Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Recommended" [9] Core Views - The economic landscape continues to show resilience, with GDP growth in the first three quarters reaching 101.50 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. Despite a marginal decline in growth rate to 4.8% in Q3, the overall economic stability is supported by new productive forces and effective macro policies [4] - Retail sales growth has slowed down, with total retail sales from January to September at 36.59 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%. In September alone, retail sales were 4.20 trillion yuan, growing by only 3.0% [5] - The beverage sector is performing strongly, with a focus on new consumption opportunities driven by retail channel transformations. Key companies to watch include Huashang Auntie, Tea Baidao, and others [6] Summary by Sections Economic Overview - GDP growth has shown resilience despite external challenges, with a year-on-year increase of 5.2% in the first three quarters [4] - The Q3 GDP growth rate decreased by 0.4 percentage points, attributed to external tariff policy changes and transitional pains in various industries [4] Retail Sales Performance - Total retail sales for the first nine months reached 36.59 trillion yuan, with a growth rate of 4.5% year-on-year. September's retail sales were 4.20 trillion yuan, reflecting a slowdown to 3.0% growth [5] - The decline in growth is linked to the reduced impact of the "old-for-new" policy and the timing of the Mid-Autumn Festival [5] Investment Opportunities - The report highlights several companies with strong recovery expectations in the consumer goods sector, including Weilai Delicious, Ximai Foods, and Youyou Foods [6] - The beverage sector is noted for its robust performance, with a focus on companies like Dongpeng Beverage and others, as well as the impact of new birth policies on dairy demand, highlighting companies such as Yili and Mengniu [6]

Core Insights - The liquor sector experienced a slight increase of 0.14% on October 21, with *ST Rock leading the gains [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3916.33, up 1.36%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 13077.32, up 2.06% [1] Stock Performance Summary - *ST Rock (600696) closed at 5.84, with a rise of 5.04% and a trading volume of 47,600 shares, totaling 27.11 million yuan [1] - Other notable performers include Tianyoude Liquor (002646) at 9.80, up 1.34%, and Qingdao Wenzhou (000995) at 13.97, up 1.31% [1] - Major stocks like Luzhou Laojiao (000568) and Kweichow Moutai (600519) saw minor increases of 0.80% and 0.30%, respectively, with Moutai's closing price at 1462.26 and a trading volume of 25,400 shares, totaling 3.73 billion yuan [1] Capital Flow Analysis - The liquor sector saw a net inflow of 12.19 million yuan from major funds, while retail investors contributed a net inflow of 15.9 million yuan [2] - Conversely, speculative funds experienced a net outflow of 172 million yuan [2] Individual Stock Capital Flow - Kweichow Moutai (600519) had a significant net inflow of 1.26 billion yuan from major funds, while it faced a net outflow of 1.26 billion yuan from speculative funds [3] - Wuliangye (000858) reported a net inflow of 29.16 million yuan from major funds, but a net outflow of 39.27 million yuan from retail investors [3] - *ST Rock (600696) showed a net inflow of 6.38 million yuan from major funds, while retail investors withdrew 5.52 million yuan [3]

Investment Rating - Industry Rating: Outperform the market (maintained rating) [6] Core Insights - The overall sales of liquor during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are expected to decline by 20%-30%, aligning with pre-festival expectations due to the impact of the "ban on alcohol" in May [2] - High-end liquor brands are showing resilience, while the mass market is under pressure, with a notable shift towards lower-priced products in certain regions [3] - The market is characterized by "overall pressure with regional differentiation," where high-end and regional leading brands perform better compared to mass-market products [3] - The price of high-end liquor is stabilizing after a decline, with notable brands like Moutai and Wuliangye showing recovery in prices [4] Summary by Sections Sales Performance - Sales during the double festival period are under pressure, with a slight recovery in terminal sales observed in September, but overall sales remain constrained [2] - Inventory levels among distributors are high due to sluggish sales, leading to cautious payment collection [2] Regional Analysis - Jiangsu: Stable sales in urban areas, but rural markets are struggling [3] - Henan: Lower-priced products are becoming the main sales drivers due to changing consumer perceptions [3] - Sichuan: Differentiated performance in urban and rural markets, with rural areas showing resilience [3] - Shandong: Sales are influenced by promotional activities, but overall market sentiment is weak [3] Pricing Trends - High-end liquor prices are stabilizing after a decline, with Moutai's price around 1760 yuan [4] - Strong brand power is crucial for performance, with brands like Jiu Gui and Jian Nan Chun showing better resilience [4] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that with the upcoming Q3 earnings disclosures, risks may be fully released, and the sector could see a recovery in sentiment [5] - Key investment lines include: 1. High elasticity stocks under policy expectations: Jiu Gui, She De, Shui Jing Fang, Lao Jiao, Hua Zhi [5] 2. Stocks benefiting from consumer recovery: Gu Jing Gong Jiu, Ying Jia, Jin Si Yuan [5] 3. Strong alpha stocks: Moutai, Fen Jiu [5]

Core Viewpoint - The liquor sector experienced a decline of 1.79% on October 17, with the leading stock, Jiu Gui Jiu, falling significantly. The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3839.76, down 1.95%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 12688.94, down 3.04% [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The liquor sector stocks showed varied performance, with notable declines in several key companies: - Zhi Si Cha (000799) closed at 62.22, down 3.20% with a trading volume of 106,600 shares and a transaction value of 671 million yuan - ST Yan Shi (600696) closed at 5.50, down 2.65% with a trading volume of 37,600 shares and a transaction value of 2.08 million yuan - She De Jiu Ye (600702) closed at 61.87, down 2.57% with a trading volume of 74,200 shares and a transaction value of 463 million yuan - Huang Tai Jiu Ye (000995) closed at 13.47, down 2.46% with a trading volume of 38,300 shares and a transaction value of 5.22 million yuan - Gu Li Gong Jiu (000596) closed at 155.80, down 2.02% with a trading volume of 22,100 shares and a transaction value of 348 million yuan - Kweichow Moutai (600519) closed at 1455.00, down 2.01% with a trading volume of 38,100 shares and a transaction value of 5.595 billion yuan - Shui Jing Fang (600779) closed at 42.10, down 1.98% with a trading volume of 20,700 shares and a transaction value of 87.98 million yuan - Jin Zhong Zi Jiu (661009) closed at 10.20, down 1.92% with a trading volume of 66,900 shares and a transaction value of 68.80 million yuan - Yi Li Te (600197) closed at 15.22, down 1.81% with a trading volume of 44,500 shares and a transaction value of 68.22 million yuan - Lao Bai Gan Jiu (600559) closed at 16.89, down 1.75% with a trading volume of 116,000 shares and a transaction value of 197 million yuan [1]. Group 2: Capital Flow - On the same day, the liquor sector saw a net outflow of 1.173 billion yuan from main funds, while retail funds experienced a net inflow of 488.5 million yuan and speculative funds saw a net inflow of 688 million yuan [2].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The Chinese liquor industry is undergoing profound changes in 2025, with shifts in consumer habits, channel restructuring, and capital market hesitance leading to both challenges and new opportunities [2] - The emergence of the post-90s generation as a new force in the liquor market is reshaping the industry landscape, emphasizing instant delivery and digital sales channels [4] - The industry is expected to reach a performance bottom in the first half of 2026, with head brands adjusting strategies to stabilize prices and optimize inventory [4][6] Industry Environment - The liquor industry is experiencing significant transformation characterized by consumer habit changes, channel restructuring, and capital market caution, leading to high inventory and performance declines [2] - Regional liquor companies are gaining traction while leading brands face performance pressures, indicating a divergence in market dynamics [2] - The focus on product innovation, particularly in low-alcohol and light bottle liquor, aligns with younger consumer trends [2] - The upcoming 2026 China Liquor Expo is anticipated to be a key platform for industry players to seize new growth opportunities [2] Brand Dynamics - Major liquor brands are adopting innovative marketing strategies to engage consumers, such as Meituan's collaboration with top liquor companies to ensure product authenticity in instant retail [8] - Qingdao Beer is enhancing its brand connection with consumers through cultural events and sponsorships, such as the National Fan Conference [9] - Wuliangye is promoting its internationalization efforts through cultural exchanges and themed events at global exhibitions [10] - The rise of live-streaming sales, particularly among younger entrepreneurs, is significantly impacting the liquor sales landscape [4][12] - Brands like Niulanshan are leveraging emotional marketing strategies to resonate with consumers, enhancing brand loyalty [12] Consumer Trends - Over 70% of consumers prefer classic liquor products, indicating a return to value-driven purchasing during the holiday seasons [7] - The trend towards rational consumption is evident as consumers prioritize quality and value in their purchasing decisions [7] - The focus on health and lower alcohol content is becoming increasingly important among consumers, particularly in the context of new product launches [21]

Core Insights - The liquor sector experienced a 2.4% increase on October 14, with Jiu Gui Jiu leading the gains [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3865.23, down 0.62%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 12895.11, down 2.54% [1] Liquor Sector Performance - Jiu Gui Jiu (code: 000799) closed at 63.55, up 6.68% with a trading volume of 273,600 shares and a transaction value of 1.715 billion [1] - She De Jiu Ye (code: 600702) closed at 61.85, up 6.27% with a trading volume of 179,600 shares and a transaction value of 1.092 billion [1] - Jin Hui Jiu (code: 616809) closed at 20.36, up 4.30% with a trading volume of 89,900 shares and a transaction value of 181 million [1] - Lu Zhou Lao Jiao (code: 000568) closed at 132.65, up 4.20% with a trading volume of 185,600 shares and a transaction value of 2.441 billion [1] - Yi Li Te (code: 600197) closed at 15.55, up 3.05% with a trading volume of 106,200 shares and a transaction value of 164 million [1] - Guo Jing Gong Jiu (code: 000596) closed at 155.07, up 2.81% with a trading volume of 36,100 shares and a transaction value of 559 million [1] - Yang He Guo Fen (code: 002304) closed at 68.77, up 2.67% with a trading volume of 87,700 shares and a transaction value of 598 million [1] - Shan Xi Fen Jiu (code: 600809) closed at 191.83, up 2.59% with a trading volume of 69,200 shares and a transaction value of 1.317 billion [1] - Gui Zhou Mao Tai (code: 600519) closed at 1451.02, up 2.24% with a trading volume of 66,700 shares and a transaction value of 9.639 billion [1] - Shui Jing Fang (code: 600779) closed at 42.98, up 2.21% with a trading volume of 41,000 shares and a transaction value of 175 million [1] Capital Flow Analysis - The liquor sector saw a net inflow of 1.129 billion from main funds, while retail funds experienced a net outflow of 664 million [1] - Main fund inflows for Gui Zhou Mao Tai amounted to 529 million, while retail funds saw a net outflow of 382,400 [2] - Main fund inflows for Wu Liang Ye were 326 million, with retail funds experiencing a net outflow of 162 million [2] - She De Jiu Ye had main fund inflows of 85.6 million, while retail funds saw a net outflow of 82.1 million [2] - Lu Zhou Lao Jiao had main fund inflows of 83.7 million, with retail funds experiencing a net outflow of 1.53 billion [2] - Jiu Gui Jiu had main fund inflows of 76.1 million, while retail funds saw a net outflow of 995.3 million [2] - Guo Jing Gong Jiu had main fund inflows of 54.2 million, with retail funds experiencing a net outflow of 612.4 million [2]

Core Insights - Water Well Group (600779) has been recognized as a respected enterprise for the 2024-2025 period by Economic Observer, highlighting its excellent performance in quality operations, innovative breakthroughs, and social contributions [1] Financial Performance - The company has achieved positive growth in key financial metrics including operating revenue, net profit, total assets, and R&D expenses for three consecutive years [1]

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor industry is undergoing a deep adjustment cycle in 2025, with weak consumption and policy factors leading to significant pressure on the overall industry [1] - Only 3 out of 13 listed liquor companies in A-shares reported both revenue and net profit growth in their 2025 semi-annual reports, indicating widespread growth challenges [1] - Despite industry challenges, Shuijingfang's 2025 semi-annual report reveals three positive signals that provide a new perspective on "value reconstruction" for liquor companies [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Shuijingfang achieved revenue of 1.498 billion yuan and a net profit of 105 million yuan in the first half of 2025, showing resilience despite industry headwinds [1] - The company proactively optimized its channel structure to combat common industry issues such as low-price dumping by distributors [1] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Shuijingfang implemented a "three-step + online-offline linkage" strategy to avoid dependency on consumption scenarios, focusing on product segmentation and cultural branding [3] - The company is targeting both the basic market with core products and the high-end market with rare aged liquors, enhancing brand value through cultural collaborations [3] Group 3: Long-term Strategy - Shuijingfang emphasizes long-term positioning through three dimensions: ESG construction, addressing the trend of lower alcohol content, and focusing on value competition [4] - The company’s proactive structural adjustments and long-term focus are seen as key strengths that could guide the entire liquor industry through its current challenges [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommendation" rating for the liquor industry, expecting the industry index to outperform the benchmark index by more than 5% in the next 3-6 months [22]. Core Viewpoints - The liquor industry is experiencing a marginal recovery in demand while supply continues to clear out, with expectations of a 20% year-on-year decline in sales during the holiday period [5][6]. - High-end products like Moutai and Wuliangye are showing better turnover, while mid-range products are performing relatively well in certain regions [5]. - The report suggests prioritizing investments in companies with stable performance, those undergoing significant transformation, and those with quality products that are clearing out inventory [5]. Industry Basic Data - The liquor industry consists of 20 listed companies with a total market capitalization of 31,219.12 billion [2]. - The circulating market value stands at 31,214.28 billion [2]. Relative Index Performance - The absolute performance of the liquor industry over the past 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months is -4.0%, -6.4%, and -15.6% respectively [3]. - The relative performance compared to the benchmark index is -7.2% over 1 month, -24.9% over 6 months, and -31.1% over 12 months [3]. Sales Performance Insights - During the holiday period, liquor sales are expected to decline by approximately 20%, aligning with pre-holiday expectations [5]. - High-end gifting demand has improved slightly before the holidays, while mid-range business group purchases are still under pressure [5]. - Regional performance varies, with provinces like Henan, Shandong, and Sichuan showing slightly better-than-expected results [5]. Brand Performance - Moutai and Wuliangye are performing well, while other brands are experiencing significant declines in sales [5][6]. - The report highlights that brands like Gujing and Jiuzi are expected to confirm performance bottoms and drive growth through market share [5]. Channel and Inventory Insights - Channel inventory is slightly decreasing, with supply and demand remaining in a tight balance [5]. - The report anticipates that Q4 will focus on inventory digestion, with price stability expected despite some downward pressure [5]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies with low performance risk, those confirming performance bottoms, and those undergoing deep transformations [5]. - Specific companies highlighted for investment include Moutai, Fenjiu, and Gujing, with a focus on dividend yield for Wuliangye and monitoring the performance of Laojiao [5].

Summary of China Spirits Tracker Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Spirits Industry**, particularly during the **Golden Week holiday season** which includes the National holiday and Mid-Autumn festival - Sales momentum for liquor consumption remained weak year-over-year (YoY) in key regions such as **Hunan, Anhui, and Henan** [1][1][1] Key Insights - **Banquet Demand**: Banquets are identified as the only growth pillar for spirits brands, outperforming other consumption scenarios during the holiday season, especially in **Jiangsu** and **Henan** provinces [1][1][1] - **Gifting Demand Decline**: There was a notable decline in gifting demand, with high-premium moon cakes (priced over Rmb500) market share dropping to approximately **1.8%** in 2025 YTD from **7.2%** in 2023. Pre-festival sales of moon cakes decreased by over **45%** YoY [1][1][1] - **Retail Sales Performance**: Overall retail sales of key enterprises in retail and catering increased by **3.3%** in the first four days of Golden Week, compared to a **6.3%** increase during the Labor Day holiday in 2025 [1][1][1] Regional Sales Performance - **Anhui**: Retail-end sales likely declined by **20%-30%** during the double holiday, with banquet sales still in a YoY downward trend [1][1][1] - **Jiangsu**: Retail-end sales likely decreased by over **20%** YoY, although banquet sales outperformed other consumption scenarios [1][1][1] - **Henan**: Holiday retail-end sales likely saw a **10%-15%** YoY decline, with banquet sales possibly remaining flat [1][1][1] - **Sichuan**: Retail-end sales may decrease by **20%** YoY, with gift-sending/business-related sales down by **20%-40%** YoY [1][1][1] - **Hunan**: Pre-festival shipment volumes for major brands like Feitian Moutai and Wuliangye saw declines ranging from **12% to 31%** YoY [1][1][1] Brand Performance - **Moutai**: - Feitian sell-through remained flat YoY, while non-standard SKUs saw a decline of over **20%** YoY [1][1][1] - Wholesale prices for original case Feitian Moutai decreased from **Rmb1,810** to **Rmb1,780** [1][1][1] - **Wuliangye**: - 1618 and Wuliangchun performed positively YoY, while common Wuliangye sell-through declined by **10%-15%** YoY [1][1][1] - **Laojiao**: Guojiao sell-through declined by over **25%** YTD YoY in some regions [1][1][1] Pricing Trends - Post-festival, wholesale prices for key upper-premium SKUs like Feitian Moutai and Common Wuliangye trended weaker compared to pre-festival prices, marking the weakest performance in the past five years [1][1][1] - Channel inventory levels remained stable, with Wuliangye and Laojiao at less than **2 months** and **3 months** respectively, while Gujing faced high inventory pressure [1][1][1] Additional Developments - **New Retail Initiatives**: - Waima opened its first offline store in **Chongqing**, offering upper-premium spirits brands [1][1][1] - I-Moutai launched insta-delivery services, supporting intra-city delivery in as fast as **30 minutes** [1][1][1] - **Sales Performance in Zhejiang**: Wuliangye management reported stable performance in weddings and celebratory banquets in the Zhejiang market [1][1][1] Conclusion - The China Spirits industry is currently facing challenges with weak demand trends, particularly in gifting and general consumption, while banquet demand remains a critical growth area. Brands are adjusting their strategies in response to changing consumer behaviors and market conditions.