UK grocer Sainsbury says 3Q like-for-like sales up 3.7 percent

J Sainsbury PLC, Britain's third-largest grocer, on Thursday reported that sales rose 3.7 percent in the third quarter, a point better than the market consensus.

Sainsbury said total sales, including fuel, rose 5.9 percent in the 12 weeks ending Dec. 29 as the company notched its 12th consecutive quarter of sales growth. Total sales excluding fuel were up 4.7 percent, and like-for-like sales including fuel were up 5.1 percent.

"We are pleased to report like-for-like sales growth of 3.7 percent, excluding fuel, for the third quarter," said chief executive Justin King. "This is a good result for the Christmas quarter, and is particularly …