(Yicai Global) Jan. 2 -- Renowned Chinese liquor maker Kweichow Moutai reported growth rates in operating revenue and net profit dropping to 15 percent last year, down from last year's 26.49, percent, though this performance is better than projected at the start of last year, the firm announced today based on preliminary data.

The company's stock [SHA:600519] opened down 4.65 percent at CNY1,128 (USD162) today on the news, but bobbed up to close 4.01 percent down at CNY1,135 by noon.

Kweichow Moutai is the world's most valuable liquor brand, with a market cap of CNY1.49 trillion (USD210 billion).

The firm, which is based in Southwest China's Guizhou province, posted CNY88.5 billion (USD12.7 billion) in operating revenue last year, up 15 percent on the year, and CNY40.5 billion in net profit attributable to its shareholders, up 15 percent.

The 15 percent figure shows the distiller's revenue and net profit growth stalling in recent years, though the number is still higher than last year's goal of around 14 percent projected in the firm's 2018 annual report.

The company's revenue grew at rates of 18.99 percent, 49.81 percent and 26.49 percent in 2016, 2017 and 2018, while its net profit growth rates were 7.84 percent, 61.97 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The liquor maker's rapid growth has steadily shrunk since 2017.

The firm, which is known for rationing its supply, which causes its products to routinely sell out and pushes their prices up, also lowered its goal for operating revenue growth to 10 percent, per the announcement.

Editor: Ben Armour