Jan 27, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. SCA reports a net profit before tax, excluding restructuring costs, for 2010 rose 6% (10% excluding exchange rate effects) to SEK 8,492 million ($1.3 million). Restructuring costs amounted to SEK 931 million ($145 million), as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Net sales decreased by 2% (increased by 5% excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to SEK 109,142 million ($17 million). During the year, SCA increased its volumes in all business areas and grew its market shares for the global brands Tena, for incontinence care, and Tork, in the away-from-home (AFH) tissue market. Together with higher prices for both Tissue and Packaging and cost-cutting measures, this compensated for negative exchange rate effects and SEK 5.2 billion ($807 million) in higher raw material costs. The Packaging operations showed a sharp improvement in profitability. Net profit for the period rose 6% (10% excluding exchange rate effects), and earnings per share, including restructuring costs, rose 17%. Net sales for the 4Q 2010, excluding effects of exchange rate movements and divestments, rose 8% compared with the same quarter a year ago, as a result of higher prices and volumes. Operating profit for the 4Q 2010, excluding restructuring costs and exchange rate effects, rose 5% compared with the same period a year ago. Price increases and cost-cutting measures, combined with higher volumes, compensated for SEK 1.7 billion ($264 million) in higher raw material costs. During the 4Q 2010, operating profit for Personal Care and Tissue decreased compared with the same quarter a year ago, mainly due to higher raw material costs. The improved operating profit for Packaging is mainly attributable to higher prices and volumes, and savings from the restructuring programme. Operating profit for Forest Products decreased as a result of a drop in prices for publication papers. Compared with the 3Q, operating profit improved for Personal Care, Tissue and Packaging. Continued favourable demand is expected in all of SCA's business areas. SCA develops, produces and markets personal care products, tissue, packaging, publication papers and solid-wood products.