National Fuel Gas Co (NFG.N) announced their first-quarter profit that beat market expectations, helped by rise in production of crude oil and natural gas, and raised its 2010 earnings and production outlook.

The press release is quoted as saying:

The company expects 2010 earnings between $2.40 a share and $2.70 a share, from its prior view of $2.30 a share to $2.65 a share. The company now expects 2010 production to be between 44 billion cubic feet equivalent (bcfe) and 51 bcfe, from their prior outlook of 42 bcfe to 50 bcfe.

Click here to access the entire press release ^[1]