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): July 17, 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 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. On July 17, 2003, we issued a press release announcing that we completed the redemption of all our $100 million 8 5/8% senior subordinated notes due January 2008. The redemption was funded with a portion of the net proceeds received from our private placement of $175 million 7% senior subordinated notes due June 2013 that was completed on June 10, 2003. Please see Exhibit 99.1 for a copy of the press release which is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS 99.1 Press release announcing the completion of the redemption for our $100 million 8 5/8% senior subordinated notes due January 2008. 2 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, Chief Accounting Officer and Secretary Dated: July 17, 2003 3 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description ------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 99.1 Press release announcing the completion of the redemption for our $100 million 8 5/8% senior subordinated notes due January 2008.