Summary of the White Liquor Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The white liquor industry is experiencing significant profit declines, with a 7% drop in profits for the first three quarters of 2025, and an 18% drop when excluding Moutai [1][2] - The industry saw a 22% profit decline in Q3 2025, with a staggering 48% drop when excluding Moutai [1][2] - The China Securities White Liquor Index has underperformed the CSI 300 Index for three consecutive years, with a 2023 underperformance of 8%, 2024 of 32%, and 27% from the beginning of 2025 to the end of October [1][3] Financial Performance - The valuation of the white liquor sector has been continuously declining since 2021, with most companies expected to see a profit decline of 20%-50% in 2025 [1][5] - The dynamic PE valuation has not significantly changed compared to the previous year, indicating challenges in valuation recovery [1][5] - The overall revenue for the industry in 2025 is projected to decline, with a 6% drop in the first three quarters and a 13% drop when excluding Moutai [2] Market Dynamics - The industry is in the early stages of a second round of clearing, with a slowdown in dealer payment speeds; for example, the payment speed for Laojiao dropped from 90% to 60% [1][6] - Major brands like Wuliangye are experiencing similar issues, with post-Mid-Autumn payment speeds only at 60%-70% [1][6] - Moutai's sales volume is expected to decline by about 10% in 2025, with non-standard products dropping over 20% [1][9] Investment Perspective - The white liquor sector has shown poor investment performance over the past few years, with no segment outperforming the index [3][4] - The current market is characterized as cyclical and lacking growth potential, suggesting that high expectations for the industry should be tempered [7][8] - Even if there is a short-term demand rebound, it is unlikely to change the long-term cyclical nature of the industry [8] Pricing and Profitability - Moutai's annual price has decreased by 600 yuan since 2023, but dealers are not incurring losses due to the factory price not being inverted [10][11] - Wuliangye's price has dropped significantly, leading to dealer losses and a 9% decline in Q3 net profit [11][12] - Most traditional dealers still maintain some profit margins, with Moutai's single product profit remaining close to 100 yuan [12] Future Outlook - The growth prospects for the white liquor industry are challenging, with dealers reluctant to make payments due to declining prices [13] - The high-end liquor market is expected to face increased competition, necessitating strategic adjustments from brands [13] - The overall price range in the industry has contracted by 20%, with sales volumes declining across various price segments [20] Strategic Initiatives - White liquor companies are attempting new strategies, such as introducing lower-alcohol products to attract younger consumers, but these efforts have not yielded significant results [17] - The high-end liquor market is under pressure, with a lack of conditions for significant price increases in the long term [19] Conclusion - The white liquor industry remains a critical component of China's consumer market, but investors should approach it with caution due to current market dynamics and potential future challenges [31][32] - Long-term confidence in quality companies is essential, but a rational investment mindset is necessary given the industry's cyclical nature and current performance trends [31][32]

Core Insights - The report from China Merchants Securities indicates a significant decline in the Chinese liquor industry for Q3 2025, with revenue, net profit, and cash returns dropping by 18.4%, 22.2%, and 26.7% respectively, compared to the previous year [1][2] - The industry is experiencing a deep adjustment phase, with leading companies like Wuliangye showing substantial declines, marking a challenging period for enterprises [1][2] Revenue and Profit Analysis - The liquor industry's revenue, net profit, and cash returns for Q3 2025 were reported at 787 billion, 280 billion, and 839 billion yuan respectively, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 18.4%, 22.2%, and 26.7% [1] - Excluding Moutai, the industry's revenue, net profit, and cash returns were 389 billion, 88 billion, and 402 billion yuan, showing a more severe decline of 31.5%, 48.0%, and 44.1% year-on-year [2] Company Performance - High-end liquor brands are facing significant policy impacts, with Moutai showing slight revenue growth while Wuliangye indicates a strong signal of adjustment [3] - Companies like Fenjiu are expanding their market presence, achieving revenue growth, while others like Water Well and Shede are still in the adjustment phase [3] Channel and Inventory Management - Companies are adopting inventory control measures, leading to a significant drop in revenue but allowing for the accumulation of inventory [4] - The overall profitability of liquor companies is under pressure, with many experiencing a decline in profit margins due to rising costs and historical issues [4] Investment Trends - The proportion of heavy holdings in the liquor sector has decreased, with a notable drop of 10 percentage points from its peak, indicating a cautious investment environment [5] - Moutai and Wuliangye have seen an increase in holding concentration, while other brands like Fenjiu and Laojiao have seen a decrease [5] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that as inventory clears and prices stabilize, the stock prices of leading companies are expected to rebound, with a focus on strong brands like Shanxi Fenjiu and Guizhou Moutai [6] - Companies that have proactively adjusted and managed their historical burdens, such as Wuliangye and Luzhou Laojiao, are also recommended for investment [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The liquor sector, particularly the baijiu industry, is experiencing a downturn, with significant declines in stock prices for major companies, indicating a potential industry shift and the need for market restructuring [1] Industry Summary - On September 19, the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.03% to 3830.65 points, while the baijiu sector closed at 2299.94 points, down 0.67% [1] - Among 15 baijiu stocks, the majority experienced declines, with Shui Jing Fang leading the drop at 2.20% [1] - Major companies such as Kweichow Moutai, Wuliangye, Shanxi Fenjiu, and Luzhou Laojiao saw their stock prices decrease by 0.15%, 0.40%, 1.40%, and a slight decline respectively [1] Company Summary - According to招商证券, the second quarter has seen an accelerated clearing in the baijiu industry, particularly among second and third-tier companies, while leading firms show resilience [1] - The financial reports of leading liquor companies will serve as a critical signal for an industry turning point, which may lead to a restructuring of the industry and distribution channels [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is entering a period of accelerated clearing in 2025, with significant declines in production, profits, and increasing inventory pressures among distributors [1][2]. Industry Overview - In the first half of 2025, the total production of the liquor industry was 1.9159 million kiloliters, a year-on-year decrease of 5.8%. Sales revenue reached 330.42 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.19%, while profits fell to 87.687 billion yuan, down 10.93% [1]. - 58.1% of distributors reported increased inventory, with over half facing price inversion issues, indicating weak terminal consumption and reduced willingness to collect payments from distributors [1][2]. Company Performance - Among 19 listed liquor companies, 13 experienced revenue declines, accounting for 68% of the total, with a significant slowdown in revenue growth compared to the previous year [1][2]. - The market is increasingly favoring leading companies, with the top six liquor firms accounting for 47% of revenue and 62.2% of total profits in 2024, marking a 13 percentage point increase over five years [2]. Profitability Trends - The wholesale price index for liquor has been declining, with notable drops in prices for major brands like Moutai and Wuliangye, indicating a broader trend of price decreases across the industry [3][4]. - Only three companies saw an increase in gross margin, while 16 experienced declines, with the most significant drops reported by Jiugui Liquor, Shede Liquor, and Kouzi Liquor [4][7]. - The average net profit margin for many companies has also decreased, with Jiugui Liquor, Shunxin Agriculture, and Water Well Square showing the most significant declines [4][7]. Market Dynamics - The growth logic of the liquor industry is changing, with a shift from "volume reduction and price increase" to simultaneous declines in both volume and price [2][3]. - Smaller liquor companies, particularly those with revenues below 5 billion yuan, are facing the most severe impacts, entering a destocking phase earlier than larger firms [4][5][6]. Financial Highlights - In the first half of 2025, the total net profit for 19 listed liquor companies was 97.003 billion yuan, with Moutai and Wuliangye accounting for 69% of this total [8]. - Six leading liquor companies contributed to 94% of the total net profit, while 11 companies reported net profits below 1 billion yuan, with some even incurring losses [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is entering a period of accelerated clearing in 2025, with significant declines in production, profits, and cash flow among many companies [1][2][3]. Industry Overview - In the first half of 2025, the total production of the liquor industry was 1.9159 million kiloliters, a year-on-year decrease of 5.8%. Sales revenue reached 330.42 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.19%, while profits fell to 87.687 billion yuan, down 10.93% [1]. - 58.1% of distributors reported increased inventory, with over half facing price inversion issues, indicating weak terminal consumption and reduced willingness to collect payments from distributors [1][2]. Company Performance - Among 19 listed liquor companies, 13 experienced revenue declines, accounting for 68% of the total, with a significant slowdown in revenue growth compared to the previous year [1][2]. - The market is increasingly concentrating on leading companies, with the top six liquor firms accounting for 47% of revenue and 62.2% of total profits in 2024, marking a 13 percentage point increase over five years [2]. Cash Flow Analysis - The cash flow from operating activities for 13 companies decreased, representing 68% of the total, while only six companies saw an increase [3][4]. - Notably, Kweichow Moutai's cash flow from operating activities dropped by 23.503 billion yuan to 13.119 billion yuan, a decline of 64.18% [4]. - Eight liquor companies reported negative cash flow from operating activities, primarily among small to medium-sized enterprises with annual revenues below 5 billion yuan [4][5]. Market Trends - The previous growth logic of "volume reduction and price increase" has collapsed, with both volume and price declining in the current market environment [2]. - The wholesale price index for liquor has been continuously declining from September 2024 to August 2025, with notable price drops for major brands [3].

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor industry is entering a period of accelerated clearing in 2025, with significant declines in production and profits [1][3] - A majority of liquor distributors are facing increased inventory pressures, leading to a negative feedback loop affecting sales and payment collection [2][3] Industry Overview - In the first half of 2025, the total production of the liquor industry was 1.9159 million kiloliters, a year-on-year decrease of 5.8%, while sales revenue reached 330.42 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.19%. Profits fell to 87.687 billion yuan, down 10.93% year-on-year [1] - 58.1% of distributors reported increased inventory, with over half experiencing price inversion issues, and the average inventory turnover days reached 900 days, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year [1] Company Performance - Among 19 listed liquor companies, 13 reported revenue declines, accounting for 68%, with a significant slowdown in revenue growth compared to the previous year [3] - The market is increasingly favoring leading companies, with the top six liquor firms accounting for 47% of revenue and 62.2% of total profits in 2024, marking increases of 13 and 9 percentage points respectively over five years [3] - The growth logic of the liquor industry is changing, with the previous "volume reduction, price increase" model failing, leading to simultaneous declines in both volume and price [3][4] Profitability Trends - The gross and net profit margins of listed liquor companies are generally declining, with only three companies showing an increase in gross margin [5] - The most significant declines in gross margin were observed in companies like Jiu Gui Jiu, She De Jiu Ye, and Kou Zi Jiao [5][7] - In the first half of 2025, only three companies improved their net profit margin, while 16 experienced declines, with the most severe drops in Jiu Gui Jiu, Shui Jing Fang, and Yang He Guo Jiu [5][8] Market Dynamics - The average gross margin for leading companies like Guizhou Moutai is 91.3%, while others like Luzhou Laojiao and Wuliangye follow with 87.09% and 76.83% respectively [8] - Four companies reported gross margins below 60%, with Shunxin Agriculture having the lowest at 34.36% [8] - The total net profit for 19 listed liquor companies reached 97.003 billion yuan, with Guizhou Moutai and Wuliangye accounting for 69% of this total [8][9]

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor industry is entering a period of accelerated clearing, with a total production of 1.9159 million kiloliters in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 5.8% [1] - Sales revenue reached 330.42 billion yuan, showing a slight increase of 0.19% year-on-year, while profits fell to 87.687 billion yuan, down 10.93% year-on-year [1] - Over 58.1% of distributors reported increased inventory, with an average inventory turnover period of 900 days, up 10% from the previous year [1] Industry Performance - Among 19 listed liquor companies, 13 reported a decline in revenue, accounting for 68%, with a significant slowdown in revenue growth compared to the previous year [2] - The market is increasingly concentrated among leading companies, with the top six accounting for 47% of revenue in 2024, up 13 percentage points from five years ago [2] - The median revenue growth rate for companies with over 10 billion yuan in revenue was 2.36%, while those below 10 billion saw a median decline of 16.89% [2] Price Trends - The growth logic of the liquor industry is changing, with the previous "volume reduction, price increase" model failing, leading to simultaneous declines in both volume and price [2] - The wholesale price index for liquor has been declining from September 2024 to August 2025, affecting even premium brands [2] Contract Liabilities - Total contract liabilities for 19 listed liquor companies reached 37.497 billion yuan, a decrease of 9.01 billion yuan year-on-year [4] - Guizhou Moutai saw its contract liabilities drop from 9.993 billion yuan to 5.507 billion yuan, a decline of 44.89%, reflecting adjustments in direct sales channel allocations [4] - Eight companies reported a reduction in contract liabilities of over 15%, with most being smaller firms [5] Company-Specific Performance - Guizhou Moutai reported a revenue of 91.094 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.16%, with contract liabilities at 5.507 billion yuan [6] - Other companies like Luzhou Laojiao and Wuliangye also reported varying revenue changes, with Wuliangye's contract liabilities at 10.077 billion yuan [6] - Ancient Liquor, a regional representative, experienced a revenue growth of 10.38% in Q1 but a decline of 14.23% in Q2, indicating a significant market shift [5]

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor industry is entering a period of accelerated clearing, with a significant decline in production and profits in the first half of 2025 [1][2] - A majority of listed liquor companies are experiencing revenue declines, indicating a shift in the industry's growth logic from "volume reduction, price increase" to simultaneous declines in both volume and price [2][3] Industry Overview - In the first half of 2025, the total production of the liquor industry was 1.9159 million kiloliters, a year-on-year decrease of 5.8%, while sales revenue reached 330.42 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.19%. Profits fell to 87.687 billion yuan, down 10.93% year-on-year [1] - 58.1% of distributors reported increased inventory levels, with over half facing price inversion issues. The average inventory turnover days for the liquor industry reached 900 days, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year [1] Company Performance - Among 19 listed liquor companies, 13 reported revenue declines, accounting for 68% of the total, with a significant slowdown in revenue growth compared to the previous year [2] - The market share is increasingly concentrated among leading companies, with the top six liquor firms accounting for 47% of revenue in 2024, up 13 percentage points from five years ago [2] - The median revenue growth rate for the top six liquor companies was 2.36%, while the median for companies below 10 billion yuan was -16.89% [2] Pricing Trends - The wholesale price index for liquor has been declining, with notable price drops for major brands such as Moutai and Wuliangye, indicating a broader trend of price reduction across the industry [2][3] Expense Management - Despite declining revenues, many liquor companies have increased their marketing expenditures. The median sales expense growth rate for 19 companies was -11.85%, while overall sales expenses remained stable compared to the previous year [4] - The highest sales expense ratio was recorded at 36.35% for Shui Jing Fang, with 58% of companies increasing their sales expense ratios [4][5] - Management expense ratios have also increased, with the highest being 23.59% for Huangtai Liquor, indicating pressure on profitability for smaller companies [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Dongwu Securities emphasizes the expectation for the liquor industry to undergo a clearing process, focusing on identifying key contradictions and the visibility of future performance recovery, prioritizing companies that are earlier in their turning points and have leading growth elasticity [1] Group 1: Industry Performance - In the first half of 2025, the liquor sector's total operating revenue decreased by 0.3% year-on-year, while net profit attributable to the parent company fell by 0.9% [1] - In Q2 2025, the liquor sector's total operating revenue declined by 4.7% year-on-year, with net profit attributable to the parent company dropping by 7.3% [1] - The macroeconomic environment in Q2 2025 saw significant impacts on business scenarios, with high-end and sub-high-end liquor demand experiencing a downward trend [1][2] Group 2: Sales and Revenue Trends - The revenue growth rate of most liquor companies has accelerated decline, with pre-receivable balances at near two-year lows, indicating ongoing channel repayment pressure [2] - The second-tier sub-high-end liquor companies have strengthened shipment control since Q2 2024, leading to a narrowing decline in revenue year-on-year in Q2 2025 [2] Group 3: Profitability and Margin Analysis - In the first half of 2025, the gross margins for high-end liquor, sub-high-end liquor, and regional liquor companies decreased by 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3 percentage points respectively, indicating pressure on product structure and pricing [3] - The profit growth rates for high-end liquor (5.49%) outperformed sub-high-end (-3.22%) and real estate liquor (-24.90%), reflecting challenges in product structure and sales conversion [3]

Core Viewpoint - The stock of Zhenjiu Lidu (06979) has risen over 8%, with a current price of HKD 7.94 and a trading volume of HKD 82.0855 million, amid expectations of a market bottom in the liquor industry by mid-2026 due to policy changes [1] Company Summary - Zhenjiu Lidu has released a performance forecast indicating a revenue decline of 38.3% to 41.9% for the first half of the year, projecting revenue between CNY 2.4 billion and 2.55 billion [1] - The company's net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to decrease by 23% to 24%, with adjusted net profit anticipated to decline by 39% to 40% year-on-year [1] - The founder, Wu Xiangdong, recently launched a new beer product, utilizing high-quality ingredients from various countries, priced at CNY 88 per bottle and CNY 1,056 per case [1] Industry Summary - According to a report from Guotai Junan Securities, the liquor industry is undergoing a cleansing process accelerated by policy variables, with expectations of reaching a performance bottom by the first half of 2026 [1] - The report suggests that liquor stock prices may experience a trend reversal ahead of demand-side improvements, based on high-frequency signals such as batch pricing [1]