SCA's net sales in the first quarter of 2012 increased by one percent (four percent excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to 19,490 million Kronor (19,231).”The increase is mainly attributable to favourable volume growth in all business areas. The sales increase remained high in emerging markets, where Personal Care and Tissue increased sales with 23 and 14 percent, respectively,” Jan Johansson, CEO of SCA, comments. SCA's operating profit in the first quarter, excluding items affecting comparability, rose four percent (seven percent excluding divestments) to 1,834 million Kronor (1,767).Earnings per share in the first quarter amounted to 1.73 Kronor (1.89). Cash flow from current operations was 1,301 million Kronor (446).”The hygiene operations are performing well, with continued growth, higher market shares and significantly improved earnings compared to the previous year,” Jan Johansson says. ”Forest Products was negatively affected by higher raw material and energy costs coupled with a weak market for publication papers, solid-wood products and kraftliner. We also experienced the usual seasonal effect during the first quarter compared with the fourth quarter. In addition, operations in Australia/New Zealand were deconsolidated from the start of the year.”