What of Exxon (NYSE:XOM) When Natural Gas Prices Rise?

If people think ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) is generating significant revenue now (and they are), wait until natural gas prices start to rise, as in general, at this time the energy giant is subsidizing their natural gas strategy with oil profits.

The power of Exxon lies in its ability to continue to generate significant earnings from its oil assets, while at the same time building out its natural gas business with little or no discernible effect on the bottom line.

That's the beauty of their strategy. The truth is natural gas is weighing the company down, but it's performing so strongly it simply isn't a factor in its performance, as far as shareholders are concerned.

When you'll realize the effect of natural gas, is when Exxon maintains its oil earnings and natural gas starts to add to earnings in the future.

With Exxon having a market cap of $423 billion plus at this time, there can be no doubt they'll soar past the half trillion mark, and more, as natural gas becomes a viable source of earnings.

It's almost scary to think of the heights Exxon will reach with this powerful combination of energy.

Oil will continue to be a major source of energy for a long time, and prices will continue to rise, along with demand. Add to that rising natural gas demand and prices, and it's amazing to see the potential Exxon has for the future, even at the size it has grown to.

Exxon closed Tuesday at $83.91, gaining $3.23, or 4.00 percent.