On a positive note, Linn Energy's ongoing asset sales and acquisition program could support distribution growth in the challenging commodity pricing environment. Linn Energy has been readjusting its portfolio of assets by buying, selling and swapping properties in order to reduce its capital intensity and decline rates (the rate at which oil and gas production from wells starts to drop after touching peak levels over a period of time), as well as to improve its ability to grow the cash available for distribution to investors. In June, Linn Energy acquired natural-gas-focused properties from Devon Energy ( DVN ) for $2.3 billion, following the massive $4.9 billion merger with Berry Petroleum. The company has also swapped assets with Exxon Mobil ( XOM ), through which Linn Energy expanded its interest in California, Kansas and Oklahoma. Earlier this month, Linn Energy sold $2.3 billion in assets in Texas and Oklahoma to fund the Devon Energy purchase.