Las Vegas Sands Corp., the US casino company expanding in Asia, reported third-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates after it opened a Singapore resort and benefited from Macau’s gambling growth.

Profit excluding some items was 34 US cents a share, more than the 24-cent average of 21 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Sales jumped 67% to US$1.91 billion ($2.5 billion), from US$1.14 billion, the Las Vegas-based company said yesterday in a statement, surpassing analysts’ US$1.79 billion average estimate.

Billionaire founder and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon Adelson, who loaned his company money two years ago to eliminate bankruptcy fears, opened the US$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands casino resort in Singapore in phases starting in April. Las Vegas Sands restarted its mothballed expansion in Macau, China, the world’s biggest casino centre.

“Strong revenue growth and increases in operational efficiency in Macau and outstanding results at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore contributed to substantial margin expansion,” Adelson said in the statement. “We are confident that Marina Bay Sands will provide an ideal platform for strong growth and outstanding returns.”

Cash flow, measured as adjusted property earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, more than doubled to US$645.2 million, beating analysts’ projections of US$530 million. Singapore cash flow was US$241.6 million, and Macau cash flow gained 41% to US$334.6 million. Macau, the only place in China where casinos are legal, saw total gambling revenue surge 60% in the nine months through September.