Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of the liquor industry, particularly the challenges faced by second and third-tier liquor companies, suggesting that the industry is entering a phase of performance decline, which may lead to significant price drops and a reevaluation of price-to-earnings (PE) ratios [2][3]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The liquor industry is experiencing a significant downturn, with many companies reporting poor mid-year results, leading to speculation about further declines in performance and valuation [2]. - Historical examples indicate that the anticipated phases of "killing performance" and "killing logic" may not occur as expected, as past performance declines have often already reflected negative market sentiment before official poor results are announced [3]. - The article highlights that the market often reacts prematurely to negative news, as seen in the cases of Yili and Dong'e Ejiao, where stock prices did not follow the predicted patterns of further declines after performance issues were revealed [3]. Group 2: Market Perception and Misconceptions - There is a tendency among investors to apply lessons from the real estate sector to the liquor industry, leading to an overly pessimistic outlook on liquor stocks [5]. - The liquor industry operates on a low-leverage model, contrasting with the high-leverage nature of real estate, which can lead to more severe consequences during downturns [5]. - The financial characteristics of real estate differ significantly from those of consumer stocks, as demand for liquor does not vanish in the same way that demand for real estate can during economic downturns [5][6]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The article posits that the liquor market will eventually reach a balance between supply and demand, as poor sales will force smaller producers out of the market, leading to a reduction in supply and a potential recovery in prices [6]. - In contrast, the real estate market faces challenges in reducing supply due to the nature of ownership and the presence of a large number of second-hand properties, complicating the recovery process [6].