STOCKHOLM -(Dow Jones)- Swedish paper and hygiene products manufacturer Svenska Cellulosa AB (SCA-B.SK) Tuesday reported a third-quarter net profit of SEK1.28 billion, down from SEK1.38 billion in the third quarter of 2010, reflecting restructuring and a strong krona, but said demand has been stable despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

MAIN FACTS:

-The net profit was below expectations of SEK1.44 million, according to a Dow Jones Newswires/Factset survey of 9 analysts.

-Net sales were SEK26.94 billion, in line with analysts' expectations, and up from SEK26.65 billion in the year-ago period.

-Operating profit was SEK2.09 billion, largely unchanged from the third quarter of 2010.

-"Uncertainty surrounding developments in the global economy has increased, which makes the future economic outlook difficult to judge. So far we have not seen any negative impact on the demand for our products," Chief Executive Jan Johansson said in a statement.

-Johansson said an efficiency enhancement programme launched during the third quarter entailed SEK350 million in restructuring costs during the quarter.

-He also said the strengthening of the Swedish krona lowered operating profit by SEK700 million in the first nine months of the year.

-Shares closed Monday at SEK88.15

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