“Energy” is one of the most oft used words in common parlance in today’s world of environmentalists. And with good reason — the whole world is energy in some form. Is it any wonder that investors are getting energized too? Let’s discuss these companies which are touted as superstars in the field of energy, for reasons of their recent profits and high trading volume, and decide for ourselves.

SandRidge Energy Inc (SD): This company, with a recent quarterly average trade volume of 11,903,100 shares, sure has been riding the upswing seen in oil as 2012 dawned. This stock is priced at around $8.50; the 52-week price range for SD is $4.55-$13.34. Its lucrative deal with the Madrid-based subsidiary of Repsol YPF SA (REPYY.PK), S.A., another leading energy company, has been closed as of most recent reports.

This has brought in $250 million in cash with another $750 million on its way in the form of a drilling carry over the next 3 years. This is in exchange for the transfer of an undivided 25% non-operated working interest in SandRidge’s extension Mississippian play in western Kansas as well as an undivided 16% non-operated working interest in SandRidge’s original Mississippian play.

With a market capitalization of $3.49 billion, this company’s price to earnings ratio is 15.21 and its earnings per share is $0.57. Its operating margin ratio is 49.64% and its profit margin is 21.46%. Contrast these figures with its competitor Apache Corporation (APA) in Houston, Texas. Apache stock is priced at $98, its share volume is just over 3 million, its price to earnings ratio is 9.52 and earnings per share is $10.3.To continue reading, click here.