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. )

Filed by the Registrant  X.


x


Filed by a Party other than the Registrant .


o


Check the appropriate box:


 X.


xPreliminary Proxy Statement

.


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

.


oDefinitive Proxy Statement

.


oDefinitive Additional Materials

.


oSoliciting Material under Rule 14a-12


§ 240.14a-12



RING ENERGY, INC.

(Name of the Registrant as Specified In Itsin its Charter)



N/A

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


Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

xNo fee required.

oFee paid previously with preliminary materials.

oFee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.











2023 PROXY STATEMENT
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
The 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Ring Energy, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Ring” or the “Company”), will be held on May 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time, in Ring’s offices, located at 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380.You will be asked to consider and to approve the following proposals:

ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS

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DATE:
May 25, 2023

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TIME:
10:00 a.m.
Central Daylight Time

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PLACE:
1725 Hughes Landing Blvd.
Suite 900
The Woodlands, TX 77380


RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE:
March 28, 2023

1Elect Nine Nominated Directors Included in the Proxy Statement to Serve on our Board
2Approve and Adopt an Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to Increase the Authorized Shares of Common Stock from 225 million to 450 million
3Approve and Adopt an Amendment to the Ring Energy, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan to increase the shares available under the Plan by 6.0 million shares
4Approve on a Non-Binding, Advisory Basis, the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers
5Ratify the Appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Payment of Filing Fee (Check

This proxy statement and accompanying proxy card are being mailed to our stockholders on or about April 18, 2023. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) covering the appropriate box):

 X.

No fee required.

.

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0–11 (set forth the amount on which the filing feeyear ended December 31, 2022 is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)

Total fee paid:

.

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

.

Check box ifenclosed, but does not form any part of the fee is offset as providedmaterials for solicitation of proxies.

The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement herein provide further information on the Company’s performance and corporate governance and describe the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 28, 2023 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for examination at our offices during normal business hours for a period of ten calendar days prior to the Annual Meeting and will also be available during the Annual Meeting for inspection by Exchange Act Rule 0–11(a)(2)our stockholders.
EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE, OR VOTE YOUR SHARES USING THE TELEPHONE OR INTERNET VOTING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED.
We thank you for your continued support and identifylook forward to seeing you at the filingAnnual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,



Travis T. Thomas
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Corporate Secretary & Treasurer

The Woodlands, Texas
April [ ], 2023


IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON May 25, 2023
The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and Annual Report to Stockholders for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

year ended December 31, 2022, are available on Ring Energy, Inc.’s website at
www.ringenergy.com.

1

RING ENERGY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

Joint Letter to Stockholders

4

Our Company – Mission & Vision

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:

6

Our Company – Strategic Priorities

7

Questions and Answers About the 2023 Annual Meeting and Voting

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

8

Our 2022 Performance Highlights

14

Our Commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)

(3)

Filing Party:

16

Board Composition and Experience

18

(4)

Date Filed:

PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Summary

19
Board Committees & Director Bios20
Board Recommendation on Proposal25
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND OUR BOARDCorporate Governance Highlights26
Our Board27
Board Leadership Structure27
Lead Independent Director27
Annual Board Evaluation28
Director Orientation and Continuing Education28
Board Independence28
Board Risk Assessment and Control29
Insider Trading Policy29
Board Committees30
Director Nominations and Qualifications33
Board of Directors Diversity33
Communications With Our Board34
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS    Executive Officer Bios35
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSISSummary37
Overview of Executive Compensation38
Additional Compensation Policy Highlights39
Executive Compensation Philosophy39








2


2023 PROXY STATEMENT
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSISSay-on-Pay and Stockholder Engagement40
Executive Compensation Program Elements For 202240
Management Stock Ownership Guidelines44
Tax & Risk Considerations in Overall Program45
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONCompensation of Named Executive Officers (2020-2022)47
Employment Agreements49
Grants of Plan-Based Awards51
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End52
Option Exercises and Stock Vested53
Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation53
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control54
CEO Pay Ratio59
Pay Versus Performance60
DIRECTOR COMPENSATIONDirector Compensation65
OTHER COMPENSATION MATTERSCompensation Committee Report68
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation68
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSTransactions With Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons69
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIPSecurity Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management & Other Matters71
PROPOSAL 2: INCREASE TO AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCKBackground74
Text of the Proposed Amendment74
Reasons for the Proposed Amendment74
Possible Effects of the Proposed Amendment75
Interests of Directors and Executive Officers75
Vote Required75
Board Recommendation on Proposal76
PROPOSAL 3: AMENDMENT TO THE RING ENERGY, INC. 2021 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE THE SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN BY 6.0 MILLION SHARESDescription and Text of the Proposed Plan Amendment77
Summary of the 2021 Plan77
Description of the Amended Plan78
New Plan Benefits81
Summary of Federal Income Tax Consequences82
Importance of Consulting a Tax Adviser83
Vote Required for Approval83
Board Recommendation on Proposal83
PROPOSAL 4:
NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
Summary84
Board Recommendation on Proposal84
PROPOSAL 5: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLPSummary and Fees Detail85
Board Recommendation on Proposal86
Audit Committee Report87
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING AND OTHER ITEMSSummary of Procedures For Submitting a Proposal or Nominating a Director89
Other Business80
Annual Report80
Appendix A: GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations91
Appendix B: Certificate of Amendment93
Appendix C: Amendment No. 1 to the Ring Energy, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan96

3

RING ENERGY INC.

6555 South Lewis Street

Tulsa, OK 74136

(918) 499-3880


NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF CONSENTS


January __, 2013


TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:


This Notice

DEAR FELLOW STOCKHOLDERS,
On behalf of Solicitationthe Board of Consents and accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement are furnished to you byDirectors of Ring Energy, Inc., we are pleased to
invite you to our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will take place on May 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time in our offices located at 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, Texas 77380.

2022 was a Nevada corporationtransformational year for Ring Energy. Our operational and financial performance was driven by a number of factors, the most significant being the Company's acquisition of Stronghold Energy's assets that we announced in early July and closed on August 31, 2022 (the Company” or “us” or “we” or “our"Stronghold Transaction"). The immediately accretive acquisition of these complementary Central Basin assets in connectionthe Permian Basin substantially increased our size and scale, lowered our overall cost structure, and materially increased the inventory and capital efficiency of our low cost, high rate-of-return investment opportunities. The result has been increased free cash flow generation that we are using to pay down debt at a faster rate than we could have done on a standalone basis. The Stronghold Transaction also materially improved our financial position. We ended 2022 with approximately $188 million of liquidity — more than $125 million higher than year-end 2021. In addition, we substantially reduced our leverage ratio from 3.5 times at year-end 2021 to 1.6 times as of December 31, 2022. Our enhanced flexibility and improved capital efficiency are critical as we continue to execute our value driven strategy.
During full year 2022, we also benefited from the execution of a continuous development program, including the drilling and completion of 27 horizontal wells and five vertical wells, as well as the recompletion of 12 wells. Complementing our internal expansion efforts was our ongoing focus on reducing the cost structure of our business on a per barrel basis.
The combined result of our targeted initiatives for 2022 was record setting levels of production, net income, adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA and cash flow from operations. Our success in 2022 was also reflected in our year end SEC proved reserves that grew 78% over the prior year end to a record 138.1 million barrels of oil equivalent. Of course, none of our success in 2022 would have been possible without our talented workforce and business partners, and we want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
4

2023 PROXY STATEMENT

During the past year, we also continued to make important progress on our ESG initiatives. We encourage readers to review our latest Sustainability Report published in late 2022 that discusses our performance and improvement initiatives, and our plans to drive further alignment with the solicitationvarious ESG reporting frameworks over time.
Our efforts in 2023 remain squarely focused on further debt reduction and strengthening of our balance sheet. In support of this focus, we will continue to invest in the development of our high rate-of-return inventory to maintain or slightly grow our production and drive further operational efficiencies in the business. We will also continue to evaluate and pursue opportunities to increase stockholder value through accretive, balance sheet enhancing acquisitions. We believe our value focused, proven strategy retains the discipline and flexibility necessary to manage the risks associated with ongoing price volatility and should position the Company to return capital to our stockholders in the future.
On behalf of Ring’s Board of Directors, executive management and employee team, we want to thank all of our board of directors of written consents fromstockholders for their continued support. Your vote is very important to us, and we encourage you to review the holdersenclosed proxy statement and to promptly vote so your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting.
Best regards,
Paul-McKinney-sig.jpg
Paul D. McKinney
Chairman of the Company’s Common StockBoard of Directors & Chief Executive Officer
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Anthony B. Petrelli
Lead Independent Director



5

RING ENERGY

OUR COMPANY
Ring Energy, Inc. is a growth oriented independent energy company engaged in oil and natural gas development, production, acquisition and exploration of high-quality, oil and liquids rich assets in the Permian Basin.

OUR MISSION & VISION
Ring’s mission is to take action withoutdeliver competitive and sustainable returns to its stockholders by developing, acquiring, exploring for, and commercializing oil and natural gas resources vital to the world’s health and welfare. Successfully achieving Ring’s mission requires a shareholders’ meeting.


Our boardfirm commitment to operating safely in a socially responsible and environmentally friendly manner, while ensuring the Company conducts its business with honesty and integrity.

The key principles supporting Ring’s strategic vision are:
Ensuring health, safety, and environmental excellence and a strong commitment to our employees and the communities in which we work and operate;
Continuing to generate free cash flow to improve and build a sustainable financial foundation;
Pursuing rigorous capital discipline focused on our highest returning opportunities;
Improving margins and driving value by continuously targeting additional operating cost reductions and capital efficiencies; and
Strengthening the balance sheet by steadily paying down debt, divesting of directorsnon-core assets and becoming a peer leader in Debt/EBITDA metrics.

6

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Ring has historically capitalized on its low-risk, high-return asset base that is requestingfocused on the holdersconventional San Andres reservoir in the Permian Basin, which is one of the Company’s Common Stockmost prolific hydrocarbon producing regions in the U.S. As compared to consentunconventional plays, the San Andres offers much lower initial year and subsequent decline rates for production, which helps generate high rates of return and low breakeven economics.
The collective efforts of your management team are focused on creating stockholder value with Ring’s proven strategy. We are targeting a number of strategic initiatives that we believe will uniquely position Ring for continued operating and financial success, thereby enhancing long-term value for our stockholders.
To accomplish these goals, we are committed to pursuing the following proposals:


1.

To amendstrategic priorities:



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Attract and retain high-quality people because achieving our mission will only be possible through our employees. It is critical to have compensation, development, and human resource programs that attract, retain and motivate the types of people we need to succeed.

Pursue operational excellence with a sense of urgency, as we plan to deliver low cost, consistent, timely and efficient execution of our drilling campaigns, work programs and operations. This includes executing our operations in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, focusing on reducing our emissions, applying advanced technologies, and continuously seeking ways to reduce our operating cash costs on a per barrel basis. This objective is a foundational aspect of our culture and future success.

Invest in risk-adjusted high rate-of-return projects. This will allow us to profitably grow our production and reserve levels and maximize free cash flow generation.

Focus on generating free cash flow and strengthening our balance sheet by reducing debt through the use of excess cash from operations and potentially through proceeds from the sale of non-core assets.
We believe remaining focused and disciplined in this regard will lead to meaningful returns for our stockholders and provide additional financial flexibility to manage potential future swings in the business cycle.

Pursue strategic acquisitions that maintain or reduce our break-even costs, as well as improve our margins and operating costs. Financial strategies associated with these efforts will focus on delivering competitive debt-adjusted per share returns. This objective is key to delivering competitive returns to our stockholders on a sustainable basis.

7

RING ENERGY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING?
At the Company’sAnnual Meeting, our stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice, including (1) the election of nine directors named in this proxy statement to our Board, each for a term ending on the date of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified (this proposal is referred to as the “Election of Directors”); (2) the approval and adoption of an amendment (the "Charter Amendment") to our Articles of Incorporation (as amended to date, the "Articles of Incorporation") to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 225 million to 450 million (this proposal is referred to as set forth in the Certificate"Authorized Share Proposal"); (3) the approval and adoption of Amendment attached asAppendix Aan amendment to the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement (the “Articles Amendment”).


2.

To approve the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan to increase the shares available under the Plan by 6.0 million shares (this proposal is referred to as attachedthe "Plan Amendment Proposal"); (4) a non-binding, advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation (this proposal is referred to asAppendix B “Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation”); (5) the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 (this proposal is referred to as the “Ratification of Grant Thornton”); and (6) the transaction of such other business as may arise that can properly be conducted at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Additionally, management will report on our performance during the last fiscal year and respond to questions from our stockholders.


WHAT IS A PROXY?
A proxy is another person that you legally designate to vote your stock. If you designate a person or entity as your proxy in a written document, such document is also called a proxy or a proxy card. All duly executed proxies received prior to the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement (the “Plan Approval”).


3.

To amendAnnual Meeting will be voted in accordance with the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan as set forthchoices specified thereon and, in connection with any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting, in the Amendmentdiscretion of the persons named in the proxy.


WHAT IS A PROXY STATEMENT?
A proxy statement is a document that regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) require that we make available to you when we ask you to sign a proxy card to vote your stock at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement describes matters on which we would like you, as a stockholder, to vote and provides you with information on such matters so that you can make an informed decision.

WHAT IS “HOUSEHOLDING”?
One copy of the Notice, this proxy statement, and the Annual Report (collectively, the “Proxy Materials”) will be sent to stockholders who share an address, unless they have notified us that they want to continue receiving multiple packages. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce duplicate mailings and save significant printing and postage costs. If you received a householded mailing this year and you would like to have additional copies of the Proxy Materials mailed to you or you would like to opt out of this practice for future mailings, we will promptly deliver such additional copies to you if you submit your request in writing to Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan attached, Attention: Travis T. Thomas, Corporate Secretary, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380, or by telephone by calling (281) 397-3699. You may also contact us in the same manner if you received multiple copies of the Proxy Materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future. The Proxy Materials are also available on our website: www.ringenergy.com.
8

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE SET OF VOTING MATERIALS?
Despite our efforts related to householding, you may receive more than one set of Proxy Materials, including multiple copies of the proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Similarly, if you are a stockholder of record and hold shares in a brokerage account, you will receive a proxy card and a voting instruction card. Please complete, sign, date, and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive to ensure that all your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting. You can also vote your shares over the phone or Internet. Please see “HOW DO I VOTE MY SHARES?” below for more information.

WHO IS ENTITLED TO NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING?
Governing laws asAppendix C well as our governance documents require our Board to establish a record date in order to determine who is entitled to receive notice of, attend, and vote at the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement (the “Plan Amendment”).


We have establishedAnnual Meeting, and any continuations, adjournments, or postponements thereof.

The record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting is the close of business on January 2, 2013, asMarch 28, 2023 (the “Record Date”).
As of the Record Date, we had 180,627,484 shares of Common Stock outstanding. A list of all stockholders of record date for determining shareholders entitled to submit written consents.


We request that each shareholder complete, datevote at our Annual Meeting is on file at our principal office located at 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380, and signwill be available for inspection at the enclosed written consent form and promptly return itAnnual Meeting.


WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
Subject to the Company’slimitations set forth below, stockholders at the close of business on the Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock, you must have a legal counsel by mailproxy from the stockholder of record to vote your shares at 1656 Reunion Avenue, Suite 250, South Jordan, Utah 84095, by emailthe Annual Meeting.

WHAT IS A QUORUM?
A quorum is the presence at jamie@vancelaw.us,the Annual Meeting, in person or by faxproxy, of the holders of at (801) 446-8803.  To be counted, your properly completed written consentleast one-third of the shares of our Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the Record Date. There must be a quorum for the Annual Meeting to be held. If a quorum is not present, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned until a quorum is reached. Proxies received before 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time,but marked as abstentions or broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of votes considered to be present at the Annual Meeting.

WHAT ARE THE VOTING RIGHTS OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS?
Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share of Common Stock on January __, 2013, subjectall matters to extension bybe acted upon at the Annual Meeting. Neither our boardArticles of directorsIncorporation, nor our Bylaws (as amended, the “Bylaws”), allow for cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.


9

RING ENERGY
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD AND A “STREET NAME” HOLDER?
Most stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank, or to early terminationother nominee rather than directly in their own name.
As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held
of solicitations if a majority approval is received.


Failure to returnrecord and those owned in street name.

Stockholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with Standard Registrar and Transfer Company, Inc., our transfer agent, you are considered the enclosed written consent will have the same effect as a vote against the proposals.  We recommend that all shareholders consent to the proposals, by marking the box entitled “FORstockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the proposalstockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
Street Name Stockholder. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank, fiduciary, or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name.” In this case, such broker, fiduciary, or other nominee is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank, or nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank, or other nominee, follow the voting directions provided by your broker, bank, or other nominee to vote your shares. Since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares.

HOW DO I VOTE MY SHARES?
Stockholders of Record: Stockholders of record may vote their shares or submit a proxy to have their shares voted by one of the following methods:
By Written Proxy. You may indicate your vote by completing, signing, and dating your proxy card and returning it in the enclosed reply envelope.
In Person. You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting by completing a ballot; however, attending the Annual Meeting without completing a ballot will not count as a vote.
By Phone. Use any touch-tone telephone to call 1-800-690-6903 to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
By Internet. Use the Internet to access www.proxyvote.com to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or the 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.

10

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Street Name Stockholders: Street name stockholders may generally vote their shares or submit a proxy to have their shares voted by one of the following methods:
By Voting Instruction Card. If you hold your shares in street name, your broker, bank, or other nominee will explain how you can access a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker, bank, or other nominee how to vote your shares.
In Person with a Proxy from the Record Holder. You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank, or other nominee. Please consult the instruction card or other information sent to you by your broker, bank, or other nominee to determine how to obtain a legal proxy in order to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
If you are a stockholder of record, your shares will be voted by the management proxy holder in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed written consent form, and sendingproxy card you submit. For stockholders who have their shares voted by submitting a proxy, the written consent to us.management proxy holder will vote all shares represented by such valid proxies as our Board recommends, unless a stockholder appropriately specifies otherwise.

CAN I REVOKE MY PROXY OR CHANGE MY VOTE?
Yes. If you sign and send in the written consent form but do not indicate howare a stockholder of record, you want to vote as to the proposals,can revoke your consent form will be treated as a consent “FOR” the proposal.


Consents may be revoked by shareholdersproxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by doing one of the following:

Submitting written notice of revocation stating that you would like to revoke your proxy to Ring Energy, Inc., Attention: Travis T. Thomas, Corporate Secretary, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380, which must be received prior to the Annual Meeting;
Completing, signing, and dating another proxy card with new voting instructions and returning it by mail to Ring Energy, Inc., Attention: Travis T. Thomas, Corporate Secretary, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380 in time to be received, in which case the later submitted proxy will be recorded and earlier proxy revoked; or
Attending the Annual Meeting, notifying the inspector of elections that weyou wish to revoke your proxy, and voting your shares in person at the Annual Meeting. Attendance at the Annual Meeting without submitting a ballot to vote your shares will not revoke or change your vote.
If you are a beneficial or street name stockholder, you should follow the directions provided by your broker, bank, or other nominee to revoke your voting instructions or otherwise change your vote before the applicable deadline. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank, or other nominee as described in “How do I vote my shares” above.

11

RING ENERGY
WHAT ARE ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES?
An abstention occurs when the beneficial owner of shares, or a broker, bank, or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner, is present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote at a stockholder meeting, but fails to vote or voluntarily withholds its vote for any of the matters upon which the stockholders are voting.
If you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares in “street name,” you will receive instructions from your broker, bank, or other nominee describing how to vote your shares. If you do not instruct your broker or nominee how to vote your shares, they may vote your shares as they decide as to each matter for which they have discretionary authority under the rules of the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”). There are non-discretionary matters for which brokers, banks, and acceptother nominees do not have discretionary authority to vote unless they receive timely instructions from you. If a broker, bank, or other nominee does not have discretion to vote on a particular matter and you have not given timely instructions on how the written consentbroker, banker, or other nominee should vote your shares, then the broker, bank, or other nominee indicates it does not have authority to vote such shares on its proxy and a “broker non-vote” results. Although any broker non-vote would be counted as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, it would be treated as not entitled to vote with respect to non-discretionary matters.
If your shares are held in street name and you do not give voting instructions, the record holder will not be permitted to vote your shares with respect to Proposal 1 (Election of Directors), Proposal 2 (Charter Amendment), Proposal 3 (Plan Amendment), Proposal 4 (Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation), and your shares will be considered broker non-votes with respect to these proposals. If your shares are held in street name and you do not give voting instructions, the record holder will have discretionary authority to vote your shares with respect to Proposal 5 (Ratification of Grant Thornton).

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED FOR THE PROPOSALS TO BE APPROVED?
Proposal 1 (Election of Directors): To be elected, each nominee for election as a director must receive the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of our Common Stock, present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. The director nominees who receive the most votes are elected. Votes may be cast in favor of or withheld from the election of each nominee. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
Proposal 2 (Charter Amendment): Approval of the Charter Amendment requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting power. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the affect of a vote against this proposal.
Proposal 3 (Plan Amendment): Approval of the Plan Amendment requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding sharesvotes cast by the holders of our Common Stock ofpresent in person or represented by proxy at the CompanyAnnual Meeting and entitled to vote.


By Order ofvote thereon. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not affect the Board of Directors


Denny Nestripke

Vice President








RING ENERGY, INC.

6555 South Lewis Street

Tulsa, OK 74136

(918) 499-3880


CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT


General


This Consent Solicitation Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of written consents of the shareholders of Ring Energy, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” or “us” or “we” or “our”) with regard to the following proposals:


1.

To amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation as set forth in the Certificate of Amendment attached asAppendix A to the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement (the “Articles Amendment”).


2.

To approve the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan as attached asAppendix B to the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement (the “Plan Approval”).


3.

To amend the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan as set forth in the Amendment to Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan attached asAppendix C to the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement (the “Plan Amendment”).


This Consent Solicitation Statement contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on these matters.  Please read it carefully.


Our board of directors has approved the proposals and has chosen to seek to obtain shareholder approval of the proposals by written consent, rather than by calling a special meeting of shareholders, in order to eliminate the costs and management time involved in holding a special meeting, and in order to effect the proposed corporate action as quickly as possible.  Written consents are being solicited from all of our shareholders pursuant to Section 78.320(2) of the Nevada Revised Statutes.


Voting materials, which include this Consent Solicitation Statement and a written consent form, are being mailed to all shareholders on or about January __, 2013.  Our board of directors has set the close of business on January 2, 2013, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to act with respect to the consent action (the “Record Date”).  As of the Record Date, the Company had 14,166,011 shares of Common Stock outstanding of record, held by approximately 251 registered holders of record.


How to Submit Consents; Expiration Date


Shareholders of record who desire to consent to the proposals may do so by delivering the applicable written consent to us by hand, mail, email, facsimile or overnight courier, in accordance with the instructions contained in the written consent.  If your shares are held in street name, voting will depend on the voting processes of your broker, bank, or other holder of record.  Therefore, we recommend that you follow the voting instructions in the materials you receive directly from the holder of record.


If the written consent is properly completed and signed, the shareholder will be deemed to have consented to the proposals.  Failure to return the enclosed written consent form will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the proposals.


Written consents by the shareholder(s) must be executed in exactly the same manner as the name(s) appear(s) on the stock certificates.  If stock certificates to which a written consent relates are held of record by two or more joint holders, all such holders must sign the written consent.  If a signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, proxy, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other record holder acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing and must submit proper evidence satisfactory to us of such person’s authority so to act.  If stock certificates are registered in different names, separate written consents must be executed covering each form of registration.





FOR A WRITTEN CONSENT TO BE VALID, A SHAREHOLDER MUST COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND DELIVER THE WRITTEN CONSENT (OR PHOTOCOPY THEREOF) FOR SUCH HOLDER’S SHARES TO THE COMPANY’S LEGAL COUNSEL.  SUCH WRITTEN CONSENT MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY’S LEGAL COUNSEL BY HAND, MAIL, EMAIL, FACSIMILE OR OVERNIGHT COURIER.


All written consents that are properly completed, signed and delivered to our legal counsel before the Expiration Date (as defined below), subject to extension by our board of directors, and not revoked before our acceptance of the written consents, will be accepted.


The term “Expiration Date” means 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, on January __, 2013, unless the Requisite Consents are received before such date, in which case this solicitation will expire on the date that such Requisite Consents are obtained, and such earlier date shall be the Expiration Date.


Final resultsoutcome of this solicitation of written consents will be published inproposal.

Proposal 4 (Executive Compensation): To consider and vote upon, on a Form 8-K filed with the SEC after the Expiration Date.


Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Consent Solicitation Statement, we reserve the right, at any time before the Expiration Date, to amend or terminate the solicitation, or to delay accepting written consents.


If you have any questions about the consent solicitation or how to vote or revoke your written consent, or if you should need additional copies of this Consent Solicitation Statement or voting materials, please contact Lloyd Tim Rochford,non-binding, advisory basis, a director of the Company, at (760) 346-5961.


Revocation of Consents


Written consents may be revoked or withdrawn by the shareholders at any time before 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on the Expiration Date.  To be effective, a written, facsimile, or email revocation or withdrawal of the written consent must be received by our legal counsel before such time and addressed as follows:  Ring Energy, Inc., Attn:  Legal Counsel, 1656 Reunion Avenue, Suite 250, South Jordan, Utah 84095; by email at jamie@vancelaw.us, or by facsimile at (801) 446-8803.  A notice of revocation or withdrawal must specify the shareholder’s name and the number of shares being withdrawn.  After the Expiration Date, all written consents previously executed and delivered and not revoked will become irrevocable.


Solicitation of Consents


Our board of directors is sending you this Consent Solicitation Statement in connection with its solicitation of consentsresolution to approve the Articles Amendment, Plan Approval, and Plan Amendment.  Officers and directors of the Company holding approximately 34% of the voting control of the Company have indicated their intent to provide consents for approval of the items set forth herein.  Certain directors, officers and employeescompensation of our Company may solicit written consents by mail, email, telephone, facsimile or in person.  Our Company will pay for the costs of solicitation.  We expect to pay the reasonable expenses of brokers, nominees and similar record holders in mailing voting materials to beneficial owners of our common stock.


PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION


A copy of the Certificate of Amendment is attached asAppendix A to this Information Statement.


General


On December 27, 2012, the Board of Directors, by unanimous written consent, approved an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company increasing the total common shares authorized from 75,000,000 to 150,000,000, par value $.001 per share.  An amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company was also approved by the Board of Directors that authorized the issuance of 50,000,000 preferred shares, par value $.001 per share.





Further, the Board of Directors approved the Article numbered “TENTH” of the Articles of Incorporation to be amended in its entirety to read as follows:  


The authority to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws is reserved exclusively to the Board of Directors.


Lastly, the Board of Directors approved the Article numbered “TWELFTH” of the Articles of Incorporation to be amended in its entirety to read as follows:


Except as otherwise provided by statute a director or officer is not individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that:


a)

The director’s or officer’s act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer; and


b)

The breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law.


Purpose for Increase of Authorized Shares


The Board of Directors approved the Articles of Amendment to further the Company’s best interest to have additional authorized but unissued shares of common shares available in order to (a) provide flexibility for future corporate action; (b) raise additional capital by issuing additional shares of Common Stock or granting warrants for the future purchase of Common Stock; (c) grant additional options to purchase Common Stock to attract qualified employees and consultants; and (d) issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into Common Stock in connection with strategic corporate transactions, acquisitions, and other business arrangements and corporate purposes, as desirable to avoid repeated separate amendments to our Articles of Incorporation and the delay and expense incurred in amending the Articles of Incorporation.  The Company intends to assess its need to issue securities for the corporate purposes described above and we believe that we need to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities when they arise or when we have a need.  The Board of Directors believes that the currently available unissued shares do not provide sufficient flexibility for corporate action in the future.


Currently, there is no plan to issue any securities for the corporate purposes described above.  In the event any securities are issued in the future, shareholders may suffer dilution to their ownership of the Company at the time of the issuance of the securities to the extent that assets of equal value as the fair market value of the shares being issued is not received.  No additional corporate action is needed to issue any additional securities.  The Company may even issue securities as a defensive mechanism in order to attempt to stop a hostile takeover by another company although there is no plan to do so at this time.


Purpose for Authorizing Preferred Shares


The Board of Directors approved the Articles Amendment to further the Company’s best interest to have authorized but unissued shares of preferred shares available in order to (a) provide flexibility for future corporate action; (b) further the Company’s best interest to have preferred shares in order to raise additional capital and to be used for corporate opportunities; and (c) issue shares of preferred stock or securities convertible into Common Stock in connection with strategic corporate transactions, acquisitions, and other business arrangements and corporate purposes, as desirable to avoid repeated separate amendments to our Articles of Incorporation and the delay and expense incurred in amending the Articles of Incorporation.  The Company intends to assess its need to issue preferred shares for the corporate purposes described above and we believe that we need to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities when they arise or when we have a need.  The Company currently has no preferred shares authorized in its Articles of Incorporation.


Currently, there is no plan to issue any preferred shares for the corporate purposes described above.  In the event any preferred shares are issued in the future, shareholders may suffer dilution to their ownership of the Company at the time of the issuance of the preferred shares to the extent that assets of equal value as the fair market value of the shares being issued is not received.  No additional corporate action is needed to issue any preferred shares.  The Company may even issue preferred shares as a defensive mechanism in order to attempt to stop a hostile takeover by another company; there is no plan to do this at this time.




Purpose for Amendment to Tenth Article


As currently in effect the Tenth Article of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation reads as follows:


In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized:


a)

Subject to the By-Laws, if any, adopted by the Stockholders, to make, alter or amend the By-Laws of the corporation.


b)

To fix the amount to be reserved as working capital over and above its capital stock paid in; to authorize and to cause to be executed, mortgages and liens upon the real and personal property of this corporation.


c)

By resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, to designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the Directors of the Corporation, which, to the extent provided in the resolution, or in the By-Laws of the corporation, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation.  Such committee, or committees, shall have such name, or names as may be stated in the By-l.aws of the corporation, or as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.


d)

When and as authorized by the affirmative vote of the Stockholders holding stock entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power given at a Stockholders meeting called form that purpose, or when authorized by the written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the voting stock issued and outstanding, the Board of Directors shall have power and authority at any meeting to sell, lease or exchange all of the property and assets of the corporation, including its good will and its corporate franchises, upon such terms and conditions as its Board of Directors deemed expedient and for the best interests of the corporation.


The purpose of the proposed amendment to the Tenth Article of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company is to indicate the Company’s desire, in conformity with statutory provisions, that the power to amend the Company’s Bylaws be reserved exclusively to the Board of Directors.  By granting the Board of Directors exclusive authority to amend the Company’s Bylaws, the Company believes that the Bylaws will be more flexible in conforming to the continuing needs of a growing  Company.  The purpose of removing b), c), and d) from the Tenth Article is that the provisions either (i) are covered by statute or (ii) no longer apply to the Company.


Purpose for Amendment to Twelfth Article


As currently in effect the Twelfth Article of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation reads as follows:


No Director or Officer of the corporation shall be personally liable to the corporation or any of its stockholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director or Officer involving any act or omission of any such Director or Officer; provided, however, that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a Director of Officer  (i) for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law, or (ii) the payment of dividends in violation of Section 78.300 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.  Any repeal or modification of this Article by the Stockholders of the corporation shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitations on the personal liability of a Director of Officer of the corporation for acts or omissions prior to such repeal or modification.


The purpose of the proposed amendment to the Twelfth Article of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company is to keep the Articles of Incorporation consistent with current statutory provisions in regard to the limitation of monetary liability of the Company’s directors andnamed executive officers as allowed by Nevada State law.





Interest of Certain Persons in the Articles Amendment


No one who has been a Company director or executive officer since the beginning of our last fiscal year has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in the proposed Articles Amendment that is not shared by all other holders of the Company’s Common Stock.


PROPOSAL TO APPROVE RING ENERGY, INC. LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


Description of Our Long Term Incentive Plan


The Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) was in existence with Stanford Energy, Inc. (“Stanford”) and was adopted by the Board of Directors on June 27, 2012, and assumed by the Company upon the acquisition of Stanford.  The following is a summary of the material terms of the Plan.  A copy of the Plan is attached asAppendix B to this Information Statement.


Shares Available


Our Plan currently authorizes 2,500,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the Plan.  As indicated above, if the requisite shareholder approval is gained for the Plan Amendment, the Plan will authorize 5,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the Plan.  If any shares of Stock subject to an Award are forfeited or if any Award based on shares of Stock is otherwise terminated without issuance of such shares of Stock or other consideration in lieu of such shares of Stock, the shares of Stock subject to such Award shall to the extent of such forfeiture or termination, again be available for Awards under the Plan if no participant shall have received any benefits of ownership in respect thereof  The shares to be delivered under the Plan shall be made available from (a) authorized but unissued shares of common stock, (b) common stock held in the treasury of the Corporation, or (c) previously issued shares of common stock reacquired by the Company, including shares purchased on the open market, in each situation as the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee may determine from time to time at its sole option.


Administration


The Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to all eligible individuals or may delegate all or part of its duties under the Plan to a subcommittee or any executive officer of the Corporation, subject in each case to such conditions and limitations as the Board of Directors may establish.  Under the Plan, “Committee” can be either the Board of Directors or a committee approved by the Board of Directors.


Eligibility


Awards may be granteddisclosed pursuant to the Plan only to persons who are eligible individuals at the timecompensation disclosure rules of the grant thereof or in connection with the severance or retirement of Eligible Individuals.  Under the Plan, “Eligible Individuals” means (a) employees, (b) non-employee Directors and (c) any other person that the Committee designates as eligible for an Award (other than for Incentive Options) because the Person performs bona fide consulting orSEC. This advisory services for the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries (other than services in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital raising transaction).


Stock Options


Under the Plan, the plan administrator is authorized to grant stock options.  Stock options may be either designated as non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options.  Incentive stock options, which are intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code such that a participant can receive potentially favorable tax treatment, may only be granted to employees.  Therefore, any stock option granted to consultants and non-employee directors are non-qualified stock options.


Options granted under the Plan become exercisable at such times as may be specified by the plan administrator.  In general, options granted to participants become exercisable in five equal annual installments, subject to the optionee’s continued employment or service with our company.  However, the aggregate value (determined as of the grant date) of the shares subject to incentive stock options that may become exercisable by a participant in any year may not exceed $100,000.




Each optionvote will be exercisable on such date or dates, during such period, and for such number of shares of Common Stock as shall be determined by the plan administrator on the day on which such stock option is granted and set forth in the option agreement with respect to such stock option; provided, however the maximum term of options granted under the Plan is ten years.


Restricted Stock


Under the Plan, the plan administrator is also authorized to make awards of restricted stock.  Before the end of a restricted period and/or lapse of other restrictions established by the plan administrator, shares received as restricted stock will contain a legend restricting their transfer, and may be forfeited in the event of termination of employment or upon the failure to achieve other conditions set forth in the award agreement.


An award of restricted stock will be evidenced by a written agreement between us and the participant.  The award agreement will specify the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the award, the nature and/or length of the restrictions, the conditions that will result in the automatic and complete forfeiture of the shares and the time and manner in which the restrictions will lapse, subject to the participant’s continued employment by us, and any other terms and conditions the plan administrator imposes consistent with the provisions of the Plan. Upon the lapse of the restrictions, any legends on the shares of common stock subject to the award will be re-issued to the participant without such legend.


The plan administrator may impose such restrictions or conditions, to the vesting of such shares as it, in its absolute discretion, deems appropriate.  Prior to the vesting of a share of restricted stock granted under the Plan, no transfer of a participant’s rights to such share, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, will vest the transferee with any interest, or right in, or with respect to, such share, but immediately upon any attempt to transfer such rights, such share, and all the rights related thereto, will be forfeited by the participant and the transfer will be of no force or effect; provided, however, that the plan administrator may, in its sole and absolute discretion, vest in the participant all or any portion of shares of restricted stock which would otherwise be forfeited.


Fair Market Value


Under the Plan, “Fair Market Value” means, for a particular day, the value determined in good faith by the plan administrator, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes of the Plan.  For purposes of valuing incentive options, the fair market value of stock:  (i) shall be determined without regard to any restriction other than one that, by its terms, will never lapse; and (ii) will be determined as of the time the option with respect to such stock is granted.


Transferability Restrictions


Notwithstanding any limitation on a holder’s right to transfer an award, the plan administrator may (in its sole discretion) permit a holder to transfer an award, or may cause the Company to grant an award that otherwise would be granted to an eligible individual, in any of the following circumstances:  (a) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (b) to a trust established for the benefit of the eligible individual or one or more of the children, grandchildren or spouse of the eligible individual; (c) to a limited partnership or limited liability company in which all the interests are held by the eligible individual and that person’s children, grandchildren or spouse; or (d) to another person in circumstances that the plan administrator believes will result in the award continuing to provide an incentive for the eligible individual to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries and apply his or her best efforts for the benefit of the Company or its subsidiaries.  If the plan administrator determines to allow such transfers or issuances of awards, any holder or eligible individual desiring such transfers or issuances shall make application therefor in the manner and time that the plan administrator specifies and shall comply with such other requirements as the plan administrator may require to assure compliance with all applicable laws, including securities laws, and to assure fulfillment of the purposes of this Plan.  The plan administrator shall not authorize any such transfer or issuanceapproved if it may not be made in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.  The granting of permission for such an issuance or transfer shall not obligatereceives the Company to register the shares of stock to be issued under the applicable award.




Termination and Amendments to the Plan


The Board of Directors may (insofar as permitted by law and applicable regulations), with respect to any shares which, at the time, are not subject to awards, suspend or discontinue the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever, and may amend any provision of the Plan or any award agreement to make the Plan or the award agreement, or both, comply with Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and the exemptions therefrom, the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), the regulations promulgated under the Code or ERISA, or any other law, rule or regulation that may affect the Plan.  The Board of Directors may also amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan for the purpose of meeting or addressing any changes in other legal requirements applicable to the Company or the Plan or for any other purpose permitted by law.  The Plan may not be amended without the consentaffirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the sharesvotes cast by the holders of common stock then outstandingour Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to increase materiallyvote thereon. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not affect the aggregate numberoutcome of sharesthis proposal.

Proposal 5 (Ratification of stock that may be issued under the Plan except for certain adjustments.


Federal Income Tax Consequences


The following is a summaryGrant Thornton): Ratification of the United States federal income tax consequences that generally will arise with respect to awards granted underappointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our Plan.  This summary is based on the federal income tax laws in effect as of the date of this Information Statement.  In addition, this summary assumes that all awards are exempt from, or comply with, the rules under Section 409A of the Code regarding nonqualified deferred compensation.  Changes to these laws could alter the tax consequences described below.


Incentive Stock Options


For federal income tax purposes as currently in effect, a participant will not have income upon the grant of an incentive stock option.  Also, except as described below, a participant will not have income upon exercise of an incentive stock option if the participant has been employed by us or our 50% or more-owned corporate subsidiaries at all times beginning with the option grant date and ending three months before the date the participant exercises the option.  If the participant has not been so employed during that time, then the participant will be taxed as described below under “Non-statutory Stock Options.”  The exercise of an incentive stock option may subject the participant to the alternative minimum tax.


A participant will have income upon the sale of the stock acquired under an incentive stock option at a profit (if sales proceeds exceed the exercise price).  The type of income will depend on when the participant sells the stock.  If a participant sells the stock more than two years after the option was granted and more than one year after the option was exercised, then all of the profit will be long-term capital gain.  If a participant sells the stock prior to satisfying these waiting periods, then the participant will have engaged in a disqualifying disposition and a portion of the profit will be ordinary income and a portion may be capital gain.  This capital gain will be long-term if the participant has held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.  If a participant sells the stock at a loss (sales proceeds are less than the exercise price), then the loss will be a capital loss.  This capital loss will be long-term if the participant held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.


Non-statutory Stock Options


A participant will not have income upon the grant of a non-statutory stock option.  A participant will have compensation income upon the exercise of a non-statutory stock option equal to the value of the stock on the day the participant exercised the option less the exercise price.  Upon sale of the stock, the participant will have capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the value of the stock on the day the option was exercised.  This capital gain or loss will be long-term if the participant has held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.




Restricted Stock Awards


A participant will not have income upon the grant of restricted stock unless an election under Section 83(b) of the Code is made within 30 days of the date of grant.  If a timely Section 83(b) election is made, then a participant will have compensation income equal to the value of the stock less the purchase price.  When the stock is sold, the participant will have capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the value of the stock on the date of grant.  If the participant does not make a Section 83(b) election, then when the stock vests the participant will have compensation income equal to the value of the stock on the vesting date less the purchase price.  When the stock is sold, the participant will have capital gain or loss equal to the sales proceeds less the value of the stock on the vesting date.  Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the participant held the stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.


Other Stock-Based Awards


The income tax consequences associated with any other stock-based award granted under our Plan will vary depending on the specific terms of such award.  Among the relevant factors are whether or not the award has a readily ascertainable fair market value, whether or not the award is subject to forfeiture provisions or restrictions on transfer, the nature of the property to be received by the participant under the award and the participant’s holding period and tax basisindependent registered public accounting firm for the award or underlying common stock.


Tax Consequences tofiscal year ending December 31, 2023, requires the Company


There will be no income tax consequences to the Company except that we will be entitled to a deduction when a participant has compensation income.  Any such deduction will be subject to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code.


PROPOSAL TO AMEND RING ENERGY, INC. LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


General


On December 27, 2012, the Board of Directors, by unanimous written consent, approved an amendment to the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the total shares authorized under the Plan from 2,500,000 to 5,000,000.  Under the Section 9.2 of the Plan, “The Plan may not be amended without the consentaffirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of our Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote thereon. Brokers will have discretionary authority to vote on Proposal 5 and, accordingly, there will be no broker non-votes for this proposal. Abstentions will not affect the outcome of this proposal.


12

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
HOW DOES THE BOARD RECOMMEND THAT I VOTE?
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote:
FOR each of the nominees for director;
FOR the Charter Amendment;
FOR the Plan Amendment;
FOR non-binding, advisory approval of named executive officer compensation; and
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I PROVIDE MY SIGNED PROXY BUT DO NOT SPECIFY HOW I WANT MAY SHARES TO BE VOTED, OR IF ADDITIONAL PROPOSALS ARE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
If you provide us your signed proxy but do not specify how to vote, we will vote your shares as follows:
Proposal 1. FOR the election of each director nominee;
Proposal 2. FOR the Charter Amendment;
Proposal 3. FOR the Plan Amendment;
Proposal 4. FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers; and
Proposal 5. FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023.
As of the date of this proxy statement, we do not expect any additional matters to be presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the proxy holder will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting.

WHO WILL BEAR THE COST OF SOLICITING VOTES FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING?
We will bear all expenses of soliciting proxies. We have engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to aid in the
distribution of proxy materials and to provide voting and tabulation services for the Annual Meeting. Directors, officers, and employees will not be additionally compensated but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with any solicitation. In addition, we may reimburse brokerage firms, custodians, nominees, fiduciaries, and other persons representing beneficial owners of our Common Stock for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners.

MAY I PROPOSE ACTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OR NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS DIRECTORS?
You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings, including director nominations. Please read “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2024 Annual Meeting” for information regarding the submission of stockholder proposals and director nominations for consideration at next year’s annual meeting.
13

RING ENERGY
OUR 2022 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Our multi-faceted initiatives throughout 2022 significantly contributed to our financial performance for the year. Key highlights included:


$138.6 MM$195.2 MM
Net income
Adjusted EBITDA1
$34.8 MM$197.0 MM
Free Cash Flow1
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
12,364 Boe/D$10.57
Net Sales per day
Lease Operating Expenses per BOE2
1A non-GAAP financial measure; see the end of this document for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures.
2 Lease operating expenses divided by total barrels of oil equivalent sold during the same period.




14

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Through our strategic efforts designed to drive financial stability and improve the balance sheet, we:
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Increased revenues by 77% from 2021 levels
Grew adjusted net income1 to $107.5 million – a 251% increase year-over-year
Successfully drilled and completed 32 wells


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Generated free cash flow1 of $34.8 million (including generating free cash flow every quarter during 2022)
Paid down $37 million of borrowings on bank credit facility, since the closing of the Stronghold Acquisition on August 31, 2022



We ended 2022 with an increase in proved reserves to 138.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”) from 77.8 MMBoe at year-end 12/31/2021:
Additions, improved well performance and technical revisions led to net upward revisions of 64.8 MMBoe;
Reduced for production of 4.5 MMBoe.

1 A non-GAAP financial measure; see the end of this document for a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure.



15

RING ENERGY
OUR COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”)
We are focused on creating long-term value for our stockholders and fostering a culture that is steadfast on environmental sustainability, operational safety, social responsibility and sound corporate governance.
In 2021, we created an ESG Task Force that is comprised of management representatives from Health, Safety & Environmental (“HSE”), Operations, Legal, Human Resources, Investor Relations and Finance. The task force is charged with the responsibility to monitor the Company’s adherence to our ESG standards and formally communicate their findings on an ongoing basis to our CEO and the Board. We published our detailed inaugural ESG report in 2021 and published a follow-up report in 2022. Included in our reports is a discussion of our steadfast efforts to disclose our ESG performance record, as applicable, and discuss our plans to drive further alignment in the future with the various reporting frameworks as we continue our ESG reporting journey.
In the creation of our ESG reports to date, we have consulted the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s (“SASB”) Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Sustainability Accounting Standard, the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate- related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”), the Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) promulgated by the United Nations, and other reporting guidance from industry frameworks and standards.


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ENVIRONMENTAL
We are committed to protecting and preserving the environment in all aspects of our business, including production operations, well work programs, and decommissioning activities. Our policies and procedures are designed to meet or exceed adherence with all federal, state and local regulations, and we expect our contractors to have similar programs in place. Our efforts to minimize our operational impact are multi-faceted, including reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) and air emissions, minimizing the use of freshwater, preventing spills, safeguarding local water supplies and minimizing waste. Our ongoing environmental programs are designed to not only reduce our operational impacts but also improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce risk, which promotes the long-term sustainability of our business, while enhancing our relationships with the communities in which we operate.


16

2023 PROXY STATEMENT



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SOCIAL
We strive to attract, develop and retain a highly qualified workforce in the industry as we recognize our future success is a direct result of their efforts. As such, we provide a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits program, as well as a positive work environment designed to drive a culture of safety and innovation. We are also committed to continuously providing an inclusive, safe and secure work environment where all of our employees can be respected, valued, and successful in pursuing their goals, all while contributing to the Company’s success. We will continue to promote honesty and integrity in all interactions with our employees and actively support the communities in which we operate with both our time and resources. We recognize and appreciate the ongoing efforts of our employees in their personal commitments from both a time and financial perspective in enhancing the quality of life in our local communities.
As of December 31, 2022, we had 98 full-time employees as well as a diverse group of independent contractors who assist our full-time staff in a range of areas including geology, engineering, land, accounting, and field operations, as needed. None are represented by labor unions or covered by any collective bargaining agreements.

Diversity and Inclusion
The unique backgrounds and experiences of our employees help to develop a wide range of perspectives that lead to better solutions. Our staff’s diversity is reflected in our full-time employees where 24% are women and approximately 49% represent minorities, as of December 31, 2022.
The majority of our employees are citizens of the United States, with a few retaining dual citizenships in other countries. The employees who are not U.S. citizens are legally registered to live and work here and the Company is committed to helping those employees retain their ability to remain in the U.S. and continue their employment.
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GOVERNANCE
We leverage sound corporate governance practices that promote accountability and good decision making, which is a key tenet to our long-term success and sustainability. Our Board and its committees are responsible for our strategy and governance and these practices depend on our guiding principle to conduct our business in accordance with appropriate legal and ethical standards, and with honesty and integrity. We expect all employees across the organization to exemplify these principles as they conduct their work activities and appreciate their collective efforts in this regard.



17

RING ENERGY
BOARD COMPOSITION AND EXPERIENCE

8 MEN
1 WOMAN
DIVERSITY BY GENDER
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7 INDEPENDENT
2 NOT INDEPENDENT
DIVERSITY BY INDEPENDENCE
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DIVERSITY BY TENURE
Years
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DIVERSITY BY AGE
Average Age: 63
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18

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders will elect nine directors to serve on our Board until the 2024 annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Upon the recommendation of the Nominating, Environmental, Social, and Governance (“NESG”) Committee of the Board, our Board has nominated as directors the following nine individuals, each of whom is presently serving as a director.

DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth the names, ages, and titles, as of April [ ], 2023, of each of our directors:

NAMEAGEPOSITION
Management Directors
Paul D. McKinney64Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Non-Independent Directors
Roy I. Ben-Dor40Director
Independent Directors
Anthony B. Petrelli70Lead Director
John A. Crum71Director
David S. Habachy47Director
Richard E. Harris70Director
Thomas L. Mitchell63Director
Regina Roesener63Director
Clayton E. Woodrum83Director

We did not pay any third-party fees to assist in the process of identifying or evaluating candidates. Each nominee is currently a director on our Board. Messrs. Woodrum and Petrelli joined the Board in January 2013. Ms. Roesener joined the Board in September 2019. Messrs. McKinney, Mitchell, Crum and Harris joined the Board in October 2020. Messrs. Ben-Dor and Habachy joined the Board in September 2022.
Each nominee has consented to being named as a nominee in this proxy statement and has indicated a willingness to serve on our Board if elected. Stockholders may not cumulate their votes in the election of our directors. We have no reason to believe that the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected; however, if a nominee should become unable or unwilling to serve for any reason, proxies may be voted for another person nominated as a substitute by our Board.
19

RING ENERGY

BOARD COMMITTEES
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Audit CommitteeCompensation CommitteeNominating, Environmental, Social, and Governance CommitteeCommittee ChairpersonLead Independent Director


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Paul D. McKinney joined Ring on October 1, 2020 and his most recent role prior to joining the Company was President, CEO & Director of SandRidge Energy (NYSE:SD)(“SandRidge”). He accepted the post in January 2019 and continued there eleven months before resigning in December 2019. Prior to SandRidge, Mr. McKinney was President & Chief Operating Officer for Yuma Energy, Inc. (NYSE American:YUMA)(“Yuma”) since April 2017 after serving as Yuma’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2014. Mr. McKinney served as a petroleum engineering consultant for Yuma’s predecessor from June 2014 to September 2014 and for Yuma from September 2014 to October 2014. Yuma filed for protection under federal bankruptcy laws in April 2020. Mr. McKinney served as Region Vice President, Gulf Coast Onshore, for Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA)(“Apache”) from 2010 through 2013, where he was responsible for the development and all operational aspects of the Gulf Coast region for Apache. Prior to his role as Region Vice President, Mr. McKinney was Manager, Corporate Reservoir Engineering, for Apache from 2007 through 2010. From 2006 through 2007, Mr. McKinney was Vice President and Director, Acquisitions & Divestitures for Tristone Capital, Inc. Mr. McKinney commenced his career with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC)(“Anadarko”) and held various positions with Anadarko over a 23 year period from 1983 to 2006, including his last title as Vice President of Reservoir Engineering, Anadarko Canada Corporation. Mr. McKinney was a member of the board of directors for Pro-Ject Holdings, LLC a privately owned oil field chemical services company where his service ended December 31, 2021. He co-authored paper number SPE-75708-MS:Applied Reservoir Characterization for Maximizing Reserve Growth and Profitability in Tight Gas Sands: A Paradigm Shift in Development Strategies for Low-Permeability Gas Reservoirs. Mr. McKinney entered the United States Air Force upon graduating from high school and continued in the United States Air Force Reserves while attending college. Mr. McKinney attended Louisiana Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1983.

Effective October 1, 2020, Mr. McKinney was appointed to the Board to fill a vacancy created from the resignation of prior directors. At that time, Mr. McKinney was appointed as Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McKinney was elected to the Board by the stockholders at the 2020 annual stockholders’ meeting.

The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. McKinney should serve as director include his 39 years of experience in the oil and gas industry; his extensive experience in advanced reservoir engineering and economic evaluations, strategic planning, and pursuing strategic transactions; his corporate governance, compliance, and risk management experience; and his experience as a director of public and private companies.
Paul D. McKinney
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

Age: 64
Director Since: 2020


20

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
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Anthony B. Petrelli served from 2010 to 2022 as President, Chairman and Director of Investment Banking Services of NTB Financial Corporation, a Denver, Colorado based financial services firm founded in 1977. Since the beginning of 2023, Mr. Petrelli has served as a registered representative and financial consultant with Momentum Independent Network, a FINRA member firm. Beginning his career in 1972 in the investment industry, Mr. Petrelli has extensive experience in the areas of corporate finance, underwriting, management, operations, sales, and trading. He has served on numerous regulatory and industry committees including service on the FINRA (previously “NASD”) Corporate Finance Committee, FINRA National Adjudicatory Council (Vice Chairman), FINRA Small Firm Advisory Board, and Chairman of the FINRA District Business Conduct Committee for District 3. Mr. Petrelli has also served as an Arbitrator for FINRA dispute resolution. Additionally, since 2016 Mr. Petrelli has served as a director and member of the audit committee for Sensus Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRTS), a medical device company. He has also served on several other public company boards including director and member of the audit committee of Arena Resources Inc. (NYSE:ARD), an oil and gas exploration, development and production company, and director of Natural Gas Services Group (NYSE:NGS), a provider of natural gas compression equipment and services to the energy industry. Mr. Petrelli has also served as an advisory directory on several other public company boards. In addition to his career in the investment industry, Mr. Petrelli served on the board of directors of Southwest Counseling Associates, a Denver Colorado based professional counseling firm. Mr. Petrelli established Equinox Counseling LLC in 2012, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Mr. Petrelli received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business (Finance) and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Colorado. In addition, he received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Denver Seminary.
The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. Petrelli should serve as director include his experience and expertise in financial and business matters with significant involvement in corporate governance and financial matters; his service on the FINRA Corporate Finance Committee, the NASD Small Firm Advisory Board and as Chairman of the FINRA District Business Conduct Committee; and his board experience.
Anthony B. Petrelli
Lead Independent Director

Age: 70
Director Since: 2013
Board Committees:
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21

RING ENERGY
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Roy I. Ben-Dor joined Warburg Pincus, LLC in 2011. He has been a Managing Director at Warburg since January 2020. He was a Principal at Warburg from 2016 through 2019. Previously, he worked at McKinsey & Company in New York. He is a Director of Artis Exploration, Citizen Energy, Eco Material Technologies, Stronghold Energy II Operating, LLC, Viridi Energy and Zenith Energy. He also works with ClimeCo, Gradiant Corporation, Montana Renewables, and Terra Energy Partners. Mr. Ben-Dor received a BA cum laude in Psychology and Economics with Distinction from Duke University, a JD magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and an MBA with High Distinction (“Baker Scholar”) from Harvard Business School.

The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. Ben-Dor should serve as director include his experience and expertise in energy company management.
Roy I. Ben-Dor
Director

Age: 40
Director Since: 2022

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John A. Crum is managing partner of JAC Energy Partners, LLC, formed to provide advice to companies and individual investors in oil and gas exploration and production. He has been involved with worldwide oil and gas development for more than 40 years. Mr. Crum currently serves as a director for: Forty Acres Energy, LLC, an oil company developing Permian Basin waterflood assets. He served as chief executive officer and director of Midstates Petroleum Company Inc. (NYSE:MPO), from 2011 to 2014. From 1995 to 2011, Mr Crum served in a variety of executive roles for Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA), including co-chief operating officer and president, North America, president Apache Canada Ltd., managing director Apache North Sea (UK), managing Director Apache Energy Ltd. (Australia), and executive vice president for Eurasia and worldwide new ventures. Earlier in his career, Mr. Crum held positions of responsibility at Aquila Energy Corporation, Pacific Enterprises Oil Company, and Southland Royalty Company. He began his career with Conoco in 1975. He has previously served as a director of several public and private companies including the midstream MLP, Midcoast Energy Partners, LP; exploration and production company, Crestone Peak Resources; rotorcraft services supplier, CHC Helicopter; and for the biofuels technology company, Coskata Inc. Mr. Crum has been active with industry groups serving on the boards of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), and Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) during assignments in those countries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. Crum should serve as a director include his significant worldwide oil and gas experience; and his prior executive and Board experience.
John A. Crum
Independent Director

Age: 71
Director Since: 2020
Board Committees:
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22

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
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David S. Habachy served as a Managing Director on the energy team of Warburg Pincus from 2017 until July 2022. Previously, Mr. Habachy served as Managing Director and member of the Investment Committee of the Kayne Anderson Energy Funds. Additionally, Mr. Habachy served on numerous boards of oil and gas E&P domestic and international companies during his tenure in private equity. Prior to entering into private equity in 2008, Mr. Habachy spent 10 years in asset management, operations and consulting in the upstream E&P business. He started his petroleum engineering career at Arco/Vastar in 1998. Mr. Habachy serves on the Board of Directors of Earthstone Energy, Inc., a company with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act. Additionally, Mr. Habachy currently serves on the Investment Committee Board for Memorial Hermann Health System and is a board member of the Houston Producers’ Forum. Mr. Habachy holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA degree with George Kozmetsky highest honors distinction from The University of Texas at Austin.

The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. Habachy should serve as a director include his extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, including serving on the boards of private oil and gas exploration and production companies, and his serving as a managing director at Warburg makes him uniquely positioned to provide the Board with insight and advice on a full range of strategic, financial and governance matters.

David S. Habachy
Independent Director

Age: 47
Director Since: 2022


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Richard E. Harris began his corporate career in 1981, joining The Standard Oil Company of Ohio (“SOHIO”) in the Treasury Department. SOHIO was acquired by British Petroleum plc (“BP”) in 1987. Mr. Harris continued to be assigned challenging positions with increasing responsibility within BP Finance and BP America Finance. Mr. Harris’ achievements earned him a two year assignment in Belgium as a member of a team charged with integrating finance functions across Europe into BP Oil Europe in Brussels. In 1995, Mr. Harris left BP to join Compaq Computer Corporation in a newly created position where Mr. Harris developed and enhanced the company’s global capabilities in corporate finance, financial planning, M&A pre-close analysis and post close evaluation as well as global treasury management. Compaq promoted Mr. Harris to Assistant Treasurer, Global Treasury in 1999. In 2003, Mr. Harris joined Cummins Inc.’s executive team as Vice President, Treasurer and led initiatives to develop best in class global treasury processes and procedures. Mr. Harris was also secretary of the Finance Committee of the Cummins Board of Directors and collaborated with the Board members on a frequent basis. Mr. Harris established a world class global treasury organization which supported the Cummins’ businesses in 198 countries worldwide. Mr. Harris was promoted to Vice President, Chief Investment Officer in 2008. Mr. Harris’ team successfully developed, implemented and provided oversight for processes to source, evaluate, and execute the company’s strategic acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures. In 2015, Mr. Harris retired to Austin, Texas. In February, 2022, Mr. Harris joined the Board of Directors of Longhorn Village, a private senior living facility in Austin, TX. Mr. Harris received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master of Business Administration from John Carroll University.
Subsequent to Mr. Harris’ appointment to the Board in 2020, he joined the board of directors of BPH Holding Co. Inc. ("BPH") and its Austin, Texas subsidiary, Longhorn Village. BPH is a not-for-profit company that focuses on the development and management of senior living living communities in Texas. Mr. Harris currently serves on the strategic planning committee of the BPH Board.
The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. Harris should serve as a director include his significant worldwide business experience; and his prior executive and Board experience.
Richard E. Harris
Independent Director

Age: 70
Director Since: 2020
Board Committees:
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23

RING ENERGY
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Thomas L. Mitchell is a strategic finance leader with a record of driving growth in energy business models as the chief financial officer of both large and small companies in the oil and gas industry. He has had a career of strong Fortune 500 experience with exploration and production companies, and broad energy exposure with offshore drilling and midstream gathering and marketing companies. In his last position as EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN) from 2014 to 2017, Mr. Mitchell led the finance and business development organizations, and also helped the company successfully strengthen its asset quality through strategic acquisitions. Previously, Mr. Mitchell served as EVP and Chief Financial Officer and a member of the board of directors of Midstates Petroleum Company (now NYSE:AMPY), a private equity-funded exploration and production company. While there, Mr. Mitchell helped lead the initial public offering listing of the company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012. From November 2006 to September 2011, Mr. Mitchell was the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Noble Corporation (NASDAQ:NEBLQ), a publicly-held offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. Following his formal education, Mr. Mitchell began his career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co. where he practiced as a CPA (currently inactive), then, in 1989 entered the oil and gas industry at Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA) where he spent eighteen years in various finance and commercial roles, the last being Vice President and Controller. Mr. Mitchell currently serves on the board of EPIC Midstream Holdings GP, LLC, a private midstream crude and NGL infrastructure company. He previously served on the board of directors of Hines Global REIT, Inc., a public real estate investment trust, Sundance Energy, Inc. (OTC MKTS:SNDEQ), a public exploration and production company, and EnLink Midstream Partners, LP and EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE:ENLC). Mr. Mitchell graduated from Bob Jones University with a B.S. in Accounting.
The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Mr. Mitchell should serve as a director include his significant financial background; his public accounting experience; his prior performance of chief financial officer functions for both public and private companies; and his board experience.
Thomas L. Mitchell
Independent Director

Age: 63
Director Since: 2020
Board Committees:
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24

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
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Regina Roesener served as the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Corporate Finance and a member of the board of directors of NTB Financial Corporation (“NTB”), a member firm of FINRA and also a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC from 1990 to 2022. During her more than 30-year tenure at NTB, Ms. Roesener was involved in the capital raising efforts for numerous public and private companies, many of which were in the energy sector, collectively raising more than $300 million. This involved working closely with executive management of the issuing company to develop and deliver their investor presentations and road shows, utilizing long-standing strategic relationships with participating FINRA member firms. In addition, in her position at NTB, Ms. Roesener was responsible for the management of an internal market broker for a large, SEC registered public company, where she facilitated more than $500 million in transactions over 15 years. She has served as a board member of the National Investment Bankers Association and as a member of Women in Syndicate Association and has served as a board member for the Denver chapter of the March of Dimes. She is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance. Ms. Roesener received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Colorado in 1982. Ms. Roesener completed the Wharton Executive Education-Corporate Governance Certificate Program in 2022.
The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led our Board to conclude that Ms. Roesener should serve as director include her experience and knowledge in the areas of corporate finance and capital markets, which the Board believes will provide valuable insight and assistance in the future growth of the Company.
Regina Roesener
Independent Director

Age: 63
Director Since: 2019
Board Committees:
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Clayton E. Woodrum, CPA, ABV, CVA, is a founding partner of Woodrum, Tate & Associates, PLLC, a Certified Public Accounting firm registered in the State of Oklahoma. Mr. Woodrum provides tax, accounting, and consulting to a wide range of privately held businesses. In addition to these services, Mr. Woodrum also provides chief financial officer services to a number of privately held businesses. Mr. Woodrum also provides business valuation services, litigation support (including, financial analysis, damage reports, depositions, and testimony), estate planning, financing techniques for businesses, asset protection vehicles, sales and liquidation of businesses, and debt restructuring. His current clients include several privately held oil and gas exploration and production companies to which he provides tax and accounting advice. In his 50 years of financial experience, Mr. Woodrum has served as the Partner in Charge of a Tax Department of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co., (now KPMG). He also served as the Chief Financial Officer of Bank of Oklahoma Corp. (NASDAQ:BOKF) and Bank of Oklahoma, NA, a publicly held bank holding company and national bank. Prior to joining the board of Ring Energy, Inc. Mr. Woodrum served on the board of Arena Resources, Inc. and as Chairman of the audit committee of Arena. Mr. Woodrum received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Kansas State University.

The particular experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that lead our Board to conclude that Mr. Woodrum, should serve as a director include his significant financial background; his public accounting and tax experience; and his prior performance as a director and CFO functions for both public and private companies.
Clayton E. Woodrum
Independent Director

Age: 83
Director Since: 2013
Board Committees:
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BOARD RECOMMENDATION ON PROPOSAL
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees named above. The management proxy holder will vote all properly submitted proxies FOR election of each director
unless properly instructed otherwise.
25

RING ENERGY
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND OUR BOARD
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

RELATING TO THE BOARD
aAnnual elections of the entire Board
aDedication to continuing director education
aMajority independent directors
aDedication to diversity on the Board
aAnnual evaluations of the Board, each committee, and each director
aDesignated Lead Independent Director

aInsider trading policy that prohibits hedging, pledging, and
margin transactions in Company securities
aBoard committees comprised entirely of independent directors
aMaintains corporate governance guidelines

aBoard oversees environmental, social, and governance practices
aCompany adopted Annual Say-On-Pay voting

aBoard oversees succession planning for the CEO and executive officer positions
aAdopted director overboarding policy
aAdopted officer and director stock ownership guidelines


RELATING TO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS
aEqual voting rights among all stockholders
aAll stockholders entitled to vote on all director nominees
aAbility of stockholders to call a special meeting (at a 10% threshold)
aNo poison pill or similar plan

aAbility of stockholders to act by written consent
aNo supermajority voting requirements

We maintain a corporate governance section on our website that contains copies of the charters for the committees of our Board. The corporate governance section may be found at https://ringenergy.com/investors/corporate-governance. The charters for each of the Board’s committees will be provided to any person without charge, upon request. Requests may be directed to Ring Energy, Inc., Attention: Travis T. Thomas, Corporate Secretary, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380, or by calling (281) 397-3699.
Also available on our website under the corporate governance section are copies of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Ethics and Environmental and Social Governance Program, which includes our Code of Business Conduct. We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice Presidents, and Chief Financial Officer, as well as the principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, to ensure high standards of ethical conduct and fair dealing. We have also adopted an Environmental and Social Governance Program covering a wide range of business practices and procedures that applies to all of our officers, directors, and employees to help promote workplace safety, health of our stakeholders, sound environmental practices, protection of human rights and honest and ethical conduct. The Code of Business Conduct covers standards for professional conduct, including, among others, conflicts of interest, insider trading, protection, proper use of confidential information and Company assets, and compliance with the laws and regulations applicable to the Company’s business. Finally, we have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities.
26

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
The information on, or that can be accessed through our website, is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement and should not be considered part of this proxy statement.
OUR BOARD
Our Board currently consists of nine members. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for the annual election of directors. At each annual meeting of stockholders, our directors will be elected for a one-year term and serve until their respective successors have been elected and qualified.
Our Board held seven meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, no directors attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of our Board and committees on which that director served.
We encourage, but do not require, our directors to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. At our last annual meeting of stockholders, all then serving members of our Board attended either in person or by video conference participation.
BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The Chairman of the Board is selected by the members of the Board. Our Board of Directors does not have a policy as to whether the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer should be separate or combined. Currently, the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are currently held by Paul D. McKinney. The Board has determined that the current structure is effective in allowing Mr. McKinney to draw on his knowledge of the operations of our business and industry developments to provide leadership on the broad strategic issues considered by the Board. At the same time, the appointment of a Lead Independent Director with clearly defined responsibilities and authority, along with the Board’s fully independent committees and substantial majority of independent directors, establishes an effective balance between management leadership and appropriate oversight by independent directors. Anthony B. Petrelli currently serves as the Lead Independent Director. Periodically, our NESG Committee assesses these roles and the board leadership structure to ensure the interests of Ring and its stockholders are best served.
LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
In 2021, we amended our bylaws to provide for the election of a Lead Independent Director.
Duties of the Lead Independent Director
Presides at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present and all executive sessions of the independent directors;
Acts as advisor to CEO and direct liaison between CEO and independent directors;
Plans, reviews, and approves Board meeting agendas and information presented to the Board;
Calls meetings of the independent directors as appropriate;
Contributes to annual CEO performance review and assists with succession planning;
Consults the NESG Committee on the Board’s evaluation process;
Consults with the Audit Committee regarding internal controls and audit matters;
Consults with the Compensation Committee regarding CEO, executive and employee compensation;
Participates in consultations and direct communication with major stockholders and their representatives when appropriate; and
Performs such other duties as the Board may determine from time to time.
27

RING ENERGY
Key Attributes of the Lead Independent Director
The Lead Independent Director is selected from among the independent directors. The NESG Committee and management discuss candidates for the Lead Independent Director position, and consider many of the same types of criteria as candidates for the chair of other Board committees including:
Tenure;
Previous service as a Board committee chair;
Diverse experience;
Participation in and contributions to activities of the Board; and
Ability and willingness to commit adequate time to the role.
ANNUAL BOARD EVALUATION
The NESG Committee is responsible for the Board evaluation process. In each fiscal year, the NESG Committee requests that the chairman of each committee report to the full Board about such committee’s annual evaluation of its performance and evaluation of its charter. In addition, the NESG Committee receives comments from all directors and reports to the full Board with an assessment of the Board’s and management’s performance each fiscal year. In conducting its annual evaluation, our Board has utilized written questionnaires to solicit feedback on committee and board effectiveness, agenda topics and materials, appropriate delegation of issues to committees, and the appropriateness of board and committee materials. The NESG Committee’s review process also includes an annual director self-evaluation that prompts each director to reflect and comment on his or her own individual performance and contributions to the Board and the Company.
DIRECTOR ORIENTATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Our Board takes measures as it deems appropriate to ensure that its members may act on a fully informed basis. The NESG Committee evaluates general education and orientation programs for our directors. Newly appointed directors are required to become knowledgeable about the responsibilities of directors for publicly traded companies. In addition, we provide our directors with information regarding changes in our business and industry as well as the responsibilities of the directors in fulfilling their duties.
BOARD INDEPENDENCE
As required under the listing standards of the NYSE American, a majority of the members of our Board must qualify as independent, as affirmatively determined by our Board. The standards relied upon by the Board in determining whether a director is “independent” are those set forth in the rules of the NYSE American. The NYSE American generally defines the term “independent director” as a person other than an executive officer or employee of a company, who does not have a relationship with the company that would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Because the Board believes it is not possible to anticipate or provide for all circumstances that might give rise to conflicts of interest or that might bear on the materiality of a relationship between a director and the Company, the Board has not established specific objective criteria, apart from the criteria set forth in the NYSE American rules, to determine “independence.” In addition to the NYSE American criteria, in making the determination of “independence”, the Board considers such other matters including, without limitation, (i) the business and non-business relationships that each independent director has or may have had with the Company and its other directors and executive officers, (ii) the stock ownership in the Company held by each such director, (iii) the existence of any familial relationships with any executive officer or director of the Company, and (iv) any other relevant factors which could cause any such Director to not exercise his independent judgment. Our NESG Committee evaluated all relevant transactions and relationships between each director then on the Board, and any of his or her family members, and the Company, senior management, and independent registered accounting firm. Based on this evaluation and the recommendation of our NESG
28

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Committee, our Board determined that Clayton E. Woodrum, Anthony B. Petrelli, Regina Roesener, Richard A. Harris, John A. Crum, Thomas L. Mitchell and David S. Habachy were independent directors, as that term is defined in the listing standards of the NYSE American and that Paul D. McKinney and Roy I. Ben-Dor are not independent.
Family Relationships and Involvement in Legal Proceedings
All directors and nominees for director of the Company are United States citizens. There are no family relationships between any of our directors or nominees for director and executive officers. In addition, there are no other arrangements or understandings between any of our directors or nominees for director and any other person pursuant to which any person was selected as a director or nominee for director.
BOARD RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL
The Board considers risk oversight and management to be an integral part of its role. Our risk management program is overseen by our Board and its committees, with support from our management. Our Board utilizes an enterprise-wide approach to oil and gas industry risk management, designed to support the achievement of organizational objectives, including strategic objectives, to improve long-term organizational performance and enhance stockholder value. A fundamental part of risk management is a thorough understanding of the risks the Company faces, understanding of the level of risk appropriate for our Company, and the steps needed to manage those risks effectively. The involvement of all members of the Board in setting our business strategy is a key part of their overall responsibilities and, together with management, determines what constitutes an appropriate level of risk for our Company. Our Board believes that its practice of including all members of our management team in our risk assessments allows the Board to more directly and effectively evaluate management capabilities and performance, more effectively and efficiently communicate its concerns and wishes to the entire management team and provides all members of management with a direct communication avenue to the Board.
While our Board has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, the committees of our Board also have responsibility for specific risk management activities. In particular, the Audit Committee focuses on financial risk management, including internal controls, and oversees compliance with regulatory requirements. In setting compensation, the Compensation Committee approves compensation programs for the officers and other key employees to encourage an appropriate level of risk-taking behavior consistent with our business strategy and performance.
INSIDER TRADING POLICY
Our Board has adopted an Insider Trading Policy for employees and directors to promote compliance with federal and state securities laws. The policy prohibits certain persons who are aware of material non-public information about the Company from: (i) trading in securities of the Company; or (ii) providing material non-public information to other persons who may trade on the basis of that information. When material non-public information about us may exist and may have an influence on the marketplace, a trading blackout period is placed in effect by management. In addition, our Insider Trading Policy also applies to family members, other members of a person’s household, and entities controlled by a person covered by this Insider Trading Policy. Officers, directors, and designated employees, as well as the family members and controlled entities of such persons, may not engage in any transaction in Company securities without first obtaining pre-clearance of the transaction.
Under the Insider Trading Policy, directors, executive officers and other employees are prohibited from entering into any hedging or monetization transactions relating to our securities or otherwise trading in any instrument relating to the future securities’ price. Our Insider Trading Policy also prevents directors and executive officers from pledging our securities as collateral for loans or holding our securities in a margin account.
29

RING ENERGY
BOARD COMMITTEES
Our Board has established three standing committees, the composition and responsibilities of which are briefly described below. Our Board may establish other committees from time to time to facilitate our management.
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Audit CommitteeCompensation CommitteeNominating, Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee

Our Board has determined that the Compensation Committee, Audit Committee, and Nominating, Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee are comprised entirely of independent directors as required under the listing standards of the NYSE American and applicable rules and requirements of the SEC. The Board may delegate certain duties and responsibilities to the committees it establishes.


NAME
AUDIT
COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEENOMINATING, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Paul D. McKinney
Anthony B. Petrelli
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Roy I. Ben-Dor
John A. Crum
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David S. Habachy
Richard E. Harris
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Thomas L. Mitchell
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Regina Roesener
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Clayton E. Woodrum
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Board-Committees-Icons-2.gifChair Board-Committees-Icons.gifMember

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee’s principal functions are as follows:
Oversee the quality, integrity and reliability of our financial statements and other financial information we provide to any governmental body or the public;
Select, hire, and oversee our independent registered public accounting firm and to approve the compensation paid to our independent registered public accounting firm;
Oversee our independent auditor’s qualifications, independence, and performance;
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Oversee and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
Oversee our internal audit function, including oversight of our internal controls regarding finance, accounting, legal compliance and ethics;
Establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by Company employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
Assess matters related to risk, risk controls and compliance;
Produce the Audit Committee Report for inclusion in our annual proxy statement; and
Perform such other functions our Board may assign to the Audit Committee from time to time.
During the 2022 fiscal year, from January through June 2, 2022, the Audit Committee was comprised of Mr. Woodrum, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Petrelli, Ms. Roesener, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Crum, with Mr. Woodrum acting as the Chair. After June 2, 2022, the Audit Committee was comprised of Messrs. Woodrum, Harris, Mitchell, and Petrelli, and Ms. Roesener, with Mr. Woodrum acting as the Chair. Each of Messrs. Woodrum, Crum, Harris, Petrelli and Mitchell, and Ms. Roesener qualify as “independent directors” in accordance with the applicable regulations of the NYSE American definition of independent director set forth in the Company Guide, Part 8, Sections 803(A) and meet the more stringent requirements for members of a listed company’s audit committee set forth in Section 803(B)(2) to the Company Guide. Our Board has further determined that each of Ms. Roesener and Messrs. Woodrum, Mitchell and Petrelli meet the requirements of an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
The Audit Committee met six times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. At each meeting, the Audit Committee was given the opportunity to meet in executive session separately with and our independent registered public accounting firm without management present.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee’s principal functions are as follows:
Make recommendations regarding the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer;
Approve, after considering the recommendation of the CEO, the compensation of the named executive officers;
Review our compensation practices and policies to ensure that they provide appropriate motivation for corporate performance and increased stockholder value;
Oversee the administration of the Company’s stock and incentive compensation programs;
Make recommendations to the Board regarding the adoption, amendment, or termination of equity compensation programs;
Approve the adoption, amendment, and termination of incentive compensation and deferred compensation programs for our employees;
Oversee the administration of our compensation plans and programs for employees and non-employees and directors;
Periodically review human resource issues relating to the Company’s policies and practices with respect to workforce diversity and equal employment opportunities;
Annually review a risk assessment of the Company’s compensation policies and practices; and
Perform such other functions as the Board may assign to the Compensation Committee from time to time.
31

RING ENERGY
In accordance with the rules of the NYSE American, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer is recommended by the Compensation Committee to the Board (in a proceeding in which the Chief Executive Officer does not participate). Compensation for all other officers is recommended by the Chief Executive Officer for determination by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee is delegated all authority of the Board as may be required or advisable to fulfill the purposes of the Compensation Committee. Meetings may, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, include members of the Company’s management, other members of the Board, consultants or advisors, and such other persons as the Compensation Committee or its chairperson may determine.
The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to retain, amend the engagement with, and terminate any compensation consultant to be used to assist in the evaluation of director, Chief Executive Officer, or executive officer compensation, including employment contracts and change in control provisions. The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to approve any consultant’s fees and other retention terms and has authority to cause the Company to pay the fees and expenses of such consultants. The Compensation Committee retained an independent compensation consultant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
During the 2022 fiscal year, from January through June 2, 2022, the Compensation Committee was comprised of Messrs. Crum, Woodrum, Mitchell, Harris, and Petrelli, and Ms. Roesener, with Mr. Crum acting as the Chair. After June 2, 2022, the Compensation Committee was comprised of Messrs. Crum, Woodrum, Mitchell, and Petrelli, with Mr. Crum acting as the Chair. Each member of the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 was an “independent director” as defined in the applicable rules of the NYSE American and the SEC. The Compensation Committee held three meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
NOMINATING, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Pursuant to its charter, the Nominating, Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee’s (the "NESG Committee") principal functions are as follows:
Identify and recommend qualified candidates to the Board for nomination as members of the Board and its committees;
In the event there is a vacancy on the Board, identify individuals that the committee believes are qualified to become directors in accordance with the Board membership criteria set forth in the committee’s charter;
Evaluate stockholder nominees for director submitted in accordance with the Company’s bylaws;
Periodically review with the Board the appropriate size of the Board and the requisite skills and characteristics of its members;
Review the Board’s committee structure and recommend to the Board the appointment of committee members and chairs;
Develop and recommend to the Board corporate governance principles and policies applicable to the Company;
Develop and recommend to the Board standards to be applied in making determinations on the types of relationships that constitute material relationships between the Company and a director for purposes of determining director independence;
Review and recommend to the Board proposed changes to the Company’s charter and bylaws;
Overseeing ESG policies, performance and disclosure, as well as developing recommendations for the Board on emerging issues related to our industry; and
Perform such other functions as the Board may assign to the NESG Committee from time to time.
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
During the 2022 fiscal year, from January through June 2, 2022, the NESG Committee was comprised of Messrs. Petrelli, Crum, Harris, Mitchell, and Woodrum, and Ms. Roesener, with Ms. Roesener acting as the Chair. After June 2, 2022, the NESG Committee was comprised of Messrs. Crum, Harris, and Petrelli, and Ms. Roesner acting as Chair. Each member of the NESG Committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was an “independent director” as defined in the applicable rules of the NYSE American and the SEC. The NESG Committee met two times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Under its charter, the NESG Committee identifies qualified candidates to serve as Board members as necessary to fill vacancies or the additional needs of the Board, and reviews and evaluates candidates recommended by our stockholders. The NESG Committee considers qualified candidates from several sources, including stockholder nominations. The NESG Committee may, but has not, retained an outside consultant to evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential director candidates.
Any stockholders who would like to propose a nominee to the Board should submit such proposed nominee for consideration by the NESG Committee, including the proposed nominee’s qualifications, to Ring Energy, Inc., Attention: Mr. Travis T. Thomas, Corporate Secretary, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Stockholders who meet certain requirements specified in our bylaws may also nominate candidates for inclusion in our proxy materials for an annual meeting as described in “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2024 Annual Meeting.” There are no differences in the manner in which the NESG Committee evaluates nominees for director based on whether the nominee is recommended by a stockholder or the incumbent directors.
Whether nominated by a stockholder or through the activities of the NESG Committee, the NESG Committee seeks to select candidates who have distinguished records of leadership and success in their area of activity and who will make substantial contributions to our Board operations and effectively represent the interests of our stockholders.
The NESG Committee’s assessment of candidates includes, but is not limited to, consideration of: (i) roles and contributions valuable to the business community; (ii) personal qualities of leadership, character, judgment, and whether the candidate possesses and maintains a reputation in the community at large of integrity, trust, respect, competence, and adherence to high ethical standards; (iii) relevant knowledge and diversity of background and experience in such things as the Company’s industry, and in general, business, technology, finance and accounting, marketing, international business, government, and the like; and (iv) whether the candidate is free of conflicts and has the time required for preparation, participation, and attendance at all meetings. A director’s qualifications in light of these criteria are considered at least each time the director is re-nominated for Board membership. The Committee also evaluates whether the candidate’s skills are complementary to the existing Board members’ skills, the Board’s needs for particular expertise in fields such as business, technology, financial, marketing, governmental, or other areas of expertise, and assess the candidate’s impact on Board dynamics and effectiveness. The Committee selects candidates that best suit the Board’s current needs and recommends one or more of such individuals to the Board. Our membership criteria and a rigorous selection process help ensure that candidates recommended to the Board will effectively represent the best interests of our stockholders.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIVERSITY

The Board encourages a diversity of backgrounds among its members; however, it does not have a formal diversity policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees. The Board considers candidates with significant direct or indirect energy industry experience that will provide the Board as a whole with the talents, skills, diversity, and expertise to serve the long-term interests of the Company and our stockholders.



33

RING ENERGY

COMMUNICATIONS WITH OUR BOARD

Stockholders desiring to communicate with our Board, the independent directors, or any director in particular, may do so by mail addressed as follows: Attn: Board of Directors, Ring Energy, Inc., 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Corporate Secretary review each communication received from our stockholders and other interested parties and will forward the communication, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, to the Board (or individual director) if the communication complies with the requirements of any applicable policy adopted by us relating to the subject matter or the communication falls within the scope of matters generally considered by our Board.

34

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the names, ages, and positions of our current executive officers as of April [ ], 2023:
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Marinos C. Baghdati joined Ring on October 1, 2020 as Vice President of Operations and was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations, shortly thereafter.

Prior to joining the company, Mr. Baghdati held the position of Vice President of Operations for Sandridge Energy, Inc., in Oklahoma City, from October 2019 to June 2020. Prior to joining Sandridge Energy, Inc., Mr. Baghdati served as Production Manager for Rio Oil and Gas II, from January to September 2019, where he was responsible for Company Production Operations. Before joining Rio Oil & Gas, from May 2015 to January 2019, Mr. Baghdati held positions at Yuma Energy, Inc., starting as Operations Manager and later being promoted to Vice President of Drilling & Production, where he was responsible for coordinating all field and rig related activities. None of the companies he was employed at prior to joining the Company were affiliated with Ring Energy, Inc.

Mr. Baghdati graduated with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, from Texas Tech University in May 2002. He attended graduate school at Texas Tech University from 2003 to 2005, where he received a M.S. in Mathematics and Statistics in May 2005.

Marinos C. Baghdati
Executive Vice President of Operations

Age: 46




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Stephen D. Brooks started his employment with Ring on October 1, 2020, in the capacity of Vice President of Land, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing. On November 30, 2020, he was promoted to the title of Executive Vice President of Land, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing and currently still holds that position with Ring.
From May 2019 to April 2020, he held the position of Vice President of Land, Legal, People & Culture and Corporate Services with SandRidge. Prior to employment at SandRidge, Mr. Brooks served as Vice President of Land for both Yuma Energy, Inc. from February 2016 to May 2019, and for the Gulf Coast Region of Duncan Energy Company from 2000 to 2015, where at both of these companies he was responsible for all land department functions. Prior to becoming the Vice President, Mr. Brooks was the Land Manager for the Gulf Coast Region of Duncan from 1991 to 2000.
Before spending 24 years with Duncan, Mr. Brooks was the Land Manager Gulf Coast Region for Ladd Petroleum Corporation from 1984 to 1990, when he became Ladd's Exploration Manager until 1991. Mr. Brooks also held landman positions at Patrick Petroleum Corporation, Santa Fe Energy Company and started his career in 1977 with Shell Oil Company.
Mr. Brooks is a Certified Professional Landman and a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen. Mr. Brooks holds a BBA in Petroleum Land Management from The University of Texas at Austin.
Stephen D. Brooks
Executive Vice President of Land, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing

Age: 68



35

RING ENERGY
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Alexander Dyes joined Ring on October 1, 2020 and has a well-rounded background in both conventional and unconventional plays with over 16 years of multi-disciplined experience in oilfield operations, reservoir engineering, economic evaluation, capital allocation, risk assessment, strategic planning, and business development. Most recently Mr. Dyes served as Vice President - A&D at Sandridge Energy, from May 2019 to June 2020. Prior to Sandridge, he worked at Yuma Energy from late 2014 to early 2019 where he served as Vice President of A&D/Engineering from 2016 to 2019. He began his career at Apache Corporation and worked in various roles of increasing responsibility from 2007 to 2014 including his last role as a lead asset Senior Reservoir Engineer in Apache's Permian Region. During his career he has led multi-discipline teams charged with identifying upside, optimizing vertical and horizontal development programs, reducing costs, and improving returns. He has direct experience in drilling, completions, production operations and reservoir engineering in most of the U.S. major active basins and horizontal plays. Mr. Dyes is recipient of Oil & Gas Investor Hart Energy's 2022 Class of Forty under 40. He is bilingual in Spanish and brings a multicultural background as he was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia.
Mr. Dyes received a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin with a minor in Business Foundations from McCombs School of Business.
Alexander Dyes
Executive Vice President of Engineering and Corporate Strategy

Age: 38



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Travis T. Thomas joined Ring on October 26, 2020 in the capacity of Vice President of Finance. On March 24, 2021, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

From February 2019 to October 2020, he held the position of Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer of Paradox Resources, LLC, a private exploration, development and production company focused on the Paradox Basin of Utah and Colorado with complementary midstream assets. Prior to Paradox, Mr. Thomas served as Vice President of Finance/Controller with Yuma Energy, Inc. from February 2016 through February 2019. From March 2012 through January 2016, he held a variety of financial management roles at New Prospect Company, an oil and gas consulting firm specializing in wellsite supervision, engineering, energy services and construction, and was named Vice President of Finance in June 2015. Prior to New Prospect, Mr. Thomas held similar financial roles at Highland Oil and Gas and Equity Associates, Inc.

Mr. Thomas currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Houston Yacht Club and the Board of Directors of the Houston Energy Finance Group.
Mr. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in finance from the Red McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin.
Travis T. Thomas
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary & Treasurer

Age: 45

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) section describes the compensation program for our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the three other most highly compensated executive officers serving at the end of 2022. Collectively, these executive officers are referred to as the Named Executive Officers (NEOs).

NAMEPRINCIPAL POSITION
Paul D. McKinneyChief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Travis T. ThomasExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Corporate Secretary
Stephen D. BrooksExecutive Vice President of Land, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing
Marinos C. BaghdatiExecutive Vice President of Operations
Alexander DyesExecutive Vice President of Engineering and Corporate Strategy
CD&A SUMMARY
Our executive compensation programs are designed to meet the dynamic needs of our business, and align our executives with stockholders and best market practices. Decisions made with respect to the 2022 and 2023 compensation programs are in accordance with these objectives.

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RING ENERGY
OVERVIEW OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In 2022, our compensation programs were designed to continue aligning our management team and employees with our strategic focus on generating free cash flow, maintaining production levels and reserves, strengthening the balance sheet by paying down debt and delivering long-term stockholder value. During 2022, our compensation programs included:
Annual Non-Equity Incentive Plan – The Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) is designed to focus employees on achieving strategic and measurable financial, operational, and Health, Safety and Environmental (“HSE”) performance goals established by the Board thereby incentivizing the achievement of the Company’s most important priorities.
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan – The Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) is designed to directly align executive management and senior level employees with stockholder outcomes and the long-term financial success of the Company.
Competitive Total Compensation – Total executive compensation was benchmarked to a peer group of similarly-sized energy companies with the assistance of an independent compensation consultant.
Performance-Based Compensation - Our compensation program places a substantial portion of the total compensation opportunity at-risk and contingent on Ring Energy achieving financial and operational outcomes and delivering peer-leading returns and stock price performance. 84% of CEO Target Compensation is incentive-based – with 57% of CEO target compensation linked to short- and long-term performance results.


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41%PSUs with 3-year Performance Period
27%RSUs with 3-year vesting
16%Target Annual Cash Bonus
16%Base Salary
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT WE DOWHAT WE DON'T DO
aRobust stock ownership guidelines for officers and Board
       members
r Provide excessive severance arrangements, single trigger
        severance benefits or excise tax gross-ups for change-in-
        control related termination
aCompensation Committee oversight of officer compensation levels, incentive plan goals and other officer compensation matters
aAlign pay outcomes with performance achievement
r Allow employees or Board members to hedge Company
         securities or pledge Company stock as collateral on a loan
aMaintain a clawback policy
aEngage an independent compensation consultant that directly advises the Compensation Committee
r Provide excessive perquisites
aCap incentive payouts at a maximum amount
aMonitor compensation-related risk for excessive risk taking potential
r Permit repricing of stock options without stockholder approval
aEngage stockholders on officer compensation matters
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
Our executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives:
Emphasize pay for performance, in which Company and individual performance against preset goals are inherently linked to the amount of compensation realized by a NEO;
Attract and retain a qualified and motivated management team by offering industry competitive opportunities and providing the majority of NEO compensation in the form of long-term incentives that vest over a three-year period;
Incentivize NEOs and appropriately reward them for their contributions to the achievement of our key short-term and long-term strategic objectives with variable compensation; and
Align the compensation of our NEOs with the interests of our long-term stockholders by providing 60% of the LTI mix in the form of performance-based incentives and 40% in the form of time-based RSUs.
The Compensation Committee believes that cash and equity incentive compensation payouts should align with the Company’s success in achieving financial, operating, and strategic goals. The Committee’s philosophy is that the Company should continue to use long-term incentive compensation such as Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) and Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to align executives’ interests with those of stockholders and should allocate a much greater portion of an executive’s compensation to long-term compensation and incentive-based compensation. The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the Company’s executive officers throughout the year to evaluate the performance of each executive officer relative to the performance of the Company and the progress in meeting the Company’s goals and objectives.

Peer Review, Benchmarking and Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee retained compensation advisory services during 2022 from an independent compensation consultant, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”), to help refine the compensation practices of the Company. The Compensation Committee reviewed, evaluated, and benchmarked the compensation practices of the Company versus a “compensation peer group” of companies, which include Amplify Energy Corp., Battalion Oil Corporation, Berry Corporation, Crescent Energy, Earthstone Energy, Inc., HighPeak Energy, Inc., Vital Energy, Inc. (formerly Laredo Petroleum, Inc.), Permian Resources Corporation, Ranger Oil Corporation, Riley Exploration Permian, Inc., SilverBow Resources, Inc. and W&T Offshore, Inc., all of which are in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Compensation Committee also reviewed and considered oil and gas industry compensation surveys and related materials prepared and provided by Meridian.
39

RING ENERGY
SAY-ON-PAY AND STOCKHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
In determining 2022 executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considered the 93% approval received from the stockholders on the say-on-pay vote at the 2021 annual meeting and continued the compensation practices developed to align executive compensation more closely with stockholders. Despite receiving favorable Say-on-Pay vote recommendations from Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, entities that advise investors on annual proxy matters, the 2022 "Say-on-Pay" vote only received approximately 39% support. Although this was a non-binding advisory vote, the Board takes the results of this vote seriously and was disappointed with the vote outcome. Following the Say-on-Pay vote, we initiated extensive stockholder engagement to solicit stockholder feedback regarding our executive compensation programs and other matters.
What We Did - To date in 2023, we contacted over 25 stockholders that collectively, beneficially own over 50% of our outstanding shares of Stock thencommon stock. We engaged directly with stockholders collectively owning approximately [ ]% of our outstanding common stock. Our Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Compensation Committee, along with members of management, participated in these engagements and discussed a variety of topics, including management and board composition, risk management, corporate governance, executive compensation, our ESG initiatives and succession planning.
What We Heard - With respect to increase materially the aggregate number2022 Say-on-Pay vote, we learned that institutional investors supported the program but some retail investors did not due to reasons unrelated to the compensation program. Stockholders consistently expressed support for our executive compensation programs, observing that these programs drive alignment of pay and performance.Stockholders did not express concerns with respect to compensation program design, and they did not suggest any compensation program changes.
What We Will Do In The Future - We expect to continue to meet with our stockholders through 2023 and beyond to discuss these issues further and will continue to take into account the results of the say-on-pay vote in the future, to ensure our executive compensation programs are aligned with the interests of our stockholders.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM ELEMENTS FOR 2022
Performance Objectives and Goals
As described in more detail below, our current executive compensation program for NEOs includes three major elements: (1) a base salary, (2) non-equity incentive compensation cash awards, and (3) equity-based incentive compensation awards.

Base Salaries
The Compensation Committee believes base salary is an integral element of executive compensation to provide executive officers with a base level of monthly income. We provide all of our employees, including our NEOs, with an annual base salary to compensate them for their services to the Company. Similar to most companies within the industry, our policy is to pay NEOs’ base salaries in cash.
The base salary of each NEO is reviewed annually, with the salary of the Chief Executive Officer being recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board and the salaries of the other executive officers being determined and approved by the Compensation Committee after consideration of recommendations by the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee analyzes many factors in its evaluation of our NEOs’ base salary, including the experience, skills, contributions, and tenure of such officer with the Company and such executive officers’ current and future roles, responsibilities, and contributions to the Company.
Our NEOs received the following annual base salaries in 2022. The Compensation Committee approve increases to base salaries effective as of March 1, 2022 to position executive officer base salaries closer to market.






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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
NAME
2022 BASE SALARY RATE ($)
(EFFECTIVE 01/01/2022 TO 2/28/2022)
2022 BASE SALARY RATE ($)
(EFFECTIVE 03/01/2022 TO 12/31/2022)
Paul D. McKinney$480,000$540,000
Travis T. Thomas$290,000$320,000
Stephen D. Brooks$290,000$320,000
Marinos C. Baghdati$290,000$320,000
Alexander Dyes$290,000$320,000

41

RING ENERGY
Annual Incentive Plan
Our 2022 Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) is intended to encourage work-place behavior and employee performance at all levels to support the annual goals and objectives established by the Board. AIP awards can vary from 0% to 200% of target and are subject to existing clawback provisions. For 2022, the AIP was comprised of four performance goals – a Reserves Replacement Ratio ("RRR") Goal, an Internal Rate-of-Return (“IRR”) Goal, a Net Boe Production (Sales) Goal, and a Net Lifting Costs Goal – where the ultimate payouts attributable to these goals may be adjusted based on management’s progress toward achieving certain HSE objectives established by the Board. These HSE objectives were designed to be an overriding aspect of the entire 2022 AIP, which would lead to the development of future HSE goals for the Company, and established verifiable and auditable internal processes consistent with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”). The 2022 progress achieved regarding these HSE objectives was considered when determining the final 2022 AIP payouts. Our corporate culture continues to promote environmental stewardship and the health and well-being of all employees; therefore, the Compensation Committee determined that the HSE objectives were achieved and did not reduce or enhance the payouts for 2022 . More information regarding the performance goals, their weightings, and actual results is provided below.

HSE Objectives.jpg



42

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
AIP PERFORMANCE MEASURE

WEIGHTING

THRESHOLD

TARGET

MAX
ACTUAL RESULTSPERFORMANCE FACTORFUNDING LEVEL
Net Production (Sales) (BOE)35%4,170,9604,634,4005,561,2804,512,61087%30%
IRR Achievement (%)25%15%30%60%52%174%44%
Reserves Replacement Ratio25%90%100%120%1202%200%50%
Net Lifting Costs(1) ($/BOE)
15%$11.43$10.39$8.31$10.6587%13%
Total for
Performance Measures
100%137%
HSE Objectives Modifier100%0%100%100%100%100%
Total Percentage of AIP Target Earned137%
(1) Net Lifting Costs is calculated as the sum of net Lease operating expenses and Operating lease expense, expressed on a barrel of oil equivalent basis.

Equity-Based Long-Term Incentive Compensation – PSU and RSU Awards
It is our policy that long-term equity compensation for our NEOs should be the largest component of their compensation and directly linked to enhancing stockholders’ value. The purpose of granting equity-based compensation is to incentivize and reward the executive officers for the Company’s achievement of its long-term objectives and goals, the individual’s contribution to meeting those goals and to encourage continued dedication and loyalty to the Company by providing executives with meaningful ownership of the Company.
The 2022 LTIP was designed to align executive management and senior level employees with stockholder value and the long-term financial success of the Company. In 2022, we continued to grant LTIP awards with 60% in the form of performance stock units (“PSUs”) and 40% in the form of time-vested restricted stock units ("RSUs").
PSUs are subject to a three-year performance period (“performance period”) to focus on long-term stockholder returns and financial performance.
50% of PSUs vest at the end of the performance period based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) versus a peer group of energy companies where the potential PSUs earned can be limited or capped based on the Company’s absolute TSR during the same performance period (see Absolute vs Relative TSR payout table below).
The remaining 50% of PSUs vest at the end of the performance period based on the Company’s final cash return on capital employed (“CROCE”) over the performance period (See CROCE payout table below).
PSUs earned can vary from 0% to 200% of target based on actual performance achieved and are subject to Company clawback provisions.
RSUs are subject to a three-year vesting schedule of three equal amounts beginning with the first anniversary of the award date and are subject to Company clawback provisions.
43

RING ENERGY
ABSOLUTE TSR PERFORMANCE
<0%0%10%≥25%
RELATIVE TSR PERFORMANCE (1)
<25th Percentile0%0%0%0%
≥25th Percentile25%50%75%100%
≥50th Percentile50%75%100%125%
≥75th Percentile75%100%125%150%
≥90th Percentile100%125%175%200%
(1) Relative TSR Performance between the 25th and 90th percentile and Absolute TSR Performance between 0% and 25% are adjusted through linear interpolation.
FINAL CROCE PERFORMANCE PERCENTAGE≤0%5%10%15%20%
CROCE PSU PERCENTAGE (2)
0%50%100%150%200%
(2) CROCE PSU Percentage between 0 percent and 200 percent is adjusted through linear interpolation.
Non-qualified stock options and restricted stock granted to Named Executive Officers and other key employees granted prior to 2020 vest ratably over five years.
The grant date fair value of awards made to our NEOs in the past three years as determined under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") is shown in the “Summary Compensation Table.”
44

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Employment Agreements and Severance
Effective with their hiring dates, Messrs. McKinney, Baghdati, Brooks, Dyes, and Thomas entered into employment agreements with the Company. As described in detail and quantified in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control,” these NEOs receive certain benefits under their employment agreements upon their termination by the Company without “cause” or upon their resignation for “good reason,” including such terminations in connection with a change in control of the Company. The employment agreements also provide for restrictive covenants relating to non-competition, confidential information and non-solicitation of the Company’s employees and customers. These benefits are intended to ensure that members of senior management are not influenced by their personal situations and are able to be objective in evaluating a potential change in control transaction. The Compensation Committee regularly reviews termination and change in control benefits and continues to believe that the severance benefits in connection with certain terminations of employment constitute reasonable levels of protection for our executives. No other NEO is party to an employment agreement nor party to an agreement containing an excise tax gross-up provision.

Pension Plans, Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans and Change in Control Agreements
The Company did not have any pension plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans or single trigger change in control agreements for any of its NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Other Benefits
Our NEOs are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as medical, dental, vision, group life, and short and long-term disability, in each case, on the same basis as other employees, subject to applicable laws. We also provide vacation and other paid holidays to all employees, including our NEOs.
We maintain a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. Under the 401(k) plan, eligible employees may elect to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis in accordance with the limitations imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to make pre-tax or after-tax contributions of up to 100% of their annual eligible compensation. The Company makes matching contributions of up to 6% of any employee’s compensation.
MANAGEMENT STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
In April 2021, our Board approved stock ownership guidelines for our Chief Executive Officer and NEOs. We believe the management stock ownership guidelines create a link between our long-term success and the ultimate pay of our executive officers through specified stock ownership levels based on a multiple of base salary, as shown in the table below. After becoming subject to the stock ownership guidelines, executives have three years to reach the stock ownership goal. Until an executive meets the guideline, he or she must hold two-thirds of the net shares acquired upon the vesting of equity awards. Once the guidelines are met, restrictions on the sale of shares of Stockour common stock received upon the vesting of equity awards are limited to normal trading restrictions for insiders and Company policies.


POSITION
REQUIRED SHARE OWNERSHIP LEVEL
(MULTIPLE OF BASE SALARY)
Chief Executive Officer5X
Named Executive Officers3X

45

RING ENERGY
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Although our Compensation Committee considers the tax and accounting treatment associated with the cash and equity grants it makes to its executive officers, these considerations are not dispositive. Section 162(m) of the Code places a limit of $1.0 million per person on the amount of compensation that we may be issued underdeduct in any year with respect to each “covered employee” as such term is defined in Section 162(m). Despite the Plan…”


Purpose for Increase of Authorized Shares


The amendment to increasechange in law, the number of authorized shares of Common Stock issuable under the Plan is intended to enable the CompanyCompensation Committee intends to continue to consider the deductibility of compensation and to implement compensation programs that it believes are competitive and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

We account for stock-based awards based on their grant date fair value, as determined under FASB ASC Topic 718. In connection with its approval of stock-based awards, the Compensation Committee is cognizant of and sensitive to the impact of such awards on stockholder dilution. The accounting treatment for stock-based awards does not otherwise impact the Compensation Committee’s compensation decisions.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS IN OUR OVERALL COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Our compensation program is designed to focus on meeting the Company’s objectives and goals while discouraging management from undue risk-taking. When establishing and reviewing our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee has considered whether the program encourages unnecessary or excessive risk taking and has concluded that it does not. While behavior that may result in inappropriate risk taking cannot necessarily be prevented by the structure of compensation practices, we believe that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Moreover, with limited exceptions, our Compensation Committee retains discretion to impose additional conditions and adjust compensation pursuant to our clawback policy as well as for quality of performance and adherence to the Company’s values. RSUs granted prior to 2020 vest in ratable annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. RSUs granted during 2020 and in subsequent years vest in ratable annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. PSUs cliff-vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Both of these vesting schedules further mitigate risk in the event any executive officer departs or is terminated prior to vesting of the awards.
The Board may seek reimbursement from an adequate numberexecutive officer if it determines that the officer engaged in conduct that was detrimental to the Company and resulted in a material inaccuracy in either our financial statements or in performance metrics that affected the officer’s compensation. If the Compensation Committee or the Board determines that an officer engaged in fraudulent misconduct, it will seek such reimbursement. In cases of misconduct by an executive officer, the Board has discretion to take a range of actions to remedy the misconduct and prevent its recurrence, including terminating the individual’s employment.
We believe that our compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive officers, do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

46

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The “Summary Compensation Table” should be read in connection with the tables and narrative descriptions contained in this Compensation Discussion & Analysis. The “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table” and “Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table” provide further information on the NEOs potential realizable value and actual value realized with respect to their equity awards.

47

RING ENERGY
Summary Compensation Table

NAME AND
PRINCIPAL POSITION
YEARSALARY ($)
BONUS ($) (2)
EQUITY AWARDS (1) ($)
NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION ($)
ALL OTHER COMPENSATION (3) ($)
TOTAL ($)
Paul D. McKinney, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board2022$530,000 $73,900 $2,369,893 $726,100 $18,500 $3,718,393
2021$480,000 $— $2,464,517 $518,400 $30,200 $3,493,117
2020$120,000 $54,000 $204,000 $108,000 $7,000 $493,000
Travis T. Thomas, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer2022$315,000 $32,900 $592,474 $302,100 $18,500 $1,260,974
2021$278,912 $— $616,130 $219,240 $14,986 $1,129,268
Stephen D. Brooks, Executive Vice President of Land, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing2022$315,000 $32,900 $592,474 $302,100 $18,500 $1,260,974
2021$290,000 $— $616,130 $219,240 $14,500 $1,139,870
2020$72,500 $23,565 $136,000 $47,125 $— $279,190
Marinos C. Baghdati, Executive Vice President of Operations2022$315,000 $32,900 $592,474 $302,100 $18,500 $1,260,974
2021$290,000 $— $616,130 $219,240 $17,400 $1,142,770
Alexander Dyes, Executive Vice President of Engineering and Corporate Strategy2022$315,000 $32,900 $592,474 $302,100 $15,960 $1,258,434
2021$290,000 $— $616,130 $219,240 $14,500 $1,139,870
(1) For the restricted stock grant awards (RSUs), the awards were valued based on the closing market price for our shares on the NYSE American on the grant dates. For the performance stock awards (PSUs) half of the awards were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation as of the grant dates, and the other half of the awards were valued based on the closing market price for our shares on the NYSE American on the grant dates. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 13 – Employee Stock Options, Restricted Stock Award Plan and 401(k) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(2) Represents the discretionary portion of AIP.
(3) The amounts reported in the “All Other Compensation” column for 2022 are summarized in the following table:
48

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
All Other Compensation
NAMEYEARBOARD FEES (a)401(K) CONTRIBUTIONS (b)CELL PHONE REIMBURSEMENTS (c)TOTAL
Paul D. McKinney2022$—$18,300$200$18,500
2021$17,000$13,200$—$30,200
2020$7,000$—$—$7,000
Travis T. Thomas2022$—$18,300$200$18,500
2021$—$14,986$—$14,986
Stephen D. Brooks2022$—$18,300$200$18,500
2021$—$14,500$—$14,500
Marinos C. Baghdati2022$—$18,300$200$18,500
2021$—$17,400$—$17,400
Alexander Dyes2022$—$15,760$200$15,960
2021$—$14,500$—$14,500
(a)For Mr. McKinney, the amounts reported in this column represent the fees earned or paid in cash in connection with his service as a director. Mr. McKinney did not receive equity compensation or any other forms of compensation related to his Board service. Board fees for Mr. McKinney ceased as of June 1, 2021.
(b)The 401(K) contributions by the Company match into the Company’s sponsored 401(K) plan. Subject to IRS limits, Company contributions to each employee’s 401(K) account consist of a matching contribution of up to 6% of the employee’s eligible salary.
(c)Beginning November 2022, the Company began reimbursing employees $50 per paycheck for cell phone expenses.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
During 2020, we entered into at-will employment agreements with certain NEOs, the material terms of which are set forth below.

Paul D. McKinney. Effective October 1, 2020.
Mr. McKinney entered into an employment agreement with the Company, effective October 1, 2020. Under the agreement, Mr. McKinney will serve as Chief Executive Officer on an at-will basis for an indefinite term. The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $480,000 per year and eligibility to receive annual bonuses at the discretion of the Board with a target bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary established annually by the Board. Mr. McKinney is also eligible to participate in and receive awards under the LTIP, with a target value equal to a percentage of his annual base salary, determined by the Board (based on the grant date value of any such award), based on the achievement of performance goals established by the Board. In addition, the agreement provides for a sign-on cash bonus of $54,000 (payable in three monthly installments in October, November and December of 2020) and equity grant of 300,000 shares of Common Stock availablerestricted stock (subject to a three-year vesting period and the terms and conditions of the award agreement). Mr. McKinney is also subject to certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions for a period of one year following any termination of employment, as well as certain confidentiality restrictions that apply indefinitely.

49

RING ENERGY
Under Mr. McKinney’s employment agreement, if the Company (i) materially reduces his then current base salary, title, authority or responsibilities, (ii) requires relocation of Mr. McKinney’s primary place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Company’s office in The Woodlands, Texas, (iii) fails to timely pay in full base salary or incentive compensation, or (iv) otherwise materially breaches the agreement, Mr. McKinney would have a basis to invoke his rights under the agreement for termination for good reason. In addition, if in the six months before or 24 months following a change in control (as defined in Mr. McKinney’s employment agreement) the Company were to materially reduce Mr. McKinney’s maximum bonus opportunity, he would similarly have a basis to terminate for good reason.
For a description of the severance provisions of Mr. McKinney’s employment agreement, see “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Stephen D. Brooks, Marinos C. Baghdati, and Alex Dyes. Effective October 1, 2020.
Messrs. Brooks, Baghdati, and Dyes entered into employment agreements with the Company, effective October 1, 2020. Mr. Brooks was appointed as the Company’s Executive Vice President of Land, Legal, Human Resources and Marketing on November 30, 2020. Mr. Baghdati was appointed as the Company’s Executive Vice President of Operations, and Mr. Dyes was appointed as the Company’s Executive Vice President of Engineering and Corporate Strategy, both as of December 31, 2020.
Under the agreements, Messrs. Brooks, Baghdati, and Dyes will serve on an at-will basis for an indefinite term. The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $290,000 per year and eligibility to receive annual bonuses in the discretion of the Board with a target bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary established annually by the Board. They are also eligible to participate in and receive awards under the Company’s LTIP, with a target value equal to a percentage of his annual base salary, determined by the Board (based on the grant date value of any such award), based on the achievement of performance goals established by the Board. In addition, the agreement provided for a sign-on cash bonus of $23,565 (paid in three monthly installments in October, November and December of 2020) and equity grant of 200,000 shares of restricted stock (subject to a three-year vesting period and the terms and conditions of the award agreement). Messrs. Brooks, Baghdati and Dyes are subject to the same restricted covenants and would have the same basis to invoke his rights under his employment agreement for termination for good reason as Mr. McKinney.
For a description of the severance provisions of the employment agreement, see “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Travis T. Thomas. Effective October 26, 2020.
Mr. Thomas entered into an employment agreement with the Company, effective October 26, 2020 as the Vice President of Finance and was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer on March 24, 2021. Under the agreement, Mr. Thomas will serve on an at-will basis for an indefinite term. The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $250,000 per year and eligibility to receive annual bonuses in the discretion of the Board with a target bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary established annually by the Board. Mr. Thomas is also eligible to participate in and receive awards under the Company’s LTIP, with a target value equal to a percentage of his annual base salary, determined by the Board (based on the grant date value of any such award), based on the achievement of performance goals established by the Board. In addition, the agreement provided for a sign-on cash bonus of $16,927 (paid in three monthly installments in October, November and December of 2020) and equity grant of 150,000 shares of restricted stock (subject to a three-year vesting period and the terms and conditions of the award agreement). Mr. Thomas is subject to the same restricted covenants and would have the same basis to invoke his rights under his employment agreement for termination for good reason as Mr. McKinney.
For a description of the severance provisions of Mr. Thomas’ employment agreement, see “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

50

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
AIP TARGETS AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS DURING 2022
The following table reflects the AIP targets and RSUs and PSUs granted during 2022 to our Named Executive Officers.

Estimated future payouts under
non-equity incentive plan awards (4)
Estimated future payouts under
equity incentive plan awards
NAME
GRANT
DATE
THRESHOLD ($)TARGET ($)MAXIMUM ($)THRESHOLD (#)
TARGET
(#) (2)
MAXIMUM (#)
ALL OTHER STOCK AWARDS: NUMBER OF SHARES OF STOCK (#) (1)
GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE STOCK AWARDS AND PERFORM-ANCE UNITS (3)
Paul D. McKinney2/9/22$— $530,000 $1,060,000 
2/9/22286,738 $800,000 
2/9/22430,108 860,216 $1,569,894 
Travis T. Thomas2/9/22$— $220,500 $441,000 
2/9/2271,685 $200,000 
2/9/22107,527 215,054 $392,473 
Stephen D. Brooks2/9/22$— $220,500 $441,000 
2/9/2271,685 $200,000 
2/9/22107,527 215,054 $392,473 
Marinos C. Baghdati2/9/22$— $220,500 $441,000 
2/9/2271,685 $200,000 
2/9/22107,527 215,054 $392,473 
Alexander Dyes2/9/22$— $220,500 $441,000 
2/9/2271,685 $200,000 
2/9/22107,527 215,054 $392,473 
(1)The shares granted on February 9, 2022 represent the 2022 awards of time-vested RSU, which vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.
(2)The amounts granted on February 9, 2022 represent the target number of PSUs. The PSUs have a cliff vesting date of December 31, 2024 and were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation as of the grant date for half of the awards and based on the stock price for the other half.
(3)Reflects the full grant date fair value of the equity awards granted pursuant to the Company’s equity plans calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 13 – Employee Stock Options, Restricted Stock Award Plan and 401(k) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. These amounts were calculated based on the closing market price for our shares on the NYSE American on the date of grant.
(4)This represents the performance-based portion of the AIP awards. The target amount is based upon a percentage of the named executive officer’s base salary. For 2022, the Compensation Committee chose reserves replacement ratio, internal rate of return, net Boe production (sales), and net lifting costs. See “Annual Incentive Plan” in the CD&A section for additional information.

51

RING ENERGY
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2022 FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table provides certain information regarding stock awards outstanding for each Named Executive Officer as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, none of our Named Executive Officers had unexercised stock options.

NAME
NUMBER OF SHARES OR UNITS OF STOCK THAT HAVE NOT VESTED (#) (1)
MARKET VALUE OF SHARES OR UNITS OF STOCK THAT HAVE NOT VESTED ($) (3)
EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS: NUMBER OF UNEARNED SHARES THAT HAVE NOT VESTED (#) (2)
EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS: MARKET VALUE OF UNEARNED SHARES OR UNITS OF STOCK THAT HAVE NOT VESTED ($) (4)
Paul D. McKinney577,897$1,421,627
860,216$2,116,131
Travis T. Thomas169,475$416,909
215,054$529,033
Stephen D. Brooks186,142$457,909
215,054$529,033
Marinos C. Baghdati186,142$457,909
215,054$529,033
Alexander Dyes186,142$457,909
215,054$529,033
(1) Restricted stock awards reported in this column vest in approximately equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the applicable grant date, in each case subject to continued service with the Company through each such vesting date.
(2) Half of the Performance Share Units reported in this column cliff vest on December 31, 2023 with the other half vesting on December 31, 2024.
(3) The value of the unvested restricted stock is shown assuming a market value of $2.46 per share, the closing market price of a share of common stock on December 31, 2022.
(4) The value of the unvested Equity Incentive Awards is shown assuming a market value of $2.46 per share, the closing market price of a share of common stock on December 31, 2022.
52

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following table summarizes the vesting of RSUs held by our Named Executive Officers during 2022. No options were exercised in 2022.


STOCK AWARDS

NAME
NUMBER OF SHARES ACQUIRED ON VESTING (#)
VALUE REALIZED ON VESTING (#) (1)
Paul D. McKinney195,579$566,527
Travis T. Thomas73,895$240,133
Stephen D. Brooks90,561$238,298
Marinos C. Baghdati90,561$238,298
Alexander Dyes90,561$238,298
(1) The value realized on vesting is equal to the number of shares, multiplied by the closing price of the shares on the date of vesting.
PENSION BENEFITS
We do not maintain any defined benefit pension plans.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
We do not maintain any nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.
53

RING ENERGY
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
The material terms of potential payments upon various termination and change in control scenarios is set forth below. Except as described in this summary and in the “Potential Payments” table below, Ring does not have any other agreements or plans that will require compensation to be paid to NEOs in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control.
Our Company's policy requires that each award agreement governing an award granted under the LTIP provide for double-trigger vesting upon a “change in control.” Payout under each of the outstanding equity awards and employment agreements based on various termination circumstances or in connection with a change in control are described in more detail in the footnotes to the “Potential Payments” table below. Payments and other benefits payable to the NEOs in connection with various termination and change in control situations are set out as if the conditions for payment had occurred and the applicable triggering events took place on December 31, 2022, when the closing price of our common stock was $2.46.
Actual amounts to be paid will depend on several factors, such as the date of each NEO’s separation or the occurrence of an actual change in control event, and the price of our common stock when the vesting of unvested stock options or restricted stock shares is accelerated. The disclosures below do not take into consideration any requirements under Section 409A of the Code, which could affect, among other things, the timing of payments and distributions.



54

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
NAME/EVENT
CASH SEVERANCE (1)
ACCELERATED INCENTIVE AND STOCK AWARD VESTING (2)
COMPANY-PAID COBRA PREMIUMS (1)


TOTAL
Paul D. McKinney
Termination by Employee for Good Reason, or by Company without Cause$540,000 $3,537,758 $29,238 $4,106,996 
Termination for Cause/Resignation without Good Reason$— $— $— $— 
Change in Control$— $— $— $— 
Termination without Cause/ Resignation for Good Reason in the 6 months prior to or the 24 months following a Change in Control.$810,000 $3,537,758 $29,238 $4,376,996 
Death$$$29,238 $29,238 
Disability$$$$— 
Travis T. Thomas
Termination by Employee for Good Reason, or by Company without Cause$320,000 $945,942 $29,238 $1,295,180 
Termination for Cause/Resignation without Good Reason$— $— $— $— 
Change in Control$— $— $— $— 
Termination without Cause/ Resignation for Good Reason in the 6 months prior to or the 24 months following a Change in Control.$480,000 $945,942 $29,238 $1,455,180 
Death$$$29,238 $29,238 
Disability$$$$— 
Stephen D. Brooks
Termination by Employee for Good Reason, or by Company without Cause$320,000 $986,942 $20,408 $1,327,350 
Termination for Cause/Resignation without Good Reason$— $— $— $— 
Change in Control$— $— $— $— 
Termination without Cause/ Resignation for Good Reason in the 6 months prior to or the 24 months following a Change in Control.$480,000 $986,942 $20,408 $1,487,350 
Death$$$20,408 $20,408 
Disability$$$$— 





55

RING ENERGY
NAME/EVENT
CASH SEVERANCE (1)
ACCELERATED INCENTIVE AND STOCK AWARD VESTING (2)
COMPANY-PAID COBRA PREMIUMS (1)


TOTAL
Marinos C. Baghdati
Termination by Employee for Good Reason, or by Company without Cause$320,000 $986,942 $29,238 $1,336,180 
Termination for Cause/Resignation without Good Reason$— $— $— $— 
Change in Control$— $— $— $— 
Termination without Cause/ Resignation for Good Reason in the 6 months prior to or the 24 months following a Change in Control.$480,000 $986,942 $29,238 $1,496,180 
Death$$$29,238 $29,238 
Disability$$$$— 
Alexander Dyes
Termination by Employee for Good Reason, or by Company without Cause$320,000 $986,942 $14,374 $1,321,316 
Termination for Cause/Resignation without Good Reason$— $— $— $— 
Change in Control$— $— $— $— 
Termination without Cause/ Resignation for Good Reason in the 6 months prior to or the 24 months following a Change in Control.$480,000 $986,942 $14,374 $1,481,316 
Death$$$14,374 $14,374 
Disability$$$$— 
(1)A description of the cash severance and COBRA obligations under the employment agreements with the Messrs. McKinney, Thomas, Baghdati, Brooks, and Dyes is set forth under “Employment Agreements” below.
(2)Represents accelerated vesting of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs, valued based on the December 31, 2022 closing price of $2.46 per share of the Company’s common stock.

56

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Employment Agreements and Termination
Pursuant to their employment agreements, Messrs. McKinney, Baghdati, Brooks, Dyes, and Thomas are entitled to receive severance payments and benefits, as described below and as set forth in the foregoing table.
Termination without Cause/Resignation for Good Reason
Upon termination of employment by the Company other than for “cause” or by the executive for “good reason” (as each is defined in the executive’s employment agreement), the executive will be entitled to a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to: (i) any accrued, unpaid base salary or benefits earned through the termination date and any unpaid expense reimbursements (“Accrued Benefits”); (ii) if executive has completed one full year of service, any unpaid bonus amount equal to either the bonus amount approved by the Board remaining unpaid or, if the Board has not yet determined executive’s bonus, an amount equal to 100% of his Target Bonus (as defined under the executive’s employment agreement) (“Unpaid Bonus”); and (iii) a single lump sum equal to 1.0 times the executive’s annual base salary at the highest rate (“Highest Base Salary”) in effect at any time during the 36 month period immediately preceding the termination date (“Cash Severance”).
In addition, all equity incentive awards held by the executive will become fully vested and/or the restrictions shall lapse.
If the executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 or other applicable law (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse the executive for an amount equal to the amount of medical premium expenses paid for a similarly situated employee, determined as of the executive’s termination date. Following the expiration of the COBRA continuation coverage period, the Company shall permit the executive (including his spouse and dependents) to (A) continue to participate in the Company’s group health plan if permitted under such plan, (B) convert the Company’s group health plan to an individual policy, or (C) obtain other similar coverage, in each case for up to an additional 12 months, with executive being responsible for 100% of all premium costs.
Termination for Cause/Resignation without Good Reason
If the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause, or if the executive terminates his employment other than for good reason, the executive will receive a lump sum payment equal to his Accrued Benefits.
Change in Control
The employment agreements do not provide benefits solely upon a change in control (as defined in the executive’s employment agreement).
Termination without Cause/Resignation for Good Reason in the 6 months prior to or the 24 months following a Change in Control
If the executive’s employment was terminated by the Company without cause, or by the executive for good reason, during the period beginning 6 months prior to a change in control and ending 24 months following a change in control, the executive will be entitled to the same benefits described above under “Termination without Cause/Resignation for Good Reason”, except that the executive’s Cash Severance payment will equal 1.5 times the Highest Base Salary. In addition, the payment of benefits will occur 30 days following the later of the change in control or the executive’s termination and to the extent executive incurs a termination without cause or resigns for good reason prior to change in control, any payments received following the change in control will be reduced dollar for dollar by the benefits already paid to executive in connection with his termination.
57

RING ENERGY
Death
Following the death of the executive, the Company will pay to his designated beneficiary or his estate a lump sum payment equal to executive’s: (i) Accrued Benefits; and (ii) Unpaid Bonus. In addition, for the longer of the maximum COBRA continuation coverage period required by law or 12 months, executive’s spouse and eligible dependents will continue to be eligible to receive medical coverage under the Company’s medical plans in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan documents; provided, that in order to receive such continued coverage at such rates, executive’s spouse and eligible dependents will be required to pay the applicable premiums to the plan provider, and the Company will reimburse such spouse and eligible dependents, within 60 days following the date such monthly premium payment is due, an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium payment, less applicable tax withholdings.
Disability
Following the termination of executive’s employment by reason of disability (as defined under executive’s employment agreement), the Company will pay to executive a lump sum payment equal to executive’s: (i) Accrued Benefits; and (ii) Unpaid Bonus.
RSU and PSU Awards under the LTIP
As disclosed above, our Company's policy requires that each award agreement governing an award granted under the LTIP provide for double-trigger vesting upon a “change in control.” The restricted stock awards received by our NEOs, per the terms of their employment agreements, may only be accelerated if the executive’s employment was terminated by the Company without cause, or by the executive for good reason, during the period beginning 6 months prior to a change in control and ending 24 months following a change in control.
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
CEO PAY RATIO
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2012 ("Dodd-Frank Act"), and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of the Company’s employees and the annualized total compensation of Paul D. McKinney, our CEO, for 2022:

Median Employee total annual compensation$147,011
Total Compensation of Chief Executive Officer – Paul D. McKinney$3,718,393
Ratio of CEO to Median Employee compensation25 to 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, 2022, our employee population excluding our CEO consisted of 97 individuals with all of these individuals located in the U.S. This population consisted of our full-time employees, as we do not have part-time, temporary, or seasonal employees. We selected December 31, 2022 as our identification date for determining our median employee because it enabled us to make such identification in a reasonably efficient and economic manner.
We used a consistently applied compensation measure to identify our median employee by comparing the amount of salary or wages, bonuses, and restricted stock awards granted in 2022 as reflected in our payroll records. To make them comparable, salaries for newly hired employees who had worked less than one year were annualized and the target incentive amount was applied to their total compensation measure.
We identified our median employee by consistently applying this compensation measure to all of our employees included in our analysis. Since all of our employees, including our CEO, are located in the U.S., we did not make any cost of living adjustments in identifying the median employee.
After we identified our median employee, we combined all of the elements of such employee’s compensation for the 2022 year in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, inclusive of bonuses, 401(k) contributions, and restricted stock awards granted, resulting in annual total compensation of $147,011.
With respect to the annual total compensation of our CEO, we used salary, bonus and restricted stock awards granted and all other compensation for the 2022 fiscal year in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in annual total compensation of $3,718,393.
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RING ENERGY
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE
As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we provide the following disclosure regarding executive “compensation actually paid” (“CAP”), calculated in accordance with SEC rules, and certain Company performance for the fiscal years listed below.
This disclosure was prepared in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) and does not necessarily reflect the value actually realized by our Named Executive Officers, how our Named Executive Officers’ compensation relates to Company performance, or how the Compensation Committee evaluates compensation decisions in light of Company or individual performance. For example, the Compensation Committee does not use CAP as a basis for making compensation decisions, nor does it use net income (as reflected below) for purposes of determining our Named Executive Officers’ incentive compensation.
Please refer to our CD&A for a complete description of how Named Executive Officer compensation relates to Company performance and how the Compensation Committee makes its compensation decisions.
The information provided under this Pay versus Performance section will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing made by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
VALUE OF INITIAL FIXED $100 INVESTMENT BASED ON:
FISCAL YEAR
SUMMARY COMPEN-SATION TABLE TOTAL FOR
PEO (1)
COMPEN-SATION ACTUALLY
PAID TO
PEO (1)(2)
SUMMARY COMPEN-SATION TABLE
TOTAL FOR
PEO 2 (1)(3)
COMPEN-SATION ACTUALLY PAID TO
PEO 2 (1)(3)
AVERAGE SUMMARY COMPEN-SATION TABLE TOTAL FOR NON-PEO NEOS (4)(5)-
AVERAGE COMPEN-SATION ACTUALLY PAID TO NON-PEO NEOS (4)(5)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (6)
PEER GROUP TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (6)
NET
INCOME (7)
CROCE (%) (8)
(a)(b)(c)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)
2022$3,718,393 $3,338,719 $— $— $1,260,339 $1,183,797 $93.18 $154.88 $138,635,025 20.7 %
2021$3,493,117 $3,586,781 $— $— $934,244 $1,158,645 $86.36 $106.29 $3,322,892 11.6 %
2020$493,000 $486,970 $293,333 $(76,417)$280,255 $98,100 $25.00 $63.42 $(253,411,828)9.3 %
(1) Reflects the summary compensation table total compensation of (a) our current Chief Executive Officer, Paul D. McKinney, from his appointment on September 30, 2020 to present and (b) our former Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Hoffman, for prior periods.
(2) The dollar amounts reported in this column represent the amount of “Compensation Actually Paid” to Mr. McKinney (subsequent to September 30, 2020) as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to Mr. McKinney during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to Mr. McKinney’s total compensation for each year to determine the compensation actually paid:

 PEO 1 (MR. McKINNEY)
FISCAL YEAR202020212022
Summary Compensation Table Total$493,000 $3,493,117 $3,718,393 
- Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year(204,000)$(2,464,517)(2,369,893)
+ Fair Value at Fiscal Year-End of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year197,970 2,002,151 1,883,871 
+ Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years— 324,020 (14,258)
+ Fair Value at Vesting of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year— — — 
+ Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year— 232,010 120,606 
- Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year-End of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year— — — 
Compensation Actually Paid$486,970 $3,586,781 $3,338,719 
(3) The dollar amounts reported in this column represent the amount of “Compensation Actually Paid” to Mr. Hoffman (prior to September 30, 2020) as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to Mr. Hoffman during 2020. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to Mr. Hoffman’s total compensation for 2020 to determine the compensation actually paid:

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
PEO 2 (MR. HOFFMAN)
FISCAL YEAR2020
Summary Compensation Table Total$293,333 
- Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year— 
+ Fair Value at Fiscal Year-End of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year— 
+ Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years— 
+ Fair Value at Vesting of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year— 
+ Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year(355,073)
- Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year-End of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year(14,677)
Compensation Actually Paid$(76,417)
(4) The non-PEO NEOs included in this column are:

YEARNON-PEO NEOs
2022Travis T. Thomas, Marinos C. Baghdati, Stephen D. Brooks and Alexander Dyes
2021Travis T. Thomas, Marinos C. Baghdati, Stephen D. Brooks, Alexander Dyes and William D. Broaddrick
2020William D. Broaddrick, Stephen D. Brooks, David A. Fowler and Daniel D. Wilson
(5) The dollar amounts reported in this column represent the average amount of “Compensation Actually Paid” to the Company’s NEOs as a group (excluding Mr. McKinney and Mr. Hoffman, where applicable) as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual average amount of compensation earned by or paid to such NEOs as a group during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following adjustments were made to the average total compensation for the NEOs as a group (excluding Mr. McKinney and Mr. Hoffman, where applicable) for each year to determine the compensation actually paid using the same methodology described above in footnotes (2) and (3):

 NON-PEO NEOs
FISCAL YEAR202020212022
Summary Compensation Table Total$280,255 $934,244 $1,260,339 
- Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year(34,000)(492,904)(592,474)
+ Fair Value at Fiscal Year-End of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year32,995 400,430 470,969 
+ Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years(45,340)162,010 3,186 
+ Fair Value at Vesting of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year— — — 
+ Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year(133,364)154,954 41,777 
- Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year-End of Option Awards and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year(2,446)(89)— 
Compensation Actually Paid$98,100 $1,158,645 $1,183,797 
(6) TSR is cumulative for the measurement periods beginning on December 31, 2019 and ending on December 31 of each of 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, calculated in accordance with Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K. The peer group for purposes of this table is the S&P Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Select Industry Index (“SPSIOP”), which is the same peer group as for the Shareholder Return Performance Presentation of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(7) Reflects “Net Income” in the Company’s Statements of Operations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
(8) The Company calculates “CROCE,” or Cash Return on Capital Employed, by dividing the Company's consolidated cash flow from operations, excluding changes in working capital, by the Company's average total debt and stockholders' equity for each calendar year, with average total debt and stockholders' equity being based on the simple average of such values as of the first and last day of the applicable calendar year. See Appendix A for additional information regarding non-GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP financial measures.













61

RING ENERGY

Performance Measure
The following table sets forth an unranked list of the performance measures which we view as the “most important” measures for linking our Named Executive Officers’ compensation actually paid to Company performance, as specifically listed below.
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR)NET BOE PRODUCTION (SALES)
NET INCOMENET LIFTING COSTS
CASH RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (CROCE)

Relationship between CAP and Performance Measures
The illustrations below provide a graphical presentation of the relationship between CAP (as calculated in accordance with SEC rules) and the information presented in the Pay versus Performance table.

5391


62

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
5395



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RING ENERGY
5400


64

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Prior to August 31, 2022, the non-employee directors received the following annual compensation paid quarterly in advance:
COMPENSATION ELEMENTENDED AUGUST 31, 2022
Independent Director Base Fee$70,000
NESG Chair Fee$5,000
Audit Chair Fee$10,000
Compensation Chair Fee$5,000
Lead Independent Director Fee$25,000
Stock AwardsDetermined Annually

Commencing September 1, 2022, to more closely align with the market, the non-employee directors receive the following annual compensation paid quarterly in advance:

COMPENSATION ELEMENTEFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Independent Director Base Fee$75,000
NESG Chair Fee$15,000
Audit Chair Fee$20,000
Compensation Chair Fee$15,000
Lead Independent Director Fee$25,000
Stock AwardsDetermined Annually
Director Compensation Philosophy
The compensation of our non-employee directors is reviewed by the Compensation Committee and is approved by the Board. We use a combination of cash and stock awards to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our Board. In determining director compensation, we consider the responsibilities of our directors, the significant amount of time the directors spend fulfilling their duties, and the competitive market for skilled directors.
We seek to maximize alignment of incentives between the Board and stockholders by primarily using equity awards to compensate directors. We believe that equity awards provide a strong incentive to the Board to preserve and promote stockholder value and directly connects director compensation to the Company stock performance. In this regard, a majority of a director’s compensation depends on whether the Company’s stock price appreciates value. Starting in 2021, we revised our form of director award agreement to provide for a one-year vesting period coincident with their elected terms as opposed to a three-year vesting period, to conform with common industry practices.

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RING ENERGY
Peer Review and Benchmarking
The Compensation Committee reviews, evaluates, and benchmarks our director compensation practices against our peer companies in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Compensation Committee uses this peer comparison to inform themselves of industry practice and to help them structure the appropriate level and mix of compensation elements.
Annual Cash Retainer
We provide our non-management directors an annual cash retainer paid on a basis, as shown in the tables above.
Equity Awards
We use equity awards to reward our independent directors for significant contributions to the successful implementation of our business objectives and strategy.
In 2022, each returning outside director received 53,763 shares and one of our new directors, David S. Habachy, received 37,797 RSUs pursuant to the LTIP. The RSUs granted to our directors vest on the one year anniversary of the grant date. Our Compensation Committee considered several factors in determining the appropriate amount of RSUs to be granted under the LTIP for the 2022 fiscal year including the following:
Past equity awards to our non-executive directors;
The recent award practices of other peer companies in the oil and gas industry; and
Desire to treat all directors equitably.
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
In April 2021, our Board approved stock ownership guidelines for our independent, non-employee directors. The director stock ownership guidelines create a strong link between our long-term success and the ultimate pay of our directors by requiring our non-employee directors to own five times the amount of their annual cash retainer. After becoming subject to the stock ownership guidelines, independent directors have three years to reach the stock ownership goal. Until a director meets the guideline, he or she must hold two-thirds of the net shares acquired upon the vesting of equity awards. Once the guidelines are met, restrictions on the sale of vested awards of the Company’s stock are limited to normal trading restrictions for insiders and Company policies.

66

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation earned by our non-employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2022.


NAME
FEES EARNED OR PAID IN CASH ($)
EQUITY AWARDS ($) (1)

TOTAL ($)
Roy I. Ben-Dor$25,000 $— $25,000 
John A. Crum (2)
$80,000 $150,000 $230,000 
David S. Habachy (2)
$25,000 $113,013 $138,013 
Richard E. Harris (2)
$71,667 $150,000 $221,667 
Thomas L. Mitchell (2)
$71,667 $150,000 $221,667 
Anthony B. Petrelli (2)
$96,667 $150,000 $246,667 
Regina Roesener (2)
$80,000 $150,000 $230,000 
Clayton E. Woodrum (2)
$85,000 $150,000 $235,000 
(1) Amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted to the outside directors on February 9, 2022, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the estimated impact of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions, and do not represent the actual value that may be realized by directors upon vesting or settlement of the awards. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used in calculating the grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards, please see Note 13 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
(2) The aggregate number of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:

NAME
OUTSTANDING STOCK OPTIONSUNVESTED RSU AWARDS
Roy I. Ben-Dor
John A. Crum97,096
David S. Habachy37,797
Richard E. Harris97,096
Thomas L. Mitchell97,096
Anthony B. Petrelli50,00097,096
Regina Roesener97,096
Clayton E. Woodrum85,00097,096

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RING ENERGY
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT(1)
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the disclosures contained in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, as required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K. Based upon this review and our discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section be included in this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
John A. Crum (Chair)
Thomas L. Mitchell
Anthony B. Petrelli
Clayton E. Woodrum
(1) SEC filings sometimes “incorporate information by reference.” This means the Company is referring you to information that has previously been filed with the SEC, and that this information should be considered as part of the filing you are reading. Unless the Company specifically states otherwise, this Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange act of 1934, as amended.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of our directors who served as members of our Compensation Committee as of December 31, 2022, nor any of the directors who currently serve as members of our Compensation Committee, is, or has at any time in the past been, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
None of our executive officers serves, or has served, during the last completed fiscal year, on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other company that has one or more executive officers serving on our Compensation Committee or Board.
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS, PROMOTERS AND CERTAIN CONTROL PERSONS
Certain Relationships and employees.  OfRelated Transactions
The office space leased until March 31, 2021 by the Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is owned by Arenaco, LLC, a company that is owned by Mr. Rochford, former Chairman of the Board, and Mr. McCabe, a former director of the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2020 through December 31, 2021, the Company paid an aggregate of $70,000 to Arenaco, LLC.
During 2021, the Company purchased $155,471 worth of oil field related chemicals Pro-Ject Holdings, LLC, an oil field chemical company for which Paul McKinney, our Chairman and CEO, served as an independent director on their board of directors. Mr. McKinney’s ownership in the company as of December 31, 2021 was in the form of A-4 stock worth approximately 0.31% of the total 2,500,000private company value. As of 2022, Mr. McKinney is no longer on the board of directors of Pro-Ject Holdings, LLC.
Warburg Pincus, LLC
Warburg Pincus, LLC and its affiliates (“Warburg”) beneficially own approximately 33% of the outstanding Common Stock as of the record date. Warburg has various investment funds that it manages. Those investment funds make investments in entities with which the Company may interact in the normal course of business.
Stronghold Purchase and Sale Agreement
On August 31, 2022, Ring and Stronghold Energy II Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Stronghold OpCo”), and Stronghold Energy II Royalties, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Stronghold RoyaltyCo”, together with Stronghold OpCo, collectively, “Stronghold”), consummated the transactions contemplated in the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 1, 2022 (the “Purchase Agreement"). At the closing of the Purchase Agreement, among other things, Ring acquired (the “Stronghold Acquisition”) interests in oil and gas leases and related property of Stronghold consisting of approximately 37,000 net acres in the Central Basin Platform of the Texas Permian Basin for a purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) of approximately $180.9 million, net of customary purchase price adjustments, 21,339,986 shares of Common Stock, reserved for issuance under the Plan, options to purchase 1,175,000and 153,176 shares of newly created Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 of Ring (“Preferred Stock”), which Preferred Stock was converted into 42,548,892 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding as ofon October 27, 2022 (collectively, the date of this Information Statement and 1,325,000 shares remained available for future awards under the Plan prior to the increase proposed by this amendment.


VOTING PROCEDURES


Vote(s) Required; Insider Voting Intentions


In order for the proposals to be approved pursuant to Nevada law, we must receive the written consent of“Stronghold Shares”). Warburg owns a substantial majority of the outstanding sharesequity interests of Common StockStronghold and received its proportion of the Purchase Price.

Stronghold Registration Rights Agreement
On August 31, 2022, at the closing of the Purchase Agreement, Ring and Stronghold OpCo entered into a registration rights agreement (the Requisite Consents“Registration Rights Agreement”).  Each share relating to the Stronghold Shares. Stronghold made a pro rata distribution to certain of Common Stock entitlesits members. In accordance with the holderRegistration Rights Agreement, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC to permit the public resale of record to one vote.  Failure to vote (returnthe Stronghold Shares. On October 13, 2022, the Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC.
Stronghold Director Nomination Agreement
On August 31, 2022, at the closing of the Purchase Agreement, Ring and Stronghold OpCo entered into a written consent form) at alldirector nomination agreement (the “Nomination Agreement”) containing provisions by which Stronghold OpCo will have the effectright to designate two directors to the Board. Stronghold OpCo has the right to designate two directors to the Board so long as it beneficially owns at least 15% of the outstanding Common Stock. Stronghold OpCo has the right to appoint one director to the Board so long as it beneficially owns between 10% to 15% of the outstanding Common Stock. Stronghold OpCo designated Roy I. Ben-Dor and David S. Habachy as directors who are nominated for reelection at the Annual Meeting.
The Audit Committee reviews any related party transactions. Annually, each Board member is required to submit a vote againstquestionnaire, disclosing any affiliations or relationships for evaluation as possible related party transactions.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Parties
The Board reviews and approves all relationships and transactions in which it and its directors, director nominees and executive officers and their immediate family members, as well as holders of more than 5% of any class of its voting securities
69

RING ENERGY
and their family members, have a direct or indirect material interest. In approving or rejecting such proposed relationships and transactions, the proposals.  Abstentions will haveBoard shall consider the effect of a vote againstrelevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to this determination. In each case, the proposals.  Broker non-votes will havestandard applied in approving the effect of a vote againsttransaction is the proposals.


Each member management owning sharesbest interests of the Company whichwithout regard to the interests of the individual officer or director involved in the aggregate represent approximately 34%transaction. These procedures for reviewing and approving conflict of the voting control of the Company, has indicated his intent to give written consent (as shareholder) in favor of the proposals.  We will not follow through with the proposals unless we also receive the written consent of a majority of the shares of Common Stock which would be duly outstandinginterest transactions are based on the Record Date.




Our board of directors recommends that you vote (giveCompany’s past practice and are not contained in any written consent) “FOR” the proposals.


Procedure for Implementing the Proposals


The Articles Amendment would become effective upon (i) the filing by us with the Nevada Secretary of State of a Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, reflecting the Articles Amendment, pursuant to Section 78.390(1) of the Nevada Revised Statutes, and (ii) 20 days have passed since this Consent Solicitation Statement was sent to shareholders.


The Plan Amendment would not become effective until (i) the written consent of a majority of the shares of Common Stock is obtained approving the Plan Amendment, and (ii) 20 days have passed since this Consent Solicitation Statement was sent to shareholders.


No Appraisal Rights


Under Nevada law and our charter documents, holders of our Common Stock will not be entitled to dissenters’ rights or appraisal rights with respect to the proposals.


policy.

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


The following table sets forth as of January 2, 2013,certain information regardingfurnished by current management and others, concerning the ownership of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stockour Common Stock by (i) each person who is known to managementus to own, beneficially orbe the beneficial owner of record, more than 5% of the outstanding sharesfive percent (5%) of our Common Stock, without regard to any limitations on conversion or exercise of convertible securities or warrants; (ii) each director of the Company,all directors and Named Executive Officers; and (iii) each executive officer of the Company, and (iv) allour directors and executive officers as a group. AsThe mailing address for each of January 2, 2013, a totalthe persons indicated in the table below is our corporate headquarters. The percentage ownership is based on shares outstanding as of 14,166,011 sharesMarch 28, 2023.
Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of our Common Stock were outstanding.  The addressthe SEC. In general, these rules attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power and/or investment power with respect to those securities and includes, among other things, securities that an individual has the right to acquire within 60 days. Unless otherwise indicated, the stockholders identified in the following table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.

SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNERNUMBER
APPROXIMATE PERCENT(1)
Named Executive Officers and Directors
Paul D. McKinney (2)
459,160*
Travis T. Thomas110,986*
Stephen D. Brooks135,751*
Marinos C. Baghdati135,751*
Alexander Dyes159,070*
Roy I. Ben-Dor*
John A. Crum194,193*
David S. Habachy37,797*
Richard E. Harris116,793*
Thomas L. Mitchell194,193*
Anthony B. Petrelli (4)
450,393*
Regina Roesener (5)
277,493*
Clayton E. Woodrum (3)
328,241*
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons) (6)
2,599,8211%
5% or Greater Stockholders (other than directors and executive officers)
Stronghold Energy II Operating, LLC(7)
59,594,85333%
William R. Kruse(8)
12,696,9487%
*Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%
(1)The percentage is based upon 180,627,484 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of March 28, 2023.
(2)Includes 35,700 common stock warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock on a one-to-one basis at an exercise price of $0.80 per share and expire on October 29, 2025.
(3)Includes 85,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable.
(4)Includes 50,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable.
(5)Includes 8,000 shares of Common Stock held by Eugene Neidiger Life Insurance Trust. Does not include 850 shares of Common Stock held as custodian for a minor son but has no pecuniary interest, or 850 shares of Common Stock held as custodian but has no pecuniary interest. Ms. Roesener disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock.
(6)Includes 135,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable. Also includes 35,700 common stock warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock on a one-to-one basis at an exercise price of $0.80 per share and expire on October 29, 2025.
(7)Based solely on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 31, 2022. The shares are held directly by Stronghold Energy II Operating, LLC (“Stronghold OpCo”). Stronghold Energy II Intermediate, LLC (“Stronghold Intermediate”) is the managing member of Stronghold OpCo, and Stronghold Energy II Holdings, LLC (“Stronghold Holdings” and, collectively with Stronghold OpCo and Stronghold Intermediate, the “Stronghold Entities”) is the managing member of Stronghold Intermediate. Warburg Pincus & Company US, LLC (“Warburg Pincus”) is the general partner of Warburg Pincus Partners II (US), L.P., which is the managing member of Warburg Pincus (E&P) Energy LLC and Warburg Pincus (E&P) XII LLC. Warburg Pincus (E&P) Energy LLC is the general partner of Warburg Pincus (E&P) Energy GP, L.P., which is the general partner of Warburg Pincus Energy (E&P)-A, L.P., WP Energy Stronghold Holdings, L.P., WP Energy Partners Stronghold Holdings, L.P., Warburg Pincus Energy (E&P) Partners-A, L.P., and Warburg Pincus Energy (E&P) Partners-B, L.P. Warburg Pincus
71

RING ENERGY
Energy (E&P) Partners-B, L.P. is the managing member of Warburg Pincus Energy (E&P) Partners-B Stronghold, LLC. Warburg Pincus (E&P) XII LLC is the general partner of Warburg Pincus (E&P) XII, L.P., which is the general partner of Warburg Pincus XII (E&P) Partners-1, L.P., Warburg Pincus XII (E&P) Partners-2, L.P., WP XII Stronghold Holdings, L.P., WP XII (E&P) Partners (A), L.P., WP XII (E&P) Partners (B), L.P., Warburg Pincus Private Equity (E&P) XII (A), L.P., Warburg Pincus Private Equity (E&P) XII-D (A), L.P., and Warburg Pincus Private Equity (E&P) XII-E (A), L.P. Warburg Pincus XII (E&P) Partners-2, L.P. is the managing member of Warburg Pincus XII (E&P) Partners-2 Stronghold, LLC (Warburg Pincus and the other Warburg entities listed above, collectively, the “Warburg Entities”). The Warburg Entities collectively hold a majority of the membership interests in Stronghold Holdings. Each of the Stronghold Entities, Warburg Entities and Roy Ben-Dor, (collectively, the “Warburg Persons”) directly (whether through ownership or position) or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, may be deemed for purposes of Section 13 of the Exchange Act to be the indirect beneficial owner of some or all of the shares held by the Stronghold OpCo. The Warburg Persons have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to the 59,594,853 shares held directly by Stronghold OpCo. The principal business address of each of the individuals listed belowStronghold Entities is c/o Ring Energy, Inc., 6555 South Lewis508 W. Wall Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136.


Name and Address of Beneficial Owners

 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1)

 

 

Percent of Shares

Outstanding

William Randy Broaddrick (2)

 

 

70,000

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

Robert J. Morley

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

1.20

%

 

 

 

Denny Nestripke (3)

 

 

58,000

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Harland

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L. Tim Rochford (4)

 

 

2,736,724

 

 

 

19.29

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stanley M. McCabe (5)

 

 

1,821,592

 

 

 

12.84

%

 

 

 

All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)

 

 

4,881,316

 

 

 

34.31

%

*Less than 1%.


(1)

This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and is believed to be accurate.  Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, we believe thatSuite 550, Midland, Texas 79701. The principal business address of each of the stockholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned.  Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities.  Shares of common stock subject to options, warrants, or other conversion privileges currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date of this table, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such option or warrant but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.  Where more than one person has a beneficial ownership interest in the same shares, the sharing of beneficial ownership of these shares is designated in the footnotes to this table.  At January 2, 2013, we had 14,166,011 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

(2)

Includes 20,000 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options.

(3)

Includes 30,000 shares held in an IRA and 2,000 shares held in a brokerage account.




(4)

Includes 20,000 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options.  Includes 272,057 shares held by a foundation controlled by Mr. Rochford.  Also includes 2,220,000 shares held by a family trust controlled by Mr. Rochford.

(5)

Includes 20,000 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options.  Includes 37,500 shares held by Mr. McCabe’s spouse.  Also includes 1,646,502 shares held by a family trust controlled by Mr. McCabe.


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


The following table sets forth information concerning the annual compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the named executive officers for all services rendered in all capacities to our company for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


Name & Principal Position

Year


Salary


Bonus

Option Awards (1)

All Other Compensation

Total

William Randy Broaddrick, Interim CEO and Interim CFO (2)

2012



$108,333.30 (3)



$3,000



$213,711 (4)

$0

$325,044.30

 

2011

$0

$0

$232,156 (5)

$0

$232,156

Robert “Steve” Owens, CEO (2)


2012


$0


$0


$0


$2,000 (6)


$2,000

 

2011

$0

$0

$0

$3,000 (6)

$3,000


(1)

The estimated value of options awarded was determined in accordance with FASB ASC 718.  Amounts reported do not reflect amounts actually received by the officer.

(2)

On August 31, 2012, Robert “Steve” Owens resigned as a director and as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and as President of the Company.  AlsoWarburg Entities and Mr. Ben-Dor is 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

(8)Based on August 31, 2012,a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023 reporting shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. William R. Broaddrick was appointed as the Interim Chief Executive OfficerKruse and Interim Chief Financial Officer.

(3)

The Company has agreedMrs. Deborah L. Kruse. Mr. Kruse reports sole voting and dispositive power over 1,014,300 shares, including 1,000,000 common stock warrants to pay Mr. Broaddrickpurchase shares of Common Stock on a yearly salary of $125,000.  $49,999.98 of salary earned by Mr. Broaddrick was earned under the arrangement with the Company and $58,333.32 of the salary earned by Mr. Broaddrick was earned underone-for-one basis at an arrangement with Stanford Energy, Inc. prior to the acquisition of Stanford by the Company.

(4)

On September 1, 2012, Mr. Broaddrick was granted 50,000 options with 20% vesting on the anniversary of the grant date for five years.  The exercise price of the options is $4.50.

(5)

On December 1, 2011,$0.80 per share, and 14,300 shares of Common Stock in his individual account with sole voting and investment control. Mr. Broaddrick was granted 100,000 optionsand Mrs. Kruse report shared voting and dispositive power over 11,682,648 shares in accounts as joint tenants with 20% vesting on the anniversaryright of survivorship. The address of the grant date for five years. The exercise price of the optionsreporting persons is $2.00.

(6)

We did not have an employment agreement with Mr. Owens and the Board of Directors had not adopted1340 S. Main Street, Suite 300, Grapevine, Texas 76051.

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
Changes in Control
There are no arrangements known to us, including any compensation policy for Mr. Owens.  We paid him a director fee of $250 per month beginning in 2010.





Equity Awards


OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS

As at December 31, 2012


 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable

 

Equity
Incentive
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)

 

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

 

Option
Expiration
Date

 

William Randy Broaddrick

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

12/1/21

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

80,000

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

12/1/21

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

4.50

 

 

9/1/22

 


On June 27, 2012, our Board of Directors adopted the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  The material features of the Plan have been summarized above.


The Company has not entered intopledge by any contract, agreement, plan, or arrangement, either written or unwritten, that provides for payments to a names executive officer at, following, or in connection with the resignation, retirement or other termination of a named executive officer, or a change in control of the Company or a change in the named executive officer’s responsibilities following a change in control, with respect to each named executive officer.


Director Compensation


The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensationperson of our directors, excluding any named executive officer, for the last fiscal year ended December 31, 2012:


 

 

 

Name

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash

Total

Michael Harland

$0

$0

Stanley McCabe

$0

$0

Robert Morley

$0

$0

Lloyd Tim Rochford

$0

$0

Denny Nestripke

$12,000(1)

$12,000


(1)

Mr. Nestripke, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, receives a fixed fee of $1,000 per month.


Directors are permitted to receive fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors.  The Board of Directors has the authority to fix the compensation of directors.  The Board of Directors has not adopted a compensation policy for directors except for the attendance at formal meetings of the Board of Directors, for which directors shall receive $350 for each half-day session and $500 for each full-day session.  However, no compensation shall be paid for telephonic or other type of meetings.





CHANGE OF CONTROL


On June 28, 2012, we completed the acquisition of Stanford Energy, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Stanford”), through the closing of the Stock-for-Stock Exchange Agreement dated May 3, 2012, among our Company, Stanford and the sole shareholders of Stanford, L. Tim Rochford and Stanley McCabe (the “Exchange Agreement”).  As a result of the closing of this acquisition, Stanford became a wholly owned subsidiary of our Company.


At the closing we issued 2,220,000 common shares to Mr. Rochford and 1,220,000 common shares to Mr. McCabe in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Stanford.  In addition, we assumed and adopted Stanford’s equity compensation plan and its outstanding options to purchase 450 shares of Stanford common stock, which now represents the right to purchase up to 1,125,000 shares of our common stock at $2.00 per share.  The options vest at the rate of 20% each year over five years beginning one year from December 1, 2011, the date they were originally granted, and expire ten years beginning from that date.  Messrs. Rochford and McCabe each own 40 Stanford options which are each exercisable for 100,000 of our common shares following closing.


In connection with the closing we also appointed Messrs. Rochford and McCabe, who were officers and directors of Stanford, as directors of Ring.


In connection with the closing of the acquisition of Stanford as described above, we issued an aggregate of 3,440,000 shares to Messrs. Rochford and McCabe which represented approximately 34% of the outstanding voting shares of the Company.


We are currently not aware of any arrangementssecurities, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.


DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS


We will only deliver one Consent Solicitation Statement to multiple shareholders sharing an address, unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information concerning our executive stock compensation plans as of such shareholders.  Also, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of this Consent Solicitation Statement and future shareholder communication documents to any shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of this Consent Solicitation Statement was delivered, or deliver a single copy of this Consent Solicitation Statement and future shareholder communication documents to any shareholder or shareholders sharing an address to which multiple copies are now delivered, upon written request to us at our address noted above.


Shareholders also may address future requests regarding delivery of Consent Solicitation Statements, proxy statements and annual reports by contacting us at the address noted above.


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS


There are no proposals by any security holder which are or could have been included within this consent solicitation.


We did not hold an annual meeting of shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20122022.


NUMBER OF SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTSWEIGHTED-AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTSNUMBER OF SECURITIES REMAINING AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS (EXCLUDING SECURITIES IN COLUMN (A))
(A)(B)(C)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
4,609,722$4.215,591,224
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders$
Total4,609,7225,591,224
(1) As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 2,623,790 shares of granted restricted stock units that had not yet vested, 1,720,432 shares of granted performance stock units that had not yet vested and as such, the deadline for submitting shareholder proposals for inclusion in our proxy statement for our next annual meeting will beassumes a reasonable time before we begin printing and distributing our proxy materials for our next annual meeting.


All shareholder proposals should be submitted100% issuance related to the attentionperformance stock unit awards which have a range of 0% to 200% based on the results of the performance criteria of the award, and 265,500 outstanding stock options that had not been exercised and issued. The outstanding stock options have a weighted average exercise price of $4.21.The outstanding restricted stock units and performance stock units do not have an exercise price.


DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our Secretary atequity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the addressSEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based on the Company’s review of these reports filed electronically with the SEC and written representations received from Reporting Persons, we believe that all of our principal executive offices.  We urge you to submit any such proposal by a means which will permit proofdirectors and officers complied with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the date of delivery, such as certified mail, return receipt requested.


By Order of the Board of Directors


Denny Nestripke

Vice President




Exchange Act during 2022, except with respect to one Form 4 for Mr. McKinney reporting one transaction that was not timely filed, one Form 4 for Mr. Baghdati reporting one transaction that was not timely filed, and one Form 4 for Mr. Brooks reporting one transaction that was not timely filed.


APPENDIX A


CERTIFICATE OF

73

RING ENERGY
PROPOSAL 2:
AMENDMENT

TO THE

ARTICLES
OF INCORPORATION

OF

RING ENERGY, INC.


The

BACKGROUND
Our Articles of Incorporation (as amended to date, the "Articles of Incorporation") currently authorizes a total of 275,000,000 authorized shares of stock, including 225,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. After careful consideration, for the reasons discussed below, our Board has adopted and approved and is recommending that our stockholders approve and adopt a proposal to approve and adopt an amendment (the Charter Amendment”) to our Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 225,000,000 to 450,000,000 shares. No increase in the number of shares of authorized preferred stock is being proposed. The text of the proposed Certificate of Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation, which we refer to as amended,the Certificate of Ring Energy, Inc.,Amendment, is attached as Appendix B.
For the reasons discussed below, our Board determined that the proposed Charter Amendment was advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and approved and adopted the Charter Amendment, subject to stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting. The adoption of the Charter Amendment is expressly conditioned upon the approval of the Charter Amendment by our stockholders. Accordingly, if we do not receive the required stockholder approval for the Charter Amendment, we will not adopt the Charter Amendment.
If stockholders approve and adopt the Charter Amendment, it will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, corporation, are hereby amended as follows:


1.

which the Company intends to file shortly after the Annual Meeting.

Text of the Proposed Amendment
The following is the text of the proposed Charter Amendment.
The first paragraph of the FOURTH Article numbered “FOURTH” of the Articles of Incorporation iswould be amended and restated to read in its entirety to read as follows:


The corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue is TwoFive Hundred million (200,000,000)Million (500,000,000). The number of shares of Common Stock authorized is one hundred fifty million (150,000,000)Four Hundred Fifty Million (450,000,000) shares, par value $0.001 per share. The number of shares of Preferred Stock authorized is fifty millionFifty Million (50,000,000) shares, par value $0.001.


a)

Reasons for the Proposed Amendment
After careful consideration, our Board determined, subject to stockholder approval, to approve the Charter Amendment to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 225,000,000 to 450,000,000 shares. In making this decision, the Board considered it advisable and preferable to have a sufficient number of unissued and unreserved authorized shares of Common Stock to provide the Company with enhanced flexibility with respect to our authorized share capital as the Company considers strategic and financial alternatives that further promote the long-term sustainability of our business. This includes capital raising transactions and acquisitions of oil and gas assets, which may include public offerings for cash.
The Charter Amendment is intended to ensure that we will continue to have an adequate number of authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock available for future use. As is the case with the shares of stock which are currently authorized but unissued, if the Charter Amendment is adopted by the Company’s stockholders, the Board will have authority to issue the additional shares of stock from time to time without further action on the part of stockholders to the extent not prohibited by
74

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
applicable law or by the rules of any stock exchange or market on which our securities may then be listed or authorized for quotation.
Possible Effects of the Proposed Amendment
If the proposed Charter Amendment to authorize an additional 225,000,000 shares of Common Stock described above is approved and adopted by our stockholders, we will have the authority under our Articles of Incorporation to have up to 450,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. As of the close of business on the Record Date, we had 180,627,484 shares of Common Stock and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. Additionally, we have approximately 14.6 million shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of our outstanding warrants and approximately 9.3 million shares (or 15.3 million shares if Proposal 3 is approved) of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan for existing awards and future awards. If this proposal is approved, the additional authorized shares of Common Stock may be issued at the discretion of the Board without further stockholder action, except as may be required by law or the rules of NYSE American. The increase in authorized shares would not have any immediate dilutive effect on the proportionate voting power or other rights of existing stockholders. However, any subsequent issuance of shares of Common Stock, other than on a pro-rata basis to all stockholders, would reduce each stockholder’s proportionate interest in our Company. Any of the additional shares of Common Stock issued in the future would have the same rights and privileges as attach to the Common Stock currently authorized and outstanding and the par value of the Common Stock would remain unchanged at $0.001 par value per share. Those rights do not include preemptive rights with respect to the future issuance of any additional shares.
We have not proposed the increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock with the intention of using the additional authorized shares for anti-takeover purposes, but the Company would be able to use the additional shares to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay or prevent changes in control or management of the Company. Although this proposal to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock has been prompted by business and financial considerations, and not by the threat of any known or threatened hostile takeover attempt, stockholders should be aware that approval of this proposal could facilitate future attempts by the Company to oppose changes in control of the Company and perpetuate our management, including transactions in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices.
If the stockholders approve the proposal, the Charter Amendment will become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Amendment as set out above and in Appendix B with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada.
If Proposal 2 is not approved and adopted by our stockholders, our Articles of Incorporation will not be amended as set forth above and we will continue to have the authority under our Articles of Incorporation to only have up to 225,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. We would encounter greater difficulty in carrying out our business strategy because we may be unable (1) to issue additional shares of Common Stock to attract new employees or to award current employees for future performance, (2) to raise capital by issuing shares of our Common Stock, and (3) to acquire other businesses or assets in exchange for shares of our Common Stock.
Interests of Directors and Executive Officers
No director or executive officer has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in the authorized share increase proposed above that is not shared by all other stockholders.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required to approve and adopt the proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 225,000,000 to 450,000,000.



75

RING ENERGY
BOARD RECOMMENDATION ON PROPOSAL
The Board unanimously recommends a vote for the Charter Amendment to increase the authorized shares of common stock from 225,000,000 to 450,000,000. The management proxy holder will vote all properly submitted proxies for the proposal unless properly instructed otherwise.
76

2023 PROXY STATEMENT
PROPOSAL 3:
AMENDMENT TO THE RING ENERGY, INC.
2021 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
At the annual meeting of our stockholders on May 25, 2021, the Ring Energy, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved and adopted by our stockholders (the “2021 Plan”). In April 2023, our Board approved an amendment (the “Plan Amendment”) to the 2021 Plan, subject to stockholder approval, to increase the number of shares of our Common Stock authorized to be issued under the 2021 Plan by 6.0 million shares. See the “Amendment No. 1 to the Ring Energy, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan” attached as Appendix C to this proxy statement. If the Plan Amendment is approved by stockholders, we intend to file, pursuant to the Securities Act, a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the additional shares available for delivery under the 2021 Plan as soon as practicable after the Annual Meeting.
Description and Text of the Proposed Plan Amendment
Our Board has determined that, to give us the ability to attract and retain the executive and key employee talent necessary for our continued growth and success, the number of shares of our Common Stock available for issuance under the 2021 Plan should be increased by 6.0 million shares, and is proposing an amendment to effect such an increase. In evaluating the amount of the increase in the number of shares available under the 2021 Plan, the Board considered our employee headcount, which has increased due to the recently closed Stronghold Acquisition, and the Board believes that equity incentives, if fully achieved, should be a larger portion of overall compensation. Additionally, the recently closed Stronghold Acquisition resulted in the issuance of a significant number of shares of Common Stock and the increase in the shares pursuant to the Plan Amendment are commensurate with such issuance of shares. In approving and recommending the increase in the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2021 Plan, the Board concluded such increase was advisable and in our best interests to provide us with maximum flexibility to use equity awards to continue to support our growth strategy and maintain our ability to attract and retain talented executives and employees. Because the amount and timing of specific equity awards in the future is dependent on our employee headcount, management performance, competitive compensation practices, our stock price and a variety of other factors, some of which are beyond our control, it is not possible to determine when or if the currently proposed increase in shares under the 2021 Plan will be exhausted or the amount of subsequent dilution that may ultimately result from such awards.
To effect the increase in the aggregate number of shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under the 2021 Plan, it is proposed that the Section 4(a) of the 2021 Plan be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
"(a) Subject to Section 5 of the Plan, the number of Shares that are reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan is the sum of (i) 15,900,000 Shares, which includes 341,155 Shares that are reserved but unissued under the Prior Plan, and (ii) any Shares under the Prior Plan subject to awards that, after the Effective Date, are forfeited, terminated, lapsed or satisfied thereunder in cash or property other than Shares. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Options intended to be Incentive Stock Options is 15,900,000.”
SUMMARY OF THE 2021 PLAN
The following is a summary description of the material features of the 2021 Plan, as proposed to be amended by the Plan Amendment (together, the “Amended Plan”). The statements made in this proxy statement regarding the Plan Amendment to the 2021 Plan should be read in conjunction with and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the 2021 Plan, a copy of which is available as Appendix A to our definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 22, 2021. Prior filings with the SEC are available through our website at www.ringenergy.com or in printed form upon request by any stockholder.

77

RING ENERGY
The Amended Plan currently is effective until May 25, 2031. The purposes of the Amended Plan are to create incentives which are designed to motivate participants to put forth maximum effort toward our success and growth and to enable us to attract and retain experienced individuals who, by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to our success, and thereby to enhance stockholder value.
Proposed Share Reserve: The number of shares of our Common Stock that will be reserved for issuance pursuant to the Amended Plan will not exceed the sum of 15,900,000 shares, which as of March 28, 2023 includes 6,000,0000 shares to be added pursuant to the Plan Amendment, 2,158,220 shares remaining available for awards under the 2021 Plan and 341,155 shares that are reserved but unissued under the Ring Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”), and any shares originally reserved under the Prior Plan that, after May 25, 2021, are forfeited, terminated, lapsed, or satisfied thereunder in cash or property other than shares. As of March 28, 2023, there were 6,437,114 shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2021 Plan, 680,633 shares subject to outstanding equity awards under the Prior Plan and 265,000 shares subject to outstanding stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $4.21 and a weighted average remaining term of 1.63 years under the Prior Plan. The closing price of a share of our Common Stock on April __, 2023, reported on the NYSE American (the “NYSE”) was $___.
Minimum Vesting: The Amended Plan includes a minimum vesting period for all awards granted thereunder of one year from the date of grant, subject to certain limited exceptions (including an exception for up to 5% of the shares reserved for issuance under the Amended Plan).
No “Liberal” Share Recycling: Under the Amended Plan, any shares withheld from any award to cover taxes or any exercise price, and any shares tendered to exercise outstanding options or repurchased on the open market using exercise price proceeds, will not be again available for issuance thereunder.
No Dividends or Dividend Equivalents Paid on Unvested Awards: To the extent that any award under the Amended Plan contains a right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents while such award remains unvested, such dividends or dividend equivalents will be accumulated and only paid once and to the extent that the underlying award vests.
Non-Employee Director Limit: The Amended Plan contains an annual limit of $750,000 on the cash and equity compensation that may be paid or awarded to a non-employee director in any fiscal year with respect to his or her service as a non-employee director.
No Repricing of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights: The Amended Plan prohibits the repricing of stock options and stock appreciation rights and cash buyouts of underwater options and stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval.
Plan Term: The Amended Plan will expire on May 25, 2031, unless earlier terminated by the Board or the Compensation Committee, but awards granted prior to such date may extend beyond that date.
Clawback Provisions: Awards granted under the Amended Plan are subject to any compensation recoupment policy adopted by the Company from time to time.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AMENDED PLAN
The principal purposes of the Amended Plan are to: (a) encourage profitability and growth of the Company through short- term and long-term incentives that are consistent with the Company’s objectives; (b) to give participants an incentive for excellence in individual performance; (c) to promote teamwork among participants; and (d) to give the Company a significant advantage in attracting and retaining key employees, directors, and consultants. To accomplish such purposes, the Amended Plan provides that the Company may grant options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance-based awards (including performance-based restricted shares and restricted stock units), other share-based awards, other cash-based awards, or any combination of the foregoing. When considering new grants of share-based or option-based awards, we intend to take into account previous grants of such awards. A summary of the material provisions of the Amended Plan is set forth below.

78

2023 PROXY STATEMENT


Administration. The Amended Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee (referred to below as the plan administrator). The plan administrator has the power to determine the terms of the awards granted under the Amended Plan, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to each award, and the exercisability of the awards. The plan administrator also has full power to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which awards will be made and to make all other determinations and take all other actions advisable for the administration of the Amended Plan.
Eligible Participants. Certain employees, non-employee directors and consultants are eligible to be granted awards under the Amended Plan, other than incentive stock options, which may be granted only to employees. As of April 11, 2023, there were approximately 102 employees and eight non-employee directors who would potentially be eligible to receive awards under the Amended Plan.
Shares Available for Awards; Award Limits. The number of shares of our Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Amended Plan is equal to the sum of (i) 15,900,000 shares, which includes 341,155 shares that are reserved but unissued under the Prior Plan and (ii) any shares subject to outstanding awards under the Prior Plan that, after May 25, 2021, are forfeited, terminated, lapsed, or satisfied thereunder in cash or property other than shares. A maximum of 15,900,000 shares may be issued under the Amended Plan pursuant to incentive stock options. The number of shares issued or reserved pursuant to the Amended Plan will be adjusted by the plan administrator, as they deem appropriate and equitable, as a result of stock splits, stock dividends, and similar changes in our Common Stock. The maximum number of shares subject to awards granted during any fiscal year to any non-employee director, taken together with any cash fees paid to such non-employee director during the fiscal year with respect to such director’s service as a non-employee director, will not exceed $750,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such awards based on the grant date fair market value of such awards for financial reporting purposes).
Any shares of Common Stock subject to an award under the Amended Plan that, after the effective date thereof, are forfeited, cancelled, settled or otherwise terminated without a distribution of shares of Common Stock to a participant will thereafter be deemed to be available for awards. However, none of the following will be added back to the shares authorized for grant under the Amended Plan: (i) shares otherwise issuable or issued in respect of, or as part of, any award withheld to cover taxes or any applicable exercise price, (ii) shares subject to share-settled stock appreciation rights or options that are exercised, (iii) shares tendered to exercise outstanding options or other awards or to cover applicable taxes on such awards, or (iv) shares repurchased on the open market using exercise price proceeds. Shares underlying awards that are subject to the achievement of performance goals will be counted against the share reserve based on the target value of such awards unless, and until, such time as such awards become vested and settled in shares, and awards that, pursuant to their terms, may be settled only in cash will not count against the share reserve.
Adjustments. If there is any change in the Company’s capitalization resulting from a merger, consolidation, reclassification, or other corporate transaction, a stock split, reorganization, or other change in corporate structure, the plan administrator will adjust the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities permitted to be delivered under the Amended Plan, adjust the terms of outstanding awards, including the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities subject to outstanding awards, in each case as and to the extent the plan administrator determines an adjustment to be appropriate and equitable, to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights.
Minimum Vesting Requirement. Except in the case of substitute awards, awards granted under the Amended Plan will be subject to a minimum vesting period of one year from the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the plan administrator may provide, in an award agreement or following the time of grant, that the vesting of an award will accelerate in the event of a participant’s death or disability, and the plan administrator may grant awards covering 5% of the shares reserved for issuance under the Amended Plan without regard to the minimum vesting provision. The vesting of any unvested awards granted to non-employee directors will be deemed to satisfy the one-year minimum vesting provision if the awards vest on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the next regular annual meeting of stockholders that is at least 50 weeks after the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting.
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RING ENERGY
Stock Options. Under the Amended Plan, the plan administrator may grant participants incentive stock options, which qualify for special tax treatment in the United States, as well as non-qualified stock options. Stock options are a variable component of compensation designed to incentivize the participants to grow the Company and to increase the value of our shares.
The plan administrator will establish the duration of each option at the time it is granted, with a maximum duration of 10 years (or in the case of a ten percent (10%) stockholder within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code, five years) from the date such option is granted, and may also establish vesting performance requirements that must be met prior to the exercise of options. Stock option grants must have an exercise price that is equal to or greater than the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock option grants may include provisions that permit the option holder to exercise all or part of the holder’s vested options, or to satisfy withholding tax liabilities, by tendering shares of our Common Stock already owned by the option holder with a fair market value equal to the exercise price. Dividends may not be paid on awards of stock options under the Amended Plan. Unless otherwise directed by a participant in writing, each vested and unexercised option held by a participant who is actively in service with the Company will automatically be exercised on the last business day before such option expires, so long as the per-share exercise price of the option is less than the fair market value of a share on that date.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The plan administrator may also grant stock appreciation rights, which will be exercisable upon the occurrence of certain contingent events. Stock appreciation rights are a variable component of compensation designed to retain key employees. Stock appreciation rights entitle the holder upon exercise to receive an amount in any combination of cash and shares (as determined by the plan administrator) equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of the shares covered by the stock appreciation rights over the exercise price of the right. Unless otherwise directed by a participant in writing, each vested and unexercised stock appreciation right held by a participant who is actively in service with the Company will automatically be exercised on the last business day before such stock appreciation right expires, so long as the per-share exercise price of the stock appreciation right is less than the fair market value of a share on that date.
Restricted Shares. The plan administrator may also grant restricted shares, which are awards of our shares of Common Stock that vest in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the plan administrator. A participant holding restricted shares will generally have the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares; however, the plan administrator will determine in the award agreement whether the participant will be entitled receive accrued dividends on such shares upon their vesting. Restricted shares are a variable component of compensation also available to retain key employees when deemed appropriate.
Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock at a specified date in the future, subject to forfeiture of such right. If the restricted stock unit has not been forfeited, then on the date specified in the restricted stock unit grant, we must deliver to the holder of the restricted stock unit, unrestricted shares of our Common Stock, which will be freely transferable. A participant holding restricted stock units will have no voting rights with respect thereto. The plan administrator will determine in the award agreement whether the participant will be entitled to receive accrued dividend equivalents on such restricted stock units upon their vesting and settlement. Restricted stock units are a variable component of compensation also designed to retain key employees when deemed appropriate.
Performance-Based Awards. Performance-based awards are denominated in shares, stock units, or cash, and are linked to the satisfaction of performance criteria established by the plan administrator. Performance-based awards are a variable component of compensation designed to reward key management for achieving annual performance goals. The performance-based criteria applicable to such awards will be determined by the plan administrator and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net operating profit after tax; cash flow; revenue; net revenues; sales; days sales outstanding; income; net income; operating income; net operating income, operating margin; earnings; earnings per share; return on equity; return on investment; return on capital; return on assets; return on net assets; total stockholder return; economic profit; market share; appreciation in the fair market value, book value or other measure of value of our shares; expense/cost control; working capital; customer satisfaction; employee retention or employee turnover; employee satisfaction or engagement; environmental, health, or other
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
safety goals; individual performance; strategic objective milestones; any other criteria specified by the plan administrator in its sole discretion; or any combination of, or a specified increase in, any of the foregoing.
Other Awards. In addition to the awards described above, the plan administrator may grant other incentives payable in cash or shares under the Amended Plan as it deems consistent with the terms of the Amended Plan and subject to such other terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.
Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. To the extent that any award under the Amended Plan contains a right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents while such award remains unvested, notwithstanding anything in the Amended Plan to the contrary, such dividends or dividend equivalents will be accumulated and paid once and to the extent that the underlying award vests.
Deferrals of Payment. The plan administrator may determine that the delivery of shares or cash upon the vesting, exercise or settlement of an award under the Amended Plan may or will be deferred in accordance with applicable law.
Change in Control Provisions. Unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, in the event that a change in control occurs and any or all outstanding awards are continued, assumed or substituted for an economically equivalent award in connection with such change in control, if a participant’s employment or service is terminated by the Company, its successor or affiliate thereof, without cause on or after the effective date of the change in control but prior to twenty-four (24) months following the change in control transaction, then as of the date of such termination: (1) any unvested or unexercisable portion of any award carrying a right to exercise will become fully vested and exercisable; and (2) the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any such award will lapse and such awards will be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at the target level. Unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, in the event that a change in control occurs, and any awards are not continued, assumed or substituted for an economically equivalent in connection with the change in control transaction, then as of the date of such change in control: (1) any unvested or unexercisable portion of any award carrying a right to exercise will become fully vested and exercisable; and (2) the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any such award will lapse and such awards will be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at the greater of (x) target or (y) actual performance through the date of such change in control.
Amendment and Termination. The Board or the Compensation Committee may alter, amend, modify, or terminate the Amended Plan at any time; provided that the approval of our stockholders will be obtained for any amendment to the Amended Plan that requires stockholder approval under the rules of the NYSE or in accordance with other applicable law. In addition, without stockholder approval, to the extent required by the rules of the stock exchange(s) on which the shares are traded, except as otherwise permitted under the “equitable adjustments” provisions of the Amended Plan, (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the exercise price of any stock option or stock appreciation right, (ii) the plan administrator may not cancel any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right and replace it with a new option or stock appreciation right, another award or cash and (iii) the plan administrator may not take any other action that is considered a “repricing” for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of the applicable stock exchange(s). No modification of an award will, without the prior written consent of the participant, adversely alter or impair the rights of a participant under the Amended Plan.
Compliance with Applicable Laws. We intend for awards granted under the Amended Plan to be designed, granted, and administered in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
Future awards under the Amended Plan will be made at the discretion of the plan administrator based on such factors as the plan administrator deems relevant at the time the awards are made. Accordingly, awards that may be granted under the Amended Plan are not determinable at this time.


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RING ENERGY
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a brief description of the federal income tax treatment that generally applies to Plan awards. The description is based on current federal tax laws, rules and regulations, which are subject to change, and does not purport to be a complete description of the federal income tax aspects of the Amended Plan. A participant may also be subject to state, local and foreign taxes.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. The grant of a non-qualified stock option will not result in taxable income to the participant. The participant will realize ordinary income at the time of exercise in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the then fair market value of the stock acquired over the exercise price for those shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Gains or losses realized by the participant upon disposition of such shares will be treated as capital gains or losses, with the basis in such stock equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise.
Incentive Stock Options. The grant of an incentive stock option will not result in taxable income to the participant. The exercise of an incentive stock option will also not result in taxable income to the participant if the participant was continuously employed by the Company or an affiliate from the date of the grant of the option until the date three months prior to the date of exercise (one year prior to the date of exercise if the participant is disabled). However, the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock at the time of the exercise over the exercise price is an adjustment that is included in the calculation of the participant’s alternative minimum taxable income for the tax year in which the incentive stock option is exercised.
If the participant does not sell or otherwise dispose of the stock received pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option within two years from the date of the grant of the incentive stock option or within one year after the transfer of such stock to the participant, then, upon disposition of such stock, any amount realized in excess of the exercise price will be taxed to the participant as capital gain, and the Company will not be entitled to a corresponding deduction. If the foregoing holding period requirements are not met, the participant will generally realize ordinary income at the time of the disposition of the shares, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price, or (ii) the excess, if any, of the amount realized upon disposition of the shares over the exercise price, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction. In addition, the participant will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the value of the shares on the date of exercise.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The grant of a stock appreciation right will not result in taxable income to the participant. The participant will realize ordinary income at the time of exercise in an amount equal to the amount of cash or the fair market value of the shares paid upon exercise, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Gains or losses realized by the participant upon subsequent disposition of any shares received will be treated as capital gains or losses, with the basis in such stock equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise.
Restricted Stock and Performance-Based Shares. A grant of restricted stock or performance-based shares will not result in taxable income to the participant at the time of grant, and the Company will not be entitled to a corresponding deduction, assuming that the shares are subject to transferability restrictions and that certain restrictions on the shares constitute a “substantial risk of forfeiture” for federal income tax purposes and the participant does not make an 83(b) election (as discussed below). Upon vesting, the holder will realize ordinary income in an amount equal to the then fair market value of the vested shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Gains or losses realized by the participant upon subsequent disposition of such shares will be treated as capital gains or losses, with the basis in such shares equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of vesting. Dividends accumulated and paid to the holder of restricted stock upon vesting also will be compensation income to the participant (taxable as wages if the participant is an employee), and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction when the accumulated dividends are paid. A participant has the opportunity, within certain limits, to fix the amount and timing of the taxable income attributable to a grant of restricted stock. A participant may be permitted to elect, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, within 30 days of the grant, to have ordinary income recognized immediately for the year in which a restricted stock award or performance share award, as the case may be, is granted in an amount equal to the difference between the amount paid for such restricted stock (if any) and the fair market value on the date of the grant, and to have the applicable capital gain holding period commence as of that
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
date. In such a case, the Company would be entitled to a corresponding deduction for the year in which the stock is granted in the amount of such income recognized by the participant.
Restricted Stock Units. A grant of restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units) will not result in taxable income to the participant at the time of grant, and the Company will not be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Upon vesting and issuance of the underlying shares, the holder will realize ordinary income in an amount equal to the then fair market value of the issued shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Gains or losses realized by the participant upon subsequent disposition of such shares will be treated as capital gains or losses, with the basis in such shares equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of vesting and issuance. Accumulated dividend equivalents paid to the holder of restricted stock units upon their vesting and issuance also will be compensation income to the participant (taxable as wages if the participant is an employee), and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction when the dividend equivalents are paid.
Performance Awards and Other Share-Based or Cash-Based Awards. A grant of a performance award or other stock-based or cash-based award will not result in taxable income to the participant at the time of grant, and the Company will not be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Upon payment of cash or the vesting or issuance of the underlying shares, the participant will realize ordinary income in an amount equal to the cash received or the then fair market value of the issued shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction. Gains or losses realized by the participant upon subsequent disposition of such shares will be treated as capital gains or losses, with the basis in such shares equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of vesting and issuance.
Deductibility Limit on Compensation in Excess of $1 Million. Section 162(m) of the Code generally limits the deductible amount of total annual compensation paid by a public company to each “covered employee” to no more than $1 million.
Tax Withholding. As a condition to the delivery of any shares to the recipient of an award, the Company may require the recipient to make arrangements for meeting certain tax withholding requirements in connection with the award.
Importance of Consulting a Tax Adviser. The information set forth above is a summary only and does not purport to be complete. In addition, the information is based upon Federal income tax rules as of the date hereof and therefore is subject to change when those rules change. Moreover, because the tax consequences to any recipient may depend on their particular situation, each recipient should consult their tax adviser as to the Federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences of the grant or exercise of an award or the disposition of shares acquired as a result of an award.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the Plan Amendment.


BOARD RECOMMENDATION ON PROPOSAL
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" the approval
and adoption of the Plan Amendment to the 2021 Plan.



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RING ENERGY
PROPOSAL 4:
NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are providing our stockholders the opportunity to cast a non- binding, advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement. The stockholder vote on executive compensation is an advisory vote only, and it is not binding on the Company, the Board, or the Compensation Committee. Although the vote is non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board value the opinions of the Company’s stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions.
As described under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we believe our compensation policies and programs support our key business objectives of creating value for, and promoting the interests of, our stockholders. In order to align the interests of our Named Executive Officers with those of our stockholders, we believe that each Named Executive Officer’s total annual cash compensation should vary with the performance of the Company and that long-term incentives awarded to Named Executive Officers should be aligned with the interests of the Company’s stockholders. The Company strives to attract, motivate, and retain high-quality executives who are willing to accept a lower base compensation in cash and be rewarded with equity awards based on performance and the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Company, thereby allowing the Company to better align the interests of its executives with its stockholders.
Specifically, the primary objectives of our compensation policies are as follows:
Align the compensation of our Named Executive Officers and other managers with our stockholders’ interests and motivate our executive officers to meet the Company’s objectives;
Pay for performance, taking into consideration both the performance of the Company and the individual in determining executive compensation;
Promote Named Executive Officer accountability by compensating Named Executive Officers for their contributions to the achievement of the Company’s objectives (while discouraging excessive risk-taking not in the interest of long-term value for our stockholders); and
Attract and retain highly qualified executives with significant industry knowledge and experience by providing them with a fair compensation program that provides financial stability and incentivizes growth in stockholder value.
The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation, but rather relates to the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers, as described in this proxy statement. To the extent there is any significant vote against our Named Executive Officer compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, the Board and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address the concerns of our stockholders.


BOARD RECOMMENDATION ON PROPOSAL
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the approval of the compensation paid
to our Named Executive Officers as set forth in this proxy statement.

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
PROPOSAL 5:
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT
OF GRANT THORNTON LLP
With authority granted by our Board, the Audit Committee has appointed Grant Thornton LLP ("Grant Thornton") as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Although stockholder ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton is not required, the Audit Committee and our Board consider it desirable for our stockholders to vote upon this selection. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it believes that such a change would be in the best interest of our stockholders and us.
Representatives from Grant Thornton are not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. If present, these representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and would be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Former Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On March 25, 2021, after review of the independent registered public accounting firms, the Audit Committee made the decisions to change the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and dismissed Eide Bailly LLP ("Eide Bailly") as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The audit reports of Eide Bailly on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and they were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the subsequent period through March 25, 2021, there were (1) no disagreements within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions between the Company and Eide Bailly on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to Eide Bailly’s satisfaction, would have caused Eide Bailly to make reference thereto in its reports, and (2) no reportable events within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
The Company provided Eide Bailly with a copy of its Current Report on Form 8-K and requested Eide Bailly to furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the statements made by the Company herein and if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of Eide Bailly’s letter, dated March 26, 2021, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 2021.

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RING ENERGY
PRINCIPAL INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES PAID IN 2022 AND 2021
The Audit Committee selected Grant Thornton as the Company’s independent registered accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit, audit-related, tax services, and other services performed by the independent auditor.
Fees and Independence
Audit Fees.Grant Thornton billed the Company an aggregate of $572,102 and $471,000 for professional services rendered for the review of the Company’s financial statements included in its Form 10-Q’s for 2022 and 2021 and the audit of the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Audit Related Fees. Grant Thornton did not provide any audit related services for 2022 or 2021.
Tax Fees.Grant Thornton did not provide professional tax services for 2022 or 2021.
All Other Fees.No other fees were billed by Grant Thornton during 2022 and 2021.
The Audit Committee discussed with Grant Thornton the matters required to be discussed pursuant to the applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") Auditing Standards. The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Grant Thornton required by PCAOB Rule 3526 regarding Grant Thornton’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Grant Thornton its independence.
Pre-Approval Policy
The policy of the Audit Committee and our Board, as applicable, is to pre-approve all services by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy that provides guidelines for the audit, audit-related, tax, and other non-audit services that may be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The policy (a) identifies the guiding principles that must be considered by the Audit Committee in approving services to ensure that the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence is not impaired; (b) describes the audit, audit-related, tax and other services that may be provided and the non-audit services that are prohibited; and (c) sets forth the pre-approval requirements for all permitted services. Under the policy, all services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee; the Company obtained all required approvals during
2021 and 2022.


BOARD RECOMMENDATION ON PROPOSAL
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP
as Ring Energy, Inc.’s independent auditor for the 2023 fiscal year. The management proxy holder
will vote all properly submitted proxies FOR ratification unless properly instructed otherwise.

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee is comprised of five independent, non-employee directors. The Board has determined that the members of the Audit Committee satisfy the NYSE American listing standards for independence necessary to serve on the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that four of the members of the Audit Committee meet the requirements of an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC.
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, as may be amended from time to time by the Board. The principal functions of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, the performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate our independent registered public accounting firm and to approve the compensation paid to our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is also responsible for overseeing our internal audit function. This is a report on the Audit Committee’s activities relating to 2022.
Review of Audited Financial Statements with Management
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operation with management of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
The members of the Audit Committee rely, without independent verification, on information provided to them and on the representations made by Company management and the independent auditor. Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained and applied appropriate accounting and financial principles or appropriate internal controls and procedures, that the Company’s financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of the Company’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, or that the independent registered public accounting firm is in fact “independent.”

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RING ENERGY
Review of Financial Statements and Other Matters with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee discussed with Grant Thornton, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC. The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Grant Thornton required by applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") requirements regarding the firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with Grant Thornton its independence. These discussions included a review of all audit services provided by Grant Thornton to the Company.
Recommendation that Financial Statements be Included in the Annual Report
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to above and in the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for filing with the SEC.


THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Clayton E. Woodrum (Chair)
Anthony B. Petrelli
Regina Roesener
Thomas L. Mitchell
Richard E. Harris

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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING
Pursuant to the rules promulgated by the SEC, stockholders interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in our proxy materials and for presentation at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders may do so by following the procedures set forth in Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act addresses when a company must include a stockholder’s proposal in its proxy statement and identify the proposal in its form of proxy when the company holds an annual or special meeting of stockholders. Under Rule 14a-8, proposals that stockholders intend to have included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2024 annual meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company no later than December __, 2023. However, if the date of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders changes by more than 30 days from the date of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the deadline is a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy materials, which deadline will be set forth in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or will otherwise be communicated to stockholders. Stockholder proposals must also be otherwise eligible for inclusion.
In addition to the requirements of Rule 14a-8, and as more specifically provided for in our bylaws, in order for a nomination of persons for election to our Board or a proposal of business to be properly brought before our annual meeting of stockholders, nominations for election as a director and proposals for stockholder action may be made only by stockholders of the Company of record by giving written notice delivered or mailed to the Secretary of the Company:
(a) in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders that is called for a date that is within thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders, not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to such anniversary date; and (b) in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders that is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders, or in the case of a special meeting of stockholders, not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the meeting was made, whichever occurs first. If the date of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders is the same as the date of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a stockholder making a nomination for election to our Board or a proposal of business for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders must deliver proper notice to us no later than the close of business on January 26, 2024.
Proposals must also comply with the provisions contained in our bylaws relating to stockholder proposals, including provision of the information specified in our bylaws, such as information concerning the nominee or the proposal. Any proposals that do not meet the requirements set forth in our bylaws, other than proposals submitted in compliance with SEC Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, will be declared out of order and will not be considered at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders.

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RING ENERGY
OTHER BUSINESS
Our Board knows of no matter other than those described herein that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. However, should any other matters properly come before the Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof, it is the intention of the person(s) named in the accompanying proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgment in the interest of our Company and our stockholders.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, excluding exhibits, is available on our website, and will be furnished at no charge to each person to whom a proxy statement is delivered upon the request of such person. Exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available upon payment of a reasonable fee, which is limited to our expenses in furnishing the requested exhibit. Such requests should be directed to: Ring Energy, Inc., Attention: Travis T. Thomas, Chief Financial Officer, 1725 Hughes Landing Blvd., Suite 900, The Woodlands, TX 77380 or call (281) 397-3699.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Travis T. Thomas
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary & Treasurer
The Woodlands, Texas April [ ], 2023
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2023 PROXY STATEMENT
APPENDIX A

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus net interest expense, unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives, ceiling test impairment, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset retirement obligation accretion, transaction costs and share-based compensation. Company management believes this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand Ring’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as Ring calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
Adjusted EBITDA
Net Income$138,635,025
Interest expense, net23,167,729
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of derivatives(40,993,295)
Income tax expense8,408,724
Depreciation, depletion and amortization55,740,767
Asset retirement obligation accretion983,432
Transaction costs - Stronghold Acquisition2,135,990
Share-based compensation7,162,231
Adjusted EBITDA$195,240,603

The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA (defined above) less net interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing cost), capital expenditures and proceeds from divestiture of oil and natural gas properties. For this purpose, the Company’s definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and the lease maintenance costs) and equipment, furniture and fixtures, but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in the Company’s capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Company management believes that Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of its current operating activities after the impact of accrued capital expenditures and net interest expense and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. There is no commonly accepted definition Free Cash Flow within the industry. Accordingly, Free Cash Flow, as defined and calculated by the Company, may not be comparable to Free Cash Flow or other similarly named non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. While the Company includes net interest expense in the calculation of Free Cash Flow, other mandatory debt service requirements of future payments of principal at maturity (if such debt is not refinanced) are excluded from the calculation of Free Cash Flow. These and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses.

91

RING ENERGY
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
Free Cash Flow
Adjusted EBITDA$195,240,603
Net interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs)(20,461,708)
Capital expenditures(140,051,159)
Proceeds from divestiture of oil and natural gas properties23,700
Free Cash Flow$34,751,436

The Company calculates “CROCE,” or Cash Return on Capital Employed, by dividing the Company's consolidated cash flow from operations, excluding changes in working capital, by the Company's average total debt and stockholders' equity for each calendar year, with average total debt and stockholders' equity being based on the simple average of such values as of the first and last day of the applicable calendar year.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
CROCE
Average debt$352,500,000
Average stockholders' equity480,988,237
Average debt and stockholders' equity$833,488,237
CFFO (Cash Flows From Operations) Calculation:
Total CFFO$196,976,729
Less change in WC (Working Capital)(24,091,577)
Total CFFO without WC$172,885,152
CROCE (CFFO Adj for WC)/(Average D+E)20.7%

Adjusted Net Income does not include the estimated after-tax impact of share-based compensation, ceiling test impairment, and unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives. Adjusted Net Income is presented because the timing and amount of these items cannot be reasonably estimated and affect the comparability of operating results from period to period, and current periods to prior periods.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2022DECEMBER 31, 2021
Adjusted Net Income
Net Income$138,635,025$3,322,892
Share-based compensation7,162,2312,418,323
Ceiling test impairment
Unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives(40,993,295)25,084,987
Transaction costs - Stronghold Acquisition2,135,990
Tax impact on adjusted items536,088(225,432)
Adjusted Net Income$107,476,039$30,600,770
92


APPENDIX B
Certificate of Amendment
Appendix B - Page 1.jpg
93


Appendix B - Page 2.jpg


94


ATTACHMENT TO
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, OF
RING ENERGY, INC.

Ring Energy, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the provisions of Chapter 78 of Nevada Revised Statutes:

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

That the Board of Directors of the Corporation has duly adopted a resolution setting forth a proposed amendment to the existing Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Articles of Incorporation”), and the stockholders of the Corporation have approved said amendment to the Articles of Incorporation. This amendment amends the fourth article of the Articles of
Incorporation in its entirety to read as follows:

FOURTH

The corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue is Five Hundred
Million (500,000,000). The number of shares of Common Stock authorized is Four Hundred Fifty Million (450,000,000) shares, par value $0.001 per share. The number of shares of Preferred Stock authorized is Fifty Million (50,000,000) shares, par value $0.001.

a) Common Stock. All rights accruing to the outstanding shares of the corporation not expressly provided for to the contrary herein or in the By-Laws of the corporation,Corporation, or in any amendment hereto or thereto, shall be vested in the Common Stock.



b)

Preferred Stock.Stock. Except as otherwise provided herein or required by law, the Board of Directors is hereby vested with the authority to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for one or more

classes or series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such class or series, to prescribe the classes, series and the number of each class or series of Preferred Stock and the voting powers, designations, preferences,
limitations, restrictions and relative rights of each class or series of Preferred Stock.


2.

The Article numbered “TENTH” of the Articles of Incorporation is amended in its entirety to read as follows:  


The authority to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws is reserved exclusively


95


APPENDIX C

Amendment No. 1 to the Board of Directors.


3.

The Article numbered “TWELFTH” of the Articles of Incorporation is amended in its entirety to read as follows:


Except as otherwise provided by statute a director or officer is not individually liableRing Energy, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan



This Amendment No. 1 to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that:


c)

The director’s or officer’s act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer; and


d)

The breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law.









APPENDIX B


RING ENERGY, INC.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


(as adopted pursuant to the Stock-for-Stock Exchange Agreement dated May 3, 2012 and by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors dated June 27, 2012)


Scope and Purpose of the Plan


Ring Energy, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Corporation”), has adopted this Long-Term 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan(as amended, the “Plan”) to provide for the granting of:


(a)

Incentive Options to certain Employees (Section 5);


(b)

Nonstatutory Options to certain Employees, Non-employee Directorswas approved and other persons (Section 5); and


(c)

Restricted Stock Awards to certain Employees, Non-employee Directors and other persons (Section 6).


The purpose of the Plan is to provide an incentive for Employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries, to extend to them the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Corporation so that they will apply their best efforts for the benefit of the Corporation, and to aid the Corporation in attracting able persons to enter the service of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries.


SECTION 1.

DEFINITIONS


As used in this Plan, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:


1.1

“Award” means the grant of any form of Option or Restricted Stock Award under the Plan, whether granted singly, in combination, or in tandem, to a Holder pursuant to the terms, conditions, and limitations that the Committee may establish in order to fulfill the objectives of the Plan.


1.2

“Award Agreement” means the written document or agreement delivered to Holder evidencing the terms, conditions and limitations of an Award that the Corporation granted to that Holder.


1.3

“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Corporation.


1.4

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of Nevada are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.


1.5

“Cause,” with respect to any Holder shall mean:  (a) Holder’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime involving dishonesty, fraud, or unethical business conduct, or any felony of any nature whatsoever, (b) Holder’s willful misconduct, (c) Holder’s breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit, (d) Holder’s willful disobedience of Corporate policy, (e) Holder’s willful disobedience of a material directive from a supervising officer and/or the Board of Directors, or (f) Holder’s abuse of illegal drugs or other controlled substances, or habitual intoxication.  No act or failure to act, by the Holder shall be considered “willful” unless committed in bad faith and without a reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the best interests of the Corporation or its clients. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of any Holder who, subsequent to the effective date of this Plan, enters into an employment agreement with the Corporation or any Subsidiary that contains the definition of “cause” (or any similar definition), then during the term of such employment agreement the definition contained in such Employment Agreement shall be the applicable definition of “cause” under the Plan as to such Holder if such Employment Agreement expressly so provides.




1.6

“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events [other than any of the following events which involve Ring Energy, Inc., a Nevada corporation, or any affiliate or associate thereof (as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act for purposes of this definition only), such events specifically not constituting a Change of Control]:


(i)

The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (x) the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation (the “Outstanding Corporation Common Stock”) or (y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”);provided,however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control:  (A) any acquisition directly from the Corporation, (B) any acquisition by the Corporation, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Corporation or any corporation controlled by the Corporation or (D) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of paragraph (iii) below; or


(ii)

Individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; or


(iii)

Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or an acquisition of assets of another corporation (a “Business Combination”), in each case,unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock and Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Corporation, or all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock and Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, as the case may be,and (B) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of  the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or


(iv)

Approval by the stockholders of the Corporation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation.


1.7

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


1.8

“Committee” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation or a committee appointed pursuant to Section 3 by the Board of Directors to administer this Plan.


1.9

“Common Stock” means the Corporation’s authorized common stock, par value $0.001 per share, as described in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.


1.10

“Corporation” means Ring Energy, Inc., a Nevada corporation.


1.11

“Date of Grant” has the meaning given it in Section 4.3.


1.12

“Disability” has the meaning given it in Section 8.5.


1.13

“Effective Date” means the date upon which this Plan shall be approvedadopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.  




1.14

“Eligible Individuals” means (a) Employees, (b) Non employee Directors and (c) any other Person that the Committee designates as eligible for an Award (other than for Incentive Options) because the Person performs bona fide consulting or advisory services for the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries (other than services in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital raising transaction).


1.15

“Employee” means any employee of the Corporation or of any of its Subsidiaries, including officers and directors of the Corporation who are also employees of the Corporation or of any of its Subsidiaries.


1.16

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


1.17

“Exercise Notice” has the meaning given it in Section 5.5.


1.18

“Exercise Price” has the meaning given it in Section 5.4.


1.19

“Fair Market Value” means, for a particular day, the value determined in good faith by the Committee, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes of this Plan.


For purposes of valuing Incentive Options, the Fair Market Value of Stock:  (i) shall be determined without regard to any restriction other than one that, by its terms, will never lapse; and (ii) will be determined as of the time the option with respect to such Stock is granted.


1.20

“Holder” means an Eligible Individual to whom an Award has been granted.


1.21

“Incentive Option” means an incentive stock option as defined under Section 422 of the Code and regulations thereunder.


1.22

“Incumbent Board” means the individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board of Directors and any other individual who becomes a director of the Corporation after that date and whose election was approved by stockholders holding a majority of the Voting Securities or (in the case of a vacancy in the board) by appointment by the Board of Directors, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Incumbent Board.


1.23

[reserved]


1.24

“Non-employee Director” means a director of the Corporation who while a director is not an Employee.


1.25

“Nonstatutory Option” means a stock option that does not satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or that is designated at the Date of Grant or in the applicable Option Agreement to be an option other than an Incentive Option.


1.26

“Non-Surviving Event” means an event of Restructure as described in either subparagraph (b) or (c) of Section 1.32.


1.27

“Option Agreement” means an Award Agreement for an Incentive Option or a Nonstatutory Option.


1.28

“Option” means either an Incentive Option or a Nonstatutory Option, or both.





1.29

“Person” means any person or entity of any nature whatsoever, specifically including (but not limited to) an individual, a firm, a company, a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, a trust or other entity. A Person, together with that Person’s affiliates and associates (as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act for purposes of this definition only), and any Persons acting as a partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, association, syndicate or other group (whether or not formally organized), or otherwise acting jointly or in concert or in a coordinated or consciously parallel manner (whether or not pursuant to any express agreement), for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of securities of the Corporation with that Person, shall be deemed a single “Person.”


1.30

“Plan” means the Ring Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.


1.31

“Restricted Stock Award” means the grant or purchase,(the “Company”) on the terms and conditions that the Committee determines or on the terms and conditions of Section 6, of Stock that is nontransferable orApril __, 2023, subject to substantial risk of forfeiture until specific conditions are met.


1.32

“Restructure” meansapproval by the occurrence of any one or morestockholders of the following:


(a)

The merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any Person, whether effected as a single transaction or a series of related transactions, with the Corporation remaining the continuing or surviving entity of that merger or consolidation and the Stock remaining outstanding and not changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other Person or of the Corporation, cash or other property;


(b)

The merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any Person, whether effected as a single transaction or a series of related transactions, with (i) the Corporation not being the continuing or surviving entity of that merger or consolidation or (ii) the Corporation remaining the continuing or surviving entity of that merger or consolidation but all or a part of the outstanding shares of Stock are changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other Person or the Corporation, cash, or other property; or


(c)

The transfer, directly or indirectly, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation (whether by sale, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to any Person whether effected as a single transaction or a series of related transactions.


1.33

“Retirement” means the separation of the Holder from employment with the Corporation and its SubsidiariesCompany, which was obtained on account of retirement.


1.34

“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or any successor rule, as it may be amended from time to time.


1.35

“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the rules and regulations adopted from time to time thereunder, or any successor law or rule as it may be amended from time to time.


1.36

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


1.37

“Stock” means Common Stock, or any other securities that are substituted for Stock as provided in Section 7.


1.38

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.


1.39

[reserved]


1.40

“Voting Securities” means any securities that are entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or in the selection of any other similar governing body.





SECTION 2.

SHARES OF STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN


2.1

Maximum Number of Shares.  Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock in respect of which Awards may be granted for all purposes underMay 25, 2023. Accordingly, the Plan shall be 2,500,000; and provided, further, that if any sharesis hereby amended, effective as of Stock subject to an Award are forfeited or if any Award based on shares of Stock is otherwise terminated without issuance of such shares of Stock or other consideration in lieu of such shares of Stock, the shares of Stock subject to such Award shall to the extent of such forfeiture or termination, again be available for Awards under the Plan if no participant shall have received any benefits of ownership in respect thereof.


2.2

Description of Shares.  The shares to be delivered under the Plan shall be made available from (a) authorized but unissued shares of Stock, (b) Stock held in the treasury of the Corporation, or (c) previously issued shares of Stock reacquired by the Corporation, including shares purchased on the open market, in each situationMay 25, 2023, as the Board of Directors or the Committee may determine from time to time at its sole option.


SECTION 3.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN


3.1

Committee.  The Committee shall administer the Plan with respect to all Eligible Individuals or may delegate all or part of its duties under this Plan to a subcommittee or any executive officer of the Corporation, subject in each case to such conditions and limitations as the Board of Directors may establish.


3.2

Committee’s Powers.  Subject to the express provisionsfollows:


1.Section 4(a) of the Plan and any applicable law with which the Corporation intends the Plan to comply, the Committee shall have the authority,is hereby deleted in its soleentirety and absolute discretion, replaced with the following:


(a) to adopt, amend and rescind administrative and interpretive rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including without limitation to adopt and observe such procedures concerning the counting of Awards against the Plan and individual maximums as it may deem appropriate from time to time; (b) to determine the Eligible Individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards shall be granted; (c) to determine the amount of cash and the number of Options, shares of Stock or Restricted Stock Awards, or any combination thereof, that shall be the subject of each Award; (d) to determine the terms and provisions of each Award Agreement (which need not be identical), including provisions defining or otherwise relating to (i) the term and the period or periods and extent of exercisability of the Options, (ii) the extent to which the transferability of shares of Stock issued or transferred pursuant to any Award is restricted, (iii) the effect of termination of employment on the Award, and (iv) the effect of approved leaves of absence (consistent with any applicable regulations of the Internal Revenue Service); (e) to accelerate, pursuantSubject to Section 7, the time of exercisability of any Option that has been granted or the time of vesting or settlement of any Restricted Stock Award; (f) to construe the respective Award Agreements and the Plan; (g) to make determinations of the Fair Market Value of the Stock pursuant to the Plan; (h) to delegate its duties under the Plan to such agents as it may appoint from time to time, subject to Section 3.1; and (i) to make all other determinations, perform all other acts, and exercise all other powers and authority necessary or advisable for administering the Plan, including the delegation of those ministerial acts and responsibilities as the Committee deems appropriate subject in all respects to the last two sentences of Section 5.10.  The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, in any Award, or in any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it deems necessary or desirable to carry the Plan into effect, and the Committee shall be the sole and final judge of that necessity or desirability.  The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Section 3.2 shall be final and conclusive.  The Committee shall not have the power to terminate or materially modify or materially amend the Plan.  Those powers are vested in the Board of Directors.





3.3

Transferability of Awards.  Notwithstanding any limitation on a Holder’s right to transfer an Award, the Committee may (in its sole discretion) permit a Holder to transfer an Award, or may cause the Corporation to grant an Award that otherwise would be granted to an Eligible Individual, in any of the following circumstances:  (a) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (b) to a trust established for the benefit of the Eligible Individual or one or more of the children, grandchildren or spouse of the Eligible Individual; (c) to a limited partnership or limited liability company in which all the interests are held by the Eligible Individual and that Person’s children, grandchildren or spouse; or (d) to another Person in circumstances that the Committee believes will result in the Award continuing to provide an incentive for the Eligible Individual to remain in the service of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and apply his or her best efforts for the benefit of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.  If the Committee determines to allow such transfers or issuances of Awards, any Holder or Eligible Individual desiring such transfers or issuances shall make application therefor in the manner and time that the Committee specifies and shall comply with such other requirements as the Committee may require to assure compliance with all applicable laws, including securities laws, and to assure fulfillment of the purposes of this Plan.  The Committee shall not authorize any such transfer or issuance if it may not be made in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.  The granting of permission for such an issuance or transfer shall not obligate the Corporation to register the shares of Stock to be issued under the applicable Award.


SECTION 4.

ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION


4.1

Eligible Individuals.  Awards may be granted pursuant to the Plan only to persons who are Eligible Individuals at the time of the grant thereof or in connection with the severance or retirement of Eligible Individuals.


4.2

Grant of Awards.  Subject to the express provisions5 of the Plan, the Committee shall determine which Eligible Individuals shall be granted Awards from time to time. In making grants, the Committee shall take into consideration the contribution the potential Holder has made or may make to the success of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and such other considerations as the Board of Directors may from time to time specify. The Committee shall also determine the number of shares or cash amounts subject to each of the AwardsShares that are reserved and shall authorize and cause the Corporation to grant Awards in accordance with those determinations.


4.3

Date of Grant.  The date on which an Award is granted (the “Date of Grant”) shall be the date specified by the Committee as the effective date or date of grant of an Award or, if the Committee does not so specify, shall be the date as of which the Committee adopts the resolution approving the offer of an Award to an individual, including the specification of the number (or method of determining the number) of shares of Stock and the amount (or method of determining the amount) of cash to be subject to the Award, even though certain terms of the Award Agreement may not be determined at that time and even though the Award Agreement may not be executed or delivered until a later time. In no event shall a Holder gain any rights in addition to those specified by the Committee in its grant, regardless of the time that may pass between the grant of the Award and the actual execution or delivery of the Award Agreement by the Corporation or the Holder.  An Award shall be valid and binding upon execution by the Corporation and the Holder, the Committee may invalidate an Award at any time prior to execution by both the Corporation and the Holder, and such Award shall be treated as never having been granted.


4.4

Award Agreements.  Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that incorporates those terms that the Committee shall deem necessary or desirable. More than one Award may be granted under the Plan to the same Eligible Individual and be outstanding concurrently. If an Eligible Individual is granted both one or more Incentive Options and one or more Nonstatutory Options, those grants shall be evidenced by separate Award Agreements, oneavailable for each of the Incentive Option grants and one for each of the Nonstatutory Option grants.





4.5

Limitation for Incentive Options.  Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, (a) a person shall not be eligible to receive an Incentive Option unless he or she is an Employee of the Corporation or a corporate Subsidiary (but not a partnership or other non-corporate Subsidiary), and (b) a person shall not be eligible to receive an Incentive Option if, immediately before the time the Incentive Option is granted, that person owns (within the meaning of Sections 422 and 424 of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Corporation or a Subsidiary. Nevertheless, this Section 4.5(b) shall not apply if, at the time the Incentive Option is granted, the Exercise Price of the Incentive Option is at least one hundred and ten percent of the Fair Market Value of the Stock underlying the Incentive Option and the Incentive Option is not, by its terms, exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Date of Grant.


4.6

No Right to Award.  The adoption of the Plan shall not be deemed to give any person a right to be granted an Award.


SECTION 5.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS


All Options granted under the Plan shall comply with, and the related Option Agreements shall be deemed to include and be subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 5 (to the extent each term and condition applies to the form of Option) and also to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 8;provided,however, that the Committee may authorize an Option Agreement that expressly contains terms and provisions that differ from the terms and provisions of Section 8.  The Committee may also authorize an Option Agreement that contains any or all of the terms and provisions of Sections 7.2 and 7.3 or that contains terms and provisions dealing with similar subject matter differently than do those Sections; nevertheless, the terms and provisions of Section 7.2 or 7.3 (or any such differing term or provision) shall apply to an Option Agreement unless the Option Agreement expressly states that such term or provision shall not apply.


5.1

Number of Shares.  Each Option Agreement shall state the total number of shares of Stock to which it relates.


5.2

Vesting.  Each Option Agreement shall state the time, periods or other conditions on which the right to exercise the Option or a portion thereof shall vest and the number (or method of determining the number) of shares of Stock for which the right to exercise the Option shall vest at each such time, period or satisfaction of condition.


5.3

Expiration of Options.  Nonstatutory Options and Incentive Options may be exercised during the term determined by the Committee and set forth in the Option Agreement;provided that no Incentive Option shall be exercised after the expiration of a period of ten (10) years commencing on the Date of Grant of the Incentive Option.


5.4

Exercise Price.  Each Option Agreement shall state the exercise price per share of Stock (the “Exercise Price”).  The exercise price per share of Stock subject to an Incentive Option shall not be less than the greater of (a) the par value per share of the Stock or (b) 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of the Stock on the Date of Grant of the Option.  The exercise price per share of Stock subject to a Nonstatutory Option shall not be less than the greater of (a) the par value per share of the Stock or (b) 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of the Stock on the Date of Grant of the Option.


5.5

Method of Exercise.  Each Option shall be exercisable only by written, recorded electronic or other notice of exercise in the manner specified by the Committee from time to time (the “Exercise Notice”) delivered to the Corporation or to the Person designated by the Committee during the term of the Option, which notice shall (a) state the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Option is being exercised, (b) be signed or otherwise given by the Holder of the Option or by the person authorized to exercise the Option in the event of the Holder’s death or disability, (c) be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price for all shares of Stock for which the Option is exercised, unless provision for the payment of the Exercise Price has been madeissuance pursuant to Section 5.7 or 5.8 or in another manner permitted by law and approved in advance by the Committee, and (d) include such other information, instruments, and documents as may be required to satisfy any other condition to exercise contained in the Option Agreement.  The Option shall not be deemed to have been exercised unless all of the requirements of the preceding provisions of this Section 5.5 have been satisfied.




5.6

Incentive Option Exercises.  During the Holder’s lifetime, only the Holder may exercise an Incentive Option.  The Holder of an Incentive Option shall immediately notify the Corporation in writing of any disposition of the Stock acquired pursuant to the Incentive Option that would disqualify the Incentive Option from the incentive option tax treatment afforded by Section 422 of the Code. The notice shall state the number of shares disposed of, the dates of acquisition and disposition of the shares, and the consideration received upon that disposition.


5.7

Medium and Time of Payment.  The Exercise Price of an Option shall be payable in full upon the exercise of the Option (a) in cash or by an equivalent means (such as that specified in Section 5.8) acceptable to the Committee, (b) on the Committee’s prior consent, with shares of Stock owned by the Holder (including shares received upon exercise of the Option or restricted shares already held by the Holder) and having a Fair Market Value at least equal to the aggregate Exercise Price payable in connection with such exercise, or (c) by any combination of clauses (a) and (b).  If the Committee chooses to accept shares of Stock in payment of all or any portion of the Exercise Price, then (for purposes of payment of the Exercise Price) those shares of Stock shall be deemed to have a cash value equal to their aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date of the delivery of the Exercise Notice.  If the Committee elects to accept shares of restricted Stock in payment of all or any portion of the Exercise Price, then an equal number of shares issued pursuant to the exercise shall be restricted on the same terms and for the restriction period remaining on the shares used for payment.


5.8

Limitation on Aggregate Value of Shares That May Become First Exercisable During any Calendar Year Under an Incentive Option.  With respect to any Incentive Option granted under this Plan, the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Stock subject to an Incentive Option and the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Stock or stock of any Subsidiary (or a predecessor of the Corporation or a Subsidiary) subject to any other incentive stock option (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries (or a predecessor corporation of any such corporation) that first become purchasable by a Holder in any calendar year may not (with respect to that Holder) exceed $100,000, or such other amount as may be prescribed under Section 422 of the Code or applicable regulations or rulings from time to time.  As used in the previous sentence, Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date the Incentive Option is granted.  For purposes of this Section 5.8 “predecessor corporation” means (a) a corporation that was a party to a transaction described in Section 424(a) of the Code (or which would be so described if a substitution or assumption under that Section had been effected) with the Corporation, (b) a corporation which, at the time the new incentive stock option (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) is granted, is a Subsidiary of the Corporation or a predecessor corporation of any such corporations, or (c) a predecessor corporation of any such corporations.  Failure to comply with this provision shall not impair the enforceability or exercisability of any Option, but shall cause the excess amount of shares to be reclassified in accordance with the Code.


5.9

No Fractional Shares.  The Corporation shall not in any case be required to sell, issue, or deliver a fractional share with respect to any Option. In lieu of the issuance of any fractional share of Stock, the Corporation shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash equal to the same fraction (as the fractional Stock) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock determined as of the date of the applicable Exercise Notice.





5.10

Modification, Extension and Renewal of Options.  Subject to the terms and conditions of and within the limitations of the Plan and any applicable law, and any consent required by the last two sentences of this Section 5.10, the Committee may (a) modify, extend or renew outstanding Options granted under the Plan, (b) accept the surrender of Options outstanding hereunder (to the extent not previously exercised) and authorize the granting of new Options in substitution for outstanding Options (to the extent not previously exercised), and (c) amend the terms of an Incentive Option at any time to include provisions that have the effect of changing the Incentive Option to a Nonstatutory Option.  Notwithstanding anything herein, the Committee may not “reprice” any Option.  “Reprice” means any of the following or any other action that has the same effect: (i) amending an Option to reduce its exercise price, (ii) canceling an Option at a time when its exercise price exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock in exchange for an Option, Restricted Stock Award or other equity award unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or other similar corporate transaction, or (iii) taking any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles,provided that nothing in this Section 5.10 shall prevent the Committee from making adjustments pursuant to Section 7.  Without the consent of the Holder, the Committee may not modify any outstanding Options so as to specify a higher Exercise Price or accept the surrender of outstanding Incentive Options and authorize the granting of new Options in substitution therefor specifying a higher Exercise Price. In addition, no modification of an Option granted hereunder shall, without the consent of the Holder, materially alter or impair any rights of the Holder or materially increase the obligations of a Holder under any Option theretofore granted to that Holder under the Plan except, with respect to Incentive Options, as may be necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or as permitted in clause (c) of this Section 5.10.


5.11

Other Agreement Provisions.  The Option Agreements authorized under the Plan shall contain such provisions in addition to those required by the Plan (including, without limitation, restrictions or the removal of restrictions upon the exercise of the Option and the retention or transfer of shares thereby acquired) as the Committee may deem advisable.  Each Option Agreement shall identify the Option evidenced thereby as an Incentive Option or Nonstatutory Option, as the case may be, and no Option Agreement shall cover both an Incentive Option and a Nonstatutory Option.  Each Agreement relating to an Incentive Option granted hereunder shall contain such limitations and restrictions upon the exercise of the Incentive Option to which it relates as shall be necessary for the Incentive Option to which such Agreement relates to constitute an incentive stock option, as defined in Section 422 of the Code.


SECTION 6.

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS


All Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Plan shall comply with,is the sum of (i) 15,900,000 Shares, which includes 341,155 Shares that are reserved but unissued under the Prior Plan, and (ii) any Shares under the related Award Agreements shall be deemed to include, and bePrior Plan subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 6 and also to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 8;provided, however,awards that, the Committee may authorize an Award Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award that expressly contains terms and provisions that differ from the terms and provisions of Section 8.  The Committee may also authorize an Award Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award that contains any or all of the terms and provisions of Sections 7.2 and 7.3 or that contains terms and provisions dealing with similar subject matter differently than do those Sections; nevertheless, the terms and provisions of Section 7.2 or 7.3 (or any such differing term or provision) shall apply to an Award Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award unless the Award Agreement expressly states that such term or provision shall not apply.


6.1

Restrictions.  All shares of Restricted Stock Awards granted or sold pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to the following conditions:


(a)

Transferability.  The shares may not be sold, transferred or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the restrictions are removed or expire.


(b)

Conditions to Removal of Restrictions.  Conditions to removal or expiration of the restrictions may include, but are not required to be limited to, continuing employment or service as a director, officer, employee, consultant or advisor or achievement of performance objectives described in the Award Agreement.


(c)

Legend.  Each certificate representing Restricted Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Plan shall bear a legend making appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed.




(d)

Possession.  At its sole discretion, the Committee may (i) authorize issuance of a certificate for shares in the Holder’s name only upon lapse of the applicable restrictions, (ii) require the Corporation, transfer agent or other custodian to retain physical custody of the certificates representing Restricted Stock Awards during the restriction period and may require the Holder of the Award to execute stock powers, endorsed or in blank, for those certificates and deliver those stock powers to the Corporation, transfer agent or custodian, or (iii) may require the Holder to enter into an escrow agreement providing that the certificates representing Restricted Stock Awards granted or sold pursuant to the Plan shall remain in the physical custody of an escrow holder until all restrictions are removed or expire.  The Corporation may issue shares subject to stop-transfer restrictions or may issue such shares subject only to the restrictive legend described in subparagraph 6.1(c).


(e)

Other Conditions.  The Committee may impose other conditions on any shares granted or sold as Restricted Stock Awards pursuant to the Plan as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, (i) restrictions under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, (ii) the requirements of any securities exchange upon which the shares or shares of the same class are then listed, and (iii) any state securities law applicable to the shares.


6.2

Expiration of Restrictions.  The restrictions imposed in Section 6.1 on Restricted Stock Awards shall lapse as determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and the Corporation shall promptly cause to be delivered to the Holder of the Restricted Stock Award a certificate representing the number of shares for which restrictions have lapsed, free of any restrictive legend relating to the lapsed restrictions; provided that (i) a minimum of a one year restriction period shall exist on all Restricted Stock Awards, and (ii) a minimum of a three year restriction period shall exist with respect to any Restricted Stock Award granted solely by reason of tenure of the Holder (provided that a Restricted Stock Award granted solely by reason of tenure may vest in equal thirds, annually, so long as the minimum restriction period for the first vesting period is at least one year).  Subject to the limitations set forth above, each Restricted Stock Award may have a different restriction period, in the discretion of the Committee.  The Committee may, in its discretion, prospectively reduce the restriction period applicable to a particular Restricted Stock Award in the event of the death, disability or retirement of the Holder.  The foregoing notwithstanding, no restriction not required by law shall remain in effect for more than ten years after the date of the Award.


6.3

[reserved]


6.4

Rights as Stockholder.  Subject to the provisions of Sections 6.1, the Committee may,Effective Date, are forfeited, terminated, lapsed or satisfied thereunder in its discretion, determine what rights, if any, the Holder shall have with respect to the Restricted Stock Awards grantedcash or sold, including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends andproperty other distributions paid or made with respect thereto.


6.5

Other Agreement Provisions.than Shares. The Award Agreements relating to Restricted Stock Awards shall contain such provisions in addition to those required by the Plan as the Committee may deem advisable.


SECTION 7.

ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS


The Committee may authorize an Award that contains any or all of the terms and provisions of this Section 7 or, with respect to Sections 7.2 and 7.3, that contains terms and provisions dealing with similar subject matter differently than do those Sections; nevertheless, the terms and provisions of Section 7.2 or 7.3 (or any such differing term or provision) shall apply to an Award Agreement unless the Award Agreement expressly states that such term or provision shall not apply.





7.1

Adjustment of Awards and Authorized Stock.  The terms of an Award and the number of shares of Stock authorized pursuant to Section 2.1 for issuance under the Plan shall be subject to adjustment, from time to time, in accordance with the following provisions:


(a)

If at any time or from time to time, the Corporation shall subdivide as a whole (by reclassification, by a Stock split, by the issuance of a distribution on Stock payable in Stock or otherwise) the number of shares of Stock then outstanding into a greater number of shares of Stock, then (i) the maximum number of shares of Stock available for the Plan as provided in Section 2.1 shall be increased proportionately, and the kind of shares or other securities available for the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted, (ii) the number of shares of Stock (or other kind of shares or securities) that may be acquired under any Award shall be increased proportionately, and (iii) the price (including Exercise Price) for each share of Stock (or other kind of shares or unit of other securities) subject to then outstanding Awards shall be reduced proportionately, without changing the aggregate purchase price or value as to which outstanding Awards remain exercisable or subject to restrictions.


(b)

If at any time or from time to time the Corporation shall consolidate as a whole (by reclassification, reverse Stock split, or otherwise) the number of shares of Stock then outstanding into a lesser number of shares of Stock, (i) the maximum number of shares of Stock available for the Plan as provided in Section 2.1 shall be decreased proportionately, and the kind of shares or other securities available for the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted, (ii) the number of shares of Stock (or other kind of shares or securities) that may be acquired under any Award shall be decreased proportionately, and (iii) the price (including Exercise Price) for each share of Stock (or other kind of shares or unit of other securities) subject to then outstanding Awards shall be increased proportionately, without changing the aggregate purchase price or value as to which outstanding Awards remain exercisable or subject to restrictions.


(c)

Whenever the number of shares of Stock subject to outstanding Awards and the price for each share of Stock subject to outstanding Awards are required to be adjusted as provided in this Section 7.1, the Committee shall promptly prepare a notice setting forth, in reasonable detail, the event requiring adjustment, the amount of the adjustment, the method by which such adjustment was calculated, and the change in price and the number of shares of Stock, other securities, cash or property purchasable subject to each Award after giving effect to the adjustments.  The Committee shall promptly give each Holder such a notice.


(d)

Adjustments under Section 7.1(a) and 7.1(b) shall be made by the Committee, and its determination as to what adjustments shall be made and the extent thereof shall be final, binding and conclusive.  No fractional interest shall be issued under the Plan on account of any such adjustments.


7.2

Changes in Control.  Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control for Awards held by Participants who are employees or directors of the Corporation (and their permitted transferees pursuant to Section 3.3 above):  (a) all outstanding Options shall immediately become fully vested and exercisable in full, including that portion of any Option that pursuant to the terms and provisions of the applicable Award Agreement had not yet become exercisable (the total number of shares of Stock  as to which an Option is exercisable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control is referred to herein as the “Total Shares”); and (b) the restriction period of any Restricted Stock Award shall immediately be accelerated and the restrictions expire.  If a Change in Control involves a Restructure or occurs in connection with a series of related transactions involving a Restructure and if such Restructure is in the form of a Non-Surviving Event and as a part of such Restructure shares of stock, other securities, cash or property shall be issuable or deliverable in exchange for Stock, then the Holder of an Award shall be entitled to purchase or receive (in lieu of the Total Shares that the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase or receive), as appropriate for the form of Award, the number of shares of stock, other securities, cash or property, to which such Holder would have been entitled, upon the same terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award as existed immediately before the consummation of the Restructure.  Nothing in this Section 7.2 shall impose on a Holder the obligation to exercise any Award immediately before or upon the Change of Control, and, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement relating to the Award, no Holder shall forfeit the right to exercise the Award during the remainder of the original term of the Award because of a Change in Control or because the Holder’s employment is terminated for any reason following a Change in Control.





7.3

Restructure and No Change of Control.  In the event a Restructure should occur at any time while there is any outstanding Award hereunder and that Restructure does not occur in connection with a Change in Control or in connection with a series of related transactions involving a Change in Control, then:


(a)

no outstanding Options shall immediately become fully vested and exercisable in full merely because of the occurrence of the Restructure; and


(b)

the restriction period of any Restricted Stock Award shall not immediately be accelerated nor shall the restrictions expire merely because of the occurrence of the Restructure.


The Corporation shall promptly notify each Holder of any election or action taken by the Corporation under this Section 7.3.  In the event of any election or action taken by the Corporation pursuant to this Section 7.3 that requires the amendment or cancellation of any Award Agreement as may be specified in any notice to the Holder thereof, that Holder shall promptly deliver that Award Agreement to the Corporation in order for that amendment or cancellation to be implemented by the Corporation and the Committee.  The failure of the Holder to deliver any such Award Agreement to the Corporation as provided in the preceding sentence shall not in any manner affect the validity or enforceability of any action taken by the Corporation and the Committee under this Section 7.3, including, without limitation, any redemption of an Award as of the consummation of a Restructure.  Any cash payment to be made by the Corporation pursuant to this Section 7.3 in connection with the redemption of any outstanding Awards shall be paid to the Holder thereof currently with the delivery to the Corporation of the Award Agreement evidencing that Award; provided, however, that any such redemption shall be effective upon the consummation of the Restructure notwithstanding that the payment of the redemption price may occur subsequent to the consummation.  If all or any portion of an outstanding Award is to be exercised upon or after the consummation of a Restructure that is in the form of a Non-Surviving Event and as a part of that Restructure shares of stock, other securities, cash or property shall be issuable or deliverable in exchange for Stock, then the Holder of the Award shall thereafter be entitled to purchase or receive (in lieu of the number of shares of Stock that the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase or receive) the number of shares of stock, other securities, cash or property to which such number of shares of Stock would have been entitled, upon the same terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award as existed immediately before the consummation of the Restructure.


7.4

Notice of Change in Control or Restructure.  The Corporation shall attempt to keep all Holders informed with respect to any Change in Control or Restructure or of any potential Change in Control or Restructure to the same extent that the Corporation’s stockholders are informed by the Corporation of any such event or potential event.


SECTION 8.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS


8.1

Termination of Employment.  Subject to the last sentence of Section 7.2, if a Holder is an Eligible Individual because the Holder is an Employee and if that employment relationship is terminated for any reason other than Retirement or that Holder’s death or Disability, then the following provisions shall apply to all Awards held by that Holder that were granted because that Holder was an Employee:


(a)

If the termination is by the Holder’s employer, then the following provisions shall apply: (i) if the termination is for Cause, then that portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by that Holder that are not yet exercisable (or for which restrictions have not lapsed) as of the date of termination shall become null and void; provided, however, that the portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by that Holder which are exercisable (or for which restrictions have lapsed) as of the date of such termination shall survive such termination and shall be exercisable by such Holder for a period of the lesser of (A) the remainder of the term of the Award or (B) five (5) business days following the date of such termination; or (ii) if the termination is not for Cause, then that portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by that Holder that are not yet exercisable (or for which restrictions have not lapsed) as of the date of the termination shall become null and void as of the date of the termination;provided,however, that the portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by that Holder which are exercisable (or for which restrictions have lapsed) as of the date of such termination shall survive such termination and shall be exercisable by such Holder for a period of the lesser of (A) the remainder of the term of the Award or (B) 365 days following the date of such termination.




(b)

If such termination is by the Holder, then, unless otherwise agreed to by the Corporation, any and all Awards held by that Holder, whether or not then exercisable and whether or not restrictions thereon have lapsed (except in full), shall become null and void as of the date of the termination.


8.2

Other Loss of Eligibility.  If a Holder is an Eligible Individual because the Holder is serving in a capacity other than as an Employee and if that capacity is terminated for any reason other than the Holder’s death, then that portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by the Holder that were granted because of that capacity which are not yet exercisable (or for which restrictions have not lapsed) as of the date of the termination shall become null and void as of the date of the termination;provided,however, that the portion, if any, of any and all of the Awards held by the Holder that are exercisable (or for which restrictions have lapsed) as of the date of the termination shall survive the termination and shall be exercisable by such Holder for a period of the lesser of (a) the remainder of the term of the Award or (b) 180 days following the date of such termination.


8.3

Death.  Upon the death of a Holder, then any and all Awards held by the Holder, including those portions of the Awards that pursuant to the terms and provisions of the applicable Award Agreement had not yet become exercisable, shall immediately become fully vested and exercisable in full by the Holder, his guardians or his legal representatives, legatees or distributees for a period of the lesser of (a) the remainder of the term of the Award or (b) one year following the date of the Holder’s death.  Any portion of an Award not exercised upon the expiration of the periods specified in (a) or (b) shall be null and void.  Except as expressly provided in this Section 8.3, all Awards held by a Holder shall not be exercisable after the death of that Holder.


8.4

Retirement.  If a Holder is an Eligible Individual because the Holder is an Employee and if that employment relationship is terminated by reason of the Holder’s Retirement, then the portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by the Holder that are not yet exercisable (or for which restrictions have not lapsed) as of the date of that retirement shall become null and void as of the date of retirement;provided,however, that the portion, if any, of any and all Awards held by the Holder that are exercisable as of the date of that Retirement shall survive the Retirement and shall be exercisable by such Holder for a period of the lesser of (a) the remainder of the terms of the Award or (b) 180 days following the date of retirement.


8.5

Disability.  If a Holder is an Eligible Individual because the Holder is an Employee and if that employment relationship is terminated by reason of the Holder’s Disability, then any and all Awards held by the Holder, including those portions of the Awards that pursuant to the terms and provisions of the applicable Award Agreement had not yet become exercisable (or for which restrictions had not lapsed), shall immediately become fully vested and exercisable in full by the Holder, his guardians or his legal representatives for a period of the lesser of (a) the remainder of the term of the Award or (b) one year following the date on which the Holder’s employment is terminated due to such Holder’s Disability. “Disability” shall have the meaning given it in the employment agreement of the Holder;provided,however, that if that Holder has no employment agreement, “Disability” shall mean a physical or mental impairment of sufficient severity that, in the opinion of the Corporation, either the Holder is unable to continue performing the duties he performed before such impairment or the Holder’s condition entitles him to disability benefits under any insurance or employee benefit plan of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and that impairment or condition is cited by the Corporation as the reason for termination of the Holder’s employment.


8.6

Leave of Absence.  With respect to an Award, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine that any Holder who is on leave of absence for any reason will be considered to still be in the employ of the Corporation, provided that rights to that Award during a leave of absence will be limited to the extent to which those rights were earned or vested when the leave of absence began.


8.7

Transferability of Awards.  In addition to such other terms and conditions as may be included in a particular Award Agreement, an Award requiring exercise shall be exercisable during a Holder’s lifetime only by that Holder or by that Holder’s guardian or legal representative.  An Award requiring exercise shall not be transferrable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except as permitted in accordance with Section 3.3.





8.8

Forfeiture and Restrictions on Transfer.  Each Award Agreement may contain or otherwise provide for conditions giving rise to the forfeiture of the Stock acquired pursuant to an Award or otherwise and may also provide for those restrictions on the transferability of shares of the Stock acquired pursuant to an Award or otherwise that the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion may deem proper or advisable.  The conditions giving rise to forfeiture may include, but need not be limited to, the requirement that the Holder render substantial services to the Corporation or its Subsidiaries for a specified period of time, and/or agreements regarding non-competition with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries. The restrictions on transferability may include, but need not be limited to, options and rights of first refusal in favor of the Corporation and stockholders of the Corporation other than the Holder of such shares of Stock who is a party to the particular Award Agreement or a subsequent holder of the shares of Stock who is bound by that Award Agreement.


8.9

Delivery of Certificates of Stock.  Subject to Section 8.10, the Corporation shall promptly issue and deliver a certificate representing the number of shares of Stock as to which (a) an Option has been exercised after the Corporation receives an Exercise Notice and upon receipt by the Corporation of the Exercise Price and any tax withholding as may be requested; and (b) restrictions have lapsed with respect to a Restricted Stock Award and upon receipt by the Corporation of any tax withholding as may be requested.  The value of the shares of Stock, cash or notes transferable because of an Award under the Plan shall not bear any interest owing to the passage of time, except as may be otherwise provided in an Award Agreement.  If a Holder is entitled to receive certificates representing Stock received for more than one form of Award under the Plan, separate Stock certificates shall be issued with respect to each such Award and for Incentive Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options separately.


8.10

Conditions to Delivery of Stock.  Nothing herein or in any Award granted hereunder or any Award Agreement shall require the Corporation to issue any shares with respect to any Award if that issuance would, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, constitute a violation of the Securities Act or any similar or superseding statute or statutes, any other applicable statute or regulation, or the rules of any applicable securities exchange or securities association, as then in effect.  At the time of any exercise of an Option, or at the time of any grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Corporation may, as a condition precedent to the exercise of such Option or vesting of any Restricted Stock Award, require from the Holder of the Award (or in the event of his or her death, his or her legal representatives, heirs, legatees, or distributees) such written representations, if any, concerning the Holder’s intentions with regard to the retention or disposition of the shares of Stock being acquired pursuant to the Award and such written covenants and agreements, if any, as to the manner of disposal of such shares as, in the opinion of counsel to the Corporation, may be necessary to ensure that any disposition by that Holder (or in the event of the Holder’s death, his legal representatives, heirs, legatees, or distributees) will not involve a violation of the Securities Act or any similar or superseding statute or statutes, any other applicable state or federal statute or regulation, or any rule of any applicable securities exchange or securities association, as then in effect.


8.11

Securities Act Legend.  Certificates for shares of Stock, when issued, may have the following legend, or statements of other applicable restrictions endorsed thereon and may not be immediately transferable:


THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SHARES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, PLEDGED, TRANSFERRED, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNTIL THE HOLDER HEREOF PROVIDES EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER (WHICH, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE  ISSUER, MAY INCLUDE AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER) THAT SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE, TRANSFER, OR OTHER DISPOSITION WILL NOT VIOLATE APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE LAWS.


This legend shall not be required for shares of Stock issued pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, if any.





8.12

Legend for Restrictions on Transfer.  Each certificate representing shares issued to a Holder pursuant to an Award granted under the Plan shall, if such shares are subject to any transfer restriction, including a right of first refusal, provided for under this Plan or an Award Agreement, bear a legend that complies with applicable law with respect to the restrictions on transferability contained in this Section 8.12, such as:


THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY IMPOSED BY THAT CERTAIN INSTRUMENT ENTITLED “RING ENERGY, INC. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN” AS ADOPTED BY RING ENERGY, INC. (THE “CORPORATION”) ON ______________, 20__, AND AN AGREEMENT THEREUNDER BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND[HOLDER] DATED ___________, ______, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT AS THEREIN PROVIDED.  THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH A COPY OF SUCH INSTRUMENT AND AGREEMENT TO THE RECORD HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE WITHOUT CHARGE ON REQUEST TO THE CORPORATION AT ITS PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OR REGISTERED OFFICE.


8.13

Rights as a Stockholder.  A Holder shall have no right as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by his or her Award until a certificate representing those shares is issued in his or her name.  No adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash or other property) or distributions or other rights for which the record date is before the date that certificate is issued, except as contemplated by Section 7.  Nevertheless, dividends and dividend equivalent rights may be extended to and made part of any Award denominated in Stock or units of Stock, subject to such terms, conditions, and restrictions as the Committee may establish.  The Committee may also establish rules and procedures for the crediting of interest on deferred cash payments and dividend equivalents for deferred payment denominated in Stock or units of Stock.


8.14

Information.  Each Holder shall furnish to the Corporation all information requested by the Corporation to enable it to comply with any reporting or other requirement imposed upon the Corporation by or under any applicable statute or regulation.


8.15

Obligation to Exercise.  The granting of an Award hereunder shall impose no obligation upon the Holder to exercise the same or any part thereof.


8.16

Adjustments to Awards.  Subject to applicable law and the general limitations set forth in Sections 5, and 7, the Committee may make any adjustment to or the terms of a Nonstatutory Option by canceling an outstanding Nonstatutory Option and regranting a Nonstatutory Option. Such adjustment shall be made by amending, substituting or regranting an outstanding Nonstatutory Option.  Such amendment, substitution or regrant may result in terms and conditions that differ from the terms and conditions of the original Nonstatutory Option. Notwithstanding anything herein, the Committee may not “reprice” any Option.  “Reprice” means any of the following or any other action that has the same effect: (i) amending an Option to reduce its exercise price, (ii) canceling an Option at a time when its exercise price exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock in exchange for an Option, Restricted Stock Award or other equity award unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or other similar corporate transaction, or (iii) taking any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.  In addition, the Committee may not impair the rights of any Holder to previously granted Nonstatutory Options without that Holder’s consent.  If such action is effected by amendment, the effective date of such amendment shall be the date of the original grant. Notwithstanding the above, with respect to Performance Awards that are subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee shall not have the authority to accelerate or postpone the timing or settlement of a Performance Award in a manner that would cause such award to become subject to the interest and penalty provisions under Section 409A of the Code.


8.17

Remedies.  The Corporation and a Holder shall be entitled to recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the enforcement of the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award Agreement whether by an action to enforce specific performance or for damages for its breach or otherwise.




8.18

Information Confidential.  As partial consideration for the granting of each Award hereunder, the Holder shall agree with the Corporation that the Holder will keep confidential all information and knowledge that the Holder has relating to the manner and amount of his or her participation in the Plan;provided,however, that such information may be disclosed as required by law and may be given in confidence to the Holder’s spouse, tax, legal and financial advisors, or to a financial institution to the extent that such information is necessary to secure a loan. In the event any breach of this promise comes to the attention of the Committee, it shall take into consideration that breach in determining whether to recommend the grant of any future Award to that Holder, as a factor militating against the advisability of granting any such future Award to that individual.  The provisions of this Section 8.18 shall be included in each Award Agreement.


8.19

Consideration.  No Option shall be exercisable and no restriction on any Restricted Stock Award shall lapse unless and until the Holder shall have paid cash or property to, or performed services for and/or provided value to, the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries that the Committee believes is equal to or greater in value than the par value of the Stock subject to such Award.


8.20

Payment of Taxes.  The Committee may, in its discretion, require a Holder to pay to the Corporation (or the Corporation’s Subsidiary if the Holder is an employee of a Subsidiary of the Corporation), at the time of the exercise of an Award, the amount that the Committee deems necessary to satisfy the Corporation’s or its Subsidiary’s current or future obligation to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes that the Holder incurs by exercising an Award.


8.21

Claw-back.  If any Holder is substantially responsible for negligence that materially and negatively impacts the Corporation, an Award benefit realized by such Holder during the period commencing in the two (2) years preceding such negligence will be immediately due and payable by such Holder to the Corporation.   The Holder will be considered substantially responsible if there was a failure to conduct his or her responsibilities with the degree of skill and care an ordinary prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances.


SECTION 9.

DURATION AND AMENDMENT OF PLAN


9.1

Duration.  No Awards may be granted hereunder after the date that is ten (10) years from the date of this Plan.


9.2

Amendment.  The Board of Directors may (insofar as permitted by law and applicable regulations), with respect to any shares which, at the time, are not subject to Awards, suspend or discontinue the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever, and may amend any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement to make the Plan or the Award Agreement, or both, comply with Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and the exemptions therefrom, the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), the regulations promulgated under the Code or ERISA, or any other law, rule or regulation that may affect the Plan.  The Board of Directors may also amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan for the purpose of meeting or addressing any changes in other legal requirements applicable to the Corporation or the Plan or for any other purpose permitted by law.  The Plan may not be amended without the consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of Stock then outstanding to increase materially the aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued underpursuant to Options intended to be Incentive Stock Options is 15,900,000.”



In all other respects, the Plan (except for adjustments pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan).


SECTION 10.

GENERAL


10.1

Application of Funds.  The proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of shares pursuant to Awards shall be used for general corporate purposes.


10.2

Right of the Corporationremains unchanged and Subsidiaries to Terminate Employment.  Nothing contained in the Plan or in any Award Agreement shall confer upon any Holder the right to continue in the employ of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or interfere in any way with the rights of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to terminate his or her employment at any time.



full force and effect.


10.3

No Liability for Good Faith Determinations.  Neither the members of the Board of Directors, any member of the Committee nor any individual that the Committee has delegated duties to pursuant to Section 3.1. above shall be liable for any act, omission or determination taken or made in good faith with respect


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment No. 1 to the Plan or any Award granted under it, and members of the Board of Directors and the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees, the costs of settling any suit, provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Corporation, and amounts paid in satisfaction of a judgment, except a judgment based on a finding of bad faith) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law and under any directors and officers liability or similar insurance coverage that may from time to time be in effect.  This right to indemnification shall be in addition to, and not a limitation on, any other indemnification rights any member of the Board of Directors or the Committee may have.


10.4

Other Benefits.  Participation in the Plan shall not preclude the Holder from eligibility in any other stock or stock option plan of the Corporation or any Subsidiary or any old age benefit, insurance, pension, profit sharing, retirement, bonus or other extra compensation plans that the Corporation or any Subsidiary has adopted or may, at any time, adopt for the benefit of its Employees.  Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Corporation for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board of Directors to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options and the awarding of stock and cash otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.


10.5

Exclusion from Pension and Profit-Sharing Compensation.  By acceptance of an Award (whether in Stock or cash), as applicable, each Holder shall be deemed to have agreed that the Award is special incentive compensation that will not be taken into account in any manner as salary, compensation or bonus in determining the amount of any payment under any pension, retirement or other employee benefit plan of the Corporation or any Subsidiary.  In addition, each beneficiary of a deceased Holder shall be deemed to have agreed that the Award will not affect the amount of any life insurance coverage, if any, provided by the Corporation or a Subsidiary on the life of the Holder that is payable to the beneficiary under any life insurance plan covering employees of the Corporation or any Subsidiary.


10.6

Execution of Receipts and Releases.  Any payment of cash or any issuance or transfer of shares of Stock or other property to the Holder, or to his legal representative, heir, legatee or distributee, in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims of such persons hereunder. The Committee may require any Holder, legal representative, heir, legatee or distributee, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a release and receipt therefor in such form as it shall determine.


10.7

Unfunded Plan.  Insofar as it provides for Awards of cash and Stock, the Plan shall be unfunded.  Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to Holders who are entitled to cash, Stock, other property or rights thereto under the Plan, any such accounts shall be used merely as a bookkeeping convenience.  The Corporation shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any time be represented by cash, Stock, other property or rights thereto, nor shall the Plan be construed as providing for such segregation, nor shall the Corporation nor the Board of Directors nor the Committee be deemedbeen executed to be a trusteeeffective as of any cash, Stock, other property or rights thereto to be granted under the Plan.  Any liability of the Corporation to any Holder with respect to a grant of cash, Stock, other property or rights thereto under the Plan shall be based solely upon any contractual obligations that may be created by the Plan and any Award Agreement; no such obligation of the Corporation shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any property of the Corporation. Neither the Corporation nor the Board of Directors nor the Committee shall be required to give any security or bond for the performance of any obligation that may be created by the Plan.


10.8

No Guarantee of Interests.  The Board of Directors, the Committee and the Corporation do not guarantee the Stock of the Corporation from loss or depreciation.


10.9

Payment of Expenses.  All expenses incident to the administration, termination or protection of the Plan, including, but not limited to, legal and accounting fees, shall be paid by the Corporation or its Subsidiaries;provided,however, the Corporation or a Subsidiary may recover any and all damages, fees, expenses and costs arising out of any actions taken by the Corporation to enforce its right to purchase Stock under this Plan.



_________________.


10.10

Corporation Records.  Records of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries regarding the Holder’s period of employment, termination of employment and the reason therefor, leaves of absence, re-employment, and other matters shall be conclusive for all purposes hereunder, unless determined by the Committee to be incorrect.


10.11

Information.  The Corporation and its Subsidiaries shall, upon request or as may be specifically required hereunder, furnish or cause to be furnished, all of the information or documentation which is necessary or required by the Committee to perform its duties and functions under the Plan.


10.12

Corporation Action.  Any action required of the Corporation shall be by resolution of its Board of Directors or by a person authorized to act by resolution of the Board of Directors.


10.13

Severability.  If any provision of this Plan is held to be illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof, but such provision shall be fully severable and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had never been included herein.  If any of the terms or provisions of this Plan conflict with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (as those terms or provisions are applied to Eligible Individuals who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act) or Section 422 of the Code (with respect to Incentive Options), then those conflicting terms or provisions shall be deemed inoperative to the extent they so conflict with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 or Section 422 of the Code unless the Committee has determined that the Plan should not comply with such requirements.  With respect to Incentive Options, if this Plan does not contain any provision required to be included herein under Section 422 of the Code, that provision shall be deemed to be incorporated herein with the same force and effect as if that provision had been set out at length herein; provided, further, that, to the extent any Option that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Option cannot so qualify, that Option (to that extent) shall be deemed a Nonstatutory Option for all purposes of the Plan.


10.14

Notices.  Whenever any notice is required or permitted hereunder, such notice must be in writing and personally delivered or sent by mail. Any such notice required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered on the date on which it is personally delivered, or, whether actually received or not, on the third Business Day after it is deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage prepaid, addressed to the person who is to receive it at the address which such person has theretofore specified by written notice delivered in accordance herewith. The Corporation or a Holder may change, at any time and from time to time, by written notice to the other, the address which it or he had previously specified for receiving notices.  Until changed in accordance herewith, the Corporation and each Holder shall specify as its and his address for receiving notices the address set forth in the Award Agreement pertaining to the shares to which such notice relates.


10.15

Waiver of Notice.  Any person entitled to notice hereunder may waive such notice.


10.16

Successors.  The Plan shall be binding upon the Holder, his legal representatives, heirs, legatees and distributees, upon the Corporation, its successors and assigns, and upon the Committee and its successors.


10.17

Headings.  The titles and headings of Sections and Paragraphs are included for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construction of the provisions hereof.


10.18

Governing Law.  All questions arising with respect to the provisions of the Plan shall be determined by application of the laws of the State of Nevada except to the extent Nevada law is preempted by federal law.  Questions arising with respect to the provisions of an Award Agreement that are matters of contract law shall be governed by the laws of the state specified in the Award Agreement, except to the extent Nevada corporate law conflicts with the contract law of such state, in which event Nevada corporate law shall govern.  The obligation of the Corporation to sell and deliver Stock hereunder is subject to applicable laws and to the approval of any governmental authority required in connection with the authorization, issuance, sale, or delivery of such Stock.


10.19

Word Usage.  Words used in the masculine shall apply to the feminine where applicable, and wherever the context of this Plan dictates, the plural shall be read as the singular and the singular as the plural.





18



APPENDIX C


Amendment to Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan


Section 2.1 of the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan is amended to read in full as follows:


2.1

Maximum Number of Shares.  Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock in respect of which Awards may be granted for all purposes under the Plan shall be5,000,000; and provided, further, that if any shares of Stock subject to an Award are forfeited or if any Award based on shares of Stock is otherwise terminated without issuance of such shares of Stock or other consideration in lieu of such shares of Stock, the shares of Stock subject to such Award shall to the extent of such forfeiture or termination, again be available for Awards under the Plan if no participant shall have received any benefits of ownership in respect thereof.









WRITTEN CONSENT OF SHAREHOLDER OF


RING ENERGY, INC.,

a Nevada corporation


The undersigned shareholder of Ring Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Solicitation of Consents and accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement, each dated January __, 2013.  The undersigned hereby consents (by checking the FOR box) or declines to consent (by checking the AGAINST box or the ABSTAIN box) to the adoption of the following recitals and resolutions:


. FOR                    . AGAINST                    . ABSTAIN


WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, in the form of the Certificate of Amendment (the “Articles Amendment”) attached asAppendix A to the Consent Solicitation Statement that accompanies this Consent, and has referred the same to the shareholders of the Company for approval by written consent;


WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders for the shareholders to adopt the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan Approval”) attached asAppendix B to the Consent Solicitation Statement that accompanies this Consent, and has referred the same to the shareholders of the Company for approval by written consent;


WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to amend the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, in the form of the Amendment to the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan Amendment”) attached asAppendix C to the Consent Solicitation Statement that accompanies this Consent, and has referred the same to the shareholders of the Company for approval by written consent; and


WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has recommended that the shareholders vote “FOR” the below resolutions, which it has deemed is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders;


NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED, that the shareholders of the Company hereby approve the Articles Amendment, in the form attached asAppendix A to the Consent Solicitation Statement that accompanies this Consent;


FURTHER RESOLVED, that the shareholders of the Company hereby approve the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, in the form attached asAppendix B to the Consent Solicitation Statement that accompanies this Consent;


FURTHER RESOLVED, that the shareholders of the Company hereby approve the Amendment to the Ring Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, in the form attached asAppendix C to the Consent Solicitation Statement that accompanies this Consent; and


This Written Consent action may be executed in counterparts.  Failure of any particular shareholder(s) to execute and deliver counterparts is immaterial so long as the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company do execute and deliver counterparts.


This Consent is solicited by the Company’s Board of Directors.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Consent on January __, 2013.


Print name(s) exactly as shown on Stock Certificate(s)



Signature (and Title, if any)



Signature (if held jointly)


Sign exactly as name(s) appear(s) on stock certificate(s).  If stock is held jointly, each holder must sign.  If signing is by attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, give full title as such.  A corporation or partnership must sign by an authorized officer or general partner, respectively.







By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
96


PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN






























THIS CONSENT TO RONALD N. VANCE & ASSOCIATES, LEGAL COUNSEL FOR RING ENERGY, INC., AT 1656 REUNION AVENUE, SUITE 250, SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH 84095.


You may submit your consent by email to jamie@vancelaw.us.


You may also submit your consent by facsimile to (801) 466-8803.


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Consent Materials.  The Consent Solicitation Statement is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.





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