21世纪经济报道·2025-11-07 04:00Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Q3 report for the liquor industry indicates it is the worst quarter in the past decade, with most companies experiencing significant declines in performance, while only a few, like Guizhou Moutai and Shanxi Fenjiu, managed to maintain positive growth [1][4]. Group 1: Performance Comparison - Among the 21 A-share liquor companies, only 15 have fully experienced the previous adjustment period, showing improved resilience against downturns [2]. - In 2025 Q3, the revenue and net profit of these 15 companies fell by 4.5% and 5.5%, respectively, compared to more severe declines in 2013 and 2014 [4]. - The number of leading liquor companies maintaining positive growth has increased, with Guizhou Moutai and Shanxi Fenjiu being the only ones to achieve this in 2025 Q3 [5]. Group 2: Profitability and Financial Resilience - The total net profit of the 15 liquor companies in 2025 Q3 exceeded 110 billion, significantly higher than the less than 28 billion in 2013 [10]. - The accumulated undistributed profits of these companies reached 468.8 billion, five times that of 2013, indicating a stronger financial cushion [10][12]. - The profitability of leading companies has improved, with Moutai maintaining a gross margin above 90% and Wuliangye's gross margin rising to over 80% [13][14]. Group 3: Sales and Marketing Strategies - Unlike the previous cycle, companies have been more restrained in their sales expenditures, with many reducing their sales expense ratios compared to 2013 and 2014 [17][19]. - Guizhou Moutai's sales expense ratio remains low at around 3-4%, reflecting strong brand recognition and market confidence [20]. Group 4: Channel Confidence and Cash Flow - The confidence of distributors has improved, with contract liabilities for the 15 companies increasing by 3.6% in 2025 Q3, contrasting sharply with the declines seen in the previous cycle [22][24]. - However, some non-leading companies have reported negative cash flow from operating activities, indicating potential financial strain [28].