Independent explorers have been punished by investors for aggressive growth plans that favored skyrocketing production over returning cash to shareholders. (Bloomberg) — Three shale producers are fighting to show which one can grow its dividend the most as investors demand better returns from the oil and gas industry. Concho Resources Inc., Diamondback Energy Inc. and Devon Energy Corp. rose Wednesday after reporting earnings and full-year guidance that appear to show they’re heeding calls to stop prioritizing growth over returns. The three independent explorers were among the first to post fourth-quarter results in what Mizuho Securities analyst Paul Sankey has dubbed “Permian Week.” Several other drillers in the West Texas patch are also due to report this week. “This is not a victory, it is the first step in the right direction,” Sankey wrote in a note to clients, noting that the hikes are off “very low” bases. Still, he […]