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].

Core Viewpoint - The recent wave of high-level executive departures in the Chinese liquor industry reflects deep-seated challenges and transformation pains faced by the sector, driven by high inventory levels and price inversions impacting growth [2][11]. Group 1: Executive Changes - Recent resignations include the chairman and board members of Yanghe Co. and the general manager of Jinzhongzi Liquor, indicating a trend of leadership instability across major liquor companies [3][4]. - Guizhou Moutai has also seen personnel changes, with new appointments aimed at addressing internal management dynamics [4]. - The performance pressures, such as Jinzhongzi Liquor's revenue drop of 37.04% to 925 million yuan and a net loss of 258 million yuan, are significant catalysts for these executive changes [4][10]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The liquor industry is grappling with high inventory levels, with total inventory among 20 listed liquor companies reaching 168.39 billion yuan, an increase of 19.29 billion yuan year-on-year [5][8]. - The prolonged inventory cycle and frequent price inversions are eroding profits and confidence among distributors, leading to increased pressure on sales targets for management [8][9]. - The younger generation's declining interest in traditional liquor, with less than 30% of Gen Z purchasing liquor, poses a significant challenge for the industry [9]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The liquor market is undergoing a structural adjustment, with a shift from high-growth expectations to a focus on stable dividends, as evidenced by the stock price declines of 19 out of 20 listed liquor companies in 2024 [10][12]. - The industry is witnessing a shift towards consumer-oriented strategies, moving from reliance on government and business consumption to targeting the mass market [13][16]. - New management is increasingly emphasizing innovation and digital marketing to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions [16].

Core Viewpoint - Yanghe Co., Ltd. is undergoing significant leadership changes, with Zhang Liandong resigning as chairman, raising questions about the company's future performance amid declining financial results and increased competition in the liquor industry [2][4][39]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - On July 1, 2024, Zhang Liandong announced his resignation from the position of chairman and other roles at Yanghe Co., Ltd. [2] - Zhang Liandong, who took over from the company's previous leader Wang Yao in February 2021, had a term set to end in April 2027 [3][4]. - Gu Yu has been appointed as the new party secretary of Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd. on the same day [6]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Yanghe's financial performance has seen a downturn, with 2024 revenues and net profits both declining significantly; revenues fell to approximately 289 billion yuan, a 13% year-on-year decrease, while net profits dropped to around 67 billion yuan, down 33% [9][10][12]. - The company's revenue growth has slowed over the past few years, with 2021-2023 revenues of 254 billion, 301 billion, and 331 billion yuan, reflecting growth rates of 20%, 19%, and 10% respectively [9][12]. - In 2024, Yanghe's revenue ranking in the liquor industry fell from third to fifth, losing its position as a top player for the first time in 14 years [16]. Group 3: Market Challenges - The liquor industry is experiencing intensified competition, particularly in the mid-range and premium segments where Yanghe's main products are concentrated [13]. - The company's mid-to-high-end liquor revenue declined by 15% in 2024, marking a significant drop compared to previous years [13]. - Yanghe's domestic market revenue fell by over 11%, while the external market saw a decline of more than 14% [14]. Group 4: Sales and Marketing Efforts - Yanghe has increased its number of distributors to 8,866, with a notable presence in both domestic and external markets [16]. - The company has invested heavily in sales expenses, amounting to 5.5 billion yuan in 2024, which is significantly higher than competitors like Shanxi Fenjiu and Luzhou Laojiao [19][21]. - Despite high sales expenses, the effectiveness of these investments has been questioned, as the company has not seen corresponding growth in performance [21]. Group 5: Innovation and Product Development - Yanghe's product innovation has been lacking, with R&D expenditures decreasing over the past four years, contrasting with competitors who have increased their R&D investments [27]. - The company's main products, such as "Dream Blue" and "Sky Blue," have been in the market for over 20 years, leading to market saturation [27]. - The need for innovative products is critical as the market for liquor is becoming increasingly competitive, especially with the introduction of lower-alcohol products by competitors [28]. Group 6: Stock Performance and Investor Sentiment - Yanghe's stock price has significantly declined, dropping 74% from its peak of 249.55 yuan per share in January 2021 to 64.80 yuan as of July 7, 2024 [30]. - The number of institutional investors holding Yanghe shares has decreased dramatically from 866 to 48 since 2022, indicating a loss of confidence among investors [33]. - The recent leadership change has sparked interest in whether the new management can reverse the company's fortunes and restore investor confidence [35][39].

Group 1 - The Jiangsu Province Urban Football League ("Su Super") has gained significant attention this summer, promoting tourism, dining, leisure, and sports consumption in various regions of Jiangsu, showcasing a successful integration of culture and tourism [2] - Yanghe Co., as a national brand rooted in Jiangsu, has fully sponsored the "Su Super" Suqian team, exploring innovative practices to empower regional cultural dissemination and support high-quality cultural tourism development [2][3] Group 2 - During a key match between Suqian and Yancheng, Yanghe Co. organized a fan group to enhance the atmosphere and showcase hospitality, while also creating industrial tourism routes for visiting fans to experience local culture [3] - Yanghe Co. has launched exclusive benefits for visiting fans, including free tours of two national 4A-level tourist attractions, enhancing the interaction between the event, brand, and fans [4] - The company has consistently invested in community sports, promoting sports culture and integrating it with liquor culture, thereby creating new consumption scenarios and supporting the development of cultural tourism [6]

Group 1 - The recent wave of executive changes in the liquor industry reflects common challenges such as pressure for high-end transformation, intensified market competition, and rational consumption upgrades [1][2] - Key executives from major liquor companies like Jinzhongzi Liquor, China Resources Beer, and Yanghe Co. have stepped down, indicating a strategic shift in response to industry pressures [1][2] - Jinzhongzi Liquor has reported a cumulative loss of 467 million yuan over the past three years, highlighting the financial struggles faced by the company [2] Group 2 - China Resources Beer’s white liquor business generated revenue of 2.149 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3.97%, but fell short of the initial growth target of over 30% [3] - Yanghe Co. experienced a revenue decline of 12.83% in 2024, with net profit dropping by 33.37%, indicating significant performance challenges [3][4] - The new leadership in these companies is expected to navigate through the current deep adjustment period in the industry and find new balances in brand value, channel health, and consumer relationships [1][4] Group 3 - Zhao Chunwu, the acting chairman of China Resources Beer, emphasizes the ongoing trend of high-end beer consumption while acknowledging shifts in consumer behavior towards more rational purchasing decisions [4][5] - The liquor industry is advised to focus on systematic strategic layouts and organizational capabilities for future development, rather than relying solely on individual executives [5] - Yanghe Co. is encouraged to enhance its marketing strategies and optimize talent management to stabilize its market position and drive growth in key regions [6]

Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zhang Liandong as chairman of Yanghe Co., Ltd. marks a significant leadership change amid declining performance, with the company facing challenges in the competitive high-end liquor market [3][6][11]. Company Overview - Yanghe Co., Ltd. announced the resignation of chairman Zhang Liandong on July 1, 2023, due to work adjustments, with his term originally set to end in April 2027 [3][6]. - Zhang Liandong's tenure saw a turnaround in company performance, with revenue increasing from 253.50 billion CNY in 2021 to 331.3 billion CNY in 2023, and net profit exceeding 100 billion CNY for the first time [6][7]. - However, in 2024, Yanghe became the only top five A-share liquor company to experience declines in both revenue and profit, with a 12.83% drop in revenue to 288.76 billion CNY and a 33.37% decrease in net profit to 66.73 billion CNY [6][11]. Strategic Initiatives - During Zhang's leadership, Yanghe implemented a "dual famous liquor, multi-brand, multi-category" strategy, enhancing brand influence through various marketing initiatives [7]. - The company launched its first equity incentive plan in 2021, aiming to motivate management and align interests with long-term growth [7]. Leadership Transition - Gu Yu, the current district mayor of Suqian, has been appointed as the new party secretary of Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd., indicating a continuation of leadership from a similar governmental background [8][10]. - Analysts suggest that Gu Yu is expected to take over as chairman, following a pattern of leadership transitions within the company [11]. Market Challenges - Yanghe faces structural pressures from both high-end competitors and a slowing overall consumption market, necessitating management optimization to enhance market responsiveness [11]. - Recommendations for Yanghe's future include revitalizing the "Shuanggou" brand, upgrading traditional sales channels, and improving talent acquisition and incentive mechanisms [11]. Stock Performance - As of July 7, 2023, Yanghe's stock closed at 64.8 CNY, with a total market capitalization of 976.18 billion CNY [12].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the industry is "Outperform the Market" [5][6]. Core Views - The report highlights that the liquor sector, particularly Moutai, is stabilizing in price, and attention should be paid to the second-quarter performance of the sector [3][12]. - The food and beverage sector saw a slight increase of 0.74% this week, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index by 0.67 percentage points [2][22]. - The report emphasizes the importance of consumer demand and market health, with companies focusing on destocking and promoting sales in the short term while nurturing consumer engagement and internationalization in the long term [14][21]. Summary by Sections Liquor Sector - Moutai's stock buyback reached 3.3821 million shares, accounting for 0.27% of total shares, with a total expenditure of 5.202 billion yuan [3][12]. - The liquor index increased by 1.2%, indicating a potential valuation recovery driven by incremental policies [14]. - Recommended stocks include Moutai, Shanxi Fenjiu, and Wuliangye, which have demonstrated resilience through multiple cycles [14][21]. Consumer Goods - The report notes that the recent warm weather is favorable for beer consumption, with expectations for slight sales growth among major beer brands [15]. - The snack sector is experiencing a trend of differentiation, with recommendations for companies that are innovating in products and channels [16][17]. - The report suggests focusing on leading companies in the seasoning industry, such as Yihai International and Haitian Flavoring, as they show resilience [18]. Frozen Foods - The frozen food sector is stable, with companies actively developing new products despite the off-season [19]. - Anji Food's recent IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange raised 2.302 billion HKD, which will be used to enhance sales networks and optimize supply chains [19]. Dairy Products - The dairy sector is expected to see a gradual recovery in demand, with supply pressures easing and potential policy catalysts on the horizon [20]. - The report recommends focusing on leading dairy companies that are well-positioned for upward elasticity in 2025 [20]. Beverages - The beverage industry is entering a peak season, with expectations for continued growth in segments like sugar-free tea and energy drinks [21]. - The report recommends East Peak Beverage, which is accelerating its national and platform expansion [21].

Group 1: Management Changes in the Alcohol Industry - The alcohol industry has seen a series of high-level management changes since last year, with companies like Yanghe, China Resources Beer, and Jinzhongzi Wine experiencing shifts in leadership, indicating a strong intent from shareholders and investors to boost performance [1] - Jinzhongzi Wine's General Manager He Xiuxia has resigned, and the company is facing significant market share pressure, with 2024 revenue projected to drop to 925 million yuan, a stark contrast to over 2 billion yuan in previous cycles [5] - Yanghe has appointed Gu Yu as the new Party Secretary, replacing Zhang Liandong, who has stepped down amid a challenging period for the white liquor industry [6][7] Group 2: Trade and Regulatory Developments - The Ministry of Commerce has concluded an anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy, determining that dumping margins range from 27.7% to 34.9%, leading to the imposition of anti-dumping duties starting July 5, 2025 [2][3] - A total of 34 EU brandy exporters, including well-known brands like Martell and Hennessy, can avoid these duties by adhering to price commitments approved by Chinese authorities [3] Group 3: Market Trends and Promotions - Taobao Flash Sale has initiated a new subsidy program, investing 50 billion yuan, resulting in a significant increase in orders, particularly in the alcohol sector, with some brands seeing order volumes double [4] - Kuaizi Jiao reported that its high-end "Jian" series products have not performed as expected, with sales and consumer feedback being less favorable compared to older products [10] - Xijiu has launched a promotional campaign offering buy-three-get-one-free deals on various products, indicating a strategy to boost sales through consumer incentives [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is currently in a period of adjustment, with leading companies focusing on "steady development" as their primary strategy amidst challenges such as slowing consumer demand and intensified competition [2][3][6]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Dividends - Major liquor companies like Moutai, Wuliangye, and Yanghe are showing a trend of increasing dividend amounts and ratios, reflecting their strong financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns [7][8]. - Moutai plans to distribute a total cash dividend of 646.72 billion yuan for 2024, with a distribution rate of around 80% [7]. - Wuliangye announced a record high total dividend of 223 billion yuan for 2024, with a dividend yield of 4.9%, and committed to maintaining a dividend ratio of no less than 70% from 2024 to 2026 [7][8]. - Luzhou Laojiao has also set a three-year cash dividend plan, with rates increasing from 65% to 75% over the next three years [8]. Group 2: Strategic Focus and Market Positioning - The keyword for the liquor industry in 2025 is "stability," as companies prioritize maintaining market share and quality over rapid growth [3][6]. - Wuliangye reported a revenue growth of 7.09% and a net profit growth of 5.44% for 2024, continuing its trend of steady growth for ten consecutive years [5]. - Shanxi Fenjiu emphasized the shift in competition from speed to quality, focusing on stabilizing markets, channels, and prices [5]. Group 3: International Expansion - Moutai's international revenue reached 5.189 billion yuan in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its global strategy, which includes transitioning from product export to brand and cultural promotion [9]. - Wuliangye has successfully opened 21 new overseas markets and established 29 new distributors, enhancing its international presence [10]. - Fenjiu is implementing a differentiated international strategy, successfully filling market gaps in 11 countries and increasing its overseas revenue by over 50% [10]. Group 4: Product Innovation and Market Trends - The trend towards lower alcohol content beverages is gaining traction, with several leading companies, including Moutai and Wuliangye, planning to launch low-alcohol products to cater to younger consumers [13][16]. - Moutai has introduced a blueberry sparkling wine and is actively recruiting distributors to capture more market share in the low-alcohol segment [16]. - The industry is recognizing the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences, with companies exploring new product lines to meet diverse market demands [16].