Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Co. is closing in on Tesla Inc. as the world’s top seller of pure electric vehicles. Despite intense competition in the EV market, BYD has seen its profits soar, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry. While Tesla’s stock has plunged 17% this month, BYD’s stock has remained relatively stable, up 1%.
Analysts have raised their earnings estimates for BYD, indicating a positive outlook for the company’s future. The company recently reported record sales, beating expectations despite a general slowdown in China’s new energy car market. This success can be attributed to BYD’s ability to strike a balance between volume growth and profitability, making it a safer bet than Tesla in the short term.
What sets BYD apart is its growing exposure to hybrid vehicles, which are gaining popularity and market share in China. Hybrids contribute to higher profit margins and give BYD a competitive advantage. In addition, the company plans to launch high-end vehicles, such as the Yangwang U8 and Fang Cheng Bao BAO 5, to further expand its product portfolio.
BYD’s profitability per vehicle has also increased, defying conventional wisdom in a highly competitive market. JPMorgan Chase & Co. estimates that profit per car, excluding the impact of BYD’s electronics unit, rose as much as 46% sequentially.
Moreover, BYD’s forward earnings multiple has fallen to about 18 times, in stark contrast to Tesla’s multiple of more than 50 times. This makes BYD stock more attractive, especially given the positive shift in options data toward more bullish sentiment.
Despite challenges such as Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. selling shares and the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation, experts believe that BYD’s strong profitability and expansion into new markets will drive its stock price even higher in the future. As BYD continues to dominate the EV market, industry enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating its next strategic moves.
