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.