Toy company Mattel Inc (MAT) reported third quarter earnings of 77 cents per share, up from 63 cents per share a year earlier.

Net sales rose 2% to $1.83 billion, including unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, the company said in a statement. Gross sales rose 3% in the U.S. and 2% in international markets.

"We continue to be pleased with the performance of the business," said CEO Robert Eckert. "While the all-important holiday season is still in front of us, we remain on track to deliver solid revenue and profit growth driven by our portfolio of brands and countries."

Gross sales rose in the company's Girls and Boys and American Girl brands, but fell in Fisher-Price.