DEVON ENERGY CORP. / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Energy Concern Becomes Envy Of The Industry.(A)(The New America)

Byline: Gerard A. Achstatter

Investor's Business Daily

Devon Energy Corp. seems to have found the Midas touch that some of its more well-heeled neighbors have trouble grasping.

The independent oil and natural gas firm has adopted a winning mix of acquisitions and energy exploration, analysts say. And oil producers near the Oklahoma City-based firm are envious.

"The Texas crowd was scooped by the Okies," said Robert Christensen, analyst atFirst Albany Corp. "The rest of t

he industry was left shaking their heads."

On the buying side, Devon completed three major acquisitions in the last 18 months - Northstar Energy Corp., PennzEnergy Co. and Santa Fe Snyder Corp.

"The company …