Mattel Inc. said Monday that its third-quarter net income was slightly higher from better sales of its Fisher-Price and American Girl brands, but the results still missed Wall Street expectations.

Profit for the El Segundo toy maker rose less than 1 percent to $238 million (66 cents per share) compared with $237 million (61 cents) for the same period a year ago.

Sales increased 6 percent to $1.95 billion from $1.84 billion. Sales of Fisher-Price brands rose 4 percent. Sales of American Girl toys rose 11 percent, helped by the Kit Kittredge film. Worldwide gross sales for Barbie were down 1 percent as modest domestic growth was offset by declines overseas.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters on average had expected profit of 71 cents per share on sales of $1.96 billion. Mattel said the sales growth was offset by higher expenses for advertising, promotions and other selling and administrative expenses.

“In light of the recent global economic environment, our business performed well in the quarter,” said Chief Executive Robert Eckert in a statement.

Eckert was more positive about prospects for the current quarter, but the company did not provide a forecast.

Analyst Chris White at Wedbush Morgan said toy makers and retailers are cautiously optimistic that economic uncertainty will not significantly dampen sales during the holidays.

“When families are looking to cut back, they cut back on $100 nights out on the town for the two of them, rather than forgo buying their kids toys for Christmas,” White said. “Mattel’s new Elmo is $60, but Elmo has always been popular. If the products are compelling and the price points are reasonable, people will buy.”

Mattel shares closed down 29 cents, or 2 percent, to $14.16 on Monday on the New York Stock Exchange.