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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): JULY 21, 2004
THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)
<Table>
TEXAS 1-10671 76-0319553
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File No.) (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation) Identification No.)
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1401 ENCLAVE PARKWAY, SUITE 300
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77077
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
281-597-7000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REQUIRED FD DISCLOSURE
On July 21, 2004, The Meridian Resource Corporation ("Meridian")
announced that it intends to offer 12 million shares of its common stock under
Meridian's shelf registration statement. A copy of the press release announcing
the offering is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is hereby incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c) EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
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99.1 Press release of the Company dated July 21, 2004
regarding offering.
99.2 Press release of the Company dated July 21, 2004
regarding second quarter 2004.
ITEM 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE
On July 21, 2004, Meridian provided preliminary operating and financial
guidance for the second quarter of 2004 in connection with the offering referred
to in Item 5 above. A copy of the press release providing the guidance is filed
as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
(Registrant)
/s/ LLOYD V. DELANO
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Lloyd V. DeLano
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: July 21, 2004
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
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99.1 Press release of the Company dated July 21, 2004
regarding offering.
99.2 Press release of the Company dated July 21, 2004
regarding second quarter 2004.