Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, reported sales for the third quarter of $2.9 billion, an increase of 7.6 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit increased 23.6 percent to $419 million.
In North America, third-quarter sales were $1.5 billion, up 6.1 percent from the prior-year quarter. In Europe, sales were $407 million, 11.2 percent above the prior-year quarter.
In South America, third-quarter sales increased 2.9 percent year-over-year to $389 million. Sales in Asia were $451 million in the quarter, 15.3 percent above the prior year.
Praxair Surface Technologies had third-quarter sales of $157 million, an increase of 4.7 percent compared to the prior-year quarter.
For the first nine months, sales were $8.5 billion, an increase of 7.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit increased 11 percent to $1.2 billion.
