<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

                                    ---------

                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: DECEMBER 31, 2000    Commission file number:  1-10671

                        THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             TEXAS                                    76-0319553
   (State of incorporation)                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1401 ENCLAVE PARKWAY, SUITE 300, HOUSTON, TEXAS                        77077
   (Address of principal executive offices)                          (Zip Code)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 281-597-7000

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

    (Title of each class)         (Name of each exchange on which registered)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value     New York Stock Exchange

        Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

                                   ----------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

Aggregate market value of shares of common stock held by non-affiliates
of the Registrant at March 9, 2001:                                 $322,614,971

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at March 9, 2001:        47,858,545

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information required by Part III of this Form (Items 10, 11, 12 and 13) is
incorporated by reference from the registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed on
or before April 30, 2001.

                                  Page 1 of 62
                       THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION

<PAGE>   2


                               INDEX TO FORM 10-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PART I                                                Page
                                                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
Item 1.      Business                                                                                    3

Item 2.      Properties                                                                                 16

Item 3.      Legal Proceedings                                                                          16

Item 4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                        16

                                                 PART II

Item 5.      Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
                 Shareholder Matters                                                                    17

Item 6.      Selected Financial Data                                                                    18

Item 7.      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                 Condition and Results of Operations                                                    19

Item 7.a.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk                                 29

Item 8.      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                                31

Item 9.      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
                 Accounting and Financial Disclosure                                                    57

                                                 PART III

Item 10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant                                         57

Item 11.     Executive Compensation                                                                     57

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
                 and Management                                                                         57

Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                                             57

                                                 PART IV

Item 14.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
                 Reports on Form 8-K                                                                    58

             Signatures                                                                                 62
</TABLE>





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
                                     PART I


ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

The Meridian Resource Corporation ("Meridian" or the "Company") is an
independent oil and natural gas company that explores for, acquires and develops
oil and natural gas properties utilizing 3-D seismic technology. Our operations
are focused on the onshore oil and gas regions in south Louisiana, the Texas
Gulf Coast and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. As of December 31, 2000, we had
proved reserves of approximately 306 Bcfe with a present value of future net
cash flows before income taxes of approximately $1.3 billion. Approximately 56%
of our proved reserves were natural gas and approximately 72% were classified as
proved developed.

We believe we are among the leaders in the use of 3-D seismic technology by
independent oil and natural gas companies. We also believe we have a competitive
advantage in the areas where we operate because of our large inventory of lease
acreage, seismic data coverage and experienced geotechnical, land and
operational staff.

During 1998, we acquired substantially all of Shell Oil Company's and its
affiliates' (collectively, "Shell") onshore south Louisiana oil and gas property
interests in two separate transactions (the "Shell Transactions"). The Shell
Transactions were consummated on June 30, 1998, and positioned us as one of the
leading operators and producers in south Louisiana. Additionally, the property
interests acquired in the Shell Transactions allow us to blend lower risk
exploration and development projects with pursuing higher risk, higher potential
exploration projects. As a result of the Shell Transactions, Shell beneficially
owned 39.9% of our Common Stock on a fully-diluted basis, assuming the exercise
of all outstanding stock options and warrants and conversion of all Preferred
Stock. On January 29, 2001, the Company completed the repurchase of all of the
outstanding Preferred Stock (convertible into 12.8 million shares of Common
Stock) and six million shares of Common Stock from Shell for $114 million
resulting in Shell's ownership being reduced to approximately 15% of our Common
Stock outstanding.

We believe that Meridian is now best positioned for organic growth from
internally generated projects. We currently have interests in over 302,044 gross
acres in Louisiana, Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. We also have rights or access
to approximately 4,200 square miles of 3-D seismic data, which we believe to be
one of the largest positions held by a company of our size operating in our core
areas of operation.

The Meridian Resource Corporation was incorporated in Texas in 1990, with
headquarters located at 1401 Enclave Parkway, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77077.

EXPLORATION STRATEGY

Meridian has focused its exploration strategy on prospects where large
accumulations of oil and natural gas have been found and where we believe
substantial oil and natural gas reserve additions can be achieved through
exploratory drilling in which we use 3-D seismic technology. We also seek to
identify prospects with multiple potential productive zones to maximize the
probability of success. In an effort to mitigate the risk of dry holes, we
engage in a rigorous and disciplined review of each prospect utilizing the
latest in technological advances with respect to prospect analysis and
evaluation.

Our process of review of exploration prospects begins with a thorough analysis
of the prospect using traditional methods of prospect development and computer
technology to analyze all reasonably available 2-D seismic




                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

data and other geological and geophysical data with respect to the prospect. If
the results of this analysis confirm the prospect potential, we seek to acquire
3-D seismic data over leasehold interests in, or options to acquire leasehold
interests in, the prospect area. We then apply state-of-the-art processing
technology to assimilate and correlate the 2-D and 3-D seismic data on the
prospect with all available well-log information and other data to create a
computer model that we design to identify the location and size of potential
hydrocarbon accumulations in the prospect. If our analysis of the model
continues to confirm the potential for hydrocarbon accumulations within our
prospect objectives, we will then seek to identify the most desirable drilling
location to test the prospect and to maximize production if the prospect is
successful.

The process of developing, reviewing and analyzing a prospect from the time we
first identify it to the time that we drill it is generally a 12 to 36 month
process in which we reject many potential prospects at various levels of the
review. Although the cost of designing, acquiring, processing and interpreting
3-D seismic data and acquiring options and leases on prospects that we do not
ultimately drill requires greater up-front costs per prospect than traditional
exploration techniques, we believe that the elimination of prospects that are
unlikely to be successful and that might otherwise have been drilled at a
substantial cost results in significantly lower finding costs. We also believe
that our use of 3-D seismic technology minimizes development costs by allowing
for the better placement of the initial and, if necessary, development wells.

We attempt to match our exploration risks with expected results by retaining
working interests that historically have been between 50% and 75% in the
Company's onshore wells. Our working interests may vary in certain prospects
depending on participation structure, assessed risk, capital availability and
other factors. In addition, working interests in offshore properties we acquired
in a 1997 acquisition averages between 3% and 50% in each well. Our offshore
properties generally involve higher drilling costs and risks commonly associated
with offshore exploration, including costs of constructing exploration and
production platforms and pipeline interconnections, as well as weather delays
and other matters.

3-D SEISMIC TECHNOLOGY

An integral part of Meridian's exploration strategy is the disciplined
application of 3-D seismic technology to every exploration and development
prospect that we drill. We begin with the geological idea, develop subsurface
maps based on analogous wells in the region and use 2-D seismic data, where
available, to define our prospect areas. If the prospect meets our standards of
risk and opportunity, we will acquire a 3-D seismic survey over the prospect
area as a last method to further define the objectives, reduce the risks of
drilling a dry hole and/or improve our opportunity for success. The entire
process from the geological concept to the final interpretation is controlled by
Meridian's management and professional staff. People are our most important
ingredient in this formula. Meridian has put together a high quality
professional and technical staff that has successfully explored for oil and gas
in its region of focus-south Louisiana, southeast Texas and offshore Gulf of
Mexico. Meridian designs its 3-D seismic surveys in conjunction with its
geological and geophysical staff, manages the field acquisition efforts with its
geophysical staff, processes the 3-D data in house using Western Geophysical's
Omega software system, in conjunction with the geological and geophysical
technicians, and interprets the 3-D data utilizing Schlumberger's GeoQuest
interpretative software, where all of the respective disciplines interact to
develop the final product.

In addition, almost all of Meridian's producing properties have 3-D seismic
surveys covering its fields, which we believe gives Meridian an advantage to
develop and exploit the proved undeveloped and proved developed non-producing
reserves from those fields.

As a result of our disciplined method of exploration we believe that we are able
to develop a more accurate definition of the risk profile of exploration
prospects than was previously available using traditional exploration techniques
or than is used by our competition in our areas of focus. We therefore believe
that our method of



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

exploration utilizing the 3-D technology increases our chances for success rates
and reduces our dry-hole costs compared to companies that do not engage in a
similar process.




                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

The following table sets forth production and reserve information by region with
respect to our proved oil and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2000. The
reserve volumes were reviewed by T. J. Smith & Company, Inc., independent
reservoir engineers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       GULF OF
                                                       TEXAS         LOUISIANA         MEXICO           TOTAL
                                                     ---------     -------------     ----------       ---------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>               <C>              <C>
PRODUCTION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000

     Oil (MBbls).................................             7             3,814             166            3,987

     Natural Gas (MMcf)..........................           598            23,261           3,813           27,672

RESERVES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000

     Oil (MBbls).................................            36            21,289           1,016           22,341

     Natural Gas (MMcf)..........................         4,272           149,733          18,422          172,427

ESTIMATED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS ($000) (1).....................................................      $   2,083,988

PRESENT VALUE OF FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS BEFORE INCOME TAXES ($000)(1) ..........................      $   1,338,851

STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS ($000)(1) ............................      $     992,254
</TABLE>

(1)      The Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows represents
         the Present Value of Future Net Cash Flows after income taxes
         discounted at 10%. For calculating the Present Value of Future Net Cash
         Flows as of December 31, 2000, we used the prices at December 31, 2000,
         which were $26.20 per Bbl of oil and $10.20 per Mcf of natural gas.

PRODUCTIVE WELLS

At December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, we held interests in the following
productive wells. The majority of the 34 gross (5.7 net) wells in the Gulf of
Mexico as of December 31, 2000, have multiple completions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         2000                         1999                          1998
                                ---------------------        ---------------------        -----------------------
                                  GROSS         NET            GROSS         NET            GROSS           NET
                                ---------     -------        ---------     --------       ---------       -------
<S>                             <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>
Oil Wells.....................      118           96             116           91             117             89

Natural Gas Wells.............       96           46              95           40              94             42
                                ---------     -------        ---------     --------       ---------       --------
         Total................      214          142             211          131             211            131
                                =========     =======        =========     ========       =========       ========
</TABLE>




                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

OIL AND NATURAL GAS RESERVES

Presented below are our estimated quantities of proved reserves of crude oil and
natural gas, Future Net Cash Flows, Present Value of Future Net Revenues and the
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows as of December 31,
2000. Information set forth in the following table is based on reserve reports
prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The reserve volumes were reviewed by T.
J. Smith & Company, Inc., independent reservoir engineers, as of December 31,
2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             PROVED RESERVES AT DECEMBER 31, 2000
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             DEVELOPED        DEVELOPED
                                             PRODUCING      NON-PRODUCING       UNDEVELOPED            TOTAL
                                           -------------  -----------------   ---------------        ---------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>            <C>                 <C>                    <C>
Net Proved Reserves:

Oil (MBbls)................................       10,322              5,227               6,792              22,341

Natural Gas (MMcf).........................       77,132             50,610              44,685             172,427

Natural Gas Equivalent (MMcfe).............      139,061             81,973              85,437             306,471

Estimated Future Net Cash Flows(1).............................................................  $        2,083,988

Present Value of Future Net Cash Flows (before income taxes)(1)                                  $        1,338,851

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows(1)....................................  $          992,254
</TABLE>

---------------
(1)      The Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows represents
         the Present Value of Future Net Cash Flows after income taxes
         discounted at 10%. For calculating the Future Net Cash Flows, the
         Present Value and Future Net Cash Flows and Standard Measure of
         Discounted Future Net Cash Flows as of December 31, 2000, we used the
         prices at December 31, 2000, which were $26.20 per Bbl of oil and
         $10.20 per Mcf of natural gas.

You can read additional reserve information in our Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (unaudited) included
elsewhere herein. We have not included estimates of total proved reserves,
comparable to those disclosed herein, in any reports filed with federal
authorities other than the Commission.

In general, our engineers based their estimates of economically recoverable oil
and natural gas reserves and of the future net revenues therefrom on a number of
variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from the subject
properties, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies and
assumptions concerning future oil and natural gas prices and future operating
costs, all of which may vary considerably from actual results. All such
estimates are to some degree speculative, and classifications of reserves, that
are based on the mechanical status of the completion, may also define the degree
of speculation involved. For these reasons, estimates of the economically
recoverable oil and natural gas reserves attributable to any particular group of
properties, classifications of such reserves based on risk of recovery and
estimates of the future net revenues expected therefrom, prepared by different
engineers or by the same engineers at different times, may vary substantially.
Therefore, the actual production, revenues, severance and excise taxes, and
development and operating expenditures with respect to reserves likely will vary
from such estimates, and such variances could be material.

Estimates with respect to proved reserves that we may develop and produce in the
future are often based on volumetric calculations and by analogy to similar
types of reserves rather than actual production history. Estimates based on
these methods are generally less reliable than those based on actual production
history, and subsequent evaluation of the same reserves, based on production
history, will result in variations, which may be substantial, in the estimated
reserves.




                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
In accordance with applicable requirements of the Commission, the estimated
discounted future net revenues from estimated proved reserves are based on
prices and costs as of the date of the estimate unless such prices or costs are
contractually determined at that date. Actual future prices and costs may be
materially higher or lower. Actual future net revenues also will be affected by
factors such as actual production, supply and demand for oil and natural gas,
curtailments or increases in consumption by natural gas purchasers, changes in
governmental regulations or taxation and the impact of inflation on costs.

OIL AND NATURAL GAS DRILLING ACTIVITIES

The following table sets forth the gross and net number of productive, dry and
total exploratory and development wells that we drilled and completed in 2000,
1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          GROSS WELLS                         NET WELLS
                                               ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                 PRODUCTIVE      DRY     TOTAL      PRODUCTIVE      DRY     TOTAL
                                               --------------  ------- ---------  --------------  ------- ---------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>     <C>        <C>             <C>     <C>
EXPLORATORY WELLS

Year ended December 31, 2000..................       11              5        16             7.4      3.6      11.0

Year ended December 31, 1999..................        8              7        15             3.4      4.9       8.3

Year ended December 31, 1998..................        8             12        20             2.9      6.3       9.2

DEVELOPMENT WELLS

Year ended December 31, 2000..................        7             --         7             4.2       --       4.2

Year ended December 31, 1999..................        6              1         7             3.3       .7       4.0

Year ended December 31, 1998..................        6              1         7             4.5       .2       4.7
</TABLE>

Meridian had 5 gross (3.8 net) wells in progress at December 31, 2000.




                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

PRODUCTION

The following table summarizes the net volumes of oil and natural gas produced
and sold, and the average prices received with respect to such sales, from all
properties in which Meridian held an interest during 2000, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             2000                  1999                  1998
                                                        ----------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                                     <C>                  <C>                   <C>
PRODUCTION:

     Oil (MBbls)...............................                   3,987                 4,454                 2,365

     Natural gas (MMcf)........................                  27,672                22,711                20,603

     Natural gas equivalent (MMcfe)............                  51,596                49,438                34,793

AVERAGE PRICES:

     Oil ($/Bbl)...............................          $        27.32       $         17.61       $         12.19

     Natural Gas ($/Mcf).......................          $         4.14       $          2.38       $          2.16

     Natural gas equivalent ($/Mcfe)...........          $         4.33       $          2.68       $          2.11

PRODUCTION EXPENSES:

     Lease operating expenses
         ($/Mcfe)..............................          $         0.35       $          0.30       $          0.37

     Severance and ad valorem
         taxes ($/Mcfe)........................          $         0.30       $          0.23       $          0.12
</TABLE>

ACREAGE

The following table sets forth the developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas
acreage in which Meridian held an interest as of December 31, 2000. Undeveloped
acreage is considered to be those lease acres on which wells have not been
drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial
quantities of oil and natural gas, regardless of whether or not such acreage
contains proved reserves.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31, 2000
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              DEVELOPED                        UNDEVELOPED
                                                     -----------------------------    ------------------------------
     REGION                                             GROSS             NET            GROSS             NET
     ------                                          -------------    ------------    -------------    -------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
TEXAS...........................................            1,425             856            6,145            4,815

LOUISIANA.......................................           36,572          28,959           33,859           22,821

GULF OF MEXICO..................................           54,684          12,927          169,359           78,257
                                                     -------------    -----------     -------------    -------------
     TOTAL                                                 92,681          42,742          209,363          105,893
                                                     =============    ============    =============    =============
</TABLE>

In addition to the above acreage, we currently have options or farm-ins to
acquire leases on approximately 390 gross (189 net) acres of undeveloped land
located in Louisiana. Our fee holdings of 5,000 acres have been included in the
undeveloped acreage and have been reduced to reflect the interest that we have
leased to third parties.





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

GEOLOGIC AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPERTISE

Meridian employs approximately 91 full-time non-union employees and 17 contract
employees. The exploration staff consists of 55 persons, representing 51% of the
total personnel. This staff includes 11 full-time geologists and 10 full-time
geophysicists, with 350 combined years of experience in generating onshore and
offshore prospects in the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast region. Our geologists
and geophysicists generate and review all prospects using 2-D and 3-D seismic
technology and analogues to producing wells in the areas of interest. Talented
geoscientists with experience in finding oil and gas in large quantities and who
focus in our niche region of focus are unique and difficult to attract and
retain on a long term basis. In the interest of attracting and retaining
high-quality technical personnel capable of finding oil and gas reserves with
the success rates we strive for, we have adopted a net profits interest
incentive compensation plan for the senior geologists, geophysicists, and
executives that relates each individual's compensation to the success of our
exploration activities on a well by well basis. We believe that this plan
provides Meridian's staff with the proper incentive to find large quantities of
oil and gas on behalf of it and its shareholders at average success rates higher
than our industry.

MARKETING OF PRODUCTION

We market our production to third parties in a manner consistent with industry
practices. Typically, the oil production is sold at the wellhead at field-posted
prices, less gathering and gravity adjustments, and the natural gas is sold at
posted indices, less applicable gathering and dehydration charges, adjusted for
the quality of natural gas and prevailing supply and demand conditions. The
natural gas production is sold under short-term contracts or in the spot market.

The following table sets forth purchasers of our oil and natural gas that
accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for 2000, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
     CUSTOMER                                                  2000                 1999                1998
     --------                                              ------------         ------------        ------------
<S>                                                        <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Equiva Trading Company(1).............................         36%                  43%                  22%

Superior Natural Gas..................................         14%                 -----                -----

Louisiana Intrastate Gas..............................         12%                 -----                -----

Tauber Oil Company....................................        -----                 16%                  32%

Coral Energy Resources(1).............................        -----                -----                 15%
</TABLE>

(1)  These entities are affiliates of Shell.

Other purchasers for our oil and natural gas are available; therefore, we
believe that the loss of any of these purchasers would not have a material
adverse effect on the results of operations.

MARKET CONDITIONS

Our revenues, profitability and future rate of growth substantially depend on
prevailing prices for oil and natural gas. Oil and natural gas prices have been
extremely volatile in recent years and are affected by many factors outside our
control. Since 1992, prices for West Texas Intermediate crude have ranged from
$8.00 to $37.20 per Bbl and the monthly average of the Gulf Coast spot market
natural gas price at Henry Hub, Louisiana, has ranged from $1.08 to $8.70 per
MMBtu. The average price we received during the year ended December 31, 2000,
was $4.33 per Mcfe compared to $2.68 per Mcfe during the year ended December 31,
1999. The volatile nature of energy markets makes it difficult to estimate
future prices of oil and natural gas;



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

however, any prolonged period of depressed prices would have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The marketability of our production depends in part on the availability,
proximity and capacity of natural gas gathering systems, pipelines and
processing facilities. Federal and state regulation of oil and natural gas
production and transportation, general economic conditions, changes in supply
and changes in demand could adversely affect our ability to produce and market
our oil and natural gas. If market factors were to change dramatically, the
financial impact on us could be substantial. We do not control the availability
of markets and the volatility of product prices are beyond our control and
therefore represent significant risks.

COMPETITION

The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive for prospects, acreage
and capital. Our competitors include numerous major and independent oil and
natural gas companies, individual proprietors, drilling and income programs and
partnerships. Many of these competitors possess and employ financial and
personnel resources substantially greater than ours and may, therefore, be able
to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase more oil and natural gas properties.
There is intense competition in marketing oil and natural gas production, and
there is competition with other industries to supply the energy and fuel needs
of consumers. Shell retains, and may obtain in the future, interests in
producing properties and exploration prospects in Louisiana state waters and
adjacent onshore areas where Shell competes with us. In addition, although Shell
currently does not have any significant working interests in producing
properties or exploration prospects onshore in south Louisiana, and has
indicated to us that it does not currently intend to obtain any such interests,
it may do so in the future.

REGULATION

The availability of a ready market for any oil and natural gas production
depends on numerous factors that we do not control. These factors include
regulation of oil and natural gas production, federal and state regulations
governing environmental quality and pollution control, state limits on allowable
rates of production by a well or proration unit, the amount of oil and natural
gas available for sale, the availability of adequate pipeline and other
transportation and processing facilities and the marketing of competitive fuels.
For example, a productive natural gas well may be "shut-in" because of an
oversupply of natural gas or lack of an available natural gas pipeline capacity
in the areas in which we may conduct operations. State and federal regulations
generally are intended to prevent waste of oil and natural gas, protect rights
to produce oil and natural gas between multiple owners in a common reservoir,
control the amount of oil and natural gas produced by assigning allowable rates
of production and control contamination of the environment. Pipelines are
subject to the jurisdiction of various federal, state and local agencies.

Oil and natural gas production operations are subject to various types of
regulation by state and federal agencies. Legislation affecting the oil and
natural gas industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion. In
addition, numerous departments and agencies, both federal and state, are
authorized by statute to issue rules and regulations that govern the oil and
natural gas industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial
penalties for failure to comply. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural
gas industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our
profitability.

All of our federal offshore oil and gas leases are granted by the federal
government and are administered by the U. S. Minerals Management Service (the
"MMS"). These leases require compliance with detailed federal regulations and
orders that regulate, among other matters, drilling and operations and the
calculation of royalty payments to the federal government. Ownership interests
in these leases generally are restricted to United States citizens and domestic
corporations. The MMS must approve any assignments of these leases or interests
therein.




                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

The federal authorities, as well as many state authorities, require permits for
drilling operations, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations and impose
other requirements relating to the exploration and production of oil and gas.
Individual states also have statutes or regulations addressing conservation
matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of oil and gas
properties, the establishment of maximum rates of production from oil and gas
wells and the regulation of spacing, plugging and abandonment of such wells. The
statutes and regulations of the federal authorities, as well as many state
authorities, limit the rates at which we can produce oil and gas on our
properties.

Federal Regulation

The FERC regulates interstate natural gas pipeline transportation rates and
service conditions, both of which affect the marketing of natural gas produced
by us, as well as the revenues we receive for sales of such natural gas. Since
the latter part of 1985, culminating in 1992 in the Order No. 636 series of
orders, the FERC has endeavored to make natural gas transportation more
accessible to gas buyers and sellers on an open and non-discriminatory basis.
The FERC believes "open access" policies are necessary to improve the
competitive structure of the interstate natural gas pipeline industry and to
create a regulatory framework that will put gas sellers into more direct
contractual relations with gas buyers. As a result of the Order No. 636 program,
the marketing and pricing of natural gas has been significantly altered. The
interstate pipelines' traditional role as wholesalers of natural gas has been
terminated and replaced by regulations which require pipelines to provide
transportation and storage service to others who buy and sell natural gas. In
addition, on February 9, 2000, FERC issued Order No. 637 and promulgated new
regulations designed to refine the Order No. 636 "open access" policies and
revise the rules applicable to capacity release transactions. These new rules
will, among other things, permit existing holders of firm capacity to release or
"sell" their capacity to others at rates in excess of FERC's regulated rate for
transportation services.

It is unclear what impact, if any, these new rules or increased competition
within the natural gas transportation industry will have on us and our gas sales
efforts. It is not possible to predict what, if any, effect the FERC's open
access or future policies will have on us. Additional proposals and/or
proceedings that might affect the natural gas industry may be considered by
FERC, Congress or state regulatory bodies. It is not possible to predict when or
if any of these proposals may become effective or what effect, if any, they may
have on our operations. We do not believe, however, that our operations will be
affected any differently than other gas producers or marketers with which we
compete.

Price Controls

Our sales of natural gas, crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids are not
regulated and transactions occur at market prices.

State Regulation of Oil and Natural Gas Production

States where we conduct our oil and natural gas activities regulate the
production and sale of oil and natural gas, including requirements for obtaining
drilling permits, the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operation
of wells and the prevention of waste of natural gas and resources. In addition,
most states regulate the rate of production and may establish the maximum daily
production allowables for wells on a market demand or conservation basis.

Environmental Regulation

Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations governing the
discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to
environmental protection. These laws and regulations may require us to acquire a
permit before we commence drilling; restrict the types, quantities and
concentration of various substances that we can release into the environment in
connection with drilling and production activities; limit



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

or prohibit our drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness,
wetlands and other protected areas; and impose substantial liabilities for
pollution resulting from our operations. Moreover, the general trend toward
stricter standards in environmental legislation and regulation is likely to
continue. For instance, as discussed below, legislation has been proposed in
Congress from time to time that would cause certain oil and gas exploration and
production wastes to be classified as "hazardous wastes", which would make the
wastes subject to much more stringent handling and disposal requirements. If
such legislation were enacted, it could have a significant impact on our
operating costs, as well as on the operating costs of the oil and natural gas
industry in general. Initiatives to further regulate the disposal of oil and gas
wastes have also been considered in the past by certain states, and these
various initiatives could have a similar impact on us. We believe that our
current operations substantially comply with applicable environmental laws and
regulations and that continued compliance with existing requirements will not
have a material adverse impact on us.

OPA. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (the "OPA") and regulations thereunder impose
a variety of regulations on "responsible parties" related to the prevention of
oil spills and liability for damages resulting from such spills in United States
waters. A "responsible party" includes the owner or operator of a facility or
vessel, or the lessee or permittee of the area where an offshore facility is
located. The OPA makes each responsible party liable for oil-removal costs and a
variety of public and private damages. While liability limits apply in some
circumstances, a party cannot take advantage of liability limits if the party
caused the spill by gross negligence or willful misconduct or if the spill
resulted from a violation of a federal safety, construction or operating
regulation. The liability limits likewise do not apply if the party fails to
report a spill or to cooperate fully in the cleanup. Few defenses exist to the
liability imposed by the OPA.

The OPA also imposes ongoing requirements on a responsible party, including the
requirement to maintain proof of financial responsibility to be able to cover at
least some costs if a spill occurs. In this regard, the OPA requires the lessee
or permittee of an offshore area in which a covered offshore facility is located
to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of
$35 million ($10 million if the offshore facility is located landward of the
seaward boundary of a state) to cover liabilities related to a crude oil spill
for which such person is statutorily responsible. The amount of required
financial responsibility may be increased above the minimum amounts to an amount
not exceeding $150 million depending on the risk represented by the quantity or
quality of crude oil that is handled by the facility. The MMS has promulgated
regulations that implement the financial responsibility requirements of the OPA.
Under the MMS regulations, the amount of financial responsibility required for
an offshore facility is increased above the minimum amount if the "worst case"
oil spill volume calculated for the facility exceeds certain limits established
in the regulations.

The OPA also imposes other requirements, such as the preparation of an oil-spill
contingency plan. We have such a plan in place. Failure to comply with ongoing
requirements or inadequate cooperation during a spill may subject a responsible
party to civil or criminal enforcement actions. We are not aware of any action
or event that would subject us to liability under the OPA and we believe that
compliance with the OPA's financial responsibility and other operating
requirements will not have a material adverse impact on us.




                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

CERCLA. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
("CERCLA"), also known as the "Superfund" law, and comparable state statutes
impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original
conduct, on certain classes of persons who are considered to have contributed to
the release of a "hazardous substance" into the environment. These persons
include the owner or operator of the disposal site or sites where the release
occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the
hazardous substances. Under CERCLA, persons or companies that are statutorily
liable for a release could be subject to joint-and-several liability for the
costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the
environment and for damages to natural resources. In addition, it is not
uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for
personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances
released into the environment. We have not been notified by any governmental
agency or third party that we are responsible under CERCLA or a comparable state
statute for a release of hazardous substances.

Clean Water Act. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended
(the "Clean Water Act"), imposes restrictions and controls on the discharge of
produced waters and other oil and gas wastes into navigable waters. These
controls have become more stringent over the years, and it is possible that
additional restrictions will be imposed in the future. Permits must be obtained
to discharge pollutants into state and federal waters. Certain state regulations
and the general permits issued under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System program prohibit the discharge of produced waters and sand,
drilling fluids, drill cuttings and certain other substances related to the oil
and gas industry into certain coastal and offshore water. The Clean Water Act
provides for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized
discharges for oil and other hazardous substances and imposes liability on
parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any
environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages
resulting from the release. Comparable state statutes impose liability and
authorize penalties in the case of an unauthorized discharge of petroleum or its
derivatives, or other hazardous substances, into state waters. We believe that
our operations comply in all material respects with the requirements of the
Clean Water Act and state statutes enacted to control water pollution.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act ("RCRA") is the principle federal statute governing the treatment, storage
and disposal of hazardous wastes. RCRA imposes stringent operating requirements,
and liability for failure to meet such requirements, on a person who is either a
"generator" or "transporter" of hazardous waste or an "owner" or "operator" of a
hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility. At present, RCRA
includes a statutory exemption that allows most crude oil and natural gas
exploration and production waste to be classified as nonhazardous waste. A
similar exemption is contained in many of the state counterparts to RCRA. As a
result, we are not required to comply with a substantial portion of RCRA's
requirements because our operations generate minimal quantities of hazardous
wastes. At various times in the past, proposals have been made to amend RCRA to
rescind the exemption that excludes crude oil and natural gas exploration and
production wastes from regulation as hazardous waste. Repeal or modification of
the exemption by administrative, legislative or judicial process, or
modification of similar exemptions in applicable state statutes, would increase
the volume of hazardous waste we are required to manage and dispose of and could
cause us to incur increased operating expenses.

TITLE TO PROPERTIES

As is customary in the oil and natural gas industry, we make only a cursory
review of title to undeveloped oil and natural gas leases at the time we acquire
them. However, before drilling commences, we search the title, and remedy any
material defects before we actually begin drilling the well. To the extent title
opinions or other investigations reflect title defects, we (rather than the
seller or lessor of the undeveloped property) typically are obligated to cure
any such title defects at our expense. If we are unable to remedy or cure any
title defects so that it would not be prudent for us to commence drilling
operations on the property, we could suffer a loss of our entire investment in
the property. We believe that we have good title to our oil and natural gas




                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15

properties, some of which are subject to immaterial encumbrances, easements and
restrictions. Under the terms of our credit facility, we may not grant liens on
various properties and must grant to our lenders a mortgage on our oil and gas
properties of at least 80% of our present value of proved properties. Our own
oil and natural gas properties also typically are subject to royalty and other
similar noncost-bearing interests customary in the industry.

We acquired substantial portions of our 3-D seismic data through licenses and
other similar arrangements. Such licenses contain transfer and other
restrictions customary in the industry.




                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

PRODUCING PROPERTIES

For information regarding Meridian's properties, see "Item 1. Business" above.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material legal proceedings to which Meridian or any of its
subsidiaries or partnerships is a party or to which any of its property is
subject, other than ordinary and routine litigation incidental to the business
of producing and exploring for crude oil and natural gas.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of Meridian's security holders during the
fourth quarter of 2000.




                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
                                     PART II


ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY

Our Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"TMR." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and
low sale prices per share for the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 HIGH            LOW
                                                                             ------------    -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>             <C>
2000:

First quarter..............................................................  $      4.25        $      2.75

Second quarter.............................................................         5.94               3.06

Third quarter..............................................................         7.06               4.38

Fourth quarter ............................................................         8.88               5.94


1999:

First quarter..............................................................  $      3.88        $      2.00

Second quarter.............................................................         6.44               2.94

Third quarter..............................................................         5.75               3.50

Fourth quarter ............................................................         5.19               2.56
</TABLE>

The closing sale price of the Common Stock on March 9, 2001, as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape, was $8.07. As of March 9, 2001, we had
approximately 863 shareholders of record.

Meridian has not paid cash dividends on the Common Stock and does not intend to
pay cash dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. We currently
intend to retain our cash for the continued development of our business,
including exploratory and development drilling activities. We also are currently
restricted under our Chase Manhattan Bank Credit Agreement from expending more
than $2.0 million in the aggregate for cash dividends on the Common Stock or for
purchase of shares of Common Stock without the prior consent of the lender.




                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

All financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial
Statements and related notes thereto included throughout this report.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  -----------------------------------------------------
                                                  2000         1999        1998         1997       1996
                                                  ----         ----        ----         ----       ----
                                                 (In thousands, except prices and per share information)
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
A.    SUMMARY OF OPERATING DATA

Production:

      Oil (MBbls)                                  3,987        4,454       2,365         914         751

      Natural gas (MMcf)                          27,672       22,711      20,603      14,603      15,783

      Natural gas equivalent (MMcfe)              51,596       49,438      34,793      20,087      20,289

Average Prices:

      Oil ($/Bbl)                             $    27.32   $    17.61   $   12.19   $   19.72   $   21.92

      Natural gas ($/Mcf)                           4.14         2.38        2.16        2.70        2.44

      Natural gas equivalent ($/Mcfe)               4.33         2.68        2.11        2.86        2.71

B.    SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

Total revenues                                $  226,246   $  133,361   $  74,026   $  58,333   $  56,733

Depletion and depreciation                        69,648       54,222      45,390      26,337      25,342

Net earnings (loss)(1)                            65,070       11,467    (230,708)    (28,541)     16,692

Net earnings (loss) per share:(1)

      Basic                                   $     1.34   $     0.25   $   (5.80)  $   (0.85)  $    0.50

      Diluted                                       1.06         0.25       (5.80)      (0.85)       0.47

Dividends per:

      Common share                                 -----        -----       -----       -----       -----

      Preferred share                         $     1.36   $     1.36   $    0.68       -----       -----

Weighted average common
      shares outstanding                          48,646       45,995      39,774      33,383      33,399

C.    SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA

Total assets                                  $  570,921   $  477,719   $ 445,175   $ 292,558   $ 245,757

Long-term obligations, inclusive
      of current maturities                      250,000      270,000     240,084     107,195      42,000

Stockholders' equity                             270,322      163,860     148,808     145,102     171,432
</TABLE>


(1)      Applicable to common stockholders.




                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

The Meridian Resource Corporation is an independent oil and natural gas
exploration and production company with operations primarily focused in the
onshore and offshore south Louisiana and southeast Texas Gulf Coast region. As
an integral part of our business strategy, we take a very disciplined approach
to each project incorporating 3-D seismic analysis of every prospective area
prior to drilling a first well. We place emphasis on employing every
technological tool available to evaluate each prospect prior to commencing
drilling.

As of December 31, 2000, Meridian's reserves totaled 306 Bcfe, representing a
decrease of 16% from year-end 1999, with a present value of future net cash
flows before income taxes of $1,339 million, an increase of $743 million, or
125%, over year-end 1999, based on prices of $26.20 per Bbl of oil and $10.20
per Mcf of natural gas. Production volumes for the year 2000 were 51.6 Bcfe as
compared to 49.4 Bcfe for 1999, a 4% increase after accounting for the sale of
non-core properties, which resulted in a reduction of 28.4 Bcfe in reserves. We
had discoveries and extensions that added 52.1 Bcfe during the year, partially
offset by 30.1 Bcfe of revisions of prior reserve estimates. Our reserves have
an average reserve life of six years and are approximately 56% natural gas with
72% being proved developed reserves and 28% proved undeveloped reserves. In
addition to the proved reserves, Meridian holds 105,893 net undeveloped acres,
42,742 net developed acres, rights and licenses to over 4,200 square miles of
3-D seismic data and access to over 156,000 miles of 2-D seismic data.

We believe that we are in a strong position relative to others in our industry
who compete in the south Louisiana and southeast Texas onshore transition zone
region. This advantage stems primarily from (1) our technical and professional
staff and its experience in exploring for and producing oil and natural gas in
our focus area; (2) our large land and seismic inventories, which form the
foundation of the Company's future prospects and growth; and (3) our experienced
approach to the development of original prospects and the understanding of what
works best technically in our region.

Because of the Shell acquisition and merger, we are now in a better position to
balance the allocation of capital expenditures between our exploration
activities and development/exploitation activities, which provides us with
greater flexibility during the volatile price environments we have experienced
in the past. The same holds true for calendar year 2001 and the projects
currently scheduled for drilling.

Industry Conditions. Our revenues, profitability and future rate of growth are
substantially dependent upon prevailing prices for oil and natural gas. Oil and
natural gas prices have been extremely volatile in recent years and are affected
by many factors outside of our control. In this regard, average worldwide oil
and natural gas prices have increased substantially from levels existing during
1998. As a result of these increases, the average price we received during the
year ended December 31, 2000 was $4.33 per Mcfe compared to $2.68 per Mcfe
during the year ended December 31, 1999. These industry conditions, and any
continuation thereof, will have several important consequences to us, including
the level of cash flow received from our producing properties, the timing of
exploration of certain prospects and our access to capital markets, which could
impact our ability to maintain or increase our exploration and development
program.

Shell Transactions. On June 30, 1998, we acquired (the "LOPI Transaction")
Louisiana Onshore Properties Inc. ("LOPI"), an indirect subsidiary of Shell,
pursuant to a merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary with LOPI. The consideration
paid in the LOPI Transaction consisted of 12,082,030 shares of our Common Stock
and a new issue of convertible Preferred Stock that was convertible into
12,837,428 shares of Common Stock, which together provided Shell Louisiana
Onshore Properties Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Shell ("SLOPI"), with
beneficial ownership of 39.9% of our common stock on a fully-diluted basis
assuming the exercise of all outstanding stock options and warrants and
conversion of all Preferred Stock. In a transaction separate from the LOPI
Transaction, on June 30, 1998, we also acquired from Shell Western E&P Inc., an
indirect subsidiary



                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20

of Shell ("SWEPI"), various other oil and gas property interests located onshore
in south Louisiana for a total cash consideration of $38.6 million (the "SWEPI
Acquisition").

The LOPI Transaction and the SWEPI Acquisition (together, the "Shell
Transactions") were effected to substantially increase our reserves, lease
acreage positions and exploration prospects in Louisiana. The Shell Transactions
were accounted for utilizing the purchase method of accounting. Therefore,
operations relating to the Shell properties are included in our results of
operations beginning with the third quarter of 1998.

On January 29, 2001, we completed the repurchase of all of the outstanding
Preferred Stock (convertible into 12.8 million shares of Common Stock) and six
million shares of our Common Stock from Shell for $114 million. The repurchase
of these shares resulted in an immediate reduction in the fully diluted share
count of more than 25%.

The Company accumulated the $114 million required to exercise the option to buy
back the Company's Preferred Stock and six million shares of Common Stock
through a balanced financing structure including $38.7 million in net proceeds
from the issuance and sale of Common Stock at $6 5/8 per share; $50.3 million of
excess cash flow and proceeds from the sale of non-core properties; and $25
million in subordinated debt.

Ceiling Test Write-down. During 2000 and 1999, crude oil and natural gas prices
were significantly improved over 1998. Therefore, we recorded no write-down of
the value of our oil and natural gas properties. A significant decline in oil
and natural gas prices was the primary cause of our recognition of $245.0
million of non-cash write-downs of our oil and natural gas properties under the
full cost method of accounting during 1998. Due to the potential volatility in
oil and gas prices and their effect on the carrying value of our proved oil and
gas reserves, there can be no assurance that future write-downs will not be
required as a result of factors that may negatively affect the present value of
proved oil and natural gas reserves and the carrying value of oil and natural
gas properties, including volatile oil and natural gas prices, downward
revisions in estimated proved oil and natural gas reserve quantities and
unsuccessful drilling activities.




                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999

Operating Revenues and Production.

Oil and natural gas revenues increased $90.8 million as a result of improved
commodity prices and increased production volumes. The production increase, net
of reductions from property sales and natural declines, was a direct result of
the inclusion of new wells being placed on production and an aggressive workover
program during the year 2000. The following table summarizes Meridian's
operating revenues, production volumes and average sales prices for the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year Ended
                                                             December 31,                    Increase
                                                           2000         1999                (Decrease)
                                                           ----         ----                ----------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>                 <C>
Production:
  Oil (MBbls)                                              3,987         4,454                  (10%)
  Natural gas (MMcf)                                      27,672        22,711                   22%
  Natural gas equivalent (MMcfe)                          51,596        49,438                    4%

Average Sales Price:
  Oil (per Bbl)                                        $   27.32      $  17.61                   55%
  Natural gas (per Mcf)                                     4.14          2.38                   74%
  Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)                         4.33          2.68                   62%

Gross Revenues (000's):
  Oil                                                  $ 108,930      $ 78,447                   39%
  Natural gas                                            114,490        54,129                  112%
                                                       ---------      --------               ---------
                                  Total                $ 223,420      $132,576                   69%
                                                       =========      ========               =========
</TABLE>

Interest and Other Income.

Interest and other income increased $2.0 million to $2.8 million in 2000,
compared to $0.8 million for 1999. This increase was primarily due to invested
funds from the sale of properties and the Common Stock offering. These funds
were being accumulated for the amount required to exercise the option to buy
back the Company's Preferred Stock and six million shares of the Company's
Common Stock from Shell.

Operating Expenses.

Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased $3.6 million to $18.2 million
in 2000, compared to $14.6 million in 1999. This net increase was the result of
several factors. To take advantage of higher commodity prices, the Company
pursued an expanded well workover program to increase production during the year
2000; however, these marginal wells incur higher lifting costs. We implemented a
cost reduction program to reduce the operating costs on several properties, and
this partially offset the increase in costs from the expanded workovers on
marginal wells. Additional factors included the expense incurred in bringing new
reserves on production, which was partially offset by the property sales which
included several wells with high operating costs. The net impact of these
various factors was an increase in operating expenses when viewed year over
year. On an Mcfe basis, operating expenses were $0.35 per Mcfe for 2000,
compared to $0.30 per Mcfe for 1999.




                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22
Severance and Ad Valorem Taxes.

Severance and ad valorem taxes increased $4.3 million to $15.6 million in 2000,
compared to $11.3 million in 1999. This increase is largely attributable to the
22% increase in natural gas production over the same period in 1999 and the 55%
increase in the average sales price of oil over 1999. Meridian's production is
primarily from southern Louisiana, and is therefore, subject to a tax rate of
12.5% of gross oil revenues and $0.097 per Mcf for natural gas, an increase from
$0.078 per Mcf effective in July 2000.

Depletion and Depreciation.

Depletion and depreciation expenses increased $15.4 million to $69.6 million in
2000, compared to $54.2 million in 1999. This increase was primarily a result of
the 4% increase in production on an Mcfe basis over the comparable period in
1999 and an increase in the depletion rate, reflecting the movement of $15.7
million for the year 2000 from the unevaluated to the full cost pool subject to
depletion, the sale of non-core properties and revisions of prior reserve
estimates.

General and Administrative Expense.

General and administrative expenses increased $2.5 million to $16.4 million in
2000, compared to $13.9 million in 1999. This increase was primarily a result of
our expanded exploration and production activities; costs included additional
salaries, wages and other compensation and related employee expenses and
increased rent related expenses, partially offset by a decrease in franchise
taxes, legal expenses and other related administrative expenses.

Interest Expense.

Interest expense increased $2.6 million to $25.5 million in 2000 compared to
$22.9 million in 1999. The increase is primarily a result of the issuance of the
Subordinated Notes in June 1999, and due to the Federal Reserve Bank's increase
during 2000 in overall interest rates, leading to an increase in the average
interest rate on the credit facility, partially offset by a decrease in the
balance outstanding on the credit facility to $230 million.




                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

Operating Revenues and Production.

Oil and natural gas revenues increased $59.2 million as a result of increased
volumes and improved prices. The production increase was a direct result of the
inclusion of results for the entire year from the Louisiana properties purchased
from Shell as compared to their inclusion for only six months for 1998, as well
as new wells being placed on production during 1999. The following table
summarizes Meridian's operating revenues, production volumes and average sales
prices for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Year Ended
                                                                December 31,                  Increase
                                                             1999         1998               (Decrease)
                                                             ----         ----               ----------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>                <C>
Production:
  Oil (MBbls)                                                4,454        2,365                  88%
  Natural gas (MMcf)                                        22,711       20,603                  10%
  Natural gas equivalent (MMcfe)                            49,438       34,793                  42%

Average Sales Price:
  Oil (per Bbl)                                          $   17.61      $ 12.19                  44%
  Natural gas (per Mcf)                                       2.38         2.16                  10%
  Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)                           2.68         2.11                  27%

Gross Revenues (000's):
  Oil                                                    $  78,447      $28,911                 171%
  Natural gas                                               54,129       44,425                  22%
                                                         ---------      -------                ------
                                  Total                  $ 132,576      $73,336                  81%
                                                         =========      =======                ======
</TABLE>

Operating Expenses.

Oil and natural gas operating expenses increased $1.8 million to $14.6 million
in 1999, compared to $12.8 million in 1998. The increase was primarily due to
the additional operating expenses related to increased production and the
inclusion of costs and expenses from the Shell properties for the full year as
well as new wells brought on production in 1999. When viewed on a per unit
basis, this reflects a decrease in operating costs to $0.30 per Mcfe for 1999
compared to $0.37 per Mcfe for 1998. This reduction was due to our efforts to
reduce operating costs on all of our properties, especially those purchased from
Shell, which had a higher cost of operations associated with them upon assuming
control on June 30, 1998.

Severance and Ad Valorem Taxes.

Severance and ad valorem taxes increased $7.2 million to $11.3 million in 1999,
compared to $4.1 million in 1998. Meridian's oil and natural gas is primarily
produced from south Louisiana, and, therefore, is subject to Louisiana's
severance tax. Louisiana's severance tax rates were $0.078 per Mcf for natural
gas and 12.5% of gross oil revenue. Our 1999 severance tax increase of $7.2
million was largely tied to the increase of oil and natural gas production over
1998 and the fact that our average oil price increased 44% over 1998.

Depletion and Depreciation.

Depletion and depreciation expenses increased $8.8 million to $54.2 million in
1999, compared to $45.4 million in 1998. The increase was primarily due to the
increased production in 1999 over 1998 levels.




                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24

General and Administrative Expense.

General and administrative expenses increased $4.3 million to $13.9 million in
1999, compared to $9.6 million in 1998. This increase was primarily a result of
increases in salaries, wages, other compensation and related employee costs
associated with the increase in employees related to the Shell properties
acquisition and the development and exploitation opportunities associated with
the properties and the 3-D seismic surveys covering them. In addition, because
of increased oil and natural gas volumes and prices, the net profit interest
distributions increased accordingly.

Interest Expense.

Interest expense increased $9.7 million to $22.9 million in 1999 compared to
$13.2 million in 1998. The increase is primarily a result of additional
borrowings under the credit facility for the full year of 1999 versus only six
months of 1998, and the issuance in June 1999 of $20 million of 9 1/2%
Convertible Subordinated Notes, due June 18, 2005. These additional funds were
utilized in our capital expenditures program to further the exploration and
development activities during a period when many in the industry were not as
active in their drilling programs and drilling and service costs were lower.




                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

WORKING CAPITAL. During 2000, Meridian's liquidity improved significantly.
Capital expenditures were internally financed from the Company's cash flow
generated from operations. Meridian's unhedged position since July 2000 allowed
us to take full advantage of strong commodity prices during the last six months
of the year, contributing to high levels of cash flow. In addition, Meridian
continued initiatives designed to increase liquidity and provide flexibility in
our capital structure. We completed the sale of certain non-strategic assets
resulting in cash proceeds of approximately $35 million of which $20 million was
applied to debt reduction. The Company also sold 6,021,500 shares of Common
Stock during 2000, for net proceeds of approximately $38.7 million to the
Company. As of December 31, 2000, we had a cash balance of $95.1 million and
working capital of $90.2 million.

This improvement in working capital demonstrates our commitment to de-levering
the balance sheet by using available cash flow to reduce payables and other
debt. Our strategy is to grow the Company prudently, taking advantage of the
strong asset base built over the years to add reserves through the drill bit
while maintaining a disciplined approach to costs. Where appropriate, we will
allocate excess cash above capital expenditures to reduce leverage.

CREDIT FACILITY. We entered into an amended and restated credit facility with
The Chase Manhattan Bank as Administrative Agent (the "Credit Facility") to
provide for maximum borrowings, subject to borrowing base limitations, of up to
$250 million. Due to the property sales during 2000, the borrowing base was
reduced to $230 million. The Company is currently negotiating its scheduled
borrowing base redetermination with its banks. Borrowings under the Credit
Facility are secured by pledges of the outstanding capital stock of our
subsidiaries and a mortgage on the oil and natural gas properties of at least
80% of its present value of proved properties. The Credit Facility contains
various restrictive covenants, including, among other items, maintenance of
certain financial ratios and restrictions on cash dividends on the Common Stock.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility mature on May 22, 2003.

Under the Credit Facility, as amended, we may secure either (i) an alternative
base rate loan that bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the greater of
the administrative agent's prime rate, a certificate of deposit based rate or a
federal funds based rate plus 0.25% to 1.0% or (ii) a Eurodollar base rate loan
that bears interest, generally, at a rate per annum equal to the London
interbank offered rate plus 1.25% to 2.5%, depending on the ratio of the
aggregate outstanding loans and letters of credit to the borrowing base. The
Credit Facility also provides for commitment fees ranging from 0.3% to 0.5% per
annum.

SHORT-TERM NOTE AGREEMENT. We entered into a short-term subordinated credit
agreement with Fortis Capital Corporation for $25 million, effective January 5,
2001. The interest rate is LIBOR plus 3.5%. The termination date is December 31,
2001.

9 1/2% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES. During June 1999, we completed private
placements of an aggregate of $20 million of our 9 1/2% Convertible Subordinated
Notes due June 18, 2005 (the "Notes"). The Notes are unsecured and contain
customary events of default, but do not contain any maintenance or other
restrictive covenants. Interest is payable on a quarterly basis.

The Notes are convertible at any time by the holders of the Notes into shares of
our Common Stock, utilizing a conversion price of $7.00 per share (the
"Conversion Price"). The Conversion Price is subject to customary anti-dilution
provisions. The holders of the Notes have been granted registration rights with
respect to the shares of Common Stock that would be issued upon conversion of
the Notes or issuance of the warrants discussed below.

We may prepay the Notes at any time without penalty or premium; however, if we
redeem or prepay the Notes



                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26

on or before June 21, 2001, we will issue to the holders of the Notes warrants
to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock into which such Notes would
have been convertible on the date of prepayment. The warrants will have exercise
prices equal to the Conversion Price in effect on the date of issuance and will
expire on June 21, 2001, regardless of the date such warrants are issued.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Capital expenditures in 2000 consisted of $102.7 million
for property and equipment additions primarily related to exploration and
development of various prospects, including leases, seismic data acquisitions,
and drilling and workover activities. The Company expanded workover activities
to take advantage of high commodity prices. Our strategy is to blend exploration
drilling activities with high-confidence workover and development projects
selected from our broad asset inventory added to our daily production during a
high commodity price environment. This strategy brought on production and added
reserves sooner than the drilling of deep, higher risk exploration wells. The
workover additions came from key producing fields, primarily West Lake Verret,
Weeks Island, and Good Hope.

The 2001 capital expenditures plan has been established at approximately $100
million. The final projects will be determined based on a variety of factors,
including prevailing prices for oil and natural gas, our expectations as to
future pricing and the level of cash flow from operations. We currently
anticipate funding the 2001 plan primarily utilizing cash flow from operations.
Where appropriate, we will use excess cash flow from operations as a result of
increased rates or prices beyond that needed for the 2001 capital expenditures
plan to be used to de-lever the Company by development of exploration
discoveries or direct payment of debt.

SALE OF PROPERTIES. To reduce bank debt and increase liquidity, the Company
announced on January 14, 2000, the initiation of a formal process to pursue the
sale of certain non-strategic oil and gas properties located in south Louisiana,
the Texas Gulf Coast and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. As of December 31,
2000, seven transactions had been closed, covering a net total of 28.4 Bcfe for
a total of approximately $35 million, or an average price of $1.24 Mcfe. Of the
property sale proceeds, $20 million was used to reduce bank debt. While
additional non-strategic properties may be sold, the Company may elect to retain
the properties if the expected earnings generated from continued operations
exceeds the value of any offer for those properties. There is no assurance that
additional sales will take place or that the prices realized on any such sales
will be comparable to previous property sales.

DIVIDENDS. It is our policy to retain existing cash for reinvestment in our
business, and therefore, we do not anticipate that dividends will be paid with
respect to the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Preferred Stock
issued upon closing of the LOPI Transaction accrued an annual cash dividend of
4% of its stated value with the dividend ceasing to accrue incrementally on
one-third of the shares of Preferred Stock on June 30, 2001, 2002 and 2003 so
that no dividends would have accrued on any shares of Preferred Stock after June
30, 2003. Dividends on the Preferred Stock aggregating $5.4 million were accrued
for 2000, of which $2.7 million had been paid as of December 31, 2000. Dividends
were paid on a pro-rata basis up until the exercise date of the option to
purchase the Preferred Stock held by Shell.

STOCK RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS AGREEMENT. In June 1998, Meridian acquired
substantially all of Shell's onshore south Louisiana oil and gas properties. In
consideration of the purchase, Meridian issued to Shell Louisiana Onshore
Properties, Inc. ("SLOPI"), 12.1 million shares of Common Stock plus Preferred
Stock with a stated value of $135 million. The terms of the original Stock
Rights and Restrictions Agreement allowed for the conversion of the Preferred
Stock into Common Stock at any time and beginning July 1, 2000, and the
potential for 25% of Shell's Common Stock holdings to be sold per year, each
subsequent year.

Meridian and SLOPI, on July 18, 2000, announced a definitive agreement granting
Meridian an option to repurchase all of the outstanding shares of our Preferred
Stock (convertible into 12.8 million shares of Common Stock), plus six million
shares of our Common Stock held by Shell, for an aggregate cash price of $114
million. Further, the agreement provided that Shell would not dispose of any of
its stock position until



                                      -26-
<PAGE>   27

the latter part of April 2001 and any subsequent stock sales would be subject to
Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933. As consideration for the option, we
issued Shell one million shares of our Common Stock. The "Option and Standstill
Agreement" was exercised in a single transaction on January 29, 2001. After
Meridian exercised the option, Shell remains Meridian's largest shareholder,
with approximately 7.1 million shares of Common Stock. The agreement is intended
to benefit all shareholders, both by potentially reducing the number of
outstanding shares and by eliminating the uncertainty resulting from the unknown
amount of dilution related to the "make whole" provision of the Preferred Stock.
We believe that exercise of the option has simplified our capital structure.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

From time to time, we may make certain statements that contain "forward-looking"
information as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
and that involve risk and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements may
include, but are not limited to exploration and seismic acquisition plans,
anticipated results from current and future exploration prospects, future
capital expenditure plans, anticipated results from third party disputes and
litigation, expectations regarding compliance with our credit facility, the
anticipated results of wells based on logging data and production tests, future
sales of production, earnings, margins, production levels and costs, market
trends in the oil and natural gas industry and the exploration and development
sector thereof, environmental and other expenditures and various business
trends. Forward-looking statements may be made by management orally or in
writing including, but not limited to, the Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section and other sections of
our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Actual results and trends in the future may differ materially depending on a
variety of factors including, but not limited to the following:

Changes in the price of oil and natural gas. The prices we receive for our oil
and natural gas production and the level of such production are subject to wide
fluctuations and depend on numerous factors that we do not control, including
seasonality, worldwide economic conditions, the condition of the United States
economy (particularly the manufacturing sector), foreign imports, political
conditions in other oil-producing countries, the actions of the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries and domestic government regulation, legislation
and policies. Material declines in the prices received for oil and natural gas
could make the actual results differ from those reflected in our forward-looking
statements.

Operating Risks. The occurrence of a significant event against which we are not
fully insured against could have a material adverse effect on our financial
position and results of operations. Our operations are subject to all of the
risks normally incident to the exploration for and the production of oil and
natural gas, including uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas, brine or well
fluids into the environment (including groundwater and shoreline contamination),
blowouts, cratering, mechanical difficulties, fires, explosions, unusual or
unexpected formation pressures, pollution and environmental hazards, each of
which could result in damage to or destruction of oil and natural gas wells,
production facilities or other property, or injury to persons. In addition, we
are subject to other operating and production risks such as title problems,
weather conditions, compliance with government permitting requirements,
shortages of or delays in obtaining equipment, reductions in product prices,
limitations in the market for products, litigation and disputes in the ordinary
course of business. Although we maintain insurance coverage considered to be
customary in the industry, we are not fully insured against certain of these
risks either because such insurance is not available or because of high premium
costs. We cannot predict if or when any such risks could affect our operations.
The occurrence of a significant event for which we are not adequately insured
could cause our actual results to differ from those reflected in our
forward-looking statements.




                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28

Drilling Risks. Our decision to purchase, explore, develop or otherwise exploit
a prospect or property will depend in part on the evaluation of data obtained
through geophysical and geological analysis, production data and engineering
studies, which are inherently imprecise. Therefore, we cannot assure you that
all of our drilling activities will be successful or that we will not drill
uneconomical wells. The occurrence of unexpected drilling results could cause
the actual results to differ from those reflected in our forward-looking
statements.

Uncertainties in Estimating Reserves and Future Net Cash Flows. Reserve
engineering is a subjective process of estimating the recovery from underground
accumulations of oil and natural gas we cannot measure in an exact manner, and
the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of those
accumulations of data and of engineering and geological interpretation and
judgement. Reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and may be expected to
change as additional information becomes available. There are numerous
uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities and values of proved reserves
and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development
expenditures, including many factors beyond our control. Because all reserve
estimates are to some degree speculative, the quantities of oil and natural gas
that we ultimately recover, production and operating costs, the amount and
timing of future development expenditures and future oil and natural gas sales
prices may differ from those assumed in these estimates. Significant downward
revisions to our existing reserve estimates could cause the actual results to
differ from those reflected in our forward-looking statements.




                                      -28-
<PAGE>   29

ITEM 7. A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is from time to time exposed to market risk from changes in interest
rates and hedging contracts. A discussion of the market risk exposure in
financial instruments follows.

INTEREST RATES

We are subject to interest rate risk on our long-term fixed interest rate debt
and variable interest rate borrowings. Our long-term borrowings primarily
consist of borrowings under the Credit Facility and the $20 million principal of
9 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due June 18, 2005. Since interest charged
borrowings under the Credit Facility floats with prevailing interest rates
(except for the applicable interest period for Eurodollar loans), the carrying
value of borrowings under the Credit Facility should approximate the fair market
value of such debt. Changes in interest rates, however, will change the cost of
borrowing. Assuming $230 million remains borrowed under the Credit Facility, we
estimate our annual interest expense will change by $2.3 million for each 100
basis point change in the applicable interest rates utilized under the Credit
Facility. Changes in interest rates would, assuming all other things being
equal, cause the fair market value of debt with a fixed interest rate, such as
the Notes, to increase or decrease, and thus increase or decrease the amount
required to refinance the debt. The fair value of the Notes is dependent on
prevailing interest rates and our current stock price as it relates to the
conversion price of $7.00 per share of our Common Stock.

HEDGING CONTRACTS

Meridian may address market risk by selecting instruments whose value
fluctuations correlate strongly with the underlying commodity being hedged. From
time to time, we may enter into swaps and other derivative contracts to hedge
the price risks associated with a portion of anticipated future oil and gas
production. While the use of hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of
adverse price movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable
movements. Under these agreements, payments are received or made based on the
differential between a fixed and a variable product price. These agreements are
settled in cash at or prior to expiration or exchanged for physical delivery
contracts. Meridian does not obtain collateral to support the agreements, but
monitors the financial viability of counter-parties and believes its credit risk
is minimal on these transactions. In the event of nonperformance, we would be
exposed to price risk. Meridian has some risk of accounting loss since the price
received for the product at the actual physical delivery point may differ from
the prevailing price at the delivery point required for settlement of the
hedging transaction.




                                      -29-
<PAGE>   30

                  GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS

The definitions set forth below apply to the indicated terms commonly used in
the oil and natural gas industry and in this Form 10-K. Mcfe is calculated using
the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one barrel of oil, condensate or natural
gas liquids, which approximates the relative energy content of crude oil,
condensate and natural gas liquids as compared to natural gas. Prices have
historically been substantially higher for crude oil than natural gas on an
energy equivalent basis. Any reference to net wells or net acres was determined
by multiplying gross wells or acres by our working percentage interest therein.

         "Bbl" means barrel and "Bbls" means barrels.
         "Bcf" means billion cubic feet.
         "Bcfe" means billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
         "Btu" means British Thermal Unit.
         "EPA" means Environmental Protection Agency.
         "FERC" means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
         "MBbls"  means thousand barrels.
         "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet.
         "Mcfe" means thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
         "MMBbls" means million barrels.
         "MMBtu" means million Btus.
         "MMcf" means million cubic feet.
         "MMcfe" means million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.
         "NGPA" means the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, as amended.
         "Present Value of Future Net Cash Flows" or "Present Value of Proved
         Reserves" means the present value of estimated future revenues to be
         generated from the production of proved reserves calculated in
         accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, net of
         estimated production and future development costs, using prices and
         costs as of the date of estimation without future escalation, without
         giving effect to non-property related expenses such as general and
         administrative expenses, debt service, future income tax expenses and
         depreciation, depletion and amortization, and discounted using an
         annual discount rate of 10%.
         "Tcf" means trillion cubic feet.




                                      -30-
<PAGE>   31

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

                          Index to Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Page
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
Report of Independent Auditors                                                                                 32

Consolidated Statements of Operations
  -- For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000                                         33

Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 2000 and 1999                                                        34

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  -- For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000                                         36

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
  -- For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000                                         37

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                     38

Consolidated Supplemental Oil and Natural Gas Information (Unaudited)                                          52
</TABLE>




                                      -31-
<PAGE>   32

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS





Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Meridian Resource Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Meridian
Resource Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Meridian
Resource Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.



                                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Houston, Texas
March 2, 2001

                                      -32-



<PAGE>   33

               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                          (thousands, except per share)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    --------------------------------
                                                                    2000          1999          1998
                                                                    ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>           <C>

REVENUES:



      Oil and natural gas                                         $ 223,420    $  132,576    $   73,336

      Interest and other                                              2,826           785           690
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------
                                                                    226,246       133,361        74,026
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:

      Oil and natural gas operating                                  18,234        14,604        12,841

      Severance and ad valorem taxes                                 15,578        11,338         4,069

      Depletion and depreciation                                     69,648        54,222        45,390

      General and administrative                                     16,383        13,928         9,564

      Impairment of long-lived assets                                    --            --       245,011

      Litigation expenses and loss provision                             --          (477)           --
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------

                                                                    119,843        93,615       316,875
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------


EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INTEREST
      AND INCOME TAXES                                              106,403        39,746      (242,849)
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------

OTHER EXPENSES:

      Interest expense                                               25,533        22,879        13,211

      Taxes on income                                                10,400            --       (28,052)
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------

                                                                     35,933        22,879       (14,841)
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)                                                  70,470        16,867      (228,008)

DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK                                          5,400         5,400         2,700
                                                                  ---------    ----------    ----------

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) APPLICABLE
      TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS                                      $  65,070    $   11,467    $ (230,708)
                                                                  =========    ==========    ==========
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
      Basic                                                       $    1.34    $     0.25    $    (5.80)
                                                                  =========    ==========     ==========
      Diluted                                                     $    1.06    $     0.25    $    (5.80)
                                                                  =========    ==========    ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
      COMMON SHARES:
      Outstanding                                                    48,646        45,995        39,774
                                                                  =========    ==========    ==========
      Assuming dilution                                              67,521        45,995        39,774
                                                                  =========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

                 See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -33-
<PAGE>   34

               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (thousands of dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                                         2000             1999
                                                                                         ----             ----
<S>                                                                                  <C>             <C>
ASSETS


CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents                                                            $      95,122   $        6,617

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
      $891 [2000] and $1,003 [1999]                                                         36,073           28,478

Due from affiliates                                                                             --              165

Prepaid expenses and other                                                                   1,103            1,234
                                                                                     -------------    -------------

      Total current assets                                                                 132,298           36,494
                                                                                     -------------    -------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method (including
      $47,027 [2000] and $62,686 [1999] not
      subject to depletion)                                                                982,566          916,495

Land                                                                                           478              478

Equipment                                                                                   10,283            8,737
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
                                                                                           993,327          925,710



Accumulated depletion and depreciation                                                     558,843          489,203
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
                                                                                           434,484          436,507
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
OTHER ASSETS, NET                                                                            4,139            4,718
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
                                                                                     $     570,921    $     477,719
                                                                                     =============    =============
</TABLE>






                 See notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                      -34-
<PAGE>   35
               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
                             (thousands of dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                                         2000             1999
                                                                                         ----             ----
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable                                                                     $      18,216     $     21,359

Revenues and royalties payable                                                               1,453            4,728

Due to affiliates                                                                              756               --

Accrued liabilities                                                                         19,774           17,772

Current income taxes payable                                                                 1,900               --
                                                                                     -------------     ------------
     Total current liabilities                                                              42,099           43,859
                                                                                     -------------     ------------
LONG-TERM DEBT                                                                             230,000          250,000
                                                                                     -------------     ------------
9 1/2% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES                                                       20,000           20,000
                                                                                     -------------     ------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                        8,500               --
                                                                                     -------------     ------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value (25,000,000 shares authorized,
     3,982,906 [2000 and 1999] shares of Series A Cumulative
     Convertible Preferred Stock issued at stated value)                                   135,000          135,000

Common stock, $0.01 par value (200,000,000 shares
     authorized, 53,763,285 [2000] and 46,409,980 [1999]
     issued)                                                                                   550              472

Additional paid-in capital                                                                 315,603          274,298

Accumulated deficit                                                                       (180,277)        (245,347)

Unrealized loss on securities held for resale                                                 (185)            (185)

Unamortized deferred compensation                                                             (369)            (378)
                                                                                     -------------     ------------

     Total stockholders' equity                                                            270,322          163,860
                                                                                     -------------     ------------

                                                                                     $     570,921    $     477,719
                                                                                     =============    =============
</TABLE>


                 See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                      -35-
<PAGE>   36
               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           -----------------------------------
                                                                           2000           1999            1998
                                                                           ----           ----            ----
<S>                                                                    <C>             <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net earnings (loss)                                                  $      70,470   $     16,867   $    (228,008)

  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net
      cash provided by operating activities:

      Depletion and depreciation                                              69,648         54,222          45,390

      Amortization of other assets                                             1,276          1,244             345

      Non-cash compensation                                                    2,729          3,685           1,948

      Impairment of long-lived assets                                             --             --         245,011

      Deferred income taxes                                                    8,500             --         (28,052)

  Changes in assets and liabilities:

      Accounts receivable                                                     (7,595)         4,080         (21,638)

      Due to (from) affiliates                                                   921          4,683          (1,810)

      Prepaid expenses and other                                                 131            160            (264)

      Accounts payable                                                        (3,143)         2,221          11,403

      Revenues and royalties payable                                          (3,275)        (1,771)            509

      Accrued liabilities and other                                            3,902        (14,224)          2,760
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                    143,564         71,167          27,594
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

  Additions to property and equipment                                       (102,679)      (108,191)       (155,989)

  Sale of property and equipment                                              35,054          8,917           2,045
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
Net cash used in investing activities                                        (67,625)       (99,274)       (153,944)
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  Proceeds from long-term debt                                                 2,000         40,000         143,000

  Reductions in long-term debt                                               (22,000)       (10,084)        (10,111)

  Preferred dividends                                                         (5,400)        (4,050)         (1,350)

  Issuance of stock/exercise of stock options                                 38,663             85           1,293

  Additions to deferred loan costs                                              (697)          (705)         (5,087)
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities                                     12,566         25,246         127,745
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                       88,505         (2,861)          1,395

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                 6,617          9,478           8,083
                                                                       -------------   ------------   -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                               $      95,122   $      6,617   $       9,478
                                                                       =============   ============   =============
</TABLE>




                 See notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                      -36-
<PAGE>   37

               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1999 AND 2000 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       Preferred Stock    Common Stock  Additional  Accumulated  Unamortized  Unrealized
                                       ---------------    ------------    Paid-In     Earnings    Deferred     Loss On
                                      Shares Par Value  Shares Par Value  Capital    (Deficit)  Compensation  Securities
                                      ------ ---------  ------ ---------  -------    ---------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                   <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31, 1997            -----  $  -----   33,481   $  336   $172,023   $ (26,106)   $  (309)     $-----

  Exercise of stock options           -----     -----      254        3      1,290       -----      -----       -----

  Company's 401(k) plan contribution  -----     -----    -----    -----       (487)      -----      -----       -----

  Issuance of rights to common stock  -----     -----    -----        1      1,599       -----     (1,600)      -----

  Compensation expense                -----     -----    -----    -----      -----       -----      1,616       -----

  Issuance of shares - Shell                                                                                   -----
  Transaction:

     Preferred stock                  3,983   135,000    -----    -----      -----       -----      -----       -----

     Common stock                     -----     -----   12,082      121     96,052       -----      -----       -----

  Preferred dividends                 -----     -----    -----    -----      -----      (2,700)     -----       -----

  Net loss                            -----     -----    -----    -----      -----    (228,008)     -----       -----

Balance, December 31, 1998            3,983   135,000   45,817      461    270,477    (256,814)      (293)      -----

  Exercise of stock options           -----     -----       32    -----         85       -----      -----       -----

  Company's 401(k) plan contribution  -----     -----      138        2        562       -----      -----       -----

  Issuance of rights to common stock  -----     -----    -----        5      1,492       -----     (1,497)      -----

  Issuance of shares as compensation  -----     -----      423        4      1,682       -----      -----       -----

  Compensation expense                -----     -----    -----    -----      -----       -----      1,412       -----

  Realization on securities held      -----     -----    -----    -----      -----       -----      -----        (185)

  Preferred dividends                 -----     -----    -----    -----      -----      (5,400)     -----       -----

  Net earnings                        -----     -----    -----    -----      -----      16,867      -----       -----

Balance, December 31, 1999            3,983   135,000   46,410      472    274,298    (245,347)      (378)       (185)

  Issuance of rights to common stock  -----     -----    -----        4      1,596       -----     (1,600)      -----

  Company's 401(k) plan contribution  -----     -----       58        1        335       -----      -----       -----

  Issuance of shares as compensation  -----     -----      256        3       781        -----       -----       -----

  Exercise of stock options           -----     -----       18    -----        70        -----       -----       -----

  Compensation expense                -----     -----    -----    -----     -----        -----       1,609       -----

  Shares issued to SLOPI              -----     -----    1,000       10       (10)       -----       -----       -----

  Issuance of shares from stock
   offerinG                           -----     -----    6,021       60    38,533        -----       -----       -----

  Preferred dividends                 -----     -----    -----    -----     -----       (5,400)      -----       -----

  Net earnings                        -----     -----    -----    -----     -----       70,470       -----       -----
                                     ------  --------   ------   ------  --------    ---------      ------       -----
Balance, December 31, 2000            3,983  $135,000   53,763   $  550  $315,603    $(180,277)     $ (369)       (185)
                                     ======  ========   ======   ======  ========    =========      ======       =====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Treasury Stock
                                      --------------
                                      Shares  Cost     Total
                                      ------  ----     -----
<S>                                   <C>     <C>      <C>
Balance, December 31, 1997               47  $(842)  $ 145,102

  Exercise of stock options           -----   -----      1,293

  Company's 401(k) plan contribution    (46)    819        332

  Issuance of rights to common stock  -----   -----      -----

  Compensation expense                -----   -----      1,616

  Issuance of shares - Shell
  Transaction:

     Preferred stock                  -----   -----    135,000

     Common stock                     -----   -----     96,173

  Preferred dividends                 -----   -----     (2,700

  Net loss                            -----   -----   (228,008

Balance, December 31, 1998                1     (23)   148,808

  Exercise of stock options           -----   -----         85

  Company's 401(k) plan contribution    (1)      23        587

  Issuance of rights to common stock  -----   -----      -----

  Issuance of shares as compensation  -----   -----      1,686

  Compensation expense                -----   -----      1,412

  Realization on securities held      -----   -----       (185

  Preferred dividends                 -----   -----     (5,400

  Net earnings                        -----   -----     16,867

Balance, December 31, 1999            -----   -----    163,860

  Issuance of rights to common stock  -----   -----      -----

  Company's 401(k) plan contribution  -----   -----        336

  Issuance of shares as compensation  -----   -----       784

  Exercise of stock options           -----   -----        70

  Compensation expense                -----   -----     1,609

  Shares issued to SLOPI              -----   -----     -----

  Issuance of shares from stock
   offering                           -----   -----    38,593

  Preferred dividends                 -----   -----    (5,400)

  Net earnings                        -----   -----    70,470
                                     ------  ------  --------
Balance, December 31, 2000            -----  $-----  $270,322
                                     ======  ======  ========
</TABLE>

                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      -37-
<PAGE>   38

               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.       ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Meridian Resource Corporation and its subsidiaries, (the "Company" or
"Meridian") explores for, acquires, develops and produces oil and natural gas
reserves, principally located onshore in south Louisiana, the Texas Gulf Coast
and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The Company was initially organized in 1985
as a master limited partnership and operated as such until 1990 when it
converted into a corporation through a merger with a limited partnership of
which the Company was the sole limited and general partner. The Company acquired
in two separate transactions (the "Shell Transactions") certain Louisiana
onshore properties from Shell Oil Company ("Shell") as described in note 7
below. The Shell Transactions were accounted for as purchases for financial
accounting purposes.

2.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries, after eliminating all significant intercompany
transactions.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for its investments in
oil and natural gas properties. All costs incurred with the acquisition,
exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, including
unproductive wells, are capitalized. Included in capitalized costs are general
and administrative costs that are directly related with acquisition, exploration
and development activities. Proceeds from the sale of oil and natural gas
properties are credited to the full cost pool, unless the sale involves a
significant quantity of reserves, in which case a gain or loss is recognized.
Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the full
cost method of accounting, the net carrying value of oil and natural gas
properties is limited to the sum of the present value (10% discount rate) of the
estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves, based on the current
prices and costs, plus the lower of cost or estimated fair market value of
unproved properties.

Capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties are depleted on a
unit of production method using proved oil and natural gas reserves. Costs
depleted include net capitalized costs subject to depletion and estimated future
dismantlement, restoration, and abandonment costs. Estimated future abandonment,
dismantlement and site restoration costs include costs to dismantle, relocate
and dispose of the Company's offshore production platforms, gathering systems,
wells and related structures. Such costs related to onshore properties, net of
estimated salvage values, are not expected to be significant.

Equipment, which includes computer equipment, hardware and software, furniture
and fixtures, leasehold improvements and automobiles, is recorded at cost and is
generally depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives
of the assets, which range in periods of three to seven years.




                                      -38-
<PAGE>   39

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash equivalents include time
deposits, certificates of deposit and all highly liquid instruments with
original maturities of three months or less. The Company made cash payments for
interest of $25.3 million, $23.2 million and $12.3 million in 2000, 1999 and
1998, respectively. There were no cash payments for income taxes for 2000, 1999
or 1998.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Substantially all of the Company's receivables are due from oil and natural gas
purchasers and other oil and natural gas producing companies located in the
United States. Accounts receivable are generally not collateralized.
Historically, credit losses incurred on receivables of the Company are not
significant.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Meridian recognizes oil and natural gas revenue from its interests in producing
wells as oil and natural gas is produced and sold from those wells. Oil and
natural gas sold is not significantly different from the Company's share of
production.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated based on the weighted average
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during each period. Diluted
earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding for the periods, including the dilutive effects of stock
options and warrants granted. Dilutive options and warrants that are issued
during a period or that expire or are canceled during a period are reflected in
the computations for the time they were outstanding during the periods being
reported. Options where the exercise price of the options exceeds the average
price for the period are considered antidilutive, and therefore are not included
in the calculation of dilutive shares.

STOCK OPTIONS

As permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," the
Company will continue to follow the existing accounting requirements for stock
options and stock-based awards contained in Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations
and consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force in terms of measuring
compensation expense.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company enters into swaps, options, collars and other derivative contracts
to hedge the price risks associated with a portion of anticipated future oil and
gas production. Realized gains and losses on settled derivative contracts are
deferred and recognized as adjustments to oil and gas revenues in the applicable
period(s) hedged. In applying hedge accounting, the Company periodically
monitors the correlation of changes in the value of its derivative contracts
with that of the prices the Company realized for its production. In the event of
a lack of significant correlation, as might occur in the event of a major market
disturbance, certain of the Company's derivative contracts no longer may qualify
for hedge accounting, and would be marked to market accordingly. The Company may
also enter into interest rate swaps to manage risk associated with interest
rates and reduce the Company's exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Interest
rate swaps are valued on a periodic basis, with resulting differences recognized
as an adjustment to interest and other financing costs over the term of the
agreement. The Company only enters into derivative contracts for hedging
purposes.

                                      -39-
<PAGE>   40

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In June 1999, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 137,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the
Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133," which is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000, with earlier adoption encouraged. FASB Statement
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,"
requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and
liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in
the values of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of
the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company has
determined SFAS No. 133 will not have any effect on the current results of
operations and financial position. The Company will adopt this accounting
standard as required by January 1, 2001.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3.       IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

A significant decline in oil and natural gas prices during 1998 resulted in the
Company recognizing non-cash write-downs totaling $245.0 million of its oil and
natural gas properties under the full cost method of accounting.

Due to the potential volatility in oil and gas prices and their effect on the
carrying value of the Company's proved oil and gas reserves, there can be no
assurance that future write-downs will not be required as a result of factors
that may negatively affect the present value of proved oil and natural gas
reserves and the carrying value of oil and natural gas properties, including
volatile oil and natural gas prices, downward revisions in estimated proved oil
and natural gas reserve quantities and unsuccessful drilling activities.

4.       DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT

In May 1998, the Company amended and restated the Company's credit facility with
The Chase Manhattan Bank as Administrative Agent (the "Credit Facility") to
provide for maximum borrowings, subject to borrowing base limitations, of up to
$250 million. In November 1998, the Company amended the Credit Facility to
increase the then-existing borrowing base from $200 million to $250 million. The
borrowing base, currently set at $230 million, is scheduled to be redetermined
in March 2001. In addition to the regularly scheduled semi-annual borrowing base
redeterminations, the lenders under the Credit Facility have the right to
redetermine the borrowing base at any time once during each calendar year and
the Company has the right to obtain a redetermination by the banks of the
borrowing base once during each calendar year. Borrowings under the Credit
Facility are secured by pledges of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company's material subsidiaries and a mortgage on the Company's oil and natural
gas properties of at least 80% of its present value of proved properties. The
Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants, including, among other
items, maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrictions on cash
dividends on the Common Stock. Borrowings under the Credit Facility mature on
May 22, 2003.

Under the Credit Facility, as amended, the Company may secure either (i) an
alternative base rate loan that bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the
greatest of the administrative agent's prime rate, a certificate of deposit
based rate or federal funds based rate plus 0.25% to 1.0% or (ii) a Eurodollar
base rate loan that bears interest, generally, at a rate per annum equal to the
London interbank offered rate plus 1.25% to 2.5%,



                                      -40-
<PAGE>   41

depending on the Company's ratio of the aggregate outstanding loans and letters
of credit to the borrowing base. The Credit Facility also provides for
commitment fees ranging from 0.3% to 0.5% per annum. At December 31, 2000, the
Company had outstanding borrowings of $230 million under the Credit Facility.

9 1/2% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES

During June 1999, the Company completed private placements of an aggregate of
$20 million of its 9 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due June 18, 2005 (the
"Notes"). The Notes are unsecured and contain customary events of default, but
do not contain any maintenance or other restrictive covenants. Interest is
payable on a quarterly basis.

The Notes are convertible at any time by the holders of the Notes into shares of
the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock"), utilizing a
conversion price of $7.00 per share (the "Conversion Price"). The Conversion
Price is subject to customary anti-dilution provisions. The holders of the Notes
have been granted registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock
would be issued upon conversion of the Notes or issuance of the warrants
discussed below.

The Notes may be prepaid by the Company at any time without penalty or premium;
however, in the event the Company redeems or prepays the Notes on or before June
21, 2001, the Company will issue to the holders of the Notes warrants to
purchase that number of shares of Common Stock into which such Notes would have
been convertible on the date of prepayment. Such warrants will have exercise
prices equal to the Conversion Price in effect on the date of issuance and will
expire on June 21, 2001, regardless of the date such warrants are issued.

5.       LEASE OBLIGATIONS

The Company has a seven-year operating lease for office space with a primary
term expiring in September 2006. The Company also has operating leases for
equipment with various terms, none exceeding three years. Rental expense
amounted to approximately $1.9 million, $1.4 million and $0.7 million in 2000,
1999 and 1998, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under all
non-cancelable operating leases having initial terms of one year or more are
estimated to be $1.3 million for each of the years 2001 - 2003, $1.4 million for
the years 2004 and 2005, and $1.3 million thereafter.

6.       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

LITIGATION

There are no other material legal proceedings to which Meridian or any of our
subsidiaries or partnerships is a party or by which any of our property is
subject, other than ordinary and routine litigation incidental to the business
of producing and exploring for crude oil and natural gas.

7.       SHELL TRANSACTIONS

On June 30, 1998, the Company acquired (the "LOPI Transaction") Louisiana
Onshore Properties Inc. ("LOPI"), an indirect subsidiary of Shell, pursuant to a
merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company with LOPI. The consideration
paid in the LOPI Transaction consisted of 12,082,030 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock"), and a new issue of convertible
Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Preferred Stock") that is convertible into
12,837,428 shares of Common Stock, which together provided Shell Louisiana
Onshore Properties Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Shell ("SLOPI"), with
beneficial ownership of 39.9% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of
the closing of the LOPI Transaction, assuming exercise of all outstanding
options and warrants and the conversion of the Preferred Stock. In a



                                      -41-
<PAGE>   42

transaction separate from the LOPI Transaction, on June 30, 1998, the Company
also acquired from Shell Western E&P, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Shell,
various other oil and gas property interests located onshore in south Louisiana
for a total cash consideration of $38.6 million (together with the LOPI
Transaction, the "Shell Transactions"). The combined purchase price of $303.5
million, including related deferred tax liability of $28 million, was allocated
to oil and gas properties, including $37 million of unevaluated costs.

8.       TAXES ON INCOME

Provisions (benefits) for federal and state income taxes are as follows
(thousands of dollars):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      -----------------------
                                                               2000            1999             1998
                                                               ----            ----             ----
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>              <C>
Current:

      Federal                                              $         779           -----         $  -----

      State                                                        1,121           -----            -----

Deferred:

      Federal                                                      8,500           -----          (28,052)
                                                           -------------        --------         --------
                                                           $      10,400           -----         $(28,052)
                                                           =============        ========         ========
</TABLE>

Income tax expense as reported is reconciled to the federal statutory rate (35%)
as follows (thousands of dollars):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------
                                                                          2000           1999             1998
                                                                          ----           ----             ----
<S>                                                                       <C>            <C>              <C>

Income tax provision (benefit) computed at statutory rate             $     28,305    $      5,903    $     (89,621)

Nondeductible costs                                                          1,175             870            3,405

State income tax net of federal tax benefit                                    729           -----            -----

Net operating loss carryforwards not benefited
      in the income tax provision                                            -----           -----           39,836

Change in valuation allowance                                              (19,809)         (6,773)          18,328
                                                                      ------------    ------------    -------------
                                                                      $     10,400           -----    $     (28,052)
                                                                      ============    ------------    =============
</TABLE>





                                      -42-
<PAGE>   43

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of net operating losses,
depletion carryovers, and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for
income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets
and liabilities are as follows (thousands of dollars):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                             ------------
                                                                                           2000       1999
                                                                                           ----       ----
<S>                                                                                        <C>            <C>
Deferred tax assets:

   Net operating tax loss carryforward                                                 $ 37,964    $  60,108

   Statutory depletion carryforward                                                         950          950

   Tax credits                                                                              779        -----

   Other                                                                                  2,484        2,130

   Valuation allowance                                                                     (500)     (20,309)
                                                                                       --------    ---------
Total deferred tax assets                                                                41,677       42,879
                                                                                       --------    ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:

   Book in excess of tax basis in oil and gas properties                                 50,107       42,809

   Basis differential in long-term investments                                               70           70
                                                                                       --------    ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities                                                           50,177       42,879
                                                                                       --------    ---------

Net deferred tax asset (liability)                                                     $ (8,500)       -----
                                                                                       ========    =========
</TABLE>

As of December 31, 2000, the Company has approximately $108.5 million of tax net
operating loss carryforwards which begin to expire in 2005. Some of the net
operating loss carryforwards are subject to change in ownership and separate
return limitations. The net operating loss carryforwards assume that certain
items, primarily intangible drilling costs, have been written off in the current
year. However, the Company has not made a final determination if an election
will be made to capitalize all or part of these items for tax purposes.

9.       STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

COMMON STOCK

On September 29, 2000, the Company announced that it sold to certain investors
an aggregate of 6,021,500 shares of Common Stock at a price of $6 5/8 per share
under the terms of the prospectus supplement dated September 28, 2000. The
shares were placed with certain investors on a best-efforts basis. In connection
with the placement of the shares, the Company paid the placement agents a total
fee of approximately $1.2 million, resulting in proceeds of approximately $38.7
million to the Company. The Company used the proceeds from this sale to fund in
part the exercise of the option to repurchase Preferred and Common Stock from
Shell for $114 million on January 29, 2001.

PREFERRED STOCK

On June 30, 1998, the Company issued to SLOPI 3,982,906 shares of the Company's
Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock has an aggregate stated value of $135
million and ranks prior to the Common Stock as to distribution of assets and
payment of dividends. The Preferred Stock may be converted into an aggregate of
12,837,428 shares of Common Stock at any time by the holder thereof. The
Preferred Stock is entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of
Directors, a cash dividend at the rate of 4% per annum on the



                                      -43-
<PAGE>   44

stated value per share; provided, however, dividends shall cease to accrue on an
incremental one-third of the shares of Preferred Stock on the third, fourth and
fifth anniversaries of the LOPI Transaction so that no dividends will accrue on
any shares of Preferred Stock after June 30, 2003.

SHELL OPTION AGREEMENT

Meridian and SLOPI, on July 18, 2000, announced a definitive agreement granting
Meridian an option to repurchase all of the outstanding shares of Meridian
Preferred Stock (convertible into 12.8 million shares of Common Stock), plus six
million shares of Meridian Common Stock now held by Shell, for an aggregate cash
price of $114 million. The "Option and Standstill Agreement" is exercisable in a
single transaction through January 31, 2001. As consideration for the option,
Meridian issued Shell one million shares of Meridian Common Stock in July 2000.

EXERCISE OF OPTION AND STANDSTILL AGREEMENT

On January 29, 2001, the Company completed the repurchase of all of the
outstanding Preferred Stock (convertible into 12.8 million shares of Common
Stock) and six million shares of Common Stock from Shell for $114 million. The
$114 million stock buyback price was generated through a balanced financing
structure including $38.7 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common
Stock at $6 5/8 per share; $25 million in subordinated debt; and $50.3 million
of excess cash flow and proceeds from the sale of non-core properties. The
repurchase of these shares resulted in an immediate reduction in the fully
diluted share count of more than 25%. After the exercise of the option, Shell
will remain Meridian's largest shareholder, with approximately 7.1 million
shares of Common Stock.

WARRANTS

The Company had the following warrants outstanding at December 31, 2000:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  NUMBER OF       EXERCISE
                    WARRANTS       SHARES          PRICE      EXPIRATION DATE
                    --------       ------          -----      ---------------
<S>                                <C>             <C>        <C>
   Executive Officers              1,428,000     $    5.85    *

   General Partner                 1,088,920     $    0.17    December 31, 2015
</TABLE>

  * A date one year following the date on which the respective officer ceases to
be an employee of the Company.

On June 7, 1994, the shareholders of the Company approved a conversion of Class
"B" Warrants held by Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. and Michael J. Mayell, which entitled
each of them to purchase an aggregate of 714,000 shares of common stock, to
Executive Officer Warrants. The Warrants expire one year following the date on
which the respective officer ceases to be an employee of the Company. The
Warrants further provide that in the event the officer's employment with the
Company is terminated by the Company without "cause" or by the officer for "good
reason," the officer will have the option to require the Company to purchase
some or all of the Warrants held by the officer for an amount per Warrant equal
to the difference between the exercise price, $5.85 per share, and the then
prevailing market price of the common stock. The Company may satisfy this
obligation with shares of common stock.




                                      -44-
<PAGE>   45

STOCK OPTIONS

Options to purchase the Company's Common Stock have been granted to officers,
employees, nonemployee directors and certain key individuals, under various
stock option plans. Options generally become exercisable in 25% cumulative
annual increments beginning with the date of grant and expire at the end of ten
years. At December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, 915,997, 810,588 and 74,425 shares,
respectively, were available for grant under the plans. A summary of option
transactions follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 WEIGHTED
                                                                                   NUMBER        AVERAGE
                                                                                  OF SHARES   EXERCISE PRICE
                                                                                  ---------   --------------
<S>                                                                             <C>           <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1997                                                   2,072,187    $      8.81

   Granted                                                                         3,229,550           3.37

   Exercised                                                                        (256,804)          5.04

   Canceled                                                                         (143,940)         11.40
                                                                                 -----------    -----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1998                                                   4,900,993           5.35

   Granted                                                                             9,500           4.56

   Exercised                                                                         (31,425)          2.69

   Canceled                                                                         (200,635)          9.46
                                                                                 -----------    -----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1999                                                   4,678,433           5.19

   Granted                                                                           183,945           4.45

   Exercised                                                                         (17,750)          3.95

   Canceled                                                                         (454,233)          9.31
                                                                                 -----------    -----------
Outstanding at December 31, 2000                                                   4,390,395    $      4.74
                                                                                 ===========    ===========

Shares exercisable:

   December 31, 2000                                                               3,527,941    $      5.05

   December 31, 1999                                                               2,961,419    $      6.00

   December 31, 1998                                                               2,262,085    $      6.97
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                        OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                            -----------------------------------------    ---------------------------------------
                                                      WEIGHTED                                    WEIGHTED
       RANGE OF               OUTSTANDING AT           AVERAGE             EXERCISABLE AT         AVERAGE
    EXERCISABLE PRICES        DECEMBER 31, 2000     EXERCISE PRICE        DECEMBER 31, 2000    EXERCISE PRICE
                             -----------------      --------------        -----------------    --------------
<S>                          <C>                    <C>                   <C>                  <C>
      $2.44 - $4.94              3,434,800          $      3.43              2,604,846         $     3.45

     $5.32 - $10.00                568,545                 8.25                536,045               8.40

     $10.38 - $16.38               387,050                11.21                387,050              11.21
                             --------------         -----------              ---------         ----------
                                 4,390,395          $      4.74              3,527,941         $     5.05
                             =============          ===========              =========         ==========
</TABLE>

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at
December 31, 2000, was approximately eight years.


                                      -45-
<PAGE>   46

Pro forma information is required by SFAS No. 123 to reflect the estimated
effect on net earnings and net earnings per share as if the Company had
accounted for the stock options and other awards granted using the fair value
method described in that Statement. The fair value was estimated at the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 4.8%, 6.48% and 5.8%; dividend
yield of 0%; volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's
Common Stock of 0.84, 0.56 and 0.59 for 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively; and a
weighted-average expected life of five years. These assumptions resulted in a
weighted average grant date fair value of $2.73, $ 2.90 and $1.89 for options
granted in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. For purposes of the pro forma
disclosures, the estimated fair value is amortized to expense over the awards'
vesting period. Reflecting the amortization of this hypothetical expense for
2000, 1999 and 1998 income results in pro forma net earnings (loss) of $64.9
million, $ 9.9 million and ($232.5) million, respectively, and pro forma basic
net earnings (loss) per share of $1.33, $0.22 and ($5.85), respectively, and
proforma diluted net earnings (loss) per share of $1.06, $0.22 and ($5.85),
respectively.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

In July 1996, the Company through the Compensation Committee of the board of
Directors offered to Messrs. Reeves and Mayell (the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and President, respectively) the option to accept in lieu of cash
compensation for their respective base salaries Common Stock pursuant to the
Company's Long Term Incentive Plan. Under such grants, Messrs. Reeves and Mayell
each elected to defer $400,000, which is substantially all of their salaried
compensation for each of the years 1998, 1999 and 2000. In exchange for and in
consideration of their accepting this option to reduce the Company's cash
payments to each of Messrs. Reeves and Mayell, the company granted to each
officer a matching deferral equal to 100 % of that amount deferred, which is
subject to a one-year vesting period. Under the terms of the grants, the
employee and matching deferrals are allocated to a Common Stock account in which
units are credited to the accounts of the officer based on the number of shares
that could be purchased at the market price of the Common Stock at December 31,
1996, for deferrals in 1997, at December 31, 1997, for deferrals during the
first half of 1998, at June 30, 1998, for deferrals during the second half of
1998, at December 31, 1998, for deferrals during the first half of 1999, at June
30, 1999, for deferrals during the second half of 1999, at December 31, 1999,
for deferrals during the first half of 2000, and at June 30, 2000, for deferrals
during the second half of 2000. At December 31, 2000, the plan had reserved
1,700,000 shares of Common Stock for future issuance and 1,214,564 rights have
been granted. No actual shares of Common Stock have been issued and the officer
has no rights with respect to any shares unless and until there is a
distribution. Distributions are to be made upon the death, retirement or
termination of employment of the officer.

The obligations of the Company with respect to the deferrals are unsecured
obligations. The shares of common stock that may be issuable upon distribution
of deferrals have been treated as a common stock equivalent in the financial
statements of the Company. Although no cash has been paid, to either Mr. Reeves
or Mr. Mayell for their base salaries during these periods, the compensation
expense required to be reported by the Company for the equity grants was
$1,609,000, $1,412,000 and $1,616,000 for 2000, 1999 and 1998 periods,
respectively, relating to these grants is reflected in general and
administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.




                                      -46-
<PAGE>   47

STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

On May 5, 1999, the Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend
distribution of one Right for each then-current and future outstanding share of
Common Stock. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase one
one-thousandth interest in a share of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock
with a par value of $.01 per share and an exercise price of $30. Unless earlier
redeemed by the Company at a price of $.01 each, the Rights become exercisable
only in certain circumstances constituting a potential change in control of the
Company and will expire on May 5, 2009.

Each share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock purchased upon
exercise of the Rights will be entitled to certain minimum preferential
quarterly dividend payments as well as a specified minimum preferential
liquidation payment in the event of a merger, consolidation or other similar
transaction. Each share will also be entitled to 100 votes to be voted together
with the Common stockholders and will be junior to any other series of Preferred
Stock authorized or issued by the Company, unless the terms of such other series
provides otherwise.

In the event of a potential change in control, each holder of a Right, other
than Rights beneficially owned by the acquiring party (which will have become
void), will have the right to receive upon exercise of a Right that number of
shares of Common Stock of the Company, or, in certain instances, Common Stock of
the acquiring party, having a market value equal to two times the current
exercise price of the Right.

10.      PROFIT SHARING AND SAVINGS PLAN

The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing and savings plan (the "Plan") that
covers substantially all employees and entitles them to contribute up to 15% of
their annual compensation, subject to maximum limitations imposed by the
Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches 100% of each employee's contribution
up to 6.5% of annual compensation subject to certain limitations as outlined in
the Plan. In addition, the Company may make discretionary contributions which
are allocable to participants in accordance with the Plan.

During 1998, the Company implemented a new net profits program that was adopted
effective as of November 1997. All employees participate in this program.
Pursuant to this program, the Company adopted three separate well bonus plans:
(i) The Meridian Resource Corporation Geoscientist Well Bonus Plan (the
"Geoscientist Plan"); (ii) The Meridian Resource Corporation TMR Employees Trust
Well Bonus Plan (the "Trust Plan") and (iii) The Meridian Resource Corporation
Management Well Bonus Plan (the "Management Plan" and with the Management Plan
and the Geoscientist Plan, the "Well Bonus Plans"). Payments under the plans are
calculated based on revenues from production on previously discovered reserves,
as realized by the Company at current commodity prices, less operating expenses.
Total compensation related to these plans totaled $12.0 million, $5.3 million
and $0.9 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. A portion of these
amounts has been capitalized. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors,
which is comprised of Messrs. Reeves and Mayell, administers each of the Well
Bonus Plans. The participants in each of the Well Bonus Plans are designated by
the Executive Committee in its sole discretion. Participants in the Management
Plan are limited to executive officers of the Company and other key management
personnel designated by the Executive Committee. Neither Messrs. Reeves or
Mayell will participate in the Management Plan, except with respect to a small
number of wells and prospects not covered by their original net profit grants
described below. The participants in the Trust Plan generally will be all
employees of the Company that do not participate in one of the other Well Bonus
Plans.

Pursuant to the Well Bonus Plans, the Executive Committee designates, in its
sole discretion, the individuals and wells that will participate in each of the
Well Bonus Plans. The Executive Committee also determines the percentage bonus
that will be paid under each well and the individuals that will participate
thereunder. The Well Bonus Plans cover all properties on which the Company
expends funds during each participant's



                                      -47-
<PAGE>   48

employment with the Company, with the percentage bonus generally ranging from
less than .1% to .5%, depending on the level of the employee. It is intended
that these well bonuses function similar to an actual net profit interests,
except that the employee will not have a real property interest and his or her
rights to such bonuses will be subject to a one-year vesting period, except for
grants in 1998 for which all employees were deemed vested, and will be subject
to the general credit of the Company. Payments under vested bonus rights will
continue to be made after an employee leaves the employment of the Company based
on their adherence to the obligations required in their non-compete agreement
upon termination. The Company has the option to make payments in whole, or in
part, utilizing shares of Common Stock. The determination whether to pay cash or
issue Common Stock will be based upon a variety of factors, including the
Company's current liquidity position and the fair market value of the Common
Stock at the time of issuance.

In connection with the execution of their employment contracts in 1994, both
Messrs. Reeves and Mayell were granted a 2% net profit interest in the oil and
natural gas production from the Company's properties to the extent the Company
acquires a mineral interest therein. The net profits interest for Messrs. Reeves
and Mayell applies to all properties on which the Company expends funds during
their employment with the Company. Each grant of a net profits interest is
reflected at a value based on a third party appraisal of the interest granted.
Total compensation related to this plan totaled approximately $100 thousand and
$200 thousand in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The net profit interests represent
real property rights that are not subject to vesting or continued employment
with the Company. Messrs. Reeves and Mayell will not participate in the Well
Bonus Plans for any particular property to the extent the original net profit
interest grants covers such property.

11.      OIL AND NATURAL GAS HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company may address market risk by selecting instruments whose value
fluctuations correlate strongly with the underlying commodity being hedged. The
Company enters into swaps and other derivative contracts to hedge the price
risks associated with a portion of anticipated future oil and gas production.
While the use of hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of adverse price
movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable movements. Under these
agreements, payments are received or made based on the differential between a
fixed and a variable product price. These agreements are settled in cash at or
prior to expiration or exchanged for physical delivery contracts. The Company
does not obtain collateral to support the agreements, but monitors the financial
viability of counter-parties and believes its credit risk is minimal on these
transactions. In the event of nonperformance, the Company would be exposed to
price risk. The Company has some risk of accounting loss since the price
received for the product at the actual physical delivery point may differ from
the prevailing price at the delivery point required for settlement of the
hedging transaction.




                                      -48-
<PAGE>   49

During the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, oil and natural gas revenues
were reduced by $5,419,000 and $551,000, respectively, as a result of hedging
transactions. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company had no
material open hedging agreements.

12.      MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Major customers for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, were as
follows (based on purchases of oil and natural gas as a percent of total oil and
natural gas sales):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
         CUSTOMER                                              2000                 1999                 1998
         --------                                           ----------           ----------           ----------
<S>                                                         <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Equiva Trading Company(1).............................         36%                  43%                  22%

Superior Natural Gas..................................         14%                 -----                -----

Louisiana Intrastate Gas..............................         12%                 -----                -----

Tauber Oil Company....................................        -----                 16%                  32%

Coral Energy Resources(1).............................        -----                -----                 15%
</TABLE>

(1)      Equiva Trading Company and Coral Energy Resources are both affiliates
         of Shell Oil Company.

13.      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Historically since 1994, with the approval of the Board of Directors, Texas Oil
Distribution and Development, Inc. ("TODD") and Sydson Energy, Inc. ("Sydson"),
entities controlled by Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. and Michael J. Mayell,
respectively, have each invested in all Meridian drilling locations on a
promoted basis, where applicable, at a 1.5% working interest basis. The maximum
percentage that either may elect to participate in any prospect is a 4% working
interest. On a collective basis, TODD and Sydson invested $3,027,000, $3,974,000
and $2,126,000 for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, in oil and natural gas drilling activities for which the Company
was the operator. Collective amounts due (to) from such entities for such
activities were approximately ($756,000) and $178,000 as of December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively.

Effective July 15, 1999, the Company, with the approval of the Board of
Directors, acquired the Kings Bayou, Backridge and Chocolate Bayou interests
held by TODD, Sydson and Messrs. Reeves and Mayell. Proceeds of $2.0 million to
each of TODD and Sydson and $1.4 million to each of Messrs. Reeves and Mayell
due from the acquisition were applied directly to current and/or future costs
and expenses related to TODD and Sydson's working interest rather than paid in
cash.

Mr. Joe Kares, a Director of Meridian, is a partner in the public accounting
firm of Kares & Cihlar, which provided the Company with accounting services for
the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 and received fees of
approximately $304,000, $283,000 and $57,000, respectively. Such fees exceeded
5% of the gross revenues of Kares & Cihlar for those respective years.
Management believes that such fees were equivalent to fees that would have been
paid to similar firms providing such services in arm's length transactions.

Mr. Gary A. Messersmith, a Director of Meridian, is a partner in the law firm of
Fouts & Moore, L.L.P. in Houston, Texas, which provided legal services for the
Company for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 and received fees
of approximately $124,000, $49,000 and $52,000, respectively. In addition, the
Company has Mr. Messersmith on personal retainer of $8,333 per month relating to
services provided to the Company personally by Mr. Messersmith. Mr. Messersmith
also participates in the Management Plan

                                      -49-
<PAGE>   50
described in Note 10 above pursuant to which he was paid approximately $383,000
and received 11,472 shares of the Company's Common Stock during 2000, $46,000
and received 19,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock during 1999 and $22,600
during 1998.

14.      EARNINGS PER SHARE
         (in thousands, except per share)

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings
(loss) per share:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
                                                                     2000              1999(1)              1998(1)
                                                                   -------             -------             ---------
<S>                                                                <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Numerator:
   Net earnings (loss) applicable to common stockholders           $65,070             $11,467             $(230,708)
   Plus income impact of assumed conversions:
        Preferred stock dividends                                    5,400                --                    --
        Interest on convertible subordinated notes                   1,256                --                    --
   Net earnings (loss) applicable to common stockholders
        plus assumed conversions                                   $71,726             $11,467             $(230,708)
Denominator:
   Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per
      share - weighted-average shares outstanding                   48,646              45,995                39,774
Effect of potentially dilutive common shares:
   Convertible preferred stock                                      12,837                --                    --
   Convertible subordinated notes                                    2,857                --                    --
   Employee and director stock options                               1,103               N/A                   N/A
   Warrants                                                          2,078               N/A                   N/A
   Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per
      share - weighted-average shares
      outstanding and assumed conversions                           67,521              45,995                39,774
                                                                   =======             =======             =========
Basic earnings (loss) per share                                    $  1.34             $  0.25             $   (5.80)
                                                                   =======             =======             =========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share                                  $  1.06             $  0.25             $   (5.80)
                                                                   =======             =======             =========
</TABLE>

(1)      Anti-dilutive

On June 30, 1998, the Company acquired (the "LOPI Transaction") Louisiana
Onshore Properties, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company ("Shell")
pursuant to a merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary with LOPI. In conjunction with
the other consideration paid to Shell, the Company issued a new convertible
preferred stock that is convertible into 12,837,428 shares of Common Stock. In
the event Shell elects to sell any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion
of the Preferred Stock (the "Make-Whole Shares"), as more fully described in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 27, 1998, and included in the Company's
proxy statement dated June 10, 1998, the Company has agreed to pay Shell the
amount, if any, that the consideration received by Shell is less than $10.52 per
share. Such payment may be made in cash or Common Stock, or a combination
thereof, at the Company's election.

                                      -50-
<PAGE>   51

15.      SUBSEQUENT EVENT

See Note 9 for information concerning the exercise of the Option and Standstill
Agreement.

16.      QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

Results of operations by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999,
were (thousands of dollars, except per share):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          QUARTER ENDED
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                MARCH 31             JUNE 30           SEPT. 30            DEC. 31
                                                --------             -------            -------            -------
<S>                                             <C>                  <C>                <C>                <C>
            2000
Revenues                                        $ 48,061             $51,890            $62,781            $63,514
Results of operations from
   exploration and production
   activities(1)                                  21,332              26,659             37,094             36,446
Net earnings(2)                                 $  9,501             $14,699            $25,373            $15,497
Net earnings per share:(2)
   Basic                                        $   0.20             $  0.31            $  0.53            $  0.30
   Diluted                                          0.18                0.25               0.40               0.23

           1999
Revenues                                        $ 23,306             $30,969            $38,947            $40,139
Results of operations from
   exploration and production
   activities(1)                                   4,320              11,569             18,137             19,606
Net earnings (loss)(2)                          $ (4,989)            $ 1,440            $ 6,389            $ 8,627
Net earnings (loss) per share:(2)
   Basic                                        $  (0.11)            $  0.03            $  0.14            $  0.19
   Diluted(3)                                      (0.11)               0.03               0.13               0.16
</TABLE>

(1)      Results of operations from exploration and production activities, which
         approximates gross profit, are computed as operating revenues less
         lease operating expenses, severance and ad valorem taxes, depletion and
         impairment of oil and natural gas properties (after tax).

(2)      Applicable to common stockholders.

(3)      Reflects conversion of preferred stock for third quarter 1999 and
         reflects conversion of preferred stock and subordinated notes for
         fourth quarter 1999.

                                      -51-
<PAGE>   52
               THE MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND NATURAL GAS INFORMATION
                                   (UNAUDITED)

The following information is being provided as supplemental information in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 69, "Disclosures about Oil and Gas
Producing Activities."

COSTS INCURRED IN OIL AND NATURAL GAS ACQUISITION, EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES
(thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                          2000            1999           1998
                                        --------        --------       --------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>            <C>
Costs incurred during the year:(1)
         Property acquisition costs
            Unproved                    $  2,665        $ 14,542       $ 16,545
            Proved                          --             3,261        259,502
         Exploration                      63,378          52,739         83,156
         Development                      35,200          34,478         51,809
                                        --------        --------       --------
                                        $101,243        $105,020       $411,012
                                        ========        ========       ========
</TABLE>

(1)      Costs incurred during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
         include general and administrative costs related to acquisition,
         exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, net of
         third party reimbursements, of $14,477,000, $9,951,000 and $6,651,000,
         respectively.

CAPITALIZED COSTS RELATING TO OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES
(thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                    ---------------------------------------
                                      2000                           1999
                                    --------                       --------
<S>                                 <C>                            <C>
Capitalized costs                   $982,566                       $916,495
Accumulated depletion                553,947                        485,870
                                    --------                       --------
Net capitalized costs               $428,619                       $430,625
                                    ========                       ========
</TABLE>

At December 31, 2000 and 1999, unevaluated costs of $47,027,000 and $62,686,000,
respectively, were excluded from the depletion base. These costs are expected to
be evaluated within the next three years. These costs consist primarily of
acreage acquisition costs and related geological and geophysical costs.

                                      -52-
<PAGE>   53

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FROM OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES
(thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             -------------------------------------------
                                               2000             1999              1998
                                             --------         --------         ---------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>              <C>
Oil and natural gas revenues                 $223,420         $132,576         $  73,336
Less:
   Oil and natural gas operating costs         18,234           14,604            12,841
   Severance and ad valorem taxes              15,578           11,338             4,069
   Depletion                                   68,077           53,002            44,347
   Impairment of long-lived assets               --               --             245,011
   Income tax                                  10,400             --             (28,052)
                                             --------         --------         ---------
                                              112,289           78,944           278,216
                                             --------         --------         ---------
Results of operations from oil and
   natural gas producing activities          $111,131         $ 53,632         $(204,880)
                                             ========         ========         =========
Depletion expense per Mcfe                   $   1.32         $   1.07         $    1.27
                                             ========         ========         =========
</TABLE>

                                      -53-
<PAGE>   54

ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF PROVED RESERVES

The following table sets forth the net proved reserves of the Company as of
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, and the changes therein during the years then
ended. The reserve information was reviewed by T. J. Smith & Company, Inc.,
independent petroleum engineers, for 2000, 1999 and 1998. All of the Company's
oil and natural gas producing activities are located in the United States.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Oil              Gas
TOTAL PROVED RESERVES:                                           (MBbls)           (MMcf)
                                                                 -------          --------
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                                       9,731           110,785
         Production during 1998                                   (2,365)          (20,603)
         Discoveries and extensions                                6,556            37,854
         Purchase of reserves-in-place                            12,602            83,472
         Sale of reserves-in-place                                (1,059)           (8,047)
         Revisions of previous quantity estimates and other       (3,088)          (33,574)
                                                                 -------          --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1998                                      22,377           169,887
         Production during 1999                                   (4,454)          (22,711)
         Discoveries and extensions                                6,382            71,484
         Purchase of reserves-in-place                               335             2,379
         Sale of reserves-in-place                                   (67)           (2,633)
         Revisions of previous quantity estimates and other        2,782           (17,941)
                                                                 -------          --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1999                                      27,355           200,465
         Production during 2000                                   (3,987)          (27,672)
         Discoveries and extensions                                3,103            33,475
         Sale of reserves-in-place                                  (369)          (26,139)
         Revisions of previous quantity estimates and other       (3,761)           (7,702)
                                                                 -------          --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2000                                      22,341           172,427

PROVED DEVELOPED RESERVES:
         Balance at December 31, 2000                             15,549           127,742
         Balance at December 31, 1999                             17,695           144,552
         Balance at December 31, 1998                             14,592           120,233
         Balance at December 31, 1997                              5,305            81,500
</TABLE>

STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS

The information that follows has been developed pursuant to SFAS No. 69 and
utilizes reserve and production data prepared or reviewed by independent
petroleum consultants. Reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and estimates
of new discoveries are less precise than those of producing oil and natural gas
properties. Accordingly, these estimates are expected to change as future
information becomes available.

                                      -54-
<PAGE>   55
The estimated discounted future net cash flows from estimated proved reserves
are based on prices and costs as of the date of the estimate unless such prices
or costs are contractually determined at such date. Actual future prices and
costs may be materially higher or lower. Actual future net revenues also will be
affected by factors such as actual production, supply and demand for oil and
natural gas, curtailments or increases in consumption by natural gas purchasers,
changes in governmental regulations or taxation and the impact of inflation on
costs. Future income tax expense has been reduced for the effect of available
net operating loss carryforwards.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(thousands of dollars)                                                     AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                    2000                      1999
                                                                 -----------              -----------
<S>                                                              <C>                      <C>
Future cash flows                                                $ 2,364,261              $ 1,155,570
Future production costs                                             (204,898)                (184,161)
Future development costs                                             (75,375)                 (78,717)
                                                                 -----------              -----------
Future net cash flows before income taxes                          2,083,988                  892,692
Future taxes on income                                              (607,070)                (189,304)
                                                                 -----------              -----------
Future net cash flows                                              1,476,918                  703,388
Discount to present value at 10 percent per annum                   (484,664)                (178,630)
                                                                 -----------              -----------
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows         $   992,254              $   524,758
                                                                 ===========              ===========
</TABLE>

The average price for natural gas in the above computations was $10.20 and $2.48
per Mcf at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The average price used for
crude oil in the above computations was $26.20 and $25.81 per Bbl at December
31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

                                      -55-
<PAGE>   56

CHANGES IN STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS

The following table sets forth the changes in standardized measure of discounted
future net cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
(thousands of dollars):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -----------------------------------------------
                                                                    2000               1999               1998
                                                                  ---------          ---------          ---------
<S>                                                               <C>                <C>                <C>
Balance at Beginning of Period                                    $ 524,758          $ 293,377          $ 213,917
Sales of oil and gas, net of production costs                      (189,608)          (106,634)           (56,426)
Changes in sales & transfer prices, net of production costs         838,072            248,633            (90,882)
Revisions of previous quantity estimates                           (141,858)            (2,737)           (33,938)
Sales of reserves-in-place                                          (33,291)            (4,753)           (24,219)
Current year discoveries, extensions
   and improved recovery                                            232,674            165,055             63,292
Purchase of reserves-in-place                                          --                6,808            185,119
Changes in estimated future
   development costs                                                (14,341)           (25,887)           (18,139)
Development costs incurred during the period                         35,200             34,478             51,809
Accretion of discount                                                52,476             29,338             21,392
Net change in income taxes                                         (346,097)           (70,882)              --
Change in production rates (timing) and other                        34,269            (42,038)           (18,548)
                                                                  ---------          ---------          ---------
Net change                                                          467,496            231,381             79,460
                                                                  ---------          ---------          ---------
Balance at End of Period                                          $ 992,254          $ 524,758          $ 293,377
                                                                  =========          =========          =========
</TABLE>

                                      -56-
<PAGE>   57

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.


                                    PART III

The information required in Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated by reference
to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2001.

                                      -57-
<PAGE>   58
                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

   (a)     Documents filed as part of this report:

      1.   Financial Statements included in Item 8:

           (i)        Independent Auditor's Report

           (ii)       Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and
                      1999

           (iii)      Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the
                      three years in the period ended December 31, 2000

           (iv)       Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
                      for each of the three years in the period ended December
                      31, 2000

           (v)        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the
                      three years in the period ended December 31, 2000

           (vi)       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

           (vii)      Consolidated Supplemental Oil and Gas Information
                      (Unaudited)

      2.   Financial Statement Schedule:

           (i)        All schedules are omitted as they are not applicable, not
                      required or the required information is included in the
                      consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

      3.   Exhibits:

           2.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 27, 1998, between
                      the Company, LOPI Acquisition Corp., Shell Louisiana
                      Onshore Properties, Inc. and Louisiana Onshore Properties,
                      Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current
                      Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           2.2        Purchase and Sale Agreement dated effective October 1,
                      1997, by and between The Meridian Resource Corporation and
                      Shell Western E&P Inc. (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           3.1        Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
                      the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                      Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the three months ended
                      September 30, 1998).

           3.2        Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated
                      by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
                      10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 1998).

           3.3        Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock dated June
                      30, 1998 (incorporated by reference from the Company's
                      Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           4.1        Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration
                      Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Reg. No. 33-65504)).

          *4.2        Common Stock Purchase Warrant of the Company dated October
                      16, 1990, issued to Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report
                      on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991, as
                      amended by the Company's Form 8 filed March 4, 1993).

                                      -58-
<PAGE>   59
           *4.3       Common Stock Purchase Warrant of the Company dated October
                      16, 1990, issued to Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Annual Report
                      on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991, as
                      amended by the Company's Form 8 filed March 4, 1993).

           *4.4       Registration Rights Agreement dated October 16, 1990,
                      among the Company, Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. and Michael J.
                      Mayell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the
                      Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended
                      (Reg. No. 33- 37488)).

           *4.5       Warrant Agreement dated June 7, 1994, between the Company
                      and Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. (incorporated by reference to
                      Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                      for the quarter ended June 30, 1994).

           *4.6       Warrant Agreement dated June 7, 1994, between the Company
                      and Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by reference to
                      Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                      for the quarter ended June 30, 1994).

           4.7        Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1998,
                      among the Company, the several banks and financial
                      institutions and other entities from time to time parties
                      thereto (the "Lenders"), The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
                      administrative agent for the Lenders, Bankers Trust
                      Company, as syndication agent, Chase Securities Inc., as
                      advisor to the Company, Chase Securities Inc., B. T. Alex.
                      Brown Incorporated, Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. and
                      Credit Lyonnais New York Branch as co-arrangers, and
                      Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. and Credit Lyonnais New
                      York Branch, as co-documentation agents (incorporated by
                      reference from the Company's current report on Form 8-K
                      dated June 30, 1998).

           4.8        Second Amended and Restated Guarantee dated June 30, 1998,
                      between the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Chase
                      Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders
                      (incorporated by reference from the Company's current
                      report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           4.9        Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated May 22, 1998,
                      between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
                      Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's current report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           4.10       First Amendment to Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement
                      dated June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's current report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).


           4.11       Amendment No. 2 dated November 13, 1998 to Amended and
                      Restated Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1998, by and among
                      the Company, The Chase Manhattan Bank as administrative
                      agent, and the various lenders party thereto (incorporated
                      by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
                      10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 1998).

           *4.12      The Meridian Resource Corporation Directors' Stock Option
                      Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the
                      Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year

                                      -59-
<PAGE>   60
                      ended December 31, 1991, as amended by the Company's
                      Form 8 filed March 4, 1993).

             4.13     Registration Rights Agreement dated January 29, 2001, by
                      and between The Meridian Resource Corporation and Shell
                      Louisiana Onshore Properties Inc. (incorporated by
                      reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
                      dated January 29, 2001).

             4.14     Termination Agreement, dated January 29, 2001, by and
                      between the Company and Shell Louisiana Onshore Properties
                      Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current
                      Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2001).

             4.15     Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 29, 2001, to Rights
                      Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1999, by and between the
                      Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Co., as rights
                      agent (incorporated by reference from the Company's
                      Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2001).

            10.1      See exhibits 4.2 through 4.15 for additional material
                      contracts.

           *10.2      The Meridian Resource Corporation 1990 Stock Option Plan
                      (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the
                      Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                      December 31, 1991, as amended by the Company's Form 8
                      filed March 4, 1993).

           *10.3      Employment Agreement dated August 18, 1993, between the
                      Company and Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. (incorporated by
                      reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                      for the year ended December 31, 1995).

           *10.4      Employment Agreement dated August 18, 1993, between the
                      Company and Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by reference
                      from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                      ended December 31, 1995).

           *10.5      Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and
                      its executive officers and directors (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Annual Report
                      on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).

           *10.6      Deferred Compensation agreement dated July 31, 1996,
                      between the Company and Joseph A. Reeves, Jr.
                      (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                      ended September 30, 1996).

           *10.7      Deferred Compensation agreement dated July 31, 1996,
                      between the Company and Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly
                      Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
                      1996).

           *10.8      Texas Meridian Resources Corporation 1995 Long-Term
                      Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31,
                      1996).

           *10.9      Texas Meridian Resources Corporation 1997 Long-Term
                      Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three
                      months ended June 30, 1997).

                                      -60-
<PAGE>   61
           *10.10     Cairn Energy USA, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended
                      (incorporated by reference to Cairn Energy USA, Inc.'s
                      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                      1993).

           *10.11     Cairn Energy USA, Inc. 1993 Directors Stock Option Plan,
                      as amended (incorporated by reference to Cairn Energy USA,
                      Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg.
                      No.33-64646).

           *10.14     Employment Agreement with Lloyd V. DeLano effective
                      November 5, 1997 (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three
                      months ended September 30, 1998).

           *10.15     Employment Agreement with P. Richard Gessinger effective
                      December 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three
                      months ended September 30, 1998).

           *10.16     The Meridian Resource Corporation TMR Employee Trust Well
                      Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's
                      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                      1998).

           *10.17     The Meridian Resource Corporation Management Well Bonus
                      Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

           *10.18     The Meridian Resource Corporation Geoscientist Well Bonus
                      Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

           *10.19     Modification Agreement effective January 2, 1999, by and
                      among the Company and affiliates of Joseph A. Reeves, Jr.
                      (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

           *10.20     Modification Agreement effective January 2, 1999, by and
                      among the Company and affiliates of Michael J. Mayell
                      (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

          **10.21     Subordinated Credit Agreement, dated January 5, 2001,
                      between the Company and Fortis Capital Corporation.

            21.1      Subsidiaries of the Company.

          **23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

          **23.2      Consent of T. J. Smith & Company, Inc.

    * Management contract or compensation plan.

   ** Filed herewith.


   (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

        On October 3, 2000, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated
        September 28, 2000, relating to the offering and sale of 6,021,500
        shares of the Company's Common Stock.

                                      -61-
<PAGE>   62
                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 MERIDIAN RESOURCE CORPORATION

                                BY:  /s/  JOSEPH A. REEVES, JR.
                                     -----------------------------------
                                         Chief Executive Officer
                                      (Principal Executive Officer)
                                   Director and Chairman of the Board

Date:    March 30, 2001

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Name                                Title                            Date
                 ----                                -----                            ----
<S>                                       <C>                                      <C>
BY:  /s/   JOSEPH A. REEVES, JR.            Chief Executive Officer                March 30, 2001
     ----------------------------        (Principal Executive Officer)
           Joseph A. Reeves, Jr.              Director and Chairman
                                                  of the Board



BY:  /s/  MICHAEL J. MAYELL           President and Director                       March 30, 2001
     ----------------------------
          Michael J. Mayell


BY: /s/   P. RICHARD GESSINGER        Chief Financial Officer                      March 30, 2001
    -----------------------------
          P. Richard Gessinger


BY: /s/    LLOYD V. DELANO            Chief Accounting Officer                     March 30, 2001
    -----------------------------
           Lloyd V. DeLano


BY: /s/     JAMES T. BOND                     Director                             March 30, 2001
    -----------------------------
            James T. Bond


BY: /s/     JOE E. KARES                      Director                             March 30, 2001
    -----------------------------
            Joe E. Kares


BY: /s/  GARY A. MESSERSMITH                  Director                             March 30, 2001
    -----------------------------
         Gary A. Messersmith
</TABLE>

                                      -62-
<PAGE>   63
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

        EXHIBIT NO.                        DESCRIPTION
        ----------                         -----------

           2.1        Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 27, 1998, between
                      the Company, LOPI Acquisition Corp., Shell Louisiana
                      Onshore Properties, Inc. and Louisiana Onshore Properties,
                      Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current
                      Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           2.2        Purchase and Sale Agreement dated effective October 1,
                      1997, by and between The Meridian Resource Corporation and
                      Shell Western E&P Inc. (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           3.1        Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
                      the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                      Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the three months ended
                      September 30, 1998).

           3.2        Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated
                      by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
                      10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 1998).

           3.3        Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock dated June
                      30, 1998 (incorporated by reference from the Company's
                      Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           4.1        Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration
                      Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Reg. No. 33-65504)).

          *4.2        Common Stock Purchase Warrant of the Company dated October
                      16, 1990, issued to Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report
                      on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991, as
                      amended by the Company's Form 8 filed March 4, 1993).

<PAGE>   64
           *4.3       Common Stock Purchase Warrant of the Company dated October
                      16, 1990, issued to Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Annual Report
                      on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991, as
                      amended by the Company's Form 8 filed March 4, 1993).

           *4.4       Registration Rights Agreement dated October 16, 1990,
                      among the Company, Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. and Michael J.
                      Mayell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the
                      Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended
                      (Reg. No. 33- 37488)).

           *4.5       Warrant Agreement dated June 7, 1994, between the Company
                      and Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. (incorporated by reference to
                      Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                      for the quarter ended June 30, 1994).

           *4.6       Warrant Agreement dated June 7, 1994, between the Company
                      and Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by reference to
                      Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                      for the quarter ended June 30, 1994).

           4.7        Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1998,
                      among the Company, the several banks and financial
                      institutions and other entities from time to time parties
                      thereto (the "Lenders"), The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
                      administrative agent for the Lenders, Bankers Trust
                      Company, as syndication agent, Chase Securities Inc., as
                      advisor to the Company, Chase Securities Inc., B. T. Alex.
                      Brown Incorporated, Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. and
                      Credit Lyonnais New York Branch as co-arrangers, and
                      Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. and Credit Lyonnais New
                      York Branch, as co-documentation agents (incorporated by
                      reference from the Company's current report on Form 8-K
                      dated June 30, 1998).

           4.8        Second Amended and Restated Guarantee dated June 30, 1998,
                      between the Guarantors signatory thereto and The Chase
                      Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders
                      (incorporated by reference from the Company's current
                      report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           4.9        Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated May 22, 1998,
                      between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
                      Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's current report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).

           4.10       First Amendment to Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement
                      dated June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's current report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1998).


           4.11       Amendment No. 2 dated November 13, 1998 to Amended and
                      Restated Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1998, by and among
                      the Company, The Chase Manhattan Bank as administrative
                      agent, and the various lenders party thereto (incorporated
                      by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
                      10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 1998).

           *4.12      The Meridian Resource Corporation Directors' Stock Option
                      Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the
                      Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year

<PAGE>   65
                      ended December 31, 1991, as amended by the Company's
                      Form 8 filed March 4, 1993).

             4.13     Registration Rights Agreement dated January 29, 2001, by
                      and between The Meridian Resource Corporation and Shell
                      Louisiana Onshore Properties Inc. (incorporated by
                      reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
                      dated January 29, 2001).

             4.14     Termination Agreement, dated January 29, 2001, by and
                      between the Company and Shell Louisiana Onshore Properties
                      Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current
                      Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2001).

             4.15     Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 29, 2001, to Rights
                      Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1999, by and between the
                      Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Co., as rights
                      agent (incorporated by reference from the Company's
                      Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2001).

            10.1      See exhibits 4.2 through 4.15 for additional material
                      contracts.

           *10.2      The Meridian Resource Corporation 1990 Stock Option Plan
                      (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the
                      Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                      December 31, 1991, as amended by the Company's Form 8
                      filed March 4, 1993).

           *10.3      Employment Agreement dated August 18, 1993, between the
                      Company and Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. (incorporated by
                      reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
                      for the year ended December 31, 1995).

           *10.4      Employment Agreement dated August 18, 1993, between the
                      Company and Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by reference
                      from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                      ended December 31, 1995).

           *10.5      Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and
                      its executive officers and directors (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Annual Report
                      on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).

           *10.6      Deferred Compensation agreement dated July 31, 1996,
                      between the Company and Joseph A. Reeves, Jr.
                      (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                      ended September 30, 1996).

           *10.7      Deferred Compensation agreement dated July 31, 1996,
                      between the Company and Michael J. Mayell (incorporated by
                      reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly
                      Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
                      1996).

           *10.8      Texas Meridian Resources Corporation 1995 Long-Term
                      Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31,
                      1996).

           *10.9      Texas Meridian Resources Corporation 1997 Long-Term
                      Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three
                      months ended June 30, 1997).
<PAGE>   66
           *10.10     Cairn Energy USA, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended
                      (incorporated by reference to Cairn Energy USA, Inc.'s
                      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                      1993).

           *10.11     Cairn Energy USA, Inc. 1993 Directors Stock Option Plan,
                      as amended (incorporated by reference to Cairn Energy USA,
                      Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg.
                      No.33-64646).

           *10.14     Employment Agreement with Lloyd V. DeLano effective
                      November 5, 1997 (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three
                      months ended September 30, 1998).

           *10.15     Employment Agreement with P. Richard Gessinger effective
                      December 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference from the
                      Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three
                      months ended September 30, 1998).

           *10.16     The Meridian Resource Corporation TMR Employee Trust Well
                      Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's
                      Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                      1998).

           *10.17     The Meridian Resource Corporation Management Well Bonus
                      Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

           *10.18     The Meridian Resource Corporation Geoscientist Well Bonus
                      Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

           *10.19     Modification Agreement effective January 2, 1999, by and
                      among the Company and affiliates of Joseph A. Reeves, Jr.
                      (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

           *10.20     Modification Agreement effective January 2, 1999, by and
                      among the Company and affiliates of Michael J. Mayell
                      (incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
                      Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).

          **10.21     Subordinated Credit Agreement, dated January 5, 2001,
                      between the Company and Fortis Capital Corporation.

            21.1      Subsidiaries of the Company.

          **23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

          **23.2      Consent of T. J. Smith & Company, Inc.

    * Management contract or compensation plan.

   ** Filed herewith.