Group 1 - The article highlights the significant demand for cold-rolled steel strips (轧硬) in the Boxin region, known as the "hometown of metal sheets in China," where many galvanized and color-coated processing plants are located, primarily focusing on exports [1] - A company, referred to as Company A, operates as a trader of cold-rolled steel strips in Boxin, with a monthly sales volume of 200,000 to 250,000 tons, and maintains a high level of inventory to serve local processing enterprises [2] - Due to market conditions and pricing factors, local processing enterprises have reduced their agreements with steel mills, leading to increased reliance on traders like Company A for procurement [1][2] Group 2 - Company A engaged in a hedging operation using the HC2505 contract to manage its inventory risk, with an initial basis of -160 yuan/ton, as the market faced pressures from various external factors, including U.S. tariff policies [3] - Following the Spring Festival, the demand for cold-rolled steel strips increased, leading to a strong performance in spot prices, while futures prices remained weak due to external influences, resulting in a widening basis to 30 yuan/ton [3] - Company A decided to close its hedging position after analyzing the market, believing that the basis would likely narrow in the future, while also purchasing out-of-the-money put options to further mitigate potential price declines [3] Group 3 - The hedging strategy allowed Company A to avoid risks associated with inventory devaluation after the Spring Festival, resulting in additional profits of several million yuan due to the basis expansion [4] - By investing a small amount in out-of-the-money put options, Company A effectively managed the risk of further price declines without increasing its overall risk exposure [4]