Chinese search giant Baidu reported a 34% jump in profit for the second quarter, with mobile ad sales accounting for almost a third of revenue for the first time.
Baidu’s profit reached 3.5 billion yuan ($571 million) for the quarter, while revenue soared 59% to 12 billion yuan, at the upper end of its forecast.
Mobile made up 30% of revenue, which was a first for the company, CEO Robin Li said in a statement. A day earlier, Facebook said it more than doubled its profit in the second quarter, with mobile a big factor.
The results show Baidu’s profit engine moving back into high gear. Last year its earnings growth slowed as the company increased spending to develop and promote new products.
Most of Baidu’s revenue comes from online ads, and it’s trying to squeeze more from mobile as more Chinese turn to smartphones to get online.
Baidu says it’s China’s top provider for mobile search, mobile mapping and app distribution. But it faces increased competition from local rivals like Alibaba Group and Qihoo 360, whose search products are growing in popularity.
Since last year, Baidu has spent a lot more on research and development and on marketing. In the quarter just ended, R&D expenses increased 85% year over year, while general and administrative expenses doubled – mostly from promoting mobile products, it said.
In the current quarter, Baidu expects revenue to reach as high as 13.8 billion yuan, an increase of 55% from last year.
IDG News Service
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