John Stephenson Sempra Energy SRE-N TOP PICK Oct 18, 2004

A growth utility with a natural gas kicker, including pipelines and a LNG terminal in Louisiana. Has been putting up great numbers, but shares are -5% YTD because of weak nat gas prices. They have best-in-class assets and serve big markets of California and Texas. You're paid a 3.2% yield to wait till shares move higher.

Utilities have been beaten this year, being the worst sector, but there's hope now that interest rates have stopped rising or close to it. SRE is one of the best growth names in this space with two strong utilities in California, one in Texas, plus more in Mexico. Operations include alternative energy and natural gas. tis 3.2% dividend isn't enough compared to treasuries. But the CEO is terrific and they keep putting up strong numbers. He's been watching this closely and will buy once he frees up space in his portfolio.

Is up 17% this year with half that gain coming a month ago after they reported a super quarter. They own regulated gas and electric utilities and California and Texas, plus an infrastructure business. They have room to play catch-up.

Yields only 3%, but the CEO is doing a fine job.

A growth utility paying a decent yield and offering much opportunity. He maybe buy it on a dip.

They had a bad quarter and deserves to trade lower. It yields almost 4%.