How to understand 'as' in the following sentence
As the American will show profits over 2009, all branches will be profitable.

Shall I read it as:
If the American will show profits over 2009, all branches will be profitable.
or:
Because the American will show profits over 2009, all branches will be profitable.

Question

How to understand 'as' in the following sentence
As the American will show profits over 2009, all branches will be profitable.

Shall I read it as:
If the American will show profits over 2009, all branches will be profitable.
or:
Because the American will show profits over 2009, all branches will be profitable.

Answer

Because!

Answer

The second - 'because', or 'for the reason that'