
Core Viewpoint - Yanghe, once a leading player in the Chinese liquor industry, is facing significant challenges, including declining revenue and profit, necessitating a strategic shift under new leadership to survive in a competitive market [4][6][50]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Yanghe's former chairman, Zhang Liandong, resigned unexpectedly in July 2024, just a week after promoting a new product [4][6]. - Gu Yu, a 47-year-old local government official with no prior experience in liquor sales, was appointed as the new chairman [6][7][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In 2024, Yanghe's revenue fell by 12.83% to 28.876 billion yuan, and net profit dropped by 33.37% to 6.673 billion yuan [12][18]. - The company's market position deteriorated from third to fifth in the industry, with significant competition from Shanxi Fenjiu and Luzhou Laojiao [12][13]. Group 3: Market Challenges - Yanghe is grappling with high inventory levels, unclear brand positioning, and a breakdown of trust within its distribution channels [9][10]. - The average inventory turnover days surged to 898 days in 2024, indicating severe inventory management issues [9]. Group 4: Brand and Product Strategy - Yanghe's high-end product, "Dream Blue," has seen declining sales, with significant price drops observed in the market [21][26]. - The company has shifted focus to lower-priced products, launching a 59 yuan light bottle wine in collaboration with JD.com, which quickly gained popularity [27][30]. Group 5: Distribution and Channel Issues - Yanghe's distribution network is characterized by a high turnover rate of over 15%, indicating instability and a lack of strong relationships with distributors [38][40]. - The company has lost market share in its home province of Jiangsu, with revenue declining by 11.43% in 2024 [43][45]. Group 6: Strategic Missteps - Yanghe's failure to adapt to market changes and consumer preferences has led to a decline in its competitive edge [49]. - The company's past strategic decisions, such as underutilizing the acquired brand "Shuangou," have hindered its growth potential [49].