Hemscott posted about Star Wars toy manufacturer Hasbro in some financial news.

Hasbro Inc., the nation's second largest toy maker, said Monday its third-quarter profit rose 8.2 percent, as strong sales of brands including Littlest Pet Shop and Playskool offset a decline in Star Wars toys.

The company said it also benefited from strong performance in its traditional board game business and had built momentum heading into the holiday season and the new year, which it expects will feature heavy sales in action figures driven by the release of several upcoming movies. Its shares rose nearly 10 percent.

'As we look to the remainder of the year, we believe we are well-positioned for the all-important fourth quarter with momentum in a number of our key brands and many new product initiatives,' Alfred J. Verrecchia, president and chief executive, said in a morning conference call with analysts.

Net income rose to $99.6 million, or 58 cents per share, for the three months ended Oct. 1 from $92.1 million, or 47 cents per share, a year ago. The latest quarter includes stock option costs of 2 cents per share and a mark-to-market adjustment for Lucas warrants which cut into earnings by 9 cents per share.

Revenue rose 5 percent to $1.04 billion, including a $9.6 million favorable foreign exchange benefit, versus $988 million a year ago. Excluding Star Wars sales, revenue rose 13 percent, Hasbro said.