Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated EBITDA rose sharply, increasing at a double-digit rate, with EBITDA margin expanding by 2.5 percentage points, reaching its highest level for a third quarter since 2020 [6][9][12] - Free cash flow from operations was close to $540 million, an improvement of more than $350 million versus the third quarter of last year, with a free cash flow conversion rate reaching 41% on a trailing 12-month basis [27][29] - Net income performance in the quarter grew by 8% when adjusting for discontinued operations, with record net income of $1.3 billion for the first nine months of the year [9][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, EBITDA grew 11%, marking an expected inflection point in quarterly performance, with a 33.1% EBITDA margin achieved, the highest level since 2021 [18][20] - The U.S. operations reached record third-quarter EBITDA and EBITDA margin, driven by increased cost efficiencies and higher prices, although volumes for core products declined by 1% [20][21] - The South Central America and Caribbean region posted impressive results, with EBITDA rising by 54% and margin expanding by 6.8 percentage points [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand conditions in Mexico are showing signs of improvement, with average daily cement sales volume outperforming historical sequential seasonality patterns [18] - In Europe, high single-digit growth in cement volumes was driven by infrastructure throughout Eastern Europe, with housing activity boosting demand in Spain [24] - The EMEA region continued strong performance, reaching new records in EBITDA and margins, with ready-mix and aggregate volumes expanding by 13% and 1% respectively [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on attaining best-in-class operational excellence and delivering industry-leading shareholder returns, with a strategic framework aimed at enhancing profitability and increasing free cash flow conversion [5][15] - Project Cutting Edge aims for annualized recurring EBITDA savings of $400 million by 2027, with significant progress already made [12][14] - The company is prioritizing small to mid-size acquisitions, reallocating capital to opportunities that are immediately accretive, while divesting non-core markets [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in demand conditions, particularly in Mexico and the U.S., with expectations of low single-digit growth in U.S. demand next year [20][63] - The company anticipates a pickup in infrastructure spending as the government enters its second year in office, which should support profitability in Mexico [20][42] - Management remains cautious about the residential sector in the U.S., expecting continued weakness but potential recovery in 2027 [63] Other Important Information - The company completed the divestment of its operations in Panama at an attractive multiple of about 12x, reallocating part of the proceeds to acquire a majority stake in Couch Aggregates [16] - The company is advancing its decarbonization agenda, having already surpassed the European Cement Association's 2030 consolidated net CO2 emissions target [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cash conversion expectations for next year and 2027 - Management targets around 45% free cash flow conversion from operations in 2026, with further improvements expected beyond that [33][34] Question: Outlook for Mexico's demand volumes in 2026 - Management expects demand volumes in Mexico to grow by no less than 2.5%-3% in 2026, driven by infrastructure projects [40][41] Question: Breakdown of EBITDA margin expansion in Mexico - The 500 basis points improvement in EBITDA margin was driven by prices, SG&A reductions, and lower variable costs, including a significant decrease in unitary fuel costs [46][47] Question: Industry's approach to CCUS - Management emphasized that while CCUS is important for net zero, it will only be deployed if it is accretive to value creation, focusing on traditional levers for decarbonization first [51][52] Question: Price increase plans for 2026 - Management has not yet sent price increase letters but is optimistic about pricing strategies that will offset input cost inflation in both the U.S. and Europe [54][56] Question: Regional performance differences in the U.S. - Weaker volumes were noted in Florida, California, and Arizona, while growth was seen in Texas, Colorado, and the Mid-South, with strong infrastructure demand expected to continue [60][63] Question: Optimization plans at Balcones in Texas - The use of artificial intelligence at Balcones is expected to lead to significant yield increases and further cement margin improvements [65][66] Question: Urbanization solutions business performance - The decline in revenue and EBITDA is attributed to weakness in residential and infrastructure activity, but core businesses remain integral to the company's strategy [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated EBITDA rose sharply, increasing at a double-digit rate, with significant margin gains driven by cost savings and higher prices [5][6][8] - EBITDA margin expanded by 2.5 percentage points, reaching its highest level for a third quarter since 2020 [7][11] - Free cash flow from operations improved significantly, reaching approximately $540 million, an increase of over $350 million year-over-year [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, EBITDA grew by 11%, driven by a leaner cost base and higher prices despite lower volumes [16] - The U.S. operations achieved record third-quarter EBITDA and margins, supported by increased cost efficiencies and higher prices [18][19] - The EMEA region saw strong performance, with new records in EBITDA and margins, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand conditions in Mexico are showing signs of improvement, with average daily cement sales volume outperforming historical patterns [16] - In the U.S., infrastructure demand remains strong, while residential sector weakness persists [19][52] - The South Central America and Caribbean region posted impressive results, with EBITDA rising by 54% [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence and delivering industry-leading shareholder returns, with a strategic plan aimed at enhancing profitability and free cash flow conversion [4][13] - Project Cutting Edge aims for annualized recurring EBITDA savings of $400 million by 2027, with significant progress already made [11][12] - The company is prioritizing small to mid-size acquisitions in the U.S. and divesting non-core markets to strengthen its position [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in demand conditions, particularly in Mexico and the U.S., with expectations for volume growth in 2026 [18][39] - The company anticipates continued improvements in free cash flow conversion and operational efficiency as it progresses with its strategic initiatives [26][29] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation while pursuing growth opportunities [13][66] Other Important Information - The company completed the divestment of its operations in Panama and consolidated Couch Aggregates into its U.S. business [2][3][14] - The company is committed to decarbonization efforts, having surpassed the European Cement Association's 2030 CO2 emissions target [6][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should we expect for cash conversion next year and 2027? - Management targets around 45% free cash flow conversion from operations in 2026, with further improvements expected beyond that [32] Question: Can we expect a recovery in Mexico's demand volumes? - Management is confident that demand volumes in Mexico should grow by at least 2.5% to 3% next year, driven by infrastructure projects [38] Question: What contributed to the EBITDA margin expansion in Mexico? - The 500 basis points improvement was driven by price increases, reductions in SG&A, and lower variable costs, including energy [42] Question: How does the company view CCUS initiatives? - Management emphasized that CCUS remains a mid-term priority, but will only be pursued if it is accretive to value creation [45][46] Question: What is the outlook for U.S. M&A? - The company is actively looking at family-owned aggregate targets in the U.S. and is strengthening its team for bolt-on acquisitions [73]

Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter sales of $943 million, a year-over-year increase of 4%, and EPS of $0.94, a 15% increase over 2024 [4][10] - North America sales grew 6%, primarily due to pricing actions and strong commercial water heater and boiler volumes [4][10] - Operating cash flow grew 21% to $434 million, and free cash flow grew 35% to $381 million during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year [11] Business Line Performance - North America water heater sales increased by 6%, driven by pricing actions and higher commercial water heater volumes [5][10] - North America boiler sales increased by 10% compared to the third quarter of 2024, led by pricing actions and higher volumes of high-efficiency boilers [6][10] - North America water treatment sales decreased by 5% in the third quarter, as growth in priority channels was offset by a decrease in the retail channel [6][10] Market Performance - Local currency sales in China decreased by 12% due to economic challenges and reduced government subsidy programs [5][10] - The legacy India business continued strong growth, delivering 13% growth in local currency [5][10] - The company expects a decline of approximately 10% in local currency sales in China for 2025 [17][19] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is committed to sustainability and plans to publish a sustainability progress report [8][9] - The company is actively assessing strategic opportunities and has sufficient resources for acquisitions that meet its strategic and financial criteria [12][19] - The company is focusing on operational excellence and innovation to drive future growth [64] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing economic challenges in China and a cautious outlook for the U.S. residential water heater market due to lower new home construction completions [16][34] - The company is encouraged by resilient demand in the commercial water heater market and has increased its projection for commercial water heater industry volumes [16][19] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the tariff and competitive landscape in core water heater and boiler businesses [24] Other Important Information - The board approved a 6% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.36 per share, marking the 32nd consecutive year of dividend increases [12] - The company repurchased approximately 5 million shares of common stock for a total of $335 million in the first nine months of 2025 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you talk about your performance versus the overall market in China? - Management indicated that the market continues to face challenges, with increased competitive intensity and promotional activities due to the discontinuation of government subsidies [26] Question: What is driving the strength in North America commercial water heater sales? - Management attributed the strength to a strong market backdrop and competitive product offerings, including the launch of the Flex commercial water heater [27][29] Question: Can you provide an update on the China strategic review? - Management stated that it is still early in the process and no outcomes have been narrowed down yet [31] Question: How do you see the U.S. residential water heater market playing out? - Management noted a slight decrease in expectations due to pressures from new home construction completions [34] Question: What are the expectations for the fourth quarter in China? - Management expects an uptick in volume compared to the third quarter, but overall outlook remains cautious due to the discontinuation of the subsidy program [58]

Core Insights - WuXi AppTec is strategically divesting non-core businesses to focus on its competitive CRDMO model, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and shareholder value [2][10][12] Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, the company reported a 22.5% year-on-year increase in revenue from continuing operations and a 43.4% increase in adjusted Non-IFRS net profit [3][4] - The total shareholder return plan for 2025 amounts to nearly 7 billion RMB, including regular dividends of approximately 2.83 billion RMB and special dividends of about 1.01 billion RMB [5][7] Strategic Divestitures - The sale of the ATU business was a pragmatic decision to eliminate losses and improve overall profitability, enhancing gross and net profit margins [13][14] - The divestiture of shares in WuXi XDC and clinical operations is part of a capital recycling strategy, providing funds to reinvest in the core CRDMO business [14][15][16] Operational Excellence - The company has significantly improved its operational efficiency, reducing the time required to ramp up new facilities from two years in 2017 to just two months in 2024 [20] - A proprietary digital management system optimizes production scheduling across multiple sites, enhancing asset utilization and minimizing errors [21][22] Future Outlook - WuXi AppTec is building a self-reinforcing business model that leverages operational excellence to ensure stable order flow and strong cash flow, which will be reinvested into the core CRDMO platform [23][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - 3M reported organic sales growth of 3.2% in Q3, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive organic growth across all business groups [3][4] - Operating margins increased by 170 basis points, with earnings per share rising 10% to $2.19, and free cash flow reached $1.3 billion, representing a conversion rate of 111% [4][16] - The company raised its earnings per share guidance for the year to a range of $7.95 to $8.05, reflecting strong performance in the first three quarters [4][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Safety and Industrial Business Group (SIBG) achieved organic sales growth of 4.1% in Q3, driven by electrical markets and industrial adhesives [18][19] - Transportation and Electronics adjusted sales accelerated to 3.6% in Q3, with significant growth in aerospace and electronics [20] - The Consumer business demonstrated resilience with 0.3% organic growth in each of the last three quarters, supported by strong demand for Filtrete filters and Scotch Tape [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Growth in China was notable, with sales up high single digits, particularly in industrial adhesives and electronics bonding solutions [14][15] - The U.S. market saw nearly 4% growth in Q3, up from 1% in the first half, driven by general industrial safety and demand for Filtrete filters [15] - Europe returned to growth in Q3, up low single digits, primarily due to strength in personal safety communication solutions [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on commercial excellence, operational efficiency, and new product development, with plans to launch over 250 new products this year [5][10] - A divestiture strategy is in place, with 2% to 3% of revenue under review for potential divestiture to focus on higher growth and higher profit potential markets [10][51] - The company aims to achieve margin expansion of 180 to 200 basis points for the year, with a long-term target of 25% by 2027 [22][47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that macro trends remain soft but emphasized that strong execution is allowing the company to outperform the market [11][14] - The focus will be on innovating for customers, improving service, and optimizing capacity while maintaining a sense of urgency in performance culture [14][24] - The company expressed confidence in achieving updated 2025 guidance and commitments made at the investor day [24] Other Important Information - The cost of poor quality decreased to 5.7%, down 40 basis points sequentially and 150 basis points year over year [9] - The company returned $900 million to shareholders in Q3, including $400 million in dividends and $500 million in share repurchases [10][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on new product introductions and their impact - Management highlighted a greater pace and urgency in new product introductions, with 70 products launched in Q3 and a healthy pipeline of ideas [28][30] - The focus is on incremental line extensions, with expectations for more significant category innovations in the future [32][33] Question: Clarification on restructuring efforts - Management indicated that the current restructuring is a long-term, thoughtful redesign of manufacturing and distribution networks, rather than a quick fix [36][38] Question: Expectations for Q4 performance - Management noted typical seasonal drops in volume and margin from Q3 to Q4, but expressed confidence in year-over-year growth based on backlog coverage and order trends [56][58] Question: Discussion on divestitures and portfolio management - Management confirmed ongoing analysis of the portfolio, focusing on high-growth, high-margin businesses, and indicated that divestitures will be executed where clear shareholder value can be realized [50][52]

Investor Day 2025 TM Transform. Innovate. Accelerate. 2025 INVESTOR DAY 1 Welcome and Opening Remarks Ann Giancristoforo Vice President, Investor Relations 2 2 2025 INVESTOR DAY 2025 INVESTOR DAY Forward looking statements On January 15, 2025, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. ("DuPont", or after the completion of the Intended Electronics Separation, "New DuPont") announced it is targeting November 1, 2025 to complete the intended separation of its Electronics business (the "Intended Electronics Separation") by way o ...

Summary of 3M FY Conference Call - September 11, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: 3M (NYSE: MMM) - **Industry**: Multi-Industry, including Safety and Industrial, Consumer, Electronics, Automotive, and more Key Points and Arguments Leadership and Strategic Focus - The CEO, Bill Brown, emphasized a return to basics, focusing on business fundamentals, culture, accountability, agility, and innovation [3][4] - Three main priorities were outlined: top-line growth through innovation and commercial excellence, operational performance, and effective capital deployment [3][4] Product Launches and Innovation - 3M launched 126 products in the first half of 2025, a significant increase from 128 in all of 2023, representing a 70% year-over-year growth [4][5] - The company is on track for over 215 product launches in 2025, aiming for 1,000 launches over the next three years [4][5] Financial Performance and Growth Metrics - The Safety and Industrial Business Group (SIBG) showed improvement with organic growth of 2.5% in the first half of 2025, up from negative growth in the previous year [5][6] - Margins improved by 250 basis points year-over-year, with a target of 25% margins by 2027 [6][7] - The company aims for a billion dollars of growth above macroeconomic trends over the next three years, with half from commercial excellence and half from new product introductions [18][24] Operational Excellence - The CEO highlighted the importance of operational excellence, including metrics like on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery, which improved from 80% to 89.6% year-over-year [11][12] - The focus on asset utilization is critical, with current utilization at 59%, aiming to improve surge capacity and reduce excess assets [13][14] Market Conditions and Expectations - The macroeconomic environment remains sluggish, with expectations of low single-digit growth in various sectors, including automotive and consumer markets [31][32] - China remains a strong market for 3M, contributing over 10% of the company's revenue, although growth is expected to soften in the back half of the year [36][38] Portfolio Management and Divestitures - The company is reviewing its portfolio to focus on higher growth and margin potential businesses, with about 10% of the portfolio identified for potential divestiture [25][26] - Priority verticals for investment include semiconductors, data centers, aerospace, and automotive [25][26] Litigation and Financial Management - Ongoing litigation includes public water supplier issues and personal injury cases, with settlements structured to manage cash flow over time [40][41] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet to handle litigation costs and is focused on cash management strategies [44][45] Future Outlook - The CEO expressed confidence in achieving growth targets, with expectations of accelerating growth in the back half of 2025 [23][31] - The company is committed to innovation and improving operational metrics to drive sustainable growth [10][18] Additional Important Insights - The company is phasing out PFAS production by the end of 2025, focusing on alternative materials and innovation [46][47] - The impact of tariffs is being managed, with expectations of offsetting costs through pricing and operational efficiencies [51][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a cautious consumer environment impacting restaurant traffic and retail shopping behavior, with a shift towards more frequent retail shopping but lower spending per visit [6][7] - The company is optimistic about the growth of its value-added chicken business, which has been performing well despite the challenges in the market [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chicken segment is highlighted as a strong performer, with significant growth in value-added sales and a robust innovation pipeline [19][20] - The beef segment is facing challenges due to limited availability and market volatility, but there are signs of herd rebuilding which could improve future performance [29][30] - The pork segment has shown positive performance, benefiting from consumers seeking value alternatives to beef, with ongoing operational improvements [50][52] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is observing a stable environment in the protein market, with USDA projections indicating minimal increases in production across all proteins [24] - The international business is expanding, with significant investments made in Southeast Asia, China, and other regions, although geopolitical and economic pressures remain [45][47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain operational excellence and continuous improvement across all business segments, focusing on innovation and consumer needs [15][38] - There is a strong emphasis on aligning communication and best practices globally to leverage opportunities in the protein market [4][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the cautious consumer sentiment but remains confident in the essential role of protein in diets, which is expected to drive long-term growth [7][8] - The company is committed to executing its strategies effectively and is optimistic about maintaining momentum in its prepared foods and chicken segments [39][40] Other Important Information - The company has reopened share repurchases and is focused on maintaining a net leverage target of at or below 2x, with a balanced approach to capital allocation [54][56] - The expected normalized level of capital expenditures is around $1 billion, reflecting a disciplined approach to investments [58] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key priorities for the new COO? - The COO emphasized the importance of alignment, clarity, and communication within the organization, aiming to accelerate existing momentum without major changes [3][4] Question: How is consumer behavior affecting protein consumption? - The COO noted a cautious consumer environment, with a shift towards retail shopping and a focus on value-added protein products [6][7] Question: What is the outlook for the chicken business? - The COO expressed optimism about the chicken segment, highlighting strong growth in value-added sales and a solid innovation pipeline [19][20] Question: What challenges are being faced in the beef segment? - Management discussed limited availability and market volatility in the beef segment, but indicated positive signs of herd rebuilding [29][30] Question: How is the company addressing input price pressures in prepared foods? - The COO mentioned the use of formula pricing and point-of-sale price adjustments to manage input cost pressures while maintaining consumer value [40][41] Question: What is the strategy for international growth? - The COO highlighted significant investments and a strong leadership team in international markets, with a focus on operational excellence and adapting to local conditions [45][47] Question: What are the future expectations for the pork segment? - Management acknowledged the positive performance in pork, driven by consumer demand for value, and emphasized ongoing operational improvements [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported over 12 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources with a 55% average direct after-tax rate of return at bottom cycle prices of $45 oil [12][13] - The Encino acquisition, valued at $5.6 billion, is expected to generate synergies of approximately $150 million in the first year, primarily through well cost reductions and infrastructure integration [3][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Utica play is being positioned as a foundational asset, with plans to run five rigs and three frack fleets to deliver about 65 wells to sales [18] - The Delaware Basin continues to show growth potential, with nine additional landing zones developed over the past five years [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American gas demand is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6%, driven by LNG demand and power generation needs [28][29] - The company has secured $900 million in marketing agreements for LNG, with plans to ramp up to this capacity by 2027 [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes capital discipline, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainability as core pillars of its value proposition [5][6] - The focus is on organic exploration and leveraging technology to unlock new resources, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a multi-basin portfolio [15][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the exploration plays in Bahrain and the UAE, with capital allocation dependent on incoming data from drilling activities [39][40] - The company views natural gas as a long-term energy solution, with a strategy to deliver low-cost gas consistently to meet growing demand [38] Other Important Information - The integration of the Encino acquisition has been progressing better than expected, utilizing technology and AI applications to streamline operations [24][22] - The company is not focused on further M&A but rather on optimizing existing assets and exploring new opportunities organically [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about shale maturation and new deals - Management clarified that recent deals are not a reflection of shale maturation but rather a strategic move to leverage technological advancements and subsurface knowledge [2] Question: Capital allocation strategy - The company disaggregates individual assets based on their life cycle and allocates capital accordingly, balancing near-term returns with long-term growth [8][11] Question: Integration of the Encino deal - The integration is going well, with expected synergies and operational efficiencies being realized quickly [22][24] Question: Future growth of foundational plays - Management indicated that foundational plays like the Delaware and Eagle Ford will continue to grow alongside emerging assets like the Utica [25][26] Question: Balancing dry gas and oil investments - The company is strategically investing in both oil and gas, with a focus on maintaining low-cost gas supply while growing its oil business [30][31] Question: Marketing agreements and growth opportunities - Management emphasized the importance of securing the right marketing agreements and diversifying pricing indices to maximize revenue [34][35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported over 12 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources with a 55% average direct after-tax rate of return at bottom cycle prices of $45 oil and $2.50 gas [12][13] - The Encino acquisition, valued at $5.6 billion, is expected to generate synergies of approximately $150 million in the first year, primarily through well cost reductions and infrastructure integration [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Delaware Basin continues to show significant growth potential, with nine additional landing zones developed in the past five years due to technological advancements and lower well costs [26] - The Eagle Ford has seen a level-loading of activity, maintaining margins despite a slowdown from pre-COVID investment levels [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American gas demand is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6%, driven by LNG demand and power generation needs [29][30] - The company has secured $900 million in marketing agreements for LNG, with a ramp-up to full capacity expected by 2027 [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital discipline, operational excellence, and leveraging technology to drive down well costs while maintaining a multi-basin portfolio [5][11] - The strategy includes balancing investments across foundational assets, emerging plays, and international exploration opportunities [14][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the integration of the Encino acquisition and its potential to accelerate the development of the Utica play [16][24] - The company remains committed to organic exploration and innovation as key differentiators in the competitive landscape [43][44] Other Important Information - The company is exploring opportunities in the Middle East, specifically in Bahrain and the UAE, with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance productivity and lower costs [41][42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about shale maturation and new deals - Management clarified that recent deals are not indicative of shale maturation but rather a strategic move to leverage technological advancements and subsurface knowledge [2][3] Question: Capital allocation strategy - The company emphasized the importance of disaggregating individual assets and investing at the right pace to balance near-term returns with long-term growth [8][10] Question: Future of foundational plays like Delaware and Eagle Ford - Management indicated that both foundational plays still have significant growth potential and will continue to contribute to the overall portfolio [25][26] Question: Balancing dry gas opportunities with oil investments - The company highlighted the strategic importance of low-cost gas supply from Dorado, while maintaining a balanced approach to oil and gas investments [30][32] Question: Marketing agreements and growth opportunities - Management discussed the importance of securing long-term marketing agreements for consistent gas supply, particularly in the LNG market [33][35]