Buffett's backing fails to improve BYD's status

HONG KONG - Warren Buffett's support for BYD Co is proving no solace for investors, as analysts rate the Chinese automaker the lowest among global peers.

Hong Kong-listed BYD has the lowest consensus rating among the world's largest automakers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. BYD shares are rated "sell" by 13 of 22 analysts who follow the stock, "hold" by seven and "buy" by two others, giving the Shenzhen-based company a score of 2 out of a possible 5.

South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co's 4.91 rating is the highest among manufacturers with market values of at least $3 billion.