Sempra Energy Raises 2004 Profit Forecast

Sempra Energy, owner of the largest U.S. natural gas utility, raised its 2004 profit forecast by 20 cents a share because of an expected surge in energy trading income.

Profit, excluding unusual items, will rise to $2.90 to $3.10 a share this year from an earlier forecast of $2.70 to $2.90, Sempra said.

On that basis, the San Diego-based company earned $2.93 a share in 2003 and was expected to earn $2.86 this year, Thomson First Call said.