Bloomberg Businessweek reported that Volvo AB, the world’s second-largest truck maker, reported fourth-quarter operating profit that missed analysts’ estimates because of slowing sales growth in western Europe and China.

Earnings before interest and taxes rose 26% to $1.03 billion from a year earlier, Volvo said in a statement.
 
According to the report, Volvo, which also makes Mack Trucks in North America, reiterated a forecast from October that industry wide sales in 2012 will drop 10% in Europe and gain 20% in North America.

Volvo’s construction-equipment division, its biggest business after trucks, posted a 6.2% decline in operating profit. The Chinese construction market contracted 13% from September through November, in contrast to a 9% expansion globally, driven by measures the country’s government took to curb inflation, Volvo said.