Praxair Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, reported sales for the third quarter of $2.7 billion, a decrease of 14.6 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit decreased 15.9 percent to $401 million.
In North America, third-quarter sales were $1.5 billion, down 3 percent from the prior-year quarter. Volume growth to food and beverage and health care customers was more than offset by lower volumes to metals, energy and manufacturing end-markets.
In Europe, third-quarter sales were $338 million, down 12 percent from the prior-year quarter. In South America, third-quarter sales decreased 34 percent to $343 million. Sales in Asia were $395 million in the quarter, down 7 percent from the prior-year quarter.
For the first nine months, sales were $8.2 billion, a decrease of 11.9 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit decreased 19.2 to $1.1 billion.
