煤化工
Search documents
突破性成果!我国攻克世界百年难题
证券时报· 2025-10-31 12:08
Core Viewpoint - Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in addressing high carbon emissions in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by introducing trace amounts of halogen compounds, significantly reducing CO2 production and enhancing the efficiency of producing olefins and liquid fuels [1][2][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team discovered that adding halogen compounds at a concentration of one millionth can drastically alter the reaction behavior of iron-based catalysts, reducing CO2 emissions to below 1% from a typical 30% in traditional processes [2]. - The efficiency of producing high-value olefins increased to over 85%, surpassing industry averages [2]. Group 2: Implications for Industry - This technology provides a new pathway for the green transformation of carbon resources such as coal, natural gas, and biomass, aligning with China's dual carbon goals [1][2]. - The research team is collaborating with relevant enterprises to scale up the technology and assess its long-term stability, aiming for rapid industrial application [2].
突破性成果!我国攻克世界百年难题
Ren Min Ri Bao· 2025-10-31 10:38
Core Insights - Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in addressing high carbon emissions in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by introducing trace amounts of halogen compounds, significantly reducing CO2 production and enhancing the efficiency of producing olefins and liquid fuels [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team discovered that adding halogen compounds at a concentration of one part per million can drastically alter the reaction behavior of iron-based catalysts, leading to nearly zero CO2 emissions [2]. - In traditional Fischer-Tropsch reactions, CO2 can account for up to 30% of the output, but with halogen control, this figure can be reduced to below 1%, while the production of high-value olefins increases to over 85% [2]. Group 2: Industrial Implications - The research provides a new pathway for the green transformation of carbon resources such as coal, natural gas, and biomass, aligning with China's dual carbon goals [1][2]. - The research team is collaborating with relevant enterprises to conduct pilot-scale tests and long-term stability assessments, aiming to accelerate the industrial application of this green low-carbon strategy [2].
广发期货《能源化工》日报-20251031
Guang Fa Qi Huo· 2025-10-31 08:22
Report Industry Investment Ratings No relevant information provided. Core Views PVC and Caustic Soda - Caustic soda: Supply is at a high level, with weak demand support in the short - term due to shrinking industry profits in downstream alumina. However, there may be demand support in the medium - to long - term as the procurement cycle approaches and alumina has more planned production in Q1 next year [1]. - PVC: Supply returns to a high level as some maintenance enterprises resume production. Domestic downstream demand remains weak, and cost provides bottom - line support. The market is expected to be lackluster during the peak season [1]. Polyester Industry - PX: Supply is generally stable, and demand support has strengthened. It is in a situation of high short - term supply and demand but with a weak overall outlook. Cost support is limited, and the rebound space is restricted [2]. - PTA: Spot basis is weak, and the rebound is expected to face pressure due to factors such as the resumption of some device loads and the decline in oil prices [2]. - MEG: Port inventory decreases, but the upward driving force weakens. The far - month supply - demand structure is weak, and there is significant upward pressure [2]. - Short - fiber: Supply remains high, and demand has improved slightly, but the overall supply - demand drive is limited. The price rebound is expected to face pressure, but it has relatively stronger support at low inventory levels [2]. - Bottle - chips: Entering the seasonal inventory accumulation period, it mainly follows cost fluctuations, and the processing fee fluctuates [2]. Pure Benzene and Styrene - Pure benzene: Domestic supply is loose, and demand support is limited. The overall supply - demand expectation is still loose, and price drive is limited. It follows oil prices and styrene fluctuations [5]. - Styrene: Under inventory and profit pressure, supply pressure still exists, and demand support is limited. The supply - demand pattern remains weak, and the rebound is expected to face pressure [5]. Methanol - The port market is under pressure due to high inventory and weak demand. The inland market has price inversion problems. The MTO load decreases, and demand support is insufficient. The price is expected to decline in the short - term, and attention should be paid to port de - stocking and overseas gas - limiting expectations [8]. Polyolefins - PP: Supply recovery slows down due to more unplanned maintenance. PE: Supply is expected to increase as maintenance peaks. Demand has warmed up, and inventory is decreasing. The 01 contract has inventory pressure, while the 05 contract may have long - term low - buying opportunities [10]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs PVC and Caustic Soda - **Prices**: Some PVC spot and futures prices changed slightly, and caustic soda prices were mostly stable [1]. - **Supply**: Caustic soda industry and some regional开工 rates increased slightly, while PVC total开工 rate decreased [1]. - **Demand**: Caustic soda downstream开工 rates were mostly stable, and PVC downstream制品开工 rates increased slightly [1]. - **Inventory**: Both caustic soda and PVC inventories decreased to some extent [1]. Polyester Industry - **Upstream prices**: PX, ethylene, and other prices changed slightly, and oil prices increased slightly [2]. - **Downstream product prices and cash flows**: Prices and cash flows of polyester products such as FDY, bottle - chips, and short - fibers changed, with some increasing and some decreasing [2]. - **开工 rates**: The综合开工 rate of polyester was stable, and the开工 rates of some segments such as PTA and MEG changed [2]. Pure Benzene and Styrene - **Upstream prices and spreads**: Prices of crude oil, naphtha, and pure benzene changed slightly, and spreads also changed [5]. - **Benzene - related prices and spreads**: Benzene and styrene prices decreased, and spreads changed [5]. - **Downstream cash flows**: Cash flows of some downstream products of pure benzene and styrene improved [5]. - **Inventory**: Both pure benzene and styrene port inventories decreased [5]. - **开工 rates**:开工 rates of some segments in the pure benzene and styrene industry chain decreased [5]. Methanol - **Prices and spreads**: Methanol futures and spot prices decreased, and spreads changed [6]. - **Inventory**: Enterprise inventory increased, port inventory decreased slightly, and social inventory increased slightly [7]. - **开工 rates**: Upstream domestic and overseas enterprise开工 rates decreased slightly, and some downstream开工 rates increased while others decreased [8]. Polyolefins - **Prices and spreads**: PE and PP futures and spot prices decreased, and spreads changed [10]. - **Inventory**: Both PE and PP inventories decreased [10]. - **开工 rates**: PE装置开工率 decreased slightly, and downstream加权开工率 increased. PP装置开工率 decreased, and some downstream开工 rates increased [10].
广汇能源(600256):煤价下行业绩承压,Q4旺季盈利改善可期
Xinda Securities· 2025-10-31 08:10
Investment Rating - The investment rating for Guanghui Energy is "Buy" [1] Core Views - The report indicates that Guanghui Energy's performance in the first three quarters of 2025 has been impacted by declining prices of coal, coal chemical products, and natural gas, along with increased soil conservation compensation fees [7] - The company is expected to see improved profitability in Q4 due to seasonal demand [7] - Future growth is anticipated from the Marang coal mine and oil and gas projects, which are expected to provide new momentum for long-term growth [8] Financial Performance Summary - For the first three quarters of 2025, Guanghui Energy reported revenue of 22.53 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 14.63%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.01 billion, down 49.47% [2][3] - In Q3 2025, the company achieved revenue of 6.78 billion, a decline of 25.81%, and a net profit of 159 million, down 71.01% [3] - The operating cash flow for the first three quarters was 4.31 billion, an increase of 6.10% year-on-year [2] Natural Gas Segment Summary - Natural gas production for the first three quarters of 2025 was 465.69 million cubic meters, a decrease of 4.00% year-on-year, while Q3 production was 121.09 million cubic meters, an increase of 2.03% [5] - Natural gas sales for the first three quarters were 2.18 billion cubic meters, down 32.06%, with Q3 sales at 656.55 million cubic meters, down 36.17% [5] Coal Chemical Segment Summary - Methanol production for the first three quarters was 753,500 tons, a decrease of 1.46%, with Q3 production at 189,700 tons, an increase of 1.80% [6] - Coal-based oil production for the first three quarters was 434,700 tons, an increase of 8.83%, with Q3 production at 118,400 tons, an increase of 11.81% [6] - Ethylene glycol production for the first three quarters was 88,900 tons, an increase of 16.84%, with Q3 production at 48,400 tons, an increase of 65.71% [6] Future Outlook - The Marang coal mine is expected to further increase production, with various approvals in place for its operations [8] - The Zaisang oil and gas project has shown positive progress, with significant oil and gas reserves identified, which could become a major profit growth point for the company [8] - Profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are set at 2.08 billion, 2.94 billion, and 3.24 billion respectively, with corresponding EPS of 0.33, 0.46, and 0.51 [8]
淮北矿业(600985):量价齐跌拖累业绩 看好Q4业绩边际修复
Xin Lang Cai Jing· 2025-10-31 06:37
Core Viewpoint - The company reported a significant decline in revenue and net profit for Q3 2025, primarily due to decreased coal production and prices, as well as reduced trading activities [1][2]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was 11.243 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 42.26% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 11.50% [1]. - Net profit attributable to the parent company was 38.7216 million yuan, down 96.78% year-on-year and down 88.61% quarter-on-quarter [1]. Production and Sales - Coal production and sales in Q3 2025 were 4.13 million tons and 3.34 million tons, respectively, representing a year-on-year decrease of 22.8% and 13.2%, and a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 10.2% and 4.8% [2]. - The average selling price of coal was 743 yuan per ton, down 29.4% year-on-year and down 0.6% quarter-on-quarter [2]. - The cost of coal was 446 yuan per ton, down 17.5% year-on-year and up 4.8% quarter-on-quarter, resulting in a gross profit of 297 yuan per ton, down 41.9% year-on-year and down 7.7% quarter-on-quarter [2]. Chemical Production - Methanol production and sales in Q3 2025 were 20.8 thousand tons and 9.6 thousand tons, respectively, showing a year-on-year increase of 64.4% and 141.1%, and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 11.0% and 33.2% [3]. - Ethanol production and sales were 15.2 thousand tons and 14.4 thousand tons, respectively, with a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14.0% and 12.0% [4]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates a marginal recovery in performance for Q4 2025, supported by rising coal prices [4]. - The company has closed the Zhuzhuang coal mine due to resource depletion, which is not expected to significantly impact overall performance [5]. - The company is advancing its coal and electricity projects, including the construction of the Tao Hutu mine and a significant power generation project [5]. Non-Coal Business Development - The company is focusing on expanding its chemical industry, with successful production of carbonate and ethylamine [6]. - In the renewable energy sector, the company generated 104 million kWh from solar power and 102 million kWh from gas [6]. - The company has also initiated mining projects in other regions, securing limestone resources [6].
中辉能化观点-20251031
Zhong Hui Qi Huo· 2025-10-31 05:47
1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Most of the products in the energy and chemical industry are rated as "Cautiously Bearish", with only natural gas rated as "Cautiously Bullish" [1][2][5] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The core driver of the oil market remains supply surplus, and oil prices are expected to decline. The fundamentals of most energy and chemical products are weak, with supply pressure and uncertain demand. However, natural gas may rise due to increased demand in the peak season [1][2][5] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Crude Oil - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bearish. The current core driver is supply surplus in the off - season, and the oil price center is expected to continue to decline [1][9] - **Logic**: OPEC+ may increase production in December. India's crude oil import increased in September. U.S. commercial crude and refined product inventories showed different trends. Geopolitical sanctions and macro - events provide some support, but overall, supply surplus dominates [9][10] - **Strategy**: Hold existing short positions and can add short positions lightly. Focus on the SC range of [455 - 470] [11] LPG - **Core Viewpoint**: Bearish. The price is anchored to the cost - end crude oil, and it turns weak as the cost side declines [1][15] - **Logic**: The short - term geopolitical risk eases, and the cost side (crude oil) corrects. The supply decreases slightly, the demand side shows some resilience, and the port inventory increases [15] - **Strategy**: Hold short positions. Focus on the PG range of [4250 - 4350] [16] L - **Core Viewpoint**: Bearish consolidation. Cost support weakens, and the supply is in a loose pattern [1][20] - **Logic**: Cost support weakens, social inventory decreases slightly, and the upper - middle stream inventory pressure is neutral. Import is expected to increase, and new device production will add to the supply. The demand peak season has insufficient restocking power [20] - **Strategy**: The market maintains a contango structure. Industries should sell at high prices. Be bearish at high levels. Focus on the L range of [6950 - 7100] [20] PP - **Core Viewpoint**: Bearish consolidation. The basis weakens, and there is a high de - stocking pressure in the future [1][25] - **Logic**: The spot price lags behind the futures price increase. The upstream device maintenance increases, but the demand is at the end of the peak season. The oil - based cost support is insufficient [25] - **Strategy**: The market maintains a contango structure. Industries should sell at high prices. Be bearish at high levels. Focus on the PP range of [6600 - 6800] [25] PVC - **Core Viewpoint**: Bearish rebound. Low - valuation provides support, but there is an over - supply problem [1][29] - **Logic**: Low - valuation supports, and the export may increase due to India's policy window. New production capacity has been released, and attention should be paid to whether upstream marginal devices can cut production. [29] - **Strategy**: The market maintains a high contango. Industries should hedge at high prices. Participate in short - term rebounds with light positions. Focus on the V range of [4600 - 4800] [29] PX - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bearish. Short - term supply - demand improvement is against the backdrop of pressured oil prices [1][31] - **Logic**: Supply - side devices at home and abroad continue to reduce load, and demand is expected to weaken. PXN and PX - MX are at relatively high levels. The cost - end oil price rebounds but has limited upside [31] - **Strategy**: Look for opportunities to short at high prices. Arbitrage by going long PTA and short PX. Focus on the PX range of [6520 - 6630] [32] PTA - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bearish. There is a short - term rebound due to supply - demand improvement and market speculation [2][34] - **Logic**: New devices are about to be put into production, but the processing fee is low, and future device maintenance may increase. Terminal demand shows slight improvement, but there is a risk of inventory accumulation in November [34] - **Strategy**: There is no obvious unilateral trend. Arbitrage by going long PTA and short PX. Look for opportunities to short on rebounds in the medium - long term. Focus on the TA range of [4530 - 4600] [35] MEG - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bearish. Low valuation but lack of upward drive [2][37] - **Logic**: Domestic devices reduce load, overseas devices increase load slightly. New device production and the recovery of maintenance devices increase supply pressure. Terminal consumption improves slightly but lacks stability, and inventory may accumulate in November [37] - **Strategy**: Look for opportunities to short on rebounds. Focus on the EG range of [3980 - 4050] [38] Methanol - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bearish. The fundamentals remain weak, and attention should be paid to the inventory de - stocking inflection point [2][41] - **Logic**: High inventory suppresses the spot price. The supply side has pressure with high import in October. The demand side shows slight improvement, and the cost support is weak and stable [41] - **Strategy**: Hold short positions carefully. Look for opportunities to go long on the 01 contract at low prices. Arbitrage by MA1 - 5 reverse spread. Focus on the MA range of [2180 - 2230] [43] Urea - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bearish. Low valuation but potential downside risk [2][45] - **Logic**: Supply is relatively loose as production resumes. Domestic agricultural demand improves slightly, and export is good. Inventory is at a high level, and cost support exists [45] - **Strategy**: Hold short positions carefully. Try long positions lightly in the medium - long term. Focus on the UR range of [1615 - 1655] [47] Natural Gas - **Core Viewpoint**: Cautiously bullish. The demand side is expected to warm up as the temperature drops [5] - **Logic**: Geopolitical sanctions risks are released, the demand for heating increases as the temperature cools, and the supply is sufficient [5] - **Strategy**: Not mentioned [5]
光大期货煤化工商品日报(2025 年 10 月 31 日)-20251031
Guang Da Qi Huo· 2025-10-31 05:21
Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content Core Viewpoints - Urea is expected to experience a weak and volatile trend. The futures price closed at 1627 yuan/ton on Thursday, down 0.97% day-on-day. Supply is stable, with a daily output of 18.88 tons. Demand follow - up is weak, and the market lacks new positive drivers [1]. - Soda ash is expected to show a volatile trend. The futures price closed at 1235 yuan/ton on Thursday, down 1.12%. Supply pressure is high, and demand is generally stable. The market sentiment may decline in the short - term [1]. - Glass is expected to have a volatile trend. The futures price closed at 1091 yuan/ton on Thursday, down 2.85%. Supply is stable, demand sentiment is positive, but the market's reaction to fundamental positives is flat [1]. Summary by Directory Research Viewpoints - **Urea**: Futures price is weak and volatile, supply is stable, demand follow - up is weak, and the market lacks new positive drivers. The enterprise inventory decreased by 4.66% this week [1]. - **Soda ash**: Futures price is volatile, supply pressure is high, demand is generally stable, and the market sentiment may decline in the short - term. The industry's开工 rate and output increased this week [1]. - **Glass**: Futures price is volatile, supply is stable, demand sentiment is positive, but the market's reaction to fundamental positives is flat. The enterprise inventory decreased by 1.24% this week [1]. Market Information - **Urea**: On October 30, the futures warehouse receipts were 0, and the effective forecast was 621. The daily output was 18.88 tons, the same as the previous day. The enterprise inventory as of October 29 was 155.43 tons, a weekly decrease of 7.59 tons (-4.66%) [4][6]. - **Soda ash & Glass**: On October 30, the soda ash futures warehouse receipts decreased by 70 to 8875, and the glass futures warehouse receipts decreased by 13 to 402. The soda ash industry's开工 rate increased by 1.95 percentage points, and the weekly output increased by 2.29%. The soda ash factory inventory increased slightly. The glass market average price was stable, and the enterprise inventory decreased by 1.24% week - on - week [8][9]. Chart Analysis - Multiple charts are provided, including the closing prices, basis, trading volume, and positions of urea and soda ash futures, as well as the price spreads between different contracts and related product spreads. All chart data sources are iFind and the Everbright Futures Research Institute [11][19]. Research Team Introduction - The resource product research team includes Zhang Xiaojin, Zhang Linglu, and Sun Chengzhen, who are responsible for different product research and have won multiple industry honors [23].
《中国传统能源地区低碳转型》报告发布
Zhong Guo Hua Gong Bao· 2025-10-31 03:36
Core Insights - The report focuses on the low-carbon transition pathways for the "Coal Triangle Region" in China, which includes Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, and Ningxia, highlighting its significance in national energy security and global coal production [1][2] Group 1: Current State and Challenges - The "Coal Triangle Region" is a major coal production area, expected to produce 3.45 billion tons of coal in 2024, accounting for 73% of China's total and 37% of global production, with carbon emissions representing 19.6% of China's and 6.4% of global emissions [1] - The region faces significant risks of "lock-in" due to its reliance on coal-based industries, which constitute about 20.3% of the industrial GDP, limiting diversification and transition capabilities [1][2] - The transition process is challenged by insufficient funding and structural employment imbalances, with an estimated need for approximately 1.8 trillion RMB (around 250 billion USD) for transition funding from 2025 to 2030 [3] Group 2: Future Projections and Employment Impact - By 2060, the region is projected to have a remaining carbon emission of 0.15 to 2.75 billion tons, necessitating reliance on ecological carbon sinks and negative carbon technologies for offsetting [2] - The transition is expected to result in a net loss of about 3.4 million jobs in coal-based industries, while green energy-related jobs may increase from 330,000 to 1.4 million, indicating a persistent structural pressure in the labor market [3] Group 3: Policy Recommendations - The report suggests establishing a national strategy for energy transition and regional coordinated development, setting specific low-carbon transition goals for the "Coal Triangle Region" [4] - It recommends creating collaborative mechanisms within and between regions to facilitate the green low-carbon transition [4] - The report emphasizes the need for diversified funding solutions to support the green low-carbon transition and the establishment of an international exchange platform for resource-based regions [4]
索普集团:将健康理念融入企业血脉
Zhong Guo Hua Gong Bao· 2025-10-31 03:13
Core Viewpoint - Jiangsu Sop Group is undergoing a transformation centered on employee health, aligning with the "Healthy China" strategy and aiming for high-quality development while safeguarding employee well-being [1] Group 1: Health and Safety System - The company emphasizes a dual focus on employee health and safety production, establishing a comprehensive health enterprise construction system [2] - Occupational health management serves as the backbone of this system, adhering to national laws and regulations, and implementing various management protocols [2] - Regular training for management personnel ensures effective leadership and execution of health management practices [2] Group 2: Work Environment - A healthy work environment is prioritized, with initiatives like a "smoke-free factory" policy and comprehensive management of dust and harmful gases [3] - The company has created 14 "Employee Health Rooms" equipped with basic health monitoring tools, facilitating easy access to health information for employees [3] - Environmental hygiene teams are established to maintain sanitation, and 52 water purifiers are installed to enhance drinking water quality [4] Group 3: Health Activities - The company organizes annual health check-ups and specialized screenings for female employees, creating dynamic health records for early detection and intervention [5] - Participation in health competitions has led to recognition for employee health awareness and skills [5] - Facilities for various sports and activities promote a culture of "happy work, healthy life," enhancing employee physical fitness and morale [5] Group 4: Health Culture - The company focuses on cultivating a health culture, conducting educational activities to improve employees' health management awareness [6] - Psychological support services are provided to address employees' mental health needs, fostering a supportive work environment [6] - Regular training in emergency response skills adds an additional layer of health security for employees [6] Group 5: Future Outlook - Through a series of unique initiatives, the company integrates health concepts into its corporate culture, enhancing employee belonging and cohesion [7] - The company plans to continue advancing health enterprise construction and exploring new methods for employee health management [7]
广汇能源20251030
2025-10-30 15:21
Summary of Guanghui Energy Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Guanghui Energy - **Reporting Period**: First three quarters of 2025 Key Financial Metrics - **Revenue**: 22.53 billion CNY, down 14.63% year-on-year [2][3] - **Net Profit**: 1.012 billion CNY, down 49.03% year-on-year [2][3] - **Operating Cash Flow**: 4.315 billion CNY, up 6.14% year-on-year, indicating good cash flow management [2][3] Segment Performance Coal Segment - **Net Profit**: 560 million CNY, down 65.37% year-on-year, significantly impacted by falling coal prices [2][5] - **Production**: Total raw coal production reached 49.13 million tons, up 56% year-on-year [2][6] - **Sales Volume**: External sales of 40.02 million tons, up 39% year-on-year [2][6] - **Price Trends**: Average selling price of coal adjusted between 200 to 215 CNY per ton [18] Natural Gas Segment - **Net Profit**: 336 million CNY, up 101% year-on-year, marking it as a performance highlight [2][5] - **Sales Volume**: Anticipated sales of 4 ships of natural gas in Q4, expected to further contribute to profits [2][20] Chemical Products - **Methanol Sales Price**: Down 5% year-on-year [2][6] - **Ethylene Glycol Sales Price**: Up 4% year-on-year, with a successful turnaround in August [2][7] Strategic Adjustments - **Sales Strategy**: Shift from "volume-based pricing" to "sales-driven production" to maximize profits [11] - **Infrastructure Improvements**: Completion of the Naoliu Highway expansion, increasing transport capacity to 40 million tons/year, potentially adding 800 million CNY in toll revenue [12] Market Outlook - **Coal Price Expectations**: Anticipated stabilization and slight increase in coal prices due to tightening supply and growing demand in specific regions [8][21] - **Impact of National Policies**: Recent policy changes have led to a decrease in industrial coal production, which may benefit future pricing [8][22] Future Plans - **Dividends**: Commitment to distribute at least 90% of the average net profit over the past three years as dividends, with 30% of annual net profit allocated for dividends [26][27] - **Investment in Upgrades**: Ongoing projects to enhance production efficiency and environmental standards, including a 2 billion CNY investment in coal upgrading projects [13] Risks and Challenges - **Environmental Fees**: High water and soil conservation fees in Xinjiang, totaling 604 million CNY for the first three quarters, are a concern [15] - **Market Volatility**: Fluctuations in coal and natural gas prices due to seasonal demand and external market conditions [14][20] Conclusion - **Overall Performance**: Despite a decline in revenue and profit, Guanghui Energy shows resilience through improved cash flow and strategic adjustments in sales and production [2][3][28] - **Future Outlook**: Optimistic about Q4 performance with expected improvements in market conditions and operational efficiency [28][29]