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BYD Shares Fall to Nine-Month Low on Back-to-Back Sales Decline

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 0:36 GMT by Bloomberg L.P.
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Third‑Quarter Sales Slide

In the July‑September quarter, BYD sold 174,000 vehicles—down 4.9 percent from the 182,000 units it moved in the same period last year. The decline was particularly pronounced in the premium electric SUV and crossover segments, which have been the company’s growth engine over the past three years. By contrast, BYD’s lower‑priced battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs) still posted a modest 1.2 percent increase, buoyed by a modest uptick in demand for affordable models in tier‑two cities.

Analysts at Citi noted that the company’s earnings per share fell from CNY 1.34 in Q3 2024 to CNY 1.28, while its operating margin contracted from 9.1 percent to 7.8 percent. “The price cuts we see across the Chinese market are eroding margins, and BYD is forced to keep inventory levels low, which in turn limits its ability to ramp production to meet future demand,” the bank’s research team said.

Market Dynamics

The slowdown is part of a larger trend that has seen domestic EV sales dip for the fifth consecutive month. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), EV sales fell 4.5 percent year‑over‑year in the third quarter, driven by a combination of sluggish consumer spending, a tightening monetary policy, and the gradual phasing out of subsidy programs. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has signaled that subsidies for new‑energy vehicles will be further reduced this year, prompting several manufacturers to cut prices aggressively to maintain market share.

BYD’s chief executive, Wang Chuanfu, explained in a conference call that the company would focus on improving product quality and expanding its international footprint. “We remain confident in our product lineup and the brand’s appeal abroad,” Wang said. “In the domestic market, we are tightening our cost structure and adjusting our inventory management to match the current demand.”

Investor Sentiment and Stock Performance

The stock’s sharp fall is partly a reflection of the wider market sentiment toward Chinese auto stocks. Several peers—such as NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto—also experienced mid‑day declines following similar sales announcements. In a brief market analysis, Bloomberg’s auto analyst John McGee noted that BYD’s stock, which had traded near a six‑month high at CNY 68.00, slid to CNY 61.50 by the end of the session, wiping out roughly 12 percent of its market capitalization in a single day.

“Short‑term volatility is high as investors reassess valuations under new macroeconomic constraints,” McGee said. “The key will be how quickly BYD can return to positive growth trajectories, especially as export markets remain relatively resilient.”

Strategic Adjustments

In the wake of the sales slump, BYD has announced a series of strategic adjustments. The company will reduce its production capacity for its flagship EV models by an estimated 10 percent for the next six months, citing lower than expected demand in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Meanwhile, BYD plans to double down on its “Smart Vehicle” platform, integrating advanced driver‑assist technologies and AI‑based route planning. This shift is intended to differentiate BYD from competitors who rely heavily on price cuts.

BYD also intends to accelerate its expansion into Southeast Asia, targeting Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where the company has already secured local manufacturing agreements. “International markets remain our growth engine,” Wang said. “We anticipate that new production facilities in the region will boost our volume and help offset domestic sales declines.”

Broader Implications

The decline in BYD’s sales has prompted a renewed debate over the sustainability of China’s rapid EV growth. Analysts suggest that the industry’s trajectory may shift from sheer volume to more efficient and high‑margin models. The recent slump in domestic sales also underscores the fragility of China’s auto industry’s dependence on subsidies and local market demand.

According to a Bloomberg report linked to this story, the Chinese government’s decision to phase out subsidies for new‑energy vehicles has been accelerated due to concerns over debt levels in the auto sector. The policy change is expected to affect not only BYD but also other major manufacturers, potentially leading to a period of consolidation within the industry.

In conclusion, BYD’s sharp decline to a nine‑month low reflects a confluence of domestic market slowdown, aggressive pricing battles, and an uncertain policy environment. While the company’s management remains optimistic about future growth through strategic production cuts and international expansion, investors will be watching closely for any signs of rebound in both sales performance and profitability.