Jul 21, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. SCA's net sales decreased by 3% (excluding exchange rate effects, net sales increased by 4%) to SEK 54 million ($7.3 million) in January-June 2010, compared with corresponding period a year ago, the company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Profit before tax, excluding restructuring costs, rose 12% (16% excluding exchange rate effects) to SEK 3,9 million ($530,316). Restructuring costs amounted to SEK 451 million ($61 million). Profit for the period, excluding restructuring costs, rose 10% to SEK 2,860 million ($388,898). Jan Johansson, President and CEO of SCA, comments: “Net sales during the 2Q 2010, excluding the effect of exchange rate movements, rose 6% compared with the same period a year ago. Operating profit excluding restructuring costs rose 3% (6% excluding exchange rate effects) to SEK 2,440 million ($331,787). Profit before tax, excluding restructuring costs, rose 9% (12% excluding exchange rate effects). Compared with the 1Q 2010, profit before tax rose 26%. Cash flow from current operations for the first half of the year was SEK 2,816 million ($382,915). The decrease is mainly attributable to higher inventory values resulting from higher raw material prices. For Packaging, operating profit increased to SEK 306 million during the 2Q. Higher prices and volumes along with savings from the restructuring programme led to the earnings improvement. The operating margin improved during the 2Q over the 1Q. Operating profit for Forest Products rose 8% as a result of improved profitability for pulp, timber and solid-wood products”.