Item 1A. — RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in connection with evaluating the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely effect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Certain statements in “Risk Factors” are forward-looking statements. See “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to Our Business

Disruptions in the financial markets could adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing. Should general economic conditions not improve, if we are unable to obtain sufficient funding such that completion of our suspended projects is not probable, or should management decide to abandon certain projects, all or a portion of our investment to date in our suspended projects could be lost.

Severe disruptions in the commercial credit markets have resulted in a tightening of credit markets worldwide. Liquidity in the global credit markets has been severely contracted by these market disruptions, making it difficult and costly to obtain new lines of credit or to refinance existing debt. The effects of these disruptions are widespread and difficult to quantify, and it is impossible to predict when the global credit markets will improve, if at all, or when the credit contraction will stop.

Our business and financing plan is dependent upon completion of various financings, including additional financings in Macau and Singapore, as described in “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Given the state of the current credit environment, it may be difficult to obtain any additional financing on acceptable terms, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to complete our planned development projects, and as a consequence, our results of operations and business plans. Should general economic conditions not improve, if we are unable to obtain sufficient funding such that completion of our suspended projects is not probable, or should management decide to abandon certain projects, all or a portion of the Company’s investment to date on our suspended projects could be lost and would result in an impairment charge. In addition, we may be subject to penalties under the termination clauses in our construction contracts or termination rights under our management contracts with certain hotel management companies.

Our business is particularly sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending as a result of downturns in the economy.

Consumer demand for hotel/casino resorts, trade shows and conventions and for the type of luxury amenities we offer is particularly sensitive to downturns in the economy and the corresponding impact on discretionary spending on leisure activities. Changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences could be driven by factors such as perceived or actual general economic conditions; the current housing crisis and the credit crisis; high energy, fuel and food costs; the increased cost of travel; the potential for bank failures; the weakened job market; perceived or actual disposable consumer income and wealth; fears of recession and changes in consumer confidence in the economy; or fears of war and future acts of terrorism. These factors could reduce consumer demand for the luxury amenities and leisure activities we offer, thus imposing practical limits on pricing and harming our operations.

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The general global economic slowdown has resulted in a decline in tourism and visitors to Macau and Las Vegas, with Las Vegas also being affected by the current housing crisis. In Macau, according to government statistics, visitor arrivals to Macau decreased 5.1% and occupancy rates have decreased 2.9% during 2009 as compared to 2008. Despite the decline in visitors, gaming revenue increased 9.7% in 2009 as compared to 2008, while it increased 50.2% for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2008. In Las Vegas, according to visitor statistics, occupancy rates across Las Vegas declined by 4.5%, room rates declined by 22.0% and gaming revenue declined by 9.4% during 2009 as compared to 2008. For the quarter ended December 31, 2009, occupancy rates across Las Vegas declined by 2.0%, room rates declined by 11.8% and gaming revenues were unchanged compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2008. The failure of these recent trends to continue to improve in both Macau and Las Vegas could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

There are significant risks associated with our planned construction projects, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows from these planned facilities.

Our ongoing and future construction projects, such as our Cotai Strip projects, Marina Bay Sands, Sands Bethlehem and the St. Regis Residences, entail significant risks. Construction activity requires us to obtain qualified contractors and subcontractors, the availability of which may be uncertain. Construction projects are subject to cost overruns and delays caused by events outside of our control or, in certain cases, our contractors’ control, such as shortages of materials or skilled labor, unforeseen engineering, environmental and/or geological problems, work stoppages, weather interference, unanticipated cost increases and unavailability of construction materials or equipment. Construction, equipment or staffing problems or difficulties in obtaining any of the requisite materials, licenses, permits, allocations and authorizations from governmental or regulatory authorities could increase the total cost, delay, jeopardize, prevent the construction or opening of our projects, or otherwise affect the design and features. In addition, the number of ongoing projects and their locations throughout the world present unique challenges and risks to our management structure. If our management is unable to successfully manage our worldwide construction projects, it could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Historically, we have not entered into a fixed-price or guaranteed maximum price contract with a single construction manager or general contractor. As a result, we rely heavily upon our in-house development and construction team to coordinate the work of the various trade contractors and manage construction costs, which put more of the risk of cost-overruns on us but allows us greater flexibility. If we are unable to manage costs or we are unable to raise capital required, we may not be able to open or complete these projects, which may have an adverse impact on our business and prospects for growth.

The anticipated costs and completion dates for our projects are based on budgets, designs, development and construction documents and schedule estimates that we have prepared with the assistance of architects and other construction development consultants and that are subject to change as the design, development and construction documents are finalized and as actual construction work is performed. A failure to complete our projects on budget or on schedule may have an adverse effect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Due to the suspension of certain of our development projects, the estimated costs to complete and open these projects is currently not determinable and therefore may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See also “— Risks Associated with Our International Operations — We are required to build and open our developments on parcel 3 of the Cotai Strip by April 2013. Unless we meet this deadline or obtain an extension, we may lose our land concession for parcel 3, which would prohibit us from operating any facilities developed under such land concession.”

The failure to obtain the necessary financing, or satisfy these funding conditions, could adversely effect our ability to construct our development projects.

Because we are currently dependent primarily upon our properties in two markets for all of our cash flow, we are subject to greater risks than a gaming company with more operating properties or that operates in more markets.

We currently do not have material operations other than our Las Vegas and Macau properties. As a result, we are primarily dependent upon these properties for all of our cash flow until we open our Marina Bay Sands, which is expected to open on April 27, 2010.

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Given that our operations are currently conducted primarily at properties in Las Vegas and Macau and that a large portion of our planned future development is in Macau and Singapore, we will be subject to greater degrees of risk than a gaming company with more operating properties or that operates in more markets. The risks to which we will have a greater degree of exposure include the following:

	•		local economic and competitive conditions;

	•		inaccessibility due to inclement weather, road construction or closure of primary access routes;

	•		decline in air passenger traffic due to higher ticket costs or fears concerning air travel;

	•		changes in local and state governmental laws and regulations, including gaming laws and regulations;

	•		natural and other disasters, including the risk of typhoons in the South China region or outbreaks of infectious diseases;

	•		changes in the availability of water; and

	•		a decline in the number of visitors to Las Vegas or Macau or visitation levels in Singapore are less than expected.

Our substantial debt could impair our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We will need to incur additional debt to finance our planned construction projects.

We are highly leveraged and have substantial debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2009, we had $11.03 billion of long-term debt outstanding. This substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to us. For example, it could:

	•		make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations;

	•		increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

	•		impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital needs, capital expenditures, development projects, acquisitions or general corporate purposes;

	•		require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, which would reduce the funds available for our operations and development projects;

	•		limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the business and the industry in which we operate;

	•		place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

	•		subject us to higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates as a significant portion of our debt is and will continue to be at variable rates of interest.

We expect that all of our current projects will be funded with existing cash balances, cash flows from operations and available borrowings from our existing and proposed credit facilities, with the exception of those projects currently suspended. We cannot assure you that we will obtain all the financing required for the construction and opening of our suspended projects on acceptable terms, if at all.

The terms of our debt instruments may restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to finance additional growth, respond to changes or take some actions that may otherwise be in our best interests.

Our current debt instruments contain, and any future debt instruments likely will contain, a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to:

	•		incur additional debt, including providing guarantees or credit support;

	•		incur liens securing indebtedness or other obligations;

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	•		dispose of assets;

	•		make certain acquisitions;

	•		pay dividends or make distributions and make other restricted payments, such as purchasing equity interests, repurchasing junior indebtedness or making investments in third parties;

	•		enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

	•		engage in any new businesses;

	•		issue preferred stock; and

	•		enter into transactions with our stockholders and our affiliates.

In addition, our U.S., Macau and Singapore credit agreements contain various financial covenants. See “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 1 — Organization and Business of Company — Development Financing Strategy” and “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 8 — Long-Term Debt” for further description of these covenants and the potential impact of noncompliance.

Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all possible losses that our properties could suffer. In addition, our insurance costs may increase and we may not be able to obtain the same insurance coverage in the future.

Although we have all-risk property insurance for our operating properties covering damage caused by a casualty loss (such as fire or natural disasters), each policy has certain exclusions. In addition, our property insurance coverage is in an amount that may be significantly less than the expected replacement cost of rebuilding the facilities if there was a total loss. Our level of insurance coverage also may not be adequate to cover all losses in the event of a major casualty. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, loss of income due to cancellation of room reservations or conventions due to fear of terrorism, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage and pollution, might not be covered at all under our policies. Therefore, certain acts could expose us to substantial uninsured losses.

We also have builder’s risk insurance for our projects under construction in Macau and Singapore. Builder’s risk insurance provides coverage for projects during their construction for damage caused by a casualty loss. In general, our builder’s risk coverage is subject to the same exclusions, risks and deficiencies as those described above for our all-risk property coverage. Our level of builder’s risk insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all losses in the event of a major casualty.

In addition, although we currently have insurance coverage for occurrences of terrorist acts with respect to our operating properties and for certain losses that could result from these acts, our terrorism coverage is subject to the same risks and deficiencies as those described above for our all-risk property coverage. The lack of sufficient insurance for these types of acts could expose us to substantial losses in the event that any damages occur, directly or indirectly, as a result of terrorist attacks or otherwise, which could have a significant negative impact on our operations.

In addition to the damage caused to our operating properties by a casualty loss, we may suffer business disruption as a result of these events or be subject to claims by third parties injured or harmed. While we carry business interruption insurance and general liability insurance, this insurance may not be adequate to cover all losses in any such event.

We renew our insurance policies (other than our builder’s risk insurance) on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may become so high that we may need to further reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage. Among other factors, it is possible that regional political tensions, homeland security concerns, other catastrophic events or any change in government legislation governing insurance coverage for acts of terrorism could materially adversely effect available insurance coverage and result in increased premiums on available coverage (which may cause us to elect to reduce our policy limits), additional exclusions from coverage or higher deductibles. Among other potential future adverse changes, in the future we may elect to not, or may not be able to, obtain any coverage for losses due to acts of terrorism.

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Our debt instruments and other material agreements require us to maintain a certain minimum level of insurance. Failure to satisfy these requirements could result in an event of default under these debt instruments or material agreements.

We depend on the continued services of key managers and employees. If we do not retain our key personnel or attract and retain other highly skilled employees, our business will suffer.

Our ability to maintain our competitive position is dependent to a large degree on the services of our senior management team, including Sheldon G. Adelson and our other executive officers. Mr. Adelson, Michael A. Leven, Robert G. Goldstein, Kenneth J. Kay and J. Alberto Gonzalez-Pita have each entered into employment agreements with us; however, we cannot assure you that any of our executive officers will remain with us. These agreements are currently scheduled to expire in December 2010 for Mr. Adelson, March 2011 for Mr. Leven and December 2011 for Messrs. Goldstein, Kay and Gonzalez-Pita. We currently do not have a life insurance policy on any of the members of the senior management team. The death or loss of the services of any of our senior managers or the inability to attract and retain additional senior management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are controlled by a principal stockholder whose interest in our business may be different than yours.

Mr. Adelson, his family members and trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Adelson and/or his family members beneficially own (excluding unexercised warrants to purchase 87.5 million shares of our common stock) approximately 52% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2009. Accordingly, Mr. Adelson exercises significant influence over our business policies and affairs, including the composition of our Board of Directors and any action requiring the approval of our stockholders, including the adoption of amendments to our articles of incorporation and the approval of a merger or sale of substantially all of our assets. The concentration of ownership may also delay, defer or even prevent a change in control of our company and may make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of Mr. Adelson. Because Mr. Adelson and trusts for the benefit of Mr. Adelson and/or his family members own more than 50% of the voting power of our company, we are considered a controlled company under the NYSE listing standards. As such, the NYSE corporate governance rules requiring that a majority of our Board of Directors and our entire compensation committee be independent do not apply to us. As a result, the ability of our independent directors to influence our business policies and affairs may be reduced. The interests of Mr. Adelson may conflict with your interests.

We are a parent company and our primary source of cash is and will be distributions from our subsidiaries.

We are a parent company with limited business operations of our own. Our main asset is the capital stock of our subsidiaries. We conduct most of our business operations through our direct and indirect subsidiaries. Accordingly, our primary sources of cash are dividends and distributions with respect to our ownership interests in our subsidiaries that are derived from the earnings and cash flow generated by our operating properties. Our subsidiaries might not generate sufficient earnings and cash flow to pay dividends or distributions in the future. Our subsidiaries’ payments to us will be contingent upon their earnings and upon other business considerations. In addition, our subsidiaries’ debt instruments and other agreements limit or prohibit certain payments of dividends or other distributions to us. We expect that future debt instruments for the financing of our other developments, including our Cotai Strip developments, will contain similar restrictions.

Our business is sensitive to the willingness of our customers to travel. Acts of terrorism, regional political events and developments in the conflicts in certain countries could cause severe disruptions in air travel that reduce the number of visitors to our facilities, resulting in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are dependent on the willingness of our customers to travel. A substantial number of our customers for The Venetian Las Vegas and The Palazzo use air travel to come to Las Vegas. Acts of terrorism may severely disrupt domestic and international travel, which would result in a decrease in customer visits to Las Vegas, including our properties. Regional conflicts could have a similar effect on domestic and international travel. Most of our customers travel to reach our Las Vegas and Macau properties and, following its opening, our Singapore property. Only a small amount of our business is and will be generated by local residents. Management cannot predict the extent to which disruptions in air or other forms of travel as a result of any further terrorist act, outbreak of hostilities or escalation of war would adversely effect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We extend credit to a large portion of our customers and we may not be able to collect gaming receivables from our credit players.

We conduct our gaming activities on a credit and cash basis. Any such credit we extend is unsecured. Table games players typically are extended more credit than slot players, and high-stakes players typically are extended more credit than patrons who tend to wager lower amounts. High-end gaming is more volatile than other forms of gaming, and variances in win-loss results attributable to high-end gaming may have a significant positive or negative impact on cash flow and earnings in a particular quarter.

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During the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately 57.5% and 31.4% of our table games drop at our Las Vegas properties and Macau properties, respectively, was from credit-based wagering. We extend credit to those customers whose level of play and financial resources warrant, in the opinion of management, an extension of credit. These large receivables could have a significant impact on our results of operations if deemed uncollectible.

While gaming debts evidenced by a credit instrument, including what is commonly referred to as a “marker,” and judgments on gaming debts are enforceable under the current laws of Nevada, and Nevada judgments on gaming debts are enforceable in all states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, other jurisdictions may determine that enforcement of gaming debts is against public policy. Although courts of some foreign nations will enforce gaming debts directly and the assets in the U.S. of foreign debtors may be reached to satisfy a judgment, judgments on gaming debts from U.S. courts are not binding on the courts of many foreign nations.

Any violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or applicable Anti-Money Laundering Regulation could have a negative impact on us.

We are subject to regulations imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. We also deal with significant amounts of cash in our operations and are subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations. Any violation of anti-money laundering laws or regulations by any of our properties could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Risks Associated with Our U.S. Operations

We face significant competition in Las Vegas, which could materially adversely effect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, any significant downturn in the trade show and convention business could significantly and adversely affect our mid-week occupancy rates and business.

The hotel, resort and casino businesses in Las Vegas are highly competitive. We also compete, to some extent, with other hotel/casino facilities in Nevada and Atlantic City, as well as hotel/casinos and other resort facilities and vacation destinations elsewhere in the United States and around the world. Many of our competitors are subsidiaries or divisions of large public companies and have substantial financial and other resources. In addition, various competitors on the Las Vegas Strip periodically expand and/or renovate their existing facilities. If demand for hotel rooms does not keep up with the increase in the number of hotel rooms, competitive pressures may cause reductions in average room rates.

We also compete with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands, including those located in California. While the competitive impact on our operations in Las Vegas from the continued growth of Native American gaming establishments in California remains uncertain, the proliferation of gaming in California and other areas located in the same region as our Las Vegas Operating Properties could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

In addition, certain states have legalized, and others may legalize, casino gaming in specific areas, including metropolitan areas from which we traditionally attract customers. A number of states have permitted or are considering permitting gaming at “racinos,” on Native American reservations and through expansion of state lotteries. The current global trend toward liberalization of gaming restrictions and resulting proliferation of gaming venues could result in a decrease in the number of visitors to our Las Vegas facilities by attracting customers close to home and away from Las Vegas, which could adversely effect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Sands Expo Center provides recurring demand for mid-week room nights for business travelers who attend meetings, trade shows and conventions in Las Vegas. The Sands Expo Center presently competes with other large convention centers, including convention centers in Las Vegas and other cities. Competition will be increasing for the Sands Expo Center as a result of planned additional convention and meeting facilities, as well as the enhancement or expansion of existing convention and meeting facilities, in Las Vegas. To the extent that these competitors are able to capture a substantially larger portion of the trade show and convention business, there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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The loss of our gaming license or our failure to comply with the extensive regulations that govern our operations in any jurisdiction where we operate could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our gaming operations and the ownership of our securities are subject to extensive regulation by the Nevada Commission, the Nevada Board and the CCLGLB. The Nevada Gaming Authorities have broad authority with respect to licensing and registration of our business entities and individuals investing in or otherwise involved with us.

Although we currently are registered with, and LVSLLC and VCR currently hold gaming licenses issued by, the Nevada Gaming Authorities, these authorities may, among other things, revoke the gaming license of any corporate entity or the registration of a registered corporation or any entity registered as a holding company of a corporate licensee for violations of gaming regulations.

In addition, the Nevada Gaming Authorities may, under certain conditions, revoke the license or finding of suitability of any officer, director, controlling person, stockholder, noteholder or key employee of a licensed or registered entity. If our gaming licenses were revoked for any reason, the Nevada Gaming Authorities could require the closing of the casino, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, compliance costs associated with gaming laws, regulations or licenses are significant. Any change in the laws, regulations or licenses applicable to our business or gaming licenses could require us to make substantial expenditures or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

A similar dynamic exists in all jurisdictions where we operate and a regulatory action against one of our operating entities in any gaming jurisdiction could impact our operations in other gaming jurisdictions where we do business. For a more complete description of the gaming regulatory requirements affecting our business, see “Item 1 — Business — Regulation and Licensing.”

Certain beneficial owners of our voting securities may be required to file an application with, and be investigated by, the Nevada Gaming Authorities, and the Nevada Commission may restrict the ability of a beneficial owner to receive any benefit from our voting securities and may require the disposition of shares of our voting securities, if a beneficial owner is found to be unsuitable.

Any person who acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10% of our voting securities will be required to apply to the Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days after the Chairman of the Nevada Board mails a written notice requiring the filing. Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor” as defined under the regulations of the Nevada Commission, which acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of our voting securities (subject to certain additional holdings as a result of certain debt restructurings or stock repurchase programs under the Nevada Act), may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability requirement if the institutional investor holds our voting securities only for investment purposes. In addition, any beneficial owner of our voting securities, regardless of the number of shares beneficially owned, may be required at the discretion of the Nevada Commission to file an application for a finding of suitability as such. In either case, a finding of suitability is comparable to licensing and the applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting the investigation.

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Gaming Authorities may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a registered corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We are subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us or a licensed subsidiary, we, or any of the licensed subsidiaries:

	•		allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person;

	•		pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise; or

	•		fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish his or her voting securities including, if necessary, purchasing them for cash at fair market value.

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For a more complete description of the Nevada gaming regulatory requirements applicable to beneficial owners of our voting securities, see “Item 1 — Business — Regulation and Licensing — State of Nevada.”

Certain beneficial owners of our voting securities may be required to file a license application with, and be investigated by, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Pennsylvania State Police and other agencies.

Any person who acquires beneficial ownership of 5% or more of our voting securities will be required to apply to the PaGCB for licensure, obtain licensure and remain licensed. Licensure requires, among other things, that the applicant establish by clear and convincing evidence the applicant’s good character, honesty and integrity. Additionally, any trust that holds 5% or more of our voting securities is required to be licensed by the PaGCB and each individual who is a grantor, trustee or beneficiary of the trust is also required to be licensed by the PaGCB. Under certain circumstances and under the regulations of the PaGCB, an “institutional investor” as defined under the regulations of the PaGCB, which acquires beneficial ownership of 5% or more, but less than 10%, of our voting securities, may not be required to be licensed by the PaGCB provided the PaGCB grants a waiver of the licensure requirement. In addition, any beneficial owner of our voting securities, regardless of the number of shares beneficially owned, may be required at the discretion of the PaGCB to file an application for licensure.

Furthermore, a person or a group of persons acting in concert who acquire(s) more than 20% of our securities, with the exception of the ownership interest of a person at the time of original licensure when the license fee was paid, would trigger a “change in control” (as defined under applicable law). Such a change in control could require us to re-apply for licensure by the PaGCB and incur a $50.0 million license fee.

In the event a security holder is required to be found qualified and is not found qualified, the security holder may be required by the PaGCB to divest of the interest at a price not exceeding the cost of the interest.

For a more complete description of the Pennsylvania gaming regulatory requirements applicable to beneficial owners of our voting securities, see “Item 1 — Business — Regulation and Licensing — Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

If the operating results of The Shoppes at The Palazzo continue to be less than we initially expected, if GGP (or any future owner of The Shoppes at The Palazzo or The Grand Canal Shoppes) breaches any of its material agreements with us, or if we are unable to maintain an acceptable working relationship with GGP (or any future owner), there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We have entered into agreements with GGP under which, among other things:

	•		GGP remains obligated to make payments to us in connection with their purchase of The Shoppes at The Palazzo, which payments are based on projected and, ultimately, actual net operating income for The Shoppes at The Palazzo; and

	•		GGP has agreed to operate The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Shoppes at The Palazzo subject to, and in accordance with, the cooperation agreement.

If the global economic downturn continues, the net operating income for The Shoppes at The Palazzo may continue to be significantly worse than expected at the time the complex was sold to GGP, and therefore the amounts GGP is obligated to pay us may also be significantly less than expected. (Some of the tenants at The Shoppes at The Palazzo whose sales have been less than initially expected have already asked for temporary reductions or abatements in base rent, to which we and GGP have agreed.) Further, as a result of GGP’s publicly disclosed liquidity and leverage problems, there can be no assurance that GGP will be able to pay us future amounts owed.

In April 2009, GGP and its subsidiary that owns The Shoppes at The Palazzo filed the Chapter 11 Cases. Additionally, given the economic and market conditions facing retailers on a national and local level, tenants are facing economic challenges that have effected, and may effect in the future, the calculation of NOI. See “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 5 — Property and Equipment, Net.”

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Our agreements with GGP could be adversely affected in ways that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows if we do not maintain an acceptable working relationship with GGP or its successors. For example:

	•		the Company learned that one tenant filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and another tenant has delayed its construction plans, creating a question as to whether the rent of the latter tenant will be included in the NOI; and

	•		the cooperation agreement that governs the relationships between The Shoppes at The Palazzo and The Palazzo and The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Venetian Las Vegas requires that the owners cooperate in various ways and take various joint actions, which will be more difficult to accomplish, especially in a cost-effective manner, if the parties do not have an acceptable working relationship.

There could be similar material adverse consequences to us if GGP breaches any of its agreements to us, such as its agreement under the cooperation agreement to operate The Grand Canal Shoppes consistent with the standards of first-class restaurant and retail complexes and the overall Venetian theme, and its various obligations as our landlord under the leases described above. Although our agreements with GGP provide us with various remedies in the event of any breaches by GGP and include various dispute resolution procedures and mechanisms, these remedies, procedures and mechanisms may be inadequate to prevent a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows if breaches by GGP occur or if we do not maintain an acceptable working relationship with GGP.

Proposed changes in U.S. tax legislation could impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

In February 2010, the Obama Administration released its fiscal year 2011 budget which included proposals for new U.S. tax legislation that would change how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on their global income. It is uncertain whether some or all of the proposals will be enacted. Depending on their content, such proposals, if enacted, could increase our U.S. income tax expense and liability, and therefore, negatively impact our effective tax rate, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Associated with Our International Operations

Conducting business in Macau and Singapore has certain political and economic risks which may effect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of our Asian operations.

Our operations in Macau include the Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao and the Four Seasons Macao. We plan to open and operate additional hotels, gaming areas and meeting space on the Cotai Strip in Macau. We also plan to own and operate the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Accordingly, our business development plans, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows may be materially and adversely effected by significant political, social and economic developments in Macau and Singapore, and by changes in policies of the governments or changes in laws and regulations or their interpretations. See “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 1 — Organization and Business of Company — Development Financing Strategy.” Our operations in Macau are, and our operations in Singapore will be, also exposed to the risk of changes in laws and policies that govern operations of companies based in those countries. Jurisdictional tax laws and regulations may also be subject to amendment or different interpretation and implementation, thereby adversely effecting our profitability after tax. Further, the percentage of our gross gaming revenues that we must contribute annually to the Macau authorities is subject to change in 2010. These changes may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

As we expect a significant number of consumers to come to our Macau properties from mainland China, general economic conditions and policies in China could have a significant impact on our financial prospects. Any slowdown in economic growth or changes of China’s current restrictions on travel and currency movements could disrupt the number of visitors from mainland China to our casinos in Macau as well as the amounts they are willing to spend in the casinos. See “— The number of visitors to Macau, particularly visitors from mainland China, may decline or travel to Macau may be disrupted.”

Current Macau laws and regulations concerning gaming and gaming concessions are, for the most part, fairly recent and there is little precedent on the interpretation of these laws and regulations. We believe that our organizational structure and operations are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations of Macau. These laws and regulations are complex and a court or an administrative or regulatory body may in the future render an interpretation of these laws and regulations, or issue regulations, which differs from our interpretation and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. As Marina Bay Sands will be one of two gaming facilities in Singapore following the government’s adoption of gaming legislation in 2005, the laws and regulations relating to gaming and their interpretations are untested.

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In addition, our activities in Macau are, and our operations in Singapore will be, subject to administrative review and approval by various government agencies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain all necessary approvals, which may materially affect our long-term business strategy and operations. Macau and Singapore laws permit redress to the courts with respect to administrative actions; however, such redress is largely untested in relation to gaming issues.

We are constructing our remaining Cotai Strip projects on land for which we have not yet been granted concessions. If we do not obtain land concessions, we could forfeit all or a substantial part of our investment in these sites and would not be able to build or operate the planned facilities on these sites.

Land concessions in Macau generally have terms of 25 years, with automatic extensions at our option of 10 years thereafter in accordance with Macau law. There are common rates based on land use generally applied to determine the cost of these land concessions. In November 2009, we received the final draft of the land concession agreement from the Macau government for parcels 5 and 6. We have formally accepted the terms and conditions of the draft land concession and have made an initial premium payment of 700.0 million patacas (approximately $87.6 million at exchange rates in effect on December 31, 2009). The land concession will not become effective until the date it is published in Macau’s Official Gazette. Once the land concession becomes effective, we will be required to make additional land premium and annual rent payments in the amounts and at the times specified in the land concession (see “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 6 — Leasehold Interests in Land, Net”). The land concession requires us to complete the development of the integrated resort on parcels 5 and 6 within 48 months of the date it is published in Macau’s Official Gazette. If we are not able to meet this deadline, we will need to obtain an extension to complete the development on parcels 5 and 6; however, no assurances can be given that such extension will be granted. If we are unable to the meet the deadline and that deadline is not extended, we could lose our land concession for parcels 5 and 6, which would prohibit us from operating any facilities developed under the land concession. As a result, we could forfeit all or a substantial part of its $1.73 billion in capitalized costs, as of December 31, 2009, related to our development on parcels 5 and 6.

We are required to build and open our developments on parcel 3 of the Cotai Strip by April 2013. Unless we meet this deadline or obtain an extension, we may lose our land concession for parcel 3, which would prohibit us from operating any facilities development under such land concession.

The land concession we received from the Macau government covers parcels 1, 2 and 3, including the sites on which The Venetian Macao (parcel 1) and Four Seasons Macao (parcel 2) are located. The Macau Government recently granted us a two-year extension of the development deadline under the land concession for Parcel 3. Under the terms of the land concession, we must complete development of parcel 3 by April 17, 2013. We have commenced pre-construction on parcel 3 and intend to commence construction after necessary government approvals are obtained, regional and global economic conditions improve, future demand warrants it and additional financing is obtained. As a result, there is a significant risk that we will not be able to complete construction by the deadline. See “— Risks Related to Our Business — Disruptions in the financial markets could adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing. Should general economic conditions not improve, if we are unable to obtain sufficient funding such that completion of our suspended projects is not probable, or should management decide to abandon certain projects, all or a portion of our investment to date on our suspended projects could be lost,” “— Risks Related to Our Business — There are significant risks associated with our planned construction projects, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows from these planned facilities” and “— Conducting business in Macau and Singapore has certain political and economic risks which may effect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of our Asian operations.” Should we determine that we are unable to complete the development of parcel 3 by April 2013, we intend to apply for an additional extension from the Macau Government. If we are unable to meet the 2013 deadline and that deadline is not extended, the Macau Government has the right to unilaterally terminate our land concession for parcel 3. A loss of our land concession would prohibit us from operating any properties developed under the land concession for parcel 3. As a result, we could forfeit all or a substantial portion of our $35.7 million in capitalized costs as of December 31, 2009, for parcel 3.

Our revised development plan may give certain of our hotel managers for our Cotai Strip developments the right to terminate their agreements with us.

We have entered into management agreements with Starwood and Shangri-La to manage hotels and serviced luxury apart-hotel units located within our Cotai Strip development on parcels 5 and 6. Our management agreements with Starwood and Shangri-La impose certain construction and opening obligations and deadlines on us, and certain past and/or anticipated delays may represent a default under the agreements, which would allow Starwood and Shangri-La to terminate their respective agreements. In connection with receiving commitments for project financing, as well as completion of our SCL Offering, we are recommencing construction on parcels 5 and 6 and are negotiating amendments to the management agreements with Starwood and Shangri-La to provide for new opening timelines, which we expect to finalize by the second quarter of 2010. If negotiations are unsuccessful, Starwood and Shangri-La would have the right to terminate their agreements with us, which would result in our having to find new managers and brands for these projects, and which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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The Macau government can terminate our subconcession under certain circumstances without compensation to us, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Macau government has the right, after consultation with Galaxy, to unilaterally terminate our subconcession in the event of VML’s serious non-compliance with its basic obligations under the subconcession and applicable Macau laws. Upon termination of our subconcession, our casinos and gaming-related equipment would automatically be transferred to the Macau government without compensation to us and we would cease to generate any revenues from these operations. The loss of our subconcession would prohibit us from conducting gaming operations in Macau, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We will stop generating any revenues from our Macau gaming operations if we cannot secure an extension of our subconcession in 2022 or if the Macau government exercises its redemption right.

Our subconcession agreement expires on June 26, 2022. Unless our subconcession is extended, on that date, all of our casinos and gaming-related equipment will automatically be transferred to the Macau government without compensation to us and we will cease to generate any revenues from these operations. Beginning on December 26, 2017, the Macau government may redeem the subconcession agreement by providing us at least one year prior notice. In the event the Macau government exercises this redemption right, we are entitled to fair compensation or indemnity. The amount of such compensation or indemnity will be determined based on the amount of gaming and non-gaming revenue, as defined, generated by The Venetian Macao during the tax year prior to the redemption multiplied by the number of remaining years before expiration of the subconcession. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew or extend our subconcession agreement on terms favorable to us or at all. We also cannot assure you that if our subconcession is redeemed, the compensation paid will be adequate to compensate us for the loss of future revenues.

The number of visitors to Macau, particularly visitors from mainland China, may decline or travel to Macau may be disrupted.

Our VIP and mass market gaming patrons typically come from nearby destinations in Asia, including mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. Increasingly, a significant number of gaming patrons come to our casinos from mainland China.

The large investments that we and our competitors are making in the construction of new hotels and casinos, are based, in part, on projections regarding the number of visitors, and in particular, visitors from mainland China. As a result, general economic conditions and policies in China could have a significant impact on our financial prospects. Any slowdown in economic growth or changes of China’s current restrictions on travel and currency movements could disrupt the number of visitors from mainland China to our casinos in Macau as well as the amounts they are willing and able to spend while at our properties.

Policies and measures adopted from time to time by the Chinese government include restrictions imposed on exit visa applicants for travel to Macau by Chinese authorities. Under the measures, residents of mainland China are restricted to making only one visit every two months instead of one visit per month. In addition, residents of mainland China visiting Hong Kong may no longer visit Macau on the same visa, but instead must obtain a separate visa for any visit to Macau. These developments have, and any future policy developments that may be implemented may have, the effect of reducing the number of visitors to Macau from mainland China, which could adversely impact tourism and the gaming industry in Macau.

Our Macau operations face intense competition, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The hotel, resort and casino businesses are highly competitive. Our Macau operations currently compete with numerous other casinos located in Macau, including the recent openings of City of Dreams and L’Arc. Our Macau operations will also compete to some extent with casinos located elsewhere in Asia, such as Malaysia’s Genting Highlands and in Singapore, as well as gaming venues in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in the world, including Las Vegas. In addition, certain countries have legalized, and others may in the future legalize, casino gaming, including Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. The proliferation of gaming venues in Southeast Asia could significantly and adversely effect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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The Macau and Singapore governments could grant additional rights to conduct gaming in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We hold a subconcession under one of only three gaming concessions authorized by the Macau government to operate casinos in Macau. The Macau government permits existing concessionaires to grant subconcessions; however, the Macau government has undertaken contractually not to grant additional gaming concessions until April 1, 2009. No additional concessions have been granted; however, if the Macau government were to allow additional competitors to operate in Macau through the grant of additional concessions or subconcessions, we would face additional competition, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We hold one of two licenses granted by the Singapore government to develop an integrated resort, including a casino. Under the Exclusivity Period, which began on March 1, 2007, the Singapore government will not license another casino for at least ten years. If the Singapore government were to license additional casinos, we would face additional competition which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We may not be able to attract and retain professional staff necessary for our existing and future properties in Macau and our operations in Singapore.

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract, retain, train, manage and motivate skilled employees. In addition, the Macau government requires us to only hire Macau residents as dealers in our casinos. There is significant competition in Macau for employees with the skills required to perform the services we offer and competition for these individuals is likely to increase as we open our remaining Cotai Strip developments and as other competitors expand their operations. We expect competition in Singapore for employees with the skills we require as we develop and open the Marina Bay Sands. There can be no assurance that a sufficient number of skilled employees will continue to be available, or that we will be successful in training, retaining and motivating current or future employees. If we are unable to attract, retain and train skilled employees, our ability to adequately manage and staff our existing and planned casino and resort properties in Macau and Singapore could be impaired, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are dependent upon gaming junket operators for a significant portion of our gaming revenues in Macau.

Junket operators, who promote gaming and draw high-roller customers to casinos, are responsible for a significant portion of our gaming revenues in Macau. With the rise in gaming in Macau, the competition for relationships with junket operators has increased. While we are undertaking initiatives to strengthen our relationships with our current junket operators, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain, or grow, our relationships with junket operators. If we are unable to maintain or grow our relationships with junket operators, our ability to grow our gaming revenues will be hampered and we may seek alternative ways to develop relationships with high-roller customers.

In addition, the quality of junket operators is important to our reputation and our ability to continue to operate in compliance with our gaming licenses. While we strive for excellence in our associations with junket operators, we cannot assure you that the junket operators with whom we are associated will meet the high standards we insist upon. If a junket operator falls below our standards, we may suffer reputational harm, as well as worsening relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators with authority over our operations.

Our business could be adversely affected by the limitations of the pataca exchange markets and restrictions on the export of the renminbi.

Our revenues in Macau are denominated in patacas, the legal currency of Macau, and Hong Kong dollars. Although currently permitted, we cannot assure you that patacas will continue to be freely exchangeable into U.S. dollars. Also, because the currency market for patacas is relatively small and undeveloped, our ability to convert large amounts of patacas into U.S. dollars over a relatively short period may be limited. As a result, we may experience difficulty in converting patacas into U.S. dollars.

We are currently prohibited from accepting wagers in renminbi, the legal currency of China. There are also restrictions on the export of the renminbi outside of mainland China and the amount of renminbi that can be converted into foreign currencies, including the pataca and Hong Kong dollar. Restrictions on the export of the renminbi may impede the flow of gaming customers from mainland China to Macau, inhibit the growth of gaming in Macau and negatively impact our gaming operations.

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On July 21, 2005, the People’s Bank of China announced that the renminbi will no longer be pegged to the U.S. dollar, but will be allowed to float in a band (and, to a limited extent, increase in value) against a basket of foreign currencies. The Macau pataca is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar. Certain Asian countries have publicly asserted their desire to eliminate the peg of the Hong Kong dollar to the U.S. dollar. As a result, we cannot assure you that the Hong Kong dollar and the Macau pataca will continue to be pegged to the U.S. dollar or that the current peg rate for these currencies will remain at the same level. The floating of the renminbi and possible changes to the peg of the Hong Kong dollar may result in severe fluctuations in the exchange rate for these currencies. Any change in such exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our operations and on our ability to make payments on certain of our debt instruments. We do not currently hedge for foreign currency risk.

Certain Nevada gaming laws apply to our planned gaming activities and associations in other jurisdictions where we operate or plan to operate.

Certain Nevada gaming laws also apply to our gaming activities and associations in jurisdictions outside the State of Nevada. We are required to comply with certain reporting requirements concerning our proposed gaming activities and associations occurring outside the State of Nevada, including Macau, Singapore and other jurisdictions. We will also be subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if we:

	•		knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation;

	•		fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations;

	•		engage in any activity or enter into any association that is unsuitable for us because it poses an unreasonable threat to the control of gaming in Nevada, reflects or tends to reflect discredit or disrepute upon the State of Nevada or gaming in Nevada, or is contrary to the gaming policies of Nevada;

	•		engage in any activity or enter into any association that interferes with the ability of the State of Nevada to collect gaming taxes and fees; or

	•		employ, contract with or associate with any person in the foreign gaming operation who has been denied a license or a finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of personal unsuitability, or who has been found guilty of cheating at gambling.

In addition, if the Nevada Board determines that one of our actual or intended activities or associations in a foreign gaming operation may violate one or more of the foregoing, we can be required to file an application with the Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability of such activity or association. If the Nevada Commission finds that the activity or association in the foreign gaming operation is unsuitable or prohibited, we will either be required to terminate the activity or association, or will be prohibited from undertaking the activity or association. Consequently, should the Nevada Commission find that our gaming activities or associations in Macau or certain other jurisdictions where we operate are unsuitable, we may be prohibited from undertaking our planned gaming activities or associations in those jurisdictions.

The gaming authorities in other jurisdictions where we operate or plan to operate, including in Macau and Singapore, exercise similar powers for purposes of assessing suitability in relation to our activities in other gaming jurisdictions where we do business.

We may not be able to monetize some of our real estate assets.

Part of our business strategy in Macau relies upon our ability to profitably operate, sell and/or grant rights of use over certain of our real estate assets once developed, including retail malls and apart-hotels, and to use the proceeds of these operations and sales to refinance, or repay, in part our construction loans for these assets, as well as to fund existing and future development both in Macau and elsewhere. Our ability to monetize these assets will be subject to market conditions, applicable legislation, the receipt of necessary government approvals and other factors. If we are unable to profitably operate and/or monetize these real estate assets, we will have to seek alternative sources of capital to refinance in part our construction loans and for other investment capital. These alternative sources of capital may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

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VML may have financial and other obligations to foreign workers managed by its contractors under government labor quotas.

The Macau government has granted VML a quota to permit it to hire foreign workers. VML has effectively assigned the management of this quota to its contractors for the construction of The Venetian Macao, Four Seasons Macao and other Cotai Strip projects. VML, however, remains ultimately liable for all employer obligations relating to these employees, including for payment of wages and taxes and compliance with labor and workers’ compensation laws. VML requires each contractor to whom it has assigned the management of part of its labor quota to indemnify VML for any costs or liabilities VML incurs as a result of such contractor’s failure to fulfill employer obligations. VML’s agreements with its contractors also contain provisions that permit it to retain some payments for up to one year after the contractors complete work on the projects. We cannot assure you that VML’s contractors will fulfill their obligations to employees hired under the labor quotas or to VML under the indemnification agreements, or that the amount of any indemnification payments received will be sufficient to pay for any obligations VML may owe to employees managed by contractors under VML’s quotas. Until we make final payments to our contractors, we have offset rights to collect amounts they may owe us, including amounts owed under the indemnities relating to employer obligations. After we have made the final payments, it may be more difficult for us to enforce any unpaid indemnity obligations.

The transportation infrastructure in Macau may need to be expanded to meet increased visitation in Macau.

Macau is in the process of expanding its transportation infrastructure to service the increased number of visitors to Macau. If the planned expansions of transportation facilities to and from Macau are delayed or not completed, and Macau’s transportation infrastructure is insufficient to meet the demands of an increased volume of visitors to Macau, the desirability of Macau as a gaming and tourist destination, as well as the results of operations of our Macau properties, could be negatively impacted.

We are currently not required to pay corporate income taxes on our casino gaming operations in Macau. This tax exemption expires at the end of 2013.

We have had the benefit of a corporate tax exemption in Macau, which exempts us from paying corporate income tax on profits generated by the operation of casino games. We will continue to benefit from this tax exemption through the end of 2013. We cannot assure you that this tax exemption will be extended beyond the expiration date and we do not expect this tax exemption to apply to our non-gaming activities.

Macau is susceptible to severe typhoons that may disrupt operations.

Macau is susceptible to severe typhoons. Macau consists of a peninsula and two islands off the coast of mainland China. On some occasions, typhoons have caused a considerable amount of damage to Macau’s infrastructure and economy. In the event of a major typhoon or other natural disaster in Macau, our business may be severely disrupted and our results of operations could be adversely effected. Although we have insurance coverage with respect to these events, we cannot assure you that our coverage will be sufficient to fully indemnify us against all direct and indirect costs, including loss of business, that could result from substantial damage to, or partial or complete destruction of, our Macau properties or other damage to the infrastructure or economy of Macau.

Our Singapore concession can be terminated under certain circumstances without compensation to us, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Development Agreement between MBS and the STB contains events of default which could permit the STB to terminate the agreement without compensation to us. If the Development Agreement is terminated, we could lose our right to open and operate the Marina Bay Sands and our investment in Marina Bay Sands could be lost.

For a more complete description of the Singapore gaming regulatory requirements applicable to beneficial owners of our voting securities, see “Item 1 — Business — Regulation and Licensing — Development Agreement with Singapore Tourism Board.”

An outbreak of highly infectious disease could adversely affect the number of visitors to our facilities and disrupt our operations, resulting in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Outbreaks of highly infectious diseases, such as the highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (or SARS), avian flu and, more recently, swine flu, has resulted in a decrease in travel to and from, and economic activity in, affected regions, including Macau. Potential future outbreaks of highly infectious diseases may adversely affect the number of visitors to our operating properties and our other properties we are currently developing. Furthermore, an outbreak might disrupt our ability to adequately staff our business and could generally disrupt our operations. If any of our customers or employees is suspected of having contracted certain highly contagious diseases, we may be required to quarantine these customers or employees or the affected areas of our facilities and temporarily suspend part or all of our operations at affected facilities. Any new outbreak of such a highly infectious disease could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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