Why This Surprise Play Is Huge for ExxonMobil

Normally, the bigger the company is, the less likely it is that any single decision or event will impact it significantly. But that isn't the case with oil giant ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), which has gone all in on an unexpected oil play.

Luckily for the company -- and its partner, the smaller oil industry player Hess (NYSE: HES) -- its gamble seems to be paying off. Here's what ExxonMobil did and why it may cause both companies to outperform.

Oil and gas exploration is a risky business, but ExxonMobil and Hess' recent Guyana discoveries may lead to outperformance. Image source: Getty Images.

Source: Fool.com