Oct 27, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. SCA, Europe's largest producer of packaging and hygiene products reported improved third-quarter results, saying paper and packaging prices were stabilising or had begun to rise. The company said that its pre-tax profits had risen to SEK 1.54 billion ($195 million) from SEK 1.36 billion ($174 million) in the second quarter. Net sales increased to SEK 24.74 billion ($3.2 billion) from SEK 24 billion ($3.1 billion) in the previous quarter. SCA warned that higher energy prices would eat into the company's profits by the fourth quarter of next year, should they remain at current levels. Talks on 375 job cuts in Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are ongoing. SCA is an international paper company that produces and sells absorbent hygiene products, packaging solutions and publication papers.