Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-09-18 12:56Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is approaching a critical seasonal test in Q3 2025, with cautious market sentiment prevailing. Goldman Sachs predicts that Q3 2025 may represent a low point in valuation for the industry, with some stocks already reflecting a "bottoming" expectation. Target prices for leading companies like Moutai and Wuliangye have been adjusted upwards [1][2]. Group 1: Market Conditions - The liquor industry is facing dual pressures from ongoing anti-extravagance policies and a reduction in the length of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, leading to weakened retail momentum [2]. - Companies are focusing on inventory normalization through measures such as waiving prepayments and controlling shipment volumes, which may pressure short-term performance but help return inventory levels to normal [2]. - Despite a significant decline in wholesale prices for Moutai and Wuliangye, some retailers have slightly increased end prices in anticipation of brand-controlled inventory to support profits [2][3]. Group 2: Valuation and Stock Performance - The stock prices of liquor companies have risen by 24% since Q3, with a 17% increase in price-to-earnings ratios, indicating that the market has already absorbed the impact of policy changes [2]. - The average target price for liquor stocks has been raised by 6%, with mid-to-high-end liquor valuation multiples adjusted upwards by 13% to 19% [2]. - The high dividend yields of leading companies like Moutai and Wuliangye provide a valuation safety net, with potential price increases of 20% to 30% based on normalized earnings projections for 2027 [4]. Group 3: Company-Specific Adjustments - Moutai's target price has been adjusted from 1742 yuan to 1724 yuan, reflecting a 3% to 4% decrease in earnings expectations due to policy impacts [5]. - Wuliangye's target price has been raised from 139 yuan to 145 yuan, despite a 5% to 8% reduction in earnings expectations, as its valuation multiple has been increased from 17 times to 18.5 times [5]. - Other companies like Luzhou Laojiao and Gujing Gongjiu have also seen adjustments in their target prices and earnings expectations, reflecting varying degrees of resilience and market conditions [5]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - The current "low point" in Q3 is viewed as a critical phase for the industry, with inventory control measures potentially laying the groundwork for recovery in 2026 as policies ease [6]. - Investment recommendations focus on leading companies with strong dividend yields and brand strength, as well as those with significant valuation adjustments and earnings resilience [7].