Summary of the Baijiu Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The Baijiu industry is expected to reach a turning point around the second quarter of 2026, with stock prices typically responding ahead of fundamentals, indicating a current bottoming expectation for the sector, which presents good absolute return potential [1][4] - The industry has undergone six quarters of adjustment, likely to bottom out by the second quarter of 2026, with a subsequent recovery in income and stock prices anticipated [1][13][16] Key Insights and Arguments - The current market structure for Baijiu has significantly changed compared to the 2013-2016 cycle, with increased industry concentration and improved market management capabilities among leading companies [1][3][14] - The wholesale price of Moutai has dropped to 1,650 RMB, which is equivalent to 34 bottles purchasable with the annual income of urban residents, indicating sufficient economic capacity for high-end Baijiu consumption [1][11] - The Baijiu sector is currently under pressure but is expected to enter a phase of recovery as new products and channels contribute to growth, creating a resonance effect between alpha and beta returns [1][5] Future Trends - The Baijiu industry is projected to see a recovery in revenue growth by the second quarter of 2026, with a potential for excess returns compared to the CSI 300 index [13][16] - The rise of sauce-flavored Baijiu and its increasing penetration rate are noted as significant trends, despite recent adjustments in this segment [14][15] Investment Recommendations - Companies are categorized into three main development lines: 1. Those that meet family demand and have competitive advantages in regional markets, such as Jinwei and Gujing [17] 2. Large enterprises with strong brand positions and operational capabilities, like Luzhou Laojiao and Moutai [17] 3. Companies that innovate in products and channels, such as Shede and Li Du, which are exploring new growth points [17] Challenges and Opportunities - Current challenges include inventory buildup and downward pricing pressures across the industry, but a recovery in demand and normalization of inventory levels are expected to lead to a turning point in revenue stabilization [20] - The valuation of Baijiu companies is at historical lows, suggesting significant upside potential once the market recovers, particularly for high-end products that remain in demand [19][21] Conclusion - The Baijiu industry is in a transitional phase, with expectations of recovery and growth in the coming years. The current low valuations present a favorable long-term investment opportunity as the market stabilizes and consumer demand rebounds [19][20]

Core Viewpoint - The consumer sector is experiencing a collective rebound, driven by government policies aimed at boosting consumption and supporting key industries [1][3]. Group 1: Market Performance - As of November 10, 2023, various consumer indices, including food and beverage, beauty care, and retail, have shown less than 10% growth year-to-date, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index [2]. - The food and beverage sector has been the weakest performer, with its index in a downward trend for the year [2]. Group 2: Institutional Outlook - Institutions are becoming increasingly optimistic about the future performance of the consumer sector, with several brokerages identifying potential investment opportunities [3]. - Open Source Securities notes that the food and beverage sector is nearing a bottom, with recovery expectations rising as negative factors have largely been released and policy impacts are slowing [3]. - Huachuang Securities highlights that service consumption is in a transformative phase, with strong policy support expected to make it a key investment theme [3]. - Galaxy Securities emphasizes the importance of enhancing consumer power and expanding quality consumption supply during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, as new consumption trends emerge [3]. Group 3: Valuation and Stock Performance - Many consumer stocks are currently seen as undervalued, with 123 stocks having a rolling P/E ratio below 30 and underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index year-to-date [4]. - Notable large-cap stocks include Kweichow Moutai, Midea Group, and Wuliangye, among others [4]. - 23 stocks have seen a cumulative decline of over 10% this year, with Ganyuan Food experiencing the largest drop at 33.79% [4]. Group 4: Future Growth Potential - From an institutional perspective, 43 of the 123 identified consumer stocks have an upside potential exceeding 20% based on consensus target prices [5]. - Proya Cosmetics leads with a projected upside of 49.05%, supported by its international expansion plans [5]. - Xueda Education follows with an expected upside of 48.6%, driven by its clear business expansion strategy in personalized education [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The A-share liquor sector has experienced a significant rebound, driven by favorable policies, expectations of industry recovery, and positive macroeconomic data [1][3][9]. Group 1: Market Performance - As of November 10, the liquor sector index (BK0896) closed at 2349.92, with a rise of 2.92%, and several stocks, including Shede Liquor and Jiu Gui Jiu, reached their daily limit [1]. - Notable stocks such as Luzhou Laojiao and Gujing Gongjiu saw increases exceeding 6% [1]. - The overall market sentiment has improved, with the consumer sector also witnessing a collective rise, indicating a broader recovery trend [7]. Group 2: Policy and Industry Dynamics - A series of supportive policies have been introduced since late September, focusing on expanding domestic demand and promoting consumption, which has attracted capital to the liquor sector [3]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has included liquor in the "historical classic industries" category, emphasizing its cultural significance and potential for high-quality development [3]. - Recent policies from Guizhou province aim to shift the liquor industry from merely selling products to offering lifestyle services, indicating a strategic transformation in the sector [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Despite a challenging third quarter for many liquor companies, the overall resilience of the sector has improved compared to previous downturns, with many companies showing better performance metrics [8][9]. - Analysts note that the valuation and sentiment in the sector are at low levels, which has contributed to the recent price increases [5]. - The presence of institutional investors in the market has been significant, with notable purchases in stocks like Jiu Gui Jiu, indicating renewed interest from larger players [5][6]. Group 4: Inventory and Sales Trends - The upcoming "Double 11" shopping festival is expected to help clear some inventory, although it is viewed as a short-term measure rather than a solution to the industry's deeper issues [10]. - Analysts suggest that while there is a limited recovery expected in the fourth quarter, the overall industry remains in a deep adjustment phase, with varying performance among different companies [14]. - The sales performance of premium products like Feitian Moutai has stabilized, contributing positively to market expectations [12][14].

Group 1: Market Performance - The food and beverage sector has shown strong performance, leading the market with a 3.64% increase in the food ETF (515710) as of the close on November 10 [1][3] - Major liquor stocks experienced significant gains, with Shede Liquor and Jiu Gui Liquor hitting the daily limit, and Luzhou Laojiao rising by 8.23% [1][3] Group 2: Capital Inflow - The food and beverage sector attracted over 10 billion CNY in net inflows from main funds in a single day, ranking first among 30 sectors [3][4] - The food ETF (515710) has seen a net inflow of over 1.2 billion CNY in the last five trading days and more than 2.4 billion CNY in the last ten trading days [4][5] Group 3: Valuation and Investment Opportunities - The valuation of the food and beverage sector is currently at a historical low, with the food ETF's underlying index PE ratio at 20.59, indicating a good entry point for long-term investments [6][7] - Analysts suggest that the food and beverage industry is gradually bottoming out, with opportunities to invest in liquor stocks at low prices [7][8]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform the Market" [22] Core Viewpoints - The overall performance of the liquor industry has significantly declined, entering a rapid clearing phase, but demand is expected to show weak recovery as policy pressures ease [3] - The industry is currently at a low valuation level, with pessimistic expectations fully priced in, indicating a clearer direction for future industry clearing [3] - The introduction of new tax policies in the gold sector is expected to benefit companies with brand and channel advantages, leading to a concentration of demand towards leading enterprises [4] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - The food and beverage industry index decreased by 0.56%, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index, which increased by 1.08% [4][6] - Among the sub-sectors, pre-processed foods led with a gain of 2.26%, while soft drinks saw the largest decline at -1.20% [4][9] Liquor Sector Insights - Guizhou Moutai announced a mid-term dividend of approximately 30 billion yuan and a buyback plan of 15-30 billion yuan, enhancing shareholder returns [4] - Guizhou is promoting a shift in the liquor industry from "selling liquor" to "selling lifestyle," aiming to upgrade the industry from traditional manufacturing to cultural experience [4] Gold Sector Developments - The new tax policy for gold sales, effective from November 1, is expected to increase costs for non-member companies, potentially shifting demand towards leading firms with membership qualifications [4] Consumer Goods Focus - The report suggests focusing on high-growth consumer goods companies, such as Wancheng Group and Dongpeng Beverage, which are expected to receive valuation premiums due to their growth trajectories [5]

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor industry is undergoing significant adjustments, characterized by rational consumption, price inversion, and high inventory levels, with "data distortion" and "information isolation" being key bottlenecks for industry transformation [2][6][12] - The launch of "JiuJia Neican," a price service system, aims to provide objective, real, scientific, and traceable data to address these challenges and enhance market insights [2][12] Industry Overview - The liquor industry has transitioned from prosperity to adjustment over the past decade, with high-end brands like Moutai experiencing significant growth from 2015 to 2022, followed by a cautious market sentiment post-2022 [6][7] - Leading companies maintain strong risk resistance and market share, while mid-tier companies face substantial declines in performance, highlighting the increasing "Matthew Effect" in market competition [7][12] Product Focus - "JiuJia Neican" targets nine major representative products from leading companies, ensuring strong industry representation based on revenue, market focus, and consumer recognition [7][12] - The service emphasizes terminal transaction prices over wholesale prices, capturing real market demand through data from major e-commerce platforms and offline retail [7][8] Consumer Behavior - Recent trends indicate a shift from ostentatious consumption to self-satisfying emotional consumption, with price-performance ratios becoming critical in consumer decision-making [8][12] - The integration of real transaction prices across channels provides consumers with authoritative guidance, enhancing their purchasing experience and avoiding misleading pricing [8][12] Data Collection and Validation - "JiuJia Neican" employs a comprehensive data collection network across various regions and channels, ensuring representative and reliable pricing data [10][11] - The system integrates data from approximately 200 distributors and retail points, maintaining a balanced data structure across different channels and regions [11] Strategic Implications - For liquor companies, real-time tracking of competitor prices and sales trends allows for better market demand assessment and optimized production and channel strategies [12] - The introduction of "JiuJia Neican" addresses the industry's information asymmetry, establishing a meaningful terminal price system that can serve as a barometer for industry health and support high-quality development [12]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform the Market" rating for the food and beverage sector [4][5][15]. Core Views - The food and beverage sector is expected to perform well in 2026, driven by low valuations, low institutional holdings, and a low base effect. The sector has underperformed the CSI 300 index for three consecutive years, and any changes in supply and demand dynamics could catalyze stock price increases [15][17]. - The report identifies three key judgments for 2026: 1) The sector's dividend attributes are becoming evident, with room for valuation expansion; 2) C-end consumption remains the industry’s foundation, but B-end and business scenarios may recover faster; 3) Health-focused innovative products and digital supply chains will be core growth drivers [15][16]. Summary by Sections 1. Sector Overview - The food and beverage sector saw a slight decline of 0.38% this week, with A-shares down 0.54% and H-shares up 1.88%. The top gainers included Anji Food (+13.87%) and Huifa Food (+13.07%) [1][3]. 2. Sub-sector Analysis - **Alcohol**: The sector is in a left-side layout phase, with recommendations for companies like Luzhou Laojiao and Shanxi Fenjiu, which are expected to benefit from national expansion [2][10]. - **Beverages**: The beverage sector is experiencing continued growth, with strong performance from leading companies like Nongfu Spring and Dongpeng Beverage. The report recommends focusing on dairy products, particularly Yili, due to stable demand recovery [2][14]. - **Food**: The snack segment shows strong growth potential, particularly in konjac snacks, with leading companies like Weidong and Yanjin Puhui demonstrating competitive advantages [2][12]. 3. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends maintaining the investment portfolio, which includes Guizhou Moutai, Baba Food, Dongpeng Beverage, Weidong, and Luzhou Laojiao, as these companies are expected to outperform the market [3][18]. 4. Earnings Forecasts - Guizhou Moutai is projected to have a revenue of CNY 183.52 billion in 2025, with a net profit of CNY 90.59 billion, reflecting a growth of 5.4% year-on-year [19][20]. - Luzhou Laojiao is expected to see revenue growth of 3.1% in 2026, with a net profit forecasted to increase by 4.3% [20]. 5. Market Trends and Catalysts - Recent industry catalysts include the Central Economic Work Conference and various alcohol distributor conferences, which are expected to influence market dynamics positively [3][10].

Investment Rating - The overall industry investment rating is positive, with expectations of returns exceeding the CSI 300 index by more than 5% in the next six months [19]. Core Views - The food and beverage sector is currently under pressure, with a 0.49% decline in the SW food and beverage index, ranking 26th among 31 sub-industries [11]. - The report highlights a potential recovery in consumer confidence and sales, particularly in the liquor sector, which may lead to valuation recovery [14]. - The October CPI has turned positive year-on-year, indicating a potential improvement in consumer spending and market conditions [5]. Summary by Sections Sub-industry Ratings - No ratings are provided for liquor, beverages, and food categories [3]. - Recommended companies include: - Guizhou Moutai: Increase holdings - Shanxi Fenjiu: Increase holdings - Guming: Buy - Mixue Group: Increase holdings - Ximai Food: Buy - Dongpeng Beverage: Buy [3]. Industry Performance - The SW food and beverage sector saw declines in beer, soft drinks, and other liquor categories, with the highest gains in pre-processed foods, meat products, and baked goods [11]. - Notable stock performances include: - Top gainers: Anji Food (+13.87%), Huifa Food (+13.07%), Babi Food (+11.32%) - Top losers: Bai Run Shares (-4.33%), Gujing Gongjiu (-5.43%), Jiao Da Ang Li (-5.54%) [11]. Liquor Sector Insights - The liquor sector is expected to see a bottoming out of its fundamentals, with a focus on sales recovery points [14]. - Guizhou Moutai announced a mid-term dividend plan of CNY 30 billion and a share buyback plan of CNY 1.5-3 billion [14]. - Current prices for Moutai products are CNY 1,660 for Feitian Moutai and CNY 810 for Wuliangye, showing slight declines [17]. Consumer Goods Sector Insights - The consumer goods sector is showing signs of marginal improvement, with notable stock performances from Anji Food, Huifa Food, and Babi Food [5]. - The CPI for October increased by 0.2% year-on-year, indicating a potential recovery in consumer spending [5]. - Recommended stocks for the medium to long term include Guming, Mixue Group, Ximai Food, and Dongpeng Beverage [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook on the liquor industry, indicating that it is entering a strategic allocation period as it approaches a bottom phase [2]. Core Insights - The liquor sector is expected to experience a fundamental turning point in Q3 2026, with a potential dual impact on valuation and performance by the end of 2026 and into 2027. This is based on historical performance patterns observed from 2012 to 2015, where stock price turning points preceded fundamental turning points [2]. - The report emphasizes the need for patience regarding the fundamental recovery and notes that individual company adjustments will vary, leading to differentiated stock performances during this period. It anticipates that the main contribution to stock price returns will come from valuation adjustments rather than earnings growth in the near term [2]. Summary by Sections Fundamental Analysis - The liquor sector has been experiencing a significant downturn since Q4 2024, with Q3 2025 showing accelerated declines. The industry is projected to face a 20%-30% year-on-year decline in sales volume in Q3 2025, with a 50% drop compared to Q3 2024. High-end liquor prices are also declining as the market seeks a balance between volume and price [4]. - Looking ahead, Q1 2026 is expected to continue facing double-digit sales volume declines, but stabilization is anticipated in Q2 2026, with a potential recovery in demand and pricing by Q3 2026 [4]. Valuation Analysis - As of October 31, 2025, the liquor sector's absolute PE ratio stands at 18.7x, significantly below the historical average of 27.6x since 2011. The relative PE ratio compared to the Shanghai Composite Index is 1.14x, also below the historical average of 2.01x. The report suggests that leading companies are expected to increase their dividend payout ratios, with most currently offering dividend yields above 3%, indicating long-term investment value [4]. Holdings Analysis - In Q3 2025, the liquor sector's holdings accounted for 5.52% of total fund investments, a decrease of 1.26 percentage points from previous quarters, returning to levels seen in Q2 2017. This indicates a significant reduction in fund exposure to the liquor sector compared to historical averages [4].

Investment Rating - Investment advice favors growth targets in beverages, food ingredients, and snacks, while revising expectations for Chinese baijiu [6][18]. Core Insights - The report highlights a focus on low valuation and high dividend yielding stocks within the soft drink sector, indicating potential for fundamental and valuation recovery as competition eases and consumer power improves [10][18]. - Chinese baijiu sector shows a significant decline in Q3, with revenues down 18% year-on-year and net profits down 22%, indicating a need for destocking and potential for market stabilization [7][18]. - The report emphasizes the importance of innovative supply and channel strategies among liquor companies to seek growth despite demand pressures [8][18]. Summary by Sections Investment Recommendations - Focus on flexible targets in Chinese baijiu such as ZJLD, Shede Spirits, and Luzhou Laojiao, while mid-term stable targets include Wuliangye and Kweichow Moutai [6][18]. - In the beverage sector, key growth targets include Eastroc Beverage and Nongfu Spring, alongside high dividend, low valuation options like Uni-President China and Want Want China Holdings [6][18]. - Snack and food ingredient growth targets include Three Squirrels and Guilin Seamild Foods, while beer targets include Tsingtao Brewery and China Resources Beer Holdings [6][18]. Baijiu Sector Analysis - Q3 reports indicate a significant revenue decline for the baijiu sector, with Moutai emphasizing high-quality growth and announcing a new dividend and buyback plan to boost market confidence [7][8][18]. - The report notes that the industry is still in a destocking phase, with potential for capital markets to bottom out early despite ongoing demand pressures [7][18]. Consumer Goods Sector Insights - The soft drink sector is highlighted for its high return on equity (ROE) and good cash flow characteristics, making it a quality dividend asset [10][18]. - Recent performance of Uni-President China shows a profit of RMB 2.01 billion for Q3, marking a 23.06% year-on-year increase, indicating strong growth potential [11][18].