Norske Skog’s sales in the first quarter were 4,594 million Norwegian Kroner (4,455). Result after taxes amounts at 169 million Kroner (-1,153). The first quarter result includes changes in valuation of energy contracts of 280 million Norwegian Kroner and increased valuation of biological assets and gains from sale of assets of 89 million.The price of newsprint in Europe has improved from a very low level, but at the same time the prices of important input factors are rising. The results from newsprint outside Europe are somewhat weaker, Norske Skog writes in its report.The magazine paper segment has weaker operating earnings than in the fourth quarter of 2010, but stronger than in the first quarter last year. The volume is significantly impacted by halted production after the fire at Saugbrugs mill in February. One of the mill’s three paper machines is restarted, but full production is not expected until the end of June.“The improvement for newsprint in Europe is encouraging, but also quite necessary, as last year was so weak. At the same time we still have some distance to cover before we reach satisfactory profitability for the company,” says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog.