Oct 21, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Stora Enso's 3Q operating profit at Euro 204 million excluding non-recurring items and fair valuations was Euro 51 million lower than a year ago. This represents an operating margin of 7.5% (9.7%), as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. 3Q sales were Euro 78 million down on the previous quarter at Euro 2 739 million. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items and fair valuations was Euro 24 million lower than in the previous quarter at Euro 204 million. Reductions in fixed costs could not compensate for significantly higher production curtailments to manage inventory. Price increases in local currencies and a favourable product mix increased operating profit by Euro 142 million, but lower volumes reduced operating profit by Euro 31 million. Paper and board production was curtailed by 9% (8%) and sawnwood production by 8% (5%) of capacity. Sales in January–September 2011 increased by Euro 672 million year-on-year to Euro 8 283 million. Operating profit excluding nonrecurring items and fair valuations increased by Euro 93 million to Euro 681 million. Significantly higher sales prices in local currencies and a favourable product mix more than compensated for higher variable costs and unfavourable exchange rate trends.