SD SandRidge Energy Inc

A Message from the Board of Directors

To Our Stockholders,

You are cordially invited to the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of SandRidge Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) which will be held at The Renaissance Oklahoma City Downtown Bricktown Hotel—Warehouse Room (2nd Floor), 100 East Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, on June 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., central time.

The formal Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, which are contained in the following pages, outline the actions that will, or may, be taken by stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

Your vote is important, and we encourage you to vote even if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting. You may vote by internet or by telephone using the instructions on the Notice of Annual Meeting or by signing and returning the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided for your convenience. You may also attend and vote at the Annual Meeting.

On behalf of the Board and management, we sincerely appreciate your continued support.

For the Board of Directors,

If you have any questions or require any assistance with respect to voting your shares, please contact the Company’s proxy solicitor at the contact listed below:

HKL & Co., LLC

3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Call Toll-Free (844) 218-8384

Email: SandRidge@hklco.com

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of SandRidge Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “SandRidge”), will be held at The Renaissance Oklahoma City Downtown Bricktown Hotel—Warehouse Room (2nd Floor), 100 East Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, on June 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., central time, with respect to the proposals described below:

The Annual Meeting may be adjourned from time to time. At any adjourned meeting, action with respect to the matters specified in this notice may be taken without further notice to stockholders, unless required by applicable law or the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”).

Stockholders of record of shares of our common stock at the close of business on April 24, 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A list of our stockholders as of the close of business on the Record Date will be available at the Annual Meeting and at, by appointment, the Company’s corporate office, 1 East Sheridan, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, for the ten days prior to the Annual Meeting.

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Please sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, or grant a proxy and give voting instructions by telephone or the internet, so that you may be represented at the Annual Meeting. Instructions are on your proxy card or on the voting instruction form provided by your broker.

Brokers have the authority under NYSE rules to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on routine matters. The matters herein are not considered routine, and brokers cannot vote shares without instruction on those matters. Shares that brokers are not authorized to vote on non-routine matters are counted as “broker non-votes”.

The Proxy Statement provides a detailed description of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting. We urge you to read the Proxy Statement, including any documents incorporated by reference, carefully and in their entirety.

If you have any questions concerning the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting, would like additional copies of the Proxy Statement, or need help submitting a proxy for your shares, please contact HKL & Co., LLC, the Company’s proxy solicitor:

HKL & Co., LLC

3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Call Toll-Free (844) 218-8384

Email: SandRidge@hklco.com

Solicitation of Proxies

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of SandRidge Energy, Inc. for use at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or the Annual Meeting, to be held at The Renaissance Oklahoma City Downtown Bricktown Hotel—Warehouse Room (2nd Floor), 100 East Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, on June 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., central time or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. In this Proxy Statement, unless the context requires otherwise, when we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “SandRidge” or the “Company,” we are describing SandRidge Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and when we refer to the “Board,” we are describing the Company’s Board. We refer to holders of common stock as of April 24, 2024, or the Record Date, as “stockholders.” Proxies are solicited to give all stockholders an opportunity to vote on matters properly presented at the Annual Meeting.

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Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting

Why am I receiving this Proxy Statement?

The Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at our Annual Meeting because you owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on April 24, 2024, or the Record Date, and, therefore, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, the Company asks you to vote on four proposals:

How does the Board recommend I vote on the proposals?

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote as follows:

The Company reminds stockholders that only the most recently dated proxy card voting instructions will be counted and any prior dated proxy card or voting instructions form will be disregarded.

When and where is the meeting?

Who is soliciting my vote?

The Board, on behalf of the Company, is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares of our common stock on all matters before the Annual Meeting, whether or not you attend in person. By completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card or voting instruction form, or by submitting your proxy and voting instructions by telephone or via the internet, you are authorizing the persons named as proxies to vote your shares of our common stock at the Annual Meeting as you have instructed. Proxies will be solicited on behalf of the Board by the Company’s directors, director nominees and certain executive officers and other employees of the Company.

Additionally, the Company has retained HKL & Co., LLC, a proxy solicitation firm, which may solicit proxies on the Board’s behalf. You may also be solicited by advertisements in periodicals, press releases issued by us and postings on our corporate website or other websites. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, information contained on our corporate website is not part of this Proxy Statement. In addition, none of the information on the other websites, if any, listed in this Proxy Statement is part of this Proxy Statement.

Why is the Board making such recommendation?

We describe each proposal and the Board’s reason for its recommendation with respect to each proposal elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. On April 24, 2024, there were 37,125,450 shares of our common stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote, including unvested shares of restricted stock issued to our directors, executive officers and employees.

How do I vote my shares?

The process for voting your shares depends on how your shares are held. Generally, you may hold shares in your name as a “record holder” or in “street name” through a nominee, such as a broker or bank.

If you hold shares in your name as a “record holder,” you can vote either in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting. To vote by proxy, you must either:

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Please note that telephone and internet voting will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 11, 2024.

If you are a record holder and wish to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the Annual Meeting. Please note that you may vote by proxy prior to June 12, 2024 and still attend the Annual Meeting. Even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we recommend that you also submit your proxy as described above so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee (as is the case when you hold shares in a brokerage account), you should receive separate instructions from the record holder of your shares describing how to vote. Please instruct your broker how to vote your shares using the voting instruction form you receive from your broker. Please return your completed proxy card or voting instruction form to your broker and contact the person responsible for your account so that your vote can be counted. If your broker permits you to provide voting instructions by internet or by telephone, you may vote that way as well.

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee and you want to vote in person, you will need to obtain and bring with you to the Annual Meeting a legal proxy from the record holder of your shares as of the close of business on April 24, 2024, indicating that you were a beneficial owner of shares as of the close of business on such date and further indicating the number of shares that you beneficially owned at that time.

What is a quorum?

A quorum is the presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the Record Date. There must be a quorum for the Annual Meeting to be held. If you submit a valid proxy card, vote by telephone or the internet, or attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, your shares will be counted as present to determine whether there is a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum.

What happens if I do not submit voting instructions for a proposal? What is discretionary voting? What is a broker non-vote?

If you properly complete, sign, date and return a proxy card or voting instruction form, your shares of common stock will be voted as you specify. If you are a stockholder of record and you sign and return a proxy card, but make no specifications on such proxy card, your shares of common stock will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of our Board, as provided above. If you own your shares in “street name” and you do not provide voting instructions to your bank, broker, trustee or other nominee holding shares of common stock for you, your shares of common stock will not be voted with respect to any proposal for which the stockholder of record does not have discretionary authority to vote. If a proposal is determined to be routine, your bank, broker, trustee or other nominee is permitted to vote on the proposal without receiving voting instructions from you. If a proposal is determined to be non-routine, your bank, broker, trustee or other nominee is not permitted to vote on the proposal without receiving voting instructions from you. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a bank, broker, trustee or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner returns a valid proxy voting shares as instructed and/or within its discretion on one proposal, but does not vote on another proposal because it does not have discretionary authority to vote on the matter and has not received voting instructions from the stockholder for whom it is holding shares. In such cases, the shares voting on the first proposal, which are not voted on the second proposal, constitute a broker non-vote on the second proposal.

What is the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes?

Abstentions and broker “non-votes” will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. Abstentions may be specified on all proposals and, with the exception of the election of a director, will have the same effect as a vote against such proposal.

A broker non-vote occurs when the broker is unable to vote on a proposal because the proposal is not routine and the stockholder who owns the shares in “street name” has not provided any voting instructions to the broker on that matter. NYSE rules determine whether proposals are routine or not routine. If a proposal is routine, a broker holding shares for an owner in street name may vote for the proposal without voting instructions. If a proposal is not routine, the broker may vote on the proposal only if the owner has provided voting instructions. If a broker does not receive voting instructions for a non-routine proposal, the broker will return a proxy card without a vote on that proposal, which is usually referred to as a “broker non-vote.” Neither the election of directors, nor the advisory vote on named executive officer compensation, are considered routine under applicable NYSE rules. Accordingly, broker non-votes on these non-routine matters will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum, but will not be counted in the tabulations of the votes cast or present at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on any of the proposals and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the proposals.

If I have already voted by proxy on the proposals, can I still change my mind?

Yes. If you are a stockholder of record, you can revoke your proxy before it is counted by (1) sending written notice of revocation that is dated later than the date of your proxy to Chief Financial Officer, SandRidge Energy, Inc., 1 East Sheridan, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 that we receive no later than June 11, 2024, (2) timely delivering or submitting a valid, later-dated proxy that we receive no later than the conclusion of voting at the Annual Meeting, (3) voting again by telephone or through the internet, or (4) if you are present at the Annual Meeting and either vote in person or notify the Chief Financial Officer in writing at the Annual Meeting of your wish to revoke your proxy. Your attendance alone at the Annual Meeting will not be enough to revoke your proxy.

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If you own shares of our common stock in “street name,” you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other nominee within the time provided to you by your bank, broker or other nominee. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee which holds your shares in street name.

What vote is required to approve the election of directors?

As described in the Company’s Bylaws, a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting must be cast “FOR” the election of a director nominee in order for such director to be elected to our Board. In the election of directors, you may either vote “FOR” a nominee, “AGAINST” a nominee or “ABSTAIN” from voting. You may not cumulate your votes in the election of directors. If you “ABSTAIN” from voting with respect to one or more director nominees, your vote will have no effect on the election of such nominees.

What vote is required to ratify the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm?

A majority of votes cast on the proposal must be cast “FOR” the proposal in order for it to be approved at the Annual Meeting. In voting on the ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” from voting. Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted as votes cast. For the reasons described herein, the Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

What vote is required to approve the Advisory Vote on Compensation?

A majority of votes cast on the proposal must be cast “FOR” the proposal in order for it to be approved at the Annual Meeting. In voting on the Advisory Vote on Compensation, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” from voting. Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted as votes cast. For the reasons described herein, the Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

What vote is required to approve the Extension of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan?

A majority of votes cast on the proposal must be cast “FOR” the proposal in order for it to be approved at the Annual Meeting. In voting on the Extension of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” from voting. Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted as votes cast. For the reasons described herein, the Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

How many votes do I have?

Stockholders are entitled to one vote per proposal for each share of our common stock owned as of the close of business on the Record Date. All votes will be tabulated by an inspector of election appointed by the Company for the Annual Meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes and abstentions in accordance with Delaware law.

How will my shares of common stock be voted?

The shares of our common stock represented by any proxy card which is properly executed and received by the Company prior to or at the Annual Meeting will be voted in accordance with the specifications you make thereon. Where a choice has been specified on the proxy card with respect to the proposal, the shares represented by the proxy card will be voted in accordance with the specifications. If you return a validly executed proxy card without indicating how your shares should be voted on a matter and you do not revoke your proxy, your proxy will be voted FOR the election of the five director nominees recommended by the Board (Proposal 1); FOR the ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton as our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 2); FOR the Advisory Vote on 2023 compensation (Proposal 3); and FOR the Extension of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (Proposal 4).

May I propose actions for consideration at next year’s annual meeting of stockholders or nominate individuals to serve as directors?

You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings, including director nominations. In order for a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for next year’s annual meeting, the written proposal must be received by us no later than December 30, 2024, and must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For a stockholder proposal, including a director nomination, to be considered at next year’s annual meeting but not included in the proxy statement relating to such meeting, the written proposal must be received by us no earlier than March 14, 2025, nor later than the close of business on April 13, 2025. In addition to satisfying the foregoing advance notice requirements under our Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders wishing to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than April 13, 2025. Please see “General Information—Stockholder Proposals and Nominations” for a more detailed discussion of the requirements for submitting a stockholder proposal for consideration at next year’s annual meeting.

What if I do not mark a voting choice for some of the matters listed on my proxy card?

Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

We do not expect any matters to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than the matters described in this Proxy Statement. However, by signing, dating and returning a proxy card or submitting your proxy or voting instructions by telephone or via the internet, you will give to the persons named as proxies discretionary voting authority with respect to any matter that may

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properly come before the Annual Meeting, and of which we did not have notice at least 60 days before the anniversary date of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or by April 15, 2024, which is the date specified by the advance notice provisions set forth in our Bylaws, and such persons named as proxies intend to vote on any such other matter in accordance with their best judgment. As of April 15, 2024, we had not received any proposals to discuss for action at the Annual Meeting, and, as a result, only the matters described in this Proxy Statement will be discussed at the Annual Meeting.

What happens if the Annual Meeting is postponed or adjourned?

If the Annual Meeting is postponed or adjourned, your proxy will still be good and may be voted at the postponed or adjourned meeting. You will still be able to change or revoke your proxy until it is voted.

What do I need for admission to the Annual Meeting?

Attendance at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof will be limited to record and beneficial stockholders as of the Record Date, individuals holding a valid proxy from a record holder, and other persons authorized by the Company. If you are a stockholder of record, your name will be verified against the list of stockholders of record prior to your admittance to the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. You should be prepared to present photo identification for admission. If you hold your shares in street name, you will need to provide proof of beneficial ownership on the Record Date, such as a brokerage account statement showing that you owned our stock as of the Record Date, a copy of a voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank or other nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership as of the Record Date, as well as your government-issued photo identification, for admission. If you do not provide government-issued photo identification or comply with the other procedures described above upon request, you will not be admitted to the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. For security reasons, you and your bags will be subject to search prior to your admittance to the Annual Meeting. We will not be able to admit anyone who refuses to comply with our rules of conduct for the Annual Meeting. These rules provide, among other things, that no cameras, recording equipment, electronic devices, large bags or packages will be permitted at the Annual Meeting. You are encouraged to submit a proxy to have your shares voted regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

Whom should I call if I have questions about the Annual Meeting?

We have retained HKL & Co., LLC to aid in the solicitation of proxies. As consideration for these services, HKL & Co., LLC will be paid a fee estimated to be $35,000 plus reimbursement of customary disbursements and expenses. The Company will pay for the costs of soliciting proxies. If you have any questions or require any assistance with voting your shares, or if you need additional copies of the proxy materials, please contact:

HKL & Co., LLC

3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Call Toll-Free (844) 218-8384

Email: SandRidge@hklco.com

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS VOTING FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE BOARD’S NOMINEES, FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF GRANT THORNTON LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, FOR THE ADVISORY VOTE ON 2023 COMPENSATION, AND FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE TAX BENEFITS PRESERVATION PLAN.

Casting Your Vote

Your vote is important, and we urge you to vote in advance of the Annual Meeting using one of the methods below.

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Board and Governance Matters

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

BOARD NOMINEES

The Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board have determined to nominate Messrs. Firestone, Frates, Lipinski, Read and Ms. Dunlap to serve on the Board at the Annual Meeting. The Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board believe the nominees possess the qualities desirable in individual directors and contribute to the skills and experiences desired for the Board as a whole. If elected, each nominee would serve a term expiring at the close of our 2025 annual meeting or until his or her successor is duly elected.

Our Board contemplates that each of the nominees will be able to serve if elected. Each of the Board’s nominees has consented to serve as a nominee, to serve as a director if elected and to be named as a nominee in this Proxy Statement. However, if at the time of the Annual Meeting, a nominee becomes unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, the discretionary authority provided in the proxies solicited by the Board may be used to vote for a substitute or substitutes who may be recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee and whom the Board may propose to replace such nominee. The Board has no reason to believe that any substitute nominee or nominees will be required.

VOTE REQUIRED

Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote for each of the five director seats to be filled at the Annual Meeting and will be given the option of voting “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” in respect of each nominee. Cumulative voting is not permitted. It is the intention of the proxy holders named in the enclosed proxy to vote the proxies received by them “FOR” the election of the five Board nominees named herein unless the proxies direct otherwise. If any of the Board nominees should be unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, your proxy will be voted for such substitute nominee(s) as the holders of your proxy, acting in their discretion, may determine.

Under our Bylaws, we have implemented a majority-vote policy for uncontested director elections. If a non-incumbent director nominee receives a greater number of votes “AGAINST” that nominee’s election than “FOR” that nominee’s election, the nominee will not be elected a director. If the number of votes “AGAINST” an incumbent director’s election exceeds the number of votes “FOR” such director, the incumbent nominee must promptly comply with the resignation procedures outlined in the Company’s Bylaws and Corporate Governance Principles. Brokers do not have discretionary authority to vote on the election of directors. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the election of directors.

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DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders are being asked to reelect Messrs. Firestone, Frates, Lipinski, Read and Ms. Dunlap. The Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR each of the nominees named above.

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Director Nomination and Board Composition

At each annual meeting of stockholders, the stockholders will elect a successor to each director, or re-elect each such director, with each successor or re-elected director to serve from the time of election until the next annual meeting following election. Our Bylaws provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed by resolution duly adopted by the Board. Vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if such number is less than a majority of the authorized number of directors.

We continually seek to prioritize opportunities for the appointment of qualified candidates to increase diversity on our Board. Our efforts have resulted in increasing gender diversity on our Board with the addition of Ms. Nancy Dunlap in October 2022, who brings to our team strong business and leadership experience in the energy, financial and government sectors.

Our Board currently consists of five directors. The Board has determined to nominate Messrs. Firestone, Frates, Lipinski, Read, and Ms. Dunlap for election to the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee may evaluate new director candidates in the near future and, when making a decision, will take into account Board diversity.

The Nominating and Governance Committee has the responsibility under its charter to recommend nominees for election to the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee equally considers candidates for the Board recommended from any reasonable source, including from any search firm engaged by the committee or from stockholders, provided the procedures set forth below are followed by stockholders who want to make recommendations to the committee.

Stockholder-Nominated Director Candidates

The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider stockholder recommendations that are received by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer at 1 East Sheridan, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 by December 31 of the year preceding the meeting for which the nomination is made.

A stockholder recommendation should set forth (i) the name and address of and number of shares of common stock owned by the recommending stockholder, (ii) information relating to the recommended candidate that would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for the election of the candidate pursuant to Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (iii) a description of all agreements related to the nomination among the recommending stockholder, recommended candidate or other persons, and (iv) such other information and disclosures required under Section 2.9 of our Bylaws.

In addition to making recommendations of director nominees to the Nominating and Governance Committee, stockholders may make director nominations or proposals at any annual meeting of the stockholders, provided they comply with the requirements set forth in our Bylaws and, for their nominations and proposals to be included in a proxy statement delivered by us, with Schedule 14A of the Exchange Act. See “General Information—Stockholder Proposals and Nominations” below.

Director Qualifications

We believe a diverse set of skills and experiences is necessary to bring unique and complementary perspectives to Board deliberations and the oversight of the Company’s affairs. In evaluating the Board’s composition and in identifying, evaluating and recommending director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers the diversity of skills and experiences present among the current members of the Board and the entirety of a candidate’s credentials, including relevant skills and experience, independence under applicable SEC and NYSE standards, business judgment, service on the boards of directors of other companies, personal and professional integrity, openness and ability to work as part of a team, congeniality with other Board members, willingness to commit the required time to serve as a Board member, and familiarity with the Company and its industry. In recommending director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee will also consider diversity as an important factor in evaluating how a candidate’s skills and experiences complement those of the current Board, but the Committee has not adopted a formal policy with respect to Board diversity.

The Board believes that each of its directors understands fully the responsibilities of service as a director and the governance requirements applicable to public companies resulting from the orientation and ongoing education provided by the Company’s general counsel and their service on the boards of directors of other public companies.

The Nominating and Governance Committee, in recommending director candidates, considers diversity based on the extent to which a candidate’s skills and experiences in the areas described above differ from those of the other members of the Board. A candidate is nominated only if the Nominating and Governance Committee believes the combination of the candidate’s skills and experiences will bring a unique and complementary perspective to Board deliberations and the oversight of the Company’s affairs.

Board Size

The Nominating and Governance Committee periodically evaluates whether the Board’s size provides for sufficient capacity and diversity of skills and experience to effectively oversee the Company. Pursuant to the Company’s Bylaws, the Board has discretion to increase or decrease the maximum number of directors who may serve on the Board.

Director Independence

The Board has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Firestone, Frates, Lipinski, Read and Ms. Dunlap have no material relationships with the Company. The Board has further affirmatively determined that for purposes of the NYSE listing standards, each member of the board standing for election at the Annual Meeting is independent. In making these determinations, the Board

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considered all relevant facts and circumstances that could affect such person’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Please see “—Related Party Transactions” for a more detailed discussion. The Board additionally has determined that all Audit Committee members meet the independence requirements for Audit Committee members set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and as set forth in the 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and that all members of the Compensation Committee meet the independence requirements for compensation committee members set forth in the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

The Board’s Role and Responsibilities

The Board is elected by our stockholders to oversee their interests in the long-term financial and operational health of our business. The Board serves as the ultimate decision-making body, except for those matters reserved to or shared with stockholders. The Board selects and oversees the members of senior management, who are charged by the Board with conducting our business.

Leadership Structure

Our Board is led by Jonathan Frates, an independent director and Chairperson of the Board (the “Board Chair”). The Board has carefully considered our leadership structure and believes that, at this time, the interests of the Company and its stockholders are best served by having the positions of Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer filled by different individuals. This allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus on the Company’s day-to-day operations while allowing the Board Chair to lead the Board in providing guidance and oversight to management. We believe that Mr. Frates’ extensive leadership experience and financial background across a wide range of industries in both the public and private sector qualifies him for his role as Board Chair. Our Board regularly reviews its leadership structure to assess whether to separate or combine the roles of Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer based on the facts and circumstances relevant to the Company at the time, and the Board retains flexibility to determine the appropriate leadership structure for the Company based on such facts and circumstances. The Board welcomes and takes under consideration any input received from our stockholders regarding the Board’s leadership structure and informs stockholders of any change in the Board’s leadership structure by updates to our corporate website and disclosures in our annual proxy statements.

Under the Company’s governance policies, our Board Chair has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors, including meetings of the Compensation and Nominating & Governance Committees. The Board Chair presides over and establishes the agenda at such meetings. Along with other members and committees of the Board, the Board Chair is also tasked to review the annual performance of the Board’s committees as well as areas of key risk to the Company.

The Board believes that the management speaks for the Company. Pursuant to the Board’s policies on communications, individual directors, including the Board Chair, are not authorized to meet or otherwise communicate with stockholders, research analysts, vendors, the press or other external constituencies on behalf of the Company unless the communication (a) is requested by the Board Chair, the Chief Executive Officer or the full Board or (b) is required to discharge his or her duties as set forth in the applicable committee charter.

The Board is committed to independent leadership and believes that objective oversight of management performance is a critical aspect of effective corporate governance. All members of our Board are independent under standards set forth by NYSE listing standards, and only independent directors serve on the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating & Governance Committee, each of which is supported by an appropriate charter and may hold executive sessions without management present. Additionally, each member of the Board has access to the Company’s books, records and reports, and members of management are available at all times to answer their questions.

The Nominating & Governance Committee, which consists entirely of independent directors, also periodically examines our Board’s leadership structure, as well as other governance practices, and conducts an annual assessment of the Board’s and each committee’s effectiveness. The Nominating & Governance Committee has determined that the present leadership structure is effective and appropriate.

As a result of its committee system and composition of entirely independent directors, the Board believes it maintains effective oversight of our business operations, including independent oversight of our financial statements, executive compensation, selection of director candidates and corporate governance programs, and Board evaluation. We believe that the leadership structure of the Board, including the independent committees of the Board, is appropriate and enhances the Board’s ability to effectively carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalf of our stockholders. Further, we believe that Mr. Pranin’s role as Chief Executive Officer, combined with Mr. Frates’ role as an independent Board Chair, results in effective and robust governance, creating strong accountability while enhancing our ability to communicate our message and strategy clearly and consistently to stockholders.

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Board’s and Audit Committee’s Role in Risk Oversight

One of the key functions of the Board is informed oversight of our risk management process. The Board’s oversight of the material risks faced by the Company occurs directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of the Board that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight.

In particular, the Board and the Audit Committee are generally responsible for overseeing management of the various operational, financial, accounting, legal and human resources-related risks faced by the Company. The Board and/or the Audit Committee fulfills this responsibility by requesting and reviewing reports and presentations from management regarding its business strategies, financial and operating forecasts, and specific risks, including, among other things: risks with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and production; the volatility of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquid (“NGL”) prices; reserve engineering; the maintenance of oil and natural gas leases; the concentration of the Company’s operations and assets; environmental, health, safety and regulatory matters; information technology; cybersecurity; insurance coverage; physical security of assets; the creditworthiness of counterparties; the Company’s liquidity status with respect to applicable financial covenants; public disclosures; litigation and governance matters; and compensation-related risks. For more information on the Board’s management of risk related to cybersecurity, please see our disclosures under Item 1C. Cybersecurity of our Annual Report. The Board and/or the Audit Committee also periodically reviews the Company’s derivative trading strategy, which is intended to mitigate risks associated with changes in commodities prices. In addition, the Audit Committee oversees the implementation and effectiveness of the Company’s compliance program, and reviews specific financial and legal matters as requested by the full Board from time to time. The senior executives periodically report to the Audit Committee and the Board on other operational, financial, legal, and human resources-related risks as they may arise from time to time.

Further, the Compensation Committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs create risks or encourage conduct that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. The Nominating & Governance Committee is additionally responsible for identifying risks associated with, and, as needed, implementing risk management plans and policies for, leadership succession, with approval from the Board. The Board and its committees further oversee additional risks including, as appropriate and without limitation, business, industry, economic, safety, cybersecurity, and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) risks.

The Board, or the appropriate committee, assesses existing and significant emerging risks on an ongoing basis as they arise. While the Board applies similar oversight standards to all material risks facing the company, focusing more frequently on the areas that represent more immediate risks, individual risks generally differ in duration and severity, and timeframes required for effective mitigation may vary greatly or change over time as risk environments evolve. Thus, the Board may adjust its oversight strategy on a case-by-case basis, as appropriate.

We believe that our approach to risk oversight, as described above, optimizes our ability to assess relationships among the various risks, make informed cost-benefit decisions, and approach emerging risks in a proactive manner for the Company. We also believe that our risk structure complements our current Board leadership structure, as it allows our non-management directors, through its three fully independent Board committees, as well as Mr. Frates as independent Board Chair, to exercise effective oversight of the actions of management in identifying risks and implementing effective risk management policies and controls.

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Committees of the Board of Directors

The Board has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee. Members of each committee are elected by the Board and serve until their successors are elected and qualified. The charters of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Compensation Committee can be found in the corporate governance section of our website at http://www.sandridgeenergy.com.

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Director Attendance at Meetings of the Board of Directors and Stockholder Meetings

The Board held 20 regular and special meetings in 2023 and each of the incumbent directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and the respective committees on which he or she served during his or her time of service. During 2023, our independent directors met in an executive session, as necessary, at regularly scheduled Board meetings. Our Chairman of the Board presided at each such meeting.

Subject to the Board’s policies on communications, the Board encourages interaction with stockholders and recognizes that annual meetings of the stockholders provide a venue where stockholders can access and interact with our directors. Accordingly, while we do not have a policy requiring our directors to attend annual meetings of the stockholders, each member of the Board is encouraged to attend the meetings. Messrs. Lipinski, Firestone, Frates, Read, and Ms. Dunlap, who constituted all of the members of the board at that time, attended the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Read attended the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders in person.

Annual Evaluation Process

Each year, directors complete written assessments of Board and Committee performance and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee summarizes the directors’ assessments for discussion regarding director performance, Board dynamics, and the effectiveness of the Board and its committees. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Board are also responsible for overseeing each committee’s annual evaluation of its charter and recommending revisions as necessary.

Board Processes and Policies

Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Financial Code of Ethics

Our Board has adopted corporate governance guidelines that define those governance practices of the Board that are not included in our Bylaws. Our Board has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which contains general guidelines for conducting our business and applies to all of our officers, directors and employees, and a Financial Code of Ethics that applies to our CEO, CFO, principal accounting officer, and other senior financial officers. Our corporate governance guidelines and codes can be found in the corporate governance section of our website at http://www.sandridgeenergy.com.

Communications with Directors

Any stockholder or other interested party who desires to communicate with the Board, individual directors or committees of the Board may do so at any time by submitting his or her comments, questions or concerns, in writing by mail addressed to our Chief Financial Officer at 1 East Sheridan, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. A stockholder or other interested party should clearly indicate on the envelope the director or directors who are the intended recipients of the communication. All such communications received by the Chief Financial Officer will be forwarded to the director designated on the envelope. The Chief Financial Officer will not filter out any such communications except for communications related to solicitation for products or services and items of a personal nature that are not relevant to a person’s status as a stockholder. All communications designated for the Board will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Board. All communications designated for a particular committee of the Board will be forwarded to the chairman of that committee.

To report any issues relating to our accounting, accounting controls, financial reporting or other practices, employees, stockholders and other interested parties may call the confidential hotline at 1-866-206-2720. All calls will remain anonymous.

These policies and procedures are not intended to alter or amend the requirements a stockholder must satisfy in order to (1) present a stockholder proposal at a meeting of stockholders, (2) nominate a candidate for the Board, (3) recommend a candidate for the Board for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee or (4) have the stockholder’s proposal or nomination included in our proxy statement in accordance with Rule 14a-8 or Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act, all of which are described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

Related Party Transactions

We maintain a written policy that requires any related party transaction (as defined below) to be reviewed and approved by the disinterested members of our Audit Committee. A related party transaction is a transaction, proposed transaction, or series of similar transactions, in which (a) we are a participant, (b) the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and (c) a related person (as defined below) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A related person is (i) any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year was, a director, executive officer, or nominee to become a director, (ii) a person known to be the 5% beneficial owner of any class of our voting securities, (iii) an immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of such director, executive officer, nominee for director or more than 5% beneficial owner, and (iv) any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee for director or more than 5% beneficial owner. The written policy includes factors to be considered by the disinterested members of our Board when determining whether to approve a proposed related party transaction. Factors to be considered include the terms of the transaction with the related party, availability of comparable products or services from unrelated third parties, terms available from unrelated third parties and benefits provided to us by the transaction.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2023, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Read, Firestone Frates and Ms. Dunlap, none of whom was an employee of the Company during 2023 or has ever been an officer of the Company. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board.

Director Compensation

Following our annual meeting in 2023, the compensation policies for our non-employee directors were modified to increase fees paid for service on the Board and its committees and the value of annual restricted stock grants. Comparing the 2022-2023 director compensation program to the 2023-2024 program, aggregate non-employee compensation payable to the Chairman of the Board was increased from $112,500 to $225,000, and aggregate compensation payable to other non-employee directors was increased from $87,500 to $175,000, excluding in all cases additional retainers paid for service on committees. This modification of our compensation policies for our non-employee directors was intended to return our non-employee directors to the compensation levels they historically received prior to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to retain and attract non-employee directors.

The following table sets forth the total compensation earned by our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Non-Executive Director Compensation Policies

Our current non-employee director compensation structure consists of the following elements:

Information about our former and current non-employee director compensation structure is described in more detail below. Non-employee directors receive reimbursement for expenses related to attending meetings of the Board and its committees. In 2023, directors received negligible reimbursements as all meetings were held virtually.

Annual Cash Retainer and Non-executive Chairman, Committee Chair and Committee Member Retainers

For the period beginning in June 2022 and ending in June 2023, the compensation payable to non-executive directors included (a) an aggregate annual cash retainer of $12,500, paid in quarterly installments, and (b) an additional annual cash retainer, paid in quarterly installments, equal to $25,000 for service as non-executive chairman, $10,000 for service as audit committee chair, $7,500 for service as compensation committee chair, $5,000 for service as nominating and governance committee chair, $5,000 for service as a member of the audit committee, $3,750 for service as a member of the compensation committee, and $2,500 for service as a member of the nominating and governance committee. In the second half of 2023, the cash components of compensation payable to non-executive directors increased to (a) an aggregate annual cash retainer of $25,000, and (b) an additional annual cash retainer, paid in quarterly installments, equal to $50,000 for service as non-executive chairman, $20,000 for service as audit committee chair, $15,000 for service as compensation committee chair, $10,000 for service as nominating and governance committee chair, $10,000 for service as a member of the audit committee, $7,500 for service as a member of the compensation committee, and $5,000 for service as a member of the nominating and governance committee. There were no changes to the timing of payments in connection with the compensation increase.

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Annual Equity Retainer

In addition to a cash retainer, each non-employee director receives a portion of such non-employee director’s annual compensation for Board services in the form of equity compensation, which is paid in the form of an annual grant of restricted stock granted under our 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of August 8, 2018) (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”). Shares of restricted stock are granted to non-employee directors in connection with the applicable year’s annual meeting of stockholders. Non-employee directors were granted restricted stock in connection with the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders of up to $150,000 (the aggregate approximate grant date fair value under the 2023-2024 non-employee director compensation program, rounded up to the nearest whole share). Shares of restricted stock granted to non-employee directors in connection with the 2023-2024 director compensation program vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the day immediately preceding the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We have a practice of having stock ownership guidelines for non-employee directors. Our non-employee directors had five years from October 4, 2016 to fulfill this requirement or, if later, five years from the date of their appointment or election to a role that is subject to the stock ownership guidelines. Until our directors and executive officers comply with these guidelines, our non-employee directors are required to hold 60% of net shares issued. See “Executive Compensation – Other Executive Compensation Matters – Stock Ownership Guidelines” below for additional information.

Indemnification

We have entered into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers (each an “indemnitee”), which is intended to permit indemnification to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the Delaware General Corporate Law. It is possible that the applicable law could change the degree to which indemnification is expressly permitted.

Each indemnification agreement covers expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement incurred by an indemnitee when, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, the indemnitee is made or threatened to be made a party to any suit or proceeding. Each indemnification agreement generally covers claims relating to the fact that the indemnitee is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of ours or any of our affiliates, or is or was serving at our request in such a position for another entity. Each indemnification agreement also obligates us to promptly advance all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any claim. The indemnitee is, in turn, obligated to reimburse us for all amounts so advanced if it is later determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification. The indemnification provided under the indemnification agreements is not exclusive of any other indemnity rights of an indemnitee; however, double recovery by an indemnitee is prohibited. We are not obligated to indemnify the indemnitee with respect to claims brought by the indemnitee against the Company, except for

We have also agreed to obtain and maintain director and officer liability insurance for the benefit of each of our directors and executive officers. These policies include coverage for losses for wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure our performance under the indemnification agreements. Each of our directors and executive officers is named as an insured under the policies and provided with the same rights and benefits as the most favorably insured of our directors and officers.

Audit Matters

PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee has directed the Company to submit the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Neither the Company’s Bylaws nor other governing documents nor applicable law require stockholder ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Audit Committee is submitting the selection of Grant Thornton to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

As previously disclosed in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 27, 2023, on April 24, 2023, the Audit Committee appointed Grant Thornton as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and, on the same date, the Audit Committee dismissed Moss Adams

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LLP (“Moss Adams”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to be effective on the later of May 6, 2023 and the date of the filing of the Company’s periodic report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). During the fiscal year December 31, 2022, and through April 24, 2023, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with Grant Thornton on any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) or 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

The reports of Grant Thornton on the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, contained no adverse opinions or disclaimers of opinions and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and through April 24, 2024, there were (i) no disagreements between the Company and Grant Thornton on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Grant Thornton would have caused Grant Thornton to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in Grant Thornton’s reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such year, and (ii) no “reportable events” as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

A representative of Grant Thornton is expected to attend the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement, if he or she so desires, and will be available to respond to appropriate stockholder questions.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees

On June 20, 2022, the Audit Committee dismissed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and, on the same date appointed Moss Adams as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. On April 24, 2023, the Audit Committee dismissed Moss Adams as the Company’s registered independent public accounting firm, and on the same date appointed Grant Thornton as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

For the period from January 1, 2022 to June 20, 2022, (i) there were (a) no disagreements between the Company and Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte would have caused Deloitte to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in Deloitte’s reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such period, and (b) no “reportable events” as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, and (ii) neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf has consulted with Deloitte on any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) or 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

The report of Moss Adams on the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 contained no adverse opinions or disclaimers of opinions and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, (i) there were (a) no disagreements between the Company and Moss Adams on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Moss Adams would have caused Moss Adams to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in Moss Adam’s reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such year, and (b) no “reportable events” as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, and (ii) neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf has consulted with Moss Adams on any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) or 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

As a result, the fees described below relate to fees paid by the Company to (i) Deloitte for its audit services rendered for the period from January 1, 2022 to June 20, 2022, (ii) to Moss Adams for its audit services rendered from June 20, 2022 through the first fiscal quarter of 2023, and (iii) to Grant Thornton for its audit services rendered for fiscal year 2023.

Audit Fees. Audit fees consist primarily of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the financial statements included in each of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees represent the aggregate fees for services rendered related to the issuance of our S-3 and S-3/A registration statement issuances in August of 2022.

Tax Fees. Tax fees include all services performed by the firm’s tax division other than those related to the audit of financial statements.

The Audit Committee is responsible for approving in advance any services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate its pre-approval authority for these services to one or more members, whose decisions shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its scheduled meetings. Each of these services must receive specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee or its delegate unless the Audit Committee has provided general pre-approval for such category of services in accordance with policies and procedures that comply with applicable laws and regulations. All of the services described above under audit fees, audit-related fees and all other fees for 2023 and 2022 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

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Report of the Audit Committee

The following is the report of the Audit Committee for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference in such filing.

As of December 31, 2023, the Audit Committee was composed of four directors, each of whom has been determined to be independent in accordance with the requirements of the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated under the Exchange Act and the NYSE. The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements and the establishment and maintenance of the system of internal control. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and to issue a report thereon.

In performing its duties, the Audit Committee has:

During the Audit Committee’s review of the audited financial statements, management advised the Audit Committee that each set of financial statements reviewed had been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and reviewed significant accounting and disclosure issues with the Audit Committee. With respect to its review of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the Audit Committee noted that management advised that the Company was in compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The Audit Committee discussed with Grant Thornton the matters required to be discussed pursuant to the applicable PCAOB Auditing Standards. The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Grant Thornton required by the PCAOB regarding Grant Thornton’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Grant Thornton its independence. The Audit Committee determined that the non-audit services provided to the Company by Grant Thornton are compatible with maintaining Grant Thornton’s independence.

Based on the review and discussion referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

This report is submitted on behalf of the Audit Committee.

Randolph C. Read, Chairman

Nancy Dunlap

Jaffrey Firestone

John J. Lipinski

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Executive Officers

Set forth below is information regarding each of our executive officers as of April 24, 2024:

Grayson Pranin. Mr. Pranin was appointed as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer effective July 16, 2021. Mr. Pranin retained his title as President and Chief Executive Officer following the appointment of Dean Parrish to Chief Operating Officer on April 1, 2024. Mr. Pranin has held the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer beginning March 3, 2021, Vice President of Engineering and Reservoir beginning June 1, 2020, and has served in various engineering, operational and leadership roles with SandRidge Energy since December 2011. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pranin served in various engineering and operating roles for Pioneer Natural Resources from June 2010 to November 2011. Mr. Pranin has served his country as a non-commissioned and commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Engineering Corps. Mr. Pranin received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nevada at Reno.

Brandon Brown. Mr. Brown was appointed as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective as of September 27, 2023. Mr. Brown served as the Company’s Vice President of Accounting beginning March 2023 and Corporate Controller from June 2020 to March 2023. Prior to joining the Company in June 2020, Mr. Brown was employed at Black Stone Minerals, L.P. as the Assistant Controller and Financial Reporting Manager from August 2016 to February 2020. Mr. Brown served as the Assistant Controller and held various other accounting and financial reporting roles at Goodrich Petroleum Corporation from August 2011 to August 2016. Prior to joining Goodrich Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Brown was employed as an external auditor at HEIN & Associates LLP and Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Brown earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern University and A&M College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Dean Parrish. Mr. Parrish was appointed as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective as of April 1, 2024. Mr. Parrish has worked at the Company since January 2012 starting as a Senior Production Engineer until 2015. Mr. Parrish served as the Company’s Operating Manager in February 2020 and became the Vice President of Operations in March 2021. On March 13, 2022, Mr. Parrish was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining the Company in January 2012, Mr. Parrish was employed at EXCO Resources, Inc. as a Production Engineer. Mr. Parrish earned his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

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Executive Compensation

PROPOSAL 3: NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON 2023 COMPENSATION

Schedule 14A of the Securities Exchange Act requires a public company, such as SandRidge, to permit its stockholders to cast a non-binding, advisory vote on the previous year’s executive compensation paid to named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s executive compensation disclosure rules. Accordingly, the Company is providing stockholders the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote at the Annual Meeting on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers through the following resolution.

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the summary of Executive Compensation, compensation tables, and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

Compensation Discussion & Analysis

In this section, we describe the executive compensation philosophy, objectives, and program components in place during 2023 for the Company’s 2023 named executive officers.

Detailed information regarding the 2023 compensation earned by the named executive officers is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table and other compensation tables contained in this Proxy Statement beginning on page 30.

2023 NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our named executive officers for 2023 included the following individuals:

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Executive Summary

ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION AND USE OF STOCKHOLDER FEEDBACK

At both the 2022 and 2023 Annual Meetings, over 98% of the votes cast were voted FOR our Advisory Vote to Ratify Named Executive Officers’ Compensation (“Say on Pay”). This represents continued support of the Company’s executive compensation policies, and our focus on pay for performance and incentive-based compensation. As a result of the 2023 vote, the Company determined to continue its pay philosophy and practices.

Both the Compensation Committee and the full Board value the input and feedback received from our stockholders, and we view stockholder outreach efforts as important. Subject to the Board’s policies on communications, the Board welcomes stockholder input on the Company’s business strategies, governance and executive compensation. We believe this helps ensure that the issues that matter most to our stockholders are understood and considered by management and the Board.

Our Executive Compensation and Governance Principles

The Company’s compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain high performing individuals by paying competitive compensation aligned with stockholder interests. Total compensation packages include base salaries, incentives and benefits, and promotes executive and stockholder alignment by ensuring a mix of service-based and variable, performance-based compensation based on strategic, financial and operational goals. The Board and the Compensation Committee, as applicable, base individual compensation decisions on individual and Company performance, time in role, scope of responsibility, and leadership skills and experience.

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Key 2023 Executive Compensation Program Elements

During 2023, executives were provided with a mix of compensation featuring short- and long-term pay periods, fixed and variable payment amounts tied to performance, and cash and equity-based consideration. Retirement programs and other forms of compensation are not detailed in our key compensation programs (additional information about these programs can be found on pages 28).

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2023 Executive Compensation

BASE SALARY

The purpose of base salary is to provide a fixed level of cash compensation for performing day-to-day responsibilities. The objective of the base salary component of our compensation program is to provide a competitive, fixed rate of cash compensation to attract and retain talent. Base salaries are reviewed annually as part of our performance review process as well as upon a promotion or other material change in job responsibility. Merit-based increases to salaries of senior management, including our named executive officers besides the CEO, are based on the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the individual’s performance in consultation with our CEO. The Compensation Committee evaluates our CEO’s performance and approves and recommends any merit-based increases to the CEO’s base salary to independent members of the Board for their approval.

In reviewing base salaries of our executives, the Compensation Committee considers, among other things, the scope and any changes to the named executive officer’s individual responsibility, analysis of the executive’s compensation (both individually and relative to other named executive officers of the Company), recommendations from the named executive officer’s supervisor (except in the case of the CEO), the named executive officer’s individual performance, business performance, market conditions, and total general and administrative expenses.

Base salaries for 2023 for our continuing named executive officers were:

In April 2023, during the annual review process, the independent members of the Board approved the base salary increase for Mr. Pranin, and the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the CEO, approved a base salary increase for Mr. Gamoudi from $315,000 to $335,000. Mr. Gamoudi voluntarily resigned from the Company effective September 27, 2023.

In November 2023, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the CEO, approved a base salary increase for Mr. Brown to the base salary shown for him in the above table for his promotion from Vice President of Accounting to his current title, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.

SHORT-TERM INCENTIVES

Annual Incentive Program

The purpose of the 2023 annual incentive program was to motivate executives by linking variable cash compensation to key annual performance goals tied to business performance. Pursuant to such 2023 annual incentive program, ultimate payments were made to named executive officers by reference to a weighted scorecard comprised of five performance metrics tied to business strategy and an individual performance rating, which may be further subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The payment made to each executive is a function of the sum of the executive’s base salary multiplied by the executive’s target award opportunity for the year (expressed as a percentage of base salary), which is then multiplied by the weighted score, expressed as a percentage, based on the Company’s total scorecard performance, and adjusted based on the executive’s individual performance rating also a percentage, and which in no event will adjust the award above the maximum award payable to the executive based on the weighted score resulting from the Company’s total scorecard performance.

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Each Company financial performance metric is weighted, with the performance thresholds and payout ranges shown in the table below. Each of the five performance metrics can be achieved at Threshold (50%), Target (100%) or Maximum (150%) or a value determined using linear interpolation if performance falls between Threshold and Target or Target and Maximum. For each performance metric, if achievement is less than the threshold level, the financial performance factor for that metric will be zero. No financial performance factor for any performance metric can exceed the maximum percentage shown below. The five performance metrics for 2023 were weighted as follows:

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The Company’s 2023 performance in relation to the 2023 annual incentive program’s targets resulted in the following performance against such metrics:

Mr. Pranin had an annual target opportunity for 2023 of 55% of his base salary. Mr. Brown initially had an annual target opportunity for 2023 of 30% of his base salary, which was increased to 40% of his base salary following his promotion to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Prior to his departure, Mr. Gamoudi had an annual target opportunity for 2023 of 50% of his base salary; however, pursuant to his resignation in September 2023, his eligibility for an award under the 2023 annual incentive program was forfeited.

Based on each named executive’s target opportunity for 2023, the Company’s performance relative to the metrics outlined above and resulting performance factor weighting score, and the application of each named executive officer’s individual performance rating for 2023, the final amounts paid to our continuing named executive officers pursuant to the 2023 annual incentive program were $186,365 to Mr. Pranin and $78,608 to Mr. Brown. The final amount paid to Mr. Brown for 2023 reflects his prorated award based on the increase to his target bonus opportunity in 2023 in connection with his promotion to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES

Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”)

The purpose of long-term incentives is to align executives’ compensation with the interests of stockholders, encourage retention by employing stock consideration that vests over three years, and reward long-term operational and financial performance.

2023 LTIP DESIGN

2023 LTIP Target Opportunities

Each of our named executive officers has a target opportunity expressed as a percentage of the named executive officer’s annual base salary. The target opportunity is split amongst two LTIP components: two-thirds time-vested RSUs and one-third PSUs.

2023 LTIP Components

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2023 LTIP PERFORMANCE METRICS

The PSUs granted in 2023 are earned based on the Company’s achievement of two of the three annual target ranges for the performance metrics as set forth in the below table, and failure to do so results in cancellation and forfeiture of the award. Annual target ranges for 2023, and actual performance results relative to those metrics for 2023, are set forth in the below table.

Such metrics were selected for the 2023 LTIP in order to reinforce pay for performance and are the most significant factors to the Company’s achievement of its financial and operational goals.

2023 LTIP RESULTS

For 2023, Mr. Pranin had an annual target opportunity under the LTIP of 50% of his base salary and Mr. Brown had an annual target opportunity of 25% of his base salary. Prior to his departure, Mr. Gamoudi had an annual target opportunity under the LTIP for 2023 of 50% of his base salary; however, pursuant to his resignation in September 2023, his eligibility for an award under the 2023 LTIP was forfeited.

Based on the Company’s performance relative to the performance metrics established for 2023, the PSUs granted to Mr. Pranin (3,538) and to Mr. Brown (1,010), respectively, on April 5, 2023, were deemed earned and fully vested on March 28, 2024.

One-Time Equity Award

In recognition of Mr. Brown’s promotion to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, of the Company effective September 27, 2023, the Company made a one-time grant of 25,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Brown on November 14, 2023. These restricted stock units, which were granted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, vest in approximately equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, generally subject to Mr. Brown’s continued service through each such vesting date. This long-term equity grant was intended to further align Mr. Brown’s compensation with the interests of stockholders and encourage retention of a key employee.

EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The Company does not maintain formal agreements with its continuing named executive officers.

While the Company has not entered into formal letter agreements with Messrs. Pranin or Brown, the terms and conditions of their employment generally provide that they are entitled to an annual base salary (as described above in “2023 Executive Compensation – Base Salary”), which could be increased or decreased at the discretion of the Board, and are eligible to participate in the same benefit programs, as may be in effect from time to time, available to other senior management employees of the Company generally.

Our named executive officers have entered into award agreements describing their long-term incentives as described above under “2023 Executive Compensation – Long-Term Incentives – Long-Term Incentive Program”. Pursuant to the terms of the LTIP, in order to receive payments related to their long-term incentives, participants, including named executive officers, must have returned their executed copies of the Company’s confidentiality agreement, among others, and acknowledged their understanding of the Company’s policies consistent with the Company’s practices and procedures. In order to be eligible to participate in the annual incentive program as described above under “2023 Executive Compensation – Short Term Incentives” employees, including the named executive officers, must return executed code of conduct, conflict of interest, and clawback policies to the Company.

SEVERANCE

The Company maintains the SandRidge Energy, Inc. Severance Pay Plan (the “Severance Plan”), effective January 1, 2021, for the benefit of certain eligible employees, including Messrs. Pranin and Brown. The purpose of the Severance Plan is to help retain qualified employees, maintain a stable work environment, and provide economic security by providing benefits to eligible employees, including the named executive officers, in the event of an involuntary termination without Cause, as further described in the Severance Plan and below in “Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control”. Because Mr. Gamoudi resigned, he was not entitled to severance payments under the terms of the Severance Plan.

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In addition to the Severance Plan, named executive officers may also be eligible for certain payments under the 2023 annual incentive program, LTIP, Omnibus Incentive Plan and certain equity award agreements, in the event of certain qualifying terminations, in each case, in the Compensation Committee’s sole and absolute discretion.

Each named executive officer’s respective severance benefits are described in greater detail and quantified in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section below.

2023 Named Executive Officer Departure

On September 7, 2023, Mr. Gamoudi notified the Board of his resignation effective September 27, 2023, to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Gamoudi did not resign as a result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices. Mr. Gamoudi was not eligible for any severance payments under the Severance Plan and the Compensation Committee did not exercise discretion to counteract forfeiture of any annual cash bonus Mr. Gamoudi may have been eligible for under the 2023 annual incentive program. Mr. Gamoudi forfeited any of his stock awards that were not vested as of his resignation date.

OTHER COMPENSATION MATTERS

Health and Welfare Benefits

Our named executive officers were eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance to meet their health and welfare needs. These benefits are provided to ensure that we are able to maintain a competitive position in terms of attracting and retaining officers and other employees. This is a fixed component of compensation and the benefits are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis to all of our employees.

Limited Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

We believe that the total mix of compensation and benefits provided to our named executive officers is competitive and, generally, perquisites should not play a large role in our executive officers’ total compensation. As a result, the perquisites and other personal benefits we provide to our named executive officers are generally limited.

We maintain a 401(k) retirement plan for the benefit of all of our named executive officers and employees on a non-discriminatory basis. Under the plan, eligible employees may elect to defer a portion of their earnings up to the annual maximum allowed by regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. The aggregate matching contribution available to our 401(k) retirement plan participants equals 100% of the first 10% of deferred base salary (exclusive of incentive compensation). Matching contributions to the 401(k) retirement plan vest at the rate of 25% per year over the first four years of employment. Upon attainment of age 60, plan participants will be eligible for immediate vesting of unvested Company matching contributions, and future matching contributions will be made without restriction. Matching contributions are made in investment vehicles selected by each employee from a variety of options.

Process for Determining 2023 Executive Compensation

In relation to 2023 executive compensation, independent members of the Company’s Board and the Compensation Committee sought input from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other members of management. During 2023, the Compensation Committee was composed of up to four non- employee independent directors. The Compensation Committee’s duties in administering the executive compensation programs include the following:

As described above under “Advisory Vote on Compensation and Use of Stockholder Feedback”, the Company, Compensation Committee and the Board value stockholders’ input and consider such input in establishing the type and level of compensation for our executives and for setting performance metrics and targets.

COMPENSATION SETTING APPROACH

Our Chief Executive Officer (other than for himself), other members of management, and the Company’s human resources function work with the Compensation Committee in establishing compensation levels and performance targets. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for reviewing the compensation and performance of executive officers other than himself and making

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recommendations to the Compensation Committee for adjustments to the annual total compensation of his direct reports. Final compensation determinations are made by the Compensation Committee and/or the Board. The Company’s management and human resources function provide support in the preparation of materials and execution of the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities.

Other Executive Compensation Matters

CLAWBACK POLICY

Effective October 2, 2023, the Company adopted a clawback policy with respect to incentive-based compensation received by executive officers on or after October 2, 2023, intended to meet the requirements of Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act, the final rules issued by the SEC on October 26, 2022, and NYSE listing requirements. The policy provides that following an accounting restatement, the Compensation Committee must assess whether any incentive amounts paid to current and former executive officers exceeded what should have been paid based on the revised financials, and thus should be subject to recovery. The policy has a three-year look-back period and applies to both current and former executives, regardless of such executive’s fault, misconduct, or involvement in causing the restatement. In addition, the Company maintains an existing clawback policy that will continue to cover compensation earned or received before October 2, 2023. In addition, the 2023 annual incentive program, LTIP, Omnibus Incentive Plan and applicable equity grant agreements each include clawback provisions that generally provide for (i) clawback subject to any Company recoupment policy or other agreement or arrangement with the participant as well as under any right or obligation the Company may have under Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC, or (ii) the cancelation, forfeiture, rescission or requirement to return any outstanding award (or portion thereof) if the Compensation Committee determines at any time that the participant engaged in misconduct or discovers facts that, if known earlier, would have constituted grounds for termination of employment for “cause” (as defined in the applicable agreement), as applicable.

STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

The Company maintains stock ownership guidelines for executive officers and non-employee directors of the Company. The policy generally requires executives and non-employee directors to own stock in the Company equal to the following guidelines:

PERCENTAGE OF SALARY REQUIRED          

Our executive officers and non-employee directors had five years from October 4, 2016 to fulfill this requirement or, if later, five years from the date of their appointment, promotion, or election to a role that is subject to the stock ownership guidelines. Until our executive officers comply with these guidelines, our CEO is required to hold 50% of net shares issued (after tax and/or exercise) and other officers and non-employee directors are required to hold 60% of net shares issued. As of the date hereof, all of the members of the Board and Mr. Pranin satisfy these requirements.

ANTI-HEDGING AND ANTI-PLEDGING POLICIES

The Company maintains a policy that prohibits executives and non-employee directors from entering into agreements in which Company shares are pledged as security for a loan. It also prohibits executives and other employees and non-employee directors from engaging in hedging transactions involving Company stock.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Our compensation program for executives is not designed to encourage excessive risk taking. In that regard, payouts under the annual incentive program are capped at 150% of target, while the performance share under the LTIP is 100% of target, or else forfeited if performance goals are not achieved. In addition, all long-term incentives include extended vesting periods.

TAX TREATMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DECISIONS

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) generally imposes a $1 million limit on the amount of compensation paid to certain executive officers that a public corporation may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any year. Previously, the Code provided an exception to the Section 162(m) deduction limitation for compensation qualifying as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations. The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” enacted in late 2017, repealed the performance-based compensation exception to the Section 162(m) deduction limitation for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, with certain exceptions.

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Previously, the Compensation Committee designed and administered our executive compensation program with the intent that certain portions of the compensation paid to our named executive officers would qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m); however, given changes made to Section 162(m) by the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” which took effect in 2018, we may not be able to deduct for federal income tax purposes a portion of the compensation paid to our named executive officers in 2023 and beyond.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the disclosure set forth above under the heading “Executive Compensation” with management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board that such disclosures be included in this Proxy Statement.

By the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board:

Randolph C. Read

Jonathan Frates

Jaffrey Firestone

Nancy Dunlap

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Executive Compensation Tables

Summary Compensation Table

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information about each grant of an award made to our 2023 named executive officers during 2023:

NARRATIVE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLES

Short-Term Incentives

A summary description of the Company’s 2023 annual incentive program is included above under the headings “2023 Executive Compensation – Short-Term Incentives – 2023 Annual Incentive Program.”

Long-Term Incentives

The RSUs and PSUs were all granted pursuant to the Omnibus Incentive Plan, a short description of which is included above under the headings “2023 Executive Compensation – Long-Term Incentives – Long-Term Incentive Program.”

RSUs

In general, the RSUs vest ratably over three years, starting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and vesting on each annual anniversary thereafter, generally subject to the named executive officer’s continued service through each applicable vesting date. Dividend equivalents are accrued with respect to RSUs at the same time as dividends are paid on the Company’s common stock. However, the dollar amount of these dividend equivalents is not paid unless and until the underlying RSUs vest and are paid.

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PSUs

The PSUs generally vest at the end of the one-year performance period, assuming the applicable performance metrics are achieved. If the performance goals are not achieved, the PSUs are forfeited. Dividend equivalents are credited with respect to PSUs at the same time as dividends are paid on the Company’s common stock. However, the dollar amount of these dividend equivalents is not paid unless and until the performance goals are met with respect to the underlying PSUs.

Employment Arrangements

The Company does not maintain formal agreements with its continuing named executive officers. See “2023 Executive Compensation—Employment Arrangements” above for a description of the general terms and conditions of each continuing named executive officer’s employment.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table reflects all outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023:

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth the equity awards that vested for each of our named executive officers during 2023.

Pension Benefits

We do not maintain any defined benefit pension plans.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

We do not maintain any nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Narrative to Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

Pursuant to the Severance Plan, eligible employees, including named executive officers, are entitled to receive severance in the form of salary continuation if they are involuntarily terminated without Cause (as defined in the Severance Plan). The Severance Plan does not provide for treatment of equity awards. Employees, including named executive officers, are not entitled to severance, or continuing severance payments, if their employment terminates due to retirement, resignation, failure to report for work, death, disability, temporary layoff or if terminated for Cause.

Under the Severance Plan, a named executive officer’s severance payments are calculated based on the named executive officer’s weekly base salary amount, before any reductions for employee benefits contributions, multiplied by the number of weeks provided for under the Severance Plan based on the named executive officer’s tenure with the Company. For named executive officers, such payment period would range from 6 weeks if the named executive officer has been employed by the Company for 90 consecutive days up to a maximum of 26 weeks, depending on number of years of service.

Pursuant to the Severance Plan, Mr. Brown would be eligible for six weeks of severance if involuntarily terminated by the Company without Cause. While Mr. Pranin is a participant in the Severance Plan, his salary continuation was increased to 26 weeks pursuant to a separate agreement with the Company.

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In order to be eligible to receive severance, the named executive officer must remain employed as an eligible employee under the Severance Plan through the date of termination designated in writing by the administrator and fulfill the normal responsibilities of his position without any decline in performance. Receipt of severance payments is subject to the named executive officer’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims.

Executives, including the named executive officers, are generally not eligible for payment or continued or accelerated vesting of equity awards under the 2023 annual incentive program, LTIP, Omnibus Incentive Plan and applicable equity award agreements, in the event of a termination for any reason, including in the event of a change in control, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or the Board, as applicable, in its sole discretion.

ANTI-HEDGING AND ANTI-PLEDGING POLICIES

The Company maintains a policy that prohibits executives and non-employee directors from entering into agreements in which Company shares are pledged as security for a loan. It also prohibits executives and other employees and non-employee directors from engaging in hedging transactions involving Company stock.

Pay Ratio

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2012, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of the Company’s employees and the annualized total compensation of Grayson Pranin, our Chief Executive Officer, for 2023:

This pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in good faith, in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, based on our payroll and employment records and the methodology described below. To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our median employee and our Chief Executive Officer, we took the following steps:

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