Financials: success is in the numbers.(BEST BUY[R] FABULOUS AT 40)

So many moving parts involved in Best Buy's transformation to become the premier retailer of consumer electronics products and services could have easily sabotaged financial performance. Yet the company's gambles appear to be paying off as hoped, with sales and profits both on the rise as a result of a customer-focused retail model.

Sales of $30 billion are forecast for the fiscal year that ends in February, representing a 9.5% increase. Best Buy expects a comparable-store sales gain of 4% this year and a 26% rise in earnings from continuing operations. The operating income rate to date has been 3.9%, however, lower than last year's 5.3% full-year rate and long-term goal of 7%.

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