Chinese liquor maker Wuliangye Yibin Co Ltd<000858>, a subsidiary of Wuliangye Group Co Ltd, yesterday released its 2008 annual report, which shows a positive business performance, sources reported.

According to the report, the company realized around RMB 7.93 billion in operating income in its main business last year, up 8.25% from one year earlier. Its net profit hit RMB 1.83 billion, increasing 26.23% year on year. Earnings per share (EPS) were RMB 0.477. The company declares a dividend of about RMB 0.50 per 10 shares (including tax).

The company sold 75,800 tons of liquor products in 2008, a drop of 22.5% compared with one year earlier. Income did not decrease with sales volume because the company raised its prices and focused on selling higher-priced products.

Moreover, the demand for the company's liquor products surpassed its supply capacity. The company had up to RMB 1.053 in paid orders at the end of 2008, RMB 341 million more than that at the beginning of the year.