May 7 (Reuters) - Atmos Energy ( ATO ) reported a rise

in second-quarter profit, as the natural gas utility benefited

from higher prices and customer growth.

Average natural gas prices have risen over the past

few quarters, reaching a two-year high on March 10, driven by

strong demand from liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities

and supply concerns leading into the summer season.

The company said that operating income for its distribution

segment increased by 13.5%, year-over-year, to $483.7 million in

the second quarter, with rate hikes contributing $86.4 million

in growth, and residential customer growth and other factors

contributing $8.3 million.

Atmos delivers natural gas to about 3.3 million distribution

customers in eight U.S. states and operates regulated utility

operations in Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana,

Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

It raised its full-year profit forecast to $7.20 to $7.30

per share from $7.05 to $7.25 per share.

The Dallas, Texas-based company reported a net income of

$486 million, or $3.03 per share, for the quarter ended March

31, compared with $432 million, or $2.85 per share, for the same

period last year.