Macro and Strategy - June financial data shows a significant rebound in credit, with new social financing reaching 4.20 trillion yuan, exceeding expectations of 3.71 trillion yuan, and new RMB loans at 2.24 trillion yuan, surpassing the forecast of 1.84 trillion yuan [8][9][10] - The M2 money supply grew by 8.3% year-on-year, indicating a recovery in domestic economic momentum as private sector balance sheet expansion improves [8][9] - The "seesaw effect" between government financing and corporate loans has weakened, suggesting a shift in credit dynamics as local governments approach their annual debt targets [9][10] Retail Industry - The jewelry market is projected to grow steadily, with the market size reaching 728 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.6% since 2019 [11][12] - The top five companies in the jewelry sector hold a market share of 41.4%, indicating increasing industry concentration as consumer preferences shift towards quality and design [11][12] - The retail sector is benefiting from the recent Amazon Prime Day, which generated an estimated $24.1 billion in sales, a 30% increase year-on-year, highlighting the growth potential in cross-border e-commerce [13][14] Food and Beverage Industry - The food and beverage sector saw a 0.92% increase, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index by 0.17 percentage points [14] - The liquor market is stabilizing, with major brands focusing on brand positioning and market health, while the overall demand remains under pressure [15][16] - Recommendations include leading brands like Kweichow Moutai and Wuliangye, which have shown resilience and potential for recovery [15][16] Construction and Building Materials - The construction materials sector is expected to improve due to a shift towards healthy competition and urban renewal initiatives, with a focus on technological innovation [17][18] - Cement prices have stabilized, with a slight decrease of 0.4% week-on-week, while demand remains steady despite seasonal fluctuations [17][18] - Recommendations include companies like Three Trees and China National Building Material, which are well-positioned to benefit from domestic demand [18] Computer Industry - The AI ASIC market is rapidly expanding, with a projected market size growth from $14.8 billion in 2024 to $83.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 33.5% [19][20] - The price advantage of AI ASIC chips over GPUs is significant, with average prices of $5,236 compared to $8,001 for GPUs, making them more attractive for specific applications [19][20] - Companies like Google and Amazon are accelerating their development of ASIC chips, indicating strong future demand in this sector [21] Home Appliances - The home appliance sector is experiencing stable growth in domestic sales, driven by government subsidies, while exports face challenges due to high bases and tariff impacts [22][23] - White goods are seeing a slight increase in domestic sales, with air conditioning units showing a 9.5% growth in domestic shipments [22][23] - Recommendations include leading brands such as Midea and Gree, which are expected to maintain strong performance [22][23] Pharmaceutical Industry - Merck's acquisition of Verona for $10 billion aims to enhance its portfolio with a new COPD treatment, indicating strong growth potential in respiratory therapies [27][28] - WuXi AppTec is projected to achieve a 102% increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, reflecting robust operational performance [29] - The pharmaceutical sector is showing resilience, with a focus on innovative treatments and strategic acquisitions [27][28] Coal Industry - The coal market is expected to stabilize as domestic production increases and imports decrease, with a projected production of 4.85 billion tons in 2025, a 2% increase year-on-year [31][32] - Demand for coal is anticipated to improve in the second half of the year, particularly for non-electric uses such as chemical production [33] - Recommendations include leading coal companies like China Shenhua and China Coal Energy, which are well-positioned to benefit from market dynamics [34] Electronics Industry - The electronics sector is experiencing positive momentum, with a 0.93% increase in stock performance, driven by strong demand in the optical and semiconductor segments [34] - The industry is expected to see significant catalysts in the coming months, particularly in the context of AI and cloud computing advancements [34] - Companies involved in ASIC development are likely to benefit from the ongoing trends in computing and data processing [34]

Core Insights - The rapid evolution of consumer habits, the decline of e-commerce benefits, and the efficiency upgrades in offline channels are driving liquor companies to accelerate their entry into the instant retail sector [1][4] - The liquor industry is witnessing a shift towards instant retail, with companies like 1919 Group and Luzhou Laojiao launching innovative models to meet the immediate needs of younger consumers [3][5] Group 1: Industry Trends - Instant retail is reshaping the retail landscape, with companies integrating "instant retail" and "scene experience" to create new consumption ecosystems [3][4] - The online penetration rate for liquor channels has reached 35%, with the market size for instant retail in the liquor sector expected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025 [5][6] Group 2: Company Strategies - 1919 Group is undergoing its fourth strategic transformation, focusing on creating a "1919 liquor lifestyle museum" that combines liquor sales with dining and social experiences [3][4] - Luzhou Laojiao has launched the "Xiaoshida" service on Douyin, enabling immediate delivery upon order, while Guizhou Maotai plans to establish a "30-minute rapid delivery" network [4][5] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The instant retail model is gaining traction as it addresses the "last mile" delivery challenge, although it poses significant logistical demands due to the fragile nature of liquor products [7][8] - The growth of instant retail is driven by the need for immediate consumption, with consumers increasingly opting for online purchases during social gatherings [5][6] Group 4: Challenges and Considerations - Liquor companies face challenges in balancing logistics costs with product profitability, as well as ensuring product authenticity in the instant retail space [7][8] - The industry must navigate the complexities of integrating instant retail with traditional distribution channels while maintaining consumer trust in product quality [8][9]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform the Market" rating for the food and beverage sector [4][5][73]. Core Views - The liquor sector is showing signs of bottoming out, with a focus on the mid-year performance of the sector. The overall sentiment is improving due to policy expectations aimed at boosting domestic demand, leading to a recovery in the liquor sector after significant declines [2][11][13]. - The beer and beverage segments are entering a peak season, with expectations for strong mid-year performance. Companies like Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer are projected to achieve substantial profit growth due to cost reduction and efficiency improvements [14][15][20]. - The report emphasizes the importance of consumer engagement and market health for liquor companies, suggesting a shift towards internationalization and targeting younger demographics [2][11][13]. Summary by Sections Liquor Sector - The liquor index rose by 1.4% this week, with major brands like Kweichow Moutai and Wuliangye focusing on brand strength and service enhancement. The sector is expected to recover from low valuations, although demand pressures remain significant [2][11][13]. - Recommended stocks include Kweichow Moutai, Shanxi Fenjiu, and Luzhou Laojiao, which have demonstrated strong risk resilience [2][11][13]. Consumer Goods - The beer segment is expected to benefit from seasonal demand, with Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer forecasting a 40% to 50% increase in net profit for the first half of 2025 [14][15]. - The snack sector is experiencing volatility, with a recommendation for companies with strong performance certainty, such as Wei Long and Yan Jin [16]. - In the condiment sector, leading companies are expected to show resilience, with a focus on policy developments that could enhance the restaurant industry's vitality [17]. Frozen Foods and Dairy - Frozen food companies are actively developing new products to cater to both B2B and B2C markets, with a focus on convenience and smaller packaging [18]. - The dairy sector is anticipated to see a gradual recovery in demand, supported by favorable policies and improved supply dynamics [19]. Beverages - The beverage industry is entering a peak season, with leading companies like Dongpeng Beverage expected to continue expanding their market presence [20].

Group 1: Core Views - The report suggests that the food and beverage industry is expected to see a valuation recovery as market sentiment improves, with a focus on low-priced leading companies in the liquor sector and structural opportunities in the food sector [2][7][10]. Group 2: Liquor Sector - The liquor sector is experiencing a phase of demand decline due to seasonal factors and regulatory impacts, leading to pressure on high-end liquor prices, while mass consumption remains stable [7][13]. - Major companies like Moutai are expected to maintain their performance due to strong brand positioning, while others are entering an adjustment phase, with varying adjustment speeds among companies [7][14]. - Q2 performance forecasts for major liquor companies indicate a range of revenue and profit changes, with Moutai expected to see a 9% increase in both revenue and profit [14][15][16]. Group 3: Food Sector - The food sector shows signs of recovery, with segments like beverages, snacks, and pet food experiencing upward trends, while beer and restaurant supply chains face structural challenges [21][24]. - The beverage industry remains vibrant with new product launches and a clear trend towards reduced sugar options, while competition intensifies [24][30]. - Dairy products are seeing mixed performance, with some segments like low-temperature dairy and cheese growing, while others face challenges [24][33]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on leading liquor companies with a safety margin for investment, as well as food companies that are expected to exceed mid-year performance expectations [10][28]. - Specific companies highlighted for potential investment include Nongfu Spring, Uni-President China, and Tianwei Foods, among others [10][28].

Group 1: Foreign Investment Trends in Baijiu Sector - Foreign investment in the baijiu sector has been decreasing, with Kweichow Moutai's foreign ownership dropping from 26% to nearly 13% over the past five years, representing a reduction of about 50% [1] - Other major baijiu companies have also seen significant reductions in foreign holdings, with Luzhou Laojiao decreasing from 8.1% to 4.5% (44% reduction), Yanghe from 27.4% to 3.5% (87% reduction), and Gujing Gong from 10.3% to 3.8% (63% reduction) [2] - Wuliangye has experienced a similar trend, with foreign ownership decreasing from 26% to approximately 7%, equating to a 73% reduction over the last five years [3] Group 2: Recent Performance and Forecasts - Recent quarterly data indicates that Kweichow Moutai had two quarters of net buying and two quarters of net selling, with total shares held decreasing from 87 million to 73 million, a 16% reduction over the past year [1] - Forecasts for the first half of 2025 suggest Kweichow Moutai will see a revenue growth of 9%, while Wuliangye is expected to grow by 1-2%, and Luzhou Laojiao is projected to decline by 6-10% [10] - Shanxi Fenjiu is an exception, with foreign holdings increasing from 36 million to 49 million shares over the past year, indicating a 36% increase in foreign investment [12] Group 3: Overall Industry Sentiment - The overall sentiment in the baijiu industry appears cautious, with many companies experiencing declines in foreign investment, suggesting that the industry's fundamentals may not have fully bottomed out [9] - The baijiu index has been one of the worst-performing indices this year, raising concerns about whether the actual earnings will meet broker expectations [10]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing slowdown in domestic market sales and intensified competition have prompted Chinese liquor companies to focus on international expansion, with a notable trend of liquor returning to the domestic market as well [1][2]. Group 1: International Expansion of Chinese Liquor - Since 2024, major Chinese liquor companies have increased their investments in international markets, with brands like Moutai, Wuliangye, Yanghe, and Luzhou Laojiao actively participating in international events and marketing activities in regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America [3]. - As of the first half of 2025, 63.9% of liquor companies have either established or are expanding their overseas markets, with the Asia-Pacific region being the primary destination [3]. - In the first five months of 2025, China's liquor export volume and value both increased, with an export value of $400 million, up 8.4% year-on-year, and an export volume of 6.84 million liters, up 5.7% year-on-year [4]. Group 2: Liquor Reflow to Domestic Market - A significant amount of liquor is returning to China, with the country being the largest source of imported spirits, accounting for $160 million in imports, a 56.6% increase year-on-year, and 893,000 liters, a 64.4% increase year-on-year [5]. - The average import price of these returning liquors is $174 per liter, significantly higher than the $12 per liter for British spirits [7]. - The reflow of liquor is attributed to various factors, including the lack of effective overseas market penetration by Chinese companies and the potential for profit despite the multiple layers of taxes incurred during the import process [11][14]. Group 3: Challenges in Internationalization - The primary challenges faced by liquor companies in international markets include cultural differences (82.9%), brand influence (68.6%), and tariffs and trade barriers (60.0%) [17]. - Although some companies have achieved success through localized operations, significant time and effort are still required for market penetration and brand recognition [18]. - The unique characteristics of Chinese liquor, including its consumption habits and cultural significance, pose additional challenges in appealing to foreign consumers [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The white liquor market is experiencing a downward price trend, driven by changes in consumer demand and market dynamics, as indicated by recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics [1][5]. Price Trends - National data shows that liquor prices have decreased by 1.7% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month as of June 2025, with an overall decline of 2.0% in the first half of the year [1][2]. - The price of premium liquor brands, such as Feitian Moutai, has dropped from over 3000 yuan to below 2000 yuan, indicating a significant reduction in market premium [4]. Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable shift in consumer preferences, with younger consumers moving away from traditional high-alcohol liquor towards lower-alcohol options and craft beers, leading to a contraction in the white liquor market [5][6]. - The demand for high-priced liquor for business banquets and gifts has decreased, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises facing financial pressures [5][6]. Supply and Inventory Issues - The white liquor industry is facing overproduction and high inventory levels, with a reported production decline of 7.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 [5][6]. - Companies are resorting to price reductions as a means to clear excess inventory, with distributors eager to recover funds through lower pricing strategies [6]. Market Dynamics - The rise of e-commerce and live-streaming sales has intensified price competition and increased price transparency, reducing the ability of traditional channels to maintain high prices [6]. - The shift from "face consumption" to a more rational consumer mindset emphasizes value for money and quality, challenging the high-end liquor market's previous status as a social currency [6].

Core Viewpoint - The internationalization of Chinese liquor, particularly Baijiu, is a complex process that requires patience and strategic planning, as domestic market challenges drive companies to explore overseas opportunities while facing simultaneous trends of liquor re-importation [1][9]. Group 1: International Expansion - Starting in 2024, major Chinese liquor companies are intensifying their efforts in international markets, with brands like Moutai and Wuliangye actively participating in international events and marketing campaigns across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America [2][9]. - By mid-2025, 63.9% of Baijiu companies are reported to have established or are in the process of expanding into overseas markets, with the Asia-Pacific region being the primary target [2][9]. - In the first five months of 2025, China's Baijiu exports reached $400 million, marking an 8.4% year-on-year increase, with export volume growing by 5.7% to 6.84 million liters [2]. Group 2: Liquor Re-importation - A significant amount of Baijiu is returning to China, with the country being the largest source of imported spirits, accounting for $160 million in imports, a 56.6% increase year-on-year, and 893,000 liters, up 64.4% [3][4]. - The average import price of these returning Baijiu is $174 per liter, significantly higher than the average price of British spirits at $12 per liter [3][4]. - The phenomenon of re-importation is attributed to the complexities of international trade, including high taxes and the involvement of intermediaries, leading to price discrepancies that favor overseas versions of Baijiu in the domestic market [4][7]. Group 3: Challenges in Internationalization - Major challenges for Baijiu companies in international markets include cultural differences (82.9%), brand influence (68.6%), and trade barriers (60.0%), as highlighted in a report by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association [9]. - Despite some successes through localized operations, the overall internationalization of Baijiu remains a long-term endeavor, requiring adaptation to foreign consumer preferences and effective communication of its cultural significance [9][10]. - The market share of Chinese Baijiu in regions like the UAE is still minimal, with local consumers often finding the taste too strong initially, indicating a need for product innovation to cater to international palates [10].

Investment Rating - The report downgrades four stocks: Fen Wine, Luzhou Laojiao, ZJLD to Neutral from Buy, and Anhui Gujing to Sell from Neutral, while maintaining Buy on Kweichow Moutai and Wuliangye [9][36]. Core Insights - The current cycle for the spirits industry is likely prolonged due to the impact of the new austerity policy, with uncertainties on when the cycle will bottom out [1][14]. - The report anticipates policy headwinds to persist from 2Q25 to 2Q26, followed by a modest impact in 2H26 as improper dining restrictions for civil servants normalize [2][14]. - The spirits industry is expected to see a decline in total addressable market (TAM) by 10% to 14% in 2025-27E, with a forecasted decline of over 6% in 2025 and a -2% decline in 2026 [2][14]. Summary by Sections Risk Profiling - A policy impact ranking analysis indicates that upper mid-end and commercial banquet-focused products will face greater pressure, while Moutai is expected to remain resilient due to its gifting demand and limited exposure to government-related banquet consumption [2][12]. Earnings and Valuation Analysis - The report projects +1%/+5% aggregated topline growth for 2025/26E, down from previous estimates of +6%/+9%, with high-end spirits expected to grow by +5%/+5% and upper-mid-high end spirits facing declines of -10%/+2% [2][14]. - A bear case analysis suggests potential earnings downside risks of 6% to 18% for most spirits names compared to the base case [2][14]. Industry Growth Forecast - The spirits industry growth forecast has been revised down to a greater than 6% decline in 2025 and a -2% decline in 2026, compared to prior forecasts of +4%/+3% growth [2][14]. - The report highlights that the spirits industry has been consolidating, with leading players gaining market share, particularly in the super premium segment [2][25]. Company-Specific Insights - Moutai's wholesale price stability is supported by various measures, and the report suggests that a price below RMB 1,800 could hurt distributor profits, leading to market volatility [8][14]. - The report revises down sales and net profit estimates for various companies, including a 1% to 19% reduction for most names, reflecting the impact of the new policy [36][37].

Core Viewpoint - The low-alcohol liquor segment is gaining significant attention in the Chinese market, with major liquor companies like Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Yanghe, and Shui Jing Fang announcing plans to launch low-alcohol products, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics [1][2][6]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Major liquor companies are responding to the trend of low-alcohol beverages, with Wuliangye set to launch a 29-degree product and Luzhou Laojiao developing a 28-degree variant of its popular offerings [2][6]. - Yanghe is targeting younger consumers with a range of low-alcohol products, including fashionable white liquor (33.8 degrees) and fruit wines (15-28 degrees), indicating a strategic shift towards appealing to a younger demographic [2][5]. - The market is witnessing a transformation in consumption patterns, with younger consumers favoring personalized, low-alcohol, and social drinking experiences, leading to a decline in traditional high-alcohol consumption [7][9]. Group 2: Historical Context - The concept of low-alcohol liquor has been explored for years, with the China Alcoholic Drinks Association advocating for lower alcohol content since around 2017, and companies like Wuliangye and Yanghe having initiated low-alcohol product development as early as the 1970s and 2014, respectively [5][6]. - Wuliangye has a long history of low-alcohol product development, having successfully created various low-alcohol variants since the late 20th century, positioning itself as a pioneer in this segment [5][6]. Group 3: Market Challenges - The low-alcohol liquor segment faces challenges such as maintaining flavor saturation and product shelf life, as the dilution process can lead to a loss of aroma and taste [10][11]. - Analysts highlight that while low-alcohol products are gaining traction, the primary consumer base for traditional liquor remains older demographics, who may not find low-alcohol options satisfying [10][11].