Blount International Inc. said it earned $15.61 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, on sales of $162.58 million in the quarter ended Sept. 30.

That compares with net income of $11.34 million, or 23 cents per diluted share, on sales of $126.92 million in the same period last year.

Income from continuing operations was 22 cents per share, slightly higher than the 21 cent consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial Network. Those results reflect the purchase of SP Companies Inc. in August, and exclude the results of Gear Products Inc. sold Sept 30.

Sales backlog for the Portland-based manufacturer of saw chains and other outdoor equipment increased to $130.4 million at Sept. 30, versus $80.3 million at the same time last year.

The company said it expects full year sales between $600 million and $610 million including SP Companies. That's consistent with its previous forecast.

Blount released its earnings before the opening of financial markets. Its shares, traded on New York Stock Exchange, closed at $15.36, down 14 cents.