JOHANNESBURG, Feb 19 (Reuters) - AngloGold Ashanti ( AU )

says its profit surged to $954 million last year from a

loss of $46 million in the prior year amid a rally in prices for

the precious metal.

The gold producer also raised its output forecast this year

to between 2.9 million ounces and 3.2 million ounces from about

2.7 million ounces produced last year. AngloGold said it is

raising output after buying Centamin assets last year.