Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, reported sales for the second quarter of $2.8 billion, a 6.3 percent increase year-over-year. Profit increased 1.8 percent to $406 million.

In North America, second-quarter sales were $1.5 billion, up 6.7 percent from the prior-year quarter. In Europe, second-quarter sales were $383 million, 7.9 percent above the prior-year quarter.

In South America, second-quarter sales increased 4.2 percent year-over-year to $373 million. Sales in Asia were $422 million in the quarter, 7.4 percent above the prior year. Praxair Surface Technologies had second-quarter sales of $151 million, an increase of 2 percent compared to the prior-year quarter.

Year to date, the company reported sales of $5.6 billion, up 7.5 percent from the same period a year ago. Profit increased 6.3 percent to $824 million.