Form 8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934

November 3, 2004
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported)

STONE ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware
1-12074
72-1235413
(State of Other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)
(Commission File
Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

625 E. Kaliste Saloom Road
Lafayette, Louisiana

70508
(Address of Principal Executive Officer) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (337) 237-0410


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 






Section 2  —  Financial Information
Item 2.02   Results of Operations and Financial Condition

        On November 3, 2004, we issued a press release with respect to our quarterly earnings for the third quarter of 2004. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein. The press release contains a measure (discussed below) that may be deemed a non-GAAP financial measure as defined in Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The most directly comparable generally accepted accounting principle (GAAP) financial measure and information reconciling the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measure is also included in the press release.

        In the press release, we refer to a non-GAAP financial measure we call discretionary cash flow. Management believes this measure is a financial indicator of our company’s ability to internally fund capital expenditures and service debt. Management also believes this non-GAAP financial measure of cash flow is useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional research analysts in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies within the oil and gas exploration and production industry. Many investors use the published research of these analysts in making their investment decisions. Discretionary cash flow should not be considered an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities or net income, as defined by GAAP.

        In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the foregoing information, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information and Exhibit be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.



Section 9  —  Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01   Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c) Exhibits.
 
Exhibit
Number
        Description
 
99.1   Press Release dated November 3, 2004, "Stone Energy Announces Third Quarter 2004 Results"







SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Stone Energy Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

  STONE ENERGY CORPORATION


Date: November 4, 2004 By:                           /s/ James H. Prince          
  James H. Prince
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer











EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
        Description
 
99.1   Press Release dated November 3, 2004, "Stone Energy Announces Third Quarter 2004 Results"