Summary of the Conference Call on the Liquor Industry Industry Overview - The liquor industry, particularly the baijiu sector, is currently experiencing a phase similar to the second half of 2024, with characteristics reminiscent of 1998 [1][4] - The sector has entered an active destocking phase, which may be in its later stages [1][4] - The 2025 alcohol ban will have a profound impact on public consumption of liquor, significantly affecting mid- to low-end baijiu [1][4] Key Insights and Arguments - The recent rebound in the baijiu sector, with an index increase of approximately 10% since July, was primarily driven by capital inflow and favorable policies encouraging long-term investments in high-dividend stocks [2][9] - Leading companies like Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, and Yanghe have become attractive due to their high Return on Equity (ROE) and dividend rates [2][9] - The launch of the Yalong River Hydropower Station has positively influenced the infrastructure-related baijiu sector [2][9] - The current economic environment is undergoing a transition between old and new momentum, suggesting that the adjustment period may be longer than in 2014 due to demographic changes and the rise of new industries affecting traditional consumption scenarios [1][4][6] Historical Context - Since 2000, the baijiu industry has undergone four complete cycles, with the current cycle being more complex due to external policy pressures and demographic shifts [5][6] - Previous adjustments (2012-2014) were influenced by tightening real estate policies and anti-corruption measures, leading to significant declines in net profits for high-end and mid-high-end baijiu companies [1][7] Current Market Conditions - The overall valuation of the baijiu sector is approaching levels seen in early 2023, with expectations for a stabilization phase starting in Q3 2025 [3][9] - The worst period of the current adjustment cycle is believed to have passed, with potential for positive monetary or fiscal policies to emerge in the latter half of the year [3][9] - The sector's performance is closely tied to macroeconomic conditions and policy environments, with high-end baijiu companies showing quicker recovery rates [7][8] Investment Recommendations - The baijiu sector is classified as a cyclical quality asset, with recommendations to focus on high-end and mid-high-end brands such as Moutai, Wuliangye, and Luzhou Laojiao, which are actively engaging in digital transformation and appealing to younger consumers [12][13] - Investors are advised to monitor the pace and intensity of policy releases, as these will significantly influence market dynamics and stock performance [10][14] - Specific stock selection strategies include focusing on companies with healthy inventory levels and those that are effectively managing their supply chains [13][14] Future Outlook - The third quarter is expected to present trading opportunities, with limited downside risk for sector valuations, largely influenced by Moutai's pricing strategies [14] - The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for gradual recovery and stabilization in the baijiu market as inventory issues are addressed [10][11][14]

Group 1 - The implementation of the "Regulations on Practicing Thrift and Opposing Waste" has led to a continuous reduction in the demand for liquor from government sectors, negatively impacting both sentiment and consumption in the liquor sector [1] - Wuliangye (000858) reported good growth in the banquet market and bottle opening rates in the first half of the year, adapting its eighth generation product to market rhythms and enhancing terminal control capabilities through direct distribution in 20 key cities [1] - Luzhou Laojiao (000568) is focusing on expanding into lower-tier markets and accelerating the development of mid- and low-alcohol innovative beverages, with a successful R&D of 28-degree Guojiao 1573 ready for market launch [1] - Jiugui Liquor (000799) is implementing a differentiated product strategy to meet diverse market demands, emphasizing cost-effectiveness through the launch of low-end, low-alcohol, and small-sized products [1] - The overall valuation of the liquor sector is low, with many liquor companies engaging in share buybacks or increases in holdings, and dividend payouts are continuously increasing, indicating potential for capital inflow as domestic demand policies are released [1] Group 2 - The Food and Beverage ETF (515170) tracks the CSI segmented food and beverage industry theme index, focusing on high-barrier and resilient sectors such as liquor, beverages, dairy products, and seasoning [2] - The top ten constituent stocks of the ETF include major liquor brands like Moutai, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, and Fenjiu, providing investors with a convenient tool for exposure to core assets in the "food and beverage" sector [2] - Compared to the high minimum investment thresholds of individual constituent stocks, the Food and Beverage ETF offers a more accessible investment option for smaller capital [2]

Core Viewpoint - The white liquor sector is expected to experience increased differentiation, with companies facing challenges in maintaining performance growth while ensuring healthy distribution channels. The overall financial performance of the sector is anticipated to remain under pressure in 2025, with solid companies likely to achieve stable growth, while weaker companies may continue to decline [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - As of May 13, 2025, the CSI Major Consumer Index (000932) rose by 0.05%, with key stocks such as Proya (603605) increasing by 2.69% and XinNuoWei (300765) by 1.96% [1]. - The Major Consumer ETF (159672) increased by 0.13%, with a latest price of 0.78 yuan and a turnover rate of 4% during the trading session, amounting to 3.36 million yuan [1]. - Over the past year, the average daily trading volume of the Major Consumer ETF was 5.69 million yuan [1]. Group 2: White Liquor Sector Insights - The white liquor industry is expected to show resilience over the long term, benefiting from economic recovery and increased consumption due to stimulus policies [2]. - The differentiation within the white liquor sector is projected to intensify, with companies needing to navigate performance challenges while maintaining healthy distribution channels [1][2]. Group 3: ETF Performance Metrics - The Major Consumer ETF has seen a significant growth of 1.56 million yuan in scale over the past two weeks, ranking in the top fifth among comparable funds [2]. - Since its inception, the Major Consumer ETF has recorded a highest single-month return of 24.35% and an average monthly return of 5.36% [2]. - As of May 12, 2025, the ETF's maximum drawdown this year was 5.57%, with a relative benchmark drawdown of 0.34% [3]. Group 4: Fee Structure and Tracking Accuracy - The management fee for the Major Consumer ETF is 0.50%, and the custody fee is 0.10%, which are among the lowest in comparable funds [4]. - The tracking error for the Major Consumer ETF over the past month was 0.014%, indicating the highest tracking precision among comparable funds [5]. Group 5: Valuation and Top Holdings - The latest price-to-earnings ratio (PE-TTM) for the CSI Major Consumer Index is 20.15, which is at a historical low, being below 89.64% of the time over the past year [5]. - As of April 30, 2025, the top ten weighted stocks in the CSI Major Consumer Index accounted for 67.16% of the index, including major players like Yili (600887) and Kweichow Moutai (600519) [5].