U.S. electronics chain Best Buy Co Inc on Friday said December same-store sales rose 8.2 percent and it maintained its financial forecast for 2010.

The company, whose shares fell 1.5 percent in premarket trading, attributed the gains to strong demand for such devices as notebook computers and mobile phones. Domestic and international same-store sales in the month rose 9.3 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Best Buy still expects 2010 revenue and diluted earnings within previously announced guidance ranges. On December 15, Best Buy said it expected 2010 earnings in the range of $3.00 to $3.15 a share excluding items.

The company is scheduled to report fourth-quarter results and provide its initial 2011 earnings and new-store opening forecast on March 25.

Its shares fell 64 cents to $40.90.

(Reporting by Ben Klayman; Editing by Derek Caney)

Electronics