Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-23 01:57Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is facing a significant downturn, with major companies like Wuliangye and Luzhou Laojiao projected to experience substantial declines in revenue and profit for Q3 2025, indicating a broader industry crisis [1][4][10]. Financial Performance Predictions - Wuliangye's Q3 2025 revenue is expected to drop by 30% year-on-year, with net profit plummeting by 45% [1][2]. - Luzhou Laojiao is forecasted to see a 20% decline in profit, while other companies like Yanghe and Jiuqujiu are also expected to report profit drops exceeding 30% [4][8]. - Guizhou Moutai is projected to have near-zero profit growth, contrasting sharply with the declines seen in other brands [4][7]. Market Conditions - The overall retail sales growth has slowed significantly since July, particularly in the catering sector, which has fallen below 1% [6]. - Traditional festive gatherings and gifting demand have decreased, particularly affecting high-end liquor sales [6][10]. - Channel inventory pressures are mounting, with Wuliangye's pricing dropping from approximately 900 yuan to 820 yuan per bottle, leading to challenges for distributors [6]. Industry Trends - The liquor sector is experiencing a "sell less—dare not stock—worse performance" vicious cycle, exacerbated by high inventory levels and price inversions [10]. - The valuation of liquor stocks is under pressure, with some leading companies' price-to-earnings ratios nearing historical lows [10]. - The current performance downturn may be a precursor to future recovery, although the timing of any potential turnaround remains uncertain [10].