Yanghe(SZ:002304) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-08 02:40Core 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].