Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT), Latrobe, PA, reported sales for the fiscal fourth quarter ended June 30, 2012, of $739.2 million, 6.6 percent higher than year-ago levels. Profit was essentially flat from the prior year, at $86.6 million.

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Industrial segment sales of $421 million declined 4 percent from the prior-year quarter, reflecting 2 percent organic growth offset by 6 percent in unfavorable currency effects. Organically, sales growth was led by aerospace and defense with 14 percent growth and transportation growth of 6 percent, while general engineering sales were down 4 percent. On a regional basis, sales increased 7 percent in Europe and 3 percent in the Americas, while sales in Asia declined 9 percent from the prior year.

Infrastructure segment sales of $318 million increased 24 percent year-over-year, driven by 26 percent growth from the Stellite acquisition, partially offset by unfavorable currency effects of 2 percent. In earthworks, sales modestly increased, reflecting somewhat lower production rates in North American underground mining and a slow start in construction activity. Sales were slightly lower in energy, due to a decline in natural gas prices, high storage levels and reduced drilling activity resulting from these influences. Regionally, sales increased 11 percent in Asia and 3 percent in Europe while sales in the Americas were 5 percent lower year-over-year.

Full-year sales for Kennametal were $2.7 billion, 13.8 percent above the prior fiscal year. Profit jumped up 33.8 percent to $310.8 million.

“The June quarter represented our 10th consecutive quarter of organic growth, reflecting successful execution of our strategies across the diverse markets and geographies we serve,” said president and CEO Carlos Cardoso.