Baidu's fundamental growth metrics have reportedly collapsed following a weak third-quarter earnings report. According to an analysis by Benzinga Edge, the company's growth score, which evaluates earnings and revenue expansion, plummeted from the 87th percentile to the 2nd percentile as of December 3rd, indicating a rapid decline in its financial health relative to peers. The sharp drop is linked to the company's recent financial disclosures, which revealed a 7% decrease in total revenue and an 18% fall in its core online advertising revenue. Baidu also reported a significant quarterly loss of RMB 11.23 billion ($1.59 billion) and has initiated mass layoffs that could impact up to 40% of employees in certain divisions, particularly within the mobile ecosystem group.