Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, reported sales for the third quarter of $3.1 billion, an increase of 4 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Organic sales increased 5 percent. Profit increased 6 percent to $477 million.

In North America, third-quarter sales were $1.6 billion, up 3 percent from the prior-year quarter. Organic sales growth of 2 percent was driven primarily by higher pricing and increased sales to the manufacturing, metals, food and beverage and healthcare end-markets.

In Europe, third-quarter sales were $385 million, consistent with the prior-year quarter. In South America, third-quarter sales increased 8 percent to $523 million. Sales in Asia were $426 million in the quarter, up 11 percent from the prior-year quarter.

For the first nine months, sales for Praxair were $9.3 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit increased 8.7 to $1.4 billion.