Tantalizing Wall Street, San Diego-based Sempra Energy Tuesday announced it was increasing its earnings estimate for last year to about $3.80/share, noting its increased optimism is driven by higher-than-expected commodity trading profits. The utility holding company with large interests in three proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and power plant development is scheduled to report its fourth quarter and 2004 results Feb. 23.

Sempra has previously given 2004 earnings guidance in the range of $3.15-3.25/share. The company plans to give revised guidance for this year during the upcoming quarterly earnings report conference call.

Sempra stock closed at its 52-week high of $39/share Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange. A webcast of its 2004 quarterly and year-end announcements will be available on the company website (www.sempra.com) or through a telephone replay (706-645-9291, passcode: 3346152).

©Copyright 2005Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. The preceding news reportmay not be republished or redistributed, in whole or in part, in anyform, without prior written consent of Intelligence Press, Inc.