<PAGE>

                                    FORM 10-Q


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549


    [ X ]         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                              THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996

                                       OR

    [   ]         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                              THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                For the transition period from ______________ to _______________

                       Commission File number 33-15998-01


                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
                  Texas                                                                     76-0254057
(State or other jurisdiction of organization)                                   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
</TABLE>

                        16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 400
                              Houston, Texas 77060
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                   (Zip Code)

                                  (713)874-2700
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                      None
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                          if changed since last report)


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  Registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  X      No
   ----       ----


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.

                                      INDEX



<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                                               PAGE


      ITEM 1.    Financial Statements

            Balance Sheets

                - September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995                                                         3

            Statements of Operations

                - Three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995                             4

            Statements of Cash Flows

                - Nine month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995                                             5

            Notes to Financial Statements                                                                          6

      ITEM 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                     Condition and Results of Operations                                                           8

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION                                                                                     10


SIGNATURES                                                                                                        11
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         September 30,      December 31,
                                                                                             1996               1995
                                                                                       ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                         (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                                    <C>                  <C> 
         ASSETS:

         Current Assets:
              Cash and cash equivalents                                                $        1,402       $        1,361
              Nonoperating interests income receivable                                          8,838                6,093
                                                                                       --------------       --------------
                   Total Current Assets                                                        10,240                7,454
                                                                                       --------------       --------------
         Nonoperating interests in oil and gas
              properties, using full cost accounting                                        4,276,995            4,353,214
         Less-Accumulated amortization                                                     (3,699,221)          (3,631,106)
                                                                                       --------------       --------------
                                                                                              577,774              722,108
                                                                                       --------------       --------------
                                                                                       $      588,014       $      729,562
                                                                                       ==============       ==============

         LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL:

         Current Liabilities:
              Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                 $       62,207       $      182,521
                                                                                       --------------       --------------

         Partners' Capital                                                                    525,807              547,041
                                                                                       --------------       --------------
                                                                                       $      588,014       $      729,562
                                                                                       ==============       ==============


</TABLE>
 
                 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                        3


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (Unaudited)





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Three Months Ended                  Nine Months Ended
                                                        September 30,                      September 30,
                                              ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                      1996            1995            1996             1995
                                              ---------------   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
REVENUES:
   Income from nonoperating interests         $        30,439   $        29,172  $       108,371   $        87,534
   Interest income                                         17                19               41                43
                                              ---------------   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                       30,456            29,191          108,412            87,577
                                              ---------------   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
   Amortization                                        21,502            37,692           68,115           192,342
   General and administrative                           7,886            10,209           27,355            22,206
                                              ---------------   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                       29,388            47,901           95,470           214,548
                                              ---------------   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)                             $         1,068   $       (18,710) $        12,942   $      (126,971)
                                              ===============   ===============  ===============   ===============



Limited Partners' net income (loss)
   per unit                                   $           .02   $          (.39) $           .27   $         (2.66)
                                              ===============   ===============  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>


                 See accompanying note to financial statements.

                                        4


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Nine Months Ended
                                                                                              September 30,
                                                                               ----------------------------------------
                                                                                       1996                   1995
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------

<S>                                                                             <C>                     <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Income (Loss)                                                               $       12,942          $      (126,971)
    Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) to
      net cash provided by operations:
      Amortization                                                                      68,115                  192,342
      Change in assets and liabilities:
        (Increase) decrease in nonoperating interests income receivable                 (2,745)                  (3,747)
        Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
          and accrued liabilities                                                     (120,314)                   9,988
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
               Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                     (42,002)                  71,612
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Additions to nonoperating interests in oil and gas properties                      (12,750)                 (14,997)
    Proceeds from sale of nonoperating interests
      in oil and gas properties                                                         88,969                    3,274
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
               Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                      76,219                  (11,723)
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Cash distributions to partners                                                     (34,176)                 (59,846)
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                        41                       43
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                         1,361                    1,287
                                                                               ---------------          ---------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                      $        1,402          $         1,330
                                                                               ===============          ===============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
    Cash paid during the period for interest                                    $        6,287          $         7,870
                                                                               ===============          ===============
</TABLE>



                 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                        5


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


(1)  General Information -

                  The financial statements included herein have been prepared by
        the  Partnership  and are  unaudited  except  for the  balance  sheet at
        December  31,  1995  which has been  taken  from the  audited  financial
        statements at that date. The financial  statements reflect  adjustments,
        all of which  were of a  normal  recurring  nature,  which  are,  in the
        opinion  of  the  managing   general   partner   necessary  for  a  fair
        presentation.  Certain  information  and footnote  disclosures  normally
        included in financial  statements  prepared in accordance with generally
        accepted  accounting  principles have been omitted pursuant to the rules
        and  regulations  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange   Commission.   The
        Partnership  believes adequate disclosure is provided by the information
        presented.  The financial  statements should be read in conjunction with
        the audited  financial  statements  and the notes included in the latest
        Form 10-K.

(2)  Organization and Terms of Partnership Agreement -

                  Swift Energy Managed Pension Assets Partnership 1988-A,  Ltd.,
        a Texas limited  partnership  (the  Partnership),  was formed on June 2,
        1988,  for the purpose of purchasing  net profits  interest,  overriding
        royalty  interests and royalty  interests  (collectively,  "nonoperating
        interests") in producing oil and gas properties  within the  continental
        United States. Swift Energy Company ("Swift"), a Texas corporation,  and
        VJM Corporation  ("VJM"),  a California  corporation,  serve as Managing
        General  Partner  and  Special  General  Partner  of  the   Partnership,
        respectively.  The general  partners  are required to  contribute  up to
        1/99th of limited partner net  contributions.  The 426 limited  partners
        made total capital contributions of $4,770,363.

                  Nonoperating  interests  acquisition  costs and the management
        fee are borne 99 percent by the limited  partners and one percent by the
        general  partners.  Organization and syndication costs were borne solely
        by the limited partners.

                  Generally,  all continuing costs (including development costs,
        operating costs,  general and  administrative  reimbursements and direct
        expenses) and revenues are allocated 90 percent to the limited  partners
        and ten percent to the general partners. If prior to partnership payout,
        however,  the cash  distribution  rate for a  certain  period  equals or
        exceeds  17.5  percent,  then for the  following  calendar  year,  these
        continuing  costs and  revenues  will be  allocated  85  percent  to the
        limited  partners  and  15  percent  to  the  general  partners.   After
        partnership  payout,  continuing  costs and  revenues  will be shared 85
        percent by the limited partners, and 15 percent by the general partners,
        even if the cash distribution rate is less than 17.5 percent.

(3)  Significant Accounting Policies -

      Use of Estimates --

                  The  preparation  of financial  statements in conformity  with
        generally accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management to make
        estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
        liabilities  at the date of the  financial  statements  and the reported
        amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
        Actual results could differ from estimates.

                                       6


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


       Nonoperating Interests in Oil and Gas Properties --

                  For financial  reporting purposes the Partnership  follows the
        "full-cost"  method of accounting for nonoperating  interests in oil and
        gas property costs. Under this method of accounting,  all costs incurred
        in the acquisition of  nonoperating  interests in oil and gas properties
        are capitalized.  The unamortized cost of nonoperating  interests in oil
        and gas  properties is limited to the "ceiling  limitation"  (calculated
        separately for the Partnership,  limited partners and general partners).
        The  "ceiling  limitation"  is  calculated  on  a  quarterly  basis  and
        represents the estimated future net revenues from nonoperating interests
        in proved  properties  using current  prices  discounted at ten percent.
        Proceeds from the sale or disposition of  nonoperating  interests in oil
        and  gas  properties  are  treated  as a  reduction  of the  cost of the
        nonoperating  interests  with no gains or  losses  recognized  except in
        significant transactions.

                  The Partnership computes the provision for amortization of oil
        and gas properties on the units-of-production method. Under this method,
        the provision is calculated by multiplying the total unamortized cost of
        oil and gas  properties  by an overall rate  determined  by dividing the
        physical  units of oil and gas  produced  during the period by the total
        estimated proved oil and gas reserves at the beginning of the period.

                  The calculation of the "ceiling  limitation" and the provision
        for  depreciation,  depletion and  amortization is based on estimates of
        proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
        quantities  of proved  reserves  and in  projecting  the future rates of
        production,  timing and plan of development. The accuracy of any reserve
        estimate  is a  function  of  the  quality  of  available  data  and  of
        engineering  and  geological  interpretation  and  judgment.  Results of
        drilling,  testing and production subsequent to the date of the estimate
        may justify revision of such estimate.  Accordingly,  reserve  estimates
        are  often  different  from  the  quantities  of oil  and gas  that  are
        ultimately recovered.

(4)  Related-Party Transactions -

                  An  affiliate  of  the  Special  General  Partner,  as  Dealer
        Manager,  received  $117,747 for managing and overseeing the offering of
        the limited partnership units. A one-time management fee of $119,259 was
        paid to Swift for services performed for the Partnership.

                  The  Partnership  entered  into a Net Profits  and  Overriding
        Royalty Interest Agreement ("NP/OR  Agreement") with Swift Energy Income
        Partners 1988-B, Ltd. (Operating Partnership), managed by Swift, for the
        purpose of acquiring  nonoperating  interests  in producing  oil and gas
        properties.   Under  terms  of  the  NP/OR   Agreement,   the  Operating
        Partnership will convey to the Partnership nonoperating interests in the
        aggregate net profits (i.e., oil and gas sales net of related  operating
        costs) of the properties  acquired equal to its  proportionate  share of
        the property acquisition costs.

(5)  Vulnerability Due to Certain Concentrations -

                  The  Company's  revenues are  primarily the result of sales of
         its oil and natural gas  production.  Market  prices of oil and natural
         gas may fluctuate and adversely affect operating results.

                  The Partnership extends credit to various companies in the oil
         and gas industry which results in a concentration  of credit risk. This
         concentration  of credit risk may be affected by changes in economic or
         other conditions and may accordingly  impact the Partnership's  overall
         credit risk.  However,  the Managing  General Partner believes that the
         risk is mitigated by the size, reputation,  and nature of the companies
         to which the Partnership  extends credit. In addition,  the Partnership
         generally  does not  require  collateral  or other  security to support
         customer receivables.

(6)  Fair Value of Financial Instruments -

                  The Partnership's  financial  instruments  consist of cash and
         cash equivalents and short-term  receivables and payables. The carrying
         amounts  approximate  fair value due to the highly liquid nature of the
         short-term instruments.

                                       7


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                       CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

      The  Partnership  is formed for the purpose of investing  in  nonoperating
interests in producing oil and gas  properties  located  within the  continental
United States.  In order to accomplish  this, the  Partnership  goes through two
distinct yet  overlapping  phases with respect to its  liquidity  and results of
operations.  When the  Partnership  is formed,  it commences  its  "acquisition"
phase,  with all funds placed in short-term  investments  until required for the
acquisition of nonoperating interests.  Therefore,  the interest earned on these
pre-acquisition  investments  becomes the  primary  cash flow source for initial
partner  distributions.  As the Partnership acquires  nonoperating  interests in
producing properties,  net cash from ownership of nonoperating interests becomes
available  for  distribution,  along  with  the  investment  income.  After  all
partnership funds have been expended on nonoperating  interests in producing oil
and gas properties,  the Partnership enters its "operations"  phase. During this
phase,  income  from  nonoperating  interests  in oil  and gas  sales  generates
substantially all revenues, and distributions to partners reflect those revenues
less all  associated  partnership  expenses.  The  Partnership  may also  derive
proceeds  from  the  sale of  nonoperating  interests  in  acquired  oil and gas
properties,  when the sale of such  interests  is  economically  appropriate  or
preferable to continued operations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      The  Partnership has completed  acquisition of  nonoperating  interests in
producing oil and gas  properties,  expending  all of the limited  partners' net
commitments available for acquisitions.

      Under the NP/OR Agreement, the Managing General Partner acquires interests
in oil and gas properties  from outside  parties and sells these interests to an
affiliated  operating  partnership,  who  in  turn  creates  and  sells  to  the
Partnership nonoperating interests in these same oil and gas properties.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      The  following  analysis  explains  changes  in the  revenue  and  expense
categories  for the quarter  ended  September  30, 1996  (current  quarter) when
compared to the quarter ended September 30, 1995  (corresponding  quarter),  and
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 (current period),  when compared to
the nine months ended September 30, 1995 (corresponding period).

Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995

      Income  from  nonoperating  interests  increased  4 percent in the current
quarter of 1996 when compared to the third quarter in 1995. However, oil and gas
sales declined $4,711 or 8 percent in the third quarter of 1996 when compared to
the  corresponding  quarter  in 1995,  primarily  due to  decreased  gas and oil
production.  A decline  of 33 percent  in gas  production  and 43 percent in oil
production had a significant impact on partnership performance.  Current quarter
gas and oil prices increased 45 percent or $.66/MCF and 35 percent or $5.02/BBL,
respectively, partially offsetting the revenue declines.

      Associated amortization expense decreased 14 percent or $3,382.

      The  Partnership  recorded an additional  provision in amortization in the
third  quarter of 1995 for $12,808  when the present  value,  discounted  at ten
percent, of estimated future net revenues from oil and gas properties, using the
guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission,  was below the fair market
value  originally  paid for oil and gas  properties.  The  additional  provision
results from the Managing General Partner's  determination  that the fair market
value  paid for  properties  may or may not  coincide  with  reserve  valuations
determined according to guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       8


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                 CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995

      Income from  nonoperating  interests  increased  24 percent in the current
period of 1996 when compared to the  corresponding  period in 1995.  Oil and gas
sales  increased  $7,050 or 4 percent in the first nine  months of 1996 over the
corresponding  period  in 1995.  An  increase  in gas  prices of 41  percent  or
$.59/MCF  and in oil prices of 24 percent or $3.34/BBL  were major  contributing
factors to the increased  revenues for the period.  Also, current period gas and
oil production decreased 24 percent and 21 percent, respectively,  when compared
to the  corresponding  period  in  1995,  partially  offsetting  the  effect  of
increased gas and oil prices.

      Associated amortization expense decreased 15 percent or $12,278.

      The  Partnership  recorded an additional  provision in amortization in the
first nine months of 1995 for $111,949 when the present value, discounted at ten
percent, of estimated future net revenues from oil and gas properties, using the
guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission,  was below the fair market
value  originally  paid for oil and gas  properties.  The  additional  provision
results from the Managing General Partner's  determination  that the fair market
value  paid for  properties  may or may not  coincide  with  reserve  valuations
determined according to guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      During 1996,  partnership  revenues  and costs will be shared  between the
limited partners and general partners in a 90:10 ratio.

                                       9


<PAGE>

                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD
                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION




ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION


                                     -NONE-


                                       10



<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the  requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                          SWIFT ENERGY MANAGED PENSION
                         ASSETS PARTNERSHIP 1988-A, LTD.
                                               (Registrant)

                                    By:        SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY
                            Managing General Partner


Date:  November 6, 1996             By:        /s/ John R. Alden
       ----------------                        --------------------------------
                                               John R. Alden
                        Senior Vice President, Secretary
                         and Principal Financial Officer

Date:  November 6, 1996             By:        /s/ Alton D. Heckaman, Jr.
       ----------------                        --------------------------------
                                               Alton D. Heckaman, Jr.
                           Vice President, Controller
                        and Principal Accounting Officer

                                       11