UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): November 10, 2003
THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 001-11899 22-2674487
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
1100 LOUISIANA, SUITE 2000 77002-5215
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive
offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 830-6800
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(C) EXHIBITS
99.1 Notice to Directors and Officers November 10, 2003.
ITEM 11. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TRADING UNDER REGISTRANT'S EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
PLANS.
On November 10, 2003 The Houston Exploration Company received notice
from The Houston Exploration Company 401(k) Plan and Trust regarding a blackout
period, as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation BTR. The notice required by Rule
104 of Regulation BTR was provided to directors and executive officers by the
Company on November 10, 2003 and is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The
foregoing description is qualified by reference to such exhibit.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY
By: /s/ James F. Westmoreland
------------------------------
James F. Westmoreland
Vice President and Chief
Accounting Officer
Dated: November 10, 2003
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
99.1 Notice to Directors and Officers November 10, 2003.