Billerud’s net sales in the third quarter were 2,327 million Kronor (2,383). The operating profit amounted to 296 million Kronor (275). The increase is mainly due to lower Costs, including lower costs for periodic maintenance shutdowns and lower costs for inputs.Net result for the third quarter is 209 million Kronor (190).“Billerud can deliver yet another strong result for the third quarter with an operating margin of 13 percent. Cash flow from operating activities amounted to 531 million Kronor, which is very strong,” said Per Lindberg, CEO of Billerud. ”Operating profit for the quarter of 296 million Kronor means that earnings for the third quarter were just as strong as in the previous quarters in 2011,” Lindberg said.For the first nine mionths of the year Billerud’s net sales were 7,257 million Kronor (6,549). The operating result amounted to 903 million Kronor (711) and the net result to 638 million Kronor (480). Earnings per share amounted to 6.19 Kronor (4.66), and the operating margin improved to 12 percent (11).Prices in local currency for the packaging paper segments were stable in the third quarter, compared with the second quarter. Price pressure increased, however, towards the end of the quarter, and the order situation weakened during the quarter.”Our work to strengthen Billerud’s brand as “The Natural Part in Smarter Packaging” was launched when Billerud opened NASDAQ OMX in New York on 26 September. This clarifies our position as a more customer- and solutions-oriented company, and we offer packaging manufacturers and brand owners clear added value with brand-strengthening, productivity-boosting and environment-enhancing packaging solutions,” Per Lindberg said. /AA