Selling, general and administrative expenses were RMB 20.5 billion ($2.98 billion), decreasing 17% year over year, primarily due to the decrease in channel spending, promotional marketing and personnel-related expenses.
Research and development expenses were RMB 23.3 billion ($3.38 billion), decreasing 7% year over year, primarily due to the decrease in personnel-related expenses.
Operating income was RMB 15.9 billion ($2.31 billion). Baidu Core operating income was RMB 14.5 billion ($2.11 billion), and Baidu Core operating margin was 15%. Non-GAAP operating income was RMB 23.2 billion ($3.36 billion). Non-GAAP Baidu Core operating income was RMB 20.9 billion ($3.04 billion), and non-GAAP Baidu Core operating margin was 22%.
Total other loss, net was RMB 5.8 billion ($841 million), which mainly included a fair value loss of RMB 3.9 billion and an impairment loss of RMB 3.0 billion from long-term investments. A significant portion of long-term investments, including but not limited to investments in equity securities of public and private companies and private equity funds, is subject to quarterly fair value adjustments, which may contribute to net income volatility in future periods. Total other income, net was RMB 260 million for 2021, which mainly included a fair value gain of RMB 3.1 billion and an impairment loss of RMB 4.3 billion from long-term investments.
Income tax expense was RMB 2.6 billion ($374 million), decreasing 19% year over year, primarily due to deferred tax benefit recognized on fair value loss of long-term investments in 2022 whereas the Company had deferred tax expense recognized on fair value gain of long-term investments in 2021.
Net income attributable to Baidu was RMB 7.6 billion ($1.10 billion), and diluted earnings per ADS was RMB 19.85 ($2.88). Net income attributable to Baidu Core was RMB 7.6 billion ($1.10 billion), and net margin for Baidu Core was 8%. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Baidu was RMB 20.7 billion ($3.00 billion), and non-GAAP diluted earnings per ADS amounted to RMB 58.93 ($8.54). Non-GAAP net income attributable to Baidu Core was RMB 19.9 billion ($2.89 billion), and non-GAAP net margin for Baidu Core was 21%.
Adjusted EBITDA was RMB 29.7 billion ($4.30 billion) and adjusted EBITDA margin was 24%. Adjusted EBITDA to Baidu Core was RMB 27.1 billion ($3.93 billion) and adjusted EBITDA margin for Baidu Core was 28%.
Free cash flow was RMB 17.9 billion ($2.59 billion), and free cash flow excluding iQIYI was RMB 18.1 billion ($2.63 billion).
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