Nov 03, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Verso Paper Corp. reported financial results for the 3Q ended September 30, 2010. Net sales increased 9.7% to $432.9 million in the 3Q 2010 from $394.7 million in the 3Q 2009. The average sales price for all of products increased 2.4% in the 3Q 2010 compared to the same period last year, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Operating income in 3Q was $12.9 million, compared to $7.4 million in the 3Q 2009. Verso’s gross margin was 14.1% for the 3Q 2010 compared to 14.2% for the same period in 2009 and 9.1% for the 2Q 2010. “Our 3Q results were very encouraging from a pure operating perspective,” said Mike Jackson, President and CEO of Verso. “We recognized a $13 million operating profit as our sales volume, EBITDA and operating performance improved over our 2Q results, consistent with the outlook we gave on last quarter’s earnings call. “We have moved into a more stable demand scenario, which has helped to move prices up from the very low levels experienced in March of this year. I was pleased with the operating performance of our mills, which rebounded from a below average 2Q. “We look forward to improved EBITDA results in the 4Q, driven by continued operating and pricing improvements.” Verso reported a net loss before items of $18.6 million in the 3Q 2010, compared to a net loss before items of $18.1 million in the 3Q 2009. Verso’s coated paper shipments increased 26.3% in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period last year. Year over year market conditions have improved due to a stronger economy and a better balance between supply and demand. Coated paper shipments increased 8.1% in the 3Q 2010 compared to the 2Q 2010. Coated paper prices increased 4.9% in the 3Q 2010 compared to the 2Q 2010. However, coated paper prices for the 3Q 2010 were slightly below last year’s 3Q levels, as prices declined throughout 2009 and into early 2010 due to weak demand resulting from the global economic recession. Verso Paper Corp. produces coated papers, including coated groundwood and coated freesheet, and supercalendered and specialty products.