BYD Stock Falls After Buffett's Hathaway Exits After 17 Years

Sep 22 - Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B) has wrapped up its long-standing investment in Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD (BYDDF), closing a chapter that lasted nearly two decades. The holding was first added in 2008 after Charlie Munger persuaded Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio) to back the then-emerging EV company.

The exit comes after years of steady trimming of Berkshire's position and now marks a full departure. BYD's Hong Kong shares slipped around 3% following the disclosure, as markets digested the loss of a marquee shareholder. For Berkshire, the move locks in massive gains from one of its most successful international investments, with BYD having grown from a niche battery player into a global EV powerhouse.

No specific reason was given for the timing, but the sale arrives at a moment of rising trade friction between Washington and Beijing, tighter competition across the EV industry, and a more U.S.-centric tilt in Berkshire's portfolio. Recent bets on Apple AAPL, Occidental Petroleum OXY, and Bank of America BAC now carry more weight.

The decision highlights Berkshire's pivot toward domestic holdings while crystallizing the profits of a 17-year China wager.