HOUSTON — Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) vice president Brad Holly spilled a few secrets about his company’s unconventional shale play successes on Feb. 6 at Winter Nape.

In short, the company meticulously, methodically refines and optimizes every aspect of its business – continuously – from drilling to water sourcing. It also takes control of its supply chain wherever possible.

“We try to win at the whole life cycle,” said Holly, VP of the Southern & Appalachian Division. Anadarko reported 2012 net income attributable to common stockholders of nearly $2.4 billion ...