Key Points – Matador Resources is targeting profitable, measured growth, projecting approximately $900 million in free cash flow and continued production increases in 2026.
The company has also reduced drilling and completion costs per lateral foot by 12% since 2024. – The company is expanding its Delaware Basin inventory, adding 17,000 net acres through leasing, trades and acquisitions, including positions that extend laterals and provide exposure to formations such as Woodford and Second Bone Spring Carbonate. – Matador’s integrated midstream business is expected to generate nearly $400 million of EBITDA in 2026, while management evaluates ways to unlock its value through entity-level debt or a potential IPO. – Permian Resources Rally Faces a Test Matador Resources (NYSE:MTDR) outlined its strategy for production growth, free-cash-flow generation and expansion of its Delaware Basin footprint during a presentation at the Three Part Advisors Chicago conference
Senior Vice President of Investor Relations Mac Schmitz said the company remains founder-led, with founder and Chief Executive Officer Joe Foran still running the business. Foran launched the current Matador with $6 million in initial capital after selling a prior company in 2003, Schmitz said. Matador’s asset value is now approaching or exceeding $10 billion, according to the presentation. – Matador’s Results Were Better Than Feared, But 2026 Headwinds Still Matter The company described itself as primarily a Delaware Basin operator, with virtually all of its production and reserve value located in northeast New Mexico and West Texas.
Matador also holds legacy Haynesville and Cotton Valley assets, which Schmitz characterized as a “gas bank” that is fully held by production and carries potential value depending on natural-gas prices. Delaware Basin Inventory and Acreage Growth Vice President of Land Hannah Rhodes said Matador continues to expand its inventory through a combination of organic leasing, acreage…