Quarterlytics / Energy / Oil & Gas Exploration & Production / Matador Resources Company

Matador Resources Company

mtdr · NYSE Energy
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Ticker mtdr
Exchange NYSE
Sector Energy
Industry Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Employees 51-200
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FY2012 Annual Report · Matador Resources Company
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(1)  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) and net cash 

provided by operating activities, see “Selected Financial Data — Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K enclosed herein.

DEVELOPING RESOURCES

2012 Annual Repor t

NYSE: MTDR

 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

($ in millions) 

Operating Data 
  Oil and Natural Gas Revenues 
     % Oil 
  Adjusted EBITDA(1) 

Balance Sheet Data 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents 
  Certificates of Deposit 
  Net Property and Equipment 
  Total Assets 
  Current Liabilities 
  Long-Term Liabilities 
  Total Shareholders’ Equity 

Net Production Volumes 
  Oil (MBbl)  
  Natural Gas (Bcf)  
  Total Oil Equivalent (MBOE)(2),(3) 
     % Oil(3) 
  Average Daily Production (BOE/d)(3) 

Reserves Information 
  Total Proved Reserves (MBOE)(2),(3) 
     % Oil(3) 
  PV-10(4) 

2010 

2011 

2012

$ 

34.0 

$ 

67.0 

$     156.0

                         7 %                     22 % 

79 %

$ 

23.6 

$ 

49.9 

$  115.9

21.1 
$ 
$ 
2.3 
$  303.9 
$  346.4 
30.1 
$ 
$ 
34.4 
$  281.9 

10.3 
$ 
$ 
1.3 
$  399.9 
$  439.5 
74.6 
$ 
$ 
93.4 
$  271.5 

2.1
$ 
$ 
0.2
$  591.1
$     632.0
96.5
$ 
$  156.4
$  379.1

33 
8.4 
1,433 

2 % 

3,926 

154 
14.5 
2,573 

6 % 

1,214
12.5
3,294

37 %

7,049 

  9,000

  21,387 

  32,196 

  23,819

1 % 

12 % 

44 %

$  119.9 

$  248.7 

$  423.2

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) and  
  net cash provided by operating activities, see “Selected Financial Data — Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K enclosed herein.
(2) Thousands of barrels of oil equivalent. 
(3) Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas. 
(4) PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure.  For a reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure, see “Business — Estimated Proved Reserves” in the Annual Report 
  on Form 10-K enclosed herein.    

Matador Resources Company is an independent energy company engaged 

in the exploration, development, production and acquisition of oil and 

natural gas resources in the United States, with a particular emphasis on oil 

and natural gas shale plays and other unconventional resource plays. Our 

current operations are focused primarily on the oil and liquids rich portion 

of the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and in the Haynesville shale 

play in Northwest Louisiana.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS & FRIENDS:

FINANCIAL GROWTH

Last year was a year of transition and a year of growth for Matador 
Resources — from a private company to a public company and  
from natural gas to oil and liquids. We grew our oil production 
almost eight-fold to just over 1.2 million barrels of oil from just over 
154,000 barrels of oil in 2011. Our total Adjusted EBITDA grew by 
more than 100% from $49.9 million in 2011 to $115.9 million in 
2012. Our proved oil reserves increased 176%, from 3.8 million 
barrels of oil (12% by volume) at December 31, 2011 to 10.5 million 
barrels of oil (44% by volume) at December 31, 2012. Details of 
these achievements and much more information about Matador  
and our 2012 performance are provided in the attached Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

DEVELOPING RESOURCES
Matador has always aimed at obtaining oil and natural gas leases in 
the most competitive and promising areas and in 2013 Matador will 
continue to focus on growing and developing our assets in such 
areas. First, we will continue to maintain a “gas bank” in the best 
areas of the Haynesville in Northwest Louisiana. Second, we will 
continue to build on the quality acreage position we have acquired 
in some of the best oil areas of the Eagle Ford shale in South 
Texas, and third, we will continue to assemble another quality 
acreage position in some very promising oil areas of the Delaware 
Basin in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.

Our 2013 operational plan is simple. Matador will focus on 
developing our oil assets in these areas by drilling 30 of our planned 
31 net wells in these two key oil provinces and will allocate over 
95% of our expected capital budget of $310 million to oil and liquids 
production across our acreage base in Texas and New Mexico. This 
plan is expected to result in an increase in our oil production in 2013 
of 40% to between 1.6 and 1.8 million barrels of oil and a significant 
increase in our Adjusted EBITDA while maintaining a substantial  
“gas bank” in Northwest Louisiana for future periods.

Since this Matador was founded in 2003, a lot of great people 
have come together not only to build a publicly traded company of 
sufficient size and quality to list on the New York Stock Exchange, 
but also to build a staff strong in technical ability and experienced in 
the development and production of unconventional oil and natural 
gas resources. The exceptional operating results contained in this 
report reflect our progress in all these areas.

Our proven management team, technical staff and board of 
directors have all worked well together to husband the capital and 
the assets that have been entrusted to us. With this stewardship 
in mind, we have successfully grown our oil and natural gas assets 
while maintaining a clean balance sheet since our IPO in February 
2012. In doing so, we have continued to grow our relationships with 
the banking industry, investment community and our investor base. 
During the course of 2012, the prudent investment of this capital 
and our own growing cash flow enabled us to more than double  
our revenues and to significantly increase our acreage positions in 
key areas. 2013 is off to a similarly promising start. We expect to 
triple our Adjusted EBITDA in 2013 from what it was two years ago, 
and we expect to have more Adjusted EBITDA in 2013 than we 
raised in IPO proceeds last year. 

Matador has always enjoyed special relationships with our 
shareholders and as we continue to grow, we hope this  
will never change. I want to personally invite all of you to  
attend the shareholders’ meeting scheduled for 9:30 a.m.  
on June 6, 2013, in Dallas. Last year we had record attendance  
and hope this year’s gathering will be even better. We encourage  
all of our shareholders — legacy, prospective and new — to come  
to Dallas and to attend this meeting. In fact, please accept this 
letter, our annual report and the accompanying proxy materials  
as our special invitation to each of you to attend this meeting, 
to visit with us and to hear directly the update on our plans and 
progress. It has been a pleasure to serve you again this year in  
our thirtieth anniversary of working together to increase our  
stock value and to build a great company with quality properties,  
a quality board and staff and a quality investor group!

Very truly yours,

JOSEPH WM. FORAN
Chairman, President & CEO

GROWTH IN OIL PRODUCTION

GROWTH IN PV-10(1) FROM PROVED RESERVES

1,700

1,214

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1,500

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154

33

$423.2

$248.7

$119.9

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$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

$0

2010

2011

2012

2013 
est(1)

(1)  2013 oil production estimated at mid-point of 2013 guidance.

2010(2)

2011(2)

2012(2)

(1)  PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of PV-10 

to Standardized Measure, see “Business — Estimated Proved Reserves” 
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K enclosed herein.

(2) At December 31 of each respective year. 

 
 
 
MATADOR STAFF

Surrounding Joe Foran, Matador’s Chairman, President and CEO (back row, middle), are members of Matador’s senior staff.  
We had a total of 50 full-time employees at December 31, 2012.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Joseph Wm. Foran
   Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Bradley M. Robinson
   Vice President — Reservoir Engineering

David E. Lancaster
     Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and 

Craig N. Adams
   Vice President and General Counsel 

Chief Financial Officer

Matthew V. Hairford
   Executive Vice President — Operations

David F. Nicklin
   Executive Director — Exploration

Ryan C. London

   Vice President and General Manager

Kathryn L. Wayne
   Controller and Treasurer

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY EMPLOYEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

•	  Technical team has been directly involved in 

•	  Technical team has in-depth experience 

over 25 different horizontal well drilling and/

with various horizontal well completion 

or operations programs in both onshore and 

techniques and their applications in multiple 

offshore formations worldwide

unconventional plays

•	  Engineering and geologic staff have  

•	  Brad Robinson, recipient of 2013 Engineer of 

examined over 100 basins and reservoirs 

the Year Award presented by the Dallas Section 

across five continents 

of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

•	  Technical team has written over  

•	  Steve Sinclair, recipient of 2012 A. I. Levorsen 

150 technical papers

Memorial Award presented by the Southwest 

Section of the American Association of 

Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) for best paper

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SPECIAL ADVISORS  

(Seated) Margaret B. Shannon; W.J. “Jack” Sleeper, Jr. (Row 2) Carlos M. Sepulveda, Jr.; Michael C. Ryan; Stephen A. Holditch; 
David M. Laney;  Edward R. Scott, Jr.; Joseph Wm. Foran; Marlan W. Downey; Steven W. Ohnimus; Gregory E. Mitchell

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Joseph Wm. Foran
   Chairman of the Board 

Dr. Stephen A. Holditch 
    Director; Professor Emeritus and Former Head of  

Dept. of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University;  
Founder and Former President, S.A. Holditch & Associates; 
Past President of Society of Petroleum Engineers; 
Member of the National Academy of Engineering; 
Anthony F. Lucas Technical Leadership Gold Medal and 
Lester C. Uren Technical Excellence Award from SPE

David M. Laney
     Lead Director; 

Past Chairman, Amtrak Board of Directors; 
Former Partner, Jackson Walker LLP

Gregory E. Mitchell
    Director; President and CEO, Toot’n Totum Food Stores

Dr. Steven W. Ohnimus
    Director; Retired VP and General Manager,  

Unocal Indonesia

Michael C. Ryan
   Director; Partner, Berens Capital Management

Carlos M. Sepulveda, Jr.
    Director; President and CEO, Interstate Battery System 

International, Inc. (retiring May 2013, continuing as 
Director); Chairman of the Board, Triumph Bancorp, Inc.; 
Director and Audit Chair for Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Margaret B. Shannon 
    Director; Retired VP and General Counsel, BJ Services Co.; 

Former Partner, Andrews Kurth LLP

SPECIAL BOARD ADVISORS

Marlan W. Downey 
     Retired President, ARCO International  

Former President, Shell Pecten International  
Past President of American Association of  
Petroleum Geologists 
Sidney Powers Award from AAPG

Wade I. Massad 
    Managing Member, Cleveland Capital Management, LLC  

Former EVP Capital Markets, Matador Resources Company  
Formerly with KeyBanc Capital Markets and RBC  
Capital Markets

Edward R. Scott, Jr.  
    Former Chairman, Amarillo Economic Development 

Corporation  
Law Firm of Gibson, Ochsner & Adkins, Retired  

W.J. “Jack” Sleeper, Jr.
    President and Chief Operating Officer, DeGolyer and 

McNaughton, Worldwide Petroleum Consulting, Retired

NYSE: MTDR

WYOMING, UTAH  
AND IDAHO

55,273 gross acres /  

27,180 net acres(3)

AREAS OF OPERATION

At December 31, 2012, Matador’s principal areas of 

interest consisted of (1) the Eagle Ford shale play in 

South Texas, (2) the Haynesville shale play, as well as 

the traditional Cotton Valley and Hosston (Travis Peak) 

formations in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas,  

(3) the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast 

New Mexico and West Texas, particularly in the 

Delaware Basin, and (4) the Meade Peak shale play 

in Southwest Wyoming and the adjacent areas of 

Utah and Idaho. At December 31, 2012, our properties 

included 141,782 gross and 87,650 net acres of 

leasehold and mineral interests in these areas, and  

our total proved reserves were 23.8 million BOE.  

SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO
AND WEST TEXAS

Production: 30 BOE/d(1),(2)

Proved Reserves: 0.1 million BOE(1),(3)

15,860 gross acres / 7,591 net acres(3)

NORTHWEST LOUISIANA
AND EAST TEXAS

Production: 5,042 BOE/d(1),(2)

Proved Reserves: 9.4 million BOE(1),(3)

28,193 gross acres / 24,968 net acres(3)

SOUTH TEXAS

Production: 3,928 BOE/d(1),(2)

Proved Reserves: 14.3 million BOE(1),(3)

42,456 gross acres / 27,911 net acres(3)

(1) Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.
(2) For the year ended December 31, 2012.
(3) At December 31, 2012.

MATADOR RESOURCES
COMPANY TOTALS

Production: 9,000 BOE/d(1),(2)

Proved Reserves: 23.8 million BOE(1),(3)

141,782 gross acres / 87,650 net acres(3)

DEVELOPING RESOURCES

2012 FORM 10 - K 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
3  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
l
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
or
l  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

Commission file number: 001-34574

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANy

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

Texas 

27-4662601
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500
Dallas, Texas 75240 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

75240
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 371-5200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class 

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share 

  Name of each exchange on which registered

New york Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

3
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes l   No l
3
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes l   No l
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange  Act  of  1934  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such 
3
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes l
Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  has  submitted  electronically  and  posted  on  its  corporate  Website,  if  any,  every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months 
3
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes l
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not 
be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III 
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  l
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 
reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 
of the Exchange Act.

   No l

   No l

3
Accelerated filer   
Large accelerated filer  l          
l
Non-accelerated filer   l  (Do not check if smaller reporting company)         
Smaller reporting company  l  
3
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes l   No l
The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  voting  and  non-voting  common  equity  of  the  registrant  held  by  non-affiliates,  computed  by 
reference  to  the  price  at  which  the  common  equity  was  last  sold,  as  of  the  last  business  day  of  the  registrant’s  most  recently 
completed second fiscal quarter was $454,393,967.

As of March 14, 2013, there were 55,894,438 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED By REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated by reference 
to  the  registrant’s  definitive  proxy  statement  relating  to  the  2013  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  which  will  be  filed  with  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this annual report on Form 10-K relates.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Table of Contents

PART I 

Item 1. 

Item 1A. 

Item 1B. 

Item 2. 

Item 3. 

Item 4. 

PART II 

Item 5. 

Item 6. 

Item 7. 

     Page

Business  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3

Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36

Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   58

Properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   58

Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   58

Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   58

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 

of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   59

Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   62

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . .   65

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   90

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   94

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . .   94

Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   94

Other Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97

Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and 

Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97

Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   97

Item 8. 

Item 9. 

Item 9A. 

Item 9B. 

PART III  

Item 10. 

Item 11. 

Item 12. 

Item 13. 

Item 14. 

PART IV  

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   98

FORM 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

1    

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute “forward-looking statements” within the 
meaning of applicable U.S. securities legislation. Additionally, forward-looking statements may be made orally or in 
press releases, conferences, reports, on our website or otherwise, in the future, by us or on our behalf. Such 
statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” 
“estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should” or other similar words.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions that may not materialize or that 

may not be accurate. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties  
and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those 
expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others: changes in oil or natural gas prices, 
the success of our drilling program, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, 
uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the 
commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as our 
ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities, uncertainties regarding 
environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting our business, and the 
other factors discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we  
file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), all of which are difficult to predict. 
Forward-looking statements may include statements about:

•  our business strategy;

•  our reserves;

•  our technology;

•  our cash flows and liquidity;

•  our financial strategy, budget, projections and operating results;

•  our oil and natural gas realized prices;

•  the timing and amount of future production of oil and natural gas;

•  the availability of drilling and production equipment;

•  the availability of oil field labor;

•  the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures, including future exploration and development costs;

•  the availability and terms of capital;

•  our drilling of wells;

•  government regulation and taxation of the oil and natural gas industry;

•  our marketing of oil and natural gas;

•  our exploitation projects or property acquisitions;

•  our costs of exploiting and developing our properties and conducting other operations;

•  general economic conditions;

•  competition in the oil and natural gas industry;

•  the effectiveness of our risk management and hedging activities;

•  environmental liabilities;

•  counterparty credit risk;

FORM 10-K

  FORM 10-K

 
 
 
2 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

•  developments in oil-producing and natural gas-producing countries;

•  our future operating results;

•  estimated future reserves and the present value thereof; and

•  our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are  

not historical.

Although we believe that the expectations conveyed by the forward-looking statements are reasonable based  
on information available to us on the date such forward-looking statements were made, no assurances can be given 
as to future results, levels of activity, achievements or financial condition.

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements 

are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from 
those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties 
described above, as well as others not now anticipated. The impact of any one factor on a particular forward-looking 
statement is not determinable with certainty as such factors are interdependent upon other factors. The foregoing 
statements are not exclusive and further information concerning us, including factors that potentially could 
materially affect our financial results, may emerge from time to time. We do not intend to update forward-looking 
statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking 
statements, except as required by law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations 
of the SEC.

FORM 10-K

2 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

3    

Part I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, references to “we,” “our” or “the Company” refer to Matador Resources 
Company and its subsidiaries before the completion of our corporate reorganization on August 9, 2011 and Matador 
Holdco, Inc. and its subsidiaries after the completion of our corporate reorganization on August 9, 2011. Prior to 
August 9, 2011, Matador Holdco, Inc. was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matador Resources Company, now known 
as MRC Energy Company. Pursuant to the terms of our corporate reorganization, former Matador Resources 
Company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matador Holdco, Inc. and changed its corporate name to MRC 
Energy Company, and Matador Holdco, Inc. changed its corporate name to Matador Resources Company.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “common stock” refers to shares of our common stock after 

the conversion of our Class B common stock into Class A common stock upon the consummation of our initial 
public offering on February 7, 2012, as the Class A common stock then became the only class of common stock 
authorized, and the term “Class A common stock” refers to shares of our Class A common stock prior to the 
automatic conversion of our Class B common stock into Class A common stock upon the consummation of our 
initial public offering.

For certain oil and natural gas terms used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, see the “Glossary of Oil and 

Natural Gas Terms” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

GENERAL

We are an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production and acquisition  
of oil and natural gas resources in the United States, with a particular emphasis on oil and natural gas shale plays and 
other unconventional resource plays. Our current operations are focused primarily on the oil and liquids rich portion  
of the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and in the Haynesville shale play in Northwest Louisiana. In 2012, more 
than 90% of our total capital expenditures of $334.6 million were directed to our operations in South Texas, 
primarily in the Eagle Ford shale, as we sought to transition to a more balanced commodity portfolio through the 
drilling of wells that were prospective for oil and liquids. For the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 37% 
of our total production by volume (using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per 6 Mcf of natural gas) and 79%  
of our total oil and natural gas revenues were attributable to oil production, primarily from the Eagle Ford shale. In 
2013, we expect that approximately 82% of our estimated capital expenditures of $310.0 million will be directed  
to increasing our oil production and oil reserves in South Texas, primarily in the Eagle Ford shale play. Although we 
did not drill any operated Haynesville shale natural gas wells during 2012, we directed approximately 3% of our 
capital expenditures to the Haynesville shale in 2012 to participate in several non-operated wells. In addition to these 
primary operating areas, we have a growing acreage position in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas where  
we plan to drill three exploratory wells to test the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays during 2013. We also have a 
large exploratory leasehold position in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas in Utah and Idaho where we are 
testing the Meade Peak shale.

We are a Texas corporation founded in July 2003 by Joseph Wm. Foran, Chairman, President and CEO. Mr. Foran 

began his career as an oil and natural gas independent in 1983 when he founded Foran Oil Company with 
$270,000 in contributed capital from 17 friends and family members. Foran Oil Company was later contributed to 
Matador Petroleum Corporation upon its formation by Mr. Foran in 1988. Mr. Foran served as Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer of that company from its inception until it was sold in June 2003 to Tom Brown, Inc., in an all 
cash transaction for an enterprise value of approximately $388.5 million.

FORM 10-K

 FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
4 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

On February 2, 2012, our common stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “MTDR.” On February 7, 

2012, we completed our initial public offering of 14,883,334 shares of common stock at $12.00 per share. We  
sold 12,209,167 shares of common stock in this offering and certain selling shareholders sold 2,674,167 shares of 
common stock, including shares sold pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option  
on March 7, 2012. Prior to trading on the NYSE, there was no established public trading market for our common stock.

In 2012, our operations were primarily focused on the exploration and development of our Eagle Ford shale 
properties in South Texas, as we continued to execute our strategy to significantly increase our oil production and 
oil reserves during 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed and began producing oil  
and natural gas from 28 gross/24.5 net Eagle Ford shale wells, including 25 gross/23.7 net operated and 3 gross/ 
0.8 net non-operated Eagle Ford shale wells. We also completed and began producing oil and natural gas from  
2 gross/2.0 net wells in the upper Austin Chalk and the lower Austin Chalk/upper Eagle Ford, or “Chalkleford,” 
intervals in 2012. In addition, during 2012, we completed and began producing natural gas from 28 gross/1.1 net 
non-operated Haynesville shale wells. We also re-entered and drilled a horizontal lateral from the previously 
suspended Crawford Federal #1 vertical well in Southwest Wyoming; we plan to complete this well in the third 
quarter of 2013.

We had two contracted drilling rigs operating in South Texas throughout 2012 (except for a brief period near the 
end of the second quarter when we added a third rig to execute a two-well contract), and almost all of our operated 
drilling and completion activities were focused on the Eagle Ford shale. We did not drill any operated wells in the 
Haynesville shale play in Northwest Louisiana during 2012 as a result of the decline in natural gas prices compared to 
recent years. At March 14, 2013, we continued to have two contracted drilling rigs operating in South Texas: one in 
LaSalle County and one in DeWitt County.

Our average daily production for the year ended December 31, 2012 was approximately 9,000 BOE per day, 
including 3,317 Bbl of oil per day and 34.1 MMcf of natural gas per day, as compared to 7,049 BOE per day, including 
422 Bbl of oil per day and 39.8 MMcf of natural gas per day for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our total oil 
production increased almost eight-fold to just over 1.2 million Bbl of oil during the year ended December 31, 2012 
from approximately 154,000 Bbl of oil during the year ended December 31, 2011. This increased oil production is  
a direct result of our drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale. Oil production comprised approximately 37% of our 
total production for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to only 6% of our total production for the  
year ended December 31, 2011.

During the three months ended December 31, 2012, specifically, our average daily production was 10,385 BOE 

per day, including 4,630 Bbl of oil per day and 34.5 MMcf of natural gas per day. This was an increase of 
almost 50% compared to our average daily production for the three months ended December 31, 2011 of 6,953 BOE 
per day, including 448 Bbl of oil per day and 39.0 MMcf of natural gas per day. Our total oil production increased 
ten-fold to 426,000 Bbl of oil during the three months ended December 31, 2012, as compared to total oil production 
of 41,000 Bbl of oil during the three months ended December 31, 2011. Our average daily production for the  
fourth quarter of 2012 was a sequential increase of 18% from the average daily production of 8,838 BOE per day, 
including 3,291 Bbl of oil per day and 33.3 MMcf of natural gas per day, achieved during the third quarter of 2012. 
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, our oil production grew 41% sequentially, as compared to the 
three months ended September 30, 2012.

FORM 10-K PART I

4 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

5    

At December 31, 2012, our estimated total proved reserves were 23.8 million BOE, including 10.5 million Bbl of oil 
and 80.0 Bcf of natural gas (13.3 million BOE). At December 31, 2012, 58% of our total proved reserves were proved 
developed reserves compared to 34% at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2012, 44% of our total proved 
reserves were oil and 56% of our total proved reserves were natural gas, as compared to 12% oil and 88% natural 
gas at December 31, 2011. Our proved oil reserves grew 176% (almost three-fold) from 3.8 million Bbl at 
December 31, 2011 to 10.5 million Bbl at December 31, 2012. This growth in oil reserves was attributable to our 
drilling program in the Eagle Ford shale during 2012. Our proved natural gas reserves declined to 80.0 Bcf at 
December 31, 2012 from 170.4 Bcf at December 31, 2011. As a result of substantially lower natural gas prices in 
2012, we removed 97.8 Bcf (16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves  
in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 2012, and these proved 
undeveloped reserves were likewise not included in our estimated total proved reserves at December 31, 2012.  
As long as the leasehold acreage associated with these previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas 
reserves is held by production from existing Haynesville wells, however, these natural gas volumes remain available 
to be developed by us or the operator at a future time should natural gas prices improve, drilling and completion 
costs decline or new technologies be developed that increase expected recoveries.

The PV-10 of our estimated total proved reserves was $423.2 million at December 31, 2012 compared to a PV-10 of 

$248.7 million at December 31, 2011, an increase of 70% despite lower commodity prices used to estimate  
PV-10 in 2012 compared to 2011. The PV-10 at December 31, 2012 was determined using the 12-month unweighted 
average of first-day-of-the-month oil and natural gas prices for 2012 of $91.21 per barrel and $2.757 per MMBtu, 
respectively, adjusted by lease for quality, energy content, regional price differentials and other expenses as needed 
compared to average oil and natural gas prices of $92.71 per barrel and $4.118 per MMBtu, respectively, adjusted 
as further described above, used to determine PV-10 at December 31, 2011. The Standardized Measure of 
estimated future net cash flows from our total proved reserves, including estimated future income tax expenses, 
was $394.6 million at December 31, 2012 and $215.5 million at December 31, 2011. Standardized Measure 
represents the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves, less estimated future 
development, production, plugging and abandonment costs and income tax expenses, discounted at 10%  
per annum to reflect the timing of future cash flows. Standardized Measure is not an estimate of the fair market 
value of our properties. PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized 
Measure, see “— Estimated Proved Reserves.”

For the year ended December 31, 2012, our oil and natural gas revenues were approximately $156.0 million, or 

an increase of about 133%, as compared to approximately $67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  
Our oil revenues increased over eight-fold to approximately $123.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, 
as compared to $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our total realized revenues for 2012, 
including realized gain on derivatives, were approximately $170.0 million, or an increase of about 129%, as compared 
to $74.1 million for 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, our Adjusted EBITDA was approximately 
$115.9 million, or an increase of about 132%, as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $49.9 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2011. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation  
of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) and net cash flow provided by operating activities, see “Selected Financial 
Data — Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
6 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

The following table presents certain summary data for each of our operating areas as of and for the year ended 

December 31, 2012:

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk (4) 
  Area Total (5) 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley (6) 
  Area Total (7) 

SE New Mexico, West Texas (8) 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho 

  Total 

Producing 
Wells 

  Total Identified 
 Drilling Locations(1) 

  Avg. Daily
  Estimated Net 
  Proved Reserves(2)     Production 

Gross  

Net 

Gross 

Net 

MBOE(3) 

% 
Developed 

(BOE/d)(3)

  37.0 
4.0 
  41.0 

  134.0 
  106.0 
  240.0 
  13.0 
  — 
  294.0 

  31.7 
  4.0 
  35.7 

  12.7 
  69.7 
  82.4 
  5.7 
  — 
 123.8 

 274.0 
  17.0 
 291.0 

 472.0 
  71.0 
 543.0 
  39.0 
  — 
 873.0 

 221.0 
  17.0 
 238.0 

 101.1 
  49.3 
 150.4 
  25.1 
  — 
 413.5 

 14,331 
20 
 14,351 

  7,856 
  1,512 
  9,368 
100 
  — 
 23,819 

  45.5 
 100.0 
  45.6 

  71.5 
 100.0 
  76.1 
 100.0 
  — 
  57.8 

  3,908
20
  3,928

  4,336
706
  5,042
30
  —
  9,000

Net 
Acreage 

  27,911 
  17,465 
  27,911 

  14,173 
  22,469 
  24,968 
  7,591 
  27,180 
  87,650 

(1)  These locations have been identified for potential future drilling and are not currently producing. In addition, the total net identified drilling 
locations is calculated by multiplying the gross identified drilling locations in an operating area by our working interest participation in such 
locations. At December 31, 2012, these identified drilling locations included 30 gross and 26.8 net locations to which we have assigned proved 
undeveloped reserves in the Eagle Ford and 2 gross and 1.9 net locations to which we have assigned proved undeveloped reserves in the 
Haynesville. We had no proved undeveloped reserves assigned to identified drilling locations in the Austin Chalk or Cotton Valley or in the 
Wolfcamp or Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas at December 31, 2012.

(2)  These estimates were prepared by our engineering staff and audited by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent reservoir engineers.

(3)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

(4)  Includes two wells producing small quantities of natural gas from the San Miguel formation in Zavala County, Texas.

(5)  Some of the same leases cover the net acres shown for both the Eagle Ford formation and the Austin Chalk formation, a shallower formation 

than the Eagle Ford formation. Therefore, the sum of the net acreage for both formations is not equal to the total net acreage for South Texas. 
This total includes acreage that we are producing from or that we believe to be prospective for these formations.

(6)  Includes the Cotton Valley formation and shallower zones and also includes one well producing from the Frio formation in Orange County, Texas.

(7)  Some of the same leases cover the net acres shown for both the Haynesville formation and the Cotton Valley formation, a shallower formation 

than the Haynesville formation. Therefore, the sum of the net acreage for both formations is not equal to the total net acreage for Northwest 
Louisiana and East Texas. This total includes acreage that we are producing from or that we believe to be prospective for these formations.

(8)  Includes potential future drilling locations identified in either the Wolfcamp or Bone Spring plays on our acreage in Southeast New Mexico and 

West Texas at December 31, 2012.

At December 31, 2012, our properties included approximately 42,500 gross acres and 27,900 net acres in the 
Eagle Ford shale play in Atascosa, DeWitt, Gonzales, Karnes, LaSalle, Wilson and Zavala Counties in South Texas. 
We believe that approximately 88% of our Eagle Ford acreage is prospective predominantly for oil or liquids 
production. In addition, we believe that portions of this acreage may also be prospective for other targets, such as 
the Austin Chalk, Buda, Edwards and Pearsall formations, from which we would expect to produce predominantly 
oil and liquids. Approximately 70% of our Eagle Ford acreage was held by production at December 31, 2012, and 
approximately 84% of our Eagle Ford acreage was either held by production at December 31, 2012 or not burdened 
by lease expirations before 2014.

At December 31, 2012, we had 37 gross and 31.7 net wells producing from the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas, 

and we have identified 274 gross locations and 221.0 net locations for potential future drilling on our Eagle Ford 
acreage. These locations have been identified on a property-by-property basis and take into account criteria such as 
anticipated geologic conditions and reservoir properties, estimated rates of return, estimated recoveries from our 
producing Eagle Ford wells and other nearby wells based on available public data, drilling densities anticipated on our 

FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

7    

properties and observed on properties of other operators, estimated horizontal lateral lengths, estimated drilling and 
completion costs, spacing and other rules established by regulatory authorities and surface considerations, among 
other criteria. Of the 274 gross and 221.0 net locations identified for potential future drilling in the Eagle Ford shale 
at December 31, 2012, we consider 155 gross and 125.1 net locations as Tier 1 locations. We define Tier 1 Eagle 
Ford locations as those locations that we anticipate to have estimated ultimate recoveries of 225,000 Bbl of oil or 
greater. Of these Tier 1 locations, 115 gross locations and 109.1 net locations would be operated by us. These 
identified locations presume that we will be able to develop our Eagle Ford properties on 40-acre to 80-acre spacing, 
depending on the specific property and the wells we have already drilled. We anticipate that our acreage in central 
and northern LaSalle County and in northern Karnes County can be developed on 40-acre spacing in the Eagle Ford, 
while our other properties may be more likely developed on 80-acre spacing. We are currently drilling on 80-acre 
spacing on most of our properties. Although we had not yet drilled any wells on 40-acre spacing at December 31, 
2012, we have several tests on less than 80-acre spacing planned on certain of our properties during 2013. We 
define Tier 2 Eagle Ford locations, including 119 gross and 95.9 net locations, as those locations that we anticipate 
to have estimated ultimate recoveries of between 150,000 Bbl and 225,000 Bbl of oil, locations that are primarily 
prospective for natural gas or other locations on properties already held by existing production. At December 31, 
2012, Tier 2 locations were identified primarily on our acreage in Zavala County and in southern LaSalle County; we 
have identified no potential future Eagle Ford drilling locations on our Atascosa County acreage. All of these Tier 2 
locations would be operated by us, and approximately 85% of these locations are located on properties already held 
by production from the Eagle Ford or other producing horizons. Although we have no plans to drill any of these Tier 2 
locations in 2013, as long as these properties remain held by production, these locations remain available for us to 
drill at a later time should commodity prices improve, drilling and completion costs decline or new technologies be 
developed that increase expected recoveries. Certain of these properties, such as our properties in Zavala and Atascosa 
Counties, also offer the opportunity to explore horizons other than the Eagle Ford, including the Austin Chalk, Buda, 
Edwards or Pearsall, and we may develop new prospects on these properties in the future. As we explore and 
develop all of our Eagle Ford acreage further, we believe it is possible that we may identify additional locations for 
future drilling, particularly on those properties where we now presume development on 80-acre spacing. At 
December 31, 2012, these 274 gross and 221.0 net potential future drilling locations included 30 gross and 26.8 net 
locations to which we have assigned proved undeveloped reserves.

In addition, at December 31, 2012, we had approximately 22,300 gross acres and 14,200 net acres in the 

Haynesville shale play, primarily in Northwest Louisiana. Based on our analysis of geologic and petrophysical 
information (including total organic carbon content and maturity, resistivity, porosity and permeability, among other 
information), well performance data, information available to us related to drilling activity and results from wells 
drilled across the Haynesville shale play, approximately 5,700 of our net acres are located in what we believe is the 
core area of the play. We believe the core area of the play includes that area in which the most Haynesville wells 
have been drilled by operators and from which we anticipate natural gas recoveries would likely exceed 6 Bcf per 
well. Almost all of our Haynesville acreage is held by production from the Haynesville or other formations, and  
we believe much of it is also prospective for the Cotton Valley, Hosston (Travis Peak) and other shallower formations. 
In addition, we believe approximately 1,700 of these net acres are prospective for the Middle Bossier shale play, 
although as of December 31, 2012, we had not tested the Middle Bossier shale on our acreage.

At December 31, 2012, we had identified 472 gross locations and 101.1 net locations for potential future drilling 

on our Haynesville acreage. These locations have been identified on a property-by-property basis and take into 
account criteria such as anticipated geologic conditions and reservoir properties, estimated rates of return, 
estimated recoveries from our producing Haynesville wells and other nearby wells based on available public data, 
drilling densities observed on properties of other operators, including on some of our non-operated properties, 
estimated horizontal lateral lengths, estimated drilling and completion costs, spacing and other rules established by 
regulatory authorities and surface conditions, among other criteria. Of the 472 gross locations identified for future 
drilling, 397 of these locations (50.2 net locations) have been identified within the approximately 5,700 net acres 

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
8 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

that we believe are located in the core area of the Haynesville play. As we explore and develop our Haynesville 
acreage further, we believe it is possible that we may identify additional locations for future drilling. At December 31, 
2012, these identified potential future drilling locations included only 2 gross and 1.9 net locations in the 
Haynesville shale play to which we have assigned proved undeveloped reserves. As a result of substantially lower 
natural gas prices in 2012, we removed 97.8 Bcf (16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped 
natural gas reserves in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 2012, 
most of which were attributable to non-operated properties, including 100 gross and 14.8 net locations to which 
we had previously assigned proved undeveloped reserves. As long as the leasehold acreage associated with 
these previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves is held by production from existing Haynesville 
wells, however, these natural gas volumes and the corresponding potential drilling locations remain available to  
be developed by us or the operator at a future time should natural gas prices improve, drilling and completion costs 
decline or new technologies be developed that increase expected recoveries.

At December 31, 2012, our properties also included approximately 15,900 gross and 7,600 net acres in the 

Delaware Basin in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas where we are developing new oil prospects. We believe 
that approximately 8,200 gross and 5,500 net acres are prospective for the Wolfcamp shale and Bone Spring 
formations, as well as other potential uphole targets including the Delaware sands and the Avalon shale. We believe 
that the Wolfcamp, Bone Spring, Avalon and Delaware formations are all prospective primarily for oil and that 
multiple target intervals may be prospective within each formation. At December 31, 2012, approximately 6,000 
gross and 3,900 net of these acres were already held by production from other producing horizons. We expect  
to begin exploring this acreage position during the second and third quarters of 2013 and plan to drill a total of three 
test wells on this acreage in 2013. Two wells will test the Wolfcamp shale and one well will test the Second Bone 
Spring formation. At December 31, 2012, we had identified 39 gross and 25.1 net locations for potential future 
drilling in the Wolfcamp or Bone Spring plays on our acreage in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, including the 
three exploratory test wells planned for 2013. These locations have been identified on a property-by-property basis 
and take into account criteria such as anticipated geologic conditions and reservoir properties, estimated rates of 
return, estimated recoveries from nearby wells producing from the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring formations based 
on available public data, drilling densities observed on properties of other operators, estimated horizontal lateral 
lengths, estimated drilling and completion costs, spacing and other rules established by regulatory authorities and 
surface considerations, among other criteria. Because we are just beginning the exploration of our properties in 
Southeast New Mexico and West Texas in 2013, our identified well locations at December 31, 2012 presume that 
only one horizon in the Wolfcamp or the Bone Spring may be developed at any one surface location and that  
these properties may be developed on 160-acre well spacing, although we believe that multiple intervals may be 
prospective at any one surface location and that denser well spacing may be possible. In addition, although our 
potential future drilling locations presume the drilling of horizontal wells, we also believe that certain portions of our 
acreage could lend itself to development with vertical wells. As a result, as we explore and develop our Southeast 
New Mexico and West Texas acreage further, we believe it is possible that we may identify additional locations for 
future drilling. At December 31, 2012, we had not assigned proved undeveloped reserves to any of these potential 
drilling locations in the Wolfcamp or Bone Spring formations. Although we believe that prospective well locations 
exist on this acreage for the Avalon shale and the Delaware sands, we had not included any Avalon or Delaware 
locations in our identified well locations at December 31, 2012.

At December 31, 2012, we also had a large unevaluated acreage position, including approximately 55,300 gross 
and 27,200 net acres in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas in Utah and Idaho, where we began drilling our initial 
well in February 2011 to test the Meade Peak natural gas shale. We reached a depth of 8,200 feet, approximately 
300 feet above the top of the Meade Peak shale, before having operations suspended for several months due to 
wildlife restrictions. We resumed operations on this initial test well in September 2011 and completed drilling  
and coring operations in November 2011. After taking time to review and analyze the extensive well log and core 

FORM 10-K PART I

8 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

9    

data collected in this well, we re-entered the vertical well and drilled an approximately 2,500-ft horizontal lateral  
in the Meade Peak shale during the fourth quarter of 2012. Operations on this well are temporarily suspended, but 
we plan to complete and test the horizontal lateral portion of this well beginning in the third quarter of 2013.

We are active both as an operator and as a co-working interest owner with larger industry participants, 

including affiliates of EOG Resources, Inc., Royal Dutch Shell plc, Chesapeake Energy Corporation and others. At 
December 31, 2012, we were the operator for approximately 91% of our Eagle Ford and 70% of our Haynesville 
acreage, including approximately 22% of our acreage in what we believe is the core area of the Haynesville play.  
A large portion of our acreage in the core area of the Haynesville shale is operated by a subsidiary of Chesapeake 
Energy Corporation. We also operate the vast majority of our acreage in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas,  
as well as all of our acreage in Southwest Wyoming and the adjacent areas of Utah and Idaho. In those wells where 
we are not the operator, our working interest is relatively small, particularly in the Haynesville shale.

At December 31, 2012, we were a non-operating working interest participant with affiliates of Chesapeake 

Energy Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell plc and several other companies in the Haynesville shale and with EOG 
Resources, Inc. and Hunt Oil Company in the Eagle Ford shale. We have entered into a joint operating agreement 
with an affiliate of Chesapeake Energy Corporation governing the Haynesville operations underlying our Elm Grove/
Caspiana properties in Southern Caddo Parish, Louisiana and joint operating agreements with EOG Resources, Inc. 
and Hunt Oil Company governing operations on our joint acreage in Atascosa and Wilson Counties, Texas, 
respectively. We have not entered into a joint operating agreement with Royal Dutch Shell plc or certain other 
operators of wells in the Haynesville area in which we have a minority working interest. Particularly when our 
working interest is small, we do not always enter into formal operating agreements with the operators, and in such 
cases, we rely on applicable legal and statutory authority to govern our arrangement in accordance with 
industry standard practices.

Where we do have joint operating agreements with affiliates of other companies, these agreements call for 

significant penalties should we elect not to participate in the drilling and completion of a well proposed by the 
operator, or a non-consent well. These non-consent penalties typically allow the operator to recover up to 400% of its 
costs to drill, complete and equip the non-consent well from the well’s future net revenue prior to us being allowed 
to participate in the non-consent well for our original working interest. Ultimately, the amount of these penalties 
may result in us having no participation at all in the non-consent well. We also have the right to propose wells 
under these joint operating agreements, and the same non-consent penalties apply to the operator should it elect 
not to consent to a well that we propose.

While we do not have direct access to our operating partners’ drilling plans with respect to future well locations, 

we do attempt to maintain ongoing communications with the technical staff of these operators in an effort to 
understand their drilling plans for purposes of our capital expenditure budget and our booking of any related proved 
undeveloped well locations and reserves. We review these locations with Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., 
independent reservoir engineers, on a periodic basis to ensure their concurrence with our estimates of these drilling 
plans and our approach to booking these reserves.

We currently intend to allocate approximately 82% of our estimated 2013 capital expenditure budget of 
$310.0 million to the exploration, development and acquisition of additional interests in South Texas, primarily in 
the Eagle Ford shale play. We also plan to allocate about 16% of our 2013 capital expenditure budget to the 
exploration and acquisition of additional interests in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin  
in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. As a result of these anticipated capital expenditures in South Texas and 
in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, we plan to dedicate about 98% of our 2013 anticipated capital 
expenditure budget to opportunities prospective for oil and liquids production. While we have budgeted approximately 
$310.0 million for 2013, the aggregate amount of capital we will expend may fluctuate materially based on market 
conditions, the actual costs to drill scheduled wells, our drilling results and our ability to obtain capital. Since 

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
10 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

approximately 84% of our Eagle Ford acreage was either held by production or not burdened by lease expirations 
before 2014, 79% of our Wolfcamp and Bone Spring acreage was either held by production or not burdened by 
lease expirations before 2014 and almost all of our Haynesville acreage was held by production at December 31, 2012, 
we possess the financial flexibility to allocate our capital when and where we believe it is economical and justified.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On March 11, 2013, the borrowing base under our Credit Agreement was increased to $255.0 million based on 
the lenders’ review of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2012. At that time, we also amended 
our Credit Agreement to include Capital One, N.A., BMO Harris Financing, Inc. (Bank of Montreal) and IberiaBank in 
our lending group, which also includes Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”), as administrative agent, Comerica Bank, 
Citibank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and SunTrust Bank. At March 14, 2013, we had $180.0 million in borrowings 
and $1.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Agreement.

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF INTEREST

Our focus since inception has been the exploration for oil and natural gas in unconventional resource plays with  

a particular focus in recent years in the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and the Haynesville shale play in 
Northwest Louisiana. During 2012, we devoted most of our efforts and most of our capital investment to our drilling 
operations in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas as we sought to increase our oil production and reserves. 
Since our inception, our exploration efforts have concentrated primarily on known hydrocarbon-producing basins 
with well-established production histories offering the potential for multiple-zone completions. We have also 
sought to balance the risk profile of our prospects, as well as to explore for more conventional targets in addition to 
the unconventional resource plays.

At December 31, 2012, our principal areas of interest consisted of (1) the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas, 

(2) the Haynesville shale play, including the Middle Bossier shale play, as well as the traditional Cotton Valley and 
Hosston (Travis Peak) formations in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas, (3) the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays 
in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, particularly in the Delaware Basin, and (4) the Meade Peak shale 
play in Southwest Wyoming and the adjacent areas of Utah and Idaho.

South Texas

Eagle Ford Shale and Other Formations

The Eagle Ford shale extends across portions of South Texas from the Mexican border into East Texas forming a 

band roughly 50 to 100 miles wide and 400 miles long. The Eagle Ford is an organically rich calcareous shale and  
lies between the deeper Buda limestone and the shallower Austin Chalk formation. Along the entire length of the 
Eagle Ford trend, the structural dip of the formation is consistently down to the south with relatively few, 
modestly sized structural perturbations. As a result, depth of burial increases consistently southwards along with 
the thermal maturity of the formation. Where the Eagle Ford is shallow, it is less thermally mature and therefore 
more oil prone, and as it gets deeper and becomes more thermally mature, the Eagle Ford is more natural gas 
prone. The transition between being more oil prone and more natural gas prone includes an interval that typically 
produces wet natural gas with condensate. We believe that approximately 88% of our South Texas acreage at 
December 31, 2012 lies within those portions of the Eagle Ford shale that are prone to produce oil or wet natural 
gas with condensate.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

11    

During 2012, our operations were primarily focused on the exploration and development of our Eagle Ford  
shale properties in South Texas as we continued executing our strategy to significantly increase our oil production 
and oil reserves. In 2012, we completed and began producing oil and natural gas from 28 gross/24.5 net operated 
Eagle Ford shale wells, including 25 gross/ 23.7 net operated and 3 gross/0.8 net non-operated Eagle Ford shale 
wells. We had two contracted drilling rigs operating in South Texas throughout 2012 (except for a brief period near 
the end of the second quarter when we added a third rig to execute a two-well contract). At March 14, 2013,  
we continued to have two contracted drilling rigs operating in South Texas: one in LaSalle County and one in DeWitt 
County. More than 90% of our 2012 total capital expenditures of $334.6 million were directed to our operations in 
South Texas, primarily in the Eagle Ford shale.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, about 43% of our daily production, or 3,908 BOE per day, including 
3,246 Bbl of oil per day and 4.0 MMcf of natural gas per day, was produced from the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas. 
Almost all of our oil production in 2012 was attributed to the Eagle Ford shale. The Eagle Ford contributed 98% of 
our daily oil production and about 12% of our daily natural gas production during 2012 as compared to 78% of our 
daily oil production and 3% of our daily natural gas production during 2011. During the year ended December 31, 
2011, only about 8% of our daily production, or 548 BOE per day, including 331 Bbl of oil per day and 1.3 MMcf of 
natural gas per day, was attributable to the Eagle Ford shale. This growth in oil and natural gas production from  
the Eagle Ford shale over the past year reflects our ongoing drilling and completion program in the Eagle Ford shale.

At December 31, 2012, approximately 60% of our estimated total proved oil and natural gas reserves, or  
14.3 million BOE, was attributable to the Eagle Ford shale, including approximately 10.4 million Bbl of oil and 23.8 Bcf 
of natural gas. Our proved reserves attributable to the Eagle Ford shale increased just over three-fold for the year  
to 14.3 million BOE for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to 4.7 million BOE for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. Our Eagle Ford proved reserves at December 31, 2012 comprised approximately 99%  
of our proved oil reserves and 30% of our proved natural gas reserves, as compared to approximately 96% of our 
proved oil reserves and 4% of our proved natural gas reserves at December 31, 2011. The PV-10 of our proved 
reserves in the Eagle Ford at December 31, 2012 was $393.2 million, or about 93% of the PV-10 of our total proved 
reserves of $423.2 million. PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized 
Measure, see “— Estimated Proved Reserves.” We anticipate that the percentage of our daily production and proved 
reserves attributable to the Eagle Ford shale will continue to grow in 2013 as we intend to allocate approximately 
82% of our 2013 capital expenditure budget to the exploration, development and acquisition of additional interests 
in South Texas, primarily in the Eagle Ford shale play, in an effort to continue growing the oil and liquids component 
of our production and reserves.

At December 31, 2012, we had drilled and completed a total of 32 gross/30.5 net Eagle Ford wells on our 

operated properties, and all of these wells were producing to sales. At December 31, 2012, we had also participated in 
3 gross/0.6 net Eagle Ford wells with EOG Resources, Inc. as operator, on portions of our Atascosa County acreage 
and 2 gross/0.6 net Eagle Ford wells with Hunt Oil Company as operator, on portions of our Wilson County acreage.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed and began producing oil and natural gas from 25 gross/ 

23.7 net operated Eagle Ford wells drilled on our acreage position in South Texas. As we completed and began 
producing oil and natural gas from these wells during 2012, our Eagle Ford production increased significantly. During 
the fourth quarter of 2011, our daily production from the Eagle Ford shale averaged 584 BOE per day, including  
378 Bbl of oil per day and 1.2 MMcf of natural gas per day. By comparison, during the fourth quarter of 2012, our 
daily oil production from the Eagle Ford shale averaged 5,363 BOE per day, including 4,545 Bbl of oil per day  
and 4.9 MMcf of natural gas per day. Natural gas produced from most of our Eagle Ford shale wells is a liquids-rich 
gas and our purchasers process this natural gas for us at their processing facilities to remove the natural gas 
liquids, such as ethane, propane and other heavier natural gas liquids components. Our Eagle Ford wells typically 
yield three to seven gallons of natural gas liquids per thousand cubic feet of natural gas produced at the wellhead 
depending on the specific property.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we believe that we increased our technical knowledge on how to 
drill, complete and produce Eagle Ford shale wells. Eagle Ford wells drilled on the eastern portion of our acreage in 
Karnes and DeWitt Counties are typically 1,000 to 2,500 feet deeper than wells drilled on the western portion of  
our acreage in LaSalle County. At December 31, 2012, the typical drilling time for wells on the western portion of 
our acreage ranged from 10 to 15 days from spud to rig release and the typical drilling time for wells on the eastern 
portion of our acreage ranged from 15 to 20 days from spud to rig release. These drilling times compared to 20 to 
30 days from spud to rig release for wells drilled in the earlier months of 2012. As a result of more efficient drilling 
and reduced completion costs, the overall drilling and completion costs associated with our Eagle Ford wells 
declined during 2012. At December 31, 2012, we estimate that the cost for us to drill and complete a 5,000-ft 
Eagle Ford shale well was approximately $6 million to $7 million on the western portion of our acreage in LaSalle 
County and approximately $8 million to $10 million on the eastern portion of our acreage in Karnes and DeWitt 
Counties. We believe the reduction in drilling and completion costs we achieved during 2012 was due in part to 
improved efficiencies in our own operations, as well as to declining service costs associated with an increase in  
the supply of drilling and completion services in South Texas during 2012. We do not anticipate that service costs will 
decline to the same extent in 2013, although we will continue to look for ways to improve the costs associated  
with our operations.

At December 31, 2012, our aggregate leasehold interests consisted of approximately 42,500 gross acres and 

27,900 net acres in the Eagle Ford shale play in Atascosa, DeWitt, Gonzales, Karnes, LaSalle, Wilson and Zavala 
Counties in South Texas. We believe portions of this acreage may also be prospective for the Austin Chalk, Buda, 
Edwards and Pearsall formations, from which we would expect to produce predominantly oil and liquids. In 
particular, the Austin Chalk formation, which is a naturally fractured carbonate typically ranging in thickness from 
200 to 400 feet, and the Buda formation, which is a naturally fractured carbonate typically ranging in thickness 
from 90 to 160 feet, have produced from several fields on or nearby portions of our acreage.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we acquired approximately 5,500 gross and 3,400 net acres in the 

Eagle Ford shale play that we consider to be prospective primarily for oil production. This acreage essentially 
replaced the acreage upon which we drilled and established oil and natural gas production and reserves during 
2012. We also allowed approximately 11,800 gross and 4,300 net acres of our Eagle Ford leasehold position, 
primarily in Atascosa County, but also including acreage in northeast Webb and southeast Dimmit Counties, to expire 
undrilled during the year ended December 31, 2012, as we no longer considered this acreage to be economic for 
further exploration and development in the Eagle Ford shale at then-current commodity prices.

At December 31, 2012, we owned a 100% working interest in approximately 26,900 gross acres and 24,100 net 

acres in Gonzales, Karnes, LaSalle, Wilson and Zavala Counties and a 50% working interest in approximately 
2,800 gross and 1,400 net acres in DeWitt County and are the operator of this acreage. We also owned  
an approximate 21% working interest in approximately 12,800 gross acres in Atascosa County operated by  
EOG Resources, Inc. At December 31, 2012, approximately 84% of our Eagle Ford acreage was either held  
by production or not burdened by lease expirations before 2014.

Between March and July 2011, we acquired leasehold interests in approximately 6,300 gross and 4,800 net 
acres in DeWitt, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson Counties in the Eagle Ford shale play from Orca ICI Development, 
JV (“Orca”). We initially acquired a 50% working interest in the acreage (approximately 2,800 gross and 1,400 net 
acres) in DeWitt County and are the operator. We currently own a 100% working interest in the acreage 
(approximately 3,500 gross and 3,400 net acres) in Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson Counties and are the operator. 
At December 31, 2012, we had drilled and completed 15 gross/12.7 net wells on this acreage.

At December 31, 2012, we had paid 100% of the costs to drill and complete the first six wells drilled on the 

acreage in DeWitt County. We have an 85% working interest in these six wells until we have recovered all of our 
acquisition, drilling, completion, facilities and operating costs from each well, at which time Orca’s working interest 
will increase to 50%. After we have recovered all of our acquisition, drilling, completion, facilities and operating 

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

13    

costs, when the cumulative production from any of these first six wells reaches 500,000 BOE, on a well-by-well 
basis, then Orca’s working interest in that well will increase to 55%. If the cumulative production from any of the 
first six wells reaches 750,000 BOE, on a well-by-well basis, then Orca’s working interest in that well will increase 
to 70%. Orca retains the right to pay its share of the costs and to participate for a 50% working interest in all 
subsequent wells drilled on the acreage in DeWitt County, and we have no further obligation to carry any of Orca’s 
costs in any subsequent well drilled on the acreage. Should Orca elect not to participate in a subsequent well  
that we propose to drill on the acreage, we will own a 100% working interest in the well until such time as we have 
recovered 400% of our acquisition, drilling, completion, facilities and operating costs from such well, at which 
time Orca’s working interest will increase to 50%. As of December 31, 2012, Orca had declined to participate in one 
subsequent well we drilled in DeWitt County, and we own an initial 100% working interest in this well.

At December 31, 2012, we had paid 100% of the costs to drill and complete the first five wells drilled on the 
acreage in Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson Counties. We have a 100% working interest in these wells until we have 
recovered all of our acquisition, drilling, completion, facilities and operating costs from each of these five wells. 
After we have recovered all of our acquisition, drilling, completion, facilities and operating costs from any of these 
five wells, Orca may elect, on a well-by-well basis, to back-in for a 25% working interest in such wells. In addition, 
Orca retained a one-time election for a short period of time after we completed these first five wells to participate 
for a 25% working interest in all subsequent wells drilled on this acreage by paying a purchase price equal to 25% of 
our costs to acquire the acreage in Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson Counties. Following the completion of these first 
five wells, Orca declined to exercise its right to participate in all future wells drilled on this acreage. As a result,  
we will have a 100% working interest, and Orca will have no interest, in all subsequent wells drilled on this acreage. 
At December 31, 2012, we had drilled or participated in a total of 8 gross/6.6 net wells on this specific acreage.

As we continue to explore and develop our leasehold positions in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas, we may face 

challenges with establishing operations in new areas and securing the necessary services to drill and complete  
wells and with securing the necessary pipeline and natural gas processing capabilities to process, transport and market 
the oil and natural gas we produce. We may also incur higher than anticipated costs associated with establishing  
new operating infrastructure on our leases throughout the area. We believe that we have successfully secured the 
necessary drilling and completion services for our current Eagle Ford operations. We did not experience difficulties in 
securing completion, and in particular hydraulic fracturing, services for our newly drilled wells during the year ended 
December 31, 2012, although we experienced these problems at various times during 2011 in South Texas and may 
have such difficulties again in the future. We believe that maintaining reliable and timely drilling and completion 
services and reducing drilling and completion costs will be essential to the successful development and profitability 
of the Eagle Ford shale play. See “Risk Factors — The Unavailability or High Cost of Drilling Rigs, Completion 
Equipment and Services, Supplies and Personnel, Including Hydraulic Fracturing Equipment and Personnel, Could 
Adversely Affect Our Ability to Establish and Execute Exploration and Development Plans Within Budget and on  
a Timely Basis, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Financial Condition, Results of Operations and 
Cash Flows.”

We did experience temporary pipeline and natural gas processing interruptions from time to time during the year 
ended December 31, 2012 associated with natural gas production from our Eagle Ford shale wells. To alleviate most of 
the interruptions and processing capacity constraints we experienced during 2012, effective September 1, 2012, 
we entered into a firm five-year natural gas processing and transportation agreement whereby we committed to 
transport the anticipated natural gas production from a significant portion of our Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas 
through the counterparty’s system for processing at the counterparty’s facilities. The agreement also includes firm 
transportation of the natural gas liquids extracted at the counterparty’s processing plant downstream for fractionation. 
No assurance can be made that this agreement will alleviate these issues completely, and if we were required to 
shut in our production for long periods of time due to pipeline interruptions or lack of processing facilities or capacity of 
these facilities, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 

FORM 10-K PART I

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

cash flows. We may experience similar interruptions and processing capacity constraints as we begin to explore  
and develop our Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas in 2013. See “Risk 
Factors — The Marketability of Our Production Is Dependent upon Oil and Natural Gas Gathering, Processing  
and Transportation Facilities Owned and Operated by Third Parties, and the Unavailability of Satisfactory Oil and 
Natural Gas Gathering, Processing and Transportation Arrangements Would Have a Material Adverse Effect on  
Our Revenue.”

In addition to the Eagle Ford potential on our acreage, we believe that approximately 22,800 gross acres and 
17,500 net acres in South Texas are prospective primarily for the Austin Chalk and 15,600 gross and 10,500 net 
acres are prospective primarily for the Buda formation, which have historically been targeted by operators in  
South Texas. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed and began producing oil and natural gas 
from 2 gross/2.0 net wells in the upper Austin Chalk and the lower Austin Chalk/upper Eagle Ford, or “Chalkleford,” 
intervals. Both of these wells were drilled on our acreage in Zavala County, which is in the heart of the historic 
Pearsall (Austin Chalk) Field where significant volumes of oil and natural gas have previously been produced from the 
Austin Chalk. Both of these wells are producing oil, but the results of these wells did not meet our expectations, 
with the upper Austin Chalk well apparently largely depleted by previous Austin Chalk production from nearby 
wells. We have not yet drilled an Austin Chalk well at any other location on our leasehold positions in South Texas, 
and although we believe that other prospective Austin Chalk well locations exist on this acreage, we have only 
included 17 gross and 17.0 net Austin Chalk well locations in our total identified drilling locations at December 31, 
2012. We plan to drill an operated Austin Chalk exploratory test well on one of our leases in Gonzales County  
during 2013. At December 31, 2012, we had not included any Buda locations in our identified future drilling 
locations, although we do plan to participate in the drilling of an exploratory Buda test well on one of our leases in 
Atascosa County operated by EOG Resources, Inc. during the first quarter of 2013.

Northwest Louisiana and East Texas

As a result of substantially lower natural gas prices in 2012, we did not conduct any operated drilling and 
completion activities on our leasehold properties in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas during the year ended 
December 31, 2012. We did, however, participate in the drilling and completion of 28 gross/1.1 net non-operated 
Haynesville shale wells in 2012, comprising about 3% of our total capital expenditures. We do not plan to drill  
any operated Haynesville wells in 2013, but we have budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $5.1 million for 
our participation in approximately 10 gross/0.5 net wells that we anticipate may be drilled by other operators on 
certain of our non-operated properties in 2013. We operate all of our Cotton Valley and shallower production on our 
leasehold interests in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas, as well as all of our Haynesville production on the acreage 
outside of what we believe to be the core area of the Haynesville shale play. Of the approximately 5,700 net acres 
that we consider to be in the core area of the Haynesville play, we operate about 22% of that acreage.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, about 56% of our average daily production, or 5,042 BOE per day, 
including 31 Bbl of oil per day and 30.1 MMcf of natural gas per day, was attributable to our leasehold interests in 
Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. The vast majority of our natural gas production in 2012 was attributable to 
these properties. Natural gas production from these properties comprised approximately 88% of our daily natural 
gas production, but oil production from these properties only comprised about 1% of our daily oil production during 
2012, as compared to 96% of our daily natural gas production and 15% of our daily oil production during 2011. 
During the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately 92% of our daily production, or 6,459 BOE per day, 
including 64 Bbl of oil per day and 38.4 MMcf of natural gas per day, was attributable to our properties in Northwest 
Louisiana and East Texas. The decline in oil and particularly natural gas production from these properties over the 
past year reflects (i) the natural decline in production from these properties, (ii) the voluntary curtailment by the 
operators of natural gas production from some of our non-operated Haynesville shale wells in Northwest Louisiana 
at various times during 2012 and (iii) our decision not to drill any operated Haynesville shale or Cotton Valley wells 
during 2012.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

15    

For the year ended December 31, 2012, about 76% of our daily natural gas production, or 26.0 MMcf of natural 

gas per day, was produced from the Haynesville shale, with another 12%, or 4.1 MMcf of natural gas per day, 
produced from the Cotton Valley and other shallower formations in this area. For the year ended December 31, 
2011, about 81% of our daily natural gas production, or 32.3 MMcf of natural gas per day, was produced from the 
Haynesville shale, with another 15%, or 6.1 MMcf of natural gas per day, produced from the Cotton Valley and 
other shallower formations on these properties.

At December 31, 2012, approximately 33% of our estimated total proved reserves, or 7.9 million BOE, were 
attributable to the Haynesville shale underlying this acreage with another 6% of our proved reserves, or 1.5 million 
BOE, associated with the Cotton Valley and shallower formations. As a result of substantially lower natural gas 
prices in 2012, we removed 97.8 Bcf (or 16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas 
reserves in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 2012, most  
of which were attributable to non-operated properties. These proved undeveloped natural gas reserves were likewise 
not included in our estimated total proved reserves at December 31, 2012. As long as the leasehold acreage 
associated with these previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves is held by production from 
existing Haynesville wells, however, these natural gas volumes remain available to be developed by us or the 
operator at a future time should natural gas prices improve, drilling and completion costs decline or new technologies 
be developed that increase expected recoveries.

During 2012, natural gas prices declined to their lowest levels in many years, ranging from a low of approximately 

$1.91 per MMBtu in mid-April to a high of approximately $3.90 per MMBtu in late November, based upon the 
NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract price for the earliest delivery date. Natural gas prices had declined 
again since late November 2012, before increasing to $3.81 per MMBtu at March 14, 2013, based upon the 
NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract for the earliest delivery date. We would not expect to drill any operated 
natural gas wells in either our Haynesville or Cotton Valley properties until natural gas prices improve further  
from these levels, the costs to drill and complete these wells decline further from their recent levels or new 
technologies are developed that increase expected recoveries. See “Risk Factors — Our Identified Drilling 
Locations Are Scheduled out over Several Years, Making Them Susceptible to Uncertainties That Could Materially 
Alter the Occurrence or Timing of Their Drilling.”

Haynesville and Middle Bossier Shales

The Haynesville shale is an organically rich, overpressured marine shale found below the Cotton Valley and 
Bossier formations and above the Smackover formation at depths ranging from 10,500 to 13,500 feet across a 
broad region throughout Northwest Louisiana and East Texas, including principally Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto  
and Red River Parishes in Louisiana and Harrison, Rusk, Panola and Shelby Counties in Texas. The Haynesville shale 
produces primarily dry natural gas with almost no associated liquids. The Bossier shale is overpressured and is 
often divided into lower, middle and upper units. The Middle Bossier shale appears to be productive for natural gas 
under large portions of DeSoto, Red River and Sabine Parishes in Louisiana and Shelby and Nacogdoches Counties  
in Texas, where it shares many similar productive characteristics with the deeper Haynesville shale. Although there 
is some overlap between the Haynesville and Bossier shale plays, the two plays appear quite distinct and a 
separate horizontal wellbore is typically needed for each formation.

At December 31, 2012, we had leasehold and mineral interests in approximately 22,300 gross and 14,200 net 
acres prospective for the Haynesville shale. This acreage includes approximately 5,700 net acres in what we believe 
is the core area of the play. Over 99% of our Haynesville acreage is held by production or consists of fee mineral 
interests that we own and portions of it are also producing from and, we believe, prospective for the Cotton Valley, 
Hosston (Travis Peak) and other shallower formations. In addition, we believe that approximately 1,700 net acres are 
prospective for the Middle Bossier shale play as well. We have not yet drilled a Middle Bossier shale well, and, 
although we believe that prospective well locations exist on this acreage, we have not included any Middle Bossier 
locations in our identified drilling locations at December 31, 2012.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Within the 5,700 net acres that we believe to be in the core area of the Haynesville shale play, we are the 

operator of approximately 1,200 net acres in two sections where we have working interests of 95% and 100%, 
respectively, in all wells to be drilled. We have identified 12 gross and 11.7 net potential additional Haynesville 
locations that we may drill and operate in the future in these two sections. The remainder of our acreage in the core 
area of the Haynesville shale play, about 4,500 net acres, is operated by other companies, including approximately 
half of our non-operated Haynesville acreage in this area of the play that is operated by a subsidiary of Chesapeake 
following a sale of a portion of our interest in July 2008. Including the acreage operated by a subsidiary of 
Chesapeake, our non-operated Haynesville acreage is attributable to leasehold interests that we hold in 81 sections 
in Caddo, DeSoto, Bossier and Red River Parishes in Northwest Louisiana. Our working interests in the 
Haynesville wells in these sections range from less than 1% to more than 30%.

Cotton Valley, Hosston (Travis Peak) and Other Shallower Formations

Prior to initiating natural gas production from the Haynesville shale in 2009, almost all of our production and 

reserves in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas were attributable to wells producing from the Cotton Valley 
formation. We own almost all of the shallow rights from the base of the Cotton Valley formation to the surface 
under our acreage in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas.

All of the shallow rights underlying our acreage in our Elm Grove/Caspiana properties in Northwest Louisiana, 

approximately 10,000 gross and net acres at December 31, 2012, is held by existing production from the Cotton 
Valley formation or the Haynesville shale. The Cotton Valley formation was the primary producing zone in the  
Elm Grove field prior to discovery of the Haynesville shale. The Cotton Valley formation is a low permeability natural 
gas sand that ranges in thickness from 200 to 300 feet and has porosity ranging from 6% to 10%.

In January 2011, we completed our first horizontal Cotton Valley well, the Tigner Walker H #1-Alt. on our Elm Grove/ 

Caspiana properties, in DeSoto Parish and commenced sales of natural gas from this well. Based on the 
performance of this well and data available from public sources on other Cotton Valley horizontal wells drilled in this 
area of Northwest Louisiana, we believe that Cotton Valley horizontal wells drilled on our Elm Grove/Caspiana 
properties may have estimated ultimate natural gas recoveries of 4 to 6 Bcf. Prior to drilling this well, we had only 
drilled and completed vertical Cotton Valley and Hosston wells on these properties. We are the operator and have a 
100% working interest in this well. We have identified 71 gross and 49.3 net additional drilling locations for future 
Cotton Valley horizontal wells on our Elm Grove/Caspiana properties. We did not drill any of these locations in 2012 
and do not plan to drill any of these locations in 2013. As long as this leasehold acreage is held by existing 
production from the vertical Cotton Valley wells or the deeper Haynesville shale wells, however, these Cotton Valley 
natural gas volumes remain available to be developed by us at a future time should natural gas prices improve, 
drilling and completion costs decline or new technologies be developed that increase expected recoveries.

We also continue to hold the shallow rights by existing production or by leases that are still in their primary 

terms in our Central and Southwest Pine Island, Longwood, Woodlawn and other prospect areas in Northwest 
Louisiana and East Texas. At December 31, 2012, we held an estimated 11,500 net leasehold and mineral acres by 
existing production in these areas.

Southeast New Mexico and West Texas — Delaware Basin

During 2012, we added to our acreage position in the Delaware Basin in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, 

which is a mature exploration and production province with extensive developments in a wide variety of 
petroleum systems resulting in stacked target horizons in many areas. Historically, the majority of development in 
this basin has focused on relatively conventional reservoir targets, but we believe the combination of advanced 
formation evaluation, 3-D seismic technology, horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technology is enhancing the 
development potential of this basin.

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One example of such an opportunity appears to be the so-called “Wolf-Bone” play of the Delaware Basin. 
Together, the Lower Permian age Bone Spring (also called Leonardian) and Wolfcamp formations span several 
thousand feet of stacked shales, sandstones, limestones and dolomites, representing complex and dynamic 
submarine depositional systems that include several organic rich source rocks. Throughout these intervals, oil and 
natural gas have been produced primarily from conventional sandstone and carbonate reservoirs even though 
hydrocarbons are trapped in the tight sands, limestones and dolomites interbedded within organic rich shale. 
Recently, these hydrocarbon-bearing zones have been recognized by a number of operators as targets for horizontal 
drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing techniques. As a result, several large industry players are expanding 
positions and conducting drilling programs throughout Eddy and Lea Counties in Southeast New Mexico and Loving, 
Pecos, Reeves and Ward Counties in West Texas.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, less than 1% of our average daily production, or only about 30 BOE per 

day, including 25 Bbl of oil per day and 30 Mcf of natural gas per day, was attributable to our leasehold properties  
in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. At December 31, 2012, we held leasehold interests in approximately 
15,900 gross and 7,600 net acres in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas where we are developing new oil 
prospects. In particular, in August 2012, we acquired approximately 4,900 gross and 2,900 net acres prospective for 
the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring formations in Loving County, Texas, almost all of which is held by production from 
uphole formations to which we did not acquire the exploration and development rights. Subsequent to that time, we 
have added additional interests in this immediate area and at December 31, 2012, we held approximately 5,200 gross 
and 3,000 net acres in this leasehold position in Loving County. We have budgeted approximately $15.0 million of 
our anticipated 2013 capital expenditures to acquire additional leasehold interests prospective for oil and liquids 
production in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. A portion of our leasehold interests in this area, including 
approximately 7,700 gross and 2,100 net acres in Winkler County, Texas, is no longer considered to be prospective 
by us, and we plan to let this acreage expire without drilling.

At December 31, 2012, we believe that approximately 8,200 gross and 5,500 net acres of our leasehold interests in 

the Delaware Basin are prospective for the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring formations, as well as other potential uphole 
targets, including the Avalon shale and Delaware sands, of which approximately 6,000 gross and 3,900 net acres  
are already held by existing production from other horizons by us or other operators. We believe that the Wolfcamp, 
Bone Spring, Avalon and Delaware formations are all prospective primarily for oil and that multiple intervals may be 
prospective within each target formation. We expect to begin exploring this acreage position during the second and 
third quarters of 2013, with plans to drill three exploratory test wells on this acreage in 2013. We have allocated 
approximately $35.6 million of our 2013 capital expenditure budget for these drilling and completion operations, including 
an estimated $5.4 million for pipelines, production facilities and related infrastructure. Two of these wells will test  
the Wolfcamp and one well will test the Second Bone Spring formation.

Southwest Wyoming, Northeast Utah and Southeast Idaho — Meade Peak Shale

The Meade Peak shale is an organic-rich member of the Phosphoria formation, a source rock that is believed  
to have sourced much of the oil and natural gas in conventional reservoirs in the western Wyoming and eastern Utah 
area. The Phosphoria/Meade Peak shale has an observed shale thickness of 70 to 350 feet, total organic carbon 
values of 3% to 14% and vitrinite reflectance values ranging from 1.8% to 2.7%. The formation is encountered at 
depths of 3,000 to 14,000 feet, with the majority of our acreage in the depth range of 3,000 to 10,000 feet. The 
shale has been penetrated by over 100 wells in the area, most of which have natural gas shows.

We believe there have been no previous attempts to drill horizontally or to hydraulically fracture the Meade Peak 

shale in this area. Our focus to date has been to confirm the physical characteristics of the Meade Peak shale  
and evaluate its production potential. We have gathered well log data in the area, conducted a series of mapping 
evaluations of structural disposition and studied the petrophysical characteristics of the Meade Peak shale. In 
addition, we have purchased 2-D seismic data and conducted surface mapping studies using a structural geologist 
who has experience in the immediate area to better understand the area’s tectonic history.

FORM 10-K PART I

  FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
18 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

At December 31, 2012, we held leasehold interests in approximately 55,300 gross and 27,200 net acres in 

Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas in Utah and Idaho as part of a natural gas shale exploration prospect 
targeting the Meade Peak shale. These leasehold interests are a combination of federal, state and fee mineral 
interests. We have entered into a participation and joint operating agreement with other parties covering  
the initial exploration effort, and if successful, the future development of this acreage. We are the operator of this 
prospect. We had no production, no proved reserves and no identified drilling locations attributable to this acreage  
at December 31, 2012.

At December 31, 2011, we held leasehold interests in approximately 144,000 gross and 136,000 net acres in  
this prospect, of which approximately 102,000 gross and 93,000 net acres were scheduled to expire at various 
times during 2012. Although we elected to take extensions or new leases on some portions of this expiring 
acreage during 2012, certain leases, particularly those taken on state lands, did not offer the opportunity for automatic 
extension and expired during 2012. Should we desire to reacquire mineral rights on these lands, we would need  
to seek new leases.

Along with our partners, we began drilling the initial test well on this prospect, the Crawford Federal #1 well in 
Lincoln County, Wyoming, in February 2011. We reached a depth of 8,200 feet, approximately 300 feet above the 
top of the Meade Peak shale, before having operations suspended for several months due to wildlife restrictions. 
We resumed operations on this initial test well in September 2011 and completed drilling, well logging and coring 
operations in November 2011. During 2012, we conducted detailed evaluations of the well logs and conducted 
special core analysis tests to better understand the petrophysical characteristics of the Meade Peak shale.

In September 2012, we entered into an agreement with our principal partner related to the ongoing 

exploration of the Meade Peak shale, pursuant to which our principal partner (i) paid us a prospect fee of $1.0 million, 
(ii) agreed to provide up to a total cost of $3.0 million (carrying our 50% share) for extensions of expiring leases  
and new leasing in the prospect in which we will have a 50% working interest at no cost to us and (iii) agreed to 
carry our 50% share of the drilling and completion costs associated with the horizontal lateral up to a total cost  
for these operations of $5.0 million, with each party paying 50% of all drilling and completion costs in excess of 
$5.0 million. In return for this consideration, in December 2012, we assigned 50% of our gross and net leasehold 
interests in the prospect to our principal partner.

In November 2012, we re-entered the Crawford Federal #1 vertical well and drilled a horizontal lateral from that 

wellbore into the Meade Peak shale approximately 2,500 feet in length. We temporarily suspended this well 
following drilling operations. We expect to return to this well in the third quarter of 2013 to conduct the completion 
operations on the horizontal lateral, which we expect will consist of three to four hydraulic fracture treatments 
along the length of the lateral. After the horizontal lateral is completed, we and our partners plan to test and evaluate 
this well before making further decisions concerning the future exploration of the Meade Peak shale in this prospect.

FORM 10-K PART I

18 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

19    

OPERATING SUMMARY

The following table sets forth certain unaudited production data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 

and 2010:

Unaudited Production Data
Net Production Volumes:
  Oil (MBbl) 
  Natural gas (Bcf) 

  Total oil equivalent (MBOE) (1) 
  Average daily production (BOE/d) (1) 

Average Sales Prices:
  Oil, with realized derivatives (per Bbl) 
  Oil, without realized derivatives (per Bbl) 
  Natural gas, with realized derivatives (per Mcf) 
  Natural gas, without realized derivatives (per Mcf) 
Operating Expenses (per BOE):
  Production taxes and marketing 
  Lease operating 
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
  General and administrative 

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

  1,214 
  12.5 
  3,294 
  9,000 

$ 103.55 
$ 101.86 
$  3.55 
$  2.59 

$  3.54 
$  8.56 
$  24.43 
$  4.42 

  154 
  14.5 
 2,573 
 7,049 

$ 93.80 
$ 93.80 
$  4.11 
$  3.62 

$  2.44 
$  2.82 
$ 12.34 
$  5.21 

33
  8.4
 1,433
 3,926

$ 76.39
$ 76.39
$  4.38
$  3.75

$  1.38
$  3.69
$ 10.89
$  6.77

(1)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

The following table sets forth information regarding our average net daily production and total production for the 

year ended December 31, 2012 from our primary operating areas:

  Average Net Daily Production

Oil 
(Bbl/d) 

Gas  
(Mcf/d) 

Oil 

Total Net 
Equivalent  Production  Total Net 
(MBOE)(1)  Production
(BOE/d)(1) 

Percentage
of

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk (2) 
  Area Total 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley (3) 
  Area Total 

SE New Mexico, West Texas 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho (4) 

  Total 

3,246 
15 
3,261 

1 
30 
31 
25 
— 
3,317 

  3,976 
31 
  4,007 

 26,007 
  4,051 
 30,058 
30 
— 
 34,095 

 3,908 
20 
 3,928 

 4,336 
  706 
 5,042 
30 
  — 
 9,000 

 1,431 
7 
 1,438 

 1,587 
  258 
 1,845 
  11 
  — 
 3,294 

  43.4%
0.3
  43.7

  48.2
7.8
  56.0
0.3
  —
  100.0%

(1)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

(2)  Includes two wells producing small volumes of natural gas from the San Miguel formation in Zavala County, Texas.

(3)  Includes the Cotton Valley formation and shallower zones and also includes one well producing from the Frio formation in Orange County, Texas.

(4)  We currently have no production from our acreage in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas of Utah and Idaho.

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
20 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

The following table sets forth information regarding our average net daily production and total production for the 

year ended December 31, 2011 from our primary operating areas:

  Average Net Daily Production

Oil 
(Bbl/d) 

Gas  
(Mcf/d) 

Oil 

Total Net 
Equivalent  Production  Total Net 
(MBOE)(1)  Production
(BOE/d)(1) 

Percentage
of

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk (2) 
  Area Total 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley (3) 
  Area Total 

SE New Mexico, West Texas 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho (4) 

  Total 

331 
— 
331 

— 
64 
64 
27 
— 
422 

  1,298 
30 
  1,328 

 32,319 
  6,054 
 38,373 
59 
— 
 39,760 

  548 
5 
  553 

 5,387 
 1,072 
 6,459 
37 
  — 
 7,049 

  200 
2 
  202 

 1,966 
  392 
 2,358 
  13 
  — 
 2,573 

7.8%
0.1
7.9

  76.4
  15.2
  91.6
0.5
  —
  100.0%

(1)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

(2)  Includes two wells producing small volumes of natural gas from the San Miguel formation in Zavala County, Texas.

(3)  Includes the Cotton Valley formation and shallower zones and also includes one well producing from the Frio formation in Orange County, Texas.

(4)  We currently have no production from our acreage in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas of Utah and Idaho.

Our total production of approximately 3.3 million BOE for the year ended December 31, 2012 was an increase of 

28% over our total production of approximately 2.6 million BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011. This 
increased production was primarily due to drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale. Our average daily production 
for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 9,000 BOE per day, as compared to 7,049 BOE per day for the year 
ended December 31, 2011. Our average daily oil production for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 3,317 Bbl of 
oil per day, an approximate eight-fold increase from 422 Bbl of oil per day for the year ended December 31, 2011.

PRODUCING WELLS

The following table sets forth information relating to producing wells at December 31, 2012. Wells are classified 

as oil wells or natural gas wells according to their predominant production stream. We do not have any currently 
active dual completions. We have an approximate average working interest of 93% in all wells that we operate. For 
wells where we are not the operator, our working interests range from less than 1% to as much as 44%, and 
average approximately 8%. In the table below, gross wells are the total number of producing wells in which we own 
a working interest and net wells represent the total of our fractional working interests owned in the gross wells.

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk (1) 
  Area Total 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley (2) 
  Area Total 

SE New Mexico, West Texas 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho (3) 

  Total  

Oil Wells 

 Natural Gas Wells 

Total Wells 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net

35.0 
2.0 
37.0 

— 
2.0 
2.0 
12.0 
— 
51.0 

29.7 
2.0 
31.7 

— 
2.0 
2.0 
5.1 
— 
38.8 

2.0 
2.0 
4.0 

2.0 
2.0 
4.0 

37.0 
4.0 
41.0 

  134.0 
  104.0 
  238.0 
1.0 
— 
  243.0 

  12.7 
  67.7 
  80.4 
0.6 
  — 
  85.0 

  134.0 
  106.0 
  240.0 
13.0 
— 
  294.0 

  31.7
4.0
  35.7

  12.7
  69.7
  82.4
5.7
  —
 123.8

(1)  Includes two wells producing small volumes of natural gas from the San Miguel formation in Zavala County, Texas.

(2)  Includes the Cotton Valley formation and shallower zones and also includes one well producing from the Frio formation in Orange County, Texas.

(3)  We currently have no production from our acreage in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas of Utah and Idaho.

FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

21    

ESTIMATED PROVED RESERVES

The following table sets forth our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2012, 2011  
and 2010. The reserves estimates were based on evaluations prepared by our engineering staff and have been 
audited for their reasonableness by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent reservoir engineers. 
These reserves estimates were prepared in accordance with the SEC’s rules for oil and natural gas reserves reporting. 
The estimated reserves shown are for proved reserves only and do not include any unproved reserves classified  
as probable or possible reserves that might exist for our properties, nor do they include any consideration that could 
be attributable to interests in unproved and unevaluated acreage beyond those tracts for which proved reserves 
have been estimated. Proved oil and natural gas reserves are the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and 
natural gas liquids, which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable 
in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

Estimated Proved Reserves Data:(2)
Estimated proved reserves:
  Oil (MBbl) 
  Natural Gas (Bcf) 
  Total (MBOE)(3) 

Estimated proved developed reserves:
  Oil (MBbl) 
  Natural Gas (Bcf) 
  Total (MBOE)(3) 

  Percent Developed 

Estimated proved undeveloped reserves:
  Oil (MBbl) 
  Natural Gas (Bcf) 
  Total (MBOE)(3) 

PV-10(4) (in millions) 
Standardized Measure(5) (in millions)   

(1)  Numbers in table may not total due to rounding.

At December 31,(1)

2012 

2011 

2010

 10,485 
  80.0 
 23,819 

  4,764 
  54.0 
 13,771 

  3,794 
  170.4 
 32,196 

  1,419 
  56.5 
 10,843 

152
  127.4
 21,387

152
  43.1
  7,342

  57.8% 

  33.7% 

  34.3%

  5,721 
  26.0 
 10,048 

$  423.2 
$  394.6 

  2,375 
  113.9 
 21,353 

$  248.7 
$  215.5 

  —
  84.3
 14,045

$  119.9
$  111.1

(2)  Our estimated proved reserves, PV-10 and Standardized Measure were determined using index prices for oil and natural gas, without giving 
effect to derivative transactions, and were held constant throughout the life of the properties. The unweighted arithmetic averages of the 
first-day-of-the-month prices for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010 were $75.96 per Bbl for oil and $4.376 per MMBtu for natural gas, for 
the 12 months ended December 31, 2011 were $92.71 per Bbl for oil and $4.118 per MMBtu for natural gas, and for the 12 months ended 
December 31, 2012 were $91.21 per Bbl for oil and $2.757 per MMBtu for natural gas. These prices were adjusted by lease for quality, energy 
content, regional price differentials, transportation fees, marketing deductions and other factors affecting the price received at the wellhead.

(3)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

(4)  PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and generally differs from Standardized Measure, the most directly comparable GAAP financial 

measure, because it does not include the effects of income taxes on future net revenues. PV-10 is not an estimate of the fair market value of our 
properties. We and others in the industry use PV-10 as a measure to compare the relative size and value of proved reserves held by 
companies and of the potential return on investment related to the companies’ properties without regard to the specific tax characteristics of 
such entities. Our PV-10 at December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 may be reconciled to our Standardized Measure of discounted future net cash 
flows at such dates by reducing our PV-10 by the discounted future income taxes associated with such reserves. The discounted future income 
taxes at December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were, in millions, $8.8, $33.2, and $28.6, respectively.

(5)  Standardized Measure represents the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves, less estimated future 

development, production, plugging and abandonment costs and income tax expenses, discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of 
future cash flows. Standardized Measure is not an estimate of the fair market value of our properties.

Our proved oil reserves grew 176% (almost three-fold) from approximately 3.8 million Bbl at December 31, 2011 to 

approximately 10.5 million Bbl at December 31, 2012. This increase is attributable to proved oil reserves added due  
to our drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas. Proved oil reserves at December 31, 2012 comprised 
44% of our total proved reserves as compared to only 12% at December 31, 2011.

FORM 10-K PART I

  FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Our total proved oil and natural gas reserves decreased from 32.2 million BOE at December 31, 2011 to 23.8 million 

BOE at December 31, 2012, reflecting primarily the decrease in our proved natural gas reserves from 170.4 Bcf at 
December 31, 2011 to 80.0 Bcf at December 31, 2012. This decrease in our proved natural gas reserves was primarily 
attributable to the decrease in our proved undeveloped natural gas reserves from 113.9 Bcf at December 31, 2011  
to 26.0 Bcf at December 31, 2012. As a result of substantially lower natural gas prices in 2012, we removed 97.8 Bcf 
(16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves in the Haynesville shale in 
Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 2012, most of which were attributable to non-
operated properties. These proved undeveloped natural gas reserves were likewise not included in our estimated 
total proved reserves at December 31, 2012. As long as the leasehold acreage associated with these previously 
classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves is held by production from existing Haynesville wells, however, 
these natural gas volumes remain available to be developed by us or the operator at a future time should 
natural gas prices improve, drilling and completion costs decline or new technologies be developed that increase 
expected recoveries. The PV-10 of our total proved oil and natural gas reserves increased by 70% from $248.7 million 
at December 31, 2011 to $423.2 million at December 31, 2012. Our total proved reserves at December 31,  
2012 were made up of approximately 44% oil and 56% natural gas as compared to 12% oil and 88% natural gas at 
December 31, 2011.

Our proved developed oil and natural gas reserves increased from 10.8 million BOE at December 31, 2011 to 
13.8 million BOE at December 31, 2012 due primarily to additions resulting from our drilling operations in the Eagle 
Ford shale. Our proved developed oil reserves increased from 1.4 million Bbl at December 31, 2011 to 4.8 million 
Bbl at December 31, 2012 as a result of our drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale. Our proved developed natural 
gas reserves declined from 56.5 Bcf (9.4 million BOE) at December 31, 2011 to 54.0 Bcf (9.0 million BOE) at 
December 31, 2012. The net increase of 3.0 million BOE in our proved developed reserves from December 31, 2011 
to December 31, 2012 was composed of (1) additions of 7.4 million BOE, including 4.7 million Bbl of oil and  
16.2 Bcf of natural gas (2.7 million BOE), plus conversions of 0.4 million BOE, including 0.3 million Bbl of oil and 
0.8 Bcf of natural gas (0.1 million BOE) from proved undeveloped to proved developed reserves, less (2) net oil  
and natural gas production of 3.3 million BOE, including 1.2 million Bbl of oil and 12.5 Bcf of natural gas (2.1 million 
BOE), less (3) downward revisions of proved developed reserves by 1.5 million BOE, including 0.5 million Bbl of  
oil and 6.2 Bcf of natural gas (1.0 million BOE). The downward revisions in proved developed natural gas reserves 
were primarily attributable to the lower natural gas prices used to estimate proved reserves at December 31, 2012 
as compared to December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded no changes to 
proved developed reserves as a result of the acquisition or divestment of reserves.

Our proved undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves decreased from 21.4 million BOE at December 31, 2011 to 

10.1 million BOE at December 31, 2012. Our proved undeveloped oil reserves increased from 2.4 million Bbl at 
December 31, 2011 to 5.7 million Bbl at December 31, 2012 as a result of our drilling operations in the Eagle Ford 
shale. Our proved undeveloped natural gas reserves decreased from 113.9 Bcf (19.0 million BOE) at December 31, 
2011 to 26.0 Bcf (4.3 million BOE) at December 31, 2012 due primarily to the removal of 97.8 Bcf (16.3 million BOE) 
of previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana  
as a result of lower natural gas prices in 2012. The net decrease of 11.3 million BOE in our proved undeveloped 
reserves from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 is composed of (1) additions to proved undeveloped 
reserves of 5.5 million BOE, including 4.0 million Bbl of oil and 9.3 Bcf of natural gas (1.5 million BOE) identified 
through drilling operations, less (2) the conversion of 0.4 million BOE of proved undeveloped reserves to proved 
developed reserves, including 0.3 million Bbl of oil and 0.8 Bcf of natural gas (0.1 million BOE), less (3) the net 
downward revisions of proved undeveloped reserves by 16.4 million BOE in the period, including 0.3 million Bbl of 
oil and 96.4 Bcf (16.1 million BOE). During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded no changes to proved 
undeveloped reserves as a result of the acquisition or divestment of reserves. At December 31, 2012, we had no 
proved reserves in our estimates that remained undeveloped for five years or more following their initial booking.

FORM 10-K PART I

22 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

23    

The following table sets forth additional summary information by operating area with respect to our estimated 

net proved reserves at December 31, 2012:

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk (5) 
  Area Total 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley (6) 
  Area Total 

SE New Mexico, West Texas 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho (7) 

  Total 

(1)  Numbers in table may not total due to rounding.

Net Proved Reserves(1)

  Oil 

(MBbl) 

10,358 
7 
10,365 

— 
34 
34 
86 
— 
10,485 

 Gas  

(Bcf) 

 23.8 
  0.1 
 23.9 

 47.1 
  8.9 
 56.0 
  0.1 
  — 
 80.0 

Oil 
 Equivalent  

  PV-10(2) 

Standardized
  Measure(3) 

(MBOE)(4) 

(in millions) 

(in millions)

 14,331 
20 
 14,351 

  7,856 
  1,512 
  9,368 
100 
— 
 23,819 

 393.2 
  0.4 
 393.6 

  21.8 
  5.8 
  27.6 
  2.0 
  — 
 423.2 

  366.6
0.4
  367.0

  20.3
5.4
  25.7
1.9
  —
  394.6

(2)  PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and generally differs from Standardized Measure, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, 

because it does not include the effects of income taxes on future net revenues. PV-10 is not an estimate of the fair market value of our 
properties. We and others in the industry use PV-10 as a measure to compare the relative size and value of proved reserves held by companies 
and of the potential return on investment related to the companies’ properties without regard to the specific tax characteristics of such entities. 
Our PV-10 at December 31, 2012 may be reconciled to our Standardized Measure of discounted future net cash flows at such date by reducing 
our PV-10 by the discounted future income taxes associated with such reserves. The discounted future income taxes at December 31, 2012 
were approximately $28.6 million.

(3)  Standardized Measure represents the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves, less estimated future 

development, production, plugging and abandonment costs and income tax expenses, discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of 
future cash flows. Standardized Measure is not an estimate of the fair market value of our properties.

(4)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

(5)  Includes two wells producing small volumes of natural gas from the San Miguel formation in Zavala County, Texas.

(6)  Includes the Cotton Valley formation and shallower zones and also includes one well producing from the Frio formation in Orange County, 

Texas.

(7)  At December 31, 2012, we had no proved reserves attributable to our acreage in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas of Utah and Idaho.

Technology Used to Establish Reserves

Under current SEC rules, proved reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of 

geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a 
given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and 
government regulations. The term “reasonable certainty” implies a high degree of confidence that the quantities of 
oil and/or natural gas actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. Reasonable certainty can be established 
using techniques that have been proven effective by actual production from projects in the same reservoir or an 
analogous reservoir or by other evidence using reliable technology that establishes reasonable certainty. Reliable 
technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that have been field tested 
and have been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the 
formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

In order to establish reasonable certainty with respect to our estimated proved reserves, we used technologies 

that have been demonstrated to yield results with consistency and repeatability. The technologies and technical  
data used in the estimation of our proved reserves include, but are not limited to, electric logs, radioactivity logs, 
core analyses, geologic maps and available downhole and production data, seismic data and well test data. Reserves 
for proved developed producing wells were estimated using production performance and material balance 
methods. Certain new producing properties with little production history were forecast using a combination of 
production performance and analogy to offset production. Non-producing reserves estimates for both developed 
and undeveloped properties were forecast using either volumetric and/or analogy methods.

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
         
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
 
 
         
 
 
24 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Internal Control Over Reserves Estimation Process

We maintain an internal staff of petroleum engineers and geoscience professionals to ensure the integrity, 

accuracy and timeliness of the data used in our reserves estimation process. Our Reserves Manager is primarily 
responsible for overseeing the preparation of our reserves estimates and has over 16 years of industry experience. 
Our Reserves Manager received his Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University, is a 
Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and received a certificate of completion in a prescribed course 
of study in Reserves and Evaluation from Texas A&M University in May 2009. Our Vice President — Reservoir 
Engineering is responsible for reviewing and approving our reserves estimates and has over 35 years of industry 
experience. Following the preparation of our reserves estimates, we had our reserves estimates audited for their 
reasonableness by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent reservoir engineers. The Engineering 
Committee of our board of directors reviews the reserves report and our reserves estimation process, and the results 
of the reserves report and the independent audit of our reserves are reviewed by members of our board of 
directors, including members of our Audit Committee.

ACREAGE SUMMARY

The following table sets forth the approximate acreage in which we held a leasehold, mineral or other interest at 

December 31, 2012. At that date, about 44% of our total net acreage had been developed, although these 
percentages are somewhat higher in South Texas and much higher in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas.

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk 

  Area Total (1) 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley (2) 
  Area Total (3) 

SE New Mexico, West Texas 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho 

  Total  

  Developed Acres 

  Undeveloped Acres   

Total Acres 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net

 18,236 
  8,892 
 18,236 

 19,286 
 22,085 
 24,749 
  1,160 
  — 
 44,145 

  15,736 
8,892 
  15,736 

  11,178 
  19,435 
  21,859 
991 
— 
  38,586 

  24,220 
  13,893 
  24,220 

  2,995 
  3,370 
  3,444 
  14,700 
  55,273 
  97,637 

  12,175 
  8,573 
  12,175 

  2,995 
  3,034 
  3,109 
  6,600 
  27,180 
  49,064 

  42,456 
  22,785 
  42,456 

  22,281 
  25,455 
  28,193 
  15,860 
  55,273 
 141,782 

  27,911
  17,465
  27,911

  14,173
  22,469
  24,968
  7,591
  27,180
  87,650

(1)  Some of the same leases cover the gross and net acreage shown for both the Eagle Ford shale and the Austin Chalk formation, a 

shallower formation than the Eagle Ford shale. Therefore, the sum of the total gross and net acreage for both formations is not equal to the 
total gross and net acreage for South Texas.

(2)  Includes shallower zones and also includes acreage surrounding one well producing from the Frio formation in Orange County, Texas.

(3)  Some of the same leases cover the gross and net acreage shown for both the Haynesville formation and the Cotton Valley formation, a 
shallower formation than the Haynesville shale. Therefore, the sum of the net acreage for both formations is not equal to the total gross and  
net acreage for Northwest Louisiana and East Texas.

FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

25    

UNDEVELOPED ACREAGE ExPIRATION

The following table sets forth the approximate number of gross and net undeveloped acres at December 31, 2012 

that will expire prior to December 31, 2014 by operating area unless production is established within the spacing 
units covering the acreage prior to the expiration dates or unless the existing leases are renewed prior to expiration 
or unless continued operations maintain the leases beyond the expiration of each respective primary term.

South Texas:
  Eagle Ford 
  Austin Chalk 

  Area Total (1) 

NW Louisiana/East Texas:
  Haynesville 
  Cotton Valley 

  Area Total (2) 

SE New Mexico, West Texas 
SW Wyoming, NE Utah, SE Idaho 

  Total  

  Acres Expiring 2013   

  Acres Expiring 2014 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net

  8,832 
  5,260 
  8,832 

— 
— 
— 
  8,717 
  5,882 
  23,431 

  4,455 
  3,689 
  4,455 

— 
— 
— 
  2,658 
  2,861 
  9,974 

  3,903 
589 
  3,903 

33 
— 
33 
  7,514 
— 
  11,450 

613
89
613

33
—
33
497
—
  1,143

(1)  Some of the same leases cover the gross and net acreage shown for both the Eagle Ford shale and the Austin Chalk formation, a shallower 

formation than the Eagle Ford shale. Therefore, the sum of the total gross and net acreage for both formations is not equal to the total gross 
and net acreage for South Texas.

(2)  Some of the same leases cover the gross and net acreage shown for the Haynesville shale and the Cotton Valley formation, a shallower 

formation than the Haynesville shale. Therefore, the sum of the total gross and net acreage for both formations is not equal to the total gross 
and net acreage for Northwest Louisiana and East Texas.

Many of the leases comprising the acreage set forth in the table above will expire at the end of their respective 

primary terms unless operations are conducted which will serve to maintain the respective leases in effect beyond  
the expiration of the primary term or unless production from the acreage has been established prior to such date, in 
which event the lease will remain in effect until the cessation of production in commercial quantities in most cases. 
We also have options to extend some of our leases through payment of additional lease bonus payments prior to 
the expiration of the primary term of the leases. In addition, we may attempt to secure a new lease upon the 
expiration of certain of our acreage; however, there may be third party leases that become effective immediately if 
our leases expire at the end of their respective terms and production has not been established prior to such date  
or operations are not conducted to maintain the leases in effect beyond the primary term. Our leases are mainly fee 
leases with three to five years of primary term. We believe that our lease terms are similar to our competitors’  
fee lease terms as they relate to both primary term and royalty interests.

FORM 10-K PART I

  FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

DRILLING RESULTS

The following table summarizes our drilling activity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

Development Wells
  Productive 
  Dry   
Exploration Wells
  Productive 
  Dry   
Total Wells
  Productive 
  Dry   

MARKETING

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net 

Gross 

Net

  36 
  — 

  22 
  — 

  58 
  — 

 17.1 
  — 

 10.4 
  — 

 27.6 
  — 

  30 
  — 

  30 
  — 

  60 
  — 

  0.6 
  — 

5 
  — 

  1.7
  —

  10.2 
  — 

  36 
  — 

  3.4
  —

  10.8 
  — 

  41 
  — 

  5.1
  —

Our crude oil is generally sold under short-term, extendable and cancellable agreements with unaffiliated 

purchasers based on published price bulletins reflecting an established field posting price. As a consequence, the 
prices we receive for crude oil and a portion of our heavier liquids move up and down in direct correlation with  
the oil market as it reacts to supply and demand factors. The prices of the remaining lighter liquids move up and 
down independently of any relationship between the crude oil and natural gas markets. Transportation costs 
related to moving crude oil and liquids are also deducted from the price received for crude oil and liquids.

Our natural gas is sold under both long-term and short-term natural gas purchase agreements. Natural gas 

produced by us is sold at various delivery points at or near producing wells to both unaffiliated independent 
marketing companies and unaffiliated mid-stream companies. We receive proceeds from prices that are based on 
various pipeline indices less any associated fees. When there is an opportunity to do so, the mid-stream companies 
may, at our request, process our natural gas at a processing facility and extract liquid hydrocarbons from the 
natural gas. We are then paid for the extracted liquids based on either a negotiated percentage of the proceeds that 
are generated from the mid-stream companies’ sale of the liquids, or other negotiated pricing arrangements using 
then-current market pricing less fixed rate processing, transportation and fractionation fees.

The prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production fluctuate widely. Factors that cause price fluctuations 

include the level of demand for oil and natural gas, weather conditions, hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region, natural 
gas storage levels, domestic and foreign governmental regulations, the actions of OPEC, price and availability of 
alternative fuels, political conditions in oil and natural gas producing regions, the domestic and foreign supply of oil 
and natural gas, the price of foreign imports and overall economic conditions. Decreases in these commodity prices 
do adversely affect the carrying value of our proved reserves and our revenues, profitability and cash flows. 
Short-term disruptions of our oil and natural gas production do occur from time to time due to downstream pipeline 
system failure, capacity issues and scheduled maintenance, as well as maintenance and repairs involving our  
own well operations. These situations, if they occur, curtail our production capabilities and ability to maintain a steady 
source of revenue. In addition, demand for natural gas has historically been seasonal in nature, with peak demand 
and typically higher prices during the colder winter months. See “Risk Factors — Our Success Is Dependent  
on the Prices of Oil and Natural Gas. Low Oil or Natural Gas Prices and the Substantial Volatility in These Prices May 
Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Our Ability to Meet Our Capital Expenditure Requirements and 
Financial Obligations.”

FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

27    

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we had three significant purchasers that accounted for 

approximately 74%, 60% and 70%, respectively, of our total oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues. 
Due to the nature of the markets for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, we do not believe that the loss of any 
one of these purchasers would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or 
cash flows for any significant period of time.

Effective September 1, 2012, we entered into a firm five-year natural gas processing and transportation 

agreement whereby we committed to transport the anticipated natural gas production from a significant portion of 
our Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas through the counterparty’s system for processing at the counterparty’s 
facilities. The agreement also includes firm transportation of the natural gas liquids extracted at the counterparty’s 
processing plant downstream for fractionation. After processing, the residue natural gas is purchased by the 
counterparty at the tailgate of its processing plant and further transported under its firm natural gas transportation 
agreements. The arrangement contains fixed processing and liquids transportation and fractionation fees,  
and the revenue we receive varies with the quality of natural gas transported to the processing facilities and the 
contract period.

Under this agreement, if we do not meet 80% of the maximum thermal quantity transportation and processing 

commitments in a contract year, we will be required to pay a deficiency fee per MMBtu of natural gas deficiency. 
Any quantity in excess of the maximum MMBtu delivered in a contract year can be carried over to the next 
contract year for purposes of calculating the natural gas deficiency. We believe that our current and anticipated 
production from the wells covered by this agreement is sufficient to meet 80% of the maximum thermal quantity 
transportation and processing commitments under this agreement.

We were also party to one natural gas transportation agreement at December 31, 2012 that requires us to 

deliver a specified volume of natural gas through a pipeline for a fixed period of time. If we fail to meet the 
volume requirement, we are required to pay an amount to the owners of the pipeline to offset a portion of the 
expenses they incurred in building the pipeline to our well location. This contract does not constitute a material 
commitment. See “Risk Factors — The Marketability of Our Production Is Dependent upon Oil and Natural Gas 
Gathering, Processing and Transportation Facilities Owned and Operated by Third Parties, and the Unavailability  
of Satisfactory Oil and Natural Gas Gathering, Processing and Transportation Arrangements Would Have a Material 
Adverse Effect on Our Revenue.”

TITLE TO PROPERTIES

We endeavor to assure that title to our properties is in accordance with standards generally accepted in the oil 

and natural gas industry. Some of our acreage will be obtained through farmout agreements, term assignments 
and other contractual arrangements with third parties, the terms of which often will require the drilling of wells or 
the undertaking of other exploratory or development activities in order to retain our interests in the acreage.  
Our title to these contractual interests will be contingent upon our satisfactory fulfillment of these obligations. Our 
properties are also subject to customary royalty interests, liens incident to financing arrangements, operating 
agreements, taxes and other burdens that we believe will not materially interfere with the use and operation of or 
affect the value of these properties. We intend to maintain our leasehold interests by conducting operations, 
where required, or making lease rental payments or by producing oil and natural gas from wells in paying quantities 
prior to expiration of various time periods to avoid lease termination. Certain of the leases that we have obtained  
to date have been purchased by and in the name of professional lease brokers as our nominee. See “Risk Factors —  
We May Incur Losses or Costs as a Result of Title Deficiencies in the Properties in Which We Invest.”

FORM 10-K PART I

  FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
28 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

COMPETITION

The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive. We compete and will continue to compete with major and 

independent oil and natural gas companies for exploration opportunities, acreage and property acquisitions. We  
also compete for drilling rig contracts and other equipment and labor required to drill, operate and develop our 
properties. Most of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources, staffs, facilities and other resources. 
In addition, larger competitors may be able to absorb the burden of any changes in federal, state and local laws  
and regulations more easily than we can, which would adversely affect our competitive position. These competitors 
may be able to pay more for drilling rigs or exploratory prospects and productive oil and natural gas properties  
and may be able to identify, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than we 
can. Our competitors may also be able to afford to purchase and operate their own drilling rigs and hydraulic 
fracturing equipment.

Our ability to drill and explore for oil and natural gas and to acquire properties will depend upon our ability to 

conduct operations, to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in this highly 
competitive environment. We have been conducting field operations since 2004 while our competitors have a longer 
history of operations, and most of them have also demonstrated the ability to operate through industry cycles.

The oil and natural gas industry also competes with other energy-related industries in supplying the energy and  
fuel requirements of industrial, commercial and individual consumers. See “Risk Factors — Competition in the Oil 
and Natural Gas Industry Is Intense, Making It More Difficult for Us to Acquire Properties, Market Oil and Natural 
Gas and Secure Trained Personnel.”

REGULATION

Oil and Natural Gas Regulation

Our oil and natural gas exploration, development, production and related operations are subject to extensive 

federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations can 
result in substantial monetary penalties or delay or suspension of operations. The regulatory burden on the oil and 
natural gas industry increases our cost of doing business and affects our profitability. Because these laws, rules  
and regulations are frequently amended or reinterpreted and new laws, rules and regulations are promulgated, we 
are unable to predict the future cost or impact of complying with the laws, rules and regulations to which we are,  
or will become, subject. Our competitors in the oil and natural gas industry are generally subject to the same regulatory 
requirements and restrictions that affect our operations. We cannot predict the impact of future government 
regulation on our properties or operations.

Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah and many other states require permits for drilling 

operations, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations and impose other requirements relating to the 
exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. Many states also have statutes or regulations 
addressing conservation of oil and natural gas and other matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of 
oil and natural gas properties, the establishment of maximum rates of production from wells, the regulation of  
well spacing, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, the sourcing and disposal 
of water used in the drilling and completion process and the plugging and abandonment of these wells. Many 
states restrict production to the market demand for oil and natural gas. Some states have enacted statutes 
prescribing ceiling prices for natural gas sold within their boundaries. Additionally, some regulatory agencies have, 
from time to time, imposed price controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of oil and 
natural gas wells below natural production capacity in order to conserve supplies of oil and natural gas. Moreover, 
each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural 
gas and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction.

FORM 10-K PART I

28 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

29    

Some of our oil and natural gas leases are issued by agencies of the federal government, as well as agencies  
of the states in which we operate. These leases contain various restrictions on access and development and other 
requirements that may impede our ability to conduct operations on the acreage represented by these leases.

Our sales of natural gas, as well as the revenues we receive from our sales, are affected by the availability, terms 

and costs of transportation. The rates, terms and conditions applicable to the interstate transportation of natural  
gas by pipelines are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, under the Natural Gas Act of 
1938, or the NGA, as well as under Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, or the NGPA. Since 1985, 
FERC has implemented regulations intended to increase competition within the natural gas industry by making 
natural gas transportation more accessible to natural gas buyers and sellers on an open-access, non-discriminatory 
basis. The natural gas industry has historically, however, been heavily regulated and we can give no assurance 
that the current less stringent regulatory approach of FERC will continue.

In 2005, Congress enacted the Domenici-Barton Energy Policy Act of 2005, or the Energy Policy Act. The Energy 

Policy Act, among other things, amended the NGA to prohibit market manipulation by any entity, to direct  
FERC to facilitate market transparency in the market for the sale or transportation of physical natural gas in interstate 
commerce and to significantly increase the penalties for violations of the NGA, the NGPA or FERC rules, 
regulations or orders thereunder. FERC has promulgated regulations to implement the Energy Policy Act. Should we 
violate the anti-market manipulation laws and related regulations, in addition to FERC-imposed penalties, we may 
also be subject to third-party damage claims.

Intrastate natural gas transportation is subject to regulation by state regulatory agencies. The basis for intrastate 

regulation of natural gas transportation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate 
natural gas pipeline rates and services varies from state to state. Because these regulations will apply to all intrastate 
natural gas shippers within the same state on a comparable basis, we believe that the regulation in any states in 
which we operate will not affect our operations in any way that is materially different from our competitors that are 
similarly situated.

The price we receive from the sale of oil and natural gas liquids will be affected by the availability, terms and cost of 

transportation of the products to market. Under rules adopted by FERC, interstate oil pipelines can change rates 
based on an inflation index, though other rate mechanisms may be used in specific circumstances. Intrastate oil 
pipeline transportation rates are subject to regulation by state regulatory commissions, which varies from state  
to state. We are not able to predict with certainty the effects, if any, of these regulations on our operations.

In 2007, the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007, or the EISA, went into effect. The EISA, among 

other things, prohibits market manipulation by any person in connection with the purchase or sale of crude oil, 
gasoline or petroleum distillates at wholesale in contravention of such rules and regulations that the Federal Trade 
Commission may prescribe, directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the regulations and establishes 
penalties for violations thereunder. We cannot predict any future laws or regulations or their impact.

U.S. Federal and State Taxation

The federal, state and local governments in the areas in which we operate impose taxes on the oil and natural 

gas products we sell and, for many of our wells, sales and use taxes on significant portions of our drilling and 
operating costs. Many states have raised state taxes on energy sources or state taxes associated with the 
extraction of hydrocarbons, and additional increases may occur. In addition, there has been a significant amount of 
discussion by legislators and presidential administrations concerning a variety of energy tax proposals. President 
Obama has proposed sweeping changes to federal laws on the income taxation of small oil and natural gas 
exploration and production companies like ours. Among other issues, President Obama has proposed to eliminate 
allowing small U.S. oil and natural gas companies to deduct intangible drilling costs as incurred and percentage 
depletion. Changes to tax laws could adversely affect our business and our financial results. See “Risk Factors —  

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
30 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

We Are Subject to Federal, State and Local Taxes, and May Become Subject to New Taxes or Have Eliminated or 
Reduced Certain Federal Income Tax Deductions Currently Available with Respect to Oil and Natural Gas Exploration 
and Production Activities as a Result of Future Legislation, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial 
Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows.”

Hydraulic Fracturing Policies and Procedures

We use hydraulic fracturing as a means to maximize the recovery of oil and natural gas in almost every well that 
we drill and complete. Our engineers responsible for these operations attend specialized hydraulic fracturing training 
programs taught by industry professionals. Although average drilling and completion costs for each area will vary,  
as will the cost of each well within a given area, on average approximately 50% of the drilling and completion costs 
for our horizontal wells are associated with hydraulic fracturing activities. These costs are treated in the same  
way that all other costs of drilling and completion of our wells are treated and are built into and funded through our 
normal capital expenditure budget. A change to any federal and state laws and regulations governing hydraulic 
fracturing could impact these costs and adversely affect our business and financial results. See “Risk Factors — 
Federal and State Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives Relating to Hydraulic Fracturing Could Result in Increased 
Costs and Additional Operating Restrictions or Delays.”

The protection of groundwater quality is important to us. We believe that we follow all state and federal 

regulations and apply industry standard practices for groundwater protection in our operations. These measures are 
subject to close supervision by state and federal regulators (including the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) 
with respect to federal acreage).

Although rare, if and when the cement and steel casing used in well construction requires remediation, we deal 
with these problems by evaluating the issue, running diagnostic tools, including cement bond logs, temperature logs 
and pressure testing, followed by pumping remedial cement jobs and other appropriate remedial measures.

The vast majority of hydraulic fracturing treatments are made up of water and sand or other kinds of man-made 

propping agents. We use major hydraulic fracturing service companies who track and report chemical additives 
that are used in the fracturing operation as required by the appropriate governmental agencies. These service 
companies fracture stimulate thousands of wells each year for the industry and invest millions of dollars to protect 
the environment through rigorous safety procedures, and also work to develop more environmentally friendly 
fracturing fluids. We also follow safety procedures and monitor all aspects of the fracturing operation in an attempt 
to ensure environmental protection. We do not pump any diesel in the fluid systems of any of our fracture 
stimulation procedures.

While current fracture stimulation procedures utilize a significant amount of water, we typically recover less than 

10% of this fracture stimulation water before produced salt water becomes a significant portion of the fluids 
produced. All produced water, including fracture stimulation water, is disposed of in permitted and regulated disposal 
facilities in a way that is designed to avoid any impact to surface waters.

Environmental Regulation

The exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas, including the operation of salt water injection 

and disposal wells, are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws 
and regulations can increase the costs of planning, designing, installing and operating oil and natural gas wells. Our 
activities are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to: the Oil Pollution 
Act of 1990, or the OPA 90, the Clean Water Act, or the CWA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, the Clean Air 
Act, or the CAA, the Safe Drinking Water Act, or the SDWA, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or  
OSHA, as well as comparable state statutes and regulations. We are also subject to regulations governing the 
handling, transportation, storage and disposal of wastes generated by our activities and naturally occurring 

FORM 10-K PART I

30 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

31    

radioactive materials, or NORM, that may result from our oil and natural gas operations. Administrative, civil and 
criminal fines and penalties may be imposed for noncompliance with these environmental laws and regulations. 
Additionally, these laws and regulations require the acquisition of permits or other governmental authorizations 
before undertaking some activities, limit or prohibit other activities because of protected wetlands, areas or species 
and require investigation and cleanup of pollution. We expect to remain in compliance in all material respects with 
currently applicable environmental laws and regulations and expect that these laws and regulations will not have a 
material adverse impact on us.

The OPA 90 and its regulations impose requirements on “responsible parties” related to the prevention of crude 

oil spills and related to liability for damages resulting from oil spills into or upon navigable waters, adjoining 
shorelines or in the exclusive economic zone of the United States. A “responsible party” under the OPA 90 may 
include the owner or operator of an onshore facility. The OPA 90 subjects responsible parties to strict, joint and 
several financial liability for removal costs and other damages, including natural resource damages, caused by an oil 
spill that is covered by the statute. It also imposes other requirements on responsible parties, such as the 
preparation of an oil spill contingency plan. Failure to comply with the OPA 90 may subject a responsible party to 
civil or criminal enforcement action. We may conduct operations on acreage located near, or that affects, navigable 
waters subject to the OPA 90. We believe that compliance with applicable requirements under the OPA 90 will  
not have a material adverse effect on us.

The CWA and comparable state laws impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of produced 
waters, fill materials and other materials into navigable waters. These controls have become more stringent over the 
years, and it is possible that additional restrictions will be imposed in the future. Permits are required to discharge 
pollutants into certain state and federal waters and to conduct construction activities in those waters and wetlands. 
Certain state regulations and the general permits issued under the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
System program prohibit the discharge of produced water, produced sand, drilling fluids, drill cuttings and  
certain other substances related to the oil and natural gas industry into certain coastal and offshore waters. Further, 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, has adopted regulations requiring certain oil and natural  
gas exploration and production facilities to obtain permits for storm water discharges. Costs may be associated with 
the treatment of wastewater or developing and implementing storm water pollution prevention plans. The CWA  
and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for any unauthorized 
discharges of oil and other pollutants and impose liability for the costs of removal or remediation of contamination 
resulting from such discharges. In furtherance of the CWA, the EPA promulgated the Spill Prevention, Control, 
and Countermeasure regulations, which require certain oil-storing facilities to prepare plans and meet construction 
and operating standards.

CERCLA, also known as the “Superfund” law, imposes liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the 

original conduct, on various classes of persons that are considered to have contributed to the release of a 
“hazardous substance” into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the disposal site 
where the release occurred and companies that disposed of, or arranged for the disposal of, the hazardous 
substances found at the site. Persons who are responsible for releases of hazardous substances under CERCLA 
may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances and for 
damages to natural resources. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to 
file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the 
environment. Although CERCLA generally exempts petroleum from the definition of hazardous substances, our 
operations may, and in all likelihood will, involve the use or handling of materials that may be classified as hazardous 
substances under CERCLA. Many states have adopted similar statutes. Certain state statutes may impose liability  
for a broader range of contaminants and may not contain a similar exemption for petroleum. Furthermore, we may 
acquire or operate properties that unknown to us have been subjected to, or have caused or contributed to, prior 
releases of hazardous substances or other materials requiring remediation.

FORM 10-K PART I

  FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
32 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

RCRA and comparable state and local statutes govern the management, including treatment, storage and 

disposal, of both hazardous and nonhazardous solid wastes. We generate hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste 
in connection with our routine operations. At present, RCRA includes a statutory exemption that allows many 
wastes associated with crude oil and natural gas exploration and production to be classified as nonhazardous waste. 
A similar exemption is contained in many of the state counterparts to RCRA. Not all of the wastes we generate  
fall within these exemptions. At various times in the past, proposals have been made to amend RCRA to eliminate 
the exemption applicable to crude oil and natural gas exploration and production wastes. Repeal or modifications of 
this exemption by administrative, legislative or judicial process, or through changes in applicable state statutes, 
would increase the volume of hazardous waste we are required to manage and dispose of and would cause us, as 
well as our competitors, to incur increased operating expenses. Hazardous wastes are subject to more stringent 
and costly disposal requirements than are nonhazardous wastes.

The CAA, as amended, and comparable state laws restrict the emission of air pollutants from many sources, 
including oil and natural gas production. These laws and any implementing regulations impose stringent air permit 
requirements and require us to obtain pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities 
expected to produce air emissions, or to use specific equipment or technologies to control emissions. On April 17, 
2012, the EPA issued final rules to subject oil and natural gas operations to regulation under the New Source 
Performance Standards, or NSPS, and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, or NESHAPS, 
programs under the CAA, and to impose new and amended requirements under both programs. The EPA rules 
include NSPS standards for completions of hydraulically fractured natural gas wells. Before January 1, 2015, these 
standards require owners/operators to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from natural gas not  
sent to the gathering line during well completion either by flaring using a completion combustion device or  
by capturing the natural gas using green completions with a completion combustion device. Beginning January 1, 
2015, operators must capture the natural gas and make it available for use or sale, which can be done through 
the use of green completions. The standards are applicable to new hydraulically fractured wells and also existing 
wells that are refractured. Further, the finalized regulations also establish specific new requirements, effective in 
2012, for emissions from compressors, controllers, dehydrators, storage tanks, natural gas processing plants  
and certain other equipment. These rules may require changes to our operations, including the installation of new 
equipment to control emissions. We are currently evaluating the effect these rules will have on our business.

Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, and any changes that result in more stringent 

and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal, cleanup or operating requirements could materially 
adversely affect our operations and financial position, as well as those of the oil and natural gas industry in general. 
For instance, recent scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as 
“greenhouse gases,” and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to the warming of the Earth’s 
atmosphere. As a result, there have been attempts to pass comprehensive greenhouse gas legislation. To date, 
such legislation has not been enacted. Any future federal laws or implementing regulations that may be adopted to 
address greenhouse gas emissions could, and in all likelihood would, require us to incur increased operating costs 
adversely affecting our profits and could adversely affect demand for the oil and natural gas we produce, depressing 
the prices we receive for oil and natural gas.

The EPA has adopted rules under the CAA for the permitting of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary 
sources under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) and Title V permitting programs. The EPA has 
adopted a multi-tiered approach to this permitting, with the largest sources first subject to permitting. In addition, on 
October 30, 2009, the EPA published a rule requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from specified 
sources in the United States beginning in 2011 for emissions occurring in 2010. On November 30, 2010, the EPA 
released a rule that expands its final rule on greenhouse gas emissions reporting to include owners and operators  
of onshore and offshore oil and natural gas production, onshore natural gas processing, natural gas storage, natural 
gas transmission and natural gas distribution facilities. Reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from such onshore 
production was first required on an annual basis in 2012 for emissions occurring in 2011. The adoption and 

FORM 10-K PART I

32 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

33    

implementation of any regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or limiting emissions of greenhouse gases 
from, our equipment and operations could, and in all likelihood will, require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of 
greenhouse gases associated with our operations adversely affecting our profits or could adversely affect demand 
for the oil and natural gas we produce, depressing the prices we receive for oil and natural gas.

Some states have begun taking actions to control and/or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily 
through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories and/or state or regional greenhouse gas 
cap-and-trade programs. Although most of the state-level initiatives have to date focused on significant sources of 
greenhouse gas emissions, such as coal-fired electric plants, it is possible that less significant sources of emissions 
could become subject to greenhouse gas emission limitations or emissions allowance purchase requirements in  
the future. Any one of these climate change regulatory and legislative initiatives could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Underground injection is the subsurface placement of fluid through a well, such as the reinjection of brine 
produced and separated from oil and natural gas production. In our industry, underground injection not only allows 
us to economically dispose of produced water, but if injected into an oil bearing zone, it can increase the oil 
production from such zone. The SDWA establishes a regulatory framework for underground injection, the primary 
objective of which is to ensure the mechanical integrity of the injection apparatus and to prevent migration of fluids 
from the injection zone into underground sources of drinking water. The disposal of hazardous waste by underground 
injection is subject to stricter requirements than the disposal of produced water. We currently own and operate five 
underground injection wells and expect to own other similar wells. Failure to obtain, or abide by, the requirements for 
the issuance of necessary permits could subject us to civil and/or criminal enforcement actions and penalties.

Our activities involve the use of hydraulic fracturing. For more information on our hydraulic fracturing operations, 

see “— Hydraulic Fracturing Policies and Procedures.” Recently, there has been increasing regulatory scrutiny  
of hydraulic fracturing, which is generally exempted from regulation as underground injection (unless diesel is a 
component of the fracturing fluid) on the federal level pursuant to the SDWA. However, the U.S. Senate and 
House of Representatives have considered legislation to repeal this exemption. If enacted, these proposals would 
amend the definition of “underground injection” in the SDWA to encompass hydraulic fracturing activities. If 
enacted, such a provision could require hydraulic fracturing operations to meet permitting and financial assurance 
requirements, adhere to certain construction specifications, fulfill monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping 
obligations and meet plugging and abandonment requirements. These legislative proposals have also contained 
language to require the reporting and public disclosure of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process.  
If the exemption for hydraulic fracturing is removed from the SDWA, or if other legislation is enacted at the federal, 
state or local level, any restrictions on the use of hydraulic fracturing contained in any such legislation could have  
a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, in some states and localities, there has been a push to place additional regulatory burdens upon 

hydraulic fracturing activities and, in some areas, to severely restrict or prohibit those activities. At the state level, 
Texas and Wyoming, for example, have enacted requirements for the disclosure of the composition of the fluids 
used in hydraulic fracturing. In addition, at least a few local governments or regional authorities have imposed 
temporary moratoria on drilling permits within city limits so that local ordinances may be reviewed to assess their 
adequacy to address hydraulic fracturing activities. Additional burdens upon hydraulic fracturing, such as reporting 
or permitting requirements, will result in additional expense and delay in our operations.

The EPA has recently asserted federal regulatory authority over hydraulic fracturing using diesel under the 

SDWA’s Underground Injection Control Program. The EPA is currently conducting a study on the effects of 
hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. A progress report was released in December 2012, with final 
results expected in 2014. In addition, in December 2011, the EPA published an unrelated draft report concluding 
that hydraulic fracturing caused groundwater pollution in a natural gas field in Wyoming. This study remains subject 
to review, but such studies could result in additional regulatory scrutiny that could make it difficult to perform 

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

hydraulic fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business. The BLM has indicated that it is 
considering proposed rules to regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal lands. Further, the EPA has announced an 
initiative under the Toxic Substance Control Act to develop regulations governing the disclosure of hydraulic 
fracturing chemicals.

Oil and natural gas exploration and production, operations and other activities have been conducted at some of our 

properties by previous owners and operators. Materials from these operations remain on some of the properties, 
and, in some instances, require remediation. In addition, we occasionally must agree to indemnify sellers of 
producing properties from whom we acquire the properties against some of the liability for environmental claims 
associated with the properties. While we do not believe that costs we incur for compliance with environmental 
regulations and remediating previously or currently owned or operated properties will be material, we cannot 
provide any assurances that these costs will not result in material expenditures that adversely affect our profitability.

Additionally, in the course of our routine oil and natural gas operations, surface spills and leaks, including casing 
leaks, of oil or other materials will occur, and we will incur costs for waste handling and environmental compliance. 
It is also possible that our oil and natural gas operations may require us to manage NORM. NORM is present in 
varying concentrations in sub-surface formations, including hydrocarbon reservoirs, and may become concentrated 
in scale, film and sludge in equipment that comes in contact with crude oil and natural gas production and 
processing streams. Some states, including Texas, have enacted regulations governing the handling, treatment, 
storage and disposal of NORM. Moreover, we will be able to control directly the operations of only those wells  
for which we act as the operator. Despite our lack of control over wells owned partly by us but operated by others, 
the failure of the operator to comply with the applicable environmental regulations may, in certain circumstances,  
be attributable to us.

We are subject to the requirements of OSHA and comparable state statutes. The OSHA Hazard Communication 

Standard, the “community right-to-know” regulations under Title III of the federal Superfund Amendments and 
Reauthorization Act and similar state statutes require us to organize information about hazardous materials used, 
released or produced in our operations. Certain of this information must be provided to employees, state and local 
governmental authorities and local citizens. We are also subject to the requirements and reporting set forth in OSHA 
workplace standards.

The Endangered Species Act, or ESA, was established to protect endangered and threatened species. Pursuant 

to the ESA, if a species is listed as threatened or endangered, restrictions may be imposed on activities 
adversely affecting that species’ habitat. Similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the Migratory Bird 
Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must also designate the species’ critical habitat and suitable habitat  
as part of the effort to ensure survival of the species. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation could result in 
material restrictions on land use and may materially impact oil and natural gas development. If a portion of our 
leases were designated as critical or suitable habitat, our ability to maximize production from our leases may be 
adversely impacted.

We have not in the past been, and do not anticipate in the near future to be, required to expend amounts that  
are material in relation to our total capital expenditures as a result of environmental laws and regulations, but since 
these laws and regulations are periodically amended, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance. 
We have no assurance that more stringent laws and regulations protecting the environment will not be adopted  
or that we will not otherwise incur material expenses in connection with environmental laws and regulations  
in the future. See “Risk Factors — We Are Subject to Government Regulation and Liability, including Complex 
Environmental Laws, Which Could Require Significant Expenditures.”

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2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

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The clear trend in environmental regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may 
affect the environment. The EPA has announced that one of its enforcement initiatives for 2011 to 2013 is to focus 
on compliance by the energy extraction sector. Any changes in environmental laws and regulations or re-interpretation 
of enforcement policies that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or 
remediation requirements could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position. We may be 
unable to pass on such increased compliance costs to our customers. Moreover, accidental releases or spills  
may occur in the course of our operations, and we have no assurance that we will not incur significant costs and 
liabilities as a result of such releases or spills, including any third party claims for damage to property, natural 
resources or persons.

We maintain insurance against some, but not all, potential risks and losses associated with our industry and 
operations. We do not currently carry business interruption insurance. For some risks, we may not obtain insurance 
if we believe the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, pollution  
and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not 
fully covered by insurance, it could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and  
cash flows.

OFFICE LEASE

Our corporate headquarters are located in approximately 36,500 square feet of office space at One Lincoln 

Centre, 5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas. The initial lease, as amended, expires on June 30, 2022 and 
at December 31, 2012 covered approximately 29,000 square feet. On January 16, 2013, we entered into a  
fourth amendment to our office lease agreement to include approximately 7,800 square feet of additional space, 
increasing the size of our corporate headquarters from approximately 28,700 square feet to approximately  
36,500 square feet.

EMPLOYEES

At December 31, 2012, we had 50 full-time employees. We believe that our relationships with our employees  

are satisfactory. No employee is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. From time to time, we use the 
services of independent consultants and contractors to perform various professional services, particularly in the 
areas of geology and geophysics, production operations, construction, design, well site surveillance and 
supervision, permitting and environmental assessment and legal and income tax preparation and accounting 
services. Independent contractors, at our request, drill all of our wells and usually perform field and on-site 
production operation services for us, including facilities construction, pumping, maintenance, dispatching, inspection 
and testing. If significant opportunities for company growth arise and require additional management and 
professional expertise, we will seek to employ qualified individuals to fill positions where that expertise is necessary 
to develop those opportunities.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our Internet website address is www.matadorresources.com. We make available, free of charge, through our 

website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and 
amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after providing such reports to the SEC. Also, the 
charters of our Audit Committee, Corporate Governance Committee, Executive Committee and Nominating, 
Compensation and Planning Committee, and our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for Officers, Directors and 
Employees, are available through our website and in print to any shareholder who provides a written request to 
the Corporate Secretary at One Lincoln Centre, 5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas 75240. The contents 
of our website are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other 
report or document we file and any reference to our website is intended to be an inactive textual reference only.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

RISKS RELATED TO THE OIL AND NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY AND OUR BUSINESS

Our Success Is Dependent on the Prices of Oil and Natural Gas. Low Oil or Natural Gas Prices and the 
Substantial Volatility in These Prices May Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Our Ability to Meet 
Our Capital Expenditure Requirements and Financial Obligations.

The prices we receive for our oil and natural gas heavily influence our revenue, profitability, cash flow available  

for capital expenditures, access to capital, borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement and future rate of 
growth. Oil and natural gas are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response 
to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile. 
These markets will likely continue to be volatile in the future. The prices we receive for our production, and the levels 
of our production, depend on numerous factors. These factors include the following:

•  the domestic and foreign supply of oil and natural gas;

•  the domestic and foreign demand for oil and natural gas;

•  the prices and availability of competitors’ supplies of oil and natural gas;

•  the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and state-controlled oil 

companies relating to oil price and production controls;

•  the price and quantity of foreign imports;

•  the impact of U.S. dollar exchange rates on oil and natural gas prices;

•  domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes;

•  speculative trading of oil and natural gas futures contracts;

•  the availability, proximity and capacity of gathering, processing and transportation systems for natural gas;

•  the availability of refining capacity;

•  the prices and availability of alternative fuel sources;

•  weather conditions and natural disasters;

•  political conditions in or affecting oil and natural gas producing regions, including the Middle East and 

South America;

•  the continued threat of terrorism and the impact of military action and civil unrest;

•  public pressure on, and legislative and regulatory interest within, federal, state and local governments to 

stop, significantly limit or regulate hydraulic fracturing activities;

•  the level of global oil and natural gas inventories and exploration and production activity;

•  the impact of energy conservation efforts;

•  technological advances affecting energy consumption; and

•  overall worldwide economic conditions.

Approximately 63% of our production during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 56% of our proved 

reserves at December 31, 2012 were attributable to natural gas. In addition, three of our largest assets or 
prospects — the Haynesville shale, Cotton Valley and Meade Peak shale — currently produce or are expected to 
produce predominantly natural gas. As a result, they are sensitive to fluctuations in natural gas prices.

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During 2012, natural gas prices declined to their lowest levels in many years, ranging from a low of approximately 
$1.91 per MMBtu in mid-April to a high of approximately $3.90 per MMBtu in late November, based upon the NYMEX 
Henry Hub natural gas futures contract price for the earliest delivery date. Natural gas prices had declined again since 
late November 2012 before increasing to $3.81 per MMBtu at March 14, 2013, based upon the NYMEX Henry Hub 
natural gas futures contract for the earliest delivery date. We would not expect to drill any operated natural gas wells, 
except for natural gas wells in specific exploration prospects like the Meade Peak shale, until natural gas prices 
improve further from these levels, the costs to drill and complete these wells decline further from their recent levels or 
new technologies are developed that increase expected recoveries.

In 2011, we began to focus on increasing our oil and liquids production. Specifically, our drilling opportunities in 

the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and our planned drilling opportunities in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring 
plays in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas focus on oil and liquids. Approximately 37% of our production 
during the year ended December 31, 2012 and 44% of our proved reserves at December 31, 2012 were attributable 
to oil. We currently intend to allocate approximately 98% of our 2013 capital expenditure budget to opportunities 
prospective for oil and liquids production, including primarily the Eagle Ford shale and the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring 
plays. These opportunities are sensitive to changes in oil prices.

Declines in oil or natural gas prices not only reduce our revenue, but could also reduce the amount of oil and 

natural gas that we can produce economically and could reduce the amount we may borrow under our Credit 
Agreement. Should oil prices decrease to economically unattractive levels and remain there for an extended period 
of time or should natural gas prices decline further or remain at current levels, we may elect in the future to delay 
some of our exploration and development plans for our prospects, or to cease exploration or development activities 
on certain prospects due to the anticipated unfavorable economics from such activities, each of which would have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and reserves. In addition, such 
declines in commodity prices could cause a reduction in our borrowing base. If the borrowing base were to be less 
than the outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement at any time, we would be required to provide 
additional collateral satisfactory in nature and value to the lenders to increase the borrowing base to an amount 
sufficient to cover such excess or repay the deficit in equal installments over a period of six months.

Drilling for and Producing Oil and Natural Gas Are Highly Speculative and Involve a High Degree of Risk, 
with Many Uncertainties That Could Adversely Affect Our Business.

Exploring for and developing hydrocarbon reserves involves a high degree of operational and financial risk, 
which precludes us from definitively predicting the costs involved and time required to reach certain objectives. 
Our drilling locations are in various stages of evaluation, ranging from locations that are ready to drill to locations 
that will require substantial additional interpretation before they can be drilled. The budgeted costs of planning, 
drilling, completing and operating wells are often exceeded and such costs can increase significantly due to various 
complications that may arise during the drilling, completing and operating processes. Before a well is spud, we  
may incur significant geological and geophysical (seismic) costs, which are incurred whether a well eventually 
produces commercial quantities of hydrocarbons, or is drilled at all. Exploration wells bear a much greater risk  
of loss than development wells. The analogies we draw from available data from other wells, more fully explored 
locations or producing fields may not be applicable to our drilling locations. If our actual drilling and development 
costs are significantly more than our estimated costs, we may not be able to continue our operations as proposed 
and could be forced to modify our drilling plans accordingly.

If we decide to drill a certain location, there is a risk that no commercially productive oil or natural gas reservoirs 

will be found or produced. We may drill or participate in new wells that are not productive. We may drill wells that  
are productive, but that do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other 
costs. There is no way to predict in advance of drilling and testing whether any particular location will yield oil or 
natural gas in sufficient quantities to recover exploration, drilling and completion costs or to be economically viable. 

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Even if sufficient amounts of oil or natural gas exist, we may damage the potentially productive hydrocarbon-bearing 
formation or experience mechanical difficulties while drilling or completing the well, resulting in a reduction in 
production and reserves from, or abandonment of, the well. Whether a well is ultimately productive and profitable 
depends on a number of additional factors, including the following:

•  general economic and industry conditions, including the prices received for oil and natural gas;

•  shortages of, or delays in, obtaining equipment, including hydraulic fracturing equipment, and qualified 

personnel;

•  potential drainage by operators on adjacent properties;

• 

loss of or damage to oilfield development and service tools;

•  problems with title to the underlying properties;

• 

increases in severance taxes;

•  adverse weather conditions that delay drilling activities or cause producing wells to be shut in;

•  domestic and foreign governmental regulations; and

•  proximity to and capacity of gathering, processing and transportation facilities.

If we do not drill productive and profitable wells in the future, our business, financial condition, results of 

operations, cash flows and reserves could be materially and adversely affected.

Our Exploration, Development and Exploitation Projects Require Substantial Capital Expenditures That  
May Exceed Our Cash Flows from Operations and Potential Borrowings, and We May Be Unable to Obtain 
Needed Capital on Satisfactory Terms, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Future Growth.

Our exploration and development activities are capital intensive. We make and expect to continue to make 
substantial capital expenditures in our business for the development, exploitation, production and acquisition of oil 
and natural gas reserves. Our cash, operating cash flows and potential future borrowings under our Credit 
Agreement or otherwise may not be sufficient to fund all of our future acquisitions or future capital expenditures. 
The rate of our future growth is dependent, at least in part, on our ability to access capital at rates and on terms we 
determine to be acceptable.

Although we currently have no plans to do so, we may sell additional equity securities or issue debt securities to 

raise capital. If we succeed in selling additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities to 
raise funds, the ownership of our existing shareholders would be diluted, and new investors may demand rights, 
preferences or privileges senior to those of existing shareholders. If we raise additional capital through the issuance of 
new debt securities or additional indebtedness, we may become subject to additional covenants that restrict our 
business activities.

Our cash flows from operations and access to capital are subject to a number of variables, including:

•  our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves;

•  the amount of oil and natural gas we produce from existing wells;

•  the prices at which we sell our production;

•  the costs of developing and producing our oil and natural gas reserves;

•  our ability to acquire, locate and produce new reserves;

•  the ability and willingness of banks to lend to us; and

•  our ability to access the equity and debt capital markets.

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In addition, future events, such as terrorist attacks, wars or combat peace-keeping missions, financial market 

disruptions, general economic recessions, oil and natural gas industry recessions, large company bankruptcies, 
accounting scandals, overstated reserves estimates by major public oil companies and disruptions in the financial 
and capital markets have caused financial institutions, credit rating agencies and the public to more closely  
review the financial statements, capital structures and earnings of public companies, including energy companies. 
Such events have constrained the capital available to the energy industry in the past, and such events or similar 
events could adversely affect our access to funding for our operations in the future.

If our revenues decrease as a result of lower oil and natural gas prices, operating difficulties, declines in reserves 

or for any other reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to sustain our operations at 
current levels, further develop and exploit our current properties or invest in certain exploration opportunities. 
Alternatively, to fund an acquisition, increase our rate of growth or pay for higher service costs, we may decide to 
alter or increase our capitalization substantially through the issuance of debt or equity securities, the sale of 
production payments, the sale of non-strategic assets, the borrowing of funds or otherwise to meet any increase in 
capital spending. If we are unable to raise additional capital from available sources at acceptable terms, our business, 
financial condition and future results of operations could be adversely affected.

We May Incur Additional Indebtedness Which Could Reduce Our Financial Flexibility, Increase Interest 
Expense and Adversely Impact Our Operations and Our Unit Costs.

At March 14, 2013, we had available borrowings of approximately $73.7 million under our Credit Agreement 
(after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit). Our borrowing base is determined semi-annually by our lenders 
based primarily on the estimated value of our existing and future acquired oil and natural gas reserves, but both  
we and our lenders can request one unscheduled redetermination between scheduled redetermination dates. Our 
Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our interests in our oil and natural gas properties and other 
assets and contains covenants restricting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, which may limit our ability to 
obtain additional financing. Since the borrowing base is subject to periodic redeterminations, if a redetermination 
resulted in a lower borrowing base, we could be required to provide additional collateral satisfactory in nature and 
value to the lenders to increase the borrowing base to an amount sufficient to cover such excess or repay the 
deficit in equal installments over a period of six months. If we are required to do so, we may not have sufficient funds 
to fully make such repayments.

In the future, we may incur significant amounts of additional indebtedness, including under our Credit 

Agreement, in order to make acquisitions or to develop our properties. Interest rates on such future indebtedness 
may be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly. Our level of indebtedness 
could affect our operations in several ways, including the following:

•  a significant portion of our cash flows could be used to service our indebtedness;

•  a high level of debt would increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

•  any covenants contained in the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness could limit our ability 

to borrow additional funds, dispose of assets, pay dividends and make certain investments;

•  a high level of debt may place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less 

leveraged and, therefore, may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our indebtedness may prevent 
us from pursuing;

•  our debt covenants may also affect our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in the economy 

and in our industry; and

•  a high level of debt may impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, 

capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

A high level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may default on our debt obligations. Our ability to  
meet our debt obligations and to reduce our level of indebtedness depends on our future performance. General 
economic conditions, oil and natural gas prices and financial, business and other factors affect our operations 
and our future performance. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to pay the principal of  
or interest on our debt, and future working capital, borrowings or equity financing may not be available to pay or 
refinance such debt. Factors that will affect our ability to raise cash through an offering of our capital stock  
or debt securities or a refinancing of our debt include financial market conditions, the value of our assets, our oil 
and natural gas production and our performance at the time we need capital. If we do not have sufficient funds 
and are otherwise unable to negotiate renewals of our borrowings or arrange new financing, we may have to sell 
significant assets or have a portion of our assets foreclosed upon which could have a material adverse effect on 
our business and financial results.

Our Operations Are Subject to Operational Hazards and Unforeseen Interruptions for Which We May Not 
Be Adequately Insured.

There are numerous operational hazards inherent in oil and natural gas exploration, development, production 

and gathering, including:

•  unusual or unexpected geologic formations;

•  natural disasters;

•  adverse weather conditions;

•  unanticipated pressures;

• 

loss of drilling fluid circulation;

•  blowouts where oil or natural gas flows uncontrolled at a wellhead;

•  cratering or collapse of the formation;

•  pipe or cement leaks, failures or casing collapses;

•  fires or explosions;

•  releases of hazardous substances or other waste materials that cause environmental damage;

•  pressures or irregularities in formations; and

•  equipment failures or accidents.

In addition, there is an inherent risk of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities in the performance 

of our operations, some of which may be material, due to our handling of petroleum hydrocarbons and wastes, our 
emissions to air and water, the underground injection or other disposal of our wastes, the use of hydraulic fracturing 
fluids and historical industry operations and waste disposal practices. Any of these or other similar occurrences 
could result in the disruption or impairment of our operations, substantial repair costs, personal injury or loss  
of human life, significant damage to property, environmental pollution and substantial revenue losses. The location 
of our wells, gathering systems, pipelines and other facilities near populated areas, including residential areas, 
commercial business centers and industrial sites, could significantly increase the level of damages resulting from 
these risks.

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2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

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Insurance against all operational risks is not available to us. We are not fully insured against all risks, including 
development and completion risks that are generally not recoverable from third parties or insurance. Pollution and 
environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. In addition, we may elect not to obtain insurance if we believe 
that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the perceived risks presented. Losses could, therefore, 
occur for uninsurable or uninsured risks or in amounts in excess of existing insurance coverage. Moreover, 
insurance may not be available in the future at commercially reasonable prices or on commercially reasonable terms. 
Changes in the insurance markets due to various factors may make it more difficult for us to obtain certain  
types of coverage in the future. As a result, we may not be able to obtain the levels or types of insurance we would 
otherwise have obtained prior to these market changes, and the insurance coverage we do obtain may not cover 
certain hazards or all potential losses that are currently covered, and may be subject to large deductibles. Losses 
and liabilities from uninsured and underinsured events and delays in the payment of insurance proceeds could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We May Have Accidents, Equipment Failures or Mechanical Problems While Drilling or Completing Wells  
or in Production Activities, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business.

While we are drilling and completing oil or natural gas wells or involved in production activities, we may have 
accidents or experience equipment failures or mechanical problems in a well that cause us to be unable to drill and 
complete the well or to continue to produce the well according to our plans. We may also damage a potentially 
hydrocarbon-bearing formation during drilling and completion operations. Such incidents may result in a reduction of 
our production and reserves from, or abandonment of, the well.

Because Our Reserves and Production Are Concentrated in a Small Number of Properties, Problems in 
Production and Markets Relating to Any Property Could Have a Material Impact on Our Business.

Almost all of our current oil and natural gas production and our proved reserves are attributable to our properties 

in South Texas and in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. For the year ended December 31, 2012, 44% of our  
oil and natural gas production, including 99% of our average daily oil production was attributable to our properties in 
South Texas. At December 31, 2012, approximately 93% of the PV-10 of our proved reserves and 99% of our 
total proved oil reserves were attributable to our properties in South Texas, primarily in the Eagle Ford shale. We 
expect that most of our operations in the near future will be primarily in South Texas.

Even though we have entered into a firm five-year natural gas processing and transportation agreement 

covering the anticipated natural gas production from a significant portion of our Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas, 
we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of delays or interruptions of production from our wells in 
these areas caused by transportation capacity constraints or interruptions, curtailment of production, availability 
of equipment, facilities, personnel or services, significant governmental regulation, natural disasters, adverse 
weather conditions or plant closures for scheduled maintenance. In addition, the increased industry focus on the 
Eagle Ford shale may adversely impact our ability to process and transport our production due to increased 
competition for these facilities.

Our operations in South Texas may also be adversely affected by hurricanes and tropical storms resulting in 

delays in exploration and drilling, damage to facilities and equipment and the inability to receive equipment or access 
personnel and products at affected job sites in a timely manner. Due to the concentrated nature of our portfolio of 
properties, a number of our properties could experience any of the same conditions at the same time, resulting in a 
relatively greater impact on our results of operations than they might have on other companies that have a more 
diversified portfolio of properties. Such delays or interruptions could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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The Unavailability or High Cost of Drilling Rigs, Completion Equipment and Services, Supplies and 
Personnel, Including Hydraulic Fracturing Equipment and Personnel, Could Adversely Affect Our Ability to 
Establish and Execute Exploration and Development Plans within Budget and on a Timely Basis, Which 
Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows.

Shortages or the high cost of drilling rigs, completion equipment and services, supplies or personnel could delay 

or adversely affect our operations. When drilling activity in the United States increases, associated costs typically 
also increase, including those costs related to drilling rigs, equipment, supplies and personnel and the services and 
products of other vendors to the industry. These costs may increase, and necessary equipment and services may 
become unavailable to us at economical prices. Should this increase in costs occur, we may delay drilling activities, 
which may limit our ability to establish and replace reserves, or we may incur these higher costs, which may 
negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, the demand for hydraulic fracturing services from time to time exceeds the availability of fracturing 
equipment and crews across the industry and in certain operating areas in particular. The accelerated wear and tear 
of hydraulic fracturing equipment due to its deployment in unconventional oil and natural gas fields characterized  
by longer lateral lengths and larger numbers of fracturing stages could further amplify such an equipment and crew 
shortage. If demand for fracturing services were to increase or the supply of fracturing equipment and crews  
were to decrease, higher costs could result and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flows.

If We Are Unable to Acquire Adequate Supplies of Water for Our Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing 
Operations or Are Unable to Dispose of the Water We Use at a Reasonable Cost and Pursuant to Applicable 
Environmental Rules, Our Ability to Produce Oil and Natural Gas Commercially and in Commercial 
Quantities Could Be Impaired.

We use a substantial amount of water in our drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations. Our inability to obtain 

sufficient amounts of water at reasonable prices, or treat and dispose of water after drilling and hydraulic 
fracturing, could adversely impact our operations. Moreover, the imposition of new environmental initiatives and 
regulations could include restrictions on our ability to conduct certain operations such as hydraulic fracturing or 
disposal of waste, including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids and other wastes associated with the 
exploration, development or production of oil and natural gas. Furthermore, future environmental regulations and 
permitting requirements governing the withdrawal, storage and use of surface water or groundwater necessary for 
hydraulic fracturing of wells could increase operating costs and cause delays, interruptions or termination of 
operations, the extent of which cannot be predicted, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Unless We Replace Our Oil and Natural Gas Reserves, Our Reserves and Production Will Decline, Which 
Would Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows.

The rate of production from our oil and natural gas properties declines as our reserves are depleted. Our future oil 

and natural gas reserves and production and, therefore, our income and cash flow, are highly dependent on our 
success in efficiently developing and exploiting our current reserves and economically finding or acquiring additional 
oil and natural gas producing properties. We are currently focusing primarily on increasing our production and 
reserves from the Eagle Ford shale play, an area in which our competitors have been active. As a result of this 
activity, we may have difficulty expanding our current production or acquiring new properties in this area and may 
experience such difficulty in other areas in the future. During periods of low oil and/or natural gas prices, existing 
reserves may no longer be economic. In addition, it will become more difficult to raise the capital necessary to 
finance expansion activities. If we are unable to replace our current and future production, our reserves will 
decrease, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be adversely affected.

FORM 10-K PART I

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43    

Our Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Are Estimated and May Not Reflect the Actual Volumes of Oil and 
Natural Gas We Will Recover, and Significant Inaccuracies in These Reserves Estimates or Underlying 
Assumptions Will Materially Affect the Quantities and Present Value of Our Reserves.

The process of estimating accumulations of oil and natural gas is complex and inexact, due to numerous inherent 

uncertainties. This process relies on interpretations of available geological, geophysical, engineering and production 
data. The extent, quality and reliability of this technical data can vary. This process also requires certain economic 
assumptions related to, among other things, oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital 
expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. The accuracy of a reserves estimate is a function of:

•  the quality and quantity of available data;

•  the interpretation of that data;

•  the judgment of the persons preparing the estimate; and

•  the accuracy of the assumptions.

The accuracy of any estimates of proved reserves generally increases with the length of production history.  
Due to the limited production history of many of our properties, the estimates of future production associated with 
these properties may be subject to greater variance to actual production than would be the case with properties 
having a longer production history. As our wells produce over time and more data becomes available, the estimated 
proved reserves will be redetermined on at least an annual basis and may be adjusted to reflect new information 
based upon our actual production history, results of exploration and development, prevailing oil and natural gas 
prices and other factors.

Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating 
expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas most likely will vary from our estimates. It is possible 
that future production declines in our wells may be greater than we have estimated. Any significant variance to our 
estimates could materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves.

The Calculated Present Value of Future Net Revenues from Our Proved Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Will 
Not Necessarily Be the Same as the Current Market Value of Our Estimated Oil and Natural Gas Reserves.

It should not be assumed that the present value of future net cash flows included in this Annual Report on Form 

10-K is the current market value of our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves. We generally base the 
estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves on current costs held constant over time without 
escalation and on commodity prices using an unweighted arithmetic average of first-day-of-the-month index 
prices, appropriately adjusted, for the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of the estimate. Actual future 
prices and costs may be materially higher or lower than the prices and costs used for these estimates and will be 
affected by factors such as:

•  actual prices we receive for oil and natural gas;

•  actual costs and timing of development and production expenditures;

•  the amount and timing of actual production; and

•  changes in governmental regulations or taxation.

In addition, the 10% discount factor that is required to be used to calculate discounted future net revenues for 

reporting purposes under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP, is not necessarily the most 
appropriate discount factor based on the cost of capital in effect from time to time and risks associated with our 
business and the oil and natural gas industry in general.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Approximately 43% of Our Total Proved Reserves at December 31, 2012 Consisted of Undeveloped and 
Developed Non-Producing Reserves, and Those Reserves May Not Ultimately Be Developed or Produced.

At December 31, 2012, approximately 42% of our total proved reserves were undeveloped and approximately 

1% were developed non-producing. Our undeveloped and/or developed non-producing reserves may never be 
developed or produced or such reserves may not be developed or produced within the time periods we have 
projected or at the costs we have budgeted. Delays in the development of our reserves or increases in costs to drill 
and develop such reserves would reduce the present value of our estimated proved undeveloped reserves and 
future net revenues estimated for such reserves, resulting in some projects becoming uneconomical. In addition, 
delays in the development of reserves or declines in the oil and/or natural gas prices used to estimate proved 
reserves in the future could cause us to have to reclassify a portion of our proved reserves as unproved reserves, 
which could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our Identified Drilling Locations Are Scheduled out over Several Years, Making Them Susceptible to 
Uncertainties That Could Materially Alter the Occurrence or Timing of Their Drilling.

Our management team has identified and scheduled drilling locations in our operating areas over a multi-year 
period. Our ability to drill and develop these locations depends on a number of factors, including assessment of 
risks, costs, drilling results, oil and natural gas prices, the availability of equipment and capital, approval by regulators 
and seasonal conditions. The final determination on whether to drill any of these locations will be dependent upon 
the factors described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as, to some degree, the results of  
our drilling activities with respect to our established drilling locations. Because of these uncertainties, we do not 
know if the drilling locations we have identified will be drilled within our expected timeframe or at all or if we will be 
able to economically produce hydrocarbons from these or any other potential drilling locations. Our actual drilling 
activities may be materially different from our current expectations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows.

Certain of Our Unproved and Unevaluated Acreage Is Subject to Leases That Will Expire over the Next 
Several Years Unless Production Is Established on Units Containing the Acreage.

At December 31, 2012, we had leasehold interests in approximately 11,000 net acres across all of our areas of 

interest that are not currently held by production and are subject to leases with primary or renewed terms that 
expire prior to December 31, 2014. Unless we establish production, generally in paying quantities, on units containing 
these leases during their terms or we renew such leases, these leases will expire. If our leases expire, we will  
lose our right to develop the related properties. The cost to renew such leases may increase significantly, and we 
may not be able to renew such leases on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, on certain portions of 
our acreage, third party leases may have been taken and could become immediately effective if our leases expire. 
As such, our actual drilling activities may materially differ from our current expectations, which could adversely 
affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We May Not Increase Our Acreage Positions in Areas with Exposure to Oil, Condensate and Natural  
Gas Liquids.

If we are unable to increase our acreage positions in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas or in the Wolfcamp  
and Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, this may detract from our efforts to realize our 
growth strategy in oil and liquids-rich plays. Additionally, we may be unable to find or consummate other 
opportunities in these areas or in other areas with similar exposure to oil, condensate and natural gas liquids on 
similar terms or at all.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

45    

The 2-D and 3-D Seismic Data and Other Advanced Technologies We Use Cannot Eliminate Exploration 
Risk, Which Could Limit Our Ability to Replace and Grow Our Reserves and Materially and Adversely Affect 
Our Results of Operations and Cash Flows.

We employ visualization and 2-D and 3-D seismic images to assist us in exploration and development activities 
where applicable. These techniques only assist geoscientists in identifying subsurface structures and hydrocarbon 
indicators and do not allow the interpreter to know conclusively if hydrocarbons are present or economically 
producible. We could incur losses by drilling unproductive wells based on these technologies. Poor results from 
our exploration activities could limit our ability to replace and grow reserves and adversely affect our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We Currently Own Only a Limited Amount of Seismic and Other Geological Data and May Have Difficulty 
Obtaining Additional Data at a Reasonable Cost, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations 
and Cash Flows.

We currently own only a limited amount of seismic and other geological data to assist us in exploration and 

development activities. We intend to obtain access to additional data in our areas of interest through licensing 
arrangements with companies that own or have access to that data or by paying to obtain that data directly. Seismic 
and geological data can be expensive to license or obtain. We may not be able to license or obtain such data at an 
acceptable cost.

Competition in the Oil and Natural Gas Industry Is Intense, Making It More Difficult for Us to Acquire 
Properties, Market Oil and Natural Gas and Secure Trained Personnel.

Our ability to acquire additional prospects and to find and develop reserves in the future will depend on our ability 

to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment  
for acquiring properties, marketing oil and natural gas and securing trained personnel. Also, there is substantial 
competition for capital available for investment in the oil and natural gas industry. Many of our competitors possess 
and employ financial, technical and personnel resources substantially greater than ours. Those companies may  
be able to pay more for productive oil and natural gas properties and exploratory prospects and to evaluate, bid for 
and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or personnel resources permit. In 
addition, other companies may be able to offer better compensation packages to attract and retain qualified 
personnel than we are able to offer. The cost to attract and retain qualified personnel has increased in recent years 
due to competition and may increase substantially in the future. We may not be able to compete successfully in the 
future in acquiring prospective reserves, developing reserves, marketing hydrocarbons, attracting and retaining 
quality personnel and raising additional capital, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our Competitors May Use Superior Technology and Data Resources That We May Be Unable to Afford or 
That Would Require a Costly Investment by Us in Order to Compete with Them More Effectively.

Our industry is subject to rapid and significant advancements in technology, including the introduction of new 
products and services using new technologies and databases. As our competitors use or develop new technologies, 
we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive pressures may force us to implement new 
technologies at a substantial cost. In addition, many of our competitors will have greater financial, technical and 
personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and may in the future allow them to 
implement new technologies before we can. We cannot be certain that we will be able to implement 
technologies on a timely basis or at a cost that is acceptable to us. One or more of the technologies that we will 
use or that we may implement in the future may become obsolete, and we may be adversely affected.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Strategic Relationships upon Which We May Rely Are Subject to Change, Which May Diminish Our Ability 
to Conduct Our Operations.

Our ability to explore, develop and produce oil and natural gas resources successfully and acquire oil and 

natural gas interests and acreage depends on our developing and maintaining close working relationships with 
industry participants and on our ability to select and evaluate suitable acquisition opportunities in a highly competitive 
environment. These relationships are subject to change and, if they do, our ability to grow may be impaired.

To develop our business, we will endeavor to use the business relationships of our management, board and 
special board advisors to enter into strategic relationships, which may take the form of contractual arrangements 
with other oil and natural gas companies, including those that supply equipment and other resources that we 
expect to use in our business. We may not be able to establish these strategic relationships, or if established, we 
may not be able to maintain them. In addition, the dynamics of our relationships with strategic partners may  
require us to incur expenses or undertake activities we would not otherwise be inclined to incur in order to fulfill 
our obligations to these partners or maintain our relationships. If our strategic relationships are not established  
or maintained, our business prospects may be limited, which could diminish our ability to conduct our operations.

The Marketability of Our Production Is Dependent upon Oil and Natural Gas Gathering, Processing and 
Transportation Facilities Owned and Operated by Third Parties, and the Unavailability of Satisfactory Oil and 
Natural Gas Gathering, Processing and Transportation Arrangements Would Have a Material Adverse 
Effect on Our Revenue.

The unavailability of satisfactory oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids gathering, processing and transportation 
arrangements may hinder our access to oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids markets or delay production from our 
wells. The availability of a ready market for our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production depends on a 
number of factors, including the demand for, and supply of, oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids and the proximity 
of reserves to pipelines and terminal facilities. Our ability to market our production depends in substantial part on 
the availability and capacity of gathering systems, pipelines, processing facilities and oil and condensate trucking 
operations owned and operated by third parties. Our failure to obtain these services on acceptable terms could 
materially harm our business. We may be required to shut in wells for lack of a market or because of inadequate 
or unavailable pipelines, gathering systems or trucking capacity. If that were to occur, we would be unable to realize 
revenue from those wells until production arrangements were made to deliver our production to market. 
Furthermore, if we were required to shut in wells we might also be obligated to pay shut-in royalties to certain 
mineral interest owners in order to maintain our leases.

The disruption of third party facilities due to maintenance, weather or other factors could negatively impact our 

ability to market and deliver our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The third parties control when or if such 
facilities are restored and what prices will be charged. We experienced temporary pipeline interruptions from time to 
time during the year ended December 31, 2012 associated with natural gas production from our Eagle Ford shale 
wells. While we have entered into a firm five-year natural gas processing and transportation agreement covering the 
anticipated natural gas production from a significant portion of our Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas, no assurance 
can be given that this agreement will alleviate these issues completely. We may experience similar interruptions 
and processing capacity constraints as we begin to explore and develop our Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays  
in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas in 2013. If we were required to shut in our production for long periods 
of time due to pipeline interruptions or lack of processing facilities or capacity of these facilities, it would have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

FORM 10-K PART I

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

47    

Financial Difficulties Encountered by Our Oil and Natural Gas Purchasers, Third Party Operators or Other 
Third Parties Could Decrease Our Cash Flows from Operations and Adversely Affect the Exploration and 
Development of Our Prospects and Assets.

We derive essentially all of our revenues from the sale of our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids to unaffiliated 

third party purchasers, independent marketing companies and mid-stream companies. Any delays in payments 
from our purchasers caused by financial problems encountered by them will have an immediate negative effect 
on our results of operations and cash flows.

Liquidity and cash flow problems encountered by our working interest co-owners or the third party operators of 
our non-operated properties may prevent or delay the drilling of a well or the development of a project. Our working 
interest co-owners may be unwilling or unable to pay their share of the costs of projects as they become due.  
In the case of a farmout party, we would have to find a new farmout party or obtain alternative funding in order to 
complete the exploration and development of the prospects subject to a farmout agreement. In the case of a 
working interest owner, we could be required to pay the working interest owner’s share of the project costs. We 
cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain the capital necessary to fund either of these contingencies or 
that we would be able to find a new farmout party.

The Third Parties on Whom We Rely for Gathering, Processing and Transportation Services Are Subject to 
Complex Federal, State and Other Laws that Could Adversely Affect the Cost, Manner or Feasibility of 
Conducting Our Business.

The operations of the third parties on whom we rely for gathering, processing and transportation services are 
subject to complex and stringent laws and regulations that require obtaining and maintaining numerous permits, 
approvals and certifications from various federal, state and local government authorities. These third parties  
may incur substantial costs in order to comply with existing laws and regulations. If existing laws and regulations 
governing such third party services are revised or reinterpreted, or if new laws and regulations become 
applicable to their operations, these changes may affect the costs that we pay for such services. Similarly, a failure  
to comply with such laws and regulations by the third parties on whom we rely could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See “Business — Regulation.”

We Have Limited Control over Activities on Properties We Do Not Operate.

We are not the operator on some of our properties, particularly in the Haynesville shale. As a result of our sale 

of certain assets to a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation in 2008, we do not operate one of our most 
significant natural gas assets in the Haynesville shale. We also have other non-operated acreage positions in 
Northwest Louisiana, South Texas, Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. Because we are not the operator for 
these properties, our ability to exercise influence over the operations of these properties or their associated costs  
is limited. Our dependence on the operators and other working interest owners of these projects and our limited 
ability to influence operations and associated costs, or control the risks, could materially and adversely affect the 
drilling results, reserves and future cash flows from these properties. The success and timing of our drilling and 
development activities on properties operated by others therefore depends upon a number of factors, including:

•  timing and amount of capital expenditures;

•  the operator’s expertise and financial resources;

•  the rate of production of reserves, if any;

•  approval of other participants in drilling wells; and

•  selection and implementation or execution of technology.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

In areas where we do not have the right to propose the drilling of wells, we may have limited influence on when, 

how and at what pace our properties in those areas are developed. Further, the operators of those properties may 
experience financial problems in the future or may sell their rights to another operator not of our choosing, both of 
which could limit our ability to develop and monetize the underlying oil or natural gas reserves. In addition, the 
operators of these properties may elect to curtail the oil or natural gas production or to shut in the wells on these 
properties during periods of low oil or natural gas prices, and we may receive less than anticipated or no production 
and associated revenues from these properties until the operator elects to return them to production.

A Component of Our Growth May Come through Acquisitions, and Our Failure to Identify or Complete 
Future Acquisitions Successfully Could Reduce Our Earnings and Hamper Our Growth.

We may be unable to identify properties for acquisition or to make acquisitions on terms that we consider 

economically acceptable. There is intense competition for acquisition opportunities in our industry. Competition for 
acquisitions may increase the cost of, or cause us to refrain from, completing acquisitions. The completion and 
pursuit of acquisitions may be dependent upon, among other things, our ability to obtain debt and equity financing 
and, in some cases, regulatory approvals. Our ability to grow through acquisitions will require us to continue to invest 
in operations and financial and management information systems and to attract, retain, motivate and effectively 
manage our employees. The inability to manage the integration of acquisitions effectively could reduce our focus 
on subsequent acquisitions and current operations, and could negatively impact our results of operations and 
growth potential. Our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may fluctuate significantly from period 
to period as a result of the completion of significant acquisitions during particular periods. If we are not 
successful in identifying or acquiring any material property interests, our earnings could be reduced and our growth 
could be restricted.

We may engage in bidding and negotiating to complete successful acquisitions. We may be required to alter or 

increase substantially our capitalization to finance these acquisitions through the use of cash on hand, the 
issuance of debt or equity securities, the sale of production payments, the sale of non-strategic assets, the borrowing 
of funds or otherwise. Our Credit Agreement includes covenants limiting our ability to incur additional debt. If  
we were to proceed with one or more acquisitions involving the issuance of our common stock, our shareholders 
would suffer dilution of their interests. Furthermore, our decision to acquire properties that are substantially 
different in operating or geologic characteristics or geographic locations from areas with which our staff is familiar 
may impact our productivity in such areas.

We May Purchase Oil and Natural Gas Properties with Liabilities or Risks That We Did Not Know About or 
That We Did Not Assess Correctly, and, as a Result, We Could Be Subject to Liabilities That Could 
Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations.

Before acquiring oil and natural gas properties, we estimate the reserves, future oil and natural gas prices, 

operating costs, potential environmental liabilities and other factors relating to the properties. However, our review 
involves many assumptions and estimates, and their accuracy is inherently uncertain. As a result, we may not 
discover all existing or potential problems associated with the properties we buy. We may not become sufficiently 
familiar with the properties to assess fully their deficiencies and capabilities. We do not generally perform 
inspections on every well or property, and we may not be able to observe mechanical and environmental problems 
even when we conduct an inspection. The seller may not be willing or financially able to give us contractual 
protection against any identified problems, and we may decide to assume environmental and other liabilities in 
connection with properties we acquire. If we acquire properties with risks or liabilities we did not know about or that 
we did not assess correctly, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely 
affected as we settle claims and incur cleanup costs related to these liabilities.

FORM 10-K PART I

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

49    

We May Incur Losses or Costs as a Result of Title Deficiencies in the Properties in Which We Invest.

If an examination of the title history of a property that we have purchased reveals an oil and natural gas lease 

has been purchased in error from a person who is not the owner of the mineral interest desired or other title 
deficiencies, our interest would be worth less than what we paid and may be worthless. In such an instance, all or 
part of the amount paid for such oil and natural gas lease as well as all or part of any royalties paid pursuant to  
the terms of the lease prior to the discovery of the title defect would be lost.

It is our practice in acquiring oil and natural gas leases, or undivided interests in oil and natural gas leases, not to 

undergo the expense of retaining lawyers to examine the title to the mineral interest to be placed under lease or 
already placed under lease. Rather, we rely upon the judgment of oil and natural gas lease brokers and/or landmen 
who perform the field work in examining records in the appropriate governmental office before attempting to 
acquire a lease on a specific mineral interest.

Prior to the drilling of an oil and natural gas well, however, it is standard industry practice for the operator of the 
well to obtain a preliminary title review of the spacing unit within which the proposed well is to be drilled to ensure 
there are no obvious deficiencies in title to the well. Frequently, as a result of such examinations, certain 
curative work must be done to correct deficiencies in the marketability of the title, and such curative work entails 
expense. Our failure to cure any title defects may adversely impact our ability to increase production and reserves. 
In the future, we may suffer a monetary loss from title defects or title failure. Additionally, unproved and 
unevaluated acreage has greater risk of title defects than developed acreage. If there are any title defects or 
defects in assignment of leasehold rights in properties in which we hold an interest, we will suffer a financial  
loss which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We May Be Required to Write Down the Carrying Value of Our Proved Properties under Accounting Rules 
and These Write-Downs Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition.

There is a risk that we will be required to write down the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties 

when oil or natural gas prices are low. In addition, non-cash write-downs may occur if we have:

•  downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves;

• 

increases in our estimates of development costs; or

•  deterioration in our exploration and development results.

We periodically review the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties under full-cost accounting rules. 
Under these rules, the net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties less related deferred income taxes may 
not exceed a cost center ceiling that is based on the present value, based on constant prices and costs projected 
forward from a single point in time, of estimated future after-tax net cash flows from proved reserves, discounted at 
10%. If the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties less related deferred income taxes exceed the 
cost center ceiling, we must charge the amount of this excess to operations in the period in which the excess occurs. 
We may not reverse write-downs even if prices increase in subsequent periods. A write-down does not affect net 
cash flows from operating activities, but it does reduce the book value of our net tangible assets, retained earnings 
and shareholders’ equity and could lower the value of our common stock.

Hedging Transactions, or the Lack Thereof, May Limit Our Potential Gains and Could Result in Financial Losses.

To manage our exposure to price risk, we, from time to time, enter into hedging arrangements, using primarily 

“costless collars” or “swaps” with respect to a portion of our future production. Costless collars provide us  
with downside price protection through the purchase of a put option which is financed through the sale of a call 
option. Because the call option proceeds are used to offset the cost of the put option, these arrangements are 
initially “costless” to us. In the case of a costless collar, the put option and the call option have different fixed price 
components. In a swap contract, a floating price is exchanged for a fixed price over the specified period, providing 

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

downside price protection. The goal of these and other hedges is to lock in a range of prices in the case of collars or 
a fixed price in the case of swaps so as to mitigate price volatility and increase the predictability of cash flows. 
These transactions limit our potential gains if oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids prices rise above the maximum 
price established by the call option and may offer protection if prices fall below the minimum price established by 
the put option only to the extent of the volumes then hedged.

In addition, hedging transactions may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain other circumstances, 
including instances in which our production is less than expected or the counterparties to our put and call option 
contracts fail to perform under the contracts.

Disruptions in the financial markets could lead to sudden changes in a counterparty’s liquidity, which could impair 

its ability to perform under the terms of the contracts. We are unable to predict sudden changes in a counterparty’s 
creditworthiness or ability to perform under contracts with us. Even if we do accurately predict sudden changes, our 
ability to mitigate that risk may be limited depending upon market conditions.

Furthermore, there may be times when we have not hedged our production when, in retrospect, it would have 
been advisable to do so. Decisions as to whether and what production volumes to hedge are difficult and depend on 
market conditions and our forecast of future production and oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, and we 
may not always employ the optimal hedging strategy. We may employ hedging strategies in the future that differ 
from those that we have used in the past, and neither the continued application of our current strategies nor our 
use of different hedging strategies may be successful.

An Increase in the Differential between the NYMEX or Other Benchmark Prices of Oil and Natural Gas and 
the Wellhead Price We Receive for Our Production Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial 
Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows.

The prices that we receive for our oil and natural gas production sometimes reflect a discount to the relevant 
benchmark prices, such as NYMEX, that are used for calculating hedge positions. The difference between the 
benchmark prices and the prices we receive is called a differential. Increases in the differential between the 
benchmark prices for oil and natural gas and the wellhead prices we receive could adversely affect our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We do not have, and may not have in the future, any 
derivative contracts covering the amount of the basis differentials we experience in respect of our production.  
As such, we will be exposed to any increase in such differentials.

We Are Subject to Government Regulation and Liability, Including Complex Environmental Laws, Which 
Could Require Significant Expenditures.

The exploration, development, production and sale of oil and natural gas in the United States are subject to many 

federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including complex environmental laws and regulations. Matters 
subject to regulation include discharge permits, drilling bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, 
unitization and pooling of properties, taxation and environmental matters and health and safety criteria addressing 
worker protection. Under these laws and regulations, we may be required to make large expenditures that  
could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. These expenditures 
could include payments for:

•  personal injuries;

•  property damage;

•  containment and clean-up of oil and other spills;

•  management and disposal of hazardous materials;

•  remediation, clean-up costs and natural resource damages; and

•  other environmental damages.

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51    

We do not believe that full insurance coverage for all potential damages is available at a reasonable cost. Failure to 
comply with these laws and regulations also may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject  
us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, injunctive relief and/or the imposition of investigatory or other remedial 
obligations. Laws, rules and regulations protecting the environment have changed frequently and the changes often 
include increasingly stringent requirements. These laws, rules and regulations may impose liability on us for 
environmental damage and disposal of hazardous materials even if we were not negligent or at fault. We may also be 
found to be liable for the conduct of others or for acts that complied with applicable laws, rules or regulations  
at the time we performed those acts. These laws, rules and regulations are interpreted and enforced by numerous 
federal and state agencies. In addition, private parties, including the owners of properties upon which our wells are 
drilled or the owners of properties adjacent to or in close proximity to those properties, may also pursue legal actions 
against us based on alleged non-compliance with certain of these laws, rules and regulations.

We Are Subject to Federal, State and Local Taxes, and May Become Subject to New Taxes or Have 
Eliminated or Reduced Certain Federal Income Tax Deductions Currently Available with Respect to Oil and 
Natural Gas Exploration and Production Activities as a Result of Future Legislation, Which Could  
Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows.

The federal, state and local governments in the areas in which we operate impose taxes on the oil and natural gas 
products we sell and, for many of our wells, sales and use taxes on significant portions of our drilling and operating 
costs. Many states have raised state taxes on energy sources or state taxes associated with the extraction of 
hydrocarbons, and additional increases may occur. In addition, there has been a significant amount of discussion by 
legislators and presidential administrations concerning a variety of energy tax proposals.

Periodically, legislation is introduced to eliminate certain key U.S. federal income tax preferences currently available 

to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. Such changes include, but are not limited to, (i) the 
repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for certain oil and natural gas properties, (ii) the elimination of current 
deductions for intangible drilling and development costs, (iii) the elimination of the deduction for certain U.S. 
production or manufacturing activities and (iv) the increase in the amortization period for geological and geophysical 
costs paid or incurred in connection with the exploration for, or development of, oil or natural gas within the  
United States. President Obama has proposed sweeping changes in federal laws on the income taxation of small oil 
and natural gas exploration and production companies like ours. President Obama has proposed to eliminate allowing 
small oil and natural gas companies to deduct intangible drilling costs as incurred and percentage depletion. The 
passage of any legislation as a result of the budget proposals or any other similar change in U.S. federal income tax 
law could affect certain tax deductions that are currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration  
and production activities and could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Federal and State Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives Relating to Hydraulic Fracturing Could Result in 
Increased Costs and Additional Operating Restrictions or Delays.

In past sessions, Congress has considered, but did not pass, legislation to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act,  
or SDWA, to remove the SDWA’s exemption granted to most hydraulic fracturing operations (other than operations 
using fluids containing diesel) and to require reporting and disclosure of chemicals used by oil and natural gas 
companies in the hydraulic fracturing process. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or other propping 
agents and chemicals under pressure into rock formations to stimulate oil and natural gas production. We routinely  
use hydraulic fracturing to produce oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids from formations such as the Eagle Ford and 
the Haynesville shales, where we focus our operations, and we anticipate using hydraulic fracturing in the 
Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. The EPA is conducting a comprehensive 
research study on the potential adverse impacts that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water and 

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
52 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

groundwater. A progress report was released in December 2012, with final results expected in 2014. In addition, in 
December 2011, the EPA published an unrelated draft report concluding that hydraulic fracturing caused groundwater 
pollution of a natural gas field in Wyoming. Consequently, even if federal legislation is not adopted soon or at all, 
the performance of the hydraulic fracturing study by the EPA could spur further action towards federal legislation 
and regulation of hydraulic fracturing or similar production operations. Also at the federal level, the BLM has indicated 
that it is considering proposed rules to regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal lands. Additionally, the EPA has 
announced an initiative under the Toxic Substances Control Act to develop regulations governing the disclosure of 
hydraulic fracturing chemicals.

In addition, a number of states and local regulatory authorities are considering or have implemented more 
stringent regulatory requirements applicable to hydraulic fracturing, which could include a moratorium on drilling and 
effectively prohibit further production of oil and natural gas through the use of hydraulic fracturing or similar 
operations. Texas and Wyoming have adopted legislation that requires the disclosure of information regarding the 
substances used in the hydraulic fracturing process. This legislation and any implementing regulations could 
increase our costs of compliance and doing business.

The adoption of new laws or regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or otherwise limiting, the hydraulic 

fracturing process could make it more difficult to complete oil and natural gas wells in unconventional resource 
plays. In addition, if hydraulic fracturing becomes regulated at the federal level as a result of federal legislation or 
regulatory initiatives by the EPA, hydraulic fracturing activities could become subject to additional permitting 
requirements, and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in cost, which could adversely affect 
our business and results of operations.

Legislation or Regulations Restricting Emissions of Greenhouse Gases Could Result in Increased Operating 
Costs and Reduced Demand for the Oil, Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids We Produce while the Physical 
Effects of Climate Change Could Disrupt Our Production and Cause Us to Incur Significant Costs in Preparing 
for or Responding to Those Effects.

The EPA has published its final findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse  

gases present an endangerment to public health and welfare because emissions of such gases are, according to the 
EPA, contributing to the warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. Accordingly, the EPA has 
adopted rules under the CAA for the permitting of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources under the 
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) and Title V permitting programs. The EPA has adopted a multi-tiered 
approach to this permitting, with the largest sources first subject to permitting. In addition, on October 30, 2009,  
the EPA published a final rule requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from specified large greenhouse 
gas emission sources in the United States beginning in 2011 for emissions occurring in 2010. On November 30, 2010, 
the EPA released a final rule that expands its rule on reporting of greenhouse gas emissions to include owners  
and operators of petroleum and natural gas systems. Monitoring of those newly covered emissions commenced on 
January 1, 2011, with the first annual reports filed in 2012.

In an interpretative guidance on climate change disclosures, the SEC indicated that climate change could have an 

effect on the severity of weather (including hurricanes and floods), sea levels, the arability of farmland and water 
availability and quality. If such effects were to occur, there is the potential for our exploration and production 
operations to be adversely affected. Potential adverse effects could include damages to our facilities from powerful 
winds or rising waters in low-lying areas, disruption of our production, less efficient or non-routine operating 
practices necessitated by climate effects or increased costs for insurance coverages in the aftermath of such effects. 
Significant physical effects of climate change could also have an indirect effect on our financing and operations by 

FORM 10-K PART I

52 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

53    

disrupting the transportation or process-related services provided by midstream companies, service companies  
or suppliers with whom we have a business relationship. We may not be able to recover through insurance some or 
any of the damages, losses or costs that may result from potential physical effects of climate change. In addition, 
our hydraulic fracturing operations require large amounts of water. See “—If We Are Unable to Acquire Adequate 
Supplies of Water for Our Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing Operations or Are Unable to Dispose of the Water  
We Use at a Reasonable Cost and Pursuant to Applicable Environmental Rules, Our Ability to Produce Oil and Natural 
Gas Commercially and in Commercial Quantities Could Be Impaired.” Should climate change or other drought 
conditions occur, our ability to obtain water of a sufficient quality and quantity could be impacted and in turn, our 
ability to perform hydraulic fracturing operations could be restricted or made more costly.

New Regulations on All Emissions from Our Operations Could Cause Us to Incur Significant Costs.

On April 17, 2012, the EPA issued final rules to subject oil and natural gas operations to regulation under the  
New Source Performance Standards, or NSPS, and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, or 
NESHAPS, programs under the CAA, and to impose new and amended requirements under both programs. The 
EPA rules include NSPS standards for completions of hydraulically fractured natural gas wells. Before January 1, 
2015, these standards require owners/operators to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from natural 
gas not sent to the gathering line during well completion either by flaring using a completion combustion device  
or by capturing the natural gas using green completions with a completion combustion device. Beginning January 1, 
2015, operators must capture the natural gas and make it available for use or sale, which can be done through  
the use of green completions. The standards are applicable to new hydraulically fractured wells and also existing 
wells that are refractured. Further, the finalized regulations also establish specific new requirements, effective in 
2012, for emissions from compressors, controllers, dehydrators, storage tanks, natural gas processing plants and 
certain other equipment. These rules may require changes to our operations, including the installation of new 
equipment to control emissions. We are currently evaluating the effect these rules will have on our business.

The adoption and implementation of any regulations imposing reporting obligations on, or limiting emissions  
of greenhouse gases from, our equipment and operations could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of 
greenhouse gases associated with our operations. There were attempts at comprehensive federal legislation 
establishing a cap and trade program, but that legislation did not pass. Further, various states have considered or 
adopted legislation that seeks to control or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from a wide range of sources. 
Any such legislation could adversely affect demand for the oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that we produce.

A Change in the Jurisdictional Characterization of Some of Our Assets by FERC or a Change in Policy  
by It May Result in Increased Regulation of Our Assets, Which May Cause Our Revenues to Decline and 
Operating Expenses to Increase.

Section 1(b) of the NGA exempts natural gas gathering facilities from regulation by FERC as a natural gas 
company under the NGA. We believe that the natural gas pipelines in our gathering systems meet the traditional 
tests FERC has used to establish a pipeline’s status as a gatherer not subject to regulation as a natural gas company. 
However, the distinction between FERC-regulated transmission services and federally unregulated gathering 
services is the subject of ongoing litigation, so the classification and regulation of our gathering facilities are subject  
to change based on future determinations by FERC, the courts or Congress. A change in the jurisdictional 
characterization by FERC, the courts or Congress or a change in policy by FERC or Congress may result in increased 
regulation of our assets, which may cause our revenues to decline and operating expenses to increase.

FORM 10-K PART I

  FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
54 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Should We Fail to Comply with All Applicable FERC-Administered Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Orders, 
We Could Be Subject to Substantial Penalties and Fines.

Under the Energy Policy Act, FERC has civil penalty authority under the NGA to impose penalties for current 
violations of up to $1.0 million per day for each violation and disgorgement of profits associated with any violation. 
The nature of our gathering facilities is such that we have not yet been regulated by FERC as a natural gas 
company subject to the provisions of the NGA. It is possible, however, that laws, rules and regulations pertaining to 
those and other matters may be considered or adopted by FERC or Congress from time to time. Failure to comply 
with those laws, rules and regulations in the future could subject us to civil penalty liability.

The Derivatives Legislation Adopted by Congress Could Have an Adverse Impact on Our Ability to Hedge 
Risks Associated with Our Business.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 

Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, which is intended to modernize and protect the integrity of the U.S. financial 
system. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, sets forth a framework for regulating certain derivative products 
including commodity hedges of the type we use, but many aspects of this law are subject to further rulemaking  
and will take effect over several years. As a result, it is difficult to anticipate the overall impact of the Dodd-Frank 
Act on our ability or willingness to continue entering into and maintaining such commodity hedges and the terms 
thereof. Based upon the limited assessments we are able to make with respect to the Dodd-Frank Act, there is the 
possibility that the Dodd-Frank Act could have a substantial and adverse impact on our ability to enter into and 
maintain these commodity hedges. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act could result in the implementation of position 
limits and additional regulatory requirements on our derivative arrangements, which could include new margin, 
reporting and clearing requirements. In addition, this legislation could have a substantial impact on our counterparties 
and may increase the cost of our derivative arrangements in the future.

If these types of commodity hedges become unavailable or uneconomic, our commodity price risk could 
increase, which would increase the volatility of revenues and may decrease the amount of credit available to us. 
Any limitations or changes in our use of derivative arrangements could also materially affect our ability to  
conduct acquisitions.

We May Have Difficulty Managing Growth in Our Business, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect  
on Our Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows and Our Ability to Execute Our 
Business Plan in a Timely Fashion.

Because of our small size, growth in accordance with our business plans, if achieved, will place a significant strain 
on our financial, technical, operational and management resources. As we expand our activities, including our planned 
increase in oil exploration, development and production, and increase the number of projects we are evaluating  
or in which we participate, there will be additional demands on our financial, technical and management resources. 
The failure to continue to upgrade our technical, administrative, operating and financial control systems or the 
occurrence of unexpected expansion difficulties, including the inability to recruit and retain experienced managers, 
geoscientists, petroleum engineers and landmen, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows and our ability to execute our business plan in a timely fashion.

FORM 10-K PART I

54 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

55    

Our Success Depends, to a Large Extent, on Our Ability to Retain Our Key Personnel, Including  
Our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, Management and Technical Team,  
the Members of Our Board of Directors and Our Special Board Advisors, and the Loss of Any Key 
Personnel, Board Member or Special Board Advisor Could Disrupt Our Business Operations.

Investors in our common stock must rely upon the ability, expertise, judgment and discretion of our management 

and the success of our technical team in identifying, evaluating and developing prospects and reserves.  
Our performance and success are dependent to a large extent on the efforts and continued employment of our 
management and technical personnel, including our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph  
Wm. Foran. We do not believe that they could be quickly replaced with personnel of equal experience and capabilities, 
and their successors may not be as effective. We have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Foran and 
other key personnel. However, these employment agreements do not ensure that these individuals will remain in 
our employment. If Mr. Foran or other key personnel resign or become unable to continue in their present roles and 
if they are not adequately replaced, our business operations could be adversely affected. With the exception of  
Mr. Foran, we do not maintain, nor do we plan to obtain, any insurance against the loss of any of these individuals.

We have an active board of directors that meets at least quarterly throughout the year and is closely involved in 
our business and the determination of our operational strategies. Members of our board of directors work closely 
with management to identify potential prospects, acquisitions and areas for further development. Many of our 
directors have been involved with us since our inception and have a deep understanding of our operations and 
culture. If any of our directors resign or become unable to continue in their present role, it may be difficult to find 
replacements with the same knowledge and experience and, as a result, our operations may be adversely affected.

In addition, our board consults regularly with our special advisors regarding our business and the evaluation, 
exploration, engineering and development of our prospects. Due to the knowledge and experience of our special 
advisors, they play a key role in our multi-disciplined approach to making decisions regarding prospects, 
acquisitions and development. If any of our special advisors resign or become unable to continue in their present 
role, our operations may be adversely affected.

Our Management Team Owns Approximately 11% of Our Common Stock, Which Could Give Them 
Influence in Corporate Transactions and Other Matters, and the Interests of Our Management Could Differ 
from Other Shareholders.

Our directors and officers beneficially own approximately 11% of our outstanding common stock. These 
shareholders could influence or control to some degree the outcome of matters requiring a shareholder vote, 
including the election of directors, the adoption of any amendment to our certificate of formation or bylaws  
and the approval of mergers and other significant corporate transactions. Their influence or control of the Company 
may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company and may adversely affect the 
voting and other rights of other shareholders. In addition, due to their ownership interest in our common stock, our 
directors and officers may be able to remain entrenched in their positions.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON STOCK

The Price of Our Common Stock Has Fluctuated Substantially and May Fluctuate Substantially in the Future.

Our stock price has experienced volatility and could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors. In 2012, 

our stock price fluctuated between a high of $12.33 and a low of $7.70. In the future, the trading volume of our 
common stock may continue to fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. In the event of a drop in the 
market price of our common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our common stock. 
In addition, the stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the 
operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading 
price of our common stock.

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I

 
 
56 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Factors that could affect our stock price or result in fluctuations in the market price or trading volume of our 

common stock include:

•  our actual or anticipated operating and financial performance and drilling locations, including oil and natural 

gas reserves estimates;

•  quarterly variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicators, such as net income per share, net income 

and cash flows, or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us;

•  changes in revenue, cash flows or earnings estimates or publication of reports by equity research analysts;

•  speculation in the press or investment community;

•  public reaction to our press releases, announcements and filings with the SEC;

•  sales of our common stock by us or shareholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;

•  general financial market conditions and oil and natural gas industry market conditions, including fluctuations 

in commodity prices;

•  the realization of any of the risk factors presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K;

•  the recruitment or departure of key personnel;

•  commencement of or involvement in litigation;

•  the prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids;

•  the success of our exploration and development operations, and the marketing of any oil, natural gas and 

natural gas liquids we produce;

•  changes in market valuations of companies similar to ours; and

•  domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance.

The Requirements of Being a Public Company, Including Compliance with the Reporting Requirements  
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended, and the Requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002, Have Increased Our Costs and Occupy a Significant Amount of Management’s Time.

As a public company with listed equity securities, we are required to comply with laws, regulations and 

requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, related regulations of  
the SEC and the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE. Complying with these statutes, 
regulations and requirements is difficult and occupies a significant amount of time of our board of directors and 
management and has significantly increased our costs and expenses.

If We Fail to Maintain Effective Internal Control over Financial Reporting in the Future, Our Ability to 
Accurately Report Our Financial Results Could Be Adversely Affected.

Until February 2012, we were a private company and maintained internal controls and procedures in accordance 

with being a private company. We maintained limited accounting personnel to perform our accounting processes 
and limited supervisory resources with which to address our internal control over financial reporting. In connection 
with our audits for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, our independent registered public accountants 
identified and communicated material weaknesses. There were no material weaknesses identified in connection with 
our audit for the year ended December 31, 2012.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over 

financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual and interim 
financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis.

FORM 10-K PART I

56 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

57    

Our efforts to maintain our internal controls may not be successful, and we may be unable to maintain effective 

controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future and comply with the certification and reporting 
obligations under Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Further, our remediation efforts may not enable 
us to avoid material weaknesses in the future. Any failure to maintain effective controls could result in material 
misstatements that are not prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis, which could potentially subject 
us to sanction or investigation by the SEC, the NYSE or other regulatory authorities. Ineffective internal controls 
could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and adversely affect our business 
and our stock price.

We Do Not Presently Intend to Pay Any Cash Dividends on or Repurchase Any Shares of Our Common Stock.

We do not presently intend to pay any cash dividends on or repurchase any shares of our common stock.  

Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other 
things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual 
restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our board of directors deems 
relevant. Cash dividend payments in the future may only be made out of legally available funds and, if we experience 
substantial losses, such funds may not be available. In addition, certain covenants in our Credit Agreement may  
limit our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock. Accordingly, you may have to sell some 
or all of your common stock in order to generate cash flow from your investment, and there is no guarantee that  
the price of our common stock will exceed the price you paid.

The Trading Volume of Our Common Stock Has Been Low, and the Sale of a Substantial Number of Shares 
in the Public Market Could Depress the Price of Our Common Stock.

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE, but since the completion of our initial public offering, it has had a low 

average daily trading volume relative to many other stocks. Thinly traded stock can be more volatile than stock 
trading in an active public market, which can lead to significant price swings even when a relatively small number of 
shares are being traded and can limit an investor’s ability to quickly sell blocks of stock.

Future Sales of Shares of Our Common Stock by Existing Shareholders and Future Offerings of Our 
Common Stock by Us Could Depress the Price of Our Common Stock.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our 

common stock in the market, and the perception that these sales could occur may also depress the market price of 
our common stock. If our existing shareholders sell, or indicate an intent to sell, substantial amounts of our common 
stock in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline significantly. Sales of our common 
stock may make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem 
appropriate. These sales could also cause our stock price to decrease and make it more difficult for you to sell 
shares of our common stock.

We may also sell additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock. We cannot 

predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or convertible securities or the effect, if any, that future 
issuances and sales of shares of our common stock or convertible securities would have on the market price of our 
common stock.

FORM 10-K PART I

   FORM 10-K PART I 

 
 
58 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Provisions of Our Certificate of Formation, Bylaws and Texas Law May Have Anti-Takeover Effects That 
Could Prevent a Change in Control Even if It Might Be Beneficial to Our Shareholders.

Our certificate of formation and bylaws contain certain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a merger 

or acquisition that our shareholders may consider favorable. These provisions include:

•  authorization for our board of directors to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval;

•  a classified board of directors so that not all members of our board of directors are elected at one time;

•  the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors; and

•  a limitation on the ability of shareholders to call special meetings to those owning at least 25% of our 

outstanding shares of common stock.

Provisions of Texas law may also discourage, delay or prevent someone from acquiring or merging with us, 

which may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Under Texas law, a shareholder who beneficially 
owns more than 20% of our voting stock, or any affiliated shareholder, cannot acquire us for a period of three years 
from the date this person became an affiliated shareholder, unless various conditions are met, such as approval  
of the transaction by our board of directors before this person became an affiliated shareholder or approval of the 
holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding voting shares not beneficially owned by the affiliated shareholder.

Our Board of Directors Can Authorize the Issuance of Preferred Stock, which Could Diminish the Rights of 
Holders of Our Common Stock and Make a Change of Control of the Company More Difficult Even if It Might 
Benefit Our Shareholders.

Our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting 

powers, preferences and other rights and limitations of the preferred stock. Accordingly, we may issue shares of 
preferred stock with a preference over our common stock with respect to dividends or distributions on liquidation 
or dissolution, or that may otherwise adversely affect the voting or other rights of the holders of common stock. 
Issuances of preferred stock, depending upon the rights, preferences and designations of the preferred stock, may 
have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change of control of the company, even if that change of 
control might benefit our shareholders.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

See “Business” for descriptions of our properties. We also have various operating leases for rental of office 

space and office and field equipment. See “Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated 
financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the future minimum rental payments. Such information 
is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

See “Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report 

on Form 10-K. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

FORM 10-K PART I

58 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

59    

Part II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EqUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS  

AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EqUITY SECURITIES.

GENERAL MARKET INFORMATION

Shares of our common stock are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “MTDR.” Our shares have been traded 
on the NYSE since February 2, 2012. Prior to trading on the NYSE, there was no established public trading market 
for our common stock.

On March 14, 2013, we had 55,894,438 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 444 record 

holders, excluding shareholders for whom shares are held in “nominee” or “street” name.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the NYSE for 

the periods indicated:

First quarter 
Second quarter 
Third quarter 
Fourth quarter 

2012

High 

Low

$ 12.33 
 12.09 
 11.53 
 10.50 

$ 10.85
  8.63
  9.41
  7.70

On March 14, 2013, the last reported sales price of our common stock on the NYSE was $8.80 per share.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable 

future. We currently intend to retain future earnings to finance the expansion of our business. Our future dividend 
policy is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including our results  
of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and investment opportunities. In addition, certain covenants 
in our Credit Agreement may limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.

Prior to the consummation of our initial public offering on February 7, 2012, the holders of our Class B common 

stock were entitled to be paid cumulative dividends at a per share rate of $0.26-2/3 annually out of funds legally 
available for the payment of dividends. These dividends accrued and were payable quarterly at the rate of $0.06-2/3 
per share of Class B common stock outstanding. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we declared dividends  
on our outstanding shares of Class B common stock totaling $274,853. Upon the automatic conversion of the 
outstanding shares of Class B common stock at the closing of our initial public offering, the right of the holders of 
Class B common stock to dividends was terminated and such holders were paid approximately $28,000 during  
the first quarter of 2012 for all accrued but unpaid dividends existing at the time of such conversion.

FORM 10-K PART I

      FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

EqUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table presents the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of 

December 31, 2012.

Plan Category 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Number of Shares  
to be Issued 
Upon Exercise of 
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price of 
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights 
 ($) 

Number of Shares 
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) (2)  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  
  Total 

 1,229,437 
— 
 1,229,437 

$ 10.19 
  — 
$ 10.19 

 3,056,957
—
 3,056,957

(1)  Our board of directors has determined not to make any additional grants of awards under the Matador Resources Company 2003 Stock and 

Incentive Plan.

(2)  Our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved by our board of directors in December 2011 and took effect on January 1, 2012. The 2012 
Long-Term Incentive Plan was also approved by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 7, 2012. For a description of  
our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, see “Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation” to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.

FORM 10-K PART I I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

61    

SHARE PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative return on a $100 investment in our common stock from February 2, 

2012, the date our common stock began trading on the NYSE, through December 31, 2012, to that of the 
cumulative return on a $100 investment in the Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 2000 Energy Index for the same 
period. In calculating the cumulative return, reinvestment of dividends, if any, is assumed. This graph is not 
“soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any of our filings 
under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), 
whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such 
filing. This graph is included in accordance with the SEC’s disclosure rules. This historic stock performance is not 
indicative of future stock performance.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY,  
THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEx AND THE RUSSELL 2000 ENERGY INDEx

$140

$120

$100 

$80 

$60

$40

$20

2/2/12 

2/29/12 

3/30/12 

4/30/12 

5/31/12 

6/30/12 

7/31/12 

8/31/12 

9/30/12 

10/31/12 

11/30/12 

12/31/12

MTDR

Russell 2000

Russell 2000 Energy

FORM 10-K PART I I

     FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
62 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

You should read the following selected financial data in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our historical consolidated financial statements and related 
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial information included in this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K may not be indicative of our future results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

The following selected financial information is summarized from our results of operations for the five-year period 
ended December 31, 2012 and selected consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 
and 2008 and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the years ended 
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 included herewith.

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

(In thousands, except per share data)

Statement of operations data:
Revenues:
  Oil and natural gas revenues 
  Realized gain (loss) on derivatives 
  Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 

  Total revenues 

Expenses:
  Production taxes and marketing 
  Lease operating 
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
  Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
  Full-cost ceiling impairment 
  General and administrative 

  Total expenses 
Operating (loss) income 

Other income (expense):
  Net (loss) gain on asset sales and inventory impairment 

Interest expense 
Interest and other income 
  Total other (expense) income 

Net (loss) income 

Earnings (loss) per common share
  Basic

  Class A 

  Class B 

  Diluted

  Class A 

  Class B 

Class B dividend declared, per share 

$ 155,998 
  13,960 
  (4,802) 
 165,156 

$  67,000 
  7,106 
  5,138 
  79,244 

$ 34,042 
  5,299 
  3,139 
 42,480 

$  19,039 
  7,625 
  (2,375) 
  24,289 

$  30,645
  (1,326)
  3,592
  32,911

  11,672 
  28,184 
  80,454 
256 
  63,475 
  14,543 
 198,584 
 (33,428) 

  6,278 
  7,244 
  31,754 
209 
  35,673 
  13,394 
  94,552 
 (15,308) 

  1,982 
  5,284 
 15,596 
155 
  — 
  9,702 
 32,719 
  9,761 

  1,077 
  4,725 
  10,743 
137 
  25,244 
  7,115 
  49,041 
 (24,752) 

  1,639
  4,667
  12,127
92
  22,195
  8,252
  48,972
 (16,061)

(485) 
  (1,002) 
224 
  (1,263) 
$ (33,261) 

(154) 
(683) 
315 
(522) 
$ (10,309) 

(224) 
(3) 
364 
137 
$  6,377 

(379) 
— 
781 
402 
$ (14,425) 

 136,978
—
  2,984
 139,962
$ 103,878

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.62) 

(0.35) 

(0.62) 

(0.35) 

0.27 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.25) 

$  0.15 

0.02 

$  0.42 

(0.25) 

$  0.15 

0.02 

0.27 

$  0.42 

$  0.27 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.37) 

(0.10) 

(0.37) 

(0.10) 

0.27 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.50

2.77

2.46

2.73

0.27

FORM 10-K PART I I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

63    

(In thousands)

Balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents 
Certificates of deposit 
Net property and equipment 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Long-term liabilities 
Total shareholders’ equity 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

At December 31,

$  2,095 
230 
 591,090 
 632,029 
  96,492 
 156,433 
$ 379,104 

$  10,284 
  1,335 
 399,865 
 439,469 
  74,576 
  93,378 
$ 271,515 

$  21,060 
  2,349 
 303,880 
 346,382 
  30,097 
  34,408 
$ 281,877 

$ 104,230 
  15,675 
 142,078 
 277,400 
  8,868 
  4,211 
$ 264,321 

$ 150,768
  20,782
 125,261
 314,539
  35,475
  2,059
$ 277,005

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

(In thousands)

Other financial data:
Net cash provided by operating activities 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 
  Oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures 
  Expenditures for other property and equipment 
Net cash provided by financing activities 
Adjusted EBITDA (1) 

$ 124,228 
 (306,916) 
 (300,689) 
(7,332) 
 174,499 
$ 115,923 

$  61,868 
 (160,088) 
 (156,431) 
(4,671) 
  87,444 
$  49,911 

$  27,273 
 (147,334) 
 (159,050) 
(1,610) 
  36,891 
$  23,635 

$  1,791 
 (49,415) 
 (54,244) 
(307) 
  1,086 
$  15,184 

$  25,851
 115,481
 (104,119)
(3,012)
419
$  18,411

(1)  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net 

income (loss) and net cash provided by operating activities, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depletion, depreciation and 
amortization, accretion of asset retirement obligations, property impairments, unrealized derivative gains and losses, 
certain other non-cash items and non-cash stock-based compensation expense, including stock option and grant 
expense and restricted stock and restricted stock units expense and net gain or loss on asset sales and inventory 
impairment. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income (loss) or cash flows as determined by GAAP. 
Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of 
our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies.

Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is necessary because it allows us to evaluate our operating performance 

and compare the results of operations from period to period without regard to our financing methods or capital 
structure. We exclude the items listed above from net income (loss) in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, because these 
amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods 
and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which certain assets were acquired.

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows 

from operating activities as determined in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of our operating performance  
or liquidity. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components of understanding and assessing 
a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure. Our Adjusted EBITDA 
may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of another company because all companies may not calculate 
Adjusted EBITDA in the same manner. The following table presents our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and the 
reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the GAAP financial measures of net income (loss) and net cash provided by 
operating activities, respectively.

FORM 10-K PART I I

      FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

(In thousands)

Unaudited Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation to 
  Net Income (Loss):
Net (loss) income 
Interest expense 
Total income tax (benefit) provision 
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
Full-cost ceiling impairment 
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 
Stock option and grant expense 
Restricted stock and restricted stock units expense 
Net loss (gain) on asset sales and inventory impairment  
  Adjusted EBITDA 

(In thousands)

Unaudited Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation to 
  Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities 
Net change in operating assets and liabilities 
Interest expense 
Current income tax (benefit) provision 
  Adjusted EBITDA 

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ (33,261) 
  1,002 
  (1,430) 
  80,454 
256 
  63,475 
  4,802 
(589) 
729 
485 
$ 115,923 

$ (10,309) 
683 
  (5,521) 
  31,754 
209 
  35,673 
  (5,138) 
  2,362 
44 
154 
$  49,911 

$  6,377 
3 
  3,521 
 15,596 
155 
  — 
 (3,139) 
824 
74 
224 
$ 23,635 

$ (14,425) 
— 
  (9,925) 
 10,743 
137 
 25,244 
  2,375 
622 
34 
379 
$ 15,184 

$ 103,878
—
  20,023
  12,127
92
  22,195
(3,592)
605
60
 (136,977)
$  18,411

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008

$ 124,228 
  (9,307) 
  1,002 
— 
$ 115,923 

$  61,868 
 (12,594) 
683 
(46) 
$  49,911 

$ 27,273 
 (2,230) 
3 
 (1,411) 
$ 23,635 

$  1,791 
 15,717 
  — 
 (2,324) 
$ 15,184 

$  25,851
 (17,888)
—
  10,448
$  18,411

FORM 10-K PART I I

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

65    

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in 

conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, 
estimates, beliefs and expected performance. We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions 
or beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary from actual results and the differences can be material.  
Some of the key factors which could cause actual results to vary from our expectations include changes in oil or 
natural gas prices, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, availability under our  
Credit Agreement borrowing base, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, 
operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital 
markets generally, as well as our ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of gathering, processing and 
transportation facilities, uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory 
developments affecting our business, as well as those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the 
forward-looking events discussed may not occur. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

OVERVIEW

We are an independent energy company founded in July 2003 and engaged in the exploration, development, 
production and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States, with a particular emphasis on oil and 
natural gas shale plays and other unconventional resource plays. Our current operations are focused primarily on 
the oil and liquids rich portion of the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and in the Haynesville shale play in 
Northwest Louisiana. In 2012, more than 90% of our total capital expenditures of $334.6 million were directed to 
our operations in South Texas, primarily in the Eagle Ford shale, as we sought to transition to a more balanced 
commodity portfolio through the drilling of wells that were prospective for oil and liquids. For the year ended 
December 31, 2012, approximately 37% of our total production by volume (using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil 
per six Mcf of natural gas) and 79% of our total oil and natural gas revenues were attributable to oil production, 
primarily from the Eagle Ford shale. In 2013, we expect that approximately 82% of our estimated capital expenditures 
of $310.0 million will be directed to increasing our oil production and oil reserves in South Texas, primarily in the 
Eagle Ford shale play. Although we did not drill any operated Haynesville shale natural gas wells during 2012, we 
directed approximately 3% of our capital expenditures to the Haynesville play in 2012 to participate in several 
non-operated wells. In addition to these primary operating areas, we have a growing acreage position in Southeast 
New Mexico and West Texas where we plan to drill three exploratory wells to test the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring 
plays during 2013. We also have a large exploratory leasehold position in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent areas in 
Utah and Idaho where we are testing the Meade Peak shale.

On February 2, 2012, our common stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “MTDR.” On February 7, 

2012, we completed our initial public offering of 14,883,334 shares of common stock at $12.00 per share (the 
“Initial Public Offering”). We sold 12,209,167 shares of common stock in this offering and certain selling shareholders 
sold 2,674,167 shares of common stock, including shares sold pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ 
over-allotment option on March 7, 2012. Prior to trading on the NYSE, there was no established public trading 
market for our common stock.

Our business success and financial results are dependent on many factors beyond our control, such as 

economic, political and regulatory developments, as well as competition from other sources of energy. Commodity 
price volatility, in particular, is a significant risk factor for us. Commodity prices are affected by changes in market 
supply and demand, which is impacted by overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, 
inventory storage levels, oil and natural gas price differentials and other factors. Prices for oil, natural gas and natural 
gas liquids will affect the cash flows available to us for capital expenditures and our ability to borrow and raise 

FORM 10-K PART I I

    FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
66 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

additional capital. Declines in oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids prices would not only reduce our revenues, but 
could also reduce the amount of oil, natural gas and/or natural gas liquids that we can produce economically, and  
as a result, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and reserves.

During 2012, natural gas prices declined to their lowest levels in many years, ranging from a low of approximately 

$1.91 per MMBtu in mid-April to a high of approximately $3.90 per MMBtu in late November, based upon the 
NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract price for the earliest delivery date. Natural gas prices had declined 
again since late November 2012, before increasing to $3.81 per MMBtu at March 14, 2013, based upon the 
NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract for the earliest delivery date. We would not expect to drill any 
operated natural gas wells in either our Haynesville or Cotton Valley properties until natural gas prices improve further 
from these levels or unless the costs to drill and complete these wells decline further from their recent levels  
or new technologies are developed that increase expected recoveries. See “Risk Factors — Our Identified Drilling 
Locations Are Scheduled out over Several Years, Making Them Susceptible to Uncertainties That Could Materially 
Alter the Occurrence or Timing of Their Drilling.”

In 2012, our operations were primarily focused on the exploration and development of our Eagle Ford shale 
properties in South Texas, as we continued to execute our strategy to significantly increase our oil production and oil 
reserves during 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed and began producing oil and 
natural gas from 28 gross/24.5 net Eagle Ford shale wells, including 25 gross/23.7 net operated and 3 gross/0.8 net 
non-operated Eagle Ford shale wells. We also completed and began producing oil and natural gas from 2 gross/ 
2.0 net wells in the upper Austin Chalk and the lower Austin Chalk/upper Eagle Ford, or “Chalkleford,” intervals in 
2012. In addition, during 2012, we completed and began producing natural gas from 28 gross/1.1 net non-operated 
Haynesville shale wells. We also re-entered and drilled a horizontal lateral from the previously suspended Crawford 
Federal #1 vertical well in Southwest Wyoming; we plan to complete this well in the third quarter of 2013.

We had two contracted drilling rigs operating in South Texas throughout 2012 (except for a brief period near 

the end of the second quarter when we added a third rig to execute a two-well contract), and almost all of our 
operated drilling and completion activities were focused on the Eagle Ford shale. We did not drill any operated wells 
in the Haynesville shale play in Northwest Louisiana during 2012 as a result of the decline in natural gas prices 
compared to recent years. At March 14, 2013, we continued to have two contracted drilling rigs operating in South 
Texas: one in LaSalle County and one in DeWitt County.

Our average daily production for the year ended December 31, 2012 was approximately 9,000 BOE per day, 

including 3,317 Bbl of oil per day and 34.1 MMcf of natural gas per day, as compared to 7,049 BOE per day, 
including 422 Bbl of oil per day and 39.8 MMcf of natural gas per day for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our 
total oil production increased almost eight-fold to just over 1.2 million Bbl of oil during the year ended December 31, 
2012, from approximately 154,000 Bbl of oil during the year ended December 31, 2011. This increased oil 
production is a direct result of our drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale. Oil production comprised approximately 
37% of our total production for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to only 6% of our total production 
for the year ended December 31, 2011.

During the three months ended December 31, 2012 specifically, our average daily production was 10,385 BOE 

per day, including 4,630 Bbl of oil per day and 34.5 MMcf of natural gas per day. This was an increase of almost 
50% compared to our average daily production for the three months ended December 31, 2011 of 6,953 BOE per 
day, including 448 Bbl of oil per day and 39.0 MMcf of natural gas per day. Our total oil production increased ten-fold 
to 426,000 Bbl of oil during the three months ended December 31, 2012, as compared to total oil production of 
41,000 Bbl of oil during the three months ended December 31, 2011. Our average daily production for the fourth 
quarter of 2012 was a sequential increase of 18% from the average daily production of 8,838 BOE per day, 
including 3,291 Bbl of oil per day and 33.3 MMcf of natural gas per day, achieved during the third quarter of 2012. 
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, our oil production grew 41% sequentially, as compared to the 
three months ended September 30, 2012.

FORM 10-K PART I I

66 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

67    

At December 31, 2012, our estimated total proved reserves were 23.8 million BOE, including 10.5 million Bbl of oil 

and 80.0 Bcf of natural gas (13.3 million BOE). At December 31, 2012, 58% of our total proved reserves were proved 
developed reserves compared to 34% at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2012, 44% of our total proved 
reserves were oil and 56% of our total proved reserves were natural gas, as compared to 12% oil and 88% natural 
gas at December 31, 2011. Our proved oil reserves grew 176% (almost three-fold) from 3.8 million Bbl at 
December 31, 2011 to 10.5 million Bbl at December 31, 2012. This growth in oil reserves was attributable to our 
drilling program in the Eagle Ford shale during 2012. Our proved natural gas reserves declined to 80.0 Bcf at 
December 31, 2012 from 170.4 Bcf at December 31, 2011. As a result of substantially lower natural gas prices in 
2012, we removed 97.8 Bcf (16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas reserves  
in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 2012, and these proved 
undeveloped reserves were likewise not included in our estimated total proved reserves at December 31, 2012.  
As long as the leasehold acreage associated with these previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas 
reserves is held by production from existing Haynesville wells, however, these natural gas volumes remain available 
to be developed by us or the operator at a future time should natural gas prices improve, drilling and completion 
costs decline or new technologies be developed that increase expected recoveries.

The PV-10 of our estimated total proved reserves was $423.2 million at December 31, 2012 compared to a PV-10  
of $248.7 million at December 31, 2011, an increase of 70% despite lower commodity prices used to estimate PV-10 
in 2012 compared to 2011. The PV-10 at December 31, 2012 was determined using the 12-month unweighted 
average of first-day-of-the-month oil and natural gas prices for 2012 of $91.21 per barrel and $2.757 per MMBtu, 
respectively, adjusted by lease for quality, energy content, regional price differentials and other expenses as 
needed compared to average oil and natural gas prices of $92.71 per barrel and $4.118 per MMBtu, respectively, 
adjusted as further described above, used to determine PV-10 at December 31, 2011. The Standardized 
Measure of estimated future net cash flows from our total proved reserves, including estimated future income tax 
expenses, was $394.6 million at December 31, 2012 and $215.5 million at December 31, 2011, respectively. 
PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure, see “Business —  
Estimated Proved Reserves.”

For the year ended December 31, 2012, our oil and natural gas revenues were approximately $156.0 million, or 

an increase of about 133%, as compared to approximately $67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. 
Our oil revenues increased over eight-fold to approximately $123.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, 
as compared to $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our total realized revenues for 2012, 
including realized gain on derivatives, were approximately $170.0 million, or an increase of about 129%, as compared 
to $74.1 million for 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, our Adjusted EBITDA was approximately 
$115.9 million, or an increase of about 132%, as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $49.9 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2011. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) and net cash 
provided by operating activities, see “Selected Financial Data — Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

We currently intend to allocate approximately 82% of our 2013 capital expenditure budget to the exploration, 
development and acquisition of additional interests in South Texas, primarily in the Eagle Ford shale play. We also 
plan to allocate about 16% of our 2013 capital expenditure budget to the exploration and acquisition of  
additional interests in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin in Southeast New Mexico and  
West Texas. As a result of these anticipated capital expenditures in South Texas and in Southeast New Mexico and 
West Texas, we plan to dedicate approximately 98% of our 2013 anticipated capital expenditure budget to 
opportunities prospective for oil and liquids production. While we have budgeted capital expenditures of approximately 
$310.0 million for 2013, the aggregate amount we will expend may fluctuate materially based on market conditions, 
the actual costs to drill scheduled wells, our drilling results and our ability to obtain additional capital. Since 
approximately 84% of our Eagle Ford acreage was either held by production or not burdened by lease expirations 
before 2014, 79% of our Wolfcamp and Bone Spring acreage was either held by production or not burdened by lease 
expirations before 2014 and almost all of our Haynesville acreage was held by production at December 31, 2012,  
we possess the financial flexibility to allocate our capital when and where we believe it is economical and justified.

FORM 10-K PART I I

     FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
68 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

As we continue to explore and develop our leasehold positions in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas and as we 
begin to explore and develop our leasehold positions in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico 
and West Texas, we may face various challenges in establishing operations in new areas, including securing the 
necessary services to drill and complete wells and securing the necessary facilities to gather, process, transport 
and market the oil and natural gas that we produce. We may also incur higher than anticipated costs associated 
with establishing new operating infrastructure on our leases throughout the area. We believe that we have 
successfully secured the necessary drilling and completion services for our current Eagle Ford operations. We did 
not experience difficulties in securing completion, and in particular hydraulic fracturing, services for our newly 
drilled wells during the year ended December 31, 2012, although we experienced these problems at various times 
during 2011 in South Texas and may have such difficulties again in the future. We believe that maintaining reliable 
and timely drilling and completion services and reducing drilling and completion costs will be essential to the 
successful development and profitability of the Eagle Ford shale play, as well as the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays 
in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. See “Risk Factors — The Unavailability or High Cost of Drilling Rigs, 
Completion Equipment and Services, Supplies and Personnel, Including Hydraulic Fracturing Equipment and 
Personnel, Could Adversely Affect Our Ability to Establish and Execute Exploration and Development Plans within 
Budget and on a Timely Basis, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Financial Condition, Results  
of Operations and Cash Flows.”

We did experience temporary pipeline and natural gas processing interruptions from time to time during the year 

ended December 31, 2012 associated with natural gas production from our Eagle Ford shale wells. To alleviate most  
of the interruptions and processing capacity constraints we experienced during 2012, effective September 1, 2012, 
we entered into a firm five-year natural gas processing and transportation agreement whereby we committed to 
transport the anticipated natural gas production from a significant portion of our Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas 
through the counterparty’s system for processing at the counterparty’s facilities. The agreement also includes  
firm transportation of the natural gas liquids extracted at the counterparty’s processing plant downstream for 
fractionation. No assurance can be made that this agreement will alleviate these issues completely, and if we 
were required to shut in our production for long periods of time due to pipeline interruptions or lack of processing 
facilities or capacity of these facilities, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows. We may experience similar interruptions and processing capacity 
constraints as we begin to explore and develop our Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico  
and West Texas in 2013. See “Risk Factors — The Marketability of Our Production Is Dependent Upon Oil and 
Natural Gas Gathering, Processing and Transportation Facilities Owned and Operated by Third Parties, and the 
Unavailability of Satisfactory Oil and Natural Gas Gathering, Processing and Transportation Arrangements Would 
Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Revenue.”

REVENUES

Our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production. Our revenues 

may vary significantly from period to period as a result of changes in volumes of production sold or changes in oil, 
natural gas or natural gas liquids prices.

Realized gain on derivatives. We use commodity derivative financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to 
fluctuations in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. This revenue item includes the net realized cash gains 
and losses associated with the settlement of these derivative financial instruments for a given reporting period.

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives. We use commodity derivative financial instruments to mitigate our 
exposure to fluctuations in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. This revenue item recognizes the non-cash 
change in the fair value of our open derivative contracts between reporting periods.

FORM 10-K PART I I

68 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

69    

The following table summarizes our revenues and production data for the periods indicated:

Operating Results:
Revenues (in thousands):
  Oil 
  Natural gas 

  Total oil and natural gas revenues 

Realized gain on derivatives 
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 

  Total revenues 

Net Production Volumes:
  Oil (MBbl) 
  Natural gas (Bcf) 

  Total oil equivalent (MBOE) (1) 
  Average daily production (BOE/d) (1) 

Average Sales Prices:
  Oil, with realized derivatives (per Bbl) 
  Oil, without realized derivatives (per Bbl) 
  Natural gas, with realized derivatives (per Mcf) 
  Natural gas, without realized derivatives (per Mcf) 

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 123,654 
  32,344 
 155,998 
  13,960 
  (4,802) 
$ 165,156 

  1,214 
12.5 
  3,294 
  9,000 

$  103.55 
$  101.86 
3.55 
$ 
2.59 
$ 

$ 14,457 
 52,543 
 67,000 
  7,106 
  5,138 
$ 79,244 

154 
  14.5 
  2,573 
  7,049 

$  93.80 
$  93.80 
$  4.11 
$  3.62 

$  2,507
 31,535
 34,042
  5,299
  3,139
$ 42,480

33
8.4
  1,433
  3,926

$  76.39
$  76.39
$  4.38
$  3.75

(1)  Estimated using a conversion ratio of one Bbl of oil per six Mcf of natural gas.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Oil and natural gas revenues. Our oil and natural gas revenues increased by $89.0 million to $156.0 million, or  
an increase of about 133%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 
2011. This increase in oil and natural gas revenues reflects an increase in our oil revenues of $109.2 million and a 
decrease in our natural gas revenues of $20.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the 
year ended December 31, 2011. Our oil revenues increased over eight-fold to $123.7 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2012, as compared to $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our oil production also 
increased almost eight-fold to just over 1.2 million Bbl of oil, or about 3,317 Bbl of oil per day, from approximately 
154,000 Bbl of oil, or about 422 Bbl of oil per day, during the comparable periods due to our drilling operations in the 
Eagle Ford shale. A portion of this increase in oil revenue also reflects a higher weighted average oil price of 
$101.86 per Bbl realized during the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to a weighted average oil price of 
$93.80 per Bbl realized during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in our natural gas revenues 
reflects a decline in our natural gas production by about 14% to approximately 12.5 Bcf for the year ended 
December 31, 2012, as compared to approximately 14.5 Bcf for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decline 
in natural gas production is due to several factors, including (i) the natural decline in natural gas production primarily 
from our existing Haynesville shale and Cotton Valley wells in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas, coupled with  
our decision not to drill any operated Haynesville shale or Cotton Valley wells in 2012, (ii) the voluntary curtailment 
by the operators of natural gas production from some of our non-operated Haynesville shale wells in Northwest 
Louisiana at various times during 2012 and (iii) delays in natural gas production from our newly completed Eagle 
Ford shale wells in South Texas as a result of natural gas pipeline and production facility constraints. This decrease 
in natural gas revenues also results from a significantly lower weighted average natural gas price of $2.59 per Mcf 
realized during the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to a weighted average natural gas price of  
$3.62 per Mcf realized during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Realized gain on derivatives. Our realized gain on derivatives increased by approximately $6.9 million to 
$14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the 
year ended December 31, 2012, we realized a gain of approximately $11.9 million on our open natural gas 

FORM 10-K PART I I

     FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

derivative contracts and a gain of approximately $2.1 million on our open oil derivative contracts. As a result of 
declining natural gas prices between the comparable periods, we realized an average gain of approximately $1.45 
per MMBtu hedged on all of our open natural gas costless collar contracts during the year ended December 31, 
2012, as compared to $1.03 per MMBtu hedged on all of our open natural gas costless collar contracts during the 
year ended December 31, 2011. Our total natural gas volumes hedged for the year ended December 31, 2012 
were also approximately 19% higher than the total natural gas volumes hedged for the year ended December 31, 2011. 
We realized an average gain of $1.74 per Bbl hedged on all of our open oil contracts during the year ended 
December 31, 2012. We had no open oil or NGL derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives. Our unrealized loss on derivatives was approximately $4.8 million for the 

year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to an unrealized gain of $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 
2011. During the period from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, the net fair value of our open oil, natural 
gas and natural gas liquids derivative contracts decreased from approximately $9.3 million to approximately  
$4.5 million, resulting in an unrealized loss on derivatives of approximately $4.8 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the net fair value of our open natural gas costless 
collar contracts decreased by $8.7 million due primarily to the gains realized on these contracts during 2012.  
The net fair value of our open oil derivative contracts increased $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 
2012 as a result of a decrease in oil prices at December 31, 2012 compared to December 31, 2011 and also as a result 
of two additional oil derivatives contracts we entered into during 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, 
we also entered into various NGL swap contracts which had a net fair value of approximately $0.2 million at 
December 31, 2012. We had no open NGL swap contracts during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Oil and natural gas revenues. Our oil and natural gas revenues increased by $33.0 million to $67.0 million, or an 

increase of about 97%, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 
2010. This increase in oil and natural gas revenues corresponds with an increase of about 79% in our oil and natural 
gas production to 2.6 million BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 1.4 million BOE for the year ended 
December 31, 2010. This increased production was almost entirely due to drilling operations in the Eagle Ford and 
Haynesville shales. A portion of the increase in oil and natural gas revenues reflects the approximate five-fold 
increase in our oil production for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 
2010, as well as a higher average oil price of $93.80 per Bbl realized during 2011, as compared to an average oil 
price of $76.39 per Bbl realized during 2010.

Realized gain on derivatives. Our realized gain on derivatives increased by approximately $1.8 million to  
$7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The 
realized gain from our open natural gas costless collar contracts increased primarily as a result of the decline in 
natural gas prices during the comparable periods. We realized approximately $1.03 per MMBtu hedged on all of our 
open natural gas costless collar contracts during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $0.89 per 
MMBtu hedged on all of our open natural gas costless collar contracts during the year ended December 31, 2010. 
Our total natural gas volumes hedged for the year ended December 31, 2011 were also approximately 16% higher 
than the total natural gas volumes hedged for 2010.

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives. Our unrealized gain on derivatives was approximately $5.1 million  

for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to an unrealized gain of $3.1 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2010. During the period from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011, the net fair value of our 
open natural gas costless collar contracts increased by approximately $5.7 million, due primarily to a decrease in 
natural gas prices during 2011, as compared to 2010, as well as to an increase in the total number of our open natural 
gas costless collar contracts at December 31, 2011, as compared to December 31, 2010. The net fair value of our 
open oil derivative contracts decreased by approximately $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2011.

FORM 10-K PART I I

70 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

71    

ExPENSES

Production taxes and marketing. Production taxes are paid on produced oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids 

based on a percentage of revenues from products sold at market prices (not hedged prices) or at fixed rates 
established by federal, state or local taxing authorities. We attempt to take advantage of all credits and exemptions 
in our various taxing jurisdictions. In general, the production taxes we pay tend to correlate to the changes in our  
oil and natural gas revenues. Marketing expenses are fees charged by the purchasers of the oil and natural gas we 
produce and sell and principally include compression, processing, transportation and marketing fees.

Lease operating expenses. Lease operating expenses are the daily costs incurred to produce oil, natural gas 

and natural gas liquids, as well as the daily costs incurred to maintain our producing properties. Such costs also 
include field personnel costs, utilities, chemical additives, salt water disposal, maintenance, repairs and occasional 
workover expenses related to our oil and natural gas properties.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization. Depletion, depreciation and amortization includes the systematic 
expensing of the capitalized costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas. We 
use the full-cost method of accounting and, accordingly, we capitalize all costs associated with the acquisition, 
exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, including unproved and unevaluated property costs. 
Internal costs are capitalized only to the extent they are directly related to acquisition, exploration or development 
activities and do not include any costs related to production, selling or general corporate administrative activities. 
Capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are amortized using the unit-of-production method based upon 
production and estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves quantities. Unproved and unevaluated property 
costs are excluded from the amortization base used to determine depletion, depreciation and amortization.

Accretion of asset retirement obligations. Asset retirement obligations relate to the future costs associated 

with plugging and abandonment of oil and natural gas wells, removal of equipment and facilities from leased 
acreage and returning such land to its original condition. We recognize the fair value of an asset retirement obligation 
in the period it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The asset retirement obligation is 
recorded as a liability at its estimated present value, with an offsetting increase recognized in oil and natural gas 
properties or support equipment and facilities on the balance sheet. Periodic accretion of the discounted value  
of the estimated liability is recorded as an expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

Full-cost ceiling impairment. The net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are limited to the lower 

of unamortized costs less related deferred income taxes or the cost center ceiling, with any excess above the 
cost center ceiling charged to operations as a full-cost ceiling impairment. The cost center ceiling is defined as the 
sum of (a) the present value discounted at 10 percent of future net revenues of proved oil and natural gas 
reserves, plus (b) unproved and unevaluated property costs not being amortized, plus (c) the lower of cost or 
estimated fair value of unproved and unevaluated properties included in the costs being amortized, if any, less  
(d) income tax effects related to the properties involved. Future net revenues from proved non-producing and 
proved undeveloped reserves are reduced by the estimated costs of developing these reserves. The fair  
value of our derivative instruments is not included in the ceiling test computation as we do not designate these 
instruments as hedge instruments for accounting purposes.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include, but are not limited to, 

compensation and benefits for our employees, costs of renting and maintaining our headquarters, office service 
contracts, board of directors fees, franchise taxes, stock-based compensation expense and accounting, legal and 
other professional fees.

FORM 10-K PART I I

    FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
72 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Other Income (Expense)

Net gain (loss) on asset sales and inventory impairment. This other income (expense) item includes the net 
gain or loss we experience on infrequent asset sales or impairment charges associated with certain equipment held 
in inventory. This item also includes infrequent sales of oil and natural gas properties that we consider to be 
extraordinary when considered in relation to the normal course of our business.

Interest expense. Interest expense includes interest paid to our lenders as a result of borrowings under our 
revolving Credit Agreement. We finance a portion of our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and 
acquisitions with borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and as a result, we incur interest expense that is 
affected by both fluctuations in interest rates and our financing decisions. In addition, we include any amortization of 
deferred financing costs (including origination, borrowing base increase and amendment fees), commitment or 
facility fees and annual agency fees as interest expense and in our interest rate calculations and related disclosures.

Interest and other income. Interest income includes interest earned periodically on the cash and cash equivalents 

we hold in money market accounts composed of U.S. Treasury securities offering daily liquidity and the interest 
earned periodically on our certificates of deposit. Other income includes income we receive for providing salt water 
disposal and natural gas transportation services to other working interest participants in wells that we operate.

Total income tax provision (benefit). Total income tax provision (benefit) includes the net current and deferred 

portions of our estimated income tax liabilities. We file a U.S. federal income tax return and state tax returns in 
those states where we conduct oil and natural gas operations. The current portion of our income tax provision 
(benefit) reflects actual income tax payments made or refunds received by us as a result of filing these income tax 
returns. The deferred portion of our income tax provision is the result of temporary timing differences between the 
financial statement carrying values and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities.

The following table summarizes our operating expenses and other income (expense) for the periods indicated.  
As a result of the increasing significance of our oil production, all per unit expenses are presented as per BOE as 
compared to per Mcfe in prior reporting periods.

(In thousands, except expenses per BOE)

Expenses:
  Production taxes and marketing 
  Lease operating 
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
  Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
  Full-cost ceiling impairment 
  General and administrative 

  Total expenses 
Operating (loss) income 
Other (expense) income:
  Net loss on asset sales and inventory impairment 

Interest expense 
Interest and other income 
  Total other (expense) income 
(Loss) income before income taxes 
Total income tax (benefit) provision 
Net (loss) income 
Expenses per BOE:
  Production taxes and marketing 
  Lease operating 
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
  General and administrative 

FORM 10-K PART I I

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$  11,672 
  28,184 
  80,454 
256 
  63,475 
  14,543 
 198,584 
 (33,428) 

(485) 
  (1,002) 
224 
  (1,263) 
 (34,691) 
  (1,430) 
$ (33,261) 

$ 
3.54 
$ 
8.56 
$  24.43 
$ 
4.42 

$  6,278 
  7,244 
  31,754 
209 
  35,673 
  13,394 
  94,552 
 (15,308) 

(154) 
(683) 
315 
(522) 
 (15,830) 
  (5,521) 
$ (10,309) 

2.44 
$ 
$ 
2.82 
$  12.34 
5.21 
$ 

$  1,982
  5,284
 15,596
155
  —
  9,702
 32,719
  9,761

(224)
(3)
364
137
  9,898
  3,521
$  6,377

$  1.38
$  3.69
$  10.89
$  6.77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

73    

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Production taxes and marketing. Our production taxes and marketing expenses increased by $5.4 million to 

$11.7 million, or an increase of approximately 86%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the 
year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in our production taxes and marketing expenses primarily reflects the 
increase in our total oil and natural gas revenues by 133% for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared  
to the year ended December 31, 2011. The majority of this increase was attributable to increased production taxes 
associated with the large increase in our oil production during 2012 resulting from our drilling operations in the 
Eagle Ford shale in South Texas. Our total production was comprised of approximately 37% oil and 63% natural gas 
during the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to approximately 6% oil and 94% natural gas during the 
year ended December 31, 2011. On a unit-of-production basis, our production taxes and marketing expenses 
increased by 45% to $3.54 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $2.44 per BOE for the 
year ended December 31, 2011.

Lease operating expenses. Our lease operating expenses increased by $20.9 million to $28.2 million, or an 
increase of about 289%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. 
Our total oil and natural gas production increased by about 28% to approximately 3.3 million BOE for the year 
ended December 31, 2012 from approximately 2.6 million BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011, but our oil 
production increased almost eight-fold to just over 1.2 million Bbl from approximately 154,000 Bbl during the 
respective period. The increase in lease operating expenses was primarily attributable to the increased costs 
associated with operating oil production resulting from drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale in 2012, as 
compared to the lower lease operating expenses associated with operating primarily dry natural gas production from 
the Haynesville and Cotton Valley in 2011. In addition, oil production comprised 37% of our total production during 
the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to only 6% for the year ended December 31, 2011, resulting in 
higher overall lease operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2012. During the year ended 
December 31, 2012, we completed and initiated oil and natural gas production from 28 gross/24.5 net wells in 
the Eagle Ford shale (plus 2 gross/2.0 net Austin Chalk/“Chalkleford” wells), most of which were on properties 
where new production facilities were being installed or natural gas pipelines were awaiting completion. While  
these new facilities were being installed and tested, much of the oil and natural gas was produced through rental 
equipment monitored by 24-hour contract personnel, resulting in higher operating costs from these properties 
during the year ended December 31, 2012 than we anticipate going forward now that the permanent production 
facilities and natural gas pipeline connections on most of these properties are complete. Approximately one-third 
of our total lease operating expenses in 2012 were attributable to these extended flowback operations. As we 
continue to drill on new properties in the Eagle Ford shale and in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas throughout 
2013, however, we also expect to produce new wells on these properties through similar rental test 
equipment until more permanent facilities can be constructed and installed. Our lease operating expenses per unit of 
production increased 204% to $8.56 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $2.82 per 
BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization. Our depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses increased  

by $48.7 million to $80.5 million, or an increase of about 153%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as 
compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. On a unit-of-production basis, our depletion, depreciation and 
amortization expenses increased to $24.43 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to 
$12.34 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase in our depletion, depreciation and amortization 
expenses was primarily attributable to the decrease in our total proved oil and natural gas reserves to 23.8 million 
BOE at December 31, 2012, as compared to 32.2 million BOE at December 31, 2011. As a result of substantially 
lower natural gas prices in 2012, we removed 97.8 Bcf (16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped 
natural gas reserves in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 
2012, and these proved undeveloped reserves were likewise not included in our total proved reserves at 
December 31, 2012. The increase in depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses was also partially attributable 

FORM 10-K PART I I

     FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
74 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

to the increase of approximately 28% in our oil and natural gas production to approximately 3.3 million BOE  
for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to approximately 2.6 million BOE for the year ended 
December 31, 2011, as well as to the higher drilling and completion costs on a per BOE basis associated  
with oil reserves added in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas as compared with our Haynesville shale natural gas 
assets in Northwest Louisiana.

Accretion of asset retirement obligations. Our accretion of asset retirement obligations expenses increased by 

approximately $47,000 to $256,000, or an increase of about 23%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as 
compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in the accretion of our asset retirement obligations 
was due primarily to the addition of new wells through our drilling of operated wells and our participation in the 
drilling of non-operated wells, although, on the whole, this item is an insignificant component of our overall expenses.

Full-cost ceiling impairment. At June 30, 2012, the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties 

less related deferred income taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $21.3 million. As a result, we recorded an 
impairment charge of $33.2 million to the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties and a deferred 
income tax credit of $11.9 million. At September 30, 2012, the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas 
properties less related deferred income taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $2.3 million. As a result, we recorded 
an impairment charge of $3.6 million to the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties and a deferred 
income tax credit of $1.3 million. At December 31, 2012, the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas 
properties less related deferred income taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $17.3 million. As a result, we 
recorded an impairment charge of $26.7 million to the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties and 
a deferred income tax credit of $9.4 million. These full-cost ceiling impairment charges in 2012 were primarily 
attributable to declining natural gas prices throughout much of the year. As a result of substantially lower natural gas 
prices in 2012, we had downward revisions of our natural gas reserves totaling 103.4 Bcf (17.2 million BOE), 
including the removal of 97.8 Bcf (16.3 million BOE) of previously classified proved undeveloped natural gas 
reserves in the Haynesville shale in Northwest Louisiana from our total proved reserves at June 30, 2012. These 
impairment charges are reflected in our operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012. During the first 
quarter of 2011, the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties less related deferred income taxes 
exceeded the cost center ceiling by $23.0 million. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $35.7 million to 
the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties and a deferred income tax credit of $12.7 million, 
which is reflected in our operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011.

General and administrative. Our general and administrative expenses increased by $1.1 million to $14.5 million, 

or an increase of about 9%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 
2011. Our general and administrative expenses decreased by 15% on a unit-of-production basis to $4.42 per BOE 
for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $5.21 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011.  
The increase in our general and administrative expenses was attributable to increased compensation, accounting, 
legal and other administrative expenses, most of which was associated with becoming a public company in 
February 2012, partially offset by a net decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million for 
the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

Net gain (loss) on asset sales and inventory impairment. We incurred a loss on asset sales and inventory 
impairment of approximately $485,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to a loss of $154,000 
for the year ended December 31, 2011. The loss during 2012 was primarily related to the impairment of certain 
equipment held in inventory, mostly consisting of drilling rig parts. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the 
loss was primarily related to the sale of pipe and other equipment and the impairment of certain equipment held  
in inventory, mostly consisting of drilling rig parts.

FORM 10-K PART I I

74 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

75    

Interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we incurred total interest expense of approximately 

$2.6 million. We capitalized approximately $1.6 million of our interest expense on certain qualifying projects  
for the year ended December 31, 2012 and expensed the remaining $1.0 million to operations. In February 2012, 
we repaid our borrowings then outstanding of $123.0 million under our Credit Agreement using a portion of the  
net proceeds received from our Initial Public Offering. From March 1 through December 31, 2012, we borrowed 
$150.0 million under our Credit Agreement to finance a portion of our working capital requirements and capital 
expenditures. Our total outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2012 were $150.0 million, and the effective 
interest rate on the borrowings was approximately 3.3%. At December 31, 2011, we had total borrowings of 
$113.0 million outstanding under our Credit Agreement, and we incurred total interest expense of approximately 
$2.0 million. We capitalized approximately $1.3 million of our interest expense on certain qualifying projects for  
the year ended December 31, 2011 and expensed the remaining $0.7 million to operations.

Interest and other income. Our interest and other income decreased by approximately $0.1 million to 

approximately $0.2 million, or a decrease of about 29%, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to 
the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in our interest and other income was due primarily to a 
decrease in the natural gas transportation income received from third parties during the year ended December 31, 
2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Our cash and certificates of deposit decreased to 
approximately $2.3 million at December 31, 2012 from approximately $11.6 million at December 31, 2011.

Total income tax provision (benefit). We recorded a total income tax benefit of approximately $1.4 million for 
the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to a total income tax benefit of approximately $5.5 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the net capitalized costs of our oil  
and natural gas properties less related deferred income taxes exceeded the cost center ceiling by $40.9 million. We 
recorded an impairment charge of $63.5 million to the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties  
and a deferred income tax credit of $22.6 million. The increase in our deferred tax assets as a result of the impairment 
charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012 caused our deferred tax assets to exceed our deferred  
tax liabilities, resulting in the establishment of a valuation allowance of $10.3 million due to uncertainties regarding 
the future realization of our deferred tax assets. As a result, we recorded an income tax benefit of $1.4 million for 
the year ended December 31, 2012. The total income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2011 reflected 
deferred income taxes almost entirely, with the exception of a state of Louisiana income tax refund of approximately 
$46,000 recorded during this period. We had a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Production taxes and marketing. Our production taxes and marketing expenses increased by $4.3 million to 
$6.3 million, or an increase of approximately 217% for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year 
ended December 31, 2010. The increase in our production taxes and marketing expenses reflects the increases in 
both our oil and natural gas production and revenues by 79% and 97%, respectively, during the year ended 
December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. The majority of this increase was due to 
higher marketing, transportation and compression charges on portions of our non-operated Haynesville shale 
production in 2011 as compared to 2010. Some of this increase was also due to Haynesville shale wells completed 
in 2011, several of which were turned to sales or produced their first significant production volumes during 2011. 
Although we or outside operators applied for exemptions from initial production taxes on these Haynesville shale 
wells, some of these wells had not been approved for production tax exemptions at December 31, 2011. Thus,  
we paid or accrued for the associated production taxes on these wells during the year ended December 31, 2011, 
although these production taxes were refunded to us in future periods as expected. We adjusted our production 
taxes and marketing expenses accordingly during the future periods when these production tax exemptions were 
approved. The remainder of the increase in production taxes and marketing expenses for the year ended 
December 31, 2011 was due to production taxes paid on production from our initial Eagle Ford shale wells in 
South Texas.

FORM 10-K PART I I

    FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
76 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Lease operating expenses. Our lease operating expenses increased by $2.0 million to $7.2 million, or an 
increase of about 37%, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 
2010. During these respective periods, however, our oil and natural gas production increased 79% from 1.4 million 
BOE to 2.6 million BOE. As a result, our lease operating expenses per unit of production decreased by 23% to 
$2.82 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $3.69 per BOE for the year ended 
December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, both our total Haynesville shale production, as 
well as the percentage of our Haynesville production for which we were the operator, increased as compared to the 
year ended December 31, 2010. The per unit lease operating expenses associated with the Haynesville production 
were much less than those associated with our Cotton Valley natural gas production, primarily due to the greater 
salt water disposal costs associated with the Cotton Valley production and given the early stages of production then 
associated with many of these Haynesville wells.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization. Our depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 
$16.2 million to $31.8 million, or an increase of about 104%, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared 
to the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in our depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses  
was due primarily to an increase of approximately 79% in our oil and natural gas production from 1.4 million BOE to 
2.6 million BOE during the respective time periods. Our depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses on a 
unit-of-production basis increased to $12.34 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011, or an increase of about 
14%, from $10.89 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2010. This per unit increase reflected increases in 
drilling and completion costs for wells drilled to the Haynesville shale during 2011, as well as higher drilling and 
completion costs on a per BOE basis associated with oil reserves added in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas.

Accretion of asset retirement obligations. Our accretion of asset retirement obligations expenses increased by 

approximately $54,000 to approximately $209,000, or an increase of about 35%, for the year ended December 31, 
2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in the accretion of asset retirement obligations 
was due primarily to the addition of new wells through our drilling of operated wells and our participation in the 
drilling of non-operated wells, although, on the whole, this item is an insignificant component of our overall expenses.

Full-cost ceiling impairment. During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the net capitalized costs of our oil and 
natural gas properties less related deferred income taxes exceeded the cost center ceiling by $23.0 million. As a 
result, we recorded an impairment charge of $35.7 million to the net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas 
properties and a deferred income tax credit of $12.7 million, which is reflected in our expenses for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. No impairment to the net carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties on the balance 
sheet resulting from the full-cost ceiling limitation was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010.

General and administrative. Our general and administrative expenses increased by $3.7 million to $13.4 million, 

or an increase of about 38%, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2010. The increase in our general and administrative expenses was due primarily to increased 
cash and non-cash compensation expenses and increased accounting expenses for the year ended December 31, 
2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. We recorded approximately $2.4 million in non-cash 
compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to approximately $0.9 million recorded 
for the year ended December 31, 2010. This increase was primarily due to a change in accounting method for 
valuing our outstanding stock options. We awarded no new stock options during 2011. As a result of our increased 
oil and natural gas production, however, our general and administrative expenses decreased by 27% on a unit-of-
production basis to $5.21 per BOE for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $6.77 per BOE for the 
year ended December 31, 2010.

FORM 10-K PART I I

76 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

77    

Net gain (loss) on asset sales and inventory impairment. We incurred a loss on asset sales and inventory 

impairment of approximately $154,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to a loss of 
approximately $224,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, this 
loss was primarily related to the sale of pipe and other equipment and the impairment of certain equipment held  
in inventory, consisting primarily of drilling rig parts. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we wrote off the 
Boise South pipeline asset in Orange County, Texas and recognized a net loss of approximately $174,000.  
We also recognized an impairment of approximately $50,000 to some of our equipment held in inventory following  
a determination that the market value of the equipment, consisting primarily of drilling rig parts, was less than  
the cost.

Interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we incurred total interest expense of approximately 
$2.0 million. We capitalized approximately $1.3 million of our interest expense on certain qualifying projects for the 
year ended December 31, 2011 and expensed the remaining $0.7 million to operations. During the year ended 
December 31, 2011, we incurred incremental net borrowings of $88.0 million under our Credit Agreement to finance 
a portion of our working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Our total outstanding borrowings at 
December 31, 2011 were $113.0 million, and the interest rate on these borrowings was approximately 5.3% per 
annum. In early January 2012, we converted this $113.0 million base rate advance to a Eurodollar-based advance, 
which then bore interest at 3.5% per annum. In December 2010, we borrowed $25.0 million under our Credit 
Agreement to finance a portion of our working capital requirements and capital expenditures, which remained 
outstanding at December 31, 2010. We incurred interest expense of approximately $3,000 for the year ended 
December 31, 2010.

Interest and other income. Our interest and other income decreased by approximately $0.1 million to 

approximately $0.3 million, or a decrease of about 14%, for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the 
year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in our interest and other income was due primarily to a decrease  
in the average balances of our cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit on which we received interest 
income between the two periods. Our cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit decreased to 
approximately $11.6 million at December 31, 2011 from approximately $23.4 million at December 31, 2010, as 
we used cash and incremental borrowings to acquire additional leasehold acreage in the Eagle Ford shale play  
in South Texas and in the core area of the Haynesville shale play in Northwest Louisiana and to fund our operated 
and non-operated drilling and completion activities in both areas.

Total income tax provision (benefit). We recorded a total income tax benefit of approximately $5.5 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to a total income tax provision of approximately $3.5 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2010. The total income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2011 
reflected deferred income taxes almost entirely, with the exception of a state of Louisiana income tax refund of 
approximately $46,000 recorded during this period. We recorded a total income tax provision of approximately 
$3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The total income tax provision for the year ended 
December 31, 2010 included a deferred income tax provision of approximately $4.9 million and a current income 
tax benefit of approximately $1.4 million, which was attributable to a refund of U.S. federal income taxes received  
by us. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the deferred income tax provision was consistent with our income 
before income taxes, which included approximately $3.1 million in unrealized hedging gains. We had a net loss  
for the year ended December 31, 2011, and our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 was 35.57%.

FORM 10-K PART I I

    FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
78 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

LIqUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Prior to the consummation of our Initial Public Offering on February 7, 2012, our primary sources of liquidity were 
capital contributions from private investors, our cash flows from operations, borrowings under our Credit Agreement 
and the proceeds from a significant sale of a portion of our assets in the Haynesville shale in 2008. Our primary use  
of capital has been, and will continue to be during 2013 and for the foreseeable future, for the acquisition, exploration 
and development of oil and natural gas properties. We continually evaluate potential capital sources, including equity 
and debt financings, additional borrowings and joint ventures, in order to meet our planned capital expenditures and 
liquidity requirements. Our future success in growing proved reserves and production will be highly dependent on 
our ability to access outside sources of capital and to continue to grow our operating cash flows.

At December 31, 2012, we had cash and certificates of deposit totaling approximately $2.3 million, the borrowing 

base under our Credit Agreement was $215.0 million and we had $150.0 million of outstanding long-term 
borrowings and approximately $1.1 million in outstanding letters of credit. These borrowings bore interest at an 
effective interest rate of approximately 3.3% per annum. From January 1 through March 14, 2013, we borrowed 
an additional $30.0 million under our Credit Agreement to finance a portion of our working capital requirements  
and capital expenditures. At March 14, 2013, we had $180.0 million of outstanding long-term borrowings and 
approximately $1.3 million in outstanding letters of credit.

On September 28, 2012, we entered into the third amended and restated Credit Agreement which increased the 
maximum facility amount to $500.0 million from $400.0 million and increased the borrowing base from $125.0 million 
to $200.0 million as a result of our lenders’ review of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at June 30, 2012. 
The borrowing base under the Credit Agreement is scheduled to be redetermined automatically on May 1 and 
November 1 by the lenders based primarily on the estimated value of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at 
June 30 and December 31 of each year. Both we and the lenders may each request an unscheduled 
redetermination of the borrowing base once between scheduled redetermination dates. During the fourth quarter 
of 2012, we requested one such unscheduled redetermination, and on December 20, 2012, the borrowing base 
was increased from $200.0 million to $215.0 million as a result of our lenders’ review of our proved oil and natural 
gas reserves at September 30, 2012. In addition, during the first quarter of 2013, our lenders completed their 
review of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2012, and as a result, on March 11, 2013, the 
borrowing base under our Credit Agreement was increased to $255.0 million. This most recent redetermination 
constitutes the regularly scheduled May 1 redetermination. We expect to request an unscheduled redetermination 
of our borrowing base between each scheduled redetermination date during 2013, which should result in 
approximately quarterly redeterminations of the borrowing base under our Credit Agreement throughout 2013. 
We expect additional increases to the borrowing base throughout 2013, primarily as a result of anticipated increases 
in our proved oil and natural gas reserves, and particularly our proved developed oil and natural gas reserves. As  
a result of this anticipated increase in borrowing capacity, together with our anticipated increases in oil production 
and related revenues, we expect to have sufficient cash flows from operations and future borrowing capacity 
under our Credit Agreement to fund our capital expenditure requirements for 2013. We use commodity derivative 
financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices  
and to partially offset reductions in our cash flows from operations resulting from declines in commodity prices. 
However, should our drilling activities be less successful than we anticipate or result in less growth in our 
proved oil and natural gas reserves or less cash flows than we anticipate in 2013, or should oil prices decline 
substantially, we may require additional sources of financing, including through potential joint ventures and potential 
issuances of equity or debt securities, which may not be available on terms reasonably acceptable to us or at all.  
To the extent such sources of financing are not available on terms reasonably acceptable to us, we may need to 
reduce our capital spending and rate of growth.

Although a majority of our anticipated increase in cash flows from operations during the year ending December 31, 

2013, as compared to our cash flows from operations in prior periods, is expected to come from development 
activities on proved properties in the Eagle Ford shale play at December 31, 2012, these development activities 

FORM 10-K PART I I

78 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

79    

may be less successful than we anticipate. Further, a portion of our anticipated increase in cash flows from 
operations during the year ending December 31, 2013 is expected to come from exploration activities on currently 
unproved properties in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas and in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast 
New Mexico and West Texas, and these exploration activities may or may not be as successful as we anticipate. 
Additionally, any anticipated increases in our cash flows from operations are based upon current expectations of 
oil and natural gas prices for 2013 and the hedges we currently have in place. If our exploration and development 
activities result in less cash flows than anticipated, we may seek additional sources of capital, including through 
additional borrowings under our Credit Agreement, the sale of debt securities, the sale of assets or acreage or 
entering into one or more joint ventures, none of which may be available. In addition to future borrowings under our 
Credit Agreement, we may also seek to raise additional funds by selling shares of our common stock or securities 
convertible or exercisable into our common stock (including debt securities or other preferential securities) in the 
public markets or otherwise. It is likely that any such sales would dilute the ownership interest of our existing 
shareholders. There is no guarantee that we would be able to sell such debt or equity securities on terms acceptable 
to us. It is also possible that, to the extent we are not able to obtain additional sources of capital, we may modify 
our planned capital expenditure budget for 2013 accordingly or enter into one or more joint ventures or other 
alternative financings. Exploration and development activities are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties 
that could impact our ability to sufficiently increase our reserves, cash flows from operations and borrowing base 
under our Credit Agreement. See “Risk Factors — Our Exploration, Development and Exploitation Projects Require 
Substantial Capital Expenditures That May Exceed Our Cash Flows from Operations and Potential Borrowings, 
and We May Be Unable to Obtain Needed Capital on Satisfactory Terms, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Future 
Growth,” “Risk Factors — Drilling for and Producing Oil and Natural Gas Are Highly Speculative and Involve a  
High Degree of Risk, with Many Uncertainties That Could Adversely Affect Our Business” and “Risk Factors — Our 
Identified Drilling Locations Are Scheduled Out over Several Years, Making Them Susceptible to Uncertainties 
That Could Materially Alter the Occurrence or Timing of Their Drilling.”

Our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are presented below:

(In thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities 
Net cash used in investing activities 
Net cash provided by financing activities 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 124,228 
 (306,916) 
 174,499 
(8,189) 

$ 

$  61,868 
 (160,088) 
  87,444 
$  (10,776) 

$  27,273
 (147,334)
  36,891
$  (83,170)

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $62.3 million to $124.2 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2012, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $61.9 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. Excluding changes in operating assets and liabilities, net cash provided by operating activities 
increased significantly to $114.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $49.3 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to the almost eight-fold increase in our oil production to  
just over 1.2 million Bbl from approximately 154,000 Bbl during the respective periods. A portion of the increase in net 
cash provided by operating activities also reflects the higher weighted average oil price of $101.86 per Bbl realized 
during 2012, as compared to a weighted average oil price of $93.80 per Bbl realized during 2011. Changes in our 
operating assets and liabilities between December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 also resulted in a net decrease of 
approximately $3.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012, as 
compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Our accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased to approximately 
$87.3 million at December 31, 2012 from approximately $44.3 million at December 31, 2011 due to our increased 
operating activity in South Texas. Our accounts receivable increased to $29.5 million at December 31, 2012, as compared 
to $13.2 million at December 31, 2011, due primarily to the increase in our oil production and associated revenues.

FORM 10-K PART I I

     FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $34.6 million to $61.9 million for the year ended December 31, 

2011, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $27.3 million for the year ended December 31, 
2010. Excluding changes in operating assets and liabilities, net cash provided by operating activities increased 
significantly to $49.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $25.0 million for the year ended December 31, 
2010. This increase reflects primarily the 79% increase in our oil and natural gas production to 2.6 million BOE 
from 1.4 million BOE between the respective periods. A portion of the increase in net cash provided by operating 
activities also reflects the approximate five-fold increase in our oil production for the year ended December 31, 
2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, as well as a higher weighted average oil price of $93.80 
per Bbl realized during 2011, as compared to a weighted average oil price of $76.39 per Bbl realized during 2010. 
Some of this increase in net cash provided by operating activities is also due to changes in our operating assets and 
liabilities totaling approximately $10.3 million between December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011. Our accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities increased to approximately $44.3 million at December 31, 2011 from approximately 
$27.0 million at December 31, 2010 due to our increased operating activity in South Texas. Our accounts 
receivable increased to $13.2 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $11.6 million at December 31, 2010, 
due primarily to the increase in our oil and natural gas production and associated revenues.

Our operating cash flows are sensitive to a number of variables, including changes in our production and volatility 

of oil and natural gas prices between reporting periods. Regional and worldwide economic activity, weather, 
infrastructure capacity to reach markets and other variable factors significantly impact the prices of oil and natural 
gas. These factors are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. We use commodity derivative financial 
instruments to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. In addition, we 
attempt to avoid long-term service agreements in order to minimize ongoing future commitments. For additional 
information on the impact of changing prices on our financial position, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 
About Market Risk” below. See also “Risk Factors — Our Success Is Dependent on the Prices of Oil and Natural 
Gas. Low Oil or Natural Gas Prices and the Substantial Volatility in These Prices May Adversely Affect Our Financial 
Condition and Our Ability to Meet Our Capital Expenditure Requirements and Financial Obligations.”

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $146.8 million to $306.9 million for the year ended December 31, 

2012 from $160.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase in net cash used in investing 
activities reflected an increase of $144.3 million in our oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures for the year 
ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, and an increase of approximately 
$2.7 million in expenditures for other property and equipment, which includes new pipeline infrastructure associated 
with our initial wells in the Eagle Ford shale. Approximately 91% of our capital expenditures were allocated to 
drilling and completion operations and associated infrastructure and 9% to the acquisition of additional acreage for 
the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to approximately 75% allocated to drilling and completion 
operations and associated infrastructure and 25% allocated to acquisition of additional acreage for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. Our oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2012 
were primarily due to expenditures associated with our operated drilling and completion activities and acreage 
acquisitions in the Eagle Ford shale, non-operated drilling and completion activities in the Eagle Ford and Haynesville 
shale plays and our acreage acquisitions in the Delaware Basin in West Texas.

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $12.8 million to $160.1 million for the year ended December 31, 

2011 from $147.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. This increase in net cash used in investing 
activities reflected a decrease of $2.6 million in our oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures for the year 
ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, offset by an increase of 
approximately $3.0 million in expenditures for other property and equipment, which included new pipeline 
infrastructure associated with our initial wells in the Eagle Ford shale. Although our capital expenditures were 
relatively flat year-over-year, approximately 75% of our capital expenditures were allocated to drilling and 

FORM 10-K PART I I

80 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

81    

completion operations and associated infrastructure and 25% to the acquisition of additional acreage for the year 
ended December 31, 2011, as compared to approximately 43% allocated to drilling and completion operations and 
associated infrastructure and 57% allocated to acquisition of additional acreage for the year ended December 31, 
2010. Our oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2011 were primarily 
due to expenditures associated with our operated and non-operated drilling and completion activities in the  
Eagle Ford shale and Haynesville shale plays and our acquisition of acreage prospective for the Eagle Ford shale in 
DeWitt, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson Counties, Texas.

Expenditures for the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties are the primary 

use of our capital resources. We anticipate investing approximately $310.0 million in capital for acquisition, 
exploration and development activities in 2013 as follows:

Exploration, development drilling and completion costs 
Pipeline and infrastructure expenditures 
Leasehold acquisition and 2-D and 3-D seismic data 
  Total 

Amount
(in millions)

$ 260.0
  25.0
  25.0
$ 310.0

For further information regarding our anticipated capital expenditure budget in 2013, see “Business — General.”

Our 2013 capital expenditures may be adjusted as business conditions warrant. The amount, timing and 

allocation of our capital expenditures is largely discretionary and within our control. If oil or natural gas prices decline 
or costs increase significantly, we could defer a significant portion of our anticipated capital expenditures until later 
periods to conserve cash or to focus on those projects that we believe have the highest expected returns and 
potential to generate near-term cash flows. We routinely monitor and adjust our capital expenditures in response to 
changes in prices, availability of financing, drilling, completion and acquisition costs, industry conditions, the timing 
of regulatory approvals, the availability of rigs, success or lack of success in our exploration and development 
activities, contractual obligations and other factors both within and outside our control.

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $174.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared 

to net cash provided by financing activities of $87.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The net cash 
provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 was principally due to the total proceeds 
from the Initial Public Offering of $146.5 million and total incremental borrowings of $160.0 million under our Credit 
Agreement to fund a portion of our working capital requirements during the period, offset by the costs of the 
Initial Public Offering of $11.6 million incurred during the period and by the repayment of $123.0 million in 
borrowings during the period. We also received approximately $2.7 million from the exercise of stock options during 
the year ended December 31, 2012.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $87.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared 

to net cash provided by financing activities of $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The net cash 
provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due almost entirely to additional 
borrowings of $88.0 million under our Credit Agreement to fund a portion of our working capital requirements as 
well as our acquisition of acreage prospective for the Eagle Ford shale play in DeWitt, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson 
Counties, Texas. In January 2011, we sold 53,772 shares of our Class A common stock in a private placement  
and received net proceeds of approximately $0.6 million. During 2011, we also received proceeds from the exercise 
of stock options totaling approximately $0.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we also incurred cash 
expenditures related to preparation for our Initial Public Offering of approximately $1.7 million.

FORM 10-K PART I I

  FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Net cash provided by financing activities was $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the year 

ended December 31, 2010, the most significant financing activities occurred in the fourth quarter of 2010. During  
that time, we sold approximately 1.9 million shares of our Class A common stock in a private placement and received 
net proceeds of approximately $21.0 million, and we borrowed $25.0 million under our Credit Agreement to fund a 
portion of our working capital requirements. In addition, in April 2010, we repurchased 1,000,000 shares of Class A 
common stock from five shareholders, all advised by Wellington Management Company, for a total of $9.0 million. 
We also received proceeds of approximately $2.0 million from the periodic exercise of stock options during the year 
ended December 31, 2010.

Credit Agreement

In December 2011, we entered into our second amended and restated senior secured revolving Credit Agreement 

for which Comerica Bank served as administrative agent. Among other things, this amendment increased the size  
of the facility and extended the term until December 2016. MRC Energy Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 
Matador Resources Company, was the borrower under the amended Credit Agreement. Borrowings were 
secured by mortgages on substantially all of our oil and natural gas properties and by the equity interests of all of 
MRC Energy Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, which were also guarantors. In addition, all obligations  
under the Credit Agreement were guaranteed by Matador Resources Company, the parent corporation. Various 
commodity hedging agreements with one of the lenders under the Credit Agreement (or an affiliate thereof) were 
also secured by the collateral of and guaranteed by the eligible subsidiaries of MRC Energy Company.

The amount of the borrowings under the second amended and restated Credit Agreement were limited to 

the lesser of $400.0 million or the borrowing base, which was determined by the lenders based primarily on the 
estimated value of our proved oil and natural gas reserves, but also on external factors, such as the lenders’ lending 
policies and the lenders’ estimates of future oil and natural gas prices, over which we have no control. At 
December 31, 2011, the borrowing base was $125.0 million and we had $113.0 million in outstanding borrowings 
under the Credit Agreement. In January 2012, we borrowed an additional $10.0 million to finance a portion of  
our working capital requirements, bringing the then-outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement to 
$123.0 million. Following the completion of our Initial Public Offering, we used a portion of the net proceeds  
to repay the then-outstanding $123.0 million under our Credit Agreement in February 2012, at which time the 
borrowing base was reduced to $100.0 million. On February 28, 2012, the borrowing base was increased  
to $125.0 million pursuant to a special borrowing base redetermination made at our request. This borrowing base 
increase was determined by our lenders based upon, among other items, the increase in our proved oil and 
natural gas reserves at December 31, 2011.

On September 28, 2012, we entered into our third amended and restated senior secured revolving Credit 
Agreement, which matures in December 2016. Among other things, this amendment increased the maximum 
facility amount from $400.0 million to $500.0 million, increased the borrowing base from $125.0 million to  
$200.0 million and named RBC as administrative agent. In addition, the amendment provided for a conforming 
borrowing base of $165 million. The borrowing base will automatically be reduced to the conforming borrowing 
base on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2013 or (ii) the closing of a secondary public offering of equity interests  
that results in net cash proceeds to us in an amount greater than or equal to $25.0 million. MRC Energy Company is 
the borrower under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings are secured by mortgages on substantially all of our oil  
and natural gas properties and by the equity interests of all of MRC Energy Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, 
which are also guarantors. In addition, all obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Matador 
Resources Company, the parent corporation. Various commodity hedging agreements with certain of the lenders 
under the Credit Agreement (or affiliates thereof) are also secured by the collateral of and guaranteed by the 
eligible subsidiaries of MRC Energy Company.

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82 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

83    

The borrowing base under the Credit Agreement is determined semi-annually as of May 1 and November 1 by 

the lenders based primarily on the estimated value of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at June 30 and 
December 31 of each year. Both we and the lenders may request an unscheduled redetermination of the borrowing 
base once each between scheduled redetermination dates. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we requested one 
such unscheduled redetermination, and on December 20, 2012, the borrowing base was increased from $200.0 
million to $215.0 million as a result of our lenders’ review of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at September 30, 
2012. In connection with this borrowing base redetermination, the conforming borrowing base was increased to 
$180.0 million at December 20, 2012. In addition, during the first quarter of 2013, our lenders completed their review 
of our proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2012, and as a result, on March 11, 2013, the 
borrowing base was increased to $255.0 million and the conforming borrowing base was increased to $220.0 million. 
This most recent redetermination constitutes the regularly scheduled May 1 redetermination. In the event of a 
borrowing base increase, we are required to pay a fee to the lenders equal to a percentage of the amount of the 
increase, which will be determined based on market conditions at the time of the borrowing base increase.  
If the borrowing base were to be less than the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement at any time, 
we would be required to provide additional collateral satisfactory in nature and value to the lenders to increase the 
borrowing base to an amount sufficient to cover such excess or to repay the deficit in equal installments over a 
period of six months.

Between March 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, we borrowed $150.0 million under the Credit Agreement  
to finance a portion of our working capital requirements and capital expenditures. At December 31, 2012, we had 
$150.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, approximately $1.1 million in outstanding 
letters of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement and approximately $63.9 million available for additional 
borrowings. At December 31, 2012, our outstanding borrowings bore interest at an effective interest rate of 
approximately 3.3% per annum.

We expect to access future borrowings under our Credit Agreement to fund a portion of our 2013 capital 
expenditure requirements in excess of amounts available from our operating cash flows. We also intend to seek 
additional redeterminations of our borrowing base as a result of, among other items, any increases to our  
proved oil and natural gas reserves, and particularly our proved developed oil and natural gas reserves, primarily 
attributable to our ongoing drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale. From January 1 through March 14, 2013,  
we borrowed an additional $30.0 million under the Credit Agreement to finance a portion of our working capital 
requirements and capital expenditures. At March 14, 2013, we had $180.0 million in borrowings outstanding 
under the Credit Agreement, approximately $1.3 million in outstanding letters of credit issued pursuant to the Credit 
Agreement and approximately $73.7 million available for additional borrowings.

If we borrow funds as a base rate loan, such borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to the higher of (i) the 
prime rate for such day or (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate on such day, plus 0.50% or (iii) the daily adjusting 
LIBOR rate plus 1.0% plus, in each case, an amount from 0.75% to 2.25% of such outstanding loan depending on 
the level of borrowings under the agreement. If we borrow funds as a Eurodollar loan, such borrowings will bear 
interest at a rate equal to (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the LIBOR rate by (B) a percentage equal to 100% 
minus the maximum rate during such interest calculation period at which RBC is required to maintain reserves  
on Eurocurrency Liabilities (as defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) 
plus (ii) an amount from 1.75% to 3.25% of such outstanding loan depending on the level of borrowings under  
the Credit Agreement. The interest period for Eurodollar borrowings may be one, two, three or six months as 
designated by us. A commitment fee of 0.375% to 0.50%, depending on the unused availability under the 
Credit Agreement, is also paid quarterly in arrears. We include this commitment fee, any amortization of 
deferred financing costs (including origination, borrowing base increase and amendment fees) and annual agency 
fees as interest expense and in our interest rate calculations and related disclosures.

FORM 10-K PART I I

  FORM 10-K PART I I

 
 
84 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Key financial covenants under the third amended and restated Credit Agreement require us to maintain (1) a current 

ratio, which is defined as consolidated total current assets plus the unused availability under the Credit Agreement 
divided by consolidated total current liabilities, of 1.0 or greater measured at the end of each fiscal quarter beginning 
March 31, 2013 and (2) a debt to EBITDA ratio, which is defined as total debt outstanding divided by a rolling four 
quarter EBITDA calculation, of 4.0 or less. In connection with the March 11, 2013 borrowing base redetermination, 
the Credit Agreement was amended to delay first measurement of the current ratio until March 31, 2014.

Subject to certain exceptions, our Credit Agreement contains various covenants that limit our, along with our 

subsidiaries’, ability to take certain actions, including, but not limited to, the following:

• 

incur indebtedness or grant liens on any of our assets;

•  enter into commodity hedging agreements;

•  declare or pay dividends, distributions or redemptions;

•  merge or consolidate;

•  make any loans or investments;

•  engage in transactions with affiliates; and

•  engage in certain asset dispositions, including a sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

If an event of default exists under the Credit Agreement, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity  
of the borrowings and exercise other rights and remedies. Events of default include, but are not limited to,00 the 
following events:

•  failure to pay any principal or interest on the notes or any reimbursement obligation under any letter of 

credit when due or any fees or other amount within certain grace periods;

•  failure to perform or otherwise comply with the covenants and obligations in the Credit Agreement or other 

loan documents, subject, in certain instances, to certain grace periods;

•  bankruptcy or insolvency events involving us or our subsidiaries; and

•  a change of control, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

At December 31, 2012, we believe that we were in compliance with the terms of our Credit Agreement.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At December 31, 2012, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

FORM 10-K PART I I

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

85    

OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

We had the following material contractual obligations and commitments at December 31, 2012:

(In thousands)

Contractual Obligations:
Revolving credit borrowings, including letters of credit (1) 
Office lease 
Drilling rig contracts (2) 
Asset retirement obligations 
Natural gas processing and transportation agreement   
  Total contractual cash obligations 

Payment Due by Period

Total 

Less Than 
1 Year 

1-3 Years 

3-5 Years 

More Than
5 Years

$ 151,100 
  5,956 
  5,119 
  5,770 
  16,703 
$ 184,648 

$  1,100 
575 
  5,119 
660 
  5,985 
$ 13,439 

$  — 
 1,164 
  — 
  374 
 7,723 
$ 9,261 

$ 150,000 
  1,222 
— 
467 
  2,995 
$ 154,684 

$  —
 2,995
  —
 4,269
  —
$ 7,264

(1)  At December 31, 2012, we had $150.0 million in revolving borrowings outstanding under our third amended and restated Credit Agreement and 

approximately $1.1 million in outstanding letters of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement. These borrowings mature in December 2016. 
These amounts do not include estimated interest on the obligations, because our revolving borrowings had short-term interest periods, and we 
are unable to determine what our borrowing costs may be in future periods.

(2)  At December 31, 2012, we were party to two drilling rig contracts to explore and develop our Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas. The two rigs 

began drilling on our acreage in March 2012 and December 2012, respectively. The rig that began drilling in March 2012 is under contract for one 
year. This contract was renegotiated for an additional six-month term effective March 2013 (See “Note 18 — Subsequent Events” to the 
consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The rig that began drilling in December 2012 is under contract for nine 
months. Should we elect to terminate one or both contracts and if the drilling contractor were unable to secure work for one or both rigs or if the 
drilling contractor were unable to secure work for one or both rigs at the same daily rates being charged to us prior to the end of their 
respective contract terms, we would incur termination obligations. Our maximum outstanding aggregate termination obligations under these 
contracts were approximately $5.1 million at December 31, 2012.

GENERAL OUTLOOK AND TRENDS

For the year ended December 31, 2012, oil prices ranged from a high of approximately $109.77 per Bbl in late 
February to a low of approximately $77.69 per Bbl in late June, based upon the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate 
oil futures contract price for the earliest delivery date. Oil prices remained near or above $100 per Bbl for much of 
the first four months of 2012, but began declining in early May and throughout the remainder of the second quarter. 
During the third and fourth quarters, oil prices rebounded somewhat, ranging from a low of $83.75 per Bbl in early 
July to a high of $99.00 per Bbl in mid-September, before declining somewhat to $91.82 per Bbl at December 31, 
2012. We realized a weighted average oil price of $101.86 per Bbl ($103.55 per Bbl including realized gains from oil 
derivatives) for our oil production for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to $93.80 per Bbl for the year 
ended December 31, 2011. At March 14, 2013, the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate oil futures contract for the 
earliest delivery date closed at $93.03 per Bbl, as compared to $105.43 per Bbl at March 14, 2012.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, natural gas prices ranged from a low of approximately $1.91 per MMBtu 

in mid-April to a high of approximately $3.90 per MMBtu in late November, based upon the NYMEX Henry Hub 
natural gas futures contract price for the earliest delivery date. Natural gas prices declined during most of the first 
three to four months of 2012, reaching their lowest levels in many years, before increasing to $3.90 per MMBtu in 
late November. We realized a weighted average natural gas price of $2.59 per Mcf ($3.55 per Mcf including realized 
gains from natural gas derivatives) for our natural gas production for the year ended December 31, 2012, as 
compared to $3.62 per Mcf ($4.11 per Mcf including realized gains from natural gas derivatives) for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. Natural gas prices had declined since late November 2012, before increasing to $3.81 per 
MMBtu at March 14, 2013, based upon the NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract for the earliest delivery 
date, as compared to $2.28 per MMBtu at March 14, 2012.

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The prices we receive for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids heavily influence our revenue, profitability, cash 

flow available for capital expenditures, access to capital and future rate of growth. Oil, natural gas and natural gas 
liquids are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor 
changes in supply and demand. Historically, the markets for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids have been volatile 
and these markets will likely continue to be volatile in the future. Declines in oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids 
prices not only reduce our revenue, but could also reduce the amount of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids we 
can produce economically. From time to time, we use derivative financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to 
commodity price risk associated with oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. Even so, decisions as to whether 
and what production volumes to hedge are difficult and depend on market conditions and our forecast of future 
production and oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, and we may not always employ the optimal hedging 
strategy. Should oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids prices decrease to economically unattractive levels and remain 
there for an extended period of time, we may elect to delay some of our exploration and development plans for our 
prospects, or cease exploration or development activities on certain prospects due to the anticipated unfavorable 
economics from such activities, each of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and reserves. This, in turn, may affect the liquidity that can be accessed through the 
borrowing base under our Credit Agreement and through the capital markets.

Like other oil and natural gas producing companies, our properties are subject to natural production declines.  
By their nature, our wells in the Eagle Ford shale and Austin Chalk in South Texas, the Haynesville shale and Cotton 
Valley in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas and the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in Southeast New Mexico 
and West Texas will experience rapid initial production declines. We attempt to overcome these production 
declines by drilling to develop and identify additional reserves, by exploring for new sources of reserves and, at 
times, by acquisitions. During times of severe oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids price declines, however,  
we may find it necessary to reduce capital expenditures and curtail drilling operations in order to preserve liquidity. 
A material reduction in capital expenditures and drilling activities could materially impact our production volumes, 
revenues, reserves and cash flows.

We must focus our efforts on increasing oil and natural gas reserves and production while controlling costs at a 

level that is appropriate for long-term operations. Our ability to find and develop sufficient quantities of oil and 
natural gas reserves at economical costs is critical to our long-term success. Future finding and development costs 
are subject to changes in the costs of acquiring, drilling and completing our prospects.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We have outlined below certain accounting policies that are of particular importance to the presentation of our 
financial condition and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment or estimates by our 
management.

The preparation of financial statements requires us to make other estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during each reporting period. We believe 
that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and reliable, and believe that the actual results will not differ 
significantly from those reported; however, such estimates and assumptions are subject to a number of risks and 
uncertainties, and such risks and uncertainties could cause the actual results to differ materially from our estimates.

Property and Equipment

We use the full-cost method of accounting for our investments in oil and natural gas properties. Under this 

method of accounting, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural  
gas properties and reserves, including unproved and unevaluated property costs, are capitalized as incurred and 
accumulated in a single cost center representing our activities, which are undertaken exclusively in the  

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United States. Such costs include lease acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenditures, lease rentals 
on undeveloped properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wells, capitalized interest  
on qualifying projects and general and administrative expenses directly related to exploration and development 
activities, but do not include any costs related to production, selling or general corporate administrative activities.

The net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are limited to the lower of unamortized costs less 
related deferred income taxes or the cost center ceiling, with any excess above the cost center ceiling charged to 
operations as a full-cost ceiling impairment. The cost center ceiling is defined as the sum of (a) the present value 
discounted at 10 percent of future net revenues of proved oil and natural gas reserves, plus (b) unproved and 
unevaluated property costs not being amortized, plus (c) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved and 
unevaluated properties included in the costs being amortized, if any, less (d) income tax effects related to the 
properties involved. Future net revenues from proved non-producing and proved undeveloped reserves are reduced by 
the estimated costs of developing these reserves. The fair value of our derivative instruments is not included in the 
ceiling test computation as we do not designate these instruments as hedge instruments for accounting purposes.

The estimated present value of after-tax future net cash flows from proved oil and natural gas reserves is highly 

dependent on the commodity prices used in these estimates. These estimates are determined in accordance with 
guidelines established by the SEC for estimating and reporting oil and natural gas reserves. Under these guidelines, 
oil and natural gas reserves are estimated using then-current operating and economic conditions, with no provision 
for price and cost escalations in future periods except by contractual arrangements.

Capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are amortized using the unit-of-production method based upon 

production and estimates of proved reserves quantities. Unproved and unevaluated property costs are excluded 
from the amortization base used to determine depletion. Unproved and unevaluated properties are assessed for 
impairment on a periodic basis based upon changes in operating or economic conditions. This assessment includes 
consideration of the following factors, among others: the assignment of proved reserves, geological and geophysical 
evaluations, intent to drill, remaining lease term and drilling activity and results. Upon impairment, the costs of  
the unproved and unevaluated properties are immediately included in the amortization base. Exploratory dry holes 
are included in the amortization base immediately upon the determination that the well is not productive.

Sales of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as adjustments to net capitalized costs with no gain or 

loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between net capitalized costs 
and proved reserves of oil and natural gas. All costs related to production activities and maintenance and repairs 
are expensed as incurred. Significant workovers that increase the properties’ reserves are capitalized.

Other property and equipment are stated at cost. Computer equipment, furniture, software and other 

equipment are depreciated over their useful life (five to ten years) using the straight-line method. Support equipment 
and facilities include the pipelines and salt water disposal systems owned by Longwood Gathering and Disposal 
Systems, LP and are depreciated over a 30-year useful life using the straight-line, mid-month convention method. 
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the term of the lease.

Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, we use derivative financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to commodity price risk 
associated with oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. These instruments consist of put and call options in 
the form of costless (or zero-cost) collars and swap contracts. Costless collars provide us with downside price 
protection through the purchase of a put option which is financed through the sale of a call option. Because the call 
proceeds are used to offset the cost of the put option, these arrangements are initially “costless” to us. In the  
case of a costless collar, the put option and the call option have different fixed price components. In a swap 
contract, a floating price is exchanged for a fixed price over a specified period, providing downside price protection. 
Our derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at 

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fair value. We have elected not to apply hedge accounting for our existing derivative financial instruments, and as  
a result, we recognize the change in derivative fair value between reporting periods currently in our consolidated 
statement of operations. The fair value of our derivative financial instruments is determined using purchase  
and sale information available for similarly traded securities. Realized gains and realized losses from the settlement 
of derivative financial instruments and unrealized gains and unrealized losses from valuation changes in the 
remaining unsettled derivative financial instruments are reported under “Revenues” in our consolidated statement 
of operations.

Revenue Recognition

We follow the sales method of accounting for our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenue, whereby we 
recognize revenue, net of royalties, on all oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sold to purchasers regardless of 
whether the sales are proportionate to our ownership in the property. Under this method, revenue is recognized  
at the time the oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are produced and sold, and we accrue for revenue earned but 
not yet received.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock based compensation in accordance with ASC 718. During 2012, all stock option awards 
were granted under our 2012 Long-Term Stock and Incentive Plan and were equity instruments. We did not grant any 
stock option awards in 2011. Prior to 2011, all stock option awards were granted under our 2003 Stock and 
Incentive Plan, and since November 22, 2010, these awards have been accounted for as liability instruments. We 
used the fair value method to measure and recognize the liability associated with our outstanding liability-based stock 
options and to measure and recognize the equity associated with our equity-based stock options. Stock options 
typically vest over four years, and the associated compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over 
the vesting period. Restricted stock and restricted stock units typically vest over a period of one to four years, and 
compensation expense is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period. As our shares were not publicly 
traded prior to February 2, 2012, we estimated the future volatility of our stock using the historical volatility of the 
common stock of a group of companies we consider to be a representative peer group. Management believes that 
these average historical volatility rates are currently the best available indicator of future volatility.

We have adopted the “simplified method” as outlined in Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14 for estimating  
the expected term of awards. The risk free interest rate is the rate for constant yield U.S. Treasury securities with  
a term to maturity that is consistent with the expected term of the award.

Assumptions are reviewed each time new equity based option awards are granted and quarterly for outstanding 
liability option awards. The assumptions used may be impacted by actual fluctuations in our stock price, movements in 
market interest rates and option terms. The use of different assumptions produces a different fair value for equity 
based option awards and outstanding liability based option awards and impacts the amount of stock compensation 
expense recognized in our consolidated statement of operations. We use the Black Scholes Merton model to determine 
the fair value of service-based option awards and the Monte Carlo method to determine the fair value of option 
awards that contain a market condition. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are 
recognized based on the fair value of our stock on the date of the grant.

All 2012 stock option awards were granted as non-qualified options for which we will realize a tax benefit upon 

the exercise of the options. Historically, the majority of the stock option awards we granted were awarded as 
incentive stock options (“ISOs”) for which we were unable to realize a tax benefit upon the exercise of the options. 
We may grant future stock option awards as ISOs.

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In 2012, we granted for the first time, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards that contain a market 

condition. We refer to these awards as performance-based awards in Note 8 to our consolidated financial 
statements. Because these awards vest based on both a market condition and a service condition, the compensation 
expense for these awards will be recognized if the service condition is met, regardless of whether the market 
condition is met.

Prior to November 22, 2010, all of our then-outstanding stock options were classified as equity instruments, with 

the fair value of the awards measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period, if any. On 
November 22, 2010, we changed our method of accounting for our then-outstanding stock options, reclassifying all 
then-outstanding stock options from equity to liability instruments. This change was made as a result of purchasing 
shares from certain of our employees to assist them in the exercise of then-outstanding options of our Class A 
common stock. At December 31, 2012, we continue to account for all stock options granted under our 2003 Stock 
and Incentive Plan as liability instruments.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting. We 

evaluate the probability of realizing the future benefits of our deferred tax assets and provide a valuation allowance  
for the portion of any deferred tax assets where the likelihood of realizing an income tax benefit in the future does 
not meet the more likely than not criteria for recognition.

We account for uncertainty in income taxes by recognizing the financial statement benefit of a tax position 
only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an 
audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial 
statements is the benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement 
with the relevant tax authority.

We have evaluated all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remained open, and we believe that the 
material positions taken would more likely than not be sustained by examination. Therefore, at December 31, 2012, 
we had not established any reserves for, nor recorded any unrecognized tax benefits related to, uncertain tax 
positions. When necessary, we include interest assessed by taxing authorities in “Interest expense” and penalties 
related to income taxes in “Other expense” on our consolidated statement of operations.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Quantities and Standardized Measure of Future Net Revenue

Our engineers and technical staff prepare our estimates of oil and natural gas reserves and associated future 
net revenues. While the SEC rules allow us to disclose proved, probable and possible reserves, we have elected to 
present only proved reserves in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The SEC’s rules define proved reserves as  
the quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with 
reasonable certainty to be economically producible — from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and  
under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations — prior to the time at which 
contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, 
regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the 
hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project 
within a reasonable time. Our engineers and technical staff must make many subjective assumptions based on  
their professional judgment in developing reserves estimates. Reserves estimates are updated at least annually and 
consider recent production levels and other technical information about each well. Estimating oil and natural gas 
reserves is complex and is inexact because of the numerous uncertainties inherent in the process. The process 
relies on interpretations of available geological, geophysical, petrophysical, engineering and production data. The 
extent, quality and reliability of both the data and the associated interpretations can vary. The process also requires 

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

certain economic assumptions, including, but not limited to, oil and natural gas prices, development expenditures, 
operating expenses, capital expenditures and taxes. Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, 
taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas will most 
likely vary from our estimates. Accordingly, reserves estimates are generally different from the quantities of oil and 
natural gas that are ultimately recovered. Any significant variance could materially and adversely affect our future 
reserves estimates, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We cannot predict the amounts or 
timing of future reserves revisions. If such revisions are significant, they could significantly affect future amortization 
of capitalized costs and result in impairment of assets that may be material.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Balance Sheet. In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2013-01, Balance 
Sheet. The ASU clarifies the scope of ASU 2011-11 to limit the application of ASU 2011-11 to derivatives accounted 
for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated 
embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and 
securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or subject 
to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The adoption of ASU 2013-01 is not expected  
to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, but may require certain additional disclosures.

Balance Sheet. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet. The requirements amend the 

disclosure requirements to offsetting in ASC 210-20-50. The amendments require enhanced disclosures by 
requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in 
accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting 
agreement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 
or ASC 815-10-45. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated 
financial statements, but may require certain additional disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2011-11 are to be 
applied for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and are to be applied retrospectively for all 
reporting periods presented.

Fair Value. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value 

Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 amends ASC 820, Fair Value 
Measurements, providing a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure 
requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain 
fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value measurements and expands the 
ASC 820 disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. We adopted ASU 2011-04 
effective January 1, 2012; adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, but did 
require certain additional disclosures.

ITEM 7A. qUANTITATIVE AND qUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We are exposed to a variety of market risks including commodity price risk, interest rate risk and counterparty 
and customer risk. We address these risks through a program of risk management including the use of derivative 
financial instruments.

Commodity price exposure. We are exposed to market risk as the prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas 
liquids fluctuate as a result of changes in supply and demand and other factors. To partially reduce price risk caused 
by these market fluctuations, we have entered into derivative financial instruments in the past and expect to enter 
into derivative financial instruments in the future to cover a significant portion of our future anticipated production.

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We use costless (or zero-cost) collars and/or swap contracts to manage risks related to changes in oil, natural 
gas and natural gas liquids prices. Costless collars provide us with downside price protection through the purchase 
of a put option which is financed through the sale of a call option. Because the call option proceeds are used to 
offset the cost of the put option, these arrangements are initially “costless” to us. In the case of a costless collar, 
the put option and the call option have different fixed price components. In a swap contract, a floating price is 
exchanged for a fixed price over a specified period, providing downside price protection.

We record all derivative financial instruments at fair value. The fair value of our derivative financial instruments is 

determined using purchase and sale information available for similarly traded securities. At December 31, 2012, 
Comerica Bank and RBC (or affiliates thereof) were the counterparties for all of our derivative instruments. We have 
evaluated the credit standing of the counterparties in determining the fair value of our derivative financial instruments.

In November 2011, we began entering into various costless collar transactions for the first time to mitigate our 
exposure to fluctuations in oil prices, each with an established price floor and ceiling. For each calculation period, 
the specified price for determining the realized gain or loss to us pursuant to any of these oil hedging transactions  
is the arithmetic average of the settlement prices for the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate oil futures contract for 
the first nearby month corresponding to the calculation period’s calendar month. When the settlement price is 
below the price floor established by these collars, we receive from our counterparty an amount equal to the difference 
between the settlement price and the price floor multiplied by the contract oil volume. When the settlement price  
is above the price ceiling established by these collars, we pay our counterparty an amount equal to the difference 
between the settlement price and the price ceiling multiplied by the contract oil volume.

In November 2012, we also entered into various swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in oil 
prices on a portion of our future anticipated oil production, each with an established fixed price. For each calculation 
period, the specified price for determining the realized gain or loss to us pursuant to any of these oil hedging 
transactions is the arithmetic average of the settlement prices for the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate oil futures 
contract for the first nearby month corresponding to the calculation period’s calendar month. When the settlement 
price is below the fixed price established by these swaps, we receive from our counterparty an amount equal to the 
difference between the settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the contract oil volume. When the 
settlement price is above the fixed price established by these swaps, we pay to our counterparty an amount equal to 
the difference between the settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the contract oil volume.

The following table is a summary of our open oil costless collar contracts at December 31, 2012.

Commodity  

Calculation Period  

Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
  Total open oil costless collar contracts 

01/01/2013 — 03/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 06/30/2014 
01/01/2013 — 06/30/2014 

Notional 
quantity 
(Bbl/month) 

  20,000 
  20,000 
  20,000 
  20,000 
  20,000 
  8,000 
  12,000 

Price Floor 
($/Bbl) 

Price Ceiling 
($/Bbl) 

Fair Value 
of Asset
(thousands)

  90.00 
  85.00 
  90.00 
  85.00 
  85.00 
  90.00 
  90.00 

  110.00 
  102.25 
  115.00 
  110.40 
  108.80 
  114.00 
  115.50 

$   122
96
  980
  471
  418
  666
 1,036
$ 3,789

All of the above oil costless collar contracts will expire at varying times during 2013 and 2014.

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

The following table is a summary of our open oil price swap contracts at December 31, 2012.

Commodity  

Calculation Period  

Notional 
quantity 
(Bbl/month) 

Fixed Price 
($/Bbl) 

Fair Value 
of Liability
(thousands)

Oil 
Oil 
  Total open oil swap contracts 

01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 

  10,000 
  10,000 

  90.20 
  90.65 

$ (362)
 (308)
$ (670)

All of the above oil price swap contracts will expire at varying times during 2013.

At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used costless collars to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in 

natural gas prices, each with an established price floor and ceiling. For each calculation period, the specified price for 
determining the realized gain or loss to us pursuant to any of these transactions is the settlement price for the 
NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract for the delivery month corresponding to the calculation period’s 
calendar month for the last day of that contract period. When the settlement price is below the price floor 
established by these collars, we receive from our counterparty an amount equal to the difference between the 
settlement price and the price floor multiplied by the contract natural gas volume. When the settlement price  
is above the price ceiling established by these collars, we pay our counterparty an amount equal to the difference 
between the settlement price and the price ceiling multiplied by the contract natural gas volume.

The following is a summary of our open natural gas costless collar contracts at December 31, 2012.

Commodity  

Calculation Period  

Notional 
quantity 
  (MMBtu/month) 

Price Floor 
($/MMBtu) 

Price Ceiling 
($/MMBtu) 

Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
  Total open natural gas costless collar contracts 

01/01/2013 — 07/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 

 150,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 

4.50 
3.00 
3.00 
3.00 
3.25 
3.25 

5.75 
3.83 
4.95 
4.96 
5.37 
5.42 

Fair Value 
of Asset 
(Liability)
(thousands)

$  1,154
  (146)
40
41
19
27
$ 1,135

All of the above natural gas costless collar contracts will expire at varying times during 2013 and 2014.

In August 2012, we began entering into various swap contracts to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in NGL 
prices on a portion of our future anticipated NGL production, each with an established fixed price. For each calculation 
period, the settlement price for determining the realized gain or loss to us pursuant to any of these transactions  
is the arithmetic average of any current month for delivery on the nearby month futures contracts of the underlying 
commodity as stated on the “Mont Belvieu Spot Gas Liquids Prices: NON-TET prop” on the pricing date. When  
the settlement price is below the fixed price established by these swaps, we receive from our counterparty  
an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the contract 
NGL volume. When the settlement price is above the fixed price established by these swaps, we pay to our 
counterparty an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the 
contract NGL volume.

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2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

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The following is a summary of our open natural gas liquids swap contracts at December 31, 2012.

Commodity  

Purity Ethane 
Purity Ethane 
Propane   
Propane   
Normal Butane 
Normal Butane 
Isobutane 
Isobutane 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 
  Total open NGL swap contracts 

Calculation Period  

01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 

Notional 
quantity 
(Gal/month) 

Fixed Price 
($/Gal) 

Fair Value 
of Asset 
(Liability)
(thousands)

 110,000 
 110,000 
  53,000 
  53,000 
  14,700 
  14,700 
7,000 
7,000 
  12,000 
  12,000 
  12,000 

  0.335 
  0.355 
  0.953 
  1.001 
  1.455 
  1.560 
  1.515 
  1.625 
  2.025 
  2.085 
  2.102 

$ 106
 133
  13
  43
 (29)
 (10)
 (18)
  (9)
  1
  3
  (8)
$ 225

All of the above NGL price swap contracts will expire at varying times during 2013.

Effect of Recent Derivatives Legislation

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act, which is intended to modernize and 
protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, sets forth a framework 
for regulating certain derivative products including the commodity hedges of the type used by us, but many 
aspects of this law are subject to further rulemaking and will take effect over several years. As a result, it is difficult 
to anticipate the overall impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our ability or willingness to continue entering into and 
maintaining such commodity hedges and the terms thereof. Based upon the limited assessments we are able to 
make with respect to the Dodd-Frank Act, there is the possibility that the Dodd-Frank Act could have a substantial 
and adverse impact on our ability to enter into and maintain these commodity hedges. In particular, the Dodd-Frank 
Act could result in the implementation of position limits and additional regulatory requirements on our derivative 
arrangements, which could include new margin, reporting and clearing requirements. In addition, this legislation could 
have a substantial impact on our counterparties and may increase the cost of our derivative arrangements in the 
future. See “Risk Factors — The Derivatives Legislation Adopted by Congress Could Have an Adverse Impact on 
Our Ability to Hedge Risks Associated with Our Business.”

Interest rate risk. We do not and have not used interest rate derivatives to alter interest rate exposure in an 
attempt to reduce interest rate expense on existing debt since we borrowed under our Credit Agreement for the 
first time in December 2010. At December 31, 2012 we had $150.0 million in revolving borrowings outstanding 
under our third amended and restated Credit Agreement at an interest rate of approximately 3.3% per annum. If we 
incur additional indebtedness in the future and at higher interest rates, we may use interest rate derivatives. 
Interest rate derivatives would be used solely to modify interest rate exposure and not to modify the overall leverage 
of the debt portfolio.

Counterparty and customer credit risk. Joint interest receivables arise from billing entities which own partial 
interest in the wells we operate. These entities participate in our wells primarily based on their ownership in leases 
on which we wish to drill. We have limited ability to control participation in our wells. We are also subject to  
credit risk due to concentration of our oil and natural gas receivables with several significant customers. The inability 
or failure of our significant customers to meet their obligations to us or their insolvency or liquidation may adversely 
affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, our oil, natural gas and natural gas 
liquids derivative arrangements expose us to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties.

FORM 10-K PART I I

   FORM 10-K PART I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

While we do not require our customers to post collateral and we do not have a formal process in place to 
evaluate and assess the credit standing of our significant customers for oil and natural gas receivables and the 
counterparties on our derivative instruments, we do evaluate the credit standing of such counterparties as  
we deem appropriate under the circumstances. This evaluation may include reviewing a counterparty’s credit rating, 
latest financial information and, in the case of a customer with which we have receivables, its historical payment 
record, the financial ability of the customer’s parent company to make payment if the customer cannot and 
undertaking the due diligence necessary to determine credit terms and credit limits. The counterparties on our 
derivative instruments in place at March 14, 2013 were RBC, Comerica Bank and The Bank of Nova Scotia (or 
affiliates thereof) and we are likely to enter into any future derivative instruments with RBC, Comerica Bank, The 
Bank of Nova Scotia or other lenders (or affiliates thereof) party to the Credit Agreement.

Impact of Inflation. Inflation in the United States has been relatively low in recent years and did not have a 
material impact on our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Although the 
impact of inflation has been generally insignificant in recent years, it is still a factor in the U.S. economy and we 
tend to specifically experience inflationary pressure on the cost of oilfield services and equipment with increases 
in oil and natural gas prices and with increases in drilling activity in our areas of operations, including the Eagle Ford 
shale and Haynesville shale plays. See “Business — General.” See also “Risk Factors — The Unavailability or High 
Cost of Drilling Rigs, Completion Equipment and Services, Supplies and Personnel, Including Hydraulic Fracturing 
Equipment and Personnel, Could Adversely Affect Our Ability to Establish and Execute Exploration and Development 
Plans within Budget and on a Timely Basis, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Financial Condition, 
Results of Operations and Cash Flows.”

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Our financial statements appear at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See the index to the financial 

statements in Item 15.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND  

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we evaluated the effectiveness of the 

design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under  
the Exchange Act) under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive 
Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief 
Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of  
December 31, 2012 to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed in the reports it files and submits under 
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the  
SEC’s rules and forms and that (ii) information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and 
communicated to the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial 
Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

FORM 10-K PART I I

 
 
94 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

95    

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, there were no changes in our internal controls that have materially 

affected or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 

as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act, as amended. Under the supervision and with the 
participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we assessed 
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this  
Annual Report on Form 10-K based on the framework in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that assessment, our  
Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal control over financial reporting 
was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the 
preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles.

Grant Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on our 

controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 as included herein.

Important Considerations

The effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting is 
subject to various inherent limitations, including cost limitations, judgments used in decision making, assumptions 
about the likelihood of future events, the soundness of our systems, the possibility of human error and the risk  
of fraud. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and the risk that the degree of compliance with 
policies or procedures may deteriorate over time. Because of these limitations, there can be no assurance that  
any system of disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will be successful in 
preventing all errors or fraud or in making all material information known in a timely manner to the appropriate levels 
of management.

FORM 10-K PART I I

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96 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Matador Resources Company

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Matador Resources Company (a Texas 

corporation) and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over 
financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, 
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included 
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, 
and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being 
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 

misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework 
issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 
2012, and our report dated March 18, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Dallas, Texas  
March 18, 2013

FORM 10-K PART I I

96 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

97    

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

Part III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, ExECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The information required in response to this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy 
statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, not later than 
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 11. ExECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required in response to this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy 
statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act not later than 
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND   

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Certain information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is included 

under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in Part II, Item 5, above, of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein. Other information required in response to this Item 12 is 
incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 
14A promulgated under the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR  

INDEPENDENCE.

The information required in response to this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy 
statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act not later than 
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required in response to this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy 
statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act not later than 
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORM 10-K PART I I

  FORM 10-K PART I I I 

 
 
 
 
 
 
98 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Part IV

ITEM 15. ExHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1. Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, Consolidated Statements of Operations 
for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Consolidated Statements of Changes 
in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

2. Exhibits: The exhibits required to be filed by this Item 15 are set forth in the Exhibit Index accompanying 

this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORM 10-K PART I V

98 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

99    

Exhibit Index

Exhibit 
Number 

Description

2.1 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy 

Company), Matador Holdco, Inc. (now known as Matador Resources Company) and Matador Merger Co., 

dated August 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 

filed on August 12, 2011).

3.1 

Certificate of Merger between Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) and 

Matador Merger Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 

filed on August 12, 2011).

3.2 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation of Matador Resources Company (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2012).

3.3 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Matador Resources Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 

to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2012).

4.1 

Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 4 to our 

Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on January 19, 2012).

10.1† 

Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Joseph Wm. Foran (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

November 14, 2011).

10.2† 

Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and David E. Lancaster (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

November 14, 2011).

10.3† 

Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Matthew Hairford (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

November 14, 2011).

10.4† 

Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Bradley M. Robinson (incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

November 14, 2011).

10.5† 

Independent Contractor Agreement between Matador Resources Company and David F. Nicklin 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on 

Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.6† 

First Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Joseph Wm. 

Foran (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on 

Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.7† 

First Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and David E. 

Lancaster (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on 

Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.8† 

First Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Matthew 

Hairford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on 

Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.9† 

First Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Bradley M. 

Robinson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement 

on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

FORM 10-K PART I V

    FORM 10-K PART I V 

 
 
100 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Exhibit 
Number 

Description

10.10† 

Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Joseph 

Wm. Foran (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration 

Statement on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.11† 

Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and David E. 

Lancaster (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement 

on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.12† 

Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Matthew 

Hairford (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement 

on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.13† 

Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Bradley 

M. Robinson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration 

Statement on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.14† 

First Amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement between Matador Resources Company and 

David F. Nicklin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration 

Statement on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.15† 

2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Matador Resources Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 

to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.16† 

First Amendment to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated April 16, 2012 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 

March 31, 2012).

10.17† 

Second Amendment to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan dated March 8, 

2013 (filed herewith).

10.18† 

Matador Resources Company Annual Incentive Plan for Management and Key Employees (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

December 30, 2011).

10.19† 

Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock and Incentive Plan, 

dated October 23, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Amendment No. 1 to our 

Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.20† 

First Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock  

and Incentive Plan, dated January 29, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 1 

to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.21† 

Second Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock 

and Incentive Plan, dated February 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment  

No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.22† 

Third Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock 

and Incentive Plan, dated February 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Amendment  

No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.23† 

Fourth Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock 

and Incentive Plan, dated May 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Amendment No. 1  

to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

FORM 10-K PART I V

100 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

101    

Exhibit 
Number 

Description

10.24† 

Fifth Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock and 

Incentive Plan, dated February 13, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Amendment No. 1 

to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.25† 

Sixth Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock 

and Incentive Plan, dated August 5, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Amendment 

No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.26† 

Seventh Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock 

and Incentive Plan, dated December 12, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Amendment 

No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on December 30, 2011).

10.27† 

Eighth Amendment to Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock 

and Incentive Plan, dated March 8, 2013 (filed herewith).

10.28† 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between Matador Resources Company and each of the directors and 

executive officers thereof (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Amendment No. 1 to our 

Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.29 

Participation Agreement, by and among MRC Rockies Company, Matador Resources Company (now 

known as MRC Energy Company), Matador Production Company, Roxanna Rocky Mountains, LLC, 

Roxanna Oil, Inc., Alliance Capital Real Estate, Inc. and AllianceBernstein L.P., dated at May 14, 2010 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on  

Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.30 

Amendment, dated as of September 11, 2012, to Participation Agreement dated May 14, 2010, by and 

among MRC Rockies Company, Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company), 

Matador Production Company, Roxanna Rocky Mountains, LLC, Roxanna Oil, Inc., Alliance Capital Real 

Estate, Inc. and Kimmeridge Energy Exploration Fund, L.P. (successor in interest to AllianceBernstein L.P.) 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 

September 30, 2012).

10.31 

Assignment, Bill of Sale and Conveyance, by and among Winn Exploration Co., Inc., Pinion Exploration, 

LLP, McDay Oil & Gas, Inc. and Matador Resources Company (now known as MRC Energy Company), 

dated effective at December 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No. 1 to 

our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 14, 2011).

10.32 

Purchase, Sale and Participation Agreement, by and between Matador Resources Company (now known 

as MRC Energy Company) and Orca ICI Development, JV, dated at May 16, 2011 (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

November 14, 2011).

10.33† 

Employment Agreement between Matador Resources Company and Wade Massad (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on 

January 13, 2012).

10.34† 

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated February 1, 2012, by and between Matador Resources 

Company and Wade Massad (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K 

filed on February 7, 2012).

FORM 10-K PART I V

     FORM 10-K PART I V

 
 
102 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Exhibit 
Number 

Description

10.35† 

Separation Agreement and Release by and between Matador Resources Company and Wade I. 

Massad, dated as of August 10, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Quarterly Report on 

Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).

10.36† 

Consulting Agreement by and between Matador Resources Company and Wade I. Massad, dated as of 

August 10, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 

the quarter ended June 30, 2012).

10.37† 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement granted pursuant to the Matador Resources Company 

(now known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.36 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011).

10.38† 

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement granted pursuant to the Matador Resources Company (now 

known as MRC Energy Company) 2003 Stock and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.37 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011).

10.39† 

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 

Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K 

for the year ended December 31, 2011).

10.40† 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 

Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K 

for the year ended December 31, 2011).

10.41† 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 

year ended December 31, 2011).

10.42† 

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan for employees without employment agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 

to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012).

10.43† 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan for employees without employment agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 

to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012).

10.44† 

Form of Performance Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement relating to the Matador 

Resources Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan for employees without employment agreements 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 

March 31, 2012).

10.45† 

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-

Term Incentive Plan for employees with employment agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012).

10.46† 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement relating to the Matador Resources Company 2012 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan for employees with employment agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to 

the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012).

10.47† 

Form of Performance Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement relating to the Matador 

Resources Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan for employees with employment agreements 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 

March 31, 2012).

FORM 10-K PART I V

102 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

103    

Exhibit 
Number 

Description

10.48 

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2012, by and among MRC 

Energy Company, as Borrower, the Lending Entities from time to time parties thereto, as Lenders, and 

Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current 

Report on Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2012).

10.49 

Second Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement, by and among MRC Energy Company, 

Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems GP, Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, 

dated as of September 28, 2012 (filed herewith).

10.50 

Second Amended, Restated and Consolidated Unconditional Guaranty, by and among MRC Permian 

Company, MRC Rockies Company, Matador Production Company, Longwood Gathering and Disposal 

Systems GP, Inc., Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems, LP, Matador Resources Company and Royal 

Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent, dated as of September 28, 2012 (filed herewith).

10.51 

First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 11, 2013, by  

and among MRC Energy Company, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and Royal Bank of Canada, as 

21.1 

23.1 

23.2 

31.1 

Administrative Agent (filed herewith).

List of Subsidiaries of Matador Resources Company (filed herewith).

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP (filed herewith).

Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (filed herewith).

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

(filed herewith).

31.2 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

(filed herewith).

32.1 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.2 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to 

99.1 

101* 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

Audit report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (filed herewith).

The following financial information from Matador Resources Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K  

for the year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  

(i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated 

Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and  

(v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (submitted electronically herewith).

† 

* 

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to  
be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability 
of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 
1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

FORM 10-K PART I V

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MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 
duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 March 18, 2013 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY

By:   

/s/ JOSEPH WM. FORAN 

Joseph Wm. Foran
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been 

signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature 

Title 

Date

/s/ JOSEPH WM. FORAN 

Joseph Wm. Foran 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  
(Principal Executive Officer)

March 18, 2013  

/s/ DAVID E. LANCASTER  

David E. Lancaster 

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

March 18, 2013  

/s/ KATHRYN L. WAYNE  

Kathryn L. Wayne 

Controller and Treasurer 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ STEPHEN A. HOLDITCH  

Stephen A. Holditch

/s/ DAVID M. LANEY 

David M. Laney

/s/ GREGORY E. MITCHELL  

Gregory E. Mitchell

/s/ STEVEN W. OHNIMUS  

Steven W. Ohnimus

/s/ MICHAEL C. RYAN  

Michael C. Ryan

/s/ MARGARET B. SHANNON    

Margaret B. Shannon

Director  

Director  

Director  

Director  

Director  

Director  

March 18, 2013  

March 18, 2013  

March 18, 2013  

March 18, 2013  

March 18, 2013  

March 18, 2013  

March 18, 2013  

FORM 10-K PART I V

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
104 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

105    

Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms

The following is a description of the meanings of some of the oil and natural gas industry terms used in this 

Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Bbl. One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in reference 

to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

Bcf. One billion cubic feet.

BOE. Barrels of oil equivalent, determined using the ratio of one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids 

to six Mcf of natural gas.

BOE/d. BOE per day.

Btu or British thermal unit. The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one 

degree Fahrenheit.

Completion. The operations required to establish production of oil or natural gas from a wellbore, usually involving 

perforations, stimulation and/or installation of permanent equipment in the well, or in the case of a dry hole, the 
reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.

Condensate. Liquid hydrocarbons associated with the production of a primarily natural gas reserve.

Conventional resources. Natural gas or oil that is produced by a well drilled into a geologic formation in which the 

reservoir and fluid characteristics permit the natural gas or oil to readily flow to the wellbore.

Coring. The act of taking a core. A core is a solid column of rock, usually from two to four inches in diameter, 

taken as a sample of an underground formation. It is common practice to take cores from wells in the process  
of being drilled. A core bit is attached to the end of the drill pipe. The core bit then cuts a column of rock from the 
formation being penetrated. The core is then removed and tested for evidence of oil or natural gas, and its 
characteristics (porosity, permeability, etc.) are determined.

Developed acreage. The number of acres that are allocated or assignable to productive wells.

Development well. A well drilled into a proved oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon 

known to be productive.

Dry hole. A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from 

the sale of such production exceed production-related expenses and taxes.

Exploratory well. A well drilled to find and produce oil or natural gas reserves not classified as proved, to find  
a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir or to extend a 
known reservoir.

Farmin or farmout. An agreement under which the owner of a working interest in an oil or natural gas lease 
assigns the working interest or a portion of the working interest to another party who desires to drill on the leased 
acreage. Generally, the assignee is required to drill one or more wells in order to earn its interest in the acreage.  
The assignor usually retains a royalty or reversionary interest in the lease. The interest received by an assignee is a 
“farmin” while the interest transferred by the assignor is a “farmout.”

FERC. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Field. An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual 

geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.

Gross acres or gross wells. The total acres or wells in which a working interest is owned.

FORM 10-K PART I V

     FORM 10-K 

 
 
106 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Held by production. An oil and natural gas property under lease in which the lease continues to be in force after 

the primary term of the lease in accordance with its terms as a result of production from the property.

Horizontal drilling or well. A drilling operation in which a portion of the well is drilled horizontally within a productive 

or potentially productive formation. This operation typically yields a horizontal well that has the ability to produce 
higher volumes than a vertical well drilled in the same formation. A horizontal well is designed to replace multiple 
vertical wells, resulting in lower capital expenditures for draining like acreage and limiting surface disruption.

Hydraulic fracturing. The technique of improving a well’s production or injection rates by pumping a mixture of 
fluids into the formation and rupturing the rock, creating an artificial channel. As part of this technique, sand or other 
material may also be injected into the formation to prop the channel open, so that fluids or gases may more easily 
flow from the formation, through the fracture channel and into the wellbore. This technique may also be referred to 
as fracture stimulation.

Liquids. Liquids, or natural gas liquids, are marketable liquid products including ethane, propane, butane and 
pentane resulting from the further processing of liquefiable hydrocarbons separated from raw natural gas by a 
natural gas processing facility.

MBbl. One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

MBOE. One thousand BOE’s.

Mcf. One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

Mcfe. One thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to 

one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

MMBtu. One million British thermal units.

MMcf. One million cubic feet of natural gas.

NGL. Natural gas liquids.

Net acres or net wells. The sum of the fractional working interest owned in gross acres or wells.

Net revenue interest. The interest that defines the percentage of revenue that an owner of a well receives from 

the sale of oil, natural gas and/or natural gas liquids that are produced from the well.

NyMEX. New York Mercantile Exchange.

Overriding royalty interest. A fractional interest in the gross production of oil and natural gas under a lease, in 
addition to the usual royalties paid to the lessor, free of any expense for exploration, drilling, development, operating, 
marketing and other costs incident to the production and sale of oil and natural gas produced from the lease. It is an 
interest carved out of the lessee’s working interest, as distinguished from the lessor’s reserved royalty interest.

Permeability. A reference to the ability of oil and/or natural gas to flow through a reservoir.

Petrophysical analysis. The interpretation of well log measurements, obtained from a string of electronic tools 
inserted into the borehole, and from core measurements, in which rock samples are retrieved from the subsurface, 
then combining these measurements with other relevant geological and geophysical information to describe the 
reservoir rock properties.

Play. A set of known or postulated oil and/or natural gas accumulations sharing similar geologic, geographic and 
temporal properties, such as source rock, migration pathways, timing, trapping mechanism and hydrocarbon type.

Possible reserves. Additional reserves that are less certain to be recognized than probable reserves.

FORM 10-K

106 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

107    

Probable reserves. Additional reserves that are less certain to be recognized than proved reserves but which, in 

sum with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

Producing well, or productive well. A well that is found to be capable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient 

quantities such that proceeds from the sale of the well’s production exceed production-related expenses and taxes.

Properties. Natural gas and oil wells, production and related equipment and facilities and natural gas, oil or other 

mineral fee, leasehold and related interests.

Prospect. A specific geographic area which, based on supporting geological, geophysical or other data and 

preliminary economic analysis using reasonably anticipated prices and costs, is considered to have potential for the 
discovery of commercial hydrocarbons.

Proved developed non-producing. Hydrocarbons in a potentially producing horizon penetrated by a wellbore, the 

production of which has been postponed pending installation of surface equipment or gathering facilities, or 
pending the production of hydrocarbons from another formation penetrated by the wellbore. The hydrocarbons are 
classified as proved but non-producing reserves.

Proved developed reserves. Proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells and 

facilities and by existing operating methods.

Proved reserves. Reserves of oil and natural gas that have been proved to a high degree of certainty by analysis of 

the producing history of a reservoir and/or by volumetric analysis of adequate geological and engineering data.

Proved undeveloped reserves. Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled 

acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

Recompletion. Completing in the same wellbore to reach a new reservoir after production from the original 

reservoir has been abandoned.

Repeatability. The potential ability to drill multiple wells within a prospect or trend.

Reservoir. A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/

or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other 
reservoirs.

Royalty interest. An interest in an oil and natural gas lease that gives the owner of the interest the right to receive 

a portion of the production from the leased acreage (or of the proceeds of the sale thereof), but generally does not 
require the owner to pay any portion of the costs of drilling or operating the wells on the leased acreage. Royalties 
may be either landowner’s royalties, which are reserved by the owner of the leased acreage at the time the lease  
is granted, or overriding royalties, which are usually reserved by an owner of the leasehold in connection with a 
transfer to a subsequent owner.

2-D seismic. The method by which a cross-section of the earth’s subsurface is created through the interpretation 

of reflecting seismic data collected along a single source profile.

3-D seismic. The method by which a three-dimensional image of the earth’s subsurface is created through the 
interpretation of reflection seismic data collected over a surface grid. 3-D seismic surveys allow for a more detailed 
understanding of the subsurface than do 2-D seismic surveys and contribute significantly to field appraisal, 
exploitation and production.

Spud. The act of beginning to drill an oil or natural gas well.

Trend. A region of oil and/or natural gas production, the geographic limits of which have not been fully defined, 
having geological characteristics that have been ascertained through supporting geological, geophysical or other 
data to contain the potential for oil and/or natural gas reserves in a particular formation or series of formations.

FORM 10-K

    FORM 10-K 

 
 
108 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Unconventional resource play. A set of known or postulated oil and or natural gas resources or reserves warranting 

further exploration which are extracted from (i) low-permeability sandstone and shale formations and (ii) coalbed 
methane. These plays require the application of advanced technology to extract the oil and natural gas resources.

Undeveloped acreage. Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would 
permit the production of commercial quantities of oil and natural gas, regardless of whether such acreage contains 
proved reserves. Undeveloped acreage is usually considered to be all acreage that is not allocated or assignable to 
productive wells.

Unproved and unevaluated properties. Properties where no drilling or other actions have been undertaken that 

permit such property to be classified as proved.

Vertical well. A hole drilled vertically into the earth from which oil, natural gas or water flows or is pumped.

Visualization. An exploration technique in which the size and shape of subsurface features are mapped and 

analyzed based upon information derived from well logs, seismic data and other well information.

Volumetric reserve analysis. A technique used to estimate the amount of recoverable oil and natural gas. It 

involves calculating the volume of reservoir rock and adjusting that volume for rock porosity, hydrocarbon saturation, 
formation volume factor and recovery factor.

Wellbore. The hole made by a well.

Working interest. The operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating 

activities on the property and receive a share of production.

FORM 10-K

108 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-1    

Consolidated Financial Statements

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Contents 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements

  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  F-3

  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . .  F-4

  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011  

and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  F-5

  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010  . . . . . . . . . . . .  F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   F-7

FORM 10-K

  FORM 10-K PART I V 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-2 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Matador Resources Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Matador Resources Company (a Texas 
corporation) and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 

financial position of Matador Resources Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the 
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of  
the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 18, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Dallas, Texas  
March 18, 2013

FORM 10-K PART I V

F-2 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-3    

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Matador Resources Company and Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except par value and share data)

ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash 
  Certificates of deposit 
  Accounts receivable

  Oil and natural gas revenues 
  Joint interest billings 
  Other 

  Derivative instruments 
  Lease and well equipment inventory 
  Prepaid expenses 

  Total current assets 
Property and equipment, at cost
  Oil and natural gas properties, full-cost method

  Evaluated 
  Unproved and unevaluated 
  Other property and equipment 
  Less accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization 

  Net property and equipment 

Other assets
  Derivative instruments 
  Deferred income taxes 
  Other assets 

  Total other assets 
  Total assets 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EqUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued liabilities 
  Royalties payable 
  Borrowings under Credit Agreement 
  Derivative instruments 
  Advances from joint interest owners 
  Deferred income taxes 
  Dividends payable — Class B 
  Other current liabilities 

  Total current liabilities 

Long-term liabilities
  Borrowings under Credit Agreement 
  Asset retirement obligations 
  Derivative instruments 
  Other long-term liabilities 

  Total long-term liabilities 

December 31,

2012 

2011

$  2,095 
230 

$  10,284
  1,335

  24,422 
  4,118 
974 
  4,378 
877 
1,103 
  38,197 

  9,237
  2,488
  1,447
  8,989
  1,343
1,153
  36,276

 763,527 
 149,675 
  27,258 
 (349,370) 
 591,090 

 423,945
 162,598
  18,764
 (205,442)
 399,865

771 
411 
  1,560 
  2,742 
$ 632,029 

847
  1,594
887
  3,328
$ 439,469

$  28,120 
  59,179 
  6,541 
— 
670 
  1,515 
411 
— 
56 
  96,492 

 150,000 
  5,109 
— 
  1,324 
 156,433 

$  18,841
  25,439
  1,855
  25,000
171
—
  3,024
69
177
  74,576

  88,000
  3,935
383
  1,060
  93,378

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholders’ equity
  Common stock — Class A, $0.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 56,778,718 and  

  42,916,668 shares issued; and 55,577,667 and 41,737,493 shares outstanding, respectively 
  Common stock— Class B, $0.01 par value, zero and 2,000,000 shares authorized, respectively;   

568 

429

  zero and 1,030,700 shares issued and outstanding, respectively   

  Additional paid-in capital 
  Retained (deficit) earnings 
  Treasury stock, at cost, 1,201,051 and 1,179,175 shares, respectively 

  Total shareholders’ equity 
  Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

— 
 404,311 
  (15,010) 
  (10,765) 
 379,104 
$ 632,029 

10
 263,562
  18,279
 (10,765)
 271,515
$ 439,469

    FORM 10-K PART I V 

FORM 10-K PART I V

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-4 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Matador Resources Company and Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except per share data)

Revenues
  Oil and natural gas revenues 
  Realized gain on derivatives 
  Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 

  Total revenues 

Expenses
  Production taxes and marketing 
  Lease operating 
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
  Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
  Full-cost ceiling impairment 
  General and administrative 

  Total expenses 
Operating (loss) income 
Other income (expense)
  Net loss on asset sales and inventory impairment 

Interest expense 
Interest and other income 
  Total other (expense) income 

(Loss) income before income taxes 

Income tax (benefit) provision
  Current 
  Deferred 

  Total income tax (benefit) provision 

  Net (loss) income 

Earnings (loss) per common share
  Basic

  Class A 

  Class B 

  Diluted

  Class A 

  Class B 

Weighted average common shares outstanding
  Basic

  Class A 
  Class B 
  Total 

  Diluted

  Class A 
  Class B 
  Total 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

  For the Years Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 155,998 
  13,960 
  (4,802) 
 165,156 

$  67,000 
  7,106 
  5,138 
  79,244 

$ 34,042
  5,299
  3,139
 42,480

  11,672 
  28,184 
  80,454 
256 
  63,475 
  14,543 
 198,584 
 (33,428) 

(485) 
  (1,002) 
224 
  (1,263) 
 (34,691) 

  6,278 
  7,244 
  31,754 
209 
  35,673 
  13,394 
  94,552 
 (15,308) 

(154) 
(683) 
315 
(522) 
 (15,830) 

  1,982
  5,284
 15,596
155
  —
  9,702
 32,719
  9,761

(224)
(3)
364
137
  9,898

— 
  (1,430) 
  (1,430) 
$ (33,261) 

(46) 
  (5,475) 
  (5,521) 
$ (10,309) 

 (1,411)
  4,932
  3,521
$  6,377

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.62) 

(0.35) 

(0.62) 

(0.35) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.25) 

$  0.15

0.02 

$  0.42

(0.25) 

$  0.15

0.02 

$  0.42

  53,852 
105 
  53,957 

  53,852 
105 
  53,957 

  41,687 
  1,031 
  42,718 

  41,687 
  1,031 
  42,718 

 40,007
  1,031
 41,038

 40,103
  1,031
 41,134

FORM 10-K PART I V

  FORM 10-K PART I V 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-4 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-5    

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Matador Resources Company and Subsidiaries

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Common Stock 

Class A 

Class B 

Shares  Amount 

Shares  Amount 

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 
(deficit) 

Treasury Stock 

Shares 

Amount 

Total 

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2010 
Issuance of Class A common stock 
Cost to issue equity 
Issuance of Class A common stock 
  to Board members and advisors 
Stock options granted 
Stock options exercised 
Stock options modified 
Restricted stock issued 
Restricted stock vested 
Class B dividends declared 
Current period net income 
Issuance of treasury stock 
Purchases of treasury stock 

Balance at December 31, 2010 
Issuance of Class A common stock 
Cost to issue equity 
Issuance of Class A common stock 
  to Board members and advisors 
Stock options exercised 
Restricted stock vested 
Class B dividends declared 
Current period net loss 

Balance at December 31, 2011 
Issuance of Class A common stock 
Cost to issue equity 
Conversion of Class B common stock 
  to Class A common stock 
Issuance of Class A common stock 
  to Board members and advisors 
Stock options expense related to 
  equity based awards 
Stock options exercised 
Liability based stock option awards 
  forfeited or expired 
Changes in fair value for liability 
  based awards for which grant date 
  fair value is in excess of fair value 
Restricted stock issued 
Restricted stock forfeited 
Restricted stock and restricted stock 
  units expense 
Swing sale profit contribution 
Class B dividends declared 
Current period net loss 

40,443 
1,879 
— 

$ 404 
  19 
  — 

 1,031 
  — 
  — 

$ 10 
  — 
  — 

$ 241,664 
  20,633 
(531) 

$  22,761 
— 
— 

  68 
  — 
  — 

$ 

(517)  $ 264,322
  20,652
(531)

— 
— 

20 
— 
393 
— 
15 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

42,750 
54 
— 

20 
93 
— 
— 
— 

42,917 
12,209 
— 

  — 
  — 
  4 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 427 
  1 
  — 

  — 
  1 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 429 
 122 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 1,031 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 1,031 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 10 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 10 
  — 
  — 

1,031 

  10 

 (1,031) 

 (10) 

7 

  — 

  — 

  — 

198 
414 
  1,974 
  (1,086) 
— 
74 
— 
— 
2 
— 

 263,342 
591 
  (1,667) 

230 
  1,022 
44 
— 
— 

 263,562 
 146,388 
 (11,268) 

— 

71 

— 
296 

  — 
  3 

  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 

432 
  3,541 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(275) 
  6,377 
— 
— 

  28,863 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
(275) 
 (10,309) 

  18,279 
— 
— 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
(6) 
 1,117 

 1,179 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

 1,179 
  — 
  — 

— 

  — 

— 

  — 

— 
— 

  — 
  — 

— 

  — 

  — 

  — 

216 

— 

  — 

— 
319 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

  — 
  4 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

620 
(4) 
(29) 

758 
24 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

  — 
  — 
  22 

— 
— 
(28) 
 (33,261) 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
45 
 (10,293) 

 (10,765) 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

 (10,765) 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 

198
414
  1,978
  (1,086)
—
74
(275)
  6,377
47
 (10,293)

 281,877
592
  (1,667)

230
  1,023
44
(275)
 (10,309)

 271,515
 146,510
 (11,268)

—

71

432
  3,544

216

620
—
(29)

758
24
(28)
 (33,261)

Balance at December 31, 2012 

56,779 

$ 568 

  — 

$  — 

$ 404,311 

$ (15,010) 

 1,201 

$ (10,765)  $ 379,104

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

FORM 10-K PART I V

  FORM 10-K PART I V 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-6 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Matador Resources Company and Subsidiaries

(In thousands)

Operating activities
  Net (loss) income 
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided 

  by operating activities
  Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
  Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
  Full-cost ceiling impairment 
  Stock option and grant expense 
  Restricted stock grants 
  Deferred income tax (benefit) provision 
  Loss on asset sales and inventory impairment 
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities

  Accounts receivable 
  Lease and well equipment inventory 
  Prepaid expenses 
  Other assets 
  Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 
  Royalties payable 
  Advances from joint interest owners 
  Other long-term liabilities 

  Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing activities
  Oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures 
  Expenditures for other property and equipment 
  Purchases of certificates of deposit 
  Sales of certificates of deposit 

  Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities
  Repayments of borrowings under Credit Agreement   
  Borrowings under Credit Agreement 
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
  Swing sale profit contribution 
  Cost to issue equity 
  Proceeds from stock options exercised 
  Payment of dividends — Class B 
  Purchases of treasury stock 

  Net cash provided by financing activities 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information (Note 15)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

  For the Years Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$  (33,261) 

$  (10,309) 

$ 

6,377

4,802 
  80,454 
256 
  63,475 
(589) 
729 
(1,430) 
485 

  (16,342) 
50 
50 
(673) 
  19,740 
4,685 
1,515 
282 
 124,228 

 (300,689) 
(7,332) 
(496) 
1,601 
 (306,916) 

(5,138) 
  31,754 
209 
  35,673 
2,362 
44 
(5,476) 
154 

(1,523) 
22 
650 
(814) 
  13,497 
873 
(723) 
613 
  61,868 

 (156,431) 
(4,671) 
(4,298) 
5,312 
 (160,088) 

(3,139)
  15,596
155
—
824
74
4,932
224

(386)
(8)
(580)
33
2,488
309
273
101
  27,273

 (159,050)
(1,610)
(3,739)
  17,065
 (147,334)

 (123,000) 
 160,000 
 146,510 
24 
  (11,599) 
2,660 
(96) 
— 
 174,499 
(8,189) 
  10,284 
2,095 

$ 

 (103,000) 
 191,000 
592 
— 
(1,710) 
837 
(275) 
— 
  87,444 
  (10,776) 
  21,060 
$  10,284 

—
  25,000
  20,652
—
(172)
1,978
(275)
  (10,292)
  36,891
  (83,170)
 104,230
$  21,060

FORM 10-K PART I V   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-6 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-7    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

NOTE 1 — NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Matador Resources Company (“Matador” or the “Company”) is an independent energy company engaged in  
the exploration, development, production and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States, with a 
particular emphasis on oil and natural gas shale plays and other unconventional resource plays. Matador’s current 
operations are focused primarily in the oil and liquids rich Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and the Haynesville 
shale play in Northwest Louisiana. In addition to these primary operating areas, Matador has a growing acreage 
position in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas where the Company plans to begin exploring the Wolfcamp and 
Bone Spring plays during 2013. Matador also has a large exploratory position in Southwest Wyoming and adjacent 
areas in Utah and Idaho where the Company is testing the Meade Peak shale.

On November 22, 2010, the company formerly known as Matador Resources Company, a Texas corporation 

founded on July 3, 2003, formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Matador Holdco, Inc. Pursuant to the terms of a 
corporate reorganization that was completed on August 9, 2011, the former Matador Resources Company became a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Matador Holdco, Inc. and changed its corporate name to MRC Energy Company, and 
Matador Holdco, Inc. changed its corporate name to Matador Resources Company.

MRC Energy Company holds the primary assets of the Company and has four wholly-owned subsidiaries: 
Matador Production Company, MRC Permian Company, MRC Rockies Company and Longwood Gathering and 
Disposal Systems GP, Inc. Matador Production Company serves as the oil and natural gas operating entity. MRC 
Permian Company conducts oil and natural gas exploration and development activities in Southeast New Mexico. 
MRC Rockies Company conducts oil and natural gas exploration and development activities in the Rocky 
Mountains and specifically in the states of Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems 
GP, Inc. serves as the general partner of Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems, LP which owns a majority  
of the pipeline systems and salt water disposal wells used in the Company’s operations and also transports limited 
quantities of third-party natural gas.

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Matador Resources Company and its wholly-
owned subsidiary, MRC Energy Company, as well as the accounts of MRC Energy Company’s four wholly-owned 
subsidiaries, Matador Production Company, Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems GP, Inc., MRC Permian 
Company and MRC Rockies Company, and the accounts of Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems, LP. These 
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 
in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s operations are conducted in the one segment 
generally referred to as the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. All significant intercompany 
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current  
year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, cash flows or 
retained earnings.

FORM 10-K PART I V   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-8 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates 

and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These 
estimates and assumptions may also affect disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While the Company 
believes its estimates are reasonable, changes in facts and assumptions or the discovery of new information may 
result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including oil and 

natural gas revenues, accrued assets and liabilities, stock-based compensation, valuation of derivative instruments, 
deferred tax assets and liabilities and oil and natural gas reserves. The estimates of oil and natural gas reserves 
quantities and future net cash flows are the basis for the calculations of depletion and impairment of oil and 
natural gas properties, as well as estimates of asset retirement obligations and certain tax accruals. The Company’s 
oil and natural gas reserves estimates, which are inherently imprecise and based upon many factors that are  
beyond the Company’s control, including oil and natural gas prices, are prepared by the Company’s engineering staff 
in accordance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and then audited  
for their reasonableness and conformance with SEC guidelines by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent 
reservoir engineers.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of thirty (30) days or less as cash 

equivalents, and cash equivalents are recorded at market. Except for small cash balances held in the Company’s 
operating accounts to conduct its ongoing business, the remainder of the Company’s cash equivalents during 
the year ended December 31, 2010 was held in money market accounts composed of United States Treasury 
securities offering daily liquidity. The Company had no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of deposit (“CD’s”) are highly liquid, short-term investments with an original maturity of more  
than 30 days but not more than one year. Each CD is recorded at market and is fully insured by the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation.

Accounts Receivable

The Company sells its operated oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production to various purchasers (see 
Note 14). Due to the nature of the markets for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, the Company does not believe 
that the loss of any one purchaser would significantly impact operations. In addition, the Company may participate 
with industry partners in the drilling, completion and operation of oil and natural gas wells. Substantially all of the 
Company’s accounts receivable are due from either purchasers of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids or 
participants in oil and natural gas wells for which the Company serves as the operator. Accounts receivable are due 
within 30 to 60 days of the production date and 30 days of the billing date, respectively, and are stated at 
amounts due from purchasers and industry partners. Amounts are considered past due if they have been outstanding 
for 60 days or more. No interest is typically charged on past due amounts.

The Company reviews its need for an allowance for doubtful accounts on a periodic basis, and determines the 

allowance, if any, by considering the length of time past due, previous loss history, future net revenues of the 
debtor’s ownership interest in oil and natural gas properties operated by the Company and the debtor’s ability to pay 
its obligations, among other things. The Company has no allowance for doubtful accounts related to its accounts 
receivable for any reporting period presented.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-8 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-9    

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

The Company wrote off receivables of $24,229 in 2011; there were no receivables written off in 2012 or 2010. 
When necessary, the Company accounts for a write off by recording the loss as a reduction of accounts receivable 
once the specific account has been determined to be uncollectible.

Lease and Well Equipment Inventory

Lease and well equipment inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market and consists entirely of equipment 

scheduled for use in future well operations or equipment held for sale.

Property and Equipment

The Company uses the full-cost method of accounting for its investments in oil and natural gas properties. Under 

this method of accounting, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural 
gas properties and reserves, including unproved and unevaluated property costs, are capitalized as incurred and 
accumulated in a single cost center representing the Company’s activities, which are undertaken exclusively in the 
United States. Such costs include lease acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenditures, lease 
rentals on undeveloped properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wells, capitalized interest 
on qualifying projects and general and administrative expenses directly related to acquisition, exploration and 
development activities, but do not include any costs related to production, selling or general corporate administrative 
activities. The Company capitalized $2.6 million, $2.0 million and $1.6 million of its general and administrative costs 
in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company capitalized $1.6 million and $1.3 million of its interest expense 
for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recorded only $3,235 in interest 
expense for the year ended December 31, 2010. As a result, the Company capitalized no interest expense for the 
year ended December 31, 2010.

The net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are limited to the lower of unamortized costs less 

related deferred income taxes or the cost ceiling, with any excess above the cost center ceiling charged to 
operations as a full-cost ceiling impairment. Beginning January 1, 2011, the need for a full-cost ceiling impairment 
is assessed on a quarterly basis. The cost center ceiling is defined as the sum of (a) the present value discounted 
at 10 percent of future net revenues of proved oil and natural gas reserves, plus (b) unproved and unevaluated 
property costs not being amortized, plus (c) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved and unevaluated 
properties included in the costs being amortized, if any, less (d) income tax effects related to the properties 
involved. Future net revenues from proved non-producing and proved undeveloped reserves are reduced by the 
estimated costs for developing these reserves. The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is not 
included in the ceiling test computation as the Company does not designate these instruments as hedge instruments 
for accounting purposes.

The estimated present value of after-tax future net cash flows from proved oil and natural gas reserves is highly 
dependent on the commodity prices used in these estimates. These estimates are determined in accordance with 
guidelines established by the SEC for estimating and reporting oil and natural gas reserves. Under these guidelines, 
oil and natural gas reserves are estimated using then-current operating and economic conditions, with no provision  
for price and cost escalations in future periods except by contractual arrangements. The commodity prices used to 
estimate oil and natural gas reserves are based on unweighted, arithmetic averages of first-day-of-the-month oil  
and natural gas prices for the previous 12-month period. For the period January through December 2012, these 
average oil and natural gas prices were $91.21 per barrel and $2.757 per MMBtu, respectively. For the period January 
through December 2011, these average oil and natural gas prices were $92.71 per barrel and $4.118 per MMBtu, 
respectively. For the period January through December 2010, these average oil and natural gas prices were 
$75.96 per barrel and $4.376 per MMBtu, respectively. In estimating the present value of after-tax future net cash 

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-10 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

flows from proved oil and natural gas reserves, the average oil prices were further adjusted by property for quality, 
transportation fees and regional price differentials, and the average natural gas prices were further adjusted by 
property for energy content, transportation fees and regional price differentials.

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s net capitalized costs less related deferred income 

taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $21.3 million. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $33.2 million to  
its net capitalized costs and a deferred income tax credit of $11.9 million related to the full-cost ceiling limitation. During 
the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company’s net capitalized costs less related deferred income 
taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $2.3 million. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million 
to its net capitalized costs and a deferred income tax credit of $1.3 million related to the full-cost ceiling 
limitation. During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s net capitalized costs exceeded the 
cost center ceiling by $17.3 million. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $26.7 million to its net 
capitalized costs and a deferred income tax credit of $9.4 million related to the full-cost ceiling limitation. These 
charges for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2012 are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement  
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. Changes in oil and natural gas production rates, oil and natural 
gas prices, reserves estimates, future development costs and other factors will determine the Company’s actual 
ceiling test computation and impairment analyses in future periods.

During the first quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company’s net capitalized costs less related deferred income 

taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $23.0 million. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $35.7 million  
to its net capitalized costs and a deferred income tax credit of $12.7 million related to the full-cost ceiling limitation. 
These charges are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended 
December 31, 2011. The Company recorded no impairment to its net capitalized costs and no corresponding 
charge to its consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010. 

As a non-cash item, the full-cost ceiling impairment impacts the accumulated depletion and the net carrying 
value of the Company’s assets on its balance sheet, as well as the corresponding shareholders’ equity, but it has no 
impact on the Company’s net cash flows as reported.

Capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are amortized using the unit-of-production method based upon 

production and estimates of proved reserves quantities. Unproved and unevaluated property costs are excluded 
from the amortization base used to determine depletion. Unproved and unevaluated properties are assessed for 
possible impairment on a periodic basis based upon changes in operating or economic conditions. This assessment 
includes consideration of the following factors, among others: the assignment of proved reserves, geological and 
geophysical evaluations, intent to drill, remaining lease term and drilling activity and results. Upon impairment, the 
costs of the unproved and unevaluated properties are immediately included in the amortization base. Exploratory dry 
holes are included in the amortization base immediately upon determination that the well is not productive.

Sales of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as adjustments to net capitalized costs with no gain or 

loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between net capitalized costs 
and proved reserves of oil and natural gas. All costs related to production activities and maintenance and repairs are 
expensed as incurred. Significant workovers that increase the properties’ reserves are capitalized.

Other property and equipment are stated at cost. Computer equipment, furniture, software and other 

equipment are depreciated over their useful life (5 to 10 years) using the straight-line method. Support equipment 
and facilities include the pipelines and salt water disposal systems owned by Longwood Gathering and Disposal 
Systems, LP and are depreciated over a 30-year useful life using the straight-line, mid-month convention method. 
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their useful lives or the term of the lease.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-10 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-11    

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes the fair value of an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a 

reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The asset retirement obligation is recorded as a liability at its 
estimated present value, with an offsetting increase recognized in oil and natural gas properties or support equipment 
and facilities on the balance sheet. Periodic accretion of the discounted value of the estimated liability is 
recorded as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations. In general, the Company’s future asset 
retirement obligations relate to future costs associated with plugging and abandonment of its oil and natural gas 
wells, removal of equipment and facilities from leased acreage and returning such land to its original condition. The 
amounts recognized are based on numerous estimates and assumptions, including future retirement costs, 
future recoverable quantities of oil and natural gas, future inflation rates and the Company’s credit-adjusted 
risk-free interest rate. Revisions to the liability can occur due to changes in its estimate or if federal or state regulators 
enact new plugging and abandonment requirements. At the time of actual plugging and abandonment of its oil  
and natural gas wells, the Company includes any gain or loss associated with the operation in the amortization base 
to the extent that the actual costs are different from the estimated liability.

Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to commodity 
price risk associated with oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. These instruments consist of put and call 
options in the form of costless (or zero-cost) collars and swap contracts. Costless collars provide the Company 
with downside price protection through the purchase of a put option which is financed through the sale of a call 
option. Because the call option proceeds are used to offset the cost of the put option, these arrangements are 
initially “costless” to the Company. In the case of a costless collar, the put option and the call option have different 
fixed price components. In a swap contract, a floating price is exchanged for a fixed price over a specified period, 
providing downside price protection. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance 
sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. The Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting 
for its existing derivative financial instruments, and as a result, the Company recognizes the change in derivative  
fair value between reporting periods currently in its consolidated statement of operations (see Note 11). The fair value 
of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined using purchase and sale information available for 
similarly traded securities. Realized gains and realized losses from the settlement of derivative financial 
instruments and unrealized gains and losses from valuation changes in the remaining unsettled derivative financial 
instruments are reported under “Revenues” in our consolidated statement of operations.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the sales method of accounting for its oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues, 

whereby it recognizes revenue, net of royalties, on all oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sold to purchasers 
regardless of whether the sales are proportionate to its ownership in the property. Under this method, revenue is 
recognized at the time oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are produced and sold, and the Company accrues  
for revenue earned but not yet received.

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2012, the Board of Directors adopted the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive 

Plan”). The 2012 Incentive Plan was also approved by the Company’s shareholders at its Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders on June 7, 2012. During 2012, all stock option awards granted under the 2012 Incentive Plan were 
non-qualified options and the associated compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is 

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-12 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

typically four years. All stock option awards granted in 2012 are classified as equity instruments due to the methods 
of exercise specified in the 2012 Incentive Plan. Compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock unit 
grants awarded in 2012 was recognized immediately or over the vesting period, which is typically three to four years.

The Company did not grant any stock option awards in 2011. Prior to 2011, all stock option awards were granted 

under the 2003 Stock and Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”), and since November 22, 2010, these awards have 
been accounted for as liability instruments. No additional stock-based compensation will be awarded under the 
2003 Plan. Non-qualified stock option grants awarded under the 2003 Plan typically vested upon issuance, while 
incentive stock option grants awarded under the 2003 Plan typically vest over four years, and the associated 
compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for 
restricted stock grants awarded under the 2003 Plan was recognized immediately or over the vesting period, 
which was typically three years.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company used the fair value method to measure and recognize the 
liability and equity associated with its outstanding stock options. At December 31, 2010, the Company measured 
and recognized the liability associated with its outstanding stock options using the intrinsic value method.

Prior to November 22, 2010, all of the Company’s then-outstanding stock options were classified as equity 

instruments, with all stock-based compensation expense measured on the date of grant and recognized over the 
vesting period, if any. On November 22, 2010, the Company changed its method of accounting for its then-
outstanding stock options, reclassifying all of its then-outstanding stock options from equity to liability instruments. 
This change was made as a result of the Company purchasing shares from certain of its employees to assist 
them in the exercise of outstanding options of the Company’s Class A common stock. At December 31, 2012, we 
continue to account for all stock options granted under the 2003 Plan as liability instruments.

The Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 

2010 include a stock-based compensation (non-cash) expense of $0.1 million, $2.4 million and $0.9 million, 
respectively. This stock-based compensation expense includes common stock issuances and restricted stock units 
expense totaling $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, paid to members 
of the Board of Directors and advisors as compensation for their services to the Company.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and 

reporting. The Company evaluates the probability of realizing the future benefits of its deferred tax assets and 
provides a valuation allowance for the portion of any deferred tax assets where the likelihood of realizing an income 
tax benefit in the future does not meet the more likely than not criteria for recognition.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax 

position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. 
For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is 
the benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant 
tax authority. Management believes that the material positions taken by the Company would more likely than not  
be sustained by examination. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had not established any reserves for, 
nor recorded any unrecognized tax benefits related to, uncertain tax positions.

When necessary, the Company would include interest assessed by taxing authorities in “Interest expense” 

and penalties related to income taxes in “Other expense” on its consolidated statements of operations. The 
Company did not record any interest or penalties related to income tax for the years ended December 31, 2012, 
2011 and 2010.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-12 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-13    

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

Earnings Per Common Share

The Company reports basic earnings per common share, which excludes the effect of potentially dilutive 
securities, and diluted earnings per common share, which includes the effect of all potentially dilutive securities, 
unless their impact is anti-dilutive.

Prior to consummation of the Company’s initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering,” see Note 10) in 
February 2012, the Company had issued two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. The holders of the 
Class B shares were entitled to be paid cumulative dividends at a per share rate of $0.26-2/3 annually out of funds 
legally available for the payment of dividends. These dividends were accrued and paid quarterly. Dividends declared 
during 2012 totaled $27,643. Dividends declared during 2011 and 2010 totaled $274,853 in each year. Class B 
dividends declared during the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 were paid during the first 
quarter of 2012 totaling $96,356. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has not paid any dividends to holders 
of the Class A shares. Concurrent with the completion of the Initial Public Offering, all 1,030,700 shares of the 
Company’s Class B common stock were converted to Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. The Class A 
common stock is now referred to as the “common stock.”

The following are reconciliations of the numerators and denominators used to compute the Company’s basic and 

diluted distributed and undistributed earnings per common share as reported for the years ended December 31, 
2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share data).

Net income (loss) — numerator
  Net (loss) income 
  Less dividends to Class B shareholders — distributed earnings 

  Undistributed (loss) earnings 

Weighted average common shares outstanding — denominator
  Basic

  Class A 
  Class B 
  Total 

  Diluted

  Class A

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ (33,261) 
(28) 
$ (33,289) 

$ (10,309) 
(275) 
$ (10,584) 

$  6,377
(275)
$  6,102

  53,852 
105 
  53,957 

  41,687 
  1,031 
  42,718 

 40,007
  1,031
 41,038

  Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings 

(loss) per share 
  Dilutive effect of options 

  Class A weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted 

  Class B

  Weighted average common shares outstanding — 

  no associated dilutive shares 

 Total diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 

  53,852 
— 
  53,852 

  41,687 
— 
  41,687 

 40,007
96
 40,103

105 
  53,957 

  1,031 
  42,718 

  1,031
 41,134

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-14 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

Earnings (loss) per common share
  Basic

  Class A

  Distributed earnings 
  Undistributed (loss) earnings 

  Total 

  Class B

  Distributed earnings 
  Undistributed (loss) earnings 

  Total 

  Diluted

  Class A

  Distributed earnings 
  Undistributed (loss) earnings 

  Total 

  Class B

  Distributed earnings 
  Undistributed (loss) earnings 

  Total 

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$  — 
$ (0.62) 
$ (0.62) 

$ 0.27 
$ (0.62) 
$ (0.35) 

$  — 
$ (0.62) 
$ (0.62) 

$ 0.27 
$ (0.62) 
$ (0.35) 

$  — 
$ (0.25) 
$ (0.25) 

$ 0.27 
$ (0.25) 
$ 0.02 

$  — 
$ (0.25) 
$ (0.25) 

$ 0.27 
$ (0.25) 
$ 0.02 

$  —
$ 0.15
$ 0.15

$ 0.27
$ 0.15
$ 0.42

$  —
$ 0.15
$ 0.15

$ 0.27
$ 0.15
$ 0.42

A total of 1,067,069 and 1,024,500 options to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock and 
162,368 and zero restricted stock units were excluded from the calculations above for the years ended December 
31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, because their effects were anti-dilutive. Additionally, 305,807 restricted shares, 
which are participating securities, were excluded from the calculations above for the year ended December 31, 2012 
as the security holders do not have the obligation to share in the losses of the Company. There were no participating 
securities at December 31, 2011.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures and reports certain assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is the price that 
would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
at the measurement date (exit price). The Company follows FASB guidance establishing a fair value hierarchy that 
prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value.

Credit Risk

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to oil, natural gas and natural  
gas liquids price volatility. These transactions expose the Company to potential credit risk from its counterparties. 
Accounts receivable constitute the principal component of additional credit risk to which the Company may be 
exposed. The Company believes that any credit risk posed is insignificant and is offset by the creditworthiness of its 
customer base and industry partners.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-14 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-15    

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

Risks and Uncertainties

As an oil and natural gas exploration and production company focused on finding and developing its own 

prospects and reserves, the Company’s success is highly dependent on the results of its exploration and 
development program. Exploration activities involve numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially 
productive oil or natural gas reserves will be discovered. In addition, there are uncertainties as to the future 
costs or timing of drilling, completing and producing wells. Poor results from the Company’s exploration and 
development activities could limit the Company’s ability to replace and grow reserves and materially and adversely 
affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

As a result of the Company’s sale of certain assets to Chesapeake Louisiana, L.P. (“Chesapeake”) in 2008, the 

Company does not operate its most significant natural gas asset, that being the deep rights to explore for and 
develop the Haynesville shale formation (underlying its existing Cotton Valley production) on the Company’s Elm 
Grove/Caspiana leasehold in Northwest Louisiana. Although the Company has reserved the right to participate for a 
proportionately reduced 25% working interest in all wells that Chesapeake drills or participates in to develop the 
Haynesville on this acreage, and although the Company has the right to propose the drilling of Haynesville wells on 
these properties, the Company may have limited influence on when, how and at what pace these properties are 
developed. This could impact the Company’s ability to replace and grow reserves and materially and adversely affect 
the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, the 
Company acquired other non-operated acreage positions in Northwest Louisiana that it believes to be prospective 
for the Haynesville shale. The Company has, or will have, small, non-operated working interests in the Haynesville 
units including these properties, and as a result, the Company will have limited influence on when, how and at 
what pace these properties are developed.

Estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex and is inexact because of the numerous uncertainties inherent 

in the process. The process relies on interpretations of available geological, geophysical, petrophysical, 
engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of both the data and the associated interpretations 
of that data can vary. The process also requires certain economic assumptions, including, but not limited to,  
oil and natural gas prices, drilling, completion and operating expenses, capital expenditures and taxes. Actual future 
production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and 
quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas most likely will vary from the Company’s estimates. Any significant 
variance could materially and adversely affect the Company’s future reserves estimates, financial position, 
results of operations and cash flows.

Historically, the market for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids has experienced significant price fluctuations, 

and this has been particularly evident in recent years. Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices are impacted  
by supply and demand, both domestic and international, seasonal variations caused by changing weather conditions, 
political conditions, governmental regulations, the availability, proximity and capacity of gathering, processing and 
transportation systems for natural gas and natural gas liquids and numerous other factors. Increases or decreases in 
prices received could have a significant and material impact on the Company’s future reserves estimates, financial 
position, results of operations and cash flows.

To mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, the Company, from time 

to time, enters into hedging arrangements with respect to a portion of its oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids 
production. Decisions as to whether and at what production volumes to hedge are difficult and depend on market 
conditions and the Company’s forecast of future production and commodity prices, and the Company may not 
always employ the optimal hedging strategy.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-16 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued

The federal, state and local governments in the areas in which the Company operates or has assets impose taxes 

on the oil and natural gas products sold, and sales and use taxes are charged on significant portions of the 
Company’s drilling, completion and operating costs. Many states have raised state taxes on energy sources or state 
taxes associated with the extraction of hydrocarbons, and additional increases may occur. In addition, there has 
been a significant amount of discussion by legislators and presidential administrations concerning a variety of energy 
tax proposals. President Obama has proposed sweeping changes in federal laws on the income taxation of small oil 
and natural gas exploration and production companies like Matador. Among other issues, President Obama has 
proposed to eliminate allowing small oil and natural gas companies to deduct intangible drilling costs as incurred and 
percentage depletion. Changes to tax laws could materially and adversely affect the Company’s future financial 
position, results of operations and cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Balance Sheet. In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2013-01, Balance 
Sheet. The ASU clarifies the scope of ASU 2011-11 to limit the application of ASU 2011-11 to derivatives accounted 
for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated 
embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and 
securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or subject 
to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The adoption of ASU 2013-01 is not expected  
to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, but may require certain additional disclosures.

Balance Sheet. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet. The requirements amend the 

disclosure requirements related to offsetting in ASC 210-20-50. The amendments require enhanced disclosures  
by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in 
accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 or ASC 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting 
arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in accordance with either ASC 210-20-45 
or ASC 815-10-45. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements, but may require certain additional disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2011-11 
are to be applied for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and are to be applied 
retrospectively for all periods presented.

Fair Value. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value 

Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 amends ASC 820, Fair Value 
Measurements, providing a consistent definition and measurement of fair value, as well as similar disclosure 
requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain 
fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value measurements and expands  
the ASC 820 disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company adopted ASU 
2011-04 on January 1, 2012; adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements, but did require additional disclosures (see Note 12).

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-16 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-17    

NOTE 3 — PROPERTY AND EqUIPMENT

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s property and equipment balances as of December 31, 

2012 and 2011 (in thousands).

Oil and natural gas properties
  Evaluated (subject to amortization) 
  Unproved and unevaluated (not subject to amortization)

Incurred in 2012 
Incurred in 2011 
Incurred in 2010 
Incurred in 2009 and prior 
  Total unproved and unevaluated 

  Total oil and natural gas properties 

  Accumulated depletion 

  Net oil and natural gas properties 

Other property and equipment
  Computer equipment 
  Furniture  
  Software  
  Other equipment 
  Leasehold improvements 
  Support equipment and facilities 

  Total other property and equipment 

  Accumulated depreciation 

  Net other property and equipment 
  Net property and equipment 

December 31,

2012 

2011

$ 763,527 

$ 423,945

  36,488 
  24,138 
  70,417 
  18,632 
 149,675 
 913,202 
 (344,609) 
 568,593 

834 
793 
1,355 
196 
644 
  23,436 
  27,258 
(4,761) 
  22,497 
$ 591,090 

—
  60,934
  80,593
  21,071
 162,598
 586,543
 (201,543)
 385,000

787
458
1,111
194
627
  15,587
  18,764
(3,899)
  14,865
$ 399,865

The following table provides a breakdown of the Company’s unproved and unevaluated property costs not 
subject to amortization as of December 31, 2012 and the year in which these costs were incurred (in thousands).

Description 

Costs incurred for 
Property acquisition 
Exploration wells 
Development wells 
Capitalized interest 
  Total 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 and prior 

Total

$ 29,165 
  4,680 
  2,573 
70 
$ 36,488 

$ 21,748 
  1,932 
  — 
458 
$ 24,138 

$ 70,417 
  — 
  — 
  — 
$ 70,417 

$ 18,632 
  — 
  — 
  — 
$ 18,632 

$ 139,962
  6,612
  2,573
528
$ 149,675

Property acquisition costs primarily include leasehold costs paid to secure oil and natural gas mineral leases,  
but may also include broker and legal expenses, geological and geophysical expenses and capitalized internal costs 
associated with developing oil and natural gas prospects on these properties. Property acquisition costs are 
transferred into the amortization base on an ongoing basis as these properties are evaluated and proved reserves 
are established or impairment is determined. Unproved and unevaluated properties are assessed for possible 
impairment on a periodic basis based upon changes in operating or economic conditions.

Property acquisition costs incurred in 2012 were related primarily to the Company’s leasing and acquisition 

activities in the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin 
in West Texas.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-18 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 3 — PROPERTY AND EqUIPMENT — Continued

Property acquisition costs incurred in 2011 were related primarily to the Company’s leasing and acquisition 
activities in the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas. The 2010 property acquisition costs were related primarily to 
the Company’s leasing activities in the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas and the Haynesville shale play in 
Northwest Louisiana. These costs are associated with acreage for which proved reserves have yet to be assigned. 
As the Company drills wells and assigns proved reserves to these properties or determines that certain portions  
of this acreage, if any, cannot be assigned proved reserves, portions of these costs are transferred to the 
amortization base. The Company estimates that evaluation of most of these properties and the inclusion of their 
costs in the amortization base is expected to be completed within three to five years.

Property acquisition costs incurred in 2009 and prior years were related primarily to the Company’s leasing 
activities in the Haynesville shale play in Northwest Louisiana and in Southwest Wyoming, Northeast Utah and 
Southeast Idaho. During 2011, the Company drilled its first exploration well on its acreage in Southwest Wyoming. 
We re-entered this vertical well in late 2012 and drilled a horizontal lateral that will be completed in 2013. The 
Company estimates that evaluation of most of these properties and the inclusion of their costs in the amortization 
base is expected to be completed within two to four years.

Costs excluded from amortization also include those costs associated with exploration and development wells in 

progress or awaiting completion at year-end. These costs are transferred into the amortization base on an ongoing 
basis, as these wells are completed and proved reserves are established or confirmed. These costs totaled  
$7.3 million at December 31, 2012. Of this total, $4.7 million was associated with exploration wells and $2.6 million 
was associated with development wells. The Company anticipates that the entire $7.3 million associated  
with these wells in progress at December 31, 2012 will be transferred to the amortization base during 2013. At 
December 31, 2012, there were $1.9 million in exploratory well costs excluded from amortization that were 
incurred in years prior to 2012, all associated with the exploration well in Southwest Wyoming. The Company plans 
to complete and test this well in 2013 and anticipates that the entire $1.9 million incurred in 2011 will also be 
transferred to the amortization base during 2013.

NOTE 4 — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the years ended 

December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands).

Beginning asset retirement obligations 
  Liabilities incurred during period 
  Revisions in estimated cash flows 
  Liabilities settled during period 
  Accretion expense 
Ending asset retirement obligations 

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011

$ 4,270 
 1,243 
  — 
  — 
  256 
$ 5,769 

$ 3,695
  187
  312
  (133)
  209
$ 4,270

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, $660,303 and $334,500, respectively, of the Company’s asset retirement 
obligations were classified as current liabilities and included in “accrued liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated 
balance sheets, based on the expected timing of payments.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-18 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-19    

NOTE 5 — ASSET SALES AND IMPAIRMENT

In December 2012, the Company recorded an impairment to reduce the remaining balance of its drilling rig parts 

held in inventory to zero following a determination that there was no current market for these parts. The carrying 
value of the inventory was reduced to zero and a charge of $425,000 was recorded to the consolidated statement 
of operations. In addition, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $60,000 on certain other equipment 
that was sold during 2012.

In December 2011, the Company recorded an impairment to some of its equipment held in inventory following a 

determination that the current market value of the equipment, consisting primarily of drilling rig parts, was less  
than the cost. The carrying value of the inventory was reduced by $17,500 on the balance sheet, and a corresponding 
charge was recorded to the consolidated statement of operations. In December 2011, the Company also recorded  
an impairment to some of its equipment held in inventory following a determination that the current market value of 
the equipment, consisting primarily of pipe and other equipment, was less than the cost. The carrying value  
of the inventory was reduced by $22,276 on the balance sheet, and a corresponding charge was recorded to the 
consolidated statement of operations. In addition, the Company recorded a loss of $113,757 on certain other 
equipment that was sold during 2011.

In December 2010, the Company wrote off the Boise South Pipeline asset in Orange County, Texas from its 
Longwood Gathering and Disposal Systems, LP subsidiary and recorded a net loss of $173,690. The decision to 
write off this asset resulted from the fact that natural gas was no longer being put through this pipeline, nor was 
natural gas expected to be put through this pipeline in the future. In December 2010, the Company also recorded an 
impairment to some of its equipment held in inventory following a determination that the current market value of 
the equipment, consisting primarily of drilling rig parts, was less than the cost. The carrying value of the inventory 
was reduced by $50,000 on the balance sheet, and a corresponding charge was recorded to the consolidated 
statement of operations.

NOTE 6 — REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

In December 2011, the Company entered into its second amended and restated senior secured revolving  
Credit Agreement for which Comerica Bank served as administrative agent. Among other things, this amendment 
increased the size of the facility and extended the term until December 2016. MRC Energy Company, a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Matador Resources Company, was the borrower under the amended Credit Agreement. 
Borrowings were secured by mortgages on substantially all of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties and by 
the equity interests of all of MRC Energy Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, which were also guarantors. In 
addition, all obligations under the Credit Agreement were guaranteed by Matador Resources Company, the parent 
corporation. Various commodity hedging agreements with one of the lenders under the Credit Agreement  
(or an affiliate thereof) were also secured by the collateral of and guaranteed by the eligible subsidiaries of MRC 
Energy Company.

The amount of the borrowings under the second amended and restated Credit Agreement were limited to the 

lesser of $400.0 million or the borrowing base, which was determined by the lenders based primarily on the 
estimated value of the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves, but also on external factors, such as the 
lenders’ lending policies and the lenders’ estimates of future oil and natural gas prices, over which the Company 
has no control. At December 31, 2011, the borrowing base was $125.0 million and the Company had $113.0 million 
in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. In January 2012, the Company borrowed an additional 
$10.0 million to finance a portion of its working capital requirements, bringing the then-outstanding indebtedness 
under the Credit Agreement to $123.0 million. Following the completion of the Initial Public Offering, the Company 
used a portion of the net proceeds to repay the then-outstanding $123.0 million under its Credit Agreement in 

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-20 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 6 — REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT — Continued

February 2012, at which time the borrowing base was reduced to $100.0 million. On February 28, 2012, the 
borrowing base was increased to $125.0 million pursuant to a special borrowing base redetermination made at the 
Company’s request. This borrowing base increase was determined by the lenders based upon, among other 
items, the increase in the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2011.

On September 28, 2012, the Company entered into its third amended and restated senior secured revolving 

Credit Agreement. Among other things, this amendment increased the maximum facility amount from $400.0 million 
to $500.0 million, increased the borrowing base from $125.0 million to $200.0 million and named Royal Bank  
of Canada (“RBC”) as the administrative agent. In addition, the amendment provided for a conforming borrowing 
base of $165.0 million. The borrowing base will automatically be reduced to the conforming borrowing base on 
the earlier of (i) December 31, 2013 or (ii) the closing of a secondary public offering of equity interests that results 
in net cash proceeds to the Company in an amount greater than or equal to $25.0 million. The Credit Agreement 
matures December 29, 2016. MRC Energy Company is the borrower under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings are 
secured by mortgages on substantially all of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties and by the equity 
interests of all of MRC Energy Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are also guarantors. In addition, all 
obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Matador Resources Company, the parent corporation. 
Various commodity hedging agreements with certain of the lenders under the Credit Agreement (or affiliates 
thereof) are also secured by the collateral of and guaranteed by the eligible subsidiaries of MRC Energy Company.

The borrowing base under the Credit Agreement is determined semi-annually as of May 1 and November 1  
by the lenders based primarily on the estimated value of the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves at  
June 30 and December 31 of each year. Both the Company and the lenders may request an unscheduled 
redetermination of the borrowing base once each between scheduled redetermination dates. During the fourth 
quarter of 2012, the Company requested one such unscheduled redetermination, and on December 20, 2012,  
the borrowing base was increased from $200.0 million to $215.0 million as a result of the lenders’ review of the 
Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves at September 30, 2012. In connection with this borrowing base 
redetermination, the conforming borrowing base was increased to $180.0 million at December 20, 2012. In addition, 
during the first quarter of 2013, the lenders completed their review of the Company’s proved oil and natural  
gas reserves at December 31, 2012, and as a result, on March 11, 2013, the borrowing base was increased to 
$255.0 million and the conforming borrowing base was increased to $220.0 million (see Note 18). This most 
recent redetermination constitutes the regularly scheduled May 1 redetermination. In the event of a borrowing base 
increase, the Company is required to pay a fee to the lenders equal to a percentage of the amount of the increase, 
which will be determined based on market conditions at the time of the borrowing base increase. If the borrowing 
base were to be less than the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement at any time, the Company 
would be required to provide additional collateral satisfactory in nature and value to the lenders to increase the 
borrowing base to an amount sufficient to cover such excess or to repay the deficit in equal installments over a 
period of six months.

The Company incurred $0.8 million of additional deferred loan costs in connection with the amendment and 

restatement of the Credit Agreement in September 2012 and approximately $0.1 million of additional deferred loan 
costs in connection with the borrowing base increase in December 2012. These costs were included with the 
remaining unamortized portion of the deferred loan costs of $0.8 million incurred when the Company entered into 
the Credit Agreement in March 2008 as well as the second amended and restated Credit Agreement on 
December 30, 2011. As a result, total deferred loan costs are $1.6 million at December 31, 2012, and these costs 
are being amortized over the term of the agreement, which approximates the amortization of these costs using  
the effective interest method.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-20 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-21    

NOTE 6 — REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT — Continued

Between March 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, the Company borrowed $150.0 million under the Credit 
Agreement to finance a portion of its working capital requirements and capital expenditures. At December 31, 
2012, the Company had $150.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, approximately  
$1.1 million in outstanding letters of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement and approximately $63.9 million 
available for additional borrowings. At December 31, 2012, the outstanding borrowings bore interest at an effective 
interest rate of approximately 3.3% per annum.

From January 1 through March 14, 2013, the Company borrowed an additional $30.0 million under the Credit 

Agreement to finance a portion of its working capital requirements and capital expenditures. At March 14, 2013, 
the Company had $180.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, approximately $1.3 million 
in outstanding letters of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement and approximately $73.7 million available  
for additional borrowings (see Note 18).

If the Company borrows funds as a base rate loan, such borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to the 
higher of (i) the prime rate for such day or (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate on such day, plus 0.50% or (iii) the 
daily adjusting LIBOR rate plus 1.0% plus, in each case, an amount from 0.75% to 2.25% of such outstanding 
loan depending on the level of borrowings under the agreement. If the Company borrows funds as a Eurodollar 
loan, such borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the LIBOR rate by 
(B) a percentage equal to 100% minus the maximum rate during such interest calculation period at which RBC  
is required to maintain reserves on Eurocurrency Liabilities (as defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of 
the Federal Reserve System) plus (ii) an amount from 1.75% to 3.25% of such outstanding loan depending on  
the level of borrowings under the agreement. The interest period for Eurodollar borrowings may be one, two, three 
or six months as designated by the Company. A commitment fee of 0.375% to 0.50%, depending on the unused 
availability under the Credit Agreement, is also paid quarterly in arrears. The Company includes this commitment 
fee, any amortization of deferred financing costs (including origination, borrowing base increase and amendment 
fees) and annual agency fees as interest expense and in its interest rate calculations and related disclosures.

Key financial covenants under the third amended and restated Credit Agreement require the Company to 
maintain (1) a current ratio, which is defined as consolidated total current assets plus the unused availability under 
the Credit Agreement divided by consolidated total current liabilities, of 1.0 or greater measured at the end of each 
fiscal quarter beginning March 31, 2013 and (2) a debt to EBITDA ratio, which is defined as total debt outstanding 
divided by a rolling four quarter EBITDA calculation, of 4.0 or less. In connection with the March 11, 2013 borrowing 
base redetermination, the Credit Agreement was amended to delay first measurement of the current ratio until 
March 31, 2014 (see Note 18).

Subject to certain exceptions, the Credit Agreement contains various covenants that limit the Company’s, 

along with its subsidiaries’, ability to take certain actions, including, but not limited to, the following:

• 

incur indebtedness or grant liens on any of its assets;

•  enter into commodity hedging agreements;

•  declare or pay dividends, distributions or redemptions;

•  merge or consolidate;

•  make any loans or investments;

•  engage in transactions with affiliates; and

•  engage in certain asset dispositions, including a sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-22 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 6 — REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT — Continued

If an event of default exists under the Credit Agreement, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity  
of the borrowings and exercise other rights and remedies. Events of default include, but are not limited to, the 
following events:

•  failure to pay any principal or interest on the notes or any reimbursement obligation under any letter of 

credit when due or any fees or other amount within certain grace periods;

•  failure to perform or otherwise comply with the covenants and obligations in the Credit Agreement or other 

loan documents, subject, in certain instances, to certain grace periods;

•  bankruptcy or insolvency events involving the Company or its subsidiaries; and

•  a change of control, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

At December 31, 2012, the Company believes that it was in compliance with the terms of its Credit Agreement.

NOTE 7 — INCOME TAxES

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the result of temporary differences between the financial statement 

carrying values and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company’s net deferred tax position as of  
December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is as follows (in thousands).

Current deferred tax assets
  Property and equipment 
  Other   
  Net operating loss carryforwards 

  Total current deferred tax assets 

  Valuation allowance on current deferred tax assets 

  Total current deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 

Current deferred tax liabilities
  Unrealized gain on derivatives 
  Other   

  Total current deferred tax liabilities 
  Net current deferred tax liability 

Non-current deferred tax assets
  Net operating loss carryforwards 
  Alternative minimum tax carryforward 
  Total non-current deferred tax assets 

  Valuation allowance on non-current deferred tax assets 

  Total non-current deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance  

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
  Unrealized gain on derivatives 
  Property and equipment 
  Other   

  Total non-current deferred tax liabilities 
  Net non-current deferred tax asset 

December 31,

2012 

2011

$ 

233 
869 
— 
  1,102 
(202) 
900 

  (1,311) 
— 
  (1,311) 
(411) 

$ 

$  44,654 
  6,660 
  51,314 
 (10,058) 
  41,256 

(262) 
 (36,363) 
  (4,220) 
 (40,845) 
411 

$ 

$ 

113
—
13
126
—
126

  (2,998)
(152)
  (3,150)
$  (3,024)

$ 24,034
  6,660
 30,694
—
 30,694

(324)
 (27,070)
  (1,706)
 (29,100)
$  1,594

At December 31, 2012, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of $123.3 million for federal income 
tax purposes and $30.3 million for state income tax purposes available to offset future taxable income, as limited by 
the applicable provisions, and which expire at various dates beginning December 31, 2027 for the federal net 
operating loss carryforwards. The state net operating loss carryforwards began expiring at various dates beginning 
December 31, 2013 for the state of New Mexico; however, the significant portion of the Company’s state net 
operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 2027.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-22 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-23    

NOTE 7 — INCOME TAxES — Continued

At June 30, 2012, the net capitalized costs of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties less related deferred 

income taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $21.3 million. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment 
charge of $33.2 million to the net capitalized costs of its oil and natural gas properties and a deferred income tax 
credit of $11.9 million. At September 30, 2012, the net capitalized costs of the Company’s oil and natural gas 
properties less related deferred income taxes exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $2.3 million. As a result, the Company 
recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million to the net capitalized costs of its oil and natural gas properties and  
a deferred income tax credit of $1.3 million. This deferred income tax credit exceeded the Company’s deferred tax 
liabilities at September 30, 2012. As a result, the Company established a valuation allowance of $2.4 million at 
September 30, 2012 due to uncertainties regarding the future realization of its deferred tax assets. At December 31, 
2012, the net capitalized costs of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties less related deferred income taxes 
exceeded the full-cost ceiling by $17.3 million. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $26.7 million 
to the net capitalized costs of its oil and natural gas properties and a deferred income tax credit of $9.4 million. 
This deferred income tax credit exceeded the Company’s deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2012. As a result, 
the Company increased the previously established valuation allowance by $7.9 million to maintain a full valuation 
allowance of $10.3 million against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.

The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $23.0 million to its net capitalized costs, net of a deferred 

income tax credit of $12.7 million related to the full-cost ceiling limitation during the first quarter ended March 31, 
2011. This deferred income tax credit exceeded the Company’s deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 2011. As a 
result, the Company established a valuation allowance at March 31, 2011 and retained a valuation allowance until 
the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2011 due to uncertainties regarding the future realization of  
its deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2011, the Company assessed the valuation allowance and determined that 
the allowance was no longer required.

The income tax expense reconciled to the tax computed at the statutory federal rate for the years ended 

December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is as follows (in thousands).

Current income tax (benefit) provision
  State income tax 
  Federal alternative minimum tax 
  Net current income tax benefit 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
  Federal tax expense at statutory rate (34%) 
  Statutory depletion carryforward 
  State income tax 
  Change in state rate applied 
  Nondeductible expense 
  Permanent differences (1) 
  Federal alternative minimum tax 
  Change in valuation allowance 

  Net deferred income tax (benefit) provision   

  Total income tax (benefit) provision 

(1)  Amount is primarily attributable to stock-based compensation.

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 

— 
— 
— 

 (11,767) 
— 
(819) 
— 
(122) 
  1,018 
— 
  10,260 
  (1,430) 
$  (1,430) 

$ 

(46) 
  — 
(46) 

 (5,319) 
  231 
(435) 
  — 
48 
  — 
  — 
  — 
 (5,475) 
$ (5,521) 

$  —
 (1,411)
 (1,411)

  3,365
(157)
  —
  275
38
  —
  1,411
  —
  4,932
$  3,521

The Company files a United States federal income tax return and several state tax returns, a number of which 
remain open for examination. The tax years open for examination for the federal tax return are 2009, 2010, 2011 and 
2012. The tax years open for examination by the state of Texas are 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The tax 
years open for examination by the state of New Mexico are 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The tax years open for 
examination by the state of Louisiana are 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-24 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock and Performance Awards

In 2003 the Company’s Board of Directors and shareholders approved the Matador Resources Company 2003 

Stock and Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”). The 2003 Plan, as amended, provided that a maximum of 3,481,569 
shares of Class A common stock in the aggregate could be issued pursuant to options or restricted stock grants. 
The persons eligible to receive awards under the 2003 Plan included employees, directors, contractors or advisors 
of the Company.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Board of Directors adopted the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive 

Plan”). The 2012 Incentive Plan was also approved by the Company’s shareholders at its Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders on June 7, 2012. The 2012 Incentive Plan provides for a maximum of 4,000,000 shares of common 
stock in the aggregate that may be issued by the Company pursuant to grants of stock options, restricted stock, 
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units or other performance awards. The persons eligible to receive 
awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan include employees, directors, contractors or advisors of the Company. The 
primary purpose of the 2012 Incentive Plan is to attract and retain key employees, key contractors and outside 
directors and advisors of the Company. With the adoption of the 2012 Incentive Plan, the Company does not plan 
to make any future awards under the 2003 Plan, but the 2003 Plan will remain in place until all awards outstanding 
under that plan have been settled.

The 2003 Plan and the 2012 Incentive Plan are administered by the independent members of the Board of 

Directors, which determines the number of options or restricted shares to be granted, the effective dates, the 
terms of the grants and the vesting periods. The Company typically uses newly issued shares of common stock  
to satisfy option exercises or restricted share grants. All stock-based compensation awards granted during 2012 
were granted under the 2012 Incentive Plan, while all stock-based compensation awards granted prior to 
January 1, 2012 were granted under the 2003 Plan.

Stock Options

Historically, stock option awards have been granted to purchase the Company’s common stock at an exercise 
price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant, a typical vesting period of four years and a typical maximum 
term of five or ten years.

On November 22, 2010, the Company changed its method of accounting for its then-outstanding stock options 
granted under the 2003 Plan, reclassifying all then-outstanding stock options from equity to liability instruments (see 
Note 2). At December 31, 2010, the Company measured and recognized the liability associated with its outstanding 
stock options using the intrinsic value method and an estimated fair value of $11.00 per share for the Company’s 
common stock. The fair value of equity stock option awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2010, prior 
to the reclassification, under the 2003 Plan was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions at 
December 31, 2010.

Stock option pricing model 
Expected option life 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility   
Dividend yield 
Estimated forfeiture rate 
Weighted average fair value of stock option awards granted during the year 

    Binomial Lattice

5.41 years
  2.58%
 46.17%
  0.0%
 11.15%
  $3.02

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-24 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-25    

NOTE 8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — Continued

Effective upon filing its initial Registration Statement with the SEC in August 2011, the Company adopted the fair 
value method and used an estimated fair value of $12.00 per share to measure and recognize the liability associated 
with its outstanding stock options. The Company recorded $1.1 million in additional general and administrative 
expenses during 2011 due to this change in the valuation method from the intrinsic value method to the fair value 
method.

The Company granted no stock option awards during the year ended December 31, 2011. The fair value of 

stock option awards outstanding under the 2003 Plan was estimated using the following weighted average 
assumptions at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Stock option pricing model 
Expected option life 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility   
Dividend yield 
Estimated forfeiture rate 

2012 

2011

Black Scholes Merton 
0.89 years 
0.25% 
  54.28% 
0.00% 
0.70% 

Black Scholes Merton
1.04 years
0.37%
61.41%
0.00%
1.04%

During 2012, the Company began granting stock-based compensation awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan. 

Stock option awards granted under this plan are accounted for as equity instruments. The weighted average  
grant date fair value was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions during the year ended 
December 31, 2012.

Stock option pricing model 
Expected option life 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility   
Dividend yield 
Estimated forfeiture rate 
Weighted average fair value of stock option awards granted during the year 

Black Scholes Merton
4.44 years
0.71%
71.16%
0.00%
5.46%

$5.95

The Company estimated the future volatility of its common stock using the historical value of its peer group for  
a period of time commensurate with the expected term of the stock option due to the lack of historical trading data 
available for its common stock. The expected term was estimated using the simplified method outlined in Staff 
Accounting Bulletin Topic 14. The risk free interest rate is the rate for constant yield U.S. Treasury securities with a 
term to maturity that is consistent with the expected term of the award.

Summarized information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2012 under the Company’s 2003 Plan 

and the 2012 Incentive Plan is as follows (in thousands, except price data).

Options outstanding at December 31, 2011 
  Options granted 
  Options exercised 
  Options forfeited 
  Options expired 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012 

Number of 
Options 

  1,025 
656 
(296) 
(248) 
(70) 
  1,067 

Weighted 
Average
Exercise Price 

$  9.75
 10.79
  9.00
 11.43
  9.95
$ 10.19

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-26 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — Continued

Range of Exercise Prices 

$7.50–$9.00 
$10.00–$13.33 

Options Outstanding at 
December 31, 2012 

  Options Exercisable at 

December 31, 2012 

Shares 
Outstanding 

Weighted Average  
Remaining  
Contractual Life 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price 

Shares 
Exercisable 

Weighted 
Average
Exercise Price 

  139 
  928 

 6.34 years 
 2.37 years 

$  8.77 
$ 10.41 

  66 
 459 

$  8.75
$ 10.32

At December 31, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value was zero for both the outstanding options and the 
exercisable options, based on our quoted closing market price of $8.20 per share on that date. The remaining 
weighted average contractual term of exercisable options at December 31, 2012 was 1.06 years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 

$0.9 million, $0.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The tax related benefit realized from the exercise of stock 
options totaled zero, zero and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized $(0.7) million, $2.1 million 
and $0.6 million, respectively, in stock compensation expense attributable to stock options. At December 31, 2012 
and 2011, the Company had recorded $0.3 million and $0.3 million of long-term liabilities and $0.1 million and $2.9 million 
of current liabilities, respectively, related to its outstanding liability based stock options. The Company paid zero, 
$0.1 million and $0.4 million in settlement of liability based awards for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 
and 2010, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, the total remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock 

options was approximately $2.3 million and the weighted average remaining requisite service period (vesting 
period) of all unvested stock options was approximately 2.83 years.

The fair value of option shares vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.3 million, $1.0 million and $2.4 million, 

respectively.

Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Common Stock

The Company has granted stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards to employees, outside 

directors and advisors of the Company under the 2003 Plan and the 2012 Incentive Plan. The stock and restricted 
stock are issued upon grant, with the restrictions being removed upon vesting. The restricted stock units are issued 
upon vesting, unless the recipient makes an election to defer issuance for a term no longer than two years after 
vesting. No such elections were made with respect to the 2012 restricted stock unit awards. The 2012 restricted 
stock awards included 116,841 performance based awards. These shares vest based on the outcome of the 
Company’s total shareholder return over a three-year period beginning March 19, 2012 and ending April 15, 2015 as 
compared to a designated peer group. This award may result in the vesting of an aggregate of up to 116,841 
restricted stock units in addition to the restricted stock grants. If the performance conditions are not met, however, 
this award may result in no performance based restricted stock being vested and no restricted stock units being 
vested. The fair value of this award was estimated based on the most likely outcome of the award as determined by 
the Monte Carlo method. A total of 13,833 shares of restricted stock awards granted in 2012 vested immediately 
upon grant, and the remaining 2012 restricted stock and restricted stock units awards vest over the service period, 
which ranges from one year to a maximum of four years.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-26 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-27    

NOTE 8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — Continued

A summary of the non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2012 is presented 

below (in thousands, except fair value).

Restricted Stock 

Restricted Stock Units 

  Service Based 

  Performance Based   

  Service Based 

  Performance Based 

Non-vested Restricted Stock 
and Restricted Stock Units 

Shares 

Weighted 
Average 
Fair Value 

Non-vested at
  January 1, 2012 
Granted   
Vested  
Forfeited  
Non-vested at 
  December 31, 2012 

Weighted  
Average 
Fair Value(1) 

Shares 

Weighted 
Average 
Fair Value 

Weighted 
Average
Fair Value(1) 

Shares 

$  — 
 13.24 
  — 
 13.24 

  — 
 54 
  — 
 (2) 

$  — 
 10.04 
  — 
 11.02 

  — 
  117 
  — 
  (7) 

$   —
  —
  —
  —

Shares 

  — 
 117 
  — 
  (7) 

8 
 207 
(18) 
 (15) 

$ 11.00 
  9.66 
  8.72 
 10.76 

182 

$  9.72 

  110 

$ 13.24 

52 

$ 10.00 

  110 

$  —

(1)  The fair value of these restricted stock units is reflected in the fair value of the performance based restricted stock, which was estimated based 

on the most likely outcome of the award as determined by the Monte Carlo method.

At December 31, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value for the restricted stock and restricted stock units 

outstanding was $3.7 million as calculated based on the maximum number of shares of restricted stock, 
performance based restricted stock and restricted stock units vesting, using the stock price on December 31, 2012.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized $0.7 million, 

approximately $44,000 and $0.1 million, respectively, in stock compensation expense attributable to restricted stock 
and restricted stock units.

At December 31, 2012, the total remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested 

restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $3.0 million and the weighted average remaining 
requisite service period (vesting period) of all non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units was 
approximately 2.23 years.

The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $44,000, 

$44,000 and $46,330, respectively.

The total tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation was $0.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.3 million for 

the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In February 2013, options to purchase 408,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.00 per share expired 

unexercised or were forfeited (see Note 18).

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued shares of common stock  
to certain members of its Board of Directors. The Company also issued shares of common stock to certain outside 
advisors who do not meet the definition of employees under ASC 718. The Company used the fair value of  
he stock issued on the grant date to recognize the expense related to these awards. The Company recognized 
$0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in stock compensation expense attributable to these awards for the years 
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-28 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — Continued

In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Employee Share Repurchase 
Program (“Repurchase Program”) authorizing the Company to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock 
from its employees, directors and officers, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. In 2010, the Company 
repurchased 117,505 shares of Class A common stock at $11.00 per share from thirteen employees (including the 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Vice President — 
Operations and the Vice President — Reservoir Engineering). No director nor the Company’s Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer has ever participated in the Repurchase Program. The Company’s Board of Directors terminated 
the Repurchase Program in April 2011, and the Company is no longer authorized to repurchase shares of common 
stock from its employees, directors and officers. No shares were repurchased in 2011 prior to the termination of the 
Repurchase Program by the Board of Directors.

In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of the Employee Option Exercise 
Loan Program (“Loan Program”), authorizing the Company to establish a loan program with a financial institution to 
assist its employees, directors and officers in the exercise of their outstanding options to purchase shares of Class A 
common stock, subject to certain conditions and restrictions outlined in the Loan Program. As part of the Loan Program, 
the Company provides the financial institution with a guaranty of repayment of the loan and makes deposits of 
funds in certificates of deposit to secure its guaranty. Notwithstanding the guaranty, these loans are fully recourse 
obligations of each loan recipient, and each loan recipient agrees to indemnify and reimburse the Company in full  
for all liabilities incurred by the Company in the event of the recipient’s default on the loan. Each loan recipient also 
pledges all shares purchased from the Company with the loan proceeds to further secure his or her obligations  
to the Company in return for its guaranty. No director nor the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
has ever participated in the Loan Program.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had secured the loans of four employees pursuant to this Loan Program in 

the aggregate amount of $0.2 million. The Company considers the fair value of this aggregate guaranty to be 
minimal and has recorded no liability provision associated with this guaranty on its consolidated balance sheets in 
any reporting period presented. The Company’s Board of Directors terminated the Loan Program in April 2011, 
and the Company is no longer authorized to provide financial guaranties for additional loans. No new loans were 
guaranteed in 2011 prior to the termination of the Loan Program by the Board of Directors.

NOTE 9 — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

401(k) Plan

Effective July 3, 2003, the Company established a defined contribution retirement plan. All full-time Company 

employees are eligible to join the plan the first day of the calendar month immediately following their date of 
employment. Each Participant may contribute up to the maximum allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. 
Each year, the Company makes a contribution to the plan which equals 3% of the employee’s annual compensation, 
referred to as the Employer’s Safe Harbor Non-Elective Contribution. The Company’s Safe Harbor match was 
approximately $0.2 million in each of 2012, 2011 and 2010. In addition, each year, the Company may determine and 
make a discretionary matching contribution as well as additional contributions. The Company’s discretionary 
matching contributions totaled $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 
The Company made no additional discretionary contributions in any reporting period presented.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-28 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-29    

NOTE 10 — COMMON STOCK

Dividends

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had issued two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. 

In February 2012, upon the consummation of the Company’s Initial Public Offering, the Class B shares were 
converted to Class A shares, which are now referred to as common stock. The holders of the Class B shares were 
entitled to be paid cumulative dividends at a per share rate of $0.26-2/3 annually out of funds legally available for  
the payment of dividends. These dividends were accrued and paid quarterly. Dividends declared and paid during 
2012 were $27,643. Dividends declared during 2011 and 2010 totaled $0.3 million in each year. Dividends for  
the fourth quarter of 2011 were accrued and paid in January 2012. Dividends for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 2009 
were accrued and paid in January 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has not 
paid any dividends to holders of the Class A shares.

Stock Offerings, Retirement and Issuances

On August 12, 2011, the Company filed a Form S-1 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 to 

commence the Initial Public Offering. The Company’s Registration Statement (File 333-176263), as amended, was 
declared effective by the SEC on February 1, 2012. The underwriters for the Company’s Initial Public Offering were 
RBC Capital Markets, LLC; Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.; Jefferies & Company, Inc.; Howard Weil Incorporated; 
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated; Simmons & Company International; Stephens Inc.; and Comerica 
Securities, Inc. On February 2, 2012, shares of the Company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock 
Exchange under the symbol “MTDR” at an initial offering price of $12.00 per share.

Pursuant to its Prospectus dated February 1, 2012, the Company and the selling shareholders offered 13,333,334 

shares of the Company’s common stock for sale. The Company offered 11,666,667 shares of its common stock,  
and the selling shareholders offered 1,550,000 shares. On February 7, 2012, the Company closed the Initial Public 
Offering and issued 11,666,667 shares of its common stock pursuant to the Initial Public Offering.

The Company and the selling shareholders granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional 

2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the initial offering price of $12.00 per share, less the 
underwriters’ discounts and commissions, for a period of 30 days following the Initial Public Offering to cover 
over-allotments, with the Company offering 700,000 shares and the selling shareholders offering 1,300,000 
shares. On March 2, 2012, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 1,550,000 shares, 
including the purchase of 542,500 shares from the Company and the purchase of 1,007,500 shares from the 
selling shareholders. On March 7, 2012, the Company closed this transaction and issued 542,500 shares of its 
common stock pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of the over-allotment.

Pursuant to the Initial Public Offering and the over-allotment, the Company issued a total of 12,209,167 shares  
of its common stock at $12.00 per share and received estimated net proceeds of approximately $133.6 million after 
deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and the estimated legal, accounting and other fees 
associated with the offering. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of its common 
stock by the selling shareholders. On February 8, 2012, the Company used the net proceeds of the offering  
to repay the $123.0 million in borrowings then outstanding under its Credit Agreement in full. The Company used 
the remaining net proceeds of the offering to fund a portion of its 2012 capital expenditures.

Concurrent with the completion of the Initial Public Offering, all 1,030,700 outstanding shares of the 

Company’s Class B common stock were converted to Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, 
in February 2012, the Company issued an additional 295,500 shares of its Class A common stock pursuant to  
the exercise of stock options and received net proceeds of $2.7 million. The Class A common stock is now referred 
to as the common stock.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-30 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 10 — COMMON STOCK — Continued

In October 2010, the Board of Directors approved and authorized the private offering and sale of additional 

shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at $11.00 per share in the period from October 2010 through 
January 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the Company sold approximately 1.9 million shares and received net 
proceeds of $20.5 million. In January 2011, the Company sold an additional 53,772 shares as part of this offering 
and received net proceeds of approximately $0.6 million. The Company also sold 11,000 shares of Class A common 
stock at $9.00 per share to an accredited investor and received gross and net proceeds of $99,000 in May 2010.

Treasury Stock

The increase of 21,876 shares in treasury stock outstanding during 2012 represents forfeitures of non-vested 

restricted stock awards. During 2010, the Company issued 6,000 shares of Class A common stock valued at 
$7.50-$9.00 per share from treasury stock. The Company also purchased 1.1 million shares of Class A common 
stock for $9.00-$11.00 per share. These purchases included 1,000,000 shares of Class A common stock purchased 
from five shareholders, all advised by Wellington Management Company, in April 2010 at $9.00 per share, for a 
total of $9.0 million.

NOTE 11 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

From time to time, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to commodity 

price risk associated with oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices. These instruments consist of put and call 
options in the form of costless collars and swap contracts. The Company records derivative financial instruments on 
its balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. The Company has elected not to apply 
hedge accounting for its existing derivative financial instruments. As a result, the Company recognizes the change in 
derivative fair value between reporting periods currently in its consolidated statement of operations as an 
unrealized gain or loss. The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined using 
purchase and sale information available for similarly traded securities. Comerica Bank and RBC (or affiliates thereof) 
were the counterparties for our commodity derivatives at December 31, 2012. We have considered the credit 
standings of the counterparties in determining the fair value of our derivative financial instruments.

During 2012 and 2011, the Company entered into various costless collar contracts to mitigate its exposure to 
fluctuations in oil prices, each with an established price floor and ceiling. For each calculation period, the specified 
price for determining the realized gain or loss pursuant to any of these transactions is the arithmetic average  
of the settlement prices for the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate oil futures contract for the first nearby month 
corresponding to the calculation period’s calendar month. When the settlement price is below the price floor 
established by these collars, the Company receives from its counterparties an amount equal to the difference 
between the settlement price and the price floor multiplied by the contract oil volume. When the settlement price 
is above the price ceiling established by these collars, the Company pays to its counterparties an amount equal  
to the difference between the settlement price and the price ceiling multiplied by the contract oil volume.

During 2012, the Company entered into various swap contracts to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in oil 

prices, each with an established fixed price. For each calculation period, the specified price for determining the 
realized gain or loss pursuant to any of these transactions is the arithmetic average of the settlement prices for 
NYMEX West Texas Intermediate oil futures contract for the first nearby month corresponding to the calculation 
period’s calendar month. When the settlement price is below the fixed price established by these swaps, the 
Company receives from its counterparties an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the 
fixed price multiplied by the contract oil volume. When the settlement price is above the fixed price established  
by these swaps the Company pays to its counterparties an amount equal to the difference between the settlement 
and the fixed price multiplied by the contract oil volume.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-30 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-31    

NOTE 11 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS — Continued

During 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company entered into various costless collar transactions for natural gas, each 

with an established price floor and ceiling. For each calculation period, the specified price for determining the 
realized gain or loss to the Company pursuant to any of these transactions is the settlement price for the NYMEX 
Henry Hub natural gas futures contract for the delivery month corresponding to the calculation period’s calendar 
month for the last day of that contract period. When the settlement price is below the price floor established  
by these collars, the Company receives from its counterparties an amount equal to the difference between the 
settlement price and the price floor multiplied by the contract natural gas volume. When the settlement price is 
above the price ceiling established by these collars, the Company pays to its counterparties an amount equal to the 
difference between the settlement price and the price ceiling multiplied by the contract natural gas volume.

During 2012, the Company entered into various swap contracts to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in natural 

gas liquids (“NGL”) prices on a portion of its future anticipated NGL production, each with an established fixed 
price. For each calculation period, the settlement price for determining the realized gain or loss to the Company 
pursuant to any of these transactions is the arithmetic average of any current month for delivery on the nearby 
month futures contracts of the underlying commodity as stated on the “Mont Belvieu Spot Gas Liquids Prices: 
NON-TET prop” on the pricing date. When the settlement price is below the fixed price established by these swaps, 
the Company receives from its counterparties an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price  
and the fixed price multiplied by the contract NGL volume. When the settlement price is above the fixed price 
established by these swaps, the Company pays to its counterparties an amount equal to the difference between the 
settlement price and the fixed price multiplied by the contract NGL volume.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had various costless collar contracts open and in place to mitigate its 

exposure to oil and natural gas price volatility, each with a specific term (calculation period), notional quantity 
(volume hedged) and price floor and ceiling. Each contract is set to expire at varying times during 2013 and 2014.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had various swap contracts open and in place to mitigate its exposure to  
oil and NGL price volatility, each with a specific term (calculation period), notional quantity (volume hedged) and fixed 
price. Each contract is set to expire at varying times during 2013.

The following is a summary of the Company’s open costless collar contracts for oil and natural gas and open 

swap contracts for oil and natural gas liquids at December 31, 2012.

Commodity  

Calculation Period  

Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
  Total open oil costless collar contracts 

01/01/2013 — 03/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 06/30/2014 
01/01/2013 — 06/30/2014 

Notional 
quantity 
(Bbl/month) 

  20,000 
  20,000 
  20,000 
  20,000 
  20,000 
  8,000 
  12,000 

Price Floor 
($/Bbl) 

Price Ceiling 
($/Bbl) 

Fair Value 
of Asset
(thousands)

  90.00 
  85.00 
  90.00 
  85.00 
  85.00 
  90.00 
  90.00 

  110.00 
  102.25 
  115.00 
  110.40 
  108.80 
  114.00 
  115.50 

$  122
96
  980
  471
  418
  666
 1,036
 3,789

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-32 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 11 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS — Continued

Commodity  

Calculation Period  

Notional 
quantity 
  (MMBtu/month) 

Price Floor 
($/MMBtu) 

Price Ceiling 
($/MMBtu) 

Fair Value 
of Asset 
(Liability)
(thousands)

Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
  Total open natural gas costless collar contracts 

01/01/2013 — 07/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 

 150,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 

4.50 
3.00 
3.00 
3.00 
3.25 
3.25 

5.75 
3.83 
4.95 
4.96 
5.37 
5.42 

 1,154
  (146)
40
41
19
27
 1,135

Commodity  

Calculation Period  

Notional 
quantity 
(Bbl/month) 

Fixed Price 
($/Bbl) 

Fair Value 
of Liability
(thousands)

Oil 
Oil 
  Total open oil swap contracts 

01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 

  10,000 
  10,000 

  90.20 
  90.65 

  (362)
  (308)
  (670)

Commodity  

Purity Ethane 
Purity Ethane 
Propane   
Propane   
Normal Butane 
Normal Butane 
Isobutane 
Isobutane 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 
  Total open NGL swap contracts 

  Total open derivative financial instruments 

Calculation Period  

01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 

Notional 
quantity 
(Gal/month) 

Fixed Price 
($/Gal) 

Fair Value 
of Asset 
(Liability)
(thousands)

 110,000 
 110,000 
  53,000 
  53,000 
  14,700 
  14,700 
7,000 
7,000 
  12,000 
  12,000 
  12,000 

  0.335 
  0.355 
  0.953 
  1.001 
  1.455 
  1.560 
  1.515 
  1.625 
  2.025 
  2.085 
  2.102 

  106
  133
  13
  43
(29)
(10)
(18)
(9)
(8)
1
3
$  225
$ 4,479

The following table summarizes the location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments 
recorded in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands). These derivative financial 
instruments are not designated as hedging instruments.

Type of Instrument 

Derivative Instrument
  Oil 
  Oil 
  Oil 
  Oil 
  Natural Gas 
  Natural Gas 
  Natural Gas 
  NGL’s   
  NGL’s   
  Total  

Location in Balance Sheet 

Current assets: Derivative instruments 
Other assets: Derivative instruments 
Current liabilities: Derivative instruments 
Long-term liabilities: Derivative instruments 
Current assets: Derivative instruments 
Other assets: Derivative instruments 
Long-term liabilities: Derivative instruments 
Current assets: Derivative instruments 
Long-term liabilities: Derivative instruments 

December 31, 

2012 

2011 

$ 3,064 
  725 
  (670) 
  — 
 1,089 
46 
  — 
  225 
  — 
$ 4,479 

$  —
  —
  (171)
  (383)
 8,989
  847
  —
  —
  —
$ 9,282

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-32 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-33    

NOTE 11 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS — Continued

The following table summarizes the location and aggregate fair value of all derivative financial instruments 
recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands). These derivative 
financial instruments are not designated as hedging instruments.

  Year Ended December 31, 

Type of Instrument 

Location in Statement of Operations 

2012 

2011 

2010

Derivative Instrument
  Oil 
  Natural Gas 
  NGL’s   

  Realized gain on derivatives   

  Oil 
  Natural Gas 
  NGL’s   

  Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 

  Total 

Revenues: Realized gain on derivatives 
Revenues: Realized gain on derivatives 
Revenues: Realized gain on derivatives 

Revenues: Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives 
Revenues: Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 
Revenues: Unrealized gain on derivatives 

$  2,047 
 11,892 
21 
 13,960 
  3,673 
 (8,700) 
225 
 (4,802) 
$  9,158 

$  — 
  7,106 
  — 
  7,106 
(554) 
  5,692 
  — 
  5,138 
$ 12,244 

$  —
 5,299
  —
 5,299
  —
 3,139
  —
 3,139
$ 8,438

NOTE 12 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company measures and reports certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities on a fair value basis.  

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Fair value measurements are classified and 
disclosed in one of the following categories.

Level 1  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, 

unrestricted assets or liabilities. Active markets are considered to be those in which transactions for the assets 
or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2  Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, 
for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category includes those derivative instruments 
that are valued using observable market data. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the 
marketplace throughout the full term of the derivative instrument, can be derived from observable data or 
supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.

Level 3  Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. This category is comprised of financial and 

non-financial assets and liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models  
or methodologies using significant inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources.

Financial and non-financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant 

to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value 
measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their 
placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying values reported on the consolidated balance sheets for cash, 

accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, royalties payable, income taxes 
payable, advances from joint interest owners and other current liabilities approximate their fair values due to their 
short-term maturities and are classified at Level 1.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying value of borrowings under the Credit Agreement approximates  
fair value as it is subject to short-term floating interest rates that reflect market rates available to the Company at 
the time and is classified at Level 2.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-34 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 12 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — Continued

The following tables summarize the valuation of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were 

accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the classifications provided above as of December 31, 
2012 and 2011 (in thousands).

Description 

Assets (Liabilities)
  Certificates of deposit 
  Oil, natural gas and NGL derivatives 
  Oil, natural gas and NGL derivatives 

  Total  

Description 

Assets (Liabilities)
  Certificates of deposit 
  Oil and natural gas derivatives 
  Oil and natural gas derivatives 

  Total  

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 using 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total

$  — 
  — 
  — 
$  — 

$  230 
 5,149 
  (670) 
$ 4,709 

$  — 
  — 
  — 
$  — 

$  230
 5,149
  (670)
$ 4,709

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011 using 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total

$  — 
  — 
  — 
 — 

$ 

$  1,335 
  9,836 
(554) 
$ 10,617 

$ 

 — 
  — 
  — 
$  — 

$  1,335
  9,836
(554)
$ 10,617

The Company’s accounting policies for certificates of deposit and derivative financial instruments are discussed 

in Note 2; additional disclosures related to derivative financial instruments are provided in Note 11. For purposes  
of fair value measurement, the Company determined that certificates of deposit and derivative financial instruments 
(e.g., oil, natural gas and NGL derivatives) should be classified at Level 2.

The Company accounts for additions to asset retirement obligations and impairment of lease and well equipment 

inventory at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The following tables summarize the valuation of the Company’s 
assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and 
2011 (in thousands).

Description 

Assets (Liabilities)
  Asset retirement obligations 
  Lease and well equipment inventory 

  Total  

Description 

Assets (Liabilities)
  Asset retirement obligations 
  Lease and well equipment inventory 

  Total  

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 using 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total

$ 

 — 
  — 
$  — 

$  — 
  — 
 — 

$ 

$ (1,243) 
34 
$ (1,209) 

$ (1,243)
34
$ (1,209)

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011 using 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total

$  — 
  — 
 — 

$ 

$  — 
  — 
 — 

$ 

$  (187) 
 1,343 
$ 1,156 

$  (187)
 1,343
$ 1,156

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-34 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-35    

NOTE 12 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — Continued

The Company’s accounting policies for asset retirement obligations are discussed in Note 2; reconciliations of  
the Company’s asset retirement obligations are provided in Note 4 for the periods presented. For purposes of fair 
value measurement, the Company determined that the additions to asset retirement obligations should be 
classified at Level 3. The Company recorded additions to asset retirement obligations of approximately $1.2 million 
and $0.2 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company’s accounting policies for lease and well equipment inventory are discussed in Note 2. For purposes 

of fair value measurement, the Company determined that lease and well equipment inventory should be 
classified at Level 3. The Company recorded an impairment to some of its equipment held in inventory, consisting 
primarily of drilling rig parts, of $425,000 and $17,500 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recorded an 
impairment to some of its equipment held in inventory, consisting primarily of pipe and other equipment, of $60,464 
and $22,276 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company periodically obtains estimates of the market value  
of its equipment held in inventory from an independent third-party contractor or seller of similar equipment and 
uses these estimates as a basis for its measurement of the fair value of this equipment.

NOTE 13 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Office Lease

The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in 28,743 square feet of office space at One Lincoln Centre, 

5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas. The office lease commencement date was September 25, 2003  
with an expiration date of June 30, 2011. In April 2011, the Company entered into a restated third amendment  
to its office lease agreement in which the office space was increased to 28,743 square feet and the term of the 
lease was extended to June 30, 2022. The effective base rent over the term of the new lease extension is  
$19.75 per square foot per year. The base rate escalates several times during the course of the lease, specifically 
in July 2015, July 2017, July 2019 and July 2020. This lease was amended subsequent to December 31, 2012 
(see Note 18).

The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments required under the office lease agreement as of 

December 31, 2012 (in thousands).

Year Ending December 31, 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Thereafter 
  Total 

Amount

$  575
  575
  589
  604
  618
 2,995
$ 5,956

Rent expense, including fees for operating expenses and consumption of electricity, was $0.6 million, $0.5 million 

and $0.4 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-36 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 13 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued

Other Commitments

At December 31, 2012, the Company had entered into two drilling rig contracts to explore and develop its Eagle 
Ford acreage in South Texas. The two rigs began drilling on the Company’s acreage in March and December 2012, 
respectively. The first contract is for a term of 365 days and the second is for a term of 270 days. Should the 
Company elect to terminate one or both contracts and if the drilling contractor were unable to secure work for one 
or both rigs or if the drilling contractor were unable to secure work for one or both rigs at the same daily rates being 
charged to the Company prior to the end of their respective contract terms, the Company would incur termination 
obligations. The Company’s maximum outstanding aggregate termination obligations under these contracts were 
approximately $5.1 million at December 31, 2012. The contract for the first rig was renegotiated in March 2013 (see 
Note 18).

Natural Gas and NGL Processing and Transportation Commitments

Effective September 1, 2012, the Company entered into a firm five-year natural gas processing and 

transportation agreement whereby the Company committed to transport the anticipated natural gas production from 
a significant portion of its Eagle Ford acreage in South Texas through the counterparty’s system for processing  
at the counterparty’s facilities. The agreement also includes firm transportation of the natural gas liquids extracted  
at the counterparty’s processing plant downstream for fractionation. After processing, the residue natural gas  
is purchased by the counterparty at the tailgate of its processing plant and further transported under its firm natural 
gas transportation agreements. The arrangement contains fixed processing and liquids transportation and 
fractionation fees, and the revenue the Company receives varies with the quality of natural gas transported to the 
processing facilities and the contract period.

Under this agreement, if the Company does not meet 80% of the maximum thermal quantity transportation and 

processing commitments in a contract year, it will be required to pay a deficiency fee per MMBtu of natural gas 
deficiency. Any quantity in excess of the maximum MMBtu delivered in a contract year can be carried over to the 
next contract year for purposes of calculating the natural gas deficiency. The Company believes that its current  
and anticipated production from the wells covered by this agreement is sufficient to meet 80% of the maximum 
thermal quantity transportation and processing commitments under this agreement. The Company paid 
approximately $0.3 million in processing and transportation fees under this agreement during the year ended 
December 31, 2012.

The aggregate undiscounted minimum commitments under this agreement at December 31, 2012 are as follows 

(in thousands).

Year Ending December 31, 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
  Total 

Amount

$  5,985
  4,731
  2,992
  1,800
  1,195
$ 16,703

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-36 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-37    

NOTE 13 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued

Legal Proceedings

Cynthia Fry Peironnet, et al. v. Matador Resources Company. The Company is involved in a dispute over a 
mineral rights lease involving certain acreage in Louisiana. The dispute regards an extension of the term of a lease in 
Caddo Parish, Louisiana (the “Lease”) where the Company has drilled or participated in the drilling of both Cotton 
Valley and Haynesville shale wells. At issue are the deep rights below the Cotton Valley formation on approximately 
1,805 gross acres where the Company has the right to participate for up to a 25% working interest, and also 
retains a small overriding royalty interest, in Haynesville shale wells drilled in units that include portions of the 
acreage. The Company’s total net revenue and overriding royalty interests in several non-operated Haynesville shale 
wells previously drilled on this acreage range from approximately 2% to 23%, and only portions of these interests  
are attributable to this acreage. The sum of the Company’s overriding royalty and net revenue interests attributable 
to this acreage from Haynesville wells previously drilled on this acreage comprises less than one net well.

The plaintiffs brought this claim against the Company on May 15, 2008 in the First Judicial District Court, Caddo 

Parish, Louisiana (the “Trial Court”). The plaintiffs sought (i) reformation or rescission of the lease extension,  
(ii) an accounting for additional royalty, (iii) monetary damages and (iv) attorney’s fees. During the pendency of the 
case in the Trial Court, the Company settled with one lessor who owned a 1/6 th undivided interest in the minerals. 
Since May 2008, the Trial Court has rendered multiple rulings in the favor of the Company, including a unanimous 
jury verdict in favor of the Company in the fall of 2010. Final judgment of the Trial Court was rendered in favor  
of Matador on June 6, 2011. On August 1, 2012, the Louisiana Second Circuit of Appeal (the “Court of Appeal”) 
affirmed in part and reversed in part the judgment of the Trial Court and remanded the case to the Trial Court for 
determination of damages. The Court of Appeal affirmed the Trial Court with respect to the 1/6th royalty owner  
that settled and also affirmed that the Company’s lease extension was unambiguous. Nonetheless, the Court  
of Appeal reformed the lease extension to cover only approximately 169 gross acres, holding that the deep rights 
covering the remaining 1,636 gross acres had expired. The Court of Appeal denied the Company’s motion for 
rehearing, and the Company and certain other defendants filed an appeal with the Louisiana Supreme Court. The 
Louisiana Supreme Court has granted the requests to hear an appeal of the Court of Appeal’s decision.

The Company believes that the facts of the case and the applicable law do not support the Court of Appeal’s 

judgment and it intends to vigorously pursue its rights to have the Trial Court’s judgment reinstated. Although  
the Company does not consider a loss resulting from this dispute to be probable, it is reasonably possible that the 
Company could incur a loss as a result of the continuing litigation of this matter. The Company currently estimates 
that a reasonable range of potential loss is zero to $6 million.

The Company is a defendant in several other lawsuits encountered in the ordinary course of its business.  
In the opinion of management, it is remote that these lawsuits will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s 
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

General Federal and State Regulations

Oil and natural gas exploration, development, production and related operations are subject to extensive federal, 

state and local laws, rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations can result in 
substantial monetary penalties or delay or suspension of operations. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural 
gas industry increases the cost of doing business and affects profitability. The Company believes that it is  
in compliance with currently applicable state and federal regulations. Because these rules and regulations are 
frequently amended or reinterpreted, however, the Company is unable to predict the future cost or impact of 
complying with these regulations.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
F-38 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 13 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued

Environmental Regulations

The exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas, including the operation of salt water injection 

and disposal wells, are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws 
and regulations can increase the costs of planning, designing, installing and operating oil and natural gas wells.  
 Company’s activities are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to 
the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the Clean Water Act, or CWA, the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, the 
Clean Air Act, or CAA, the Safe Drinking Water Act, or SDWA, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or 
OSHA, as well as comparable state statutes and regulations. The Company is also subject to regulations governing 
the handling, transportation, storage and disposal of waste generated by its activities and of naturally occurring 
radioactive materials, or NORM, that may result from its oil and natural gas operations. Administrative, civil and 
criminal fines and penalties may be imposed for noncompliance with these environmental laws and regulations. 
Additionally, these laws and regulations require the acquisition of permits or other governmental authorizations 
before undertaking some activities, limit or prohibit other activities because of protected wetlands, areas or species, 
and require investigation and cleanup of pollution. The Company has no outstanding material environmental 
remediation liabilities and believes that it is in compliance with currently applicable environmental laws and regulations 
and that these laws and regulations will not have a material adverse impact on the financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows of the Company.

Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, however, and any changes that result in more 
stringent and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or cleanup requirements could, and in all likelihood 
would, materially adversely affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, as  
well as those of the oil and natural gas industry in general. Because these rules and regulations are frequently amended 
or reinterpreted, the Company is unable to predict the future cost or impact of complying with these regulations.  
For instance, recent scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as 
“greenhouse gases,” and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to the warming of the 
Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, there have been attempts to pass comprehensive greenhouse gas legislation. 
To date, such legislation has not been enacted. Any future federal or state laws or implementing regulations  
that may be adopted to address greenhouse gas emissions could, and in all likelihood would, require the Company 
to incur increased operating costs adversely affecting its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The Company’s activities involve the use of hydraulic fracturing. Recently, there has been increasing regulatory 

scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing, which is generally exempted from regulation as underground injection (unless 
diesel is a component of the fracturing fluid) at the federal level. At the federal level and in some states, there 
have been efforts to place additional regulatory burdens on hydraulic fracturing activities. At the state level, Texas 
and Wyoming, for example, have enacted requirements for the disclosure of the composition of the fluids used  
in hydraulic fracturing. In addition, at least a few local governments or regional authorities have imposed temporary 
moratoria on drilling permits within city limits so that local ordinances may be reviewed to assess their adequacy  
to address hydraulic fracturing activities. Additional burdens on hydraulic fracturing, such as reporting requirements or 
permitting requirements for the hydraulic fracturing activity, will result in additional expense and delay the Company’s 
operations adversely affecting its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-38 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-39    

NOTE 13 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES — Continued

Oil and natural gas exploration and production, operations and other activities have been conducted at some of the 

Company’s properties by previous owners and operators. Materials from these operations remain on some of  
the properties, and, in some instances, may require remediation. In addition, the Company occasionally must 
agree to indemnify sellers of producing properties the Company acquires against some or all of the liability for 
environmental claims associated with these properties. While the Company does not believe that the costs it incurs 
for compliance with environmental regulations and remediating previously or currently owned or operated 
properties will be material, the Company cannot provide assurances that these costs will not result in material 
expenditures that adversely affect its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, potential risks and losses associated with the oil and 

natural gas industry and operations. The Company does not carry business interruption insurance. For some risks,  
the Company may not obtain insurance if it believes the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the 
risks presented. In addition, pollution and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. If a significant 
accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance, it could, and in all likelihood would, materially 
adversely affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

NOTE 14 — MAJOR CUSTOMERS

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company had three significant purchasers that 

accounted for approximately 74%, 60% and 70%, respectively, of its total oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids 
revenues. Due to the nature of the markets for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, the Company does not believe 
the loss of any one purchaser would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results  
of operations or cash flows for any significant period of time. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, approximately 
67%, 52% and 56%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable, including joint interest billings, related  
to these purchasers.

NOTE 15 — SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

Accrued Liabilities

The following table summarizes the Company’s current accrued liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011  

(in thousands).

Accrued evaluated and unproved and unevaluated property costs 
Accrued support equipment and facilities costs 
Accrued cost to issue equity 
Accrued stock-based compensation 
Accrued lease operating expenses 
Accrued interest on borrowings under Credit Agreement 
Accrued asset retirement obligations 
Accrued partners’ share of joint interest charges  
Other   
  Total accrued liabilities 

December 31,

2012 

2011

$ 45,592 
  1,382 
  — 
65 
  5,218 
255 
660 
  3,597 
  2,410 
$ 59,179 

$ 18,185
216
332
  2,860
575
34
334
51
  2,852
$ 25,439

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-40 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 15 — SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES — Continued

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table provides supplemental disclosures of cash flow information for the years ended 

December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands).

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes 
Cash paid for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized 
Asset retirement obligations related to mineral properties 
Asset retirement obligations related to support equipment and facilities 
Increase in liabilities for oil and natural gas properties capital expenditures  
Increase in liabilities for support equipment and facilities 
Issuance of treasury stock for Board and advisor services 
Issuance of restricted stock units for Board and advisor services 
Issuance of common stock for Board and advisor services 
(Decrease) increase in liabilities for accrued cost to issue equity 
Stock based compensation expense recognized as liability 
Transfer of inventory to oil and natural gas properties 

NOTE 16 — TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$  — 
780 
  1,195 
49 
 24,847 
  1,112 
  — 
73 
71 
(332) 
 (1,092) 
69 

$  — 
  634 
  488 
12 
 1,864 
  175 
  — 
  — 
  230 
(27) 
 2,102 
96 

$ (2,156)
  —
862
126
 15,531
40
47
  —
198
359
164
353

In January 2007, the Company entered into a joint venture with Marlan Downey and Julie Downey Garvin  
of Roxanna Oil Company (“Roxanna”) to assemble acreage for and to market a new natural gas shale prospect in 
Southwest Wyoming, Northeast Utah and Southeast Idaho. Mr. Downey is a special advisor to the Company’s 
Board of Directors and a shareholder in the Company. Ms. Garvin is President of Roxanna, which is also a 
shareholder in Matador. Mr. Downey and Ms. Garvin developed the prospect concept independently and sought 
the Company’s expertise in assembling a large acreage position across the prospect. The Company actively 
marketed this prospect in conjunction with Mr. Downey and Ms. Garvin. In May 2010, the Company, Roxanna and 
its subsidiary, Roxanna Rocky Mountains, LLC, entered into participation and joint operating agreements with  
an industry partner for the joint exploration and development of this opportunity. Under these agreements, Roxanna 
Rocky Mountains, LLC reserves a 2.5% overriding royalty interest in the leases and has the opportunity to earn  
up to a 10% working interest in all wells drilled. The industry partner has a 50% working interest in the project, and 
the Company retains a working interest equal to the difference between 50% and the working interest participation 
elected by Roxanna Rocky Mountains, LLC. The Company, as operator, drilled the initial test well for this prospect 
located in Lincoln County, Wyoming during 2011 and suspended operations. The Company re-entered this vertical 
well in late 2012 and drilled a horizontal lateral wellbore in the Meade Peak shale. This well was awaiting completion 
of the horizontal lateral at December 31, 2012.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-40 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-41    

NOTE 17 — SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND NATURAL GAS DISCLOSURES (UNAUDITED)

Costs Incurred

The following table summarizes costs incurred and capitalized by the Company in the acquisition, exploration, and 
development of oil and natural gas properties for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands).

Property acquisition costs
  Proved 
  Unproved and unevaluated 
Exploration costs 
Development costs 
  Total costs incurred 

  Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 

— 
  28,672 
 115,084 
 190,891 
$ 334,647 

$ 

— 
  41,497 
 108,662 
  12,511 
$ 162,670 

$ 

—
 100,730
  60,719
  14,348
$ 175,797

Property acquisition costs are costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire oil and natural gas 

properties, including both unproved and unevaluated leasehold and purchases of reserves in place. For the years 
ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, essentially all of the Company’s property acquisition 
costs resulted from the acquisition of unproved and unevaluated leasehold positions.

Exploration costs are costs incurred in identifying areas of these oil and natural gas properties that may warrant 

further examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and 
natural gas, including costs of drilling exploratory wells, geological and geophysical costs, and costs of carrying and 
retaining unproved and unevaluated properties. Exploration costs may be incurred before or after acquiring the 
related oil and natural gas properties.

Development costs are costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, 

treating, gathering and storing oil and natural gas. Development costs include the costs of preparing well locations  
for drilling, drilling and equipping development wells and related service wells (e.g., salt water disposal wells) and 
acquiring, constructing and installing production facilities.

Costs incurred also include new asset retirement obligations established, as well as changes to asset retirement 

obligations resulting from revisions in cost estimates or abandonment dates. Asset retirement obligations included  
in the table above were approximately $1.2 million, $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 
2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Capitalized general and administrative expenses that are directly related to 
acquisition, exploration and development activities are also included in the table above. The Company capitalized 
$2.6 million, $2.0 million and $1.6 million of these internal costs in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Capitalized 
interest expense for qualifying projects are also included in the table above. The Company capitalized $1.6 million 
and $1.3 million of its interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 
Company recorded only $3,235 in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010. As a result, the Company 
capitalized no interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-42 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 17 — SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND NATURAL GAS DISCLOSURES (UNAUDITED) — Continued

Oil and Natural Gas Operating Results

The following table provides the results of operations from oil and natural gas producing activities, excluding 
corporate overhead and interest costs, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, 
except per BOE amounts).

Oil and natural gas revenues 
Production taxes and marketing expenses 
Lease operating expenses 
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
Full-cost ceiling impairment 
  Net operating (loss) income 
Income tax (benefit) provision 
  Results of oil and natural gas operations 

  Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 155,998 
  11,672 
  28,184 
  79,592 
256 
  63,475 
 (27,181) 
  (9,595) 
$ (17,586) 

$  67,000 
  6,278 
  7,244 
  31,619 
209 
  35,673 
 (14,023) 
  (5,019) 
$  (9,004) 

$ 34,042
  1,982
  5,284
 15,423
155
  —
 11,198
  3,983
$  7,215

Depletion, depreciation and amortization per BOE 

$  24.16 

$  12.29 

$  10.76

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

Proved reserves are estimated quantities of oil and natural gas which geological and engineering data demonstrate 

with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs using existing economic and 
operating conditions. Estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex and is inexact because of the numerous 
uncertainties inherent in the process. The process relies on interpretations of available geological, geophysical, 
petrophysical, engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of both the data and the associated 
interpretations of that data can vary. The process also requires certain economic assumptions, including, but not 
limited to, oil and natural gas prices, drilling, completion and operating expenses, capital expenditures and taxes. 
Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses 
and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas most likely will vary from the Company’s estimates.

Oil and natural gas reserves are estimated using then-current operating and economic conditions, with no 

provision for price and cost escalations in future periods except by contractual arrangements. The commodity prices 
used to estimate oil and natural gas reserves are based on unweighted, arithmetic averages of first-day-of-the-
month oil and natural gas prices for the previous 12-month period. For the period January through December 2012, 
these average oil and natural gas prices were $91.21 per barrel and $2.757 per MMBtu, respectively. For the period 
January through December 2011, these average oil and natural gas prices were $92.71 per barrel and $4.118 per 
MMBtu, respectively. For the period January through December 2010, these average oil and natural gas prices were 
$75.96 per barrel and $4.376 per MMBtu, respectively.

The Company’s oil and natural gas reserves estimates are prepared by the Company’s engineering staff in 

accordance with guidelines established by the SEC and then audited for their reasonableness and conformance with 
SEC guidelines by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent reservoir engineers, for the years ended 
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-42 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-43    

NOTE 17 — SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND NATURAL GAS DISCLOSURES (UNAUDITED) — Continued

The Company’s net ownership in estimated quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves and changes in net 

proved reserves are summarized as follows. All of the Company’s oil and natural gas reserves are attributable to 
properties located in the United States. The estimated reserves shown below are for proved reserves only and do 
not include any value for unproved reserves classified as probable or possible reserves that might exist for  
these properties, nor do they include any consideration that could be attributed to interests in unevaluated acreage 
beyond those tracts for which reserves have been estimated. The Company does not report its natural gas 
liquids production and reserves separately. In the tables presented throughout this section, natural gas is converted 
to oil equivalent using the ratio of one Bbl of oil, condensate or natural gas liquids to 6 Mcf of natural gas.

Total at December 31, 2009 
  Revisions of prior estimates 
  Extensions and discoveries 
  Production 
Total at December 31, 2010 
  Revisions of prior estimates 
  Extensions and discoveries 
  Production 
Total at December 31, 2011 
  Revisions of prior estimates 
  Extensions and discoveries 
  Production 
Total at December 31, 2012 

  Proved Developed Reserves
  December 31, 2009 
  December 31, 2010 
  December 31, 2011 
  December 31, 2012 

  Proved Undeveloped Reserves
  December 31, 2009 
  December 31, 2010 
  December 31, 2011 
  December 31, 2012 

Net Proved Reserves

  Oil 
(MBbl)  

  Gas 

(MMcf) 

Oil 
  Equivalent  
(MBOE)

103 
66 
16 
(33) 
152 
51 
  3,745 
(154) 
  3,794 
(782) 
  8,687 
(1,214) 
  10,485 

103 
152 
  1,419 
  4,764 

— 
— 
  2,375 
  5,721 

  63,929 
874 
  71,009 
(8,400) 
 127,412 
(646) 
  58,164 
  (14,512) 
 170,418 
 (103,375) 
  25,443 
  (12,479) 
  80,007 

  25,369 
  43,143 
  56,547 
  54,040 

  38,560 
  84,269 
 113,871 
  25,967 

  10,758
211
  11,851
(1,433)
  21,387
(57)
  13,439
(2,573)
  32,196
  (18,010)
  12,927
(3,294)
  23,819

  4,331
  7,342
  10,843
  13,771

  6,427
  14,045
  21,353
  10,048

The following is a discussion of the changes in the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves estimates for 

the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

The Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves decreased to 23,819 MBOE at December 31, 2012 from 
32,196 MBOE at December 31, 2011. The Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves decreased by 5,083 MBOE 
and the Company produced 3,294 MBOE during the year ended December 31, 2012, resulting in a net decrease  
of 8,377 MBOE. An increase of 12,927 MBOE in proved oil and natural gas reserves was a result of extensions and 
discoveries during the year, which was primarily attributable to drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale play in 
South Texas. The Company’s oil and natural gas reserves decreased by 18,010 MBOE during the year as a result of 
revisions to previous estimates, primarily resulting from lower natural gas prices in 2012. The Company’s proved 
developed oil and natural gas reserves increased to 13,771 MBOE at December 31, 2012 from 10,843 MBOE  
at December 31, 2011, primarily due to proved developed reserves added as a result of drilling operations in the 
Eagle Ford shale. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s proved reserves were made up of approximately 44% oil 
and 56% natural gas.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-44 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 17 — SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND NATURAL GAS DISCLOSURES (UNAUDITED) — Continued

The Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves increased to 32,196 MBOE at December 31, 2011 from 
21,387 MBOE at December 31, 2010. The Company increased its proved oil and natural gas reserves by 13,382 MBOE 
and produced 2,573 MBOE during the year ended December 31, 2011, resulting in a net gain of 10,809 MBOE.  
A total of 13,439 MBOE of the increase in proved oil and natural gas reserves was a result of extensions and 
discoveries during the year, all of which was attributable to drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas 
and the Haynesville shale play in Northwest Louisiana. The Company’s oil and natural gas reserves decreased  
by 57 MBOE during the year as a result of revisions to previous estimates, representing the net impact of small 
changes in prior estimates of proved reserves on a well-by-well basis. The Company’s proved developed oil and 
natural gas reserves increased to 10,843 MBOE at December 31, 2011 from 7,342 MBOE at December 31, 2010, 
primarily due to proved developed reserves added as a result of drilling operations in the Eagle Ford and 
Haynesville shale plays. At December 31, 2011, the Company’s proved reserves were made up of approximately 
12% oil and 88% natural gas.

The Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves increased to 21,387 MBOE at December 31, 2010 from 

10,758 MBOE at December 31, 2009. The Company increased its proved oil and natural gas reserves by 12,062 MBOE 
and produced 1,433 MBOE during the year ended December 31, 2010, resulting in a net gain of 10,629 MBOE. A 
total of 11,851 MBOE of the increase in proved oil and natural gas reserves was a result of extensions and discoveries 
during the year, almost all of which was attributable to drilling operations in the Haynesville shale play in 
Northwest Louisiana. A total of 211 MBOE of the increase in proved oil and natural gas reserves was attributable to 
revisions of previous estimates, representing the net impact of small changes in prior estimates of proved 
reserves on a well-by-well basis. The Company’s proved developed oil and natural gas reserves increased to 
7,342 MBOE at December 31, 2010 from 4,331 MBOE at December 31, 2009, primarily due to proved developed 
reserves added as a result of drilling operations in the Haynesville shale play. At December 31, 2010, the Company’s 
proved reserves were made up of approximately 1% oil and 99% natural gas.

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows and Changes Therein Relating to Proved Oil 
and Natural Gas Reserves

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves is 
not intended to provide an estimate of the replacement cost or fair market value of the Company’s oil and natural gas 
properties. An estimate of fair market value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of 
reserves not presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and costs, potential improvements 
in industry technology and operating practices, the risks inherent in reserves estimates and perhaps different 
discount rates.

As noted previously, for the period January through December 2012, average oil and natural gas prices were 
$91.21 per barrel and $2.757 per MMBtu, respectively. For the period January through December 2011, average oil 
and natural gas prices were $92.71 per barrel and $4.118 per MMBtu, respectively. For the period January through 
December 2010, average oil and natural gas prices were $75.96 per barrel and $4.376 per MMBtu, respectively.

Future net cash flows were computed by applying these oil and natural gas prices, adjusted for all associated 

transportation costs, gravity and energy content, and regional price differentials, to year-end quantities of proved oil 
and natural gas reserves and accounting for any future production and development costs associated with producing 
these reserves; neither prices nor costs were escalated with time in these computations.

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

F-44 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-45    

NOTE 17 — SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND NATURAL GAS DISCLOSURES (UNAUDITED) — Continued

Future income taxes were computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of future net cash flows 

relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves less the tax basis of the associated properties. Tax credits and net 
operating loss carryforwards available to the Company were also considered in the computation of future income 
taxes. Future net cash flows after income taxes were discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to derive the 
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.

The following table presents the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil 

and natural gas reserves for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands).

Future cash inflows 
Future production costs 
Future development costs 
Future income tax expense 
  Future net cash flows 
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows 
  Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows 

Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$ 1,273,882 
  (325,413) 
  (244,283) 
(77,821) 
  626,365 
  (231,729) 
$  394,636 

$ 924,796 
 (194,538) 
 (235,469) 
  (83,840) 
 410,949 
 (195,476) 
$ 215,473 

$  470,386
 (107,183)
 (107,277)
  (35,352)
  220,574
 (109,497)
$  111,077

The following table summarizes the changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows 
relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands).

Balance, beginning of period 
Net change in sales and transfer prices and in production (lifting) costs 

related to future production 

Changes in estimated future development costs   
Sales and transfers of oil and natural gas produced during the period  
Net change due to extensions and discoveries 
Net change due to revisions in estimates of reserves quantities 
Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period 
Accretion of discount 
Other   
Net change in income taxes 
  Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows 

NOTE 18 — SUBSEqUENT EVENTS

  Year Ended December 31,

2012 

2011 

2010

$  215,473 

$ 111,077 

$  65,061

  (60,892) 
  16,937 
 (116,142) 
  358,159 
  (56,850) 
9,750 
  24,873 
(290) 
3,618 
$  394,636 

  53,903 
 (64,958) 
 (53,478) 
 182,282 
(653) 
  1,023 
  11,987 
  (1,335) 
 (24,375) 
$ 215,473 

  7,632
 (36,821)
 (26,776)
  94,265
  1,676
  7,125
  7,036
  1,035
  (9,156)
$ 111,077

On March 11, 2013, the borrowing base under the Company’s Credit Agreement was increased to $255.0 million 

based on the lenders’ review of its proved oil and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2012. At that time, the  
Credit Agreement was also amended to include Capital One, N.A., BMO Harris Financing, Inc. (Bank of Montreal) 
and IberiaBank in the Company’s lending group, which also includes RBC as administrative agent, Comerica Bank, 
Citibank, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and SunTrust Bank. At March 14, 2013, the Company had $180.0 million  
in borrowings and $1.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under its Credit Agreement. The Company incurred 
$0.3 million of additional deferred loan costs in connection with the borrowing base redetermination and amendment 
of the Credit Agreement. These costs will be included with the remaining unamortized portion of the deferred loan 
costs of $1.6 million at December 31, 2012 to be amortized over the term of the agreement.

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-46 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 18 — SUBSEqUENT EVENTS — Continued

In March 2013, the Company granted awards of options to purchase 507,500 and 284,292 shares of the 

Company’s common stock at exercise prices of $8.21 per share and $8.18 per share, respectively, to certain of its 
employees. The fair value of these awards was approximately $2.8 million. The Company also granted awards of 
324,771 shares of restricted stock to certain of its employees in March 2013. The fair value of these restricted stock 
awards was approximately $2.4 million. All of these awards vest over a term of three to four years.

In February 2013, options to purchase 408,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.00 per share 

expired unexercised or were forfeited.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into several additional costless collar transactions to 
mitigate its risks associated with fluctuations in oil prices, including contracts with a new counterparty, The Bank 
of Nova Scotia (or affiliates thereof). The following table summarizes these contracts.

Commodity  

Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 
Oil 

Calculation Period  

07/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 

Notional 
quantity 
(Bbl/month) 

Price 
Floor 
($/Bbl) 

  20,000 
  15,000 
  30,000 
  15,000 
  20,000 
  15,000 
  15,000 

  90.00 
  85.00 
  85.00 
  87.00 
  90.00 
  90.00 
  90.00 

 Price
Ceiling
($/Bbl)

  102.80
  97.50
  98.00
  97.00
  97.00
  97.90
  98.00

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into several additional costless collar transactions to 
mitigate its risks associated with fluctuations in natural gas prices, including contracts with a new counterparty, 
The Bank of Nova Scotia (or affiliates thereof). The following table summarizes these contracts.

Commodity  

Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 
Natural Gas 

Calculation Period  

04/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
04/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
04/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
07/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 

Notional 
quantity 
(MMBtu/month) 

Price 
Floor 
($/MMBtu) 

 Price
Ceiling
($/MMBtu)

 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 150,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 

3.25 
3.25 
3.50 
3.00 
3.00 
3.25 
3.25 
3.50 

  4.41
  4.44
  4.37
  4.24
  5.15
  5.21
  5.22
  4.90

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-46 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

F-47    

NOTE 18 — SUBSEqUENT EVENTS — Continued

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into several additional swap transactions to mitigate its 

risks associated with fluctuations in natural gas liquids prices. The following table summarizes these contracts.

Commodity  

Normal Butane 
Normal Butane 
Normal Butane 
Normal Butane 
Isobutane 
Isobutane 
Isobutane 
Isobutane 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 
Natural Gasoline 

Calculation Period  

03/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
03/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
03/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
03/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
03/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
03/01/2013 — 12/31/2013 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 
01/01/2014 — 12/31/2014 

Notional 
quantity 
(Gal/month) 

21,000 
  117,000 
17,500 
45,500 
43,500 
23,000 
22,000 
37,000 
36,000 
90,500 
30,000 
41,000 

Price
Floor
($/Gal)

  1.575
  1.575
  1.540
  1.550
  1.675
  1.675
  1.640
  1.640
  2.105
  2.148
  1.970
  2.000

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company extended one of its drilling rig contracts in South Texas for an 

additional six months. Should the Company elect to terminate the contract and if the drilling contractor were 
unable to secure work for the rig or if the drilling contractor were unable to secure work for the rig at the same daily 
rate being charged to the Company prior to the end of its term, the Company would incur termination 
obligations. The Company’s maximum outstanding aggregate termination obligations under this contract were 
approximately $2.1 million at March 14, 2013.

In January and February 2013, the Company agreed to participate in the drilling and completion of various non-
operated wells in the Eagle Ford shale and the Haynesville shale. If all of these wells are drilled and completed, 
the Company will have minimum outstanding aggregate commitments for its participation in these wells of 
approximately $5.6 million subsequent to December 31, 2012, which it expects to incur within the next few months.

In January 2013, the Company entered into the fourth amendment to its office lease agreement. This amendment 

increased the square footage of its corporate headquarters by 7,782 square feet, thereby increasing the size of its 
corporate headquarters from 28,743 square feet to 36,525 square feet effective January 1, 2013. The future minimum 
lease payments required under the office lease agreement as of January 1, 2013 are as follows (in thousands).

Year Ending December 31, 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Thereafter 
  Total 

Amount

$  643
  734
  752
  771
  789
 3,813
$ 7,502

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   FORM 10-K PART IV 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-48 
F-48 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  
MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

NOTE 19 — SELECTED qUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information for 2012 (in thousands, except per 

share data).

2012
Oil and natural gas revenues 
Realized gain on derivatives 
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 
Expenses 
Other expense 
(Loss) income before income taxes 
Income tax (benefit) provision 
Net (loss) income 

Earnings (loss) per common share
  Basic

  Class A 

  Class B 

  Diluted

  Class A 

  Class B 

December 31  September 30 

June 30 

March 31

$  52,748 
  2,813 
  (3,653) 
  72,377 
(907) 
 (21,376) 
(188) 
$ (21,188) 

$  38,008 
  3,371 
 (12,993) 
  38,087 
(89) 
  (9,790) 
(593) 
$  (9,197) 

$ 36,078 
  4,713 
 15,114 
 66,263 
(31) 
 (10,389) 
  (3,713) 
$  (6,676) 

$ 29,164
  3,063
 (3,270)
 21,857
(235)
  6,865
  3,064
$  3,801

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.38) 

0.00 

(0.38) 

0.00 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.17) 

0.00 

(0.17) 

0.00 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.12) 

$  0.08

0.00 

$  0.15

(0.12) 

$  0.08

0.00 

$  0.15

The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information for 2011 (in thousands, except 

per share data).

2011
Oil and natural gas revenues 
Realized gain on derivatives 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives 
Expenses 
Other expense 
Income (loss) before income taxes 
Income tax provision (benefit) 
Net income (loss) 

Earnings (loss) per common share
  Basic

  Class A 

  Class B 

  Diluted

  Class A 

  Class B 

December 31  September 30 

June 30 

March 31

$ 14,991 
  2,869 
  3,604 
 15,784 
(309) 
  5,371 
  1,430 
$  3,941 

$ 17,447 
  1,435 
  2,870 
 15,469 
(89) 
  6,194 
  — 
$  6,194 

$ 20,864 
952 
332 
 14,953 
(89) 
  7,106 
(46) 
$  7,152 

$  0.09 

$  0.14 

$  0.17 

$  0.16 

$  0.21 

$  0.23 

$  0.09 

$  0.14 

$  0.17 

$  0.16 

$  0.21 

$  0.23 

$  13,698
  1,850
  (1,668)
  48,347
(35)
 (34,502)
  (6,906)
$ (27,596)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.65)

(0.58)

(0.65)

(0.58)

FORM 10-K PART I V       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 FORM 10-K PART II 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-48 

F-48 

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Joseph Wm. Foran, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Matador Resources Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure 

controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

c.  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

March 18, 2013 

/s/ JOSEPH WM. FORAN 

Joseph Wm. Foran
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

FORM 10-K PART I V    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     FORM 10-K 

 FORM 10-K PART II 
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, David E. Lancaster, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Matador Resources Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure 

controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

c.  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 
control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

March 18, 2013 

FORM 10-K

/s/ DAVID E. LANCASTER 

David E. Lancaster
  Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer) 

 
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,  
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OxLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the annual report of Matador Resources Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the 

year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the 
“Form 10-K”), I, Joseph Wm. Foran, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby 
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to  
the best of my knowledge:

(1)  The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 

results of operations of the Company.

March 18, 2013 

/s/ JOSEPH WM. FORAN 

Joseph Wm. Foran
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

FORM 10-K

    FORM 10-K 

 
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
MATADOR RESOURCES COMPANY  

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,  
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OxLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the annual report of Matador Resources Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year 

ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Form 
10-K”), I, David E. Lancaster, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the 
Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)  The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 

results of operations of the Company.

March 18, 2013 

/s/ DAVID E. LANCASTER 

David E. Lancaster
  Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer) 

FORM 10-K

 
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE INFORMATION

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): MTDR

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Matador Resources Company 
One Lincoln Centre 
5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500 
Dallas, Texas 75240 
(972) 371-5200  
For more information, please visit  
www.matadorresources.com.

For Employment Opportunities, please visit 
www.matadorresources.com/careers 
Email: careers@matadorresources.com  

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Please direct general questions about shareholder  
accounts, stock certificates, transfer of shares or duplicate 
mailings to Matador Resources Company’s transfer agent:

Registrar & Transfer Company 
10 Commerce Drive 
Cranford, NJ 07016 
www.rtco.com 
(800) 368-5948 
Email: info@rtco.com

FINANCIAL INFORMATION REQUESTS
To receive additional copies of our Annual Report on  
Form 10-K as filed with the SEC or to obtain other  
Matador Resources Company information, please  
contact Mac Schmitz at our corporate headquarters.

Email: info@matadorresources.com

OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC is 
included herein, excluding all exhibits other than our 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 and 906 certifications  
by the CEO and CFO. We will send shareholders copies  
of the exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K and  
any of our corporate governance documents, free of  
charge, upon request.

Note that these documents are also available on our website 
at www.matadorresources.com. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This annual report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. “Forward-looking statements” are statements related to future, not past, events. Forward-looking statements are based on 
current expectations and include any statement that does not directly relate to a current or historical fact. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business 
and financial performance, and often contain words such as “could,” “believe,” “would,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “continue,” “plan,” “predict,” 
“potential,” “project” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Actual 
results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and such forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. These forward-looking 
statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following risks related to financial and operational performance: general economic conditions; our ability 
to execute our business plan, including whether our drilling program is successful; changes in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices and the demand for oil, natural gas and natural gas 
liquids; our ability to replace reserves and efficiently develop current reserves; costs of operations; delays and other difficulties related to producing oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids; our 
ability to make acquisitions on economically acceptable terms; availability of sufficient capital to execute our business plan, including from future cash flows, increases in our borrowing base 
and otherwise; weather and environmental conditions; and other important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking 
statements. For further discussions of risks and uncertainties, you should refer to Matador’s SEC filings, including the “Risk Factors” section of Matador’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2012. Matador undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date 
of this annual report, except as required by law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on 
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this annual report. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

M

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AVERAGE DAILY OIL 
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ADJUSTED EBITDA(1)

9,000

$156.0

$115.9

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$15.2

2008

2009

2010 2011 2012

2008

2009

2010 2011 2012

2008

2009

2010 2011 2012

Year Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

(1)  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) and net cash 

provided by operating activities, see “Selected Financial Data — Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K enclosed herein.

Matador Resources Company    |    5400 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1500    |    Dallas, Texas 75240    |    (972) 371-5200    |    www.matadorresources.com