SCA's net sales for the first quarter, excluding effects of

exchange rate movements and divestments, rose six percent as a result of higher

prices and volumes compared with the same quarter a year ago.Operating

profit for the first quarter, excluding restructuring costs and

exchange rate effects, rose ten percent compared with the same period a year

ago. Higher prices and volumes along with cost-cutting measures

compensated for SEK 1.3bn in higher raw material costs. Net profit for

the period, excluding restructuring costs, rose six percent (twelve percent excluding

exchange rate effects), and earnings per share rose 24 percent.During the first quarter, operating profit for Personal Care and Tissue decreased compared with the same quarter a year ago. The decrease is

mainly attributable to higher raw material costs. A sharp improvement

in operating profit for Packaging is attributable to higher prices and volumes along with cost savings,

which compensated for higher raw material costs.

Operating profit for Forest Products improved as a result of improved earnings for the publication paper business.Favourable demand is expected in all of SCA's business areas in 2011, according to Jan Johansson, CEO of SCA.