格隆汇APP·2025-05-03 08:37Core Viewpoint - The A-share liquor industry has experienced a significant decline of over 40% since its peak in February 2021, with the white liquor sector particularly struggling, contrasting sharply with its previous popularity before 2021 [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Performance - From 2022 to 2024, the net profit growth rate of A-share listed liquor companies is projected to decline, with figures of 20.3%, 18.9%, and 7.4% respectively, marking a significant drop from the double-digit growth seen in previous years [2]. - In Q1 2025, total revenue for listed liquor companies reached 153.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.7%, while net profit was 63.39 billion yuan, up 2.3% [4]. - Despite some companies like Moutai and Wuliangye showing positive growth, nearly half of the A-share liquor companies reported declining performance, with some experiencing revenue drops of up to 80% [7]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The overall profitability of the liquor sector remains high, with a gross profit margin of 81.53% and a net profit margin of 42.54% in Q1 2025, largely supported by leading companies [8]. - The market is currently facing a "volume and price decline" scenario, contrasting with the consumption upgrade seen in the previous five years [9][10]. - The current price-to-earnings ratio of the liquor index is 19.9 times, a significant drop from 70 times in February 2021, aligning with valuation levels from 2015 and 2018 [10][12]. Group 3: Economic Influences - The liquor industry is undergoing a cyclical downturn, influenced by broader economic factors such as the real estate market's decline, which has seen a drop in sales area from 1.79 billion square meters in 2021 to 970 million square meters in 2024, a decrease of over 45% [14]. - The decline in real estate prices and the shrinking asset base of middle-class families are expected to negatively impact personal liquor consumption [15]. - The demographic trends indicate a potential decline in the drinking population starting in 2028, which could further pressure demand [17]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The current cycle presents greater challenges for the liquor industry compared to previous downturns, with no clear new growth engines to drive recovery [20]. - While exploring international markets could provide growth opportunities, the cultural differences in drinking habits pose significant challenges [21]. - The liquor industry is transitioning from a high-growth phase to a more mature and potentially declining phase, with long-term growth rates likely to settle in the single digits [22].