Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

Registration No. 333-156025

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 5, 2011

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT dated July 5, 2011
(To Prospectus dated July 5, 2011)

 

$     

 

Devon Energy Corporation

 

$          % Senior Notes due 2016
$          % Senior Notes due 2021
$          % Senior Notes due 2041

 

We are offering $      aggregate principal amount of our     % senior notes due          , 2016, $      aggregate principal amount of our     % senior notes due          , 2021 and $     aggregate principal amount of our     % senior notes due          , 2041. We will pay interest on the notes semi-annually in arrears on           and           of each year, beginning          , 2011. We may redeem any series of notes in whole or in part at any time at the redemption prices set forth under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.” The notes will be our general unsecured obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

 

We do not intend to list the notes on any securities exchange.

 

Investing in the notes involves risks. You should carefully read the entire accompanying prospectus and this prospectus supplement, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these notes or determined if this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

We expect that the notes will be delivered to investors on or about          , 2011 in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company and its participants, including Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in this prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy those securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, nor any sale made hereunder and thereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Devon since the date hereof or that the information contained or incorporated by reference herein or therein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information.

 

For purposes of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “Devon” refer to Devon Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries.

 

 

Devon is an independent energy company engaged primarily in exploration, development and production of natural gas and oil. Our operations are concentrated in various North American onshore areas in the United States and Canada. We also have offshore operations located in Angola that are currently in the process of being divested. To complement our upstream oil and gas operations in North America, we have a large marketing and midstream operation. With these operations, we market gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). We also construct and operate pipelines, storage and treating facilities and natural gas processing plants. These midstream facilities are used to transport oil, gas, and NGLs and to process natural gas.

 

We recently confirmed our estimated 2011 combined oil, gas and NGL production of 236 to 240 MMBoe and announced that we increased our estimate for our 2011 oil and gas development and exploration capital expenditures to be between $5.5 billion and $5.9 billion. Please see “Risk Factors” below and “Forward-Looking Estimates” under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a further discussion of these calculations and limitations of these estimates.

 

Our principal and administrative offices are located at 20 North Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260. Our telephone number at that location is (405) 235-3611.

 

An investment in the notes is subject to risk. Before you decide to invest in the notes, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed below, together with all the other information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus as well as the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. For further discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our business, please see the discussion under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that we file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

The notes do not restrict our ability to incur additional debt or prohibit us from taking other actions that could negatively impact holders of the notes.

 

We are not restricted under the terms of the notes or the indenture governing the notes from incurring additional debt and other obligations, including debt and other obligations that rank equal in right of payment with the notes. Although the indenture limits our ability to issue secured debt without also securing the notes and to consolidate with or merge into, or convey or otherwise transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any person, these limitations are subject to a number of exceptions. See “Description of Debt Securities — Covenants” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Our ability to service our debt, including the notes, will be dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us. The notes are effectively subordinated to any existing and future debt of our subsidiaries.

 

The notes are obligations exclusively of Devon Energy Corporation. Our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flow and our consequent ability to service our debt, including the notes, are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us, whether by dividends, loans or otherwise. The payment of dividends and the making of loans and advances to us and our right to receive assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization, and the consequent right of the holders of the notes to participate in those assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors, except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of such subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be subordinate to any liens on the assets of such subsidiary and any indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to ours. As of March 31, 2011, we had total consolidated indebtedness with a carrying value of approximately $6.8 billion, none of which was secured. This total includes indebtedness of our subsidiaries of approximately $3.4 billion, excluding intercompany debt and trade payables.

At certain times we may redeem all or a portion of the notes at our option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date, which may adversely affect your return.

 

As described under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption,” at certain times we have the right to redeem the notes of any series in whole or in part, at our option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. We may choose to exercise this redemption right when prevailing interest rates are relatively low. As a result, you generally will not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as that of the notes.

 

An active trading market for the notes may not develop.

 

The notes of each series are a new issue of securities with no established trading market, and we do not intend to list them on any securities exchange or automated quotation system. As a result, an active trading market for the notes may not develop, or if one does develop, it may not be sustained. If an active trading market fails to develop or cannot be sustained, you may not be able to resell your notes at their fair market value or at all.

 

The net proceeds of this offering, after discounts and expenses, are estimated to be approximately $     . We intend to use substantially all of the net proceeds to repay our $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due 2011 upon maturity in September 2011 and to use the remainder for general corporate purposes. Prior to the repayment of the 6.875% senior notes due 2011, the net proceeds may be invested temporarily in short-term marketable securities or applied to repay commercial paper as it comes due. If we apply the proceeds to repay commercial paper, we intend to issue additional commercial paper prior to the maturity of the 6.875% senior notes due 2011. As of March 31, 2011, our average borrowing rate on our $1,197 million of commercial paper borrowings was 0.30 percent.

 

The following description of the particular terms of the $     % senior notes due          , 2016 (the “2016 notes”), the $     % senior notes due          , 2021 (the “2021 notes”) and the $     % senior notes due          , 2041 (the “2041 notes” and, collectively with the 2016 notes and the 2021 notes, the “notes”) (which each represent a new series of, and are referred to in the accompanying prospectus as, the “debt securities”), supplements and, to the extent inconsistent therewith, replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus.

 

We will issue the notes under an indenture between us and UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee, to be dated as of July   , 2011, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture to be dated as of July   , 2011. In this prospectus supplement, we refer to that indenture as so supplemented as the “indenture.” The terms of the notes include those set forth in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the notes and the indenture. It does not restate the indenture in its entirety. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of notes. Copies of the indenture are available upon request from us or the trustee. References to “us,” “we,” “ours,” or “Devon” in this section of the prospectus supplement are to Devon Energy Corporation and not its subsidiaries.

 

General

 

The 2016 notes will:

 

 

 

The 2021 notes will:

 

 

The 2041 notes will:

 

 

Interest on the notes will:

 

 

There is no limit on the aggregate principal amount of notes that we may issue. Also, we reserve the right, from time to time, in compliance with the terms of the indenture and without the consent of any holders of any of the notes, to reopen any series of notes by issuing additional 2016 notes, 2021 notes or 2041 notes, as the case may be. Any such additional 2016 notes, 2021 notes or 2041 notes would have terms identical to the outstanding 2016 notes, 2021 notes or 2041 notes, as the case may be (except the date of issuance, the date interest begins to accrue and, in certain circumstances, the first interest payment date), so that such additional 2016 notes, 2021 notes or 2041 notes shall be consolidated with, form a single series with, and increase the aggregate principal amount of, the 2016 notes, 2021 notes or 2041 notes, as the case may be; provided that if the additional 2016 notes, 2021 notes or 2041 notes are not fungible with the outstanding 2016 notes, 2021 notes and 2041 notes, respectively, for United States federal income tax purposes, the additional notes will have a separate CUSIP number.

 

If any interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date falls on a day that is not a business day, the payment will be made on the next business day with the same force and effect as if made on the relevant interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date. Unless we default on a payment, no interest will accrue for the period from and after the applicable interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date.

 

Subject to the exceptions, and subject to compliance with the applicable requirements, set forth in the indenture, we may discharge our obligations under the indenture with respect to the notes as described under “Description of Debt Securities — Defeasance” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

The notes will be our general unsecured obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

Payment and Transfer

 

The notes will be issued in the form of one or more permanent global securities as described in the accompanying prospectus under “Description of Debt Securities — Global Securities” and registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, as depositary for the notes, and its participants, including Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. See “Book-Entry Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. Beneficial interests in notes in global form will be shown on, and transfers of interest in notes in global form will be made only through, records maintained by the depositary and its participants. Notes in definitive form, if any, may be registered, exchanged or transferred at the office or agency maintained by us for such purpose (which initially will be the corporate trust office of the trustee located at 1010 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64106). Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on notes in global form registered in the name of or held by the depositary or its nominee will be made in immediately available funds to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such global security. If any of the notes are no longer represented by global securities, all payments on such notes will be made at the corporate trust office of the trustee; however, any payment of interest on such notes may be made, at our option, by check mailed directly to registered holders at their registered addresses.

 

No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith. We are not required to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption or any other note for a period of 15 days before any mailing of notice of notes to be redeemed.

 

Optional Redemption

 

We may redeem:

 

 

at any time, in whole or in part, at our option at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

 

plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

 

On or after the date that is one month prior to the maturity for the 2016 notes, three months prior to the maturity for the 2021 notes, or six months prior to the maturity for the 2041 notes, respectively, we may redeem the 2016 notes, the 2021 notes or the 2041 notes, at any time, in whole or in part, at our option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date.

 

“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

 

“Independent Investment Banker” means an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by Devon.

“Optional Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC and their respective successors; provided that if any of the foregoing ceases to be, and has no affiliate that is, a primary U.S. governmental securities dealer, Devon will substitute for it another primary U.S. governmental securities dealer.

 

“Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Issue” means the U.S. Treasury security selected by the Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes or, if, in the reasonable judgment of the Independent Investment Banker, there is no such security, then the Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Issue will mean the U.S. Treasury security or securities selected by the Independent Investment Banker as having an actual or interpolated maturity or maturities comparable to the remaining term of the notes.

 

“Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Price” means the average of the Optional Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for the applicable redemption date.

 

“Optional Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Optional Redemption Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date for the notes, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Optional Redemption Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker and the trustee at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

 

We will mail notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the applicable redemption date to each holder of the notes to be redeemed.

 

Upon the payment of the redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on and after the applicable redemption date on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the notes for redemption will be made by the trustee by such method of random selection as the trustee shall deem fair and appropriate. Notes will only be redeemed in multiples of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000. If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption will state the portion of the principal amount to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original note will be issued upon the cancellation of the original note.

 

No Sinking Fund

 

We are not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes.

 

Covenants

 

The covenant limiting our ability to incur liens described in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Debt Securities — Covenants” and the restrictions on consolidation, merger or sale of assets described in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Debt Securities — Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” will apply to the notes. The indenture does not otherwise limit the amount of indebtedness or other obligations that we may incur and does not give you the right to require us to repurchase your notes upon a change of control.

 

In addition, the indenture provides that the covenant limiting our ability to incur liens, the restrictions on consolidation, merger or sale of assets and certain other non-monetary covenants included in the indenture may be waived or modified by holders representing at least a majority of all debt securities, including the notes, outstanding at any one time under the indenture, and that, following an “Event of Default” arising from a breach of any of these provisions, the trustee or holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all debt securities, including the notes, outstanding under the indenture to which these provisions are applicable may accelerate the maturity of the debt

securities under the indenture. As of the issue date of the notes and after giving effect to the use of proceeds therefrom, no other debt securities will be outstanding under the indenture.

 

Events of Default

 

In addition to the “Events of Default” described in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Debt Securities — Events of Default,” it shall constitute an “Event of Default” under the indenture in respect of each series of the notes if we default in the payment of any principal of our Funded Debt (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) outstanding in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $50 million at the stated final maturity thereof or the occurrence of any other default the effect of which is to cause the stated final maturity of this Funded Debt to be accelerated, and if:

 

 

Concerning the Trustee

 

UMB Bank, National Association, is the trustee under the indenture and has been appointed by us as security registrar and paying agent with regard to the notes.

 

The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes. This discussion applies only to a Non-U.S. Holder (as defined below) that acquires the notes pursuant to this offering at the initial offering price. If we decide to reopen any series of notes by issuing additional notes on a date later than thirteen days from the date of the initial offering, such reopening will be treated as a separate offering for U.S. federal income tax purposes and any Non-U.S. Holder acquiring notes pursuant to such reopening will not be treated as acquiring notes pursuant to this offering. Accordingly, any such new note may not be fungible with the notes being issued pursuant to this offering for US federal income tax purposes. This discussion is limited to investors that hold the notes as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, this discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to investors in light of their particular circumstances, or to investors subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law. Furthermore, this discussion does not address any U.S. federal estate or gift tax consequences or any state, local or foreign tax consequences. This discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Treasury Department regulations (the “Treasury Regulations”) promulgated thereunder and judicial decisions and administrative interpretations thereof, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes.

 

For purposes of this summary, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a note that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) an individual that is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized under the laws of the United States, any of the States or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust, or (B) that has made a valid election under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) owns notes, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and

the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership that owns the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

Interest

 

Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on payments of interest on the notes provided that the Non-U.S. Holder:

 

 

Such certification requirements will be met if: (i) the Non-U.S. Holder certifies on the appropriate Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) form, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person or (ii) a securities clearing organization or certain other financial institutions holding the note on behalf of the Non-U.S. Holder certifies on the appropriate IRS form, under penalties of perjury, that such certification has been received by it and furnishes us or our paying agent with a copy thereof. In addition, we or our paying agent must not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner of the note is a U.S. person.

 

If a Non-U.S. Holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest made to such Non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to a 30% withholding tax or a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable tax treaty, unless the interest is effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a U.S. trade or business as described below. A Non-U.S. Holder who claims the benefit of an applicable tax treaty generally will be required to satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under the relevant tax treaty.

 

Generally, if interest on the notes is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States, the Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to the 30% withholding if the Non-U.S. Holder files the appropriate IRS form with the payor. Instead, such interest will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net-income basis at the applicable graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation receiving effectively connected interest may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” which is generally imposed on a foreign corporation on the repatriation from the U.S. of effectively connected earnings and profits, subject to certain adjustments. This tax is imposed at a 30% or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable tax treaty.

 

Dispositions of the Notes

 

Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to gain recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of the notes. A Non-U.S. Holder also generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the Non-U.S. Holder and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States, or (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a nonresident alien individual, such holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of disposition and certain other conditions are satisfied. In the case described above in (i), gain or loss recognized on the disposition of such notes will generally be subject to U.S. federal income taxation in the same manner as if such gain or loss were recognized by a U.S. person, and, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation, may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate). In the case described above in (ii), the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to 30% tax (or lower applicable treaty rate) on any capital gain recognized on the disposition of the notes, which may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses. Proceeds from the disposition of a note that are attributable to accrued but

unpaid interest generally will be subject to, or exempt from, tax to the same extent as described above with respect to interest paid on a note.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

A Non-U.S. Holder generally will be required to comply with certain certification procedures in order to establish that such holder is not a U.S. person in order to avoid backup withholding with respect to payments of principal and interest on or the proceeds of a disposition of the notes. In addition, we must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of any interest paid to such Non-U.S. Holder and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to such interest. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and the amount of any tax withheld may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely provided to the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to their qualification for any exemption for backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining such an exemption.

 

We are selling the notes to the underwriters named in the table below pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated as of the date of this prospectus supplement. We have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the underwriters have severally agreed to purchase, the principal amount of notes set forth opposite that underwriter’s name in the table below:

 

 

Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters must buy all of the notes if they buy any of them. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters pursuant thereto are subject to certain conditions. In the event of a default by an underwriter, the underwriting agreement provides that, in certain circumstances, the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated. The underwriters will sell the notes to the public when and if the underwriters buy the notes from us. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

 

The notes of each series are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any national securities exchange. We have been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters intend to make a market in the notes but are not obligated to do so and may stop their market-making at any time without providing any notice. Liquidity of the trading market for the notes cannot be assured.

 

The notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any notes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to     % of the principal amount of the 2016 notes, up to     % of the principal amount of the 2021 notes and up to     % of the principal amount of the 2041 notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to     % of the principal amount of the 2016 notes,     % of the principal amount of the 2021 notes and up to     % of the principal amount of the 2041 notes. If all of the notes are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and other selling terms.

In order to facilitate the offering of the notes, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the notes. Specifically, the underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position in the notes for their own accounts. In addition, to cover short positions or to stabilize the price of the notes, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the notes in the open market. Finally, the underwriters may reclaim selling concessions allowed to a particular underwriter or dealer for distributing the notes in the offering if the underwriter or dealer repurchases previously distributed notes in transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the notes above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

We estimate that our expenses in connection with the sale of the notes, other than the underwriting discounts, will be $     .

 

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Other Relationships

 

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the issuer, for which they may receive customary fees and expenses. In particular, affiliates of certain of the underwriters are parties to and lenders under our credit facility. Our credit facility was negotiated on an arm’s length basis and contains customary terms pursuant to which the lenders receive customary fees. Additionally, affiliates of certain of the underwriters are or may become holders of the 6.875% senior notes due 2011 or participate in our commercial paper program and, as a result, may receive a portion of the proceeds from this offering when such commercial paper is repaid or such senior notes are redeemed.

 

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates have made or held, and may in the future make or hold, a broad array of investments including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements, and may have actively traded, and, in the future may actively trade, debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities), and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may have in the past and at any time in the future hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investment and securities activities may have involved, and in the future may involve, securities and instruments of our company.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

European Economic Area

 

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), each Underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date) it has not made and will not make an offer of notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

 

a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

b) to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the

Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by the issuer for any such offer; or

 

c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

 

provided that no such offer of notes shall require the issuer or any Underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of notes to the public” in relation to any notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

 

United Kingdom

 

Each Underwriter has represented and agreed that:

 

a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”)) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the issuer; and

 

b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

Hong Kong

 

The notes may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

 

Singapore

 

This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

 

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee

is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

 

Japan

 

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and each Underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

 

The validity of the notes will be passed upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP of New York, New York. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP of New York, New York will pass on certain legal matters on behalf of the underwriters.

PROSPECTUS

 

Devon Energy Corporation

 

COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK AND

DEBT SECURITIES

 

By this prospectus, Devon Energy Corporation may offer, from time to time, its common stock, preferred stock and debt securities. We will provide more specific information regarding these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before investing.

 

Our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its trading symbol is “DVN.”

 

Investing in securities involves risks. You should carefully read the risk factors included in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our periodic reports and other information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before investing in our securities.

 

We may sell these securities to or through underwriters, to other purchasers and/or through agents. The supplements to this prospectus will specify the names of and arrangements with any underwriters or agents.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

The date of this Prospectus is July 5, 2011.

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contain or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information provided by this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell offered securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may include additional risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Unless the context otherwise indicates, the terms “Devon,” “we,” “us” and “our” in this prospectus mean Devon Energy Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Devon is an independent energy company engaged primarily in exploration, development and production of natural gas and oil. Our operations are concentrated in various North American onshore areas in the United States and Canada. We also have offshore operations located in Angola that are currently in the process of being divested. To complement our upstream oil and gas operations in North America, we have a large marketing and midstream operation. With these operations, we market gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). We also construct and operate pipelines, storage and treating facilities and natural gas processing plants. These midstream facilities are used to transport oil, gas, and NGLs and to process natural gas.

 

Our principal and administrative offices are located at 20 North Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260. Our telephone number at that location is (405) 235-3611.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things:

 

 

The precise amount and timing of the application of such proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and the availability and cost of other funds.

 

The ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods set forth below have been completed on a consolidated basis and should be read in conjunction with Devon’s consolidated financial statements, including the accompanying notes thereto, incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

 

 

N/A Not applicable.

 

Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends were computed based on:

 

 

General

 

Devon’s authorized capital stock consists of:

 

 

As of April 25, 2011, there were 423.0 million shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

Holders of common stock will be entitled to receive dividends out of legally available funds when and if declared by our board of directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock will be entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. They will not be entitled to cumulative voting rights for the election of directors. Except pursuant to our rights agreement, the shares of common stock have no preemptive, conversion or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any of our securities. Upon our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of shares of common stock are entitled to share ratably in any of our assets that remain after payment or provision for payment to creditors and holders of preferred stock.

Preferred Stock

 

The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series. Our board may establish attributes of any series, including the designation and number of shares in the series, dividend rates (cumulative or noncumulative), voting rights, redemptions, conversion or preference rights, and any other rights and qualifications, preferences and limitations or restrictions on shares of a series. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Devon without any vote or action by the stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of shares of common stock. The specific terms of a particular series of preferred stock will be described in a certificate of designation relating to that series.

 

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.  We have designated 2.9 million shares of preferred stock as series A junior participating preferred stock.

 

This summary of the undesignated preferred stock discusses terms and conditions that we expect may apply to any series of the preferred stock that may be offered under this prospectus. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the particular terms of each series of preferred stock actually offered. If indicated in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any series may differ from the terms described below.

 

We expect the prospectus supplement for any preferred stock that we actually offer pursuant to this prospectus to include some or all of the following terms:

 

 

Subject to our certificate of incorporation and to any limitations imposed by any then outstanding preferred stock, we may issue additional series of preferred stock, at any time or from time to time, with such powers, preferences, rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as our board of directors determines, and without further action of the stockholders, including holders of our then outstanding preferred stock, if any.

 

The following description of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of any series of debt securities and the extent to which the general provisions may apply to a particular series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to that series. References in this section to “Devon” mean Devon Energy Corporation and not its subsidiaries.

 

Any debt securities offered by this prospectus will be issued under one or more indentures between Devon and a trustee. We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures below. Devon senior debt securities are to be issued under an indenture between Devon and UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Devon senior indenture”), the form of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Devon subordinated debt securities are to be issued under an indenture (the “Devon subordinated indenture”), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The Devon senior indenture and the Devon subordinated indenture are sometimes referred to herein, collectively, as the “indentures” and each, individually, as an “indenture.” You should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you.

 

Because we have included only a summary of the indenture terms, you must read the indentures in full to understand every detail of the terms of the debt securities.

 

The indentures will not limit the amount of debt securities we may issue under them, and will provide that additional debt securities of any series may be issued up to the aggregate principal amount that we authorize from time to time.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue the debt securities in denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

Principal and any premium and interest in respect of the debt securities will be payable, and the debt securities will be transferable, at the corporate trust office of the trustee, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. At our option, however, we may pay interest by mailing checks to the registered holders of the debt securities at their registered addresses.

 

We will describe any special U.S. federal income tax and other considerations relating to debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

General

 

The prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities being offered will specify the amounts, prices and terms of those debt securities. These terms may include:

 

 

 

We are not obligated to issue all debt securities of any one series at the same time. The debt securities of any one series may not bear interest at the same rate or mature on the same date.

 

If we sell any of the debt securities for foreign currencies or foreign currency units or if the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any series of debt securities is payable in foreign currencies or foreign currency units, we will describe the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to those debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Except as may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture will not limit our ability to incur indebtedness or afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of a decline in our credit quality or if we are involved in a takeover, recapitalization or highly leveraged or similar transaction. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities, to the extent not otherwise described in this prospectus, will include any information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the covenants or events of default described below and contained in the indenture, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Devon’s obligation to pay the principal of, and any premium and interest on, its senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank equally with all of Devon’s other unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.

 

Interest Rates and Discounts

 

The debt securities will earn interest at a fixed or floating rate or rates for the period or periods of time specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will bear interest on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

We may sell debt securities at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. We will describe the federal income tax consequences and special considerations that apply to those debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Exchange, Registration and Transfer

 

Unless otherwise specified, debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series and of like aggregate principal amount and tenor in different authorized denominations.

 

You may present debt securities for registration of transfer, together with a duly executed form of transfer, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for that purpose with respect to any series of debt securities and referred to in the applicable prospectus supplement. This may be done without service charge but upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the indenture. The security registrar or the transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange upon being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities.

 

In the event of any redemption, we will not be required to:

 

 

Payment and Paying Agents

 

Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay the principal of, and any premium and interest on, debt securities at the office of the paying agent or paying agents that we designate at various times. However, at our option, we may make interest payments by check mailed to the address, as it appears in the security register, of the person entitled to the payments. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Corporate Trust Office of the trustee in New York, New York, will be designated as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities that are issuable solely as registered securities.

 

All monies we pay to a paying agent for the payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, any debt security or coupon that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after becoming due and payable will be repaid to us. After that time, the holder of the debt security or coupon will look only to us for payments out of those repaid amounts.

 

Global Securities

 

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global certificates that we will deposit with a depository identified in the applicable prospectus supplement, or a custodian for such depository. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities it represents, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole:

 

 

We will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary arrangements.

When we issue a global security in registered form, the depositary for the global security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by that global security to the accounts of participants that have accounts with the depositary. Those accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents with respect to the underlying debt securities or by us if those debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. For interests of participants, ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on records maintained by the applicable depositary or its nominee. For interests of persons other than participants, that ownership information will be shown on the records of participants. Transfer of that ownership will be effected only through those records.

 

The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

 

As long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global security, the depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security:

 

 

We will make payments of principal of, and any premium and interest on, individual debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee to the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global security representing such debt securities. Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent nor the registrar for the debt securities will be responsible for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made by the depositary or any participants on account of beneficial interests of the global security.

 

We expect that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest relating to a permanent global security representing any series of debt securities, immediately will credit participants’ accounts with the payments. Those payments will be credited in amounts proportional to the respective beneficial interests of the participants in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of the depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices. This is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” Those payments will be the sole responsibility of those participants.

 

If the depositary for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depositary and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days, we will issue individual debt securities of that series in exchange for the global security or securities representing that series. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine not to have any debt securities of a series represented by one or more global securities. In that event, we will issue individual debt securities of that series in exchange for the global security or securities. Further, if we specify, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security may, on terms acceptable to us, the trustee and the applicable depositary, receive individual debt securities of that series in exchange for those beneficial interests. The foregoing is subject to any limitations described in the applicable prospectus supplement. In that instance, the owner of the beneficial interest will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities equal in principal amount to the beneficial interest and to have the debt securities registered in its name. Those individual debt securities will be issued in denominations, unless we specify otherwise, of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

For a description of the depositary arrangements for global securities held by The Depository Trust Company, also known as DTC, see “Book-Entry Securities.”

Events of Default

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, any one of the following events will constitute an “event of default” under the indentures with respect to the debt securities of any series issued under the indentures:

 

 

If we fail to pay the principal of, or premium or interest on, the debt securities of any series or we fail to perform or breach any of the other covenants or warranties applicable to the debt securities of that series but not applicable to all outstanding debt securities, and such event of default is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default occurs due to default in the performance of any other of the covenants and warranties applicable to all outstanding debt securities or pertaining to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, and the event of default is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all debt securities then outstanding (considered as one class), may declare the principal amount of, and any premium and interest on, all debt securities to be due and payable immediately. There is no automatic acceleration, even in the event of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the trustee, we may cause such declaration of acceleration to be rescinded and annulled with respect to the debt securities of any series if we deposit with the trustee an amount sufficient to pay all overdue interest on the debt securities of that series, the principal of and premium, if any, on the debt securities of that series that have become due and payable otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and all amounts due to the trustee and if all other events of default with respect to the debt securities of that series have been cured or waived.

 

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any event of default under the indentures with respect to the debt securities of any series issued under that indenture, the trustee must transmit notice of the event of default to the holders of the debt securities of that series unless the event of default has been cured or waived. The trustee may withhold the notice, however, except in the case of a payment default, if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or responsible officers of the trustee has in good faith determined that the withholding of the notice is in the interest of the holders of debt securities of that series.

 

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the holders of debt securities of that series by all appropriate judicial proceedings.

 

Subject to the duty of the trustee during any default to act with the required standard of care, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of debt securities issued under that indenture, unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to indemnifying the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series issued under that indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series.

Defeasance

 

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, any debt securities, or portion of the principal amount of the debt securities, will be deemed to have been paid for purposes of the applicable indentures, and, at our election, our entire indebtedness with respect to the debt securities, or portion thereof, will be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged, if we have irrevocably deposited with the trustee or any paying agent other than us, in trust, money, certain eligible obligations, as defined in the applicable indentures, or a combination of the two, sufficient to pay principal of and any premium and interest due and to become due on the debt securities or portions thereof.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe, if applicable, our ability to be released from any of our covenant obligations under the indentures.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

The trustee and Devon may, without the consent of holders, modify or waive provisions of each indenture for certain purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities and maintaining the qualification of the applicable indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The trustee and Devon may modify or waive certain provisions of each indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of each series issued under that indenture affected by the modification or waiver. However, the provisions of any indenture may not be waived or modified without the consent of the holders of each debt security affected thereby if the modification or waiver would:

 

 

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series issued under an indenture may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive our compliance with certain restrictive provisions of that indenture. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of any series issued under either of the indentures may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive any past default and its consequences under that indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series, except:

 

 

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

 

We may not consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any person (as defined in the applicable indenture) unless:

 

 

 

 

Covenants

 

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the following covenants will apply to the senior debt securities issued by Devon. Various capitalized terms used within this “Covenants” subsection are defined at the end of this subsection.

 

Liens

 

Neither Devon nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur, issue, assume or guarantee any Debt that is secured by a Mortgage on any Principal Property or on any shares of stock or Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary of Devon, without first effectively providing that the securities (together with, if Devon so determines, any other indebtedness of Devon or its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not subordinate in right of payment to the prior right of payment in full of the securities) will be secured equally and ratably with, or prior to, the incurred, issued, assumed or guaranteed secured Debt, for so long as this secured Debt remains so secured.

 

This limitation on the incurrence, issuance, assumption or guarantee of any Debt secured by a Mortgage will not apply to, and there will be excluded from any secured Debt in any computation under this covenant, Debt secured by:

 

 

 

provided that, if a commitment for the financing is obtained prior to or within this one-year period, the applicable Mortgage will be deemed to be included in this clause whether or not the Mortgage is created within this one-year period;

 

 

Notwithstanding anything mentioned above, Devon and any one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur, issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by Mortgages that would otherwise be subject to the above restrictions if the aggregate amount of the Debt secured by the Mortgages, together with the outstanding principal amount of all other secured Debt of Devon and its Restricted Subsidiaries that would otherwise be subject to the above restrictions, does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

 

The following transactions shall not be deemed to create Debt secured by a Mortgage:

 

 

Definitions

 

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, calculated as of the date of the financial statements for the most recently ended fiscal quarter or fiscal year, as applicable, prior to the date of determination, the aggregate amount of assets of Devon, less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items but including investments in non-consolidated entities, after deducting therefrom:

 

 

“Debt” means indebtedness for money borrowed.

 

“Funded Debt” means all Debt of Devon or any of its subsidiaries for money borrowed which is not by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the securities or to Devon’s full and unconditional guarantee in respect thereof, as applicable, having a maturity of more than 12 months from the date as of which the amount thereof is to be determined or having a maturity of fewer than 12 months but by its terms being:

 

 

“Indebtedness” means Debt and the deferred purchase price of property or assets purchased.

 

“Mortgage” means and includes any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or other similar encumbrance.

 

“Offshore” means the lands beneath the navigable waters of the U.S. or Canada, or the continental shelf of the U.S. or Canada.

 

“Ordinary Course Mortgages” means:

 

 

 

“Principal Property” means any oil, gas or mineral producing property, or any refining, processing, smelting or manufacturing facility located in the U.S., Canada or Offshore, other than:

 

 

“Restricted Subsidiary” means Devon Financing Company, L.L.C. and any other subsidiary of Devon:

 

 

“Stockholders’ Equity” means, with respect to any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof, stockholders’ equity, as computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

The Trustee

 

We may appoint a separate trustee for any series of debt securities. In the description of a series of debt securities, the term “trustee” refers to the trustee appointed with respect to such series of debt securities. The trustee may be a depository for funds and perform other services for, and may transact other banking business with, Devon and its subsidiaries in the normal course of business.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue securities, other than our common stock, to investors in the form of one or more book-entry certificates registered in the name of a depository or a nominee of a depository. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the depository will be DTC. We have been informed by DTC that its nominee will be Cede & Co. Accordingly, Cede is expected to be the initial registered holder of all securities that are issued in book-entry form.

 

No person that acquires a beneficial interest in securities issued in book-entry form will be entitled to receive a certificate representing those securities, except as set forth in this prospectus or in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless and until definitive securities are issued under the limited circumstances described below, all references to actions by holders or beneficial owners of securities issued in book-entry form will refer to actions taken by DTC upon instructions from its participants, and all references to payments and notices to holders or beneficial owners will refer to payments and notices to DTC or Cede, as the registered holder of such securities.

DTC has informed us that it is:

 

 

DTC has also informed us that it was created to:

 

 

Participants have accounts with DTC and include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations. Indirect access to the DTC system also is available to indirect participants such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

 

Persons that are not participants or indirect participants but desire to buy, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of or interests in securities may do so only through participants and indirect participants. Under the book-entry system, beneficial owners may experience some delay in receiving payments, as payments will be forwarded by our agent to Cede, a nominee for DTC. These payments will be forwarded to DTC’s participants, which thereafter will forward them to indirect participants or beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not be recognized by the applicable registrar, transfer agent, trustee or depositary as registered holders of the securities entitled to the benefits of the certificate, the indenture or any deposit agreement. Beneficial owners that are not participants will be permitted to exercise their rights as an owner only indirectly through participants and, if applicable, indirect participants.

 

Under the current rules and regulations affecting DTC, DTC will be required to make book-entry transfers of securities among participants and to receive and transmit payments to participants. Participants and indirect participants with whom beneficial owners of securities have accounts are also required by these rules to make book-entry transfers and receive and transmit such payments on behalf of their respective account holders.

 

Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, who in turn act only on behalf of other participants or indirect participants, and on behalf of certain banks, trust companies and other persons approved by it, the ability of a beneficial owner of securities issued in book-entry form to pledge those securities to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system may be limited due to the unavailability of physical certificates for the securities.

 

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a registered holder of any securities under the certificate, the indenture or any deposit agreement only at the direction of one or more participants to whose accounts with DTC the securities are credited.

 

According to DTC, it has provided information with respect to DTC to its participants and other members of the financial community for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, a book-entry security will be exchangeable for definitive securities registered in the names of persons other than DTC or its nominee only if:

 

 

 

Any book-entry security that is exchangeable in accordance with the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for securities registered in such names as DTC directs.

 

If one of the events described in the immediately preceding paragraph occurs, DTC is generally required to notify all participants of the availability through DTC of definitive securities. Upon surrender by DTC of the book-entry security representing the securities and delivery of instructions for re-registration, the registrar, transfer agent, trustee or depositary, as the case may be, will reissue the securities as definitive securities. After reissuance of the securities, such persons will recognize the beneficial owners of such definitive securities as registered holders of securities.

 

Except as described above:

 

 

None of Devon, the trustees, any registrar and transfer agent or any depository, or any agent of any of them, will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s or any participant’s records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a book-entry security.

 

We may sell the securities through agents, underwriters or dealers, or directly to one or more purchasers without using underwriters or agents.

 

We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment or to sell securities on a continuing basis.

 

If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own accounts. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities offered if any of those securities are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement and may be changed from time to time.

 

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify any underwriters, dealers or agents and will describe their compensation. We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their businesses.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than the common stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities will be passed upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and for any underwriter by legal counsel named in the prospectus supplement.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Devon and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Certain information with respect to Devon’s oil and gas reserves derived from the reports of LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd. and AJM Petroleum Consultants, independent consulting petroleum engineers, has been incorporated by reference herein upon the authority of said firms as experts with respect to matters covered by such reports and in giving such reports.

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at “http://www.sec.gov.”

 

We filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. Instead, the SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus.

 

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about Devon.

 

(a) Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

(b) Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

(c) Our Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 27, 2011.

 

(d) Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2011 (filed under Item 8.01 of Form 8-K), February 17, 2011, April 25, 2011 and June 9, 2011.

 

(e) The description of our Common Stock set forth in Exhibit 4.9 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 18, 1999, including any amendment or report filed for the purposes of updating such description.

 

We are also incorporating by reference additional documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus but before the completion of the offering. Current Reports on Form 8-K containing only disclosure furnished under Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K are not incorporated herein by reference.

 

We will provide documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus without charge, excluding all exhibits unless we have specifically incorporated by reference an exhibit in this prospectus. You may obtain documents

incorporated by reference in this prospectus (at no cost) by requesting them in writing, by e-mail or by telephone from us at the following address:

 

Devon Energy Corporation, 20 North Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-8260 Attention: Corporate Secretary, Telephone: (405) 235-3611, CorporateSecretary@dvn.com.

 

You can also get more information by visiting our website at “http://www.devonenergy.com.” Website materials are not part of this prospectus.

 

$

 

Devon Energy Corporation

 

$          % Senior Notes due 2016
$          % Senior Notes due 2021
$          % Senior Notes due 2041

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

 

July   , 2011