Branded apparel and sportswear manufacturer VF Corporation has posted record results for the first quarter of 2006.

Income rose 12% to $128.2 million from $114.7 million.

Total revenues increased 5% in the current quarter to $1,665.7 million, compared with $1,582.2 million in the 2005 quarter. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted revenues by approximately $30 million, or 2% in the 2006 quarter.

Each of VF’s sportswear businesses, including the Nautica and John Varvatos, and Kipling brand sales in North America, achieved higher revenues in the first quarter. Nautica branded wholesale business, including men's sportswear, increased revenues in the quarter at a low single digit rate, with strong sales of spring product offerings partially offset by slightly lower revenues in Nautica brand retail stores.

As anticipated, operating income and operating margins declined in the quarter, due primarily to investments to support the upcoming launch of the Nautica brand’s women's sportswear range and Nautica, Kipling and John Varvatos brands' retail store strategies.