Sempra raises dividend by 5 percent

Sempra Energy increases dividend by 5 percent to $2.52 a share on annualized basis

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Sempra Energy said Friday that it is increasing its dividend by 5 percent.

The San Diego-based energy services holding company's board approved an increase to $2.52 per share, on an annualized basis, up from $2.40 per share.

Sempra will pay its first quarterly installment on April 15 to shareholders of record on March 28.

The company's shares rose 96 cents to close at $76.79 and fell 17 cents in after-hours trading.