UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.        )

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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨  ☐

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)14a6(e)(2))

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Definitive Additional Materials

¨

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12§240.14a-12

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS LPAMPLIFY ENERGY CORP.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other thanOther Than the Registrant)

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x  No fee required.
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LOGOLOGO

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS LPAMPLIFY ENERGY CORP.

500 Dallas Street, Suite 18001700

Houston, Texas 77002

NOTICE OF SPECIALANNUAL MEETING OF UNITHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 4, 2015MAY 15, 2019

To the common unitholders of Memorial Production Partners LP:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Memorial Production Partners GP LLC (the “Board of Directors”), the general partner of Memorial Production Partners LP, you are cordially invited to attend the SpecialThe 2019 Annual Meeting of UnitholdersStockholders of Memorial Production Partners LP, whichAmplify Energy Corp. will be held at the Doubletree HotelHyatt Regency Houston, Downtown, 400 Dallas1200 Louisiana Street, 3rd Floor — Dogwood Conference Room, Houston, Texas 77002 on December 4, 2015,May 15, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. local time. At this important meeting, you will be askedHouston time, to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

a proposal (the “LTIP Proposal”) to approve an amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP,” and together with the First Amendment, the “Amended LTIP”), which provides, among other things, for an increase in the maximum number of common units reserved and available for delivery with respect to awards under the LTIP to 5,225,000 common units; and

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting to a later date or dates (the “Adjournment Proposal”), if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the LTIP Proposal.

The Board1. To elect seven members to our board of Directors has unanimously approveddirectors to hold office until our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;

2. To ratify the First Amendment. The Boardappointment, by the Audit Committee of Directors believesour board of directors, of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the Amended LTIP isfiscal year ending December 31, 2019;

3. To approve, by anon-binding vote, the compensation of our named executive officers;

4. To approve, by anon-binding vote, the frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers; and

5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

These matters are more fully described in the best interestsaccompanying proxy materials. Only stockholders of Memorial Production Partners LP and its common unitholders and unanimously recommends that the common unitholders approve the LTIP Proposal.

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. Even if you plan to attend the special meeting, you are urged to vote your common units electronically, via the Internet or by telephone, or by submitting your marked, signed and dated proxy card. You will retain the right to revoke itrecord at any time before the vote, or to vote your common units personally if you attend the special meeting. The proxy provides common unitholders the opportunity to vote on the LTIP Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal. Voting your common units electronically, via the Internet or by telephone, or by submitting a proxy card will not prevent you from attending the special meeting and voting in person. Please note, however, that if you hold your common units through a broker or other nominee, and you wish to vote in person at the special meeting, you must obtain from your broker or other nominee a proxy issued in your name.

The Amended LTIP will not be effective unless approved by the common unitholders. We are seeking common unitholder approval pursuant to NASDAQ Global Market requirements. The LTIP Proposal will not be effective unless it is approved by a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting by common unitholders. The Board of Directors has set the close of business on October 9, 2015 asMarch 18, 2019, the record date, for determining common unitholders that are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special meetingAnnual Meeting.

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and for any adjournments thereof.Exchange Commission, we have elected to provide access to our proxy solicitation materials primarily via the Internet, rather than mailing paper copies of these materials to each stockholder. On or about April 5, 2019, we will mail to each stockholder of record a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials with instructions on how to access the record date, there were 82,930,486 common units outstanding. For each proposal, each common unitholder is entitled to oneproxy materials, vote, for each common unit owned at that time.or request paper copies.

TheBy Order of the Board of Directors, unanimously recommends that the common unitholders vote “FOR” the LTIP Proposal

LOGO

Eric M. Willis

Vice President and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

Jason M. Childress

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Houston, Texas

October 20, 2015

April 5, 2019


IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SPECIAL

ANNUAL MEETING OF UNITHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 4, 2015MAY 15, 2019

This Notice of SpecialAnnual Meeting and Proxy Statement, along with our 2018 Annual Report on Form10-K, are available free of charge at http://www.proxyvote.com.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

Your vote is important. We urge you to review the accompanying Proxy Statement carefully and to submit your proxy as soon as possible so that your shares will be represented at the meeting.

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSINFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETINGPROXY PROCESS AND VOTING

   1 

THE PARTNERSHIPDIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR NOMINEES

   4  6 

MATTERS YOU ARE VOTING ONEXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   4  9 

PROPOSAL 1 — LTIP PROPOSALCORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

   5  10

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD

14

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

15

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

17

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

32 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

   1033 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONPROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

   1236 

PROPOSAL 2 — APPROVALRATIFICATION OF THE ADJOURNMENTAPPOINTMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIESINDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   2237 

UNITHOLDER PROPOSALSPROPOSAL 3 — ADVISORY(NON-BINDING) VOTE APPROVING COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   2339 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MOREPROPOSAL 4 — ADVISORY(NON-BINDING) VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE STOCKHOLDER ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

40

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS; IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

41

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   2343 

i


LOGOLOGO

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS LPAMPLIFY ENERGY CORP.

500 Dallas Street, Suite 18001700

Houston, Texas 77002

PROXY STATEMENT

SPECIAL2019 ANNUAL MEETING OF UNITHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS

We have furnished this proxy statement to you because the boardBoard of directorsDirectors (the “Board”) of Memorial Production Partners GP LLC,Amplify Energy Corp., a Delaware limited liability company (our “general partner”corporation (referred to herein as the “Company,” “Amplify,” “we,” “us” or “our”), is soliciting your proxy to vote at the special meetingour 2019 Annual Meeting of holders of common units representing limited partner interests (“common units”) in Memorial Production Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnershipStockholders (the “Partnership,” “we,” “us” or “our”“Annual Meeting”), to be held on Friday, December 4, 2015,Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. localHouston time, at the Doubletree HotelHyatt Regency Houston, Downtown, 400 Dallas1200 Louisiana Street, 3rd Floor — Dogwood Conference Room, Houston, Texas 77002 (the “Special Meeting”).77002. By granting a proxy, you authorize the persons named in the proxy to represent you and vote your common unitsshares at the SpecialAnnual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the SpecialAnnual Meeting. If you attend the SpecialAnnual Meeting, you may vote in person. If you are not present at the SpecialAnnual Meeting, your common unitsshares may be voted only by a person to whom you have given a proper proxy.

We provide access to our proxy materials to our unitholdersstockholders on the Internet. Accordingly, on or about October 20, 2015, we mailedApril 5, 2019, the Company is sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Availability”) to our common unitholders. Common unitholdersstockholders. Stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials, including this proxy statement and voting instructions, on the website referred to in the Notice of Availability or request a printed set of the proxy materials to be sent to them by following the instructions in the Notice of Availability.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSINFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETINGPROXY PROCESS AND VOTING

What is the purpose of the Special Meeting?Why am I receiving these materials?

At the Special Meeting, our common unitholders will act upon a proposal (the “LTIP Proposal”) to approve an amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Original LTIP” or “LTIP,” and together with the First Amendment, the “Amended LTIP”), which provides, among other things, for an increase in the maximum number of common units reserved and available for delivery with respect to awards under the Original LTIP. A copy of the First Amendment is attached toWe have furnished this proxy statement as Exhibit A. Common unitholders may also be called to act on a proposalyou because the Board is soliciting your proxy to approvevote at the adjournmentAnnual Meeting, including at any adjournments or postponements of the Special Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to approve the LTIP Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”). The Adjournment Proposal is further described in Proposal 2 below.Annual Meeting.

When and where is the Special Meeting?

The Special Meeting will be held on December 4, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the Doubletree Hotel Houston Downtown, 400 Dallas Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

What is the recommendation of the board of directors?

The board of directors of our general partner recommends that you vote “FOR” the LTIP Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.

Who isAm I entitled to vote at the SpecialAnnual Meeting?

All of our common unitholdersOnly stockholders of record at the close of business on October 9, 2015,March 18, 2019, the record date for the SpecialAnnual Meeting (the “Record Date”), are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the SpecialAnnual Meeting. EachAt the close of business on the Record Date, there were 22,141,804 shares of common unitholder that attendsstock outstanding and entitled to vote at the SpecialAnnual Meeting, with each such share of common stock entitling the holder of record on such date to one vote. There is no cumulative voting.

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy. If you attend the Annual Meeting in person, you may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Cameras, recording devicespassport, to be admitted.


Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank or Other Agent

If, on the Record Date, your shares were held in an account at a broker, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and other electronic devices will not be permittedthese proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the SpecialAnnual Meeting. The numberAs a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting in person, you may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and you must present proof of common units outstandingyour ownership, such as a current brokerage or bank account statement reflecting ownership as of the record date willRecord Date, to be used in determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting.


What constitutes a quorum?

The holders of a majority of the outstanding common units represented in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at the Special Meeting. Your common units will be counted as present at the Special Meeting if: (i)admitted. However, since you are present andnot the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting; or (ii)Annual Meeting unless you orrequest and obtain a valid proxy card executed in your favor from your broker, if you arebank, dealer or other holder of record.

Why did I receive a beneficial ownernotice in the mail regarding Internet availability of such common units held in street name, have submitted a properly executed proxy.

Proxies received but marked as abstentions will be counted as present for purposes of determining the presenceproxy materials instead of a quorum. If an executedfull set of proxy is returned by a broker or other nominee holding units in “street name” indicating thatmaterials?

As permitted under the broker or nominee does not have discretionary authority as to certain units to vote onrules of the proposals (a “broker non-vote”Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), such common units will be considered present atwe are making our proxy materials available to our stockholders electronically via the meeting for purposesInternet, rather than mailing paper copies of determiningthese materials to each stockholder. On or about April 5, 2019, the presenceCompany is sending the Notice of a quorum butAvailability to its stockholders of record as of the Record Date. You will not be considered entitled to vote. Thus, the total sum of votes “for,” plus votes “against,” plus abstentions and broker non-votes in respectreceive a printed copy of the LTIP Proposal must be greater than 50%proxy materials unless you request one. Instead, the Notice of Availability includes (i) instructions on how to access the Company’s proxy materials and vote via the Internet, (ii) the date, time and location of the total number of our outstanding common units to satisfy the quorum requirement.

How many votes does it take to approve the proposals?

IfAnnual Meeting, (iii) a quorum of common unitholders is present at the meeting, under the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules the affirmative vote of a majoritydescription of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by common unitholders is required to approve the LTIP Proposal. Votes “for” and “against” and abstentions will count as votes cast. Thus, abstentions will have the effect of a vote against the LTIP Proposal.

Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the approval of a majority of the outstanding common units that are represented either in person or by proxy at the Special Meeting. Abstentions have the effect of a vote against the Adjournment Proposal.

If my units are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my units for me?

No. NASDAQ rules prohibit your broker or other nominee from exercising voting discretion with respect to the matters intended to be acted upon at the Special Meeting. Thus, you must give your broker or other nominee specificAnnual Meeting, (iv) a list of the materials being made available electronically, (v) instructions on how a stockholder can request paper copies of the Company’s proxy materials, (vi) any control/identification numbers that a stockholder needs to access the proxy materials, and (vii) information about attending the Annual Meeting and voting in order for your common unitsperson.

Can I vote my shares by filling out and returning the Notice of Availability?

No. The Notice of Availability only identifies the items to be voted.voted on at the Annual Meeting. You cannot vote by marking the Notice of Availability and returning it. The Notice of Availability provides instructions on how to cast your vote. For additional information, please see “—What are the different methods that I can use to vote my shares of common stock?” below.

What am I being asked to vote on?

You are being asked to vote on four proposals:

Proposal 1 — the election of seven members of our Board to hold office until our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;

Proposal 2 — the ratification of the appointment, by the Audit Committee of the Board, of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019;

Proposal 3 — the approval, by anon-binding vote, of the compensation of our named executive officers; and

Proposal 4 — the approval, by anon-binding vote, of the frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers.

In addition, you are entitled to vote on any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

How does the Board recommend that I vote my shares?

A proxy that is properly completed and returned will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions on the proxy. If you properly complete and return a proxy, but do not indicate any contrary voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations. The Board’s recommendations can be found with the description of each proposal in this proxy statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:

Proposal 1 — FOR the election of each of the seven director nominees;

Proposal 2 — FOR the ratification of the appointment, by the Audit Committee of the Board, of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019;

Proposal 3 — FOR approving, by anon-binding vote, the compensation of our named executive officers; and

Proposal 4 — FOR approving, by anon-binding vote, holding stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers at an interval of “every one year.”

If any other business properly comes before the stockholders for a vote at the Annual Meeting, your shares will be voted at the discretion of the holders of the proxy. The Board knows of no matters, other than those previously stated herein, to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting.

What are the different methods that I vote?can use to vote my shares of common stock?

If you are a common unitholder of record at the close of business on the record date,registered stockholder, you may vote your common unitsshares or submit a proxy to have your shares voted by proxy in advance of the Special Meeting by anyone of the following methods:

 

By Internet. You may submit a proxy electronically on the Internet by following the instructions provided in the proxy card. Please have proxy card in hand when you log onto the website.

Via the Internet. You may submit a proxy electronically via the Internet, using the website listed on the Notice of Availability. Please have the Notice of Availability in hand when you log onto the website. Internet voting facilities will close and no longer be available on the date and time specified on the Notice of Availability.

 

By Telephone. You may submit a proxy by telephone using the toll-free number listed on the proxy card. Please have your proxy card in hand when you call.

By Telephone. You may submit a proxy by telephone using the toll-free number listed on the Notice of Availability. Please have the Notice of Availability in hand when you call. Telephone voting facilities will close and no longer be available on the date and time specified on the Notice of Availability.

 

By Mail. You may indicate your vote by completing, signing and dating your

By Mail. You may request a hard copy of the proxy card by following the instructions on the Notice of Availability. You may submit a proxy by mail by completing, signing, dating and returning it in the reply envelope provided.

If you mail in your proxy card itin the providedpre-addressed envelope. If you vote by mail and your proxy card is returned unsigned, then your vote cannot be counted. The completed and signed proxy card must be received by the Partnership beforedate specified on the voting polls closeNotice of Availability.

In Person. You may vote in person at the Special Meeting.

You may also attend the SpecialAnnual Meeting and vote your common units in person by completing a ballot. Even if you plan to attendballot; however, attending the Special Meeting, please vote your proxy in advance of the Special Meeting (by Internet, telephone or mail, as described above) as soon as possible so that your common units will be represented at the Special Meeting if for any reason you are unable to attend in person. Attending the Special Meetingmeeting without completing a ballot will not count as a vote.

If you are a beneficial ownerRegardless of common units held in street name,whether or not you must either direct your broker or other nominee as to how to vote your common units, or obtain a “legal” proxy from your broker or other nominee to vote at the Special Meeting. Please refer to the voter instruction cards provided by your broker or other nominee for specific instructions on methods of voting.

How will my proxy vote my units?

If you properly submit your proxy and voting instructions by mail, telephone or the Internet, as applicable, your common units will be voted as you direct. If you submit your proxy by mail, telephone or the Internet, as applicable, but do not specify how you want your common units voted, they will be voted as recommended by the board of directors of our general partner. Also, you will give your proxies authority to vote, using their discretion, on any other business that properly comes before the meeting.

Can I vote by proxy even if I plan to attend the Special Meeting?

Yes. IfAnnual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy and decide to ensure your vote is counted. Even if you have submitted a proxy before the Annual Meeting, you may still attend the SpecialAnnual Meeting and vote in person. In such case, your previously submitted proxy will be disregarded.

If your shares are held in “street name,” you do not need to fill out a ballot atwill receive instructions from the meeting, unlessholder of record that you want to changemust follow in order for your vote.

Who is soliciting my proxy, how is it being solicited, and who pays the cost?

Our general partner is sending you this proxy statement in connection with its solicitation of proxies for use at the Special Meeting. We will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies for the Special Meeting, including the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy solicitation materials. We have engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) as our proxy solicitation agent. Fees for the services of Broadridge are anticipatedshares to be approximately $10,000. Our directors, officers and employees mayvoted. Internet and/or telephone voting will also solicit proxies in person or by other means of communication. These directors, officers and employees will not be additionally compensated but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation. We are requiredoffered to request that brokers,stockholders owning shares through most banks and other nomineesbrokers.

We provide Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that hold our common units in their names furnish our proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the common units,you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet service providers and we must reimburse these brokers, banks and other nominees for the expenses of doing so, in accordance with statutory fee schedules.telephone companies.

Can I change my vote after I have submittedsubmitting my proxy?

Yes. If you own your common units in your own name, youYou may revoke or change your proxy in writing at any time before your proxyit is exercised by:at the Annual Meeting.

submitting written notice to the Secretary of our general partner, 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1800, Houston, Texas 77002 no later than December 4, 2015 that you are revoking your proxy or changing your vote;

submitting another proxy with new voting instructions by telephone, mail or the Internet voting system; or

attending the Special Meeting and voting your units in person.

If you are a beneficial ownerthe record holder of common units heldyour shares, you may revoke your proxy in “street name” and you have instructed your broker or other nominee to vote your common units, you must follow the procedure your broker or other nominee provides to change those instructions. any one of three ways:

You may also vote in person at the Special Meeting ifsubmit another properly completed proxy with a later date.

You may send a written notice that you obtain a “legal”are revoking your proxy from your broker or other nominee.

What happens if the LTIP Proposal is approved?

We will use the Amended LTIP to reward and incentivize our employees, officers and directors and to continue to align their economic interests with the interests of our common unitholders. The Amended LTIP will be administered by a plan administrator, which is expected to be the board of directors of our general partner.

What happens if the LTIP Proposal is not approved?

After using all common units available under the Original LTIP, we would be unable to issue any further grants under such plan because NASDAQ Stock Market Rules require unitholder approval of any new equity compensation plans or any material revisions to existing plans. Without an equity compensation plan, it will be more difficult to attract and retain the services of qualified employees, officers and directors.

THE PARTNERSHIP

We are a Delaware limited partnership focused on the ownership, acquisition and development of oil and natural gas properties in North America. Our assets consist primarily of producing oil and natural gas properties and are located in Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and offshore Southern California. Most of our oil and natural gas properties are located in large, mature oil and natural gas reservoirs with well-known geologic characteristics and long-lived, predictable production profiles and modest capital requirements.

Our common units are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “MEMP.” Our principal executive offices are locatedCorporate Secretary at 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1800,1700, Houston, Texas 77002,77002.

You may attend the Annual Meeting and our phone number is (713)  588-8300. Our website address is www.memorialpp.com.vote in person. Simply attending the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.

If your shares are held by your broker, bank, dealer or other agent, you should follow the instructions provided by them.

MATTERS YOU ARE VOTING ONHow are votes counted and how many votes are required to approve each proposal?

With respect to Proposal 1, — Approvaldirectors will be elected by a plurality of all votes cast. You may vote “FOR” a nominee to the Board or you may “WITHHOLD” your vote for any nominee you specify or abstain from voting. The nominees who receive the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected as directors.

With respect to Proposals 2 and 3 you may vote (with respect to Proposal 3, on an advisory basis) “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” Each of Proposals 2 and 3 requires the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the First Amendmentvotes cast by the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote thereon.

With respect to Proposal 4, you may vote, on an advisory basis, “FOR” holding an advisory vote on the compensation paid to the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan

This proposal is to approve the First Amendment in order to approve, among other things, the increase in the maximum number of common units that may be granted as equity-based awards under the Original LTIP.The board of directors of our general partner recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

Proposal 2 — Approval of the Adjournment of the Special Meeting

This proposal is to approve the adjournment of the Special Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to approve Proposal 1.The board of directors of our general partner recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

PROPOSAL 1 — LTIP PROPOSAL

The Original LTIP was initially adopted on December 14, 2011 by our general partner in connection with our initial public offering. The Original LTIP is intended to promote our interests and the interests of our general partner and each of our affiliates by providing to employees, consultants and directors incentive compensation awards based on our common units to encourage superior performance. The purpose of awards under our long-term incentive plan is to provide additional incentive compensation to eligible individuals providing services to us, and to align the economic interests of such individuals with the interests of our common unitholders. The Original LTIP is also contemplated to enhance our ability and the ability of our general partner and each of our affiliates to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for our growth and profitability and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to advancing our business.

Reason for the Proposed First Amendment

The Original LTIP was originally adopted with 2,142,221 common units to be used in connection with grants of equity-based awards under the Original LTIP. As of September 30, 2015, only 51,108 of those common units remained available for future awards under the Original LTIP, meaning that substantially all authorized and available common units have been issued or have become subject to an outstanding award under the Original LTIP. We believe that this remaining amount may be insufficient to meet our equity compensation requirements. The board of directors of our general partner has determined that an increase in available common units is necessary to continue granting incentive and reward opportunities to eligible participants while assisting us in retaining a competitive edge in today’s volatile business environment.

On October 1, 2015, the board of directors of our general partner approved the First Amendment, which, subject to the approval of our common unitholders and the same adjustments as provided in the Original LTIP, would (i) increase the number of common units to be utilized for awards under the Amended LTIP to 5,225,000 common units; (ii) extend the term of the Amended LTIP to the 10th anniversary of the date of the First Amendment, unless earlier terminated as provided in the Amended LTIP; and (iii) prohibit any amendment to the Amended LTIP or any award granted thereunder that may have the effect of reducing the exercise price of any option or unit appreciation right, providing payment in respect of any underwater option or unit appreciation right or otherwise “repricing” an award, without unitholder approval, subject to certain exceptions.

Consequences of a Failure to Approve the Proposal

Our common unitholders are only voting to approve the First Amendment. Whether approved or not, this Proposal 1 will not affect the rights of existing award holders under the Original LTIP or any previously granted awards under the Original LTIP. However, if this Proposal 1 is not approved, we do not expect to be able to issue further meaningful or valuable equity-based incentive awards pursuant to the Original LTIP. As such awards have traditionally been a fundamental element of our compensation philosophy of “pay for performance,” and we believe that such awards further our goal of providing a long-term incentive for our service providers by motivating them to increase the value of our common units, we will be required to reevaluate our compensation program in general.

Description of the Amended LTIP

A summary description of the material features of the Amended LTIP as proposed is set forth below. The following summary does not purport to be a complete description of all the provisions of the Amended LTIP and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Original LTIP and the First Amendment, a copy of which is attached asExhibit A to this proxy statement, each of which is incorporated in its entirety in this proxy statement by reference. If our common unitholders approve this Proposal 1, we intend to file, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the additional units available for issuance under the Amended LTIP.

Common Units Subject to the Amended LTIP

If the First Amendment is approved by our common unitholders, the maximum number of common units, which would be subject to the same adjustments as currently provided in the Original LTIP, that may be delivered with respect to awards under the Amended LTIP will be increased to 5,225,000 common units. As of September 30, 2015, 1,392,627 common units that were previously issued under the Original LTIP remained subject to outstanding awards under the Original LTIP.

The common units to be delivered under the Amended LTIP may be units otherwise issuable by the Partnership, units acquired in the open market and/or from any person. To the extent that an award terminates or is cancelled prior to and without the delivery of common units (or if an award is forfeited), the units subject to the award may be used again with respect to new awards granted under the Amended LTIP.

Administration

Like the Original LTIP, the Amended LTIP will generally be administered by our general partner’s board of directors (which is the current plan administrator) or a committee as may be appointed by the board of directors (either entity, the “plan administrator”). The plan administrator has the full authority, subject to the terms of the Amended LTIP, to establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Amended LTIP, to designate participants under the Amended LTIP, to determine the number of units to be covered by awards, to determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant, and to determine the terms and conditions of any award.

Eligibility

All employees, consultants and directors of our general partner and its affiliates that perform services for us are eligible to be selected to participate in the Amended LTIP. The selection of which eligible individuals will receive awards is within the sole discretion of the plan administrator. As of September 30, 2015, there were approximately 280 employees eligible to receive awards under the Amended LTIP.

Term of the Amended LTIP

The term of the Amended LTIP will expire on the earliest of (1) the date it is terminated by the board of directors of our general partner, (2) the date all common units available under the Amended LTIP have been paid to participants, and (3) the tenth anniversary of the date of the First Amendment.

Awards under the Amended LTIP

Like the Original LTIP, the Amended LTIP will consist of some or all of the following components: restricted units, phantom units, unit options, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights, other unit-based awards and unit awards.

Restricted Units

A restricted unit is a common unit that vests over a period of time, and during that time, is subject to forfeiture. The plan administrator may make grants of restricted units containing such terms as it shall determine, including the period over which restricted units will vest. The plan administrator, in its discretion, may base its determination upon the achievement of specified financial or other performance objectives. Unless otherwise provided in a participant’s award agreement, a participant generally will be entitled to receive quarterly distributions with respect to the participant’s restricted units award during the vesting period.

We intend for the restricted units under the Amended LTIP to serve as a means of incentive compensation for performance and not primarily as an opportunity to participate in the equity appreciation of our common units. Therefore, it is expected that plan participants will not pay any consideration for restricted units they receive, and we will receive no remuneration for the restricted units.

Phantom Units

A phantom unit entitles the grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting of the phantom unit or, in the discretion of the plan administrator, cash equivalent to the value of a common unit. The plan administrator may make grants of phantom units under the Amended LTIP containing such terms as the plan administrator shall determine, including the period over which phantom units granted will vest. The plan administrator, in its discretion, may base its determination upon the achievement of specified financial objectives.

We intend for the issuance of common units upon vesting of the phantom units under the Amended LTIP to serve as a means of incentive compensation for performance and not primarily as an opportunity to participate in the equity appreciation of our common units. Therefore, it is expected that plan participants will not pay any consideration for the common units they receive, and we will receive no remuneration for the common units.

Unit Options

The Amended LTIP will permit the grant of options covering common units. The plan administrator may make grants containing such terms as the plan administrator shall determine. Unit options will typically have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of the common units on the date of grant. In general, unit options granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the plan administrator.

Unit Appreciation Rights

The Amended LTIP will permit the grant of unit appreciation rights. A unit appreciation right is an award that, upon exercise, entitles the participant to receive the excess of the fair market value of a common unit on the exercise date over the exercise price established for the unit appreciation right. Such excess will be paid in cash or common units. The plan administrator may make grants of unit appreciation rights containing such terms as the plan administrator shall determine. Unit appreciation rights will typically have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of the common units on the date of grant. In general, unit appreciation rights granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the plan administrator.

Distribution Equivalent Rights

The plan administrator may, in its discretion, grant distribution equivalent rights, or DERs, in tandem with phantom unit awards or other award under the Amended LTIP. DERs entitle the participant to receive cash equal to the amount of any cash distributions made by us during the period the DER is outstanding. Payment of a DER issued in connection with another award may be subject to the same vesting terms as the award to which it relates or different vesting terms, in the discretion of the plan administrator.

Other Unit-Based Awards

The Amended LTIP will permit the grant of other unit-based awards, which are awards that are based, in whole or in part, on the value or performance of a common unit. Upon vesting, the award may be paid in common units, cash or a combination thereof, as provided in the grant agreement.

Unit Awards

The Amended LTIP will permit the grant of common units that are not subject to vesting restrictions. Unit awards may be in lieu of or in addition to other compensation payable to the individual.

Other Provisions

Our general partner or one of its affiliates are authorized to withhold from any award, from any payment due or transfer made under any award or from any compensation or other amount owing to a participant, the amount (in cash, common units, or other property) of any applicable taxes payable with respect to the grant of an award, its exercise, the lapse of restrictions applicable to an award or in connection with any payment relating to an award or the transfer of an award and to take such other actions as may be necessary to satisfy the withholding obligations with respect to an award.

The board of directors of our general partner may terminate or amend the Amended LTIP or any part of the Amended LTIP at any time in any manner, including increasing the number of common units that may be granted, subject to the requirements of the securities exchange upon which the common units are listed at that time and to applicable tax and securities laws. However, without unitholder approval, subject to certain exceptions, no amendment to the Amended LTIP or any award granted thereunder may have the effect of reducing the exercise price of any option or unit appreciation right, providing payment in respect of any underwater option or unit appreciation right or otherwise “repricing” an award.

Options and unit appreciation rights are only exercisable by the participant during the participant’s lifetime, or by the person to whom the participant’s rights pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution. No award or right granted under the Amended LTIP may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered and any such purported transfer shall be void and unenforceable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the plan administrator may, in its discretion, allow a participant to transfer an option or a unit appreciation right without consideration to an immediate family member or a related family trust, limited partnership, or similar entity on the terms and conditions established by the plan administrator from time to time.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The tax consequences of awards granted under the Amended LTIP are complex and depend, in large part, on the surrounding facts and circumstances. This section provides a brief summary of certain significant federal income tax consequences of the Amended LTIP under existing U.S. law. This summary is not a complete statement of applicable law and is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code as in effect on the date of this description. If federal tax laws, or the interpretations of such laws, change in the future, the information provided in this section may no longer be accurate. This section does not discuss state, local, or non-U.S. tax consequences. This section also does not discuss the effect of gift, estate, or inheritance taxes. In addition, unit options, unit appreciation rights and certain other awards that provide for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code could be subject to additional taxes unless they are designed and administered to comply with certain restrictions set forth in Section 409A and the guidance promulgated thereunder.

The federal income tax consequences to a participant vary depending upon the type of award granted under the Plan. In general, the recipient of a unit option realizes ordinary income upon exercising the option equal to the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value on the exercise date of the units purchased. Upon the subsequent sale of any such units by the recipient, any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the units after the exercise date will be treated as a capital gain or loss for the recipient.

Generally, no taxes are due upon a grant of restricted units, phantom units, performance units or other unit-based or cash-based awards subject to vesting provisions. An award of restricted units generally becomes taxable when it is no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” (i.e., becomes vested or transferable). Income tax is generally paid at ordinary income rates on the value of the restricted units when the restrictions lapse, and then at capital gain rates with respect to any further gain (or loss) when the units are sold. In the case of phantom units, performance units, and other unit-based or cash-based awards, the participant generally will have taxable ordinary income upon the delivery of units or payment of cash with respect to the award. To the extent that a participant recognizes ordinary income in the circumstances described above, the company for which the participant performs services generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction provided that, among other things, the income meets the test of reasonableness, is an ordinary and necessary business expense, is not an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and is not disallowed by the $1 million limitation on certain executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

New Plan Benefits

The awards, if any, that will be made to eligible persons under the Amended LTIP are subject to the discretion of the plan administrator and, therefore, we cannot currently determine the benefits or number of units subject to awards that may be granted in the future to eligible employees, consultants and directors under the Amended LTIP, nor can we estimate the amount or the number of units that could have been granted to the eligible individuals had the Amended LTIP been in place in the last fiscal year.

We made annual equity grants under the Original LTIP to ourCompany’s named executive officers in 2014, which are reported inevery one, two or three years or you may “ABSTAIN” from the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table in this proxy statement. If the Amended LTIP is approved, we anticipate making an annual equity grant for 2015 to our executive officers and certain employees under the Amended LTIP in 2016, but the amount of such grants is not determinable at this time. Such awards will be subject to vesting.

Voting Procedures

Approval ofvote. Proposal 14 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the SpecialAnnual Meeting and entitled to vote thereon in favor of one of the voting options contemplated by our common unitholders, assumingProposal 4. If one of the voting options is not adopted by the required vote of the stockholders, the Board will evaluate the votes cast for each of the voting options and will deem the voting option receiving the greatest number of votes to be the voting option approved by the stockholders.

Abstentions and brokernon-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. The holdersAbstentions and brokernon-votes will not be considered as votes cast “for” or “against” Proposal 1 or Proposal 4 and will not affect the outcome of a majorityProposal 1 or Proposal 4. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against Proposals 2 and 3. Brokernon-votes will not have any effect on the outcome of the outstanding common units represented in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorumany proposal to be voted on at the Special Meeting. Your common units willmeeting.

Will my shares be counted as present atvoted if I do not provide my proxy and do not attend the Special Meeting if: (i)Annual Meeting?

If you are presenta stockholder of record and you do not vote in person at the meeting;Annual Meeting or (ii)vote by proxy, then your shares will not be voted.

If you orhold your shares in “street name,” your broker should ask you how you want your shares to be voted. If you give the broker instructions, your shares will be voted as you direct. If you do not give instructions, one of two things can happen, depending on the type of proposal. For certain “routine” matters, even if you do not give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares, the broker may vote your shares in its discretion. This is a broker discretionary vote. The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 (Proposal 2) is considered routine under

applicable rules. For matters not considered “routine,” if you do not give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares, the broker will return the proxy card without voting on that proposal. This is a brokernon-vote. The proposals to elect directors (Proposal 1), to approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s executive compensation (Proposal 3) and to approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of holding an advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation (Proposal 4) are not considered routine. As a beneficial owner of common units held in street name,result, no broker should vote your shares on these proposals without your specific instructions.

Who counts the votes?

We have submitted a properly executed proxy.

Proxies received but markedengaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., as our independent agent, to receive and tabulate votes at the Annual Meeting. Broadridge will separately tabulate “For” or “Withhold” or “For,” “Against” or “Abstain” votes, abstentions and brokernon-votes, as applicable. Broadridge has also been retained to be our election inspector to certify the results, determine the existence of a quorum and the validity of proxies, and perform any other acts required under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

What is the quorum requirement?

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote are present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

Your shares will be counted as present for purposes of determiningtowards the presence ofquorum only if you submit a quorum. Thus,valid proxy vote or vote at the total sum of votes “for,” plus votes “against,” plus abstentionsAnnual Meeting. Abstentions and brokernon-votes in respect of the LTIP Proposal must will be greater than 50% of the total number of our outstanding common units to satisfycounted towards the quorum requirement. ApprovalIf there is no quorum, either the chairperson of Proposal 1the Annual Meeting or a majority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time or place.

Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

We will bear all costs incurred in the solicitation of proxies, including the preparation, printing and mailing of the Notice of Availability, Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the related materials. In addition to solicitation by mail, our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies in person or by telephone,e-mail, facsimile or other means, without additional compensation. We may also reimburse brokers, banks, dealers and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.

How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?

Voting results will be achieved if votes for “for” represent greater than 50%announced by the filing of a Current Report on Form8-K within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are unavailable at that time, we will file an amended Current Report on Form8-K within four business days of the votes castday the final results are available.

When are stockholder proposals due for next year’s annual meeting?

To be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials, your proposal must be submitted in writing to our Corporate Secretary at 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002 and received by December 7, 2019; provided that, if the Special Meeting bydate of the 2020 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after May 15, 2020, the deadline is a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our common unitholders. Abstentions willproxy materials for next year’s annual meeting. If you wish to submit a proposal that is not to be included in our proxy materials for next year’s annual meeting pursuant to the numberSEC stockholder proposal procedures or to nominate a director, you must do so between January 21, 2020 and February 20, 2020;providedthat if the date of common units voting and will therefore havethat annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after May 15, 2020, you must give notice not later than the effectclose of a vote against the LTIP Proposal. Broker non-votes will not be considered entitled to vote and will therefore have no effectbusiness on the vote.45th day before such annual meeting date or, if later, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the annual meeting date is first made. You are also advised to review our amended and restated bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.

Recommendation

DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR NOMINEES

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OUR GENERAL PARTNER UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT COMMON UNITHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 1. IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, PROXIES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 1.

Directors

InterestThe Board currently is composed of Directorsseven members: David M. Dunn, Christopher W. Hamm, Scott L. Hoffman, Evan S. Lederman, David H. Proman (Chairman), Kenneth Mariani and Executive OfficersEdward Andrew Scoggins, Jr.

The Board has nominated each of Messrs. Dunn, Hamm, Hoffman, Lederman, Proman, Mariani and Scoggins forre-election by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Information about each director nominee can be found beginning on page 36 in connection with “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors.”

Director Nominees

After the Annual Meeting, assuming the stockholders elect the nominees of the Board as set forth in “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” above, the members of the Board will be:

Name

Age (as of
March 1,
2019)

Position with the Company

David M. Dunn

43

Director

Christopher W. Hamm

51

Director

Scott L. Hoffman

42

Director

Evan S. Lederman

39

Director

David H. Proman

36

Chairman

Kenneth Mariani

57

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Edward Andrew Scoggins, Jr.

39

Director

Set forth below is biographical information for the nominees. The following includes certain information regarding our directors’ individual experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that they should serve as directors.

David M. Dunnhas served as a member of the Board since March 2018. Mr. Dunn serves as the Managing Partner of Cross Sound Management LLC andCo-Chief Investment Officer of the Cross Sound Distressed Opportunities Fund (collectively, “Cross Sound”). Prior toco-founding Cross Sound in May 2016, Mr. Dunn served as a senior investment professional at Arrowgrass Capital Partners (US) LP from December 2010 to April 2016. Mr. Dunn received a J.D. degree from the St. John’s University School of Law and a B.S. in Communications from Southern Illinois University.

The Board believes that Mr. Dunn’s extensive investment and restructuring experience in the First Amendmentenergy industry brings valuable investment, strategic and analytical skills to the Board.

Christopher W. Hamm has served as a member of the Board since our inception in May 2017 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Hamm isa 27-year veteran of the investment management industry and CEO of Axys Capital,an SEC-registered private investment fund manager he founded in 2009. In 1998, Mr. Hamm founded Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan Long-Term Incentive PlanInvestment Advisors, a registered investment advisor, and Memorial Funds, an institutional multi-fund registered investment company, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and developed Millennium Funds, an alternative investment private fund complex. Prior to founding his own firms, Mr. Hamm served as Executive Director — Institutional Services at CIBC Oppenheimer, Senior Vice President — Capital Markets at PaineWebber, and Vice President — Taxable Fixed Income at Howard Weil Labouisse & Friederichs.

The officersBoard believes Mr. Hamm’s considerable experience in the investment advisory industry brings substantial investment management skills to the Board.

Scott L. Hoffman has served as a member of the Board since March 2019. Mr. Hoffman is a Senior Analyst at Brigade Capital Management, covering the energy and employeespower sectors. Prior to joining Brigade, Mr. Hoffman was a Director in Deutsche Bank’s Distressed Products Group from 2009 to 2012. In that capacity, Mr. Hoffman was responsible for following a variety of distressed credits and focused specifically on the energy, power, paper/packaging and airline sectors. Mr. Hoffman previously worked as a Senior Analyst in Citadel Investment Group’s Fundamental Credit Group, where he focused on the airline, building products, home building and industrial sectors. Prior to Citadel, Mr. Hoffman spent five years at Credit Suisse First Boston as an Analyst for CSFB’s Distressed Group and as an Investment Banker in the Financial Sponsors Group. Mr. Hoffman began his career at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s Financial Sponsors Group as an Investment Banker. Mr. Hoffman received a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Board believes that Mr. Hoffman’s considerable energy investment and credit experience brings substantial investment management skills to the Board.

Evan S. Lederman has served as a member of the Board since our general partner, its affiliatesinception in May 2017. Mr. Lederman joined Fir Tree Partners (“Fir Tree”) in 2011 and our subsidiariesis a Partner and member of the membersRisk Committee. Mr. Ledermanco-manages the firm’s distressed credit, restructuring, activist and private equity oriented strategies, including Fir Tree’s energy investments. Prior to joining Fir Tree, Mr. Lederman worked in the Business Finance and Restructuring groups at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Mr. Lederman is currently a member of the board of directors of Riviera Resources (Chairman of the Board), Roan Resources, Ultra Petroleum (Chairman of the Board), Amplify Energy (formerly Memorial Production Partners), New Emerald Energy LLC, Midstates Petroleum and Deer Finance, LLC. Mr. Lederman received a J.D. degree with honors from New York University School of Law and a B.A., magna cum laude, from New York University, where he was theall-university commencement speaker in 2002.

The Board believes that Mr. Lederman’s extensive investment and restructuring experience in the energy industry, as well as his considerable experience as a member of the boards of exploration and production companies, brings valuable strategic and analytical skills to the Board.

David H. Proman has served as our general partner will be eligibleChairman and a member of the Board since our inception in May 2017. Mr. Proman joined Fir Tree in 2010 and is a Managing Director and a Partner of Fir Tree.As Co-Head of Restructuring of Fir Tree, Mr. Proman focuses on managing the firm’s distressed credit, restructuring and litigation-oriented investment strategies, including energy and structured credit activist initiatives. Mr. Proman has 15 years of investment experience in structured and corporate debt investing. Prior to receive awards underjoining Fir Tree, Mr. Proman was an analyst at Kore Advisors, a fixed income investment manager, where he helped manage corporate and structured mortgage credit investments. Mr. Proman served on the Amended LTIP if itboard of directors ofEco-Stim Energy Solutions, Inc. from March 7, 2017 to October 13, 2017. Mr. Proman is approved.currently a member of the boards of directors, in his capacity as a Fir Tree employee, of Midstates Petroleum Company, Inc., New Emerald Energy LLC and Deer Finance, LLC. Mr. Proman also serves on the Technical Committee of FHipo, a residential mortgage REIT in Mexico and is Chairman of AC Capital Partners, S. de. R.L de C.V. and Grupo Amaral Administrador de Catera S.A.P.I de C.V. Mr. Proman received a B.A in Economics from the University of Virginia.

The Board believes Mr. Proman’s extensive investment and restructuring experience in the energy industry brings valuable strategic and analytical skills to the Board.

Kenneth Marianijoined Amplify Energy Corp. as President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2018. Mr. Mariani most recently served as the President of EnerVest Ltd. from January 2014 through December 2017. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President of EnerVest and President and Chief Executive Officer of EnerVest Operating Company from January 2012 to January 2014. Mr. Mariani joined EnerVest in 2000 and was Senior Vice President and General Manager — Eastern Division for 11 years. Prior to joining EnerVest, from 1991 to 2000, he served as Vice President of Operations for Energy Corporation of America (“ECA”), a privately

held exploration and production company, and was responsible for engineering, land, geology and production operations. Prior to his role at ECA, he held various engineering positions at Conoco, Inc., in the Midland, TX, and Rocky Mountain Divisions. Mr. Mariani holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, graduatingcum laude with a petroleum option. Mr. Mariani received his Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

The Board believes Mr. Mariani’s extensive executive experience with oil and natural gas companies brings valuable strategic, managerial and analytical skills to the Board.

Edward A. Scoggins, Jr. has served as a member of the Board since our inception in May 2017.Mr. Scoggins co-founded Millennial Energy Partners in 2012, and currently serves as Managing Partner. Under his leadership, the firm has secured private equity capital in excess of $300 million and directly invested in oil and gas assets through eight investment vehicles. Prior to Millennial, from 2008 to 2012, Mr. Scoggins led BG Group plc’s commercial and technical teams on oil and gas investments in the Haynesville shale, the Marcellus shale, British Columbia, Chile, Equatorial Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago. Prior to joining BG Group plc, Mr. Scoggins served as Strategic Planning Manager and Community and Public Relations Manager with Marathon Oil Company from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Scoggins began his career with Bechtel Corporation as Project Controls Engineer in Equatorial Guinea, West Africa from 2004 to 2005. In addition the Amended LTIP provides for indemnificationto Amplify Energy, Mr. Scoggins also currently serves as a member of the board of directors of our general partner or such committee as may be appointed byUltra Petroleum Corp. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and History from Vanderbilt University and earned his Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) degree with a concentration in business and finance from Georgetown University.

The Board believes that Mr. Scoggin’s considerable investment and commercial experience in the board of directors of our general partner to administer the Amended LTIPenergy industry brings valuable strategic and investment skills to the fullest extent permitted by law, with respectBoard.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

In addition to determinations made in connection withMr. Mariani (please see biography above), the Amended LTIP. Accordingly, the membersfollowing individuals serve as our executive officers as of the boarddate of directors of our general partner andthis proxy statement. Officers serve at the executive officers of our general partner have a substantial interest in the approvaldiscretion of the LTIP Proposal.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

As of September 30, 2015, the following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common units that are owned by:

each person known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common units;

each director of our general partner;

each named executive officer of our general partner; and

all directors and executive officers of our general partner as a group.

Name of Beneficial Owner (1)

 Common Units
Beneficially Owned (2)
  Percentage of    
Common Units    
Beneficially Owned (3)    
 

Jonathan M. Clarkson

  32,652    *      

P. Michael Highum

  20,242    *      

W. Donald Brunson

  16,666    *      

Kenneth A. Hersh

      —      

Tony R. Weber

      —      

Scott A. Gieselman

      —      

John A. Weinzierl

  609,968    *      

William J. Scarff

  127,360    *      

Andrew J. Cozby (4)

  163,153    *      

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

  70,904    *      

Larry R. Forney (5)

  153,626    *      

Kyle N. Roane

  100,656    *      

Gregory M. Robbins

  87,629    *      

All executive officers and directors as a group (16 persons)

  1,248,402    1.51%      

* Less than 1.0%

 

_________________

  

  

(1)The address for all beneficial owners in this table is 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1800, Houston, Texas 77002.
(2)Includes common units purchased in the directed unit program at the closing of our initial public offering as well as restricted common units awarded under the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(3)Based on 82,930,486 common units outstanding.
(4)Mr. Cozby resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2014 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Memorial Resource Development Corp., an affiliate of our general partner (“Memorial Resource”).
(5)Mr. Forney resigned as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2014 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Resource.

Memorial Production Partners GP LLC, our general partner, owns 50% of all of our incentive distribution rights and a 0.1% general partner interest in us. The following table sets forth the approximate beneficial ownership of equity interests in our general partner.Board.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

          Class A Member        Age (as of
Interest
March 1,
(1)2019)
   

Position with the Company

Memorial Resource (2)(3)(4)Martyn Willsher

   100.0

    ___________
(1)In December 2013, our general partner redeemed all non-voting interests owned by Natural Gas Partners VIII, L.P. (“NGP VIII”), Natural Gas Partners IX, L.P. (“NGP IX”) and NGP IX Offshore Holdings, L.P. (“NGP IX Offshore” and, together with NGP VIII and NGP IX, the “Funds”). In consideration for this redemption, the Funds received 50% of our incentive distribution rights. Memorial Resource owns 100% of the sole member interests in our general partner, which are classified as Class A membership interests, and will be entitled to 50% of any cash distributions made or common units issued to our general partner with respect to our general partner’s 0.1% general partner interest in us.

(2)Our general partner is controlled by Memorial Resource. MRD Holdco LLC, a holding company controlled by the Funds (“MRD Holdco”), together with a group controls Memorial Resource. MRD Holdco is controlled by NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore. Mr. Hersh will share in distributions made by us with respect to interests held by our general partner in proportion to his pecuniary interests. Mr. Hersh disclaims beneficial ownership of the reported securities in excess of his pecuniary interest in such securities. In addition, our general partner’s other non-independent directors and certain of our general partner’s executive officers have indirect financial interests in Memorial Resource and its affiliates.
(3)NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power over the reported interests of MRD Holdco; thus, each of NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of these interests. Each of NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore disclaims beneficial ownership of such reported interests in excess of such entity’s respective pecuniary interest in such interests. G.F.W. Energy VIII, L.P., GFW VIII, L.L.C., G.F.W. Energy IX, L.P. and GFW IX, L.L.C. may be deemed to beneficially own the interests owned by MRD Holdco attributable to NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore and the interests held by NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore by virtue of GFW VIII, L.L.C. being the sole general partner of G.F.W. Energy VIII, L.P. (which is the general partner of NGP VIII) and GFW IX, L.L.C. being the sole general partner of G.F.W. Energy IX, L.P. (which is the general partner of NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore). Kenneth A. Hersh, one of our general partner’s directors and an Authorized Member of each of GFW VIII, L.L.C. and GFW IX, L.L.C., may also be deemed to share the power to vote, or to direct the vote, and to dispose, or to direct the disposition, of the interests held by NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore. Mr. Hersh does not own directly any interests in our general partner.
(4)The address for NGP VIII, NGP IX and NGP IX Offshore is 5221 N. O’Connor Boulevard, Suite 1100, Irving, Texas 75039.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014:

Plan CategoryNumber of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
40
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants

Senior Vice President and rights

Number of
securities
remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity
compensation
plans
Chief Financial Officer

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1):

Long-Term Incentive PlanPolly Schott

   47   

Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Eric M. Willis

   746,61140 

Vice President and General Counsel

Richard P. Smiley

60

Vice President of Operations — Onshore

Set forth below is biographical information for our executive officers.

Martyn Willsher was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on April 27, 2018. Previously, Mr. Willsher served as the Company’s Vice President and Treasurer since May 2017. He also served as Treasurer of Memorial Production Partners GP, LLC, our predecessor, from July 2014 to May 2017, and as Director of Strategic Planning for Memorial Resource Development LLC, an affiliate of our predecessor, from March 2012 to June 2014. Prior to that, he served as Manager, Financial Analysis of AGL Resources from September 2009 to March 2012, and as Director — Upstream Oil & Gas A&D of Constellation Energy from August 2006 to March 2009. Prior to that, he served in various business development and financial analysis roles at JM Huber Corp., FTI Consulting and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Willsher received his Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University.

Polly Schottjoined Amplify Energy Corp. as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer in June 2018. Ms. Schott served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounting with EnerVest, Ltd. from September 2014 to February 2018, and previously as Vice President, Finance from March 2012 to August 2014. Prior to EnerVest, Ms. Schott was a Director with BNP Paribas’ energy banking group in Houston. She served in various credit and commercial roles with BNP Paribas from March 2001 to January 2012 and from August 1993 to July 1998. Ms. Schott also worked as a Financial Analyst with The Minute Maid Company from July 2000 to March 2001. Ms. Schott holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French from Rice University and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Ms. Schott is a CFA® charterholder.

Eric M. Willis has served as our Vice President and General Counsel since December 2017. From April 2015 to December 2017, Mr. Willis was a partner in the capital markets practice group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Houston, Texas, representing oil and gas clients. Prior to joining Kirkland & Ellis, he practiced corporate and securities law from September 2008 to April 2015 at Latham & Watkins LLP in Houston, Texas and Orange County, California. Mr. Willis holds a Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the United States Military Academy.

Richard P. Smiley has served as our Vice President of Operations — Onshore since our inception in May 2017. He previously served at Memorial Production Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of our predecessor, as Vice President of Operations — Onshore from March 2016 to May 2017, as Vice President of Operations — Southern Region from August 2015 through February 2016 and as Director, Operations — Northern Region from November 2014 to July 2015. Previously, he was Vice President of Operations at CL&F Resources LP from February 2014 to November 2014. From December 2011 to January 2014, Mr. Smiley served as Vice President of Operations at Propel Energy, LLC. From June 2010 to November 2011, he held the position of Operations Manager at Quantum Resources Management, LLC. Mr. Smiley began his career with El Paso Exploration Company in 1980 and held various engineering, operations and management with multiple companies, including Burlington Resources, Comstock, Bois d’Arc and Stone Energy, throughout the Central United States, both onshore and in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Smiley has a Petroleum Engineering Degree from the Colorado School of Mines.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

Code of Conduct

The Board has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Conduct is available in the Corporate Governance section of our website at www.amplifyenergy.com. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; to promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in periodic reports required to be filed by us; and to promote compliance with all applicable rules and regulations that apply to us and our officers.

Board Composition

The Board consists of seven members. The Board holds regular and special meetings at any time as may be necessary. Regular meetings may be held without notice on dates set by the Board from time to time. Special meetings of the Board or meetings of any committee thereof may be held at the request of the Chairman of the Board or a majority of the Board (or a majority of the members of such committee) upon at least two days (if the meeting is to be held in person) or 24 hours (if the meeting is to be held telephonically) prior oral or written notice to the other members of the Board or committee or upon such shorter notice as may be approved by the directors or members of such committee. A quorum for a regular or special meeting will exist when a majority of the members are participating in the meeting either in person or by telephone conference. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a board meeting may be taken without a meeting if such action is evidenced in writing and signed by all of the members of the Board. The Board currently consists of a single class of directors each servingone-year terms.

In evaluating director candidates, the Board will assess whether a candidate possesses the integrity, judgment, knowledge, experience, skill and expertise that are likely to enhance the ability of the Board to manage and direct our affairs and business, including, when applicable, to enhance the ability of committees of the Board to fulfill their duties. The Board will consider individuals identified by stockholders on the same basis as nominees from other sources. We have no minimum qualifications for director candidates. In general, however, the Board will review and evaluate both incumbent and potential new directors in an effort to achieve diversity of skills and experience among our directors and in light of the following criteria:

 

(1)Our general partner adopted the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan in December 2011 in connection with the completion of our initial public offering.

experience in business, government, education, technology or public interests;

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONhigh-level managerial experience in large organizations;

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

General

Allbreadth of our general partner’s executive officers and other personnel necessary forknowledge regarding our business or industry;

specific skills, experience or expertise related to function are employedan area of importance to us, such as energy production, consumption, distribution or transportation, government, policy, finance or law;

moral character and compensatedintegrity;

commitment to our stockholders’ interests;

ability to provide insights and practical wisdom based on experience and expertise;

ability to read and understand financial statements; and

ability to devote the time necessary to carry out the duties of a director, including attendance at meetings and consultation on company matters.

Although we do not have a policy in regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, the Board seeks nominees with distinct professional backgrounds, experience and perspectives so that the Board as a whole has the range of skills and viewpoints necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

Board Nominations

Our amended and restated bylaws set forth the procedures for submitting recommendations for candidates to the Board. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to our proxy materials with respect to such annual meeting, (ii) by or at direction of the Board or (iii) by any stockholder who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in our general partner or Memorial Resource, inamended and restated bylaws.

Meeting ofNon-Management Directors and Communications with Directors

At each case subject to reimbursement by us. Memorial Resource currently manages our operations and activities, and makes certain compensation decisions on our behalf, underquarterly meeting of the omnibus agreement. The compensation forBoard, all of our general partner’sindependent directors intend to meet in an executive officers is paidsession without participation by Memorial Resource, and we reimburse Memorial Resource for costs and expenses incurred for our benefitmanagement or on our behalf pursuantnon-independent directors. Shareholders or interested parties may communicate directly with the Board, any committee of the Board, any independent directors, or any one director, by sending written correspondence by mail addressed to the termsBoard, committee or director to the attention of our Corporate Secretary at the following address: c/o Corporate Secretary, Amplify Energy Corp., 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002. Communications are distributed to the Board, committee of the omnibus agreement.Board, or director as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. Commercial solicitations or communications will not be forwarded.

ResponsibilityDirector Independence

Our common stock is quoted for trading on OTCQX. Pursuant to OTCQX rules, we are required to have at least two independent members of the Board. The Company’s standards for determining director independence require the assessment of directors’ independence each year. A director cannot be considered independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that he or she does not have any relationship with management or the Company that may interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment, including any of the relationships that would disqualify the director from being independent under OTCQX rules.

The Board has assessed the independence of eachnon-employee director under the Company’s guidelines and authority for compensation-related decisions for executive officersOTCQX rules. The Board has affirmatively determined that, under OTCQX rules, Messrs. Dunn, Hamm, Hoffman, Lederman, Proman and other personnel employedScoggins are independent directors, based on information provided by our general partner residesthe directors.

In connection with our general partner. Responsibilityits assessment of the independence of eachnon-employee director, the Board also determined that Messrs. Dunn, Hoffman and authority for compensation-related decisions for executive officersScoggins are independent as defined in Section 10A of the Exchange Act and other personnelunder the standards set forth by the OTCQX rules applicable to members of the Audit Committee.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Leadership of the Board is vested in a Chairman of the Board. David H. Proman serves as the Chairman of the Board the Company. We do not have a policy requiring either that are employedthe positions of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer be separate or that they be occupied by Memorial Resource reside with Memorial Resource. Our general partner’s executive officers manage our businessthe same individual. The Board believes that this issue is properly addressed as part of the service providedsuccession planning process and that a determination on this subject should be made when it elects a new chief executive officer or at such other times as when consideration of the matter is warranted by Memorial Resource undercircumstances.

Risk is inherent in business, and it is the omnibus agreement,responsibility of senior management to develop and implement the Company’s short and long-term objectives and to identify, evaluate, manage and mitigate the risks inherent in seeking to achieve those objectives. The Board is actively involved in oversight of risks that could affect us and works with management to ensure that it has in place processes for dealing appropriately with risk. For example, the Board:

oversees the long-term strategic plans of the Company and assesses risks and efforts to mitigate such risks that would cause the Company to fail to achieve its strategic goals;

reviews management’s capital spending plans, approves the Company’s capital budget and requires that management present for Board review significant departures from those plans;

oversees management of the Company’s commodity price risk through regular review with executive management of the Company’s derivatives strategy; and

monitors the Company’s liquidity profile and its compliance with the financial covenants contained in its debt instruments.

Board oversight is conducted in part through its committees. In particular, the Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company’s assessment and management of financial reporting and internal control risks, as well as other financial risks, such as the credit risks associated with counterparty exposure. The Audit Committee is responsible for discussing with management the Company’s significant financial risk exposures and the compensation for allactions management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. Management and the Company’s independent registered public accountants report regularly to the Audit Committee on those subjects. The Board does not consider its role in oversight of the Company’s risk management function to be relevant to its choice of leadership structure.

Committees of the Board

The Board has established an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. The Audit Committee and Compensation Committee compositions and responsibilities are described below.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the integrity of our general partner’s executive officers is indirectly paidfinancial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and Company policies and controls. The Audit Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate our independent registered public accounting firm, approves all auditing services and related fees and the terms thereof, andpre-approves anynon-audit services to be rendered by our general partner through reimbursements to Memorial Resource. All determinations with respect to awards made underindependent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is also responsible for confirming the Amended LTIP to executive officersindependence and objectivity of our general partner and of Memorial Resource are made byindependent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm is given unrestricted access to the board of directorsAudit Committee. The charter for the Audit Committee is available within the “Corporate Governance” section of our general partner, following the recommendation of Memorial Resource.

Some of our general partner’s named executive officers are also executive officers of Memorial Resource, and we expect that our general partner’s named executive officers will devote a significant portion of their total business time to Memorial Resource and its operations. Compensation paidwebsite at http://investor.amplifyenergy.com/corporate-governance.cfm. The information contained on, or awarded by us with respectconnected to, our general partner’s named executive officers reflects onlywebsite is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the portionSEC.

Messrs. Dunn, Hoffman and Scoggins currently serve on the Audit Committee and Mr. Scoggins serves as the chairman. Pursuant to OTCQX rules, we are required to have a majority independent Audit Committee. Each of Memorial Resource’s compensation expense allocated to us by Memorial ResourceMessrs. Dunn, Hoffman and Scoggins are considered independent under OTCQX rules. The Board has determined that Mr. Scoggins is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under SEC rules.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee assists the omnibus agreement. Memorial Resource has the ultimate decision-making authorityBoard in its oversight responsibilities with respect to the totalmanagement of risks arising from our compensation policies and programs. The Compensation Committee reviews and fixes the salary and other compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers of the Company, including administering the Amplify Energy Corp. Management Incentive Plan. The charter for the Compensation Committee is available within the “Corporate Governance” section of our website at http://investor.amplifyenergy.com/corporate-governance.cfm. The information contained on, or connected to, our website is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.

Messrs. Dunn, Hamm and Proman currently serve on the Compensation Committee, and Mr. Hamm serves as the chairman.

Other Committees

The Board may on occasion establish other committees, as it deems necessary or required. We do not currently have a standing nominating committee or a committee performing similar functions. The independent directors of the Board currently serve this function. Our directors believe that it is not necessary to have such committees, at this time, because the functions of such committees can be adequately performed by the Board. The Board will assess all candidates, whether submitted by management or stockholders, and make recommendations for election or appointment. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Board.

Meetings of the Board, Board and Committee Member Attendance and Annual Meeting Attendance

During 2018, the Board met 13 times, the Audit Committee met four times, the Compensation Committee met three times and each board member attended 63% or more of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he served. We encourage all of our directors and nominees for director to attend the Annual Meeting; however, attendance is not mandatory. All of our directors attended the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Hedging Policy

Our insider trading policy prohibits our employees from engaging in any speculative transactions involving our equity securities, including buying and selling prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, puts, calls or other derivative securities that are designed to hedge or speculate on changes in the market value of equity securities of the Company. Any such activity would require the approval and authorization of either the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel.

Stockholder Communications with the Board

Should stockholders wish to communicate with the Board or any specified individual directors, such correspondence should be sent to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a “AMPY Stockholder-Board Communication” or “AMPY Stockholder-Director Communication.” All such letters must identify the author as a stockholder and clearly state whether the intended recipients are all members of the Board or just certain specified individual directors. The Company’s General Counsel will review each communication received from stockholders and other interested parties and will forward the communication, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, to the addressees if: (i) the communication complies with the requirements of any applicable policy adopted by the Board relating to the subject matter of the communication and (ii) the communication falls within the scope of matters generally considered by the Board. If the subject matter of a communication relates to matters that have been delegated by the Board to a committee or to an executive officer of the Company, then the Company’s General Counsel may forward the communication to the executive officer or chairman of the committee to which the matter has been delegated. If requested, any questions or comments will be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible. The acceptance and forwarding of communications to the members of the Board or an executive officer does not imply or create any fiduciary duty of the Board members or executive officer to the person submitting the communications.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2018, none of our executive officers served on the board or compensation committee of a company that had an executive officer that served on the Board. During 2018, no member of the Board was an executive officer of a company in which one of our executive officers served as a member of the board or compensation committee of that company.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD

The material in this report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Amplify under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee our financial reporting processes on behalf of the Board. The Audit Committee’s functions are more fully described in its employees,charter, which is available on our website at http://www.amplifyenergy.com. Management has the primary responsibility for our financial statements and reporting processes, including our general partner’ssystems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management Amplify’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Audit Committee discussed with KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16 as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T. In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with KPMG LLP their independence, and received from KPMG LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by Ethics and Independence Rule 3526 of the PCAOB. Finally, the Audit Committee discussed with KPMG LLP, with and without management present, the scope and results of KPMG LLP’s audit of such financial statements.

Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that such audited financial statements be included in our 2018 Annual Report on Form10-K for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee also has engaged KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2019 and is seeking ratification of such appointment by the stockholders.

The Audit Committee of Amplify Energy Corp.

Edward A. Scoggins, Jr., Chairman

David M. Dunn

Scott L. Hoffman

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, the Company purchases products or services from, or engages in other transactions with, various third parties. Occasionally, these transactions may involve entities that are affiliated with one or more members of the Board.

Related Party Agreements

Since January 1, 2018, no transactions have occurred, and no transactions are currently proposed, in which the Company was or is to be a participant, involving an amount exceeding $120,000 and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions

We maintain a policy for approval of related party transactions. A “related party transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount of which involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A “related person” means:

any person who is, or at any time during the applicable period was, one of our executive officers or one of our directors;

any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock;

any 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 orsister-in-law of a director, executive officer or a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; and

any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest.

The policy and procedures for reviewing related party transactions are not formally stated, but they are derived from the Code of Conduct and the charter of the Audit Committee. Under its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing all material facts of all related party transactions, including transactions for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of RegulationS-K.

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Section 145 of the DGCL authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities, including reimbursements for expenses incurred arising under the Securities Act.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a director will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except:

for any breach of the duty of loyalty;

for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law;

for liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) (relating to unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or stock redemptions); or

for any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal benefit.

The effect of this provision is to eliminate our rights, and our stockholders’ rights, to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of a fiduciary duty of care as a director. This provision does not limit or eliminate our rights or those of any stockholder to seeknon-monetary relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director’s duty of care. The provisions will not alter the liability of directors under federal securities laws. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we indemnify each director and the officers, employees and agents determined by the Board to the fullest extent provided by the laws of the State of Delaware. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also requires us to advance expenses, including attorneys’ fees, to our directors and officers in connection with legal proceedings, subject to very limited exceptions.

Any amendment to or repeal of these provisions will not adversely affect any right or protection of our directors in respect of any act or failure to act that occurred prior to any amendment to or repeal of such provisions or the adoption of an inconsistent provision. If the DGCL is amended to provide further limitation on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of our directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL. In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. We also maintain director and officer liability insurance.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This compensation discussion and analysis provides an overview of the 2018 executive compensation program for our named executive officers and (subject to the terms of the omnibus agreement) with respect to the portion of that compensation that is allocated to us. Any such compensation decision is not subject to any approval by the board of directors of our general partner.

Our general partner’s “named executive officers” for 2014 were:(“NEOs”) identified below.

 

Name

  

Principal Position

John A. WeinzierlChief Executive Officer and Chairman
William J. Scarff

Kenneth Mariani (1)

  President and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew J. Cozby

Martyn Willsher (2)

  FormerSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Polly Schott (3)

Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Richard P. Smiley

Vice President, Onshore Operations

Eric M. Willis

Vice President and General Counsel

William J. Scarff(4)

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr. (5)

  Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Larry R. Forney(1)

On May 4, 2018, the Board appointed Kenneth Mariani to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective May 14, 2018.

(2)Former

On April 27, 2018, the Board appointed Martyn Willsher to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief OperatingFinancial Officer of the Company, effective April 27, 2018.

Kyle N. Roane(3)

On May 5, 2018, the Board appointed Polly Schott to serve as Senior Vice President Compliance and AdministrationChief Administrative Officer, effective June 11, 2018

Gregory M. Robbins(4)

Mr. Scarff retired from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer effective as of May 14, 2018. In conjunction with Mr. Scarff’s retirement, the Board appointed Kenneth Mariani to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 14, 2018.

(5)

Mr. Stillwell separated from his position as Senior Vice President Corporate Developmentand Chief Financial Officer effective April 27, 2018. In conjunction with Mr. Stillwell’s separation, the Board appointed Mr. Willsher to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective April 27, 2018.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Memorial ResourceThe Company employs a compensation philosophy that emphasizespay-for-performance (primarily, insofar as it relates to our partnership, the ability to generate stable cash flows allowing us to make quarterly distributions to common unitholders) based on a combination of our partnership’sthe Company’s performance and the individual’s impact on our partnership’sthe Company’s performance and placing the majority of each officer’s compensation at risk. We believe thispay-for-performance approach generally aligns the interests of executive officers who provide services to us with that of our common unitholders,stockholders, and at the same time enables us to maintain a lower level of base salary overhead in the event our operating and financial performance fails to meet expectations. Memorial Resource designs our general partner’sOur Company’s executive compensation is designed to attract and retain individuals with the background and skills necessary to successfully execute our business model in a demanding environment, to motivate those individuals to reach near-term and long-term goals in a way that aligns their interest with that of our common unitholders,stockholders, and to reward success in reaching such goals.

As our needs evolve and as circumstances require, we periodically reevaluate our executive compensation philosophy, principal objectives, and programs, including for example, in connection with the leadership transition we experienced during 2018.

Compensation Setting Process

Our Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and approving the agreements, plans, policies, and programs of the Company to compensate our executive officers and directors. In addition, our Compensation Committee also oversees our employee compensation benefit plans, policies and programs for our executive officers andnon-executive employees, including determination with respect to annual cash incentive awards and grants of long-term equity incentive awards described below under “Elements of Executive Compensation — Long Term Incentive Compensation.”

The portionCompensation Committee relied on several resources in reviewing elements of executive compensation and making compensation decisions, including historical compensation levels and performance objectives, and input from our general partner’s namedpresident and chief executive officers’ salariesofficer (“CEO”) in making determinations regarding the executive compensation program and bonuses incurred by Memorial Resource that was allocated to us, as reflected in the Summaryindividual compensation of each executive officer, other than our CEO. The Compensation Table below, was based on estimated time spent on each entityCommittee did not retain an independent compensation consultant for 2014, on production for 2013 andthe 2018 fiscal year, or rely on a reserve basis methodologybenchmarking analysis as a reference point or framework for 2012. Memorial Resource has designed a compensation program that emphasizes pay-for-performance. Our general partner’s Chief Executive Officer provides periodicdecisions in 2018. The Compensation Committee reviews and discusses all recommendations regarding executive compensation, then submits all recommendations to Memorial Resource regarding the compensation of our general partner’s other named executive officers.Board for approval.

In the future as part of the compensation setting process, Memorial Resource may: (i) examine the compensation practices of our peer companies, (ii) review compensation information from the oil and gas industry generally to the extent we compete for executive talent from a broader group than our selected peer companies, (iii) review and participate in relevant compensation surveys and (iv) retain compensation consultants.

Elements of Executive Compensation

There are three primary elements of compensation that are used in our general partner’s executive compensation program—program: base salary, cashannual incentive bonus and long-term equity incentive awards. CashAnnual incentive bonuses and equity incentives (as opposed to base salary) represent the performance drivenperformance-driven elements of the compensation program. TheyPerformance driven compensation elements are also flexible in application and can be tailored to meet our objectives. The determination of specific individuals’ cashannual incentive bonuses will reflect theirawarded in respect of a performance period reflects each individual’s relative contribution to achieving or exceeding annual goals, and the determination of specific individuals’ long-term incentive awards will beis based on theirthe individual’s expected contribution in respect of longer term performance objectives. Incentive compensation in respect of services provided to us will not be tied in any material way to the performance of entities other than us and our subsidiaries. Specifically, any performance metrics will not be tied to the performance of Memorial Resource, the Funds or any other affiliate of Natural Gas Partners (“NGP”).

Although we bear an allocated portion of the costs of compensation and benefits provided to the Memorial Resource employees who serve as our general partner’s named executive officers, we have no control over such costs, and we will not establish or direct the compensation policies or practices of Memorial Resource. Each of these executive officers continues to perform services for our general partner, as well as for Memorial Resource and its affiliates.

Base Salary. We believe the base salaries for our general partner’s named executive officers are generally competitive within the master limited partnership market, but are moderate relative to base salaries paid by companies with which we compete for similar executive talent across the broad spectrum of the energy industry. We do not expect automatic annual adjustments to be made to base salary. Memorial Resource reviewsreview the base salaries on an annual basis and mayin connection with promotions or other changes to roles and responsibilities and make adjustments as necessary to maintain a competitive executive compensation structure. As part of itsour review, Memorial Resourcewe may examine the compensation of executive officers in similar positions with similar responsibilities at peer companies identified by Memorial Resource or the board of directors of our general partner or at companies within the oil and gas industry with which we generally compete for executive talent. On April 27, 2018, our Board increased Mr. Willsher’s base salary from $235,000 to $300,000 in connection with Mr. Willsher’s promotion from Vice President and Treasurer to Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and increased Mr. Smiley’s base salary from $310,000 to $330,000 in connection with increases to his responsibilities following the departure of Christopher Cooper, our former Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.

Bonus Awards. Annual bonusIncentive Awards. Annual incentive awards are discretionary and may be determined based on financial andand/or individual performance. Memorial Resource reviewsWe review bonus awards for our general partner’s named executive officers annually to determine award payments for the currentmost recently completed fiscal year, as well as to establish award opportunities for the next fiscal year. At the end of each fiscal year, Memorial Resource meetswe meet with each executive officer to discuss our performance goals for the upcoming fiscal year and what each executive officer is expected to contribute to help us achieve those performance goals. The determination of specific individuals’ cash bonusesactual annual bonus payout will reflect their relative contribution to achieving or exceeding annual goals. The earned annual incentive bonuses payable to our named executive officers are generally paid 25% in cash, and 75% in fully vested shares of Amplify stock (calculated based on thethree-day volume weighted average price of an Amplify share for the three consecutive trading days ending one week prior to the bonus payment date). On April 27, 2018, at the same time our Board modified Mr. Willsher’s and Mr. Smiley’s base salaries, the Board increased Mr. Willsher’s target bonus from 50% to 75% of his base salary, and increased Mr. Smiley’s target bonus from 65% to 70% of his base salary.

The Board considers and takes into account several factors in determining the discretionary bonus awards such as company performance and strategic initiatives. For the 2018 fiscal year, our annual bonus program measured achievement of performance objectives related to:

Average daily production, weighted at 15% of the total bonus pool funding;

Free cash flow, weighted at 15% of the total bonus pool funding;

Lease operating expenses, weighted at 15% of the total bonus pool funding;

General and administrative expenses, weighted at 15% of the total bonus pool funding;

Total OSHA reportable injuries, weighted at 10% of the total bonus pool funding; and

Compensation Committee discretion, weighted at 30% of the total bonus pool funding.

These performance objectives were selected in order to motivate key employees, including our named executive officers, and reward them for successfully executing our business strategies as measured against quantitative operational and financial measures for 2018. Target performance levels for each performance objective were established by the Board in May 2018 and set at challenging levels that were both consistent with our long-term goals and intended to incentivize and reward superior performance. In addition, a threshold level of performance is established for each performance objective, and if threshold performance for a performance objective is not achieved, no bonus amount is earned in respect of that performance objective. For example, as described below, the threshold lease operating expenses performance goal was not achieved and accordingly, the portion of the bonus which could have been earned in respect of lease operating expenses was not paid.

The Compensation Committee certified achievement of the performance objectives for 2018 as follows:

Average daily production: achieved at 98% of target;

Free cash flow: achieved at 77% of target, which was below threshold performance levels; and

Lease operating expenses: achieved at 88% of target, which was below threshold performance levels.

General and administrative expenses: achieved at 93% of target;

Total OSHA reportable injuries: achieved at 150% of target;

The Compensation Committee determined that the discretionary component of our annual bonus program would be fully funded for 2018. For the 2018 fiscal year, the aggregate target award for each NEO, and total annual incentive award paid to each NEO was as follows:

Name

  Target Annual
Incentive Award
   Total Annual
Incentive Award (2)
 

Kenneth Mariani

  $600,000   $323,941 

Martyn Willsher

  $225,000   $173,844 

Polly Schott

  $225,000   $129,576 

Richard P. Smiley

  $231,000   $204,366 

Eric M. Willis

  $227,500   $200,416 

William J. Scarff(1)

  $600,000   $—   

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr. (1)

  $373,500   $—   

(1)

Mr. Scarff and Mr. Stillwell separated from their respective positions as NEOs during the 2018 fiscal year, and did not receive an annual bonus for 2018.

(2)

The amount shown represents the earned annual incentive bonuses payable to our NEOs, and these amounts were paid 25% in cash and 75% in fully vested shares of Amplify stock. In addition, the Compensation Committee also approved supplemental discretionary bonus amounts for Mr. Mariani ($29,541), Mr. Willsher ($8,244), Ms. Schott ($32,976), Mr. Smiley ($34,350), and Mr. Willis ($32,976), which were paid in fully vested shares of stock.

Long Term Incentive CompensationCompensation.. Our general partner We have adopted the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-TermAmplify Energy Corp. Management Incentive Plan (our “LTIP”(the “MIP”) for employees, officers, consultants and directors of our general partner and any of its affiliates, including Memorial Resource,key personnel who perform services for us. The purpose of awards under our MIP is to align the interests of eligible employees with the interests of our stockholders by providing long-term incentive compensation opportunities tied to the performance of the Company.

Each of our general partner’s named executive officersNEOs is eligible to participate in our LTIP. Memorial Resource determines the overall amount of all long-term equity incentive compensation to be granted annually for its employees (including the officers of our general partner). The portion of that compensation to be granted under our LTIP will be granted by our general partner’s board of directors following the recommendation of Memorial Resource.MIP. Our LTIP is administered by a plan administrator, which is currently the board of directors of our general partner.

Our LTIPMIP allows for the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units phantom units, unit options, unit(“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights, other unit-basedperformance awards, stock awards and unitother incentive awards. The purposeAll grants under the MIP, to the extent applicable, are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. A maximum of 2,322,404 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance under the MIP. As of December 31, 2018, 816,470 of those common shares remained available for future awards. Shares of common stock subject to awards under our LTIP is to provide additional incentive compensation to employees providing services to us, and to align the economic interests of such employees with the interests of our common unitholders. Common unitsthat are cancelled, expired, forfeited or withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligationsotherwise terminated without delivery of the underlying share will be available again for deliverygrant pursuant to other awards.

DuringThe Compensation Committee determines the year ended December 31, 2014, our general partner’s named executive officerssize and independent directors were granted awardsvesting terms of restricted common units as indicated in the following table:

                Aggregate Number                 

Award Recipient

of Restricted Units

John A. Weinzierl

125,168

William J. Scarff

89,405

Andrew J. Cozby (1)

58,114

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

11,176

Larry R. Forney (2)

58,114

Kyle N. Roane

40,232

Gregory M. Robbins

40,232

Jonathan M. Clarkson

4,548

P. Michael Highum

4,548

Robert A. Innamorati (3)

4,548

(1)Mr. Cozby resigned as our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2014 and is currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Memorial Resource.
(2)Mr. Forney resigned as our Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2014 and is currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Resource.
(3)Mr. Innamorati served as an independent director for us through November 2014.

The board of directors of our general partner determines anyall awards made under our LTIP. With regardMIP, and recommends the terms to the awards made during 2014,Board for approval. The Compensation Committee administers all other aspects of the board of directors of our general partnerMIP. In establishing its recommendations to the Board, the Compensation Committee took a number of factors into account, including:

the financial and operational performance of the Partnership for 2013 through May 2014 (including significant increases in proved reserves, average daily production and Adjusted EBITDA);

the significant number of transactions completed by the Partnership and integration of assets acquired in 2013 through May 2014 (including eight acquisitions and three public equity offerings);

the significant demand in Houston and worldwide for experienced oil and gas executives;

the significant demand in Houston and elsewhere for experienced MLP executives;

information gathered by the board of directors of our general partner regarding compensation paid to executives at other MLPs and other public oil and gas production companies; and

the board of directors’ impression of the performance of the individual executives.

For any subsequent year,including, among others, the boardeligible employee’s expected contribution to the long-term success of directors of our general partnerthe Company, the significant demand for experienced oil and gas executives and information gathered by the Board regarding equity-based incentive compensation paid to executives at other public oil and gas exploration and production companies. In future years, the Compensation Committee may take some or all of these factors into account, and may also consider other factors that it deems relevant at the time of determination.

On January 9, 2015, certainDuring 2018 our Compensation Committee reviewed the long-term incentive awards granted to our NEOs, includingone-time awards granted in connection with the commencement of employment and historical equity incentive awards granted in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy. Following this review, on November 7, 2018 the Board approved the annual grants of long-term incentive awards (the “2018 Annual MIP Awards”) under the MIP to our senior executives and other employees, including some of our general partner’s executive officersNEOs. The 2018 Annual MIP Awards consist of time-based vesting RSUs and independent directors wereperformance-vesting RSUs.

Time-based vesting RSUs granted awards of restricted common units, as indicated in the following table:

        Vesting                Aggregate Number        

Award Recipient

Periodof Restricted Units

John A. Weinzierl (1)

3 years11,327

Christopher S. Cooper

3 years33,981

Jonathan M. Clarkson

1 year8,091

P. Michael Highum

1 year8,091

W. Donald Brunson

1 year8,091

(1)The grant of restricted common units to Mr. Weinzierl was in lieu of his annual cash bonus for 2014.

On May 29, 2015, certain of our general partner’s executive officers were granted annual equity awards of restricted common units, which vest in substantially equalone-third (1/3) increments over three years, as indicated in the following table:

Award Recipient

    Aggregate Number of    
Restricted Units

  John A. Weinzierl

53,548

  William J. Scarff

38,487

  Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

50,201

  Christopher S. Cooper

25,100

  Kyle N. Roane

21,754

  Gregory M. Robbins

21,754

  Patrick T. Nguyen

25,100

The awards were made pursuant to our LTIP and restricted unit agreements between our general partner and each award recipient. The awards are subject to restrictions on transferability and a substantial risk of forfeiture and are intended to retain and motivate members of our general partner’s management. Award recipients have all the rights of a unitholder in us with respect to the restricted units, including the right to receive distributions thereon if and when distributions are made by us to our unitholders. The restricted units vest and the forfeiture restrictions will generally lapse in substantially equal one-third increments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant, (except with respect to the awards to our independent directors), so long as the award recipient remains in continuous service with our general partnerthe Company and its affiliates.affiliates through the applicable vesting date.

If an award recipient’s servicePerformance-vesting RSUs vest upon achievement of15-day volume-weighted average price targets, with our general partner or its affiliates is terminated priorone-third vesting upon achievement of each of $12.50 per share, $15.00 per share, and $17.50 per share targets. Upon achievement of such specified share price hurdle, performance-vested RSUs are subject to fulladditional time-based vesting, such that 50% of the restricted units for any reason, thenperformance-vesting RSUs are settled on the date such performance-vesting conditions are satisfied, and an additional 25% vest and are settled on the first and second anniversaries of such date, so long as the award recipient will forfeit all unvested restricted units, except that, if an award recipient’sremains in continuous service with the Company and its affiliates through each date. If a participant’s employment is terminated either by our general partner (or an affiliate)us without “cause” or bywith “good reason,” any unvested time-based vesting RSUs will become vested, and if such termination occurs after the award recipientsecond anniversary of the grant date, performance-vesting RSUs may become vested if the then-current volume-weighted average price is within $0.25 of the next share price target.

In connection with our emergence from bankruptcy in 2017, our then-current NEOs were granted awards of RSUs and stock options under the MIP (the “Emergence Awards”), which consisted of time-based vesting RSUs and time-based vesting stock options. The exercise price of the stock options granted as Emergence Awards was equal to $21.58, which represented a significant premium over the price of a share of common stock at the date of our emergence (which was $13.77). In November 2018, the Board determined, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, that the stock options granted as Emergence Awards no longer constituted a meaningful incentive opportunity for our named executive officers. Holders of stock options granted as Emergence Awards who were considered for receipt of a 2018 Annual MIP Award were required to forfeit the unvested stock options as a condition to receiving any 2018 Annual MIP Award.

Employment Agreements and Severance Protection Agreements

Mr. Mariani and Ms. Schott joined the Company during 2018. In connection with the commencement of their employment, the Company entered into employment agreements with Mr. Mariani and Ms. Schott which set forth the terms of each executive’s employment, and potential severance benefits upon qualifying terminations of employment. Prior to 2018, the Company entered into Change of Control Agreements with Mr. Willsher, Mr. Smiley, Mr. Scarff, and Mr. Stillwell, which provide for severance benefits upon qualifying terminations of employment in connection with a change of control, and Management Incentive Plan Severance Agreements, which provide for severance benefits upon a qualifying termination of employment prior to May 4, 2019. The Company has not entered into an employment agreement or severance agreement with Mr. Willis.

Employment Agreements. The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Mariani (the “Mariani Employment Agreement”), effective May 14, 2018, and an employment with Ms. Schott (the “Schott Employment Agreement”), effective June 11, 2018.

The Mariani Employment Agreement provides Mr. Mariani with an initial base salary of $600,000 per year; an annual bonus opportunity targeted at 100% of his annual base salary, which waspro-rated for calendar year 2018; a grant of 125,000 RSUs subject to time-based vesting conditions and 125,000 RSUs subject to performance-vesting conditions similar to the 2018 Annual MIP Award, which were made within 30 days of the effective date; and the right to participate in the benefit plans, programs and arrangements available to the Company’s other senior executives generally, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans, programs and arrangements.

The Schott Employment Agreement provides Ms. Schott with an initial base salary of $300,000 per year; an annual bonus opportunity targeted at 75% of her annual base salary, which waspro-rated for calendar year 2018; a grant of 40,000 RSUs subject to time-based vesting conditions and 40,000 RSUs subject to performance-vesting conditions similar to the 2018 Annual MIP Award, which were made within 30 days of the effective date; and the right to participate in the benefits plans, programs and arrangements available to the Company’s other senior executives generally, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans, programs and arrangements.

Upon any termination of employment with the Company, Mr. Mariani or Ms. Schott will be entitled to: (i) accrued but unpaid base salary as of the termination date, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the termination date, and (iii) any payments and benefits to which he may be entitled under any benefit plan, programs, or arrangements (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).

In the event of a termination of Mr. Mariani’s or Ms. Schott’s employment with the Company without “cause” (as defined below) or for “good reason” (as defined below) (each, a “Good Leaver Termination”), then in addition to the Accrued Obligations and subject to timely execution andnon-revocation of a general release of claims, the NEO will be entitled to: (i) any earned but unpaid annual bonus for the preceding calendar year (the “Actual Prior Year Bonus”); (ii) apro-rated annual bonus in respect of the calendar year of termination, which the amount determined based on actual results for such terms arecalendar year and with thepro-ration determined based on the duration of employment with the Company during such calendar year (the“Pro-Rated Bonus”); (iii) (A) if the termination date occurs on or prior to November 14, 2019, an amount equal to the NEO’s then-current monthly base salary rate, and (B) if the termination occurs after November 14, 2019, an amount equal to 200% of then-current monthly base salary rate, in each case, payable in accordance with the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll practices for a period of 12 months following the termination date; and (iv) up to 12 months of continued health insurance benefits under the Company group health plan (at the employee-rate), subject to his or her continued eligibility for COBRA coverage and terminable if he or she obtains other employment offering group health plan coverage.

If Mr. Mariani’s or Ms. Schott’s employment with the Company is terminated due to death or “disability” (as defined in the restricted unit agreement)Employment Agreement), then in addition to the Accrued Obligations, the NEO will be entitled to the Actual Prior Year Bonus and thePro-Rated Bonus.

Each Employment Agreement provides for a Code Section 280G“best-net” cutback, which would cause an automatic reduction in any payments or benefits the NEO would receive which constitute parachute payments within one year followingthe meaning of Code Section 280G, in the event such reduction would result in the NEO receiving greater payments and benefits on anafter-tax basis.

The Employment Agreement subjects the NEO to employment term and12-month post-employmentnon-competition,non-solicitation andnon-interference restrictive covenants, as well as assignment of inventions, perpetualnon-disparagement and employment term and post-employment confidentiality covenants.

For purposes of the Employment Agreements, the Company will have “cause” to terminate the NEO’s employment upon the occurrence of: (i) conviction of a felony, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony or any crime of moral turpitude; (ii) repeated intoxication by alcohol or drugs during the performance of his or her duties; (iii) embezzlement or other willful and intentional misuse of any of the funds of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries, (iv) commission of a demonstrable act of fraud; (v) willful and material misrepresentation or concealment on any written reports submitted to the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries; (vi) material breach of the Employment Agreement; (vii) failure to follow or comply with the reasonable, material and lawful written directives of the Board; or (viii) conduct constituting his or her material breach of the Company’s then-current code of conduct or similar written policy.

For purposes of the Employment Agreement, an executive will have “good reason” to terminate employment with the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following without written consent: (i) a relocation of the NEO’s principal work location to a location more than 40 miles from its then-current location; (ii) a reduction in the NEO’s then-current base salary or target bonus, or both; (iii) a material breach of any provision of the Employment Agreement by the Company; or (iv) any material reduction in the NEO’s title, authority, duties, responsibilities or reporting relationship from those in effect as of the effective date, except to the extent such reduction occurs in connection with the NEO’s termination of employment for “cause” or due to the NEO’s death or “disability” (as defined in the Employment Agreement.

Change of Control Severance Benefits. On May 4, 2016, the Company’s predecessor entered into change of control agreements with each of Messrs. Smiley, Scarff and Stillwell and entered into a change of control agreement with Mr. Willsher on April 27, 2017. These change of control agreements require the Company to provide certain compensation and benefits to the executive if the executive’s employment is terminated on account of a qualifying termination (as defined below). The change of control agreements continue in effect until the earlier of (i) a separation from service other than on account of a qualifying termination, (ii) the Company’s satisfaction of all of its obligations under the change of control agreement, or (iii) the execution of a written agreement between the Company and the executive terminating the change of control agreement.

Under the terms of each change of control agreement, if an executive’s employment is terminated on account of a qualifying termination, then subject to such executive’s signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims, then such executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits:

A lump sum payment equal to a specified percentage of such executive’s (i) annual base salary and (ii) target bonus, in each case, at the highest rate in effect during the twelve month period prior to the date in which the qualifying termination occurs. For this purpose, the percentage multiplier is 250% for Mr. Scarff, 200% for Stillwell, and 150% for Smiley and Willsher, and the target bonus would be calculated as a percentage of base salary, which was equal to 100% for Mr. Scarff, 90% for Stillwell, 70% for Mr. Smiley, and 75% for Mr. Willsher for 2018.

Vesting of all outstanding unvested restricted units will become immediately vestedawards previously granted to such executive under the MIP in full. Ifaccordance with their terms.

Reimbursement for the amount of COBRA continuation premiums (less requiredco-pay) until the earlier of (i) twelve months following the qualifying termination and (ii) such time as such executive is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage.

Financial counseling services for twelve months following the qualifying termination, subject to a maximum benefit of $30,000.

Outplacement counseling services for twelve months following the qualifying termination, subject to a maximum value of $30,000.

“Qualifying termination” means, as to any executive, the separation of service on account of (i) an award recipient’s service with our general partnerinvoluntary termination by the Company without “cause” or (ii) such executive’s voluntary resignation for “good reason,” in each case, within six months prior to, or twenty-four months following, a change of control. The term “cause” means (i) such executive’s commission of, conviction for, plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) engaging in conduct that constitutes fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct that results or would reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company or its affiliates or their respective businesses or reputations; (iii) breach of any material terms of such executive’s employment, including any of the Company’s policies or its code of conduct; or (iv) willful and continued failure to substantially perform such executive’s duties for the Company which such failure is not remedied within ten business days after receipt of written demand of substantial performance by the Board. The term “good reason” means the occurrence of one of the following without an executive’s express written consent (i) a material reduction of such executive’s duties, position or responsibilities, or such executive’s removal from such position and responsibilities, unless such executive is offered a comparable position (i.e., a position of equal or greater organizational level, duties, authority, compensation, title and status); (ii) a material reduction by the Company of such executive’s base compensation (base salary and target bonus) as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) such executive is requested to relocate (except for office relocations that would not increase such executive’s one way commute by more than 50 miles); or (iv) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of the change of control agreement. The term “change of control” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the MIP.

In the event that the Board determines that payments to be made to an executive under the change of control agreement would constitute “excess parachute payments” under Code Section 280G, then the amount of such payments shall either (i) be reduced so that such payments will not be subject to such excise tax or (ii) paid in full, whichever results in the better net after tax position for the executive.

MIP Severance Agreement. In connection with the grant of the Emergence Awards, each of then-executive officers of the Company, including Messrs. Scarff, Stillwell, Smiley, and Willsher, executed a management incentive plan severance agreement which generally provides that, if the executive is terminated by (i) our general partner withthe Company without “cause” or (ii) by the award recipient’s resignation and engagementexecutive resigns his employment for “good reason,” in “Competition” (aseach case, within two years following the Effective Date (the “Severance Agreement Termination”), in lieu of any other severance payments or benefits, such term is defined in the restricted unit agreement) prior to full vesting of the restricted units, then our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to repurchase the restricted units atexecutive will receive a price per restricted unitcash amount equal to the lessergreater of (x) such executive’s severance benefits under his change of control agreement (other than the fair marketacceleration of equity awards pursuant to the change of control agreement) (the “Change of Control Severance Benefits”) and (y) a cash payment equal to the value of such restricted unitexecutive’s unvested Emergence Awards on such termination or resignation date (with the value of any stock options calculated as the spread value of the datestock option). However, if the Compensation Committee determines in its good faith judgment that payment of the repurchase and (y)Change of Control Severance Benefits is not warranted because the price paid bybasis of the award recipient fortermination of employment is poor performance which does not otherwise constitute “cause”, the executive officer will only be entitled to a cash payment equal to the value of such restricted unit.

executive’s Emergence Awards on such termination or resignation date. If the Severance and Change in Control Benefits. We do not provide any severanceAgreement Termination occurs within six months prior to, or twenty-four months following, a change of control benefits to our general partner’s executive officers.of the Company, the executive’s change of control agreement shall control in such event.

Other Benefits. Memorial Resource doesWe do not maintain a defined benefit pension plan for itsthe executive officers, because it believes such plans primarily reward longevity rather than performance. Memorial Resource providesofficers. We provide a basic benefits package generally to all employees, which includes a 401(k) plan and eligibility to receive employer matching contributions, and health, disability and life insurance. Memorial Resource employees who provide services to us under the omnibus agreement will be entitled to the same basic benefits.

Compensation Committee Report

The board of directors of our general partner does not have a compensation committee. The board of directors of our general partnerOur Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above. Based on this review and discussion, the boardCompensation Committee has recommended to the Board of directors of our general partner has approvedthe Company that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for inclusionbe included in this proxy statement.annual report.

The board of directors of Memorial Production Partners GP LLC

John A. Weinzierl
W. Donald Brunson
Jonathan M. Clarkson
Scott A. Gieselman
Kenneth A. Hersh
P. Michael Highum
Tony R. Weber
The Compensation Committee of Amplify Energy Corp.

Employment AgreementsChristopher W. Hamm

Neither Memorial Resource nor our general partner has entered, or currently intends to enter, into any employment agreements with any of our named executive officers, other than change of control agreements.David M. Dunn

David H. Proman

Deductibility of Compensation

We believeElements of the Company’s executive compensation program, including stock options granted under the MIP, were designed in a manner intended to allow elements thereof to satisfy specific exceptions to the Section 162(m) limit on deductibility related to performance-based compensation. However, pursuant to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Act”), the exception for performance-based compensation has been repealed effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, such that the compensation paid to our general partner’s namedcovered executive officers is generally fullyin excess of $1,000,000 will not be deductible unless it qualifies for federal income tax purposes. We are a limited partnership, and we do not meettransition relief applicable to certain arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017. The Compensation Committee reserves the definition of a “corporation” subjectright to deduction limitations undermodify compensation that was initially intended to be exempt from Section 162(m) if it determines that such modifications are consistent with our business needs.

Pay Ratio Disclosure

As required by Section 953(b) of the Code. Accordingly,Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the total annual compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our president and chief executive officer:

For 2018, our last completed fiscal year:

The median of the total annual compensation of all employees of our Company (excluding our CEO) was $99,335; and

The total annual compensation of our chief executive officer, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table below, was $3,447,086.

Based on this information, for 2018 the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Mariani, our president and chief executive officer, to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was 32.5:1.

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 CEO, we took the following steps:

We determined that, as of December 31, 2018, our employee population consisted of approximately 208 full-time employees, with all of these individuals located in the United States. This population did not include employees who were on leaves of absence as of December 31, 2018, or any part-time or temporary employees.

To identify the “median employee” from our employee population, we used cash compensation consisting of base salary or wage (including any overtime pay), and annual bonus, as reflected in our payroll records as reported to the Internal Revenue Service on FormW-2 for 2018. In making this

determination, we annualized the base pay or monthly wages and annual bonus amounts paid in respect of 2018 for those full-time employees who did not work for the entire12-month period.

Once we identified our median employee, we combined all of the elements of such limitations doemployee’s compensation for 2018 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of RegulationS-K, resulting in annual total compensation of $105,948.

With respect to the total annual compensation of our CEO, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Because the SEC rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not applybe comparable to the pay ratio reported above, as other companies may have different employment and compensation paid to our general partner’s named executive officers.practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios.

Relation of Compensation Policies and Practices to Risk Management

Memorial Resource’sOur compensation policies and practices are designed to provide rewards for short-term and long-term performance, both on an individual basis and at the entity level. In general, optimal financial and operational performance, particularly in a competitive business, requires some degree of risk-taking. Accordingly, the use of compensation as an incentive for performance can foster the potential for management and others to take unnecessary or excessive risks to reach performance thresholds that qualify them for additional compensation.

From a risk management perspective, our policy is to conduct our commercial activities withinpre-defined risk parameters that are closely monitored and are structured in a manner intended to control and minimize the potential for unwarranted risk-taking. We also routinely monitor and measure the execution and performance of our projects and acquisitions relative to expectations.

We expect our compensation arrangements to contain a number of design elements that serve to minimize the incentive for taking unwarranted risk to achieve short-term, unsustainable results. Those elements include delaying the rewards and subjecting such rewards to forfeiture for terminations related to violations of our risk management policies and practices or of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

In combination with our risk-management practices, we do not believe that risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table includes the compensation earned by our general partner’s named executive officers and allocated to us by Memorial ResourceNEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 20132018, 2017 and 2012.

2016 (including amounts paid by our Predecessor prior to our emergence from bankruptcy), and their respective titles as of December 31, 2018.

             All Other    

Name and Position

     Year       Salary        Bonus      Equity
  Awards (5)  
    Compensation  
(6)
      Total     

John A. Weinzierl

 2014 $  165,000     $     $2,800,008     $468,106     $3,433,114  

(Chief Executive Officer and Chairman) (1) (7)

 2013  83,152    285,313    2,249,996    320,292    2,938,753  
 2012  16,000        2,500,735    195,039    2,711,774  

William J. Scarff

 2014 $153,542     $  176,458     $  1,999,990     $  108,250     $  2,438,240  

(President)

      

Andrew J. Cozby

 2014 $165,000     $154,000     $1,300,010     $226,960     $1,845,970  

(Former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) (2)

 2013  110,869    142,656    1,207,885    137,175    1,598,585  
 2012  40,000    23,738    703,661    51,197    818,596  

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

 2014 $123,750     $96,250     $250,007     $44,830     $514,837  

(Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) (2)

      

Larry R. Forney

 2014 $165,000     $154,000     $1,300,010     $221,113     $1,840,123  

(Former Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) (3)

 2013  110,869    142,656    1,231,255    125,215    1,609,995  
 2012  40,000    20,000    508,088    35,882    603,970  

Kyle N. Roane

 2014 $165,000     $143,000     $899,990     $139,043     $1,347,033  

(Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration) (4)

 2013  110,869    71,328    815,625    61,570    1,059,392  

Gregory M. Robbins

 2014 $165,000     $143,000     $899,990     $142,498     $1,350,488  

(Senior Vice President, Corporate Development)

 2013  110,869    71,328    812,509    70,557    1,065,263  
 2012  32,000    8,000    192,238    16,289    248,527  

Name and Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)(1)
  Stock
Awards
($) (2)
  Option
Awards
($) (3)
  All Other
Compensation
($) (4)
  Total ($) 

Kenneth Mariani

  2018   380,192   323,941   2,725,000   —     17,953   3,447,086 

President and Chief Executive Officer

       

Martyn Willsher

  2018   278,333   173,844   418,450   —  (6)   18,990   881,373 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  2017   235,000   339,583   254,745   92,685   18,630   940,643 

Polly Schott

  2018   168,182   129,576   880,000   —     9,099   1,186,857 

Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

       

Richard P. Smiley

  2018   323,333   204,366   303,000   —  (6)   18,990   815,339 

Vice President, Onshore Operations

  2017   310,000   481,944   393,822   143,286   18,630   1,347,682 

Eric M. Willis

  2018   350,000   427,916 (5)   200,000   —     18,990   996,906 

Vice President and General Counsel

  2017   35,224   113,000   313,500   —     203   461,927 

William J. Scarff

  2018   223,076   —     —     —     3,031,087   3,254,163 

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

  2017   600,000   1,000,000   1,733,010   630,529   18,630   3,982,169 
  2016   327,500 (7)   800,000   1,200,000   —     56,234   2,383,734 

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

  2018   138,333   —     —     —     1,594,330   1,732,663 

Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  2017   415,000   540,000   908,820   330,660   18,630   2,213,110 
  2016   29,812 (7)   100,000   650,000   —     37,258   1,610,383 

 

(1)

Amounts reported for 2016 for Messrs. Scarff, Stillwell, Willsher, and Smiley include payments under the Key Employee Incentive Plan (“KEIP”) and prior bonus payments made under the key employee retention program (“KERP”), which were incentive and retention programs established by the board of directors of our Predecessor prior to our emergency from bankruptcy. The amounts reported for 2017 consist of payments under the KEIP and in addition, for Mr. WeinzierlSmiley a payment of $162,500 under the KERP. The amount shown represents the earned annual incentive bonuses payable to our NEOs, and these amounts were paid 25% in cash and 75% in fully vested shares of Amplify stock. In addition, the Compensation Committee also served as President from April 2011 until January 2014.approved supplemental discretionary bonus amounts for Mr. Mariani ($29,541), Mr. Willsher ($8,244), Ms. Schott ($32,976), Mr. Smiley ($34,350), and Mr. Willis ($32,976), which were paid in fully vested shares of stock.

(2)Mr. Cozby resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2014 and is currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Memorial Resource. Mr. Stillwell was appointed Vice President, Finance in July 2014 and appointed to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in January 2015. Mr. Stillwell became a named executive officer in 2014.
(3)Mr. Forney resigned as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2014 and is currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Resource.
(4)Mr. Roane served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from November 2014 until July 2015, Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from January 2014 to November 2014, and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2013.
(5)Reflects

The amounts reported for 2016 represent the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards and phantom unit awards granted underin fiscal 2016 by our Predecessor, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718, utilizing the LTIP calculated by multiplying the number of restricted units granted to each executive by the closing price of our common units on the date of grant. For information about assumptions madediscussed in the valuation of these awards, see Note 1113 of the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data.” The amounts reported for 2017 and 2018 reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 under our Annual Report on Form 10-K forMIP, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718, utilizing the year ended December 31, 2014.assumptions discussed in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(3)(6)

The amounts reported reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted prior to 2018, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718 utilizing the assumptions discussed in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(4)Amounts include (i)

All other compensation for the 2018 fiscal year for each of our NEOs includes a matching contributions to underfunded, qualified,company contribution under the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans, (ii) quarterly distributions paid on LTIP awards, (iii)401(k) plan and the dollar value of life, short- and long-term disability insurance premiums paid on behalf of the officer, in the amounts of $16,500 and (iv)$1,453 in the dollar valuecase of shortMr. Mariani; $16,500 and long term disability insurance premiums paid on behalf$2,490 in the officer.case of Mr. Willsher; $7,854 and $1,245 in the case of Ms. Schott; $16,500 and $2,490 in the case of Mr. Smiley; $16,500 and $2,490 in the case of Mr. Willis; $16,500 and $1,038 in the case of Mr. Scarff; and $16,500 and $830 in the case of Mr. Stillwell. For Messrs. Scarff and Stillwell, all other compensation also includes severance payments equal to $3,000,000 and $1,577,000 respectively.

(5)

Amount reported for Mr. Willis for 2018 includes a retention bonus in an amount equal to $227,500 which was paid in cash subject to his continued employment through December 31, 2018.

(6)

Mr. Willsher and Mr. Smiley forfeited their unvested options granted in 2017 in exchange for the right to receive restrictive unit awards in 2018.

(7)Mr. Weinzierl was awarded a grant

The amounts reported for 2016 represents portion of 11,327 restricted units on January 9, 2015 in lieu of his cash bonus for 2014. The grant date fair value of such award is determinedbase salary allocated and paid by multiplying the number of restricted units granted by the closing price of common units on the date of grant of $15.45 per unit. The value of this award has been excluded from the table above as the award was granted subsequent to fiscal year 2014.Memorial Resources Development Corp.

The following supplemental table presents the components of “All Other Compensation” for each named executive officer for the year ended December 31, 2014:

     Quarterly         
         Distributions           Total 
     Paid On       All Other 

Name

    LTIP Awards   Other       Compensation     

John A. Weinzierl

    $458,156    $                  9,950    $468,106  

William J. Scarff

     98,346     9,904     108,250  

Andrew J. Cozby

     217,010     9,950     226,960  

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

     34,880     9,950     44,830  

Larry R. Forney

     211,163     9,950     221,113  

Kyle N. Roane

     129,093     9,950     139,043  

Gregory M. Robbins

     132,548     9,950     142,498  

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of plan-based awards to our named executive officers in 2014.NEOs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

       

All Other Equity
    Awards: Number of    

Restricted

  Grant Date Fair Value
of Unit and Option
 
       Units  Awards 

Name

    Grant Date         (#) (1)  ($) (2) 

John A. Weinzierl

    05/30/14  125,168    2,800,008  

William J. Scarff

    05/30/14  89,405    1,999,990  

Andrew J. Cozby

    05/30/14  58,114    1,300,010  

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

    05/30/14  11,176    250,007  

Larry R. Forney

    05/30/14  58,114    1,300,010  

Kyle N. Roane

    05/30/14  40,232    899,990  

Gregory M. Robbins

    05/30/14  40,232    899,990  
       

 

Estimated future payouts
undernon-equity incentive
plan awards

  

 

Estimated future payouts
under equity incentive
plan awards

  All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units”
(#) (4)
  All
Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

(#)
  Exercise
Price of
Option
Awards
($)
  Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock

and
Option
Awards

(5)
 

Name

 

Award Type

 Grant
Date
  Threshold
($) (2)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#) (3)
 

Kenneth Mariani

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)   210,000   600,000   900,000       —     —     —   
 RSUs  5/14/18      —     —     125,000   125,000   —     —    $2,725,000 

Martyn Willsher

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)   78,750   225,000   337,500       —     —     —   
 RSUs  5/1/18         11,000   —     —    $118,450 
 RSUs  10/1/18      —     —     15,000   15,000    $300,000 

Polly Schott

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)   78,750   225,000   337,500       —     —     —   
 RSUs  7/1/18      —     —     40,000   40,000   —     —    $880,000 

Richard P. Smiley

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)   80,850   231,000   346,500      —     —     —     —   
 RSUs  5/1/18         10,000    $103,000 
 RSUs  10/1/18      —     —     10,000   10,000   —     —    $200,000 

Eric M. Willis

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)   79,625   227,500   341,250       —     —     —   
 RSUs  10/1/18      —     —     10,000   10,000   —     —    $200,000 

William J. Scarff

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)  —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —    

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

 Annual Incentive Plan (1)  —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

 

(1)

Represents the annual incentive award which, if any, was paid 25% in cash and 75% in fully vested share of Amplify stock. The awards (including performance goals and targets) are described in more detail above under “Elements of Executive Compensation-Annual Incentive Awards.”

(2)(1)

Represents the bonus amount payable if threshold performance objectives are achieved and no portion of restricted common units awarded to our named executive officers under the LTIP, nonediscretionary component of which are tied to performance based criteria.the annual bonus program is awarded.

(3)(2)

As described in further detail under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long Term Incentive Compensation,” the performance-vesting RSUs generally vest upon achievement of15-day volume-weighted average price targets, withone-third vesting upon achievement of each of $12.50 per share, $15.00 per share, and $17.50 per share targets, subject to additional time-based vesting restrictions. Performance-vesting RSUs vest based on achievement at a specified share price, and as such, there is no threshold or target amount. Accordingly, the maximum number of performance-vesting RSUs shown in the table reflects the total number of shares of our common stock earned if 100% of the performance-based RSUs are fully vested.

(4)

As described in further detail under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Executive Compensation—Long Term Incentive Compensation,” the time-based vesting RSUs generally vest in three equal annual installments, with the first annual vesting date to occur on May 14, 2019 in the case of Mr. Mariani, on May 1, 2019 and October 1, 2019 in the case of Mr. Willsher and Mr. Smiley, on July 1, 2019 in the case of Ms. Schott and on October 1, 2019 in the case of Mr. Willis.

(5)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awardsRSUs granted under the LTIPMIP calculated by multiplyingin accordance with the numberASC Topic 718, without taking into account estimated forfeitures, based on the fair market value of restricted units granted to each executive by the closing pricea share of our common unitsstock on the date of grant. For information about assumptions made in the valuation of these awards, see Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Outstanding Equity Awards

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2014.

2018.

         Restricted Common 
         Unit Awards 
             Number of Units           Market Value of     
         That Have   Units That Have 
   Vesting               Not Vested   Not Vested 

Name

      Date (1)                 (#)   ($) (2) 

John A. Weinzierl

  Various     249,928     3,646,450  

William J. Scarff

  Various     89,405     1,304,419  

Andrew J. Cozby

  Various     114,027     1,663,654  

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

  Various     18,956     276,568  

Larry R. Forney

  Various     111,369     1,624,874  

Kyle N. Roane

  Various     70,855     1,033,774  

Gregory M. Robbins

  Various     72,596     1,059,176  

Name

 Grant
Date
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That

Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That

Have Not
Vested (#)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value Of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have

Not
Vested
($) (1)
 

Kenneth Mariani

 5/14/2018  —     —     —     —     —     250,000  $2,175,000   —     —   

Martyn Willsher

 10/1/2018  —     —     —     —     —     30,000  $261,000   —     —   
 5/1/2018  —     —     —     —     —     11,500  $100,050   —     —   
 5/4/2017  —     —     —     —     —     12,334  $107,306   —     —   
 5/4/2017 (2)  6,166   —     —     21.58   5/4/2023   —     —     —     —   

Polly Schott

 7/1/2018  —     —     —     —     —     80,000  $696,000   —     —   

Richard P. Smiley

 10/1/2018  —     —     —     —     —     20,000  $174,00   —     —   
 5/1/2018  —     —     —     —     —     10,000  $87,000   —     —   
 5/4/2017 (2)  9,533   —     —     21.58   5/4/2023   —     —     —     —   
 5/4/2017 (3)  —     —     —     —     —     19,067  $165,883   —     —   

Eric M. Willis

 10/1/2018  —     —     —     —     —     20,000  $174,000   —     —   
 12/1/2017  —     —     —     —     —     20,000  $174,000   —     —   

William J. Scarff

 5/4/2017 (2)  125,854   —     —     21.58   5/14/2020   —     —     —     —   
 5/4/2017 (3)  —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

 5/4/2017 (2)  66,000   —     —     21.58   4/27/2020   —     —     —     —   
 5/4/2017 (3)  —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

 

(1)

Amounts reported are based on the fair market value of our common stock on the last day of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 ($8.70 per share).

(2)(1)One-third vests

Reflects stock options which vest over three years in equal annual installments on the first,anniversary of the grant date. For Messrs. Scarff and Stillwell, the stock option expiration period was extended in connection with the separation of their employment until the second and third anniversariesanniversary of each date of grant. Of the 727,136 non-vested restricted common unit awards presented in the table, approximately 330,176 vest in 2015, 256,147 vest in 2016 and 140,813 vest in 2017. There were 57,012 restricted common units that vested on January 9, 2015.their respective separation date.

(3)(2)Amounts derived by multiplying

Reflects time-based vesting RSUs which vest over three years in equal annual installments on the total numberanniversary of restricted common unit awards outstanding for each named executive officer by the closinggrant date, and performance-vesting RSUs which vest based on the achievement of share price hurdles and satisfaction of our common units at December 31, 2014 of $14.59 per unit.subsequent service-based vesting conditions.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to equity-based awards held by our named executive officers, whichNEOs that vested in 2014.during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

      Restricted Common Unit Awards 

Name

    Vesting Date  
(1)
  Number of Units That
Have Vested
   Unit Price
On Vesting
Date
   Market Value of
Units That Have
Vested
 

 

  

 

  (#) (2)   

 

   ($) (3) 

John A. Weinzierl

  01/09/14   43,070    $21.99     947,109  
  05/31/14   41,817    $22.37     935,446  

Andrew J. Cozby

  01/09/14   7,161    $21.99     157,470  
  05/31/14   27,342    $22.37     611,641  

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

  05/31/14   3,350    $22.37     74,940  
  08/31/14   1,082    $23.40     25,319  

Larry R. Forney

  01/09/14   4,077    $21.99     89,653  
  05/31/14   27,342    $22.37     611,641  

Kyle N. Roane

  01/09/14   284    $21.99     6,245  
  05/31/14   15,879    $22.37     355,213  

Gregory M. Robbins

  01/09/14   2,420    $21.99     53,216  
  05/31/14   15,538    $22.37     347,585  

(1)One-third vests on the first, second, and third anniversaries of each date of grant. There were 57,012 restricted common units that vested on January 9, 2015.
(2)Represents gross vesting amounts prior to any units withheld for taxes.
(3)Amounts derived by multiplying the total number of restricted common unit awards outstanding for each named executive officer by the closing price of our common units on the respective vesting date.
   Option Awards   Stock Awards 

Name

  Number of
Shares
Acquired
on Exercise
(#)
   Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)
   Number
of Shares
Acquired
on Vesting
(#)
   Value
Realized
on Vesting

($)
 

Kenneth Mariani

   —      —      —      —   

Martyn Willsher

   —      —      6,166   $64,435 

Polly Schott

   —      —      —      —   

Richard P. Smiley

   —      —      9,533   $99,620 

Eric M. Willis

   —      —      10,000   $104,000 

William J. Scarff

   —      —      —      —   

Robert L. Stillwell, Jr.

   —      —      —      —   

Pension Benefits

Currently, our general partnerthe Company does not, and does not intend to, provide pension benefits to our general partner’s named executive officers. Memorial Resource may revisit this policy in the future.NEOs.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Currently, our general partnerthe Company does not, and does not intend to, sponsor or adopt a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Memorial Resource may revisit this policy in the future.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change inof Control

Awards under our LTIP may vest and/or become exercisable, as applicable, upon a “change of control” of us or our general partner, as determined by the plan administrator. Under our LTIP, a “change of control” will be deemed to have occurred upon one or more of the following events (i) the directors of Memorial Resource appointed by the Funds or their affiliates do not constitute a majority of the board of directors of Memorial Resource; (ii) Memorial Resource, the Funds or any of their affiliates do not have the right to appoint or nominate a majority of the board of directors of our general partner; (iii) the members of our general partner approve and implement, in one or a series of transactions, a plan of complete liquidation of our general partner; (iv) the sale or other disposition by our general partner of all or substantially all of its assets in one or more transactions to any person or entity other than our general partner or an affiliate of our general partner or the Funds; or (v) a person or entity other than our general partner or an affiliate of our general partner or the Funds becomes the general partner of us. The consequences of the termination of a grantee’s employment, consulting arrangement or membership on the board of directors will be determined by the plan administrator in the terms of the relevant award agreement.

The following table quantifies our best estimates assets forth information concerning the change of control and severance payments to the amounts thatbe made to each of our named executive officers would be entitled to receive uponNEOs in connection with a change of control as applicable, assuming that such event occurredor termination of employment, presuming a termination or change of control date of December 31, 2018 and the fair market value of a share of common stock on December 31, 20142018 ($8.70 per share). The below table only includes information for employment termination or change of control events that trigger vesting or severance-related payments, and usingassumes that each executive will take all action necessary or appropriate for such person to receive the maximum available benefit, such as execution of a release of claims. Additional descriptions of the terms of our closing common unit price on such dateagreements, plans, and arrangements with our NEOs are set forth in “Item 11. Executive Compensation — Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Elements of $14.59. Executive Compensation.”

The precise amount that each of our named executive officersNEOs would receive cannot be determined with any certainty until a change of control has occurred. Therefore, such amounts should be considered “forward-looking statements.”

 

  Occurrence of a 

Name                                             

         Change of Control         

John A. Weinzierl

 $3,646,450  

William J. Scarff

  1,304,419  

Andrew J. Cozby

  1,663,654  

Robert. L. Stillwell, Jr.

  276,568  

Larry R. Forney

  1,624,874  

Kyle N. Roane

  1,033,774  

Gregory M. Robbins

  1,059,176  

Director Compensation

Name

  Involuntary
Termination
during
Change of
Control
Protection
Period ($)
(1) (2) (3)
   Involuntary
Termination
(No Change
of Control)
($) (4)
   Other
Involuntary
Termination
($) (5)
   Termination
for Cause or
Voluntary
Resignation
without
Good
Reason ($)
   Termination
upon Death
or Disability
($) (6)
 

Kenneth Mariani

          

Cash Severance

  $894,400   $894,400   $—     $—     $600,000 

Accelerated Equity Compensation (7)

   1,087,500    1,087,500    —              —      —   

Health and Welfare Benefits

   8,599    8,599    —      —      —   

Financial Counseling

   —      —      —      —      —   

Outplacement Assistance

   —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,990,499   $1,990,499   $—     $—     $600,000 

Martyn Willsher

          

Cash Severance

  $787,500   $787,500   $—     $—     $—   

Accelerated Equity Compensation (7)

   337,856    230,550    337,856    —      207,356 

Health and Welfare Benefits

   26,832    26,832    —      —      —   

Financial Counseling

   30,000    30,000    —      —      —   

Outplacement Assistance

   30,000    30,000    —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,212,188   $1,104,882   $337,856   $—     $207,356 

Polly Schott

          

Cash Severance

  $396,600   $396,600   $—     $—     $225,000 

Accelerated Equity Compensation (7)

   348,000    348,000    —      —      —   

Health and Welfare Benefits

   24,492    24,492    —      —      —   

Financial Counseling

   —      —      —      —      —   

Outplacement Assistance

   —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $769,092   $769,092   $—     $—     $225,000 

Richard Smiley

          

Cash Severance

  $841,500   $841,500   $—     $—     $—   

Accelerated Equity Compensation (7)

   339,883    174,000    339,883    —      252,882 

Health and Welfare Benefits

   18,851    18,851    —      —      —   

Financial Counseling

   30,000    30,000    —      —      —   

Outplacement Assistance

   30,000    30,000    —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,260,234   $1,094,351   $339,883   $—     $252,882 

Eric M. Willis

          

Cash Severance

  $53,846   $53,846   $53,846   $—     $—   

Accelerated Equity Compensation (7)

   261,000    261,000    261,000    —      174,000 

Health and Welfare Benefits

   —      —      —      —      —   

Financial Counseling

   —      —      —      —      —   

Outplacement Assistance

   —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $314,846   $314,846   $314,846   $—     $174,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Officers or employees of our general partner or its affiliates, including Memorial Resource, the Funds and NGP, who also serve as directors of our general partner do not receive additional compensation for their service as a director of our general partner.

(1)

Mr. Willsher and Mr. Smiley are each eligible for severance benefits if they are terminated during the period beginning six months prior to, and ending 24 months after, a change of control (a “Change of Control Protection Period”). Specifically, if their employment is terminated by us without cause or due to the NEO’s resignation with good reason (a “Qualifying Termination”) during a Change of Control Protection Period, the NEO will be entitled to the severance benefits set forth in the applicable Change of Control Agreement described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Elements of Executive Compensation — Change of Control Severance Benefits.

(2)

If Mr. Mariani or Ms. Schott experiences a Good Leaver Termination described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Elements of Executive Compensation — Employment Agreements” (whether prior to, in connection with, or at any time following a change of control), the NEO will be entitled to the prorated annual bonus payment, 12 months of continued base salary, and up to 12 months of subsidized COBRA premiums.

(3)

Under the Company’s general severance policy, if Mr. Willis experiences a termination of employment without cause (whether prior to, in connection with, or at any time following a change of control), he would be eligible to receive a cash severance payment equal to three weeks of base salary for each year of service (calculated as three weeks of base salary for each completed year of service) with a minimum of eight weeks of base salary, payable in a lump sum and subject to execution andnon-revocation of a release of claims.

(4)

If Mr. Willsher or Mr. Smiley experiences a Qualifying Termination other than during the Change of Control Protection Period, the NEO is entitled to a cash severance payment calculated as the greater of (i) the cash severance payment, COBRA premium reimbursement, financial counseling, and outplacement assistance described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Elements of Executive Compensation — Change of Control Severance Benefits” (collectively, the “Change of Control Severance Benefits”), or (ii) the value of unvested portion of the Emergence Awards granted to the NEO on May 4, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, for each NEO, the value of the Change of Control Severance Benefits exceeded the aggregate value of the Emergence Awards, and as a result the NEO would have been entitled to the Change of Control Severance Benefits.

(5)

If the employment of Mr. Willsher or Mr. Smiley is terminated by us without cause, other than during the Change of Control Protection Period, and the Compensation Committee determines the grounds for termination of employment is due to poor performance which does not constitute cause under the terms of the MIP Severance Agreement, the NEO will only be entitled to a cash severance payment equal to the aggregate value of such NEO’s unvested Emergence Award, calculated as of the date of termination of employment. Accordingly, amounts shown reflect the market value of the Emergence Awards as of December 31, 2018.

(6)

If an NEO’s employment is terminated by us while the NEO is disabled, or if the NEO’s employment terminates as a result of the NEO’s death, Mr. Mariani and Ms. Schott are entitled to a pro rata 2018 bonus, and with respect to Mr. Willsher, Mr. Smiley and Mr. Willis, all unvested RSUs granted prior to October 1, 2018 will become vested and the portion of the stock options granted as Emergence Awards which would become vested on the next annual vesting date (if any) will vest on the date of termination. As of December 31, 2017, the exercise price applicable to all stock options granted as Emergence Awards was greater than the fair market value of the underlying common share. Accordingly, the amounts shown do not include any value attributable to any stock options which would become vested as a result of the specified termination.

(7)

Amount reflects market value of outstanding RSUs which would become vested in connection with the specified termination. If a change of control is consummated, any unvested time-based vesting RSUs fully vest and unvested performance-vesting RSUs fully time vest, and if a change of control occurs prior to the third anniversary of the date of grant, then performance-vesting RSUS performance vest if the price per share achieved equals or exceeds the volume weighted average price targets. As of December 31, 2017, the exercise price applicable to all stock options granted as Emergence Awards was greater than the fair market value of the underlying common share. Accordingly, the amounts shown do not include any value attributable to any stock options which would become vested as a result of the specified termination.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Each director who iswas not an officer or employee of our general partnerthe Company or its affiliates, receivesother than Messrs. Proman and Lederman, received compensation as a “non-employee“non-employee director” for attending meetings of the board of directors as well asand committee meetings. The following table presents information regarding compensation paid to the independentnon-employee directors of our general partnerthe Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

2018.

   Fees Earned   Restricted   All Other     
     or Paid in Cash         Unit Awards           Compensation                   Total             

Name

  ($)   ($)(3)   (4)   ($) 

Jonathan M. Clarkson (1)

  $107,500    $100,011    $18,425    $225,936  

P. Michael Highum

   100,000     100,011     19,135     219,146  

Robert A. Innamorati (2)

   91,667     100,011     17,602     209,280  

W. Donald Brunson (2)

   8,333               8,333  

 

        

Name

  Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
($)
   Stock
Awards
($)(2)
   Total
($)
 

David M. Dunn

  $56,250   $75,000   $131,250 

Christopher W. Hamm

  $75,000   $75,000   $150,000 

P. Michael Highum

  $75,000   $75,000   $150,000 

Evan S. Lederman (1)

   —      —      —   

David H. Proman (1)

   —      —      —   

Edward A. Scoggins, Jr.

  $75,000   $75,000   $150,000 

 

(1)Serves as chairman

Messrs. Proman and Lederman did not receive any compensation for their service on the board of the audit committee.directors in 2018.

(2)Mr. Innamorati served as an independent director for us through November 2014. Mr. Innamorati has been serving as an independent director of Memorial Resource since June 2014. Mr. Brunson began serving as an independent director in December 2014.
(3)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted common unit awardsRSUs granted under the LTIPourNon-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, calculated by multiplying the number of restricted common units granted to each director by the closing price of our common units on the date of grant ($21.99in accordance with respect to the grants made to Messrs. Clarkson, Highum and Innamorati on January 9, 2014).ASC Topic 718. For information about assumptions made in the valuation of these awards, see Note 1113 of the Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”Data.” RSUs generally vest in our Annual Report on Form 10-K forequal, annual installments over the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, Messrs. Clarkson and Highum had 8,375 and 8,405 restricted units outstanding, respectively. Mr. Brunson did not have any restricted units outstanding at December 31, 2014.

(4)Represents quarterly distribution paid on LTIP awards.

For 2015, thethree-year period following compensation has been approved for the non-employee directors:

an annual retainer of $125,000 for each director payable quarterly in arrears;

an annual equity grant under our LTIP of $125,000 of restricted units based on the price per common unit on the date of grant, which will vest one year from the date of grant; andgrant.

Ournon-employee directors receive an annual retainer of $75,000 for each director, paid quarterly in advance, and (ii) an annual equity award of RSUs granted on or about May 1 of each year, with the number of RSUs calculated as $75,000 divided by the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant

an annual retainer of $7,500 for the chairman of the audit committee.

In addition, non-employeeNon-employee directors are reimbursed for allout-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of the board of directors or committees. Each director is fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.

Compensation Committee Interlocks

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth, to our knowledge, as of March 29, 2019, the beneficial ownership of our common stock that are owned by:

each person known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common shares;

each director;

each executive officer; and

all executive officers and Insider Participationdirectors as a group.

Please see our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional information.

As

Name of Beneficial Owner (1)

  Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
(2)
   Percentage of
Outstanding
(3)
 

Fir Tree Capital Management LP (4)

   6,673,865    30.1

Brigade Capital Management, LP (5)

   4,873,203    22.0

Axys Capital Income Fund, LLC (6)

   1,626,816    7.3

York Capital Management Global Advisors, LLC (7)

   1,567,087    7.1

Cross Sound Management LLC (8)

   1,310,169    5.9

Kenneth Mariani (9)

   67,011    * 

Martyn Willsher (10)

   29,289    * 

Polly Schott

   12,724    * 

Richard P. Smiley (11)

   45,914    * 

Eric M. Willis

   23,597    * 

David H. Proman (4)

   —      —   

David M. Dunn (8)(12)

   2,392    * 

Christopher W. Hamm (6)(13)

   4,207    * 

Scott L. Hoffman (5)

   —      —   

Evan S. Lederman (4)

   —      —   

Edward A. Scoggins, Jr. (14)

   4,207    * 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (11 persons)

   189,341    * 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

*

Less than 1.0%

(1)

Unless otherwise noted, the address for all beneficial owners in this table is c/o Amplify Energy Corp., 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002.

(2)

The amounts and percentages of common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of such security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.

(3)

Based on 22,141,804 shares of common stock outstanding at March 29, 2019. Shares of common stock (i) issuable upon the vesting of RSUs within 60 days of the date of this proxy statement and (ii) subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this proxy statement are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding those RSUs or stock options, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of (x) any other person or (y) the aggregate held by all executive officers and directors as a group.

(4)

The address and telephone number of this beneficial owner are 55 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036 and (212)599-0090. Consists of (i) 256,760 shares owned by Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund III, LP, (ii) 153,743 shares owned by FT SOF IV Holdings, LLC, (iii) 3,414,613 shares owned by Fir Tree E&P Holdings VII, LLC and (iv) 2,848,749 shares owned by Fir Tree E&P Holdings VIII, LLC (collectively, the “Fir Tree funds”). Fir Tree Capital Management LP (“FTCM”) (f/k/a Fir Tree Inc.) is the investment manager for the Fir Tree funds. Jeffrey Tannenbaum, David Sultan and Clinton Biondo control FTCM. Each of FTCM, Messrs. Tannenbaum, Sultan and Biondo has voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock owned by the Fir Tree funds and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. Evan S. Lederman and David H. Proman are directors of the Company and managing directors of FTCM. Messrs. Lederman and Proman do not have voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock owned by the Fir Tree funds in their capacities as managing directors of FTCM.

(5)

The address and telephone number of this beneficial owner are 399 Park Ave. Suite 1600, New York, NY 10022 and (212)745-9700. Consists of (i) 14,021 shares owned by Future Directions Credit Opportunities Fund, (ii) 415,309 shares owned by Brigade Credit Fund II Ltd., (iii) 13,968 shares owned by Big River Group Fund SPC LLC, (iv) 120,699 shares owned by Brigade Cavalry Fund Ltd, (v) 118,854 shares owned by Blue Falcon Limited, (vi) 43,379 shares owned by Delta Master Trust, (vii) 320,579 shares owned by Brigade Distressed Value Master Fund Ltd., (viii) 682,392 shares owned by Brigade Energy Opportunities Fund II LP, (ix) 1,531,475 shares owned by Brigade Energy Opportunities Fund LP, (x) 45,899 shares owned by FedEx Corporation Employees’ Pension Trust, (xi) 17,986 shares owned by Brigade Opportunistic Credit Fund — ICIP, Ltd., (xii) 21,662 shares owned by Illinois State Board of Investment, (xiii) 15,730 shares owned by FCA Canada Inc. Elected Master Trust, (xiv) 16,986 shares owned by FCA US LLC Master Retirement Trust, (xv) 35,227 shares owned by JPMorgan Chase Retirement Plan Brigade Bank Loan, (xvi) 24,568 shares owned by JPMorgan Chase Retirement Plan Brigade, (xvii) 162,880 shares owned by Brigade Opportunistic Credit LBG Fund Ltd., (xviii) 99,902 shares owned by Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association, (xix) 741,962 shares owned by Brigade Leveraged Capital Structures Fund Ltd., (xx) 27,544 shares owned by SC Credit Opportunities Mandate LLC, (xxi) 23,034 shares owned by U.S. High Yield Bond Fund, (xxii) 46,256 shares owned by SEI Global Master Fund Plc the SEI High Yield Fixed Income Fund, (xxiii) 127,911 shares owned by SEI Institutional Investments Trust-High Yield Bond Fund, (xxiv) 87,414 shares owned by SEI Institutional Managed Trust-High Yield Bond Fund, (xxv) 19,824 shares owned by GIC Private Limited, (xxvi) 53,102 shares owned by The Coca-Cola Company Master Retirement Trust, and (xxvii) 44,640 shares owned by St. James’s Place Diversified Bond Unit Trust (collectively, the “Brigade funds”). Brigade Capital Management, LP has voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock owned by the foregoing entities and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by the Brigade funds. Scott L. Hoffman is a director of the Company and senior analyst at Brigade Capital Management, LP. Mr. Hoffman disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock owned by Brigade Capital Management, LP.

(6)

The address and telephone number of this beneficial owner are 1613 South Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78746 and (512)551-0421. Trust Asset Management LLC has voting and investment power with respect to the common stock owned by Axys Capital Income Fund, LLC and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by Axys Capital Income Fund, LLC. Additionally, Christopher W. Hamm is a director of the Company and chief executive officer of Axys Capital Management, an affiliate of Axys Capital Income Fund, LLC, and therefore may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of, and to have voting and investment control over, the shares of common stock owned by Axys Capital Income Fund, LLC. Mr. Hamm disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock owned by Axys Capital Income Fund, LLC.

(7)

The address and telephone number of this beneficial owner are 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10153 and (212)300-1300. Consists of (i) 827,277 shares owned by York Credit Opportunities Investments Master Fund L.P., (ii) 694,545 shares owned by York Credit Opportunities Fund, L.P., (iii) 37,305 shares owned by Exuma Capital, L.P. and (iv) 7,960 shares owned by York Insurance Dedicated Fund, LLC (collectively, the “York funds”). York Capital Management Global Advisors, LLC has voting and

investment power with respect to the common stock owned by the foregoing entities and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by the York funds.
(8)

The address and telephone number of this beneficial owner are 10 Westport Road, Suite 202, Wilton, CT 06897 and (203)529-1680. Consists of (i) 97,667 shares owned by Sirene Global Investments LP (“SGI LP”) and (ii) 1,212,502 shares owned by Cross Sound Distressed Opportunities Fund Series I (“CS1”). Cross Sound Management LLC, the investment manager for SGI LP and CS1, has voting and investment power with respect to the common stock owned by both SGI LP and CS1 and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by them. Additionally, David M. Dunn, a director of the Company, is Managing Partner of Cross Sound Management LLC andCo-Chief Investment Officer of CS1, and therefore may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of, and to have voting and investment control over, the shares of common stock controlled by Cross Sound Management LLC. Mr. Dunn disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock owned by SGI LP or CS1.

(9)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned consists of 25,344 shares of common stock and 41,667 restricted stock units that will vest on May 14, 2019.

(10)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned consists of 13,123 shares of common stock, 6,166 restricted stock options that are currently exercisable and a total of 10,000 restricted stock units that will vest between May 1, 2019 and May 4, 2019.

(11)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned consists 23,514 shares of common stock, 9,533 restricted stock options that are currently exercisable and a total of 12,867 restricted stock units that will vest between May 1, 2019 and May 4, 2019.

(12)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned consists of restricted stock units that will vest on May 4, 2019.

(13)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned consists of 1,815 shares of common stock and 2,392 restricted stock units that will vest on May 4, 2019.

(14)

Shares of common stock beneficially owned consists of 1,815 shares of common stock and 2,392 restricted stock units that will vest on May 4, 2019.

PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board currently consists of seven members, all of whom are currently serving as directors.

At each annual meeting, our stockholders will elect our directors. Our executive officers and key employees serve at the discretion of the Board. Directors may be removed, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a limited partnership, we are not required by NASDAQmajority of the voting power of the shares of common stock entitled to establish a compensation committee. Althoughvote in connection with the boardelection of directors, voting together as a single class.

The Board has nominated the following individuals for election as directors of the Company to serve until our general partner does not currently intend2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified:

David M. Dunn

Christopher W. Hamm

Scott L. Hoffman

Evan S. Lederman

David H. Proman

Kenneth Mariani

Edward A. Scoggins, Jr.

Each of the seven director nominees receiving a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected. The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees listed above.

Unless otherwise instructed, the proxyholders will vote the proxies received by them for the seven nominees named above. The Board has no reason to establishbelieve that any of its nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected. If a compensation committee, it may donominee becomes unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, either the number of the Company’s directors will be reduced or the proxyholders will vote for the election of a substitute nominee that the Board recommends.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES.Properly dated and signed proxies will be so in the future.voted unless stockholders specify otherwise.

PROPOSAL 2 — APPROVALRATIFICATION OF THE ADJOURNMENTAPPOINTMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIESINDEPENDENT REGISTERED

WePUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee of the Board has engaged KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, and is seeking ratification of such appointment by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. KPMG LLP has audited our financial statements and/or those of our predecessor since 2010. Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither our amended and restated bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Audit Committee is submitting the appointment of KPMG LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If our stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain KPMG LLP. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may askdirect the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our common unitholdersstockholders.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table summarizes the aggregate KPMG LLP fees for independent auditing, tax and related services for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

   2018   2017 

Audit fees (1)

  $930   $1,245 

Audit-related fees (2)

   10    —   

Tax fees (3)

   —      —   

All other fees (4)

   —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $940   $1,245 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Audit fees represent amounts billed for each of the years presented for professional services rendered in connection with those services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements including comfort letters, consents and other services related to SEC matters. For each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, those fees primarily related to the (i) audit of our annual financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting included in our annual reports, (ii) the review of our quarterly financial statements filed on Form10-Q and (iii) services in connection with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy.

(2)

Audit-related fees represent amounts billed in each of the years presented for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit or quarterly reviews. No such services were rendered by KPMG LLP during the year ended December 31, 2017.

(3)

Tax fees represent amounts billed in each of the years presented for professional services rendered in connection with tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. No such services were rendered by KPMG LLP during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

(4)

No such services were rendered by KPMG LLP during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee’s charter requires the Audit Committee to approve in advance all audit andnon-audit services to be provided by KPMG LLP. The Audit Committee has adopted apre-approval policy with respect to services which may be performed by KPMG LLP. This policy lists specific audit-related services as well as any other services that KPMG LLP is authorized to perform and sets out specific dollar limits for each specific

service, which may not be exceeded without additional Audit Committee authorization. The Audit Committee receives quarterly reports on the status of expenditures pursuant to thepre-approval policy. The Audit Committee reviews the policy at least annually in order to approve services and limits for the current year. Any service that is not clearly enumerated in the policy must receive specificpre-approval by the Audit Committee prior to engagement. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Audit Committeepre-approved 100% of the services described above.

The charter for the Audit Committee is available within the “Corporate Governance” section of our website at http://investor.amplifyenergy.com/corporate-governance.cfm.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL 2.Properly dated and signed proxies will be so voted unless stockholders specify otherwise.

PROPOSAL 3 — ADVISORY(NON-BINDING) VOTE APPROVING COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Background

Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act enacted in July 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the stockholders of the Company are entitled to vote on a proposal to adjourn the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the timeAnnual Meeting on the compensation of the adjournmentCompany’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and accompanying compensation tables contained in this proxy statement. Pursuant to adopt the Amended LTIP, which we referDodd-Frank Act, the stockholder vote on executive compensation is an advisory vote only and is not binding on the Company or the Board.

Although the vote isnon-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board value the opinions of the stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions.

As described above in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee has structured our executive compensation program to achieve the following key objectives:

attract and retain talented executive officers by providing total compensation levels competitive with that of executives holding comparable positions in similarly-situated organizations;

provide total compensation that is supported by individual performance;

provide a performance-based compensation component that balances rewards for short-term and long-term results and is tied to company performance; and

encourage the long-term commitment of our executive officers to us and to our stockholders’ long-term interests.

Please read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section beginning on page 17 of this proxy statement for a detailed discussion of our executive compensation program and how it operates and is designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the Adjournment Proposal. We currently do not intendSummary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narrative, appearing on pages 26 through 31, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers.

Our Compensation Committee and the Board have determined that the Company’s Named Executive Officer compensation aligns with our business strategy, focuses on long-term value creation for our stockholders and delivers competitive pay relative to propose adjournment atour performance, and therefore the Special Meeting if there are sufficient votes to adoptBoard recommends that you vote “FOR” the Amended LTIP. If our common unitholders approve the Adjournment Proposal, we may adjourn the Special Meeting and use the additional time to solicit additional proxies, including proxies from our common unitholders who have previously voted against adoptionapproval, on anon-binding advisory basis, of the Amended LTIP.Company’s Named Executive Officer compensation as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s compensation disclosure rules (which disclosure shall include the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table, and the related tables and disclosure in this proxy statement).

Voting ProceduresVote Required

Approval ofThe advisory vote on executive compensation in this Proposal 23 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, and entitled to be voted at the Special Meeting by our common unitholders, assuming a quorum is present. Your common unitsAnnual Meeting. Votes cast FOR or AGAINST and abstentions with respect to this Proposal THREE will be counted as present atshares entitled to vote on the Special Meeting if: (i) you are present andProposal. A vote in person atto ABSTAIN will have the meeting; or (ii) you, or your broker if you are a beneficial owner of common units held in street name, have submitted a properly executed proxy. In the absenceeffect of a quorum,vote AGAINST the Special Meeting mayProposal.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL 3.Properly dated and signed proxies will be adjourned byso voted unless stockholders specify otherwise.

PROPOSAL 4 — ADVISORY(NON-BINDING) VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE STOCKHOLDER ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Under the affirmative vote of holders of a majorityDodd-Frank Act, the stockholders of the outstanding common unitsCompany are entitled to vote at the SpecialAnnual Meeting (including outstanding common units deemed ownedregarding whether the advisory vote on executive compensation should occur every one, two or three years. Stockholders shall also have the option to abstain from voting on the matter. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the stockholder vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation is an advisory vote only, and it is not binding on the Company or the Board.

Although the vote isnon-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board value the opinions of the stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when determining the frequency of the stockholder vote on executive compensation.

The Board has determined that an annualnon-binding advisory vote on executive compensation will allow our stockholders to provide timely, direct input on our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement each year. The Board believes that an annual vote is therefore consistent with our efforts to engage in an ongoing dialogue with our shareholders on executive compensation and corporate governance matters.

You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the general partner) represented eitheroption of one year, two years, three years or abstain from voting when you vote in personresponse to this Proposal 4.

Vote Required

The frequency of theSay-on-Pay vote that receives the greatest number of votes — every one year, every two years or by proxy.every three years — will be the frequency that the stockholders approve, on anon-binding advisory basis. Neither abstentions nor brokernon-votes will have any effect on the outcome of Proposal FOUR. This advisory vote on the frequency of theSay-on-Pay vote is not binding on the Board. However, the Board will take into account the result of the vote when determining the frequency of futureSay-on-Pay votes.

Board Recommendation

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OUR GENERAL PARTNER UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT COMMON UNITHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL“FOR” A FREQUENCY OF PROPOSAL 2. IF NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, PROXIES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” APPROVAL“ONE YEAR” FOR FUTURENON-BINDING“SAY-ON-PAY” STOCKHOLDER VOTES ON COMPENSATION OF PROPOSAL 2.OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.Properly dated and signed proxies will be so voted unless stockholders specify otherwise.

UNITHOLDER PROPOSALSSTOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS; IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

No Unitholder ProposalsTo be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials, your proposal must be submitted in writing to our Corporate Secretary at 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002 and received by December 7, 2019; provided that, if the date of the 2020 annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after May 15, 2020, the deadline is a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials for next year’s annual meeting. If you wish to submit a proposal that is not to be included in our proxy materials for next year’s annual meeting pursuant to the SEC stockholder proposal procedures or to nominate a director, you must do so between January 21, 2020 and February 20, 2020;providedthat if the date of that annual meeting is more than 30 days before or after May 15, 2020, you must give notice not later than the close of business on the 45th day before such annual meeting date or, if later, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the annual meeting date is first made. You are also advised to review our amended and restated bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations. We will only consider proposals that meet the requirements of the applicable rules of the SEC and our amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”).

Your common units do not entitle youIt is the responsibility of the Board as a whole to make proposalsidentify and evaluate nominees for election at the Special Meeting. Underannual meeting of stockholders, as well as to fill vacancies or additions on the First AmendedBoard that may occur between annual meetings. The Board endeavors to recommend only director candidates who possess the highest personal values and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Memorial Production Partners LP (the “partnership agreement”), only our general partner can make a proposal at this meeting. The partnership agreement establishes a procedure for calling meetings whereby limited partners owning 20%integrity; who have experience and have exhibited achievements in one or more of the outstanding unitskey professional, business, financial, legal and other challenges that face a U.S. oil and gas company; who exhibit sound judgment, intelligence, personal character and the ability to make independent analytical inquiries; who demonstrate a willingness to devote adequate time to director duties; and who are likely to be able to serve on the Board for a sustained period.

While the Board does not have a formal policy on diversity, the Board endeavors to achieve an overall balance of diversity among our directors, and it is expected that the Board will view diversity broadly to include diversity of backgrounds, skills and viewpoint as well as traditional diversity concepts such as race or gender, in order to achieve optimal enhancement of the current mix of talent and experience on the Board. The Board believes it has achieved that balance through the representation on the Board of members having experience in the oil and gas industry, accounting and investment analysis and legal and corporate governance, among other areas. The Board does not discriminate based upon race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship or any other legally protected status.

In identifying potential director candidates, the Board solicits recommendations from existing directors and senior management to be considered by the Board along with any recommendations that have been received from stockholders as discussed in more detail below. The Board may also, in its discretion, retain, and pay fees to, a search firm to provide additional candidates.

The Board will consider any nominee recommended by stockholders for election at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2020 if that nomination is submitted in writing by the close of business, between January 21, 2020 and February 20, 2020, to Amplify Energy Corp., 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002, Attn: General Counsel. The Company will evaluate director nominees proposed by stockholders on the same basis as recommendations received from any other source. With respect to each such nominee, the following information must be provided to the Company with the written nomination:

all information relating to such person as would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for the election of such nominee as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and such person’s written consent to serve as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected;

the name and address of the nominating stockholder;

(1) the class, series, and number of shares of the Company that are owned, directly or classes for which a meeting is proposed may call a meeting. Inindirectly, beneficially and of record by each such nominating stockholder, (2) any case, limited partners are not allowedoption, warrant, convertible

security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Company or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Company, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of capital stock of the Company or otherwise (a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly owned beneficially by each such nominating stockholder, and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Company, (3) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which each such nominating stockholder has a right to vote, directly or indirectly, any shares of any security of the Company, (4) any short interest in any security of the Company held by each such nominating stockholder (for purposes hereof, a person shall be deemed to have a short interest in a security if such person directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the value of the subject security), (5) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Company owned beneficially directly or indirectly by each such nominating stockholder that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Company, (6) any proportionate interest in shares of the Company or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which each such nominating stockholder is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner and (7) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that each such nominating stockholder is directly or indirectly entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Company or Derivative Instruments, if any, as of the date of such notice, and each such nominating stockholder shall supplement the information provided pursuant to the foregoing clauses (1) through (7), to the extent necessary, by the earlier of the 10th day after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the day prior to the meeting; and

any other information relating to vote on matterseach such nominating stockholder that would cause the limited partnersbe required to be deemeddisclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be taking partmade in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the management and controlproposal and/or the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the business and affairsExchange Act.

Further, the Company may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Partnership. Doing so would jeopardize the limited partners’ limited liability under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the “Delaware Act”)Board or the law of any other state in which we are qualifiedthat could be material to do business.

Dissenters’ Rights

We were formed as a limited partnership under the lawsreasonable stockholder’s understanding of the Stateindependence, or lack thereof, of Delaware, includingsuch nominee.

The Company suggests that any such proposal be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Householding of Proxy Materials

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the Delaware Act. Under those laws, dissenters’ rights are not available to our common unitholdersdelivery requirements for proxy statements, annual reports and a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials with respect to Proposals 1two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and 2.cost savings for companies.

Brokers with account holders who are Amplify stockholders may be “householding” our proxy materials. One annual report, proxy statement and Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials may be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that it will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you notify your broker or the Company that you no longer wish to participate in “householding.”

If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate annual report, proxy statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, you may (1) notify your broker, (2) direct your written request to: 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77002 or (3) contact our Investor Relations department by telephone at (713)588-8346. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy materials at their address and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their broker if their shares are held in “street name” or the Company if they are the stockholder of record. In addition, the Company will promptly deliver, upon written or oral request to the address or telephone number above, a separate copy of the annual report, proxy statement and Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered.

Other Matters

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board does not intend to present any matters other than those described herein at the Annual Meeting and is unaware of any matters to be presented by other parties. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting for action by the stockholders, proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or, in the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATIONAvailability of Annual Reports on Form10-K

We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other informationhave filed our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may read and copy anySEC. It is available free of these documents at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our filings also are available to the publiccharge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our website is located at http://www.memorialpp.com, andUpon written request, we make our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the SEC available, free ofwill provide, without charge, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. You may also request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writingour Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 to any of our stockholders of record, or telephoning usto any stockholder who owns our common stock listed in the name of a broker, bank or dealer as nominee, at the following address:close of business on March 18, 2019. Any request for a copy of our Annual Report on Form10-K should be mailed to our Corporate Secretary at 500 Dallas Street, Suite 1800,1700, Houston, TexasTX 77002, Attention: Investor Relations,or by calling (713) 588-8350.588-8369.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the SpecialAnnual Meeting of UnitholdersStockholders to be held on December 4, 2015.May 15, 2019. You are requested to cast your proxy as instructed in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person. You may request paper copies of the proxy materials free of charge by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you request a paper proxy, please complete, date, and sign the enclosed form of proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope provided. By submitting your proxy promptly, you can help us avoid the expense offollow-up mailings to ensure a quorum so that the meeting can be held. We encourage you to vote via the Internet.

*****

Exhibit A

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS GP LLC

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Memorial Production Partners GP LLC (the “Company”), a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of Memorial Production Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), approved this First Amendment to the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) on October 1, 2015, to be effective as of the date that this First Amendment is approved by the common unitholders of the Partnership.

WHEREAS, the Board previously approved and adopted the Plan pursuant to which, among other things, the employees, consultants, officers and directors of the Company and its affiliates (each, a “Participant” and, collectively, “Participants”) are eligible to receive incentive compensation awards based on common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (“Units”).

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that there are no longer sufficient Units available for issuance under the Plan to meet the needs for future grants during the coming years.

WHEREAS, the Board desires to amend the Plan to increase the number of Units available for issuance thereunder to 5,225,000, subject to adjustment under the Plan, so that the Company may continue to grant incentive and reward opportunities to Participants under the Plan.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan, the Board may amend the Plan at any time.

WHEREAS, except as expressly provided below, the Plan remains in full force and effect.

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

1.

Section 2 of the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

(i)         A new definition of “First Amendment” shall be added in appropriate alphabetical order as follows:

First Amendment” means the First Amendment to the Plan, effective as of the date that such First Amendment is approved by the common unitholders of the Partnership.

(ii)         The definition of “Partnership IPO” in paragraph (t) shall be deleted in its entirety.

2.

Section 4(a) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

(a)Limits on Units Deliverable. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c), the maximum number of Units that may be delivered with respect to Awards under the Plan shall be 5,225,000;provided,however, that Units withheld from an Award to either satisfy the Partnership’s or any Affiliate of the Partnership’s tax withholding obligations with respect to the Award or pay the exercise price of an Award shall not be considered to be Units delivered under the Plan for this purpose. If any Award is forfeited, cancelled, exercised, or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of Units pursuant to such Award (the grant of Restricted Units is not a delivery of Units for this purpose), the Units subject to such Award shall again be available for Awards under the Plan (including Units not delivered in connection with the exercise of an Option or Unit Appreciation Right). There shall not be any limitation on the number of Awards that may be granted and paid in cash.


3.

Section 7(b) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Amendments to Awards. Subject to Section 7(a), the Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter any Award theretofore granted, provided no change, other than pursuant to Section 7(c), in any Award shall materially reduce the benefit to a Participant without the consent of such Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may amend the Plan or an Award to cause such Award to be exempt from Code Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A or any other applicable law. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or an Award Agreement to the contrary, without unitholder approval, other than pursuant to Section 7(c), (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the exercise price of any Option or any Unit Appreciation Right, (ii) the Committee may not cancel any outstanding Option or Unit Appreciation Right and replace it with a new Option or Unit Appreciation Right, another Award or cash and (iii) the Committee may not take any other action that is considered a “repricing” for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of the applicable securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Units are listed or quoted.

4.

Section 9 of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Term of the Plan. The Plan was effective on December 14, 2011. The Plan, as amended by the First Amendment, shall continue until the earliest of (i) the date terminated by the Board, (ii) all Units available under the Plan, as amended by the First Amendment, have been paid to Participants, or (iii) the 10th anniversary of the effective date of the First Amendment. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, however, any Award granted prior to such termination, and the authority of the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under such Award, shall extend beyond such termination date.


LOGO

 

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP  AMPLIFY ENERGY CORP.

500 DALLAS STREET, SUITE 18001700

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002

  

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING. BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

 

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by Memorial Production Partners LPAmplify Energy Corp. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

 

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing,Amplify Energy Corp., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

VOTE IN PERSON

If you would like to attend the annual meeting and vote in person, you may contact Amplify Energy Corp. at (713) 588-8369 (attn.: Corporate Secretary) for directions to the annual meeting. Please see the proxy statement for annual meeting attendance requirements.

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M96851-S37906E65028-P17495                         KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
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        DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

  MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP

AMPLIFY ENERGY CORP.

       

    The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each

    nominee listed in Proposal 1, “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3 and

    “1 year” on Proposal 4.

 

    Vote on Directors

         
    1.

Election of Directors

Nominees:ForWithholdVote on ProposalForAgainst    Abstain

1a.    David M. Dunn

2.

Ratification of Appointment of KPMG LLP as Independent Auditor.

    ☐

1b.    Christopher W. Hamm

3.

To approve, by a non-binding vote, the

    ☐

1c.    Scott L. Hoffman

compensation of our named executive officers.1 Year

2 Years

3 Years

Abstain

1d.    Evan S. Lederman

1e.    Kenneth Mariani

1f.    David H. Proman

1g.    Edward A. Scoggins, Jr.

4.To approve, by a non-binding vote, the frequency of stockholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers.

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.






The shares represented by this proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the undersigned stockholder(s).If no direction is made,
this proxy will be voted “FOR” the nominees listed in
Proposal 1, “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3 and “1 year” on
Proposal 4.

        
  

The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” Proposals 1 and 2.

ForAgainstAbstain

1.

Approval of the First Amendment to the Memorial Production Partners GP LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) - This proposal is to approve the First Amendment which, among other things, increases the maximum number of common units that may be granted as equity-based awards under the LTIP to 5,225,000 common units. The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal.

¨¨¨  

 



2.

Approval ofIf any other matters come properly before the
meeting, the Adjournment of the Special Meeting - This proposal is to approve the adjournment of the Special Meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxiesperson named in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to approve Proposal 1. The Board of Directors recommends a this proxy will
vote FOR” this proposal.in their discretion.

¨¨¨
NOTE:Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

    

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box

and write them on the back where indicated.

¨

 

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.




Each signatory to this proxy acknowledges receipt
from Amplify Energy Corp., prior to execution of this
proxy, of a notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
and a proxy statement dated April 5, 2019.
 

    
      
     

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)

Date

                                    Signature (Joint Owners)                                   Date  


 


 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the SpecialAnnual Meeting:

The Notice of SpecialAnnual Meeting and Proxy Statement, along with our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K,

are available free of charge at http://www.proxyvote.com.

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E65029-P17495        

 

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M96852-S37906

AMPLIFY ENERGY CORP.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

May 15, 2019

The undersigned hereby appoint(s) Kenneth Mariani, Martyn Willsher and Eric M. Willis, and each of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and vote, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy, all of the shares of Common Stock of Amplify Energy Corp. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 9:00 a.m., Houston time, on May 15, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Houston, 1200 Louisiana Street, 3rd Floor - Dogwood Conference Room, Houston, Texas 77002, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, “FOR” PROPOSALS 2 AND 3 AND “1 YEAR” ON PROPOSAL 4.

 

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS LP

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

MEMORIAL PRODUCTION PARTNERS GP LLC

SPECIAL MEETING OF UNITHOLDERS

DECEMBER 4, 2015

The undersigned hereby appoint(s) John A. Weinzierl, Kyle N. Roane and Jason M. Childress and each of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy, all of the common units of Memorial Production Partners LP that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Unitholders to be held at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, on December 4, 2015, at the Doubletree Hotel Houston Downtown, 400 Dallas Street, Houston, Texas 77002, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The common units will be voted as directed on this proxy. If this card is signed and no direction is given for any item, it will be voted “FOR” Proposals 1 and 2.

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE.

 

 

Address Changes/Comments:                                                                                                                                  

 

        
 

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)