(Reuters) - Department store chain J.C. Penney Co Inc said it received a letter of inquiry from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, seeking an explanation on the company's financial position. Shares of the retailer fell more than 2 percent in extended trade after closing down at $8.85 on the New York Stock Exchange. The company said the SEC requested information on October 7 regarding its liquidity, cash position, debt, and public offering of common stock announced on September 26. A J.C. Penney shareholder had earlier sued the company when it announced its decision to issue more than $810 million in stock to boost liquidity. The company said it is cooperating with the U.S. regulatory body on its request and providing the necessary material, in a regulatory filing with the SEC. (http://r.reuters.com/xyz25v) The company has been desperately trying to turn its fortunes around since its failed attempt in 2012 to go upmarket. (Reporting by Devika Krishna Kumar in Bangalore; Editing by Bernard Orr)