Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) awarded the "ESG Special Recognition Award" to Zhenjiu Lidu for its outstanding performance in ESG practices [1][3] Group 1: ESG Performance - Zhenjiu Lidu has become a benchmark for ESG practices in the Chinese liquor industry, systematically advancing its ESG strategy across environmental, social, and governance dimensions [1][3][5] - The company was the first in the liquor industry to disclose carbon emission data and set a "2850" dual carbon target, achieving recognition as a "National Green Factory" for its brands Zhenjiu and Xiangjiao, and a "Provincial Green Factory" for Lidu [1][3][5] - In the first half of 2025, the company reported a year-on-year decrease in electricity density by 8.74%, natural gas consumption density by 7.99%, and water intake intensity by 22.57% [1][3] Group 2: Social Contributions - Zhenjiu Lidu actively promotes ESG principles among its suppliers through dynamic assessments of their ESG performance [4] - The company focuses on rural revitalization, educational philanthropy, and intangible cultural heritage protection, exploring sustainable development models [4] - In the first half of the year, the company donated 12 million yuan for educational initiatives and engaged youth actor Yao Anna to advocate for the cultural heritage of Chinese liquor [4] Group 3: Governance Practices - Zhenjiu Lidu prioritizes compliance as a prerequisite for sustainable development, focusing on risk management, anti-corruption, and data security to ensure transparency in decision-making and accurate information disclosure [5] - The company's ongoing efforts in the ESG field have been recognized by domestic and international ESG rating agencies, achieving a Wind ESG rating of AAA and ranking first in the Chinese liquor industry in the S&P CSA ESG score [5] - The company received dual "A-" ratings in the CDP climate change and water security questionnaires, reaching an international "leadership level" [5]

Core Viewpoint - The leadership change at Zhenjiu Lidu, with Yan Tao stepping down as CEO and Tang Xiangyang taking over, is a strategic move to address the company's declining performance in the competitive liquor market [2][3][8]. Company Leadership Changes - Yan Tao will remain as Executive Director and Vice Chairman, while Tang Xiangyang, a long-time employee, will assume the CEO role [2][3]. - Tang Xiangyang's annual salary is significantly lower at 5 million RMB compared to Yan Tao's 15.388 million RMB [3]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Zhenjiu Lidu reported revenues of 7.07 billion RMB, a slight increase of 0.5%, but net profit attributable to shareholders fell by 43.1% to 1.324 billion RMB [3]. - For the first half of 2025, revenues dropped to 2.497 billion RMB, a decrease of 39.6%, with net profit down 23.5% to 574 million RMB [3]. Brand Performance - The main brands, Zhenjiu and Lidu, are experiencing revenue declines, with Zhenjiu's revenue down 44.8% to 1.492 billion RMB in the first half of 2025 [4]. - Lidu's revenue decreased by 9.4% to 611 million RMB, although it saw an increase in sales volume due to price reductions [4][5]. Market Challenges - The high-end liquor segment is under pressure, with revenues for high-end products down 47.3% and mid-range products down 30.9% in the first half of 2025 [5][6]. - The overall liquor market is facing challenges due to reduced consumer demand, particularly in business and social settings [6]. Strategic Initiatives - Zhenjiu Lidu is implementing various strategies to mitigate the impact of declining demand, including product upgrades and new brand launches [9][10]. - The company is focusing on enhancing brand management and has separated the management of core and regional brands to improve decision-making efficiency [7][9]. Inventory and Channel Pressure - As of June 30, 2025, Zhenjiu Lidu's inventory reached 8.017 billion RMB, an increase of 6.84% from the end of 2024 [11]. - The number of distributors decreased from 7,635 at the end of 2024 to 7,119 by mid-2025, indicating channel pressure [11].

Core Viewpoint - The recent CEO change at Zhenjiu Lidu reflects the company's response to poor performance under Yan Tao, with Tang Xiangyang taking over to drive operational improvements and growth [5][6]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Yan Tao will step down as CEO but retain his role as executive director and vice chairman, while Tang Xiangyang, who previously led Lidu Liquor, will assume the CEO position [1][5]. - Tang Xiangyang, aged 57, has a history of successfully turning around Lidu Liquor, achieving over 500 million yuan in profits over the past decade [3][5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Zhenjiu Lidu reported a revenue of 2.497 billion yuan for the first half of the year, a year-on-year decline of 39.58%, and a net profit of 575 million yuan, down 23.54%, although the net profit margin increased by 26.56% [5][10]. - The company’s performance is part of a broader trend in the Chinese liquor industry, where many firms are experiencing revenue declines [8][10]. Group 3: Market Context - The overall liquor industry is under pressure, with 20 A-share listed liquor companies reporting mixed results, where 14 experienced revenue declines, and only 6 showed growth [8][10]. - Zhenjiu Lidu's strategy to reduce costs and improve efficiency has shown some effectiveness, as indicated by the increase in profit margin despite the drop in revenue [10]. Group 4: Operational Metrics - The company has seen a decrease in retail partners, with 499 fewer retailers and 72 fewer experience stores, indicating a significant operational challenge [10]. - The revenue breakdown for the first half shows that Zhenjiu contributed approximately 1.4907 billion yuan (59.7% of total revenue), Lidu contributed about 611.7 million yuan (24.5%), and Xiangjiao contributed around 277.2 million yuan (11.1%) [10].

Core Points - The company announced that Yan Tao will step down as CEO effective October 13, 2025, but will continue to serve as an executive director and vice chairman of the board [2] - Tang Xiangyang has been appointed as the new CEO, effective October 13, 2025, and will oversee the overall management and business operations of the company and its subsidiaries [2] - Tang Xiangyang has extensive experience in the industry, having joined the group in 1989 and held various management positions [2] Employment Details - Tang Xiangyang has signed an employment contract with the company for a term of three years starting from October 13, 2025, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement [3] - His annual compensation is set at 5 million yuan, which will be reviewed periodically by the board and the remuneration committee [3] Company Performance - As of the announcement date, Tang Xiangyang holds 833,000 shares of the company and has been granted 3.333 million share awards under the company's equity incentive plan, which are not yet vested [4] - The company, known as the "first Hong Kong stock liquor company" and "second sauce-flavored liquor company," operates four major brands and reported a revenue of 2.5 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decline of 39.6% [4] - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the same period was 570 million yuan, down 23.5% year-on-year [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" investment rating for the company [1] Core Views - The company is experiencing continuous revenue pressure, but profitability remains stable, with a gross margin increase of 0.3 percentage points to 59.04% due to a higher proportion of revenue from high-margin brands [6] - The company is implementing strict sales controls to manage inventory levels, which has led to a significant decline in revenue across its brands, particularly a 45% decrease in revenue from its main brand, Zhenjiu [7] - The introduction of a new flagship product, "Dazhen," is expected to create a new growth curve for the company, targeting a balance between quality and price [7] - The company is innovating its distribution channels through the "Wanshang Alliance" model, which aims to enhance direct access to consumers while controlling supply quotas to prevent price erosion [8] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, total revenue was 2.497 billion yuan, a decrease of 40% year-on-year, while net profit was 575 million yuan, down 24% year-on-year [5] - The company's sales and management expense ratios increased to 22.24% and 9.76%, respectively, due to rising unit costs from reduced revenue [6] Brand Performance - Revenue from Zhenjiu decreased by 45% to 1.492 billion yuan, while Li Du's revenue fell by 9% to 611 million yuan, reflecting a focus on mid-range products and key consumption scenarios [7] - Other brands, such as Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao, also saw significant revenue declines of 39% and 64%, respectively, due to market conditions [7] Earnings Forecast - The company has adjusted its earnings per share (EPS) forecasts for 2025-2027 to 0.35, 0.41, and 0.48 yuan, respectively, with corresponding price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 26, 22, and 19 times [10] - Revenue projections for 2025 are set at 5.29 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 25.1% [12]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a significant decline in revenue and net profit for the first half of 2025, primarily due to industry-wide challenges, although the performance of the Li Du brand remained relatively stable [1] Revenue Summary - The company achieved a revenue of 2.497 billion yuan in H1 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 39.58% [1] - Revenue breakdown by product for H1 2025: - Zhen Jiu: 1.492 billion yuan (-44.8%) - Li Du: 611 million yuan (-9.4%) - Xiang Jiao: 277 million yuan (-38.7%) - Kai Kou Xiao: 81 million yuan (-63.9%) - Others: 36 million yuan (-54.7%) [1] - The average price per ton for products showed a decline, with Zhen Jiu at 32.3 thousand yuan/ton (-17.0%) and Li Du at 34.9 thousand yuan/ton (-29.1%) [1] - Sales volume for products varied, with Li Du showing a positive growth of 27.8% [1] Profitability Analysis - The company's gross margin for H1 2025 was 59.04%, a slight increase of 0.28 percentage points year-on-year [2] - Gross margin by product: - Zhen Jiu: 58.3% (-0.9pct) - Li Du: 66.5% (-0.3pct) - Xiang Jiao: 58.7% (-0.1pct) - Kai Kou Xiao: 41.7% (-4.0pct) - Others: 4.4% (-6.8pct) [2] - The net profit margin for H1 2025 was 23.02%, an increase of 4.83 percentage points year-on-year, primarily due to a significant reduction in equity incentive expenses [2] Channel Performance - Revenue from distributors and direct sales channels for H1 2025 was 2.197 billion yuan and 300 million yuan, respectively, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 41.8% and 16.6% [1] - The number of distribution partners, experience stores, and retailers at the end of H1 2025 was 3,259, 1,025, and 2,835, with changes of +55, -72, and -499 respectively [1] Future Outlook - The company forecasts revenue growth rates of -20.0%, 14.9%, and 9.4% for 2025-2027, with net profit growth rates of -6.2%, 18.6%, and 10.0% for the same period [2]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for the company [6] Core Views - The company reported a significant decline in revenue and net profit for H1 2025, with revenue at 2.5 billion yuan, net profit at 570 million yuan, and adjusted net profit at 610 million yuan, representing year-on-year decreases of 39.6%, 23.5%, and 39.8% respectively [1][5] - The company is focusing on maintaining channel health by controlling sales pace, while leveraging consumption scenarios such as weddings and graduations to counteract market downturns [1][5] - The introduction of new products under the "Da Zhen" brand and the alliance model is expected to contribute significantly to revenue in H2 2025, with a focus on price management capabilities [1][5] - The adjusted net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 have been lowered to 1.41 billion yuan, 1.54 billion yuan, and 1.88 billion yuan, respectively, corresponding to a PE ratio of 21.8 for 2025 [1][5] Financial Performance - For H1 2025, the company achieved a gross margin of 59.0%, a slight increase of 0.2 percentage points year-on-year, despite a decline in high-end product revenue [1][5] - The revenue breakdown by brand for H1 2025 shows that "Zhen Jiu" generated 1.49 billion yuan, "Li Du" 610 million yuan, "Xiang Jiao" 280 million yuan, and "Kai Kou Xiao" 80 million yuan, with respective year-on-year changes of -44.8%, -9.4%, -38.7%, and -63.9% [1][5] - The company’s total market capitalization is 3.34 billion yuan, with a current share price of 9.86 HKD [2] Future Outlook - The "Da Zhen" project has signed over 2,100 clients, with expectations for significant revenue contributions in H2 2025 [1][5] - The report emphasizes the importance of the company's ability to manage pricing and channels effectively to enhance brand image and market position [1][5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [5] Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 2.497 billion RMB for the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 39.6%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 575 million RMB, down 23.5% year-on-year [2] - The company launched several new products in H1 2025, including Zhen 50 and Li Du Gao Liang 1965, aiming to enhance market presence and sales through a new alliance model [3] - The revenue breakdown by product shows significant declines, with Zhen Jiu and other brands experiencing revenue drops of 45%, 9%, 39%, and 64% respectively [3] Revenue and Profit Analysis - The company expects revenues to decline by 20.4% in 2025, followed by growth of 11.7% in 2026 and 16.8% in 2027 [5] - The adjusted net profit is projected to decrease by 1.9% in 2025, but increase by 19.6% in 2026 and 28.4% in 2027 [5] - The overall gross margin for H1 2025 increased by 0.3 percentage points to 59.0%, while sales and distribution expenses decreased by 38.5% year-on-year [4] Product and Pricing Strategy - Revenue from high-end, mid-range, and low-end products in H1 2025 was 580 million, 980 million, and 940 million RMB respectively, with year-on-year declines of 47%, 42%, and 31% [4] - The gross margin for high-end products decreased due to internal structural adjustments, while mid-range and low-end products saw margin improvements due to cost optimizations [4] Market Position and Future Outlook - The company has established a significant network of over 2,100 alliance partners for its new product line, which is expected to contribute positively starting in H2 2025 [3] - The report indicates that the company is leveraging its experience in high-end liquor operations to enhance the performance of its new product offerings [3]

Core Viewpoint - The financial report of Zhenjiu Lidu, known as the "first stock of liquor" in Hong Kong, reveals a significant decline in revenue and net profit, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the liquor industry amid macroeconomic uncertainties [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue of 2.497 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 39.6%, and an adjusted net profit of 613 million yuan, down 39.3% [1]. - Zhenjiu's revenue was 1.492 billion yuan, accounting for 59.7% of total revenue, while Lidu's revenue was 611 million yuan, representing 24.5% [1]. - The overall gross margin increased by 0.2 percentage points to 59%, marking three consecutive years of growth [2]. Market Strategy - The company is adjusting its growth strategy by controlling sales pace to maintain healthy channel inventory levels, which has led to a 27.79% increase in sales volume for Lidu despite a 9.4% revenue decline [2]. - The introduction of new products, such as "Da Zhen·Zhenjiu" priced at 600 yuan per bottle, aims to create a "super product" that competes with higher-end offerings [5]. - The "Wanshang Alliance" initiative seeks to recruit over 10,000 partners to form a profit-sharing community, enhancing trust between manufacturers and distributors [5]. Channel Dynamics - The number of distribution channels decreased to 7,119, with a notable increase in cooperative partners, indicating a shift in the distribution strategy [3]. - The company has implemented a dual-channel growth strategy, targeting key opinion leaders in regions with high social drinking frequency [3]. Industry Context - The liquor industry has been experiencing a downward trend since the first quarter of the year, with no signs of recovery as of May [4]. - The market's response to the company's recent initiatives has been positive, with a 47.38% increase in stock price since August [5].

Core Viewpoint - The overall environment for the liquor industry is bleak, with significant inventory pressure and price inversion issues that are unlikely to be resolved in the short term [2][9]. Company Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company "Zhenjiu Lid" issued a shocking profit warning, expecting revenue to decline by 38.3% to 41.9% year-on-year, and net profit attributable to shareholders to drop by 23% to 24% [3]. - The company's financial trajectory shows a stark decline from a revenue of 7.03 billion yuan in 2023, which grew by 20.06%, to a stagnation in 2024 with a slight increase of 0.52% to 7.067 billion yuan, while net profit fell by 43.12% to 1.324 billion yuan [4]. - The flagship brand "Zhenjiu" saw a revenue decrease of 2.3% to 4.48 billion yuan in 2024, with its revenue share dropping to 63.4% [5]. Inventory and Market Challenges - The inventory balance surged from 1.737 billion yuan in 2020 to 7.503 billion yuan in 2024, indicating severe sales difficulties, with inventory turnover days extending from 517 days to 855 days [5][6]. - The liquor industry is facing widespread challenges, including reduced consumption, high inventory levels, and price inversions due to economic downturns and policy adjustments [6]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is pursuing a high-end strategy by launching a new flagship product "Da Zhen·Zhenjiu" priced at 888 yuan per bottle, aiming to fill a market gap and achieve significant sales targets [7]. - The company is diversifying into the beer market with the launch of a premium beer called "Niu Shi," priced at 88 yuan per bottle, targeting the high-end craft beer segment [8]. - The company has engaged celebrity endorsements, including appointing Yao Anna as a brand ambassador, to enhance brand value and appeal to younger demographics [9].