C. K. Cooper & Company Initiates Coverage on Meridian Resource Corporation With a Long-Term, Short-Term: Buy

C. K. Cooper & Company Initiates Coverage on Meridian Resource Corporation With
a Long-Term, Short-Term: Buy 


IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 12  /PRNewswire/ -- C. K. Cooper & Company initiates
coverage of Meridian Resource Corporation  with a long-term and short-term buy
rating.  After careful review, we find the story at Meridian Resources very
exciting.  Recent success at the Company's 400,000 contiguous acre position in
the Biloxi Marshlands sets the stage for several years of drilling inventory
specifically focused on natural gas.  These stratographic prospects are an ideal
play for the Company providing the proper mix of risk and reward.

Philip J. McPherson, Associate Director commented, "So far this year Meridian
has a 100% success rate, drilling 5 for 5 in their Biloxi Marshlands play.  The
economic returns on these wells are astonishing and provide the necessary
catalyst for the company's exploration program for several years. This first set
of successes will allow the Company to capitalize on the high commodity price
environment that we are currently experiencing in the United States."

Meridian Resources Corporation closed Tuesday at $4.46 per share.

C. K. Cooper & Company's clients may view this report by visiting:
http://www.ckcooper.com/ .  C. K. Cooper & Company will host a Conference Call
on Today, November 12, 2003 at 8:30 AM pacific standard time to review this
report.  Clients may participant in this Conference Call by contacting their
sales representative to obtain Conference Call information.

  For more information, please contact:

   Hue Lapham
   Research Assistant
   C. K. Cooper & Company                   Telephone:  [phone]
   18300 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 440       Facsimile:  [phone]
   Irvine, California 92612                 E-Mail: 



C. K. Cooper & Company is an investment banking/brokerage boutique that
specializes in the energy sector with an emphasis on exploration and production
companies.

Additional information on the securities mentioned in this report is available
upon request.  This report is based on data obtained from sources we believe to
be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and does not purport to be
complete.  Because of individual client objectives, this report should not be
construed as advice designed to meet the particular investment needs of any
investor.  Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change.

This report is not to be construed as an offer or the solicitation of an offer
to buy or sell the securities herein mentioned.  From time to time, this firm,
its affiliated entities and/or their respective directors, officers, employees
or members of their immediate families may have long or short positions in the
securities mentioned in this report.  These securities may be sold to or
purchased from customers or otherwise by this firm, its affiliated entities,
and/or its directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate
families, as principle or agent.

C.K. Cooper & Company is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, CRD number 106578. 

DATASOURCE: C.K. Cooper & Company



CONTACT:  Hue Lapham, Research Assistant of C. K. Cooper & Company,

[phone], or fax, [phone],  



Web site:  http://www.ckcooper.com/ 

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