in mainland China may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our business.
Mainland China’s regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by domestic residents may limit our ability to
inject capital into our mainland China subsidiaries, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or
may otherwise adversely affect us.
The Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents to Engage in Financing and Inbound
Investment via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 75, and a series of implementation rules and guidance issued by SAFE,
including the circular relating to operating procedures that came into effect in July 2011, require domestic residents and domestic corporate entities of
mainland China to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment in an overseas special purpose
vehicle, or SPV, for the purposes of overseas equity financing activities, and to update such registration in the event of any significant changes with
respect to that offshore company. SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’
Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 37, on July 4, 2014, which
replaced the SAFE Circular No. 75. SAFE Circular No. 37 requires domestic residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their
direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such domestic residents’ legally
owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular No. 37 as a “special purpose
vehicle.” The term “control” under SAFE Circular No. 37 is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights
acquired by the domestic residents in the offshore special purpose vehicles or domestic companies by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting
rights, repurchase, convertible bonds or other arrangements. SAFE Circular No. 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any
changes with respect to the basic information of the special purpose vehicle, such as changes in a domestic resident individual shareholder, name or
operation period; or any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by domestic
individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. If the shareholders of the offshore holding company who are mainland
China domestic residents do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, the mainland China subsidiaries may be prohibited from
distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore company, and the offshore company
may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital to its mainland China subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with SAFE registration and
amendment requirements described above could result in liability under the laws of mainland China for evasion of applicable foreign exchange
restrictions. On February 28, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on
Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. In accordance with SAFE Notice 13, entities and individuals are
required to apply for foreign exchange registration of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment, including those required under the SAFE
Circular No. 37, with qualified banks, instead of SAFE. The qualified banks, under the supervision of SAFE, directly examine the applications and
conduct the registration.
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In addition, our shareholders who are entities in mainland China must complete their overseas direct investment filings according to applicable
laws and regulations regarding the overseas direct investment by such entities, including certificates, filings or registrations with the MOFCOM and the
NDRC, or the local branch of the MOFCOM and NDRC based on the investment amount, invested industry or other factors thereof, and should also
update or apply for amendment in respect to the certificates, filings or registrations in the event of any significant changes with respect to the offshore
investment.
We have notified holders of ordinary shares of our company whom we know are domestic residents of mainland China to register with the local
SAFE branch and update their registrations as required under the SAFE regulations described above. We are aware that Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, our
chairman, chief executive officer and principal shareholder, who is a domestic resident of mainland China, has registered, and updated registration when
required, with the relevant local SAFE branch. We, however, cannot provide any assurances that all of our shareholders or ADS holders who are
domestic residents will file all applicable registrations or update previously filed registrations as required by these SAFE regulations. The failure or
inability of our domestic resident shareholders to comply with the registration procedures or other applicable regulations of mainland China may subject
the domestic resident shareholders to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-border investment activities, or limit our mainland China subsidiaries’
ability to distribute dividends to or obtain foreign exchange-dominated loans from our company.
As it is uncertain how the SAFE regulations described above and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions will be
interpreted, amended or implemented, we cannot predict how these regulations will affect our business operations or future strategy. For example, we
may be subject to more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and
foreign currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we decide to
acquire a domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete
the necessary filings and registrations required by the SAFE regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could
adversely affect our business and prospects.
Failure to comply with mainland China’s regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock ownership plans or share option
plans may subject the plan participants in mainland China or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals
Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed Company, or the Stock Option Rule, replacing the earlier rules promulgated in March
2007. Under the Stock Option Rule, domestic residents of mainland China who are granted stock options by an overseas publicly listed company are
required, through a domestic agent or domestic subsidiary in mainland China of such overseas publicly listed company, to register with SAFE and
complete certain other procedures. We and our domestic resident employees who have been granted stock options are subject to these regulations. We
have designated our mainland China subsidiary Baidu Online to handle the registration and other procedures required by the Stock Option Rule.
However, if we or our domestic optionees fail to comply with these regulations on a timely basis, we or our domestic optionees and their local
employers may be subject to fines and legal sanctions.
Mainland China’s regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions conducted by foreign investors, which could make it more
difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in mainland China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in August
2006 and amended in June 2009, among other things, established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition
activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. In addition, the Implementing Rules Concerning Security Review on the Mergers and
Acquisitions by Foreign Investors of Domestic Enterprises, or the Rules Concerning Security Review on M&A,
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issued by the Ministry of Commerce in August 2011, specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors involved in “an industry related to
national security” are subject to strict review by the Ministry of Commerce, and prohibit any activities attempting to bypass such security review,
including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. We believe that our business is not in an industry related to
national security, but we cannot preclude the possibility that the competent PRC government authorities may publish explanations contrary to our
understanding or broaden the scope of such security reviews in the future, in which case our future acquisitions and investment in mainland China,
including those by way of entering into contractual control arrangements with target entities, may be closely scrutinized or prohibited. Moreover,
according to the Anti-Monopoly Law, as amended, the SMAR should be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain filing
thresholds are triggered. We may grow our business in part by directly acquiring complementary businesses in mainland China. Complying with the
requirements of the laws and regulations mentioned above and other regulations of mainland China to complete such transactions could be time-
consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the SMAR, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such
transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share. Our ability to expand our business or maintain or
expand our market share through future acquisitions would as such be materially and adversely affected.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which
came into effect on January 18, 2021. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Foreign
Investment.” for more details. As these measures are recently promulgated, official guidance has not been issued by the designated office in charge of
such security review yet. At this stage, the interpretation of those measures remains unclear in many aspects, such as what would constitute “important
information technology and internet services and products” and whether these measures may apply to foreign investment that is implemented or
completed before the enactment of these new measures. As our business may be deemed to constitute the foregoing circumstances, we cannot assure you
that our current business operations will remain fully compliant, or we can adapt our business operations to new regulatory requirements on a timely
basis, or at all.
The approval of and/or filing with the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our offshore offerings under
the laws of mainland China, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such
filing.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory
agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, requires an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of domestic
companies in mainland China and controlled by Domestic persons or entities of mainland China to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing
and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. The interpretation and application of the regulations remain
unclear, and our offshore offerings may ultimately require approval of the CSRC. If the CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether we can or
how long it will take us to obtain the approval and, even if we obtain such CSRC approval, the approval could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or
delay in obtaining the CSRC approval for any of our offshore offerings, or a rescission of such approval if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions
imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which could include fines and penalties on our operations in mainland China, restrictions or
limitations on our ability to pay dividends outside of mainland China, and other forms of sanctions that may materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance
with the Law. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas
listings by mainland China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems
to deal with the risks and incidents faced by mainland China-based overseas-listed companies. As a follow-up, on February 17, 2023, the CSRC, as
approved by the State Council, released the Trial Administrative
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Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies and five supporting guidelines, or, collectively, the Filing Rules, which
will take effect on March 31, 2023. The Filing Rules establish a new filing-based regime to regulate overseas offerings of stocks, depository receipts,
convertible corporate bond, or other equity securities, and overseas listing of these securities for trading, by domestic companies. According to the
Filing Rules, domestic companies that directly or indirectly offer or list their securities in an overseas market should file with the CSRC. Specifically,
the examination and determination of an indirect offering and listing will be conducted on a substance-over-form basis, and an offering and listing
should be considered as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a domestic company if the issuer meets both of the following conditions: (i) any of
the revenue, profits, total assets or net assets of such domestic company in the most recent financial year account for more than 50% of the
corresponding data in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statements for the same period; and (ii) the majority of its business operations are
conducted in mainland China or its principal place of business is located in the mainland China, or the majority of senior management in charge of
business operations are Chinese citizens or have domicile in the mainland China. According to the Filing Rules, the issuer or its affiliated domestic
company, as the case may be, must file with the CSRC for its initial public offering, follow-on offering and other equivalent offering activities.
Particularly, a listed company like us is required to submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and
exchangeable bonds, and other equivalent offering activities, within a specific time frame. Failure to comply with the filing requirements may result in
an order of rectification, a warning and fines to the relevant domestic companies, and a warning and fines on the controlling shareholder, the actual
controller and other responsible persons. The Filing Rules also sets forth certain regulatory red lines for overseas offerings and listings by domestic
enterprises and additional reporting obligations for listed companies in the case of material changes. For more details of the Filing Rules, please refer to
“Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Overseas Offering and Listing.”
In a Q&A released on the CSRC’s official website, the respondent CSRC official stated that the domestic companies which have listed their
securities in the overseas market as of March 31, 2023 will be regarded as the existing overseas listed companies, which will not be required to file with
the CSRC until they conduct any new offerings subject to the filing requirements under Filing Rules. The Q&A also addressed the contractual
arrangements and pointed out that, as for companies with contractual arrangements seeking overseas offering, the CSRC will solicit opinions from
relevant regulatory authorities and complete the filing procedures for companies with contractual arrangements complying with relevant laws and
regulations. If we fail to file with the CSRC in a timely manner or at all, for any future offering (including, among others, follow-on offerings, issuance
of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other equivalent offering activities) pursuant to the Filing Rules due to our contractual
arrangements, our ability to raise or utilize funds could be materially and adversely affected, and we may even need to unwind our contractual
arrangements or restructure our business operations to rectify the failure to complete the filings. However, as the Filing Rules were recently
promulgated, there remain substantial uncertainties as to their interpretation, application, and enforcement and how they will affect our operations and
our future financing.
On February 24, 2023, the CSRC, jointly with other relevant governmental authorities, promulgated the revised Provisions on Strengthening
Confidentiality and Archives Management of Overseas Securities Issuance and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, or the Confidentiality and Archives
Management Provisions, which will take effect on March 31, 2023. According to the Confidentiality and Archives Management Provisions, domestic
companies, whether offering and listing securities overseas directly or indirectly, must strictly abide the applicable laws and regulations when providing
or publicly disclosing, either directly or through their overseas listed entities, documents and materials to securities services providers such as securities
companies and accounting firms or overseas regulators in the process of their overseas offering and listing. If such documents or materials contain any
state secrets or government authorities work secrets, domestic companies must obtain the approval from competent governmental authorities according
to the applicable laws, and file with the secrecy administrative department at the same level with the approving governmental authority. Furthermore, the
Confidentiality and Archives Management Provisions also provides that securities companies and securities service providers shall also fulfill the
applicable legal procedures when providing overseas regulatory institutions
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and other relevant institutions and individuals with documents or materials containing any state secrets or government authorities work secrets or other
documents or materials that, if divulged, will jeopardize national security or public interest. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business
Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Overseas Offering and Listing.” Since the Confidentiality and Archives Management Provisions was
promulgated recently, substantial uncertainties still exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of such provisions and how they will
affect us.
In addition, we cannot assure you that any new rules or regulations promulgated in the future will not impose additional requirements on us. If it is
determined in the future that any additional approval and filing from the CSRC or other regulatory authorities or other procedures, including the
cybersecurity review under the Measures for Cybersecurity Review and the draft of Regulations on the Network Data Security, are required for our
offshore offerings, it is uncertain whether we can or how long it will take us to obtain such approval or complete such filing procedures and any such
approval or filing could be rescinded or rejected. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining such approval or completing such filing procedures for our
offshore offerings, or a rescission of any such approval or filing if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory
authorities for failure to seek CSRC approval or filing or other government authorization for our offshore offerings. These regulatory authorities may
impose fines and penalties on our operations in mainland China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of mainland China, limit our operating
privileges in mainland China, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our offshore offerings into mainland China or take other actions that
could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, as well as the trading price of our listed
securities. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offshore offerings
before settlement and delivery of the shares offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to
settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if any regulatory authorities later promulgate new
rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for our prior offshore
offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any
uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial
condition, reputation, and the trading price of our listed securities.
The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the
inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the benefits of such inspections.
Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of
companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which
the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. The auditor is located in mainland China, a
jurisdiction where the PCAOB was historically unable to conduct inspections and investigations completely before 2022. As a result, we and investors
in the ADSs were deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China in the
past has made it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control
procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report that
vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or
investigate completely registered public accounting firms. However, if the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect
and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these
jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the SEC, we and investors in our ADSs would be deprived of the benefits of
such PCAOB inspections again, which could cause investors and potential investors in the ADSs to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported
financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
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Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate
completely auditors located in China. The delisting or prohibition of trading of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted or prohibited from
trading, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
Pursuant to the HFCAA, if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been
subject to inspections by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our shares or ADSs from being traded on a national securities
exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States.
On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate
completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, and our auditor was subject to that determination. In
April 2022, the SEC conclusively listed us as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA following the filing of our annual report on Form 20-F
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of
jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. For this reason, we do not expect to be identified
as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA after we file this annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among
other jurisdictions. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in
mainland China and Hong Kong and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial
statements filed with the SEC, we would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report on Form 20-F for the
relevant fiscal year. In accordance with the HFCAA, our securities would be prohibited from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter trading market in the United States if we are identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for two consecutive years in the future.
Although our Class A ordinary shares have been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the ADSs and Class A ordinary shares are fully fungible,
we cannot assure your that an active trading market for our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will be sustained or that the
ADSs can be converted and traded with sufficient market recognition and liquidity, if our shares and ADSs are prohibited from trading in the United
States. A prohibition of being able to trade in the United States would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our ADSs when you wish to
do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our ADSs. Also, such a prohibition would
significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial
condition, and prospects.
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against certain PRC-based accounting firms, including the auditor of our consolidated financial statements
included in this annual report, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
In December 2012, the SEC brought administrative proceedings against five accounting firms in China, including the auditor of our consolidated
financial statements included in this annual report, alleging that they had refused to produce audit work papers and other documents related to certain
other China-based companies under investigation by the SEC. On January 22, 2014, an initial administrative law decision was issued, censuring these
accounting firms and suspending four of these firms from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. The decision is neither final nor legally
effective unless and until reviewed and approved by the SEC. On February 12, 2014, four of these PRC-based accounting firms appealed to the SEC
against this decision. In February 2015, each of the four PRC-based accounting firms agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the
dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC. The settlement requires the firms to follow detailed procedures to seek to
provide the SEC with access to Chinese firms’ audit documents via the CSRC. If the firms fail to meet specified criteria, during a period of four years
starting from the settlement
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date, the SEC retains authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Additional
remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm’s performance of certain audit work,
commencement of additional proceedings against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the current proceeding against all four firms.
The audit committee is aware of the policy restriction and regularly communicated with our independent auditor to ensure compliance. If
additional remedial measures are imposed on the China-based “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm,
in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC alleging the firms’ failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC with respect to requests for the
production of documents, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. The
settlement did not require the firms to admit to any violation of law and preserves the firms’ legal defenses in the event the administrative proceeding is
restarted.
In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with
major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial
statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative
news about the proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, United States-listed companies and the
market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected.
If the auditor of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report were denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before
the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our
financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead
to our delisting from the Nasdaq Global Select Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively
terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.
Fluctuation in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China and by the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The value of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s
political and economic conditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. We cannot assure you that Renminbi will not
appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government
policy may impact the exchange rate between Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
Our revenues and costs are mostly denominated in RMB. Any significant revaluation of RMB may materially and adversely affect our cash flows,
revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we
need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB
amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for
dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, repaying our U.S. dollar denominated notes or other payment obligations or for other business purposes,
appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to U.S. dollars would affect our financial results reported, regardless of any underlying change in our
business or results of operations, as RMB is our reporting currency. For example, an appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would result in foreign
currency translation losses for financial reporting purposes when we translate our U.S. dollar denominated financial assets into RMB, our reporting
currency, and foreign exchange losses reported in earnings for certain RMB denominated loans that overseas entities borrowed from our entities in
mainland China. Conversely, a
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depreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would result in foreign currency translation losses for financial reporting purposes when we translate our
U.S. dollar denominated notes and other indebtedness into RMB. Moreover, a significant depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar may
significantly reduce our earnings translated in the U.S. dollars, which in turn could adversely affect the price of our ADSs.
Very limited hedging options are available in mainland China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered
into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging
transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or
at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by the exchange control regulations of mainland China that restrict our ability to
convert RMB into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
We face uncertainties with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in mainland China resident enterprises by their non-mainland China
holding companies. Enhanced scrutiny over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential
acquisitions we may pursue in the future.
In February 2015, the State Administration of Tax issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of
Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or Public Notice 7. Public Notice 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only indirect transfers but also
transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets, through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also
brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of the taxable assets. Where a
non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas
holding company, the non-resident enterprise being the transferor, or the transferee, or the entity in mainland China which directly owned the taxable
assets may report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may re-characterize
such indirect transfer as a direct transfer of the equity interests in the mainland China tax resident enterprise and other properties in mainland China. As
a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to mainland China enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is
obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of up to 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a
mainland China resident enterprise. However, Public Notice 7 provides safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity
through a public securities market. On October 17, 2017, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT issued the Announcement of the State
Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came
into effect on December 1, 2017. SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of non-resident enterprise income tax.
Pursuant to Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37, both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under the tax laws of mainland China
if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.
We face uncertainties with respect to the reporting and consequences of private equity financing transactions, share exchange or other transactions
involving the transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-mainland China resident enterprises, or sale or purchase of shares in other
non-mainland China resident companies or other taxable assets by us. Our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group may be subject to
filing obligations or being taxed if our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group are transferors in such transactions, and may be subject
to withholding obligations if our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group are transferees in such transactions, under Public Notice 7 and
SAT Bulletin 37. For the transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-mainland China resident enterprises, our mainland China
subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable
resources to comply with Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply
with these circulars, or to establish that our company and other non-resident enterprises in our group should not be taxed under these
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circulars. The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based
on the difference between the fair value of the taxable assets transferred and the cost of investment. If the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the
taxable income of the transactions under Public Notice 7 and SAT Bulletin 37, our income tax costs associated with such transactions will be increased,
which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We have made acquisitions in the past and may conduct
additional acquisitions in the future. We cannot assure you that the PRC tax authorities will not, at their discretion, adjust any capital gains and impose
tax return filing obligations on us or require us to provide assistance to them for the investigation of any transactions we were involved in. Heightened
scrutiny over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions we may pursue in the future.
Risks Related to Our ADSs and Class A Ordinary Shares
The trading price of our ADSs and/or our Class A ordinary shares has been and is likely to continue to be volatile regardless of our operating
performance.
The trading price of our ADSs has been and is likely to continue to be volatile, and could fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, many
of which are beyond our control. Likewise, the trading price of our Class A ordinary shares can be volatile for similar or different reasons. Factors
impacting the price and trading volume of our listed securities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes or revisions of our expected results, as well as our
margins and profitability;
changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
conditions in internet search and online marketing markets;
changes in the operating performance or market valuations of other internet search or internet companies;
announcements by us or our competitors or other internet companies of new product-and-service offerings, acquisitions, strategic
partnerships, joint ventures, capital raisings or capital commitments;
success or failure of our new business initiatives or the development or growth of the new markets we enter into;
addition to or departure of key personnel;
public perception or negative news about our products or services or potential investments or acquisitions;
our share repurchase program;
fluctuations of exchange rates between RMB and the U.S. dollar;
litigation, government investigation or other legal or regulatory proceeding; and
general economic or political conditions in China or elsewhere in the world.
In addition, the stock market in general, and the performance and fluctuation of the market prices for internet-related companies and other
companies with operations mainly in China in particular, may affect the volatility in the prices of and trading volumes for our listed securities. The
securities of some China-based companies that have listed their securities in Hong Kong and/or the United States have experienced significant volatility
that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies, including, in some cases, substantial declines in the trading prices of their
securities. The trading performances of these companies’ securities may affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong
and/or the United States in general, which consequently may impact the trading performance of our listed securities, regardless of
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our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent
accounting, corporate structure or other matters of other Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese
companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in any inappropriate activities. In particular, the global financial crisis, the
ensuing economic recessions and deterioration in the credit market in many countries have contributed and may continue to contribute to extreme
volatility in the global stock markets. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our listed securities.
Volatility or a lack of positive performance in the price of our listed securities may also adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, most of
whom have been granted options or other equity incentives.
We adopt different practices as to certain matters as compared with many other companies primarily listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
We completed our public offering in Hong Kong in March 2021 and the trading of our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
commenced on March 23, 2021 under the stock code “9888.” As a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to Chapter 19C of the
Hong Kong Listing Rules, we are not subject to certain provisions of the Hong Kong Listing Rules pursuant to Rule 19C.11, including, among others,
rules on notifiable transactions, connected transactions, share option schemes, content of financial statements as well as certain other continuing
obligations. In addition, in connection with the listing of our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we have applied for a number
of waivers and/or exemptions from strict compliance with the Hong Kong Listing Rules, the SFO and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous
Provisions) Ordinance and have applied for a ruling under the Takeovers Codes. As a result, we will adopt different practices as to those matters as
compared with other companies primarily listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that do not enjoy those exemptions or waivers.
Furthermore, if 55% or more of the total worldwide trading volume, by dollar value, of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs over our most
recent fiscal year takes place on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will regard us as having a dual primary listing in
Hong Kong and we will no longer enjoy certain exemptions or waivers from strict compliance with the requirements under the Hong Kong Listing
Rules, the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, the Takeovers Codes and the SFO, which could result in us having to
amend our corporate structure and articles of association and our incurring of incremental compliance costs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange deemed us as having a dual primary listing in Hong Kong, we will be permitted to retain our existing weighted
voting rights structure and our variable interest entity structure.
Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our
Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs to decline.
Sales of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price
of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs to decline. Such sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in
the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. If any existing shareholder or shareholders sell a substantial amount of our Class A ordinary
shares and/or ADSs, the prevailing market price for our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs could be adversely affected. In addition, if we pay for our
future acquisitions in whole or in part with additionally issued ordinary shares, your ownership interests in our company would be diluted and this, in
turn, could have a material and adverse effect on the price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our
Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts
publish about us or our business. If research analysts do not maintain
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adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs or publishes
inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs would likely decline. If one or
more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn,
could cause the market price of or trading volume for our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs to decline.
Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our listed securities.
Short selling is the practice of selling securities that a seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying
identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. Short sellers hope to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of
the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as short sellers expect to pay less in that purchase than they received in the sale. As
it is in short sellers’ interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions and
allegations regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves
after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.
Public companies listed in the United States that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of
the scrutiny and negative publicity has centered on allegations of, among other things, lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting
in financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases,
allegations of fraud. As a result, many of these companies have conducted or are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations
and, in the interim, are subject to shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions.
iQIYI is currently and may in the future be subject to unfavorable allegations made by short sellers. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information—
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” Separately, in November 2020, after our announcement that we had
entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. (JOYY) and certain of its affiliates to acquire YY Live, Muddy Waters published a short selling
report containing certain allegations against JOYY, including the YY Live Business. On February 8, 2021, JOYY publicly disclosed that its audit
committee conducted an independent review of the allegations raised in the report related to the YY Live business, with the assistance of independent
counsel, working with a team of experienced forensic auditors and data analytics experts, and that the review concluded that the allegations raised and
conclusions reached in the report about the YY Live business were not substantiated. Further, JOYY Inc. and certain of its current and former officers
and directors were named as defendants in a federal putative securities class action filed in November 2020 in the district court for the Central District of
California, alleging that they made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the allegations contained
in the Muddy Waters short seller report. In March 2022, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss in its entirety with prejudice. On April 8, 2022,
the co-lead plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal. JOYY cannot reasonably estimate a potential future loss at this stage. See “—We face risks associated with
our proposed acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.” We may also become the subject of other short seller attacks from time to
time in the future and class actions or regulatory enforcement actions derivative of such short seller attacks or actions of a similar nature. Any such
allegations may be followed by periods of instability in the market price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs and negative publicity. If and when
we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we may have to expend a significant
amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves, including in connection with class actions or regulatory enforcement actions
derivative of such allegations. While we believe we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in
which we can proceed against the relevant short sellers by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality.
Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could divert management’s attention from the day-to-day our operations. Even if such
allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact the market price of our securities and our business
operations.
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We cannot guarantee that any share repurchase program will be fully consummated or that any share repurchase program will enhance long-term
shareholder value, and share repurchases could increase the volatility of the price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs and could diminish
our cash reserves.
Our board of director have authorized a few share repurchase programs in recent years, some of which had not been fully consummated:
•
•
•
On June 26, 2018, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of
our ADSs or ordinary shares over 12 months from June 27, 2018 through June 26, 2019.
On May 16, 2019, our board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion
of our ADSs or ordinary shares, effective until July 1, 2020.
On May 13, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of
our ADSs or shares, effective until July 1, 2021. On August 6, 2020, our board of directors approved a change to the 2020 share repurchase
program, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$1 billion to US$3 billion and extending the effective time through
December 31, 2022. On December 8, 2020, our board of directors approved a further increase in the repurchase authorization from
US$3 billion to US$4.5 billion.
•
In February 2023, our board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$5.0 billion
of our ADSs or shares, effective until December 31, 2025.
Our board of directors also has the discretion to authorize additional share repurchase programs in the future. The share repurchase programs do
not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of ADSs and/or shares. We cannot guarantee that any share
repurchase program will enhance long-term shareholder value. The share repurchase programs could affect the price of our listed securities and increase
volatility and may be suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in a decrease in the trading price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or
ADSs. Furthermore, share repurchases could increase the volatility of the price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs and could diminish our cash
reserves.
Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs
for return on your investment.
We currently do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our Class A
ordinary shares and/or ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution
declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. In either case, the declaration of dividend will be
subject to our memorandum and articles of association and certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law. Even if our board of directors decides to
declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations
and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition,
contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our Class A ordinary
shares and/or ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs. There is no guarantee
that our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the Class A ordinary shares
and/or ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs and you may even lose your entire
investment in our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs.
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Holders of our ADSs may not have the same voting rights as the holders of our ordinary shares and may not receive voting materials in time to be
able to exercise your right to vote.
Except as described in this annual report and in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise voting rights attached to
the shares evidenced by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will appoint the depositary or its nominee as their representative to
exercise the voting rights attached to the shares represented by the ADSs. Holders of our ADSs may not receive voting materials in time to instruct the
depositary to vote, and it is possible that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will not have the
opportunity to exercise a right to vote. Upon our written request, the depositary will mail to holders of our ADSs a shareholder meeting notice which
contains, among other things, a statement as to the manner in which their voting instructions may be given, including an express indication that such
instructions may be given or deemed given to the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us if no instructions are received by
the depositary from ADS holders on or before the response date established by the depositary. However, no voting instruction will be deemed given and
no such discretionary proxy will be given with respect to any matter as to which we inform the depositary that (i) we do not wish such proxy given,
(ii) substantial opposition exists, or (iii) such matter materially and adversely affects the rights of shareholders.
Holders of our ADSs may not be able to participate in rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. Under the deposit agreement for the
ADSs, the depositary will not offer those rights to ADS holders unless both the rights and the underlying securities to be distributed to ADS holders are
either registered under the Securities Act of 1933, or exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs. We are under
no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement
to be declared effective. In addition, we may not be able to take advantage of any exemptions from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly,
holders of our ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in their holdings as a result.
Holders of our ADSs may not receive cash dividends, if any, if the depositary decides it is impractical to make them available to ADS holders.
The depositary will pay cash dividends on the ADSs only to the extent that we decide to distribute dividends on our Class A ordinary shares or
other deposited securities, and we do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. To the extent
that there is a distribution, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian
receives on our Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. ADS holders will receive these distributions
in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares that their ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is
inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such
property to holders of our ADSs.
Holders of our ADSs may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
The ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time
when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers
of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because
of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
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Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and conduct most of our operations in mainland China through our subsidiaries and the variable
interest entities in mainland China. All of our executive officers and a majority of our directors do not reside in the United States or Hong Kong and
some or all of the assets of these persons are not located in the United States or Hong Kong. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of
process within the United States, Hong Kong or elsewhere outside of mainland China upon our executive officers, including with respect to matters
arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws, Hong Kong laws or otherwise.
It may also be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against our directors and executive officers in the Cayman Islands or
in mainland China in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in
bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of mainland China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets
or the assets of our directors and executive officers.
Although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in Hong Kong courts or federal or state courts of the
United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), the courts of the
Cayman Islands will, at common law, recognize and enforce a foreign monetary judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without any
re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment
debtor an obligation to pay the liquidated sum for which such judgment has been given, provided such judgment (i) is given by a foreign court of
competent jurisdiction, (ii) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (iii) is final, (iv) is
not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (v) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural
justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts
or Hong Kong courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law or Hong Kong law if such judgment is determined by the courts of
the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been
made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. or Hong Kong would be enforceable in the
Cayman Islands.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association and by the Cayman Islands Companies Act (As Revised) and
common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take legal action against our directors and us, actions by minority shareholders and the
fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The
common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English
common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties
of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in the United States. In
particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and provides significantly less protection
to investors. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action before the federal courts of the
United States.
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. The courts of mainland China may
recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between
mainland China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. Mainland China does not have any
treaties or other forms of reciprocity with the United States that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In
addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the courts of mainland China will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our director and
officers if they decide that the
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judgment violates the basic principles of the laws of mainland China or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain
whether and on what basis a court of mainland China would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against our
management, directors or major shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States or in Hong
Kong.
Since our company is a Cayman Islands exempted company, the rights of our shareholders may be more limited than those of shareholders of a
company organized in the United States or Hong Kong.
Under the laws of some jurisdictions in the United States, majority and controlling shareholders generally have certain fiduciary responsibilities to
the minority shareholders. Shareholder action must be taken in good faith, and actions by controlling shareholders which are obviously unreasonable
may be declared null and void. Cayman Islands law protecting the interests of minority shareholders may not be as protective in all circumstances as the
law protecting minority shareholders in some U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, the circumstances in which a shareholder of a Cayman Islands company
may sue the company derivatively, and the procedures and defenses that may be available to the company, may result in the rights of shareholders of a
Cayman Islands company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States.
Furthermore, our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval which would require shareholder approval under
Hong Kong law and the laws of most U.S. jurisdictions. The directors of a Cayman Islands company, without shareholder approval, may implement a
sale of any assets, property, part of the business, or securities of the company. Our ability to create and issue new classes or series of shares without
shareholders’ approval could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control without any further action by our shareholders,
including a tender offer to purchase our ordinary shares at a premium over then current market prices.
Furthermore, our articles of association are specific to us and include certain provisions that may be different from common practices in Hong
Kong, such as the absence of requirements that the appointment, removal and remuneration of auditors must be approved by a majority of our
shareholders.
Our dual-class ordinary share structure with different voting rights could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that
holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one
vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to ten votes per share. We issued Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs
in our initial public offering. Our co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Robin Yanhong Li, who acquired our shares prior to our initial public
offering, holds our Class B ordinary shares. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof,
while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by
a holder thereof to any person or entity which is not an affiliate (as defined in our memorandum and articles of association) of such holder, such Class B
ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into the equal number of Class A ordinary shares. In addition, if at any time Robin
Yanhong Li and his affiliates (as defined in our memorandum and articles of association) collectively own less than 5% of the total number of the issued
and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, each issued and outstanding Class B ordinary share will be automatically and immediately converted into one
Class A ordinary share, and we should not issue any Class B ordinary shares thereafter.
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Due to the disparate voting powers attached to these two classes, certain shareholders have significant voting power over matters requiring
shareholder approval, including election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or sale of our company or our assets. This
concentrated control could discourage or prevent others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions with our
company, which could deprive our shareholders and ADS holders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares or ADSs as part of a sale of
our company and might reduce the price of our Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs.
Our articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could adversely affect the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs.
Our articles of association include certain provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company, and therefore may
deprive the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs of the opportunity to sell their ordinary shares or ADSs at a premium over the prevailing market
price by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transactions. These provisions include the
following:
•
•
•
A dual-class ordinary share structure.
Our board of directors has the authority, without approval by the shareholders, to issue up to a total of 800,000,000 preferred shares in one
or more series. Our board of directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each such series and may fix the designations,
preferences, powers and other rights of the shares of a series of preferred shares.
Our board of directors has the right to elect directors to fill a vacancy created by the increase of the board of directors or the resignation,
death or removal of a director, which prevents shareholders from having the sole right to fill vacancies on our board of directors.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions
applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.
Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the U.S. Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and
regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
•
•
•
•
the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;
the sections of the U.S. Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered
under the U.S. Exchange Act;
the sections of the U.S. Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability
for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and
the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.
We are required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our
results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. Press releases relating to financial results and
material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less
extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same
protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
As a Cayman Islands exempted company listed on Nasdaq, we are subject to Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. However, Nasdaq
rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate
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governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ
significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. For example, neither the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands nor our
Memorandum and Articles requires a majority of our directors to be independent and we could include non-independent directors as members of our
compensation committee and nominating committee, and our independent directors would not necessarily hold regularly scheduled meetings at which
only independent directors are present. We have convened an extraordinary general meeting on December 7, 2021 to revise our memorandum and
articles of association, so that we are required to convene an annual general meeting each year. Accordingly, we held an annual general meeting in June
2022. This resolution has been passed and our memorandum and articles of association was amended and restated accordingly. If we choose to follow
other home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under Nasdaq corporate
governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequence to U.S.
Holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our own, will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive
income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (generally determined on a quarterly basis) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the
production of passive income. The value of our assets is generally determined by reference to the market price of the ADSs and ordinary shares, which
may fluctuate considerably. In addition, because PFIC status is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis, no assurance may be given with
respect to our PFIC status for the current or any future taxable year.
Based on the market price of our ADSs and ordinary shares, the value of our assets, and the composition of our assets and income, we believe that
we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2022. No assurance can be given that we will not become a PFIC in the current taxable
year or foreseeable taxable years, because the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC is a factual determination made annually that will
depend, in part, upon the composition of our income and assets. Fluctuations in the market price of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs may cause us to
become a PFIC for the current or future taxable years because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill
and other unbooked intangibles, may be determined by reference to the market price of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs from time to time (which may
be volatile). In addition, based on the nature of our business and activities, it is possible that the IRS may challenge our classification of certain income
and assets as non-passive, which may result in our company being or becoming a PFIC in the current taxable year. If our market capitalization
subsequently declines, we may be or become classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or future taxable years.
If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (defined below) held an ADS or an ordinary share, certain adverse
U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to the U.S. Holder. See “Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”
The different characteristics of the capital markets in Hong Kong and the U.S. may negatively affect the trading prices of our Class A ordinary
shares and/or ADSs.
We are subject to Hong Kong and Nasdaq listing and regulatory requirements concurrently. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have
different trading hours, trading characteristics (including trading volume and liquidity), trading and listing rules, and investor bases (including different
levels of retail and institutional participation). As a result of these differences, the trading prices of our Class A ordinary shares and our ADSs may not
be the same, even allowing for currency differences. Fluctuations in the price of our ADSs due to circumstances peculiar to the U.S. capital markets
could materially and adversely affect the price of our Class A ordinary shares, or vice versa. Certain events having significant negative impact
specifically on the U.S. capital markets may result in a decline in the trading price of our Class A ordinary shares notwithstanding that such
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event may not impact the trading prices of securities listed in Hong Kong generally or to the same extent, or vice versa. Because of the different
characteristics of the U.S. and Hong Kong capital markets, the historical market prices of our ADSs may not be indicative of the trading performance of
our Class A ordinary shares.
Exchange between our Class A ordinary shares and our ADSs may adversely affect the liquidity and/or trading price of each other.
Subject to compliance with U.S. securities law and the terms of the deposit agreement, holders of our Class A ordinary shares may deposit Class A
ordinary shares with the depositary in exchange for the issuance of our ADSs. Any holder of ADSs may also surrender ADSs and withdraw the
underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement for trading on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange. In the event that a substantial number of Class A ordinary shares are deposited with the depositary in exchange for ADSs or vice versa, the
liquidity and trading price of our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and our ADSs on Nasdaq may be adversely affected.
The time required for the exchange between Class A ordinary shares and ADSs might be longer than expected and investors might not be able to
settle or effect any sale of their securities during this period, and the exchange of Class A ordinary shares into ADSs involves costs.
There is no direct trading or settlement between Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on which our ADSs and our Class A ordinary shares
are respectively traded. In addition, the time differences between Hong Kong and New York and unforeseen market circumstances or other factors may
delay the deposit of Class A ordinary shares in exchange of ADSs or the withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs. Investors will
be prevented from settling or effecting the sale of their securities during such periods of delay. In addition, there is no assurance that any exchange of
Class A ordinary shares into ADSs (and vice versa) will be completed in accordance with the timelines investors may anticipate.
Furthermore, the depositary for the ADSs is entitled to charge holders fees for various services including for the issuance of ADSs upon deposit of
Class A ordinary shares, cancelation of ADSs, distributions of cash dividends or other cash distributions, distributions of ADSs pursuant to share
dividends or other free share distributions, distributions of securities other than ADSs and annual service fees. As a result, shareholders who exchange
Class A ordinary shares into ADSs, and vice versa, may not achieve the level of economic return the shareholders may anticipate.
We are exposed to risks associated with any potential spin-off of one or more of our businesses.
We are exposed to risks associated with any potential spin-off of one or more of our businesses. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has granted us a
waiver from strict compliance with the requirements in paragraph 3(b) of Practice Note 15 to the Hong Kong Listing Rules such that we are able to
spin-off a subsidiary entity and list it on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange within three years after the listing of our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange. While we do not have any specific plans with respect to the timing or details of any potential spin-off listing on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange as at the date of this annual report, we continue to explore the ongoing financing requirements for our various businesses and may
consider a spin-off listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for one or more of those businesses within the three year period after the listing of our
Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As of the date of this annual report, we have not identified any target for a potential
spin-off, as a result we do not have any information relating to the identity of any spin-off target or any other details of any spin off and accordingly,
there is no material omission of any information relating to any possible spin-off in this document. The waiver granted by the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange is conditional upon us confirming to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in advance of any spin-off that it would not render the Company,
excluding the businesses to be spun off, incapable of fulfilling either the eligibility or suitability requirements under Rules 19C.02 and 19C.05 of the
Hong Kong Listing Rules based on the financial information of the entity or entities to be spun-off at the time of our company’s Listing (calculated
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cumulatively if more than one entity is spun-off). We cannot assure you that any spin-off will ultimately be consummated, whether within the three-year
period after the listing of our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or otherwise, and any such spin-off will be subject to market
conditions at the time and approval by the listing committee of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In the event that we proceed with a spin-off, our
company’s interest in the entity to be spun-off (and its corresponding contribution to the financial results of our company) will be reduced accordingly.
Item 4.
Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
Our company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands in January 2000. In December 2008, our shareholders approved the name change of our
company from Baidu.com, Inc. to Baidu, Inc. In December 2021, our shareholders approved the name change of our company from Baidu, Inc. to
Baidu, Inc. 百度集團股份有限公司 by adopting the dual foreign name “百度集團股份有限公司.”
Since our inception, we have conducted our operations in mainland China principally through Baidu Online, our wholly owned subsidiary in
Beijing, China. Since June 2001, we also have conducted part of our operations in mainland China through Baidu Netcom, a variable interest entity in
Beijing, China, which holds the licenses and approvals necessary to operate our platform and provide internet content services, value-added
telecommunication-based services, internet map services, online audio and video services and mobile application distribution businesses. In subsequent
years, we have established additional subsidiaries inside and outside of mainland China and assisted in establishing additional variable interest entities in
mainland China to conduct part of our operations.
On August 5, 2005, we listed our ADSs on The NASDAQ National Market (later renamed The Nasdaq Global Market) under the symbol
“BIDU,” with each ADS representing one Class A ordinary share at the time. Our ADSs are currently traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market.
On May 12, 2010, we effected a change of the ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 1 ADS representing 1 Class A ordinary share to 10 ADSs
representing 1 Class A ordinary share. The ratio change had the same effect as a 10-for-1 ADS split.
In November 2012, we obtained the controlling interest in iQIYI, Inc., or iQIYI, a prior equity method investee, and have since then consolidated
its financial results into our consolidated financial statements. In May 2013, we acquired the online video business of PPStream Inc., or PPS, merged it
with iQIYI and have since then consolidated its financial results into our consolidated financial statements. iQIYI completed its initial public offering in
March 2018 and iQIYI’s American Depositary Shares trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “IQ.” We continue to control iQIYI
and consolidate its financial results into our own in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
In April 2018, we entered into definitive agreements with certain investors relating to our divestiture of a majority equity stake in our financial
services business, which provides consumer credit, wealth management and other financial services and has been renamed as Du Xiaoman. The
divestiture was completed in August 2018, following which we held a minority equity interest in Du Xiaoman, which was accounted for as an equity
method investment, and have deconsolidated the financial results of Du Xiaoman from our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S.
GAAP.
We closed Series A financing of our smart living business, or Smart Living Group (SLG), at a post-money valuation of approximately
RMB20 billion (US$2.9 billion) in November 2020, and two rounds of Series B financing at a US$5.1 billion post-money valuation, in August 2021 and
September 2022, respectively. SLG operates DuerOS voice assistant and DuerOS-powered smart devices. We continued to consolidate the financial
results of SLG into our own in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a majority shareholder.
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We entered into definitive agreements with JOYY in November 2020 and made certain amendments in February 2021 to acquire YY Live, which
includes YY mobile app, YY.com website and PC YY, among others, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$3.6 billion in cash, subject to
certain adjustments. The closing of this acquisition is subject to certain conditions, including, among others, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals
from governmental authorities. We and JOYY have agreed to extend the long stop date, which is the closing deadline of the proposed transaction,
indefinitely until the extension is terminated by either party. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and
Industry—We face risks associated with our proposed acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.”
On March 1, 2021, our shareholders approved and effected a change to our authorized share capital by 1-to-80 subdivision of shares.
Concurrently, we effected a proportionate change in ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share to each
ADS representing 8 Class A ordinary shares.
On March 23, 2021, our Class A ordinary shares commenced trading on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code
“9888.” We raised from our global offering in connection with the listing in Hong Kong approximately US$3.1 billion in net proceeds after deducting
underwriting commissions, share issuance costs and the offering expenses.
We moved to our current corporate headquarters, which we name as Baidu Campus, in November 2009. Our principal executive offices are
located at Baidu Campus, No. 10 Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, the People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this
address is +86 (10) 5992-8888.
B.
Business Overview
Our mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology.
We are a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation. We have been consistently investing in AI since 2010 to solidify our technology
advancement, improve search capabilities and boost overall monetization. Baidu Brain, our core AI technology engine, has enabled us to develop new
AI businesses. The breadth and depth of our AI capabilities provide the differentiating foundational technologies that power all of our businesses.
We are one of the very few companies in the world that offers a full AI stack of four layers, including cloud infrastructure, self-developed deep
learning framework, large language models and applications. Our technological innovation in AI has been well recognized by the global community. For
instance, ERNIE, our knowledge-enhanced natural language processing framework, became the first AI model to score above 90 on GLUE (General
Language Understanding Evaluation), which is widely considered as the benchmark for testing AI language understanding, and won the SAIL (Super AI
Leader) award, the highest honorary recognition at the 2020 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. PaddlePaddle, an industrial open-source deep
learning platform, was rated No. 1 in terms of usage in China, according to IDC in June 2022. We have put our leading AI into innovative use. For
example, we are the first to receive driverless licenses in China and the U.S. and we have begun to offer fully driverless ride-hailing services on open
roads in Wuhan and Chongqing since August 2022.
Baidu was founded as a search engine business in 2000 with the belief that technology can change the way people discover and consume
information. At the heart of Baidu search is its ability to better understand a users’ search queries and to answer these queries by matching the most
relevant information in ranked search results. To achieve this, we continuously innovate and develop new technologies and products that enhance Baidu
search user experience. We began to use AI a decade ago to power these technologies in order to better match user search intent with the large amount of
information on the Internet. For instance, our natural language processing, an AI capability, enables the understanding of important details of a query,
particularly in complex conversational queries. This helps optimize search results returned and increase the satisfaction rate of users. Years of tagging,
understanding and intelligently processing all forms of content on the Internet—text, images
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and videos—with AI has helped us develop Baidu Brain, which in turn has enabled us to further develop leading AI technologies and commercialize
them through products and services for consumers, enterprises and the public sector. Our ability to continuously invest heavily in research and
development is made possible by the durable revenue that we generated as a leading Internet platform.
The widespread usage of our open AI platform by developers and businesses creates a network effect for our AI technologies, products and
services. PaddlePaddle developer community has grown to 5.35 million and has served 200,000 businesses, as of the end of 2022. Developers have
created 670,000 models on PaddlePaddle by the end of 2022. The more developers and businesses use our AI models, tool kits and services, the better
our AI capabilities become, which in turn further increases the attractiveness of our AI platform to developers and business communities. This network
effect helps us obtain unique insights into different kinds of products and services that are in demand and have real-world application across different
industries, setting a strong foundation for us to make investment decisions and lead with technology, products and services in the markets that we have
entered.
Our large portfolio of products and services is accessed by over one billion devices monthly, and our businesses span across an ecosystem of
hundreds of millions of users, millions of developers and hundreds of thousands of enterprises. Our usage of a strong technology foundation to support
an open platform business model not only draws participants into our ecosystem, but also adds richness and vibrancy to our ecosystem, strengthening
the long-term prospect and vitality of our business overall.
We usually start the development of a business with a strong technology platform, on which we build products and services for our customers and
users, and through an open platform architecture, we attract a wide array of partners to our ecosystem to expand the offerings to our customers and
users. The platform could then grow both organically and by leveraging the power of our partners in the ecosystem, which over time feed into a virtuous
cycle.
Over the past two decades, we have demonstrated a track record for long-term growth and strong profitability, which has enabled us to invest in a
diversified portfolio of products and services with large total market opportunities and further improve our long-term growth prospects. Through years
of investment in research, AI chip design, developer community, patents and talent development, we are turning AI into innovative use cases and new
monetization opportunities. Powered by AI, Baidu Core, which excludes iQIYI and contributed over 70% of our total revenues during 2020, 2021 and
2022, mainly provides search-based, feed based, and other online marketing services, as well as products and services from new AI initiatives in the
following three growth engines:
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Mobile Ecosystem: a portfolio of over one dozen apps, including Baidu App, Haokan and Baidu Post, which provides an open platform
that aggregates a wide range of third-party, long-tail content and services through our AI building blocks and which helps communities
connect and share knowledge and information;
AI Cloud: including (i) enterprise and public sector cloud service, which offers a full suite of cloud services and solutions, including IaaS
(infrastructure as a service), PaaS (platform as a service) and SaaS (software as a service) and is uniquely differentiated by our AI solutions
and (ii) personal cloud service; and
Intelligent Driving & Other Growth Initiatives (OGI): consisting of (i) intelligent driving, including Baidu Apollo’s auto solutions (Apollo
Self-Driving Solutions and DuerOS for Auto), autonomous ride-hailing services and intelligent electric vehicles under a joint venture, Jidu
Auto, that we established with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely), (ii) Xiaodu smart devices powered by DuerOS smart assistant, and
(iii) AI chips.
At the core of our Mobile Ecosystem is Baidu App, which is the No. 1 search-plus-feed app in China with an MAU of 648 million and over 80%
daily log in ratio in December 2022. Unlike most mobile apps, which
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direct traffic to a closed ecosystem, Baidu App, through our AI building blocks, aggregates content and services from third-party apps and websites, and
directs traffic to third-party content and service providers with native-app like experience. Under an open-platform model, Baidu App continues to grow
our huge offering of third-party content and services, by leveraging our network partners of Baijiahao (BJH) Accounts, Smart Mini Program and
Managed Page. Our decade-long experience with AI and the development of a powerful knowledge graph allow us to match user intent with long-tail,
third-party content and services on our open platform.
Our Mobile Ecosystem also includes a portfolio of over one dozen apps, including Baidu App, Haokan and Baidu Post, providing a platform for
people to discover and consume information through search and feed, interact and engage with creators, publishers, service providers and merchants.
This native-app like experience from user acquisition to user relationship management to closed loop transactions demonstrates our value to merchants,
enabling them to perform user life-time management on our platform, and has made Baidu App a leading online marketing services provider for both
search and feed. Within our Mobile Ecosystem, we serve more than half-a-million customers by enabling them to tap into our massive user base. We
monetize primarily through offering comprehensive and effective marketing services to fulfill our customers’ needs. We generate revenue primarily
from providing search, feed and other marketing services, which account for a majority of our total revenues in 2020, 2021 and 2022. We have made
extensive use of AI technologies to develop innovative marketing services, such as dynamic ads, which recommend products from our marketing
customers most fitting to each search user. Our marketing cloud also provides innovative AI capabilities to our marketing customers, so that users can
still make product inquiries during non-business hours and Baidu Brain can automatically carry a conversation with users to facilitate transactions. In
addition, the user engagement and user logins that have developed on our platform are enabling us to diversify monetization beyond online marketing
into other services, such as Baidu Health.
Our AI Cloud includes two parts: (i) enterprise and public sector cloud, and (ii) personal cloud. Our enterprise and public sector cloud offer a full
suite of cloud services and solutions, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and is differentiated by our AI solutions. Leveraging Baidu Brain, our AI solutions
provide customers and developers with a comprehensive library of modularized solutions, including open source codes, pre-trained models, end-to-end
development kits, tools and components. In addition, our AI Cloud customers can leverage our large library of key AI capabilities, such as knowledge
graph, speech recognition and synthesis, natural language processing and computer vision. Our products and services, such as EasyDL, a no-code toolkit
on PaddlePaddle that helps users without programming skills build customized machine learning models with a drag-and-drop interface, and BML
Baidu machine learning, a full-featured AI development platform for AI algorithm developers based on PaddlePaddle, make it easier for customers to
use deep learning and machine learning to solve real world problems, and our cloud services are formulated to serve across different industries,
including transportation, manufacturing, the public sector, energy and utilities, financial services, and Internet/media.
Our Intelligent Driving & OGI consists of promising businesses in development with huge market opportunities, and some are at early-stage
commercialization with a growing customer base. We are a market leader in intelligent driving and smart devices, and we are pursuing these large
growth opportunities by leveraging our unique AI capabilities, data insights and internally developed chips. Apollo Go, which provides autonomous
ride-hailing service, is now open to the public in more than 10 cities in mainland China. In 2022, Apollo Go provided more than 1.5 million rides. The
accumulated rides provided to the public by Apollo Go exceeded 2 million by the end of January 2023. In Beijing, Apollo Go has begun to charge fees
for the autonomous ride-hailing services on open roads since November 25, 2021, and was granted the permits to charge fees for the driverless ride-
hailing services on public roads on July 20, 2022, with no safety officer behind the steering wheel. On December 30, 2022, Apollo Go received Beijing’s
first license to test vehicles with no driver or safety operator in the car, taking Baidu one step closer to providing fully driverless ride-hailing service on
public roads in the capital city. In Chongqing, Apollo Go has begun to charge fees for the autonomous ride-hailing services on open roads since
February 18, 2022, and started offering fully driverless ride-hailing services on open roads and started charging passengers for fully driverless ride-
hailing services on open roads on August
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8, 2022. In Wuhan, Apollo Go started offering fully driverless ride-hailing services on open roads and received the permits to collect fees from the
passengers on August 8, 2022.
Our strong brand and market leadership in autonomous driving has been carried over to intelligent driving. Apollo is a well-recognized brand
among automakers. We have partnered with many domestic and global automakers to power their passenger vehicles with Baidu Apollo’s auto
solutions. Xiaodu ranked No.1 in smart display shipments and smart speaker shipments in China for the first nine months of 2022, according to IDC,
Strategy Analytics, and Canalys. Our self-developed AI chips are customized for Baidu Brain and specific AI usages to improve performance and
reduce costs. We believe these initiatives will strengthen our revenue drivers for long-term growth.
iQIYI produces, aggregates and distributes a wide variety of professionally produced content, as well as a broad spectrum of other video content,
in a variety of formats.
We believe we have built a large and strong portfolio of products and services to give Baidu the scale necessary to invest heavily in technology,
while optimizing our future for sustainable long-term growth. We derive significant synergies by incorporating the AI developed for search into other
parts of our business. For example, large daily use of our visual search and voice search may be used to improve Apollo sensing capability and DuerOS
speech recognition capabilities.
Our operations are primarily conducted in mainland China. For the year ended December 31, 2022, more than 97% of our group’s total revenues
were generated from mainland China, and as of December 31, 2022, more than 76% of our group’s total assets were based in mainland China.
Baidu Core
Baidu Core—Mobile Ecosystem
Baidu Mobile Ecosystem provides a platform for people to discover and consume information through search and feed and facilitate interaction
and engagement among users, creators, service providers, and merchants, alike. In particular, our ecosystem allows merchants, creators, publishers and
service providers to acquire users, interact with users by provide information, content, products and services, and transact with users. This marketing
funnel approach from user acquisition to user engagement to monetization demonstrates our value to merchants, allowing them to build a life-time
relationship of users. In addition, this platform-centric approach has enabled our Mobile Ecosystem to start diversifying commercialization beyond
online marketing into other services.
Products and Services for Users
Baidu App. Our flagship app enables users to access our search, feed, content and other services through mobile devices. Baidu App offers twin-
engine search and feed functions that leverage our AI-powered algorithms and deep user insight to offer users a compelling experience. Through the
building blocks of BJH accounts, Smart Mini Program and Managed Page, Baidu App provides users with single log-on, native-app-like experience to a
wide range of information and services dispersed across isolated mobile apps and HTML5 websites, as well as merchants a full suite of marketing cloud
services. Baidu App’s spanning mobile ecosystem has resulted in more users logging in. In December 2022, MAUs of Baidu App reached 648 million
and daily logged in users surpassed 80%.
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Baidu Search. Users can access our search and other services through Baidu’s properties and Baidu Union partners’ properties. In addition
to text inputs, users can conduct AI-powered voice search and visual search. Voice search integrates speech recognition and search
technologies to enhance the user experience by providing a more natural and convenient input modality. Visual search enables the use of
smart phone cameras to capture images and retrieve related content and services on the Internet. For
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example, users can take a photo of a plant or a pet, to identify the species. We also endeavor to improve the search experience, through
other AI-powered products, such as Top 1, to satisfy user queries with the first displayed search result, which we believe will be an
important capability with the adoption of smart devices with smaller screens. In addition, we offer vertical search, such as video search and
online literature search to our users.
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Baidu Feed. Baidu Feed provides users with personalized timeline based on their demographics and interests. Baidu Feed complements our
core search product, leverages Baidu AI recommendation algorithms and monetization platform, and contributes to user engagement and
retention, including content sharing, likes, and comments. Baidu Feed provides text-to-speech function to help users consume Internet
content hands free, as well as leverages its large traffic to distribute video content from Baijiahao, Haokan, iQIYI and third parties.
Baidu Health. Baidu Health helps users find the doctor and hospital that best suit their different healthcare needs through our AI building
blocks. By doing so, Baidu Health provides doctors and hospitals more efficient online presence through Baidu Healthcare Wiki short-term
videos, live streaming seminars and telemedicine, as well as providing them with hosted management tools to remain in contact with their
patients efficiently, such as messaging, appointment, re-scheduling and monitoring of treatment plans.
Haokan. Haokan offers a wide variety of user generated and professionally produced short videos, usually several minutes long, in coordination
with MCNs (multiple channel network). Haokan allows users to upload, view, search, rate, share, favorite, comment, and follow. Video creators and
curators can distribute their content to build a fan base and receive revenue share for their content contribution.
Internally Developed Knowledge-and-Information-Centric Products. Our content and services ecosystem also includes a comprehensive
portfolio of knowledge and information products developed internally, in partnership with professionals, reputable organizations and other users. For
example, we provided live streaming content from healthcare industry experts in 2020, to help users better understand and cope with the COVID-19
pandemic.
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Baidu Wiki. A leading wiki in China compiled by experts in specialized fields featuring high-quality columns and videos, such as
Encyclopedia of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Digital Museum and Recorder of History.
Baidu Knows. An online community where users can pose questions to other users, such as individuals, professionals, and enterprises.
Baidu Knows leverages Baidu’s search capabilities to help users find answers to their questions on the Internet fast and efficiently, while at
the same time allow various partners of Baidu Knows to engage with their targeted users.
Baidu Experience. An online platform where users share daily knowledge and experience, providing practical tips and interesting
perspectives in areas, such as software, lifestyle, and games, etc.
Baidu Post. A social media built on topical online communities. Users can post text, image, audio and video content and reply to original
curation, forming valuable discussion groups. Baidu Post draws new users through close integration with search and user generated
content, and has been a popular platform for celebrity fans, online game players, and online novel readers to share topical discussions,
especially about current trends.
Products and Services for Partners
We attract numerous partners to our platform through our AI building blocks and Baidu Union, which help create opportunities for us to work
with our partners in research and development and other business cooperation and establish long term business relationships.
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AI Building Blocks. The number of smartphones sold in China is on a decline and app installation costs have been rising, causing app developers
to take interest in offering their content and services on Baidu App with native-like app experience. Similarly, website owners are experiencing the
challenge to grow their business while open in-app search queries are outgrowing browser search queries. To help app developers and website owners
grow their business and leverage their traffic more efficiently with AI-powered tools and capabilities, we offer Smart Mini Program and Managed Page
to our partners, respectively. We also offer BJH accounts to enable content providers to place their content on our publisher network and make their
content searchable.
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Baijiahao (BJH Accounts). Our publisher network aggregates articles, photos, short videos, live videos, and augmented reality clips from
MCNs, media outlets, and other professional sources, for distribution through search, feed, and short video products.
Smart Mini Program (SMP). App developers may share their content and services in Baidu App with native-app like experience through
increasingly popular applets, known as Smart Mini Program. Users can now search for and access content and services that historically
were only available in standalone apps within Baidu App, without having to download and maintain so many apps on their phones.
Managed Page. Managed Page is a hosted mobile alternative for website owners. Site owners may open an account on our platform, use
our tools and services powered by AI and engage with users without having to maintain their own site and pay for server, software and
bandwidth costs. Managed Page comes with industry-specific templates and is designed to provide users with more reliable and secure
information. Managed Page reached 45% of Baidu Core 2022 online marketing revenue.
Baidu Union. We match the promotional links of our online marketing services customers to the online properties of Baidu Union partners, which
consists of a large number of partners, such as third-party websites, wap sites and mobile apps. Some Baidu Union partners, such as online portal
websites and Internet cafes, also embed our products and services, such as Baidu Search or a search function powered by Baidu Search, onto their online
properties, which allows Baidu Union partners to provide high-quality, relevant search results to their users without incurring the cost of development
and maintenance for advanced search capabilities and monetize their traffic through revenue sharing arrangements with us. Baidu Union partners may
use our content recommendation system to provide feed content and ads to their users. We typically pay our Baidu Union partners a portion of the online
marketing revenues based on pre-arranged agreements.
In addition, we also enter into arrangements with Baidu Union partners to provide our search engine in their browsers. We typically pay such
Baidu Union partners a fee based on prearranged agreements.
Products and Services for Customers
We, through our network of third-party agents and our direct sales team, deliver online marketing services to a diverse customer base consisting of
SMEs across industries, including healthcare, retail, e-commerce, entertainment and media, online games, business services, life services, and
transportation. In 2022, we served more than half a million enterprise customers, who are customers of our online marketing services.
Our online marketing services enable the delivery of comprehensive, rich, and diversified marketing offerings to fulfill customer needs. Our
online marketing services include P4P (pay for performance) services and others. We generate revenues primarily from the sale of P4P online marketing
services and other marketing services to our customers, which accounts for a majority of our total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021
and 2022.
P4P. Our auction-based P4P services allow customers to bid for priority placement of paid sponsored links and reach users who search for
information related to their products or services. We charge our customers on a cost-per-click basis. Customers may choose to purchase search, feed and
other online marketing services and have the option to set daily allowances targeting users by geography in China and specify the time period for their
campaign. As our partners adopt Smart Mini Programs and Managed Page, some of them have begun to use these properties as their landing page, in
lieu of their own mobile apps and websites.
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Search marketing services are mainly provided to customers through our proprietary online marketing system which drives monetization
efficiency by improving relevance in paid search and optimizing value for our customers.
Feed marketing services usually comprise image-based or video-based advertising, appearing between the feed headlines or within the feed
content. It is powered by Baidu AI in order to better match goods and services providers with their targeted audience while optimizing user experience.
Others. Our other marketing services comprise display-based marketing services and other online marketing services based on performance
criteria other than CPC (cost-per-click). Customers can choose different mix of our service offerings to optimize their return on investment. BrandZone
allows customers to display integrated text, logo, image, and video in a structured and uniform manner on a prominent position of the search result page
or in vertical search products, such as Baidu Knows. Programmatic marketing platform supports the placement of advertisement using standard,
intelligent, or customized creativity, different purchasing methods (guaranteed delivery or real time bidding), and multiple payment methods.
Marketing cloud platform. Our marketing cloud platform integrates one-stop-shop media purchase with CRM (client relationship management)
functionalities, to allow our customers to purchase brand and performance-based marketing services, build audience and user engagement, generate
leads and maintain relationships with users, leveraging tools and services powered by Baidu AI. Our marketing cloud platform helps us better
understand our customers’ needs and enable our customers to leverage Baidu’s AI to simplify their marketing process and improve the effectiveness of
their marketing efforts.
Our Mobile Ecosystem, built upon Baidu App as well as a dozen other apps, offers a wide range of third-party content and services to hundreds of
millions of users, typically free of charge. Our AI building blocks and other products and services for partners have attracted millions of partners to
become participants in our Mobile Ecosystem and generate content and services onto our platform and to tap into our over-half-a-billion user base. The
more partners we bring into our Mobile Ecosystem, the better we become at providing users with a more comprehensive reach and cover content and
services in more diversified formats than competing products, which in turn attracts more users and partners to our Mobile Ecosystem. For our Mobile
Ecosystem business, we generate a substantial majority of our revenues from the provision of online marketing services to our customers through both
direct sales and third-party agents. We charge our customers periodically based on usage while requiring certain customers to pay a deposit. We also
offer certain customers credit terms. In addition to offering ads on our platform, we serve promotional ads from our customers on the apps or website
properties of Baidu Union partners. We also power the search engines of Baidu Union partners.
Baidu Core—AI Cloud
Our AI Cloud includes two parts: (i) enterprise and public sector cloud solutions, and (ii) personal cloud service. Our enterprise and public sector
cloud solutions offers a comprehensive set of cloud services and solutions, including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, based on our unique AI capabilities
Combined with our effective marketing capabilities, we have been able to demonstrate the ability to cross-sell and up-sell additional products and
services to existing customers, which in turn enables us to more efficiently grow our cloud business. Baidu was once again ranked the No. 1 AI Cloud
provider, according to IDC’s first half of 2022 report on China’s public cloud market for the fourth consecutive year.
Our AI Cloud includes two parts: (i) enterprise and public sector cloud solutions, and (ii) personal cloud service.
For enterprises and public sector, we offer IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, profited from our unique AI capabilities, to various customers. Enterprises and
the public sector have been the growth engine for the cloud revenue, consistently outgrowing the overall AI Cloud business.
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Our IaaS provides our customers the flexibility to quickly scale or cut back on their cloud computing needs without having to provide huge capital
layout upfront. Our IaaS business benefited from multi-cloud strategies adopted by many of our customers.
We also provide enterprise customers with cloud solutions, usually consisting of PaaS and SaaS, that leverage the unique AI capabilities from
Baidu Brain. For example, we enabled a client in the manufacturing sector to automate quality assurance checkpoints on its production line by
leveraging our computer vision capabilities. This solution helped our client reduce labor cost and improve their operational efficiency.
In the transportation industry, we are a pioneer and industry leader in developing V2X (vehicle-to-everything) solutions, the infrastructure
backbone to smart transportation, to cities in China to help them improve municipal traffic condition, air pollution and road safety, using Baidu AI
technology. As of December 31, 2022, Baidu ACE smart transportation has been adopted by 69 cities, increased from 35 cities as of the end of 2021,
based on contract amount over RMB10 million. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive set of products, services, and tools to enable enterprises and public
sector to improve productivity and operational efficiency through the use of Baidu AI and cloud infrastructure.
The industry know-how from our existing businesses, such as our Mobile Ecosystem and iQIYI, also provides valuable insights on how to tailor
AI Cloud solutions to customers in the technology and media industries.
For the personal cloud service, we offer Baidu Drive, which allows users to store and retrieve photos, videos, and other files on AI Cloud, along
with other capabilities, such as group share and data transfer. Personal cloud service contributed a small portion of total cloud revenues, and has been
growing more slowly than the overall cloud revenues.
For AI Cloud, we generate revenue by providing cloud services and solutions to enterprise clients, consumers and the public sector directly or
through solution integrators for a lump-sum fee or on a subscription basis. We also generate revenue from Baidu Drive from membership services
provided to individual customers. Baidu Core’s cloud services revenue reached RMB17.7 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2022, increasing by 18% from
2021.
Baidu Core—Intelligent Driving & OGI
Intelligent Driving & OGI include developments with large total addressable markets and earlier-stage commercialization with a growing
customer base, including Apollo intelligent driving and DuerOS smart assistant.
Intelligent Driving
Intelligent driving, including Baidu Apollo auto solutions (Apollo Self-Driving Services and DuerOS for Auto), robotaxi fleets (autonomous ride-
hailing service) and intelligent EVs, leverage AI and other technologies to make a vehicle, or fleet of vehicles, more intelligent, all with the ultimate
goal to be autonomous.
We are the market leader in autonomous driving in China in terms of number of rides Apollo Go completed. The industry definition for L4
autonomous driving is that the vehicles are capable to drive themselves without human interactions but will be restricted to known use cases, or in most
environments and road conditions. Apollo Go has already received permits for providing driverless ride-hailing services on open roads and received the
permits to collect fees from the passengers in Chongqing and Wuhan. A well-known research firm, names Apollo as one of the four global leaders in
autonomous driving, recognizing us as the top-tier autonomous driving company from China.
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In addition, the services and solutions of intelligent driving are compatible with our smart transportation solutions, which leverage each other to
gain a better understanding of traffic and road conditions, as well as to improve cost efficiency. Our leadership in autonomous driving, industry
know-how, operating experience, transportation ecosystem understanding (from our smart transportation projects and maps), and cost advantage give us
strong competitive advantages in leading the development of the intelligent driving industry.
Baidu Apollo’s auto solutions (Apollo Self-Driving Services and DuerOS for Auto). We have been investing in autonomous driving
technology to provide automakers with self-driving services. Under Apollo Self-Driving, we offer HD Map, AVP (automated valet parking) and ANP
(Apollo navigation pilot). We introduced AVP (our automated valet parking) services in 2018, which allow a driver to get out of the car upon arrival at
his or her destination and our solution would enable the vehicle to autopark, and to direct the vehicle to automatically drive to driver’s location out of the
parking lot. In December 2020, we introduced ANP (Apollo navigation pilot) services, which leverage our autonomous driving capabilities. In the past
years, Baidu Apollo’s auto solutions continued to gain traction among leading automakers. These products are in the early stage of monetization and
their revenue contribution is insignificant.
Apollo Go, our robotaxi. Robotaxi fleet operation represents a massive opportunity. Apollo Go is now available in more than 10 cities, including
all the tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) and other major cities. Luobokuaipao, the mobile application of Apollo Go, is available
for download for free from all the major app stores in China. In 2022, Apollo Go provided more than 1.5 million rides. The accumulated rides provided
to the public by Apollo Go exceeded 2 million by the end of January 2023.
In Beijing, Apollo Go has begun to charge fees for the autonomous ride-hailing services (with safety officers behind the steering wheel) on open
roads since November 25, 2021 and Apollo Go was granted the permits to charge fees for the driverless ride-hailing services (with safety officers in the
vehicles, but not behind the steering wheel) on public roads on July 20, 2022. In Wuhan and Chongqing, Apollo Go started offering fully driverless ride-
hailing services on open roads and received the permits to collect fees from the passengers on August 8, 2022. Apollo Go received Beijing’s first license
to test vehicles with no driver or safety operator in the car on December 30, 2022, taking Baidu one step closer to providing fully driverless ride-hailing
service on public roads in the capital city.
In June 2021, we introduced Apollo Moon, 5th generation Apollo robotaxi vehicles. In July 2022, we unveiled our 6th generation robotaxi vehicle
Apollo RT6. RT6 is the first steering wheel-free, all electric model designed for fully driverless autonomous driving. Apollo RT6 is distinct from the
previous generations that had otherwise been retrofitted on conventional vehicles.
Baidu Maps. A voice-enabled mobile app providing users with travel-related services, including POI (point of interest) search, route planning,
precise navigation, taxi-hailing service and real-time traffic condition information. Baidu Maps also provides professional and stable map services to
business partners across different sectors. In 2022, we integrated Baidu Map into our Intelligent Driving Group to create synergies between the Baidu
Map app and the map solutions for the auto and transportation industries.
Intelligent EVs. We formed a new EV as a joint venture, Jidu Auto, that we established with Geely. We entered into a strategic partnership with
Geely in January 2021. We will provide intelligent driving capabilities to power the passenger vehicles, and Geely, which holds the distinction of best-
selling Chinese automobile brand in past years under the Volvo and Geely brands, will contribute its expertise in automobile engineering and
manufacturing. In June 2022, Jidu Auto launched its first car model, Robo one (Robo-01). At the Guangzhou Auto Show in December 2022, Jidu Auto
showcased the mass-produced edition of Robo one (Robo-01). Robo one is equipped with Baidu’s most advanced autonomous driving solutions in the
market, such as Baidu’s ANP, AVP, as well as its advanced infotainment system. In addition, Jidu Auto also introduced its second car model at the
Guangzhou Auto Show in December 2022.
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As of the date of this annual report, we have no control of Jidu Auto and accounted for the investment as an equity method investment.
OGI
DuerOS Smart Assistant. DuerOS is a leading smart assistant for the Chinese language, which powers first-party Xiaodu home smart devices
and smart earphones, as well as third-party smart phones, children smart watches and story machines. DuerOS is differentiated by its multi-round
conversation AI capabilities, leveraging internally designed Baidu Honghu AI chip, as well as by DuerOS skills store, which offers thousands of skills in
wide ranging genres, including short and long videos, online games, education services, video conferencing and other visually oriented activities. In
August 2021 and September 2022, Xiaodu completed two rounds of Series B financing at a valuation of US$5.1 billion with us retaining super-majority
shareholding. While we generate revenue primarily from the sale of our smart assistant devices to our customers directly and through our distribution
network, Xiaodu services revenue, such as membership and advertising, already surpassed 12% of Xiaodu revenues. Xiaodu ranked No.1 in smart
display shipments and smart speaker shipments in China for the first nine months of 2022, according to IDC, Strategy Analytics, and Canalys.
iQIYI
iQIYI is a leading provider of online entertainment video services in China. iQIYI’s platform features a variety of premium video content, in
particular iQIYI original dramas and shows. iQIYI also expands its premium content offering through licenses and collaboration with third-party
partners, which supplement its original content.
Since the beginning, iQIYI has always put content and users at the center, orienting each of its business strategies around delivering superior
content quality and user-friendliness. Artistically crafted and imbued with industry expertise distilled from over a decade of operational experience,
many iQIYI original titles have secured their places among the most successful IP franchises in the history of Chinese popular entertainment. Designed
and refined by its engineers with a deep understanding of the evolving user preferences, iQIYI’s products continue to offer superior entertainment
experience for users. With in-house studios spearheading its original content production, iQIYI is home to many acclaimed original drama series and
variety show franchises, and has successfully serialized iQIYI’s original content into blockbuster sequels to accumulate and amplify IP value overtime.
iQIYI also expands its premium content offering through licenses and partnerships, which supplement its original content.
Professionally Produced Content (PPC) iQIYI’s PPC mainly includes original content and licensed content. As of December 31, 2022, iQIYI
had over 40,000 PPC titles in iQIYI’s comprehensive and diversified video content library, comprised of drama series, variety shows, films and others.
(i)
Original content.
iQIYI’s original content includes content produced in-house and content produced in collaboration with quality third-party partners.
iQIYI’s original content titles include popular drama series, such as Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀), Chasing the Undercurrent (罚
罪), New Life Begins (卿卿日常), and Wild Bloom (风吹半夏), all of which were launched in 2022 and broke the landmark 10,000 iQIYI
popularity index score; popular variety shows, such as The Big Band (乐队的夏天), Qipa Talk (奇葩说), The Rap of China (中国说唱巅峰对
决) and Super Sketch Show (一年一度喜剧大赛); high-quality movies, such as Mirrors and Feathers (北方一片苍茫), Tough Out (棒!少年),
Break Through the Darkness (扫黑•决战) and Northeastern Bro (东北恋哥); and popular animations, such as Deer Squad (无敌鹿战队), The
World of Fantasy (灵域) and Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀). iQIYI obtains the IP through production, adaptation or purchase from
third parties, while the partners, typically established entertainment production companies, are responsible for content development and
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production. iQIYI maintains a high degree of control during the content development and production process.
iQIYI also adapts high-quality video IP into multiple entertainment products, such as online games, animations, online literature, and
derivative merchandise.
(ii)
Licensed content.
In addition to original content, iQIYI also provides users with a curated selection of high-quality PPC from third parties. Leveraging
iQIYI’s expertise in content selection, iQIYI has successfully debuted well-received titles such as drama series iPartment (爱情公寓), In the
Name of People (人民的名义), Go Go Squid (亲爱的,热爱的), My Heroic Husband (赘婿), A Lifelong Journey (人世间) and variety show
Keep Running (奔跑吧). iQIYI’s licensed content library also features a rich collection of movies, animations, documentaries and other
content.
iQIYI licensed video content is typically produced at fixed rates for a specified term. The average term of licenses varies depending on the
type of content, with films and drama series having an average term of nine years and thirteen years, respectively. Payments of licensing
fees are generally made in installments upon signing of the contacts and during the license period. iQIYI also exchanges rights to distribute
licensed content with other online video streaming services to enrich our content library. In certain cases, iQIYI has the right of first
refusal to purchase new content produced by the licensor.
iQIYI leverages its content procurement team’s insights and its AI-based big data analytics capabilities to optimize content procurement.
iQIYI has established strong partnerships with content providers to ensure access to high-quality content. These partners include leading
domestic drama series production companies, film production companies and TV stations, “Big Six” Hollywood production studios, top
TV networks in the U.S., etc.
Other Video Content. iQIYI offers a broad base of other video content with all kinds of genres, formats, and lengths of duration, such as internet
movies and dramas, mini variety shows and animations, vertical or horizontal videos, as well as grassroot or influencer uploaded videos, edited video
clips, and video blogs, or Vlogs, among others. iQIYI’s other video content expands its library and allows it to capture a broader user base, drive user
engagement and enhance user stickiness.
iQIYI has developed a diversified monetization model. iQIYI generates revenues through membership services, online advertising services and a
suite of other monetization methods. iQIYI’s monetization model fosters an environment for high-quality content production and effective content
distribution on its platform, which in turn expands its user base and increases user engagement, creating a virtuous cycle.
Membership Services. iQIYI’s membership services generally provide subscribing members with superior entertainment experience that is
embodied in various membership privileges. iQIYI’s membership program is composed of multiple packages, each offered at a different price and
provides subscribing members with access to a large collection of VIP-only content comprised of drama series, movies, animations, cartoons and online
literature, earlier access to certain content aired on iQIYI platform and a bundle of viewing functions and features. For example, the members-first
model of The Lost Tomb (盗墓笔 记) enabled members to gain instant access to the entire season while non-paying users could only follow weekly
updates for new episodes; and certain auxiliary content of Folk 2022 (我们民谣2022) was accessible exclusively to iQIYI’s members. iQIYI’s members
primarily include subscribing members and, to a lesser extent, users who gain access to our premium content library through paid video-on-demand
service. The average daily number of subscribing members in 2022 was 103.1 million, as compared to 101.6 million in 2021. The average daily number
of subscribing members excluding individuals with trial memberships was 102.4 million in 2022, as compared to 100.7 million in 2021.
Online Advertising. The prices of iQIYI’s advertising services depend upon various factors, including form and size of the advertising, level of
sponsorship, popularity of the content or event in which the advertisements
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will be placed, and specific targeting requirements. Prices for the brand advertising service purchased by each advertiser or advertising agency are
generally fixed under sales contracts.
Content Distribution. iQIYI sub-licenses content within its authorized scope to TV stations and other internet video streaming services. iQIYI
also enters into barter agreements to exchange internet broadcasting rights of licensed content with other internet video streaming services. The barter
agreement provides the licensee with the right to broadcast the licensed content, and the licensor retains the right to continue broadcasting and/or
sub-licensing the exchanged content. We distribute our selected content not only to third-party platforms in mainland China but also to regions outside
of China.
Others. Other monetization models include online games, IP licensing, talent agency, online literature, other licensing and others.
Technology
We focus on technology and innovation. To stay at the forefront of the internet industry and to achieve long-term growth and success, we invest
heavily in research and development. We have established several research labs in China and the United States, to enhance our research and
development capabilities, including AI, quantum computing and other areas.
Baidu AI
We have been investing in AI since 2010, and have developed “Baidu Brain,” our core AI technology engine, which has become a powerful
technology platform that powers all of our business. We have opened up our AI platform to a large community of developers, which helps improve our
AI capabilities and accelerate large-scale implementation of our AI. Request on Baidu Brain has peaked over 1 trillion hits per day in 2022. By doing so,
we are turning the world’s most advanced AI capabilities into platforms for customers, developers and partners.
Our AI capabilities encapsulated on Baidu Brain consist of four layers and one module, as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
a foundation layer, consisting of PaddlePaddle, our open source deep learning framework and platform, as software, Kunlun AI chips as
hardware and databases as fuel;
a perception layer, aggregating internally developed algorithms for speech recognition and synthesis, computer vision and augmented
reality & virtual reality;
a cognition layer, consisting of algorithms for natural language processing and knowledge graph;
a platform layer, opening our technologies to partners and developers to develop a strong AI ecosystem; and
an AI security module that ensures Baidu Brain’s security, safety and privacy.
AI Capabilities. Baidu Brain enables integrated innovation and expands the usage of AI solutions in a wider range of industries. Baidu Brain first
launched as a platform in 2016, and we launched Baidu Brain 7.0, the latest version of Baidu’s open AI platform, in August 2021. Baidu Brain 7.0
demonstrates our expertise in AI technologies and industrial practice, and our efforts to make AI technology more accessible.
Baidu released ERNIE 3.0 Titan, a pre-training language model with 260 billion parameters. ERNIE 3.0 Titan is trained on a vast knowledge
graph and massive unstructured data. ERNIE 3.0 Titan has achieved SOTA outcomes in over 60 NLP tasks, including machine reading comprehension,
text categorization, and semantic similarity, among others. The model also performs well in 30 few-shot and zero-shot benchmarks. This shows that it
can generalize across various downstream tasks with a small quantity of labeled data and decrease the
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threshold of recognition. Under ERNIE, Baidu released 11 industry large language models in collaborations with multiple companies and organizations
by the end of 2022. Industry large models allow us to solve industry-specific pain points effectively and efficiently, expanding AI’s impact to in
traditional industry, including manufacturing, utilities, and finance. ERNIE 3.0 Titan improves the performance of Baidu Brain, allowing Baidu Brain to
better understand and address the real-world problems by building industrial applications.
By integrating different AI technologies such as natural language processing, speech and vision recognition, Baidu Brain is able to quickly and
efficiently perceive and understand the real natural language processing framework like human beings.
Baidu Brain powers AI applications in various industries and are fully integrated with different scenarios for innovation. Powered by Baidu Brain,
our AI Cloud business has made various AI applications for the utility, public service, manufacturing and other traditional industries to help our
customers improve efficiency through technology innovation.
In terms of software and hardware integration, Baidu independently developed AI chip, Baidu Kunlun, optimized for voice, natural language
processing, image and other AI technologies, is capable of supporting deep learning frameworks such as PaddlePaddle, and flexibly supports training
and prediction, making AI models more efficient in computing and within the application. In addition, the Baidu Honghu chip was developed for
far-field voice interaction, making voice interaction between people and cars, smart homes and other devices easier and more fluent. Separately, Baidu
also works with partners to build hardware ecology. As of December 31, 2022, PaddlePaddle has been equipped with more than 30 chips.
PaddlePaddle. PaddlePaddle is Baidu’s self-developed deep learning framework, which we open-sourced in 2016. PaddlePaddle aims to solve a
real problem for the public service sector and traditional industries, and enables developers to implement AI technologies efficiently. PaddlePaddle
provides: (i) a deep learning framework based on programming logic enabling both development flexibility and stability; (ii) the ultra-large-scale
training capacity for real-time updates of trillion-level parameters of deep learning models; (iii) end-to-end deployment of high-performance inference
engines designed for diverse platforms and devices; and (iv) open-source industry-grade models covering a wide range of applications. PaddlePaddle
has boosted the diversification and scaling of AI applications. As of the end of 2022, PaddlePaddle developer community grew to 5.35 million and
serves over 200,000 businesses. Developers, academic institutes, enterprises, government administrations and hardware OEMs works together on
PaddlePaddle, allowing PaddlePaddle to cultivate various industry models. As a result, PaddlePaddle is well capable to run through the entire AI
industry chain, from hardware adaptation to model training, inference deployment and application, consolidating the foundation of industrial intelligence
and accelerating the pace of intelligent upgrading In addition, Baidu has partnered with academics and industry to develop AI talents. EasyDL and BML
(a full-featured AI development platform) are PaddlePaddle’s enterprise versions.
AI Chips. Baidu AI Chip, which was introduced in 2018, is a cloud-to-edge AI chip specifically designed for Baidu’s computing environment. As
of December 31, 2022, both Baidu AI Chip I and Baidu AI Chip II have been in mass production. Baidu AI chips have been used for our search engine,
cloud, and Xiaodu’s business needs, while powering our deep learning computing needs. For example, the Baidu AI Chip II optimizes our AI
technologies such as voice, natural language processing and images and support deep learning frameworks such as Baidu’s open source deep learning
platform, PaddlePaddle. The diverse range of uses enables Baidu AI Chip II to power different AI applications, such as Internet core algorithms, smart
cities and smart industry. Furthermore, Baidu AI Chip optimizes our AI capabilities on AI Cloud servers while improving cost efficiency. Baidu AI Chip
completed its first-round of funding at a post-money valuation of US$2 billion in April 2021. In addition, we have also developed Baidu Honghu to
power DuerOS smart devices and in-vehicle infotainment to improve speech recognition performance and provide a cost advantage in our AI offerings.
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We have also developed a proprietary technological infrastructure which consists of technologies for search, marketing services, and large-scale
systems. Our established infrastructure serves as the backbone for AI, mobile and PC platforms.
Mobile Ecosystem Technologies
Search Technologies.
Our search is powered by a set of industry-leading technologies, including the following, among others:
Ranking. We compare search queries with the content on web pages to help determine relevance. We have significantly improved the relevancy,
freshness and authority of ranking using our machine learning modules to analyze the rich content on the Internet and user intent, to prioritize the search
results. We began using machine learning in 2010, to better understand the semantics beyond simple text of the search keywords, and in 2013, we began
to apply deep learning in our search ranking system, which is playing an increasingly important role. In 2019, we began to develop Top 1 (satisfying
user with the first search result) by significantly enhancing the results of question parsing and analysis, answer matching, extraction, page content
understanding and other aspects of our search engine, which has greatly improved user satisfaction with our search products.
Multi-modal search. We have greatly improved the accuracy of speech recognition in scenarios, such as long sentences, mixed Chinese and
English, and strong accent, and thus significantly improve user satisfaction of our speech search. We have built a terminal visual interaction engine v1.0
for visual search and facilitated the implementation of convolutional neural network models, reducing the training costs through unsupervised or semi-
supervised models.
Marketing Services Technologies. Our marketing services platform serves billions of relevant, targeted sponsored links each day based on search
terms users enter or content they view on web pages or in our apps. Our key marketing services technologies include Phoenix Nest, a web-based auction
system to enable customers to bid for keywords and automatically deliver relevant, targeted promotional links on Baidu’s properties and Baidu Union
partners’ properties. Designed to generate more relevant results, Phoenix Nest helps customers to identify popular keywords and provides them with
tools for budget management and marketing effectiveness measurement.
Large-Scale Systems and Technologies. Our large scale and massive amounts of user traffic require our systems to efficiently and effectively
allocate resources among the products and services in our large product portfolio. Our key large-scale systems and technologies include our internally
developed automated management platform for large size clusters, which enables us to intelligently manage and allocate resources and automatically
debug and relocate services, thereby, allowing the huge volume of requests on Baidu search platform to function stably across multiple internet data
centers and a large network of servers.
Research and Development
We have a team of experienced engineers who are based mostly in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. We also have development centers in
Sunnyvale, California and Seattle, Washington. We compete aggressively for engineering and recruit most of our engineers locally and have established
various recruiting and training programs with leading universities in China. We have also recruited experienced engineers globally.
In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, our research and development expenditures were RMB19.5 billion, RMB24.9 billion and
RMB23.3 billion (US$3.4 billion), representing 18%, 20% and 19% of our total revenues, respectively. Our research and development expenses
primarily consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred,
except for capitalized software development costs that fulfill the capitalization criteria.
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Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in mainland China and other jurisdictions, as well as
confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and our brand. We have over 13,693 issued patents in mainland
China covering invention, utility model and design, and intend to apply for more patents to protect our core technologies and intellectual property. We
also enter into confidentiality, non-compete and invention assignment agreements with our employees and consultants, and nondisclosure agreements
with selected third parties. “百度,” our company’s name “Baidu” in Chinese, has been recognized as a well-known trademark in China by the Trademark
” and the related logos, we have applied for registration of
Office of National Intellectual Property Administration. In addition to owning “
various other trademarks. We also have registered certain trademarks in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, the European Union and several other jurisdictions. In
addition, we have registered our domain name baidu.com and certain other domain names with authorized registrars of ICANN (Internet Corporation for
Assigned Names and Numbers). We have also successfully become designated Registry Operator for .baidu top-level domain names by ICANN.
Internet, technology and media companies are frequently involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of
intellectual property rights. Furthermore, the application of laws governing intellectual property rights in mainland China and abroad is uncertain and
evolving and could involve substantial risks to us. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business Industry—We may
face intellectual property infringement claims and other related claims, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result in an
adverse impact over our operations” and “—We may be subject to patent infringement claims with respect to our P4P platform.”
Sales and Distribution
We offer products and services for Baidu Mobile Ecosystem through our network of third-party agents and our direct sales team. We typically
enter into framework sales agreements with third-party agents, where third-party agents will sell online marketing services to customers such as SMEs,
domestic businesses and multinational companies on our behalf. The sales agreements typically limit the industry focus of the third-party agents. The
third-party agents provide our online marketing customers with numerous services, including identifying customers, collecting payments, assisting
customers in setting up accounts with us, suggesting keywords to maximize ROI and engaging in other marketing and educational services aimed at
acquiring customers. We have direct sales presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities, covering the major regional markets
for our online marketing services and other services. We cover our key accounts through direct sales team and enter into agreements with such key
accounts directly.
For AI Cloud, we sell our cloud solutions including IaaS, PaaS and SaaS to our enterprise clients directly or through solution integrators. We offer
smart transportation solutions directly to provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.
For Intelligent Driving and OGI, we sell our products and services to our clients directly and through our third-party agents.
iQIYI’s brand advertising is sold through third-party advertising agencies, including members of American Association of Advertising Agencies,
or 4As, and leading Chinese advertising agencies, as well as through a direct sales force. Feed advertising services is sold primarily through third-party
advertising agencies, whose existing long-term relationships and network resources we strategically leverage, to increase our sales and expand our
advertiser base.
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Marketing
We focus on continually improving the quality of our products and services, as we believe satisfied users and customers are more likely to
recommend our products and services to others. Through these efforts and the increased use of internet in China, we have built our brand with modest
marketing expenditures.
We have implemented a number of marketing initiatives designed to promote our brand awareness among potential users, customers and Baidu
Union partners. In addition to our brand positioning in the market, we have also initiated a series of marketing activities to promote our products and
technologies among existing and potential users and customers, including, but not limited to, Baidu World Conference.
Competition
For Baidu Core business, our primary competitors are mainly internet companies and online marketing platforms in China. We compete with these
entities for both users and customers on the basis of user traffic, cyber security, quality (relevance) of search (and other marketing and advertising)
results, availability and user experience of products and services, distribution channels and the number of associated third-party websites. We also face
competition from U.S.-based internet search providers providing Chinese language services and online marketing platforms, as well as traditional
advertising media.
Online Marketing Platforms, Internet, Cloud and Smart Device Companies in China. Chinese internet companies, such as Alibaba, Tencent,
ByteDance and Xiaomi offer a broad range of online services, including search, feed, cloud services and smart devices. These companies have widely
recognized brand names in China and significant financial resources. Furthermore, some of these companies are private and are able to expend
significant resources without consideration for near-term return on investment. We compete with these companies primarily for user traffic, user time,
content, advertising budget, marketing resources and enterprise customers, in particular in the traditional industries and the public service sector. We
leverage our AI technology, user traffic, product design and various marketing to enhance users’ reliance on and customers’ stickiness on our platforms
and services.
U.S.-based Internet Search Providers and Online Marketing Platforms. U.S.-based internet search providers and online marketing platforms, such
as Microsoft, Google and Facebook, have a strong global presence, well established brand names, more users and customers and significantly greater
financial resources than we do. We may also continue to face competition from other existing competitors and new entrants in the markets of Chinese
language search and online marketing.
Other Advertising Media. Other advertising media, such as newspapers, yellow pages, magazines, billboards, other forms of outdoor media,
television, radio and mobile apps compete for a share of our customers’ marketing budgets.
AI Cloud. We compete with Huawei and Kingsoft cloud for our cloud offerings. In addition, we have observed that telecom providers have been
growing their cloud business, which has resulted in some changes in China’s cloud industry.
Intelligent Driving. In the field of self-driving services, we compete with self-driving system providers and automakers, which are working on
their in-house self-driving solutions. In the field of robotaxi services, we compete with other autonomous ride-hailing service providers. Our Apollo Go
remains the largest autonomous ride-hailing service provider measured by the number of rides we competed.
iQIYI competes with Tencent Video, Youku, Mango TV and Bilibili for both users and advertising customers. iQIYI also competes with other
internet media and entertainment services, such as internet and social platforms and short-form video platforms, as well as major television stations.
iQIYI competes with these market players primarily on the basis of obtaining IP rights to popular content, conducting brand promotions and other
marketing activities, and making investments in and acquisitions of business partners.
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Our user traffic tends to be seasonal. For example, we generally experience less user traffic during public holidays and other special event periods
in China. In addition, advertising and other marketing spending in China has historically been cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as
budgeting and buying patterns. Our results of operations may fluctuate due to the cyclicality and seasonality in our business.
Our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiatives
We are committed to corporate social responsibility and meeting society’s changing needs despite the challenging economic environment. We
have established an internal environmental, social and governance communications and management mechanism to comprehensively improve our
corporate governance and benefit society.
Following the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we have continuously improved our corporate social responsibility initiatives
under the guidance of our ESG framework. We appreciate the oversight, guidance and feedback from different parties and are committed to
collaborating closely with domestic and international organizations to support broader industry-wide ESG practices, to explore multi-dimensional use
cases for our technology, to empower traditional industries with our capabilities and to promote a healthier lifestyle and the long-term sustainability of
our society. In June 2021, we announced our goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. In May 2022, we released our annual ESG report, which details our
ESG policies and sustainability initiatives. In August 2022, Forbes China placed us on its 2022 China ESG 50 list.
Environmentally Sustainable Mindset
We are a strong supporter of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We are committed to the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 at the group operational level. To this end, we continue to pursue our emission
reduction pathways in data centers, office buildings, carbon offsets, intelligent transportation, AI cloud and supply chain. Starting from 2020, we have
taken measurements for all Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, inviting third-party professional institutions to verify and certify the results. These
results are disclosed in our ESG report accordingly. We are committed to accelerating the transition to electric transportation, and are committed to
making Baidu a low-carbon, energy-efficient and eco-friendly company through concrete actions. For example, to improve energy efficiency, we
implemented various power supply solutions including HVDC offline and BBU (Battery Back-up Unit) in our data centers. Furthermore, our data
centers are equipped with large-scale water cooling systems with a free cooling module and OCU (Overhead Cooling Unit) supplemented by fine-tuning
operation optimization. As a result of these measures, we optimized the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of our data centers and further reduced our
carbon emissions. Baidu Yangquan Data Center was awarded the Carbon Neutral Data Center Leader (5A) certification in 2021, making it the first data
center with the highest low-carbon level in China. We have also adopted various water and photovoltaic power generation technologies that increase the
use of renewable energy in office buildings, as well as energy conservation measures, such as recycling heat energy and introducing electric commuter
shuttle busses on our campus to make our offices more environmentally friendly.
While we rigorously implement environmentally sustainable policies and initiatives, we are also committed to presenting our users with green
products and services, fulfilling our social responsibilities and diligently promoting our green ideas to the general public. For example, we have
participated in the Climate Group’s EV100 campaign, a global initiative bringing together forward-looking companies committed to accelerating the
transition to electric transportation, and have built our intelligent and green transportation ecosystem, relying on intelligent connected vehicle
technology to comprehensively upgrade vehicles, roads and modes of travel. Baidu’s V2X deployed in Beijing and smart signal control system adopted
by Baoding help reduce carbon emissions by about 51,000 tons and 42 tons annually respectively. We provide enterprises with AI Cloud solutions,
promoting the sustainable development in energy and textile industry. Baidu Maps provide users with low-carbon services, helping users to optimize
their low-carbon routes, offering users with Navigation Services
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for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), and launching the functionality of visualizing carbon footprints. Our efforts promote the spread of green consumption
among users. We have received various awards in recognition of our ESG efforts. In 2022, Baidu received the “Environmental Leap Forward Award”
from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), as well as “Bloomberg Green Environmental Pioneers.” Our program regarding Intelligent Transportation
carbon reduction was incorporated into the COP 27 “Global Business Cases for Sustainability” with respect to green and low-carbon cases.
Building Social Trust and Developing Talent
Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection. As a reputable hi-tech company serving a large community of users, we put data privacy protection and
data security as our top priorities. In October 2021, we established a data management committee to consolidate the existing committees on data
management, data privacy & protection and data security, to further improve our policies and oversight over data management. Revolving around the
dimensions of security, safety, and privacy, we built a research team filled with top-notch security experts. Focusing on our full stack of AI products and
ecosystem, the team concentrates on cutting-edge technology, including vulnerability defense, AI security, security testing, privacy computing, etc., and
developed and deployed multi-layer defense system. With their efforts, Baidu created a leading security technology system oriented for the AI-native
cloud. We communicate with our users in an easy-to-understand manner to help them understand their rights under applicable laws and regulations.
Through our data privacy and data security policies, users can learn about and control how their data is used and provide consent for data collection
when necessary. We have put in place a comprehensive auditing mechanism across our business to keep track of the data privacy and data security
actions taken throughout the lifecycle of our products and services. We utilize a complete set of data privacy and data security management systems that
allow us to continuously review and improve our processes. Guided by the principles of legal compliance, hierarchical protection, consistency of rights
and responsibilities and continuous optimization, we have set up the mechanism for data security across the entire life cycle of products. This
mechanism is designed to protect user privacy, validate the protection and legitimacy of data, and continuously maintain a secure state of operations. We
have designed the General Privacy Policies and have drawn up specific privacy policies for individual products and services. We have also built an
independent one-stop privacy protection platform, from which users can learn about our data privacy policies and provide feedback. We believe that we
can make a complex world simpler through AI, but such vision can only be realized if AI is used properly.
In 2022, we inspected and cleared more than 69.524 million pieces of harmful information through all means. Through machine big data mining,
it cracked down on more than 58.49 billion pieces of harmful information. The core data of content moderation were disclosed on the Comprehensive
Governance of Information Security Report on a quarterly basis.
Outlook on Talent and Organizational Development. Our employees are our most important asset. To promote work-life balance for our
employees, we have adopted flexible working arrangements and a system of paid leave and compensatory leave, in addition to statutory annual leave.
Since 2019, we have been working with an insurance company to introduce commercial healthcare coverage for both our employees and their parents.
We are an early adopter among Chinese internet companies to offer such customized coverage. Moreover, we provide a multitude of benefits to our
employees and their family members, including pregnant and nursing employees. We cater for female employees via return-to-work celebrations after
childbirth, a maternity room to give breastfeeding mothers privacy, gift bags on Women’s Day, and a women’s club that encourages communication and
the organization of activities.
To better understand employees’ level of satisfaction, assist employees in addressing work challenges and improve our overall work environment,
we conduct annual human capital assessment surveys with all of our employees. We also provide a variety of channels for employees to provide
feedback and file complaints. We fully respect and value our employees’ suggestions and feedback.
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We value the training and development of our employees. Our Online Baidu School learning platform provides convenient production tools for
employees. In 2022, we expanded the platform’s offerings with the addition of 4,557 new courses. Furthermore, 28% online courses were offered by our
employees, and 1,992 live training sessions were held throughout the year. We have witnessed continued improvement in our employees’ training hours.
Particularly, female employees’ training hours reached 65.4 hours, reflecting a significant increase from 2021.
As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, Baidu observes international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and has formulated
the Baidu Human Rights Policy. In the Human Rights Policy, we state we are committed to and guarantee a respectful and dignified work environment
for all employees. We provide equal opportunities for everyone in recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, and compensation and benefits, and strictly
prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, color, age, nationality, religion, physical disability, marital status, or other characteristics
protected by law. We have zero-tolerance policies for any form of harassment, abuse, and coercion in the workplace and in any work-related
environment outside the company. We protect all employees, especially women, from unfair treatment and retaliation.
Innovation and Practice in Social Responsibility
We care about the society that we live in, and we encourage our employees across different product lines to leverage Baidu AI technologies to
make our community a better place for everyone. Baidu has made outstanding achievements in protecting vulnerable groups, including the elderly, deaf
and hard-of-hearing (DHH) and minors. In March 2022, AI Cloud’s digital avatar platform XiLing launched an AI sign language platform, breaking
down communication barriers for the deaf and hard-of-hearing with our automated sign language translation in place. Additionally, our Baidu App (Big
Character Version) features a simpler and clearer interface and functions, designed to reduce accessibility barriers for the elderly. Furthermore, we
continued to attach great importance to the protection of minors. We launched a program to protect minors in 2022, in which we detected and handled
5,439 pieces of information containing harmful information involving minors, banned 62 Baidu accounts, and closed 6 Tieba accounts.
We have been committed to addressing social problems with honors social responsibility as a corporate citizen. To support epidemic prevention in
Beijing, we donated 60,000 doses of antigenic reagents and 5,000 sets of prevention-related technology materials in 2022. Additionally, we continued to
commit to our ongoing “Hello World” public welfare project, donating 16,478 books to 30 primary and secondary schools in southwest and northwest
China.
Building on our close communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, we will continue to benefit our society. As part of our efforts to
create value for our society, we attach great importance to communication and engagement with our users, partners, social organizations and third-party
agencies.
Regulations
We operate our business in an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment. This section summarizes the principal laws and regulations
of mainland China relating to our business.
In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel, (i) the ownership structure relating to the variable interest entities complies with
current laws and regulations of mainland China; (ii) subject to the disclosure and risks disclosed under “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure,” “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China” and “—Regulations,” our contractual arrangements with the
variable interest entities and the nominee shareholders constituted legal, valid and binding obligation of all parties to these arrangements and the
execution, delivery, and performance of the variable interest entities and
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the nominee shareholders do not violate (x) any provisions of the articles of association and business licenses of such variable interest entity and (y) any
current laws or regulations of mainland China; and (iii) subject to the disclosure and risks disclosed under “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure,” “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China” and “—Regulations,” the business operations of the variable
interest entities, as described herein, comply with current laws and regulations of mainland China in all material respects.
Our business is subject to evolving laws and regulatory requirements of mainland China, including, among others, the laws and regulations
governing internet-related industry and AI-related industry. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of existing or
proposed PRC laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities would find that our corporate structure and our business
operations comply with PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government finds us to be in violation of applicable PRC laws and regulations, we may be
required to pay fines and penalties, obtain certain licenses or permits and change, suspend or discontinue our business operations until we comply with
the applicable PRC laws and regulations.
Regulations on Foreign Investment
On January 1, 2020, the Foreign Investment Law and the Regulations for Implementation of the Foreign Investment Law, or the Implementation
Regulations, came into effect and became the principal laws and regulations governing foreign investment in mainland China, replacing the trio of prior
laws regulating foreign investment in mainland China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint
Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations.
According to the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities conducted directly or indirectly in mainland
China by foreign individuals, enterprises or other entities, including the following circumstances: (i) the establishment of foreign-invested enterprises in
mainland China by foreign investors solely or jointly with other investors, (ii) a foreign investors’ acquisition of shares, equity interests, property
portions or other similar rights and interests of enterprises in mainland China, (iii) investment in new projects in mainland China by foreign investors
solely or jointly with other investors, and (iv) investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or
other methods prescribed by the State Council.
The Foreign Investment Law has adopted a reformed system with respect to foreign investment administration, under which the PRC government
applies national treatment to foreign investors in terms of investment entry and the foreign investor needs to comply with the requirements as provided
in the negative list for foreign investment. The negative list will be issued by, amended or released upon approval by the State Council, from time to
time. The negative list will consist of a list of industries in which foreign investments are prohibited and a list of industries in which foreign investments
are restricted. Foreign investors will be prohibited from making investments in prohibited industries, while foreign investments must satisfy certain
conditions stipulated in the negative list for investments in restricted industries. Foreign investments and domestic investments in industries outside the
scope of the prohibited industries and restricted industries stipulated in the negative list will be treated equally. Any foreign-invested enterprise
established prior to the effectiveness of the Foreign Investment Law may maintain its original corporate forms for a period of five years after January 1,
2020.
The Implementation Regulations restates certain principles of the Foreign Investment Law and further provides that, among others, (1) if a
foreign-invested enterprise established prior to the effective date of the Foreign Investment Law fails to adjust its legal form or governance structure to
comply with the provisions of the Companies Law of the PRC or the Partnership Enterprises Law of the PRC as applicable and complete amendment
registration before January 1, 2025, the enterprise registration authority will not process other
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registration matters of the foreign-invested enterprise and may publicize such non-compliance thereafter; (2) the provisions regarding equity interest
transfer and distribution of profits and remaining assets as stipulated in the contracts among the joint venture parties of a foreign-invested enterprise
established before the effective date of the Foreign Investment Law may, after adjustment of the legal form and governing structure of such foreign-
invested enterprise, remain binding upon the parties.
On December 30, 2019, the MOFCOM and the SAMR jointly promulgated the Measures for Information Reporting on Foreign Investment, which
became effective on January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the measures, where a foreign investor directly or indirectly carries out investment activities in
mainland China, the foreign investor or the foreign-invested enterprise must submit the investment information to the competent commerce department
for further handling.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which came into
effect on January 18, 2021. The NDRC and the MOFCOM established a working mechanism office in charge of the security review of foreign
investment. Such measures define foreign investment as direct or indirect investment by foreign investors in mainland China, which includes
(i) investment in new onshore projects or establishment of wholly foreign owned onshore companies or joint ventures with foreign investors;
(ii) acquiring equity or asset of onshore companies by merger and acquisition; and (iii) onshore investment by and through any other means. Investment
in certain key areas with bearing on national security, such as important cultural products and services, important information technology and internet
services and products, key technologies and other important areas with bearing on national security which results in the acquisition of de facto control of
investee companies, must be filed with a specifically established office before such investment is carried out. What may constitute “onshore investment
by and through any other means” or “de facto control” could be broadly interpreted under such measures. It is likely that control through contractual
arrangement be regarded as de facto control based on provisions applied to security review of foreign investment in the free trade zone. Failure to make
such filing may subject such foreign investor to rectification within prescribed period, and will be recorded as negative credit information of such
foreign investor in the relevant national credit information system, which would then subject such investors to joint punishment as provided by relevant
rules. If such investor fails to or refuses to undertake such rectification, it would be ordered to dispose of the equity or asset and to take any other
necessary measures so as to return to the status quo and to erase the impact to national security.
Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunications Services and Internet Content Services
Value-added telecommunications services and Internet content services. The Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC promulgated by the
PRC State Council in September 2000, which were most recently amended in February 2016, categorize all telecommunication businesses in mainland
China as either basic or value-added. Pursuant to the Telecommunications Regulations, commercial operators of value-added telecommunications
services must first obtain a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License from the MIIT or its provincial level counterparts. The
Administrative Measures for Telecommunication Business Operating License, promulgated by the MIIT with latest amendments becoming effective in
September 2017, set forth the types of licenses required for value-added telecommunications services and the qualifications and procedures for obtaining
such licenses. For example, a value-added telecommunications service operator providing commercial value-added services in multiple provinces is
required to obtain an inter-regional license, whereas a value-added telecommunications service operator providing the same services in one province is
required to obtain a local license. Baidu Netcom and some of the other variable interest entities in mainland China hold such Value-Added
Telecommunication Business Operating Licenses.
Internet content services, or ICP services, are classified as one of the value-added telecommunication businesses. The Administrative Measures on
Internet Information Services, promulgated by the PRC State Council in September 2000 and amended in January 2011, require companies engaged in
the provision of commercial internet content services to obtain a Value-added Telecommunication Business Operation Permit for
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ICP services, or an ICP license from the relevant government authorities before providing any commercial internet content services within mainland
China. “Commercial internet content services” generally refer to provision of information service through public telecommunication network or internet
for a fee. The Catalog of Classification of Telecommunications Services promulgated by the MIIT in December 2015 and amended in June 2019 further
divides ICP services into information publication platform and delivery services, information search and inquiry services, information communities
platform services, instant message services, and information security and management services. We do not believe our P4P services conducted by our
certain mainland China subsidiaries are categorized as part of internet content services that require an ICP license under these regulations. Although
Baidu Online conducts part of the P4P business by, among other things, examining and filtering P4P keywords, interacting with potential P4P
customers, engaging in sales activities with our customers, P4P search results are displayed on the websites operated by Baidu Netcom, including
baidu.com. Baidu Netcom, as the owner of our domain name baidu.com and holder of the necessary licenses and approvals, such as an ICP license,
operates the website to list P4P search results and display other marketing and advertising content as an online marketing service provider.
In June 2020, MIIT promulgated the Notice regarding Strengthening the Management of Call Center Business, which has strengthened the
management on the admittance, codes, accessing, operation activities and certain other items.
Regulations on Content. National security considerations are an important factor in the regulation of internet content in the PRC. The National
People’s Congress, the PRC’s national legislature, has enacted laws with respect to maintaining the security of internet operation and internet content.
Under these laws and applicable regulations, violators may be subject to penalties, including criminal sanctions, for internet content that:
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opposes the fundamental principles stated in the PRC constitution;
compromises national security, divulges state secrets, subverts state power or damages national unity;
harms the dignity or interests of the state;
incites ethnic hatred or racial discrimination or damages inter-ethnic unity;
undermines the PRC’s religious policy or propagates heretical teachings or feudal superstitions;
disseminates rumors, disturbs social order or disrupts social stability;
disseminates obscenity or pornography, encourages gambling, violence, murder or fear or incites the commission of a crime;
insults or slanders a third party or infringes upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party; or
is otherwise prohibited by law or administrative regulations.
ICP operators are required to monitor their websites, including electronic bulletin boards. They may not post or disseminate any content that falls
within the prohibited categories and must remove any such content from their websites. The PRC government may shut down the websites of ICP
license holders that violate any of the above-mentioned content restrictions and revoke their ICP licenses. For instance, in 2017, the CAC issued a series
of regulatory documents providing that an ICP operator is obligated to monitor contents displayed and disseminated by users on its platform. These
regulations apply to online services, including (i) online forum and community service, which allows users to publish information and interact with
other users on an online forum, post bar or other form of online communities, (ii) online follow-up comment service, which allows users to post threads,
reply to original content, leave messages and engage in live commenting with texts, symbols, expressions, pictures, audio/video on a website, mobile
app or other forms of interactive platform; (iii) online group chat information service, which allows users to communicate and exchange information in a
cyberspace created by the users on an online platform; (iv) online official account information service, which allows users to post texts, pictures,
audio/video and other information in the form of an official account registered by the user on
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a website, mobile app or other network platform. Pursuant to these regulations, a service provider is required to, among others, (x) register and verify the
identity information of each user, and (y) in the case of publication or dissemination of prohibited contents on the platform, take prompt rectification
measures, including removing and terminating transmission of the illegal content, restricting the user right of the offender, banning the user account and
shutting down the relevant forum or channel, and report to the regulatory authority. On January 22, 2021, the CAC revised and promulgated the
Administrative Provisions on the Information Services Provided through Official Accounts of Internet Users, which requires, among others, that
information service platforms for public accounts are required to perform their responsibilities, establish systems such as those for the hierarchical or
classified management of public accounts, ecological governance, copyright protection, and credit evaluation, and improve management measures such
as public account registration verification, qualification examination, and disclosure of public account registrants. On November 16, 2022, the CAC
amended and promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Comment Posting Services, which came into effect on December 15, 2022.
According to such provisions, the follow-up comment service providers must conduct standardized management of the follow-up comment service users
and the producers and operators of official accounts according to the user service agreement. For the follow-up comment services users who release any
illegal and negative information content, the service providers must take the measures including, among others, warning and reminding, refusing to
release and deleting such illegal and negative information content, restricting such accounts’ functions, suspending such accounts updating, shutting
down such accounts and prohibiting re-registration of such accounts in accordance with laws, and keep the relevant records. For the producers and
operators of official accounts who fail to fulfill their management obligations resulting that any illegal and negative information content appears in the
follow-up comments, the service providers must take such measures as warning and reminding, deleting such illegal and negative information,
suspending the follow-up comment area functions till permanently shutting down the follow-up comment area, restricting such account functions,
suspending such accounts updating, shutting down such accounts and prohibiting re-registration of such accounts in accordance with laws, and keep
records and timely report such violations to the cyberspace administrations.
In addition, in November 2018, the CAC issued a notice to require ICP operators to conduct security assessments on their Internet information
services if their services include forums, blogs, microblogs, chat rooms, communication groups, public accounts, short videos, online live-streaming,
information sharing, mini programs or such other functions that provide channels for the public to express opinions or have the capability of mobilizing
the public to engage in specific activities. ICP operators must conduct self-assessment on, among others, the legality of new technology involved in the
services and the effectiveness of security risk prevention measures, and file the assessment report to local competent Internet information office and
public security authority. At the end of 2019, the CAC issued the Provisions on the Management of Network Information Content Ecology, or the CAC
Order No. 5, which became effective on March 1, 2020, to further strengthen the regulation and management of network information content. Pursuant
to the CAC Order No. 5, each network information content service platform is required, among others, (i) not to disseminate any information prohibited
by laws and regulations, such as information jeopardizing national security; (ii) to strengthen the examination of advertisements published on such
network information content service platform; (iii) to promulgate management rules and platform convention and improve user agreement, such that
such network information content service platform could clarify users’ rights and obligations and perform management responsibilities required by laws,
regulations, rules and convention; (iv) to establish convenient means for complaints and reports; and (v) to prepare annual work report regarding its
management of network information content ecology.
On September 15, 2021, the CAC promulgated the Opinions on Further Enforcing Responsibilities on Website Platforms as the Main Responsible
Party for Information Content Management. In accordance with the Opinions, website platforms are required to perform specific responsibilities as the
main responsible party for information content management, including, among others, enhancing the platform community rules, strengthening the
regulation and management of accounts, improving the content vetting mechanism, improving the quality of information content, managing the
dissemination of information content, and strengthening the management of key functions.
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Restrictions on Foreign Ownership in Value-Added Telecommunications Services. Foreign ownership in value-added telecommunication services
is governed by the State Council according to the Provisions on Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the Foreign-
Invested Telecommunications Provisions, which was recently amended on March 29, 2022 and became effective on May 1, 2022. According to the
amended Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Provisions, a foreign investor’s beneficial equity ownership in an entity providing value-added
telecommunications services in mainland China is generally not permitted to exceed 50% unless otherwise permitted by laws and regulations. Although
the amended Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Provisions deleted the prior requirement that major foreign investors holding equity in enterprises
providing value-added telecommunications services in mainland China must have a good track record and operational experience in providing these
services, the PRC government authorities have not promulgated relevant implementation rules in line with these new changes. Accordingly, there are
uncertainties as to whether foreign investors without a good track record and operational experience in providing these services may qualify as major
foreign investors in value-added telecommunications enterprises. Although the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment
Access (2021 Version) allow a foreign investor to own more than 50% of the total equity interest in an e-commerce business, a domestic multi-party
communication business, an information storage and re-transmission business and a call center business, other requirements provided by the amended
Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Provisions still apply. We believe that it would be impracticable for us to acquire any equity interest in the
variable interest entities without diverting management attention and resources. Moreover, we believe that our contractual arrangements with these
entities and the individual nominee shareholders allow us to have the power to direct the activities of these entities that most significantly impact their
economic performance. Accordingly, we currently do not plan to acquire any equity interest in any of the variable interest entities.
A Notice on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Services, issued by the MIIT in July
2006, prohibits domestic telecommunication service providers from leasing, transferring or selling Telecommunication Business Operating Licenses to
any foreign investor in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor for their illegal operation of a telecommunication
business in mainland China. Pursuant to this notice, either the holder of a Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating License or its
shareholders must directly own the domain names and trademarks used by such license holder in its provision of value-added telecommunications
services. The notice further requires each license holder to have the necessary facilities, including servers, for its approved business operations and to
maintain the facilities in the regions covered by its license. If a license holder fails to comply with the requirements in the notice or cure any
non-compliance, the MIIT or its local counterparts have the discretion to take measures against the license holder, including revoking its Value-added
Telecommunication Business Operating License. Based on the Notice regarding the Strengthening of Ongoing and Post Administration of Foreign
Investment Telecommunication Enterprises issued by MIIT in October 2020, the MIIT will not issue Examination Letter for Foreign Investment in
Telecommunication Business. Foreign invested enterprises would need to submit relevant foreign investment materials to MIIT for the establishment or
change of telecommunication operating permits.
Due to the restrictions under these regulations of mainland China, we operate our websites mainly through the variable interest entities, such as
Baidu Netcom. Baidu Netcom is a variable interest entity, and is considered a domestic entity in mainland China under laws of mainland China given
that the nominee shareholders are citizens of mainland China.
Baidu Netcom and some of the other variable interest entities in mainland China hold Value-Added Telecommunication Business Operating
Licenses. In compliance with the Notice of the MIIT on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications
Services, Baidu Netcom owns the necessary domain names and trademarks, including pending trademark applications, and has the necessary personnel
and facilities to operate our websites.
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Regulations on Mobile Internet Applications
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Application Information Services, or the Mobile
Application Administrative Provisions, which was most recently amended on June 14, 2022 and became effective on August 1, 2022. Pursuant to the
Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, a mobile internet app refers to an app software that runs on mobile smart devices to provide users with
information services. Mobile internet app providers refer to the owners or operators of mobile internet apps which provide information services. Internet
app distribution platforms refer to mobile internet information services providers which provide distribution services related to releasing, downloading
and dynamic loading of internet apps.
Pursuant to the Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, internet app providers must comply with relevant provisions on the scope of
necessary personal information when engaging in personal information processing activities and should not compel users to agree to non-essential
personal information collection or ban users from their basic functional services due to their refusal of providing unnecessary personal information.
Internet app providers should not provide the relevant services to the users who fail to submit real identity information or use fraudulent identity
information of other organizations or persons for fake registration. Internet app providers are also required to establish sound information content review
and management mechanism, take sound management measures such as user registration, account management, information review, daily inspection
and emergency disposal, and be staffed with professionals and technical ability appropriate to the service scale. Furthermore, internet app providers who
launch new technologies, applications or functions with the attribute of public opinion or the capability of social mobilization should conduct security
assessment in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. If an internet app provider violates these regulations, internet app distribution
platforms may issue warnings, suspend the release of its applications, or terminate the sale of its applications, and/or report the violations to
governmental authorities, and the application provider may be imposed administrative penalty by the CAC and relevant competent authorities in
accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
In December 2016, the MIIT promulgated the Interim Measures on the Administration of Pre-Installation and Distribution of Applications for
Mobile Smart Terminals, which came into effect on July 1, 2017. The Interim Measures aim to enhance the administration of mobile apps, and require,
among others, that mobile phone manufacturers and internet information service providers must ensure that a mobile app, as well as its ancillary
resource files, configuration files and user data can be uninstalled by a user on a convenient basis, unless it is a basic function software, which refers to a
software that supports the normal functioning of the hardware and operating system of a mobile smart device.
Since 2021, the PRC government has taken steps to strengthen the supervision on the utilization of algorithm in the field of Internet information
service. On September 17, 2021, the CAC and eight other authorities jointly promulgated the Notice on Promulgation of the Guiding Opinions on
Strengthening the Comprehensive Governance of Algorithm-Related Internet Information Services, which provides that, among others, enterprises must
establish an algorithmic security responsibility system and a technology ethics vetting system, improve the algorithmic security management
organization, strengthen risk prevention and control, and improve the capacity to respond to algorithmic security emergencies.
Regulations on Internet Information Search Service
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Search Services, or the Search Services Administrative
Provisions, which took effect on August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Search Services Administrative Provisions, internet information search service refers to
the service whereby users can search for information that is collected from the internet and processed by computer technology. The Search Services
Administrative Provisions requires that an internet information search service provider must not publish any information or contents prohibited by law
in the form of links, abstracts, snapshots, associative words,
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related search or recommendations or otherwise. If an internet information search service provider identifies any search results that contain any
information, website or app that is prohibited by law, it must stop displaying the search results, record the infraction and report it to the relevant
governmental authority. In addition, an internet information search service provider is prohibited from seeking illegitimate interest by means of
unauthorized disconnection of links, or provision of search results containing false information. If an internet information search service provider
engages in paid search services, it must examine and verify the qualifications of its customers of the paid search services, specify the maximum
percentage of search results as paid search results on a webpage, clearly distinguish paid search results from natural search results, and notably identify
the paid search information item by item.
Regulations on News Display
Displaying news on a website and disseminating news through the internet is highly regulated in the PRC. The Provisional Measures for
Administrating Internet Websites Carrying on the News Displaying Business, jointly promulgated by the State Council News Office and the MIIT in
November 2000, require an ICP operator (other than a government authorized news unit) to obtain an approval from the State Council News Office to
post news on its website or disseminate news through the internet. Furthermore, the disseminated news must come from government-approved sources
pursuant to contracts between the ICP operator and the sources, copies of which must be filed with the relevant government authorities.
In May 2017, the CAC issued the Provisions on the Administration of Internet News Information Services, or the Internet News Regulation, and
its implementing rules, which became effective on June 1, 2017. Pursuant to the Internet News Regulation and its implementing rules, if an entity
intends to provide internet news information service, it is required to obtain an approval from the State Council News Office and receive an Internet
News Information Service License. Internet news information service refers to editing, publishing and reprinting and the dissemination platform service
of internet news through internet websites, mobile apps, forums, blogs, micro-blogs, official accounts, instant message tools, live-streaming and other
similar means. Pursuant to the Internet News Regulation, no internet news information service organizations may take the form of a foreign-invested
enterprise, whether a joint venture or a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, and no cooperation between internet news information service organizations
and foreign-invested enterprises is allowed prior to the security evaluation by the CAC. On March 12, 2022, the NDRC and the MOFCOM issued the
Negative List for Market Access (2022 Version), which specifies the prohibition of illegal engagement in news media business, and further emphasizes
that non-state capital should not engage in the gathering, editing, broadcasting and distribution of news information.
Baidu Netcom obtained the Internet News Information Service License, which permits it to publish internet news pursuant to the relevant PRC
laws and regulations, in December 2006, and had the license renewed in October 2021.
Regulations on Internet Drug Information Services
According to the Provisions on the Administration of Internet Drug Information Services, which was promulgated by the State Food and Drug
Administration and most recently amended in November 2017, an enterprise publishing drug-related information must obtain a qualification certificate
from the provincial-level food and drug administration before it applies for the ICP license or files with the MIIT or its local provincial-level
counterpart. In addition, the Standing Committee further amended the Drug Administration Law on August 26, 2019, which became effective on
December 1, 2019. An ICP service operator that provides information regarding drugs or medical devices must obtain an Internet Drug Information
Service Qualification Certificate from the applicable provincial level administrative authority.
Baidu Netcom firstly obtained the Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services in November 2007. On December 21, 2021, to
comply with the relevant requirements of the competent government
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authorities in Beijing, Baidu Netcom obtained the Filing Certificate for Internet Drug and Medical Devices Information Services to replace the
Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services, and such filing certificate of Baidu Netcom has been renewed on June 13, 2022. In
addition, we have several other entities in our group that have obtained the Qualification Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services.
Regulations on Internet Healthcare
According to the Guiding Opinions on Vigorously Advancing the “Internet Plus” Action issued by the State Council on July 1, 2015, Internet
enterprises are encouraged to cooperate with medical institutions in establishing online medical information platforms, strengthen the integration of
regional health care service resources, and make full use of the Internet, Big Data and other means to improve the capability to prevent and control
major diseases and unexpected public health incidents. The General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions on Promoting the Development of
“Internet Plus Health Care” on April 25, 2018, which encouraged medical institutions to apply the internet and other information technologies to expand
the space and content of medical services, and develop an online-offline integrated medical service model covering stages before, during and after
diagnosis. The development of Internet hospitals depending on medical institutions should be permitted. Medical institutions may use Internet hospital
as the second name and, based on physical hospitals, use Internet technology to provide safe and appropriate medical services, allowing online
re-diagnosis for some common diseases and chronic diseases. After reviewing documents of the medical records and profiles of patients, doctors should
be allowed to prescribe online for some common diseases and chronic diseases.
According to the Measures for the Administration of Internet Hospitals (for Trial Implementation) issued on July 17, 2018, any entity applying for
establishment of an internet hospital is required to submit an application to the competent registration authority of the physical medical institution
supporting such internet hospital, and submit the application form, the feasibility research report on establishment of such Internet hospital, the address
of the physical medical institution supporting such Internet hospital, and the agreement jointly signed by the applicant and the physical medical
institution in relation to establishment of an internet hospital through cooperation. If a physical medical institution intends to establish an internet
hospital information platform through cooperation with a third-party institution, the relevant cooperation agreement should be submitted to competent
registration authority of such physical medical institution. The Measures for the Administration of Internet Hospitals (for Trial Implementation) also
clarify that Internet hospitals must adopt information security protection measures for Level 3 information system in accordance with relevant
information security laws and regulations. Doctors can only provide follow-up diagnosis services through internet hospitals for patients that have been
diagnosed with certain common diseases or chronic diseases, unless the patients are in physical hospitals and the doctors in the physical hospital invites
other doctors to provide diagnosis services through internet hospital.
According to the Measures for the Administration of Internet Diagnosis and Treatment (for Trial Implementation) issued on July 17, 2018,
Internet diagnosis and treatment activities must be provided by the medical institutions that have obtained a “Practicing License for Medical Institution.”
If a medical institution intends to establish an information and services platform for Internet diagnosis and treatment activities through cooperation with
a third-party institution, the relevant cooperation agreement should be submitted to competent registration authority of such medical institution. The
Internet-based diagnosis services provided by a medical institution must be consistent with its diagnosis and treatment subjects. Physicians and nurses
carrying out Internet diagnosis and treatment activities should be recorded and registered in the national electronic registration system of physicians and
nurses. A medical institution must conduct electronic real-name verification for the medical staff members carrying out Internet diagnosis and treatment
activities.
Regulations on Internet Culture Activities
The Provisional Measures for the Internet Culture Administration, promulgated by the Ministry of Culture, the predecessor of the Ministry of
Culture and Tourism, and with the latest amendment becoming effective in
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December 2017, require ICP operators engaging in “internet culture activities” to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Culture. The “internet culture
activities” include, among other things, online dissemination of internet cultural products and the production, reproduction, importation, distribution and
broadcasting of internet cultural products. In May 2019, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued the Circular regarding Adjusting the Scope of
Approval of Internet Culture Business Permit and Further Regulating Approval Matters to adjust the applicable scope of the Internet Culture Business
Permit. Pursuant to the circular, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will no longer be the authority supervising the online game industry and therefore
the business scope of an Internet Culture Business Permit issued by it and its local counterparts will only cover internet cultural products including
online music, online plays or programs, online performance, online works of art, online cartoon and exhibition and online matches, but exclude online
games. Imported internet cultural products are subject to content review by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before they are disseminated online,
while domestic internet cultural products must be filed with the local branch of the Ministry of Culture within 30 days following the online
dissemination. Service providers are also required to conduct self-review of the content of internet cultural products before they are put on the internet or
submitted to the Ministry of Culture for approvals or filings. Baidu Netcom was granted an Internet Culture Business Permit in April 2007, which was
renewed again in April 2020. Some other entities in our group have also obtained an Internet Culture Business Permit.
The Several Suggestions on the Development and Administration of Internet Music, issued by the Ministry of Culture and becoming effective in
November 2006, reiterate the requirement for an internet service provider to obtain the Internet Culture Business Permit to carry on any business of
internet music products. In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in the internet culture business operation.
In October 2015, the Ministry of Culture promulgated a notice, which took effect on January 1, 2016, to further strengthen its regulation over
online music, including requiring online platforms that allow users to upload self-created or performed music to set up real-time monitoring systems and
requiring online music service providers to make quarterly filings of information related to their content self-review with the local counterpart of the
Ministry of Culture from April 1, 2016.
The Regulations for the Administration of Audio and Video Products, as released by the State Council in December 2001 and last amended in
November 2020, require that the publication, production, duplication, importation, wholesale, retail and renting of audio and video products are subject
to a license issued by competent authorities.
Regulations on Internet Publishing
In February 2016, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (currently known as the National Press and
Publication Administration, or the NPPA), and the MIIT jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on Internet Publishing Service, or the Internet
Publishing Regulation, which took effect on March 10, 2016, and replaced the Interim Provisions for the Administration of Internet Publishing
promulgated in 2002. The Internet Publishing Regulation requires that any entity engaged in the provision of online publications to the public via
information networks obtain an Internet Publication License from the NPPA. Online publications refer to digital works with editing, production,
processing and other publishing features, provided to the public via information networks, which mainly include: (i) informative and thoughtful text,
pictures, maps, games, animation, audio and video digitizing books and other original digital works in fields such as literature, art and science,
(ii) digital works consistent with the content of published books, newspapers, periodicals, audio-visual products and electronic publications, (iii) the
network literature database or other digital works formed through aforementioned works by selecting, organizing, compiling and other means, and
(iv) other types of digital works determined by the NPPA. The servers and storage facilities used by internet publishers must be located within the
territory of mainland China. The Internet Publishing Regulation also provides that when an internet service provider provides manual intervention
search ranking, advertising, promotion and other services to customers that provide internet publishing services, it is required to check and examine the
Internet Publication Licenses obtained by the customers and the business scope of such licenses.
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Regulations on Production and Operation of Audio/Video Programs
Under the Regulations on the Administration of Production of Radio and Television Programs issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film
and Television, or the SARFT (currently known as NRTA) in July 2004 and recently partly amended in October 2020, any entities that engage in the
production of radio and television programs are required to apply for a Permit for Production and Operation of Radio and TV Programs from the
competent administrative authority. Entities with this permit must conduct their business operations in compliance with the approved scope of
production and operation. On August 8, 2022, the NRTA released the Administrative Provisions on the Production and Operation of Radio, Television
and Online Audio-visual Programs (Draft for Comment) to solicit public opinions by September 8, 2022, which provided explicitly that any overseas
organization, foreign individual or foreign-invested enterprise should not conduct the business of programs production and operation. Such draft further
proposed the self-discipline requirements for industry organizations and entities, rules on the prohibited content in the programs, regulations on film
remuneration and prohibitions on false publicity of audience ratings and click-through rates. The Production and Operation of Radio, Television and
Online Audio-visual Programs will supersede the Administration of Production of Radio and Television Programs upon it becoming effective.
On March 17, 2010, the SARFT issued the Internet Audio/Video Program Services Categories (Provisional), or the Provisional Categories, which
were amended on March 10, 2017. The amended Provisional Categories classified Internet audio/video programs into four categories, which are further
divided into seventeen sub-categories.
In 2022, the PRC government authorities further strengthened the supervision on the network dramas (including network mini plays). On April 29,
2022, the NRTA issued the Circular on Matters regarding Administration on Service of Domestic Network Dramas Distribution License, which took
effect on June 1, 2022. Pursuant to this circular, the PRC government adopts a licensing system to the distribution of domestic network dramas, and the
distribution of domestic key network dramas is required to obtain the Network Dramas Distribution License issued by the competent government
authorities of radio and television in accordance with the applicable laws. On November 14, 2022, the NRTA issued the Circular on Further
Strengthening the Management of the Network Mini Plays and Implementing the Creation Improvement Plan, or the Circular on Network Mini Plays,
which became effective on the same date. Network mini plays refers to the network dramas with dozens of seconds to around 15 minutes running for
each episode. Pursuant to the Circular on Network Mini Plays, the operators of network mini plays are required to obtain the Online Audio/Video
Program Transmission License or be managed by the administrative authorities of radio and television in accordance with applicable regulations. All
network mini plays to be transmitted online must have passed the content review by the administrative authorities of radio and television and must have
obtained the Network Dramas Distribution License or completed the filing of Internet audio and video programs in accordance with relevant regulations
on network dramas.
Regulations on Broadcasting Audio/Video Programs through the Internet
In December 2007, the SARFT and the MIIT jointly promulgated the Rules for the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Program Services,
commonly known as “Document 56”, which took effect on January 31, 2008 and was further amended on August 28, 2015. Pursuant to Document 56,
an online audio/video service provider must obtain an Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License, which has a term of three years, and operate
in accordance with the scope of the business as stipulated in the license. Furthermore, Document 56 requires all online audio/ video service providers to
be either wholly state-owned or state-controlled. According to some official answers to press inquiries published on the SARFT’s website in February
2008, officials from the SARFT and the MIIT clarified that online audio/video service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the
issuance of Document 56 may re-register and continue to operate without becoming state-owned or controlled; provided that the providers have not
engaged in any unlawful activities. This exemption will not be granted to online audio/video service providers established after Document 56 was
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issued. In addition, foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to engage in the above-mentioned businesses. On March 16, 2018, the NRTA issued the
Notice on Further Regulating the Transmission Orders of Internet Audio and Video Program, pursuant to which, among others, (i) online streaming
platforms should not illegally capture, edit, or reprogram audio-video programs, (ii) the movie clips and prevue broadcasted on the platform must come
from the licensed broadcasting and television programs; and (iii) the platform must verify qualifications of sponsors for programs on the platform and
must refrain from accepting sponsorship or advertising from or cooperating in any other form with any unlicensed online audio/video service providers.
According to Document 56 and other relevant laws and regulations, audio-video programs provided by the entities supplying Internet audio-video
program services should not contain any illegal content or other content prohibited by the laws and regulations, such as any content against the basic
principles in the PRC Constitution, any content that damages the sovereignty of the country or national security, and any content that disturbs social
order or undermine social stability. An audio-video program that has already been broadcast must be retained in full for at least 60 days. Movies,
television programs and other media content used as Internet audio-video programs must comply with relevant administrative regulations on programs
broadcasts through radio, movie and television channels. Entities providing services related to Internet audio-video programs should immediately delete
the audio-video programs violating laws and regulations, keep relevant records, report relevant authorities and implement other regulatory requirements.
On October 31, 2018, the NRTA issued the Notice on Further Strengthening the Management of Radio and Television and Network Audiovisual
Cultural Programs, or Notice 60. According to Notice 60, all radio and television broadcasting institutes, network audiovisual program service institutes
and program production institutes must stick to the right political direction and strengthen value guidance; pursue people-centered creative orientation to
curb bad tendencies such as pursuing celebrities, pan-entertainment and so on; persist in providing high-quality content, constantly innovate programs,
and strictly control the remuneration of guests; and strengthen the governance of TV series, network series (including network movies) to promote the
benign development of the industry; must strengthen the use and management of ratings (click-through rate) survey data and resolutely crack down on
ratings (click-through rate) forgeries, etc.
On May 27, 2016, SAPPRFT issued the Notice on Relevant Issues concerning Implementing the Approval Works of Upgrading Mobile Internet
Audio-Video Program Service, or the Mobile Audio-Video Program Notice. The Mobile Audio-Video Program Notice provides that the mobile Internet
audio-video program services shall be deemed Internet audio-video program service. Entities which have obtained the approvals to provide the Internet
audio-video program services may use mobile WAP websites or mobile applications to provide audio-video program services. Entities with regulatory
approvals may operate mobile applications to provide the audio-video program services. The types of the programs should be within the permitted scope
as provided in the licenses and such mobile applications are required to be filed with the NRTA and/or SFB.
The PRC government has also promulgated a series of special regulatory measures governing live-streaming services. In November 2016, the
CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Live-streaming Service, which took effect on December 1, 2016. Pursuant to the
Administrative Provisions, internet live-streaming service refers to continuous publishing of real-time information to the public on internet by means of
video, audio, graphics, text or other forms, and an internet live-streaming service provider refers to an operator of the platform providing internet live-
streaming service. In accordance with the administrative provisions, an internet live-streaming service provider must verify and register the identity
information of publishers of live-streaming programs and users on its platform, and file the identity information of the publishers with the local
governmental authority for record. Any internet live-streaming service provider engaging in news service must obtain internet news information service
qualification and operate within the permitted scope of such qualification. In September 2016, the SAPPRFT issued the Circular on Strengthening
Administration of Live-streaming Service of Network Audio/Video Programs. Pursuant to the circular, any entity that intends to engage in live
audio/video broadcasting of major political, military, economic, social, cultural or sport events or activities, or live audio/video broadcasting of general
social or cultural group activities, general sporting events
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or other organizational events, must obtain an Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License with a permitted operation scope covering the above
business activities. Any entity or individual without qualification is prohibited from broadcasting live audio/radio programs involving news, variety
shows, sports, interviews, commentary or other forms of programs through any online live-streaming platform or online live broadcasting booth, nor are
they permitted to start a live broadcasting channel for any audio or radio programs. In addition, no entity or individual other than licensed radio stations
or television stations are allowed to use “radio station,” “television station,” “broadcasting station,” “TV” or other descriptive terms exclusive to
television and radio broadcasting organizations to engage in any business on the internet without approval. Furthermore, the CAC issued a notice in July
2017 which requires operators of internet news and information reproduction and broadcasting services, including commercial website apps that contain
live-streaming features, and other internet live-streaming services, to file with the local CAC starting from July 15, 2017. The Circular on Tightening the
Administration of Internet Live-Streaming Services jointly issued jointly by the MIIT, the CAC and several other government agencies in August 2018
reiterates the license requirements for online-streaming service providers and requires the operator to file with the local public security authority within
30 days after it commences the service online.
On October 8, 2021, the Administrative Provisions on Minor-oriented Programs was revised by the NRTA and has become effective on the same
date. According to these provisions, network audio-visual programs with minors as their main participants or recipients should not contain any contents
which are harmful to the minors, such as violence, pornography, heresy, superstition, drug taking and other illegal contents. On November 18, 2019, the
CAC, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the NRTA jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on Online Audio-visual Information Services, or
Circular No. 3, which took effective on January 1, 2020. According to the Circular No. 3, Online Audio-visual Information Services refer to the services
of producing, publishing and disseminating audio-visual information offered to the public via Internet platforms, such as websites and application
programs. Circular No. 3 requires that no individual or entity is allowed to (i) use the online audio-visual information services or related technologies to
engage in any activities which may jeopardize national security, undermine social stability or infringe legitimate right of others; (ii) produce, publish or
disseminate any audio-visual information prohibited by the laws and regulations, such as Internet rumors. A provider of audio-visual information
services must establish, maintain and optimize a rumors refuting regime, under which once it identifies that any user of audio-visual information
services produces, publishes or disseminates any rumor by virtue of the technology of producing forged pictures or audio-visual information based on
deep-learning or virtual reality, such provider must take measures to refute such rumors in a timely manner and file such situations with the competent
authorities governing Internet information, culture and tourism, and radio and television.
Baidu Netcom has renewed its Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License, which remains valid until July 2024. Beijing iQIYI has an
Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License that is valid until October 2024. Another entity in our group has an Online Audio/Video Program
Transmission License that is valid until March 2023, and such entity is in process of renewing its Online Audio/Video Program Transmission License.
Regulations on Live Streaming
On November 4, 2016, the CAC promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Online Live streaming Services, or the Online Live
streaming Regulations, which became effective on December 1, 2016. The Online Live Streaming Regulations stipulate that online live streaming
service providers must carry out their subject responsibility, arrange professionals commensurate with its service size, establish and improve various
management systems, and have the technical capability to immediately cut online live streaming, and its technical plans must comply with relevant
national standards. In addition, online live streaming service providers must conduct graded and categorized management according to the content
category and user scale of online live streaming, and establish a credit rating management system for online live streaming distributors as well as a
blacklist management system.
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On February 9, 2021, the CAC and six other authorities jointly promulgated the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Standardized
Management of Online Live Streaming, or the Guiding Opinions, which became effective on the same date. Pursuant to the Guiding Opinions, online
live streaming platforms are required to, among others, (i) establish and improve their system for standardized classified and hierarchical management of
live streaming accounts, the management rules for online rewards services, and the management system for sales through live streaming, (ii) set limits
on the maximum amount of rewards accepted by a live streamer during a single live stream, and (iii) set a reasonable upper limit for the value of a single
virtual product and the amount of a single reward.
On March 12, 2022, the NDRC and the MOC issued the Negative List for Market Access (2022 Version), which provides that, among others,
non-state capital should not engage in live streaming and broadcasting of events and activities involving politics, economy, military affairs, diplomatic
affairs, major social events, culture, science and technology, public health, education and sports and such other activities and events related to political
direction, public opinion orientation and value orientation. The scope of these restricted subject matters for live streaming and broadcasting is relatively
broad and vague, and is subject to further clarifications and interpretations by the regulator.
On June 8, 2022, the NRTA and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly released the Code of Conduct for Livestreaming Hosts, which came
into effect on the same day. According to such code, online performance platforms, online audio-visual platforms and brokerage agencies must strictly
perform their statutory obligations, establish and improve the entry, training, daily management, performance scoring files and “red and yellow card”
management and other internal systems and norms on livestreaming hosts. The livestreaming hosts who violate the applicable regulations and rules
should be warned, and the livestreaming hosts with serious problems and repeated indiscipline shall be included in the “blacklist” or “warning list” and
be prohibited from conducting any livestreaming activities by use of any account of any platform.
Regulations on Internet Map Services
According to the Administrative Rules of Surveying Qualification Certificate, as most recently amended by Ministry of Natural Resources on
June 7, 2021, which became effective on July 1, 2021, the provision of internet map services by any non-surveying and mapping enterprise is subject to
the approval of the competent departments of natural resources and requires a Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate. Internet maps refer to
maps called or transmitted through the internet. Pursuant to the Notice on Further Strengthening the Administration of Internet Map Services
Qualification issued by the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geo-information in December 2011, any entity without a Surveying and
Mapping Qualification Certificate for internet map services is prohibited from providing any internet map services. According to the Provisions on the
Administration of Examination of Maps most recently amended on July 24, 2019, subject to limited exceptions, an enterprise must first apply for an
approval by the relevant regulatory authority, if it intends to engage in any of the following activities: (i) publication, display, production, posting,
import or export of a map or a product attached with a map, (ii) re-publication, re-display, re-production, re-posting, re-import or re-export of a map the
content of which has been changed after it is approved, or other commercial products attached with such a map, and (iii) publication or display of a map
or a product attached with a map overseas. The operator of an approved internet map is required to file the updated contents of the map with the relevant
regulatory authority semiannually, and re-apply for a new approval of the map when the two-year term of the existing approval expires.
Baidu Netcom provides online traffic information inquiry services as well as internet map services and has obtained a Surveying and Mapping
Qualification Certificate for internet map services. Another entity in our group has also obtained the Surveying and Mapping Qualification Certificate.
In accordance with the Provisions on the Administration of Examination of Maps, we have applied and will apply for examination and approval of the
continuously iterative and updated maps that are used in our products.
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Regulations on Online Games
Pursuant to the Internet Publishing Regulation and the Circular on Mobile Game Publishing Service, the online games services provided on
websites by online game operator partners may be deemed as a type of “online publication service,” and may be required to obtain an Internet
Publication License from the NPPA. Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Perusal, and another entity in our group have obtained the Internet
Publication Licenses. The required approval by the NNPA of each online game provided on our websites is handled by our online game operator
partners.
In September 2009, the General Administration of Press and Publication (currently known as the NPPA) together with several other government
agencies issued Notice Regarding the Consistent Implementation of the “Measures on Three Provisions” of the State Council and the Relevant
Interpretations of the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform and the Further Strengthening of the Administration of Examination and
Approval of Online Games and the Examination and Approval of Imported Online Games, or the Circular 13, which explicitly prohibits foreign
investors from participating in online game operating businesses through wholly-owned enterprises, equity joint ventures or cooperative joint ventures
in mainland China. Circular 13 expressly prohibits foreign investors from gaining control over or participating in mainland China operating companies’
online game operations through indirect means, such as establishing joint venture companies, entering into contractual arrangements with or providing
technical support to the operating companies, or through a disguised form, such as incorporating user registration, user account management or payment
through game cards into online game platforms that are ultimately controlled or owned by foreign investors. Certain foreign companies offer online
games provided by their game operator partners on websites or through smartphone app distribution platforms which are owned and operated by their
variable interest entities under contractual agreements. If such contractual arrangements were deemed to be “indirect means” or “disguised form” under
Circular 13, such relevant contractual arrangements may be challenged by the NPPA or other governmental authorities. If we were found to be in
violation of Circular 13 in the operation of our online game platform, the NNPA, in conjunction with relevant regulatory authorities, would have the
power to investigate and deal with such violations, including in the most serious cases, suspending and revoking the relevant licenses and registrations.
In October 2019, the NPPA promulgated the Circular on Preventing Minors from Developing Online Game Addictions, which mandates that
online game operators take, among others, the following measures to prevent minors from being addicted to online games: (i) the operator must ensure
that its online game users use valid and true identity information to register their game accounts; (ii) the operator must strictly control the time slot and
duration allowed for minors to log in and play online games to the extent that it should not provide any game service for the minors in any form from
10:00 PM each day to 8:00 AM the next day, and the length of time a minor spends in playing its online games must not exceed three hours
accumulatively on each statutory holiday and one and a half hours on each business day; and (iii) the online game operator should not offer any paid
services to minors that are not suitable for their civil capacity. According to such circular, these requirements are pre-conditions for an operator to
publish and operate any online game.
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the National Press and Publication Administration on Further Strengthening Regulation to
Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. After the effective date of this Circular,
online game companies must provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies must strictly implement the real-name registration
and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games should be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online
game addiction purpose. Online game users should use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games.
Online game companies should not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged
in with their real names.
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Regulations on Online Game Virtual Currency
The Interim Administration Measures of Online Games, which has been repealed on July 10, 2019 (while no other regulation has been issued or
promulgated as of the date of this annual report to replace this regulation) require companies that (i) issue online game virtual currency (including
prepaid cards and/or pre-payment or prepaid card points) or (ii) offer online game virtual currency transaction services to apply for the Internet Culture
Business Permit from provincial branches of the Ministry of Culture. The regulations prohibit companies that issue online game virtual currency from
providing services that would enable the trading of such virtual currency. Any company that fails to submit the requisite application will be subject to
sanctions, including, but not limited to, termination of operation, confiscation of incomes and fines. The regulations also prohibit online game operators
from allocating virtual items or virtual currency to players based on random selection through lucky draw, wager or lottery that involve cash or virtual
currency directly paid by the players. In addition, companies that issue online game virtual currency must comply with certain specific requirements. For
example, online games virtual currency can only be used for products and services related to the issuance company’s own online games. Pursuant to the
Circular on Regulating Online Game Operation and Strengthening Interim and Ex Post Supervision issued by the Ministry of Culture in December 2016,
which took effect on May 1, 2017 and repealed on August 19, 2019, an online game operator must not allow online game virtual currency to exchange
for legal currency or items, except in the case of termination of online game operation where the online game operator may refund the balance of online
game virtual currency to players in the form of legal currency or in other means acceptable to the players. Moreover, pursuant to the circular, regulations
applicable to online game virtual currency also apply to such other virtual items where the virtual items are issued by the online game operator, can be
exchangeable for other virtual items or value-added services related to the games, and can be purchased with legal currency or online game virtual
currency or exchanged for online game virtual currency. As of the date of this annual report, no government authority has issued or promulgated any
provisions to replace the above-mentioned regulations.
Regulations on Advertisements and Online Advertising
The PRC government regulates advertising, including online advertising, principally through the SAMR. The PRC Advertising Law, as recently
amended on April 29, 2021, outlines the regulatory framework for the advertising industry, and allows foreign investors to own up to all equity interests
in PRC advertising companies.
We conduct our value-added telecommunication-based online advertising business through Baidu Netcom, which is one of the variable interest
entities in mainland China and holds a business license that covers value-added telecommunication-based online advertising in its business scope. Our
subsidiaries Baidu Times and Baidu China have also expanded their respective business license to cover advertising in their respective business scope.
Advertisers, advertising operators and advertising distributors are required by PRC advertising laws and regulations to ensure that the contents of
the advertisements they prepare or distribute are true and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. For example, pursuant to PRC
Advertising Law, advertisements must not contain, among other prohibited contents, terms such as “the state-level,” “the highest grade,” “the best” or
other similar words. In addition, where a special government review is required for certain categories of advertisements before publishing, the
advertisers, advertising operators and advertising distributors are obligated to confirm that such review has been performed and the relevant approval
has been obtained. Pursuant to the PRC Advertising Law, the use of the internet to distribute advertisements should not affect the normal use of the
internet by users. Particularly, advertisements distributed on internet pages such as pop-up advertisements must be indicated with a conspicuous mark
for “close” to ensure the close of such advertisements by one click. Where internet information service providers know or should know that illegal
advertisements are being distributed using their services, they must prevent such advertisements from being distributed.
In addition to the above regulations, the Interim Administration Measures of Internet Advertising which was promulgated by the then State
Administration for Industry and Commerce (currently known as the SAMR) and
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became effective on September 1, 2016 also set forth certain compliance requirements for online advertising businesses. For example, search engine
service providers must indicate paid search results as an advertisement and distinguish paid search results from natural search results on their websites.
Advertising operators and distributors of internet advertisements must examine, verify and record identity information, such as name, address and
contact information, of advertisers, and maintain an updated verification record on a regular basis. Moreover, advertising operators and advertising
distributors must examine supporting documentation provided by advertisers and verify the contents of the advertisements against supporting documents
before publishing. If the contents of advertisements are inconsistent with the supporting documentation, or the supporting documentation is incomplete,
advertising operators and distributors must refrain from providing design, production, agency or publishing services. The Internet Advertising Measures
also prohibit the following activities: (i) providing or using apps and hardware to block, filter, skip over, tamper with, or cover up lawful advertisements;
(ii) using network access, network equipment and apps to disrupt the normal transmission of lawful advertisements or adding or uploading
advertisements without authorization; and (iii) harming the interests of a third party by using fake statistics or traffic data.
The SAMR has promulgated the Guidance regarding Strengthening the Supervision over Marketing Activities by Internet Live-Streaming in
November 2020 to further regulated marketing activities by Internet live-streaming. The NRTA also issued a circular on the Strengthening Management
of Live-Streaming of Internet Shows and Electronic Commerce in November 2020 to provide instruction to online marketing activities through live-
streaming. Platforms providing live-streaming of Internet show or electronic commerce must register with National Internet Video-audio Platform
Information Management System no later than November 30, 2020. The overall ratio of front-line content reviewers to live-streaming rooms on such
platforms should be no less than 1:50. The training for content reviewers should be strengthened and content reviewers who have passed the training
should be registered in the Reviewer Information Management System. A platform must report the number of its live-streaming rooms, streamers and
content reviewers to the provincial branch of the NRTA on a quarterly basis. Internet show live-streaming platforms must tag content of live-streaming
rooms and corresponding streamers by category. A streamer cannot change the category of the programs tagged in his or her live-streaming room
without prior approval from the platform. Users that are minors or without real-name registration are prohibited from virtual tipping, and platforms must
cap the amount of virtual tipping per time, per day, and per month. When the virtual tipping by a user reaches half of the daily/monthly limit, a
consumption notification from the platform and a confirmation from the user by text messages or other means are required before the processing the
next transaction. When the amount of virtual tipping by a user reaches the daily/monthly limit, the platform must suspend the virtual tipping function for
such user for that day or month. To host any electronic commerce promotion events such as E-commerce Festival, E-commerce Day or Promotion Day
in the forms of live-streaming rooms, live performances, live variety shows and other live programs, the platforms should register the information of
guests, streamers, content and settings with the local branch of NRTA 14 business days in advance. Internet electronic commerce live-streaming
platforms should conduct relevant qualification examination and real-name authentication on businesses and individuals providing live-streaming
marketing services and keep complete examination and authentication records, and should not enable imposters or businesses or individuals without
qualification or real-name registration to conduct live-streaming marketing services.
On November 26, 2021, the SMAR promulgated the draft of the Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertisements for public comment.
The draft measures further strengthen the management of pop-up advertisements and product placement, and require that, among others, advertisement
of after-school tutoring targeted at pre-school children and primary and middle school students should not be released via the Internet. The Internet
platform operators are obliged to cooperate with advertising monitoring and assist in supervision and provide statistical data.
Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the
advertisements and orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information. In the case of serious violations, the SAMR or its local
branches may force the violator
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to terminate its advertising operation or even revoke its business license. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising operators or advertising distributors may
be subject to civil liability if they infringe on the legal rights and interests of third parties.
Regulations on Artificial Intelligence
We engage in the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and products, specifically autonomous driving vehicles and
generative AI. The PRC government has issued a series of guidelines to encourage and support the research and development of AI technology, such as
the Three-Year Implementing Plan for Internet Plus Artificial Intelligence issued in May 2016, the Development Planning on the New Generation of
Artificial Intelligence issued in July 2017 and the Development Plan for the Big Data Industry during the “14th Five-Year Plan” Period issued in
November 2021.
Regulations on Autonomous Driving Vehicles. The MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Transport jointly promulgated the
Administrative Rules of Road Testing and Demonstration Application of Intelligent Connected Vehicles (for Trial Implementation), or the
Administrative Rules, on July 27, 2021, which became effective on September 1, 2021 and substituted the Norms on Administration of Road Testing of
Autonomous Driving Vehicles (Trial Implementation) issued in April 2018. Pursuant to the Administrative Rules, a qualified entity to conduct road
testing of intelligently connected vehicles must meet the following conditions, including, among others: (i) it must be an independent legal person
registered within the territory of mainland China; (ii) it must have the relevant capabilities concerning intelligently connected vehicles, such as the
capabilities of manufacturing automobiles and spare parts thereof, the capabilities of research and development of technologies, or the capabilities of
experiments and tests; (iii) it must be capable of paying civil compensation for potential damages caused by the road testing of intelligently connected
vehicles; (iv) it must have the evaluation rules for the testing of self-driving functions of intelligently connected vehicles; (v) it must have the ability to
conduct real-time remote monitoring of the vehicles on road testing; (vi) it must have the ability to record, analyze and reproduce the events related to
road test vehicles; (vii) it must have the ability to guarantee the network security for tested vehicles and remote monitoring platforms; and (viii) other
conditions specified in applicable laws, administrative regulations and rules. An eligible entity may apply to conduct experimental operation of
intelligently connected vehicles in prescribed roads and areas. Prior to starting a road testing, a road-testing entity must submit a self-declaration on
safety of the road testing, and such self-declaration should be confirmed by the competent governmental authority on the provincial or municipal level.
The testing duration for a road testing should not exceed 18 months in principle, and should not exceed the validity period of the quality certificate of
safety technical inspection and the insurance voucher of the tested vehicle. A road-testing entity or the experimental operation entity must submit a
periodic report every 6 months to the competent governmental authority on the provincial or municipal level and provide a summary report within 1
month upon conclusion of the road testing or experimental operation. The entity responsible for the road testing or the experimental operation must
report information on the traffic accidents during the road testing or experimental operation to the competent authorities on a monthly basis. In case of
any traffic violation occurred during the road test or demonstration application, the traffic administrative department of the public security department
must impose the penalties (including, among others, fines or warning) on the driver in accordance with the laws and regulations on road traffic safety. In
the case of serious injuries or deaths of any person or serious damage of a vehicle, the entity responsible for the road testing or the experimental
operation must report such accident to the competent governmental authority on the provincial or municipal level within 24 hours through the
information system, and if such subject fails to report as required, its road testing or experimental operation activities may be suspended for 24 months.
Some local governments, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Hunan and Tianjin, have issued local rules and regulations to regulate road testing of
autonomous driving cars accordingly.
In addition, the PRC government has strengthened regulation of the network security and data security of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) since
2021. On September 15, 2021, the MIIT issued the Circular on Strengthening the Network Security and Data Security of IoV. This Circular provides that
all enterprises related to IoV must
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establish management systems for network security and data security, specify the responsible person and management bodies, and perform network
security and data security-related protection responsibilities. The Circular also requires that all enterprises related to IoV must monitor, prevent, and
promptly tackle cybersecurity risks and threats to ensure that data can be effectively protected and legally used and that the relevant IoV can be operated
safely and stably. On March 7, 2022, the MIIT issued the Guidelines for the Construction of Network Security and Data Security Standard System for
IoV, which specifies the safety standards and requirements covering terminal and facility security, network communication security, data security,
application service security and security guarantee and support.
On August 16, 2021, the CAC and four other authorities jointly promulgated the Several Provisions on Automotive Data Security Management
(for Trial Implementation), or the Provisions, which took effect on October 1, 2021. The Provisions require that automotive data processors should avoid
excessive collection and illegal use of data and adhere to certain protocols such as “no collection by default” and “data masking” when carrying out data
processing activities. The Provisions emphasize that if it is indeed necessary to provide any important data overseas due to the business needs of an
automotive data processer, the automotive data processer must complete a prior security assessment on outbound data transfer and should not provide
any important data overseas beyond the scope determined in such security assessment.
On April 28, 2021, the National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee, or the NISSTC, issued a draft of the Safety
Requirements for Data Collected by Internet of Vehicles (IoV), and on October 19, 2021, the NISSTC further issued the Security Requirements of
Vehicle Collected Data (Draft for comments). The Security Requirements of Vehicle Collected Data (Draft for comments) specifies the security
requirements on the transfer, storage, outbound transfer and other dispositions of vehicle collected data. Specifically, certain types of vehicle collected
data, such as those collected through sensors within the vehicle cockpit and location and route data, should not be transferred outside mainland China.
Besides, outbound transfer of operational data should be subject to the data cross-border transfer security assessment conducted by national cyberspace
authorities.
On August 8, 2022, in order to encourage and regulate the application of autonomous vehicles in transport services, the Ministry of Transport
issued the Guideline on Transport Safety and Service for Autonomous Vehicles (Trial Implementation) (Draft for Comments), or the Transport Safety
Guideline, to solicit public opinions by September 7, 2022. The Transport Safety Guideline encourages the use of autonomous vehicles in urban public
bus passenger transport business, taxi passenger transport business and general cargo transport business in certain specific scenarios. However, the
autonomous vehicles will be permitted being used in road passenger transport business only with the principle of prudent and will be prohibited from
being used in the hazardous goods transport business. The Transport Safety Guide also provided that an autonomous vehicle engaged in transportation
business must be equipped with the functions of recording, storing and transmitting the running status of such autonomous vehicle, and must timely
transmit relevant information to transport operators and local transport authorities.
Regulations on Generative AI. Prior to 2022, the provisions on the generative AI technology are stipulated in the regulations and rules about
Internet information services dispersedly. For example, according to the Provisions on the Management of Network Information Content Ecology issued
by the CAC at the end of 2019, a network information content service platform must not, among others, (i) utilize new technologies such as deep-
learning and virtual reality to engage in activities prohibited by laws and regulations; (ii) engage in online traffic fraud, malicious traffic rerouting and
other activities related to fraudulent account, illegal transaction account or maneuver of users’ account; or (iii) infringe a third party’s legitimate rights or
seek illegal interests by way of interfering with information display. According to the Administrative Provisions on Online Audio-visual Information
Services jointly issued by the CAC, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the NRTA on November 18, 2019, the production, release and
dissemination of any unauthentic audio-visual information by use of any new applications and technologies bases on deep learning and virtual reality
must be labeled in a prominent manner by the online audio-visual information service providers and users. Furthermore, any online
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audio-visual information service providers and users should not produce, release or disseminate false news by use of new applications and technologies
based on deep learning and virtual reality.
Since the end of 2021, the PRC government authorities specially promulgated certain laws to regulate the algorithmic recommendation and deep
synthesis technology which are closely related to the generative AI technology. On December 31, 2021, the CAC, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public
Security and the SAMR jointly issued the Administration Provisions on Algorithmic Recommendation of Internet Information Services, or the
Administration Provisions on Algorithmic Recommendation, which became effective on March 1, 2022. The Administration Provisions on Algorithmic
Recommendation stipulates that algorithmic recommendation service providers must (i) fulfill their responsibilities for algorithm security, (ii) establish
and strengthen management systems for algorithm mechanism examination, ethical review in technology, user registration, information release
examination, protection of data security and personal information, anti-telecom and network fraud, security assessment and monitoring, emergency
response to security incidents, etc., and (iii) formulate and publish rules governing algorithmic recommendation related service. The provider of
algorithmic recommendation services should not use the services to (i) carry out any illegal activity which may endanger national security and social
public interest, disturb economic order and social order, or infringe third parties’ legal interest, or (ii) spread any information prohibited by laws or
regulations. Besides, it should not take advantage of algorithms to impose unreasonable restrictions on other information service providers, or hinder or
obstruct the normal operation of their legal services. The providers of algorithmic recommendation services with the characteristics of public opinion or
capacity of social mobilization must complete the filing with the CAC’s filing system within ten business days after the launch of its service.
On November 25, 2022, the CAC, MIIT and Ministry of Public Security jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on Deep Synthesis of
Internet Information Services, or the Provisions on Deep Synthesis Services, which took effect on January 10, 2023. According to the Provisions on
Deep Synthesis Services, deep synthesis technology refers to any technology that utilizes deep learning, virtual reality or any other generative or
synthetic algorithm to produce text, images, audio, video, virtual scenes or other network information. The Provisions on Deep Synthesis Services
emphasize that the providers of deep synthesis services, as the primary entities responsible for the information security, should not use deep synthesis
services to engage in activities prohibited by laws and regulations.
Regulation on Product Quality
Products made in mainland China are subject to the Product Quality Law of the PRC, or the Product Quality Law, which was promulgated on
February 22, 1993 and most recently amended on December 29, 2018. According to the Product Quality Law, a seller of a product should be responsible
for repairing, replacing or returning the product with any of the following defects, and should compensate for the damages incurred by consumers who
bought such defective product: (i) the product does not have the usability which such product should have and there are no prior indications about such
situation; (ii) the actual quality of such product fails to comply with the standards specified on such product or the package of such product; and (iii) the
actual quality of such product fails to meet the quality status specified by way of product specifications and samples. After the seller performs its
obligation of repairing, replacing and returning the defective product and/or compensating for the customers’ damages, such seller is entitled to seek
reimbursement from the manufacturer of such product, if it could be proved that the defect is caused by the manufacturer. According to the Product
Quality Law, a manufacturer of a product should be responsible to compensate for the damages to any person caused by the defect of such product,
unless the manufacturer is able to prove that: (i) it did not circulate the product; (ii) the defect did not exist at the time when the product was circulated;
or (iii) scientific or technologic knowledge at the time when such product was circulated was not such that it allowed the defect to be discovered.
Regulations on Tort Liability
In accordance with the Tort Liability Law of the PRC, or the Tort Liability Law, which became effective in July 2010, internet users and internet
service providers bear tortious liabilities in the event that they infringe upon
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other persons’ rights and interests through the internet. Where an internet user conducts tortious acts through internet services, the infringed person has
the right to request the internet service provider take necessary actions such as deleting contents, screening and de-linking. Failing to take necessary
actions after being informed, the internet service provider will be subject to joint and several liabilities with the internet user with regard to the
additional damages incurred. Where an internet service provider knows that an internet user is infringing upon other persons’ rights and interests
through its internet service but fails to take necessary actions, it is jointly and severally liable with the internet user. In addition, in accordance with the
Tort Liability Law, in the event of any damage arising from a defective product, the infringed person may seek compensation from either the
manufacturer or the seller of such product. If the manufacturer has compensated the infringed person but the defect is caused by the fault of the seller,
the manufacturer is entitled to seek reimbursement from the seller. If the seller has compensated the infringed person but the defect is caused by the
manufacturer, the seller is entitled to seek reimbursement from the manufacturer. The National People’s Congress adopted the Civil Code of the PRC, or
the Civil Code on May 28, 2020, which came into effect on January 1, 2021 and revoked the Tort Liability Law. The Civil Code has further revised the
Internet tort liability as originally provided in the Tort Liability Law. It has further elaborated on “safe harbor” rule with respect to an internet service
provider from both the aspects of notice and counter notice, including (i) upon receiving notice from the right holder, promptly adopting necessary
protective measures such as deletion, screening or disconnection of hyperlinks and reefing right holder’s notice to disputed internet user; and (ii) upon
receiving counter-notice from the disputed internet user, referring such counter-notice to the claiming right holder and informing him/her to take other
corresponding measures such as filing complaint with competent authorities or suit with courts. The Civil Code has also provided that where the internet
service provider knew or should have known the infringing acts of the internet user, it must be severally liable with such internet user. As for product
liability, the Civil Code provides additional mitigation measures such as stop selling of defective products and stipulated that the seller and manufacturer
should also be liable for expanded damages caused by such defective products if no mitigation measures are provided or not sufficient. If a recall of
defective product is required, the seller and the manufacturer should be responsible to undertake fees paid by infringed users.
Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights
The PRC has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and domain names.
Patent. The Patent Law of the PRC provides for patentable inventions, utility models and designs, which must meet three conditions: novelty,
inventiveness and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office under the State Council is responsible for examining and approving
patent applications. A patent is valid for a term of twenty years in the case of an invention and a term of ten years in the case of utility models and
designs.
Copyright. The Copyright Law of the PRC, or the Copyright Law, and its implementation rules extend copyright protection to products
disseminated over the internet and computer software. There is a voluntary registration system administered by the China Copyright Protection Center.
Creators of protected works enjoy personal and property rights, including, among others, the right of disseminating the works through information
networks.
Pursuant to the PRC relevant regulations, rules and interpretations, ICP operators will be jointly liable with the infringer if they (a) participate in,
assist in or abet infringing activities committed by any other person through the internet, (b) are or should be aware of the infringing activities
committed by their website users through the internet, or (c) fail to remove infringing content or take other action to eliminate infringing consequences
after receiving a warning with evidence of such infringing activities from the copyright holder. The court will determine whether an internet service
provider should have known of their internet users’ infringing activities based on how obvious the infringing activities are by taking into consideration a
number of factors, including (i) the information management capabilities that the provider should have based on the possibility that
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the services provided by it may trigger infringing acts, (ii) the degree of obviousness of the infringing content, (iii) whether it has taken the initiative to
select, edit, modify or recommend the contents involved, (iv) whether it has taken positive and reasonable measures against infringing acts, and
(v) whether it has set up convenient programs to receive notices of infringement and made timely and reasonable responses to the notices. Where an
internet service provider has directly obtained economic benefits from any contents made available by an internet user, it should have a higher duty of
care with respect to the internet user’s act of infringement of others’ copyrights. Advertisements placed for or other benefits particularly connected with
specific contents may be deemed as direct economic benefits from such contents, but general advertising fees or service fees charged by an internet
service provider for its internet services will not be included. In addition, where an ICP operator is clearly aware of the infringement of certain content
against another’s copyright through the internet, or fails to take measures to remove relevant contents upon receipt of the copyright holder’s notice, and
as a result, it damages the public interest, the ICP operator could be ordered to stop the tortious act and be subject to other administrative penalties such
as confiscation of illegal income and fines. An ICP operator is also required to retain all infringement notices for a minimum of six months and to record
the content, display time and IP addresses or the domain names related to the infringement for a minimum of 60 days.
Pursuant to the Copyright Law and its implementation rules, creators of protected works enjoy personal and property rights such as the right of
disseminating the works through information networks. In addition, the Regulations for the Protection of Information Network Transmission Right
promulgated by the State Council on May 18, 2006, and amended on January 30, 2013, specify the rules on a safe harbor for use of copyrights and
copyright management technology. An internet service provider may be exempted from liabilities for providing links to infringing or illegal content or
providing other internet services which are used by its users to infringe others’ copyright, if it does not know and does not have constructive knowledge
that such content is infringing upon other parties’ rights or is illegal. However, if the legitimate owner of the content notifies the internet service provider
and requests removal of the links to the infringing content, the internet service provider would be deemed to have constructive knowledge upon receipt
of such notification, but would be exempted from liabilities if it removes or disconnects the links to the infringing content at the request of the legitimate
owner. At the request of the alleged infringer, the internet service provider should immediately restore links to content previously disconnected upon
receipt of initial non-infringing evidence.
We have adopted measures to mitigate copyright infringement risks. For example, our policy is to remove links to web pages and materials
uploaded by the users if we know these web pages or materials contain materials that infringe upon third-party rights or if we are notified by the
legitimate copyright holder of the infringement with proper evidence.
Software Products. The Regulation for the Protection of Computer Software promulgated by the State Council on December 20, 2001 and last
amended on January 30, 2013. To further implementing this regulation, the Computer Software Copyright Registration Measures promulgated by the
China Copyright Office on February 20, 2002, regulates software copyright registration, exclusive licensing contracts of software copyright and transfer
agreements. Although such registration is not mandatory under applicable PRC laws, software copyright owners are encouraged to go through the
registration process and registered software may receive better protection.
Trademark. The Trademark Law of the PRC and its implementation rules protect registered trademarks. The Trademark Office of National
Intellectual Property Administration handles trademark registrations and grants a term of ten years to registered trademarks. Trademark license
agreements should be filed with the Trademark Office of National Intellectual Property Administration for record. “百度” is recognized as a well-known
trademark in China by the Trademark Office of National Intellectual Property Administration. In addition to owning “百度” and the related logos, we
have applied for registration of various other trademarks.
Domain name. Domain names are protected under the Administrative Measures on the Internet Domain Names promulgated by the MIIT in
August 2017, which became effective in November 2017. The MIIT is the
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major regulatory body responsible for the administration of the internet domain names of mainland China, and under the supervision of the MIIT, the
China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC, is responsible for the daily administration of “.cn” domain names and Chinese domain names.
According to the Circular on Administration of the Use of Domain Names for Internet Information Services issued by the MIIT in November 2017, only
the internet information service provider itself or the shareholder(s), principal or senior management officer(s) of the internet information service
provider are eligible to register the domain names used for the internet information services. We have registered baidu.cn, baidu.com.cn and certain
other domain names with registrars accredited by CNNIC.
Regulations on Information Security
The National People’s Congress has enacted legislation that prohibits use of the internet that breaches the public security, disseminates socially
destabilizing content or leaks state secrets. Breach of public security includes breach of national security and infringement on legal rights and interests
of the state, society or citizens. Socially destabilizing content includes any content that incites defiance or violations of PRC laws or regulations or
subversion of the PRC government or its political system, spreads socially disruptive rumors or involves cult activities, superstition, obscenities,
pornography, gambling or violence. State secrets are defined broadly to include information concerning PRC national defense, state affairs and other
matters as determined by the PRC authorities.
Pursuant to applicable regulations, ICP operators must complete mandatory security filing procedures and regularly update information security
and monitoring systems for their websites with local public security authorities, and must also report any public dissemination of prohibited content.
In December 2015, the Standing Committee promulgated the Anti-Terrorism Law of the PRC, or the Anti-Terrorism Law, which took effect on
January 1, 2016 and was amended on April 27, 2018. According to the Anti-Terrorism Law, telecommunication service operators or internet service
providers must (i) carry out pertinent anti-terrorism publicity and education to society; (ii) provide technical interfaces, decryption and other technical
support and assistance for the competent departments to prevent and investigate terrorist activities; (iii) implement network security and information
monitoring systems as well as safety and technical prevention measures to avoid the dissemination of terrorism information, delete the terrorism
information, immediately halt its dissemination, keep relevant records and report to the competent departments once the terrorism information is
discovered; and (iv) examine customer identities before providing services. Any violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law may result in severe penalties,
including substantial fines.
In November 2016, the Standing Committee promulgated the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or the Cyber Security Law, which took effect on
June 1, 2017. In accordance with the Cyber Security Law, network operators must comply with applicable laws and regulations and fulfill their
obligations to safeguard network security in conducting business and providing services. Network service providers must take technical and other
necessary measures as required by laws, regulations and mandatory requirements to safeguard the operation of networks, respond to network security
effectively, prevent illegal and criminal activities, and maintain the integrity, confidentiality and usability of network data. On September 12, 2022, the
CAC released the Decision on Amending the Cyber Security Law of the PRC (Draft for Comments) to solicit public opinions by September 29, 2022,
aiming to further protect the cybersecurity and effectively ensure the alignment between the Cyber Security Law of the PRC and other newly
promulgated laws and regulations. On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted the Personal Information
Protection Law, which took effect on November 1, 2021. The Personal Information Protection Law integrated the scattered rules with respect to personal
information rights and privacy protection.
For the further purposes of regulating data processing activities, safeguarding data security, promoting data development and utilization,
protecting the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and maintaining national sovereignty, security, and development interests, on
June 10, 2021, Standing Committee
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published the Data Security Law of the PRC, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law requires data processing, which includes
the collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, publication of data, to be conducted in a legitimate and proper manner. The Data
Security Law provides for data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities. The Data Security Law also
introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, and the degree
of harm it may cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations if such data are tampered
with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or illegally used. The appropriate level of protection measures is required to be taken for each respective
category of data. For example, a processor of important data is required to designate the personnel and the management body responsible for data
security, carry out regular risk assessments of its data processing activities and file the risk assessment reports with the competent authorities. State core
data, i.e. data having a bearing on national security, the lifelines of national economy, people’s key livelihood and major public interests, should be
subject to stricter management system. Moreover, the Data Security Law provides a national security review procedure for those data activities which
affect or may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information. In addition, the Data Security Law also provides
that any organization or individual within the territory of mainland China should not provide any foreign judicial body and law enforcement body with
any data without the approval of the competent PRC government authorities. As the laws and regulations on the data security and personal information
protection of mainland China (including the Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law) are evolving and there still exists
uncertainties on the interpretation and implementation of such laws and regulations, we may be required to make further adjustments to our business
practices to comply with such laws and regulations.
On July 6, 2021, certain PRC regulatory authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities, which, among
others, provides for improving relevant laws and regulations on data security, cross-border data transmission, and confidential information management.
It provided that efforts will be made to revise the regulations on strengthening the confidentiality and file management relating to the offering and listing
of securities overseas, to implement the responsibility on information security of overseas listed companies, and to strengthen the standardized
management of cross-border information provision mechanisms and procedures.
On December 28, 2021, the CAC issued the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021, which became effective on February 15, 2022 and replaced the
Cybersecurity Review Measures 2020. The scope of review under the Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 extends to critical information
infrastructure operators that intend to purchase internet products and services and network platform operators engaging in data processing activities,
which affect or may affect national security. According to Article 7 of the Measures, network platform operators who possess personal information of
over a million users are required to apply to the Cybersecurity Review Office for cybersecurity reviews before listing in a foreign country. Besides, the
Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 also provide that if the relevant authorities consider that certain network products and services and data
processing activities affect or may affect national security, the authorities may initiate a cybersecurity review even if the operators do not have an
obligation to report for a cybersecurity review under such circumstances. The Cybersecurity Review Measures 2021 also elaborate the factors to be
considered when assessing the national security risks of the relevant activities, including among others, risks of core data, important data or a large
amount of personal information being stolen, leaked, destroyed, and illegally used or illegally exited the country, risks of critical information
infrastructure, core data, important data or a large amount of personal information data being affected, controlled and maliciously used by foreign
governments after a listing, and risks associated with Internet information security.
On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Regulations on the Network Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Regulations, which
were released for public comment before December 13, 2021 and has not been formally promulgated as of the date of this annual report. The Draft
Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that autonomously determine the purpose and the manner of processing
data. In accordance with the Draft Regulations, data processors are required to apply for a cybersecurity review for the following activities: (i) merger,
reorganization or division of Internet platform
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operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or public interests to the extent that
affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing abroad of data processors which process over one million users’ personal information; (iii) listing in
Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. Besides, data
processors that are listed overseas must carry out an annual data security assessment. In addition to the cybersecurity review, the Draft Regulations
requires that data processors processing “important data” or listed overseas should conduct an annual data security assessment by itself or commission a
data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of
January each year.
On July 30, 2021, the State Council issued the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, or the Regulations. Pursuant to the
Regulations, critical information infrastructure means the important network facilities or information systems of key industries or fields such as public
communication and information service, energy, transportation, water conservation, finance, public services, e-government affairs and national defense
science, and important network facilities or information systems which may endanger national security, people’s livelihood and public interest once
there occur damage, malfunctioning or data leakage to them. The Regulations provide that no individual or organization may carry out any illegal
activity of intruding into, interfering with, or sabotaging any critical information infrastructures, or endanger the security of any critical information
infrastructures. The Regulations also require that critical information infrastructure operators must establish a cybersecurity protection system and
accountability system, and that the main responsible person of a critical information infrastructure operator should take full responsibility for the
security protection of the critical information infrastructures operated by it. In addition, relevant administration departments of each important industry
and sector should be responsible for formulating the rule of critical information infrastructure determination applicable to their respective industry or
sector, and determine the critical information infrastructure operators in their industry or sector.
On July 12, 2021, the MIIT and two other authorities jointly issued the Provisions on the Administration of Security Vulnerabilities of Network
Products. Such provisions state that, no organization or individual may abuse the security vulnerabilities of network products to engage in activities that
endanger network security, or to illegally collect, sell, or publish the information on such security vulnerabilities. Anyone who is aware of the aforesaid
offenses should not provide technical support, advertising, payment settlement and other assistance to the relevant offenders. According to the
Provisions, network product providers, network operators, and platforms collecting network product security vulnerabilities must establish and improve
channels for receiving network product security vulnerability information and keep such channels available, and retain network product security
vulnerability information reception logs for at least six months. The Provisions also bans provision of undisclosed vulnerabilities to overseas
organizations or individuals other than to the product providers.
On July 7, 2022, the CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer, which became effective on
September 1, 2022. In accordance with these measures, data processors will be subject to security assessment conducted by the CAC prior to any cross-
border transfer of data if the transfer involves (i) important data; (ii) personal information transferred overseas by operators of critical information
infrastructure or a data processor that has processed personal data of more than one million persons; (iii) personal information transferred overseas by a
data processor who has already provided personal data of 100,000 persons or sensitive personal data of 10,000 persons overseas since January 1 of last
year; or (iv) other circumstances as requested by the CAC. Furthermore, data processors are required to conduct self-assessment on the risks of cross-
border data transfer prior to their applying for the security assessment and focus on assessment of the following significant matters, including, among
others: (i) the legality and necessity of the purpose, scope and method of cross-border data transfer; (ii) the scale, scope, type and sensitivity of data
transferred overseas, and risks to the national security, public interests or legitimate rights of individuals or organizations caused by such cross-border
data transfer; (iii) the responsibilities and obligations that the overseas recipient of such data promises to undertake, and whether such overseas
recipient’s management and technical measures and capabilities for performing its responsibilities and obligations can guarantee the security of cross-
border data
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transfer; (iv) the risks that the data transferred overseas may be falsified, destroyed, divulged, lost, transferred, illegally obtained or illegally used during
and after the cross-border transfer; (v) whether contracts or other legally binding documents entered into with the overseas recipient have fully stipulated
the responsibilities and obligations to protect data security. In addition, any cross-border data transfer activities conducted in violation of the Measures
for the Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer before the effectiveness of such measures are required to be rectified within six months of the
effectiveness date thereof.
In addition, the State Secrecy Bureau has issued provisions authorizing the blocking of access to any website it deems to be leaking state secrets or
failing to comply with the relevant legislation regarding the protection of state secrets during online information distribution. Specifically, internet
companies in mainland China with bulletin boards, chat rooms or similar services must apply for specific approval prior to operating such services.
Furthermore, the Provisions on Technological Measures for Internet Security Protection, promulgated by the Ministry of Public Security and
became effective in March 2006, require all ICP operators to keep records of certain information about its users (including user registration information,
log-in and log-out time, IP address, content and time of posts by users) for at least 60 days and submit the above information as required by laws and
regulations. The Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection, or the Network Information Protection Decision, which was promulgated
by the PRC National People’s Congress in December 2012, states that ICP operators must request identity information from users when ICP operators
provide information publication services to the users. If ICP operators come across prohibited information, they must immediately cease the
transmission of such information, delete the information, keep relevant records, and report to relevant government authorities.
On October 21, 2019, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC jointly issued the Interpretations on Certain
Issues Regarding the Applicable of Law in the Handling of Criminal Case Involving Illegal Use of Information Networks and Assisting Committing
Internet Crimes, which came into effect on November 1, 2019, and further clarifies the meaning of Internet service provider and the severe situations of
the relevant crimes.
Regulations on Internet Privacy
The PRC Constitution states that PRC law protects the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibits infringement of these
rights. In recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted legislation on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized
disclosure. The Network Information Protection Decision provides that electronic information that identifies a citizen or involves privacy of any citizen
is protected by law and must not be unlawfully collected or provided to others. ICP operators collecting or using personal electronic information of
citizens must specify the purposes, manners and scopes of information collection and uses, obtain consent of the relevant citizens, and keep the collected
personal information confidential. ICP operators are prohibited from disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing others with,
collected personal information. ICP operators are required to take technical and other measures to prevent the collected personal information from any
unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services prohibit an ICP operator from insulting or
slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party. According to the Provisions on Protection of Personal
Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users, which was promulgated by MIIT and became effective in September 2013, telecommunication
business operators and ICP operators are responsible for the security of the personal information of users they collect or use in the course of their
provision of services. Without obtaining the consent from the users, telecommunication business operators and ICP operators may not collect or use the
users’ personal information. The personal information collected or used in the course of provision of services by the telecommunication business
operators or ICP operators must be kept in strict confidence, and may not be divulged, tampered with or damaged, and may not be sold or illegally
provided to others. The ICP operators are required to take certain measures to prevent any divulgence of, damage
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to, tampering with or loss of users’ personal information. In accordance with the Cyber Security Law, network operators are required to collect and use
personal information in compliance with the principles of legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the
subject of personal information unless otherwise prescribed by laws or regulations. In the event of any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss of
collected personal information, network operators must take immediate remedial measures, notify the affected users and report the incidents to the
relevant authorities in a timely manner. If any user knows that a network operator illegally collects and uses his or her personal information in violation
of laws, regulations or any agreement with the user, or the collected and stored personal information is inaccurate or wrong, the user has the right to
request the network operator to delete or correct the relevant collected personal information.
The relevant telecommunications authorities are further authorized to order ICP operators to rectify unauthorized disclosure. ICP operators are
subject to legal liability, including warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses or filings, closing of the relevant websites,
administrative punishment, criminal liabilities, or civil liabilities, if they violate relevant provisions on internet privacy. Pursuant to the Ninth
Amendment to the Criminal Law issued by the Standing Committee in August 2015 and becoming effective in November 2015, the standards of crime
of infringing citizens’ personal information were amended accordingly and the criminal culpability of unlawful collection, transaction, and provision of
personal information has been reinforced. In addition, any ICP provider that fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security
administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders, will be subject to criminal liability for (i) any dissemination of illegal
information in large scale; (ii) any severe effect due to the leakage of the client’s information; (iii) any serious loss of evidence of criminal activities; or
(iv) other severe situations, and any individual or entity that (x) sells or provides personal information to others unlawfully, or (y) steals or illegally
obtains any personal information, will be subject to criminal liability in severe situations. In addition, the Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court
and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases of Infringing
Personal Information, effective in June 2017, have clarified certain standards for the conviction and sentencing in relation to personal information
infringement. The PRC government has the power and authority to order ICP operators to turn over personal information if an internet user posts any
prohibited content or engages in illegal activities on the internet. The Civil Code further provides in a stand-alone chapter of right of personality and
reiterate that the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by the law. Any organization or individual should legitimately obtain such
personal information of others in due course on a need-to-know basis and ensure the safety and privacy of such information, and refrain from
excessively handling or using such information.
With respect to the security of information collected and used by mobile apps, pursuant to the Announcement of Conducting Special Supervision
against the Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information by Apps, which was issued on January 23, 2019, app operators should collect and use
personal information in compliance with the Cyber Security Law and should be responsible for the security of personal information obtained from users
and take effective measures to strengthen the personal information protection. Furthermore, app operators should not force their users to make
authorization by means of bundling, suspending installation or in other default forms and should not collect personal information in violation of laws,
regulations or breach of user agreements. Such regulatory requirements were emphasized by the Notice on the Special Rectification of Apps Infringing
upon User’s Personal Rights and Interests, which was issued by MIIT on October 31, 2019. On November 28, 2019, the CAC, the MIIT, the Ministry of
Public Security and the SAMR jointly issued the Methods of Identifying Illegal Acts of Apps to Collect and Use Personal Information. This regulation
further illustrates certain commonly-seen illegal practices of apps operators in terms of personal information protection, including “failure to publicize
rules for collecting and using personal information,” “failure to expressly state the purpose, manner and scope of collecting and using personal
information,” “collection and use of personal information without consent of users of such App,” “collecting personal information irrelevant to the
services provided by such app in violation of the principle of necessity,” “provision of personal information to others without users’ consent,” “failure to
provide the function of deleting or correcting personal information as required by laws” and “failure to publish information such as methods for
complaints and reporting.” Among others, any of the following acts of an app operator will constitute “collection and use of personal information
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without consent of users”: (i) collecting an user’s personal information or activating the permission for collecting any user’s personal information
without obtaining such user’s consent; (ii) collecting personal information or activating the permission for collecting the personal information of any
user who explicitly refuses such collection, or repeatedly seeking for user’s consent such that the user’s normal use of such app is disturbed; (iii) any
user’s personal information which has been actually collected by the app operator or the permission for collecting any user’s personal information
activated by the app operator is beyond the scope of personal information which such user authorizes such app operator to collect; (iv) seeking for any
user’s consent in a non-explicit manner; (v) modifying any user’s settings for activating the permission for collecting any personal information without
such user’s consent; (vi) using users’ personal information and any algorithms to directionally push any information, without providing the option of
non-directed pushing such information; (vii) misleading users to permit collecting their personal information or activating the permission for collecting
such users’ personal information by improper methods such as fraud and deception; (viii) failing to provide users with the means and methods to
withdraw their permission of collecting personal information; and (ix) collecting and using personal information in violation of the rules for collecting
and using personal information promulgated by such app operator.
On August 22, 2019, the CAC promulgated the Children Information Protection Provisions, which took effect on October 1, 2019, requiring that
before collecting, using, transferring or disclosing the personal information of a child, the Internet service operator should inform the child’s guardians
in a noticeable and clear manner and obtain their consents. Meanwhile, Internet service operators should take measures like encryption when storing
children’s personal information. On March 12, 2021, the CAC and three other authorities jointly issued the Rules on the Scope of Necessary Personal
Information for Common Types of Mobile Internet Applications. The Rules specifies the scope of necessary personal information to be collected each
for a variety of common mobile internet applications, such as maps and navigation apps, online ride-hailing apps, instant messaging apps, online
community apps. Operators of such apps should not refuse to provide basic services to users on the ground of users’ refusal to provide their personal
non-essential information. On April 26, 2021, the MIIT issued the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet
Mobile Applications (Draft for Comment). The draft of the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile
Applications sets forth two principles of collection and utilization of personal information, namely “explicit consent” and “minimum necessity.”
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee adopted the Personal Information Protection Law which took effect on November 1, 2021. The
Personal Information Protection Law integrates provisions from several rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection.
According to the Personal Information Protection Law, personal information refers to information related to identified or identifiable natural persons
which is recorded by electronic or other means (excluding the anonymized information). The Personal Information Protection Law provides the
circumstances under which a personal information processor could process personal information, such as where the consent of the individual concerned
is obtained and where it is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract to which such individual is a party to such contract. In addition, it
imposes further obligations on a personal information processor that provides for basic internet platform services, has large amount of users, has
complicated business activities, including, among others, formulating of an independent institution mainly comprising of outside members to supervise
personal information processing activities, termination of provision of services for product or service providers on the platform whose personal
information processing activities are in material violation of laws and regulations, and issuing personal information protection social responsibilities
reports regularly. The Personal Information Protection Law also requires, among others, that (i) the processing of personal information should have a
clear and reasonable purpose which should be directly related to the processing purpose, in a method that has the least impact on personal rights and
interests, and (ii) the collection of personal information should be limited to the minimum scope necessary to achieve the processing purpose to avoid
the excessive collection of personal information. Different types of personal information and personal information processing will be subject to various
rules on consent, transfer, and security. Entities handling personal information should bear responsibilities for their personal information handling
activities, and adopt necessary measures to safeguard the
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security of the personal information they handle. The entities failing to comply could be ordered to correct, or suspend or terminate the provision of
services, and face confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
On December 8, 2022, the MIIT issued the Administrative Measures on Industry and Information Technology Data Security (Trial
Implementation), which took effect on January 1, 2023. According to such administrative measures, based on the degree of potential damage to national
security, public interests or the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations caused by tampering with, destruction, leakage or illegal
acquisition or use of the data, industry and information technology data are classified into three categories, i.e., general data, important data and core
data. Industry and information technology data processors are required to file the catalogs of their important data and core data with the local industrial
government authorities for record. Furthermore, processors of important data and core data must, on their own or by entrusting third-party evaluation
agencies, conduct risk assessment on their data processing activities at least once a year and submit risk assessment reports to the local industrial
government authorities.
Regulations on Anti-Monopoly Matters related to Internet Platform Companies
The PRC Anti-monopoly Law, which was promulgated on August 1, 2008 and most recently amended on June 24, 2022, prohibits monopolistic
conduct such as entering into monopoly agreements, abusing market dominance and concentration of undertakings conducted illegally that may have the
effect of eliminating or restricting competition. The amended PRC Anti-monopoly Law increases the fines for illegal concentration of business operators
to “no more than ten percent of its preceding year’s sales revenue if the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or
limiting competition; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentration of business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting
competition.” The amended PRC Anti-monopoly Law also proposes for the relevant authority to investigate any concentration where there is evidence
that such concentration has or may have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition, even if such concentration does not reach the filing
threshold. In addition, the amended PRC Anti-monopoly Law introduces a “stop-clock mechanism” which may prolong the review process for the
concentration.
On June 27, 2022, the SMAR released the Provisions of the State Council on the Threshold for the Filing of Concentration of Undertakings
(Revised Draft for Comments), or the draft of Threshold Provisions, mainly to optimize the filing standard. The draft of Threshold Provisions proposes
to significantly adjust the revenue threshold of merger control filing to either one of the following two conditions: (i) the worldwide revenue of all
business operators involved in the concentration exceeds RMB12 billion (increased from the current threshold of RMB10 billion) collectively in the last
fiscal year, and the revenue in mainland China of at least two business operators among them each exceeds RMB800 million (increased from the current
threshold of RMB400 million) in the last fiscal year; or (ii) the revenue in mainland China of all the business operators involved in the concentration
exceeds RMB4 billion (increased from the current threshold of RMB2 billion) collectively in the last fiscal year, and the revenue in mainland China of
at least two business operators among them each exceeds RMB800 million (increased from the current threshold of RMB400 million) in the last fiscal
year. In addition, the draft of Threshold Provisions also provides that even if the aforementioned revenue threshold is not met, the transaction must be
reported to anti-monopoly authority if (i) the revenue in mainland China of one of the business operators involved in the concentration exceeds
RMB100 billion in the last fiscal year, (ii) the market value or valuation of the business operators to be merged or controlled in the concentration
exceeds RMB800 million and their revenue in mainland China in the last fiscal year accounts for more than one third of their worldwide revenue.
Furthermore, if there is evidence indicating that the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competition,
the anti-monopoly authority may order the relevant operators to file for clearance, regardless of the threshold standard.
On February 7, 2021, the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council officially promulgated the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet
Platforms. Pursuant to an official interpretation from the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council, the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet
Platforms mainly covers five
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aspects, including general provisions, monopoly agreements, abusing market dominance, concentration of undertakings, and abusing of administrative
powers eliminating or restricting competition. The Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms prohibits certain monopolistic acts of internet
platforms so as to protect market competition and safeguard interests of consumers and undertakings participating in internet platform economy,
including, without limitation, prohibiting platforms with dominant position from abusing their market dominance (such as discriminating customers in
terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and analytics, coercing counterparties into exclusivity arrangements through entering
into written or oral agreements or using technology means to block competitors’ interface or reduce positions in search results of goods displays, using
bundle services to sell different services or products, compulsory collection of unnecessary user data). In addition, the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for
Internet Platforms also reinforces antitrust merger review for internet platform related transactions to safeguard market competition. On August 17,
2021, the SMAR issued the Provisions on Prohibition of Unfair Competition on the Internet (Draft for Comments). These Provisions also prohibit
certain activities of business operators which may restrict competition, including among others, using data, algorithms and other technical means to
commit traffic hijacking, interference, malicious incompatibility and other improprieties to influence user choices or hinder or damage the normal
operation of network products or services offered by other business operators.
Regulations on Overseas Offering and Listing
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance
with the Law. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas
listings by mainland China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems
to deal with the risks and incidents faced by mainland China-based overseas-listed companies.
On December 27, 2021, the NDRC and the MOC jointly issued the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment
Access (2021 Version), or the 2021 Negative List, which became effective on January 1, 2022. Pursuant to such Special Administrative Measures, if a
domestic company engaging in the prohibited business stipulated in the 2021 Negative List seeks an overseas offering and listing, it must obtain the
approval from the competent governmental authorities. Besides, the foreign investors of the company should not be involved in the company’s operation
and management, and their shareholding percentage are subject, mutatis mutandis, to the relevant regulations on the domestic securities investments by
foreign investors.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC, as approved by the State Council, released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering
and Listing by Domestic Companies and five supporting guidelines, or the Filing Rules collectively. According to the Filing Rules, domestic companies
in mainland China that directly or indirectly offer or list their securities in an overseas market, are required to file with the CSRC. Specifically, the
securities under the Filing Rules refer to stocks, depositary receipts, convertible corporate bonds, exchangeable bonds and other equity-linked securities
to be issued and offered in overseas markets by domestic companies directly or indirectly, while a direct offering and listing refers to the overseas
offering and listing of a joint-stock company incorporated in mainland China, and an indirect offering and listing refers to the overseas offering and
listing of a domestic company which conducts its business operations primarily in mainland China, in the name of an offshore company and based on
the underlying equities, assets, earnings or similar interests of the domestic company. In particular, the determination of an indirect offering and listing
will be conducted on a “substance over form” basis, and an offering and listing should be considered as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a
domestic company if the issuer meets both of the following conditions: (i) any of the revenue, profits, total assets or net assets of such domestic
company in the most recent financial year account for more than 50% of the corresponding data in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statements
for the same period; and (ii) the majority of its business operations are conducted in mainland China or its principal place of business is located in
mainland China, or the majority of senior management in charge of business operations are Chinese citizens or have domicile in the mainland China.
According to the Filing Rules, an overseas offering and listing is prohibited under any of the following circumstances: (i) if the intended securities
offering and listing is
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specifically prohibited by the laws, administrative regulations and relevant national provisions; (ii) if the intended securities offering and listing may
constitute a threat to or endangers national security as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with
law; (iii) the domestic companies or their controlling shareholders or actual controllers have committed corruption, bribery, embezzlement,
misappropriation of property, or other criminal offenses disruptive to the order of the socialist market economy in the past three years; (iv) the domestic
companies are currently under investigations in connection with suspicion of having committed criminal offenses or material violations of applicable
laws and regulations, and there is still no explicit conclusion; (v) there are material ownership disputes over the shareholdings held by the controlling
shareholder or the shareholder under the control of the controlling shareholder or the actual controllers.
According to the Filing Rules, the issuer or its affiliated domestic company, as the case may be, is required to file with the CSRC (i) with respect
to its initial public offering and listing and its subsequent securities offering in an overseas market different from the market where it has listed, within
three business days after its submission of listing application documents to the relevant regulator in the place of intended listing, (ii) with respect to its
follow-on offering in the same overseas market where it has listed (including issuance of any corporate convertible bonds, exchangeable bonds and other
equity-linked securities, but excluding the offering for employees incentive, dividend distribution by shares and share split), within three business days
after completion of such follow-on offering, (iii) with respect to listing by means of single or multiple acquisitions, share swap, transfers of shares and
similar transactions, within three business days after its initial filing of the listing application or the first public announcement of the transaction, as case
may be. Failure to comply with the filing requirements may result in an order of rectification, a warning and fines up to RMB10 million to the
non-compliant domestic companies, and the directly responsible persons of the companies will be warned and fined between RMB500,000 and
RMB5 million. Furthermore, if the controlling shareholder and the actual controller of the non-compliant companies organizes or instigates the breach,
they will be fined between RMB1 million and RMB10 million. In addition to above filing requirements, the Filings Rules also requires an issuer to
report to the CSRC within three business days after occurrence of any the following events: (i) its change of control; (ii) its being subject to
investigation or sanctions by any overseas securities regulators or overseas authorities; (iii) its change of listing status or listing segment; (iv) voluntary
or mandatory delisting; and (v) material change of its principal business operations to the extent that it ceases to be subject to the filing requirements of
the Filing Rules.
On February 24, 2023, the CSRC, jointly with other relevant governmental authorities, promulgated the revised Provisions on Strengthening
Confidentiality and Archives Management of Overseas Securities Issuance and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, or the Confidentiality and Archives
Management Provisions, and upon becoming effective on March 31, 2023, such provisions will supersede the currently effective Provisions on
Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing. According to the Confidentiality and Archives
Management Provisions, domestic companies, whether offering and listing securities overseas directly or indirectly, must strictly abide by the applicable
laws and regulations, enhance the sense of confidentiality, improve the archives management system, and take necessary measures to implement the
confidentiality and archives management responsibilities when providing or publicly disclosing, either directly or through their overseas listed entities,
documents and materials to securities services providers such as securities companies and accounting firms or overseas regulators in the process of their
overseas offering and listing. In the event that such documents or materials contain any information related to state secrets or government authorities
work secrets, domestic companies must obtain the approval from competent governmental authorities according to the applicable laws, and file with the
secrecy administrative department at the same level with the approving governmental authority; and in the event that such documents or materials, if
divulged, will jeopardize national security or public interest, domestic companies should strictly fulfill relevant procedures stipulated by applicable laws
and regulations. Furthermore, domestic companies should also provide a written statement about whether they have completed the approval or filing
procedures as above when providing documents and materials to securities companies and securities service providers, and the securities companies and
securities service providers should properly retain such written statements for inspection.
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Securities companies and securities service providers shall also fulfill the applicable legal procedures according to the Confidentiality and Archives
Management Provisions when providing overseas regulatory institutions and other relevant institutions and individuals with documents or materials
containing any state secrets or government authorities work secrets or other documents or materials that, if divulged, will jeopardize national security or
public interest.
Regulations on Foreign Exchange
Foreign Currency Exchange. Pursuant to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, as most recently amended in 2008, and various regulations
issued by SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities, RMB is freely convertible to the extent of current account items, such as trade related
receipts and payments, interest and dividends. Capital account items, such as direct equity investments, loans and repatriation of investment, unless
expressly exempted by laws and regulations, still require prior approval from SAFE or its provincial branch for conversion of RMB into a foreign
currency, such as U.S. dollars, and remittance of the foreign currency outside of mainland China.
In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment
and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested
enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. In addition, SAFE promulgated Circular
45 on November 9, 2011 in order to clarify the application of SAFE Circular 142. Under SAFE Circular 142 and Circular 45, the RMB capital converted
from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the
applicable administrative authority and may not be used for equity investments within mainland China. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of
the flow and use of RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of RMB capital may not be
changed without SAFE’s approval, and RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of the loans have not been used.
To further reform the foreign exchange administration system in order to satisfy and facilitate the business and capital operations of foreign-
invested enterprises, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Issues Concerning the Launch of Reforming Trial of the Administration Model of the
Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises in Certain Areas in July 2014, which became effective on August 4, 2014. This
circular suspends the application of SAFE Circular 142 in certain areas and allows a foreign-invested enterprise registered in these areas with a business
scope including “investment” to use the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital for equity investments within mainland China.
SAFE released the Notice on the Reform of the Administration Method for the Settlement of Foreign Exchange Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises
or SAFE Circular 19, in March 2015, which came into force and superseded SAFE Circular 142 on June 1, 2015. Circular 19 allows foreign-invested
enterprises to settle their foreign exchange capital on a discretionary basis according to the actual needs of their business operation and provides the
procedures for foreign-invested companies to use Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investment. Nevertheless,
Circular 19 also reiterates the principle that Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital of a foreign-invested company may not be
directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope.
In June 2016, SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital
Accounts, or Circular 16, which took effect on the same day. Compared to Circular 19, Circular 16 provides that discretionary foreign exchange
settlement applies to foreign exchange capital, foreign debt offering proceeds and remitted foreign listing proceeds, and the corresponding Renminbi
obtained from foreign exchange settlement are not restricted from extending loans to related parties or repaying the intercompany loans (including
advances by third parties). However, there still exist substantial uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and implementation of Circular 16 in
practice.
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In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct
Investment, as amended, which substantially amends and simplifies the foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various
special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the
reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in mainland China, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign-invested
enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be
opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the
Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, as
amended, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in mainland China should be
conducted by way of registration and banks should process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in mainland China based on the
registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
After a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, became
effective on June 1, 2015, instead of applying for approvals regarding foreign exchange registrations of foreign direct investment and overseas direct
investment from SAFE, entities and individuals will be required to apply for such foreign exchange registrations from qualified banks. The qualified
banks, under the supervision of SAFE, directly examine the applications and conduct the registration.
On October 23, 2019, SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting Cross-border Trade and Investment Facilitation, or SAFE Circular 28.
Among others, SAFE Circular 28 relaxes the prior restrictions and allows the foreign-invested enterprises without equity investment as in their approved
business scope to use their capital obtained from foreign exchange settlement to make domestic equity investment as long as the investments are real
and in compliance with the foreign investment-related laws and regulations. In addition, SAFE Circular 28 stipulates that qualified enterprises in certain
pilot areas may use their capital income from registered capital, foreign debt and overseas listing, for the purpose of domestic payments without
providing authenticity certifications to the relevant banks in advance for those domestic payments. Payments for transactions that take place within
mainland China must be made in RMB. Foreign currency revenues received by companies in mainland China may be repatriated into mainland China or
retained outside of mainland China in accordance with requirements and terms specified by SAFE.
Dividend Distribution. Wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Sino-foreign equity joint ventures in mainland China may pay dividends only out of
their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Additionally, these foreign-invested
enterprises may not pay dividends unless they set aside at least 10% of their respective accumulated profits after tax each year, if any, to fund certain
reserve funds, until such time as the accumulative amount of such fund reaches 50% of the enterprise’s registered capital. In addition, these companies
also may allocate a portion of their after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to employee welfare and bonus funds at their discretion. These
reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
Regulations governing abovementioned dividend distribution arrangements have been replaced by the Foreign Investment Law and its
implantation rules, which do not provide specific dividend distribution rules for foreign invested enterprises. However, the Foreign Investment Law and
its implementation rules provide that after the conversion from a wholly foreign-owned enterprise or sino-foreign equity joint venture to a foreign
invested enterprise under the Foreign Investment Law, distribution method of gains agreed in the joint venture agreements may continue to apply.
Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by Domestic Residents of Mainland China. Pursuant to SAFE’s Notice on Relevant Issues
Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents to Engage in Financing and Inbound Investment via Overseas Special Purpose
Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 75,
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issued in October 2005, and a series of implementation rules and guidance, including the circular relating to operating procedures that came into effect
in July 2011, Domestic residents of mainland China, including domestic resident natural persons or domestic companies, must register with local
branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment in an overseas special purpose vehicle, or SPV, for the purposes of
overseas equity financing activities, and to update such registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to that offshore company. SAFE
promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and
Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular No. 37, on July 4, 2014, which replaced SAFE Circular No. 75. SAFE
Circular No. 37 requires domestic residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of
an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such domestic residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in
domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular No. 37 as a “special purpose vehicle.” The term “control” under SAFE
Circular No. 37 is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights acquired by the domestic residents in the offshore
special purpose vehicles or domestic companies by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting rights, repurchase, convertible bonds or other
arrangements. SAFE Circular No. 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any changes with respect to the basic information of
the special purpose vehicle, such as changes in a domestic resident individual shareholder, name or operation period; or any significant changes with
respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as an increase or decrease of capital contributed by domestic individuals, a share transfer or exchange,
merger, division or other material event. If the shareholders of the offshore holding company who are domestic residents do not complete their
registration with the local SAFE branches, the mainland China subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any
reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore company, and the offshore company may be restricted in its ability to contribute
additional capital to its mainland China subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration and amendment requirements described
above could result in liability under laws of mainland China for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. We have notified holders of
ordinary shares of our company whom we know are domestic residents to register with the local SAFE branch and update their registrations as required
under the SAFE regulations described above. After SAFE Notice 13 became effective on June 1, 2015, entities and individuals are required to apply for
foreign exchange registration of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment, including those required under SAFE Circular No. 37, with
qualified banks, instead of SAFE. The qualified banks, under the supervision of SAFE, directly examine the applications and conduct the registration.
We are aware that Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, our chairman, chief executive officer and principal shareholder, who is a domestic resident, has registered
with the relevant local SAFE branch. We, however, cannot provide any assurances that all of our shareholders who are domestic residents will file all
applicable registrations or update previously filed registrations as required by these SAFE regulations. The failure or inability of our domestic resident
shareholders to comply with the registration procedures may subject the domestic resident shareholders to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-
border investment activities, or limit our mainland China subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to or obtain foreign exchange dominated loans from
our company.
Under the Administration Measures on Individual Foreign Exchange Control issued by the People’s Bank of China, or the PBOC, in December
2006 and its implementation rules issued in January 2007 and revised in May 2016, all foreign exchange matters involved in employee share ownership
plans and share option plans in which citizens of mainland China participate require approval from SAFE or its authorized branch. In February 2012,
SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive
Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rule, replacing the earlier rules promulgated in March 2007. Under the Stock Option
Rule, domestic residents who are granted stock options by an overseas publicly listed company are required, through a domestic agent or domestic
subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures. We and our domestic resident
employees who have been granted stock options are subject to these regulations. We have designated our mainland China subsidiary Baidu Online to
handle the registration and other procedures required by the Stock Option Rule. Failure of the option holders to complete their SAFE registrations
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may subject these domestic employees to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit the ability of the overseas publicly listed company to contribute
additional capital into its mainland China subsidiary and limit the mainland China subsidiary’s ability to distribute dividends.
Regulations on Labor
The Labor Contract Law of the PRC, or the Labor Contract Law, which became effective in January 2008 and last amended in December 2012,
and its implementation rules, impose more restrictions on employers and have been deemed to increase labor costs for employers, compared to the
Labor Law of the PRC, or the Labor Law, which became effective in January 1995. For example, pursuant to the Labor Contract Law, an employer is
obliged to sign a labor contract with an unlimited term with an employee if the employer continues to hire the employee after the expiration of two
consecutive fixed-term labor contracts. The employer has to compensate the employee upon the expiration of a fixed-term labor contract, unless the
employee refuses to renew such contract on terms the same as or more favorable to the employee than those contained in the expired contract. The
employer also has to indemnify an employee if the employer terminates a labor contract without a cause permitted by law. In addition, under the
Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees, which became effective in January 2008, employees who have served more than one year for an
employer are entitled to a paid vacation ranging from 5 to 15 days per year, depending on their length of service. Employees who waive such vacation
time at the request of employers must be compensated for three times their regular salaries for each waived vacation day.
In addition, according to the PRC Social Insurance Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Provident Funds, employers in
mainland China must provide employees with welfare schemes covering pension insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, work-related
injury insurance, medical insurance and housing provident funds.
Regulations on Taxation
For a discussion of applicable tax regulations of mainland China, see “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating
Results—Taxation.”
C. Organizational Structure
The following is a list of our principal subsidiaries and the variable interest entities as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F:
Name
Baidu Holdings Limited
Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited
Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Baidu (China) Co., Ltd.
Baidu.com Times Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Dulian Network Technology (Hainan) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd.
iQIYI, Inc.
Beijing QIYI Century Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
Baidu Cloud Computing Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Beijing Duyou Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Place of Formation
Relationship
British Virgin Islands
Hong Kong
Mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China
Cayman Islands
Mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
Variable interest entity
Variable interest entity
Majority-owned subsidiary
Majority-owned subsidiary
Variable interest entity
Wholly owned subsidiary
Wholly owned subsidiary
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The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries and the variable interest entities as of the date of this
annual report on Form 20-F:
Notes:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. is 99.5% owned by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, our chairman and chief executive officer, and 0.5% owned by Ms. Shanshan Cui, an
executive officer of ours. Please see “Item 6.E. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Ownership” for details of Mr. Robin Yanhong Li’s beneficial ownership in our
company. Ms. Shanshan Cui’s beneficial ownership of our company is less than 1% of our total issued and outstanding shares.
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. is 50% owned by Ms. Shanshan Cui and 50% owned by Mr. Zhixiang Liang. Both Ms. Shanshan Cui and Mr. Zhixiang Liang are our employees,
and their respective beneficial ownership in our company is less than 1% of our total issued and outstanding shares.
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is wholly-owned by Mr. Xiaohua Geng, senior vice president of iQIYI. Mr. Xiaohua Geng is not beneficially interested in any shares of
our company.
Baidu Holdings Limited indirectly controls Beijing Duyou Information Technology Co., Ltd through its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities and the Nominee Shareholders
The laws and regulations of mainland China restrict and impose conditions on foreign investment in, among other areas, internet content services,
value-added telecommunication-based services, internet map services, online audio and video services and mobile application distribution businesses.
Accordingly, we operate these businesses in mainland China through the variable interest entities. We have entered into a series of contractual
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arrangements with the variable interest entities and the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities. These contractual arrangements:
•
•
•
enable us to receive the economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities in consideration for the
services provided by our subsidiaries;
effectively assigned all of the voting rights underlying the nominee shareholders’ equity interest in the variable interest entities to us; and
enable us to hold an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the variable interest entities when and to the extent
permitted by the laws of mainland China.
These contractual agreements among our company/iQIYI and our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their respective shareholders
generally include proxy agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements, exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements or exclusive
purchase option agreements, loan agreements, operating agreements or business operation agreements, exclusive technology consulting and services
agreements, and equity pledge agreements, as the case may be. As for some of the variable interest entities, our subsidiaries have entered into additional
business cooperation agreements, power of attorney, license agreements and/or commitment letters (as the case may be) with these variable interest
entities and their respective nominee shareholders. We do not have any equity interests in the variable interest entities and these contractual agreements
are not equivalent to equity ownership in the business of the variable interest entities. Despite the lack of equity majority ownership, as a result of the
contractual arrangements, the shareholders of the variable interest entities effectively assigned all of their voting rights and economic interests
underlying their equity interest in the variable interest entities to the primary beneficiaries of these companies, which gives our company/iQIYI the
power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entities’ economic performance. In addition, through the other exclusive
agreements, which consist of exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements/exclusive purchase option agreements or commitment letters,
operating agreements/business operation agreements, exclusive technology consulting and services agreements and license agreements, the primary
beneficiaries, by themselves or by their wholly-owned subsidiaries in mainland China, demonstrate their ability and intention to continue to exercise the
ability to absorb losses or receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities. The variable interest entities are
subject to operating risks, which determine the variability of our company’s interest in those entities. Based on these contractual arrangements, we
consolidate the variable interest entities as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation. The nominee
shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Beijing Perusal and Beijing iQIYI, the variable interest entities, are directors or members of senior management of our
company/ iQIYI. We/iQIYI consider such people suitable to act as the nominee shareholders of these variable interest entities because of, among other
considerations, their contribution to our company/iQIYI, their competence and their length of service with and loyalty to our company/iQIYI. If the
variable interest entities or the nominee shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited
in our ability to enforce the contractual arrangements that effectively assigned us the voting rights and/or economic interests in the variable interest
entities. Furthermore, if we are unable to maintain such effective assignment, we would not be able to continue to consolidate the financial results of the
variable interest entities in our financial statements. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we derived 43%, 44% and 47% of our external revenues from the variable
interest entities, respectively. Based on the book value of Baidu Netcom and Beijing Perusal and taking into account major adjustments for intra-group
transactions, the revenue contribution of Baidu Netcom to us for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was 15%, 14% and 15%,
respectively, and the revenue contribution of Beijing Perusal was all 0% for each of the same periods. For a detailed revenue contribution, see “Item 3.A.
Selected Financial Data—Financial Information Related to the Variable interest Entities.” For a detailed description of the regulatory environment that
necessitates the adoption of our corporate structure, see “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations.” For a detailed
description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate
Structure.”
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The following is a summary of the material provisions of the contractual arrangements relating to Baidu Netcom, Beijing Perusal and Beijing
iQIYI.
Proxy Agreements/Shareholder Voting Rights Trust Agreements/Power of Attorney
Pursuant to the proxy agreement amongst our company and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the nominee shareholders of Baidu
Netcom agree to entrust all the rights to exercise their voting power and any other rights as shareholders of Baidu Netcom to the person(s) designated by
our company. Each of the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom has executed an irrevocable power of attorney to appoint the person(s) designated by
our company as their attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters requiring shareholder approval. Any action taken by such attorney-in-fact in
relation to the entrusted rights should be directed and approved by our company. The proxy agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term unless
terminated in writing by our company. Each of the powers of attorney will be in effect for as long as the relevant nominee shareholder of Baidu Netcom
holds any equity interests in Baidu Netcom.
Each of the proxy agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements amongst our company and the shareholders of Beijing Perusal and
between Beijing QIYI Century and the shareholder of Beijing iQIYI contains substantially the same terms as those described above. Each of the proxy
agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements will be in effect for an unlimited term unless terminated in writing by our company or other
subsidiaries. Each of the powers of attorney or shareholder voting rights trust agreements will be in effect for as long as the shareholder of Beijing
Perusal or Beijing iQIYI, holds any equity interests in Beijing Perusal or Beijing iQIYI, as the case may be.
Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement or Exclusive Purchase Option Agreements
Pursuant to the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement by and among our company, Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom and the
nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom have irrevocably granted our company or its designated person(s)
(including Baidu Online) an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under the laws of mainland China, all or part of the equity interests in
Baidu Netcom for the cost of the initial contributions to the registered capital or the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable laws of
mainland China. The nominee shareholders must remit to Baidu Online any amount that is paid by Baidu Online in connection with the purchased
equity interest as requested by our company or its designated person(s) (including Baidu Online) to the extent permitted by the applicable laws. Our
company or its designated person(s) have sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, whether in part or in full amount. Any and all dividends
and other capital distributions from Baidu Netcom to the nominee shareholders must be repaid to Baidu, Inc. in full amount. Our company or its
designated person(s) (including Baidu Online) also have the exclusive right to cause the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom to transfer their equity
interest in Baidu Netcom to our company or any designated third party. Our company will provide unlimited financial support to Baidu Netcom, if
Baidu Netcom becomes in need of any form of reasonable financial support in the normal operation of business. If Baidu Netcom were to incur any loss
and as a result cannot repay any loans from our company (through Baidu Online), our company will unconditionally forgive any such loans to Baidu
Netcom upon provision by Baidu Netcom of sufficient proof for its loss and incapacity to repay. In addition, the shareholders of Baidu Netcom must
appoint the candidates recommended by Baidu Online as their representatives on Baidu Netcom’s board of directors. The agreement will terminate upon
the transfer by the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom of all their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to our company or its designated person(s) or
upon expiration of the term of business of our company or Baidu Netcom.
Each of the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements/exclusive purchase option agreements amongst our company, Baidu Online,
Beijing Perusal and its shareholders and iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those
described above, except that the initial term of the amended and restated exclusive purchase option agreement amongst iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century,
Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder is ten years, which has been extended to November 22, 2032, and can be further renewed at iQIYI’s discretion.
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Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online has the exclusive
right to provide Baidu Netcom technology consulting and services related to, among other things, the maintenance of servers, software development,
design of advertisements, and e-commerce technical services. Baidu Online owns the intellectual property rights resulting from the performance of this
agreement. Baidu Netcom agrees to pay service fees to Baidu Online and Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole discretion
without the consent of Baidu Netcom. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and
extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Each of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreements between Baidu Online and Beijing Perusal and Beijing QIYI Century and
Beijing iQIYI contains substantially the same terms as those described above, except that the terms regarding the determinant of the service fees may
differ and that the initial term of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI dated
November 23, 2011 is ten years, and has been extended to November 23, 2031, and can be further renewed at the discretion of Beijing QIYI Century.
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, Baidu Netcom did not pay any service fees to Baidu Online. Beijing Perusal did not pay any service fees to Baidu Online
due to Beijing Perusal’s operating loss in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Operating Agreement or Business Operation Agreement
Pursuant to the operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online
provides guidance and instructions on Baidu Netcom’s daily operations, financial affairs and employment and dismissal of staff. In addition, Baidu
Online agrees to guarantee Baidu Netcom’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Baidu Netcom’s business arrangements with
any third party. In return, Baidu Netcom agrees that without the prior consent of Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom will not engage in any transactions that
could materially affect the assets, liabilities, rights or operations of Baidu Netcom, including, without limitation, incurrence or assumption of any
indebtedness, sale or purchase of any assets or rights, incurrence of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a third
party or transfer of any agreements relating to its business operation to any third party. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the
term of business of one party expires and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
The operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those described
above.
Pursuant to the amended and restated business operation agreement dated January 30, 2013 amongst Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its
shareholder, Beijing QIYI Century provides guidance and instructions on Beijing iQIYI’s daily operations and financial affairs. In addition, Beijing
QIYI Century agrees to guarantee Beijing iQIYI’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Beijing iQIYI’s business arrangements
with any third party. The agreement can only be unilaterally revoked by Beijing QIYI Century. The initial term of the agreement is ten years, which has
been extended for another ten years to January 30, 2033, and can be further extended at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
Loan Agreements
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst Baidu Online and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online provided loans with an
aggregate amount of RMB13.4 billion to the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom solely for the latter to fund the capitalization of Baidu Netcom. The
loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the sale of the nominee shareholders’ equity interest in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online or its
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designated person(s). The term of the loan agreements with the two nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom will expire on July 9, 2029 and August 19,
2029, respectively, and can be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration.
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst the shareholders of Beijing Perusal and Baidu Online, the amount of loans extended to the respective
shareholders of Beijing Perusal is RMB3.2 billion. The term of the loan agreements will expire on March 30, 2028 and October 29, 2029, respectively,
and can be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration. Each of the loan agreements amongst Baidu Online and the respective
shareholders of Beijing Perusal, and Beijing QIYI Century and the shareholders of Beijing iQIYI, contains substantially the same terms as those
described above, except that the amount of the loans and that the contract expiration date varies. The term of the loan agreement amongst Beijing QIYI
Century and the shareholder of Beijing iQIYI will expire on June 23, 2031 and can be further extended upon the written notification from Beijing QIYI
Century.
Equity Pledge Agreement
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement amongst Baidu Online and the nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the nominee shareholders of
Baidu Netcom must pledge all of their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online to guarantee their obligations under the loan agreements and
Baidu Netcom’s performance of its obligations under the exclusive technology consulting and service agreement. If Baidu Netcom or the nominee
shareholders breach their respective contractual obligations, Baidu Online, as the pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the
pledged equity interests. The nominee shareholders of Baidu Netcom agree not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would
prejudice Baidu Online’s interest. The equity pledge agreement will terminate on the date when Baidu Netcom and its shareholders have completed all
their respective obligations under the exclusive technology consulting and service agreement and the loan agreements, but such equity pledge will expire
two years after expiration of the term of the obligations of Baidu Netcom and its shareholders under the exclusive technology consulting and service
agreement and the loan agreements if they fail to fulfill such obligations thereunder.
Each of the equity pledge agreements amongst Baidu Online and the shareholders of Beijing Perusal and Beijing QIYI Century and the
shareholder of Beijing iQIYI contains substantially the same terms, including its term to expiration, as those described above.
Business Cooperation Agreement
Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective November 23, 2011, Beijing iQIYI
agrees to provide Beijing QIYI Century with services, including internet information services, online advertising and other services reasonably
necessary within the scope of Beijing QIYI Century’s business. Beijing iQIYI agrees to use technology services provided by Beijing QIYI Century on
its platform, including, but not limited to, P2P download and video on-demand systems. Beijing QIYI Century agrees to pay specified service fees to
Beijing iQIYI as consideration for the internet information services and other services provided by Beijing iQIYI. Beijing iQIYI has the right to waive
the service fees at its discretion. The initial term of this agreement is ten years, which has been extended for another ten years to November 23, 2031,
and can be further renewed at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
License Agreements
Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom have entered into a software license agreement and a web layout copyright license agreement. Pursuant to these
license agreements, Baidu Online has granted to Baidu Netcom the right to use, including, but not limited to, a software license and a web layout
copyright license. Baidu Netcom may only use the licenses in its own business operations. Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole
discretion. The software license agreement and web layout copyright license agreement have been renewed since
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their original expiration and are in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and extension is denied by the relevant
approval authorities.
The web layout copyright license agreements that Baidu Online has entered into with Beijing Perusal contain substantially the same terms as those
between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom described above. The agreement is in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party
expires and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Pursuant to the trademark license agreement and the software usage license agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective
November 23, 2011, Beijing QIYI Century granted a non-exclusive and non-transferable license, without sublicensing rights, to Beijing iQIYI to use its
trademarks and software. Beijing iQIYI may only use the licenses in its own business operations. Beijing QIYI Century has the right to adjust the
service fees at its sole discretion. The initial term of the two agreements is five years. The software usage license agreement may be extended upon the
written consent of Beijing QIYI Century, and has been extended to December 1, 2031, and is further renewable at the discretion of Beijing QIYI
Century. The trademark license agreement is automatically extended for successive one-year periods after its expiration unless Beijing QIYI Century
early terminates the agreement in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.
Commitment Letters
Pursuant to the commitment letter dated January 30, 2013, under the condition that Beijing iQIYI remains as a variable interest entity of iQIYI
under United States generally accepted accounting principles and the relevant contractual arrangements remain in effect, iQIYI commits to provide
unlimited financial support to Beijing iQIYI, if Beijing iQIYI requires any form of reasonable financial support for its normal business operations. If
Beijing iQIYI incurs any losses and as a result cannot repay its loans from iQIYI and Beijing QIYI Century, one of iQIYI’s subsidiaries, iQIYI and
Beijing QIYI Century would unconditionally forgive their loans to Beijing iQIYI, if Beijing iQIYI provides sufficient proof for its loss and incapacity to
repay.
The commitment letters executed by other iQIYI VIEs contain terms similar to the terms described above.
Through design of the aforementioned agreements, the nominee shareholders of these variable interest entities have effectively assigned their full
voting rights to our company/iQIYI, which gives our company/iQIYI the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest
entities’ economic performance. Our company/iQIYI obtains the ability to approve decisions made by the variable interest entities and the ability to
acquire the equity interests in the variable interest entities when permitted by the laws of mainland China. Our company/iQIYI is obligated to absorb
losses of the variable interest entities that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities through providing unlimited financial support to
the variable interest entities or is entitled to receive economic benefits from the variable interest entities that could potentially be significant to the
variable interest entities through the exclusive technology consulting and service fees. As a result of these contractual arrangements, our company/iQIYI
is determined to be the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities and we consolidate these variable interest entities through our
company/iQIYI as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation.
We have also entered into contractual arrangements with several other variable interest entities and their respective nominee shareholders,
including iQIYI’s other variable interest entities and their respective nominee shareholders, through some of our subsidiaries other than Baidu Online
and Beijing QIYI Century, which result in our company/iQIYI or relevant subsidiaries, as the case may be, being the primary beneficiaries of the
relevant variable interest entities. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we consolidate these other variable interest entities through the
subsidiaries as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation.
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D.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Our corporate headquarters, Baidu Campus, is located in Shangdi, Haidian district of Beijing. We own the office building of Baidu Campus and a
nearby office building, Baidu Science Park, which is located in Malianwa, Haidian district of Beijing. Besides Beijing, we own and occupy office
buildings in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
We also lease offices in Beijing, many other cities in mainland China and places outside of mainland China, including in the United States,
Canada, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Singapore.
Our servers are hosted at the internet data centers of major telecom operators, including China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile, in over
ten selected cities across China. Our content delivery network covers most of the major cities in mainland China.
In 2022, we completed the second-phase construction of our cloud computing centers in Yangquan, Dingxing and Xushui, which all serve as our
internet data centers in China.
Item 4A.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited
consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form 20-F. This report contains forward-looking statements. See
“Forward-Looking Information.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3.D. Key
Information—Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 20-F. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial
risks and uncertainties.
A. Operating Results
Overview
We are a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation. We were founded to enable people to quickly find relevant information on the
Internet, amidst the huge volume of information generated daily. As the gateway to the Internet, we connect our users to a large information and
knowledge-centric content and services ecosystem through our open search-plus-feed platform. We have been consistently investing in AI since 2010 to
solidify our technology advancement, improve search capabilities and boost overall monetization. Baidu Brain, our core AI technology engine, has
enabled us to develop new AI businesses. The breadth and depth of our AI capabilities provide the differentiating foundational technologies that power
all of our businesses.
Our total revenues increased by 16% from RMB107.1 billion in 2020 to RMB124.5 billion in 2021, and decreased by 1% to RMB123.7 billion
(US$17.9 billion) in 2022. Our operating profit decreased by 27% from RMB14.3 billion in 2020 to RMB10.5 billion in 2021, and increased by 51% to
RMB15.9 billion (US$2.3 billion) in 2022. Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. decreased by 54% from RMB22.5 billion in 2020 to RMB10.2 billion
in 2021, and decreased by 26% to RMB7.6 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2022.
Revenues
Baidu Core. Baidu Core revenues primarily comprise of (i) auction-based P4P online marketing services that include search and feed online
marketing services; (ii) other online marketing services, including display advertisement, based on performance criteria other than CPC; (iii) cloud
services; (iv) smart devices and services; (v) non-marketing consumer-facing services such as membership; and (vi) intelligent driving. We expect Baidu
Core to continue to generate a majority of our revenues.
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A majority of Baidu Core revenues are derived from online marketing services. Our P4P platform is an online marketplace that introduces internet
search users to customers, who pay us a fee based on click-throughs for priority placement of their links in the search results. We also provide feed
online marketing services to our customers. Our feed platform helps customers target relevant feed users, and customers pay us based on a CPC basis or
advertisement displays of their products. In addition, we provide our customers with other performance-based and display-based online marketing
services.
Apart from the online marketing services, Baidu Core also generates revenue by providing products and services ranging from cloud services,
smart devices and services, non-marketing consumer-facing services and intelligent driving.
iQIYI. iQIYI is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. iQIYI’s platform features iQIYI original content, as well as a
comprehensive library of other professionally produced content, professional user generated content, and user-generated content. iQIYI derives a
majority of its revenues from membership services and online marketing services.
iQIYI offers membership packages to provide its members with (i) access to streaming of a library of premium content, (ii) certain commercial
skipping and other viewing privileges, (iii) merchandise selection and privilege, and (iv) higher community status in iQIYI Paopao social platform. Most
of iQIYI’s online marketing services are in the form of brand advertising.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Our operating costs and expenses consist of cost of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development
expenses. Share-based compensation expenses are allocated among these three categories, based on the nature of the work of the employees who have
received share-based compensation.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues primarily consist of content costs, traffic acquisition costs, depreciation costs, costs of goods sold, bandwidth costs and other
cost of revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of promotional and marketing expenses, salaries and benefits for our sales,
marketing, general and administrative personnel, and legal, accounting and other professional services fees.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel. We expense research and
development costs as they are incurred, except for capitalized software development costs that fulfill the capitalization criteria.
Taxation
Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon
payments of dividends by us, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
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Hong Kong
Subsidiaries in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% and foreign-derived income is exempted from income tax. There is
no withholding tax upon payment of dividends by the subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong to its shareholders.
Japan
As a result of the Japanese tax regulations amendments, the effective income tax rates were approximately 31% for each of the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Mainland China Enterprise Income Tax
Effective from January 1, 2008 and amended on December 29, 2018, mainland China’s statutory enterprise income tax, or EIT, rate is 25%. An
enterprise may benefit from a preferential tax rate of 15% under the EIT Law if it qualifies as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” strongly
supported by the state. Pursuant to the Administrative Measures on the Recognition of High and New Technology Enterprises, or the Recognition
Measures, as amended in January 2016, the provincial counterparts of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and the State
Administration of Taxation make joint determination on whether an enterprise is qualified as a “High and New Technology Enterprise” under the EIT
Law. In making such determination, these government agencies consider, among other factors, ownership of core technology, whether the key
technology supporting the core products or services falls within the scope of high and new technology strongly supported by the state as specified in the
Recognition Measures, the ratios of research and development personnel to total personnel, the ratio of research and development expenditures to annual
sales revenues, the ratio of revenues attributed to high and new technology products or services to total revenues, and other measures set forth in
relevant guidance. A “High and New Technology Enterprise” certificate is effective for a period of three years. Further, preferential EIT rates are
available for qualified Software Enterprises whereby entities are entitled to full exemption from EIT for two years beginning from their first profitable
calendar year and a 50% reduction for the subsequent three calendar years.
If our mainland China subsidiaries or the variable interest entities that have enjoyed preferential tax treatment no longer qualify for the preferential
treatment, we will consider available options under applicable law that would enable us to qualify for alternative preferential tax treatment. To the extent
we are unable to offset the impact of the expiration of existing preferential tax treatment with new tax exemptions, tax incentives or other tax benefits,
the expiration of existing preferential tax treatment may cause our effective tax rate to increase. The amount of income tax payable by our mainland
China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in the future will depend on various factors, including, among other things, the results of operations
and taxable income of, and the statutory tax rate applicable to, each of the entities. Our effective tax rate depends partially on the extent of the relative
contribution of each of our subsidiaries and the variable interest entities to our consolidated taxable income.
Withholding Tax
Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends, interests, rent or royalties payable by a foreign-invested enterprise, such as our
mainland China subsidiaries, to any of its non-resident enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such non-resident enterprise investor’s disposition of
assets (after deducting the net value of such assets) are subject to the EIT at the rate of 10%, namely withholding tax, unless the non-resident enterprise
investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty or arrangement with mainland China that provides for a reduced withholding tax rate or an
exemption from withholding tax. The Notice on Several Preferential Policies regarding Enterprise Income Tax Law jointly promulgated by the Ministry
of Finance and State Administration of Taxation in February 2008, clarifies that undistributed profits earned by foreign-invested enterprises prior to
January 1, 2008 will be exempted from any withholding tax.
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The British Virgin Islands, where Baidu Holdings Limited, the sole shareholder of certain of our mainland subsidiaries such as Baidu Online, was
incorporated, does not have such a tax treaty with mainland China.
Hong Kong, where Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, our wholly owned subsidiary and the sole shareholder of certain of our mainland China
subsidiaries such as Baidu Times and Baidu China, was incorporated, has a tax arrangement with mainland China that provides for a lower withholding
tax rate of 5% on dividends subject to certain conditions and requirements, such as the requirement that the Hong Kong resident enterprise own at least
25% of the mainland China enterprise distributing the dividend at all times within the 12-month period immediately preceding the distribution of
dividends and be a “beneficial owner” of the dividends. However, pursuant to Circular on Issues Concerning Implementing Dividend Clauses of Tax
Treaties, or SAT Circular 81, issued by the State Administration of Taxation in February 2009, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their
discretion, that a company benefits from the reduced withholding tax rate on dividends due to a structure or arrangement designed for the primary
purpose of obtaining favorable tax treatment, the PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment. Moreover, pursuant to Circular on
Several Issues regarding the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 9, issued by the State Administration of Taxation in February 2018,
which became effective from April 1, 2018 and superseded the SAT Circular 601 issued by the State Administration of Taxation in October 2009, a
resident of a contracting state will not qualify for the benefits under the tax treaties or arrangements, if it is not the “beneficial owner” of the dividend,
interest and royalty income. According to SAT Circular 9, a “beneficial owner” is required to have ownership and the right to dispose of the income or
the rights and properties giving rise to the income, and generally engage in substantive business activities. An agent or conduit company will not be
regarded as a “beneficial owner” and, therefore, will not qualify for treaty benefits. A conduit company normally refers to a company that is set up
primarily for the purpose of evading or reducing taxes or transferring or accumulating profits. In addition, pursuant to Bulletin on Administrative
Measures on Treaties Benefit for Non-resident Taxpayers, or SAT Circular 35, issued by the State Administration of Taxation in October 2019,
non-resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax rate.
Instead, non-resident enterprises may, if they determine by self-assessment that the prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly
apply for the reduced withholding tax rate, and file necessary forms and supporting documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to
post-filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities.
In 2020, certain of our mainland China subsidiaries have declared and distributed profits earned to Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, the dividend
payments are subject to withholding tax. We have made tax provisions based on the corresponding tax rate. If our mainland China subsidiaries further
declare and distribute profits earned after January 1, 2008 to us in the future, the dividend payments will be subject to withholding tax, which will
increase our tax liability and reduce the amount of cash available to our company. For the potential distributable profits to be distributed to our qualified
Hong Kong incorporated subsidiary, the deferred tax liabilities are accrued at a 5% withholding tax rate. For more information on related risks, please
see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If our mainland China subsidiaries declare and distribute
dividends to their respective offshore parent companies, we will be required to pay more taxes, which could have a material and adverse effect on our
result of operations.”
Tax Residence
Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of mainland China with “de facto management body” within
mainland China is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. The term “de facto
management body” refers to “the establishment that exercises substantial and overall management and control over the production, business, personnel,
accounts and properties of an enterprise.” Pursuant to SAT Circular 82, issued by the State Administration of Taxation in April 2009, an overseas
registered enterprise controlled by a mainland China company or a mainland China company group will be classified as a “resident enterprise” with its
“de facto management body” located within mainland China if the following requirements are satisfied: (i) the senior management and core
management departments in charge of its daily operations are mainly located in mainland
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China; (ii) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies located in mainland China; (iii) its
major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in mainland China; and
(iv) no less than half of the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights reside in mainland China. The State Administration of
Taxation issued additional rules to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82 in July 2011, and issued an amendment to SAT
Circular 82 delegating the authority to its provincial branches to determine whether a Chinese-controlled overseas-incorporated enterprise should be
considered a mainland China resident enterprise, in January 2014. Although the SAT Circular 82, the additional guidance and its amendment only apply
to overseas registered enterprises controlled by mainland China enterprises and not those controlled by mainland China individuals or foreigners, the
determining criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto management body”
test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by mainland China
enterprises, individuals or foreigners.
If our offshore entities are deemed mainland China resident enterprises, these entities may be subject to the EIT at the rate of 25% on their global
incomes, except that the dividends distributed by our mainland China subsidiaries may be exempt from the EIT to the extent such dividends are deemed
“dividends among qualified resident enterprises.” For more information on related risks, please see “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Doing Business in China—We may be deemed a mainland China resident enterprise under the EIT Law, which could subject us to mainland
China’s taxation on our global income, and which may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.”
Should our offshore entities be deemed as mainland China resident enterprises, such changes could significantly increase our tax burden and
materially and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability.
Mainland China VAT in Lieu of Business Tax
In November 2011, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation jointly issued two circulars setting forth the details of the
pilot VAT reform program, which change the charge of sales tax from business tax to VAT for certain pilot industries. The VAT reform program initially
applied only to the pilot industries in Shanghai, and was expanded to eight additional regions, including, among others, Beijing and Guangdong
province, in 2012. In August 2013, the program was further expanded nationwide. In May 2016, the pilot program was extended to cover additional
industry sectors such as construction, real estate, finance and consumer services.
Mainland China Urban Maintenance and Construction Tax and Education Surcharge
Any entity, foreign-invested or purely domestic, or individual that is subject to consumption tax, VAT is also required to pay mainland China
urban maintenance and construction tax. The rates of urban maintenance and construction tax are 7%, 5% or 1% of the amount of consumption tax and
VAT actually paid depending on where the taxpayer is located. All entities and individuals who pay consumption tax and VAT are also required to pay
education surcharge at a rate of 3%, and local education surcharges at a rate of 2%, of the amount of VAT and consumption tax actually paid.
Impact of COVID-19 On Our Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and, together with any subsequent outbreaks driven by new variants of COVID-19, may continue to have, a
significant impact on our operations and financial results. The potential downturn brought by and the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic may be
difficult to assess or predict where actual effects will depend on many factors beyond our control. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts
our long-term results remains uncertain, and we are closely monitoring its impact on us. In 2020, our operations were significantly affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Our online marketing revenues declined
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compared to the prior period mainly due to weakness in online marketing demand as our customers in certain industries are negatively impacted by
COVID-19. Our online marketing services gradually recovered in 2021, underpinned by improved advertiser sentiment, following the effective control
of the domestic outbreaks, the resumption of business activities and the gradual recovery of the general economy in China. Our online marketing
revenues in 2022 declined from 2021 primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in certain cities in China. In addition, increased market volatility has
contributed to larger fluctuations in the valuation of our equity investments. China began to modify its COVID control policy at the end of 2022, and
most of the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were lifted in December 2022. There remains uncertainty as to the future impact of the virus.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our long-term results will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain,
unpredictable and beyond our control, including the frequency, duration and extent of outbreaks of COVID-19, the appearance of new variants with
different characteristics, the effectiveness of efforts to contain or treat cases, and future governmental actions that may be taken in response to these
developments, and measures to stimulate the general economy to improve business condition especially for SMEs. As a result, certain of our estimates
and assumptions, including the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of certain debt and equity investments, long-term investments, content assets
and long-lived assets subject to impairment assessments, require significant judgments and carry a higher degree of variabilities and volatilities that
could result in material changes to our current estimates in future periods. See also “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Business and Industry—We face risks related to health epidemics, severe weather conditions and other outbreaks.”
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated. The period-to-period comparisons of
results of operations should not be relied upon as indicative of future performance.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Data
Revenues:
Online marketing services
Others
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses(1):
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Total other income (loss), net
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
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Year ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
(in millions)
72,840 80,695 74,711 10,832
34,234 43,798 48,964 7,099
107,074 124,493 123,675 17,931
55,158 64,314 63,935 9,269
18,063 24,723 20,514 2,975
19,513 24,938 23,315 3,380
92,734 113,975 107,764 15,624
14,340 10,518 15,911 2,307
(841)
260
23,090 10,778 10,112 1,466
2,578
374
7,534 1,092
(4)
7,559 1,096
3,187
7,591
(2,635)
22,472 10,226
4,064
19,026
(3,446)
(5,799)
8,750
(25)
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(1) Share-based compensation expenses are allocated in operating costs and expenses as follows:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total
Year ended December 31,
2020 2021
RMB RMB RMB US$
(in millions)
2022
360 399 409 59
1,897 1,840 1,750 253
4,471 4,817 4,629 672
6,728 7,056 6,788 984
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Consolidated revenues. Our total revenues in 2022 were RMB123.7 billion (US$17.9 billion), decreasing by 1% from 2021.
Our online marketing revenues for Baidu Core in 2022 were RMB69.5 billion (US$10.1 billion), decreasing by 6% from 2021 primarily due to the
resurgence of COVID-19 in certain cities in China.
Our online marketing revenues for iQIYI in 2022 were RMB5.3 billion (US$773 million), decreasing by 25% from 2021, as a result of the
challenging macroeconomic environment, pandemic resurgence, and iQIYI’s strategy leading to a fewer number of variety shows launched.
Other revenues in 2022 were RMB49.0 billion (US$7.1 billion), increasing by 12% from 2021, mainly driven by cloud and other AI-powered
businesses. For a detailed description, see “—Segment Revenues.”
Consolidated operating costs and expenses. Our total operating costs and expenses decreased by RMB6.2 billion, or 5%, from RMB114.0 billion
in 2021 to RMB107.8 billion (US$15.6 billion) in 2022.
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues decreased by RMB379 million from RMB64.3 billion in 2021 to RMB 63.9 billion (US$9.3 billion) in
2022, primarily due to the following factors:
•
•
•
•
A decrease of RMB4.1 billion in content costs, which related to less recorded expense of produced content and licensed copyrights.
An increase of RMB1.1 billion in traffic acquisition costs, as a result of the increase in traffic and average unit price.
An increase of RMB1.1 billion in bandwidth costs and depreciation costs, which related to development of AI cloud business.
An increase of RMB1.5 billion in other operational cost, which mainly included an increase of cost of goods sold and other costs related to
new AI business of RMB514 million, an increase of RMB406 million in sales tax and surcharges and an increase of RMB365 million in
salaries and benefits and staff-related expense.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by RMB4.2 billion from
RMB24.7 billion in 2021 to RMB20.5 billion (US$3.0 billion) in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in channel spending, promotional marketing and
personnel-related expenses.
Research and Development Expenses. Our research and development expenses decreased by RMB1.6 billion from RMB24.9 billion in 2021 to
RMB23.3 billion (US$3.4 billion) in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in personnel related expenses.
Operating profit. As a result of the foregoing, we generated an operating profit of RMB15.9 billion (US$2.3 billion) in 2022, a 51% increase from
RMB10.5 billion in 2021.
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Total other loss, net. Our total other loss, net was RMB5.8 billion (US$ 841 million) in 2022, which mainly included fair value losses of
RMB3.9 billion and impairment losses of RMB3.0 billion from long-term investments. Our total other income, net was RMB260 million in 2021, which
included fair value gains of RMB 3.1 billion and impairment losses of RMB 4.3 billion from long-term investments.
Income taxes. Our income tax expense was RMB2.6 billion (US$374 million) in 2022, representing a 19% decrease from RMB3.2 billion in
2021, primarily due to deferred tax benefit recognized on fair value loss of long-term investments in 2022 whereas deferred tax expense recognized on
fair value gain of long-term investments in 2021.
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. decreased from RMB10.2 billion in
2021 to RMB7.6 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2022.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated revenues. Our total revenues in 2021 were RMB124.5 billion, increasing by 16% from 2020.
Our online marketing revenues for Baidu Core in 2021 were RMB73.9 billion, increasing by 12% from 2020.
Our online marketing revenues for iQIYI in 2021 were RMB7.1 billion, increasing by 4% from 2020.
Other revenues in 2021 were RMB43.8 billion, increasing by 28% from 2020. For a detailed description, see “—Segment Revenues.”
Consolidated operating costs and expenses. Our total operating costs and expenses increased by RMB21.3 billion, or 23%, from RMB92.7 billion
in 2020 to RMB114.0 billion in 2021.
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased by RMB9.1 billion from RMB55.2 billion in 2020 to RMB64.3 billion in 2021, primarily due to
the following factors:
•
•
•
An increase of RMB3.1 billion in traffic acquisition costs, which reflected increasing union revenues and intensified traffic market
competition.
An increase of RMB2.3 billion in cost of goods sold, which was in line with the growth in sales of Xiaodu smart devices and AI solutions
services.
An increase of RMB995 million in bandwidth costs, resulted from increased investment in infrastructure.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by RMB6.6 billion from
RMB18.1 billion in 2020 to RMB24.7 billion in 2021, primarily due to an increase in channel spending, promotional marketing and personnel-related
expenses and contingent loss pertaining to legal proceeding involving former advertising agencies.
Research and Development Expenses. Our research and development expenses increased by RMB5.4 billion from RMB19.5 billion in 2020 to
RMB24.9 billion in 2021, primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
Operating profit. As a result of the foregoing, we generated an operating profit of RMB10.5 billion in 2021, a 27% decrease from
RMB14.3 billion in 2020.
Total other income, net. Our total other income, net was RMB260 million in 2021, which included a fair value gain of RMB 3.1 billion and an
impairment loss of RMB 4.3 billion from long-term investments. Our total other income, net was RMB8.8 billion in 2020, which included fair value
gain of RMB11.6 billion from long-term investments and an impairment loss of RMB 2.6 billion from long-term investments.
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Income taxes. Our income tax expense was RMB3.2 billion in 2021, compared to RMB4.1 billion in 2020, primarily due to a decrease in profit
before tax and an increase in deduction on certain expenses that were previously considered non-deductible.
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. decreased from RMB22.5 billion in
2020 to RMB10.2 billion in 2021.
Segment Revenues
The following table sets forth our revenues by segment and the year-over-year change rate for the periods indicated, with each segment revenues
including inter-segment revenues:
Baidu Core
Online marketing services
Cloud services
Others
Subtotal
iQIYI
Online advertising services
Membership services
Content distribution
Others
Subtotal
Intersegment eliminations
Total revenue
Baidu Core.
2022 compared to 2021
2020
RMB
Year ended December 31,
2021
2022
RMB
YoY%
RMB
US$
YoY%
(In millions, except percentages)
66,283
9,173
3,228
78,684
73,919
15,070
6,174
95,163
6,822
16,491
2,660
3,734
29,707
(1,317)
107,074
7,067
16,714
2,856
3,917
30,554
(1,224)
124,493
12
64
91
21
4
1
7
5
3
(7)
16
69,522
17,721
8,188
95,431
10,080
2,569
1,187
13,836
5,332
17,711
2,470
3,485
28,998
(754)
123,675
773
2,568
358
505
4,204
(109)
17,931
(6)
18
33
0
(25)
6
(14)
(11)
(5)
(38)
(1)
Baidu Core revenue was RMB95.4 billion (US$13.8 billion) in 2022, which is basically flat from RMB95.2 billion in 2021.
Our online marketing revenues of Baidu Core in 2022 were RMB69.5 billion (US$10.1 billion), decreasing by RMB4.4 billion, or 6%, compared
to RMB73.9 billion in 2021, primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in certain cities in China.
The number of our active online marketing customers decreased from approximately 535,000 in 2021 to approximately 520,000 in 2022, and the
average revenue per customer decreased from approximately RMB138,000 in 2021 to approximately RMB134,000 (US$19,000) in 2022. The decrease
was primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in certain cities in China.
Revenue from Baidu cloud services and others are included in “Other revenue” in the statements of comprehensive income.
Our cloud services revenue of Baidu Core in 2022 were RMB17.7 billion (US$2.6 billion), increasing by RMB2.6 billion, or 18%, compared to
RMB15.1 billion in 2021, mainly due to increase in scale for both IaaS and cloud solution projects, standardizing AI cloud solutions and applications for
scale, and increase in subscription for personal cloud service.
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Baidu Core’s other revenues in 2022 were RMB8.2 billion (US$1.2 billion), increasing by RMB2.0 billion, or 33%, compared to RMB6.2 billion
in 2021.
2021 compared to 2020
Baidu Core revenue was RMB95.2 billion in 2021, increasing by RMB16.5 billion, or 21%, from RMB78.7 billion in 2020.
Our online marketing revenues of Baidu Core in 2021 were RMB73.9 billion, increasing by RMB7.6 billion, or 12%, compared to
RMB66.3 billion in 2020, primarily due to an increase of service demand from our customers in industries, including healthcare, entertainment and
media, business services and local services. The increased demand in 2021 benefited from effective control of COVID-19 outbreaks and work
resumption in mainland China in 2021.
The number of our active online marketing customers increased from approximately 505,000 in 2020 to approximately 535,000 in 2021, and the
average revenue per customer increased slightly from approximately RMB131,300 in 2020 to approximately RMB138,000 in 2021. The increase was
primarily due to effective control of COVID-19 outbreaks in mainland China.
Revenue from Baidu cloud services and others are included in “Other revenue” in the statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
Our cloud services revenue of Baidu Core in 2021 were RMB15.1 billion, increasing by RMB5.9 billion, or 64%, compared to RMB9.2 billion in
2020, mainly due to increases in enterprise and public sector cloud solutions.
Baidu Core’s other revenues in 2021 were RMB6.2 billion, increasing by RMB3.0 billion, or 91%, compared to RMB3.2 billion in 2020.
iQIYI
2022 compared to 2021
iQIYI revenue was RMB29.0 billion (US$4.2 billion) in 2022, decreasing by RMB1.6 billion, or 5%, from RMB30.6 billion in 2021.
iQIYI online advertising services revenue are included in “Online marketing revenue” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss)
income.
iQIYI’s online advertising revenues in 2022 were RMB5.3 billion (US$773 million), decreasing by RMB1.8 billion, or 25%, from RMB7.1 billion
in 2021, as a result of the challenging macroeconomic environment, pandemic resurgence, and fewer number of variety shows being launched. Average
brand advertising revenue per brand advertiser decreased by 21.4% from RMB4.9 million in 2021 to RMB3.8 million (US$0.6 million) in 2022. iQIYI
track the average brand advertising revenue per brand advertiser as a key indicator to evaluate advertising services business and adapt sales strategy,
advertisement solutions and content scheduling accordingly.
Revenue from iQIYI membership services, content distribution, and others are included in “Other revenue” in the statements of comprehensive
(loss) income.
Membership revenue of iQIYI in 2022 were RMB17.7 billion (US$2.6 billion), increasing by RMB1.0 billion, or 6%, from RMB16.7 billion in
2021. The average daily number of total subscribing members
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in 2022 was 103.1 million, as compared to 101.6 million in 2021. The average daily number of subscribing members excluding individuals with trial
memberships was 102.4 million in 2022, as compared to 100.7 million in 2021. In addition, average revenue per membership during a month, or
monthly ARM, in 2022 increased by 4.4% to RMB14.31, as compared to RMB13.71 in 2021. iQIYI tracks the number of average daily subscribing
members and monthly ARM as key indicators for membership revenue growth, and has been cultivating users’ willingness to pay. iQIYI is dedicated to
providing more premium content through diversified approaches, as it did in the past by launching theme-based drama theaters, members only content
and the PVOD mode, to expand its subscribing member base, nurture members’ willingness to pay and diversify its routes to membership monetization
to drive membership services revenue.
iQIYI content distribution revenue decreased by RMB386 million, or 14%, from RMB2.9 billion in 2021 to RMB2.5 billion (US$358 million) in
2022, primarily attributable to the decrease in barter transactions during the year.
iQIYI other revenue for iQIYI in 2022 were RMB3.5 billion (US$505 million), decreasing by RMB432 million, or 11%, from RMB3.9 billion in
2021, primarily due to the deterioration of performance in various business lines and the adjustment in business operation model of certain business
lines, partially offset by the revenue derived from third-party cooperation.
2021 compared to 2020.
iQIYI revenue was RMB30.6 billion in 2021, increasing by RMB847 million, or 3%, from RMB29.7 billion in 2020.
iQIYI online advertising services revenue are included in “Online marketing revenue” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss)
income.
iQIYI’s online advertising revenues in 2021 were RMB7.1 billion, increasing by RMB245 million, or 4%, from RMB6.8 billion in 2020, as a
result of a rebound of advertisers’ budgets as well as an increase of the number of our brand advertisers. Average brand advertising revenue per brand
advertiser decreased by 25.8% from RMB6.6 million in 2020 to RMB4.9 million in 2021.
Revenue from iQIYI membership services, content distribution, and others are included in “Other revenue” in the statements of comprehensive
(loss) income.
Membership revenue of iQIYI in 2021 were RMB16.7 billion, increasing by RMB223 million, or 1%, from RMB16.5 billion in 2020. The
average daily number of subscribing members in 2021 was 101.6 million, as compared to 110.3 million in 2020. The average daily number of
subscribing members excluding individuals with trial memberships was 100.7 million in 2021, as compared to 109.4 million in 2020. In addition,
average revenue per membership during a month, or monthly ARM, in 2021 increased by 10.0% to RMB13.71, as compared to RMB12.46 in 2020.
iQIYI content distribution revenue increased by RMB196 million, or 7%, from RMB2.7 billion in 2020 to RMB2.9 billion in 2021, primarily
attributable to increased content titles distributed to other platforms during 2021.
iQIYI other revenue for iQIYI in 2021 were RMB3.9 billion, increasing by RMB183 million, or 5%, from RMB3.7 billion in 2020, as a result of
iQIYI’s strong performance across various vertical business lines, such as live streaming, talent agency and box office performance of iQIYI’s original
movies, especially Break Through the Darkness, which was screened in theaters in May 2021.
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Segment Operating Costs and Expenses
The following table sets forth our operating costs and expenses by segment and the year-over-year change rate for the periods indicated, with each
segment operating costs and expenses including inter-segment costs and expenses:
Operating Costs and Expenses:
Baidu Core
iQIYI
2020
RMB
Year ended December 31,
2021
RMB YoY%
RMB
(In millions, except percentages)
2022
US$
YoY%
58,146
35,748
80,021
35,033
38
(2)
80,897
27,686
11,729
4,014
1
(21)
Baidu Core. Operating costs and expenses of Baidu Core mainly consist of personnel-related costs, traffic acquisition costs, marketing and
promotion spending, depreciation expenses, costs of goods sold, content costs, bandwidth cost and other costs related to new AI business.
Cost of revenues. The cost of revenues of Baidu Core increased by 12% from RMB37.8 billion in 2021 to RMB42.4 billion (US$6.1 billion) in
2022, primarily due to an increase in traffic acquisition costs, bandwidth costs, depreciation costs, cost of goods sold and other costs related to the new
AI business, personnel-related costs and content costs.
The cost of revenues of Baidu Core increased by 33% from RMB28.4 billion in 2020 to RMB37.8 billion in 2021, primarily due to an increase in
content costs, traffic acquisition costs, bandwidth costs, cost of goods sold and other costs related to new AI business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. The selling, general and administrative expenses of Baidu Core decreased by 15% from
RMB20.0 billion in 2021 to RMB17.1 billion (US$2.5 billion) in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in channel spending and promotional marketing
expenses.
The selling, general and administrative expenses of Baidu Core increased by 55% from RMB12.9 billion in 2020 to RMB20.0 billion in 2021,
primarily due to an increase in channel spending, promotional marketing and personnel-related expenses and contingent loss pertaining to legal
proceedings involving former advertising agencies.
Research and development expenses. The research and development expenses of Baidu Core decreased by 3% from RMB22.1 billion in 2021 to
RMB21.4 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2022, primarily due to a decrease of personnel-related expenses.
The research and development expenses of Baidu Core increased by 31% from RMB16.8 billion in 2020 to RMB22.1 billion in 2021, primarily
due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
iQIYI. Operating costs and expenses of iQIYI mainly consist of content costs, personnel-related costs, bandwidth costs, marketing and promotion
spending, and payment platform charges.
Cost of revenues. The cost of revenues of iQIYI decreased by 19% from RMB27.5 billion in 2021 to RMB22.3 billion (US$3.2 billion) in 2022,
primarily due to a decrease in content costs.
The cost of revenues of iQIYI decreased by 1% from RMB27.9 billion in 2020 to RMB27.5 billion in 2021, primarily due to the decrease in
bandwidth costs.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses. The selling, general and administrative expenses of iQIYI decreased by 27% from RMB4.7 billion
in 2021 to RMB3.5 billion (US$503 million) in 2022, primarily due to disciplined marketing spending and a decline in personnel-related compensation
expenses.
The selling, general and administrative expenses of iQIYI decreased by 9% from RMB5.2 billion in 2020 to RMB4.7 billion in 2021, primarily
due to decrease in personal compensation expenses and reversal of credit losses.
Research and development expenses. The research and development expenses of iQIYI decreased by 32% from RMB2.8 billion in 2021 to
RMB1.9 billion (US$275 million) in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in personnel-related expenses.
The research and development expenses of iQIYI increased by 4% from RMB2.7 billion in 2020 to RMB2.8 billion in 2021, primarily due to
non-recurring personnel-related expenses associated with the optimization of organizational structure in 2021.
Inflation
Inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the annual
average percent changes in the consumer price index in mainland China for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were 2.5%, 0.9% and 2.0%, respectively. The year-
over-year percent change in the consumer price index for January 2021, 2022 and 2023 was a decrease of 0.3%, an increase of 0.9%, and an increase of
2.1%, respectively. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in
the future by higher rates of inflation in China. For example, certain operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation and office operating
expenses, may increase as a result of higher inflation. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our assets consists of cash and cash equivalents and
short-term investments, high inflation could significantly reduce the value and purchasing power of these assets. We are not able to hedge our exposure
to higher inflation in China.
Foreign Currency
The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the RMB has declined from RMB8.1056 per US$ in July 2005 to RMB6.8972 per US$ in
December 2022. As of December 31, 2022, we recorded RMB1.3 billion (US$192 million) of net foreign currency translation loss in accumulated other
comprehensive (loss) income as a component of shareholders’ equity. We have not hedged exposures to exchange fluctuations using any hedging
instruments. See also “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China— Fluctuation in exchange rates could
have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
about Market Risk—Foreign Exchange Risk.”
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of our assets and liabilities and the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the end of each fiscal period and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during each fiscal period. We continually evaluate these judgments and estimates based on our own historical
experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions, our expectations regarding the future based on available information
and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, which together form our basis for making judgments about matters that are not readily apparent from
other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, our actual results could differ from those estimates.
Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application.
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The selection of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and the sensitivity of
reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors that should be considered when reviewing our financial statements. For further
information on our critical accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following accounting policies
involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements of Non-Marketable Equity Securities
We measure certain financial instruments at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, consisting primarily of our non-marketable equity securities. These
investments are accounted for under the measurement alternative and are measured at cost, less impairment, subject to upward and downward
adjustments resulting from observable price changes for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. These adjustments require quantitative
assessments of the fair value of equity investments, primarily using a market approach, which requires the use of unobservable inputs, such as selection
of comparable companies and multiples, expected volatility, discount for lack of marketability and probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation
and redemption preferences when applicable. Non-marketable equity securities are also evaluated for impairment, based on qualitative factors including
the companies’ financial and liquidity position and access to capital resources, among others. When indicators of impairment exist, we also prepare
quantitative measurements of the fair value of our equity investments using market approach with unobservable inputs. Our estimates of these inputs
require subjective management judgment and are inherently uncertain. The fair value information is sensitive to changes in the unobservable inputs used
to determine fair value and such changes could result in the fair value at the reporting date to be different from the fair value presented. When our
assessment indicates that an impairment exists, we write down the investment to its fair value.
Impairment of content assets
We review our film groups and individual content for impairment when there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate the fair value of
a film group or an individual content may be less than its unamortized costs. When such events or changes in circumstances are identified, we perform a
quantitative assessment to determine whether the fair value of a film group or an individual content is less than its unamortized film costs.
For the Mainland China film group, we use a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value, which requires the use of inputs such as the
forecasted future revenues, costs and operating expenses attributable to the film group and the discount rate. Our estimates of these inputs require
subjective management judgment and are inherently uncertain. The fair value information is sensitive to changes in the unobservable inputs used to
determine fair value and such changes could result in the fair value at the reporting date to be different from the fair value presented. The quantitative
impairment assessment we performed with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm as of December 31, 2022 indicated that the fair value of our
PRC film group is in excess of their carrying value and, therefore, did not result in an impairment.
For the fair value of the produced content predominantly monetized on its own, we use a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value,
which requires the use of inputs include forecasted future revenues, production costs required to complete the content and exploitation and participation
costs. Based on the above assessment, certain produced content predominantly monetized on its own are determined to be impaired and re-measured to
the fair value as of each quarter end.
Amortization of content assets
Based on factors including historical and estimated future viewership consumption patterns, our content assets (licensed copyrights and produced
content) are amortized using an accelerated method by content categories over the shorter of each content’s contractual period or estimated useful lives
within ten years,
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beginning with the month of first availability. We review factors that impact the amortization of the content assets on a regular basis, such as the
estimates of future viewership consumption patterns and estimated useful lives. Our estimates related to these factors require complex and subjective
management judgment and any changes in our estimates of future viewership consumption patterns and estimated useful lives may cause us to realize
different amounts of amortization in future periods.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
In order to comply with the laws and regulations of mainland China limiting foreign ownership of or imposing conditions on internet content
services, value-added telecommunication-based services, online audio and video services, and mobile application distribution businesses, we operate our
websites and conduct our internet content services, value-added telecommunication-based services, online audio and video services, and mobile
application distribution businesses through the variable interest entities in mainland China by means of contractual arrangements. We have entered into
certain exclusive agreements with the variable interest entities directly or through our subsidiaries, which obligate us to absorb losses of the variable
interest entities’ that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities or entitle the primary beneficiaries to receive economic benefits from
the variable interest entities that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities. In addition, we have entered into certain agreements with
the variable interest entities and the nominee shareholders of variable interest entities directly or through our subsidiaries, which enable us to direct the
activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the variable interest entities. Based on these contractual arrangements, we
consolidate the variable interest entities as required by ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, because we hold the variable interests of the variable interest
entities directly or through the subsidiaries, which are the primary beneficiaries of the variable interest entities. We will reconsider the initial
determination of whether a legal entity is a variable interest entity upon certain events listed in ASC 810-10-35-4 occurring. We will also continuously
reconsider whether we are the primary beneficiaries of the variable interest entities as facts and circumstances change. See “Item 3.D. Key Information
—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
Segment Reporting
As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had two reportable segments, Baidu Core and iQIYI. Baidu Core mainly provides search-based,
feed-based, and other online marketing services, as well as products and services from our new AI initiatives. iQIYI is an online entertainment service
provider that offers original, professionally produced and partner-generated content on its platform. In early April 2018, iQIYI completed its initial
public offering (“IPO”) on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Our chief executive officer, who has been identified as the chief operating decision marker, (“CODM”), reviews the operating results of Baidu
Core and iQIYI, to allocate resources and assess our performance. Accordingly, the financial statements include segment information which reflects the
current composition of the reportable segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues are derived principally from online marketing service and others. Revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services
is transferred to our customers in an amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Revenue is recorded net of valued added taxes (“VAT”).
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Our revenue recognition policies by types are as follows:
(1) Online marketing services
Performance-based online marketing services
Our auction-based P4P platform enables customers to bid for priority placement of paid sponsored links and reach users who search for
information related to their products or services. P4P online marketing customers can choose from search-based and feed-based online marketing
services, and select criteria for their purchase, such as daily spending limit and user profile targeted, including, but not limited to, users from specific
regions in mainland China and users online during a specific time period. Revenue is recognized when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met,
which is generally when a user clicks on one of the customer-sponsored links or feed-based marketing.
To the extent we provide online marketing services based on performance criteria other than cost-per-click, such as the number of downloads (and
user registration) of mobile apps and the pre-determined ratios of completed transaction volumes, revenue is recognized when the specified performance
criteria are met along with the satisfaction of other applicable revenue recognition criteria.
Baidu Union online marketing services
Baidu Union is a program through which we expand distribution of its customers’ sponsored links or advertisements by leveraging the traffic of
Baidu Union partners’ online properties. We acquire traffic from Baidu Union partners and are responsible for service fulfillment, pricing and bearing
inventory risks. The services which we provided to customers through Baidu Union partners’ online properties include cost-per-click (“CPC”), other
performance-based online marketing services and online display advertising services. These services are provided in the same way to customers as those
through Baidu’s own platforms or properties. As principal, our company recognizes revenue from Baidu Union on a gross basis. Payments made to
Baidu Union partners are recorded as traffic acquisition costs, which are included in “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
(loss) income.
Online display advertising services
We provide online display advertising services to our customers by integrating text description, image and/or video, and displaying the
advertisement in the search result, in Baidu Feed or on other properties. We recognize revenue on a pro rata basis over the contractual term for cost per
time advertising arrangements, commencing on the start date of the display advertisement, or based on the number of times that the advertisement has
been displayed for cost per thousand impressions advertising arrangements.
Collection
Certain customers of online marketing services are required to pay a deposit before using our services and are sent automated reminders to
replenish their accounts when the balance falls below a designated amount. The deposits received are recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred
revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts due to us are deducted from the deposited amounts when users click on the paid sponsored
links in the search results or other performance criteria have been satisfied. In addition, we offer payment terms to some customers based on their
historical marketing placements and credibility. In addition, we offer payment terms to third-party agents and advertisers based on their historical
marketing placements and credibility, consistently with industry practice.
Payment terms and conditions vary by customer and are based on the billing schedule established in our contracts or purchase orders with
customers, but we generally provide credit terms to customers within one year; therefore, we have determined that our contracts do not include a
significant financing component.
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Sales incentives
We provide sales incentives to third-party agents, which are identified as customers, that entitle them to receive price reduction on the online
marketing services by meeting certain cumulative consumption requirements. We account for these incentives granted to customers as variable
consideration and net them against revenue. The amount of variable consideration is measured based on the expected value of incentives to be provided
to customers.
(2) Others
Video Membership services
We offer membership services to subscribing members with various privileges, which primarily include access to exclusive and ad-free streaming
of premium content 1080P/4K high definition video, Dolby Audio, and accelerated downloads and others. When the receipt of membership fees is for
services to be delivered over a period of time, the receipt is initially recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred revenue” and revenue is recognized
ratably over the membership period as services are rendered. Membership services revenue also includes fees earned from subscribing members for
on-demand content purchases and early access to premium content. We are the principal in our relationships where partners, including consumer
electronics manufacturers (TVs and cell phones), mobile operators, internet service providers and online payment agencies, provide access to the
membership services or payment processing services as we retain control over its service delivery to its subscribing members. Typically, payments made
to the partners, are recorded as “Cost of revenues.” For the sale of the right to other membership services through strategic cooperation with other
parties, we recognize revenue on a net basis when we do not control the specified services before they are transferred to the customer.
Content distribution
We generate revenues from sub-licensing content asset for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges mainly with other online video broadcasting
companies. The exclusive licensing agreements we enter into with the vendors have a specified license period and provide us rights to sub-license these
content assets to other parties. We enter into a non-exclusive sub-license agreement with a sub-licensee for a period that falls within the original
exclusive license period. For cash sub-licensing transactions, we are entitled to receive the sub-license fee under the sub-licensing arrangements and do
not have any future obligation once we have provided the underlying content to the sub-licensee (which is provided at or before the beginning of the
sub-license period). The sub-licensing of content assets represents a license of functional intellectual property which grants a right to use our content
asset, and is recognized at the point in time when the content asset is made available for the customer’s use and benefit.
We also enter into nonmonetary transactions to exchange online broadcasting rights of content assets with other online video broadcasting
companies from time to time. The exchanged content assets provide rights for each party to broadcast the content assets received on its own platform
only. Each transferring party retains the right to continue broadcasting the exclusive content on its own platform and/or sublicense the rights to the
content it surrendered in the exchange. We account for these nonmonetary exchanges based on the fair value of the asset received. Barter sublicensing
revenue are recognized in accordance with the same revenue recognition criteria above. We estimate the fair value of the content assets received using a
market approach based on various factors, including the purchase price of similar non-exclusive and/or exclusive contents, broadcasting schedule, cast
and crew, theme, popularity, and box office. The transaction price of barter transaction revenues is calculated on the individual content asset basis. For a
significant barter sublicensing transaction, we further review the fair value by analyzing against the cost of the content assets bartered out and/or
engages a third-party valuation firm to assess the reasonableness of its fair value. The attributable cost of sublicensing transactions, whether for cash or
through nonmonetary exchanges, is recognized as cost of revenues through the amortization of the sublicensing right component of the exclusive
content assets.
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Cloud services
We provide enterprise and public sector cloud services and personal cloud services, generally on either a subscription or consumption basis. For
enterprise and public sector cloud services, we offer a full suite of cloud services and solutions, including IaaS (infrastructure as a service), PaaS
(platform as a service) and SaaS (software as a service). For personal cloud services, we offer Baidu Drive membership services provided to individual
customers. Revenue related to enterprise and public sector cloud services provided on a subscription basis is recognized ratably over the contract period.
Revenue related to enterprise and public sector cloud services provided on a consumption basis, such as the amount of storage used in a period, is
recognized based on the customer’s utilization of such resources. Revenue related to personal cloud services is recognized ratably over the membership
period as services are rendered and the receipt of membership fees for services to be delivered over a period of time is initially recorded as “Customer
deposits and deferred revenue.”
We provide cloud solutions for our customers in specific industries, such as smart transportation, finance, manufacturing, energy, telecom and
media. Revenue related to cloud solutions which mainly include integrated hardware, software licensing and installation service, is recognized over time
if one of the following criteria is met: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as we perform; (ii) our performance creates or
enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or (iii) the asset delivered has no alternative use and we have an
enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. Otherwise, revenue is recognized at a point in time when a customer obtains control of
a promised asset or service and we satisfy our performance obligation.
Baidu Apollo Auto Solutions
Revenue related to Baidu Apollo auto solutions (Apollo Self-Driving Services and DuerOS for Auto), which mainly includes software licensing
revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. Generally, revenue is recognized at a point in time
when the intellectual property is made available for the customer’s use and benefit.
Sales of hardware
We mainly sell Xiaodu smart device hardware products via third-party agents or directly to end customers. Revenue from the sales of hardware is
recognized when control of the goods is transferred to customers, which generally occurs when the products are delivered and accepted by our
customers. Revenue is recorded net of sales incentives and return allowance.
Other revenue recognition related policies
For arrangements that include multiple promised goods or services, primarily for advertisements to be displayed in different spots, placed under
different forms and displayed at different times and cloud services and Baidu Apollo auto solutions, which mainly include integrated hardware, software
licensing and installation services, we would evaluate all of the performance obligations in the arrangement to determine whether each performance
obligation is distinct. For arrangements with multiple distinct performance obligations, each distinct performance obligation is separately accounted for
and the total consideration is allocated to each performance obligation based on their relative standalone selling price at contract inception. We generally
determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis or estimates it using an expected cost plus margin
approach. For arrangement with multiple components that are not distinct within the context of the contract because they are considered highly
interdependent and the customer can only benefit from these promised goods or services in conjunction with one another, we account for them as one
performance obligation.
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. For certain services customers are required to pay before the
services are delivered to the customer. When either party to a revenue
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contract has performed, we recognize a contract asset or a contract liability on the consolidated balance sheets, depending on the relationship between
the entity’s performance and the customer’s payment.
Contract assets and contract liabilities
Contract liabilities were mainly related to fees for membership services to be provided over the membership period, which were presented as
“Customer deposits and deferred revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. Contract assets mainly represent unbilled amounts related to our rights to
consideration for advertising services and cloud services delivered and were included in “Other current assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets.
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and
(ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.
Share-based Compensation
We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, (“ASC 718”). We have elected
to recognize share-based compensation using the straight-line method for all share-based awards issued with no performance conditions. For awards
with performance conditions, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated basis if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience and are periodically reviewed. Cancellation of an award accompanied by the concurrent
grant of a replacement award is accounted for as a modification of the terms of the cancelled award (“modified awards”). The compensation costs
associated with the modified awards are recognized if either the original vesting condition or the new vesting condition is achieved. Total recognized
compensation cost for the awards is at least equal to the fair value of the awards at the grant date unless at the date of the modification the performance
or service conditions of the original awards are not expected to be satisfied. The incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair
value of the replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award at the cancellation date. Therefore, in relation to the modified award, we
recognize share-based compensation over the vesting periods of the replacement award, which comprises (i) the amortization of the incremental portion
of share-based compensation over the remaining vesting term, and (ii) any unrecognized compensation cost of the original award, using either the
original term or the new term, whichever results in higher expenses for each reporting period.
Income Taxes
We recognize income taxes under the liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation
allowance against the amount of deferred tax assets that we determine is not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change
in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. For reconciliation of tax computed by applying the respective
statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income, please see “Income taxes” under Note 16 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Deferred income taxes are recognized on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, which are presumed to be transferred to the parent company
and are subject to withholding taxes, unless there is sufficient evidence to show that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the undistributed earnings
indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation.
We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, (“ASC 740”), in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740 clarifies the
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the recognition
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threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. We have elected to classify interest and penalties related
to an uncertain tax position (if and when required) as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Long-term investments
Our long-term investments consist of equity method investments, equity investments with readily determinable fair value, equity investments
without readily determinable fair value, equity investments in private equity funds, other investments accounted for at fair value and available-for-sale
debt investments.
Investments in entities in which we can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for
using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). Under the
equity method, we initially record its investment at cost and the difference between the cost of the equity investee and the amount of the underlying
equity in the net assets of the equity investee is accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary. We subsequently adjust the carrying
amount of our investment to recognize our proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss into earnings after the date of investment and
its share of each equity investee’s movement in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss is recognize in other comprehensive (loss) income.
When calculating our proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss, we adjust the net income or loss of equity investee to include
accretion of preferred stock that is classified in temporary equity in the investee’s financial statements into earnings. We will discontinue applying the
equity method if an investment (plus additional financial support provided to the investee, if any) has been reduced to zero. When we have other
investments in the equity-method investee and we are not required to advance additional funds to the investee, we would continue to report its share of
equity method losses in our statements of comprehensive (loss)income after our equity-method investment in ordinary shares has been reduced to zero,
to the extent of and as an adjustment to the adjusted basis of our other investments in the investee. Such losses are first applied to those investments of a
lower liquidation preference before being further applied to the investments of a higher liquidation preference. We adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting
for our share of equity income (loss) in majority of our equity method investees.
We evaluate the equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by us when determining whether an investment has
been other-than-temporarily-impaired, includes, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than
cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and our intent and ability to retain the investment until the recovery of its cost. An
impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary and is
allocated to the individual net assets underlying equity method investments in the following order: 1) reduce any equity method goodwill to zero; 2)
reduce the individual basis differences related to the investee’s long-lived assets pro rata based on their amounts relative to the overall basis difference at
the impairment date and 3) reduce the individual basis difference of the investee’s remaining assets in a systematic and rational manner.
For equity investments in private equity funds, over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are measured using the net
asset value per share based on the practical expedient in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) (“NAV practical
expedient”).
For equity securities without readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient of the investment, we elected to
use the measurement alternative to measure those investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price
changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. Significant judgments are required to determine (i) whether
observable price changes are orderly transactions and identical or similar to an investment held by us, and (ii) the selection of appropriate valuation
methodologies and underlying assumptions, including expected
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volatility and the probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption features used to measure the price adjustments for the difference in
rights and obligations between instruments. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value, and any changes in fair
value are recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
For equity investments measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings, we do not assess whether those securities are
impaired. For equity investments that we elect to use the measurement alternative, we make a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators
to evaluate whether investments are impaired at each reporting date. Impairment indicators considered include, but are not limited to, a significant
deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee, including factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s
ability to continue as a going concern, a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technologic environment of the investee and a
significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates. If a qualitative
assessment indicates that the investment is impaired, we estimate the investment’s fair value in accordance with the principles of ASC 820. If the fair
value is less than the investment’s carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss in earnings equal to the difference between the carrying value and
fair value.
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 946-320, Financial Services—Investment Companies, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities, we account for
long-term equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies at fair value. These investments were initially recorded
at their transaction price net of transaction costs, if any. Fair values of these investments are re-measured at each reporting date in accordance with ASC
820.
Available-for-sale debt investments are convertible debt instruments issued by private companies and investments in preferred shares that are
redeemable at our option, which are measured at fair value. Interest income is recognized in earnings. All other changes in the carrying amount of these
debt investments are recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income.
Long-term time deposit and held-to-maturity investments
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity securities were mainly deposits in commercial banks with maturities of greater than one year and
wealth management products issued by commercial banks and other financial institutions.
Investments in debt securities that we have positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity investments and stated
at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses.
Licensed Copyrights, net
Licensed copyrights consist of professionally-produced content such as films, television series, variety shows and other video content acquired
from external parties. The license fees are capitalized and, unless prepaid, a corresponding liability is recorded when the cost of the content is known,
the content is accepted by us in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the content is available for its first showing on our
platforms. Licensed copyrights are presented on the consolidated balance sheets as current and non-current, based on estimated time of usage.
Our licensed copyrights include the right to broadcast and in some instances, the right to sublicense. The broadcasting right, refers to the right to
broadcast the content on its own platforms and the sublicensing right, refers to the right to sublicense the underlying content to external parties. When
licensed copyrights include both broadcasting and sublicensing rights, the content costs are allocated to these two rights upon initial recognition, based
on the relative proportion of the estimated total revenues that will be generated by each right over its estimated useful lives.
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For the right to broadcast the contents on its own platforms that generates online advertising and membership services revenues, based on factors
including historical and estimated future viewership patterns, the content costs are amortized using an accelerated method by content categories over the
shorter of each content’s contractual period or estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability. Content categories
accounting for most of our content include newly released drama series, newly released movies, animations, library drama series and library movies.
Estimates of future viewership consumption patterns and estimated useful lives are reviewed periodically, at least on an annual basis and revised, if
necessary. Revisions to the amortization patterns are accounted for as a change in accounting estimate prospectively in accordance with ASC Topic 250,
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“ASC 250”).
For the right to sublicense the content to external parties that generates direct content distribution revenues, the content costs are amortized based
on its estimated usage pattern and recorded as cost of revenues.
Produced Content, net
We produce original content in-house and collaborate with external parties. Produced content primarily consists of films, episodic series, variety
shows and animations. The costs incurred in the physical production of original content include direct production costs, production overhead and
acquisition costs. Produced content also includes cash expenditures made to acquire a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit
sharing, distribution and/or other rights. Exploitation costs are expensed as incurred. Participation costs are accrued using the individual-film-forecast-
computation method, which recognizes the costs in the same ratio as the associated ultimate revenue. Production costs for original content that are
predominantly monetized in a film group are capitalized. Production costs for original content predominantly monetized on its own are capitalized to the
extent that they are recoverable from total revenues expected to be earned (“ultimate revenue”); otherwise, they are expensed as cost of revenues.
Ultimate revenue estimates include revenue expected to be earned from all sources, including exhibition, licensing, or exploitation of produced
content if we have demonstrated a history of earning such revenue. We estimate ultimate revenue to be earned during the estimated useful lives of
produced content based on anticipated release patterns and historical results of similar produced content, which are identified based on various factors,
including cast and crew, target audience and popularity. The capitalized production costs are reported separately as noncurrent assets with caption of
“Produced content, net” on the consolidated balance sheets.
Based on factors including historical and estimated future viewership consumption patterns, we amortize film costs for produced content that is
predominantly monetized in a film group. For produced content that is monetized on its own, we consider historical and estimated usage patterns to
determine the pattern of amortization for film costs. Based on the estimated patterns, we amortize produced content using an accelerated method over its
estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability and such costs are included in “Cost of revenues” in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
Impairment of licensed copyrights and produced content
Our business model is mainly subscription and advertising based, as such the majority of our content assets (licensed copyrights and produced
content) are predominantly monetized with other content assets, whereas a smaller portion of our content assets are predominantly monetized at a
specific title level such as variety shows and investments in a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit sharing, distribution and/or
other rights. Because the identifiable cash flows related to content launched on our Mainland China platform are largely independent of the cash flows
of other content launched on our overseas platform, we have identified two separate film groups. We review our film groups and individual content for
impairment when there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate the fair value of a film group or individual content may be less than its
unamortized costs. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances include, a significant adverse change in technological, regulatory, legal,
economic, or social factors, that could affect the fair value of the film group or
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the public’s perception of a film or the availability of a film for future showings, a significant decrease in the number of subscribers or forecasted
subscribers, or the loss of a major distributor, a change in the predominant monetization strategy of a film that is currently monetized on its own, actual
costs substantially in excess of budgeted costs, substantial delays in completion or release schedules, or actual performance subsequent to release failing
to meet expectations set before release such as a significant decrease in the amount of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized.
When such events or changes in circumstances are identified, we assess whether the fair value of an individual content (or film group) is less than
its unamortized film costs, determines the fair value of an individual content (or film group) and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by
which the unamortized capitalized costs exceed the individual content’s (or film group’s) fair value. We mainly use a discounted cash flow approach to
determine the fair value of an individual content or film group, for which the most significant inputs include the forecasted future revenues, costs and
operating expenses attributable to an individual content or the film group and the discount rate. An impairment loss attributable to a film group is
allocated to individual licensed copyrights and produced content within the film group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying values of those
assets as we cannot estimate the fair value of individual contents in the film group without undue cost and effort.
Business Combinations
We account for our business combinations using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.
The purchase method of accounting requires that the consideration transferred to be allocated to the assets, including separately identifiable assets and
liabilities we acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The consideration transferred in an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair
values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations as of the
acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities
acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The
excess of (i) the total of cost of acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity
interests in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than
the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in earnings.
In a business combination achieved in stages, we re-measured our previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining
control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive (loss) income.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is based on
various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment from management. The most significant variables in these valuations
are discount rates, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash
inflows and outflows. We determine discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activity’s current business model and industry
comparisons.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2022, we had RMB185.3 billion (US$26.9 billion) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments, and
the variable interest entities had RMB8.6 billion (US$1.2 billion) of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments. The cash and
cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, time deposits, money market funds and other
liquid investments which have original maturities of three months or less. The restricted cash primarily consists of amounts deposited and held in escrow
for the acquisition of YY live which has not been closed yet. The short-
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term investments primarily consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate debt investments with original maturity of less than one year.
We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments and anticipated cash flow from operations will be
sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including our cash needs for working capital, capital expenditures and debt repayment, for at least the next
12 months. We may, however, require additional cash due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or
acquisitions we may decide to pursue, and we may incur additional indebtedness (such as loans, convertible senior notes and notes) in the future.
Historically, there was substantial doubt regarding iQIYI’s ability to continue as a going concern as it did not have sufficient funds without
securing additional financing to repurchase all or a significant portion of its outstanding 2025 convertible notes if redeemed by noteholders on April 1,
2023. iQIYI has implemented plans and improved its financial position by reducing discretionary capital expenditures and operational expenses and
raising additional financing. For example, in March 2022, iQIYI issued ordinary shares for a total cash purchase price of US$285 million in a private
placement transaction. In December 2022, iQIYI issued US$500 million convertible senior notes due January 2028 to PAG for cash. In February 2023,
iQIYI issued to PAG an additional US$50 million principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes upon PAG’s exercise to subscribe for additional notes in
full. In January 2023, iQIYI completed a registered follow-on public offering of ordinary shares in the form of ADSs and received net proceeds of
US$500 million in aggregate. In March 2023, iQIYI completed an offering of US$600 million in aggregate principal amount of the iQIYI 2028
Convertible Notes. Concurrently with and shortly after the offering of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, iQIYI entered into separate individually and
privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes to repurchase US$340 million principal amount of such notes
for cash. Based on the above actions, the substantial doubt about iQIYI’s ability to continue as a going concern has been resolved as of the date of
iQIYI’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2022. See also “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in
China—iQIYI operates in a capital intensive industry and requires a significant amount of cash to fund its operations, content acquisitions and
technology investments. If iQIYI cannot obtain sufficient capital, its business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and adversely
affected.”
Furthermore, cash transfers from our mainland China subsidiaries to their parent companies outside of mainland China are subject to PRC
government control of currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our mainland China subsidiaries
and the variable interest entities to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to their parent companies outside of mainland
China or our company, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Doing Business in China—Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.” As of December 31,
2022, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities held RMB138.1 billion (US$20.0 billion) of cash, cash equivalents, restricted
cash, and short-term investments, RMB579 million (US$84 million) of which were in the form of foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2022, we have
made long-term loans in an aggregate principal amount of RMB19.1 billion (US$2.8 billion) to the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities.
As of the date of this annual report, we do not have any repayment schedule with respect to such loans to the nominee shareholders of the variable
interest entities.
Equity financing
We raised from our global offering in connection with the listing in Hong Kong in March 2021 approximately US$3.1 billion in net proceeds after
deducting underwriting commissions, share issuance costs and the offering expenses.
iQIYI raised an aggregate amount of US$285 million through private investments of ordinary shares in March 2022. iQIYI received net proceeds
of US$500 million (equivalent to RMB3.4 billion) through a public offering of ordinary shares in the form of ADSs in January 2023.
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Short-term loans
The total outstanding balance of our short-term loans as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB3.0 billion, RMB4.2 billion and
RMB5.3 billion (US$775 million), respectively, which consisted of RMB denominated borrowings made by our subsidiaries from financial institutions
in mainland China and were repayable within one year. The total outstanding balance of iQIYI’s short-term loans as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and
2022 was RMB3.0 billion, RMB4.1 billion and RMB3.3 billion (US$485 million), respectively. In 2022, Baidu Core borrowed RMB2.0 billion
(US$290 million) one-year loans for its general working capital purposes.
As of December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, the repayments of the iQIYI’s short-term loans are primarily guaranteed by subsidiaries of iQIYI and
collateralized either by an office building of one of iQIYI’s VIEs with a carrying amount of RMB548 million, RMB535 million and RMB522 million
(US$76 million), respectively, or restricted cash balances totaling US$4 million, US$5 million and nil, respectively. Certain of iQIYI’s outstanding
short-term loan agreements contain financial and other covenants, which depend on the financial position or performance of iQIYI’s subsidiaries, VIEs
and VIEs’ subsidiaries. One of iQIYI’s VIEs did not satisfy certain financial covenants for 2022, based on which the commercial bank had the right to
suspend the issuance of credit lines, and/or cause all outstanding amounts totaling RMB600 million (US$87 million) with original maturity dates in
2023 to be due and repayable immediately. On February 6, 2023, the commercial bank has waived its right to demand immediate repayment. Therefore,
this did not constitute an event of default with respect to iQIYI’s convertible senior notes.
As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the weighted average interest rates for the outstanding borrowings were 4.30%, 4.80% and 3.42%,
respectively, and the aggregate amounts of unused lines of credit for short-term loans were RMB840 million, RMB2.8 billion and RMB2.6 billion
(US$383 million), respectively.
Long-term loans
In April 2021, we entered into a five-year US$3.0 billion term and revolving facilities agreement with a group of 22 arrangers. The facilities
consist of a US$1.5 billion five-year bullet maturity term loan and a US$1.5 billion five-year revolving facility. The facility was priced at 85 basis points
over LIBOR and is intended for general corporate purposes. In June 2021, we drew down US$1.5 billion term loan and US$500 million revolving loan
under the facility commitment. In connection with the drawdowns, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements, pursuant to which the loans would
be settled with a fixed annual interest rate of 1.71% and 1.72%, during the respective term of the loans.
Debt securities issuances
We have conducted the following rounds of debt securities issuances, which remain outstanding as of the date of this annual report:
•
In June 2015, we issued an aggregate of US$750 million senior unsecured notes due in 2020 (“2020 Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 3.000%, and an aggregate of US$500 million senior unsecured notes due in 2025 (“2025 Ten-year Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 4.125%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used for general corporate purposes. In June 2020, notes with
carrying value of US$750 million were fully repaid when they became due. As of December 31, 2022, the total carrying value and
estimated fair value were US$500 million and US$481 million, respectively, with respect to the 2025 Ten-year Notes. The estimated fair
values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2022. We are not subject to any financial
covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of US$21 million in interest payments related to
these notes.
•
In July 2017, we issued an aggregate of US$900 million senior unsecured notes due in 2022 (“2022 Five-year Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 2.875%, and an aggregate of US$600 million
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senior unsecured notes due in 2027 (“2027 Ten-year Notes”), with stated annual interest rate of 3.625%. The net proceeds from the sale of
the notes were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. In July 2022, the 2022 Five-year Notes were fully
repaid when they became due. As of December 31, 2022, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$600 million and
US$555 million, respectively, with respect to the 2027 Ten-year Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our
publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2022. We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions
under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of US$48 million in interest payments related to these notes.
In March 2018, we issued an aggregate of US$1.0 billion senior unsecured notes due in 2023 (“2023 Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 3.875%, and an aggregate of US$500 million senior unsecured notes due in 2028 (“2028 March Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 4.375%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2022, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$1.0 billion and US$1.0 billion, respectively, with
respect to the 2023 Notes, and US$500 million and US$471 million, respectively, with respect to the 2028 March Notes. The estimated fair
values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2022. We are not subject to any financial
covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of US$61 million in interest payments related to
these notes.
In November 2018, we issued an aggregate of US$600 million senior unsecured notes due in 2024 (“2024 November Notes”), with stated
annual interest rate of 4.375%, and an aggregate of US$400 million senior unsecured notes due in 2028 (“2028 November Notes”), with
stated annual interest rate of 4.875%. In December 2018, we issued an aggregate of US$250 million senior unsecured notes due in 2024
(“2024 December Notes”), with stated annual interest rate of 4.375%, which constitute a further issuance of, and be fungible with and be
consolidated and form a single series with the 2024 November Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay
existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2022, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were
US$600 million and US$590 million, respectively, with respect to the 2024 November Notes, US$400 million and US$384 million,
respectively, with respect to the 2028 November Notes, and US$250 million and US$246 million, respectively, with respect to the 2024
December Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2022.
We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of
US$57 million in interest payments related to these notes.
In April 2020, we issued an aggregate of US$600 million senior unsecured notes due in 2025 (“2025 Five-year Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 3.075%, and an aggregate of US$400 million senior unsecured notes due in 2030 (“2030 April Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 3.425%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate
purposes. As of December 31, 2022, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$600 million and US$565 million,
respectively, with respect to the 2025 Five-Year Notes, US$400 million and US$347 million, respectively, with respect to the 2030 April
Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2022. We are not
subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of US$32 million in
interest payments related to these notes.
In October 2020, we issued an aggregate of US$650 million senior unsecured notes due in 2026 (“2026 Notes”), with stated annual interest
rate of 1.720%, and an aggregate of US$300 million senior unsecured notes due in 2030 (“2030 October Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 2.375%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes are to be used to repay existing indebtedness. As of December 31,
2022, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$650 million and US$576 million, respectively, with respect to the 2026
Notes, and US$300 million and
•
•
•
•
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US$239 million, respectively, with respect to the 2030 October Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our
publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31, 2022. We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions
under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of US$18 million in interest payments related to these notes.
•
In August 2021, we issued an aggregate of US$300 million senior unsecured notes due in 2027 (“2027 Five-year Notes”), with stated
annual interest rate of 1.625%, and an aggregate of US$700 million senior unsecured notes due in 2031 (“2031 Notes”), with stated annual
interest rate of 2.375%. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes are to be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of
certain existing indebtedness. As of December 31, 2022, the total carrying value and estimated fair value were US$300 million and
US$257 million, respectively, with respect to the 2027 Five-year Notes, and US$700 million and US$548 million, respectively, with
respect to the 2031 Notes. The estimated fair values were based on quoted prices for our publicly-traded debt securities as of December 31,
2022. We are not subject to any financial covenants or other significant restrictions under the notes. In 2022, we paid an aggregate of
US$22 million in interest payments related to these notes.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the 2025 Ten-year Notes, the 2027 Ten-year Notes, the 2023 Notes and the 2028 March Notes, events
of default include, among others, there occurring with respect to any of our indebtedness or indebtedness of our principal controlled entities, an event of
default resulting in accelerated maturity or a failure to pay principal, interest or premium when due, and that the outstanding principal amount under
payment default or accelerated maturity equals or exceeds the greater of US$100 million and 2.5% of our total equity. Under such indentures, principal
controlled entities refer to entities as to which one or more of the following conditions is/are satisfied: (i) its total revenue or consolidated total revenue
attributable to our company is at least 5% of our consolidated total revenue, (ii) its net profit or consolidated net profit attributable to our company is at
least 5% of our consolidated net profit; or (iii) its net assets or consolidated net assets attributable to our company are at least 10% of our consolidated
net assets. For example, iQIYI constitutes a principal controlled entity under such indentures.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the 2024 November Notes, the 2024 December Notes (consolidated into and form a single series with
the 2024 November Notes), the 2028 November Notes, the 2025 Five-year Notes, the 2030 April Notes, the 2026 Notes, the 2030 October Notes, the
2027 Five-year Notes and the 2031 Notes, events of default include, among others, there occurring with respect to any of our company’s indebtedness,
an event of default resulting in accelerated maturity or a failure to pay principal, interest or premium when due, and that the outstanding principal
amount under payment default or accelerated maturity equals or exceeds the greater of US$100 million and 2.5% of our total equity.
If any such event of default were to take place, the holders of those notes may declare the principal of notes to be due and payable prior to the
stated maturity. Under the terms of the indentures governing the various notes, a declaration of acceleration of the relevant series of notes will be
automatically annulled if such event of default is remedied or cured by our company or any of our company’s principal controlled entities, in the case of
the 2025 Ten-year Notes, the 2027 Ten-year Notes, the 2023 Notes and the 2028 March Notes, or our company, in the case of the 2024 November Notes,
the 2024 December Notes, the 2028 November Notes, the 2025 Five-year Notes, the 2030 April Notes, the 2026 Notes, the 2030 October Notes, the
2027 Five-year Notes and the 2031 Notes, or waived by the holders of the relevant notes within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect
thereto and if the annulment of the acceleration of those notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. As of
December 31, 2022, there was no such event of default.
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iQIYI convertible notes
iQIYI has conducted the following issuances of convertible notes, which remain outstanding as of the date of this annual report:
•
On December 4, 2018, iQIYI issued US$750 million convertible senior notes (the “iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2023
Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 3.75% per annum
on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2019. The iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes will mature on December 1, 2023
unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes is 37.1830 of iQIYI’s ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI
2023 Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$26.89 per ADS). Prior to June 1, 2023, the
iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the following circumstances: (1) during any
calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2019, if the last reported sale price of ADSs for at least 20
trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of
the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price; (2) during the five business day
period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per US$1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98%
of the product of the last reported sale price of the ADSs and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) if iQIYI calls the notes for a
tax redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. Thereafter, the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes will be convertible
at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity
date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events but is not adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition,
following a make-whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date or following iQIYI’s delivery of a notice of a tax
redemption, iQIYI will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event
or such tax redemption. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a
combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes for cash on December 1, 2021, or upon a
fundamental change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In 2021, iQIYI
redeemed US$747 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes as requested by the holders. Following settlement of the
repurchase, the repurchase amount which was fully accreted was derecognized and US$3 million (equivalent to RMB22 million) aggregate
principal amount of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes remained outstanding and was included in “Convertible senior notes, current
portion” as of December 31, 2022 as it will mature on December 1, 2023.
In connection with the issuance of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options (the “iQIYI 2023 Capped
Call”) on iQIYI’s ADS with certain counterparties at a price of US$68 million. The counterparties agreed to sell to iQIYI up to
approximately 28 million of iQIYI’s ADSs upon iQIYI’s exercise of the iQIYI 2023 Capped Call. The exercise price is equal to the iQIYI
2023 Convertible Notes’ initial conversion price and the cap price is US$38.42 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of
the capped call transactions. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce potential dilution to existing holders of the ordinary
shares and ADSs of iQIYI upon conversion of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes and/or offset any potential cash payments that iQIYI is
required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to
a cap.
•
On March 29, 2019, iQIYI issued US$1.2 billion convertible senior notes (the “iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 2.00% per annum
on October 1 and April 1 of each year,
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beginning on October 1, 2019. The iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2025 unless redeemed, repurchased or converted
prior to such date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes is 33.0003 of iQIYI’s ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI
2025 Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$30.30 per ADS). Prior to October 1, 2024,
the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the following circumstances: (1) during any
calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2019, if the last reported sale price of ADSs for at least 20
trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of
the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price; (2) during the five business day
period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per US$1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98%
of the product of the last reported sale price of the ADSs and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) if iQIYI calls the notes for a
tax redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. Thereafter, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes will be convertible
at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity
date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events but is not adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition,
following a make-whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date or following iQIYI’s delivery of a notice of a tax
redemption, iQIYI will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event
or such tax redemption. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a
combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or a portion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes for cash on April 1, 2023, or upon a
fundamental change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In connection with the issuance of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options (the “iQIYI 2025 Capped
Call”) on iQIYI’s ADS with certain counterparties at a price of US$85 million. The counterparties agreed to sell to iQIYI up to
approximately 40 million of iQIYI’s ADSs upon iQIYI’s exercise of the iQIYI 2025 Capped Call. The exercise price is equal to the iQIYI
2025 Convertible Notes’ initial conversion price and the cap price is US$40.02 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of
the capped call transactions. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce potential dilution to existing holders of the ordinary
shares and ADSs of iQIYI upon conversion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and/or offset any potential cash payments that iQIYI is
required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to
a cap.
•
On December 21, 2020, iQIYI issued US$800 million convertible senior notes and offered an additional US$100 million principal amount
simultaneously, pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. On January 8, 2021, the additional US$100 million
principal amount was issued pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option. The convertible senior notes issued on December 21,
2020 and January 8, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes”) are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and
interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 4.00% per annum on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15,
2021. The iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes will mature on December 15, 2026 unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes is 44.8179 of iQIYI’s ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI
2026 Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$22.31 per ADS). Prior to June 15, 2026,
the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the following circumstances: (1) during any
calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on
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March 31, 2021, if the last reported sale price of ADSs for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30
consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or
equal to 130% of the conversion price; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the
trading price per US$1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the ADSs and the
conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) if iQIYI calls the notes for a tax redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified
corporate events. Thereafter, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close
of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in
some events but is not adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following a make-whole fundamental change that occurs
prior to the maturity date or following iQIYI’s delivery of a notice of a tax redemption, iQIYI will increase the conversion rate for a holder
who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or such tax redemption. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or
deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or a portion of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes for cash on August 1, 2024, or upon a
fundamental change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Concurrently with and shortly after the offering of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, iQIYI also entered into separate and individually
privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes to repurchase US$340 million (equivalent to
RMB2.3 billion) principal amount of such notes for cash.
•
On December 30, 2022, iQIYI issued US$500 million convertible senior notes (the “iQIYI PAG Notes”), pursuant to the definitive
agreements entered with PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited, PAG Pegasus Fund LP and/or their affiliates (collectively, the “Investors”) in
August 2022. The iQIYI PAG Notes are senior, secured obligations of iQIYI by certain collateral arrangements, and interest is payable
quarterly in cash at a rate of 6.00% per annum on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2023. The
iQIYI PAG Notes will mature on the fifth anniversary of the issuance date unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date. In
February 2023, iQIYI offered an additional US$50 million principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes simultaneously, pursuant to the
Investors’ option to purchase additional notes.
The iQIYI PAG Notes will be convertible at the holder’s option at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading
day immediately preceding the maturity date and subject to the terms of the iQIYI PAG Notes, at an initial conversion rate of 216.9668
ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately
US$4.61 per ADS). Following a make-whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date, iQIYI will increase the conversion
rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change.
Holders of the iQIYI PAG Notes have the right to require iQIYI to repurchase for cash all or part of their notes at a repurchase price equal
to 120% and 130% of the principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes on or shortly after the third anniversary of the issuance date and the
fifth anniversary of the issuance date, respectively. Upon the closing of the transaction, the Investors have appointed the executive
chairman of PAG as a member to the board of directors, a member of the compensation committee and a non-voting member of the audit
committee of iQIYI pursuant to their rights in the definitive agreements. The repayments of iQIYI PAG Notes are guaranteed by equity
interests of certain subsidiaries of iQIYI and collateralized by all the csh consideration related to certain contracts for which
RMB750 million (US$109 million) cash consideration has been received as of December 31, 2022 and reported as long-term restricted
cash balances.
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•
In March 2023, iQIYI issued an aggregate principal amount of US$600 million (equivalent to RMB4.1 billion) convertible senior notes
(the “iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes”) for cash. The net proceeds of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes (after deducting the initial
purchasers’ discounts, taking into account the estimated reimbursement from the initial purchasers for certain expenses incurred by iQIYI,
but without deducting other estimated offering expenses payable by iQIYI) amounted to approximately US$591 million (equivalent to
RMB4.1 billion). The iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable quarterly in cash at
a rate of 6.50% per annum in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2023. The
iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes will mature on March 15, 2028 unless repurchased, redeemed or converted prior to such date. The iQIYI
2028 Convertible Notes may be convertible into iQIYI’s ADS at the holder’s option and subject to the terms of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible
Notes, at an initial conversion rate of 101.4636 ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes (which is
equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$9.86 per iQIYI’s ADS). Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such
converting holders, as the case may be, cash, iQIYI’s ADSs, or a combination of cash and iQIYI’s ADSs, at its election. On March 16,
2026 or in the event of certain fundamental changes, the holders of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes will have the right to require iQIYI
to repurchase for cash all or part of their notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible
Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Concurrently with and shortly after the offering of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible
Notes, iQIYI also entered into separate and individually privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of the iQIYI 2026
Convertible Notes to repurchase US$340 million (equivalent to RMB2.3 billion) principal amount of such notes for cash.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible
Notes, the iQIYI PAG Notes and the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes (collectively referred to as the “iQIYI Convertible Notes”), events of default
include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
default in any payment of interest or additional amounts as defined under the respective indenture for a period of 30 days;
default in the payment of principal of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible
Notes and the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, or repurchase amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes when due;
failure by iQIYI to comply with its obligation to convert the iQIYI Convertible Notes upon exercise of a holder’s conversion right for a
period of five business days;
failure by iQIYI to issue a Fundamental Change Company Notice or a Make-Whole Fundamental Change as defined under the respective
indenture or a specified corporate event when due for a period of five business days;
failure by iQIYI to comply with its obligations relating to consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance and lease under article 11 of the
respective indenture;
failure by iQIYI for 60 days after written notice from the trustee or by the trustee at the request of the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the respective iQIYI Convertible Notes then outstanding has been received by iQIYI to comply with any of other
agreements contained in the respective iQIYI Convertible Notes or the indenture;
default by iQIYI or its significant subsidiaries (defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X), with respect to any mortgage,
agreement or other instrument under which there may be outstanding, secured or evidenced any indebtedness in excess of US$60 million
(or an equivalent amount in foreign currency), for the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026
Convertible Notes or iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes or in excess of US$100 million (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) for the
iQIYI PAG Notes, resulting in accelerated maturity or
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a failure to pay principal or interest when due, and such indebtedness is not discharged, or such acceleration is not otherwise cured or
rescinded, within 30 days;
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
a delay in payment or discharge of a final judgment for the payment of US$60 million (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) for
the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes or the iQIYI 2028 Convertible
Notes or the payment of US$100 million (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) for the iQIYI PAG Notes rendered against iQIYI
or any of its significant subsidiaries;
iQIYI or any of its significant subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or
other relief; and
for the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI PAG Notes,
an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against iQIYI or its significant subsidiaries seeking liquidation,
reorganization or other relief, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 30
consecutive days.
The indentures for the iQIYI Convertible Notes define a “fundamental change” to include, among other things: (i) any person or group gaining
control of iQIYI, (ii) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of iQIYI’s ordinary shares or ADSs as a result of which these securities would be
converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets; (iii) the shareholders of iQIYI approving any plan or proposal for the
liquidation or dissolution of iQIYI; (iv) iQIYI’s ADSs ceasing to be listed on Nasdaq Stock Market; or (v) any change in or amendment to the laws,
regulations and rules of the PRC resulting in iQIYI being legally prohibited from operating substantially all of the business operations conducted by
iQIYI’s subsidiaries in mainland China, iQIYI’s variable interest entities and subsidiaries of iQIYI’s variable interest entities or being unable to continue
to derive of the economic benefits from the business operations conducted by these entities.
Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount may declare, in the case of the
iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes or the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, the whole
principal of, or, in the case of the iQIYI PAG Notes, 120% or 130% of the principal amount thereof depending on the occurrence date, and accrued and
unpaid interest on, all the outstanding iQIYI Convertible Notes to be due and payable immediately, subject to certain exceptions and conditions under
the respective indenture. iQIYI may also be required to pay additional interest.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders of the iQIYI Convertible Notes will have the right, at their option, to require iQIYI to
repurchase all of their iQIYI Convertible Notes or any portion of the principal amount in the case of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes or the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, or, in the case of the iQIYI PAG Notes, 120% or 130% of
the principal amount thereof depending on the when the fundamental change occurs, and accrued and unpaid interests. In the event of a fundamental
change, iQIYI may also be required to issue additional ADSs upon conversion of its convertible notes. As of December 31, 2022, there was no such
event of default or fundamental change.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the principal amount of the liability component of the iQIYI Convertible Notes were RMB13.4 billion and
RMB18.0 billion (US$2.6 billion), unamortized debt discount were RMB751 million and RMB112 million (US$16 million), and the net carrying
amount of the liability component were RMB12.7 billion and RMB17.9 billion (US$2.6 billion), respectively. The carrying amount of the equity
component of the iQIYI Convertible Notes were RMB1.8 billion and RMB360 million (US$52 million), respectively. For the years ended December 31,
2020, 2021 and 2022, the amount of interest cost recognized relating to both the contractual interest expense and amortization of the discount and
issuance cost on the liability component were RMB799 million, RMB1.1 billion and RMB470 million (US$68 million), respectively. As of
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December 31, 2022, the liability component of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI PAG Notes will be
accreted up to the principal amount of US$1.2 billion, US$900 million and US$600 million (120% of the principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes)
over a remaining period of 0.25 years, 1.59 years and 3.00 years, respectively.
We may use the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of the notes to fund the operations of our mainland China subsidiaries by making
additional capital contributions to our existing mainland China subsidiaries, injecting capital to establish new mainland China subsidiaries and/or
providing loans to our mainland China subsidiaries. Such transfer of funds from Baidu, Inc. or any of our offshore subsidiaries to our mainland China
subsidiaries is subject to the PRC regulatory restrictions and procedures: (i) capital increase of the existing mainland China subsidiaries and
establishment of new mainland China subsidiaries must be registered with the local branch of SAMR and reported to the Ministry of Commerce via the
online enterprise registration system, and registered with local banks authorized by SAFE; and (ii) loans to any of our mainland China subsidiaries must
not exceed the statutory limit and must be filed with SAFE. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China
—Mainland China’s regulation of loans to and direct investment in entities in mainland China by offshore holding companies and governmental control
of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans to our mainland China subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and certain related
parties, or making additional capital contributions to our mainland China subsidiaries, which could adversely affect our ability to fund and expand our
business.”
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, we had RMB66.3 billion and RMB60.5 billion (US$8.8 billion) in long-term loans and notes payables
(including current portion of RMB10.5 billion and RMB6.9 billion (US$1.0 billion)), RMB12.7 billion and RMB17.9 billion (US$2.6 billion) in long-
term convertible notes (including current portion of nil and RMB8.3 billion (US$1.2 billion)), RMB 8.4 billion and RMB7.6 billion (US$1.1 billion) in
lease liabilities (including current portion of RMB2.9 billion and RMB2.8 billion (US$407 million)) and had RMB4.2 billion and RMB5.3 billion
(US$775 million) in short-term loans, respectively. Our long-term loans and notes payable, long-term convertible notes and short-term loans include
those of iQIYI hereinafter. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, iQIYI had nil and nil in long-term loans payables, RMB12.7 billion and
RMB17.9 billion (US$2.6 billion) in long-term convertible notes (including current portion of nil and RMB8.3 billion (US$1.2 billion)),
RMB797 million and RMB612 million (US$89 million) in lease liabilities (including current portion of RMB172 million and RMB104 million (US$15
million)) and had RMB4.1 billion and RMB3.3 billion (US$485 million) in short-term loans, respectively.
Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had RMB162.9 billion, RMB190.9 billion and RMB185.3 billion (US$26.9 billion) in cash, cash
equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2022, we had RMB750 million (US$109 million) in long-term restricted
cash, which was included in “Other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheet.
We entered into definitive agreements with JOYY in November 2020 and made certain amendments in February 2021 to acquire YY Live for an
aggregate purchase price of approximately US$3.6 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The closing of this acquisition is subject to certain
conditions, including, among others, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from governmental authorities. The share purchase agreement is subject
to termination if the closing does not occur by the long stop date, and we and JOYY have agreed to extend the long stop date indefinitely until the
extension is terminated by either party. We have paid an aggregate of US$1.9 billion, after considering working capital adjustment of US$0.1 billion, to
JOYY and its designated escrow account, and deposited an aggregate of US$1.6 billion into several escrow accounts, in accordance with the terms and
schedule set forth in the share repurchase agreement According to the share purchase agreement, subject to certain conditions and adjustments,
approximately US$1.0 billion would be payable no later than the later of the closing and April 30, 2021, and approximately US$300 million would be
payable no later than the later of the closing and June 30, 2021 and a maximum amount of US$300 million would be payable subject to
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the achievement of certain conditions. Despite good faith efforts, we have not obtained necessary regulatory approvals with respect to the proposed
acquisition as of the date of this annual report. There can be no assurance that the relevant regulatory approvals will be obtained or the acquisition of YY
Live will be closed. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We face risks associated with our
proposed acquisition of YY Live and its online live streaming business.”
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years indicated:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted
cash
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Operating Activities
Year ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
(in millions)
24,200 20,122 26,170 3,794
(27,552) (31,444) (3,944) (572)
5,665 23,396 (6,390) (926)
(212)
(943) 1,729 251
2,101 11,131 17,565 2,547
34,439 36,540 47,671 6,912
36,540 47,671 65,236 9,459
Net cash provided by operating activities increased to RMB26.2 billion (US$3.8 billion) in 2022 from RMB20.1 billion in 2021. This increase
was primarily due to a decrease of RMB7.9 billion (US$1.1 billion) in investment and interest income and a net decrease of RMB1.9 billion (US$275
million) in changes in working capital, partially offset by a decrease of RMB3.1 billion (US$449 million) in amortization and impairment of licensed
copyrights and produced content.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to RMB20.1 billion in 2021 from RMB24.2 billion in 2020. This decrease was primarily due
to a decrease of RMB11.4 billion in net income, offset by a decrease of noncash investment and interest income by RMB8.0 billion.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB3.9 billion (US$572 million) in 2022, consisting primarily of RMB173.9 billion (US$25.2 billion)
in purchase of held-to-maturity investments, RMB8.3 billion (US$1.2 billion) in acquisition of fixed assets, RMB7.6 billion (US$1.1 billion) in
purchase of available-for-sale investments, RMB3.6 billion (US$526 million) in purchase of equity investments, RMB178.8 billion (US$25.9 billion) in
maturities of held-to-maturity investments, RMB9.3 billion (US$1.3 billion) in sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments and
RMB2.0 billion (US$288 million) in proceeds from disposal of equity investments.
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB31.4 billion in 2021, consisting primarily of RMB171.5 billion in purchase of held-to-maturity
investments, RMB25.6 billion in purchase of available-for-sale investments, RMB156.7 billion in maturities of held-to-maturity investments,
RMB25.9 billion in sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments, RMB10.9 billion in acquisition of fixed assets, RMB12.0 billion in a
prepayment of JOYY businesses acquisition and RMB9.9 billion in proceeds from disposal of equity investments.
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB27.6 billion in 2020, consisting primarily of RMB159.2 billion in purchase of held-to-maturity
investments, RMB133.0 billion in purchase of available-for-sale investments, RMB134.3 billion in maturities of held-to-maturity investments,
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RMB135.6 billion in sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments, and RMB4.5 billion in purchase of equity investments offset by
RMB6.5 billion in proceeds from disposal of equity investments.
We have adopted ASU 2019-02 on January 1, 2020 which the FASB issued in March 2019, and report cash flows related to the acquisition of
licensed copyrights as “operating activities” in the statement of cash flows, beginning with the period of adoption, as opposed to “investing activities.”
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was RMB6.4 billion (US$926 million) in 2022, consisting primarily of repayment of RMB11.5 billion
(US$1.7 billion) for long-term loans, offset by RMB3.4 billion (US$500 million) of net proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes by iQIYI and
RMB1.2 billion (US$172 million) of net proceeds from short-term loans.
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB23.4 billion in 2021, consisting primarily of RMB19.9 billion net proceeds from the listing on
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, RMB12.7 billion proceeds from long-term loans and RMB6.4 billion net proceeds from our issuance of long-term
notes offset by RMB7.6 billion used to repurchase our shares and repayment of RMB7.3 billion for long-term loans.
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB5.7 billion in 2020, consisting primarily of RMB13.3 billion from our issuance of long-term
notes, RMB5.2 billion from the issuance by iQIYI of convertible notes, and RMB4.7 billion from issuance of iQIYI’s shares offset by RMB13.1 billion
used to repurchase our shares and repayment of RMB5.4 billion for long-term notes.
Capital Expenditures
We made capital expenditures of RMB5.1 billion, RMB10.9 billion and RMB8.3 billion (US$1.2 billion) in 2020, 2021 and 2022, representing
5%, 9% and 7% of our total revenues, respectively. In the years of 2020, 2021 and 2022, our capital expenditures were primarily attributable to the
purchase of servers, network equipment and other computer hardware to increase our network infrastructure capacity. We funded our capital
expenditures primarily with net cash flows generated from operating activities.
Our capital expenditures may increase in the future as our business continues to grow, in connection with the expansion and improvement of our
network infrastructure and the construction of additional office buildings and cloud-computing based data centers. We currently plan to fund these
expenditures with our current cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and anticipated cash flow generated from our operating
activities.
Material Cash requirements
Our material cash requirements as of December 31, 2022 and any subsequent interim period primarily include our short-term loans, long-term
debt obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase obligations and investment commitment obligations.
Our long-term debt obligations primarily consist of long-term loans, notes payable and convertible notes and estimated interest payments.
Our operating lease obligations primarily represent our obligations for leasing internet data center facilities and office premises, which include all
future cash outflows under ASC Topic 842, Leases under Note 15 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
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Our purchase obligations include purchase obligations for fixed assets, purchase obligations for bandwidth and property management fees, and
purchase obligations for content assets.
Purchase obligations for content assets consist primarily of expenditures for content assets under non-cancelable agreements for licensed
copyrights and produced content.
Our investment commitment obligations primarily relate to capital contributions obligation under certain arrangements which do not have
contractual maturity date.
We intend to fund our existing and future material cash requirements primarily with anticipated cash flows from operations, our existing cash
balance and other financing alternatives. We will continue to make cash commitments, including capital expenditures, to support the growth of our
business.
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not
entered into any off-balance sheet derivative instruments. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an
unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated
entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations by specified categories as of December 31, 2022:
Short-term debt obligations
Long-term debt obligations
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations for fixed assets
Purchase obligations for bandwidth and property management fees
Purchase obligations for content assets
Investment commitment obligations
Total
Payment Due by Period
Less Than
Total
1 Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
(In RMB millions)
5,343
89,191
8,299
2,552
487
12,982
1,292
120,146
5,343
9,386
2,870
2,532
287
5,156
N/A
25,574
—
25,511
3,654
5
149
6,258
N/A
35,577
—
32,686
1,331
12
26
1,366
N/A
35,421
More than
5 Years
—
21,608
444
3
25
202
N/A
22,282
Other than as discussed above, we did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations or guarantees as of
December 31, 2022. The iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2025 unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date. The
holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or a portion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes for cash on April 1, 2023, which may result in a material
cash outlay of our company. The holders of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes may also require us to repurchase all or a portion of the iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes for cash upon a fundamental change.
Holding Company Structure
Baidu, Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations in mainland China primarily through our subsidiaries
and the variable interest entities in mainland China. As a result, although other means are available for us to obtain financing at the holding company
level, Baidu, Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to the shareholders and to service any debt it may incur may depend upon dividends paid by our mainland
China subsidiaries and license and service fees paid by the variable interest entities in mainland China. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own
behalf in the future, the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to Baidu, Inc. In addition, our mainland China
subsidiaries and the variable
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interest entities are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event
of a solvent liquidation of the companies.
Our mainland China subsidiaries, being foreign-invested enterprises established in mainland China, are required to make appropriations to certain
statutory reserves, namely, a general reserve fund, an enterprise expansion fund, a staff welfare fund and a bonus fund, all of which are appropriated
from net profit as reported in their PRC statutory accounts. Each of our mainland China subsidiaries is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax
profits to a general reserve fund until such fund has reached 50% of its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and
staff welfare and bonus funds are at the discretion of the board of directors of the mainland China subsidiaries.
The variable interest entities must make appropriations from their after-tax profits as reported in their PRC statutory accounts to non-distributable
reserve funds, namely a statutory surplus fund, a statutory public welfare fund and a discretionary surplus fund. Each of the variable interest entities is
required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to the statutory surplus fund until such fund has reached 50% of its respective registered capital.
Appropriations to the statutory public welfare fund and the discretionary surplus fund are at the discretion of the variable interest entities.
Under the laws and regulations of mainland China, our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are subject to certain
restrictions with respect to paying dividends or otherwise transferring any of their net assets to us. The amounts restricted include the paid-up capital and
the statutory reserve funds of our mainland China subsidiaries and the net assets of the variable interest entities in which we have no legal ownership,
totaling RMB45.0 billion, RMB45.9 billion and RMB47.3 billion (US$6.9 billion) as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
C. Research and Development
We have a team of experienced engineers who are based mostly in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. We also have development centers in
Sunnyvale, California and Seattle, Washington. We compete aggressively for engineering and recruit most of our engineers locally and have established
various recruiting and training programs with leading universities in China. We have also recruited experienced engineers globally.
In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, our research and development expenditures were RMB19.5 billion, RMB24.9 billion and
RMB23.3 billion (US$3.4 billion), representing 18%, 20% and 19% of our total revenues, respectively. Our research and development expenses
primarily consist of salaries and benefits for research and development personnel. We expense research and development expenditures as they are
incurred, except for capitalized software development costs that fulfill the capitalization criteria.
D.
Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the
year ended December 31, 2022 that are reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on our total revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or
capital resources, or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future results of operations or financial
conditions.
E.
Critical Accounting Estimates
For our critical accounting estimates, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Critical Accounting
Policies and Estimates.”
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Item 6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report.
Directors and Executive Officers
Robin Yanhong Li
James Ding
Brent Callinicos
Yuanqing Yang
Jixun Foo
Rong Luo
Haifeng Wang
Dou Shen
Victor Zhixiang Liang
Shanshan Cui
Age
Position/Title
Independent Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
54 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
57
57
58
54
41 Chief Financial Officer
51 Chief Technology Officer
43 Executive Vice President
49 Senior Vice President
47 Senior Vice President
Robin Yanhong Li is our co-founder, chief executive officer and chairman of our Board of Directors, overseeing our overall strategy and business
operations. Mr. Li has been serving as the chairman since our inception in January 2000 and as our chief executive officer since February 2004. Mr. Li
served as our president from February 2000 to December 2003. Prior to founding our company, Mr. Li worked as an engineer for Infoseek, a pioneer in
the search industry, and as a senior consultant for IDD Information Services. Mr. Li currently serves on the board of New Oriental Education &
Technology Group Inc., a private educational services provider in China (NYSE: EDU; SEHK: 9901), and Trip.com, an online travel agency in China
(Nasdaq: TCOM). Mr. Li received a bachelor’s degree in information science from Peking University and a master’s degree in computer science from
the State University of New York at Buffalo.
James Ding has served as our independent director since our initial public offering in August 2005. Mr. Ding brings a deep understanding of the
internet and artificial intelligence industry, which is relevant to and continuously supported the growth and evolution of our principal business since his
appointment. He also brings extensive experience as a high tech entrepreneur and chief executive officer of a Nasdaq-listed company. Mr. Ding is a
valuable member of the Company’s board of directors and continues to make important contribution to our company. He is also a member of our audit
committee and corporate governance and nominating committee, and the chairman of our compensation committee. Mr. Ding is currently a managing
director of GSR Ventures, which focuses on early stage companies in the artificial intelligence, big data, information technology related healthcare,
virtual reality/augmented reality and new media sectors. Prior to that, Mr. Ding served as a co-chairman of the board of directors of AsiaInfo-Linkage
Inc., a former Nasdaq-listed company, from July 2010 to January 2014. Mr. Ding also served as the chairman of the board of AsiaInfo from April 2003
to July 2010, and has served as a member of the board since AsiaInfo’s inception in 1993. Mr. Ding served as the chief executive officer and president of
AsiaInfo from 1999 to 2003 and as senior vice president and chief technology officer of AsiaInfo from 1993 to 1999. Mr. Ding currently serves as
director of the board of AsiaInfo (which is currently listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as AsiaInfo Technologies Limited with stock code 1675
and played an important role in the design and development of China’s internet infrastructure). Mr. Ding is also the founder of e-China Alliances.
Mr. Ding received a master’s degree in information science from the University of California, Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from
Peking University in China.
Brent Callinicos has served as our independent director since October 2015, and as the chairman of our audit committee since April 2016.
Mr. Callinicos served as the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of Virgin Hyperloop One from January 2017 to January 2018. Prior to
that, Mr. Callinicos served as the chief financial officer of Uber Technologies Inc. from September 2013 to March 2015, and then as an advisor for
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18 additional months. Prior to joining Uber, he worked at Google from January 2007 to September 2013, where he last served as vice president,
treasurer and chief accountant. He also led green energy investments and financial services at Google Inc. From 1992 to 2007, he served in a variety of
increasingly senior roles at Microsoft Corporation, where he last served as corporate vice-president and divisional chief financial officer of the Platforms
and Services Division, and oversaw Microsoft’s Worldwide Licensing and Pricing and Microsoft Financing. He currently serves on the board of
directors of PVH Corp. (NYSE: PVH), and Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT) and Acorns. Mr. Callinicos is a certified public accountant.
Mr. Callinicos received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. degree from the Kenan-Flagler School
of Business at Chapel Hill.
Yuanqing Yang has served as our independent director since October 2015. Mr. Yang is currently the chairman and chief executive officer of
Lenovo Group Limited (SEHK: 992), a director of Sureinvest Holdings Limited and a director of Taikang Insurance Group. He also serves as a member
of the International Advisory Council of the Brookings Institution. Mr. Yang joined Lenovo in 1989 and Lenovo has transformed from a device provider
to a solution and service provider under his leadership. In 2011, FinanceAsia named Mr. Yang the Best CEO in China. In 2004 and 2012, Mr. Yang was
named one of the “CCTV China Annual Economic Figures.” He was on Barron’s list of Best CEOs in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2014, Mr. Yang won an
Edison Achievement Award for Innovation. Mr. Yang holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Science and Technology of
China and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Jixun Foo has served as our independent director since July 2019. Mr. Foo currently serves as the Global Managing Partner at GGV Capital and
leads GGV Capital’s global investment team and oversees its sector-focused investment strategy. Mr. Foo joined GGV in 2006 and has spent the last 20
years working with entrepreneurs in the travel and transportation, social media and commerce, and enterprise services sectors in China and Southeast
Asia. Prior to joining GGV Capital, Mr. Foo was a director at Draper Fisher Jurvetson ePlanet Ventures, where he led investments in Asia. Mr. Foo also
previously led investments under the finance and investment division of the National Science and Technology Board of Singapore and served as an
R&D project group leader at Hewlett Packard. Mr. Foo currently serves on the board of XPeng Inc. (NYSE: XPEV) and on the boards of a number of
private companies, including Hello. Mr. Foo graduated from the National University of Singapore with a First-Class Honors degree in Engineering, and
received an M.Sc. in Management of Technology from the National University of Singapore’s Graduate School of Business.
Rong Luo has served as our chief financial officer since November 2021. Prior to joining us, Mr. Luo served as the chief financial officer of TAL
Education Group, an NYSE listed company, from November 2014 to October 2021 and played several key management roles. Prior to that, Mr. Luo was
the chief financial officer of eLong Inc. from 2013 to 2014. Before that, Mr. Luo held different financial management positions at Lenovo Group and
Microsoft. Mr. Luo holds bachelor’s degrees in both information management and systems and economics from Peking University, a master’s degree in
management science and engineering from Tsinghua University, and a Ph.D. degree in management science from Peking University.
Haifeng Wang has served as our chief technology officer since May 2019. Dr. Wang joined Baidu in 2010 and was promoted to vice president in
2013. Dr. Wang oversaw our core search products from 2014 to 2017. He was promoted to senior vice president in 2018. Prior to Baidu, Dr. Wang
served as the chief research scientist at Toshiba’s R&D Center. Dr. Wang is the director of National Engineering Laboratory of Deep Learning
Technology and Applications. Dr. Wang is an IEEE fellow, and a fellow (and former president) of the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL)
and the founding chair of ACL’s Asia-Pacific chapter. Dr. Wang obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in computer science from the
Harbin Institute of Technology.
Dou Shen has served as executive vice president since May 2019. Dr. Shen has began to take charge of Baidu AI Cloud Group (ACG) since May
2022 and currently serves as president of Baidu ACG, overseeing the
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development of AI Cloud. Dr. Shen has also been a director of Beijing Xiaodu Interactive Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd. since January 2018, and
the chairman of Beijing Xiaodu Interactive Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd. since September 2020. Previously, Dr. Shen served as senior vice
president of Baidu’s mobile products, overseeing the development of Baidu App, Haokan short video app and Smart Mini Program. Dr. Shen joined
Baidu in 2012 and has served in various management roles, including web search, display advertising, the financial services group and mobile products.
Prior to Baidu, Dr. Shen worked in the adCenter group at Microsoft and sold Buzzlabs, a social media monitoring and analysis platform company that he
co-founded, to IAC-owned CityGrid Media. Dr. Shen has been the board of directors of Trip.com, an online travel agency in China (Nasdaq: TCOM)
since October 2019, iQIYI, Inc. (Nasdaq: IQ) since September 2019, Kuaishou Technology (SEHK: 1024) since April 2018. He also currently serves as
vice president of the Special Interests Group on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (SIGKDD) China Chapter. Dr. Shen received a bachelor’s
degree in engineering from North China Electric Power University, a master’s degree in engineering from Tsinghua University, and a Ph.D. in computer
science from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Victor Zhixiang Liang joined Baidu in June 2005, and became senior vice president and general counsel in June 2011. Mr. Liang leads our overall
legal functions. Mr. Liang also served as an executive assistant to the CEO from January 2013 to February 2018. Prior to joining Baidu, he worked at the
legislative affairs office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, as a visiting attorney at their New York
Office. Mr. Liang received an LL.M. degree from Yale Law School and law degrees from the University of New South Wales and Peking University.
Shanshan Cui currently serves as our senior vice president in charge of human resources and administrative functions since May 2019. Ms. Cui
joined us in January 2000 overseeing the search technology group, and is a founding member of the company. Ms. Cui left Baidu in July 2010 to pursue
personal interests and rejoined Baidu in December 2017, initially serving as Secretary General to our Organizational Culture Committee. In this
capacity, Ms. Cui oversaw employee culture and organization effectiveness, implementing initiatives, such as OKR (objectives & key results)
management, throughout the company. Ms. Cui received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Beijing Institute of Technology and a master’s
degree in computer science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
B.
Compensation
In 2022, we paid an aggregate of RMB53 million (US$8 million) in cash compensation and granted 2,860,984 restricted Class A ordinary shares
to our executive officers that are in office as of the date of this annual report as a group. During the same period, we also paid an aggregate of
approximately RMB1.1 million (US$156 thousand) in cash compensation and granted options to purchase an aggregate of 121,856 restricted Class A
ordinary shares to our non-executive directors as a group. Our mainland China subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are required by law to make
contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, housing fund, unemployment
insurance and other statutory benefits. Other than the above-mentioned statutory contributions mandated by applicable laws of mainland China, we have
not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors. No executive officer
is entitled to any severance benefits upon termination of his or her employment with our company except as required under applicable laws of mainland
China.
Our board of directors and shareholders approved the issuance of up to 403,200,000 ordinary shares upon exercise of awards granted under our
2000 option plan. Our 2000 option plan terminated in January 2010 upon the expiration of its ten-year term. At the annual general meeting held on
December 16, 2008, our shareholders approved a 2008 share incentive plan, which has reserved an additional 274,302,160 Class A ordinary shares for
awards to be granted pursuant to its terms. Our 2008 share incentive plan terminated in December 2018 upon the expiration of its ten-year term. On
July 20, 2018, our board of directors approved a 2018 share incentive plan,
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which has reserved an additional 275,516,000 Class A ordinary shares (taking into account the Share Subdivision) for awards to be granted pursuant to
its terms. As of December 31, 2022, options to purchase an aggregate of 52,023,472 Class A ordinary shares and an aggregate of 334,061,680 restricted
Class A ordinary shares had been granted under the 2008 and 2018 share incentive plans.
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2022, the outstanding options and restricted Class A ordinary shares that we had granted to
our current directors and executive officers and to other individuals as a group.
Name
Robin Yanhong Li
James Ding
Brent Callinicos
Yuanqing Yang
Jixun Foo
Rong Luo
Haifeng Wang
Dou Shen
Victor Zhixiang Liang
Shanshan Cui
Other individuals as a group
Ordinary Shares
Underlying
Outstanding Options
193,200
958,160
3,512,320
211,040
724,800
469,120
262,096(1)
43,984(1)
658,880(1)
634,440(1)
1,448,056(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*
*(1)
*
*(1)
*(1)
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
*(1)
129,599,224
191
Exercise Price
(US$/Share)
21.566
26.834
25.863
19.778
21.888
23.251
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
20.178
—
23.483
—
—
12.486
—
—
—
—
—
—
12.486
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Grant Date
February 24, 2014
February 11, 2015
April 16, 2015
February 25, 2016
October 27, 2016
February 22, 2017
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 8, 2021
February 14, 2022
February 14, 2022
February 14, 2022
February 14, 2022
February 14, 2022
November 8, 2021
November 8, 2021
April 27, 2017
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
August 8, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 8, 2021
November 8, 2021
February 14, 2022
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
August 8, 2019
August 8, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 8, 2021
February 14, 2022
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 8, 2021
February 14, 2022
February 18, 2019
May 23, 2019
February 5, 2020
February 8, 2021
February 14, 2022
—
Expiration Date
February 24, 2024
February 11, 2025
April 16, 2025
February 25, 2026
October 27, 2026
February 22, 2027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
November 8, 2031
N/A
April 27, 2027
N/A
N/A
August 8, 2029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
August 8, 2029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
Table of Contents
*
(1)
The options and restricted shares in aggregate held by each of these directors and officers represent less than 1% of our total outstanding shares. The options held by these directors and
officers represent less than 1% of our outstanding shares.
Restricted shares.
The following paragraphs summarize the key terms of our 2008 share incentive plan adopted on December 16, 2008 and our 2018 share incentive
plan adopted on July 20, 2018:
2008 Share Incentive Plan
The following paragraphs summarize the key terms of our 2008 share incentive plan.
Types of Awards. We may grant the following types of awards under our 2008 share incentive plan:
•
•
•
•
options (incentive share options, or ISO);
restricted shares;
restricted share units; and
any other form of awards granted to a participant pursuant to the 2008 plan.
Plan Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors administers our 2008 share incentive plan, but may delegate to a
committee of one or more members of our board of directors the authority to grant or amend awards to participants other than independent directors and
executive officers. The compensation committee will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant, including, but not limited
to, the exercise price, the grant price or purchase price, any restrictions or limitations on the award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture restrictions or
restrictions on the exercisability of an award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, any provisions related to non-competition and recapture of gain on an
award, based in each case on such considerations as the committee in its sole discretion determines. The compensation committee has the sole power
and discretion to cancel, forfeit or surrender an outstanding award (whether or not in exchange for another award or combination or awards).
Award Agreement. Awards granted under our 2008 share incentive plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions
and limitations for each award which may include the term of an award, the provisions applicable in the event the participant’s employment or service
ends, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an award.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors and consultants of our company or any of our related entities, which include our
subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership interest. However, we may grant ISOs only to our employees and employees of our
majority-owned subsidiaries.
Acceleration of Awards upon Corporate Transactions. The outstanding awards will accelerate (i) upon occurrence of a change-of-control
corporate transaction where any person acquires at least 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities or the incumbent board
members no longer constitute at least 50% of our board, or (ii) upon occurrence of any other change-of-control corporate transaction in which the
successor entity does not assume our outstanding awards under our 2008 share incentive plan; provided that the plan participant remains an employee,
consultant or member of our board of directors on the effective date of the corporate transaction. In such event, each outstanding award will become
fully exercisable and all forfeiture restrictions on such award will lapse immediately prior to the specified effective date of the corporate transaction.
If the successor entity assumes our outstanding awards and later terminates the grantee’s employment or service without cause within 12 months
of the corporate transaction, or if the grantee resigns voluntarily with good reason, the outstanding awards automatically will become fully vested and
exercisable. The compensation
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committee may also, in its sole discretion, upon or in anticipation of a corporate transaction, accelerate awards, purchase the awards from the plan
participants, replace the awards, or provide for the payment of the awards in cash.
Exercise Price and Term of Awards. The exercise price per share subject to an option may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of the
compensation committee, the determination of which shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange
rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise prices of options mentioned in the preceding sentence shall be effective without the approval of our
shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If we grant an ISO to an employee, who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary
shares on the date of that grant. The compensation committee will determine the time or times at which an option may be exercised in whole or in part,
including exercise prior to vesting. The term may not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, except that five years is the maximum term of an ISO
granted to an employee who holds more than 10% of the voting power of our share capital.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units. The compensation committee is also authorized to make awards of restricted shares and restricted
share units. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee at the time of the grant of an award or thereafter, upon termination of
employment or service during the applicable restriction period, restricted shares that are at the time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited or
repurchased in accordance with the respective award agreements.
Vesting Schedule. The compensation committee determines, and the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule of options and other awards
granted. The compensation committee determines the time or times at which an option may be exercised in whole or in part, including exercise prior to
vesting, and also determines any conditions that must be satisfied before all or part of an option may be exercised. At the time of grant for restricted
share units, the compensation committee specifies the date on which the restricted share units become fully vested and non-forfeitable, and may specify
such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate.
Amendment and Termination. With the approval of our board of directors, the compensation committee may at any time amend, suspend or
terminate our 2008 share incentive plan. Amendments to our 2008 share incentive plan are subject to shareholder approval, to the extent required by law,
or by stock exchange rules or regulations. Any amendment, suspension or termination of our 2008 share incentive plan must not adversely affect in any
material way awards already granted without written consent of the recipient of such awards. Unless terminated earlier, our 2008 share incentive plan
shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of adoption.
2018 Share Incentive Plan
The following paragraphs summarize the key terms of our 2018 share incentive plan.
Types of Awards. We may grant the following types of awards under our 2018 share incentive plan:
•
•
•
•
options (incentive share options, or ISO);
restricted shares;
restricted share units; and
any other form of awards granted to a participant pursuant to the 2018 plan.
Plan Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors administers our 2018 share incentive plan, but may delegate to a
committee of one or more members of our board of directors the authority to grant or amend awards to participants other than independent directors and
executive officers. The compensation committee will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant, including,
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but not limited to, the exercise price, the grant price or purchase price, any restrictions or limitations on the award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture
restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, any provisions related to non-competition and
recapture of gain on an award, based in each case on such considerations as the committee in its sole discretion determines. The compensation
committee has the sole power and discretion to cancel, forfeit or surrender an outstanding award (whether or not in exchange for another award or
combination or awards).
Award Agreement. Awards granted under our 2018 share incentive plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions
and limitations for each award which may include the term of an award, the provisions applicable in the event the participant’s employment or service
ends, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an award.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors and consultants of our company or any of our related entities, which include our
subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership interest. However, we may grant ISOs only to our employees and employees of our
majority-owned subsidiaries.
Acceleration of Awards upon Corporate Transactions. The outstanding awards will accelerate (i) upon occurrence of a change-of-control
corporate transaction where any person acquires at least 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities or the incumbent board
members no longer constitute at least 50% of our board, or (ii) upon occurrence of any other change-of-control corporate transaction in which the
successor entity does not assume our outstanding awards under our 2018 share incentive plan; provided that the plan participant remains an employee,
consultant or member of our board of directors on the effective date of the corporate transaction. In such event, each outstanding award will become
fully exercisable and all forfeiture restrictions on such award will lapse immediately prior to the specified effective date of the corporate transaction.
If the successor entity assumes our outstanding awards and later terminates the grantee’s employment or service without cause within 12 months
of the corporate transaction, or if the grantee resigns voluntarily with good reason, the outstanding awards automatically will become fully vested and
exercisable. The compensation committee may also, in its sole discretion, upon or in anticipation of a corporate transaction, accelerate awards, purchase
the awards from the plan participants, replace the awards, or provide for the payment of the awards in cash.
Exercise Price and Term of Awards. The exercise price per share subject to an option may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of the
compensation committee, the determination of which shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange
rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise prices of options mentioned in the preceding sentence shall be effective without the approval of our
shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If we grant an ISO to an employee, who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary
shares on the date of that grant. The compensation committee will determine the time or times at which an option may be exercised in whole or in part,
including exercise prior to vesting. The term may not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, except that five years is the maximum term of an ISO
granted to an employee who holds more than 10% of the voting power of our share capital.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units. The compensation committee is also authorized to make awards of restricted shares and restricted
share units. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee at the time of the grant of an award or thereafter, upon termination of
employment or service during the applicable restriction period, restricted shares that are at the time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited or
repurchased in accordance with the respective award agreements.
Vesting Schedule. The compensation committee determines, and the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule of options and other awards
granted. The compensation committee determines the time or times at
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which an option may be exercised in whole or in part, including exercise prior to vesting, and also determines any conditions that must be satisfied
before all or part of an option may be exercised. At the time of grant for restricted share units, the compensation committee specifies the date on which
the restricted share units become fully vested and non-forfeitable, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate.
Amendment and Termination. With the approval of our board of directors, the compensation committee may at any time amend, suspend or
terminate our 2018 share incentive plan. To the extent our company decides to not to follow home country practice, Amendments to our 2018 share
incentive plan are subject to shareholder approval, to the extent required by law, or by stock exchange rules or regulations. Any amendment, suspension
or termination of our 2018 share incentive plan must not adversely affect in any material way awards already granted without written consent of the
recipient of such awards. Unless terminated earlier, our 2018 share incentive plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten years from the date of
adoption.
C.
Board Practices
Board of Directors
Our board of directors has five directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in the company by way of qualification. A director may vote
with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement in which he is materially interested. A director may exercise all the powers of the
company to borrow money, mortgage its undertakings, property and uncalled capital, and issue debentures or other securities whenever money is
borrowed or as security for any obligation of the company or of any third party. The remuneration to be paid to the directors is determined by the board
of directors. There is no age limit requirement for directors.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We have three committees under the board of directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance and
nominating committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Brent Callinicos, James Ding and Yuanqing Yang, all of whom satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule
5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Callinicos is an
audit committee financial expert as defined in the instructions to Item 16A of the Form 20-F. The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial
reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
appointing, retaining and overseeing the work of the independent auditors, including resolving disagreements between the management
and the independent auditors relating to financial reporting;
pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;
reviewing annually the independence and quality control procedures of the independent auditors;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with the management;
meeting separately with the independent auditors to discuss critical accounting policies, management letters, recommendations on internal
controls, the auditor’s engagement letter and independence letter and other material written communications between the independent
auditors and the management; and
attending to such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of directors from time to time.
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In 2022, our audit committee held meetings or passed resolutions by unanimous written consent seven times.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of James Ding, Yuanqing Yang and Jixun Foo, all of whom satisfy the “independence” requirements of
Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving our compensation
structure, including all forms of compensation relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any
committee meeting while his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other
executive officers;
reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors;
reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and
selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s
independence from management.
In 2022, our compensation committee held meetings or passed resolutions by unanimous written consent five times.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Our corporate governance and nominating committee consists of Yuanqing Yang and James Ding, both of whom satisfy the “independence”
requirements of Rule 5605(a) (2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The corporate governance and nominating committee assists the board of directors
in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The corporate governance
and nominating committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
recommending to the board nominees for election or re-election to the board or for appointments to fill any vacancies;
reviewing annually the performance of each incumbent director in determining whether to recommend such director for an additional term;
overseeing the board in the board’s annual review of its own performance and the performance of the management; and
considering, preparing and recommending to the board such policies and procedures with respect to corporate governance matters as may
be required or required to be disclosed under the applicable laws or otherwise considered to be material.
In 2022, our corporate governance and nominating committee passed resolutions by unanimous written consent one time.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
All directors hold office until their successors have been duly appointed and qualified. None of our directors is subject to a fixed term of office. In
addition, the service agreements between us and the directors do not provide benefits upon termination of their services. Director nomination is subject
to the approval of our
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corporate governance and nominating committee. Our shareholders may remove any director by ordinary resolution and may in like manner appoint
another person in his stead. A valid ordinary resolution requires a majority of the votes cast at a shareholder meeting that is duly constituted and meets
the quorum requirement. Officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
Board Diversity
Country of Principal Executive Offices:
Foreign Private Issuer
Disclosure Prohibited Under Home Country Law
Total Number of Directors
Board Diversity Matrix (As of February 28, 2023)
Part I: Gender Identity
Directors
Part II: Demographic Background
Underrepresented Individual in Home Country Jurisdiction
LGBTQ+
D.
Employees
People’s Republic of China
Yes
No
5
Female
Male
Non-Binary
Did Not
Disclose
Gender
0
5
N/A
N/A
0
0
We had approximately 41,000, 45,500 and 41,300 full time employees as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31,
2022, we had approximately 23,600 employees in research and development, 9,200 employees in sales and marketing, 5,600 employees in operation and
service, and 2,900 employees in management and administration. As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 26,900 employees in Beijing, 14,200
employees outside of Beijing but within China (for the avoidance of doubt, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), and approximately 200
employees outside of China. We also hire temporary employees and contractors from time to time. Our employees are not covered by any collective
bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees to be generally good. However, as our operations and employee base further
expand, we cannot assure you that we will always be able to maintain good relations with all of our employees. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk
Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We may not be able to manage our expanding operations effectively.”
E.
Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of January 31, 2023 by:
•
•
each of our directors and executive officers; and
each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our total issued and outstanding shares.
The calculations in the table below are based on 2,796,777,776 ordinary shares, consisting of 2,255,397,456 Class A ordinary shares and
541,380,320 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2023.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially
owned by a person and the percentage ownership and voting power percentage of that person, we have included shares and associated votes that the
person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other
security. These shares and associated votes, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.
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See “—B. Compensation” for more details on options and restricted shares granted to our directors and executive officers.
Directors and Executive Officers:
Robin Yanhong Li(1)
James Ding
Brent Callinicos
Yuanqing Yang
Jixun Foo
Rong Luo
Haifeng Wang
Dou Shen
Victor Zhixiang Liang
Shanshan Cui
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
Principal Shareholders:
Handsome Reward Limited(3)
BlackRock, Inc.(4)
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
Class B
Ordinary
Shares
Total
Ordinary
Shares
% of Total
Ordinary
Shares
% of
Aggregate
Voting
Power†
18,958,800
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
23,250,800
439,200,000
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
439,200,000
458,158,800
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
462,450,800
12,402,016
150,331,434
439,200,000
—
451,602,016
150,331,434
16.3
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
16.5
16.1
5.4
57.6(2)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
57.6
57.4
1.7
Notes:
†
*
**
(1)
For each person and group included in this column, percentage of voting power is calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by
such person or group by the voting power of all of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. Each holder of
Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share and each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to 10 votes per share on all
matters submitted to them for a vote. Our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares vote together as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of our shareholders and other matters as may otherwise be required by law. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible at any
time by the holder thereof into one Class A ordinary share.
Less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares.
Except for James Ding, Yuanqing Yang, Brent Callinicos and Jixun Foo, the business address of our directors and executive officers is c/o Baidu,
Inc., Baidu Campus, Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, PRC.
Includes (i) 3,013,200 Class A Ordinary Shares directly held by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li on record, (ii) 2,725,904 Class A ordinary shares in the
form of ADSs held by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li in the brokerage account of the administrator of our employee stock option program, (iii) 817,680
Class A Ordinary Shares issuable to Mr. Robin Yanhong Li upon vesting of restricted shares within 60 days after January 31, 2023, (iv)
439,200,000 Class B ordinary shares held on record by Handsome Reward Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Robin
Yanhong Li, (v) 5,971,360 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs held by Handsome Reward Limited in the brokerage account of the
administrator of our employee stock option program, (vi) 6,068,640 Class A ordinary shares issuable to Handsome Reward Limited upon exercise
of options within 60 days after the date of January 31, 2023, and (vii) 362,016 Class A Ordinary Shares issuable to Handsome Reward Limited
upon vesting of restricted shares within 60 days after January 31, 2023. This excludes 98,080,000 Class B ordinary shares, 36,015 ADSs in the
brokerage account of the administrator of our employee stock option program and the right to acquire 6,525 ADSs upon the vesting of restricted
share units granted under our share incentive plan within 60 days after January 31, 2023, all of which are owned by Ms. Melissa Ma, Mr. Robin
Yanhong Li’s wife, and all of which Mr. Robin Yanhong Li disclaims beneficial ownership of.
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(3)
(2) Certain employees have recently granted voting proxy to Mr. Robin Yanhong Li with respect to certain shares they hold pursuant to our company’s
share incentive plans, which amount to an aggregate of 8,037,128 Class A ordinary shares as of January 31, 2023. As a result, the voting power
held by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li represented 57.6% of the total outstanding voting power of our company as of January 31, 2023. For the avoidance
of doubt, these shares with voting proxy arrangement have not been included when calculating the shares beneficially owned by Mr. Robin
Yanhong Li, as shown in other columns of the table above. For details of the shares beneficially owned by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, please refer to
note (1) above.
Includes (i) 439,200,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Handsome Reward Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned and
controlled by Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, (ii) 5,971,360 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs held by Handsome Reward Limited in the
brokerage account of the administrator of our employee stock option program, (iii) 6,068,640 Class A Ordinary Shares issuable to Handsome
Reward Limited upon exercise of options within 60 days after the date of January 31, 2023, and (iv) 362,016 Class A Ordinary Shares issuable to
Handsome Reward Limited upon vesting of restricted shares within 60 days after January 31, 2023.
Includes 150,331,434 Class A ordinary shares beneficially owned by BlackRock, Inc., over which BlackRock, Inc. has sole dispositive power, as
of December 31, 2022. BlackRock, Inc. is a Delaware corporation listed on the NYSE. The principal business address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55
East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055, United States of America. The calculation of BlackRock’s voting power is based on 133,259,677 Class A
ordinary shares, over which BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power, as of December 31, 2022. The above information is based on the Schedule
13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. on February 1, 2023. The percentage of total ordinary shares and the percentage of aggregate voting power for
BlackRock Inc. are calculated based on the number of our company’s total outstanding shares as of January 31, 2023 and assuming BlackRock
Inc.’s shareholding does not change since December 31, 2022.
(4)
As of January 31, 2023, to our knowledge, approximately 41.6% of our total issued and outstanding ordinary shares were held by three record
shareholders in the United States, including approximately 41.3% held by The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADS program. The
number of beneficial owners of ADSs in the United States is likely to be much larger than the number of record holders of our ordinary shares in the
United States. For instance, BlackRock Inc. is an ADS holder in the United States that beneficially owns 150,331,434 Class A ordinary shares as of
December 31, 2022 according to the Schedule 13G filed by it, but is not a record holder of our ordinary shares. Please see footnote (4) of the above table
for more details. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
Weighted Voting Rights Structure
Under our weighted voting rights structure, our share capital comprises Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Each Class A
ordinary share entitles the holder to exercise one vote, and each Class B ordinary share entitles the holder to exercise 10 votes, respectively, on all
matters subject to the vote at general meetings of our company. We issued Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs in our initial public offering
in 2005.
Pursuant to our articles of association, the directors of our board may, from time to time subject to their fiduciary duties to act in the best interests
of our company and for a proper purpose, cause our company to issue preferred shares and determine, among others, their conversion rights, which may
include conversion to Class A and/or Class B ordinary shares. Such rights are subject to the approval and discretion of the board.
Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our ADSs and Class A Ordinary shares—Our dual-class ordinary share structure with different voting rights could
discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.” Upon
the conversion of all the issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares as at January 31, 2023 into Class A ordinary shares, our company would issue
541,380,320 Class A ordinary shares, representing approximately 19.4% of the
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total number of issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares as at January 31, 2023 (without taking into account any allotment and issuance of Shares
pursuant to the exercise of options or the vesting of share awards that have been or may be granted from time to time and any issuance or repurchase of
Shares and/or ADSs that we may make).
Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. If at any time Robin Yanhong Li and
his Affiliates (as defined in our articles of association) collectively own less than 5% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Class B Ordinary
Shares, each issued and outstanding Class B Ordinary Share shall be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share, and no
Class B Ordinary Shares shall be issued by our company thereafter.
Class B ordinary shares shall also be automatically and immediately converted into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares:
(1)
(2)
upon any sale, pledge, transfer, assignment or disposition of such Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereto to any person or entity which
is not an Affiliate (as defined in our articles of association) of such holder; or
where, within 6 months after by a transfer by a holder of Class B ordinary shares to an Affiliate of such holder, there is a change of the
beneficial ownership of the Class B ordinary shares held by the Affiliate.
Apart from the aforementioned (1) and (2), a change in the beneficial ownership of Class B ordinary shares shall not cause a conversion of
Class B ordinary shares to Class A ordinary shares.
As at January 31, 2023, WVR beneficiaries were the following:
Robin Yanhong Li
Melissa Ma
Shimoda Holdings, LLC(1)
Integrity Partners V, LLC(2)
Total
Number of
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
Number of
Class B
Ordinary
Shares
Approximate
percentage
of voting
rights(3)
18,958,800
340,320
4,000,000
—
23,299,120
439,200,000
98,080,000
4,000,000
100,320
541,380,320
57.6%
12.8%
0.6%
0.0%
71.0%
Notes:
(1)
(2)
To our knowledge, Shimoda Holdings, LLC holds 500,000 ADSs and 4,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of our company. Shimoda Holdings, LLC
is affiliated with an early stage investor that invested in our company before our U.S. IPO in 2005.
To our knowledge, Integrity Partners V, LLC holds 100,320 Class B ordinary shares of our company and was not a record shareholder of any
Class A ordinary shares as at January 31, 2023. Integrity Partners V, LLC is affiliated with an early stage investor that invested in our company
before our U.S. IPO in 2005.
(3) On the basis that Class A ordinary shares entitle the Shareholder to one vote per share and Class B ordinary shares entitle the Shareholder to 10
votes per share.
Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, the chairman and chief executive officer of our company, owns shares in his personal capacity and through Handsome
Reward Limited. Ms. Melissa Ma is the spouse of Mr. Li and holds shares in her personal capacity. To the best knowledge of our company, each of
Shimoda and Integrity and their respective ultimate beneficial owners are independent third parties of and are not core connected persons of our
company, and their respective ultimate beneficial owners do not have a role in our company’s business and operations.
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F.
Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation
Not applicable.
Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
Please refer to “Item 6.E. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Ownership.”
B.
Related Party Transactions
See “Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities and the
Nominee Shareholders.”
Our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities, and the subsidiaries of the variable interest entities have engaged, during the ordinary course of
business, in a number of customary transactions with each other. All of these inter-company balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business Industry— Termination or other changes of related party
transactions in the ordinary course of business may have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial performance” for risks associated
with the termination or other changes of related party transactions.
Amounts due from related parties
As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had RMB4.2 billion, RMB4.9 billion and RMB5.5 billion (US$797 million), respectively, due from
related parties.
Amounts due to related parties
As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had RMB4.9 billion, RMB5.0 billion and RMB5.2 billion (US$749 million), respectively, due to
related parties.
Loan transactions with Du Xiaoman
In August 2018, we completed the divestiture of Du Xiaoman, following which we recognized our non-controlling equity interest in Du Xiaoman
as an equity method investment and Du Xiaoman became a related party.
In 2018, we provided three term loans to Du Xiaoman in an aggregate amount of RMB3.8 billion with terms ranging from two to five years for
working capital purposes. These loans bear interest rates ranging from 4.28% to 5.00% in 2018, and 0% to 5.00% since 2019. Du Xiaoman repaid one
term loan in the principal amount of RMB500 million in October 2020. The aggregate principal amount outstanding as of February 28, 2023 was
RMB3.3 billion (US$485 million).
In 2018, Du Xiaoman provided us with two term loans in an aggregate amount of RMB3.4 billion with terms of three and five years, respectively,
for general corporate purposes. The interest rates for these loans were 3.78% and 4.28%, respectively, in 2018, and have been adjusted to 0% since 2019
based on the amended agreements. The aggregate principal amount outstanding as of February 28, 2023 was RMB3.4 billion (US$487 million).
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Loan transactions with Jidu Auto
In 2022, we provided three term loans to Jidu Auto in an aggregate amount of RMB600 million (US$87 million) with term of one year for
working capital purposes. The interest rates for these loans were 3.465%. Jidu Auto had fully repaid the three term loans in January 2023. Jidu Auto is a
joint venture that we established with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely).
Other related party transactions
Related Party A
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, related party transactions with Related Party A, which is one of our equity investees, were in the total amount of
RMB204 million, RMB315 million and RMB158 million (US$23 million), respectively, and mainly comprised of the online marketing services that we
provided to Related Party A.
Related Party B
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, related party transactions with Related Party B, which is one of our equity investees, were in the total amount of
RMB678 million, RMB888 million and RMB889 million (US$129 million), respectively, and comprised of the online marketing services, cloud service
and other services that we provided to Related Party B.
Related Party C
In 2021 and 2022, related party transactions with Related Party C, over which we can significantly influence its management or operating policies,
were in the total amount of RMB2.0 billion and RMB2.2 billion (US$314 million), respectively, and mainly comprised of online marketing services sold
to the party.
Related Party D
In 2021 and 2022, related party transactions with Related Party D, which is one of our equity investees, were in the total amount of
RMB123 million and RMB257 million (US$37 million), respectively, and mainly comprised of intelligent driving services and other services that we
provided to Related Party D.
Other related parties
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, with the approval from our board of directors, we reimbursed Mr. Robin Yanhong Li the fees and expenses incurred in
connection with his use of an aircraft beneficially owned by his family member for our business purposes. The hourly rate for use of the aircraft was
determined based on an analysis of market rates for the charter of comparable aircrafts. The service charges for the use of the aircraft for 2020, 2021 and
2022 were insignificant.
Share Options and Restricted Shares Grants
Please refer to “Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation.”
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 8.
Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
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Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we have been involved in litigation, administrative proceedings or other disputes regarding, among other things, copyright and
trademark infringement, defamation, unfair competition, labor disputes, contract disputes and anti-monopoly inquiries. Our search results provide links
to materials, and our P4P, Baidu Wenku, Baidu Post, Baidu Wiki, Baidu Knows, Baidu Feed, Baidu Drive, iQIYI and certain other products or services
may contain materials, in which others may allege to own copyrights, trademarks or image rights or which others may claim to be defamatory or
objectionable.
In 2022, 3,349 complaints were filed against us before various courts in China, and the aggregate amount of the damages sought in these
complaints totals approximately RMB1.2 billion (US$175 million). As of December 31, 2022, 3,349 cases against us were pending before various
courts in China. The aggregate amount of damages sought under these pending cases is approximately RMB1.2 billion (US$177 million). As of
December 31, 2022, 6 cases against us were pending before various courts outside China. Some of these proceedings are in a preliminary stage with
undetermined damages sought.
In November 2018, an individual, together with his related company, filed a complaint alleging acts of defamation and libel, commercial
disparagement, tortious inference with prospective business relations, intentional infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy against, among
others, us and Robin Yanhong Li in his capacity as our chairman and chief executive officer, in the Supreme Court of New York. The complaint alleged,
among other things, that the defendants published articles containing false and defamatory statements concerning the plaintiffs, and sought damages in
an aggregate amount of US$11 billion, including purported punitive damages of US$10 billion. The defendants moved the complaint to the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of New York and filed motions to dismiss the complaint. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed that complaint, and then
added us and Mr. Li as defendants to the Second State Court Lawsuit. We filed motions to dismiss that complaint, which were not opposed. The Plaintiff
filed a notice of voluntary discontinuance of the complaint in the Second State Court Lawsuit, and subsequently filed a nearly identical complaint in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In January 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed that
complaint in its entirety with prejudice, and the time for plaintiff to appeal that dismissal has expired. In February 2020, the Supreme Court of New York
granted defendants’ motions to discontinue the Second State Court Lawsuit with prejudice. No appeal of that order has been filed to date. We believe
these claims to be without merit and intend to continue to defend ourselves vigorously.
Separately, in April 2020, we and certain of our current and former officers were named as defendants in a federal putative securities class action
captioned Ikeda v. Baidu Inc., et al., No. 5:20-cv-02768-LHK (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Amended Complaint filed
Sept. 18, 2020) alleging, in sum and substance, that our disclosures were materially false or misleading as they misrepresented Baidu’s ability to monitor
and filter illicit or improper content on its platform, and failed to disclose alleged investigations and violations of the regulatory requirements of
mainland China relating to the monitoring or filtering of illicit or improper content online. The case alleges claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. In April 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted defendants’
motion to dismiss in its entirety, and in May 2021, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed this action in its entirety with prejudice.
For many of the above-mentioned legal proceedings, we are currently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably
possible loss as the proceedings are in the early stages, or there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific
complaints among different jurisdictions. As a result, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such proceedings,
which includes eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any, and therefore, an estimate for the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably
possible loss cannot be made. With respect to the limited number of proceedings for which we are able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or the
range of reasonably possible loss, such estimates are immaterial. However, we believe that such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, when
finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
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In April 2020, a short seller report was published by Wolfpack Research (the Wolfpack Report). In sum and substance, the Wolfpack Report
alleges that iQIYI inflated its user numbers, inflated its revenue and deferred revenue in connection with certain parts of iQIYI’s business, inflated its
expenses and the purchase prices of certain assets to conceal revenue inflation, and provided misleading financial statements of cash flows by adopting
an incorrect accounting method. Following the publication of the Wolfpack Report, the SEC’s Division of Enforcement requested iQIYI to produce
certain financial, operating, and other documents and records primarily related to the allegations in the Wolfpack Report. In particular, the SEC
requested that iQIYI voluntarily provide it with documents and information relating to, among other things, iQIYI’s organizational charts, accounting
policies, and financial books and records from 2018 to 2020, as well as documents relating to iQIYI’s acquisition or investments in certain entities
mentioned in the Wolfpack Report and the valuation of those entities at the time of those transactions. iQIYI engaged professional advisers to conduct
an internal review into certain of the key allegations in the Wolfpack Report and to report their findings to iQIYI’s audit committee. iQIYI’s internal
review within the agreed scope has been substantially completed and did not uncover any evidence that would substantiate the allegations in the
Wolfpack Report. The SEC has also sought the production of certain documents and records from iQIYI related to such internal review and other related
information. iQIYI has cooperated with the SEC. Although no further information was requested from iQIYI since early 2021, we are unable to predict
the timing, outcome, or consequences of the SEC investigation of iQIYI, or from the SEC’s review of the documents and records requested from iQIYI.
Furthermore, starting in April 2020, iQIYI and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in four federal
putative securities class actions alleging that they made material misstatements and omissions in documents filed with the SEC regarding certain of the
key allegations contained in the Wolfpack Report. In June 2020, one of the complaints (captioned Shiferaw v. iQIYI, Inc. et al., No. 1: 2020-cv-03115)
was voluntarily dismissed by Plaintiffs. In May 2021, the remaining complaints were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
New York under the caption In re iQIYI, Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 1:20-CV-01830 (the “iQIYI Action”). In June 2021, lead plaintiffs in the
consolidated action filed the consolidated amended complaint, naming iQIYI, its current and former officers, underwriters in its initial public offering,
our company and certain of our officers as defendants. The consolidated amended complaint alleges that defendants made material misstatements and
omissions in documents filed with the SEC and in other public statements regarding certain of the key allegations contained in the Wolfpack Report, in
violation of Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5
promulgated thereunder. The parties completed briefing on defendants’ motions to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint on September 29, 2021.
However, in light of the common questions of law and fact at issue in this case and a related action under the caption In re Baidu Inc. Securities
Litigation, 20-cv-03794 (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York), the court terminated the motion to dismiss without prejudice and
ordered motion-to-dismiss briefing for the two cases to be completed by March 3, 2023 under a new briefing schedule. The coordinated motion-to-
dismiss briefing has now been completed under the new schedule, and we await a decision from the court on these motions.
Starting in August 2020, we and certain of our current officers were named as defendants in two federal putative securities class actions captioned
Alagappan v. Baidu Inc., et al., No. 1:20-cv-03794 (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, filed Aug. 19, 2020) and Nampally v. Baidu
Inc., et al., No. 1:20-cv-04430 (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, filed Sept. 21, 2020). In April 2022, the two complaints were
consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York under the caption In re Baidu Inc. Securities Litigation, 20-cv-03794 (the
“Baidu Action”). In June 2022, the lead plaintiffs in the consolidated action filed the consolidated amended complaint, naming our company and certain
of our officers as defendants. The consolidated amended complaint alleges that the defendants made material misstatements and omissions in documents
filed with the SEC and in other public statements regarding certain of the key allegations contained in the Wolfpack Report, in violation of Sections
10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. In light of the common questions of law and fact at
issue in the Baidu Action and the iQIYI Action, the parties were directed to propose, and the court granted a schedule for the coordinated briefing of
motions to dismiss in the Baidu Action and iQIYI Action. Under the coordinated briefing
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schedule, on March 3, 2023, the parties completed briefing on: (i) a motion by all defendants to dismiss both actions for failure to allege any actionable
misrepresentation or omission; (ii) a motion by all defendants in the iQIYI Action to dismiss the iQIYI Action on any additional grounds unique to
them; and (iii) a motion by all defendants in the Baidu Action to dismiss the Baidu Action on any additional grounds unique to them. We await a
decision from the court on these motions. This consolidated action otherwise remains at a preliminary stage.
We and iQIYI will have to defend against these putative securities class action lawsuits, as applicable, including any appeals of such lawsuits
should our or iQIYI’s initial defense be unsuccessful. Because all of the ongoing securities class actions against iQIYI or us are in their preliminary
stages, we cannot predict the timing, outcome or consequences of these class actions. In the event that our or iQIYI’s initial defense of these lawsuits is
unsuccessful, we cannot assure you that we or iQIYI will prevail in any appeal. Any adverse outcome of these cases, including any plaintiff’s appeal of
a judgment in these lawsuits, could have a material adverse effect on our or iQIYI’s business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and
reputation. Similarly, although no further information was requested from iQIYI since early 2021, we are currently unable to predict the timing,
outcome, or consequences of the SEC investigation of iQIYI, or from the SEC’s review of the documents and records requested from iQIYI. The
litigation or SEC investigation process may utilize a significant portion of our or iQIYI’s resources and divert management’s attention from the
day-to-day operations, all of which could harm our business.
Dividend Policy
Baidu, Inc., our holding company in the Cayman Islands, has never declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares, nor do we have any
present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available
funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders
may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a
Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if
this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides
to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount of our dividends will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and
surplus, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, our
depositary will distribute such dividends to our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit
agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B.
Significant Changes
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated
financial statements included in this annual report.
Item 9.
The Offer and Listing
A. Offering and Listing Details
Our ADSs have been listed on The Nasdaq Global Market since August 5, 2005. Our ADSs currently trade on The Nasdaq Global Select Market
under the symbol “BIDU.” Prior to May 12, 2010, one ADS represented one Class A ordinary share. On May 12, 2010, we effected a change of the ADS
to Class A ordinary share ratio from 1 ADS representing 1 Class A ordinary share to 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share. The ratio change
has the same effect as a 10-for-1 ADS split. On March 1, 2021, our shareholders approved and effected a
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change to our authorized share capital by 1-to-80 subdivision of shares. Concurrently, we effected a proportionate change in ADS to Class A ordinary
share ratio from 10 ADSs representing 1 Class A ordinary share to each ADS representing 8 Class A ordinary shares.
Our Class A ordinary shares have been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since March 23, 2021 under the stock code “9888.”
B.
Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
Our ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq since August 5, 2005 under the symbol “BIDU.”
Our Class A ordinary shares have been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since March 23, 2021 under the stock code “9888.”
D.
Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E.
Dilution
Not applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10.
Additional Information
A.
Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
The following are summaries of material provisions of our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, as well as the
Companies Act (As Revised) insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Registered Office and Objects
The Registered Office of our company is at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman,
KY1-1104, Cayman Islands or at such other place as our board of directors may from time to time decide. The objects for which our company is
established are unrestricted and we have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Act (As Revised), as amended
from time to time, or any other law of the Cayman Islands.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices—Board of Directors.”
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Ordinary Shares
General. Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and
Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid
and non-assessable. Certificates representing the ordinary shares are issued in registered form. Our shareholders who are nonresidents of the Cayman
Islands may freely hold and vote their shares.
Dividends. The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the
Companies Act.
Conversion. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares
are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person
or entity which is not an affiliate of such holder (as defined in our articles of association), such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and
immediately converted into the equal number of Class A ordinary shares. In addition, if at any time our chairman and chief executive officer, Robin
Yanhong Li, and his affiliates collectively own less than 5% of the total number of the issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, each issued and
outstanding Class B ordinary share shall be automatically and immediately converted into one share of Class A ordinary share, and we shall not issue
any Class B ordinary shares thereafter.
Voting Rights. All of our shareholders have the right to receive notice of shareholders’ meetings and to attend, speak and vote at such meetings. In
respect of matters requiring shareholders’ vote, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 10
votes. A shareholder may participate at a shareholders’ meeting in person, by proxy or by telephone conference or other communications equipment by
means of which all the shareholders participating in the meeting can communicate with each other. At any shareholders’ meeting, a resolution put to the
vote of the meeting shall be decided on a poll conducted by the chairman of the meeting.
A quorum for a shareholders’ meeting consists of one or more shareholders holding at least one third of the paid up voting share capital present in
person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative. We shall hold a general meeting of shareholders
as our annual general meeting and shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it. Our board of directors may call extraordinary general
meetings, and they must on shareholders’ requisition convene an extraordinary general meeting. A shareholder requisition is a requisition of
shareholders holding at the date of deposit of the requisition not less than ten percent (10%) of the voting power represented by the issued shares of our
company which as at that date carries the right of voting at general meetings of our company, on a one vote per share basis. Advance notice of at least 14
calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders’ meetings.
An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary
shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary
shares cast in a general meeting. A special resolution is required for matters such as a change of name. Holders of the ordinary shares may effect certain
changes by ordinary resolution, including consolidating and dividing all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amount than our existing share
capital and canceling any shares.
Transfer of Shares. Subject to the restrictions of our memorandum and articles of association, as applicable, any of our shareholders may transfer
any or all of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in their absolute discretion (except with respect to a transfer from a shareholder to its affiliate(s)), decline to register
any transfer of shares without assigning any reason thereof. If our board of directors refuses to register a transfer they shall notify the transferee within
two months of such refusal.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a transfer complies with the holder’s transfer obligations and restrictions set forth under applicable law (including but
not limited to U.S. securities law provisions related to insider trading) and our articles of association, our board of directors shall promptly register such
transfer. Further, any director is authorized to confirm in writing addressed to the registered office to authorize a share transfer and to instruct that the
register of members be updated accordingly; provided that the transfer complies with the holder’s transfer obligations and restrictions set forth under
applicable law and our articles of association and such holder is not the director who authorizes the transfer or an entity affiliated with such director.
Any director is authorized to execute a share certificate in respect of such shares for and on behalf of our company.
The registration of transfers may be suspended at such time and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine;
provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended for more than 45 days in any year.
Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for
distribution among the holders of ordinary shares may be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares as determined by the liquidator, subject to
sanction of a special resolution of our company. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will
be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately to the capital paid up, or which ought to have been paid up, at the
commencement of the winding up on the shares held by such shareholders respectively.
Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on
their shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The shares that have been called
upon and remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption of Shares. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and our articles of association, we may issue shares on terms that are
subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders, on such terms and in such manner as our board of directors may determine.
Repurchase of Shares. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and our articles of association, our board of directors may authorize
repurchase of our shares in accordance with the manner of purchase specified in our articles of association without seeking shareholder approval.
Variations of Rights of Shares. All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies
Act, be varied either with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution
passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Inspection of Books and Records. No holders of our ordinary shares who is not a director shall have any right of inspecting any of our accounts,
books or documents except as conferred by the Companies Act or authorized by the directors or by us in general meeting. However, we will make this
annual report, which contains our audited financial statements, available to shareholders and ADS holders. See “Item 10.H. Additional Information—
Documents on Display.”
Preferred Shares
Our board of directors has the authority, without shareholder approval, to issue up to a total of 800,000,000 preferred shares in one or more series.
Our board of directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each such series and may set the designations, preferences, powers and other
rights of the shares of a series of preferred shares. While the issuance of preferred shares provides us with flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions or other corporate purposes, it could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control
transaction and could adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. We have no current plan to issue any preferred shares.
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C. Material Contracts
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4.
Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
D.
Exchange Controls
See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Foreign Exchange.”
E.
Taxation
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, People’s Republic of China and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment
in our ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are
subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the
tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.
Cayman Islands Tax Considerations
According to Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel, the Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or
corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other
taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments
executed in, or brought within, the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to
any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Mainland China Tax Considerations
If we are considered a mainland China resident enterprise under the EIT Law, our shareholders and ADS holders who are deemed non-resident
enterprises may be subject to the 10% EIT on the dividends payable by us or any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, if such income
is deemed derived from mainland China; provided that (i) such foreign enterprise investor has no establishment or premises in mainland China, or (ii) it
has establishment or premises in mainland China but its income derived from mainland China has no real connection with such establishment or
premises. Furthermore, if we are considered a mainland China resident enterprise and relevant PRC tax authorities consider the dividends we pay with
respect to our shares or ADSs and the gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs to be income derived from sources within mainland China,
it is also possible that such dividends and gains earned by non-resident individuals may be subject to the 20% mainland China individual income tax. It
is uncertain whether, if we are considered a mainland China resident enterprise, holders of our shares or ADSs would be able to claim the benefit of tax
treaties or arrangements entered into between mainland China and other jurisdictions.
If we are required under the tax law of mainland China to withhold mainland China income tax on our dividends payable to our non-resident
shareholders and ADS holders, or if any gains realized from the transfer of our shares or ADSs by our non-resident shareholders and ADS holders are
subject to the EIT or the individual income tax, your investment in our shares or ADSs could be materially and adversely affected.
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U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations under present law of the ownership and disposition of the ADSs
or ordinary shares. This summary applies only to investors that are U.S. Holders (as defined below) and that hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital
assets. This discussion is based on the tax laws of the United States as in effect on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F and on U.S. Treasury
regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, as well as judicial and administrative interpretations
thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect
the tax considerations described below.
The following discussion does not deal with the tax consequences to any particular investor or to persons in special tax situations such as:
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banks;
financial institutions;
insurance companies;
broker dealers;
persons that elect to mark their securities to market;
tax-exempt entities;
persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;
regulated investment companies;
certain expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States;
governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
persons holding an ADS or ordinary share as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction;
persons that actually or constructively own ADSs or ordinary shares representing 10% or more of our stock (by vote or value);
persons who are required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken into account
in applicable financial statements;
persons whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar; or
persons who acquired our ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation.
U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the application of the U.S. federal tax rules to their particular circumstances as well
as the state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
The discussion below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences will apply if you are a “U.S. Holder.” You are a “U.S. Holder” if you are the
beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
•
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•
a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity subject to tax as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized in or under
the laws of the United States, any State or the District of Columbia;
an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
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a trust that (i) is subject to the supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons or (ii) has a valid
election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
This discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities that hold the ADSs or ordinary shares, or of
persons who hold the ADSs or ordinary shares through such entities. If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income
tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of the ADSs or ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally
depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.
The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and that the obligations in the deposit
agreement and any related agreement will be complied with in accordance with their terms. If you hold our ADSs, you will be treated as the holder of
the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax laws, such as gift or estate tax laws, or state, local or foreign tax laws
or the Medicare tax on certain net investment income. The IRS may disagree with the discussion herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court.
Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on the ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the gross amount of all our distributions to you with respect to the
ADSs or ordinary shares will be included in your gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by the depositary, in the case of our ADSs, or
by you, in the case of ordinary shares, but only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits
(computed under U.S. federal income tax principles). Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income
tax principles, any distribution paid will generally be treated as a “dividend” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends paid by us will not be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from U.S. corporations.
With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individual U.S. Holders), dividends may be taxed at the lower applicable capital gains rate
provided that (i) the ADSs or ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the
benefit of the income tax treaty between the United States and mainland China, or the Treaty, (ii) we are not a passive foreign investment company (as
discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend was paid or for the preceding taxable year, (iii) certain holding period requirements
are met and (iv) such non-corporate U.S. Holders are not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar
or related property. For this purpose, ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market will generally be considered to be readily tradable on an
established securities market in the United States. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with
respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares.
For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid on the ADSs or ordinary shares will generally be treated as income from foreign sources and
will generally constitute passive category income. If mainland China withholding taxes apply to dividends paid to you with respect to the ADSs or
ordinary shares, you may be able to obtain a reduced rate of mainland China withholding taxes under the Treaty. In addition, subject to certain
conditions and limitations, mainland China withholding taxes on dividends that are non-refundable under the Treaty may be treated as foreign taxes
eligible for credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability. If you do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit, you may instead claim a deduction for
U.S. federal income tax purposes in respect of such withholding, but only for a year in which you elect to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes.
You should consult your tax advisor regarding the creditability of any mainland China tax.
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Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of the ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, you will recognize gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of an ADS or ordinary share equal to the difference between the amount realized for the ADS or ordinary share and your tax basis in the
ADS or ordinary share. The gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S.
Holder, who has held the ADS or ordinary share for more than one year, you will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital
losses is subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that you recognize will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit
limitation purposes, which will generally limit the availability of foreign tax credits. However, in the event we are deemed to be a mainland China
“resident enterprise” under mainland China tax law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the Treaty. In such event, if mainland China tax were to be
imposed on any gain from the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty may elect to treat
such gain as mainland China source income. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the creditability of any mainland China tax.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our own, is considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income,
or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that
produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and
earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the shares.
Although the law in this regard is not entirely clear, we treat the variable interest entities as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes
because we control their management decisions and we are entitled to receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to them and, as a
result, we consolidate their results of operations in our consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the
owner of the variable interest entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC for our current taxable year and for
subsequent taxable years.
Assuming that we are the owner of the VIEs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and based on the market price of our ADSs and ordinary
shares, the value of our assets, and the composition of our assets and income, we believe that we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended
December 31, 2022. No assurance can be given that we will not become a PFIC in the current taxable year or foreseeable taxable years, because the
determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC is a factual determination made annually that will depend, in part, upon the composition of our
income and assets. Fluctuations in the market price of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs may cause us to be classified as a PFIC for the current or future
taxable years because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, may be
determined by reference to the market price of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs from time to time (which may be volatile). If our market capitalization
subsequently declines, we may be or become classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or future taxable years. Furthermore, the composition of
our income and assets may also be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets. Under circumstances where our revenue from activities
that produce passive income significantly increase relative to our revenue from activities that produce non-passive income, or where we determine not to
deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. In addition, based on the
nature of our business and activities, it is possible that the IRS may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive, which may
result in our company being or becoming a PFIC in the current taxable year.
If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold the ADSs or ordinary shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all
succeeding years during which you hold such ADSs or ordinary shares. However, if we cease to be a PFIC, you may avoid some of the adverse effects
of the PFIC regime by making a deemed sale election with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable, provided that you have not made a
mark-to-market election, as described below.
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If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or ordinary shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to
any “excess distribution” that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge under proposed regulations) of
the ADSs or ordinary shares, unless you make a mark-to-market election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater
than 125% of the average annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ADSs
or ordinary shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:
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the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares,
the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we became a PFIC, will be
treated as ordinary income, and
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for you for such year and
would be increased by an additional tax equal to interest on the resulting tax deemed deferred with respect to each such other taxable year.
The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or “excess distribution” cannot be offset by any net operating losses
for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the ADSs or ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the ADSs or
ordinary shares as capital assets.
Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election for such stock of a PFIC to
elect out of the tax treatment discussed in the two preceding paragraphs. The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is
stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter, or “regularly traded,” on a qualified exchange or
other market, as defined in applicable Treasury regulations. Our ADSs, but not our ordinary shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market,
which is a qualified exchange for these purposes. Our ordinary shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which is expected to meet the
requirements of a qualified exchange or market for these purposes. We anticipate that our ADSs and ordinary shares should qualify as being regularly
traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard. Assuming that the ADSs and ordinary shares are regularly traded, if you are a holder of our ADSs
or ordinary shares, it is expected that the mark-to-market election would be available to you were we to become a PFIC. If you make a valid
mark-to-market election for the ADSs or ordinary shares, you will include in income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market
value of the ADSs as of the close of your taxable year over your adjusted basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. You are allowed a deduction for the
excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the ADSs or ordinary shares over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. Such deductions,
however, are allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the ADSs or ordinary shares included in your income for prior taxable
years. Amounts included in your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary
shares, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also applies to the deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss on the ADSs or
ordinary shares, as well as to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, to the extent that the amount of such loss
does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included for such ADSs. Your basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect
any such income or loss amounts. If you make such a mark-to-market election, tax rules that apply to distributions by corporations which are not PFICs
would apply to distributions by us (except that the lower applicable capital gains rate would not apply).
Because, as a technical matter, a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue
to be subject to the general PFIC rules described above with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated
as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may avoid the PFIC tax consequences described above in respect to its ADSs and ordinary shares by making a timely
“qualified electing fund,” or QEF, election. To comply with the requirements of a QEF election, a U.S. Holder must receive certain information from us.
Because we do not intend to provide such information, however, such election will not be available to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares.
If you hold our ADSs or ordinary shares in any year in which we are a PFIC, you will be required to file an annual information report containing
such information as the U.S. Treasury may require.
You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and are required to file reports and other
information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F within four months after the end of each fiscal year, which is
December 31. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. As a foreign private issuer, we
are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers,
directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange
Act.
We will furnish The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADSs, with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations
and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other
reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications
available to holders of ADSs and, upon our request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’
meeting received by the depositary from us.
In accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5250(d), we will post this annual report on Form 20-F on our website at http://ir.baidu.com. In
addition, we will provide hardcopies of our annual report free of charge to shareholders and ADS holders upon request.
I.
Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
J.
Annual Report to Security Holders
We intend to submit the annual report provided to security holders in electronic format pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities
on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited as an exhibit to a current report on Form 6-K.
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Item 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to excess cash invested in short-term instruments, long-term investments and bank facilities that
have a floating rate of interest.
Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their
fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates
fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates, or we may suffer losses in
principal if we have to sell securities which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. For example, as of December 31, 2022, we
had RMB120.8 billion (US$17.5 billion) short-term investments, with a weighted average duration of 0.5 year. A hypothetical one percentage point (100
basis-point) increase in interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of RMB493 million (US$71 million) in the fair value of our short-term
investments as of December 31, 2022. We have not been, and do not expect to be, exposed to material interest rate risks relating to our investment in
short-term instruments, and therefore have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage such interest risk exposure. Our exposure to interest
rate risk also arises from our bank facilities that have a floating rate of interest. The costs of floating rate borrowings may be affected by the fluctuations
in the interest rates. We manage this risk through the use of interest rate swap contracts. In connection with the loan facilities entered into in April 2021,
we entered into two interest rate swap agreements, which effectively convert the term loans from a variable interest rate to a fixed rate, thereby
managing our exposure to changes in market interest rates under the term loans. See “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—
Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Foreign Exchange Risk
Most of our revenues and costs are denominated in RMB, while a portion of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term
investments, long-term investments, long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments, long-term loans, notes payable and convertible senior
notes are denominated in U.S. dollars. Any significant revaluation of RMB against the U.S. dollar may materially affect our cash flows, revenues,
earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADS in U.S. dollars. See “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors
—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Fluctuation in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the
value of your investment.” In addition, we commenced operation in Japan in late 2007. We may need to make capital injections into our Japan operation
by converting U.S. dollars into Japanese Yen, and we have JPY revenue and expenses that may need to translate JPY into U.S. dollars, which will
expose us to the fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen. We have not used any derivative financial instruments
to hedge exposure to foreign exchange risk. The value of your investment in our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will be affected by the exchange rate
between U.S. dollar and Renminbi or Hong Kong dollar and Renminbi, as applicable, because the value of our business is effectively denominated in
RMB, while our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will be traded in U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars, as applicable.
The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The Renminbi has
fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy
may impact the exchange rate between Renminbi and U.S. dollar in the future.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would
have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the
purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, repaying indebtedness denominated in U.S. dollars, or for other business
purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.
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As of December 31, 2022, we had RMB-denominated cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB146.3 billion,
and U.S. dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of US$5.5 billion. Assuming we had converted
RMB146.3 billion into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of RMB6.8972 for US$1.00 as of December 31, 2022, our U.S. dollar cash balance would have
been US$26.7 billion. If the RMB had depreciated by 10% against the U.S. dollar, our U.S. dollar cash balance would have been US$24.6 billion
instead. In addition, we had U.S. dollar-denominated long-term loans (including current portion), notes payable (including current portion) and
convertible senior notes (including current portion) of US$11.4 billion as of December 31, 2022. A hypothetical 10% increase in the exchange rate of
the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have resulted in an increase of RMB7.9 billion (US$1.1 billion) in the value of our U.S. dollar-denominated
long-term loans (including current portion), notes payable (including current portion) and convertible senior notes (including current portion) as of
December 31, 2022.
Item 12.
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges Our ADS holders May Have to Pay
The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary of our ADS program. A holder of ADSs may have to pay certain fees of The Bank of New York
Mellon, as depositary, and certain taxes, registration and transfer charges and fees and governmental charges and fees. The depositary collects fees for
delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from holders depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries
acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to holders by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a
portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions
or by directly billing holders or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to
deliver ADSs or deposited shares or to forward any distributions until its fees for those services are paid. The Depositary’s Office is located at 240
Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
US$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
For:
•
Issuance of ADSs,
including
issuances resulting from a
distribution of shares or rights or other property
US$5.00 or less per 100 ADS (or portion thereof)
•
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if
US$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof)
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to
ADS holders had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance
of ADSs
•
•
216
the deposit agreement terminates
Any cash distribution to ADS holders
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited
securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
For:
US$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof) per calendar year (to the extent
that a fee of $0.02 was not charged as a result of any cash distribution during
that calendar year)
Expenses of the depositary
Registration or transfer fees
•
Depositary services
•
Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided
•
•
in the deposit agreement)
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from
the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or
withdraw shares
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to
pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer
taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
•
As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the
deposited securities
•
As necessary
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us annually. In 2023, we expect to receive certain insignificant amount of reimbursement from the
depositary.
Conversion between Class A ordinary shares and ADSs
Dealings and Settlement of Class A Ordinary Shares in Hong Kong
Our Class A ordinary shares commenced trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in board lots of 50 Class A ordinary shares on March 23,
2021. Dealings in our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are conducted in Hong Kong dollars.
The transaction costs of dealings in our Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hong Kong Stock Exchange trading fee of 0.005% of the consideration of the transaction, charged to each of the buyer and seller;
Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, or SFC, transaction levy of 0.0027% of the consideration of the transaction, charged to
each of the buyer and seller;
trading tariff of HK$0.50 on each and every purchase or sale transaction. The decision on whether or not to pass the trading tariff onto
investors is at the discretion of brokers;
transfer deed stamp duty of HK$5.00 per transfer deed (if applicable), payable by the seller;
ad valorem stamp duty at a total rate of 0.2% of the value of the transaction, with 0.1% payable by each of the buyer and the seller;
stock settlement fee, which is currently 0.002% of the gross transaction value, subject to a minimum fee of HK$2.00 and a maximum fee
of HK$100.00 per side per trade;
brokerage commission, which is freely negotiable with the broker (other than brokerage commissions for IPO transactions which are
currently set at 1% of the subscription or purchase price and will be payable by the person subscribing for or purchasing the securities);
and
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•
the Hong Kong share registrar will charge between HK$2.50 to HK$20.00, depending on the speed of service (or such higher fee as may
from time to time be permitted under the Hong Kong Listing Rules), for each transfer of ordinary shares from one registered owner to
another, each share certificate canceled or issued by it and any applicable fee as stated in the share transfer forms used in Hong Kong.
Investors must settle their trades executed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through their brokers directly or through custodians. For an investor
who has deposited his or her Class A ordinary shares in his or her stock account or in his or her designated CCASS participant’s stock account
maintained with CCASS, settlement will be effected in CCASS in accordance with the General Rules of CCASS and CCASS Operational Procedures in
effect from time to time. For an investor who holds the physical certificates, settlement certificates and the duly executed transfer forms must be
delivered to his or her broker or custodian before the settlement date.
Conversion between Class A Ordinary Shares Trading in Hong Kong and ADSs
In connection with the initial public offering of Class A ordinary shares in Hong Kong, or the Hong Kong IPO, we have established a branch
register of members in Hong Kong, or the Hong Kong share register, which will be maintained by our Hong Kong share registrar, Computershare Hong
Kong Investor Services Limited. Our principal register of members, or the Cayman share register, will continue to be maintained by our principal share
registrar, Maples Fund Services (Cayman) Limited.
All Class A ordinary shares offered in the Hong Kong IPO are registered on the Hong Kong share register in order to be listed and traded on the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As described in further detail below, holders of Class A ordinary shares registered on the Hong Kong share register will be
able to deposit these ordinary shares into ADSs, and vice versa.
Depositing Class A Ordinary Shares Trading in Hong Kong for delivery of ADSs
An investor who holds Class A ordinary shares registered in Hong Kong and who intends to convert them to ADSs to trade on Nasdaq must
deposit or have his or her broker deposit the Class A ordinary shares with the depositary’s Hong Kong custodian, The Hong Kong and Shanghai
Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong, or the custodian, in exchange for ADSs.
A deposit of Class A ordinary shares trading in Hong Kong in exchange for ADSs involves the following procedures:
•
•
•
If Class A ordinary shares have been deposited with CCASS, the investor must transfer ordinary shares to the depositary’s account with the
custodian within CCASS by following the CCASS procedures for transfer and submit and deliver a duly completed and signed ADS
delivery form to the custodian via his or her broker.
If Class A ordinary shares are held outside CCASS, the investor must arrange for the registration of a transfer of his or her Class A
ordinary shares into the depositary’s name and delivery of evidence of that registration to the custodian, and must sign and deliver an ADS
delivery form to the depositary.
Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, if applicable, the
depositary will register the corresponding number of ADSs in the name(s) requested by an investor and will deliver the ADSs as instructed
in the ADS delivery form.
For Class A ordinary shares deposited in CCASS, under normal circumstances, the above steps generally require two business days, provided that
the investor has provided timely and complete instructions. For Class A ordinary shares held outside CCASS in physical form, the above steps may take
14 business days, or more, to complete. Temporary delays may arise. For example, the transfer books of the depositary may from time to time be closed
to ADS issuances. The investor will be unable to trade the ADSs until the procedures are completed.
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Surrender of ADSs for Delivery of Class A Ordinary Shares Trading in Hong Kong
An investor who holds ADSs and wishes to receive Class A ordinary shares that trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange must cancel the ADSs
the investor holds and withdraw Class A ordinary shares from our ADS program and cause his or her broker or other financial institution to trade such
Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
An investor that holds ADSs indirectly through a broker or other financial institution should follow the procedure of the broker or financial
institution and instruct the broker to arrange for cancelation of the ADSs, and transfer of the underlying Class A ordinary shares from the depositary’s
account with the custodian within the CCASS system to the investor’s Hong Kong stock account.
For investors holding ADSs directly, the following steps must be taken:
•
•
•
To withdraw Class A ordinary shares from our ADS program, an investor who holds ADSs may turn in such ADSs at the office of the
depositary (and the applicable ADR(s) if the ADSs are held in certificated form), and send an instruction to cancel such ADSs to the
depositary. Those instructions must have a Medallion signature guarantee.
Upon payment or net of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, if applicable,
the depositary will instruct the custodian to deliver Class A ordinary shares underlying the canceled ADSs to the CCASS account
designated by an investor.
If an investor prefers to receive Class A ordinary shares outside CCASS, he or she must so indicate in the instruction delivered to the
depositary.
For Class A ordinary shares to be received in CCASS, under normal circumstances, the above steps generally require two business days, provided
that the investor has provided timely and complete instructions. For Class A ordinary shares to be received outside CCASS in physical form, the above
steps may take 14 business days, or more, to complete. The investor will be unable to trade the Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange until the procedures are completed.
Temporary delays may arise. For example, the transfer books of the depositary may from time to time be closed to ADS cancellations. In addition,
completion of the above steps and procedures for delivery for Class A ordinary shares in a CCASS account is subject to there being a sufficient number
of Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong share register to facilitate a withdrawal from the ADS program directly into the CCASS system. We are
not under any obligation to maintain or increase the number of Class A ordinary shares on the Hong Kong share register to facilitate such withdrawals.
Depositary Requirements
Before the depositary delivers ADSs or permits withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares, the depositary may require:
•
•
production of satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or other information it deems necessary; and
compliance with procedures it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement, including completion and
presentation of transfer documents.
The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer, or register issuances, transfers and cancelations of ADSs generally when the transfer books of the
depositary or our Hong Kong share registrar are closed or at any time if the depositary or we determine it advisable to do so.
All costs attributable to the transfer of ordinary shares to effect a withdrawal from or deposit of Class A ordinary shares into our ADS program
will be borne by the investor requesting the transfer or deposit. In
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particular, holders of ordinary shares and ADSs should note that the Hong Kong share registrar will charge between HK$2.50 to HK$20, depending on
the speed of service (or such higher fee as may from time to time be permitted under the Hong Kong Listing Rules), for each transfer of Class A
ordinary shares from one registered owner to another, each share certificate canceled or issued by it and any applicable fee as stated in the share transfer
forms used in Hong Kong. In addition, holders of ordinary shares and ADSs must pay up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) for each
issuance of ADSs and each cancelation of ADSs, as the case may be, in connection with the deposit of Class A ordinary shares into, or withdrawal of
ordinary shares from, the ADS facility.
Item 13.
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
PART II
Item 14.
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 15.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, as
required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act.
Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective
in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file and furnish under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by us in the
reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and
chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)
under the Exchange Act. Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Rule 13a-15(c) of
the Exchange Act, based on criteria established in the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, as stated in its report, which appears on page F-5 of this annual report on Form 20-F.
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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Brent Callinicos, an independent director (under the standards set forth in Nasdaq Stock Market
Rule 5605(a)(2) and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act) and chairman of our audit committee, is an audit committee financial expert.
Item 16B.
Code of Ethics
In July 2005, our board of directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers, employees and advisors.
We have posted a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics on our website at http://ir.baidu.com.
Item 16C.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by
Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, our principal external auditors, for the periods indicated.
Audit fees(1)
Audit-related fees(2)
2021
(RMB in thousands)
44,520
11,076
2022
(RMB in thousands)
35,786
6,499
(1)
(2)
“Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our annual statements, as well
as assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC, including the issuance of comfort letters in connection with our global offering and secondary listing of our shares on
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in fiscal year 2021.
“Audit-related Fees” represents the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for the assurance and related services rendered by our principal auditors that are reasonably
related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and not reported under “Audit Fees.”
All audit and non-audit services provided by our independent auditors must be pre-approved by our audit committee. Our audit committee has
adopted a combination of two approaches in pre-approving proposed services: general pre-approval and specific pre-approval. With general approval,
the engagement to render services is entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the audit committee. The policies and
procedures are detailed as to the particular service (not broad categories), and the audit committee is informed of each specific service quarterly. With
specific approval, the audit committee pre-approves the specific engagement to be rendered. Unless a type of service has received general pre-approval,
it will require specific pre-approval by our audit committee. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also
require specific pre-approval by our audit committee.
Requests or applications to provide services that require specific approval by our audit committee will be submitted to the audit committee by both
our independent auditors and our chief financial officer and must include an assessment as to whether, in their view, the request or application is
consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.
Item 16D.
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
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Item 16E.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
In May 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, or the 2020 share repurchase program, under which we may
repurchase up to US$1.0 billion of our ADSs or shares, effective until July 1, 2021. In August 2020, our board of directors approved a change to the
2020 share repurchase program, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$1.0 billion to US$3.0 billion and extending the effective time through
December 31, 2022. In December 2020, our board of directors approved a further increase in the repurchase authorization from US$3.0 billion to
US$4.5 billion. In February 2023, our board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program, or the 2023 share repurchase program, under
which we may repurchase up to US$5.0 billion of our ADSs or shares, effective until December 31, 2025.
The table below is a summary of our repurchases in 2022, which were all conducted in the open market pursuant to the 2020 share repurchase
program, as amended. The 2020 share repurchase program has expired as of December 31, 2022 and no shares may be purchased under the 2020 share
repurchase program thereafter. As of the date of this annual report, no shares have been repurchased under the 2023 share repurchase program.
Total
Number of
ADSs
Purchased
1,420,663
742,762
2,163,425
Average
Price
Paid Per
ADS
$129.68
$118.32
$125.78
Total Number
of ADSs
Purchased as
Part of the
Publicly
Announced
Plan
Approximate
Dollar Value
of ADSs that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the 2020 Plan
as of December 31,
2022
1,420,663 US$1,417,465,502
742,762 US$1,329,580,762
2,163,425 US$1,329,580,762
Period
September 2022
October 2022
Total
Item 16F.
Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 16G.
Corporate Governance
Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3) permits foreign private issuers like us to follow “home country practice” in certain corporate governance
matters. In the third quarter of 2018, our board of directors approved a 2018 share incentive plan. We relied on home country practice exemption and did
not convene a shareholder meeting to approve the 2018 share incentive plan. Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel, has
provided a letter to the Nasdaq Stock Market certifying that under Cayman Islands law, we are not required to obtain shareholder approval in respect of
the adoption of a stock option or other equity compensation arrangement, or an amendment to the stock option or other equity compensation plan.
Other than the practice described above, there are no significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by
U.S. domestic companies under Nasdaq Stock Market Rules.
Item 16H.
Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 16I.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
In April 2022, we were conclusively listed by the SEC as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA following the filing of our annual
report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Our auditor, a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB was unable to
inspect or investigate completely in 2021, issued the audit report for us for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. On December 15, 2022, the
PCAOB
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issued a report that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is
unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. For this reason, we do not expect to be identified as a Commission-
Identified Issuer under the HFCAA after we file this annual report on Form 20-F.
As of the date of this annual report, to our knowledge, (i) no governmental entities in the Cayman Islands or in China own shares of Baidu, Inc. or
the VIEs in China, (ii) the governmental entities in China do not have a controlling financial interest in Baidu, Inc. or the VIEs, (iii) none of the
members of the board of directors of Baidu, Inc. or our operating entities, including the VIEs, is an official of the Chinese Communist Party, and
(iv) none of the currently effective memorandum and articles of association (or equivalent organizing document) of Baidu, Inc. or the VIEs contains any
charter of the Chinese Communist Party.
Item 17.
Financial Statements
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
PART III
Item 18.
Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of Baidu, Inc., its subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are included at the end of this annual report.
Item 19.
Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Description of Document
Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
of Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2021)
Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the prospectus filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act)
Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Class A Ordinary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Amendment No. 5 to our
Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2005)
Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and holder of the American Depositary Receipts (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 12, 2005)
Indenture dated November 28, 2012 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2012)
First Supplemental Indenture dated November 28, 2012 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28,
2012)
Form of 3.500% Notes due 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 28, 2012)
223
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19
2.20
2.21
2.22
2.23
Description of Document
Second Supplemental Indenture dated August 6, 2013 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2013)
Third Supplemental Indenture dated June 9, 2014 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2014)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated June 30, 2015 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2015)
Form of 4.125% Notes due 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 2, 2015)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated July 6, 2017 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2017)
Form of 2.875% Notes due 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 7, 2017)
Form of 3.625% Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 7, 2017)
Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated March 29, 2018 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15,
2018)
Form of 3.875% Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Form of 4.375% Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated November 14, 2018 between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15,
2018)
Form of 4.375% Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Form of 4.875% Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 15, 2018)
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 7, 2020, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2020)
Form of 3.075% Notes due 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 7, 2020)
Form of 3.425% Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 7, 2020)
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2020, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9, 2020)
224
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
2.24
2.25
2.26
2.27
2.28
2.29
2.30
2.31
2.32
2.33
2.34
Description of Document
Form of 1.72% Notes due 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 9, 2020)
Form of 2.375% Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 9, 2020)
Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 23, 2021, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.26 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 28, 2022)
Form of 1.625% Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.27 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)
Form of 2.375% Notes due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.28 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)
Indenture dated December 4, 2018 between iQIYI, Inc. and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee, and form of 3.75% Notes due
2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.67 to iQIYI, Inc.’s annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-38431) filed with
the SEC on March 15, 2019)
Indenture dated March 29, 2019 between iQIYI, Inc. and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee, and form of 2.00% Notes due
2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.61 to iQIYI, Inc.’s annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-38431) filed with
the SEC on March 12, 2020)
Description of Securities of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.31 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)
Description of the Registrant’s US$750,000,000 3.50% Notes Due 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled
“Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-184757) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012 and (ii) the section titled “Description of the Notes” in the prospectus
supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 20, 2012 pursuant to
Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$750,000,000 3.00% Notes Due 2020 and US$500,000,000 4.13% Notes Due 2025 (incorporated
herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement on Form F-3
(File No. 333-184757) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2012 and (ii) the section titled
“Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 22, 2015 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$900,000,000 2.88% Notes Due 2022 and US$600,000,000 3.63% Notes Due 2027 (incorporated
herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement on Form F-3
(File No. 333-218972) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017 and (ii) the section titled “Description
of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
June 28, 2017 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
225
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
2.35
2.36
2.37
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
Description of Document
Description of the Registrant’s US$1,000,000,000 3.88% Notes Due 2023 and US$500,000,000 4.38% Notes Due 2028
(incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement
on Form F-3 (File No. 333-218972) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017 and (ii) the section titled
“Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 22, 2018 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$600,000,000 4.38% Notes Due 2024 and US$400,000,000 4.88% Notes Due 2028 (incorporated
herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement on Form F-3
(File No. 333-218972) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2017 and (ii) the section titled “Description
of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 8, 2018 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
Description of the Registrant’s US$300,000,000 1.625% Notes Due 2027 and US$700,000,000 2.375% Notes Due 2031
(incorporated herein by reference to (i) the section titled “Description of Debt Securities” in the Registrants’ registration statement
on Form F-3 (File No. 333-249314) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2020 and (ii) the section
titled “Description of the Notes” in the prospectus supplement, in the form filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on August 19, 2021 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended)
2000 Option Plan (amended and restated effective December 16, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of Form 6-K
furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2008)
2008 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on December 17, 2008)
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and the Registrant’s directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12,
2005)
Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and an Executive Officer of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu
Netcom and the supplementary agreement dated April 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of Operating Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.4 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Software License Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.5 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 12, 2005)
Translation of Web Layout Copyright License Agreement dated March 1, 2004 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom and the
supplementary agreement dated August 9, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 of our Registration Statement on Form
F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005)
226
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
Description of Document
Translation of Proxy Agreement dated August 9, 2004 among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin Yanhong Li and Eric Yong Xu
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005)
English summary of the form of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement/ Exclusive Business Cooperation
Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and a variable interest entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of our
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)
English summary of the form of Operation Agreement among a subsidiary of the Registrant, a variable interest entity and the
shareholders of such variable interest entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)
English summary of the form of Web Layout Copyright License Agreement, Software License Agreement and Trademark License
Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and a variable interest entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of our
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
English summary of the form of Proxy Agreement/Power of Attorney among a subsidiary of the Registrant, a variable interest entity
and the shareholders of the variable interest entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)
English summary of the form of Equity Pledge Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and the shareholder of a variable
interest entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 28, 2022)
English summary of the form of Exclusive Equity Purchase Option Agreement among a subsidiary of the Registrant, a variable
interest entity, the shareholders of a variable interest entity and an offshore Holding company (if applicable) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.15 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28,
2022)
English summary of the form of Loan Agreement between a subsidiary of the Registrant and the shareholder of a variable interest
entity (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 28, 2022)
Translation of the Supplementary Agreement to Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement dated June 23, 2006
between Baidu Online and Beijing Perusal, dated as of April 22, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 of our Annual
Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement dated June 23, 2006 between Baidu Online and Beijing Perusal
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreements, dated March 11, 2010 and April 22, 2010 to the Software License Agreement dated
March 22, 2005 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of our Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2011)
227
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
4.27
4.28
4.29
4.30
Description of Document
Translation of the supplementary agreement dated March 1, 2010 to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement dated March 1,
2004 between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom and the supplementary agreement dated August 9, 2004 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.50 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreement dated April 22, 2010 to the Operating Agreement dated March 22, 2005 between Baidu
Online and Baidu Netcom (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.51 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2011)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Loan Agreement among Robin Yanhong Li, Baidu Netcom and Baidu Online
dated September 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.65 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Software License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom dated
January 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.68 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu
Netcom dated January 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.69 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2012)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu
Netcom dated August 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.64 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Software License Agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom dated
August 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.65 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014)
Translation of the supplementary agreement to the Web Layout Copyright License Agreement between Baidu Online and Beijing
Perusal dated August 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.66 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014)
Translation of the Termination Agreements among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Jiping Liu and Yazhu Zhang, former individual
shareholders of Beijing Perusal, dated March 15, 2016 and May 3, 2016, respectively (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 of
our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreements between Baidu Online and Zhixiang Liang, and between Baidu Online
and Xiaodong Wang, both dated June 20, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.35 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Equity Transfer Agreements between Jiping Liu and Zhixiang Liang, between Jiping Liu and Xiaodong Wang,
and between Yazhu Zhang and Xiaodong Wang, all dated May 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 of our Annual
Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
228
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36
4.37
4.38
4.39
4.40
4.41
4.42
Description of Document
Translation of Proxy Agreement among Zhixiang Liang and Baidu Online and of Proxy Agreement among Xiaodong Wang and
Baidu Online, both dated May 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang, and Xiaodong Wang, dated May 3,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreements between Baidu Online and Zhixiang Liang, and between Baidu
Online and Xiaodong Wang, both dated June 20, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of our Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreements among Baidu Online,
Zhixiang Liang and Beijing Perusal, and among Baidu Online, Xiaodong Wang and Beijing Perusal, both dated June 20, 2016
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Zhixiang Liang, the individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated May 3,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Xiaodong Wang, the individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated May 3,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin Yanhong Li and
Zhan Wang dated June 13, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.43 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated January 18, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.44 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated January 18, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.45 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Equity Transfer Agreement between Than Wang and Hailong Xiang dated June 13, 2016 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.46 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31,
2017)
Translation of the Proxy Agreement among Robin Yanhong Li, Hailong Xiang and Baidu Online dated June 13, 2016 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.47 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31,
2017)
Translation of the Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin Yanhong Li, Hailong Xiang dated June 13,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
229
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.43
4.44
4.45
4.46
4.47
4.48
4.49
4.50
4.51
4.54
4.55
4.56
Description of Document
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated January 18,
2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated January 18,
2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.50 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu Online, Hailong
Xiang and Baidu Netcom dated January 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.51 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu Online, Robin
Yanhong Li and Baidu Netcom dated January 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.52 of our Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Robin Yanhong Li, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, dated
June 13, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.53 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Hailong Xiang, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, dated June 13,
2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.54 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 31, 2017)
Standstill Agreement between Baidu, Inc. and Ctrip.com International, Ltd. dated October 26, 2015 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3 of our Report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to Ctrip.com
International, Ltd. on November 4, 2015)
Registration Rights Agreement between Baidu Holdings Limited and Ctrip.com International, Ltd. dated October 26, 2015
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of our Report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to Ctrip.com International, Ltd. on November 4, 2015)
US$2,000,000,000 Facilities Agreement between the Registrant and other parties thereto dated June 8, 2016 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.68 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31,
2017)
Share Purchase Agreement among Baidu Holdings Limited, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, 91 Wireless Websoft Limited and certain
investors party thereto, dated April 28, 2018 and as amended on August 21, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.54 of our
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement among Baidu Holdings Limited, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, Duxiaoman
(Cayman) Limited and certain investors party thereto, dated November 17, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.55 of our
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
2018 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.56 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
230
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.58
4.59
4.60
4.61
4.62
4.63
4.64
4.65
4.66
4.67
4.69
4.70
Description of Document
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated May 7, 2018
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.58 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated May 7, 2018
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.59 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Proxy Agreement between Robin Yanhong Li and Baidu, Inc. dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.60 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Proxy Agreement between Hailong Xiang and Baidu, Inc. dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.61 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu
Netcom, Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated May 7, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.62 of our Annual Report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu
Netcom, Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated May 7, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.63 of our Annual Report
on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Robin Yanhong Li, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.64 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Hailong Xiang, an individual shareholder of Baidu Netcom, dated March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.65 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Hailong Xiang dated May 7, 2018
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.66 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated May 7,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.67 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Loan Agreements between Baidu Online and Zhixiang Liang, and between Baidu Online and Xiaodong Wang,
both dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.69 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Proxy Agreements between Zhixiang Liang and Baidu, Inc., and between Xiaodong Wang and Baidu, Inc., dated
March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.70 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
231
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.71
4.72
4.73
4.74
4.75
4.76
4.77
4.78
4.79
4.80
4.81
4.82
Description of Document
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Zhixiang Liang, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.71 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Xiaodong Wang, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, March 31,
2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.72 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Zhixiang Liang and
Beijing Perusal, dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.73 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Xiaodong Wang
and Beijing Perusal, dated March 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.74 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang,
Xiaodong Wang, and Baidu, Inc. dated June 28, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.75 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2019)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated July 10, 2019
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.83 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu
Netcom, Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated July 10, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.84 of our Annual Report
on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Robin Yanhong Li dated July 10,
2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.85 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Termination Agreement of Current Control Contracts among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Robin
Yanhong Li and Hailong Xiang dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.86 of our Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of Proxy Agreement between Shanshan Cui and Baidu, Inc., dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.87 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom, Shanshan Cui, and Robin Yanhong Li, dated
August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.88 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.89 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
232
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.83
4.84
4.85
4.86
4.87
4.88
4.89
4.90
4.91
4.92
4.93
4.94
Description of Document
Translation of the Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among Baidu, Inc., Baidu Online, Shanshan Cui and
Baidu Netcom dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.90 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2020)
Translation of the Equity Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui dated August 20, 2019 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.91 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13,
2020)
Amended and Restated Share Purchase Agreement among the Buyer as defined therein, Baidu (Hong Kong) Limited, JOYY Inc.
and certain investors party thereto, dated February 7, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.85 of our Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Termination Agreement among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang, Lu Wang and our company, dated
October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.86 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Operating Agreement among Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal, Zhixiang Liang and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30,
2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.87 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Loan Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.88 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Proxy Agreement between our company and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.89 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreement among our company, Baidu Online, Shanshan Cui and
Beijing Perusal, dated October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.90 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Pledge Agreement between Baidu Online and Shanshan Cui, dated October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.91 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Zhixiang Liang, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated
October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.92 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Shanshan Cui, an individual shareholder of Beijing Perusal, dated
October 30, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.93 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 9, 2021)
Translation of Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI
Century and Beijing Xinlian Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
233
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.95
4.96
4.97
4.98
4.99
4.100
4.101
4.102
4.103
4.104
4.105
4.106
Description of Document
Translation of Software Licensing Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing Xinlian
Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the
registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Trademark Licensing Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing Xinlian
Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the
registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Business Cooperation Agreement, effective on December 1, 2011, between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing Xinlian
Xinde Advertisement Media Co., Ltd. (later renamed as Beijing iQIYI) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to the
registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Shareholder Voting Rights Trust Agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Xiaohua
Geng, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Share Pledge Agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Xiaohua Geng, dated
January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263)
filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Commitment Letter issued by iQIYI, and Beijing QIYI Century, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Purchase Option Agreement among iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI
and Xiaohua Geng, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the registration statement on Form
F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Xiaohua Geng, dated January 30, 2013
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI,
Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Amended and Restated Business Operation Agreement among Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and Xiaohua
Geng, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File
No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on February 27, 2018)
Translation of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by Beijing QIYI Century, dated January 30, 2013 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
Translation of Spousal Consent Letter issued by the spouse of Xiaohua Geng, dated September 26, 2016 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-223263) filed by iQIYI, Inc. with the SEC on
February 27, 2018)
US$3,000,000,000 Facilities Agreement between the Registrant and other parties thereto dated April 2, 2021 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.106 of Form 6-K furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2021)
234
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
4.107*
4.108*
Investment Agreement, dated August 30, 2022, between iQIYI, PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited and PAG Pegasus Fund LP
Deed of Amendment to the Investment Agreement, by and among iQIYI, PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited, and PAG Pegasus Fund
LP, dated as of December 30, 2022
Description of Document
4.109*
Indenture, dated December 30, 2022, between iQIYI and Citicorp International Limited, as trustee
8.1*
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
13.1**
13.2**
15.1*
15.2*
15.3*
List of Principal Subsidiaries and Variable Interest Entities
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.14 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file
no. 333-126534) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005)
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Consent of Han Kun Law Offices
Consent of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document—this instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags
embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*
**
Filed herewith
Furnished herewith
235
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and
authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Baidu, Inc.
By: /s/ Robin Yanhong Li
Name: Robin Yanhong Li
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 22, 2023
236
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 1408)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
Page(s)
F-2-F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9-F-10
F-11-F-12
F-13-F-95
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Baidu, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Baidu, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the related
consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 22, 2023 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included
performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
F-2
Table of Contents
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and
(2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our
opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a
separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Description of the Matter
Impairment assessment of equity method investments and equity investments accounted for
using the measurement alternative
As described in Notes 2, 4 and 26 to the consolidated financial statements, as of December 31,
2022, the Company’s consolidated balance of equity method investments and equity
investments accounted for using the measurement alternative was RMB25,940 million
(US$3,761 million) and RMB9,249 million (US$1,341 million), respectively. For the year
ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized impairment losses of RMB569 million
(US$82 million) and RMB2,456 million (US$356 million) for equity method investments and
equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative, respectively.
The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date,
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the Company when
determining whether an equity method investment has been other-than-temporarily-impaired,
include, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value
has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee and the
Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment until the recovery of its cost. An
impairment loss is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be other-
than-temporary. For equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative, the
Company makes a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators to evaluate
whether investments are impaired at each reporting date. If a qualitative assessment indicates
that an investment is impaired, the Company estimates the investment’s fair value and
recognizes an impairment loss if the fair value is less than the investment’s carrying value.
Auditing the Company’s impairment assessment was complex and highly judgmental due to
the significant judgment involved in (i) management’s assessment of whether indicators of
impairment existed, and if so, determining whether (ii) a decline in value of equity method
investments was other-than-temporary and (iii) investments in equity investments accounted
for using the measurement alternative were impaired. In addition, auditing the fair value of the
Company’s investments in investees without observable market prices was highly judgmental
due to the subjectivity of the unobservable inputs used by management in the valuation
methodologies to determine the fair value for these investments, such
F-3
Table of Contents
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
as selection of comparable companies and multiples, expected volatility, discount for
lack-of-marketability and probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption
preferences, when applicable. These unobservable inputs and resulting fair value estimates
may be affected by unexpected changes in future market or economic conditions.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of
controls over the Company’s impairment review processes for equity method investments and
equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative. For example, we tested
controls over management’s identification and review of impairment indicators for these
investments, and as necessary, management’s review of the subsequent determination of
whether impairment existed and the measurement of fair value.
To test the impairment assessment of equity method investments and equity investments
accounted for using the measurement alternative, we performed audit procedures that
included, among others, evaluating management’s assessment as to whether indicators of
impairment existed and investments were impaired by considering the financial condition and
operating results of the investees, as well as other relevant market information. For equity
method investments, we also evaluated management’s determination as to whether an
indicated impairment was other-than-temporary, considering factors such as the duration and
magnitude of the decline in value and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the
investment until the recovery of its cost. We tested the completeness, accuracy and relevance
of the underlying data used by management in the valuation models to determine fair value.
With the assistance of our internal valuation specialists, we evaluated the appropriateness of
the valuation methodologies used by management to determine the fair value of investments
and tested the unobservable inputs used in the valuation methodologies by comparing certain
assumptions to industry, business and market data/information available from third-party
sources. We also independently developed our unobservable inputs and compared them to the
Company’s results, and involved our internal valuation specialists to assist with the application
of these procedures.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.
Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
March 22, 2023
F-4
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Baidu, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Baidu, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In
our opinion, Baidu, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022,
based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and
shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and our report dated March 22, 2023
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
March 22, 2023
F-6
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares and per share data)
As of December 31,
Notes
2021
2022
RMB RMB US$
2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments, net of allowance of RMB338 and RMB277 (US$40) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of RMB2,069 and RMB2,554 (US$370) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively
Amounts due from related parties
Other current assets, net
Total current assets
Non-current assets:
Fixed assets, net
Licensed copyrights, net
Produced content, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Long-term investment, net
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
Amounts due from related parties
Deferred tax assets, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY
Current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB30,592 and RMB30,368 (US$4,402) as of
December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively):
Short-term loans
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Deferred income
Long-term loans, current portion
Convertible senior notes, current portion
Notes payable, current portion
Amounts due to related parties
Operating lease liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the primary beneficiaries of RMB6,286 and RMB6,663 (US$965) as of
December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively):
Deferred income
Deferred revenue
Amounts due to related parties
Long-term loans
Notes payable
Convertible senior notes
Deferred tax liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Equity
Class A Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share, 66,000,000,000 shares authorized, and 2,205,032,472 shares and 2,254,485,072 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively
Class B Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.000000625 per share, 2,832,000,000 shares authorized, and 559,300,320 shares and 542,100,320 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Treasury stock
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Total Baidu, Inc. shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
36,850
10,821
4 143,243
9,981
8
1,368
24
9 11,052
213,315
53,156
11,330
120,839
11,733
5,432
10,360
212,850
10 23,027
6
7,258
7 10,951
11
1,689
11 22,605
4 59,418
7,914
5
3,487
24
17
2,372
16 12,065
9 15,933
166,719
380,034
23,973
6,841
13,002
1,254
22,477
55,297
23,629
60
2,129
10,365
19,096
178,123
390,973
7,707
1,643
17,520
1,701
788
1,501
30,860
3,476
992
1,885
182
3,259
8,017
3,426
9
309
1,503
2,768
25,826
56,686
1
13
4,168
12 41,384
13,706
97
13
2
15 —
14 10,505
1,764
24
2,862
16
74,488
5,343
38,014
13,116
72
—
8,305
6,904
5,067
2,809
79,630
775
5,512
1,902
10
—
1,204
1,001
735
407
11,546
1
129
223
24
3,268
13 12,629
14 43,120
15 12,652
3,286
17
5,569
16
718
81,594
156,082
159
331
99
13,722
39,893
9,568
2,898
4,810
2,058
73,538
153,168
23
48
14
1,990
5,784
1,387
420
697
299
10,662
22,208
19
20
7,148
8,393
1,217
21 —
—
—
21
21 —
73,888
(7,581)
21 145,160
(8)
21
211,459
5,345
216,804
380,034
—
79,855
(5,264)
148,341
546
223,478
5,934
229,412
390,973
—
11,578
(763)
21,507
79
32,401
860
33,261
56,686
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”), including number of shares, except for per share (or ADS) data)
Revenues:
Online marketing services
Others
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Other income (loss):
Interest income
Interest expense
Foreign exchange (loss) gain, net
Share of losses from equity method investments
Others, net
Total other income (loss), net
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Earnings per share for Class A and Class B ordinary shares (Note):
Basic
Diluted
Earnings per ADS (1 ADS equals 8 Class A ordinary shares) (Note):
Basic
Diluted
For the Years Ended December 31,
Notes
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
72,840 80,695 74,711 10,832
34,234 43,798 48,964 7,099
25 107,074 124,493 123,675 17,931
55,158 64,314 63,935 9,269
18,063 24,723 20,514 2,975
19,513 24,938 23,315 3,380
92,734 113,975 107,764 15,624
14,340 10,518 15,911 2,307
5,358 5,551 6,245
(3,103) (3,421) (2,913)
100 (1,484)
(660)
4 (2,248)
(932) (1,910)
4 9,403 (1,038) (5,737)
(5,799)
905
(422)
(215)
(277)
(832)
(841)
260
23,090 10,778 10,112 1,466
2,578
374
7,534 1,092
(4)
7,559 1,096
3,187
7,591
(2,635)
22,472 10,226
4,064
19,026
(3,446)
8,750
(25)
17
22
22
8.19
8.12
3.58
3.51
2.50
2.48
0.36
0.36
65.54
64.98
28.64
28.07
20.02
19.85
2.90
2.88
2,732
2,756
2,758
2,814
2,782 2,782
2,809 2,809
Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding (in millions) (Note):
22
Basic
Diluted
Other comprehensive income (loss):
21
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments, net of reclassification
Unrealized gains on derivatives
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
1,936
(161)
—
1,775
(88)
(190)
149
(129)
(751)
(392)
1,266
123
(109)
(57)
184
18
20,801
(3,253)
7,462
(2,557)
24,054 10,019
7,657 1,110
(456)
(66)
8,113 1,176
Note: Basic and diluted earnings per share and the number of shares for the year ended December 31, 2020 had been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision
that took effect on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Notes 1 and 22.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”))
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of fixed assets and computer parts
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets
Deferred income tax, net
Share-based compensation
Allowance for credit losses
Investment and interest income
Amortization and impairment of licensed copyrights
Amortization and impairment of produced content
Impairment of other assets
Share of losses from equity method investments
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets
Barter transaction revenue
Accretion on convertible senior notes and asset-backed debt securities
Other non-cash expenses
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and disposals:
Accounts receivable
Amounts due from related parties
Licensed copyrights
Produced content
Other assets
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other non-current liabilities
Deferred income
Amounts due to related parties
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of fixed assets
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Acquisition of intangible assets
Purchases of time deposit and held-to-maturity investments
Maturities of time deposit and held-to-maturity investments
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments
Purchases of equity investments
Proceeds from disposal of equity investments
Disposal of subsidiaries’ shares
Loans provided to third parties
Loans provided to related parties
Repayment of loans provided to third parties
Repayment of loans provided to related parties
Prepayments made for the acquisition of businesses
Other investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
19,026
7,591
7,534
1,092
5,884
5,772
471
544
(449)
115
7,056
6,728
989
679
(11,966)
(3,930)
11,864 10,083
6,121
4,534
4,445
2,928
932
2,248
(45)
—
(81)
71
(1,244)
(1,376)
618
501
372
739
6,477
467
(99)
6,788
701
4,010
7,781
5,359
3,058
1,910
(868)
(58)
(876)
146
598
(1,660)
(2,144)
125
(695)
(9,731)
(10,528)
(6,728) (10,492)
(3,644)
622
7,141
(29)
281
24,200 20,122
(351)
1,177
208
(293)
(157)
(2,369)
264
(6,144)
(7,391)
965
(460)
(1,450)
16
(189)
26,170
939
68
(14)
984
102
581
1,128
777
443
277
(126)
(8)
(127)
21
88
(343)
38
(891)
(1,072)
139
(67)
(209)
2
(27)
3,794
(8,286)
(14)
(107)
(5,084) (10,896)
(247)
(2,396)
(344)
(247)
(1,201)
(2)
(16)
(159,197) (171,526) (173,934) (25,218)
134,299 156,700 178,831 25,928
(1,100)
(133,008) (25,575)
1,347
135,606 25,895
(526)
(3,395)
(4,467)
288
9,908
6,523
39
—
(486)
—
(810)
(5)
(125)
—
—
—
810
—
—
917
—
—
— (12,035)
14
71
(572)
(27,552) (31,444)
(7,587)
9,288
(3,628)
1,984
270
—
(859)
—
—
—
98
(3,944)
(7)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-9
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), and in millions of U.S. Dollars (“US$”))
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term loans
Repayments of short-term loans
Proceeds from long-term loans
Repayments of long-term loans
Repayment of loans borrowed from related parties
Proceeds from issuance of long-term notes, net of issuance costs
Repayment of long-term notes
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs
Repayments of convertible senior notes
Proceeds from issuance of subsidiaries’ shares
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Proceeds from exercise of share options
Proceeds from issuance of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary
Proceeds from Hong Kong listing, net of issuance costs
Return of equity to noncontrolling interest shareholders
Other financing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of fixed assets included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Long-term restricted cash (Note)
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020
2022
RMB RMB RMB US$
2021
2022
4,662
3,449
6,273
(5,084)
3,559 4,487
(3,223) (3,365)
909
(737)
— 12,673 — —
(709) (7,277) (11,451) (1,660)
(356) — — —
13,346 6,440 — —
(5,378) — — —
500
5,151
633
— (4,751) — —
178
684
(279)
(13,054) (7,581)
29
335
176
1,669 4,935
—
(12)
(880)
— 19,873 — —
— (2,701) — —
(30)
(230)
(109)
(926)
5,665 23,396
(212)
251
(943)
2,101 11,131 17,565 2,547
34,439 36,540 47,671 6,912
36,540 47,671 65,236 9,459
1,227
(1,925)
200
1,212
(86)
(205)
(6,390)
1,729
228
2,204 2,542
3,608 3,253
2,690
3,525
390
511
984 1,843
1,000
145
35,782 36,850 53,156 7,707
758 10,821 11,330 1,643
— —
109
36,540 47,671 65,236 9,459
750
Note: Long-term restricted cash was included in “Other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-10
Number of
shares
Additional
Retained
paid-in
Amount
earnings
capital
RMB RMB RMB
Accumulated other
comprehensive
(loss) income
RMB
Noncontrolling
interests
RMB
Total
shareholders’
equity
RMB
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”), except for number of shares)
Ordinary shares
Treasury Stock
Attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Balances at December 31, 2019
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Business combinations
Issuance of shares by the Company’s subsidiaries to
noncontrolling interests
Exercise of share-based awards
Share-based compensation
Dividends payable by the Company’s subsidiaries
Return of equity to noncontrolling interest shareholders
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Repurchase and retirement of ordinary shares
Equity component of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI,
net of issuance costs
Others
Balances at December 31, 2020
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Issuance of ordinary shares, net of issuance costs
Issuance of shares by the Company’s subsidiaries to
noncontrolling interests
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests and
noncontrolling interests
Exercise of share-based awards
Share-based compensation
Dividends paid and payable by the Company’s subsidiaries
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Reclassification from mezzanine equity to ordinary shares
Equity component of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI,
net of issuance costs
Others
Balances at December 31, 2021
Number of
shares
(Note)
Amount
RMB
2,766,630,000 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
38,595,040 —
— —
— —
—
— —
(126,096,000) —
— —
— —
2,679,129,040 —
— —
— —
95,000,000 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
38,714 126,268
—
(314)
— 22,472
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
2,260 —
302 —
5,749 —
— —
— —
—
(88)
— (13,054)
208 —
(20) —
47,213 135,284
— 10,226
— —
19,873 —
— —
— —
279 —
—
—
47,547,280 —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— 57,343,528 (7,581)
—
—
—
(57,343,528)
—
(692) —
292 —
6,895 —
— —
—
(350)
— —
—
—
— —
— —
2,764,332,792 — 57,343,528 (7,581)
— —
— —
25 —
3 —
73,888 145,160
(1,383)
—
—
1,582
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
199
—
(207)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(8)
8,107
(43)
(3,446)
193
798
2,397
—
645
(70)
(2,704)
(39)
—
187
20
6,045
(2,635)
78
—
432
727
—
613
(51)
(41)
—
153
171,706
(357)
19,026
1,775
798
4,657
302
6,394
(70)
(2,704)
(127)
(13,054)
395
—
188,741
7,591
(129)
19,873
711
35
292
7,508
(51)
(391)
(7,581)
153
24
—
5,345
49
3
216,804
Note: The number of shares for the year ended December 31, 2020 has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that took effect on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Notes 1 and 22.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-11
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(Amounts in millions of Renminbi (“RMB”) except for number of shares)
Ordinary shares
Treasury Stock
Attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Number of
shares
(Note)
Number of
shares
Amount
RMB
Amount
RMB
Additional
paid-in
capital
RMB
Balances at December 31, 2021
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 15)
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Issuance of shares by the Company’s subsidiaries
to noncontrolling interests
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests
Exercise of share-based awards
Share-based compensation
Dividends paid and payable by the Company’s
subsidiaries
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Disposal of subsidiaries’ shares
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Others
Balances at December 31, 2022
Balances at December 31, 2022, in US$
2,764,332,792
—
—
—
— 57,343,528
—
—
—
—
—
—
(7,581)
—
—
—
—
—
49,560,000
—
—
—
—
—
— (25,242,088)
—
—
—
—
—
(17,307,400)
—
2,796,585,392
—
—
—
—
—
—
— 17,307,400
—
—
— 49,408,840
—
—
—
4,242
—
—
—
—
(1,925)
—
(5,264)
(763)
Retained
earnings
RMB
145,160
398
7,559
—
—
—
(4,199)
—
73,888
(738)
—
—
224
(3)
132
6,354
—
—
—
—
(2)
79,855
11,578
—
(591)
14
—
—
148,341
21,507
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss) income
RMB
Noncontrolling
interests
RMB
Total
shareholders’
equity
RMB
(8)
13
—
541
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
546
79
5,345
(309)
(25)
(431)
1,024
(83)
—
412
(20)
(2)
23
—
—
5,934
860
216,804
(636)
7,534
110
1,248
(86)
175
6,766
(20)
(593)
37
(1,925)
(2)
229,412
33,261
Note:
The number of shares for the year ended December 31, 2020 has been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that took effect on
March 1, 2021 as detailed in Notes 1 and 22.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-12
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
1.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Baidu, Inc. (“Baidu” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on January 18, 2000. The Company, its subsidiaries,
variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and subsidiaries of the VIEs are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Group.”
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has subsidiaries incorporated in countries and jurisdictions including mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan,
Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands (“BVI”). As of December 31, 2022, the Company also effectively controls a number of VIEs through the
Primary Beneficiaries, as defined below. The VIEs include:
•
•
•
•
Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. (“Baidu Netcom”), controlled by the Company;
Beijing Perusal Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Perusal”), controlled by the Company;
Beijing iQIYI Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing iQIYI”), and other VIEs controlled by iQIYI, Inc. (“iQIYI VIEs”); and
Other VIEs controlled by the Company or the Company’s subsidiaries.
The Group’s operations are consisting of Baidu Core and iQIYI. Baidu Core offers online marketing services, and other services including cloud
services and other growth initiatives including intelligent driving, Xiaodu smart devices, etc. iQIYI is an innovative market-leading online entertainment
service in China and offers membership services, online advertising services, content distribution and other services. iQIYI’s platform features iQIYI
original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other professionally produced content (PPC), professional user generated content (PUGC) and
user-generated content. The Group’s principal geographic market is in mainland China. The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its
own, but conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries incorporated in mainland China and contractual arrangements with the
variable interest entities based in mainland China.
The Group’s internet content services, value-added telecommunication-based services, internet map services, online audio and video services, and
mobile application distribution businesses in mainland China have been conducted through the applicable VIEs in order to comply with the laws and
regulations of mainland China, which restrict and impose conditions on foreign direct investment in companies involved in the provision of such
businesses. To comply with these foreign ownership restrictions, the Group operates its websites and primarily provides services subject to such
restriction in mainland China through the VIEs, the mainland China legal entities that were established or whose equity shares were held by the
individuals authorized by the Group. The paid-in capital of the VIEs was mainly funded by the Company or its subsidiaries through loans extended to
the authorized individuals who were the shareholders of the VIEs. The Company or its subsidiaries has entered into proxy agreements/shareholder
voting rights trust agreements/ powers of attorney and exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement or exclusive purchase option agreement
with the VIEs and nominee shareholders of the VIEs, which give the Primary Beneficiaries the power to direct the activities that most significantly
affect the economic performance of the VIEs and to acquire the equity interests in the VIEs when permitted by the laws of mainland China, respectively.
Certain exclusive agreements have been entered into with the VIEs through the Primary Beneficiaries or their wholly-owned subsidiaries in mainland
China, which obligate the Primary Beneficiaries to absorb losses or receive economic benefits of the VIEs’ that could potentially be significant to the
VIEs or entitle the Primary Beneficiaries to receive economic benefits from the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. In addition, the
Group has entered into certain agreements with the shareholders of the VIEs through the Primary Beneficiaries or their wholly-owned subsidiaries,
including loan agreements for the paid-in capital of the VIEs and equity pledge agreements for the equity interests in the VIEs held by the shareholders
of the VIEs.
F-13
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The shareholders of the VIEs effectively assigned all of their voting rights underlying their equity interest in the VIEs to the Primary Beneficiaries. In
addition, through the other exclusive agreements, which consist of exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreements/exclusive purchase option
agreements, commitment letters, operating agreements/business operation agreements, exclusive technology consulting and services agreements and
license agreements, the Primary Beneficiaries, by themselves or their wholly-owned subsidiaries in mainland China, demonstrate their ability and
intention to continue to exercise the ability to absorb losses or receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. The VIEs are
subject to operating risks, which determine the variability of the Company’s interest in those entities. Based on these contractual arrangements, the
Company consolidates the VIEs as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation.
Unrecognized revenue-producing assets held by the VIEs include certain internet content provisions and other licenses, domain names and trademarks.
The internet content provisions and other licenses, which are held by the VIEs that provide the relevant services, are required under the relevant laws of
mainland China, rules and regulations for the operation of Internet businesses in mainland China, and therefore are integral to the Company’s operations.
The principal terms of the agreements entered into amongst the VIEs, their respective shareholders and the Primary Beneficiaries are further described
below.
Proxy Agreements/Shareholder Voting Rights Trust Agreements/Powers of Attorney
Pursuant to the proxy agreement between the Company and the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the shareholders of Baidu Netcom agreed to entrust all
the rights to exercise their voting power and any other rights as shareholders of Baidu Netcom to the person(s) designated by the Company. The
shareholders of Baidu Netcom have each executed an irrevocable power of attorney to appoint the person(s) designated by the Company as their
attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters requiring shareholder approval. Any action taken by such attorney-in-fact in relation to the
entrusted rights shall be directed and approved by the company. The proxy agreement would be in effect for an unlimited term unless terminated in
writing by the Company. The power of attorney would be in effect for as long as the shareholders of Baidu Netcom hold any equity interests in Baidu
Netcom.
Each of the proxy agreements or shareholder voting rights trust agreements amongst the Company or other subsidiaries and the shareholders of Beijing
Perusal and other VIEs contains substantially the same terms as those described above. Each of the proxy agreements or shareholder voting rights trust
agreements will be in effect for an unlimited term unless terminated in writing by the Company or other subsidiaries. Each of the powers of attorney will
be in effect for as long as the shareholder of Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI VIEs, holds any equity interests in Beijing Perusal or other
VIEs, including iQIYI VIEs, as the case may be.
Exclusive Equity Purchase and Transfer Option Agreements/ Exclusive Purchase Option Agreements
Pursuant to the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement amongst the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the Company and Baidu Online,
the shareholders of Baidu Netcom irrevocably granted the Company or its designated person(s) (including Baidu Online) an exclusive option to
purchase, to the extent permitted under the laws of mainland China, all or part of the equity interests in Baidu Netcom for the cost of the initial
contributions to the registered capital or the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable laws of mainland China. The shareholders of
Baidu Netcom must remit to Baidu Online any amount that is paid by Baidu Online in connection with the purchased equity interest as requested by the
Company or its designated person(s) (including Baidu Online) to the extent permitted by the applicable laws. The Company or its designated person(s)
F-14
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
have sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, whether in part or in full. Any and all dividends and other capital distributions made by Baidu
Netcom to its shareholders must be repaid to the Company in full amount. The Company or its designated person(s) (including Baidu Online) also have
the exclusive right to cause the shareholders of Baidu Netcom to transfer their equity interest in Baidu Netcom to the Company or any designated third
party. The Company would provide unlimited financial support to Baidu Netcom if, in the normal operation of business, Baidu Netcom would become
in need of any form of reasonable financial support. If Baidu Netcom were to incur any loss and as a result cannot repay any loans from the Company
(through Baidu Online), the Company will unconditionally forgive any such loans to Baidu Netcom given that Baidu Netcom provides sufficient proof
for its loss and incapacity to repay. In addition, the shareholders of Baidu Netcom must appoint the candidates recommended by Baidu Online as their
representatives on Baidu Netcom’s board of directors. The agreement will terminate when the shareholders of Baidu Netcom have transferred all their
equity interests in Baidu Netcom to the Company or its designated person(s) or upon expiration of the term of business of the Company or Baidu
Netcom.
Each of the exclusive equity purchase and transfer option agreement/exclusive purchase option agreement amongst the Company, Baidu Online, Beijing
Perusal and its shareholders and iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those
described above, except that the original term of the amended and restated exclusive purchase option agreement amongst iQIYI, Beijing QIYI Century,
Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder is ten years, which has been extended to November 22, 2032, and can be further renewed at iQIYI’s discretion.
Exclusive Technology Consulting and Services Agreements
Pursuant to the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online has the exclusive right
to provide technology consulting and services related to, among other things, the maintenance of servers, software development, design of
advertisements, and e-commerce technical services to Baidu Netcom. Baidu Online owns the intellectual property rights resulting from the performance
of this agreement. Baidu Netcom agrees to pay service fees to Baidu Online and Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole discretion
without the consent of Baidu Netcom. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and
extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Each of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreements between Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and Beijing Perusal or other VIEs,
including iQIYI VIEs, contains substantially the same terms as those described above, except the basis of determining the service fees may differ and
that the original term of the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI dated November
23, 2011 is ten years, and has been extended for another ten years to November 23, 2031 in December 2020, and can be further renewed at the discretion
of Beijing QIYI Century.
Operating Agreements/Business Operation Agreements
Pursuant to the operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom and the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online provides guidance and
instructions on Baidu Netcom’s daily operations, financial affairs and employment and dismissal of staff. In addition, Baidu Online agrees to guarantee
Baidu Netcom’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Baidu Netcom’s business arrangements with any third party. In return,
Baidu Netcom agrees that without the prior consent of Baidu Online, Baidu Netcom will not engage in any transactions that could materially affect the
assets, liabilities, rights or operations of Baidu Netcom, including, without limitation, incurrence or assumption of any indebtedness, sale or purchase of
any assets or rights, incurrence of any encumbrance on any of its assets or intellectual property rights in favor of a
F-15
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
third party or transfer of any agreements relating to its business operation to any third party. The agreement will be in effect for an unlimited term, until
the term of business of Baidu Online or Baidu Netcom expires and extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
The operating agreement amongst Baidu Online, Beijing Perusal and its shareholders contains substantially the same terms as those described above.
Pursuant to the amended and restated business operation agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century, Beijing iQIYI and its shareholder, Beijing QIYI
Century provides guidance and instructions on Beijing iQIYI’s daily operations and financial affairs. In addition, Beijing QIYI Century agrees to
guarantee Beijing iQIYI’s performance under any agreements or arrangements relating to Beijing iQIYI’s business arrangements with any third party.
The agreement can only be unilaterally revoked by Beijing QIYI Century. The original term of the agreement dated January 30, 2013 is ten years, which
has been extended for another ten years to January 30, 2033 in December 2020, and can be further renewed at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
Loan Agreements
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst the shareholders of Baidu Netcom and Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Baidu Online”),
one of the Company’s subsidiaries, Baidu Online provided interest-free loans in an aggregate amount of RMB13.4 billion (US$1.9 billion) to the
shareholders of Baidu Netcom solely for the latter to fund the capitalization of Baidu Netcom. The loans can be repaid only with the proceeds from the
sale of the shareholders’ equity interest in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online or its designated person. The term of the loan agreements will expire on July
9, 2029 and August 19, 2029, and can be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration.
Pursuant to loan agreements amongst the shareholders of Baidu Perusal and Baidu Online, the amount of loans extended to the respective shareholders
of Beijing Perusal is RMB3.2 billion (US$464 million). The term of the loan agreements will expire on March 30, 2028 and October 29, 2029, and can
be extended with the written consent of both parties before its expiration. Each of the loan agreements amongst Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and
the respective shareholders of Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI VIEs, contains substantially the same terms as those described above,
except that the amount of the loans and the contract expiration date varies. The term of the loan agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century Science &
Technology Co., Ltd (“Beijing QIYI Century”, a wholly-owned foreign enterprise of iQIYI) and the shareholder of Beijing iQIYI expires on June 23,
2021 originally, which was extended in December 2020 for another ten years to June 23, 2031 and can be further extended upon the written notification
from Beijing QIYI Century.
Equity Pledge Agreements
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement between Baidu Online and the shareholders of Baidu Netcom, the shareholders of Baidu Netcom pledged all of
their equity interests in Baidu Netcom to Baidu Online to guarantee their obligations under the loan agreement and Baidu Netcom’s performance of its
obligations under the exclusive technology consulting and services agreement. If Baidu Netcom or its shareholders breach their respective contractual
obligations, Baidu Online, as the pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. The shareholders of
Baidu Netcom agreed not to dispose of the pledged equity interests or take any actions that would prejudice Baidu Online’s interest. The equity pledge
agreement will terminate on the date when Baidu Netcom and its shareholders have completed all their respective obligations under the exclusive
technology consulting and services agreement and the loan agreement, but such agreement will expire two years after expiration of the term of the
obligations of Baidu Netcom and its shareholders under the exclusive technology consulting and service agreement and the loan agreements if they fail
to fulfill such obligations thereunder.
F-16
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Each of the equity pledge agreements amongst Baidu Online or other subsidiaries and the shareholders of Beijing Perusal or other VIEs, including iQIYI
VIEs, contains substantially the same terms, including its term to expiration, as those described above.
Business Cooperation Agreement
Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective November 23, 2011, Beijing iQIYI agrees to
provide Beijing QIYI Century with services, including internet information services, online advertising and other services reasonably necessary within
the scope of Beijing QIYI Century’s business. Beijing iQIYI agrees to use technology services provided by Beijing QIYI Century on its platform,
including but not limited to, P2P download and video on-demand systems. Beijing QIYI Century agrees to pay specified service fees to Beijing iQIYI as
consideration for the internet information services and other services provided by Beijing iQIYI. Beijing iQIYI has the right to waive the service fees at
its discretion. The original term of this agreement is ten years, which has been extended for another ten years to November 23, 2031, and can be further
renewed at Beijing QIYI Century’s discretion.
License Agreements
Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom entered into a software license agreement and a web layout copyright license agreement (collectively, the “License
Agreements”). Pursuant to the License Agreements between Baidu Online and Baidu Netcom, Baidu Online has granted to Baidu Netcom the right to
use (including but not limited to) a software license and a web layout copyright license. Baidu Netcom may only use the licenses in its own business
operations. Baidu Online has the right to adjust the service fees at its sole discretion. The software license agreement and web layout copyright license
agreement were renewed since their original expiration and would be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and
extension is denied by the relevant approval authorities.
Baidu Online entered into web layout copyright license agreements with Beijing Perusal. Each of the license agreements between Baidu Online and
Beijing Perusal or other VIEs contains substantially the same terms as those described above. Each of the web layout copyright license agreements were
renewed in 2013 and would be in effect for an unlimited term, until the term of business of one party expires and extension is denied by the relevant
approval authorities.
Pursuant to the trademark license agreement and the software usage license agreement amongst Beijing QIYI Century and Beijing iQIYI effective
November 23, 2011, Beijing QIYI Century granted a non-exclusive and non-transferable license, without sublicensing rights, to Beijing iQIYI to use its
trademarks and software. Beijing iQIYI may only use the licenses in its own business operations. Beijing QIYI Century has the right to adjust the
service fees at its sole discretion. The initial term of the two agreements is five years and the software usage license agreement may be extended upon
the written consent of Beijing QIYI Century. The trademark license agreement is automatically extended for successive one-year periods after its
expiration unless Beijing QIYI Century early terminates the agreement in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The software usage license
agreement was extended for another five years after its initial term, and was extended for another ten years to December 1, 2031, and is further
renewable at the discretion of Beijing QIYI Century.
Commitment Letters
Pursuant to the commitment letter dated January 30, 2013, under the condition that Beijing iQIYI remains as a variable interest entity of iQIYI under
United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and the relevant contractual arrangements remain in effect, iQIYI commits to
provide unlimited financial support
F-17
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
to Beijing iQIYI, if Beijing iQIYI requires any form of reasonable financial support for its normal business operations. If Beijing iQIYI incurs any
losses and as a result cannot repay its loans from iQIYI and Beijing QIYI Century, one of iQIYI’s subsidiaries, iQIYI and Beijing QIYI Century would
unconditionally forgive their loans to Beijing iQIYI, if Beijing iQIYI provides sufficient proof for its loss and incapacity to repay.
The commitment letters executed by other iQIYI VIEs contain terms similar to the terms described above.
Through the contractual arrangements, the shareholders of the VIEs effectively assigned their full voting rights to the Company or its subsidiaries, which
gives the Company or its subsidiaries the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. The Company or
its subsidiaries obtain the ability to approve decisions made by the VIEs and the ability to acquire the equity interests in the VIEs when permitted by the
laws of mainland China. The Company or its subsidiaries are obligated to absorb losses or receive economic benefits of the VIEs that could potentially
be significant to the VIEs through providing unlimited financial support to the VIEs or are entitled to receive economic benefits from the VIEs that
could potentially be significant to the VIEs through the exclusive technology consulting and service fees. As a result of these contractual agreements, the
Company or its subsidiaries are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and consolidates the VIEs as required by ASC Topic 810,
Consolidation.
Through the contractual arrangements, the shareholders of the iQIYI VIEs effectively assigned all of their voting rights underlying their equity interest
in iQIYI VIEs to iQIYI. In addition, through the other exclusive agreements, which consist of the operation agreements, business cooperating
agreements, exclusive technology consulting and services agreements and trademark and software usage license agreements, iQIYI, through its wholly-
owned subsidiaries in mainland China, have the right to receive economic benefits from iQIYI VIEs that potentially could be significant to iQIYI VIEs.
Lastly, through the commitment letters, iQIYI has the obligation to absorb losses of iQIYI VIEs that could potentially be significant to iQIYI VIEs.
Therefore, iQIYI is considered the primary beneficiary of iQIYI VIEs and consolidates iQIYI VIEs and their subsidiaries.
In the opinion of the Company’s legal counsel, (i) the ownership structure relating to the VIEs of the Company is in compliance with the laws and
regulations of mainland China; (ii) the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their shareholders constituted legal, valid and binding obligations of
such party, and is enforceable against such party in accordance with their respective terms; and (iii) the execution, delivery and performance by the VIEs
and their shareholders, and the contractual arrangements as a whole, do not result in any violation of the provisions of the articles of association and
business licenses of the VIEs, and any violation of any current laws and regulations of mainland China.
However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could cause the Company’s current ownership structure to be found in violation of any existing and/or
future laws or regulations of mainland China and could limit the Company’s ability, through the Primary Beneficiaries, to enforce its rights under these
contractual arrangements. Furthermore, shareholders of the VIEs may have interests that are different with those of the Company, which could
potentially increase the risk that they would seek to breach the existing terms of the aforementioned agreements.
On January 1, 2020, the Foreign Investment Law came into effect and became the principal laws and regulations governing foreign investment in
mainland China. The Foreign Investment Law does not explicitly classify contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, but it contains a
catch-all provision which includes investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other
methods prescribed by the State Council. There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation of the Foreign Investment Law with respect to the
contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. Since the VIEs’ internet content services, value-added telecommunication-based services,
internet map services, online audio and
F-18
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
video services and mobile application distribution businesses in mainland China are included in the negative list or subject to the restrictions on foreign
investment, if any of the VIEs would be deemed as a foreign invested enterprise, the Company’s current organizational structure could be in violation of
existing and/or future laws or regulations of mainland China and could limit the Company’s ability, through the Primary Beneficiaries, to enforce its
rights under these contractual arrangements with the VIEs and the Company’s ability to conduct business through the VIEs could be severely limited.
In addition, if the current organizational structure or any of the contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of any existing and/or future laws
or regulations of mainland China, the Company may be subject to penalties, which may include but not be limited to, the cancellation or revocation of
the Company’s business and operating licenses, being required to restructure the Company’s operations or discontinue the Company’s operating
activities. The imposition of any of these or other penalties may cause the Company to lose its right to direct the activities that most significantly impact
the VIEs and/or the right to receive economic benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIEs based on the contractual arrangements, which
may result in the Company no longer being able to consolidate the financial results of the VIEs in the consolidated financial statements.
Furthermore, shareholders of the VIEs may have interests that are different with those of the Company, which could potentially increase the risk that
they would seek to breach the existing terms of the aforementioned agreements.
F-19
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The following tables set forth the financial statement balances and amounts of the VIEs and their subsidiaries included in the consolidating financial
statements after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions among VIEs and their subsidiaries within the Group.
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments, net
Accounts receivable, net
Others
Total current assets
Fixed assets, net
Intangible assets, net
Licensed copyrights, net
Produced content, net
Long-term investments, net
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Others
Total non-current assets
Total
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total current third-party liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Others
Total non-current third-party liabilities
Amounts due to the entities within Baidu (1)
Total
Note:
(1)
It represents the elimination of intercompany balances among Baidu, Inc., our subsidiaries and the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries.
F-20
As of December 31,
2022
2021
RMB RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
2,879 3,781
548
674
2,986 4,650
7,490 8,408 1,219
8,074 8,487 1,230
21,429 25,326 3,671
8,905 7,624 1,105
175
1,614 1,209
2,289 1,952
283
10,426 12,534 1,817
22,998 18,157 2,633
43
300
—
106 — —
7,076 5,460
792
10,697 10,829 1,569
64,111 58,065 8,417
85,540 83,391 12,088
18,352 15,749 2,283
6,050 7,387 1,071
370
2,619 2,554
3,571 4,678
678
30,592 30,368 4,402
662
5,253 4,565
303
1,033 2,098
6,286 6,663
965
19,744 18,743 2,718
56,622 55,774 8,085
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The carrying amounts of the assets, liabilities and the results of operations of the VIEs and their subsidiaries are presented in aggregate due to the
similarity of the purpose and design of the VIEs and their subsidiaries, the nature of the assets in these VIEs and their subsidiaries and the type of the
involvement of the Company in these VIEs and their subsidiaries.
Total revenues
Net income (loss)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions)
52,666
2,091
4,616
(8,382)
3,859
61,380
(220)
4,121
(7,551)
3,999
62,121
212
2,938
(1,898)
(64)
9,007
31
426
(275)
(9)
As of December 31, 2022 there was no pledge or collateralization of the VIEs’ assets that can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs, other than
aforementioned in the equity pledge agreements and collateralization of a VIE’s office building or restricted cash for iQIYI’s short-term loans (Note 13).
The amount of the net assets of the VIEs was RMB27.6 billion (US$4.0 billion) as of December 31, 2022. The creditors of the VIEs’ third-party
liabilities did not have recourse to the general credit of the Company in normal course of business. The Company did not provide or intend to provide
financial or other supports not previously contractually required to the VIEs during the years presented.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
Effective on March 1, 2021, each share of Class A ordinary shares, Class B ordinary shares and preferred shares of a par value of US$0.00005 each in
the share capital of the Company (including authorized issued and unissued Class A ordinary shares, Class B ordinary shares and preferred shares)
was sub-divided into 80 shares of a par value of US$0.000000625 each (the “Share Subdivision”). Following the Share Subdivision, the authorized
share capital of the Company became US$43,520 divided into 66,000,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.000000625 each,
2,832,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.000000625 each and 800,000,000 preferred shares of a par value of US$0.000000625
each. The number of issued and unissued Class A ordinary shares, Class B ordinary shares and preferred shares as disclosed elsewhere in the
consolidated financial statements are presented on a basis after taking into account the effects of the Share Subdivision and have been retrospectively
adjusted, where applicable. Simultaneously with the Share Subdivision, the change in ratio of the Company’s ADS to Class A ordinary share (the “ADS
Ratio Change”) also became effective. Following the ADS Ratio Change, each ADS now represents eight Class A ordinary shares. Previously, ten ADSs
represented one Class A ordinary share. Given that the ADS Ratio Change was exactly proportionate to the Share Subdivision, no new ADSs were
issued to any ADS holder and the total number of the Company’s outstanding ADSs remains unchanged immediately after the Share Subdivision and the
ADS Ratio Change became effective.
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs. All inter-
company transactions and balances between the Company, its subsidiaries,
F-21
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation. The Group included the results of operations of the acquired businesses
from their respective dates of acquisition.
Comparative Information
The Group separately discloses “Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments” in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022
and the comparative information has been adjusted to conform with the current year’s presentation to facilitate comparison.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Management evaluates estimates, including those related to the standalone selling prices of
performance obligations and amounts of variable considerations of revenue contracts, the allowance for credit losses of accounts receivable, contract
assets, receivables from online payment agencies, amounts due from related parties and debt securities, fair values of certain debt and equity
investments, future viewership consumption patterns and useful lives of licensed copyrights and produced content, future revenues generated by the
broadcasting and sublicensing rights of content assets (licensed and produced), ultimate revenue of produced content predominantly monetized on its
own, fair values of licensed copyrights and produced contents monetized as a film group or individually, fair value of nonmonetary content exchanges,
the useful lives of our property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, long-term investments and goodwill, the purchase price allocation and
fair value of pre-existing equity interests, noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests , deferred tax valuation allowance, the fair
value of share-based awards and estimated forfeitures for share-based awards among others. Management bases the estimates on historical experience
and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values
of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Change in Accounting Estimate
In 2021, the Group reviewed and revised the estimated useful life of its servers from four years to five years. As a result of these revisions, depreciation
expense decreased by RMB982 million, net income increased by RMB814 million, and basic and diluted net earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary
share increased by RMB0.28 and RMB0.28, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Currency Translation for Financial Statements Presentation
Translations of amounts from RMB into U.S. dollars (US$) for the convenience of the reader have been calculated at the exchange rate of RMB6.8972
per US$1.00 on December 30, 2022, the last business day in fiscal year 2022, as published on the website of the United States Federal Reserve Board.
No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at such rate.
Foreign Currency
The Company’s functional currency is the US$. The Company’s subsidiaries, VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs determine their functional currencies
based on the criteria of ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters. The Group uses the RMB as its reporting currency. The Group uses the exchange
rate as of the balance sheet date to translate its assets and liabilities and the average daily exchange rate for each month to translate its income and
F-22
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
expense items to reporting currency. Any translation gains (losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Transactions denominated in
foreign currencies are measured and recorded into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies other than functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the
balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses are included in earnings as a component of “Other income, net.”
Segment Reporting
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group had two reportable segments, Baidu Core and iQIYI. Baidu Core mainly provides search-based, feed-
based and other online marketing services, as well as products and services from its new AI initiatives. iQIYI is an online entertainment service provider
that offers original, professionally produced and partner-generated content on its platform. In early April 2018, iQIYI completed its initial public
offering (“IPO”) on the Nasdaq Global Market.
The Group’s chief executive officer, who has been identified as the chief operating decision marker (“CODM”), reviews the operating results of Baidu
Core and iQIYI, to allocate resources and assess the Group’s performance. Accordingly, the financial statements include segment information which
reflects the current composition of the reportable segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting.
Business Combinations
The Group accounts for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations.
The purchase method of accounting requires that the consideration transferred to be allocated to the assets, including separately identifiable assets and
liabilities the Group acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The consideration transferred in an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the
fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations as of the
acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities
acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any noncontrolling interests. The
excess of (i) the total cost of acquisition, fair value of the noncontrolling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interests
in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair
value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in earnings.
In a business combination achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining
control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is based on various
assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring considerable judgment from management. The most significant variables in these valuations are
discount rates, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash
inflows and outflows. The Group determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activity’s current business model and
industry comparisons.
F-23
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash, money market funds, investments in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, time deposits and
highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase and are stated at cost which approximates their fair
value.
Restricted cash
Restricted cash mainly represents amounts deposited and held in escrow for the acquisition of YY live which has not been closed yet and restricted
deposits used as security against convertible senior notes.
In the event that the obligation to maintain such restricted deposits is expected to be terminated within the next twelve months, these deposits are
classified as current assets, included in “Restricted cash” in the consolidated balance sheets. Otherwise, they are classified as non-current assets,
included in “Other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, net
Accounts receivable are recognized and carried at the original invoiced amount less an allowance for credit losses. The Group’s right to consideration in
exchange for goods or services that the Group has transferred to a customer is recognized as a contract asset. The Group maintains an allowance for
credit losses in accordance with ASC Topic 326, Credit Losses (“ASC 326”) and records the allowance for credit losses as an offset to accounts
receivable and contract assets, and the estimated credit losses charged to the allowance is classified as “Selling, general and administrative” in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Group assesses collectability by reviewing accounts receivable and contract assets on a
collective basis where similar characteristics exist, primarily based on similar business line, service or product offerings and on an individual basis when
the Group identifies specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the
Group considers historical collectability based on past due status, the age of the accounts receivable balances and contract assets balances, credit quality
of the Group’s customers based on ongoing credit evaluations, current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic
conditions, and other factors that may affect the Group’s ability to collect from customers.
Receivables from Online Payment Agencies, net
Receivables from online payment agencies are funds due from the third-party online payment service providers for clearing transactions and are
included in “Other current assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Funds were paid or deposited by customers or users through these online
payment agencies for services provided by the Group. The Group considers and monitors the credit worthiness of the third-party payment service
providers and recognizes credit losses based on ongoing credit evaluations. Receivable balances are written off when they are deemed uncollectible. As
of December 31, 2021 and 2022, allowance for credit losses provided for the receivables from online payment agencies were insignificant.
F-24
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Investments
Short-term investments
All highly liquid investments with original maturities less than twelve months are classified as short-term investments. Investments that are expected to
be realized in cash during the next twelve months are also included in short-term investments.
The Group accounts for short-term debt investments in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt Securities (“ASC 320”). The Group
classifies the short-term investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale, whose classification determines the respective
accounting methods stipulated by ASC 320. Dividend and interest income, including amortization of the premium and discount arising at acquisition,
for all categories of investments in securities are included in earnings. Any realized gains or losses on the sale of the short-term investments are
determined on a specific identification method, and such gains and losses are reflected in earnings during the period in which gains or losses are
realized.
Securities that the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and stated at amortized cost
less allowance for credit losses.
Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities, in accordance with
ASC 320. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings.
Debt investments not classified as trading or as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale debt securities, which are reported at fair value, with
unrealized gains and losses recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the consolidated balance sheets.
The allowance for credit losses of the held-to-maturity debt securities reflects the Group’s estimated expected losses over the contractual lives of the
held-to-maturity debt securities and is charged to “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Estimated allowance for credit
losses is determined by considering reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to information about past events and
current conditions. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the allowance for credit losses provided for the held-to-maturity debt securities held by the
Group was RMB338 million and RMB277 million (US$40 million), respectively.
Long-term investments
The Group’s long-term investments consist of equity method investments, equity investments with readily determinable fair value, equity investments
without readily determinable fair value, equity investments in private equity funds, other investments accounted for at fair value and available-for-sale
debt investments.
Investments in entities in which the Group can exercise significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or control are accounted for
using the equity method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). Under the
equity method, the Group initially records its investment at cost and the difference between the cost of the equity investee and the amount of the
underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary. The Group subsequently
adjusts the carrying amount of its investment to recognize the Group’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss into earnings
after the date of investment and its share of each equity investee’s movement in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss is recognize in other
comprehensive income (loss). When calculating its proportionate share of each equity investee’s net
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
income or loss, the Group adjusts the net income or loss of equity investee to include accretion of preferred stock that is classified in temporary equity in
the investee’s financial statements, into earnings. The Group will discontinue applying the equity method if an investment (plus additional financial
support provided to the investee, if any) has been reduced to zero. When the Group has other investments in its equity-method investee and is not
required to advance additional funds to that investee, the Group would continue to report its share of equity method losses in its consolidated statements
of comprehensive income after its equity-method investment in ordinary shares has been reduced to zero, to the extent of and as an adjustment to the
adjusted basis of the Group’s other investments in the investee. Such losses are first applied to those investments of a lower liquidation preference before
being further applied to the investments of a higher liquidation preference. The Group adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting for its share of equity
income/(loss) in majority of its equity method investees.
The Group evaluates its equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the Group when determining whether an investment
has been other-than-temporarily-impaired, include, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less
than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and the Group’s intent and ability to retain the investment until the recovery of
its cost. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-
temporary and is allocated to the individual net assets underlying equity method investments in the following order: 1) reduce any equity method
goodwill to zero; 2) reduce the individual basis differences related to the investee’s long-lived assets pro rata based on their amounts relative to the
overall basis difference at the impairment date; and 3) reduce the individual basis difference of the investee’s remaining assets in a systematic and
rational manner.
For equity investments in private equity funds, over which the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, are measured using the
net asset value per share based on the practical expedient in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) (“NAV practical
expedient”).
For equity securities without readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient, the Group elects to use the
measurement alternative to measure those investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in
orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any. Significant judgments are required to determine (i) whether observable
price changes are orderly transactions and identical or similar to an investment held by the Group; and (ii) the selection of appropriate valuation
methodologies and underlying assumptions, including expected volatility and the probability of exit events as it relates to liquidation and redemption
features used to measure the price adjustments for the difference in rights and obligations between instruments. Equity securities with readily
determinable fair values are measured at fair value, and any changes in fair value are recognized in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income.
For equity investments measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings, the Group does not assess whether those securities are
impaired. For equity investments that the Group elects to use the measurement alternative, the Group makes a qualitative assessment considering
impairment indicators to evaluate whether investments are impaired at each reporting date. Impairment indicators considered include, but are not limited
to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee, including factors that raise significant concerns about the
investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technologic environment of the investee
and a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates. If a
qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired, the entity has to estimate the investment’s fair
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
value in accordance with the principles of ASC 820. If the fair value is less than the investment’s carrying value, the Group recognizes an impairment
loss in earnings equal to the difference between the carrying value and fair value.
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 946-320, Financial Services—Investment Companies, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 946-320”), the
Group accounts for long-term equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies at fair value. These investments
were initially recorded at their transaction price net of transaction costs, if any. Fair values of these investments are re-measured at each reporting date in
accordance with ASC 820.
Available-for-sale debt investments are convertible debt instruments issued by private companies and investments in preferred shares that are currently
redeemable at the Group’s option, which are measured at fair value. Interest income is recognized in earnings. All other changes in the carrying amount
of these debt investments are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Long-term time deposit and held-to-maturity investments
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity securities are mainly deposits in commercial banks and wealth management products issued by
commercial banks and other financial institutions with maturities of greater than one year.
Investments in debt securities with maturities of greater than one year that the Group has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as
long-term held-to-maturity investments and stated at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses.
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are in the form of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, amounts due from and
due to related parties, other receivables, long-term investments, the carrying values of the aforementioned financial instruments included in current
assets and liabilities approximate their respective fair values because of their general short maturities. The carrying amounts of long-term loans
approximate fair values as the related interest rates currently offered by financial institutions for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. The
fair value of long-term investments, notes payable and convertible senior notes that are not reported at fair value are disclosed in Note 26.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful
lives of the assets or the term of the related lease, as follows:
Office building
Office building related facility, machinery and equipment
Computer equipment
Office equipment
Vehicles
Leasehold improvements
– 43 to 45 years
– 10 to 15 years
– 3 to 5 years
– 3 to 5 years
– 5 years
– over the shorter of lease terms or estimated useful lives of the assets
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Fixed assets have no estimated residual value except for the office building and its related facility, machinery and equipment, which mainly have an
estimated residual value of 4% of the cost.
Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas the cost of renewals and betterments that extend the useful life of fixed assets
are capitalized as additions to the related assets. Retirements, sales and disposals of assets are recorded by removing the cost and accumulated
depreciation from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts with any resulting gain or loss reflected in earnings. All direct and indirect costs that
are related to the construction of fixed assets and incurred before the assets are ready for their intended use are capitalized as construction in progress.
Construction in progress is transferred to specific fixed assets items and depreciation of these assets commences when they are ready for their intended
use.
Interest costs are capitalized if they are incurred during the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset and such costs could have been
avoided if expenditures for the assets have not been made. Capitalization of interest costs commences when the activities to prepare the asset are in
progress and expenditures and borrowing costs are being incurred. Interest costs are capitalized until the assets are ready for their intended use. Interest
costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were insignificant.
Licensed Copyrights, net
Licensed copyrights consist of professionally-produced content such as films, television series, variety shows and other video content acquired from
external parties. The license fees are capitalized and, unless prepaid, a corresponding liability is recorded when the cost of the content is known, the
content is accepted by the Group in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the content is available for its first showing on the
Group’s platforms. Licensed copyrights are presented on the consolidated balance sheets as current and non-current based on estimated time of usage.
The Group’s licensed copyrights include the right to broadcast and, in some instances, the right to sublicense. The broadcasting right, refers to the right
to broadcast the content on its own platforms and the sublicensing right, refers to the right to sublicense the underlying content to external parties. When
licensed copyrights include both broadcasting and sublicensing rights, the content costs are allocated to these two rights upon initial recognition, based
on the relative proportion of the estimated total revenues that will be generated by each right over its estimated useful lives.
For the right to broadcast the contents on its own platforms that generates online advertising and membership services revenues, based on factors
including historical and estimated future viewership patterns, the content costs are amortized using an accelerated method by content categories over the
shorter of each content’s contractual period or estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability. Content categories
accounting for most of the Group’s content include newly released drama series, newly released movies, animations, library drama series and library
movies. Estimates of future viewership consumption patterns and estimated useful lives are reviewed periodically, at least on an annual basis and
revised, if necessary. Revisions to the amortization patterns are accounted for as a change in accounting estimate prospectively in accordance with ASC
Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“ASC 250”). For the right to sublicense the content to external parties that generates direct
content distribution revenues, the content costs are amortized based on its estimated usage pattern and recorded as cost of revenues.
Produced Content, net
The Group produces original content in-house and collaborates with external parties. Produced content primarily consists of films, episodic series,
variety shows and animations. The costs incurred in the physical production of
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
original content include direct production costs, production overhead and acquisition costs. Produced content also includes cash expenditures made to
acquire a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit sharing, distribution and/or other rights. Exploitation costs are expensed as
incurred. Participation costs are accrued using the individual-film-forecast-computation method, which recognizes the costs in the same ratio as the
associated ultimate revenue. Production costs for original content that are predominantly monetized in a film group are capitalized. Production costs for
original content predominantly monetized on its own are capitalized to the extent that they are recoverable from total revenues expected to be earned
(“ultimate revenue”); otherwise, they are expensed as cost of revenues. Ultimate revenue estimates include revenue expected to be earned from all
sources, including exhibition, licensing, or exploitation of produced content if the Group has demonstrated a history of earning such revenue. The Group
estimates ultimate revenue to be earned during the estimated useful lives of produced content based on anticipated release patterns and historical results
of similar produced content, which are identified based on various factors, including cast and crew, target audience and popularity. The capitalized
production costs are reported separately as noncurrent assets with caption of “Produced content, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Based on
factors including historical and estimated future viewership consumption patterns, the Group amortizes film costs for produced content that is
predominantly monetized in a film group. For produced content that is monetized on its own, the Group considers historical and estimated usage
patterns to determine the pattern of amortization for film costs. Based on the estimated patterns, the Group amortizes produced content using an
accelerated method over its estimated useful lives within ten years, beginning with the month of first availability and such costs are included in “Cost of
revenues” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Impairment of licensed copyrights and produced content
The Group’s business model is mainly subscription and advertising based, as such the majority of the Group’s content assets (licensed copyrights and
produced content) are predominantly monetized with other content assets, whereas a smaller portion of the Group’s content assets are predominantly
monetized at a specific title level such as variety shows and investments in a proportionate share of certain rights to films including profit sharing,
distribution and/or other rights. Because the identifiable cash flows related to content launched on the Group’s Mainland China platform are largely
independent of the cash flows of other content launched on the Group’s overseas platform, the Group has identified two separate film groups. The Group
reviews its film groups and individual content for impairment when there are events or changes in circumstances that indicate the fair value of a film
group or individual content may be less than its unamortized costs. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances include, a significant adverse
change in technological, regulatory, legal, economic, or social factors that could affect the fair value of the film group or the public’s perception of a film
or the availability of a film for future showings, a significant decrease in the number of subscribers or forecasted subscribers, or the loss of a major
distributor, a change in the predominant monetization strategy of a film that is currently monetized on its own, actual costs substantially in excess of
budgeted costs, substantial delays in completion or release schedules, or actual performance subsequent to release failing to meet expectations set before
release such as a significant decrease in the amount of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized.
When such events or changes in circumstances are identified, the Group assesses whether the fair value of an individual content (or film group) is less
than its unamortized film costs, determines the fair value of an individual content (or film group) and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount
by which the unamortized capitalized costs exceed the individual content’s (or film group’s) fair value. The Group mainly uses a discounted cash flow
approach to determine the fair value of an individual content or film group, for which the most significant inputs include the forecasted future revenues,
costs and operating expenses attributable to an individual content or the film group and the discount rate. An impairment loss attributable to a film group
is
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
allocated to individual licensed copyrights and produced content within the film group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying values of those
assets as the Group cannot estimate the fair value of individual contents in the film group without undue cost and effort.
Impact of COVID-19
In 2020, the Group’s operations were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Group’s online marketing revenues declined compared to
the prior period mainly due to weakness in online marketing demand as the customers in certain industries are negatively impacted by COVID-19. The
Group’s online marketing services been gradually recovering in 2021, underpinned by improved advertiser sentiment, following the effective control of
the domestic outbreaks, the resumption of business activities and the gradual recovery of the general economy in China. However, in 2022, there have
been outbreaks of COVID-19 cases from time to time, including the COVID-19 Delta and Omicron variant cases, in multiple cities in China. The
Group’s online marketing revenues in 2022 declined from 2021 primarily due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in certain cities in China. In addition,
increased market volatility has contributed to larger fluctuations in the valuation of the Group’s equity investments. China began to modify its zero-
COVID policy at the end of 2022, and most of the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were lifted in December 2022. There remains
uncertainty as to the future impact of the virus, especially in light of this change in policy. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the
Group’s long-term results will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, unpredictable and beyond the Group’s control, including the
frequency, duration and extent of outbreaks of COVID-19, the appearance of new variants with different characteristics, the effectiveness of efforts to
contain or treat cases, and future governmental actions that may be taken in response to these developments, such as measures to stimulate the general
economy to improve business conditions, especially for SMEs. As a result, certain of the Group’s estimates and assumptions, including the allowance
for credit losses, the valuation of certain debt and equity investments, long-term investments, content assets and long-lived assets subject to impairment
assessments, require significant judgments and involve a higher degree of variability and volatility that could result in material changes to the Group’s
current estimates in future periods.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. The Group
assesses goodwill for impairment in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-20, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Goodwill (“ASC 350-20”), which
requires that goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events,
as defined by ASC 350-20. As of December 31, 2020, the Group has two reporting units, consisting of Baidu Core and iQIYI. In the fourth quarter of
2021, the Group changed its reporting units to Baidu Core excluding Smart Living Group (“SLG”), SLG and iQIYI, as the discrete financial information
of SLG is available and segment management begins to regularly review operating results of SLG. The goodwill was reassigned to the reporting units
affected using a relative fair value allocation approach. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group has three reporting units, consisting of Baidu
Core excluding SLG, SLG and iQIYI.
The Group has the option to assess qualitative factors first to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative test in accordance with ASC
350-20. In the qualitative assessment, the Group considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance of
the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. If the Group believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is
more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test described above is required.
Otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit
exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The Group performed qualitative assessments for the reporting unit of Baidu Core excluding SLG in 2021 and 2022. Based on the requirements of ASC
350-20, the Group evaluated all relevant factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial
performance, and the share price of the Group. The Group weighed all factors in their entirety and concluded that it was not more-likely-than-not the fair
value was less than the carrying amount of Baidu Core excluding SLG, and further impairment testing on goodwill was unnecessary as of December 31,
2021.
Due to the changing market conditions and fluctuations in the share price of the Group, the Group determined to perform quantitative assessment for the
reporting unit of Baidu Core excluding SLG in 2022. The Group estimated fair value using the income approach and the market approach. The fair value
determined using the income approach was compared with comparable market data and reconciled, as necessary. No impairment loss of goodwill related
to the reporting unit of Baidu Core excluding SLG was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022.
The Group performed qualitative assessments for the reporting unit of SLG in 2021 and 2022. Based on the requirements of ASC 350-20, the Group
evaluated all relevant factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance, and the
share price of the Group. The Group weighed all factors in their entirety and concluded that it was not more-likely-than-not the fair value was less than
the carrying amount of SLG, and further impairment testing on goodwill was unnecessary as of December 31, 2021 and 2022.
The Group elected to choose to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to perform a quantitative test for the reporting unit of iQIYI.
Subsequent to iQIYI’s IPO, the Group primarily considers the quoted market price of iQIYI’s ordinary shares to determine the fair value of the reporting
unit. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the fair value of iQIYI exceeded its carrying amount, therefore, goodwill related to the iQIYI reporting unit
was not impaired and the Group was not required to perform further testing.
Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and
liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The judgment in estimating the
fair value of reporting units includes revenue growth rates and profitability in estimating future cash flows; determining appropriate discount rates and
earnings multipliers based on market data of comparable companies engaged in a similar business under the market approach; and making other
assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit.
On disposal of a portion of reporting unit that constitutes a business, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the amount
of gain or loss recognized upon disposal. When the Group disposes of a business within the reporting unit, the amount of goodwill disposed is measured
on the basis of the relative fair value of the business disposed and the portion of the reporting unit retained.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets with finite lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. All intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-
line method over their estimated useful lives.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Intangible assets have weighted average useful lives from the date of purchase as follows:
Trademarks
Technology
Intellectual property right
Online literature
Others
– 11 years
– 5 years
– 8 years
– 8 years
– 14 years
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually or more frequently, if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that they might be impaired in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: General Intangibles
Other than Goodwill (“ASC 350-30”).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
The Group evaluates long-lived assets, such as fixed assets and purchased or internally developed intangible assets with finite lives other than licensed
copyrights and produced content, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be
recoverable in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. When such events occur, the Group assesses the recoverability of the
asset group based on the undiscounted future cash flows the asset group is expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated
undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset group, if any,
is less than the carrying value of the asset group. If the Group identifies an impairment, the Group reduces the carrying amount of the asset group to its
estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values and the impairment loss,
if any, is recognized in “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Group uses estimates and judgments in its
impairment tests and if different estimates or judgments had been utilized, the timing or the amount of any impairment charges could be different. Asset
groups to be disposed of would be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and no longer depreciated. The assets and
liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the consolidated
balance sheets.
Leases
The Group determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at lease inception. For operating leases, the Group recognizes an ROU asset and a
lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term on the consolidated balance sheets at commencement date. For
finance leases, assets are included in “Other non-current assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. As most of the Group’s leases do not provide an
implicit rate, the Group estimates its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the
present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms
and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. The Group’s leases often include options to extend and lease terms
include such extended terms when the Group is reasonably certain to exercise those options. Lease terms also include periods covered by options to
terminate the leases when the Group is reasonably certain not to exercise those options. Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease
term.
Revenue Recognition
The Group’s revenues are derived principally from online marketing service and others. Revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or
services is transferred to the Group’s customers in an amount of
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FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recorded net of valued added taxes
(“VAT”).
The Group’s revenue recognition policies by types are as follows:
Online marketing services
Performance-based online marketing services
The Group’s auction-based pay-for-performance (“P4P”) platform enables customers to bid for priority placement of paid sponsored links and reach
users who search for information related to their products or services. P4P online marketing customers can choose from search-based and feed-based
online marketing services, and select criteria for their purchase, such as daily spending limit and user profile targeted, including, but not limited to, users
from specific regions in China and users online during a specific time period. Revenue is recognized when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met,
which is generally when a user clicks on one of the customer-sponsored links or feed-based marketing.
To the extent the Group provides online marketing services based on performance criteria other than cost-per-click, such as the number of downloads
(and user registration) of mobile apps and the pre-determined ratios of completed transaction volumes, revenue is recognized when the specified
performance criteria are met along with the satisfaction of other applicable revenue recognition criteria.
Baidu Union online marketing services
Baidu Union is a program through which the Group expands distribution of its customers’ sponsored links or advertisements by leveraging the traffic of
Baidu Union partners’ online properties. The Group acquires traffic from Baidu Union partners and is responsible for service fulfillment, pricing and
bearing inventory risks. The services which the Group provided to customers through Baidu Union partners’ online properties include CPC, other
performance-based online marketing services and online display advertising services. These services are provided in the same way to customers as those
through Baidu’s own platforms or properties. As principal, the Group recognizes revenue from Baidu Union on a gross basis. Payments made to Baidu
Union partners are recorded as traffic acquisition costs, which are included in “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive
income.
Online display advertising services
The Group provides online display advertising services to its customers by integrating text description, image and/or video, and displaying the
advertisement in the search result, in Baidu Feed or on other properties. The Group recognizes revenue on a pro-rata basis over the contractual term for
cost per time advertising arrangements, commencing on the start date of the display advertisement, or based on the number of times that the
advertisement has been displayed for cost per thousand impressions advertising arrangements.
Collection
Certain customers of online marketing services are required to pay a deposit before using the Group’s services and are sent automated reminders to
replenish their accounts when the balance falls below a designated amount. The deposits received are recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred
revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts due to the Group are deducted from the deposited amounts when users click on the paid
sponsored links in the search results or other performance criteria have been satisfied. In addition, the Group offers payment terms to third-party agents
and advertisers based on their historical marketing placements and credibility, consistently with industry practice.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Payment terms and conditions vary by customer and are based on the billing schedule established in the Group’s contracts or purchase orders with
customers, but the Group generally provides credit terms to customers within one year; therefore, the Group has determined that its contracts do not
include a significant financing component.
Sales incentives
The Group provides sales incentives to third-party agents, which are identified as customers, that entitle them to receive price reductions on the online
marketing services by meeting certain cumulative consumption requirements. The Group accounts for these incentives granted to customers as variable
consideration and net them against revenue. The amount of variable consideration is measured based on the expected value of incentives to be provided
to customers.
Others
Video Membership services
The Group offers membership services to subscribing members with various privileges, which primarily include access to exclusive and ad-free
streaming of premium content 1080P/4K high-definition video, Dolby Audio, and accelerated downloads and others. When the receipt of membership
fees is for services to be delivered over a period of time, the receipt is initially recorded as “Customer deposits and deferred revenue” and revenue is
recognized ratably over the membership period as services are rendered. Membership services revenue also includes fees earned from subscribing
members for on-demand content purchases and early access to premium content. The Group is the principal in its relationships where partners, including
consumer electronics manufacturers (TVs and cell phones), mobile operators, internet service providers and online payment agencies, provide access to
the membership services or payment processing services as the Group retains control over its service delivery to its subscribing members. Typically,
payments made to the partners, are recorded as cost of revenues. For the sale of the right to other membership services through strategic cooperation
with other parties, the Group recognizes revenue on a net basis when the Group does not control the specified services before they are transferred to the
customer.
Content distribution
The Group generates revenues from sub-licensing content assets for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges mainly with other online video
broadcasting companies. The exclusive licensing agreements the Group enters into with the vendors have a specified license period and provide the
Group rights to sub-license these content assets to other parties. The Group enters into a non-exclusive sub-license agreement with a sub-licensee for a
period that falls within the original exclusive license period. For cash sub-licensing transactions, the Group is entitled to receive the sub-license fee
under the sub-licensing arrangements and does not have any future obligation once it has provided the underlying content to the sub-licensee (which is
provided at or before the beginning of the sub-license period). The sub-licensing of content assets represents a license of functional intellectual property
which grants a right to use the Group’s content assets, and is recognized at the point in time when the content asset is made available for the customer’s
use and benefit.
The Group also enters into nonmonetary transactions to exchange online broadcasting rights of content assets with other online video broadcasting
companies from time to time. The exchanged content assets provide rights for each party to broadcast the content assets received on its own platform
only. Each transferring party retains the right to continue broadcasting the exclusive content on its own platform and/or sublicense the rights to the
content it surrendered in the exchange. The Group accounts for these nonmonetary exchanges based on the fair
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
value of the asset received. Barter sublicensing revenues are recognized in accordance with the same revenue recognition criteria above. The Group
estimates the fair value of the content assets received using a market approach based on various factors, including the purchase price of similar
non-exclusive and/or exclusive contents, broadcasting schedule, cast and crew, theme, popularity, and box office. The transaction price of barter
transaction revenues is calculated on the individual content asset basis. For a significant barter sublicensing transaction, the Group further reviews the
fair value by analyzing against the cost of the content assets bartered out and/or engages a third-party valuation firm to assess the reasonableness of its
fair value. The attributable cost of sublicensing transactions, whether for cash or through nonmonetary exchanges, is recognized as cost of revenues
through the amortization of the sublicensing right component of the exclusive content assets.
Cloud services
The Group provides enterprise and public sector cloud services and personal cloud services, generally on either a subscription or consumption basis. For
enterprise and public sector cloud services, the Group offers a full suite of cloud services and solutions, including IaaS (infrastructure as a service), PaaS
(platform as a service) and SaaS (software as a service). For personal cloud services, the Group offers Baidu Drive membership services provided to
individual customers. Revenue related to enterprise and public sector cloud services provided on a subscription basis is recognized ratably over the
contract period. Revenue related to enterprise and public sector cloud services provided on a consumption basis, such as the amount of storage used in a
period, is recognized based on the customer’s utilization of such resources. Revenue related to personal cloud services is recognized ratably over the
membership period as services are rendered and the receipt of membership fees for services to be delivered over a period of time is initially recorded as
“Customer deposits and deferred revenue”.
The Group provides cloud solutions for customers in specific industries, such as smart transportation, finance, manufacturing, energy, telecom and
media. Revenue related to cloud solutions, which mainly include integrated hardware, software licensing and installation service, is recognized over
time if one of the following criteria is met: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the Group performs; (ii) the Group’s
performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or (iii) the asset delivered has no alternative use
and the Group has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. For performance obligations satisfied over time, the Group
recognizes revenue over time by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of a performance obligation. Otherwise, revenue is recognized at a
point in time when a customer obtains control of a promised asset or service and the Group satisfies its performance obligation.
Baidu Apollo auto solutions
Revenue related to Baidu Apollo auto solutions (Apollo Self-Driving services and DuerOS for Auto), which mainly includes software licensing, are
recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. Generally, revenue is recognized at a point in time when the
intellectual property is made available for the customer’s use and benefit.
Sales of hardware
The Group mainly sells Xiaodu smart device hardware products via third party agents or directly to end customers. Revenue from the sales of hardware
is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to customers, which generally occurs when the products are delivered and accepted by the
customers. Revenue is recorded net of sales incentives and return allowance.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Other revenue recognition related policies
For arrangements that include multiple promised goods or services, primarily for advertisements to be displayed in different spots, placed under different
forms and displayed at different times, enterprise and public sector cloud solution services and Baidu Apollo auto solutions, which mainly include
hardware, software licensing and installation services, the Group would evaluate all of the performance obligations in the arrangement to determine
whether each performance obligation is distinct. For arrangements with multiple distinct performance obligations, each distinct performance obligation
is separately accounted for and the total consideration is allocated to each performance obligation based on their relative standalone selling price at
contract inception. The Group generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis or estimates
it using an expected cost plus margin approach. For arrangement with multiple components that are not distinct within the context of the contract
because they are considered highly interdependent and the customer can only benefit from these promised goods or services in conjunction with one
another, the Group accounts for them as one performance obligation.
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. For certain services, customers are required to pay before the
services are delivered to the customer. When either party to a revenue contract has performed, the Group recognizes a contract asset or a contract
liability on the consolidated balance sheets, depending on the relationship between the entity’s performance and the customer’s payment.
Contract assets and contract liabilities
Contract liabilities were mainly related to fees for membership services to be provided over the membership period, which were presented as “Customer
deposits and deferred revenue” on the consolidated balance sheets. Balances of contract liabilities were RMB6.3 billion and RMB6.8 billion (US$1.0
billion) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2022 that was included in contract
liabilities as of January 1, 2022 was RMB5.1 billion (US$743 million).
Contract assets mainly represent unbilled amounts related to the Group’s rights to consideration for advertising services and cloud services delivered and
are included in “Other current assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, contract assets were RMB2.9 billion
and RMB3.4 billion (US$493 million), net of an allowance for credit losses of RMB85 million and RMB285 million (US$42 million), respectively. The
increase in the balance of contract assets was primarily due to more outstanding cloud service contracts as of December 31, 2022 compared to the prior
year for which the Group had commenced to provide but had not completed all specified services in the contract, which corresponds to when the Group
has the right to bill its customers.
As of December 31, 2022, total transaction price allocated to performance obligations that were unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied for contracts with an
original expected length of more than one year was RMB3.5 billion (US$503 million), which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.
The Group does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and
(ii) contracts for which the Group recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed.
The Group’s disaggregated revenue disclosures are presented in Note 25.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of traffic acquisition costs, bandwidth costs, depreciation, content costs, payroll, cost of hardware sold and related
costs of operations.
Traffic acquisition costs mainly represent the amounts paid or payable to Baidu Union partners who direct search queries to the Group’s websites or
distribute the Group’s customers’ paid links through their properties. These payments are primarily based on revenue sharing arrangements under which
the Group pays its Baidu Union partners and other business partners a percentage of the fees it earns from its online marketing customers.
Advertising and Promotional Expenses
Advertising and promotional expenses, including advertisements through various forms of media and kinds of marketing and promotional activities, are
included in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and are expensed when incurred. Advertising
and promotional expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were RMB8.4 billion, RMB12.2 billion and RMB10.2 billion
(US$1.5 billion), respectively.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs. The Group expenses research and development costs as they are
incurred, except for (i) costs to develop internal-use software or add significant upgrades and enhancements resulting in additional functionality to
internal-use software that meet the capitalization criteria in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, Internal-Use
Software; and (ii) costs incurred to develop software to be sold/licensed or embedded in its products sold to customers, which are capitalized once
technology feasibility is established, which is when a completed detail program design of the product is available in accordance with ASC 950-20, Costs
of Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed. Capitalized software development costs have not been material for the periods presented.
Government Subsidies
Government subsidies primarily consist of financial subsidies received from provincial and local governments for operating a business in their
jurisdictions and compliance with specific policies promoted by the local governments. For certain government subsidies, there are no defined rules and
regulations to govern the criteria necessary for companies to receive such benefits, and the amount of financial subsidy is determined at the discretion of
the relevant government authorities. The government subsidies of operating nature with no further conditions to be met are recorded as a reduction of
operating expenses in “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income when received. The government
subsidies with certain operating conditions are recorded as “Deferred income” when received and is recognized as income in “Others, net” or as a
reduction of specific operating costs and expenses when the conditions are met for which the grants are intended to compensate. If the government
subsidies are related to an asset, it is recognized as a deduction of the carrying amount of the asset when the conditions are met and then recognized
ratably over the expected useful life of the related asset as a reduction to the related amortization or depreciation in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, government subsidies recorded as a reduction of operating costs and expenses were
RMB383 million, RMB520 million and RMB728 million (US$106 million), respectively.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, government subsidies recorded as deferred income were RMB226 million and RMB231 million (US$33 million),
respectively.
Adoption of ASU 2021-10
In November 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-10, Government
Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance (“ASU 2021-10”), which provides guidance on the disclosure of
transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy. The new guidance is required to
be applied either prospectively to all transactions within the scope of ASU 2021-10 that are reflected in financial statements at the date of adoption and
new transactions that are entered into after the date of adoption or retrospectively to those transactions. The new guidance is effective for annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2021. The Group adopted this guidance on January 1, 2022 with no material impact on its audited consolidated financial
statements.
Income Taxes
The Group recognizes income taxes under the liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Group records a
valuation allowance against the amount of deferred tax assets that it determines is not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of
a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred income taxes are recognized on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, which are presumed to be transferred to the parent company and are
subject to withholding taxes, unless there is sufficient evidence to show that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the undistributed earnings
indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation.
The Group applies the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), in accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. ASC 740 clarifies the
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the
financial statements. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group has unrecognized tax benefits of RMB670 million and RMB670 million (US$97
million), respectively, primarily related to the tax-deduction of accrued expenses which were presented in “Other non-current liabilities” in the
consolidated balance sheets, if ultimately recognized would impact the annual effective tax rate. It is possible that the amount of unrecognized benefits
will change in the next 12 months, however, an estimate of the range of the possible change cannot be made at this moment. The Group has elected to
classify interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position (if and when required) as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income. The Group does not expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to increase significantly in the next 12 months. In general,
the PRC tax authorities have up to five years to conduct examinations of the tax filings of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries. Accordingly, the PRC
subsidiaries’ tax years of 2017 – 2022 remain open to examination by the respective tax authorities. The Group may also be subject to the examination
of the tax filings in other jurisdictions, which are not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Share-based Compensation
The Group accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Group
has elected to recognize share-based compensation using the straight-line method for all share-based awards issued with no performance conditions. For
awards with performance conditions, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated basis if it is probable that the performance condition will be
achieved.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience and are periodically reviewed. Cancellation of an award accompanied by the concurrent grant of
a replacement award is accounted for as a modification of the terms of the cancelled award (“modified awards”). The compensation costs associated
with the modified awards are recognized if either the original vesting condition or the new vesting condition is achieved. Total recognized compensation
cost for the awards is at least equal to the fair value of the awards at the grant date unless at the date of the modification the performance or service
conditions of the original awards are not expected to be satisfied. The incremental compensation cost is measured as the excess of the fair value of the
replacement award over the fair value of the cancelled award at the cancellation date. Therefore, in relation to the modified awards, the Group
recognizes share-based compensation over the vesting periods of the replacement award, which comprises, (i) the amortization of the incremental
portion of share-based compensation over the remaining vesting term and (ii) any unrecognized compensation cost of the original award, using either the
original term or the new term, whichever results in higher expenses for each reporting period.
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)
The Group computes earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary shares in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), using the
two-class method. Under the provisions of ASC 260, basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding during the period except that it does not include unvested ordinary shares subject to repurchase or cancellation. The Company’s outstanding
Class A and Class B ordinary shares were retroactively adjusted for the Share Subdivision as disclosed in Notes 1 and 22. The Group adjusts for the
accretion of the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the calculation of income available to ordinary shareholders of the Company used in the earnings
per share calculation.
Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and, if dilutive, potential ordinary shares outstanding
during the period. Potentially dilutive securities such as share options, restricted shares and convertible senior notes have been excluded from the
computation of diluted net earnings per share if their inclusion is anti-dilutive. Potential ordinary shares consist of the incremental ordinary shares
issuable upon the exercise of nonvested share options and restricted shares and contracts that may be settled in the Group’s stock or cash. The dilutive
effect of outstanding share options, restricted shares is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. The
computation of the diluted earnings per Class A ordinary share assumes the conversion of Class B ordinary shares to Class A ordinary shares, while
diluted earnings per Class B ordinary share does not assume the conversion of such shares. The Group adjusts for the securities issued by subsidiaries
and equity method investees in the calculation of income available to ordinary shareholders of the Company used in the diluted earnings per share
calculation.
The liquidation and dividend rights of the holders of the Company’s Class A and Class B ordinary shares are identical, except with respect to voting
rights. As a result, and in accordance with ASC 260, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights
of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, the
undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis. Further, as the conversion of Class B ordinary shares is assumed in the computation of the
diluted earnings per Class A ordinary share, the undistributed earnings are equal to net income for that computation.
For the purposes of calculating the Group’s basic and diluted earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary shares, the ordinary shares relating to the
options that were exercised are assumed to have been outstanding from the date of exercise of such options.
Treasury stock
The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method. Under this method, the cost incurred to purchase the shares is recorded in “Treasury
stock” on the consolidated balance sheets. At retirement of the
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
treasury stock, the ordinary shares account is charged only for the aggregate par value of the shares. The excess of the acquisition cost of treasury stock
over the aggregate par value is charged to retained earnings.
Contingencies
The Group records accruals for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings or claims when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount
of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Group evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings or claims that could affect the amount
of any accrual, as well as any developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. The Group discloses the
amount of the accrual if it is material.
When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Group does not record an accrued liability but discloses the nature and the amount of
the claim, if material. However, if the loss (or an additional loss in excess of the accrual) is at least reasonably possible, then the Group discloses an
estimate of the loss or range of loss, unless it is immaterial or an estimate cannot be made. The assessment of whether a loss is probable or reasonably
possible, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves complex judgments about future events. Management is often unable to
estimate the loss or a range of loss, particularly where (i) the damages sought are indeterminate, (ii) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (iii) there
is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among different jurisdictions. In such cases, there is
considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including eventual loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any.
Concentration of Risks
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to significant concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash, debt securities, accounts receivable, contract assets, receivables from online payment agencies, amounts due from related parties, long-
term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments and long-term restricted cash included in “Other non-current assets”. The carrying amounts of these
assets represent the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. As of December 31, 2022, the Group has RMB209.7 billion (US$30.4 billion) in cash and
cash equivalents, restricted cash, debt investments and long-term restricted cash, which is held by financial institutions in the PRC and international
financial institutions outside of the PRC. In the event of bankruptcy of one of these financial institutions, the Group may not be able to claim its cash
and cash equivalents, restricted cash and debt investments back in full. The Group continues to monitor the financial strength of the financial
institutions, 85% and 15% of which are held by financial institutions in the mainland China and international financial institutions outside of mainland
China, respectively. The Group’s total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and debt investments held at three financial institutions in mainland
China, representing 20%, 12% and 11% of the Group’s total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and debt investments as of December 31, 2022,
respectively.
PRC state-owned banks, such as Bank of China, are subject to a series of risk control regulatory standards, and PRC bank regulatory authorities are
empowered to take over the operation and management when any of those banks faces a material credit crisis. The Group does not foresee substantial
credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments held at the PRC state-owned banks. Meanwhile, China
does not have an official deposit insurance program, nor does it have an agency similar to what was the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
in the U.S. In the event of bankruptcy of one of the financial
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
institutions in which the Group has deposits or investments, it may be unlikely to claim its deposits or investments back in full. The Group selected
reputable international financial institutions with high rating rates to place its foreign currencies. The Group regularly monitors the rating of the
international financial institutions to avoid any potential defaults. There has been no recent history of default in relation to these financial institutions.
Accounts receivable, contract assets and receivables from online payment agencies are typically unsecured and derived from revenue earned from
customers and agencies in the PRC, which are exposed to credit risk. The risk is mitigated by credit evaluations the Group performs on its customers
and its ongoing monitoring process of outstanding balances. The Group maintains an allowance for credit losses and actual losses have generally been
within management’s expectations. As of December 31, 2022, the Group had no single customer with a balance exceeding 10% of the total accounts
receivable, contract assets, and receivables from online payment agencies.
No customer generated greater than 10% of total revenues during the years presented.
Amounts due from related parties are typically unsecured. In evaluating the collectability of the amounts due from related parties, the Group considers
many factors, including the related parties’ repayment history and their credit-worthiness. The Group maintains reserves for estimated credit losses and
these losses have generally been within its expectations.
Business and economic risks
The Group participates in the dynamic and competitive high technology industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a
material adverse effect on the Group’s future financial position, results of operations and cash flows: changes in the overall demand for services and
products; changes in business offerings; competitive pressures due to existing and new entrants; advances and new trends in new technologies and
industry standards; changes in bandwidth suppliers; changes in certain strategic relationships or customer relationships; regulatory considerations;
copyright regulations; cybersecurity regulations; brand maintenance and enhancement; risks associated with the Group’s ability to anticipate user
preferences and provide high-quality content in a cost-effective manner; risks associated with the Group’s ability to attract and retain employees
necessary to support its growth and risks related to health epidemics, severe weather conditions and other outbreaks.
The Group’s operations could be adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties and epidemic in mainland China.
Currency convertibility risk
Substantially all of the Group’s businesses are transacted in RMB, which is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange
transactions take place either through Bank of China or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the
People’s Bank of China. Foreign exchange transactions, including foreign currency payments, require the approval of the People’s Bank of China and/or
regulatory institutions.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
The functional currency and the reporting currency of the Group are the U.S. dollars and the RMB, respectively. The Group’s exposure to foreign
currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, long-term investments, long-term
time deposits and held-to-maturity
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
securities, accounts and notes payable and convertible senior notes denominated in the U.S. dollars. On June 19, 2010, the People’s Bank of China
announced the end of the RMB’s de facto peg to the U.S. dollars, a policy which was instituted in late 2008 in the face of the global financial crisis, to
further reform the RMB exchange rate regime and to enhance the RMB’s exchange rate flexibility. On March 15, 2014, the People’s Bank of China
announced the widening of the daily trading band for RMB against U.S. dollars. The depreciation of the U.S. dollars against the RMB was
approximately 8.23% in 2022. Most of the revenues and costs of the Group are denominated in RMB, while a portion of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash, short-term investments, long-term investments, long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity securities, notes payable and convertible
senior notes are denominated in the U.S. dollars. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange
rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future. Any significant fluctuation of the valuation of RMB may materially affect the Group’s cash
flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the ADS in U.S. dollars.
Derivative Instruments
ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), requires all contracts which meet the definition of a derivative to be recognized on the balance
sheet as either assets or liabilities and recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized
periodically in earnings or in other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting.
Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualified as hedges are reported in earnings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from
Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance on the acquirer’s accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business
combination. The amendments require an acquirer to recognize and measures contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination
at the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606 as if it had originated the contracts. This guidance also provides certain practical expedients for
acquirers when recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from revenue contracts in a business combination. The new
guidance is required to be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the date of adoption. This guidance is effective for the
Group for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Group
does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to
Contractual Sale Restrictions, which clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account
of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of
account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. This guidance also requires certain disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual
sale restrictions. The new guidance is required to be applied prospectively with any adjustments from the adoption of the amendments recognized in
earnings and disclosed on the date of adoption. This guidance is effective for the Group for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim
periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact
on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
3.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Business combinations in 2020:
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Group completed several business combinations, total purchase consideration in aggregate was
RMB3.5 billion, among which RMB4.0 billion was allocated to goodwill. The Group expects to achieve significant synergies from such acquisitions
which it plans to complement its existing businesses. The acquired entities were considered insignificant, both individually and in aggregate. Results of
the acquired entities’ operations have been included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.
Purchase consideration
Net assets acquired, excluding intangible assets and the related deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax liabilities
Pre-existing equity interests and debt investment
Noncontrolling interests
Goodwill
RMB
(In millions)
3,499
1,515
1,116
(229)
(2,103)
(798)
3,998
3,499
The Group’s pre-existing equity interests in the acquired entities were remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. For the year ended December 31,
2020, the Group recognized a net re-measurement gain of RMB123 million in “Others, net” in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisitions.
Neither the results of operations since the acquisition dates nor the pro forma results of operations of the acquirees were presented because the effects of
these business combinations, both individually and in aggregate, were not significant to the Group’s consolidated results of operations.
Business combinations in 2021:
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group completed several business combinations, total purchase consideration in aggregate was
RMB326 million, among which RMB357 million was allocated to goodwill. The Group expects to achieve significant synergies from such acquisitions
which it plans to complement its existing businesses. The acquired entities were considered insignificant, both individually and in aggregate. Results of
the acquired entities’ operations have been included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.
Goodwill, which is non-deductible for tax purposes, is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisitions.
Neither the results of operations since the acquisition dates nor the pro forma results of operations of the acquirees were presented because the effects of
these business combinations, both individually and in aggregate, were not significant to the Group’s consolidated results of operations.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The valuations used in the purchase price allocation described above were determined by the Group with the assistance of independent third-party
valuation firm. The valuation reports considered generally accepted valuation methodologies such as the income, market and cost approaches. As the
acquirees are all private companies, the fair value estimates of pre-existing equity interests and debt investment or noncontrolling interests are based on
significant inputs considered by market participants which mainly include (a) discount rate, (b) projected terminal value based on future cash flows,
(c) equity multiples or enterprise value multiples of companies in the same industries and (d) adjustment for lack of control or lack of marketability.
The Group entered into definitive agreements with JOYY Inc. (“JOYY”) and certain of its affiliates, to acquire YY Live on November 16, 2020, and
subsequently amended the share purchase agreement (“SPA”) on February 7, 2021. Pursuant to the SPA, the closing of this acquisition is subject to
certain conditions, including, among others, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from governmental authorities.
The Group has not obtained the necessary regulatory approvals with respect to this acquisition from government authorities as of the date of this annual
report and there is no assurance that they will be ultimately obtained. Accordingly, the Group believes the closing has not occurred, which is further
evidenced by mutual agreement from both JOYY and the Group on multiple occasions since November 16, 2020 to extend the long stop date, which is
the closing deadline of the proposed transaction. Therefore, the Group has not consolidated YY Live as of December 31, 2022. The Group and JOYY
have currently extended the long stop date indefinitely until the extension is terminated by either party.
As of December 31, 2022, the Group has made aggregate prepayments of US$1.9 billion (equivalent to RMB12.8 billion) to JOYY, after considering
working capital adjustments of US$0.1 billion, which were recorded as “Other non-current assets” on the consolidated balance sheets; and deposited an
aggregate of US$1.6 billion into several escrow accounts, in accordance with the terms set forth in the share purchase agreement that was recorded as
“Restricted cash” on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Group has assessed the recoverability of such other non-current assets as of December 31, 2022 and believes that such amounts are recoverable,
either in the form of the YY Live business if the acquisition is ultimately closed, or by way of return of the prepayment and release of the escrowed
amounts should the proposed transaction ultimately be terminated and unwound.
4.
INVESTMENTS
Short-term Investments
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group’s short-term investments comprised of only debt securities. Short-term held-to-maturity securities were
mainly deposits in commercial banks with maturities less than one year and wealth management products issued by commercial banks and other
financial institutions for which the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. The short-term available-for-sale
securities include wealth management products issued by commercial banks and other financial institutions which are not classified as trading securities
or as held-to-maturity securities.
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Group recorded interest income from its short-term investments of RMB4.7 billion,
RMB4.5 billion and RMB4.5 billion (US$647 million) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, respectively.
F-44
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Short-term investments classification as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 were shown as below:
Cost or
Amortized
cost less
allowance
for credit
losses
RMB
140,686
2,547
As of December 31, 2021
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
Fair
value
RMB
898
—
(In millions)
—
—
—
10
—
—
141,584
2,557
As of December 31, 2022
Cost or
Amortized
cost less
allowance
for credit
losses
RMB
119,984
847
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
(In millions)
Fair value
RMB
US$
631
—
(151)
—
—
8
—
—
120,464
855
17,466
124
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Available-for-sale debt investments
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Available-for-sale debt investments
Long-term Investments
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the categories of long-term investments held by the Group as of the dates indicated:
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value using the NAV practical expedient
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value using the measurement alternative
Available-for-sale debt investments
Equity method investments
Investments accounted for at fair value
Total long-term investments
As of December 31,
2022
2021
945
957
2022
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
16,375 12,100 1,754
137
10,788 9,249 1,341
355
2,262 2,447
24,808 25,940 3,761
4,228 4,616
669
59,418 55,297 8,017
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value represent investments in the equity securities of publicly listed companies, for
which the Group does not have significant influence.
F-45
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value
The Group accounted for private equity funds of which the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence using the NAV practical
expedient in accordance with ASC 820. For equity investments without readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the NAV practical
expedient, the Group elected to use the measurement alternative to measure such investments at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes
resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, if any in accordance with ASC
321. Impairment charges recognized on equity investments without readily determinable fair value were RMB2,310 million, RMB4,259 million and
RMB2,456 million (US$356 million) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The total carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient held as of
December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:
Initial cost basis
Cumulative unrealized gains
Cumulative unrealized losses (including impairment)
Total carrying value
As of
December 31,
2021
RMB
13,016
3,910
(6,138)
10,788
As of
December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
13,741
4,026
(8,518)
9,249
As of
December 31,
2022
US$
1,992
584
(1,235)
1,341
Total unrealized and realized gains and losses of equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical
expedient for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:
2020
RMB
For the years ended
December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses (including impairment)(i)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities held
Net realized gains on equity securities sold
Total net gains (losses) recognized
218
4,396 1,062
32
(2,679) (4,424) (2,418) (351)
1,717 (3,362) (2,200) (319)
13
1,983 (3,362) (2,110) (306)
266 —
90
(i)
Gross unrealized losses (downward adjustments excluding impairment) were RMB378 million, RMB165 million and nil for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Equity method investments
The carrying amount of the Group’s equity method investments were RMB24.8 billion and RMB25.9 billion (US$3.8 billion) as of December 31, 2021
and 2022, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the impairment recognized for equity method investments were
RMB297 million, RMB57 million and RMB569 million (US$82 million), respectively.
F-46
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Equity Investment in Trip.com International, Ltd. (“Trip”) (formally known as Ctrip)
As of December 31, 2018, the Group held approximately 19% of Trip’s outstanding shares. The Group was considered to have significant influence over
Trip and accounts for such investment as an equity method investment in accordance with ASC 323.
During 2019, the market value of Trip had significantly declined and remained below the carrying value of the investment for a prolonged period of
time. Therefore, the Group concluded that the decline in market value of the investment in Trip was other-than-temporary as of September 30, 2019 and
an impairment charge of RMB8.9 billion was recorded in the third quarter of 2019. The Group made a corresponding RMB8.9 billion downward
adjustment to the equity method goodwill arising from its acquisition of the Trip investment.
In October 2019, the Group disposed an aggregate of 36 million American Depositary Shares of Trip for cash consideration of US$988 million and
recognized a disposal loss of RMB43 million in the year ended December 31, 2019.
After the partial disposal of the investment in Trip, the Group held approximately 12% equity interest in Trip, and the Group can actively participate in
the operating and financing policies of Trip through its two seats on Trip’s board of directors with a total of nine members. Accordingly, the Group
continues to have significant influence over Trip and accounts for its remaining investment as an equity method investment in accordance with ASC
323. As of December 31, 2022, the Group’s investments in Trip had a fair value of RMB16.4 billion (US$2.4 billion), based on the closing share price.
The following tables set forth the summarized financial information of Trip:
As of September 30, (i)
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
US$
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
Total revenues
Gross profit
Loss from operations
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income attributable to Trip
(In millions)
76,596 67,045 9,422
124,268 127,253 17,883
73,517 61,708 8,672
16,418 21,647 3,042
100
713
924
For the twelve months ended
September 30, (i)
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
2020
RMB
(In millions)
21,704 20,313 19,706 2,769
16,838 15,916 15,261 2,145
(53)
(723)
(2,236) 1,198 (1,596) (224)
(2,243) 1,288 (1,488) (209)
(827)
(376)
(i)
The Group adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting its share of equity income (loss) in Trip.
Equity Investment in Jidu Auto Inc. (“Jidu”)
In January 2021, the Group entered into an agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (“Geely”) to established Jidu to produce intelligent electric
vehicles. In 2022, the Group purchased the ordinary shares with
F-47
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
amount of US$371 million including common stock of US$171 million and in-substance common stock of US$200 million, and preferred shares with
amount of US$193 million. After which, the Group holds an equity interest of 52.30% as of December 31, 2022.
However, considering the substantive participating rights held by Geely, the Group accounts for its investment of the ordinary shares as an equity
method investment in accordance with ASC 323. Furthermore, the Group accounts for its investment of the preferred shares as an equity investment
without a readily determinable fair value in accordance with ASC 321.
Disposal of financial services business
After finishing a series of legal restructuring and recapitalization of the financial services business (“Du Xiaoman”), the Group retained 41% of Du
Xiaoman’s shares on a fully diluted basis, and accounted for it as an equity method investment in accordance with ASC 323, as the Group retained
significant influence over Du Xiaoman. The carrying amount of the Du Xiaoman investment in excess of the Group’s proportionate interest in Du
Xiaoman was recognized as equity method goodwill of RMB3.5 billion, intangible assets of RMB851 million and related deferred tax liabilities of
RMB213 million.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, in addition to the aforementioned equity method investments, the Group held other equity method investments
through its subsidiaries or VIEs and over which had significant influence.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, equity method investments excluding Trip held by the Group in aggregate have met the significance criteria as
defined under Rule 4-08(g) of Regulation S-X. Financial information for the Group’s equity method investments other than Trip are summarized as a
group as follow:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
Total revenues
Gross profit
(Loss) income from operations
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income attributable to the investees
As of September 30, (i)
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions)
125,266 163,889 23,031
18,512 19,781 2,780
90,744 117,811 16,556
9,218 15,750 2,213
242
1,662
1,721
For the twelve months ended
September 30, (i)
2021
2022
2022
RMB RMB US$
2020
RMB
(In millions)
13,981 21,380 22,417 3,150
5,083 7,624 8,664 1,218
140
(1,282) 1,238
43
(832) 2,065
35
(891) 2,040
993
304
249
(i)
The Group adopted a one-quarter lag in reporting its share of (loss) income in majority of its equity investees.
F-48
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Investments accounted for at fair value
Long-term equity investments in unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies are accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC
946-320. These investments are carried at fair value with realized or unrealized gains and losses recorded in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements
of comprehensive income.
The methodology used in the determination of fair values for held-to-maturity debt investments, available-for-sale debt investments, equity investments
with readily determinable fair values and other investment securities accounted for at fair value are disclosed in Note 26.
Long-term investments classification, excluding equity method investments and equity investments without readily determinable fair value, as of
December 31, 2021 and 2022 are shown as below:
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Investments accounted for at fair value
Equity investments at fair value with readily
determinable fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Investments accounted for at fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Cost or
Amortized cost
RMB
15,046
2,820
1,974
As of December 31, 2021
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
(In millions)
6,046
216
2,653
(4,717)
(774)
(399)
Fair
value
RMB
16,375
2,262
4,228
Cost or
Amortized cost
RMB
As of December 31, 2022
Gross
unrealized
gains
RMB
Gross
unrealized
losses
RMB
(In millions)
Fair value
RMB
US$
15,835
3,735
2,331
2,731
283
2,855
(6,466)
(1,571)
(570)
12,100
2,447
4,616
1,754
355
669
Available-for-sale debt investments are convertible debt instruments issued by private companies and an investment in preferred shares that are
redeemable at the Group’s option, which are measured at fair value. Investments in preferred shares that are redeemable at the Group’s option have no
contractual maturity date.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt investments with stated contractual dates, classified by the contractual
maturity date of the investments:
Due in 1 year
Due in 1 year through 5 years
Not due at a single maturity date
Total
F-49
As of December 31,
2021 2022 2022
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
— — —
1,685 1,581 229
577 866 126
2,262 2,447 355
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
5.
LONG-TERM TIME DEPOSITS AND HELD-TO-MATURIITY INVESTMENTS
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity securities were mainly deposits in commercial banks with maturities of greater than one year and wealth
management products issued by commercial banks and other financial institutions for which the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold those
securities to maturity with maturities of greater than one year.
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Group recorded interest income from its long-term held-to-maturity investments of
RMB118 million, RMB326 million and RMB585 million (US$85 million) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, respectively.
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments classification as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 were shown as below:
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
Cost or
Amortized
cost
RMB
7,914
As of December 31, 2021
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
Fair
value
RMB
(In millions)
100
—
8,014
Cost or
Amortized
cost
RMB
23,629
As of December 31, 2022
Gross
unrecognized
holding gains
RMB
Gross
unrecognized
holding
losses
RMB
(In millions)
Fair value
RMB
US$
170
(111)
23,688
3,434
The following table summarizes the amortized cost of long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments with stated contractual dates, classified
by the contractual maturity date of the investments:
Due in 1 year
Due in 1 year through 2 years
Due in 2 year through 3 years
Due in 3 year through 5 years
Total
F-50
As of December 31,
2021
2022
2022
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
— — —
7,914 11,089 1,608
— 12,240 1,775
—
43
7,914 23,629 3,426
300
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
6.
LICENSED COPYRIGHTS, NET
Licensed copyrights
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Less: current portion:
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Licensed copyrights—non-current
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Licensed copyrights
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Less: current portion:
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Licensed copyrights—non-current
—Broadcasting rights
—Sublicensing rights
Gross
carrying
value
RMB
41,489
7,072
48,561
8,592
7,072
15,664
32,897
—
32,897
Gross
carrying
value
RMB
43,217
7,399
50,616
8,213
7,399
15,612
35,004
—
35,004
As of December 31, 2021
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
Impairment
amount
RMB
(In millions)
Net carrying
value
RMB
(33,017)
(7,044)
(40,061)
(7,662)
(7,044)
(14,706)
(25,355)
—
(25,355)
(311)
—
(311)
(27)
—
(27)
(284)
—
(284)
8,161
28
8,189
903
28
931
7,258
—
7,258
As of December 31, 2022
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
Impairment
amount
RMB
(In millions)
Net carrying
value
RMB
US$
(35,369)
(7,399)
(42,768)
(7,448)
(7,399)
(14,847)
(27,921)
—
(27,921)
(261)
—
(261)
7,587
—
7,587
1,100
—
1,100
(19)
—
(19)
746
—
746
108
—
108
(242)
—
(242)
6,841
—
6,841
992
—
992
Amortization expense of RMB11.5 billion, RMB10.1 billion and RMB7.8 billion (US$1.1 billion) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and
2022, respectively, was recognized as cost of revenues.
F-51
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing licensed copyrights for each of the next three years is as follow:
Within 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
7.
PRODUCED CONTENT, NET
Released, less amortization and impairment
— Predominantly monetized with other content assets
— Predominantly monetized on its own
In production, less impairment
— Predominantly monetized with other content assets
— Predominantly monetized on its own
In development, less impairment
— Predominantly monetized with other content assets
— Predominantly monetized on its own
Total
RMB US$
(In millions)
3,028 439
1,525 221
1,068 155
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2022
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
2,850 3,725
90
2,880 3,815
30
540
13
553
6,338 7,582 1,099
96
6,842 8,242 1,195
504
660
132
1,134
5
95
1,229
137
10,951 13,002 1,885
910
35
945
Amortization expense of RMB3,024 million, RMB4,641 million and RMB4,557 million (US$661 million) and RMB1,095 million, RMB1,319 million
and RMB735 million (US$107 million) was recognized as cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, for produced content predominantly monetized with other content assets and for produced content predominantly
monetized on its own, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, approximately RMB192 million (US$28 million) of accrued participation liabilities will
be paid during the upcoming operating cycle.
Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing produced content for each of the next three years is as follows:
Within 1 year
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 3 years
F-52
RMB US$
(In millions)
1,447 210
588 85
423 61
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
8.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable
Allowance for credit losses
The movements in the allowance for credit losses were as follows:
Balance as of January 1
Adoption of ASU 2016-13
Amounts charged to expenses
Amounts written off
Balance as of December 31
9.
OTHER ASSETS
Contract assets, net (i)
VAT prepayments
Inventories
Licensed copyrights (Note 6)
Advances to suppliers
Receivables from online payment agencies
Prepaid expenses
Deposits
Others
Total other current assets
Long-term prepaid expenses
Long-term restricted cash (ii)
Others
Total other non-current assets
As of December 31,
2022
US$
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions)
12,050 14,287 2,071
(2,069) (2,554) (370)
9,981 11,733 1,701
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions)
928 1,320 2,069 300
119 — — —
455 830 555 80
(70) (10)
(81)
(182)
1,320 2,069 2,554 370
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2022
RMB RMB US$
(In millions)
2,858 3,114
2,148 1,818
1,477 1,227
746
769
856
582
379
869
451
264
178
108
931
111
843
124
622
84
615
55
374
1,184
126
11,052 10,360 1,501
15,223 16,257 2,357
109
—
750
710 2,089
302
15,933 19,096 2,768
(i)
The allowance for credit losses on contract assets was RMB85 million and RMB285 million (US$42 million) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022,
respectively. The amounts charged to expenses for credit losses on contract assets were RMB9 million, RMB58 million and RMB200 million
(US$29 million) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. No write-offs were charged against the allowance for the
years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
(ii) Long-term restricted cash represents collateral to repayments of the iQIYI PAG Notes (Note 15).
F-53
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
10.
FIXED ASSETS
Computer equipment
Office building
Office building related facility,
machinery and equipment
Vehicles
Office equipment
Leasehold improvements
Construction in progress
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
40,908 44,246 6,415
743
2022
US$
4,915
5,125
4,195
676
1,237
490
291
3,834
291
1,223
496
688
608
98
179
71
43
52,355 56,260 8,157
(29,328) (32,287) (4,681)
23,027 23,973 3,476
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, was RMB5.7 billion, RMB5.7 billion and RMB6.2 billion (US$905
million), respectively. Impairment charges on fixed assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were not material.
11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The Group had three reporting units, consisting of Baidu Core excluding SLG, SLG and iQIYI as of December 31, 2021 and 2022.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reporting unit from 2020 to 2022 was as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2020
Goodwill acquired (Note 3)
Goodwill reassigned (Note 2)
Balance at December 31, 2021
Goodwill disposed
Balance at December 31, 2022
Baidu Core
excluding
SLG
RMB
18,360
357
(1,777)
16,940
(66)
16,874
SLG
RMB
iQIYI
RMB
(In millions)
—
—
1,777
1,777
—
1,777
3,888
—
—
3,888
(62)
3,826
Total
RMB
22,248
357
—
22,605
(128)
22,477
Balance at December 31, 2022, in US$
2,447
257
555
3,259
F-54
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Intangible Assets
Trademarks
Technology
Intellectual property right
Online literature
Others
Trademarks
Technology
Intellectual property right
Online literature
Others
Gross
carrying
value
RMB
1,054
1,087
1,691
155
906
4,893
As of December 31, 2021
Accumulated
impairment
RMB
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
(In millions)
(238)
(52)
(473)
—
(19)
(782)
(278)
(486)
(841)
(76)
(741)
(2,422)
Net
carrying
value
RMB
538
549
377
79
146
1,689
Gross
carrying
value
RMB
966
1,059
1,769
141
350
4,285
As of December 31, 2022
Accumulated
impairment
RMB
Accumulated
amortization
RMB
(In millions)
(238)
(52)
(473)
—
(20)
(783)
(324)
(652)
(924)
(110)
(238)
(2,248)
Net
carrying
value
RMB
404
355
372
31
92
1,254
Net
carrying
value
US$
59
51
54
4
14
182
The carrying amounts of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives were insignificant as of December 31, 2021 and 2022.
The Group recognized impairment losses on intangible assets of RMB350 million, RMB6 million and RMB1 million (US$0.1 million) for the years
ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Impairment losses on intangible assets are recorded in “Cost of revenues”.
Amortization expense of intangible assets were RMB544 million, RMB471 million and RMB467 million (US$68 million), for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing intangible assets with finite lives for each of the next five years is as follow:
For the years ending December 31,
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
F-55
RMB
US$
(In millions)
347
300
237
166
148
50
43
34
24
21
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
12. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued operating expenses
Content acquisition costs
Accrued payroll and welfare
Tax payable
Traffic acquisition costs
Accruals for purchases of fixed assets
Bandwidth costs
Payable for investments
Funds collected on behalf of service providers
Interest payable
Payable to merchants
Users’ and third party agents’ deposits
Payables for purchasing inventory
Others
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities
13. LOANS PAYABLE
Short-term Loans
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
(In millions)
9,868
8,326
4,541
4,430
2,705
2,240
2,220
804
558
538
339
383
1,307
3,125
41,384
8,845
5,567
3,747
3,640
5,159
1,445
2,112
703
691
452
368
468
1,960
2,857
38,014
2022
US$
1,282
807
543
528
748
210
306
102
100
66
53
68
284
415
5,512
Short-term loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 amounted to RMB4.2 billion and RMB5.3 billion (US$775 million), respectively, which consisted
of RMB denominated borrowings made by the Company’s subsidiaries from financial institutions in mainland China and were repayable within one
year. The total outstanding balance of iQIYI’s short-term loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 amounted to RMB4.1 billion and RMB3.3 billion
(US$485 million), respectively. In 2022, Baidu Core borrowed RMB2.0 billion (US$290 million) one-year loan for its general working capital purposes.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the repayments of primarily all of the iQIYI’s short-term loans are guaranteed by subsidiaries of iQIYI and either
collateralized by an office building of one of iQIYI’s VIEs with a carrying amount of RMB535 million and RMB522 million (US$76 million)
respectively, or restricted cash balances totaling US$5 million and nil, respectively. Certain of iQIYI’s outstanding short-term loan agreements contain
financial and other covenants, which depend on the financial position or performance of iQIYI’s subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries. One of the
iQIYI’s VIEs did not satisfy certain financial covenants for 2022, based on which the commercial bank has the right to suspend the issuance of credit
lines, and/or cause all outstanding amounts totaling RMB600 million (US$87 million) with original maturity dates in 2023 to be due and repayable
immediately. On February 6, 2023, the commercial bank has waived its right to demand immediate repayment. Therefore, this did not constitute an
Event of Default with respect to the convertible senior notes as of December 31, 2022 (Note 15).
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the weighted average interest rates for the outstanding borrowings were approximately 4.80% and 3.42%,
respectively, and the aggregate amounts of unused lines of credit for short-term loans were RMB2.8 billion and RMB2.6 billion (US$383 million),
respectively.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Structured payable arrangements
In 2020, 2021 and 2022, iQIYI entered into structured payable arrangements with banks or other financial institutions (“factoring arrangements”). Under
the factoring arrangements, the suppliers’ receivables collection process was accelerated through selling its receivables from iQIYI to the banks or other
financial institutions at a discount. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, iQIYI was legally obligated to pay the banks or other
financial institutions RMB396 million, RMB1.1 billion and RMB1.5 billion (US$217 million), respectively, which will mature within one year.
As a result of the factoring arrangements, the payment terms of the iQIYI’s original accounts payables were substantially modified and considered
extinguished as the nature of the original liability has changed from accounts payables to loan borrowings from banks or other financial institutions. The
proceeds from borrowings from banks or other financial institutions is a financing activity and is reported as “Proceeds from short-term loans” on the
consolidated statements of cash flows. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the outstanding borrowings from the factoring arrangements were
RMB750 million and RMB755 million (US$109 million), respectively, which are repayable within one year and are included in “Short-term loans” on
the consolidated balance sheets.
Long-term Loans
Baidu
In June 2016, the Company entered into a five-year term revolving facility agreement with a group of 21 arrangers, pursuant to which the Company is
entitled to borrow an unsecured U.S. dollars denominated floating rate loan of US$1.0 billion with a term of five years and to borrow an unsecured U.S.
dollars denominated revolving loan of US$1.0 billion for five years. The facility was priced at 110 basis points over LIBOR and is intended for the
general working capital of the Company. In June 2016, the Company drew down two tranches of US$250 million each under the facility commitment. In
November 2016, the Company drew down two tranches of US$250 million each under the facility commitment. In connection with the drawdowns, the
Company entered into four interest rate swap agreements, pursuant to which the loans would be settled with a fixed annual interest rate of 2.11%,
2.10%, 2.78% and 2.78% respectively, during the respective term of the loans. The loan was fully repaid in 2021.
In April 2021, the Company entered into a five-year US$3.0 billion term and revolving facilities agreement with a group of 22 arrangers. The facilities
consist of a US$1.5 billion five-year bullet maturity term loan and a US$1.5 billion five-year revolving facility. The facility was priced at 85 basis points
over LIBOR and is intended for the general corporate purposes. In June 2021, the Company drew down US$1.5 billion term loan and US$500 million
revolving loan under the facility commitment. In connection with the drawdowns, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements, pursuant
to which the loans would be settled with a fixed annual interest rate of 1.71% and 1.72%, during the respective term of the loans.
The total outstanding borrowings were RMB12.6 billion and RMB13.7 billion (US$2.0 billion) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022.
The interest rate swap agreements met the definition of derivatives in accordance with ASC 815 and designated as cash flow hedge to hedge the
variability of cash flows in the interest payments associated with its variable-rate debt. The derivatives related to the interest rate swap agreements are
accounted for at fair value and included in “Other non-current assets” on the consolidated balance sheets (Note 26). As long as the derivative remain
highly effective, the Company records the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument in other comprehensive
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
income (loss) as described in Note 21. The gross notional amounts of derivatives designated as hedging instruments was US$2.0 billion and US$2.0
billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
iQIYI
In July 2021 and November 2021, iQIYI entered into a series of transactions (“reverse factoring arrangement”) in order to re-finance certain payables
due to its suppliers. In the reverse factoring arrangement, iQIYI’s suppliers sold certain receivables due from iQIYI (the “2021 factored receivables”)
amounting to RMB232 million and RMB634 million, respectively, to the financial institutions at a discount. The 2021 factored receivables were
recorded as accounts payable in iQIYI’s consolidated balance sheets. The 2021 factored receivables were further transferred to a securitization vehicle
and used to securitize debt securities issued to third-party investors with a stated interest of 5.5% and 4.5% for gross proceeds of RMB200 million and
RMB570 million, respectively. Concurrently, iQIYI also entered into an agreement with the financial institutions to extend the repayment of the
underlying payables to mirror the repayment terms for the corresponding asset-backed debt securities which mature in July 2022 and November 2022,
respectively. Under such arrangement, the payable obligation between iQIYI and the suppliers was considered settled and iQIYI was legally obligated to
pay the financial institutions thereafter. As the 2021 factored receivables were purchased by the financial institutions using the proceeds raised from
issuance of the asset-backed debt securities and used to factor the suppler invoices to securitize the debt securities, the factored receivables are viewed as
collateral for raising loans through the issuance of the corresponding asset-backed debt securities. The borrowings have an effective interest rate of
8.40% and 8.26%, respectively.
The securitization vehicle was designed by iQIYI with the sole purpose to acquire receivable balances from iQIYI’s suppliers in order to securitize the
senior asset-backed securities with guaranteed returns sold to third-party investors. iQIYI has a variable interest in the securitization vehicle through its
interest in the subordinated asset-backed securities issued by the securitization vehicle which bear the residual loss. As a result, iQIYI considers itself
the primary beneficiary and consolidates the securitization vehicle given iQIYI has (i) the power to govern the activities that most significantly impact
its economic performance, and (ii) is obligated to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the securitization vehicle.
As a result of the series of transactions described above, the payment terms of iQIYI’s original trade payables were substantially modified and
considered extinguished as the nature of the original liability has changed from that of a trade payable to loan borrowings from third-party investors. The
proceeds from borrowings from third-party investors is a financing activity and reported as “Proceeds from long-term loans and borrowings from third
party investors, net of issuance costs” or “Proceeds from short-term loans” on the consolidated statements of cash flows depending on its maturities.
RMB200 million (US$29 million) and RMB570 million (US$83 million) of 2021 asset-backed debt securities were repaid when they became due in
July 2022 and November 2022. The 2021 asset-backed debt securities were fully repaid as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022,
the outstanding borrowings from asset-backed debt securities in “Short-term loans” in the consolidated balance sheets were RMB763 million and nil,
respectively.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
14. NOTES PAYABLE
Baidu, Inc.
The Company issued and publicly sold unsecured senior notes, and the details of the tranches are shown below:
2022 Ten-year Notes
2025 Ten-year Notes
2022 Five-year Notes
2027 Ten-year Notes
2023 Notes
2028 March Notes
2024 Notes
2024 Notes
2028 November Notes
2025 Five-year Notes
2030 April Notes
2026 Notes
2030 October Notes
2027 Five-year Notes
2031 Notes
Issue date
November 28, 2012
June 30, 2015
July 6, 2017
July 6, 2017
March 29, 2018
March 29, 2018
November 14, 2018
December 10, 2018
November 14, 2018
April 7, 2020
April 7, 2020
October 9, 2020
October 9, 2020
August 23, 2021
August 23, 2021
Principal
amount
(US$ million)
750
500
900
600
1,000
500
600
250
400
600
400
650
300
300
700
Mature date
November 28, 2022
June 30, 2025
July 6, 2022
July 6, 2027
September 29, 2023
March 29, 2028
May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
November 14, 2028
April 7, 2025
April 7, 2030
April 9, 2026
October 9, 2030
February 23,2027
August 23, 2031
Effective
interest
rate
3.59%*
4.22%
3.08%*
3.73%
3.99%
4.50%
4.51%
4.54%
4.99%
3.22%
3.54%
1.81%
2.43%
1.73%
2.49%
* The 2022 Five-year Notes and 2022 Ten-year Notes were fully repaid when they became due.
The notes listed above are collectively referred to as the “Notes”.
The 2022 Ten-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.500% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on
May 28, 2013.
The 2025 Ten-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.125% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on
December 30, 2015.
The 2022 Five-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 2.875% per annum and the 2027 Ten-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.625% per annum.
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on January 6, 2018.
The 2023 Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.875% per annum and the 2028 March Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.375% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on September 29, 2018.
The 2024 Notes including US$600 million issued in November and US$250 million in December 2018, respectively, bear interest at the rate of 4.375%
per annum and the 2028 November Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.875% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year,
beginning on May 14, 2019.
The 2025 Five-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.075% per annum and the 2030 April Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.425% per annum. Interest
is payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on October 7, 2020.
The 2026 Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.720% per annum and the 2030 October Notes bear interest at the rate of 2.375% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on April 9, 2021.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The 2027 Five-year Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.625% per annum and the 2031 Notes bear interest at the rate of 2.375% per annum. Interest is
payable semi-annually in arrears on and of each year, beginning on February 23, 2022.
At maturity, the Notes are payable at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the 2025 Ten-year Notes, the 2027 Ten-year Notes, the 2023 Notes and the 2028 March Notes, events of
default include, among others, there occurring with respect to any of the Company’s indebtedness or indebtedness of the Company’s principal controlled
entities, an event of default resulting in accelerated maturity or a failure to pay principal, interest or premium when due, and that the outstanding
principal amount under payment default or accelerated maturity equals or exceeds the greater of US$100 million and 2.5% of the Company’s total
equity. Under such indentures, principal controlled entities refer to entities as to which one or more of the following conditions is/are satisfied: (i) its
total revenue or consolidated total revenue attributable to the Company is at least 5% of the Company’s consolidated total revenue; (ii) its net profit or
consolidated net profit attributable to the Company is at least 5% of the Company’s consolidated net profit; or (iii) its net assets or consolidated net
assets attributable to the Company are at least 10% of the Company’s consolidated net assets. For example, iQIYI constitutes a principal controlled
entity under such indentures.
Under the terms of the indentures governing the 2024 November Notes, the 2024 December Notes (consolidated into and formed a single series with the
2024 November Notes), the 2028 November Notes, the 2025 Five-year Notes, the 2030 April Notes, the 2026 Notes, the 2030 October Notes, the 2027
Five-year Notes and the 2031 Notes, events of default include, among others, there occurring with respect to any of the Company’s indebtedness, an
event of default resulting in accelerated maturity or a failure to pay principal, interest or premium when due, and that the outstanding principal amount
under payment default or accelerated maturity equals or exceeds the greater of US$100 million and 2.5% of the Company’s total equity.
If any such event of default were to take place, the holders of those notes may declare the principal of notes to be due and payable prior to the stated
maturity. Under the terms of the indentures governing the various notes, a declaration of acceleration of the relevant series of notes will be automatically
annulled if such event of default is remedied or cured by the Company or any of the Company’s principal controlled entities, in the case of the 2025
Ten-year Notes, the 2027 Ten-year Notes, the 2023 Notes and the 2028 March Notes, or the Company, in the case of the 2024 November Notes, the
2024 December Notes, the 2028 November Notes, the 2025 Five-year Notes, the 2030 April Notes, the 2026 Notes, the 2030 October Notes, the 2027
Five-year Notes and the 2031 Notes, or waived by the holders of the relevant notes within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect
thereto and if the annulment of the acceleration of those notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. As of
December 31, 2022, there was no such event of default.
The Notes do not contain any other financial covenants or other significant restrictions. In addition, the Notes are unsecured and rank lower than any
secured obligation of the Group and have the same liquidation priority as any other unsecured liabilities of the Group, but senior to those expressly
subordinated obligations, if any. The Company may, at its discretion, redeem all or any portion of the Notes at any time, at the greater of the principal
amount and the make whole amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, for the 2023 Notes, 2028 March Notes, 2024 Notes, 2028 November
Notes, 2025 Five-year Notes, 2030 April Notes, 2026 Notes, 2030 October Notes, 2027 Five-year Notes and 2031 Notes, the Company may at its
discretion, redeem all or any portion of the Notes at one or three months before the maturity date of respective notes, at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
redemption date. As of December 31, 2022, the Company does not intend to redeem any portion of the Notes prior to the stated maturity dates. For
certain Notes, the Company has the obligation to redeem the Notes if a change in control occurs as defined in the indenture of the Notes.
The outstanding Notes were issued at a discount amounting to US$17 million. The total issuance costs of US$32 million were presented as a direct
deduction from the principal amount of the outstanding Notes on the consolidated balance sheets. Both the discount and the issuance costs are amortized
as interest expense using the effective interest rate method through the maturity dates of the Notes.
The principal amount and unamortized discount and debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:
Principal amount
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
As of December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
53,848
(223)
53,625
46,983
(186)
46,797
6,812
(27)
6,785
The following table summarizes the aggregate required repayments of the principal amounts of the Company’s long-term debts (including the notes
payable and long-term loans (Note 13) but excluding convertible senior notes (Note 15), in the succeeding five years and thereafter:
For the years ending December 31,
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
15. CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES
iQIYI 2023 Convertible Senior Notes
RMB
US$
(In millions)
6,898
5,863
7,587
18,278
6,207
15,864
1,000
850
1,100
2,650
900
2,300
On December 4, 2018, iQIYI issued US$750 million convertible senior notes ( “iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes are
senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 3.75% per annum on June 1 and December 1 of each
year, beginning on June 1, 2019. The iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes will mature on December 1, 2023 unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior
to such date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes is 37.1830 of iQIYI’s ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2023
Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$26.89 per ADS). Prior to June 1, 2023, the iQIYI 2023
Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing
after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2019, if the last reported sale price of ADSs for at least 20 trading
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately
preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive
trading day period in which the trading price per US$1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of
the ADSs and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) if iQIYI calls the notes for a tax redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified
corporate events. Thereafter, the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on
the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events but is not
adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following a make-whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date or following
iQIYI’s delivery of a notice of a tax redemption, iQIYI will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with
such a corporate event or such tax redemption. Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs,
or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or portion of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes for cash on December 1, 2021, or upon a fundamental
change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In 2021, iQIYI redeemed US$747 million
aggregate principal amount of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes as requested by the holders. Following settlement of the repurchase, the repurchase
amount which was fully accreted was derecognized and US$3 million (equivalent to RMB22 million) aggregate principal amount of the iQIYI 2023
Convertible Notes remained outstanding and was included in “Convertible senior notes, current portion” as of December 31, 2022 as it will mature on
December 1, 2023.
In connection with the issuance of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options (the “2023 Capped Call”) on iQIYI’s ADS
with certain counterparties at a price of US$68 million. The counterparties agreed to sell to iQIYI up to approximately 28 million of iQIYI’s ADSs upon
iQIYI’s exercise of the 2023 Capped Call. The exercise price is equal to the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes’ initial conversion price and the cap price is
US$38.42 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce
potential dilution to existing holders of the ordinary shares and ADSs of iQIYI upon conversion of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes and/or offset any
potential cash payments that iQIYI is required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes, as the case may be, with such reduction
and/or offset subject to a cap.
iQIYI 2025 Convertible Senior Notes
On March 29, 2019, iQIYI issued US$1.2 billion convertible senior notes (“iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes”). The iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes are
senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash at a rate of 2.00% per annum on October 1 and April 1 of each year,
beginning on October 1, 2019. The iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2025 unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such
date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes is 33.0003 of iQIYI’s ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$30.30 per ADS). Prior to October 1, 2024, the iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing
after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2019, if the last reported sale price of ADSs for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during
a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or
equal to 130% of
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
the conversion price; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per US$1,000
principal amount of notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the ADSs and the conversion rate on each such trading day;
(3) if iQIYI calls the notes for a tax redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. Thereafter, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes
will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the
maturity date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events but is not adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following
a make-whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date or following iQIYI’s delivery of a notice of a tax redemption, iQIYI will
increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or such tax redemption. Upon
conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or a portion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes for cash on April 1, 2023, or upon a fundamental
change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
In connection with the issuance of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI purchased capped call options (the “2025 Capped Call”) on iQIYI’s ADS
with certain counterparties at a price of US$85 million. The counterparties agreed to sell to iQIYI up to approximately 40 million of iQIYI’s ADSs upon
iQIYI’s exercise of the 2025 Capped Call. The exercise price is equal to the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes’ initial conversion price and the cap price is
US$40.02 per ADS, subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions. The capped call transactions are expected to reduce
potential dilution to existing holders of the ordinary shares and ADSs of iQIYI upon conversion of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and/or offset any
potential cash payments that iQIYI is required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes, as the case may be, with such reduction
and/or offset subject to a cap.
iQIYI 2026 Convertible Senior Notes
On December 21, 2020, iQIYI issued US$800 million convertible senior notes and offered an additional US$100 million principal amount
simultaneously, pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. On January 8, 2021, the additional US$100 million principal amount
was issued pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option. The convertible senior notes issued on December 21, 2020 and January 8, 2021
(collectively referred to as the “iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes”) are senior, unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable semi-annually in cash
at a rate of 4.00% per annum on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2021. The iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes will mature on
December 15, 2026 unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date.
The initial conversion rate of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes is 44.8179 of iQIYI’s ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2026
Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$22.31 per ADS). Prior to June 15, 2026, the iQIYI 2026
Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing
after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2021, if the last reported sale price of ADSs for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive)
during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater
than or equal to 130% of the conversion price; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading
price per US$1,000 principal amount of notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the ADSs and the conversion rate on
each such trading day; (3) if iQIYI calls the notes for a tax redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. Thereafter, the iQIYI
2026 Convertible Notes will be
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity
date. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events but is not adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following a make-
whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date or following iQIYI’s delivery of a notice of a tax redemption, iQIYI will increase the
conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or such tax redemption. Upon conversion, iQIYI
will pay or deliver to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election.
The holders may require iQIYI to repurchase all or a portion of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes for cash on August 1, 2024, or upon a fundamental
change, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
iQIYI PAG Convertible Senior Notes
On December 30, 2022, iQIYI issued US$500 million convertible senior notes (the “iQIYI PAG Notes”), pursuant to the definitive agreements entered
with PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited, PAG Pegasus Fund LP and/or their affiliates (collectively, the “Investors”) in August 2022. The iQIYI PAG Notes
are senior, secured obligations of iQIYI by certain collateral arrangements, and interest is payable quarterly in cash at a rate of 6.00% per annum on
January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2023. The iQIYI PAG Notes will mature on the fifth anniversary of the
issuance date unless redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date. IQIYI offered an additional US$50 million principal amount of the iQIYI
PAG Notes simultaneously, pursuant to the Investors’ option to purchase additional notes (Note 27).
The iQIYI PAG Notes will be convertible at the holder’s option at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day
immediately preceding the maturity date and subject to the terms of the iQIYI PAG Notes, at an initial conversion rate of 216.9668 ADS per US$ 1,000
principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$4.61 per ADS). Following a make-
whole fundamental change that occurs prior to the maturity date, iQIYI will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in
connection with such make-whole fundamental change.
Holders of the iQIYI PAG Notes have the right to require iQIYI to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes, at a repurchase price equal to 120 %
and 130 % of the principal amount of the iQIYI PAG Notes on or shortly after the third anniversary of the issuance date and the fifth anniversary of the
issuance date, respectively. Upon the closing of the transaction, the investors have appointed the executive chairman of PAG, as a member to the board
of directors, a member of the compensation committee and a non-voting member of the audit committee of iQIYI pursuant to their rights in the
definitive agreements. The repayments of iQIYI PAG Notes are guaranteed by equity interests of certain subsidiaries of iQIYI and collateralized by all
the cash consideration related to certain contracts for which RMB750 million (US$109 million) cash consideration has been received as of December
31, 2022 and reported as long-term restricted cash balances. (Note 9).
Under the terms of the indentures governing the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and
iQIYI PAG Notes, events of default include:
(i)
(ii)
default in any payment of interest or additional amounts as defined under the respective indenture for a period of 30 days;
default in the payment of principal for the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes
when due and payable, or repurchase amount for the iQIYI PAG Notes when due;
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
failure by iQIYI to comply with its obligation to convert the Convertible Notes upon exercise of a holder’s conversion right for a period of
five business days;
failure by iQIYI to issue a Fundamental Change Company Notice or a Make-Whole Fundamental Change as defined under the respective
indenture or a specified corporate event when due for a period of five business days;
failure by iQIYI to comply with its obligations relating to consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance and lease under article 11 of the respective
indenture;
failure by iQIYI for 60 days after written notice from the trustee or by the trustee at the request of the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the respective Convertible Notes then outstanding has been received by iQIYI to comply with any of other agreements
contained in the respective Convertible Notes or the indenture;
default by iQIYI or its significant subsidiaries (defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X), with respect to any mortgage, agreement
or other instrument under which there may be outstanding, secured or evidenced any indebtedness in excess of US$60 million (or an
equivalent amount in foreign currency), for the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2026
Convertible Notes or in excess of US$100 million (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) for the iQIYI PAG Notes, resulting in
accelerated maturity or a failure to pay principal or interest when due, and such indebtedness is not discharged, or such acceleration is not
otherwise cured or rescinded, within 30 days;
a delay in payment or discharge of a final judgment for the payment of US$60 million (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) for the
iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes and the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes or the payment of US$100 million
(or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) for the iQIYI PAG Notes rendered against iQIYI or any of its significant subsidiaries;
iQIYI or any of its significant subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other
relief; and
an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against iQIYI or its significant subsidiaries seeking liquidation, reorganization or
other relief, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 30 consecutive days.
The indentures for the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and iQIYI PAG Notes (collectively
as the “iQIYI Notes”) define a “fundamental change” to include, among other things: (i) any person or group gaining control of iQIYI, (ii) any
recapitalization, reclassification or change of iQIYI’s ordinary shares or ADSs as a result of which these securities would be converted into, or
exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets; (iii) the shareholders of iQIYI approving any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
dissolution of iQIYI; (iv) iQIYI’s ADSs ceasing to be listed on Nasdaq Stock Market; or (v) any change in or amendment to the laws, regulations and
rules of the PRC resulting in iQIYI being legally prohibited from operating substantially all of the business operations conducted by iQIYI being unable
to continue to derive substantially all of the economic benefits from the business operations conducted by these entities.
Upon the occurrence of an event of default which includes default on principal payment of the iQIYI 2025 Notes when due on April 1, 2023, the trustee
or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount may declare the whole principal of (or, in the case of the iQIYI PAG notes, 120% or 130%
of the principal amount for such notes, as the case may be, depending on the date of occurrence of the event of default), and accrued and unpaid interest
on, all the outstanding Convertible Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately, subject to certain exceptions and conditions under the respective
indenture. iQIYI may also be required to pay additional interest. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders of the Convertible Senior Notes
will have the right, at their option, to require iQIYI to repurchase all of their Convertible Senior Notes or any portion of the principal
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
amount (or, in the case of the iQIYI PAG notes, 120% or 130% of the principal amount for such notes, as the case may be, depending on the date of
occurrence of the fundamental change), and accrued and unpaid interests. In the event of a fundamental change, iQIYI may also be required to issue
additional ADSs upon conversion of its convertible notes. As of December 31, 2022, there was no such event of default or fundamental change.
Accounting for Convertible Senior Notes
Adoption of ASU 2020-06
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-
06”), which focuses on amending the legacy guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own
equity. ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer’s accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models that require separate
accounting for embedded conversion features. The Group adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022, using a modified retrospective transition method,
which resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to decrease the opening balance of additional paid-in capital and noncontrolling interests on January 1,
2022 by RMB738 million and RMB309 million respectively, and increase the opening balance of accumulated retained earnings and convertible senior
notes on January 1, 2022 by RMB398 million and RMB636 million, with remaining impact shown in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2020-06, as the conversion option may be settled in cash at iQIYI’s option, the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2025
Convertible Notes and iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes were separated into liability and equity components in accordance with ASC subtopic 470-20,
Debt with Conversion and Other Options (“ASC 470-20”). The carrying amount of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value
of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion
option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds and recorded as additional paid-in capital. The
difference between the principal amount of each of the iQIYI Notes and the liability component was considered debt discount and was amortized using
the effective interest rate method to accrete the discounted carrying value of the iQIYI Notes to its face value on the put dates of the iQIYI Notes. Debt
issuance costs were allocated to the liability and equity components based on the same proportion as the recognized amounts of liability and equity
components determined aforementioned.
After the adoption of ASU 2020-06, as the iQIYI Notes were not issued at a substantial premium, all of the proceeds received from the issuance of the
iQIYI Notes are recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC 470-20. That is, no portion of the proceeds from
issuing the iQIYI Notes are attributed to the conversion option at inception. The difference between the principal amount of each of the iQIYI Notes and
net proceeds from the issuance is considered debt discount and is amortized at their respective effective interest rates to accrete the carrying value of the
iQIYI Notes to its face value (120% of the principal amount for the iQIYI PAG Convertible Notes) on the respective put dates of the iQIYI Notes. For
the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the effective interest rates of the iQIYI Notes were as follows:
The iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes
The iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes
The iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes
The iQIYI PAG Convertible Notes
F-66
For the years ended December 31,
2021
%
7.04%
6.01%
6.94%
N/A
2020
%
7.04%
6.01%
6.94%
N/A
2022
%
4.41%
2.48%
4.53%
12.27%
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The cost of the 2023 Capped Call and 2025 Capped Call of US$68 million and US$85 million were recorded as a reduction of the Company’s additional
paid-in capital and non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheets with no subsequent changes in fair value recorded.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the iQIYI 2023 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and iQIYI PAG
Notes were US$737 million, US$1.2 billion, US$884 million and US$492 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses of
US$13 million, US$21 million, US$16 million and US$8 million from the initial proceeds of US$750 million, US$1.2 billion, US$900 million and
US$500 million, respectively.
The carrying amount of the iQIYI Notes as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:
Liability component:
Principal
Less: unamortized debt discount
Net carrying amount
Equity component:
Carrying amount
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
2021
RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
13,403
751
12,652
17,986
112
17,874
2,608
17
2,591
1,793
360
52
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the amounts of interest cost recognized were as follows:
Contractual interest expense
Amortization of the discount and issuance costs
Total
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
365
434
799
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions)
557
559
1,116
404
66
470
2022
US$
59
9
68
As of December 31, 2022, the liability component of the iQIYI 2025 Convertible Notes, iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes and iQIYI PAG Notes will be
accreted up to the principal amount of US$1.2 billion, US$900 million and US$600 million (120% of the principal amount of iQIYI PAG Notes) over a
remaining period of 0.25 years, 1.59 years and 3.00 years, respectively. The amount repayable within the next twelve months are classified as
“Convertible senior notes, current portion” on the consolidated balance sheets.
The aggregate amounts upon scheduled maturities of RMB22 million (US$3 million), RMB8.3 billion (US$1.2 billion), RMB6.2 billion (US$902
million) and RMB4.5 billion (US$651 million) of the iQIYI 2023 Notes, iQIYI 2025 Notes, iQIYI 2026 Notes and iQIYI PAG Notes will be repaid
when they become due in 2023, 2025, 2026 and 2028, respectively, assuming there is no conversion of the iQIYI Notes, no redemption of the iQIYI
Notes prior to their maturities, the convertible senior notes bondholders hold the iQIYI Notes until their maturities and iQIYI elects to fully settle the
iQIYI Notes in cash.
16. LEASES
The Company’s operating leases mainly related to land, offices facilities, IDC facilities and vehicles. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the
Company records the related asset and obligation at the present value of
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
lease payments over the term. Certain leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into the
Company’s determination of lease payments when appropriate. As of December 31, 2022, finance leases were insignificant.
As of December 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term was 14.8 years and weighted average discount rate was 4.30% for the Group’s
operating leases.
Operating lease costs were RMB3.0 billion, RMB3.2 billion and RMB3.5 billion (US$505 million) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and
2022, respectively, which excluded short-term lease costs. Short-term lease costs were RMB427 million, RMB475 million and RMB424 million (US$61
million) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Variable lease cost was immaterial for the years ended December 31,
2020, 2021 and 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, no lease costs for operating or finance leases were capitalized.
Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases was as follows:
Cash payments for operating leases
ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
Future lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2022 were as follows:
For the years ended
December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
3,014
2,559
2022
US$
437
371
2021
RMB
4,238
4,434
Year ending December 31,
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
Total future lease payments
Less: Imputed interest
Total lease liability balance
Operating leases
RMB
US$
(In millions)
2,870
2,230
1,424
889
442
444
8,299
680
7,619
416
323
206
129
64
64
1,202
98
1,104
As of December 31, 2022, additional operating leases that have not yet commenced were immaterial.
17.
INCOME TAXES
Cayman Islands and BVI
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and BVI, the Group is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Additionally, upon payment of
dividends by the Group to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Hong Kong
Subsidiaries in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax rate at 16.5%, and foreign-derived income is exempted from income tax. There are no
withholding taxes upon payment of dividends by the subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong to its shareholders.
Japan
As a result of the Japanese tax regulations amendments, the effective income tax rates were approximately 31% for all years ended December 31, 2020,
2021 and 2022.
Mainland China
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law, which has been effective since January 1, 2008, domestic enterprises and Foreign Investment
Enterprises (the “FIE”) are subject to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate, except for certain entities that are entitled to preferential tax treatments.
Preferential EIT rates at 15% is available for qualified “High and New Technology Enterprises” (“HNTEs”). The HNTE certificate is effective for a
period of three years. Further, preferential EIT rates are available for qualified Software Enterprises whereby entities are entitled to full exemption from
EIT for two years beginning from their first profitable calendar year and a 50% reduction for the subsequent three calendar years.
Certain PRC subsidiaries and VIEs, including Baidu Online, Baidu China, Baidu International and Baidu Netcom, etc. are qualified HNTEs and enjoy a
reduced tax rate of 15% for the years presented. An entity could re-apply for the HNTE certificate when the prior certificate expires. Historically, all of
the Company’s subsidiaries and VIEs successfully re-applied for the certificates when the prior ones expired. Certain subsidiaries enjoyed a reduced tax
rate as qualified Software Enterprise in 2021 and 2022.
Under the current EIT Law, dividends for earnings derived from January 1, 2008 and onwards paid by PRC entities to any of their foreign non-resident
enterprise investors are subject to a 10% withholding tax. A lower tax rate will be applied if tax treaty or arrangement benefits are available. Under the
tax arrangement between the PRC and Hong Kong, the reduced withholding tax rate for dividends paid by PRC entities is 5% provided the Hong Kong
investors meet the requirements as stipulated by relevant PRC tax regulations, such as the beneficiary owner test. Capital gains derived from the PRC
are also subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax.
Income (loss) before income taxes consists of:
Mainland China
Non-Mainland China
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions)
19,711
3,379
23,090
15,055
(4,277)
10,778
18,306
(8,194)
10,112
2,654
(1,188)
1,466
Except for the investment related loss recognized, the pre-tax losses from non-Mainland China operations consist primarily of operating costs,
administration expenses, interest expenses and share-based compensation expenses.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Income taxes consist of:
Current income tax
Income tax refund due to reduced tax rate
Adjustments of deferred tax assets due to change in tax rates
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
2022
RMB US$
(In millions)
4,668
(719)
(5)
120
4,064
3,636
—
109
(558)
3,187
3,163
(468)
119
(236)
2,578
459
(68)
17
(34)
374
The reconciliation of the actual income taxes to the amount of tax computed by applying the aforementioned statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income
is as follows:
Expected taxation at PRC statutory tax rate
Effect of differing tax rates in different jurisdictions
Non-taxable income
Non-deductible expenses
Research and development super-deduction
Effect of PRC preferential tax rates and tax holiday
Effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes
Reversal of prior year’s income taxes
PRC withholding tax
Valuation allowance
Taxation for the year
Effective tax rate
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions, except for per share data)
5,773
208
(995)
3,416
(1,549)
(2,891)
(5)
(951)
122
936
4,064
2,694
656
(89)
965
(1,645)
(1,557)
109
(734)
615
2,173
3,187
2,541
1,976
(44)
534
(2,274)
(1,507)
119
(913)
181
1,965
2,578
2022
US$
368
286
(6)
77
(330)
(217)
17
(132)
26
285
374
18%
29.6%
25.5%
25.5%
Effect of preferential tax rates inside the PRC on basic earnings per Class A and Class B
ordinary share (Note)
1.06
0.56
0.54
0.08
Note: Effect of preferential tax rates inside the PRC on basic earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share for the year ended December 31, 2020 had
been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision that became effective on March 1, 2021, as detailed in Notes 1 and 22.
F-70
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax balances at December 31, 2021 and 2022 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for credit losses
Accrued expenses, payroll and others
Fixed assets depreciation and intangible assets amortization
Net operating loss carry-forwards
Less: valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net
Deferred tax liabilities:
Long-lived assets arising from acquisitions
Withholding tax on PRC subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings
Tax on capital gains
Others
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
622
3,076
4,024
2,980
(8,068)
2,634
616
3,861
3,767
4,176
(10,033)
2,387
2022
US$
89
560
546
605
(1,454)
346
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
508
1,803
996
241
3,548
428
1,685
797
246
3,156
62
244
116
35
457
As of December 31, 2022, the Group had tax losses of approximately RMB22.7 billion (US$3.3 billion) derived from entities in the PRC, Hong Kong,
Singapore and Japan. The tax losses in Japan can be carried forward for nine years to offset future taxable profit. The tax losses in the PRC can be
carried forward for five years to offset future taxable profit, and the period is currently extended to 10 years for entities qualified as HNTE. The tax
losses of entities in the PRC and Japan will expire from 2023 to 2032, if not utilized. The tax losses in Hong Kong and Singapore can be carried forward
with no expiration date.
As of December 31, 2022, dividend distribution withholding tax for the potential remittance of earnings from the PRC subsidiaries to offshore entities
was RMB1.7 billion (US$254 million). The Group believes that the underlying dividends will be distributed in the future for offshore use, such as
merger and acquisition activities. The Group did not provide for additional deferred income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed
earnings of foreign subsidiaries during the years presented on the basis of its intent to permanently reinvest its foreign subsidiaries’ earnings. As of
December 31, 2022, the total amount of undistributed earnings from the PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs for which no withholding tax has been accrued
was RMB152.9 billion (US$22.2 billion). Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.
18. EMPLOYEE DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
Full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government mandated multi-employer defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain
pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. Chinese labor
regulations require that the
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Group make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The Group has no legal
obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions. Total amounts for such employee benefits, which were expensed as incurred, were RMB2.7 billion,
4.1 billion and RMB4.3 billion (US$625 million) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Capital Commitments
The Group’s capital commitments primarily relate to commitments in connection with the expansion and improvement of its network infrastructure and
its plan to build additional office buildings and cloud computing based data centers. Total capital commitments contracted but not yet reflected in the
financial statements amounted to RMB2.6 billion (US$370 million) as of December 31, 2022. Almost all of the commitments relating to the network
infrastructure, office buildings and cloud computing based data centers are to be fulfilled within one year.
Commitments for bandwidth and property management fees
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable agreements for bandwidth and property management fees consist of the following as of December 31,
2022:
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
RMB
(In millions)
287
105
44
22
4
25
487
US$
42
15
6
3
1
4
71
Licensed Copyrights and Produced Content Commitments
Future minimum payments under non-cancelable agreements for licensed copyrights and produced content consist of the following as of December 31,
2022:
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
RMB
US$
(In millions)
5,156
3,622
2,636
1,261
105
202
12,982
748
525
382
183
15
29
1,882
F-72
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Investment Commitments
The Group’s investment commitments primarily relate to capital contribution obligations under certain arrangements which do not have specified
contractual maturity dates. The total investment commitments contracted but not yet reflected in the consolidated financial statements amounted to
RMB1.3 billion (US$187 million).
Guarantees
The Group accounts for guarantees in accordance with ASC Topic 460, Guarantees (“ASC 460”). Accordingly, the Group evaluates its guarantees if any
to determine whether (a) the guarantee is specifically excluded from the scope of ASC 460, (b) the guarantee is subject to ASC 460 disclosure
requirements only, but not subject to the initial recognition and measurement provisions, or (c) the guarantee is required to be recorded in the financial
statements at fair value.
The corporate by-laws require that the Company indemnify its officers and directors, as well as those who act as directors and officers of other entities at
the Company’s request, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any
proceedings arising out of their services to the Company. In addition, the Company entered into separate indemnification agreements with each director
and each executive officer of the Company that provide for indemnification of these directors and officers under similar circumstances and under
additional circumstances. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in the by-laws and the indemnification agreements. The Company
purchases standard directors and officers insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against its directors and officers. Since a maximum
obligation is not explicitly stated in the Company’s by-laws or in the indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that
arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated.
Historically, the Company was not required to make payments related to these obligations, and the fair value for these obligations was immaterial on the
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022.
Litigation
The Group was involved in certain cases pending in various PRC, U.S. and Brazil courts and arbitration as of December 31, 2022. These cases include
copyright infringement cases, unfair competition cases, and defamation cases, among others. Adverse results in these lawsuits may include awards of
damages and may also result in, or even compel, a change in the Group’s business practices, which could result in a loss of revenue or otherwise harm
the business of the Group.
Starting in April 2020, the Group and certain of its officers were named as defendants in putative securities class actions filed in federal court. The case
was purportedly brought on behalf of a class of persons who allegedly suffered damages as a result of alleged misstatements and omissions in the
Group’s public disclosure documents related to Baidu Feed, which they believe did not comply with “PRC laws and regulations in all material respects”.
In addition, starting in April 2020, iQIYI and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in several putative
securities class actions filed in federal court, which were purportedly brought on behalf of a class of persons who allegedly suffered damages as a result
of alleged misstatements and omissions in iQIYI’s public disclosure documents. In light of the common questions of law and fact at issue in this case
and a related action against Baidu, the Court terminated the motion to dismiss without prejudice, and ordered a motion-to-dismiss briefing for the two
cases to be completed by March 2023
F-73
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
under a new briefing schedule. Both of those cases remain in preliminary stage, the likelihood of any unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of
any potential loss cannot be reasonably estimated at the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements. As a result, as of December 31, 2022, the
Group did not record any liabilities for the loss contingencies pertaining to the cases described above.
For many proceedings, the Company is currently unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses as the
proceedings are in the early stages, and/or there is a lack of clear or consistent interpretation of laws specific to the industry-specific complaints among
different jurisdictions. As a result, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, which includes eventual
loss, fine, penalty or business impact, if any, and therefore, an estimate for the reasonably possible loss or a range of reasonably possible losses cannot
be made. However, the Company believes that such matters, individually and in the aggregate, when finally resolved, are not reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. With respect to the limited number of
proceedings for which the Company was able to estimate the reasonably possible losses or the range of reasonably possible losses, such loss estimates
were insignificant.
20. REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Balance as of January 1
Issuance of subsidiary shares
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Disposal of subsidiaries’ shares
Reclassification of ordinary shares from mezzanine equity to ordinary shares
Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Balance as of December 31
2020
2021
RMB RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions)
1,109
1,866
127
—
—
—
3,102
3,102
4,722
391
—
(153)
(914)
7,148
7,148
1,208
593
(556)
—
—
8,393
1,036
175
86
(80)
—
—
1,217
In 2021 and 2022, SLG issued 62,697,683 and 5,639,407, respectively, preferred shares to certain non-controlling shareholders, which could be
redeemed by such shareholders upon the occurrence of certain events that are not solely within the control of the Company. Therefore, these preferred
shares were accounted for as redeemable noncontrolling interests.
In 2021 and 2022, Baidu Kunlun issued 1,897,800 and 1,068,363, respectively, preferred shares to certain non-controlling shareholders, which could be
redeemed by such shareholders upon the occurrence of certain events that are not solely within the control of the Company. Therefore, these preferred
shares were accounted for as redeemable noncontrolling interests.
The Company also have other subsidiaries or VIEs that have issued preferred shares which were accounted for as redeemable noncontrolling interests.
As of December 31, 2022, those redeemable noncontrolling interests were insignificant.
The Company accounts for the changes in accretion to the redemption value in accordance with ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.
The Company elects to use the effective interest method to account for the changes of redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the
earliest redemption date of the noncontrolling interest.
F-74
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
21.
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shares
The authorized share capital consisted of 69,632,000,000 shares at a par value of US$0.000000625 per share (previously US$0.00005 per share before
the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1), of which 66,000,000,000 shares were designated as Class A ordinary shares, 2,832,000,000 as Class B
ordinary shares, and 800,000,000 shares designated as preferred shares (previously 825,000,000 shares were designated as Class A ordinary shares,
35,400,000 as Class B ordinary shares, and 10,000,000 shares designated as preferred shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1). The
rights of the holders of Class A and Class B ordinary shares are identical, except with respect to voting and conversion rights. Each share of Class A
ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share and is not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Each share of Class B
ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes per share and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Upon any transfer
of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person or entity that is not an affiliate of such holder, such Class B ordinary shares would be
automatically converted into an equal number of Class A ordinary shares. The number of Class B ordinary shares transferred to Class A ordinary shares
were 4,200,000, 12,600,000 and 17,200,000 in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, there were 2,254,485,072 and 542,100,320 Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding (previously 28,181,063 and
6,776,254 Class A and Class B ordinary shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1), respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022,
there were no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
On May 13, 2020, the Company announced a share repurchase program (“2020 share repurchase program”) under which the Company proposed to
acquire up to an aggregate of US$1.0 billion of its ordinary shares, effective until July 1, 2021 in the open market or through privately negotiated
transactions, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. In August 2020, the board of directors approved a
change to the 2020 share repurchase program, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$1.0 billion to US$3.0 billion, and in December 2020, the
repurchase authorization was further increased from US$3.0 billion to US$4.5 billion, which is effective through December 31, 2022.
The Company repurchased 126,096,000, 57,343,528 and 17,307,400 Class A ordinary shares (previously 1,576,200, 716,794 and 216,343 Class A
ordinary shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1) from the open market with an aggregate purchase price of RMB13.1 billion,
RMB7.6 billion and RMB1.9 billion (US$279 million) during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Before December 31, 2020, the
repurchased shares were cancelled under Cayman Islands law upon repurchase and the difference between the par value and the repurchase price was
debited to retained earnings. In 2021 and 2022, repurchased shares were recorded in the treasury stock account.
Treasury stock
The treasury stock account includes 57,343,528 ordinary shares and 49,408,840 ordinary shares repurchased from the open market as of December 31,
2021 and 2022, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, 57,343,528 and 17,307,400 treasury stock has been repurchased, which has been
approved by the Company’s board of directors, such treasury stock is reserved for future issuance upon the exercise of the vested share options and the
vesting of restricted shares. During the year ended December 31, 2022, 25,242,088 ordinary shares had been reissued to employees and directors upon
the exercise of share options and vesting of restricted shares.
F-75
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Retained Earnings
In accordance with the Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment of China and their articles of association, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries,
being foreign invested enterprises established in China, are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserves, namely a general reserve fund,
an enterprise expansion fund, a staff welfare fund and a bonus fund, all of which are appropriated from net profit as reported in their PRC statutory
accounts. Each of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to a general reserve fund until such fund has
reached 50% of its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus funds are at the discretion
of the Company’s subsidiaries.
In accordance with the China Company Laws, the Company’s VIEs must make appropriations from their after-tax profits as reported in their PRC
statutory accounts to non-distributable reserve funds, namely a statutory surplus fund, a statutory public welfare fund and a discretionary surplus fund.
Each of the Company’s VIEs is required to allocate at least 10% of its after-tax profits to the statutory surplus fund until such fund has reached 50% of
its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the statutory public welfare fund and the discretionary surplus fund are made at the discretion of the
Company’s VIEs.
General reserve and statutory surplus funds are restricted to set-off against losses, expansion of production and operation and increasing registered
capital of the respective company. Staff welfare and bonus fund and statutory public welfare funds are restricted to capital expenditures for the collective
welfare of employees. The reserves are not allowed to be transferred to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor are they
allowed for distribution except under liquidation.
PRC statutory reserve funds
Unreserved retained earnings
Total retained earnings
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
1,098
144,062
145,160
1,218
147,123
148,341
177
21,330
21,507
Under PRC laws and regulations, there are restrictions on the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs with respect to transferring certain of their net
assets to the Company either in the form of dividends, loans, or advances. Amounts of net assets restricted include paid in capital and statutory reserve
funds of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and the net assets of the VIEs in which the Company has no legal ownership, totaling RMB45.9 billion and
RMB47.3 billion (US$6.9 billion) as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Furthermore, cash transfers from the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to their parent companies outside of China are subject to PRC government control of
currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of the PRC subsidiaries and variable interest entities and
their subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to the Company, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency
denominated obligations.
F-76
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component, net of tax, were as follows:
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
RMB
Unrealized
gains (losses) on
available-for-sale
investments
RMB
Unrealized
gain on
derivatives
RMB
Balance at December 31, 2019
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income attribute to noncontrolling interests and
redeemable noncontrolling interests
Balance at December 31, 2020
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
Other comprehensive (loss) income attribute to noncontrolling interests and
redeemable noncontrolling interests
Balance at December 31, 2021
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
Other comprehensive income (loss) attribute to noncontrolling interests and
redeemable noncontrolling interests
Balance at December 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2022, in US$
(2,584)
1,936
—
1,936
(192)
(840)
(88)
—
(88)
(79)
(1,007)
13
(764)
—
(751)
432
(1,326)
(192)
(In millions)
1,201
380
(541)
(161)
(1)
1,039
(190)
—
(190)
1
850
—
(392)
—
(392)
(1)
457
66
—
—
—
—
149
—
149
—
149
—
1,266
—
1,266
—
1,415
205
Total
RMB
(1,383)
2,316
(541)
1,775
(193)
199
(129)
—
(129)
(78)
(8)
13
110
—
123
431
546
79
The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income represent realized foreign currency translation adjustments, which
mainly arose from the disposal of the Group’s partial interests in Trip and realized gains (losses) on the sales of available-for-sale investments, which
were recorded in “Others, net” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The amounts reclassified were determined on the basis of
specific identification. Losses on intracompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature in the amount of RMB1.2 billion,
RMB537 million and gains in the amount of RMB2.1 billion (US$298 million) were included in the foreign currency translation adjustment for the
years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
F-77
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The following table sets forth the tax benefit (expense) allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments
Other comprehensive income before reclassification
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions)
(59)
83
24
(3)
—
(3)
28
—
28
4
—
4
22. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Following the Share Subdivision as detailed in Notes 1 and 21, each ordinary share was subdivided into eighty ordinary shares and each ADS represents
eight Class A ordinary shares. The weighted average number of ordinary shares used for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share/ADS for
the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 have been retrospectively adjusted.
A reconciliation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income to the numerator for the computation
of basic and diluted per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 is as follows:
Net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Accretion of the redeemable noncontrolling interests
Numerator for basic EPS computation
Numerator for diluted EPS computation
F-78
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
2022
US$
(In millions, including number of shares,
except for per share data)
22,472
(88)
22,384
22,384
10,226
(350)
9,876
9,876
7,559
(591)
6,968
6,968
1,096
(86)
1,010
1,010
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share and basic and diluted earnings per
ADS:
Earnings per share—basic:
Numerator
Allocation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc.
Denominator
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (Note)
Denominator used for basic EPS (Note)
Earnings per share—basic (Note)
Earnings per share—diluted:
Numerator
Allocation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. for diluted computation
Reallocation of net income attributable to Baidu, Inc. as a result of conversion of Class B to
Class A shares
Numerator for diluted EPS calculation
Denominator
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (Note)
Conversion of Class B to Class A ordinary shares (Note)
Share-based awards (Note)
Denominator used for diluted EPS (Note)
Earnings per share—diluted (Note)
Earnings per ADS (1 ADS equals 8 Class A ordinary shares) ：
Denominator used for earnings per ADS—basic (Note)
Denominator used for earnings per ADS—diluted (Note)
Earnings per ADS—basic (Note)
Earnings per ADS—diluted (Note)
2020
For the years ended December 31,
2021
2022
2022
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class A Class B Class B
RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB US$
(In millions, including number of shares and ADS, except for
per share and per ADS data)
17,683 4,701 7,871 2,005 5,590
810 1,378
200
2,158
2,158
574 2,198
574 2,198
560 2,232 2,232
560 2,232 2,232
550
550
550
550
8.19 8.19 3.58 3.58 2.50 0.36 2.50 0.36
17,723 4,661 7,910 1,966 5,604
812 1,364
198
4,661 — 1,966 — 1,364
22,384 4,661 9,876 1,966 6,968 1,010 1,364
198 — —
198
2,158
574 2,198
574 —
24 —
560 —
56 —
560 2,232 2,232
550
27
560 2,809 2,809
550
550
550 — —
27 — —
550
550
2,756
574 2,814
8.12 8.12 3.51 3.51 2.48 0.36 2.48 0.36
270
344
65.54
64.98
275
352
28.64
28.07
279
279
351
351
20.02 2.90
19.85 2.88
Note: Basic and diluted net earnings per share, the number of shares and the adjustments for dilutive restricted shares and share options for the year ended December 31,
2020 had been retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision and the ADS Ratio Change that took effect on March 1, 2021, as detailed in Note 1.
The Company did not include certain share options, restricted shares and the effect of convertible senior notes issued by iQIYI, other subsidiaries and investees in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 because those share options, restricted shares and convertible senior
notes were anti-dilutive for earnings per share for the respective years.
F-79
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
23.
SHARE-BASED AWARDS PLAN
Baidu, Inc.
2008 Share Incentive plan
In December 2008, the Company adopted a share incentive plan (the “2008 Plan”), which provides for the granting of share incentives, including
incentive share options (“ISOs”), restricted shares and any other form of award pursuant to the 2008 Plan, to members of the board, employees,
consultants and non-employees of the Company. The Company reserved 274,302,160 Class A ordinary shares (previously 3,428,777 Class A ordinary
shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1) for issuance under the 2008 Plan, which expired in the year 2018. The vesting schedule, time
and condition to exercise options is determined by the Company’s compensation committee. The term of the options may not exceed ten years from the
date of the grant, except that five years is the maximum term of an ISO granted to an employee who holds more than 10% of the voting power of the
Company’s share capital.
Under the 2008 Plan, the exercise price of an option may be amended or adjusted at the discretion of the compensation committee, the determination of
which would be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise
prices would be effective without the approval of the Company’s shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If the Company grants an ISO to
an employee who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s share capital,
the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of that grant.
2018 Share Incentive Plan
In July 2018, the Company adopted a share incentive plan (the “2018 Plan”), which provides for the granting of share incentives, including ISOs,
restricted shares and any other form of award pursuant to the 2018 Plan, to members of the board, employees, consultants, and non-employees of the
Company. The 2018 Plan has a ten-year term and a maximum number of 275,516,000 Class A ordinary shares (previously 3,443,950 Class A ordinary
shares before the Share Subdivision as detailed in Note 1) available for issuance pursuant to all awards under the 2018 Plan.
Under the 2018 Plan, the exercise price of an option may be amended or adjusted at the discretion of the compensation committee, the determination of
which would be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or exchange rules, a downward adjustment of the exercise
prices would be effective without the approval of the Company’s shareholders or the approval of the affected grantees. If the Company grants an ISO to
an employee who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s share capital,
the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of that grant.
Following the Share Subdivision that took effect on March 1, 2021 as detailed in Notes 1 and 22, each Class A ordinary share was subdivided into
eighty Class A ordinary shares and each ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares. Prior and subsequent to March 1, 2021, one ordinary share was
and will be issuable upon the vesting of one outstanding restricted share or the exercise of one outstanding share option, respectively. Therefore,
following the Share Subdivision, each share option and restricted share is subdivided into eighty share options and eighty restricted shares, the weighted
average grant date fair value per restricted share and the weighted average exercise price per share option is diluted by eighty times. The number of
restricted shares and
F-80
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
share options, the weighted average grant date fair value per restricted share and the weighted average exercise price per share option has been
retrospectively adjusted for the Share Subdivision in the following tables.
Incentive share options
The following table summarizes the option activity for the year ended December 31, 2022:
Incentive share options
Outstanding, December 31, 2021
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/Cancelled
Outstanding, December 31, 2022
Vested and expected to vest
at December 31, 2022
Exercisable at December 31, 2022
Number of
share
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
(US$)
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life
(Years)
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
(US$ in
millions)
21,453,560
17
6
84
1,608,504
(2,500,936)
(891,832)
19,669,296
18,464,496
16,179,616
20
10
17
19
19
19
6
5
5
20
18
14
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day in 2022 and
the exercise price.
Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB157 million, RMB210 million and
RMB124 million (US$18 million), respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was
RMB261 million, RMB217 million and RMB193 million (US$28 million), respectively.
Share options are usually subject to vesting schedules ranging from two to four years. As of December 31, 2022, RMB103 million (US$15 million) of
unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.6 years.
To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from the original estimate, actual share-based compensation costs related to these awards may be
different from expectation.
The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. The volatility assumption was
estimated based on historical volatility of the Company’s share price applying the guidance provided by ASC 718. Assumptions of the expected term
were based on the vesting and contractual terms and employee demographics. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
F-81
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the share options granted in the years presented:
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected volatility range
Expected life (in years)
2020
1.51~1.52%
—
34.83%~34.92%
5.90~6.01
For the years ended December 31
2021
0.63~1.23%
—
38.12%~39.82%
5.80~5.86
2022
1.92~2.96%
—
40.66%~47.03%
5.26~5.49
In addition, the Company recognizes share-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeiture rates, to recognize compensation cost for shares
expected to vest over the service period of the award. Estimated forfeiture rates are primarily based on historical experience of employee turnover. To
the extent the Company revises this estimate in the future, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted in the year of revision, as
well as in the following years.
The exercise price of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 equaled the market price of the ordinary shares on the
grant date. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was US$9, US$12
and US$8, respectively.
Restricted Shares
Restricted Shares activity for the year ended December 31, 2022 was as follow:
Restricted Shares
Unvested, December 31, 2021
Granted
Vested
Forfeited/Cancelled
Unvested, December 31, 2022
Number of
shares
138,440,472
57,803,056
(47,059,064)
(22,934,104)
126,250,360
Weighted
average
grant
date
fair value
(US$)
19
15
19
18
17
The total fair value of the restricted shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB4.6 billion, RMB5.0 billion and
RMB6.2 billion (US$895 million), respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the Restricted Shares granted during the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022 was US$14, US$23 and US$15, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, there was RMB6.3 billion (US$908 million) of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to restricted shares,
which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.6 years. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from the
original estimate, the actual share-based compensation costs related to these awards may be different from expectation. To the extent the Company
revises this estimate in the future, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted in the year of revision, as well as in the following
years.
F-82
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Subsidiaries-iQIYI
2010 Equity Incentive Plan
In October 2010, iQIYI adopted its 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “iQIYI 2010 Plan”), which permits the grant of restricted shares, options and share
appreciation rights to the employees, directors, officers and consultants to purchase iQIYI’s ordinary shares. The 2010 Plan is valid and effective for an
original term of ten years, and further extended to twenty years on September 15, 2020 commencing from its adoption. Except for service conditions,
there were no other vesting conditions for all the awards under the 2010 Plan. As of December 31, 2022, the share option pool under the iQIYI 2010
Plan approved by the Board of Directors of iQIYI was 589,729,714 iQIYI’s ordinary shares. All options granted vest over a four-year period.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
On December 2, 2021, iQIYI adopted its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “iQIYI 2021 Plan”), which permits the grant of restricted shares units and
options to the directors, employees, consultants and other individuals of iQIYI. Under the 2021 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares
which may be issued pursuant to all awards shall initially be 364,000,000 iQIYI’s ordinary shares, provided that if restricted share units or options with
US$0 exercise price are granted, each restricted share unit and option with US$0 exercise price (that entitles the holder to one ordinary share) granted
shall reduce the number of ordinary shares under the 2021 Plan available for future grants by 1.3 ordinary shares. The 2021 Plan is valid and effective
for a term of ten years commencing from its adoption. Except for service conditions, there were no other vesting conditions for all the awards under the
2021 Plan. Any unvested portion of the restricted shares units and options will be forfeited upon the termination of the grantee’s service for any reason.
In the event the grantee’s service is terminated for cause other than death or permanent disability, the vested portion of the options will be expired upon
90 days following such termination. In 2022, iQIYI has granted options under the 2021 Plan to its employees and directors. All options vest over a four-
year period.
The following table sets forth the summary of employee option activity for the year ended December 31, 2022:
Outstanding, December 31, 2021
Granted
Forfeited/Expired
Exercised
Outstanding, December 31, 2022
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,
2022
Exercisable at December 31, 2022
Number of share options
341,665,534
Weighted
average
exercise price
（US$）
0.49
174,961,521
(17,625,428)
(19,530,525)
479,471,102
450,152,110
276,887,892
0.11
0.26
0.48
0.35
0.37
0.48
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(Years)
7
7
7
5
Aggregate
Intrinsic
value (US$ in
millions)
57
193
174
77
As of December 31, 2022, there was RMB925 million (US$134 million) of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share options granted
by iQIYI which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
F-83
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The following table summarizes the share-based compensation cost recognized by iQIYI:
Expensed as cost of revenues
Expensed as selling, general and administrative
Expensed as research and development
The following table summarizes the total share-based compensation cost recognized by the Group:
Expensed as cost of revenues
Expensed as selling, general and administrative
Expensed as research and development
Other Subsidiaries
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
202
851
317
1,370
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions)
173
718
328
1,219
148
424
239
811
2022
US$
21
61
35
117
For the years ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
360
1,897
4,471
6,728
(In millions)
399
1,840
4,817
7,056
409
1,750
4,629
6,788
2022
US$
59
253
672
984
In fiscal year 2022, several subsidiaries of the Company have granted restricted shares and share options tied to the valuation of the subsidiaries to the
employees of the Company, of which will be settled by the subsidiaries upon vesting or exercise of these awards. These awards are generally subject to a
four-year vesting schedule as determined by the administrator of the plan. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the expenses recognized in respect
of the share-based awards relating to these subsidiaries are insignificant.
24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions with investees
Related party transactions provided by the Company primarily related to online marketing services, cloud services and other services. The following
table summarizes the revenue recognized from transactions with investees for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
For the years ended December 31,
2020
2022
RMB RMB RMB US$
2022
2021
Revenues:
Related Party A
Related Party B
Related Party D
Related Party E(i)
Other Investees
Total
(In millions)
204
678
—
949
1,015
2,846
315
888
123
126
915
2,367
158
889
257
—
939
2,243
23
129
37
—
136
325
(i)
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services including online marketing services and cloud services the Company provided to
Related Party E. Related Party E ceased to be a related party from February 2021 as the Company does not have significant influence over Related
Party E after its public listing.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The Group purchased produced content and licensed copyrights, traffic acquisition and other services from equity investees in an amount of
RMB1.9 billion, RMB3.0 billion and RMB2.2 billion (US$314 million) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Related party transactions with others
In 2021 and 2022, related party transactions with Related Party C, over which the Company can significantly influence its management or operating
policies, were in the total amount of RMB2.0 billion and RMB2.2 billion (US$314 million), respectively, and mainly comprised online marketing
services provided to Related Party C.
In addition, other related party transactions were insignificant for each of the years presented, which included reimbursements to Robin Li’s use of an
aircraft beneficially owned by his family member used for the Company’s business purposes.
Balances of due from/due to related parties
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, amounts due from/due to related parties were as follows:
Expect for the non-trade balances as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 relate to transactions disclosed below, amounts due from/due to related parties
arising from the ordinary and usual course of business of the Group and were trade in nature.
Amounts due from related parties, current:
Related Party B(i)
Related Party C(ii)
Related Party D(iii)
Other related parties(iv)
Total
Amounts due from related parties, non-current:
Related Party B(i)
Other related parties(v)
Total
Amounts due to related parties, current:
Related Party B(vi)
Related Party F(vii)
Other related parties(viii)
Total
Amounts due to related parties, non-current:
Related Party B(vi)
Related Party F(vii)
Other related parties(ix)
Total
As of December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(In millions)
2022
US$
375
514
129
350
1,368
3,730
337
1,059
306
5,432
541
49
154
44
788
3,405
82
3,487
—
60
60
—
9
9
457
305
1,002
1,764
3,912
66
1,089
5,067
3,139
128
1
3,268
—
98
1
99
567
10
158
735
—
14
—
14
(i)
The balances represent amounts arising from non-trade loans due from Related Party B with interest rates ranging from 0.00% to 0.50%, which
were reclassified to current liability within one year in 2022, and online marketing services, cloud services and other services the Company
provided to Related Party B.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
The balance mainly represents online marketing services provided to Related Party C.
The balance mainly represents non-trade loans due from Related Party D with interest rates of 3.465%, which was fully repaid in January 2023,
unsettled receivables, and technical services provided to Related Party D.
The balances mainly represent amounts arising from intelligent driving services, cloud services and other services the Company provided to its
investees in ordinary course of business.
The balance consists of amount due from the Company’s investees in the ordinary course of business.
The balance represents amount due to Related Party B arising from services provided by Related Party B to the Company in the ordinary course
of business and non-trade loans provided by Related Party B with interest rates of nil, which were reclassified to current liability within one year
in 2022.
The balances mainly represent deferred revenue relating to the future services to be provided by the Company to Related Party F which is an
equity method investee.
(viii) The balances mainly represent amounts arising from services including advertising services and licensing of content assets provided by the
Company’s investees and non-trade amounts payable for acquiring the equity interest of the Company’s investees.
The balance mainly represents deferred revenue relating to the future services to be provided by the Company to various investees.
(ix)
25.
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s operations are organized into two segments, consisting of Baidu Core and iQIYI. Within Baidu Core, the Company’s product and
services offerings are categorized as follows—Mobile Ecosystem, Baidu Cloud and Apollo Intelligent Driving & Other Growth Initiatives. iQIYI is an
innovative market-leading online entertainment service provider. iQIYI’s platform features iQIYI original content, as well as a comprehensive library of
other professionally produced content (PPC), professional user generated content (PUGC) and user-generated content.
The Company derives the results of the segments directly from its internal management reporting system. The CODM reviews the performance of each
segment based on its operating results and uses these results to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the segments. Because
substantially all of the Group’s long-lived assets and revenues are located in and derived from the PRC, geographical segments are not presented. The
Company does not allocate assets to its segments as the CODM does not evaluate the performance of segments using asset information.
F-86
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit (loss)
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Baidu, Inc.
For the year ended December 31, 2020
Baidu
Core
RMB
iQIYI
RMB
Intersegment
eliminations
RMB
(In millions)
Consolidated
RMB
78,684
29,707
(1,317)
107,074
28,368
12,931
16,847
58,146
20,538
9,693
30,231
4,041
26,190
(334)
26,524
27,884
5,188
2,676
35,748
(6,041)
(943)
(6,984)
23
(7,007)
31
(7,038)
(1,094)
(56)
(10)
(1,160)
(157)
—
(157)
—
(157)
(3,143)
2,986
55,158
18,063
19,513
92,734
14,340
8,750
23,090
4,064
19,026
(3,446)
22,472
The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit (loss)
Total other income (loss), net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Baidu, Inc.
F-87
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Baidu
Core
RMB
iQIYI
RMB
Intersegment
eliminations
RMB
(In millions)
Consolidated
RMB
95,163
30,554
(1,224)
124,493
37,838
20,040
22,143
80,021
15,142
1,793
16,935
3,090
13,845
288
13,557
27,513
4,725
2,795
35,033
(4,479)
(1,533)
(6,012)
97
(6,109)
61
(6,170)
(1,037)
(42)
—
(1,079)
(145)
—
(145)
—
(145)
(2,984)
2,839
64,314
24,723
24,938
113,975
10,518
260
10,778
3,187
7,591
(2,635)
10,226
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment operating results for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Total revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating profit
Total other (loss) income, net
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income (loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Baidu Core
iQIYI
Intersegment
eliminations
Consolidated
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
RMB
US$
(In millions)
95,431 13,836 28,998 4,204 (754) (109) 123,675 17,931
42,378 6,144 22,321 3,236 (764) (111) 63,935 9,269
17,103 2,480 3,466 503 (55)
(8) 20,514 2,975
21,416 3,105 1,899 275 — — 23,315 3,380
80,897 11,729 27,686 4,014 (819) (119) 107,764 15,624
14,534 2,107 1,312 190 65 10 15,911 2,307
(4,453)
(841)
(5) 65 10 10,112 1,466
10,081 1,461
2,578
12 — —
2,494
374
362
7,534 1,092
(17) 65 10
7,587 1,099
(646) (1,346) (195) — —
(34)
84
(118)
(5,799)
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Baidu, Inc.
36
4
7,551 1,095
18
(136)
3 (79) (11)
(20) 144 21
(25)
(4)
7,559 1,096
The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment and by types of products or services:
Online marketing services
Cloud services (i)
Others (i)
Baidu Core Subtotal
Membership services (i)
Online advertising services (ii)
Content distribution (i)
Others (i)
(iii)
iQIYI Subtotal
Intersegment eliminations
Total revenue
December 31,
2020
RMB
For the years ended
December 31,
2021
RMB
December 31,
2022
RMB
(In millions)
December 31,
2022
US$
66,283
9,173
3,228
78,684
16,491
6,822
2,660
3,734
29,707
(1,317)
107,074
73,919
15,070
6,174
95,163
16,714
7,067
2,856
3,917
30,554
(1,224)
124,493
69,522
17,721
8,188
95,431
17,711
5,332
2,470
3,485
28,998
(754)
123,675
10,080
2,569
1,187
13,836
2,568
773
358
505
4,204
(109)
17,931
(i)
The revenues were presented as “Others” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
(ii)
The revenues were presented as “Online marketing services” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
(iii) The Others category above mainly include revenues from online games, live broadcasting and other licensing.
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Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
26. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1
Level 2
– Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
–
Include observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active
markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or
can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3
– Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
ASC 820 describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost
approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets
or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on
the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be
required to replace an asset.
Assets and Liabilities Measured or Disclosed at Fair Value on a recurring basis
In accordance with ASC 820, the Group measures equity investments with readily determinable fair value, investments accounted for at fair value,
available-for-sale debt investments and derivatives instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of time deposits are determined based
on the prevailing interest rates in the market. The fair values of the Group’s held-to-maturity debt investments as disclosed are determined based on the
discounted cash flow model using the discount curve of market interest rates. The fair value of the Group’s short-term available-for-sale debt
investments are measured using the income approach, based on quoted market interest rates of a similar instrument and other significant inputs derived
from or corroborated by observable market data. The fair values of the Group’s equity investments in equity securities of publicly listed companies are
measured using quoted market prices. The fair value of derivative instruments of interest rate swaps are based on broker quotes. The fair value of
financial liability is estimated based on the quoted market price of a similar asset to the underlying assets. Investments accounted for at fair value are
equity investments in listed and unlisted companies held by consolidated investment companies. These investments in unlisted companies and long-term
available-for-sale debt investments do not have readily determinable market value, which were categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The
Group uses a market approach based on the Group’s best estimate, which is determined by using information including but not limited to the pricing of
recent rounds of financing of the investees, liquidity factors and multiples of a selection of comparable companies.
The fair values of the Group’s notes payable are extracted directly from their quoted market prices. The fair values of the convertible senior notes are
based on broker quotes. The Group carries the convertible senior notes at face value less unamortized debt discount and issuance costs on its
consolidated balance sheets and presents the fair value for disclosure purposes only.
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis or disclosed at fair value are summarized below:
Total fair value at
December 31, 2021
RMB
Fair value measurement or disclosure
at December 31, 2021 using
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
RMB
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
(In millions)
Fair value disclosure
Cash equivalents:
Time deposits
Money market funds
Short-term investments:
Held-to-maturity debt investments
Long-term investments:
Time deposits and held-to-maturity debt investments
Notes payable, current portion
Notes payable, non-current portion
Convertible senior notes, non-current portion
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale debt investments
Long-term investments:
3
16,262
3
141,584
8,014
10,659
45,073
9,547
2,557
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable
fair value
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value
16,375
16,375
using NAV practical expedient(i)
Investments accounted for at fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Other non-current assets
Derivative instruments
Total assets measured at fair value
Amounts due to related parties, current:
Financial liability
Total liabilities measured at fair value
457
16,832
957
4,228
2,262
149
26,528
288
288
F-90
16,262
141,584
8,014
10,659
45,073
9,547
2,557
149
2,706
288
288
3,771
2,262
6,033
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Total fair value at
December 31, 2022
US$
RMB
Fair value measurement or disclosure
at December 31, 2022 using
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
RMB
(In millions)
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
Fair value disclosure
Cash equivalents:
Time deposits
Money market funds
Short-term investments:
12,968
3
1,880
—
3
Held-to-maturity debt investments
120,464
17,466
Long-term investments:
Long-term time deposits and held-to-maturity investments
23,688
3,434
Notes payable, current portion
Convertible senior notes, current portion
Notes payable, non-current portion
Convertible senior notes, non-current portion
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis
Short-term investments:
Available-for-sale debt investments
Long-term investments:
6,812
6,756
988
980
36,268
5,258
7,253
1,052
855
124
855
Equity investments at fair value with readily determinable fair
value
12,100
1,754
12,100
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value using
NAV practical expedient(i)
Investments accounted for at fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments
Other non-current assets:
Derivative instruments
Total assets measured at fair value
Amounts due to related parties, current:
Financial liability
Total liabilities measured at fair value
945
4,616
2,447
137
669
355
97
1,416
22,379
205
3,244
12,197
328
328
48
48
F-91
4,519
2,447
6,966
1,416
2,271
328
328
12,968
120,464
23,688
6,812
6,756
36,268
7,253
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
(i)
Investments are measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. These investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the
consolidated balance sheet.
Reconciliations of assets categorized within Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy are as follow:
Investments accounted for at fair value:
Balance at December 31, 2020
Additions
Disposals
Net unrealized fair value increase recognized in earnings
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Transition to assets categorized within level 1(i)
Balance at December 31, 2021
Additions
Disposals
Net unrealized fair value increase recognized in earnings
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2022, in US$
Amounts
RMB
(In millions)
2,238
475
(59)
1,187
(20)
(50)
3,771
343
(212)
502
115
4,519
655
(i)
The fair value hierarchy of certain equity investments were transferred from level 3 to level 1 due to the public listing of the investees during the
year ended December 31, 2021.
F-92
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
Available-for-sale debt investments:
Balance at December 31, 2020
Additions
Conversion to equity investment
Share of losses in excess of equity method investment in ordinary shares
Net unrealized fair value change recognized in other comprehensive income
Accrued interest
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2021
Additions
Conversion from equity investment
Share of losses in excess of equity method investment in ordinary shares
Net unrealized fair value change recognized in other comprehensive income
Accrued interest
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2022, in US$
Amounts
RMB
(In millions)
2,607
67
(18)
(207)
(243)
75
(19)
2,262
10
657
(161)
(432)
78
33
2,447
355
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
The Group measures certain non-financial assets on a nonrecurring basis.
For equity securities accounted for under the measurement alternative, when there are observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or
similar investments of the same issuer, the investments are re-measured to fair value (Note 4). The non-recurring fair value measurements to the carrying
amount of an investment usually requires management to estimate a price adjustment for the different rights and obligations between a similar
instrument of the same issuer with an observable price change in an orderly transaction and the investment held by the Group. These non-recurring fair
value measurements were measured as of the observable transaction dates. The valuation methodologies involved require management to use the
observable transaction price at the transaction date and other unobservable inputs (level 3) such as expected volatility and probability of exit events as it
relates to liquidation and redemption preferences. When there is impairment of equity securities accounted for under the measurement alternative and
equity method investments, the non-recurring fair value measurements are measured at the date of impairment. The fair values of the Group’s equity
method investments in publicly listed companies are measured using quoted market prices. Estimating the fair value of investees without observable
market prices is highly judgmental due to the subjectivity of the unobservable inputs (level 3) used in the valuation methodologies used to determine fair
value. The Group uses valuation methodologies, primarily the market approach, which requires management to use unobservable inputs (level 3) such as
selection of comparable companies and multiples, expected volatility, discount for lack of marketability and probability of exit events as it relates to
liquidation and redemption preferences, when applicable. These unobservable inputs and resulting fair value estimates may be affected by unexpected
changes in future market or economic conditions. The fair value information presented is not as of the period’s end, and is sensitive to changes in the
F-93
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BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
unobservable inputs used to determine fair value and such changes could result in the fair value at the reporting date to be different from the fair value
presented.
Other non-financial assets, intangible assets, licensed copyrights and produced content, would be measured at fair value whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The fair values of non-financial long-lived assets were measured under the
income approach, based on the Group’s best estimation. Significant inputs used in the income approach primarily included future estimated cash flows
and discount rate.
The following table summarizes the Group’s financial assets held as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 for which a non-recurring fair value measurement
was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022:
Fair value measurements on a non-recurring basis
As of December 31, 2021
Long-term investments(i)
Produced content monetized on its own(ii)
As of December 31, 2022
Long-term investments(i)
Produced content monetized on its own (ii)
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
RMB
Significant
Other
Observable
inputs
(Level 2)
RMB
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
RMB
(In millions)
Total Balance
RMB US$
Fair value
adjustment
RMB US$
Impairment
RMB
US$
9,653
30
145
896
9,508
30
(4,316)
(161)
3,466
85
503
12
99
29
256
37
3,338
85
(3,025)
(68)
(438)
(10)
(i)
Due to factors such as the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) resulting in declined financial performances and changes in business
circumstances of certain investees, the Group recognized impairment charges of long-term investments in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022. For equity securities accounted for under the measurement
alternative, when there are observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, the investments
are re-measured to fair value.
(ii) Due to adverse changes in the expected performance of certain produced content and the reduced amount of ultimate revenue expected to be
recognized, iQIYI performed an assessment to determine whether the fair value was less than unamortized content costs. iQIYI uses a discounted
cash flow approach to estimate the fair value of the produced content titles predominantly monetized on its own. The significant unobservable
inputs (level 3) include forecasted future revenues, production costs required to complete the content and exploitation and participation costs.
iQIYI considers the historical performance of similar content, the forecasted performance and/or preliminary actual performance subsequent to the
release of the produced content in estimating the fair value. Based on the above assessment, certain produced content predominantly monetized on
its own were determined to be impaired and re-measured to the fair value as of each quarter end. Impairment charges of RMB205 million,
RMB161 million and RMB68 million (US$10 million) were recognized for produced content predominantly monetized on its own and was
recognized as cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022,
respectively. The outbreak of COVID-19 during the first quarter of 2020 negatively impacted iQIYI’s operations and financial performance and
resulted in a downward adjustment to forecasted advertising revenues for the Mainland China film group that resulted in the fair value of the
Mainland China film group being less than its corresponding carrying amount. As a result, an impairment charge of RMB390 million related to
licensed copyrights (Note 6) and RMB210 million related to produced content (Note 7), respectively, was recognized as cost of revenues for the
year ended December 31, 2020.
F-94
Table of Contents
BAIDU, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2021 AND 2022
27.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In January 2023, iQIYI issued 535,500,000 Class A ordinary shares (76,500,000 ADS equivalent) upon the completion of a registered follow-on public
offering and 69,825,000 Class A ordinary shares (9,975,000 ADS equivalent) pursuant to the underwriters’ partial exercise of their option to purchase
additional ADSs, respectively. The net proceeds received by iQIYI for this offering amounted to US$500 million (equivalent to RMB3.4 billion), after
deducting underwriting discounts and commissions but not considering the offering expenses in connection with the offering.
In February 2023, the convertible senior noteholder of iQIYI PAG Notes exercised their option to purchase additional convertible senior notes under the
same terms and conditions for US$50 million (equivalent to RMB345 million).
In March 2023, iQIYI issued an aggregate principal amount of US$600 million (equivalent to RMB4.1 billion) convertible senior notes (the “iQIYI
2028 Convertible Notes”) for cash. The net proceeds of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes (after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts, taking into
account the estimated reimbursement from the initial purchasers for certain expenses incurred by iQIYI, but without deducting other estimated offering
expenses payable by iQIYI) amounted to approximately US$591 million (equivalent to RMB4.1 billion). The iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes are senior,
unsecured obligations of iQIYI, and interest is payable quarterly in cash at a rate of 6.50% per annum in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15
and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2023. The iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes will mature on March 15, 2028 unless repurchased,
redeemed or converted prior to such date. The iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes may be convertible into iQIYI’s ADS at the holder’s option and subject to
the terms of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, at an initial conversion rate of 101.4636 ADS per US$1,000 principal amount of the iQIYI 2028
Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$9.86 per ADS). Upon conversion, iQIYI will pay or deliver
to such converting holders, as the case may be, cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs, at its election. On March 16, 2026 or in the event of
certain fundamental changes, the holders of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes will have the right to require iQIYI to repurchase for cash all or part of
their notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid
interest. Concurrently with and shortly after the offering of the iQIYI 2028 Convertible Notes, iQIYI also entered into separate and individually
privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of the iQIYI 2026 Convertible Notes to repurchase US$340 million (equivalent to RMB2.3 billion)
principal amount of such notes for cash.
F-95
Exhibit 4.107
INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
by and among
iQIYI, Inc
and
PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited
and
PAG Pegasus Fund LP
Dated as of August 30, 2022
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1.
Section 1.2.
Definitions
General Interpretive Principles
ARTICLE II SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE NOTES
Section 2.1.
Section 2.2.
Sale and Purchase of the Notes
Closing
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 3.1.
Section 3.2.
Representations and Warranties of the Company
Representations and Warranties of the Investors
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS
Section 4.1.
Section 4.2.
Section 4.3.
Section 4.4.
Section 4.5.
Section 4.6.
Section 4.7.
Section 4.8.
Section 4.9.
Section 4.10.
Oversubscription
Exclusive Financing Right
Preferred Financing Partnership
Payment of Arrangement Fees
Governance Rights
Information Rights
Financing Cooperation
HKSE Listing
Collateral Arrangement
Security Documents and Change in Law Event
ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 5.1.
Section 5.2.
Section 5.3.
Section 5.4.
Section 5.5.
Section 5.6.
Section 5.7.
Taking of Necessary Action
Conduct of Business
Use of Proceeds
Securities Laws
FPI Status
Conversion Price Matters
Termination of Covenants
ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION
Section 6.1.
Section 6.2.
Indemnification
Third Party Action
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1.
Section 7.2.
Section 7.3.
Section 7.4.
Section 7.5.
Section 7.6.
Section 7.7.
Termination
Effect of Termination
Survival
Notices
Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries; Amendment
Counterparts
Confidentiality; Public Announcements
Page
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25
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26
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27
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Section 7.8.
Section 7.9.
Section 7.10.
Section 7.11.
Section 7.12.
Section 7.13.
Section 7.14.
Expenses
Successors and Assigns
Governing Law; Arbitration
Severability
Specific Performance.
Headings
Non-Recourse
Schedule I:
Schedule II:
Schedule III:
Schedule IV:
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
List of Investor
Registration Rights
Collateral Arrangements
2025 Note Repurchase
Form of Indenture
Form of Joinder
33
33
34
35
35
35
35
This INVESTMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 30, 2022, is by and among:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
iQIYI, Inc, a Cayman Islands incorporated company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker IQ (the “Company”);
PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited, an exempted company incorporated in Cayman Islands, with the registered address at P.O. Box 472,
Harbour Place, 2nd Floor, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands (“PAG Asia”); and
PAG Pegasus Fund LP, an exempted limited partnership established and registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands, with the
registered address at P.O. Box 472, Harbour Place, 2nd Floor, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman
Islands (“PAG Pegasus”, together with PAG Asia, collectively referred to as the “Investors”, and individually, an “Investor”).
Each a “Party”, and collectively, the “Parties”. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined where used shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in
Article I.
WHEREAS, each Investor desires to purchase from the Company, and the Company desires to issue and sell to each Investor, such Investor’s
applicable portion of US$500,000,000 principal amount of the 6% convertible senior notes issued by the Company (referred to herein as the “Note” or
the “Notes”), convertible into Class A Ordinary Shares (or ADSs representing Class A Ordinary Shares), in the form attached to the Indenture and to be
issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Indenture and this Agreement; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1.1. Definitions.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“2025 Notes” shall mean the convertible senior notes issued by the Company on March 29, 2019 pursuant to the indenture dated March 29, 2019
by and between the Company and Citicorp International Limited.
“Action” shall mean claim, suit, action, arbitration, cause of action, complaint, allegation, criminal prosecution, investigation, demand letter or
proceeding.
“ADS” means an American Depositary Share issued pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, each representing seven Class A Ordinary Shares of the
Company as of the date of this Agreement, and deposited with the ADS Custodian.
“ADS Custodian” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with respect to the ADSs delivered pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, or any successor
entity thereto.
“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or is under common
control with such Person, excluding, with respect to the Investors, portfolio companies of PAG Asia IV LP, Baidu’s competitors, the Companies’
competitors and any Persons controlled by Baidu’s competitors or the Company’s competitors; “control” (including its correlative meanings, “controlled
by” and “under common control with” and including when used in the term “controlled Affiliates”) shall mean possession, directly or indirectly, of
power or authority to direct or cause the direction of management and policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other
ownership interests, by contract or otherwise).
“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Applicable Laws” shall mean with respect to any Person, any transactional, domestic or foreign, state or local law (statutory, common or
otherwise), constitution, treaty, convention, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling or other similar requirement
enacted, adopted, promulgated or applied by a Governmental Entity that is binding upon or applicable to such Person, as amended unless expressly
specified otherwise.
“Articles of Association” shall mean the Ninth Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association of the Company and the Ninth Amended and
Restated Articles of Association of the Company, as each may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Audit Committee” shall mean the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Baidu” shall mean Baidu Inc., and all of its Subsidiaries and controlled Affiliates.
“Beneficially Own,” “Beneficially Owned,” “Beneficial Ownership” or “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 of the
rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, except that for purposes of this Agreement the words “within sixty days” in Rule 13d- 3(d)
(1)(i) shall not apply, to the effect that a person shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial
ownership of such security at any time; provided, however, for purposes of this Agreement, the holders of the Notes shall at all times be deemed to have
Beneficial Ownership of Company Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes held by them.
2
“Board of Directors” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
“Business Day” shall mean any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York, New York,
the PRC, Hong Kong or the Cayman Islands are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed.
“Capital Raising” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a)(ii).
“Change in Law Event” shall mean a Change in Law (as defined in the Indenture) that negatively and materially affects the enforceability of the
Security Documents with material impact on the Investors’ economic interest or the Investors’ right to receive amounts due under the Indenture and the
Notes.
“Class A Ordinary Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)(i).
“Class B Ordinary Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)(i).
“Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“Collateral Arrangement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.9(a).
“Collateral Package” shall mean those contracts identified on Schedule III, with a value not lower than (i) 130% of the total principal amount of
the convertible notes held by the Investors or their Affiliates, prior to the Investors’ exercise of the Oversubscription Right, and (ii) 120% of the total
principal amount of the convertible notes held by the Investors or their Affiliates, after the exercise of the Oversubscription Right ((i) and (ii), the “Value
Thresholds”).
“Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Company Disclosure Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
“Company Ordinary Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)(i).
“Compliance Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(p)(i).
“Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Confidential Information” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
3
“Conversion Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture. “Conversion Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture.
“Conversion Shares” shall mean Class A Ordinary Shares (including in the form of ADSs) issued or issuable upon conversion of the Notes.
“Debt Financing Transaction” shall mean one or more debt financing or similar transactions (including swap or repurchase transactions solely for
the purpose of providing liquidity and leverage) that may be entered into by any Investor or its Affiliates with a lender or counterparty prior to or after
the Closing, which may or may not be secured by a mortgage, charge or pledge of the Notes and/or the Company Ordinary Shares (directly or in the
form of ADSs) issuable or issued upon conversion of the Notes.
“Deposit Agreement” shall mean the deposit agreement dated as of March 28, 2018, by and among the Company, the ADS Custodian and the
holders and beneficial owners of the ADSs delivered thereunder or, if amended or supplemented as provided therein, as so amended or supplemented.
“Director Indemnification Agreement” shall mean the indemnification agreement to be entered into between the Company and the PAG Asia
Director in the form reasonably satisfactory to the Investors at or prior to Closing.
“Dispute” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.10(b).
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation. “Enforceability Exceptions” shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1(d).
“Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Exclusivity Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a)(i).
“Extinguishment Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.9(c).
“Fundamental Adverse Regulatory Change” shall have the meaning set forth under the Indenture.
“Form F-3” shall mean such respective form of registration statement under the Securities Act or any successor registration form under the
Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC which permits inclusion or incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents
filed by the Company with the SEC.
“Fundamental Warranties” shall mean any representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3.1(a) to Section 3.1(g)(i).
“GAAP” shall mean U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
4
“Governmental Entity” shall mean any court, administrative agency or commission, stock exchange or other governmental authority or
instrumentality, whether federal, state, local or foreign, and any applicable industry self-regulatory organization.
“Governmental Order” shall mean the judgment, injunction, order, ruling, verdict, decree or other similar determinations or findings of any
Governmental Entity.
“Group Companies” or the “Group” shall mean the Company and all of its Subsidiaries, and “Group Company” shall mean any of them.
“HKSE” shall mean the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
“HKSE Listing” shall mean a secondary listing of Class A Ordinary Shares on the Main Board of the HKSE.
“HK NewCo” means a limited liability company to be formed in Hong Kong by the Company or its Subsidiaries.
“Hong Kong” shall mean the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC.
“Initial Conversion Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6. “Indemnification Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 6.2(a). “Indemnitee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
“Indenture” shall mean an indenture in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
with the consent of the Investors and the Company prior to the Closing, it being agreed that the Company and the Investors shall consent to any changes
required by the Trustee that do not adversely affect the Company or the Investor, or the Investor’s financing sources, including with respect to timing
and mechanics of transfers and exchanges of securities and interests therein, in any material respect.
“Initial Conversion Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.
“Intellectual Property” shall mean (A) all trademarks, service marks, brand names, trade names, logos, designs, slogans, taglines, domain names,
rights to social media accounts, the registrations in any jurisdiction of, and applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing together with all
good-will associated therewith; (B) patents, applications for patents, and any renewals, extensions or reissues thereof, in any jurisdiction; (C) nonpublic
information, know-how, trade secrets, technology and inventions (whether patentable or not) and confidential information; (D) copyrights, works of
authorship, registrations or applications for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction, and any renewals or extensions thereof, mask works and
copyrightable works; (E) software (including source code and object code), data, databases, and documentation thereof; and (F) other intellectual
property, industrial property and proprietary rights.
“Investor” or “Investors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Issuer Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a).
5
“Joinder” shall mean, with respect to any Person permitted to sign such document in accordance with the terms hereof, a joinder executed and
delivered by such Person, providing such Person to have all or a portion of the rights and obligations of an Investor under this Agreement, in the form
and substance substantially as attached hereto as Exhibit B or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Investors.
“Knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge, after due and reasonable inquiry within the Group, of the Company’s executive officers (as
defined under Rule 405) and general counsel (or equivalent officer).
“Lien” shall mean any claim, charge, easement encumbrance, lease, covenants, security interest, lien, option, mortgage, pledge, rights of others, or
restriction (whether on voting, sale, transfer, disposition or otherwise), whether imposed by contract, law, equity or otherwise.
“Long Stop Date” shall mean December 31, 2022.
“Losses” shall mean all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses (including reasonable expenses of investigation and reasonable
attorneys’ fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, charges and amounts paid in settlement.
“Match Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b).
“Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any event, fact, condition or circumstance or any combination of them that, individually or in the aggregate
with any other events, facts, conditions or circumstances, has had or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on any of the
following: (i) the business, assets, financial condition, results of operation or prospects of the Group Companies, taken as a whole; or (ii) the ability of
the Group Companies to perform their material obligations under any of the Transaction Documents; other than any event, fact, condition or
circumstance resulting from (A) changes in general economic, financial market, business, social or geopolitical conditions; (B) changes or developments
in any of the industries in which the Company or any other Group Company operates; (C) changes in any Applicable Laws or applicable accounting
regulations or principles, or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, other than any Fundamental Adverse Regulatory Change (as defined in the
Indenture) and any Change in Law Event; (D) any change in the price or trading volume of the ADS or any failure to meet any financial projections,
forecasts or forward-looking statements (it being understood that this clause (D) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that the underlying
cause of any such change or failure referred to therein (to the extent not otherwise falling within any of the exceptions provided for under clauses
(A) through (H) hereof) is a Material Adverse Effect); (E) any pandemic, epidemic, disease outbreak or other public health emergency (including the
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19)) or any lockdowns imposed pursuant thereto, natural disaster, or any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or war
or any act of terrorism; (F) the announcement of and performance of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents by the Company or the other
Group Companies, the pendency or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder, or the identity of the Investors or any of their Affiliates;
or (H) any action taken, or failure to take action, by the Company or another Group Company that the Investors have consented to or requested in
writing; provided, however, that any event, fact, condition or circumstance in clauses (A), (B), (C) and (E) may be taken into account in determining
whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect to the extent such event, fact,
condition or circumstance has a disproportionate adverse effect on the business, assets, financial condition, results of operation or prospects of the Group
Companies, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the industry or the market in which the Group Companies operate.
6
“Nasdaq” shall mean The Nasdaq Global Select Market.
“Note” or “Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Note Acceleration Repayment Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture. “Offer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).
“Offer Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).
“Oversubscription Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
“Oversubscription Right” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
“PAG Asia” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“PAG Asia Change of Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.9(c).
“PAG Asia Director” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a).
“PAG Pegasus” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Party” or “Parties” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Permits” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(i).
“Person” or “person” shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability or unlimited liability company, association, partnership, trust, estate,
joint venture, business trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or other entity of any kind or
nature.
“Permitted Financing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b).
“PRC” means the People’s Republic of China, solely for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong, Macau Special Administrative
Region and Taiwan.
“Preferred Financing Partnership Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).
“Prohibited Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(p).
“Public Officials” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(p).
“Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
“Registrable Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule II.
“Registration Requirements” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule III.
“RMB” shall mean the renminbi, the official currency of the PRC.
7
“Rule 144” shall mean Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any
similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such rule.
“Rule 144A” shall mean Rule 144A promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or
any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such rule.
“Rule 405” shall mean Rule 405 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any
similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such rule.
“SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Security Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule III.
“Specified Persons” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.14.
“Strategy Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(c).
“Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which 50% or more of the shares of the voting securities or other voting
interests are owned or controlled, or the ability to select or elect 50% or more of the directors is held, directly or indirectly, by such first Person or one or
more of its Subsidiaries, or by such first Person, or by such first Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, Subsidiaries of
the Company shall include the VIE Entities and their respective Subsidiaries.
“Transaction Documents” shall mean this Agreement, the Indenture, the Security Documents, the Director Indemnification Agreement and all
other documents, certificates or agreements executed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the aforementioned documents.
“Trustee” shall mean an institutional trustee to be appointed by the Company and the Investors.
“United States” or “U.S.” shall mean the United States of America.
“US$” shall mean the United States dollar, the official currency of the United States.
“VIE Entities” shall mean the variable interest entities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including (i) Beijing IQIYI Science &
Technology Co., Ltd. (“北京爱奇艺科技有限公司”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, (ii) Shanghai IQIYI Culture
Media Co., Ltd. (“上海爱奇艺文化传媒有限公司”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC, and (iii) Shanghai Zhong Yuan
Network Co., Ltd. (“上海众源网络有限公司”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the PRC.
8
Section 1.2. General Interpretive Principles.
Whenever used in this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, any noun or pronoun shall be
deemed to include the plural as well as the singular and to cover all genders. The name assigned to this Agreement and the section captions used
herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect hereof. Whenever the words
“include,” “includes,” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Unless
otherwise specified, the terms “hereto,” “hereof,” “herein” and similar terms refer to this Agreement as a whole (including the exhibits, schedules
and disclosure statements hereto), and references herein to Articles or Sections refer to Articles or Sections of this Agreement. The “transactions
contemplated hereby”, “transactions contemplated hereunder” and similar terms are not intended to include potential future transactions that may
be pursued by the Parties. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, none of the Notes will have any
right to vote, or except as otherwise provided in the Indenture any right to receive any dividends or other distributions that are made or paid to the
holders of the Company Ordinary Shares (directly or in the form of ADSs).
ARTICLE II
SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE
NOTES
Section 2.1. Sale and Purchase of the Notes.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing the Company shall issue and sell to each Investor, and each Investor shall
purchase and acquire from the Company, the Notes with the applicable principal amount set forth opposite such Investor’s name under Schedule I
hereto for a purchase price equal to the principal amount of the Notes (the “Purchase Price”). The obligations of each Investor to purchase its
portion of the Notes are several and not joint.
Section 2.2. Closing.
(a)
The closing of the issuance and purchase of the Notes (the “Closing”) shall take place remotely via the exchange of documents and
signatures on the fifteenth (15th) Business Day after the satisfaction (or, where permissible, waiver) of all the conditions to the closing set
forth in Section 2.2(c) and Section 2.2(d) (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to
the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions) or such other date as agreed by the Parties in writing, but in any event prior to the Long Stop
Date. The date and time of the Closing are referred to herein as the “Closing Date”.
(b)
To effect the purchase and sale of Notes, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing:
(i)
The Company shall:
(A)
(B)
deliver the fully executed Indenture to each Investor dated as of the Closing Date;
issue the Notes as set forth in Section 2.1 registered in the name of DTC or its nominee; and
9
(C)
deliver to each Investor such other documents or deliverables that should be but have not yet been delivered as set forth in
Section 2.2(c);
(ii) Each Investor shall:
(B)
(C)
against the issuance and delivery of the items as set forth in Section 2.2(b)(i), cause a wire transfer of immediately available
funds in United States dollars an amount equal to such Investor’s respective Purchase Price to the account designated
(notified at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date) by the Company;
deliver to the Company such other documents or deliverables that should be but have not yet been delivered as set forth in
Section 2.2(d).
(c)
The obligations of each Investor to purchase the Notes are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Investor of the following conditions
as of the Closing:
(i)
(ii)
no Governmental Order by, before or under the supervision of any Governmental Entity, no law or regulation that would have the
effect of prohibiting the Closing shall be in effect and no lawsuit commenced by any Governmental Entity seeking to prohibit the
Closing shall be pending;
(A) each of the Fundamental Warranties shall be true and accurate in all respects, (B) each of the representations and warranties of
the Company set forth in Section 3.1 (other than the Fundamental Warranties) that contain any “materiality”, “material adverse
effect”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar qualifiers therein shall be true and accurate in all respects, and (C) any other
representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3.1 shall be true and accurate in all material respects, in each case
of (A), (B) and (C), as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as if made on such Closing Date with reference to facts and
circumstances existing on the Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties that speak as of a specified date, which
representations and warranties shall be true and accurate in such respects as described above as of such specified date);
(iii) The Group Companies shall have performed and complied with, and not be in breach or default under, agreements, covenants,
conditions and obligations contained in the Transaction Documents that are required to be performed or complied with by the Group
Companies on or before the Closing Date in all material respects;
(iv) There shall have been no Material Adverse Effect from the date of this Agreement;
(v)
Each of the Company and the relevant Group Companies shall have duly executed each Transaction Document to which it is a party
and delivered to each Investor at or prior to Closing;
(vi) The Pre-Closing Collateral Related Activities (as defined in Schedule III) shall have been completed; and
10
(vii) The Investors shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, duly executed by an executive officer of the Company on
behalf of the Company, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 2.2(c)(i) to Section 2.2(c)(iv), and (vi) have been satisfied.
(d)
The obligations of the Company to sell the Notes to each Investor are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions as of
the Closing:
(i)
No Governmental Order by, before or under the supervision of any Governmental Entity, no law or regulation that would have the
effect of prohibiting the Closing shall be in effect and no lawsuit commenced by any Governmental Entity seeking to prohibit the
Closing shall be pending;
(ii) The representations and warranties of the Investor set forth in Section 3.2 that contain any “materiality”, “material adverse effect” or
similar qualifiers therein shall be true and correct in all respects, and any other representations and warranties of the Investor set
forth in Section 3.2 shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date;
(iii) The Investor shall have performed and complied with, and not be in breach or default under, agreements, covenants, conditions and
obligations contained in the Transaction Documents that are required to be performed or complied with by the Investor on or before
the Closing Date in all material respects;
(iv) The Investor shall have duly executed each Transaction Document to which it is a party and delivered to the Company at or prior to
Closing; and
(v)
the Company shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, duly executed by an authorized signatory of the Investor on
behalf of such Investor, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 2.2(d)(i) to (iii) have been satisfied.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company.
Except as disclosed in the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC and publicly available prior to the date hereof (excluding in each case, any
disclosures set forth in the risk factors or “forward-looking statements” sections of such reports, and any other disclosures included therein to the
extent they are predictive or forward-looking in nature, other than specific factual information contained therein) (the “Company Disclosure
Documents”), the Company hereby represents and warrants to the Investors, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (except for the
representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be made as of such date), as follows:
11
(a)
(b)
(c)
Due Formation and Qualification. The Company is a company duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Company has all requisite power and authority to carry on its
business as it is currently being conducted. Each Subsidiary of the Company has been duly organized, is validly existing and in good
standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and
has the requisite corporate power and authorization to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted. Each of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction in which the
property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary,
except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed does not and would not have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company or its
Subsidiaries is in violation of any of the provisions of its constitutional documents in any material respects.
Authority. Each relevant Group Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each other
Transaction Document to be executed and delivered by such Group Company and to perform its obligations hereunder. Save for actions
specified as post-Closing obligations in the Transaction Documents, the execution and delivery by the relevant Group Companies of this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the performance by them of their obligations hereunder and thereunder have been, or
will be prior to the Closing, duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.
Valid Agreement. Each Transaction Document has been, or will be prior to the Closing, duly executed and delivered by the relevant Group
Companies and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Investors, constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation
of such Group Companies, enforceable against such Group Companies in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights
generally and (ii) as limited by the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies ((i) and (ii),
collectively, the “Enforceability Exceptions”), or (iii) for any limitation set out in Schedule III with respect to certain document(s) that
were entered as part of the Collateral Package.
(d)
Capitalization.
(i)
As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized share capital of the Company is US$1,000,000 divided into 100,000,000,000 shares
comprising (i) 94,000,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”), (ii)
5,000,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each (the “Class B Ordinary Shares”, together with the
Class A Ordinary Shares, the “Company Ordinary Shares”) and (iii) 1,000,000,000 shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each of such
class or classes (however designated) as the Board of Directors may determine in accordance with the Articles of Association. As of
February 28 , 2022, there were (i) 2,722,823,893 Class A Ordinary Shares (excluding 217,740,107 Class A ordinary shares issued to
our depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards under our share
incentive plans) and 2,876,391,396 Class B Ordinary Shares outstanding and no undesignated shares of the Company issued and
outstanding.
(ii) All outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and all outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Company’s
Subsidiaries have been issued and granted in compliance with (x) all Applicable Laws and (y) all requirements set forth in applicable
plans or contracts, without violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights.
12
(e)
(f)
(g)
(iii) The Group Companies (other than the Company) are owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the Company (including control
by the Company through contractual arrangements over the VIE Entities).
Due Issuance of the Indenture. On the Closing Date, the Indenture will be duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the
Indenture will be a valid and binding obligation of the Trustee, the Indenture will be a valid and binding obligation of the Company
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. The Company has available for
issuance the maximum number of Company Ordinary Shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Notes into Company Ordinary
Shares (including in the form of ADSs) if such conversion were to occur immediately following Closing.
Due Issuance of the Conversion Shares. The Conversion Shares, when issued to the Investors upon the conversion of the Notes, will be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and will be issued in compliance with the registration and qualification
requirements of all Applicable Laws (assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Investors set forth in Section 3.2)
and free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, right of first refusal, right of
pre-emption, third party right or interest, claim or restriction of any kind or nature, except for restrictions arising under the Securities Act
or expressly created by virtue of this Agreement, and upon delivery and entry into the register of members of the Company will transfer to
the Investors good and valid title to the Conversion Shares.
Non-contravention. Neither the execution and the delivery of the Transaction Documents (except for any limitation set out in Schedule III
agreed as part of the collateral arrangement), nor the consummation of the transactions and performance of the obligations contemplated
hereby by the relevant Group Companies, will (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents of the Company or its Subsidiaries
or violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any
government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is subject, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of,
constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or creation of an encumbrance under, or create in any party the right to accelerate,
terminate, modify, or cancel, any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument, or other arrangement to which the Company or its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets
are subject, or (iii) result in a material violation of any Applicable Laws applicable to the Company or its Subsidiaries or by which any
property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or affected. There is no action, suit or proceeding, pending or
threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries that questions the validity of the Transaction Documents or the right of the Company to
enter into these Transaction Documents or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
13
(h)
(i)
(j)
Consents and Approvals. Except for any limitation set out in Schedule III agreed as part of the collateral arrangement, neither the
execution and delivery by the relevant Group Companies of the Transaction Documents, nor the consummation by the relevant Group
Companies of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the relevant Group Companies of the Transaction
Documents in accordance with their terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving
notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except for (i) those that have been or will have been obtained,
made or given on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any required filings pursuant to the Exchange Act or the rules of the SEC or the Nasdaq,
and (iii) the Registration Requirements.
Compliance with Laws; Permits. The business of the Company or its Subsidiaries is not being conducted, and has not been conducted at
any time during the three years prior to the date hereof, in violation of any Applicable Laws except for violations that do not and would not
have a Material Adverse Effect. Except in each case as do not and would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (A) except as disclosed in the
Company Disclosure Documents and any limitation set out in Schedule III agreed as part of collateral arrangement for this transaction, the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries have, and have been in compliance with, all permits, licenses, authorizations, consents, orders and
approvals (collectively, “Permits”) that are required in order to carry on their business as presently conducted, (B) neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of any violation of or failure to comply with any Permit or any actual or possible
suspension or cancellation of any Permit and (C) each such Permit has been validly issued or obtained and is in full force and effect.
SEC Documents; Compliance with Listing Rules. The Company has timely filed or furnished, as applicable, all reports, schedules, forms,
statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC pursuant to the Applicable Laws. As of their respective
filing or furnishing dates, the Company Disclosure Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as
applicable, to the respective Company Disclosure Documents, and, none of the Company Disclosure Documents, at the time they were
filed or furnished, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The
information contained in the Company Disclosure Documents, considered as a whole and as amended as of the date hereof, do not as of the
date hereof, and will not as of the Closing Date, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. There are no contracts,
agreements, arrangements, transactions or documents which are required to be described or disclosed in the Company Disclosure
Documents or to be filed as exhibits to the Company Disclosure Documents which have not been so described, disclosed or filed. The
Company is in compliance with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the Nasdaq. The Company and its
Subsidiaries have taken no action designed to, or reasonably likely to have the effect of, delisting the ADSs from the Nasdaq. The
Company has not received any notification that the SEC or the Nasdaq is contemplating suspending or terminating such listing (or the
applicable registration under the Exchange Act related thereto). The Company is not in violation of any listing requirements of the Nasdaq
and has no Knowledge of any facts that would reasonably be expected to lead to delisting of its ADSs from the Nasdaq in the foreseeable
future, except (i) as otherwise disclosed in the Company Disclosure Documents and (ii) for legal and regulatory developments related to
the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act of the United States. The Company is in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 in all material respects. The Company filed a Registration Statement on Form F-3 under the Securities Act as a “well-known
seasoned issuer” on December 15, 2020, which became automatically effective upon filing and remains effective as of the date of this
Agreement.
14
(k)
Financial Statements.
(i)
The financial statements (including any related notes) contained in the Company Disclosure Documents (collectively, the “Financial
Statements”): (A) were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered
thereby (except (a) as may be otherwise indicated in such financial statements or the notes thereto, or (b) in the case of unaudited
interim statements, if and to the extent they may exclude footnotes or may be condensed to summary statements) and (B) fairly
present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the respective dates
thereof and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the Company and the Subsidiaries for the periods covered
thereby, in each case except as disclosed therein or in the Company Disclosure Documents and as permitted under the Exchange Act.
(ii) The Company has established and maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 or
15d-15, as applicable, under the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting, including policies and procedures that (A) mandate the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and
fairly reflect the material transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company, (B) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts
and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with appropriate authorizations of management and the board
of directors of the Company and (C) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of the assets of the Company. There are no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls.
(l)
Regulation S. No directed selling efforts (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the Securities Act) have been made by any of
the Company, any of its affiliates or any person acting on its behalf with respect to any Notes that are not registered under the
Securities Act; and none of such persons has taken any actions that would result in the sale of the Notes to the Investors under this
Agreement requiring registration under the Securities Act; and the Company is a “foreign issuer” (as defined in Regulation S).
(m) Events Subsequent to Most Recent Fiscal Period. Since June 30, 2022 until the date hereof and to the Closing Date, except for the
transactions contemplated under this Agreement, there have not been any events that would have a Material Adverse Effect.
15
(n)
(o)
Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Company’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 28, 2022, there are no suits, litigations,
arbitrations, proceedings, hearings, inquiries, audits, examinations, claims, actions or investigations of any nature by or against the
Company or its Subsidiaries or any directors or officers thereof as a party, or affecting the business or any of the assets of the Company or
its Subsidiaries pending before any Governmental Entity, or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to be brought by or before any
Governmental Entity, that would have a Material Adverse Effect.
No Other Issuances. The Company has not entered into any definitive transaction document, side letter, undertaking letter, or other similar
agreement or instrument with any investors for the issuance of Company Ordinary Shares or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for Company Ordinary Shares or ADSs prior to the Closing Date.
(p)
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption; Money Laundering Laws; Economic Sanctions.
(i)
The Company and its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees, and to the Knowledge of the Company, agents
and other persons acting on their behalf are and have been in compliance with all Applicable Laws relating to anti-bribery, anti-
corruption, anti-money laundering, record keeping and internal control laws (collectively, the “Compliance Laws”). Furthermore, no
Public Official (i) holds an ownership or other economic interest, direct or indirect, in any of the Company or its Subsidiaries or in
the contractual relationship formed by this Agreement, or (ii) serves as an officer, director or employee of any of the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
(ii) None of the Company or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or to the Knowledge of the
Company, agents and other persons acting on their behalf has been found by a Governmental Entity to have violated any criminal or
securities law or is subject to any indictment or any government investigation for bribery. None of the beneficial owners of a
substantial portion of equity securities or other interest in any of the Company or its Subsidiaries or the current or former directors,
officers or employees of any of the Company and its Subsidiaries, or to the Knowledge of the Company, agents or other persons
acting on the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ behalf, are or were Public Officials.
(iii) None of the Company or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or to the Knowledge of the
Company, agents and other persons acting on their behalf is a Prohibited Person, and no Prohibited Person will be given an offer to
become an employee, officer, consultant or director of any of the Company or its Subsidiaries. None of the Company or its
Subsidiaries has conducted or agreed to conduct any business, or entered into or agreed to enter into any transaction with a
Prohibited Person.
In this Section 3.1(p),
16
“Prohibited Person” means any Person that is (1) a national or resident of any U.S. embargoed or restricted country, (2) included on, or
affiliated with any Person on, the United States Commerce Department’s Denied Parties List, Entities and Unverified Lists; the U.S.
Department of Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals, Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers or Specially Designated Terrorists,
or the Annex to Executive Order No. 13224; the Department of State’s Debarred List; UN Sanctions, (3) a member of any PRC military
organization, or (4) a Person with whom business transactions, including exports and re- exports, are restricted by a U.S. governmental
authority, including, in each clause above, any updates or revisions to the foregoing and any newly published rules; and
“Public Official” means any executive, official, or employee of a governmental authority, political party or member of a political party,
political candidate; executive, employee or officer of a public international organization; or director, officer or employee or agent of a
wholly owned or partially state-owned or controlled enterprise, including a PRC state-owned or controlled enterprise.
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
Investment Company. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the issuance of Notes in the transactions contemplated hereby and the
application of the proceeds hereof, will not be an “investment company”, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.
Intellectual Property. Except as, in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the
Group Companies own or possesses sufficient rights to use Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the conduct of their business.
Tax. The Company believes the Company is not a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an
enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation.
No Additional Representation. The Company acknowledges that each Investor makes no representations or warranties as to any matter
whatsoever except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered by such Investor to the Company in accordance
with the terms hereof and thereof. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit any of the Company’s claims relating to fraud, intentional
concealment of material facts or other willful misconduct.
Section 3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Investors.
Each Investor, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:
(a)
(b)
Due Formation. Such Investor is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing in the jurisdiction of its organization. Such Investor
has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as it is currently being conducted.
Authority. Such Investor has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver the Transaction Documents and each agreement,
certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by such Investor and to perform its obligations thereunder. The
execution and delivery by such Investor of the Transaction Documents and the performance by such Investor of its obligations thereunder
have been, or will be prior to the Closing, duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.
17
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Valid Agreement. The Transaction Documents have been, or will be prior to the Closing, duly executed and delivered by such Investor and,
assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Investor,
enforceable against such Investor in accordance with its terms, except as limited by the Enforceability Exceptions.
Non-contravention. Neither the execution and the delivery of the Transaction Documents, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby, will (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents of such Investor or violate any constitution, statute,
regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to
which such Investor is subject, or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of or creation
of an encumbrance under, or create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, any agreement, contract, lease, license,
instrument, or other arrangement to which such Investor is a party or by which such Investor is bound or to which any of such Investor’s
assets are subject. There is no action, suit or proceeding, pending or, threatened against such Investor that questions the validity of the
Transaction Documents or the right of such Investor to enter into the Transaction Documents or to consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby.
Consents and Approvals. Neither the execution and delivery by such Investor of the Transaction Documents, nor the consummation by
such Investor of any of the transactions contemplated thereby, nor the performance by such Investor of the Transaction Documents in
accordance with their terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any
governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except such as have been or will have been obtained, made or given on or
prior to the Closing Date.
Securities Law Representations. The Investor acknowledges that the Notes (and the underlying ADSs issuable upon the conversion of the
Notes and the Class A Ordinary Shares represented thereby) are “restricted securities” that have not been registered under the Securities
Act or any applicable state securities law. The Investor further acknowledges that, absent an effective registration under the Securities Act,
the Notes (and the underlying ADSs issuable upon the conversion of the Notes and the Class A Ordinary Shares represented thereby) may
only be offered, sold or otherwise transferred (1) to the Company or its Subsidiaries, (2) outside the United States in compliance with
Regulation S of the Securities Act, (3) to a person you reasonably believe is a “qualified institutional buyer” that is purchasing for its own
account or for the account of another “qualified institutional buyer” in reliance on Rule 144A of the Securities Act, or (4) pursuant to
another exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such as Rule 144 of the Securities Act (if applicable). Such Investor is either
(1) not a “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) or (2) an accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501 of the
Securities Act). Such Investor is aware that the sale of the Notes is being made in reliance on a private placement exemption from
registration under the Securities Act. Such Investor is acquiring the Notes (and any ADSs issuable upon conversion of the Notes and the
Class A Ordinary Shares represented thereby) for its own account, and not with a view toward, or for sale in connection with, any
distribution thereof in violation of any federal or state securities or “blue sky” law, or with any present intention of distributing or selling
such Notes (or any ADSs issuable upon conversion of the Notes) in violation of the Securities Act.
18
(g)
(h)
(i)
Sufficient Experience. The Investor has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in such Notes (and any ADSs issuable upon conversion of the Notes and the Class A
Ordinary Shares represented thereby) and is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment. The Investor acknowledges and
affirms that, with the assistance of its advisors, it has conducted and completed its own investigation, analysis and evaluation related to the
investment in such Notes (and any ADSs issuance upon conversion of the Notes and the Class A Ordinary Shares represented thereby).
Sufficient Funds. As of the Closing Date, such Investor will have access to immediately available funds necessary to consummate the
Closing with respect to such Investor on the terms and conditions contemplated by this Agreement.
Brokers and Finders. Such Investor has not retained, utilized or been represented by, or otherwise become obligated to, any broker,
placement agent, financial advisor or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement whose fees the Company
would be required to pay.
Section 4.1. Oversubscription.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Within two (2) months from the Closing Date (the “Oversubscription Period”), the Investors shall have the right to subscribe for additional
convertible notes in a total principal amount of up to 10% of the Purchase Price paid by the Investors under the same terms and conditions as the
Notes (such right to subscription, the “Oversubscription Right”). If the Investors exercise such right, the Company shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to, enter into transaction documents with the Investors that are substantially the same as the Transaction Documents and
issue such convertible notes to the Investors or their designees (which shall be the Investors’ Affiliates), provided that no additional collateral will
be provided to secure such additional convertible notes as long as the value of the Collateral Package is above 120% of the total principal amount
of the convertible notes held by the Investors or their Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, after one (1) month from the Closing
Date, the Company shall have the right to, by sending a written notice to the Investors, accelerate the Oversubscription Period by any number of
days, or declare the Oversubscription Period expire as of a day that is no earlier than the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date of the notice, to the
extent required to allow the Company to file Form A1 on the planned filing date established by the Company in good faith based on the
requirements of HKSE. Prior to sending the written notice, the Company and the Investors (or their counsel) will use commercially reasonable
efforts to first discuss with the HKSE and confirm to HKSE that the timing, terms and pricing of the oversubscription is not contingent upon or
connected with the proposed offering for the HKSE Listing.
19
Section 4.2. Exclusive Financing Right.
(a)
Subject to Section 4.2(b),
(i)
(ii)
for a six-month period starting from the Closing Date (the “Exclusivity Period”), the Investors shall have the exclusive right to
negotiate the subscription of up to US$1,300,000,000 convertible notes (or other equity or equity-linked securities as agreed between
the Parties) privately placed by the Company (excluding the total principal amount of the Notes), subject to the terms and conditions
to be agreed upon between the Investors and the Company; and
during the Exclusivity Period, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and controlled Affiliates and its and their
respective directors, officers and representatives acting on their behalf not to, discuss or engage with any Persons other than the
Investors or their Affiliates with respect to any capital raising conducted on a privately placed or negotiated basis (“Capital
Raising”).
(b)
Nothing in this Section 4.2 shall restrict the Company or its Subsidiaries or controlled Affiliates from or affect such entities’ ability to
(i) pursue transactions with Baidu, (ii) obtain RMB denominated financing for working capital (including for content production needs)
that does not negatively impact the Investors’ rights under the Collateral Package, and (iii) discuss and accept proposals for investment (in
RMB) in the relevant Group Companies as specifically required by Applicable Laws or Governmental Order in the PRC (collectively,
“Permitted Financing”).
Section 4.3. Preferred Financing Partnership.
(a)
(b)
For a period of eighteen (18) months after the Closing Date (the “Preferred Financing Partnership Period”), if the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or controlled Affiliates receives any bona fide offer to subscribe for any equity or equity linked securities issued by any Group
Company on a privately placed or negotiated basis, excluding any Permitted Financing (an “Offer”), the Company shall promptly send a
written notice (“Offer Notice”) to the Investors setting out all of the material terms and conditions of the Offer, together with a copy of the
Offer. The Investors shall have the right to match the terms of any such Offer in all material respects as set forth in Section 4.3(b).
To exercise such right, the Investors must deliver a written notice (“Match Notice”) to the Company within twenty (20) Business Days
following receiving the Offer Notice and if their terms deviate from the Offer, setting forth in reasonable details such deviations and the
expected impacts of such deviations. If the Investors timely deliver the Match Notice, and the terms proposed by the Investors match the
Offer in all material respects or, solely with respect to the Offer from a financial investor, are no less favorable to the Company in terms of
price and in terms of all other terms taken as a whole than the terms under the Offer, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to,
complete the issuance to the Investors in preference to the offeror of the Offer or any other third party, except for Baidu.
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(c)
During the Preferred Financing Partnership Period, if the Company issues convertible bonds or any equity or equity-linked securities
through a public offering, the Investors shall have the preferred right to participate in such public offering, with the manner of such
preference to be mutually agreed by the Investors and the Company.
Section 4.4. Payment of Arrangement Fees.
The Company agrees and undertakes to pay an arrangement fee of two percent (2%) of the gross amount of any financing raised by the Company
or its Subsidiaries during the Preferred Financing Partnership Period from any Investor or its Affiliates or third parties that are arranged by any
Investor or its Affiliates.
Section 4.5. Governance Rights.
For so long as the Notes or Class A Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of the Notes Beneficially Owned by PAG Asia and its Affiliates
represent no less than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The Company shall take all necessary or desirable actions as may be required under the Applicable Laws and in accordance with the
Articles of Association to cause one (1) individual designated by PAG Asia to be appointed as a director (the “PAG Asia Director”) on or
prior to the Closing Date. PAG Asia shall be entitled to appoint, remove and replace the PAG Asia Director. The PAG Asia Director shall
have the right to designate an alternate director or proxy to attend board meetings.
The Company shall take all necessary or desirable actions as may be required under the Applicable Law and in accordance with the
Articles of Association to cause the PAG Asia Director to be elected as a non-voting member of the Audit Committee and a voting member
of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company’s obligations under Section 4.5(a) and this Section 4.5(b) are
subject to PAG Asia’s designee for the PAG Asia Director meeting the requirements for directors and members of the Audit Committee
and Compensation Committee under Applicable Laws and of the securities exchange on which the shares of the Company are listed or
traded.
The Company shall set up a strategy committee (the “Strategy Committee”), which (i) shall consist of three (3) members, including one
member appointed by PAG Asia, and (ii) shall review and advise on the Group’s overall strategy, capital expenditure, and capital raising.
Matters deliberated and reviewed by the Strategy Committee will be subject to the review and approval of the Board of Directors. The
Strategy Committee shall meet at least once every quarter with the management.
For the avoidance of doubt, for the purpose of this Section 4.5 and Section 4.6, the “aggregate principal amount of the Notes” shall mean
the whole US$500,000,000 principal amount initially subscribed by the Investors.
Section 4.6. Information Rights.
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(a)
For so long as the Notes or Class A Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of the Notes Beneficially Owned by PAG Asia and its Affiliates
represent no less than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, the Company shall provide PAG Asia with a consolidated balance sheet
of the Company at the end of each quarter of each fiscal year, and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Company for the
period then ended, as soon as available, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of such period, prepared in conformity with GAAP
applied on a consistent basis, except as otherwise noted therein, and subject to the absence of footnotes and to year-end adjustments; provided, that
as long as the Company stays as a public company and the Company makes the information available through public filings on the EDGAR
system or any successor or replacement system of the SEC, or through public filings on the HKEXnews system or any successor or replacement
system of the HKEX, the delivery of such information shall be deemed satisfied by such public filings.
(b)
The Company shall not provide the above documents or disclose any material non-public information concerning the Group to PAG Pegasus or its
representatives, unless PAG Pegasus otherwise notifies the Company. Representatives from PAG Pegasus shall identify themselves as not from
PAG Asia when communicating with representatives with the Company and shall immediately delete and notify the Company if they receive any
documents or material non-public information that are not meant to be sent to them.
Section 4.7. Financing Cooperation.
(a)
If requested by either Investor, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the following cooperation in connection with
such Investor obtaining any Debt Financing Transaction: (i) entering into an issuer agreement (an “Issuer Agreement”) with each lender or
counterparty in customary form in connection with the Debt Financing Transaction, and subject to the consent of the Company (which will not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), with such changes thereto as are reasonably requested by such lender or counterparty, (ii) if so
requested by such lender or counterparty, as applicable, re-registering the pledged Notes and/or Company Ordinary Shares to be issued upon
conversion of the Notes, as applicable, in the name of the relevant lender, counterparty, custodian or similar party to a Debt Financing Transaction,
as securities intermediary and to the extent such Investor or its Affiliates continues to Beneficially Own such pledged Notes and/or Company
Ordinary Shares and such re-registration does not remove any restrictions that would have remained applicable to such Notes or shares had such
re-registration not occurred, (iii) entering into customary triparty agreements with each lender or counterparty and any Investor relating to the
delivery of the Notes and/or Company Ordinary Shares to the relevant lender or counterparty for crediting to the relevant collateral accounts upon
funding of the loan and payment of the purchase price, and/or (iv) such other cooperation and assistance as the Investor may reasonably request
and subject to the consent of the Company (which will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), provided that none of the foregoing
shall unreasonably disrupt the operation of the Company’s business or prejudice any of its rights hereunder.
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(b)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Company’s obligation to deliver an Issuer Agreement in connection with a Debt Financing
Transaction is conditioned on the relevant Investor certifying to the Company in writing (A) that the counterparty to such Debt Financing
Transaction is a bank or broker-dealer that is engaged in the business of financing debt securities and similar instruments, (B) that the
execution of such Debt Financing Transaction and the terms thereof do not violate the terms of this Agreement, (C) that such Investor has
pledged the Notes and/or the Company Ordinary Shares as collateral to the lenders or counterparties under such Debt Financing
Transactions, (D) to the extent applicable, whether the registration rights under Schedule II are being assigned to the lenders or
counterparties under the Debt Financing Transaction, and (E) that such Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Company will be relying
on such certificate when entering into the Issuer Agreement and any material inaccuracy in such certificate will be deemed a breach of this
Agreement. Each Investor acknowledges and agrees that the statements and agreements of the Company in an Issuer Agreement are solely
for the benefit of the applicable lenders or counterparties and that in any dispute between the Company and such Investor under this
Agreement, such Investor shall not be entitled to use the statements and agreements of the Company in an Issuer Agreement against the
Company.
Section 4.8. HKSE Listing.
(a)
(b)
(c)
In the event that the HKSE requires in writing (including through public rules and guidance) that any of the special rights of the Investors
under this Agreement be terminated or amended in connection with the Company’s application for an HKSE Listing, the Company shall
use all reasonable efforts to assist the Investors in preserving those special rights, and shall facilitate direct discussions and/or submissions
between the Investors (and their legal counsel) and the HKSE if possible.
If the HKSE nevertheless requires any of the special rights of the Investors to be terminated or amended after such discussions and/or
submissions, the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to explore alternative arrangements to preserve the existing rights of the
Investors. Subject to such alternative arrangements being reasonably acceptable to the Investors, the Investors’ special rights will be
terminated or amended to the extent required in connection with Company’s application for the HKSE Listing.
In the event that the Parties agree to any termination or amendment of the special rights of the Investors, the Investors shall have the right
to require such special rights to be restored if the HKSE Listing is not completed within 12 months after the first submission of the
Company’s listing application, and the Company shall take all necessary or desirable actions to restore such special rights.
Section 4.9. Collateral Arrangement.
(a)
The performance by the Company and other Group Companies of their obligations to make any payments to the Investors (i) under the
Indentures, the Notes, the Security Documents and Section 4.4 and Schedule IV of this Agreement, and (ii) pursuant to Article VI of this
Agreement as a result of a breach of its obligations under Section 4.5, Section 4.6 and Section4.8 of this Agreement as well as their other
obligations under the Security Documents, shall be secured pursuant to the collateral arrangement set forth on Schedule III (the “Collateral
Arrangement”) and under the Security Documents.
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(b)
(c)
(d)
The Company shall, and shall cause the applicable Group Companies to take all the actions that are required to be taken by the Group
Companies upon Closing as set forth under Schedule III, and complete the Post-Closing Collateral Related Activities (as defined in
Schedule III) as soon as practicable after the Closing, and in any event within thirty (30) days after the Closing as long as the Investors
provide timely cooperation. The Investors shall reasonably cooperate with the Company to complete such activities, including by
providing necessary documents or taking necessary actions where applicable.
If the value of the Collateral Package falls below the applicable Value Threshold, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to,
provide additional collateral under the Collateral Arrangement such that the total value of the Collateral Package is increased to such
threshold, unless the decline in value of the Collateral Package is solely attributable to fluctuations in US$/RMB exchange rates and the
remaining value of the Collateral Package is at least 90% of the applicable Value Threshold.
The Parties shall cooperate with each other to timely release a portion of the collateral if the principal amount of Notes held by the
Investors and their Affiliates substantially reduces. Following the repayment in full of all amounts due under the Notes, the conversion of
all of the Notes held by the Investors and their Affiliates to Class A Ordinary Shares (including in the form of ADSs) or the Investors and
its Affiliates otherwise ceasing to hold any portion of the Notes (each, a “Extinguishment Event”), the Collateral Arrangement shall
terminate and the Investors shall release and discharge the collateral described in the Security Documents or to execute such other
appropriate instrument evidencing such release and discharge (at the expense of the Company) within ten (10) days after the
Extinguishment Event.
Section 4.10. Security Documents and Change in Law Event.
(a)
Upon the occurrence of:
(i)
any default by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under the Security Documents in any of its obligations under the
Security Documents, which, per opinion of counsel of the Parties, materially and adversely affects the enforceability, validity or
priority of the applicable Lien on the Collateral or which materially and adversely affects the condition or value of the Collateral or
the security interest under the Security Documents, taken as a whole, in each case, which, is either not curable or has not been
remedied within thirty (30) days after written notice from any Investor; other than any limitation set out in Schedule III agreed as
part of the Collateral Arrangement; or
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(ii)
assertion by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under the Security Documents, in any pleading in any court of
competent jurisdiction, that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable; any Investor shall be entitled to exercise all and
any applicable remedies and rights that would be available to the Holders (as provided in the Indenture) and/or the Trustee (as
provided in the Indenture) in connection with the occurrence of an event under Section 6.01 of the Indenture, against the Company
under the Indenture (including the right to accelerate and demand payment of the Note Acceleration Repayment Price (as provided in
the Indenture) and interest on the Notes under Section 6.02 of the Indenture) and, if applicable, other Transaction Documents, as if
the relevant provisions of such Transaction Documents (other than this Agreement) have been incorporated herein by reference,
mutatis mutandis, and the Company shall comply with such applicable terms in the Indenture and other Transaction Documents.
(b)
The Parties agree that a Change in Law Event shall have the same effect as a “Fundamental Adverse Regulatory Change” under the
Indenture. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Law Event, any Investor shall be entitled to exercise all and any applicable remedies and
rights that would be available to the Holders (as provided in the Indenture) and/or the Trustee (as provided in the Indenture) in connection
with the occurrence of a Fundamental Adverse Regulatory Change, against the Company under the Indenture (including the right to
repurchase the Notes under Section 15.02(a) of the Indenture) and, if applicable, other Transaction Documents, as if the relevant provisions
of such Transaction Documents (other than this Agreement) have been incorporated herein by reference, mutatis mutandis, and the
Company shall comply with such applicable terms in the Indenture and other Transaction Documents.
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 5.1. Taking of Necessary Action.
Each Party agrees to use its reasonable efforts promptly to take or cause to be taken all action, and promptly to do or cause to be done all things
necessary, proper or advisable under Applicable Laws (other than waive such party’s rights hereunder) to consummate and make effective the sale
and purchase of the Notes hereunder, subject to the terms and conditions hereof and compliance with Applicable Laws. In case at any time before
or after the Closing any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of the sale and purchase of the Notes, each Party shall
cause the proper officers, managers and directors of such Party to take all such necessary action as may be reasonably requested by the requesting
Party. The Company shall promptly notify the Investors of any event, condition or circumstance occurring prior to the Closing Date that would
constitute a material breach of any terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.
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Section 5.2. Conduct of Business.
Prior to the earlier of the Closing Date and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1, except as contemplated or required by the
Transaction Documents, the Company shall, and the Company shall cause each of its Group Companies to (i) conduct its business and operations
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, including customary financing arrangements and facilities; and (ii) take all actions
necessary to continue the listing and trading of its ADSs on the Nasdaq and shall comply with the Company’s reporting, filing and other
obligations under the rules of Nasdaq. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, except pursuant to the Transaction Documents or as
disclosed in the Company Disclosure Documents as of the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not (i) issue, approve or agree to the
issuance of any Company Ordinary Shares, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for the Company Ordinary Shares
other than issuance of shares to employees upon the exercise of options or restricted share units granted or issuance to holders of convertible
securities in compliance with the terms thereof, (ii) reserve for issuance any Company Ordinary Shares, (iii) repurchase or redeem, or approve or
agree to the repurchase or redemption of, any Company Ordinary Shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for
Company Ordinary Shares, other than the 2025 Notes, or (iv) declare or pay any dividends or other distributions on the Company Ordinary
Shares; in each case, unless for the period from the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Company provides to the Investors the same rights
they have under Sections 4.2 and 4.3.
Section 5.3. Use of Proceeds.
The Company undertakes to reserve and dedicate the proceeds from the issue and sale of the Notes for the purchase or repurchase of the 2025
Notes, general and corporate purposes as approved by the Investors from time to time, and/or any other purposes as approved by the Investors
from time to time. The Company agrees to comply with Schedule IV to this Agreement in connection with the purchase or repurchase of the 2025
Notes.
Section 5.4. Securities Laws.
Each Investor acknowledges and agrees that, as of the Closing Date, the Notes (and the ADSs representing Company Ordinary Shares that are
issuable upon conversion of the Notes) have not been registered under the Securities Act and that they may be sold or otherwise disposed of only
in one or more transactions registered under the Securities Act or as to which an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act is available. In addition to, and without prejudice to, any applicable rights set forth in the sixth amended and restated shareholders agreement
of the Company dated October 26, 2017 (the “Shareholders Agreement”), the Company hereby grants to the Investors such registration rights as
set forth in Schedule II to this Agreement. To the extent the grant of the registration rights under Schedule II to this Agreement to the Investors
requires any consent by any Person, including any shareholder of the Company, the Company shall obtain such consent prior to the Closing
(including such Person’s acknowledgement and consent with respect to their right to participate in any registration pursuant to this Agreement and
the Shareholders Agreement on a pro rata basis with the Investors).
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Section 5.5. FPI Status.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall promptly after the date hereof and reasonably prior to Closing take all
necessary or desirable actions required to duly and validly rely on the exemption for foreign private issuers from applicable rules and regulations
of the Nasdaq with respect to corporate governance to rely on “home country practice” in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereunder (including an exemption from any Nasdaq rules that would otherwise require seeking shareholder approval in respect of such
transactions), including without limitation, to the extent necessary, making disclosures, notices and filings to or with the SEC and Nasdaq and
obtaining an adequate opinion of counsel in respect of the home country practice exemption.
Section 5.6. Conversion Price Matters.
The Conversion Rate on the Closing Date (the “Initial Conversion Rate”) shall be the quotient (rounded to four decimal places) of $1,000 divided
by the Conversion Price on the Closing Date; provided, that if any event shall occur between the date hereof and the Closing Date (inclusive) that
would have resulted in an adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 14.04 of the Indenture if the Notes had been issued and
outstanding since the date hereof, the Initial Conversion Rate shall be adjusted as would have been required by Section 14.04 of the Indenture and
the share amounts and ADS prices in the table set forth in Section 14.03(e) of the Indenture shall be adjusted as would have been required by
Section 14.03(d) of the Indenture in each case if the Notes had been issued and outstanding since the date hereof.
Section 5.7. Termination of Covenants.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, ARTICLE IV and ARTICLE V shall terminate automatically upon the Investors and its Affiliates
ceasing to hold any portion of the Notes or any of the Class A Ordinary Shares (including in the form of ADS) to which the Notes converted.
Section 6.1. Indemnification.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
(a)
(b)
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 6.1, the Investors, their Affiliates and their respective officers, directors employees and
agents (each an “Indemnitee”) shall be indemnified by the Company for any and all Losses suffered by such Indemnitee as a result of or
arising from (i) any breach of any representation or warranty made by the Company in Section 3.1; or (ii) any breach of any covenant or
agreement by the Company contained in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, other than with respect to fraud, in no
event shall the Company be liable for or have an obligation to indemnify the Indemnitees for Losses in connection with (A) the
Fundamental Warranties, in excess of 100% of the Purchase Price paid to the Company by the Investors pursuant to this Agreement, and
(B) the other representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 3.1 in excess of 50% of the Purchase Price paid to the
Company by the Investors pursuant to this Agreement.
In calculating the amount of any Losses hereunder, there shall be subtracted the amount of any insurance proceeds and third-party
payments received by the Indemnitees with respect to such Losses, if any, net of any actual costs or expenses incurred in connection with
securing or obtaining such proceeds or payments. No Party shall have any liability under any Transaction Document for any punitive,
incidental, consequential or indirect damages, (including loss of profits or diminution in value), in each case, that are not a reasonably
foreseeable result or consequence of the underlying breach by the relevant breaching Party, it being understood that the foregoing shall not
exclude any damages suffered by the Investors from any failure to receive the full amounts payable under the Transaction Documents, to
realize the value of Company Ordinary Shares and/or ADSs issued or issuable upon conversion of the Notes or to benefit from any rights
and protection provided under the Transaction Documents.
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Section 6.2. Third Party Action.
(a)
(b)
Each Indemnitee shall give the Company prompt written notice (an “Indemnification Notice”) of any third party Action it has actual knowledge of
that might give rise to Losses, which notice shall set forth a description of those elements of such Action of which such Indemnitee has
knowledge; provided, that any delay or failure to give such Indemnification Notice shall not affect the indemnification obligations of the Company
hereunder except to the extent the Company is materially prejudiced by such delay or failure.
The Company shall have the right, exercisable by written notice to the applicable Indemnitee(s) within thirty (30) days of receipt of the applicable
Indemnification Notice, to select counsel to defend and control the defense of any third party claim set forth in such Indemnification Notice;
provided, that the Company shall not be entitled to so select counsel or control the defense of any claim if (i) such claim seeks primarily
non-monetary or injunctive relief against the Indemnitee or alleges any violation of criminal law, (ii) the Company does not, subsequent to its
assumption of such defense in accordance with this Section 6.2(b), conduct the defense of such claim actively and diligently, (iii) such claim
includes as the named parties both the Company and the applicable Indemnitee(s) and such Indemnitees reasonably determine upon the advice of
counsel that representation of all such Indemnitees by the same counsel would be prohibited by applicable codes of professional conduct, or (iv) in
the event that, based on the reasonable advice of counsel for the applicable Indemnitee(s), there are one or more material defenses available to the
applicable Indemnitee(s) that are not available to the Company. If the Company does not assume the defense of any third party claim in
accordance with this Section 6.2(b), the applicable Indemnitee(s) may continue to defend such claim at the sole cost of the Company and the
Company may still participate in, but not control, the defense of such third party claim at the Company’s sole cost and expense. In no event shall
the Company, in connection with any Action or separate but substantially similar Actions arising out of the same general allegations, be liable for
the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all Indemnitees chosen by the Investors and/or its Affiliates,
except to the extent that local counsel, in addition to regular counsel, is required in order to effectively defend the Action.
(c) No Indemnitee shall consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any claim for which such Indemnitee is indemnified
pursuant to this Section 6.2 without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed). Except with the prior written consent of the applicable Indemnitee(s), the Company, in the defense of any such claim, shall not consent
to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that (i) provides for injunctive or other nonmonetary relief affecting any Indemnitee or
(ii) does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by each claimant or plaintiff to each such Indemnitee(s) of an unconditional
release of such Indemnitee(s) from all liability with respect to such Action. In any such third party claim where the Company has assumed control
of the defense thereof pursuant to Section 6.2(b), the Company shall keep the applicable Indemnitee(s) reasonably informed as to the status of
such claim at all stages thereof (including all settlement negotiations and offers), promptly submit to such Indemnitee(s) copies of all pleadings,
responsive pleadings, motions and other similar legal documents and paper received or filed in connection therewith, permit such Indemnitee(s)
and their respective counsels to confer with the Company and its counsel with respect to the conduct of the defense thereof, and permit such
Indemnitee(s) and their respective counsel(s) a reasonable opportunity to review all legal papers to be submitted prior to their submission.
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Section 7.1. Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date:
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
By the mutual written consent of the Parties;
By either the Company or any Investor upon written notice to the other, if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to the Long Stop Date;
provided that the right to termination under this Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to any Party if the breach by such Party of its
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement or the failure of such Party to perform any of its obligations under this
Agreement has been a principal cause of or primarily resulted in the events specified in this Section 7.1(b);
By either the Company or any Investor if any Governmental Order enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the
transactions as contemplated under the Transaction Documents shall be in effect and shall have become final and non-appealable prior to
the Closing Date; provided that the right to termination under this Section 7.1(c) shall not be available to any Party if the breach by such
Party of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement or the failure of such Party to perform any of its obligations under
this Agreement has been a principal cause of such Governmental Order;
at the election of any Investor, if there has been a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the
Company contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents that if continuing on the Closing Date will result in the failure
of the conditions set forth in Section 2.2(c) to be satisfied, which breach has not been cured within twenty (20) Business Days after
delivery of written notice to the Company of such breach; or
at the election of the Company, with respect to any Investor, if there has been a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
or agreement on the part of such Investor contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents that if continuing on the
Closing Date will result in the failure of the conditions set forth in Section 2.2(d) to be satisfied, which breach has not been cured within
twenty (20) Business Days after delivery of written notice to such Investor of such breach.
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Section 7.2. Effect of Termination.
If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1, (a) this Agreement shall become void and of no further force and effect, except for the
provisions of Section 7.4 to Section 7.14, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement indefinitely or until the latest date permitted by
law, (b) none of the Parties shall have any liability in respect of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(a) to Section 7.1(c)(other
than the Party whose breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement under this Agreement precipitated a termination pursuant to
Section 7.1(b)), (c) nothing shall relieve any of the Parties from liability for Losses resulting from the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1(d) or Section 7.1(e), and (d) each Party’s right of termination under Section 7.1 is in addition to any other right it may have under this
Agreement or otherwise, and the exercise of a party’s right of termination will not constitute an election or waiver of remedies.
Section 7.3. Survival.
All covenants or other agreements of the Parties shall survive until fully performed or fulfilled, unless and to the extent that non-compliance with
such covenants or agreements is waived in writing by the relevant Party entitled to such performance. All Fundamental Warranties shall survive
for five (5) years after the Closing. All other representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing
Date until eighteen (18) months after the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall relieve any Party of liability for any
inaccuracy or breach of such representation or warranty to the extent that any good faith allegation of such inaccuracy or breach is made in writing
prior to such expiration.
Section 7.4. Notices.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally, by
facsimile, sent by overnight courier or sent via email (with receipt confirmed) as follows:
(a)
If to PAG Asia, to:
If to PAG Pegasus, to:
Address:
Contact:
Address:
Contact:
33/F, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty, Hong Kong
***
33/F, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty,
Hong Kong
***
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(b)
If to the Company, to:
Address:
Attention:
Jun Wang
9/F, iQIYI Innovation Building
No. 2 Haidian North First Street, Haidian District,
Beijing 100080, People’s Republic of China
Jun Wang
***
or to such other address or addresses as shall be designated in writing. All notices shall be deemed effective (i) when delivered personally (with
written confirmation of receipt, by other than automatic means, whether electronic or otherwise), (ii) when sent by facsimile (with written
confirmation of receipt, by other than automatic means, whether electronic or otherwise) one (1) Business Day following the day sent by
overnight courier, or (iii) when sent by electronic mail, upon such electronic mail being sent unless the sending party subsequently learns that such
electronic mail was not successfully delivered.
Section 7.5. Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries; Amendment.
This Agreement, together with other Transaction Documents, sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matters
hereof and thereof. Nothing contained in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer or shall confer upon any person other than
the expressed parties hereto, any benefit, right or remedies, provided that (i) ARTICLE VI shall be for the benefit of and fully enforceable by each
of the Indemnitees, and (ii) Section 7.14 shall be for the benefit of and fully enforceable by each of the Specified Persons. Any provision of this
Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part at any time by an agreement in writing between the Parties executed in the same
manner as this Agreement. No failure on the part of any Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right shall operate as a waiver thereof
nor shall any single or partial exercise by any party of any right preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.
Section 7.6. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts by wet-ink or other means (including by means of telecopied signature pages or
electronic transmission in portable document format (pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g.,
www.docusign.com), each of which shall be deemed to constitute any original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
document. Signatures to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form, or
by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document will have the same effect as
physical delivery of the paper document bearing the original signature.
31
Section 7.7. Confidentiality; Public Announcements.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Each Party shall keep confidential any nonpublic material or information with respect to the business, technology, financial conditions, and
other aspects of the other Parties which it is aware of, or have access to, in signing or performing the Transaction Documents (including
written or oral information, hereinafter the “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information shall not include any information that is
(a) previously known on a non- confidential basis by the receiving Party, (b) in the public domain through no fault of such receiving Party,
its Affiliates or its or its Affiliates’ officers, directors or employees, (c) received from a party other than the Company or the Company’s
representatives or agents, so long as such party was not, to the knowledge of the receiving Party, subject to a duty of confidentiality to the
Company or (d) developed independently by the receiving Party without reference to confidential information of the disclosing Party. No
Party shall disclose such Confidential Information to any third party other than in accordance with the provisions set forth herein. Either
Party may use the Confidential Information only for the purpose of, and to the extent necessary for performing this Agreement or any other
Transaction Documents, and shall not use such Confidential Information for any other purposes. The Parties hereby agree, for the purpose
of this Section 7.7, that the existence and terms and conditions of this Agreement and other Transaction Documents and schedule hereof
shall be deemed as Confidential Information until such Transaction Document has been duly filed with the SEC.
No press release or public announcement related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein shall be issued or made by any
Party or its Affiliates without the prior written approval of the other Parties, unless required by Applicable Laws in which case such other
Party shall have the right to review, comment on and have reasonable comments incorporated on such press release, announcement or
communication prior to issuance, distribution or publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Investors and its Affiliates shall not be
restricted from communicating with their respective investors and potential investors in connection with informational or reporting
activities; provided that the recipient of such information is subject to a customary obligation to keep such information confidential. The
Company may file this Agreement with the SEC and may provide information about the subject matter of this Agreement in connection
with equity or debt issuances, share repurchases, or marketing, informational or reporting activities; provided that any description of the
subject matter of this Agreement or the Investors or their Affiliates (if not previously approved by the Investors) shall be approved by the
Investors in advance.
Each Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates’ partners, officers, directors, employees,
agents, professional advisors and other representatives on a need-to-know basis in the performance of the Transaction Documents;
provided that, such Party shall procure such persons are made aware of and will comply with the confidentiality obligations hereunder. A
Party may disclose Confidential Information if such disclosure is required by (i) an order of any court of competent jurisdiction or any
regulatory, judicial, governmental or similar body or any taxation authority of competent jurisdiction, (ii) the rules of any listing authority
or stock exchange on which its shares are listed or traded, or (iii) by Applicable Law, provided that in such case, such Party shall (1) to the
extent permitted by law, promptly provide the other Parties with written notice of that fact so that such other Parties may seek a protective
order, confidential treatment or other appropriate remedy and (2) shall furnish only that portion of the information that is legally required
and shall exercise reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded such information.
32
(d) Without the prior written consent of the Investor, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, use in advertising, publicity,
announcements, or otherwise, the name of any Investor or any Affiliate of any Investor, either alone or in combination with any company
name, trade name, trademark, service mark, domain name, device, design, symbol or any abbreviation, contraction or simulation thereof
owned or used by any Investor or any of its Affiliates; provided that the Company and its Affiliates may refer to the Investors as holders of
the Notes or holders of shares or ADS of the Company in the filings or disclosure required to be made by Applicable Laws or the rules of
the stock exchange on which its shares are listed or traded.
(e)
The confidentiality obligations of each Party hereunder shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Each Party shall continue to abide
by the confidentiality clause hereof and perform the obligation of confidentiality it undertakes until the other Party approves release of that
obligation or until a breach of the confidentiality clause hereof will no longer result in any prejudice to the other Party.
Section 7.8. Expenses.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Upon the Closing, the Company shall reimburse the Investors for its reasonable documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in
connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement and other Transaction Documents and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (excluding any transactions that may be agreed under Section 4.2 or 4.3), including fees and
expenses of attorneys, accountants, consultants, up to an aggregate amount of US$5,000,000.
Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction Documents and the transaction contemplated
thereunder if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall be responsible for the payment of any fees of the transfer agent, Trustee, DTC or other
administrative agents, relating to or arising out of the issuance and sale of the Notes by the Company as contemplated hereby.
Section 7.9. Successors and Assigns.
(a)
(b)
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company’s
successors and assigns and the Investors’ successors and assigns, and no other person.
Neither the Company nor the Investors may assign its respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Agreement
(including the rights and obligations under Section 4.9), whether by operation of law or otherwise, and any assignment by the Company or
the Investors in contravention hereof shall be null and void; provided, that (i) prior to the Closing, each Investor may assign all of its rights
and obligations under this Agreement or any portion thereof to one or more Affiliates who execute and deliver a Joinder without the prior
consent of the Company, and such Affiliate shall be deemed an Investor hereunder and shall have all rights and obligations of an Investor
or any portion thereof (as set forth in the Joinder); provided further that no such assignment will relieve the Investor of its obligations
hereunder prior to the Closing, (ii) any Affiliate of the Investor who after the Closing Date executes and delivers a Joinder and is a
permitted transferee of any Notes or Company Ordinary Shares shall be deemed an Investor hereunder and have all the rights and
obligations of an Investor or any portion thereof (as set forth in the Joinder), (iii) the rights of a holder of Registrable Securities under
Schedule II may be transferred but only together with the Notes or Registrable Securities in a transfer of such Notes or Registrable
Securities to an Affiliate of the transferor that executes and delivers to the Company a Joinder.
33
(c)
Section 4.5 and Section 4.6(a) shall terminate automatically upon a PAG Asia Change of Control. “PAG Asia Change of Control” shall
mean (A) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) of (1) the beneficial ownership of securities of PAG Asia possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total
combined voting power of all outstanding securities of PAG Asia or (2) control (as defined in the definition of Affiliate) of PAG Asia;
(B) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization involving PAG Asia, unless securities representing more than 50% of the
total voting power of the successor company is immediately thereafter beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the Persons who
beneficially owned PAG Asia’s outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such transaction; or (C) the acquisition, directly or
indirectly, by any of Baidu’s competitors or the Companies’ competitors (each based on a list of competitors provided by Baidu or the
Company (by action of Board of Directors) to the Investors prior to the Closing Date, which list may be updated by Baidu or the Company
(by action of Board of Directors) by written notice to PAG Asia every 6 month after the Closing) of more than 10% of the beneficial
ownership of equity securities of PAG Asia. For the avoidance of doubt, references to PAG Asia in this Section mean PAG Asia or its
Affiliate that has the rights under Section 4.5 or Section 4.6(a) at the time of the relevant change of control event.
Section 7.10. Governing Law; Arbitration.
(a)
(b)
(c)
This Agreement shall be governed by and its provisions construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong without regard
to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination (“Dispute”)
shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre in accordance with the Hong
Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules then in force. There shall be three arbitrators. Each of the Parties has
the right to appoint one arbitrator and the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. The
language to be used in the arbitration proceedings shall be English. The seat of arbitration shall be in Hong Kong.
Each of the Parties irrevocably waives any immunity to jurisdiction to which it may be entitled or become entitled (including without
limitation sovereign immunity, immunity to pre-award attachment, immunity to post-award attachment or otherwise) in any arbitration
proceedings and/or enforcement proceedings against it arising out of or based on this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
34
Section 7.11. Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect provided that the economic and legal substance of, any of the transactions contemplated under the Transaction Documents
is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. In the event of any such determination, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith to
modify this Agreement to fulfill as closely as possible the original intent and purpose hereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Parties hereby to
the same extent waive any provision of law that renders any provision hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
Section 7.12. Specific Performance.
The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance
with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each Party agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by any
other Party of any covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement, the non-breaching Party shall be entitled (in addition to any other remedy
that may be available to it, whether in law or equity) to obtain (i) a decree or order of specific performance to enforce the observance and
performance of such covenant or obligation, and (ii) an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach. Each of the Parties agrees that it
will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that any other Party has an adequate
remedy at law or that any award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or in equity. Any Party seeking an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be
required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction.
Section 7.13. Headings.
The headings of Articles and Sections contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not part of this Agreement.
Section 7.14. Non-Recourse.
This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby may only be brought against the entities that are expressly named as Parties and their respective successors and
assigns (including any Person that executes and delivers a Joinder). Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, no past, present or
future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partners, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative of any Party
(collectively, the “Specified Persons”) shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of any Party or for any claim based on, in respect of,
or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
35
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date first
herein above written.
COMPANY:
iQIYI, Inc.
/s/ Yu Gong
By:
Name: Yu Gong
Director
Title:
[Signature Page to Investment Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date first
herein above written.
INVESTOR:
PAGAC IV-1 (CAYMAN) LIMITED
/s/ Koichi Ito
By:
Name: Koichi Ito
Title:
Director
[Signature Page to Investment Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date first
herein above written.
INVESTOR:
PAG PEGASUS FUND LP
By: /s/ JON ROBERT LEWIS
Name: JON ROBERT LEWIS
Title: Director of PAG Pegasus GP Limited, acting as a
General Partner of PAG Pegasus Fund LP
[Signature Page to Investment Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
LIST OF INVESTORS
SCHEDULE II
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
SCHEDULE III
COLLATERAL ARRANGEMENTS
SCHEDULE IV
2025 NOTES REPURCHASE
Exhibit A
Form of Indenture
Exhibit B
Form of Joinder
The undersigned is executing and delivering this Joinder dated [•] pursuant to that certain Investment Agreement, dated as of August [•], 2022 (as
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Investment Agreement”), by and among iQIYI, Inc,
PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited (“PAG Asia”), PAG Pegasus Fund LP (“PAG Pegasus”) and any other Persons who become a party thereto in
accordance with the terms thereof. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Joinder shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the
Investment Agreement.
The undersigned, an Affiliate of [assignor to be specified] (“Transferring Investor”), entered into [agreement to be described] with the Transferring
Investor, pursuant to which the Transferring Investor [describe the rights transferred and obligations delegated].
By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Investment Agreement, the undersigned hereby adopts and approves the Investment Agreement and
agrees, effective commencing on the date hereof, to become a party to, and to be bound by and comply with the provisions of, the Investment
Agreement applicable to the transferring Investor in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original Investor signatory to the Investment
Agreement and had executed the Investment Agreement as “PAG Asia” or “PAG Pegasus”, as applicable, depending on the identity of such Transferring
Investor.
The contact information of the undersigned for the purpose of Section 7.4 of the Investment Agreement is set forth below:
[contact info to be included]
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
Exhibit 4.108
This DEED OF AMENDMENT (this “Deed”) is dated December 30, 2022 by and among:
DEED OF AMENDMENT
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
iQIYI, Inc, a Cayman Islands incorporated company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker IQ (the “Company”);
PAGAC IV-1 (Cayman) Limited, an exempted company incorporated in Cayman Islands, with the registered address at P.O. Box 472,
Harbour Place, 2nd Floor, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands (“PAG Asia”); and
PAG Pegasus Fund LP, an exempted limited partnership established and registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands, with the
registered address at P.O. Box 472, Harbour Place, 2nd Floor, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman
Islands (“PAG Pegasus”).
Each of the parties to this Deed is referred herein individually as a “Party”, and collectively as the “Parties”.
RECITALS
A.
B.
C.
The Parties hereto entered into an investment agreement dated August 30, 2022 (the “Investment Agreement”).
PAG Pegasus intends to transfer all of its rights and obligations under the Investment Agreement to PAG Asia.
The Parties also intend to enter into this Deed to effect certain amendments to the Investment Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties intending to be legally bound hereto, hereby agree as follows and intend that this Deed shall take effect as a deed:
1.
Definitions
All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwisedefined shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Investment Agreement.
2.
Novation
Effective from the date hereof:
2.1.
2.2.
PAG Pegasus transfers all its rights and obligations under the Investment Agreement to PAG Asia;
PAG Asia assumes all the rights, benefits, obligations and responsibilities of PAG Pegasus under the Investment Agreement;
1
2.3.
PAG Pegasus ceases to be party to the Investment Agreement, and all obligations and responsibilities of PAG Pegasus towards the
Company thereunder and all obligations and responsibilities of the Company towards PAG Pegasus thereunder are released.
3.
Amendment to Investment Agreement
3.1.
Each Party agrees that the following definitions of the Investment Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows, for
the purposes of the Transaction Documents:
a.
b.
c.
“Security Documents” means the list of documents as set forth in Schedule 1 of this Deed, as may be amended, restated and
supplemented from time to time.
“Collateral Arrangements” shall mean all the arrangements in relation to the Collateral Package as set forth in the Security
Documents.
“Collateral Package” shall mean the guarantee and security interests created by and constituted under the Security
Documents, with a value not lower than (i) 130% of the total principal amount of the Notes held by the Investor or its
Affiliates, prior to the exercise of the Oversubscription Right, and (ii) 120% of the total principal amount of the Notes held
by the Investor or its Affiliates, after the exercise of the Oversubscription Right (the thresholds under clause (i) and (ii), the
“Value Thresholds”).
3.2.
Each Party agrees that Section 4.10(a)(i) of the Investment Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
Any default by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company under the Security Documents in any of its obligations
under the Security Documents, which, per opinion of counsel, materially and adversely affects the enforceability, validity or
priority of the applicable Lien on the Collateral Package or which materially and adversely affects the condition or value of
the Collateral Package or the security interest under the Security Documents, taken as a whole, in each case, which, is either
not curable or has not been remedied within thirty (30) days after written notice from the Investor; other than any limitation
set out in Schedule III agreed as part of the Collateral Arrangement.
3.3.
Each Party agrees that Section 4.6(b) of the Investment Agreement is no longer applicable and shall be deleted in its entirety.
4. Miscellaneous
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
This Deed shall have legal and binding effect on the Parties immediately upon the execution of this Deed by each Party.
This Deed is supplemental to and amends the Investment Agreement. With effect from the date hereof, all references to “this Agreement”
in the Investment Agreement shall be deemed as references to such Investment Agreement as amended and modified hereby. Other than as
amended by this Deed, the Investment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
This Deed shall be governed by and its provisions construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong without regard to the
conflict of laws principles thereof.
2
4.4.
Section 1.2 (General Interpretative Principles) and Article VII (Miscellaneous) of the Investment Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis
to this Deed as if references therein to “this Agreement” were references to this Deed.
[Signature pages to follow]
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Deed has been executed as a deed by or on behalf of the parties and is intended to be and is hereby delivered as a deed
on the date first above written.
EXECUTED AND DELIVERED AS A DEED by
iQIYI, Inc
a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands,
by
being a person who, in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, is acting under the
authority of the company
in the presence of:
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
/s/ Yu Gong
Signature of authorized person
Director
Office held
Yu Gong
Name of authorized person
Signature of witness:
Name of witness:
/s/ Yuwei Sui
Yuwei Sui
Address:
3F, iQIYI Youth Center Yoolee Plaza, No. 21, North Road of Workers Stadium,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC
Occupation:
Legal Manager
[Signature Page to Deed of Amendment]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Deed has been executed as a deed by or on behalf of the parties and is intended to be and is hereby delivered as a deed
on the date first above written.
EXECUTED AND DELIVERED AS A DEED by
PAGAC IV-1 (CAYMAN) LIMITED
a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands,
by
being a person who, in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, is acting under the
authority of the company
in the presence of:
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
/s/ Koichi Ito
Signature of authorized person
Director
Office held
Koichi Ito
Name of authorized person
Signature of witness:
Name of witness:
/s/ Yuki Kobayashi
Yuki Kobayashi
Address:
Toranomon Towers Office 20F, 4-1-28 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001
JAPAN
Occupation:
Executive Assistant
[Signature Page to Deed of Amendment]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Deed has been executed as a deed by or on behalf of the parties and is intended to be and is hereby delivered as a deed
on the date first above written.
EXECUTED AND DELIVERED AS A DEED by
PAG PEGASUS FUND LP
a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands,
by
being a person who, in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction, is acting under the
authority of the company
in the presence of:
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
/s/ JON ROBERT LEWIS
Signature of authorized person
DIRECTOR
Office held
JON ROBERT LEWIS
Name of authorized person
Signature of witness:
Name of witness:
/s/ AGNES IP
AGNES IP
Address:
33F., THREE PACIFIC PLACE, 1 QUEEN’s ROAD EAST, HONG KONG
Occupation:
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
[Signature Page to Deed of Amendment]
Schedule 1 List of Security Documents
Exhibit 4.109
Execution Version
IQIYI, INC.
AND
CITICORP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED,
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of December 30, 2022
6.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028
Section 1.01.
Section 1.02.
Definitions
References to Interest
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 2
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF NOTES
Section 2.01.
Section 2.02.
Section 2.03.
Section 2.04.
Section 2.05.
Section 2.06.
Section 2.07.
Section 2.08.
Section 2.09.
Section 2.10.
Section 2.11.
Designation and Amount
Form of Notes
Date and Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest and Defaulted Amounts
Execution, Authentication and Delivery of Notes
Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Notes; Restrictions on Transfer; Depositary
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes
Temporary Notes
Cancellation of Notes Paid, Converted, Etc.
CUSIP Numbers
Additional Notes; Repurchases
Appointment of Authenticating Agent
Section 3.01.
Satisfaction and Discharge
ARTICLE 3
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
ARTICLE 4
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 4.01.
Section 4.02.
Section 4.03.
Section 4.04.
Section 4.05.
Section 4.06.
Section 4.07.
Section 4.08.
Section 4.09.
Section 4.10.
Payment of Principal and Interest
Maintenance of Office or Agency
Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustee’s Office
Provisions as to Paying Agent
Existence
Rule 144A Information Requirement and Annual Reports
Additional Amounts
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws
Compliance Certificate; Statements as to Defaults
Further Instruments and Acts
i
PAGE
1
13
13
13
14
15
16
22
23
24
24
24
24
25
25
25
26
26
27
27
29
31
32
32
LISTS OF HOLDERS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
ARTICLE 5
Section 5.01.
Section 5.02.
Lists of Holders
Preservation and Disclosure of Lists
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01.
Section 6.02.
Section 6.03.
Section 6.04.
Section 6.05.
Section 6.06.
Section 6.07.
Section 6.08.
Section 6.09.
Section 6.10.
Section 6.11.
Events of Default
Acceleration; Rescission and Annulment
Additional Interest
Payments of Notes on Default; Suit Therefor
Application of Monies Collected by Trustee
Proceedings by Holders
Proceedings by Trustee
Remedies Cumulative and Continuing
Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by Majority of Holders
Notice of Defaults and Events of Default
Undertaking to Pay Costs
ARTICLE 7
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
Section 7.01.
Section 7.02.
Section 7.03.
Section 7.04.
Section 7.05.
Section 7.06.
Section 7.07.
Section 7.08.
Section 7.09.
Section 7.10.
Section 7.11.
Section 7.12.
Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee
Reliance on Documents, Opinions, Etc.
No Responsibility for Recitals, Etc.
Trustee, Paying Agents, Conversion Agents or Note Registrar May Own Notes
Monies and ADSs to Be Held in Trust
Compensation and Expenses of Trustee
Officer’s Certificate as Evidence
Eligibility of Trustee
Resignation or Removal of Trustee
Acceptance by Successor Trustee
Succession by Merger, Etc.
Trustee’s Application for Instructions from the Company
ARTICLE 8
CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
Section 8.01.
Section 8.02.
Section 8.03.
Section 8.04.
Section 8.05.
Action by Holders
Proof of Execution by Holders
Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners
Company-Owned Notes Disregarded
Revocation of Consents; Future Holders Bound
ii
32
33
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
39
40
40
40
41
42
45
45
45
45
46
46
47
48
48
49
49
49
49
50
50
ARTICLE 9
HOLDERS’ MEETINGS
Section 9.01.
Section 9.02.
Section 9.03.
Section 9.04.
Section 9.05.
Section 9.06.
Section 9.07.
Purpose of Meetings
Call of Meetings by Trustee
Call of Meetings by Company or Holders
Qualifications for Voting
Regulations
Voting
No Delay of Rights by Meeting
ARTICLE 10
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
Section 10.01.
Section 10.02.
Section 10.03.
Section 10.04.
Section 10.05.
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders
Effect of Supplemental Indentures
Notation on Notes
Evidence of Compliance of Supplemental Indenture to Be Furnished Trustee
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, CONVEYANCE AND LEASE
ARTICLE 11
Section 11.01.
Section 11.02.
Section 11.03.
Company May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms
Successor Corporation to Be Substituted
Opinion of Counsel to Be Given to Trustee
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
ARTICLE 12
Section 12.01.
Indenture and Notes Solely Corporate Obligations
iii
50
51
51
51
52
52
52
53
54
55
55
55
56
56
57
57
ARTICLE 13
INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
ARTICLE 14
CONVERSION OF NOTES
Section 14.01.
Section 14.02.
Section 14.03.
Section 14.04.
Section 14.05.
Section 14.06.
Section 14.07.
Section 14.08.
Section 14.09.
Section 14.10.
Section 14.11.
Section 14.12.
Section 14.13.
Conversion Privilege
Conversion Procedure; Settlement Upon Conversion
Increased Conversion Rate Applicable to Certain Notes Surrendered in Connection with Make-Whole Fundamental Changes
Adjustment of Conversion Rate
Adjustments of Prices
Class A Ordinary Shares to Be Fully Paid
Effect of Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of the Class A Ordinary Shares
Certain Covenants
Responsibility of Trustee
Notice to Holders Prior to Certain Actions. In case of any
Stockholder Rights Plans
Limit on Issuance of ADSs Upon Conversion
Termination of Depositary Receipt Program
ARTICLE 15
REPURCHASE OF NOTES AT OPTION OF HOLDERS
Section 15.01.
Section 15.02.
Section 15.03.
Section 15.04.
Section 15.05.
Repurchase at Option of Holders
Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change
Withdrawal of Repurchase Notice or Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice
Deposit of Third Anniversary Repurchase Price or Fundamental Change Repurchase Price
Covenant to Comply with Applicable Laws Upon Repurchase of Notes
ARTICLE 16
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
Section 16.01.
Optional Redemption for Changes in the Tax Law of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction
ARTICLE 17
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 17.01.
Section 17.02.
Section 17.03.
Section 17.04.
Section 17.05.
Provisions Binding on Company’s Successors
Official Acts by Successor Corporation
Addresses for Notices, Etc.
Governing Law; Jurisdiction
Submission to Jurisdiction; Service of Process
iv
58
59
61
63
72
72
72
74
75
75
76
76
76
76
79
82
82
83
84
86
86
86
87
87
Section 17.06.
Section 17.07.
Section 17.08.
Section 17.09.
Section 17.10.
Section 17.11.
Section 17.12.
Section 17.13.
Section 17.14.
Section 17.15.
Section 17.16.
Section 17.17.
EXHIBIT
Exhibit A
Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent; Certificates and Opinions of Counsel to Trustee
Legal Holidays
No Security Interest Created
Benefits of Indenture
Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.
Execution in Counterparts
Severability
Waiver of Jury Trial
Force Majeure
Calculations
USA PATRIOT Act
HKMA Stay Rules
Form of Note
v
88
88
88
88
88
89
89
89
89
89
90
90
A-1
INDENTURE dated as of December 30, 2022 between IQIYI, INC., a Cayman Islands exempted company, as issuer (the “Company,” as more
fully set forth in Section 1.01) and CITICORP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, a private company limited by shares incorporated in Hong Kong, as
trustee (the “Trustee,” as more fully set forth in Section 1.01).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the issuance of its 6.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (the
“Notes”), initially in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed US$500,000,000 (as increased by an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount
of any additional Notes purchased by Investors (as defined in the Investment Agreement) pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Investment Agreement), and in
order to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Notes are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized the
execution and delivery of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, the Form of Note, the certificate of authentication to be borne by each Note, the Form of Notice of Conversion, the Form of
Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice, the Form of Repurchase Notice and the Form of Assignment and Transfer to be borne by the Notes are to be
substantially in the forms hereinafter provided; and
WHEREAS, all acts and things necessary to make the Notes, when executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, as in
this Indenture provided, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and this Indenture a valid agreement according to its terms, have been
done and performed, and the execution of this Indenture and the issuance hereunder of the Notes have in all respects been duly authorized.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated, issued and delivered, and in consideration
of the premises and of the purchase and acceptance of the Notes by the Holders thereof, the Company covenants and agrees with the Trustee for the
equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Notes (except as otherwise provided below), as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions
The terms defined in this Section 1.01 (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of
this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section 1.01. The words “herein,” “hereof,”
“hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. The terms
defined in this Article include the plural as well as the singular.
“Additional ADSs” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(a).
“Additional Amounts” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.07(a).
1
“Additional Interest” means all amounts, if any, payable pursuant to Section 4.06(d), Section 4.06(e) and Section 6.03, as applicable.
“ADS” means an American Depositary Share, issued pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, representing seven Class A Ordinary Shares of the
Company as of the date of this Indenture, and deposited with the ADS Custodian.
“ADS Custodian” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with respect to the ADSs delivered pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, or any successor
entity thereto.
“ADS Depositary” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary for the ADSs, or any successor entity thereto.
“ADS Price” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities,
by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, the determination of whether one Person is an “Affiliate” of another Person for purposes of this Indenture shall be made based on the
facts at the time such determination is made or required to be made, as the case may be, hereunder.
“Affiliate Notes” means Rule 144A Notes or Regulation S Notes that are held or beneficially owned by one or more entities that are Affiliates of
the Company.
“Agent Parties” shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.02(l).
“Agents” means the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent, the Note Registrar and the Conversion Agent, in each case, unless the Company is acting
in such capacity.
“Applicable PRC Rate” means (i) in the case of deduction or withholding of PRC income tax, 10%, (ii) in the case of deduction or withholding of
PRC value added tax (including any related local levies), 6.72%, or (iii) in the case of deduction or withholding of both PRC income tax and PRC value
added tax (including any related local levies), 16.72%.
“Applicable Redemption Price” shall mean the Third Anniversary Repurchase Price, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, the Tax
Redemption Price or the Maturity Date Repayment Price, as applicable.
“Appointment Letter” means the appointment letter, dated the date of this Indenture, by which the Agents are appointed to, and accept their
appointment as, Agents.
“Authenticating Agent” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.11.
“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company or a committee of such board duly authorized to act for it hereunder.
2
“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted
by the Board of Directors, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Day” means, with respect to any Note, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking
institutions in the State of New York, the Cayman Islands or, in the case of a payment under the Indenture, place of payment are authorized or obligated
by law or executive order to close.
“Capital Stock” means, for any entity, any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or
interests in (however designated) stock issued by that entity.
“Change in Law” shall have the meaning specified in clause (e) of the definition of “Fundamental Change” below.
“Change in Tax Law” shall have the meaning specified in Section 16.01(b).
“Class A Ordinary Shares” means the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.00001 per share, at the date of this Indenture,
subject to Section 14.07.
“Class B Ordinary Shares” means the Class B ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.00001 per share, at the date of this Indenture,
subject to Section 14.07.
“Clause A Distribution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.04(c)(A).
“Clause B Distribution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.04(c)(B).
“Clause C Distribution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.04(c).
“close of business” means 5:00 p.m. (New York City time).
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Equity” of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person that is generally entitled (a) to vote in the election of directors of such
Person or (b) if such Person is not a corporation, to vote or otherwise participate in the selection of the governing body, partners, managers or others that
will control the management or policies of such Person.
“Company” shall have the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture, and subject to the provisions of Article 11, shall include its
successors and assigns.
“Company Group” shall have the meaning specified in clause (e) of the definition of “Fundamental Change” below.
“Company Notice” shall have the meaning specified in Section 15.01(a).
“Company Order” means a written order of the Company, signed by an Officer and delivered to the Trustee.
3
“Conversion Agent” means Citibank, N.A., the conversion agent with respect to the Notes appointed pursuant to the Appointment Letter and,
subject to the provisions of the Appointment Letter, shall also include any successor conversion agent.
“Conversion Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.02(c).
“Conversion Obligation” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01(a).
“Conversion Price” means as of any time, US$1,000, divided by the Conversion Rate as of such time.
“Conversion Rate” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01(a).
“Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any time this Indenture shall be administered, which office at the
date hereof is located at 20/F, Citi Tower, One Bay East, 83 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, Attention: Agency and Trust, Facsimile: + 852
2323 0279, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the designated corporate
trust office of any successor trustee (or such other address as such successor trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the
Company).
“Daily VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the per ADS volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on
Bloomberg page “IQ
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