FORM 8-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 The Exploration Company of Delaware, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 500 North Loop 1604 East, Suite 250 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (Address of principal executive offices) (210) 496-5300 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Delaware 0-9120 84-0793089 (State or other jurisdiction Commission File Number) (IRS Employer of incorporation) Identification No.) Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Required to be Reported): Dec. 16, 1999 Item 8. Change in Fiscal Year On December 16, 1999, the Board of Directors of The Exploration Company of Delaware, Inc. ("TXCO") elected to change the Company's annual reporting period from a fiscal year ending August 31 to a calendar year ending December 31. The transition period for this change will be reported on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended December 31, 1999. SIGNATURES 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 thereunto duly authorized. THE EXPLORATION COMPANY (Registrant) /s/ Roberto R. Thomae Roberto R. Thomae Chief Financial Officer Secretary/Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer) Date: December 29, 1999