Analyze the sentiment of this statement extracted from a financial news article. Provide your answer as either negative, positive, or neutral.
Text: `` This agreement is a direct result of LCC 's strategy and plan that was announced earlier this year , '' said Dean Douglas , LCC 's chief executive officer .
Answer:
`` This agreement is a direct result of LCC 's strategy and plan that was announced earlier this year , '' said Dean Douglas , LCC 's chief executive officer .