Analysts were expecting Swift Energy Co. (SFY) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $0.01 for last quarter, but SFY beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.21---20 cents above the consensus estimate.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $1.98 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that SFY’s earnings are down this year.

{loadposition link_newslink1}

Also, if you compare SFY's 4.00% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 6.99% for the Independent Oil & Gas industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect SFY to underperform the industry in the future---which is a bad sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Independent Oil & Gas industry, you can see how analysts believe SFY will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) [Chart - News - Analysis] and CNOOC Ltd. (CEO) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe OXY's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 6.67% while CEO's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 4.03%.

Earnings season can be a volatile time in the stock market. Check out these videos and articles to be better prepared to take advantage of the large price moves that tend to accompany earnings announcements.

- Earnings Season is Here - Find Out How to Trade It

- Using Options to Trade Earnings

- Understanding Stock Analyst Research and Recommendations

{loadposition link_nowtime}

{loadposition followus}

{loadposition link_newslink1}

Fluor Corporation (FLR) was upgraded by Wunderlich from Hold to Buy today. The company provides professional services in the fields of engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance as well as project management services on a global basis.

Swift Energy (SFY) was upgraded to a buy by UBS. The Company is engaged in developing, exploring, acquiring, and operating oil and natural gas properties, with a focus on oil and natural gas reserves onshore and in the inland waters of Louisiana and Texas.

Meanwhile, Brightpoint (CELL) was upgraded to a buy by analysts at Citigroup. The Company is engaged in the distribution of wireless devices and accessories and provision of customized logistic services to the wireless industry.

{loadposition link_nowtime}

{loadposition link_newslink1}

Monday, Swift Energy Co. (SFY) reported a net loss from continuing operations of $2.2 million or $0.07 per share for the second quarter, compared to income of $83.2 million or $2.62 per share in the prior year quarter.

Electric utility company FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) Monday reported a surge in its second-quarter profit, helped by a gain from the sale of non-core assets. Non-GAAP earnings per share came in above analysts' forecast.

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PEG) reported a net income of $311 million or $0.61 per share for the second quarter, compared to a loss of $150 million or $0.29 per share a year ago. The results were helped by higher contracted pricing and lower fuel costs at the PSEG Power segment even though the company continued to deal with lower demand. In addition, the year-ago period's results included a lease-related charge. Operating revenues were $2.56 billion, up from $2.55 billion last year.

Electricity producer Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) will publish second-quarter results at 7:00 am ET Tuesday, with analysts projecting earnings of $0.26 per share on revenues of $3.18 billion. While announcing first-quarter numbers, the company said it is on track to achieve its 2009 employee incentive target of $1.20 per share on an adjusted basis.

For NiSource Inc. (NI), an energy holding company, analysts are looking for earnings of $0.01 per share on revenues of $1.63 billion for the second quarter. The results are due to be announced on August 4. For fiscal 2009, the company still expects net operating earnings of $1.00 - $1.10 per share.

Electric and natural gas utility company CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) will put out second-quarter results Wednesday, with analysts expecting earnings of $0.23 per share on revenues of $2.22 billion. On April 29, the company reaffirmed its 2009 earnings guidance of $1.05 - $1.15 per share. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.08 per share for fiscal 2009.

Allegheny Energy Inc. (AYE) is slated to report its second-quarter earnings on August 4. Street analysts are of the view that the company will report earnings of $0.43 per share on revenues of $867.54 million.

Electricity generator and distributor PG&E Corp. (PCG) will blare out second-quarter score card Wednesday, with analysts projecting earnings of $0.84 per share on revenues of $3.51 billion. While releasing first-quarter numbers, PG&E reaffirmed its guidance for fiscal 2009, saying it still expects GAAP earnings in the range of $3.20 - $3.36 per share, including $0.05 - $0.11 per share of certain anticipated items impacting comparability, and earnings from operations in the range of $3.15 - $3.25 per share. Fiscal 2010 earnings, on a GAAP as well as non-GAAP basis, are still expected to range between $3.35 and $3.50 per share and between $3.65 and $3.85 per share for 2011. Analysts project earnings of $3.17 per share for fiscal 2009 and $3.41 per share for 2010.

{loadposition link_nowtime}