Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, reported sales for the third quarter of $2.7 billion, an increase of 1 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit decreased 15.5 percent to $339 million.

In North America, third-quarter sales were $1.4 billion, down 2 percent from the prior-year quarter. In Europe, sales were $366 million, 8 percent above the prior-year quarter.

In South America, third-quarter sales increased 10 percent year-over-year to $378 million. Sales in Asia were $391 million in the quarter, 1 percent below the prior year.

Praxair Surface Technologies had third-quarter sales of $150 million, an increase of 2 percent compared to the prior-year quarter.

For the first nine months, sales were $7.9 billion, a decrease of 3.6 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit decreased 2.8 percent to $1.1 billion.