VF Corporation has reported better-than-expected sales and profit for the third quarter, driven by strong growth recorded during the peak holiday season.

The company’s total revenue for the quarter ended December 27 increased 1 per cent on a reported basis but decreased 1 per cent on a constant currency basis. Adjusted revenue, which excludes Dickies after its sale was completed in November, was up 2 per cent (4 per cent in constant currency).

Operating income rose 27.8 per cent to $289 million, and adjusted operating income improved 7.2 per cent to $318 million.

“In Q3, we delivered growth during our peak holiday quarter and beat revenue and operating income guidance,” said VF Corp’s president and CEO Bracken Darrell.

At The North Face, sales were up 8 per cent on a reported basis, with strong growth recorded during the peak holiday season. Timberland sales also rose 8 per cent, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of growth.

At Vans, sales were down 8 per cent, a slight improvement compared to the 9 per cent decline in the second quarter. 

By region, Americas sales grew 2 per cent, marking the region’s strongest performance in over three years. EMEA sales rose 4 per cent, while Apac sales slid 6 per cent.

The company expects revenue to be flat to up 2 per cent in the fourth quarter.