Independent oil & gas firm McMoran Exploration Co. (NYSE: MMR) posted an unexpected profit today, leading other energy firms like Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM), Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX), and Hess Corp. (NYSE: HES) higher.

McMoran posted EPS of $0.19, compared with an consensus estimate for an EPS loss of -$0.13. The company attributes the good performance to its deep-drilling techniques in the Gulf of Mexico, w
hich have allowed it to boost production substantially higher than previous expectations. Production is expected to average 130 million cubic feet of gas equivalent/day in 2012, with first quarter production at 155 million cubic feet/day. The number should rise in the second half of the year following production testing of a major well.

McMoran’s shares are up nearly 5% at $13.29 in a 52-week range of $8.25-$19.26.