Table of Contents

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

Table of Contents

EMCORE CORPORATION

2015 W. Chestnut Street

Alhambra, California, 91803

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials For the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on March 10, 2015: Our 2014 Annual Report and the accompanying proxy materials are available at https://materials.proxyvote.com/290846.

To our Shareholders:

The 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of EMCORE Corporation (the “Company”) will be held at 8:00 A.M. local time on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel located at 168 So. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, 91101, for the following purposes:

(1)                                           To elect two (2) members to the Company’s Board of Directors;

(2)                                           To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015;

(3)                                           To provide an advisory vote on executive compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers;

(4)                                           To provide for shareholder approval of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan; and

(5)                                           To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 13, 2015 as the record date for determining those shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Whether or not you expect to be present at the Annual Meeting, please vote and submit your proxy as promptly as possible in order to assure the presence of a quorum.  You may vote by telephone, Internet or mail.  If you vote by telephone or Internet, you do not have to send a proxy card via the mail.  This notice and the accompanying Proxy Statement are being mailed on or about January 23, 2015.

January 23, 2015

Alhambra, California

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MEETING AND ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD AS OF THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JANUARY 13, 2015 ARE RESPECTFULLY URGED TO VOTE AND SUBMIT A PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD WHO EXECUTE A PROXY MAY NEVERTHELESS ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, REVOKE THEIR PROXY, AND VOTE THEIR SHARES IN PERSON.

Table of Contents

EMCORE CORPORATION

PROXY STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

EMCORE CORPORATION

2015 W. Chestnut Street

Alhambra, California, 91803

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

March 10, 2015

This Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders of record of EMCORE Corporation (the “Company”) as of the close of business on January 13, 2015, in connection with the solicitation on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company of proxies for use at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 8:00 A.M. local time, on March 10, 2015, at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel located at 168 So. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, 91101, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This Proxy Statement and the related proxy materials are first being mailed to shareholders, or made available on the Internet, as applicable, beginning on or about January 23, 2015. Shareholders should review the information provided herein in conjunction with the Company’s 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders. The Company’s principal executive office is located at 2015 W. Chestnut Street, Alhambra, California, 91803.(1) The Company’s main telephone number is (626) 293-3400. The Company’s principal executive officers may be reached at the foregoing business address and telephone number.

PURPOSES OF THE MEETING

At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s shareholders will consider and vote upon the following matters:

(1)                                           To elect two (2) members to the Company’s Board of Directors;

(2)                                           To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015;

(3)                                           To provide an advisory vote on executive compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers;

(4)                                           To provide for shareholder approval of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan; and

(5)                                           To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Unless contrary instructions are indicated on the accompanying proxy, all shares represented by valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation (and that have not been revoked in accordance with the procedures set forth below) will be voted: (1) FOR the election of the nominees for director named below; (2) FOR ratification of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm; (3) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the Company’s executive compensation; (4) FOR the approval of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, and (5) by the proxies in their discretion upon any other proposals as may properly come before the Annual Meeting. In the event a shareholder specifies a different choice by means of the accompanying proxy, such shareholder’s shares will be voted in accordance with the specification so made.

OUTSTANDING VOTING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS

As of the close of business on January 13, 2015 (the “Record Date”), the Company had 31,873,643 shares of no par value common stock (“Common Stock”) issued and outstanding. Each shareholder of record on the Record Date is entitled to one vote on all matters presented at the Annual Meeting for each share of Common Stock held by such shareholder. The presence, either in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders of the majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will be limited to shareholders as of the Record Date, their authorized representatives, and guests of the Company.

(1)  The Company relocated its headquarters from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Alhambra, California, in December 2014.

1

Table of Contents

If your shares of Common Stock are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as of the Record Date, you may vote:

(1)                           By Internet:  Go to www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions;

(2)                           By Telephone:  Call toll-free to 1-800-690-6903 and follow the instructions;

(3)                           By Mail:  If you request a copy of the proxy materials by mail, complete, sign, date and return your proxy card in the envelope supplied to you with written proxy materials; or

(4)                           In Person:  Attend the Annual Meeting and vote by ballot.

If your shares are held by a bank, broker or other holder of record, you are a beneficial owner of those shares rather than a shareholder of record.  If you are a beneficial owner, your bank, broker or other holder of record will forward the proxy materials to you.  As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, broker or other holder of record how to vote your shares by following the voting instructions provided by your bank, broker or other holder of record.  Please refer to the proxy materials forwarded by your bank, broker or other holder of record to see if the voting options described above are available to you.  Please note that if your shares of Common Stock are held by a bank, broker or other holder of record and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must present proof of ownership of the Company’s Common Stock (“Common Stock”) as of the Record Date before you will be permitted to vote in person.

Except as noted below, you may use the Internet or any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Monday, March 9, 2015.  Your proxy, whether submitted by telephone, via the Internet or by mail, may nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to the voting thereof at your discretion either by a written notice of revocation received by the person or persons named therein or by voting the shares covered thereby in person or by another proxy dated subsequent to the date thereof.

Prudential Financial (“Prudential”) is the holder of record of the shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s 401(k) plan.  If you are a participant in this plan, you are the beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock credited to your plan account.  As beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct Prudential, as plan administrator, how to vote your shares.  In the absence of voting instructions, Prudential has the right to vote shares at its discretion.  The vote you submit via proxy card, the telephone or Internet voting systems will serve as your voting instructions to Prudential.  To allow sufficient time for Prudential to vote your 401(k) plan shares, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Saturday, March 7, 2015.

The vote required for approval of each of the proposals before the shareholders at the Annual Meeting is as follows:

For Proposal I — Election of Director, the nominees for director will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.  Each shareholder may vote for or withhold such vote from the nominees.  The two nominees who receive the most votes that are properly cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected.  For each of Proposal II — Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Proposal III — Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation, and Proposal IV — Approval of the Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, an affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and that are entitled to vote on such proposal at the Annual Meeting is required to approve each such proposal.  Each shareholder may vote for, vote against or abstain from voting on each of these proposals.  Abstentions (with respect to Proposals II through IV) and broker non-votes (with respect to Proposals I, III and IV), are not counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote for each proposal.

A broker non-vote occurs when a bank or broker does not vote on a particular proposal because such bank or broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares.  If you hold your shares through a bank or broker and do not provide voting instructions to the bank or broker, then under the applicable New York Stock Exchange rules, the bank or broker may vote your shares in its discretion with respect to Proposal II above, but may not vote your shares with respect to any of the other proposals.  If no such instructions are received by the bank or broker in respect of Proposal I, III, or IV the result will be a broker non-vote in respect of those proposals.

Please note that the proposals regarding executive compensation and the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm are advisory only and will not be binding on the Company or the Board.  The results of the votes on those advisory proposals will be taken into consideration by the Company, the Board or the appropriate committee of the Board, as applicable, when making future decisions regarding these matters.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

The Company has elected to furnish its proxy materials over the Internet rather than mailing paper copies of those materials.  On or about January 23, 2015, the Company mailed to shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) directing shareholders to a website where they can access this Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2014 Annual Report and view instructions on how to submit a proxy via the Internet or by touch-tone telephone.  If shareholders wish to receive a paper copy of the Company’s proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability.

2

Table of Contents

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROXY

The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of the Company’s Board of Directors. The giving of a proxy does not preclude the right to vote in person should any shareholder of record giving the proxy so desire. Shareholders of record have an unconditional right to revoke their proxy at any time prior to the exercise thereof, either in person at the Annual Meeting or by filing with the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s headquarters a written revocation or duly executed proxy bearing a later date; however, no such revocation will be effective until written notice of the revocation is received by the Company at or prior to the Annual Meeting.  Beneficial shareholders, those whose shares are held by a bank, broker or other holder of record, must refer to the proxy materials forwarded by their bank, broker or other holder of record to see if and how to revoke their proxy.

The cost of preparing and making available this Proxy Statement, the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and the proxy is borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the Internet, employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally and by telephone. The Company’s employees will receive no compensation for soliciting proxies other than their regular salaries. The Company has retained Morrow & Co., LLC, of 470 West Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an estimated cost of $15,000 plus expenses. In addition, solicitation of proxies may be made by additional mailings, electronic mail, telephone or in person by directors, officers or regular employees of the Company. The Company may request banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward copies of the proxy material to their principals and to request authority for the execution of proxies. The Company may reimburse such persons for their expenses in so doing.

We intend to mail, or make available on the Internet (as applicable), this Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy card and 2014 Annual Report on or about January 23, 2015 to all shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and our 2014 Annual Report will be available under the “Investor” tab on our website (www.emcore.com) beginning on or about January 23, 2015.

3

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL I:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes, as set forth in the following table. The directors in each class hold office for staggered terms of three years. The Class C director, Mr. Domenik is being proposed for a three-year term (expiring in 2018) at this Annual Meeting.  An appointed Class B director, Mr. Rittichier is being proposed for the remainder of Class B’s two-year term (expiring in 2017) at this Annual Meeting.

The shares represented by proxies will be voted, unless otherwise specified, in favor of the nominees for the Board of Directors named below. If, as a result of circumstances not known or unforeseen, the nominees shall be unavailable to serve as director, proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board of Directors may select.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the members of and nominees for the Board of Directors:

(1)              Member of Audit Committee.

(2)              Member of Nominating Committee.

(3)              Member of Compensation Committee.

(4)              Member of Strategy and Alternatives Committee.

(5)              Determined by the Board of Directors to be an independent director according to the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Set forth below is certain information with respect to the nominees for the office of director and other directors and executive officers of the Company.  Ages are listed as of the record date.

4

Table of Contents

Directors

ROBERT L. BOGOMOLNY, 76, has served as a director of the Company since April 2002. Since July 2014, Mr. Bogomolny has served as President Emeritus and Professor of Law of the University of Baltimore.  Mr. Bogomolny served as President of the University of Baltimore from August 2002 until July 2014. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Senior Vice President and General Counsel of G.D. Searle & Company, a pharmaceuticals manufacturer, from 1987 to 2001. At G.D. Searle, Mr. Bogomolny was responsible at various times for its legal, regulatory, quality control, and public affairs activities. He also led its government affairs department in Washington, D.C., and served on the Searle Executive Management Committee.  Mr. Bogomolny’s business, management, legal, regulatory, public policy and government affairs experience, as well as his familiarity with the Company’s business garnered through his tenure as a director, were the primary qualifications that have led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director of our Company.

STEVEN BECKER, 48, has been a director of the Company since December 2013.  Mr. Becker co-founded Becker Drapkin Management, L.P. (“Becker Drapkin”) (previously known as Greenway Capital), a Dallas-based investment fund focused on constructive activism in the small cap market, and has served as its managing partner since September 2004. Prior to founding Becker Drapkin, Mr. Becker was a partner at Special Situations Funds, a New York City-based asset manager, where he ran the Special Situations Private Equity Fund from its inception until leaving. Before joining Special Situations, Mr. Becker was a part of the distressed debt and leveraged equities research team at Bankers Trust Securities. Mr. Becker started his career at Manley Fuller Asset Management in New York as a small cap analyst.  Mr. Becker currently serves on the board of directors of three publicly traded companies. He has been a director of Tuesday Morning Corp., a closeout retailer, since July 2012; Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc., an alternative fuel systems manufacturer, since October 2014; and Special Diversified Opportunities (“SDO”) (formerly known as Strategic Diagnostics, Inc), a provider of biotechnology-based products and services, since March 2008.  In addition, Mr. Becker previously served on the board of directors of Plato Learning, Inc., a provider of education services and training, Ruby Tuesday, Inc., the operator of a national restaurant chain, Pixelworks, Inc., a semiconductor company, and Hot Topic, Inc., an apparel retailer.  Mr. Becker received a B.A. from Middlebury College and a J.D. from the University of Florida. Mr. Becker’s expertise in corporate finance, strategic planning, and corporate governance, together with his extensive experience serving as director of numerous other boards were the primary qualifications that the Board considered in nominating Mr. Becker as a director of our Company.  In addition, as discussed below, pursuant to an agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Steven R. Becker, Matthew A. Drapkin, Becker Drapkin and certain affiliates of Becker Drapkin (the “Shareholder Group”), the Board is obligated to nominate Mr. Becker as director at the Annual Meeting.

STEPHEN L. DOMENIK, 63, has served as a director of the Company since December 2013. Since 1995, he has been a General Partner with Sevin Rosen Funds, a venture capital firm, where he led numerous investments in private companies. Mr. Domenik was appointed to the Board of Directors of MoSys, Inc. in June 2012, a publicly-traded IP-rich fabless semiconductor company.  He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Pixelworks, Inc., a semiconductor company, in August 2010.  He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Meru Networks, Inc., a publicly-traded technology company, in January 2014.  In addition, Mr. Domenik is currently Chairman of the Board of a private company. Mr. Domenik previously served on the Boards of Directors of NetLogic Microsystems, Inc., a publicly-traded fabless semiconductor company from January 2001 until it was acquired by Broadcom Corporation in February 2012, and PLX Technology, Inc., a publicly-traded semiconductor company, from December 2013 until it was acquired by Avago Technologies in August, 2014.  He holds a B.S. in Physics and an M.S.E.E. from the University of California at Berkeley.  Mr. Domenik’s expertise in corporate investments and strategic planning in the semiconductor industry, together with his experience serving as director of several other public and private companies were the primary qualifications that the Board considered in nominating him as a director of our Company.

GERALD J. FINE, Ph.D. 56, has served as a director of the Company since December 2013.  Dr. Fine has been a Professor of Practice and Director at the Engineering Innovation Center of Boston University since 2012. From 2008 to 2011, Dr. Fine was President and CEO of Schott North America and led operations of all Schott AG businesses in North America, including solar, pharmaceutical packaging, electronic packaging, and lighting and imaging and advanced materials. Dr. Fine also served as Executive Vice President, Photonic Technologies for Corning Incorporated. He previously served on the Board of Directors of several private companies, including CyOptics, Inc., a semiconductor laser manufacturer for telecom applications, Crystal IS, Inc., a UV LED substrate manufacturer, Kotura, Inc., a provider of silicon components for datacom and telecom, and Pixtronix, Inc., a provider of low-cost displays for portable devices. Dr. Fine holds a B.A. from Amherst College and a Ph.D. from California Institute of Technology.  Dr. Fine’s technical expertise in the semiconductor field, combined with his business experience serving as an executive officer and board member of several companies were the primary qualifications that the Board considered in nominating Mr. Becker as a director of our Company. 

5

Table of Contents

JEFFREY RITTICHIER, 55, joined the Company as its Chief Executive Officer with an effective start date of January 3, 2015.  He has worked in the optical communications industry for 16 years, having previously held the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer of Nanostatics Corporation, a producer of nanofiber technology, from April 2009 to December 2014.  Prior to that, from November 2007 to April 2009, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the electrical testing company Epik Energy Solutions, L.L.C., a joint venture of Royal Dutch Shell, and of NanoDynamics, Inc., focused on commercializing nanotechnology for the energy and petroleum industries.  He has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Xponent Photonics, Inc., a manufacturer of surface-mount photonic components for optical assemblies, from October 2001 to November 2007.  From April 1999 to October 2001, Mr. Rittichier was VP and General Manager of Lucent’s Access Business and Vice President of Marketing at Ortel Corporation, a supplier of optoelectronic components in the cable television, satellite communications, wireless, data communications and telecommunications markets.  Mr. Rittichier holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. He was awarded the title of Distinguished Alumnus by Ohio State University’s College of Engineering in 2011 and has completed the Financial Management Program at Stanford University.  Mr. Rittichier’s experience as a 16-year optical communications veteran with a demonstrated track record of identifying and realizing optical networking growth opportunities were the primary qualifications that led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director of our Company.

CHARLES T. SCOTT, 65, has served as a director of the Company since February 1998. He is currently a non-executive director of two other public companies in the United Kingdom, including Flybe Group plc, where he serves on the audit committee, and In Technology plc. From January 1, 2004, until August 31, 2010, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of William Hill plc, a leading provider of bookmaking services in the United Kingdom, where he also served on the audit committee. Prior to that, Mr. Scott served as Chairman of a number of companies, including Cordiant Communications Group plc, (formerly Saatchi & Saatchi Company plc), and Robert Walters plc.  Mr. Scott is a chartered accountant. Mr. Scott’s extensive accounting, finance and business experience, experiences as a Chairman and director at other international companies and familiarity with the Company’s business garnered through his tenure as a director of the Company were the primary qualifications that have led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director of our Company.

Non-Director Executive Officers

MARK WEINSWIG, 42, joined the Company in October 2010 as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Weinswig previously served as International Finance Director at Coherent, Inc. from September 2009 until October 2010.  Prior to that, he served as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance at Avanex Corporation (now Oclaro) from July 2008 through August 2009.  During the period from January 2006 through July 2008, Mr. Weinswig was Director of Finance and Business Unit Controller at Coherent, Inc.  From April 2000 through January 2006, Mr. Weinswig served as Vice President, Financial Planning and Business Development at Avanex.  Mr. Weinswig’s responsibilities in his prior positions included oversight of the financial and accounting functions at his previous companies.  Mr. Weinswig began his career working at Morgan Stanley and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He received an M.B.A. from the University of Santa Clara and a B.S. in business administration from Indiana University. He has earned the CFA and CPA designations.

ALFREDO GOMEZ, 42, joined the Company in September 2007 as Corporate Counsel. From July 2009 to June 2010, Mr. Gomez served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. In June 2010, Mr. Gomez was promoted to General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.  Mr. Gomez started his legal career as a corporate associate with the Newport Beach, California law firm of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gomez served as in-house corporate counsel for Western Digital Corporation, from October 2003 to April 2005, and as Director of Legal Affairs for j2 Global Communications, Inc. from April 2005 to September 2007, where he was responsible for handling a wide variety of legal matters affecting the company.  Mr. Gomez holds a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stanford University.

6

Table of Contents

Arrangements With Respect to Service on the Board

Effective December 9, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Settlement Agreement” as disclosed in Exhibit 10.30 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed December 9, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference) with Steven R. Becker, Matthew A. Drapkin, Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., and certain affiliates of Becker Drapkin (the “Shareholder Group”).  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, effective as of December 9, 2013, the Board was expanded from eight to eleven directors, and Mr. Becker and Dr. Fine were each appointed as Class A directors with terms expiring at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting (the “2014 Annual Meeting”), and Mr. Domenik was appointed as a Class C Director with a term expiring at the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2015 Annual Meeting”) to fill the new vacancies. In addition, Mr. Richards was re-appointed to the Board as a Class C director. Mr. Richards was formerly a Class A director. Mr. Richards also informed the Company on December 3, 2013 that he would step down as Chairman of the Board at the 2014 Annual Meeting but will remain Chairman Emeritus until the 2015 Annual Meeting, at which time he will step down from the Board.

Messrs. Becker, Fine, and Domenik will be entitled to receive the same compensation and other rights and protections as our other non-employee directors.

The Settlement Agreement also provided for the following terms:

·                  the Board and the Nominating Committee would nominate Mr. Becker and Dr. Fine for election to the Board as Class A directors, and Mr. Domenik and Mr. Richards as Class C directors, at the 2014 Annual Meeting;

·                  the Board and the Nominating Committee would nominate Mr. Domenik for election to the Board as a Class C director at the 2015 Annual Meeting;

·                  if, prior to the 2015 Annual Meeting, any of Messrs. Becker, Fine or Domenik became unable or unwilling to serve as a director, the Shareholder Group would have the right to nominate a replacement director;

·                  prior to the conclusion of the 2015 Annual Meeting, the Company will not increase the size of the Board except as necessary to comply with the terms of the Settlement Agreement and not to fill the vacancies created by two former directors, Dr. Thomas Russell and John Gillen, resigning or not standing for re-election; and

·                  the Board designated a Strategy and Alternatives Committee, to evaluate strategic opportunities for the Company in order to enhance shareholder value.

In addition, the Company agreed that from and after the 2014 Annual Meeting until the 2015 Annual Meeting:

·                  the Strategy and Alternatives Committee shall be comprised of no more than four members, three of whom shall be independent directors within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules;

·                  Mr. Becker shall be a member and the Chairman of the Strategy and Alternatives Committee and Reuben Richards (for so long as he serves as a member of the Board, unless otherwise determined by the Board) and one of the other new directors shall also be members of the Strategy and Alternatives Committee;

·                  each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Strategy and Alternatives Committee of the Board shall have no more than four members each and at least one of the new directors shall be a member, and

·                  the Nominating Committee of the Board shall have no more than four members, one of whom shall be Mr. Becker, and another of whom shall be either Dr. Fine or Mr. Domenik.

Subject to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, from the date of the Settlement Agreement through the conclusion of the 2015 Annual Meeting, (or such earlier date upon the occurrence of certain events, as described in the Settlement Agreement) (the “Standstill Period”), each member of the Shareholder Group shall cause all shares of Common Stock owned of record or beneficially owned by it or its respective affiliates or associates to be present for quorum purposes and to be voted in favor of all directors nominated by the Board for election at any shareholder meeting where such matters will be voted on.  In addition, during the Standstill Period, each member of the Shareholder Group will not (and will cause each of such person’s respective affiliates, associates, and agents and other persons acting on his or its behalf not to), directly or indirectly, engage in certain actions, as set forth in the Settlement Agreement.

7

Table of Contents

The foregoing description of the Settlement Agreement is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the Settlement Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 9, 2013.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE UNDER PROPOSAL I.

8

Table of Contents

GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors oversees the Company’s business and affairs pursuant to the New Jersey Business Corporation Act and the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws. The Board of Directors is the ultimate decision-making body of the Company, except on matters reserved for the shareholders.

Board Leadership Structure

The Board believes it is important to retain its flexibility to allocate the responsibilities of the offices of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company in any way that is in the best interests of the Company and the shareholders at a given point in time. The Board believes that the decision as to who should serve as Chairman of the Board and CEO, and whether these offices should be combined or separate, should be assessed periodically by the Board, and that the Board should not be constrained by a rigid policy mandating that such positions be separate.

Dr. Hong Q. Hou served as the Company’s CEO commencing March 2008, and served as a director commencing December 2006.  Mr. Bogomolny and Dr. Fine currently serve as Co-Chairmen of the Board.  On September 17, 2014, the Company announced that its then Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hou, was to terminate employment with the Company effective January 2, 2015.  On September 17, 2014 the Company also entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with Dr. Hou pursuant to which, as of January 2, 2015, Dr. Hou ceased to serve as a director of the Company and as an officer or employee of the Company and its affiliates.  Upon his termination Dr. Hou will, among other benefits, receive continued base pay of $450,445 per annum for 86 weeks and accelerated vesting of his equity incentive compensation awards.  Also on September 17, 2014, the Company announced a retention award letter agreement with Dr. Hou, in the amount of $921,500, to be paid in connection with the Company’s sale of its photovoltaics business to SolAero Technologies Corporation (f/k/a Photon Acquisition Corporation), a Delaware corporation and an affiliate of private equity firm Veritas Capital, (the “Photovoltaics Sale”), completed on December 10, 2014. 

On December 10, 2014, Dr. James Tegnelia notified the Company that he will not stand for re-election as a director of the Company at the Company's 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, at which time his term of office will be completed. In addition, on December 10, 2014, Mr. Sherman McCorkle notified the Company that he will resign as a director at the Company's 2015 annual meeting of shareholders. The Company will continue to review its Board structure in light of its smaller and more focused business operations, to ensure that it is in the best position to deliver value to its shareholders, key stakeholders and the communities in which the Company operates.

On December 11, 2014, the Company announced that it had hired Mr. Jeffrey Rittichier as its Chief Executive Officer, effective January 3, 2015, pursuant to which the Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rittichier (as disclosed in Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 11, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference), and appointed him as a Class B director of the Company, effective January 5, 2015.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines together with its restated certificate of incorporation, By-Laws and the charters of the Board’s committees provide the framework for the governance of the Company.  The Corporate Governance Guidelines address Board composition and operations and expectations for directors.  The full text of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is available by clicking on the Corporate Governance link included in the Investor tab of the Company’s website (www.emcore.com).

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a code of ethics entitled “EMCORE Corporation Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,” which is applicable to all employees, officers, and directors of the Company. In addition, the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals, which applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice Presidents of Finance, Controllers and Assistant Controllers of the Company. The full text of both the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals is available by clicking on the Corporate Governance link in the Investor tab of the Company’s website (www.emcore.com).  The Company intends to disclose any changes in or waivers from either of its codes of ethics by posting such information on its website or by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Related Person Transaction Approval Policy

The Board of Directors has adopted a written policy on the review and approval of related person transactions as defined under applicable SEC regulations. Related persons covered by the policy are executive officers, directors and director nominees, any person who is known to be a beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the voting securities of the Company, any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons or any entity in which any of the foregoing persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

9

Table of Contents

A related person transaction is defined by the Company’s policy as any financial or other transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which the Company (or a subsidiary) would be a participant and the amount involved would exceed $120,000, and in which any related person would have a direct or indirect material interest. A related person will not be deemed to have a direct or indirect material interest in a transaction if the interest arises only from the position of the person as a director of another corporation or organization that is a party to the transaction or the direct or indirect ownership by such person and all the related persons, in the aggregate, of less than a 10 percent equity interest in another person (other than a partnership) which is a party to the transaction. In addition, certain interests and transactions, such as director compensation that has been approved by the Board, transactions where the rates or charges are determined by competitive bid and compensatory arrangements solely related to employment with the Company (or a subsidiary) that have been approved by the Compensation Committee, are not subject to the policy.

The Board of Directors has delegated to the Compensation Committee the responsibility for reviewing, approving and, where applicable, ratifying related person transactions. If a member of the Committee has an interest in a related person transaction, then he or she will not be part of the review process.

In considering the appropriate action to be taken regarding a related person transaction, the Committee or the Board (as the case may be) will consider the best interests of the Company, whether the transaction is comparable to what would be obtainable in an arms-length transaction, is fair to the Company and serves a compelling business reason, and any other factors as it deems relevant.  As a condition to approving or ratifying any related person transaction, the Committee may impose whatever conditions and standards it deems appropriate, including periodic monitoring of ongoing transactions.

The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics includes the Company’s Conflicts of Interest Policy, among other policies. Directors are expected to read the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and adhere to its provisions to the extent applicable in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as directors. The Conflicts of Interest Policy provides, among other things, that conflicts of interest exist where the interests or benefits of one person or entity conflict with the interests or benefits of the Company. The Code also provides restrictions on outside directorships, business interests and employment, receipt of gifts and entertainment and that all material violations of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or matters involving financial or legal misconduct will be reported to the Company’s Audit Committee on at least a quarterly basis, or more frequently depending upon the level of severity of the violation.

The Board of Directors reviews the independence, and any possible conflicts of interest, of directors and director nominees at least annually. Directors are also required to disclose potential and existing related person transactions in Directors and Officers Questionnaires completed annually.  On September 17, 2014, the Company entered into retention award letter agreements with Dr. Hou, its then Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Weinswig, its Chief Financial Officer; Mrs. Van Berkel, its Chief Administrative Officer; and Mr. Gomez, its General Counsel.  Pursuant to these agreements, these executives are entitled to the following payments if the Company completed the Photovoltaics Sale within twelve months: Dr. Hou ($921,000), Mr. Weinswig ($526,500), Mrs. Van Berkel ($330,000), and Mr. Gomez ($330,000).  On December 10, 2014, the Company completed the Photovoltaics Sale, entitling the aforementioned executives to their respective retention payments.

Director Independence

The Board of Directors has determined that a majority of the Company’s directors are independent in compliance with the listing standards applicable to the Company pursuant to the rules of Nasdaq.  The Board has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Bogomolny, Becker, Domenik, Fine, McCorkle, Scott, and Tegnelia are independent under the Nasdaq rules.  Among the relationships considered by the Board in making its determination were:  service on the boards or committees of other companies (both public and private); service as a director, trustee or executive officer in any charitable organizations; service of a family member as an officer in any charitable organizations; relationships by blood, marriage or adoption among Directors or Executive Officers of the Company; related person transactions with the Company; legal proceedings involving the Company; indebtedness to the Company; or prior arrangements and understandings with respect to the selection of Directors or Officers of the Company.  In addition to the requirements of the SEC and Nasdaq rules, the Company’s By-Laws require that a majority of the Board be independent pursuant to the requirements of certain tests that are not included within the requirements of the Nasdaq rules.  The additional tests contained in the Company’s By-Laws include a requirement that a director is not considered independent for purposes of the By-Laws if, in the past three years, he has received any remuneration as an advisor or consultant to any other director of the Company.  The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Becker, Bogomolny, Domenik, Fine, McCorkle, Scott and Tegnelia comprising a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, are independent directors within the meaning of the Company’s By-Laws.

10

Table of Contents

During fiscal 2014, Messrs. Tegnelia (chairman), Becker, Bogomolny and Fine served as members of our Nominating Committee. The members of our Compensation Committee were Messrs. Scott (chairman), Domenik, Fine and McCorkle.  Messrs. Scott (chairman), Bogomolny, Domenik and McCorkle served as members of our Audit Committee. Messrs. Becker (chairman), Domenik and Tegnelia were the members of our Strategy and Alternatives Committee.  All members of each of our Nominating, Compensation and Audit Committees were “independent” as currently defined by the Nasdaq rules and in accordance with the independence standards for Compensation Committee members adopted by the Nasdaq and approved by the SEC.

The Board of Directors’ Role in Risk Oversight

Risk is inherent in business.  The Board of Directors recognizes the importance of effective risk oversight in running a successful business and in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities to the Company and its shareholders. While the CEO and other members of our senior leadership team are responsible for the day-to-day management of risk, the Board of Directors takes an active role in risk management and is responsible for (i) overseeing the Company’s aggregate risk profile, and (ii) assisting management in addressing specific risks, such as strategic and competitive risks, financial risks, brand and reputation risks, legal risks, regulatory risks, and operational risks.

The Board believes that its current leadership structure has facilitated its oversight of risk by combining independent leadership, through the separation of the roles of CEO and Chairman or Co-Chairmen of the Board, the Lead Independent Director, independent Board committees, and majority independent Board composition.  The Co-Chairmen of the Board, independent committee chairs and members, and other directors also are experienced professionals or executives who can and do raise issues for Board consideration and review and who are not hesitant to challenge management. The Board believes there has been a well-functioning and effective balance between the Co-Chairmen of the Board, non-management Board members, and the CEO, which enhances risk oversight.

The Board of Directors exercises its oversight responsibility for risk both directly and through its standing committees. Throughout the year, the Board and each committee spend a portion of their time reviewing and discussing specific risk topics. The full Board is kept informed of each committee’s risk oversight and related activities, and committee meeting minutes are available for review by all directors. Strategic, operational and competitive risks also are presented and discussed at the Board’s quarterly meetings, and more often as necessary. On at least an annual basis, the Board conducts a review of our long-term strategic plans. In addition, at least quarterly, or more often as necessary, the General Counsel updates the Board on material legal and regulatory matters.

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our major financial risk exposures, financial reporting, internal controls, credit and liquidity risk, compliance risk and key operational risks. The Audit Committee meets regularly in separate executive session with the Chief Financial Officer and the independent auditor, as well as with committee members only, to facilitate a full and candid discussion of risk and other issues.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing human capital and compensation risks, including evaluating and assessing risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for all employees and ensuring executive compensation is aligned with performance. The Compensation Committee also is charged with monitoring our incentive and equity-based compensation plans, including employee retirement and benefit plans.

The Nominating Committee oversees risks related to our overall corporate governance, including Board and committee composition, Board size and structure, director independence, and potential conflicts of interest. The Committee is also responsible for overseeing risks associated with succession planning for the Board.

The Strategy and Alternatives Committee oversees risks related to the Company’s long-term business plans, including considering its strategic plan, strategic initiatives and any technological innovations which may be relevant to the Company’s business.

11

Table of Contents

In addition to the responsibilities undertaken by the committees discussed above, the Board committees may have oversight of specific risk areas consistent with the committees’ charters and responsibilities.

Board Meetings and Attendance

The Board of Directors held twenty-six (26) regularly scheduled and special meetings during fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2014, all directors of the Company attended at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the aggregate meetings of the Board and committees on which they served during their tenure on the Board.

Board Committees

Audit Committee

The Company has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  During fiscal 2014, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Scott (chairman), Bogomolny, Domenik and McCorkle.  Each member of the Audit Committee is currently an independent director within the meaning of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2).  The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Scott is an Audit Committee financial expert. The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing the Company’s financial reports and systems of internal controls and overseeing and approving the services to be performed by the Company’s independent accountants.  A copy of the Charter of the Audit Committee is posted in the Corporate Governance section on the Investor tab of the Company’s website (www.emcore.com).  The Audit Committee met seven (7) times during fiscal 2014.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other officers and reviews and approves their compensation.  During fiscal 2014, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Scott (chairman), Domenik, Fine and McCorkle. A copy of the Charter of the Compensation Committee is posted in the Corporate Governance section on the Investor tab of the Company’s website (www.emcore.com).  The processes and procedures for the review and approval of executive compensation are described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement. In addition, the Compensation Committee has responsibility for recommending to the Board the level and form of compensation and benefits for directors. It also administers the Company’s incentive compensation plans and is responsible for setting the compensation and benefits for the company’s executives.  The Compensation Committee met nine (9) times during fiscal 2014.

To the extent consistent with its obligations and responsibilities, the Compensation Committee may form subcommittees of one or more members of the Compensation Committee and delegate its authority to the subcommittees as it deems appropriate. In addition, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain and terminate external advisors in connection with the discharge of its duties.

In January 2014, the Compensation Committee engaged Compensia, Inc. (“Compensia”), an independent compensation consultant, to conduct a limited analysis of executive compensation.  For more information regarding Compensia’s analysis, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — The Company’s Annual Compensation Decision-Making Process” section of this Proxy Statement.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee identifies and recommends new members to the Company’s Board of Directors.  During fiscal 2014, the Nominating Committee consisted of Messrs. Tegnelia (chairman), Becker, Bogomolny and Fine.  A copy of the Charter of the Nominating Committee is posted in the Corporate Governance section on the Investor tab of the Company’s website (www.emcore.com).  The Nominating Committee met three (3) times in fiscal 2014.

12

Table of Contents

The Nominating Committee has not established specific minimum age, education, experience or skill requirements for potential director nominees.  When considering a potential director candidate, the Nominating Committee considers the candidate’s individual skills and knowledge, including experience in business, finance, or administration, familiarity with national and international business matters, and appreciation of the relationship of the Company’s business to changing needs in our society.  The Nominating Committee also carefully considers any potential conflicts of interest.  All nominees must possess demonstrated character, good judgment, integrity, relevant business, functional and industry experience, and a high degree of acumen.  Although the Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, in accordance with the Company’s philosophy, the Nominating Committee endeavors to identify nominees that represent diverse backgrounds and experience in policy-making positions in business and technology, and in areas that are relevant to the Company’s global activities.  The Nominating Committee assesses the effectiveness of its efforts to achieve a Board with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences by periodically reviewing the skills and experiences of the Board as a whole, and each of the directors individually.

The Nominating Committee identifies potential candidates from a number of sources, including current members of the Board and, if the Nominating Committee so chooses, third party search firms.  The Nominating Committee may also consider candidates proposed by management or by shareholders. The Nominating Committee evaluates director candidates recommended by shareholders in the same way that it evaluates candidates recommended by other sources.  After the Nominating Committee’s initial evaluation of a candidate, if that candidate is still of interest to the Nominating Committee, one or more designated members of the Board will interview the candidate.  Additional interviews by other Board members and/or senior management may take place and other screening processes may be undertaken.  The Nominating Committee will meet to finalize its recommended candidates, which will be submitted to the entire Board for consideration.  All candidates who are recommended by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board are then included as nominees in our proxy statement for the year in which the Class for which they are nominated comes up for election.

The Nominating Committee will consider suggestions from shareholders regarding possible director candidates for election in 2015. Such suggestions must contain (1) all information for each nominee required to be disclosed in a proxy statement under the Exchange Act, (2) the name and address of the shareholder making the recommendation, the number of shares owned and the length of ownership, (3) a statement as to whether the nominees meet the criteria for independence under the rules of the Nasdaq and the Company’s By-Laws and (4) the written consent of the nominees to serve as a director if elected.  Such suggestions must be submitted to the Company’s Secretary in accordance with the procedures and timing set forth in the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Shareholder Proposals” below, under “General Matters,” as well as the Company’s By-Laws. The directors nominated in this Proxy Statement were recommended for re-election by the Board of Directors and in accordance with the Settlement Agreement.

When appropriate, the Nominating Committee may form subcommittees of one or more of its members and delegate its authority to these subcommittees as it deems appropriate.

Strategy and Alternatives Committee

The Strategy and Alternatives Committee was designated in December 2013 to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to the Company’s strategic planning and the development of technologies that could contribute to the achievement of the Company’s strategic plan.  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Strategy and Alternatives Committee shall be comprised of no more than four members, three of whom shall be independent directors within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules.  During fiscal 2014, the Board appointed Messrs. Becker (chairman), Domenik and Tegnelia to serve on the Strategy and Alternatives Committee.  Responsibilities of the Strategy and Alternatives Committee include:

·                       discussing the Company’s strategic plan, including any proposed merger or acquisition;

·                       considering technological innovations relevant to the business of the Company;

·                       considering and discussing strategic initiatives and new technologies that the Committee believes could contribute to the achievement of the Company’s strategic plan; and

·                       upon request of the Board from time to time, providing advice and assistance with regard to evaluating potential strategic initiatives that fall within the scope of the Committee’s purposes.

To the extent consistent with its obligations and responsibilities, the Strategy and Alternatives Committee may form subcommittees of one or more of its members delegate its authority to these subcommittees as it deems appropriate.

A copy of the Charter of the Strategy and Alternatives Committee is posted in the Corporate Governance section of the Investor tab of the Company’s website (www.emcore.com).  The Strategy and Alternatives Committee met twenty-three (23) times in fiscal 2014.

13

Table of Contents

Board Attendance at Annual Meetings

The Company strongly encourages members of the Board of Directors to attend the Company’s Annual Meetings of Shareholders, absent extraordinary circumstances.  Last year, the entire Board of Directors attended the 2014 Annual Meeting.

Shareholder Communications with the Board

Shareholders may communicate with the Company’s Board of Directors through its Secretary by writing to the following address: Board of Directors, c/o The Secretary, EMCORE Corporation, 2015 W. Chestnut Street, Alhambra, CA, 91803.  The Company’s Secretary will forward all correspondence to the Board of Directors, except for junk mail, mass mailings, product complaints or inquiries, job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements, or patently offensive or otherwise inappropriate or redundant material. The Company’s Secretary may forward certain correspondence, such as product-related inquiries, elsewhere within the Company for review and possible response.  A Board member may request to see all shareholder communications at any time.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014

The Company compensates each non-employee Director for service on the Board of Directors.  Director compensation for fiscal 2014 included the following:

(1)                                                         The amounts in this column reflect the dollar amounts earned or paid in cash for services rendered in fiscal 2014.

(2)                                                         Pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Directors’ Stock Award Plan, each non-employee director was entitled to receive Company Common Stock equal to the listed dollar amounts for services rendered in calendar year 2014.  In December 2011, Messrs. Gillen, Scott and Tegnelia elected to defer their equity awards in respect of services rendered in calendar year 2012 (granted in calendar year 2013) until the earlier of their termination of service as a director of the Company or a change in control, as such term is defined in the Company’s Directors’ Stock Award Plan. On November 7, 2013, the Company made these equity grants in the form of Company Common Stock for Messrs. Russell and McCorkle and phantom share credits for Messrs. Gillen, Scott, Bogomolny and Tegnelia.

(3)                                                         Deferral of award.

14

Table of Contents

Each non-employee director received an annual stock award amount equal to $40,000 beginning in 2014; provided, that in the event a person serves as a non-employee director for less than a full plan year, such amount was prorated based on the number of whole calendar months the director served as a non-employee director during the plan year under the 2007 Directors’ Stock Award Plan (as amended and restated, the “Amended 2007 Plan”).

For fiscal 2014, each director earned Company Common Stock in an amount equal to $40,000 and each Co-Chairman received an additional $10,000 worth of restricted stock units.  On December 5, 2014, the Board of Directors recommended an additional $50,000 worth of restricted stock units be awarded to each Co-Chairman due to the additional workload they took on in 2014 from the strategy review process.  Then on December 15, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved that such award be made on January 2, 2015.

In accordance with the terms of the Amended 2007 Plan, Mr. Gillen was paid out $78,000 worth of shares of common stock he deferred under the Amended 2007 Plan, in respect of services rendered as a director of the Company, on March 14, 2014—within 30 days of his retirement as a director at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

The Company’s Outside Directors’ Cash Compensation Plan provides for the payment of cash compensation to non-employee directors for their participation at Board meetings, in amounts established, and periodically reviewed, by the Board. Each non-employee director receives a meeting fee for each meeting of the Board that he attends (including telephonic meetings, but excluding execution of unanimous written consents). In addition, each non-employee director receives a committee meeting fee for each meeting of a Board committee that he attends (including telephonic meetings, but excluding execution of unanimous written consents). Until changed by resolution of the Board, the Board meeting fee is $4,000 and the committee meeting fee is $1,500; provided that the meeting fee for special telephonic Board meetings (i.e., Board meetings that are not regularly scheduled and in which non-employee directors typically participate telephonically) is $750 and the committee meeting fee for such special telephonic meetings is $600. Any non-employee director who is the chairman of a committee receives an additional $750 for each meeting of the committee that he chairs, and an additional $200 for each special telephonic meeting of such committee.

No director who is an employee of the Company receives compensation for services rendered as a director under the Amended 2007 Plan or the Outside Directors’ Cash Compensation Plan. Although Mr. Richards stepped down as Executive Chairman effective September 30, 2012, he did not receive compensation under the Amended 2007 Plan or the Outside Directors’ Cash Compensation Plan during fiscal 2014 because he instead received certain payments and benefits pursuant to the Richards Separation Agreement.

The Richards Separation Agreement (as disclosed in Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on August 9, 2012 and incorporated by reference herein) provides Mr. Richards with payments and benefits that are consistent with the payments and benefits to which he was entitled pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.  The ongoing payments and benefits are as follows:

15

Table of Contents

Mr. Richards, his spouse and his eligible dependents shall continue to participate in the Company’s health plans on the same terms as they currently participate in such plans, for so long as Mr. Richards is serving as the Chairman Emeritus of the Board.  Mr. Richards will be eligible to exercise his rights to COBRA, and in the event Mr. Richards exercises such rights, the Company will pay the portion of Mr. Richards’ COBRA premiums for eighteen (18) months following the date he no longer serves as Chairman of the Board that the Company would have otherwise paid if Mr. Richards were still an active employee during such period.  The estimated value of the full eighteen (18) months of such COBRA premium payments is $32,687.

16

Table of Contents

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the Company’s executive compensation program and analyzes the compensation decisions made for the executive officers included in the Summary Compensation Table (the “Named Executive Officers”) for fiscal 2014.

Objectives and Components of the Company’s Compensation Program

The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to motivate executives to achieve strong financial, operational, and strategic performance and recognizes individual contributions to that performance.  Through the compensation program, the Company seeks to attract and retain talented executive officers by providing total compensation that is competitive with that of other executives employed by companies of similar size, complexity and lines of business.  The Company’s executive compensation program is also designed to link executives’ interests with shareholders’ interests by providing a portion of total compensation in the form of stock-based incentives.

The Company’s Annual Compensation Decision-Making Process

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for setting and administering policies that govern the Company’s executive compensation programs.  Following the end of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee reviews the Company’s performance and the performance of each Named Executive Officer for the prior fiscal year, together with the results of the shareholders’ advisory vote on executive compensation at the previous annual meeting of shareholders.

At least every three years, the Compensation Committee also retains the services of a compensation consultant to assist in gathering a comprehensive set of comparative data (all comparative market data is collectively referred to as the “Comparative Compensation Data”).  In January 2014, the Compensation Committee engaged Compensia to conduct an analysis of possible retention programs for executives involved in strategic initiatives/divestitures. For more information regarding retention agreements entered into with Company executives see “Governance — Related Party Transaction Approval Policy.”  The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the services provided by Compensia and performs an annual assessment on the independence of Compensia to determine whether the Compensia is independent. The Compensation Committee determined that Compensia is independent in providing the Company with executive compensation consulting services and that Compensia’s work for the Committee did not raise any conflicts of interest, consistent with SEC rules and NYSE listing standards.  In making this determination, the Committee reviewed information provided by Compensia on the following factors:

·                                          Any other services provided to Company by Compensia;

·                                          Fees received by Compensia from Company as a percentage of Company’s total revenue;

·                                          Policies or procedures maintained by Compensia to prevent a conflict of interest;

·                                          Any business or personal relationship between the individual Compensia consultants assigned to the Company relationship and any Committee member;

·                                          Any Company stock owned by Compensia or the individual Compensia consultants assigned to the Company relationship; and

·                                          Any business or personal relationship between the individual Compensia consultants assigned to the Company relationship, or Compensia itself, and the Company’s executive officers.

Having reviewed such factors, the Compensation Committee determined that it would be in the best interests of the Compensation Committee and of the Company to ratify and approve the engagement of Compensia as its independent compensation consultant.  The Compensation Committee’s intent was that Compensia would provide comparative information regarding the compensation practices of companies similar to EMCORE.  Compensia studied market data summarizing a range of telecommunications transactions entered into between 2008 and 2013.  Compensia recommended a target bonus figure (expressed as severance and transactional payments as a percentage of deal value) that, at 5% of deal value, was between the 50th and 75th percentile (3.7% and 7.1%, respectively) of retention bonus amounts of the compiled market data.  These recommendations with respect to retention bonuses were presented to the Compensation Committee, which considered the recommendations and approved such bonuses.

17

Table of Contents

At the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held on March 5, 2014, the Company provided its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation (a “say-on-pay proposal”).  Over 95% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal.  The Compensation Committee believes this affirms shareholders’ support of the Company’s approach to executive compensation.  Accordingly, the Compensation Committee continues to use the same policies and principles when making decisions regarding executive compensation.

Based on its review of the Company’s performance and the performance of each Named Executive Officer for the prior fiscal year, the Comparative Compensation Data, when available, and the outcome of the Company’s say-on-pay vote, the Compensation Committee discusses and approves any potential base salary increases related to the current fiscal year and awards annual cash incentives and equity grants in respect of the prior fiscal year.

Employment Agreements

In an effort to further promote the retention of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, the Compensation Committee approved executive employment agreements with each Named Executive Officer.  Each employment agreement provides that the Named Executive Officer’s employment is “at-will” and may be terminated by the Named Executive Officer or the Company at any time with or without cause, subject only to the severance obligations that are discussed in greater detail under the “Executive Compensation - Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control” section of this Proxy Statement.  Under the terms of each employment agreement, the initial base salary of each Named Executive Officer was established, as described in more detail below.  The base salary of each Named Executive Officer will continue to be determined annually by the Compensation Committee, which may, in its sole and absolute discretion, increase the Named Executive Officer’s base salary, but may not decrease it below the initial base salary without the Named Executive Officer’s consent.  In addition, each Named Executive Officer is entitled to participate in any of the Company’s annual bonus or pay-for-performance plans and will be eligible for equity awards under the Company’s equity award plans covering senior executives, in each case, as may be in effect from time to time and as approved by the Compensation Committee.  In the event a payment or benefit provided under the employment agreement would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then such payment or benefit will be limited as provided in the employment agreement.

Base Salary

Base salaries for executives are determined based upon job responsibilities, level of experience, individual performance, and the Comparative Compensation Data, when available.  The goal for the base salary component is to compensate executives at a level that approximates the median salaries of individuals in comparable positions and markets, which we believe helps us attract, motivate and retain talented executives.  The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for reviewing base salary increases for the other executive officers, and recommending salary increases for these individuals to the Compensation Committee. The Chief Executive Officer also recommends salary increases for himself, based on his assessment of the Comparative Compensation Data (when available) and his personal performance.  These recommendations are advisory and are based solely on the Chief Executive Officer’s judgment and opinion, taking into account the above-listed factors and recommendations from the compensation consultant, if retained.  The Compensation Committee independently reviews, adjusts, where appropriate, and approves the salary increases, if any, for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers based upon its subjective discretion.  The Compensation Committee does not target any particular percentile when making salary determinations for its Named Executive Officers, but rather utilizes the Comparative Compensation Data, when available, and recommendations from the compensation consultant, if any, together with other factors, including an executive officer’s individual experience, scope of responsibility and performance, when determining any salary increases.  The Compensation Committee exercises its judgment in determining how to weigh each of these factors.  The Compensation Committee reviews any salary increase for the Chief Executive Officer in executive session.

The Compensation Committee determined not to award base salary increases to its Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2014.

18

Table of Contents

Annual Cash Incentives

Typically, the Company establishes a cash incentive plan each fiscal year which provides the Company’s executive officers an opportunity to receive an annual cash payment in addition to their base salaries.  The purpose of the cash incentive plan is to drive overall effectiveness and productivity by establishing a consistent market driven, performance-based approach to compensation that supports the Company’s strategic business objectives and goals of achieving profitability. By linking a significant portion of an executive’s annual cash compensation to the achievement of the Company’s strategic objectives, as well as the individual’s performance, the individual’s compensation is closely tied to the success of the Company.  We believe that providing annual cash incentive opportunities is a key component of maintaining a competitive executive compensation program.  On April 10, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved a non-executive Cash Bonus Plan for the 2014 fiscal year.  The Company’s executives were excluded from this because the Compensation Committee was considering the implementation of an Executive retention bonus which would align to the on-going strategic initiatives being undertaken.

Long-Term Stock-Based Incentives

The Company believes that stock-based incentives are an effective tool for aligning the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders.  Long-term stock-based incentives may consist of stock options, restricted stock, performance stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, stock purchase rights, deferred stock units and stock appreciation rights, all of which provide an incentive for the executives to join and remain with the Company, continue to promote its best interests and enhance its long-term performance.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had only awarded long-term compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units.  Stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units provide executives with an incentive to maximize shareholder value by directly aligning the economic interests of the executives with those of the shareholders.  Stock options give an executive the right to buy a share of Common Stock (“Common Stock”) in the future at a predetermined exercise price.  The exercise price is the closing price of the Common Stock on the grant date.  New hire stock option awards vest over a five-year period while annual stock option awards generally vest over a four-year period.  Other supplemental stock option awards vest over a four-year period.  All options expire ten years after the grant date.  In addition, under the Company’s 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) no one recipient may be granted an award of options to purchase more than 125,000 shares of Common Stock in any twelve month period.  Under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), no one recipient may be granted an award of options to purchase more than 150,000 shares of Common Stock in any fiscal year, except that options granted at the time of hire will not be counted against the foregoing limitation.  Executives who are terminated for cause immediately forfeit all options that have not vested, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee.

Restricted stock awards are grants of Common Stock that are subject to restrictions on sale and forfeiture until vested.  Restricted stock units are contractual rights to receive a stated number of shares of Common Stock, or if provided by the Compensation Committee on or after the grant date, cash equal to the fair market value of such shares of Common Stock or any combination of shares of Common Stock and cash having an aggregate fair market value equal to such stated number of shares of Common Stock, that are subject to forfeiture until vested.  Under the 2010 Plan, these awards vest over a three year period, and no one recipient may receive an award of restricted stock or restricted stock units covering more than 50,000 shares of Common Stock in any twelve month period.  Under the 2012 Plan, no one recipient may receive an award of more than 150,000 restricted stock units in any fiscal year or an award of restricted stock covering more than 150,000 shares of Common Stock in any fiscal year, except an employee may be granted an aggregate of up to 300,000 restricted stock units and an award of restricted stock covering up to 300,000 shares of Common Stock at the time of hire, which will not be counted against the foregoing limitations.  For executives who voluntarily resign or are terminated for cause, any unvested restricted stock or restricted stock units are immediately forfeited and canceled unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee.

In granting stock-based awards, the Compensation Committee uses its judgment and discretion and does not issue a targeted number of stock options, restricted stock awards or restricted stock units, but rather reviews the executive’s individual performance and the performance of the Company in the prior fiscal year, as well as the Comparative Compensation Data, when available, and any recommendations from compensation consultants, to determine the appropriate value of the award at the time it is granted.  Grants of stock options and awards of restricted stock and restricted

19

Table of Contents

stock units to executive officers are also based upon each executive officer’s relative position, responsibilities, historical and expected contributions to the Company, and the officer’s vested option, restricted stock award and restricted stock unit balance from previous grants and awards, with primary weight given to the executive officer’s relative rank and responsibilities. Initial stock option grants, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units designed to recruit an executive officer to join the Company may be based on negotiations with the officer, with reference to historical option grants and restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards to existing officers, and the Comparative Compensation Data.

On November 15, 2013, Mr. Larocca informed the Company that he would resign from his position as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer effective November 30, 2013 to pursue other business endeavors.  In connection with his resignation, the Company entered into a separation agreement and general release with Mr. Larocca (the “Larocca Separation Agreement”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Larocca Separation Agreement, all of the unvested outstanding equity awards held by Mr. Larocca vested as of January 14, 2014.  Additionally, the Company entered into separation agreements with Dr. Hou, Mrs. Van Berkel and Mr. Gomez in calendar year 2014. For more information regarding these separation agreements, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Severance Policy and Severance Agreements.”

On November 22, 2013, the Compensation Committee reviewed the base salaries of Chief Financial Officers in the Company’s peer group (consisting of Mindspeed Technologies, Inc., Neophotonics Corporation, Oclaro Inc., Oplink Communications, Inc., Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation, Anadigics, Inc. and AXT Inc.), and awarded 20,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Weinswig to recognize Mr. Weinswig’s extraordinary contributions to the Company and his lower base salary compared to his peers.  5,000 shares vested immediately and were settled in Common Stock on the grant date.  The remaining 15,000 restricted stock units vested and will vest in three equal annual installments commencing on November 22, 2014.

On January 23, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the following annual equity retention grants in consideration of the achievements of the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2014 and the Comparative Compensation Data.

These grants will vest in three equal annual installments on January 23, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

On December 15, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved a performance grant of 50,000 restricted stock units to be awarded to Mr. Weinswig on January 5, 2015.  The grant was related to the Company’s review of strategic alternatives and to Mr. Weinswig’s hard work and success related to such strategic alternatives.  With the completion of the Photovoltaics Sale, all of Mr. Weinswig’s equity had vested under the terms of his retention award letter agreement, so by granting additional restricted stock units vesting over some time, the grant served (and serves) a retention purpose.  12,500 of these restricted stock units vested immediately at the time of grant. The remaining 37,500 restricted stock units will vest in three equal annual installments commencing on January 5, 2016.

Company Benefits

The Company’s benefits are an important tool in our ability to attract and retain outstanding employees throughout the Company.  As a business matter, we weigh the benefits we need to offer to remain competitive and attract and retain talented employees against the cost of the benefits.  Benefit levels are reviewed periodically to ensure they are cost-effective and competitive and support the overall needs of Company employees.

This section describes the benefits that the Company provides to key executives and notes those instances when benefits for the Named Executive Officers differ from the general plan. In some instances, we also describe the programs we offer across the Company as context to specific discussions about executive benefits.

20

Table of Contents

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

The Company offers a standard benefits package to all of its employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.  The Named Executive Officers receive coverage at 100% whereas all other employees of the Company receive coverage ranging from 50% to 100% depending on the service performed.

Company-sponsored Retirement Plans

The EMCORE Corporation 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is a defined contribution plan that is designed to comply with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code, as well as federal and state legal requirements.  The 401(k) Plan is designed to provide retirement benefits to eligible employees of the Company and is administered by Prudential Financial.  Participants in the 401(k) Plan may elect to reduce compensation by a specific percentage, which is contributed to the participant’s 401(k) account on a pre-tax basis as a salary deferral.

Employees, including the Company’s Named Executive Officers, may elect to contribute to the 401(k) Plan through salary reduction up to the yearly maximum tax-deductible deferral allowed pursuant to IRS regulations.  A participant may elect to defer between 1-30% of his or her compensation per pay period.  The deferral amount will not be subject to income tax until distribution.  Each participant is able to direct his or her investment into any of the available investment options.  Participants’ contributions are vested at 100%.

The Company may provide a discretionary match of 50% of the first 6% of a participant’s contribution to the 401(k) Plan, and this matching contribution vests over a five year period, based on the participant’s continuing service during such period.  This matching contribution is in the form of Common Stock.  Participants are able to exchange Common Stock for other investment options within the 401(k) Plan upon receipt of the Company match and in compliance with the Company’s insider trading policies.  Exchanges from other investment options to Common Stock are not permitted under the 401(k) Plan.

An employee, including a part-time or temporary employee, becomes eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the 60th day following his or her date of hire and attaining the age of 20 years.  A re-hire is eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan immediately.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company offers all eligible employees, including the Company’s Named Executive Officers, the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in the Company by purchasing shares of Common Stock through a tax-qualified employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). Under the ESPP, an employee can withhold, through payroll deductions, up to 10% of his/her earnings, up to certain maximums, to be used to purchase shares of Common Stock at certain plan-defined dates.  The option price is set at 85% of the average of the high and low price for Common Stock on either the first or last day of the offering period, whichever is lower.

Officer and Director Share Purchase Plan

In January 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved an Officer and Director Share Purchase Plan (the “ODPP”), which allows executive officers and directors of the Company to purchase shares of Common Stock at fair market value in lieu of salary or, in the case of directors, director fees. Eligible individuals may voluntarily participate in the ODPP by authorizing payroll deductions or, in the case of directors, deductions from director fees for the purpose of purchasing shares of Common Stock. Elections to participate in the ODPP may only be made during open trading windows under the Company’s insider trading policy when the participant does not otherwise possess material non-public information concerning the Company. The Board of Directors has authorized 125,000 shares to be made available for purchase by officers and directors under the ODPP.  As of September 30, 2014, 36,259 shares of Common Stock had been purchased under the ODPP.

21

Table of Contents

Perquisites

From time to time, the Company provides perquisites to key executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, as a recruiting and retention tool.  We believe that our perquisites are appropriate and we periodically review them against the Comparative Compensation Data, when available, and generally accepted corporate practices.

Severance Policy and Severance Agreements

In an effort to further promote the retention of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, on August 2, 2011, the Company entered into employment agreements with each of its Named Executive Officers to formalize its severance policy.  In accordance with the terms of these agreements, the Named Executive Officers are eligible to receive certain severance benefits under specified circumstances, including payment of base salary, for a period of one year plus two weeks, plus an additional two weeks for each whole year that the Named Executive Officer was employed by the Company, payment of certain COBRA benefits, provision of certain outplacement services and acceleration and immediate vesting of all outstanding equity awards.  The Named Executive Officers are not eligible to receive severance benefits if they are terminated for “cause,” or if they voluntarily terminate their employment other than for “good reason” as such terms are defined in the agreements.  In addition, in order to receive any severance benefits for which a participant is eligible under their employment agreement, the participant must execute within sixty (60) days of the date of termination, a general release agreement prepared by the Company that includes, among other things, a release by the participant of the Company from any liability or obligation to the participant.

On September 17, 2014, the Company announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hou, would terminate employment with the Company effective January 2, 2015 or, if later, fifteen days following the date on which the Company hires a successor Chief Executive Officer (the “Separation Date”).  On September 17, 2014 the Company also entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with Dr. Hou (as disclosed in Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on September 18, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference) pursuant to which, as of the Separation Date, Dr. Hou will cease to serve as a director of the Company and as an officer or employee with the Company and its affiliates.  On December 11, 2014, the Company announced that Mrs. Van Berkel, its Chief Administration Officer, and Mr. Gomez, its General Counsel will terminate employment with the Company, effective January 2, 2015 in the case of Mrs. Van Berkel and, in the case of Mr. Gomez, effective the later of February 13, 2015 or the date which is 10 business days following notice to Mr. Gomez that the Company has hired a new in-house counsel.  On December 10, 2014, the Company also entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with each of Mr. Gomez and Mrs. Van Berkel (as disclosed in Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3 of the Form 8-K filed by the Company on December 11, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference).

For more information regarding potential payments to the Named Executive Officers upon a termination or change of control under the employment agreements, see “Executive Compensation — Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”

Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer

In fiscal 2014, Dr. Hou participated in the same compensation programs and received compensation based upon the same criteria as the Company’s other executive officers.  However, Dr. Hou’s compensation reflected the higher level of responsibility that he had with respect to the strategic direction of the Company, the Company’s financial and operating results, and interactions with the investment community.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company may not deduct annual compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain employees — generally its Chief Executive Officer and its three other most highly compensated executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer), unless their compensation qualifies as performance-based compensation. While the Compensation Committee intends to structure performance-related awards in a way that will preserve the maximum deductibility of compensation awards, the Compensation Committee may from time to time approve awards that would vest upon the passage of time or other compensation, which would not result in qualification of those awards as performance-based compensation.  The company’s Executive Officers had no role in determining or recommending the amount or form of executive and director compensation.

22

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The table below sets forth certain information concerning the annual and long-term compensation earned for services in all capacities to the Company of those persons who during fiscal 2014 (i) served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, (ii) served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, and (iii) were the three most highly-compensated officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer).  Compensation information is provided for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012, 2013 and 2014, except in cases where an individual was not a Named Executive Officer for the applicable year.

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal 2014

23

Table of Contents

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2014

24

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth as to each of the Named Executive Officer information on outstanding equity awards as of September 30, 2014.

Outstanding Equity Awards as of September 30, 2014

25

Table of Contents

26

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth as to each Named Executive Officer information on exercise of stock options and vesting of stock options and restricted stock units during fiscal 2014.

Options Exercised and Stock Vested

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control

On August 2, 2011, the Company entered into employment agreements with each of its Named Executive Officers, setting forth, among other things, the Named Executive Officer’s severance benefits upon termination or change of control.  In accordance with the terms of these agreements, if (a) a Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated without cause, (b) the Named Executive Officer terminates his employment for good reason, or (c) within thirty-six months of a change in control of the Company, the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated without cause or the Named Executive Officer terminates his employment for good reason, then the Named Executive Officer will receive the following benefits, provided that he enters into a general release agreement with the Company: (i) continued payment of his base salary for a period of one year plus two weeks, plus an additional two weeks for each whole year that the Named Executive Officer was employed by the Company; (ii) payment of certain COBRA premiums; (iii) payment of standard outplacement services up to $15,000; and (iv) acceleration and immediate vesting of all of the Named Executive Officer’s outstanding equity awards that remain subject to vesting (except performance-based awards).

The following are estimated payments and benefits that would be provided to each of Dr. Hou, Mr.Weinswig, Mrs. Van Berkel and Mr. Gomez in the event the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated as described above.  The calculations assume a termination date of September 30, 2014, the last business day of fiscal 2014.  The actual amounts of the payments and costs of the benefits, however, can only be determined at the time of an executive’s separation from the Company.

27

Table of Contents

In addition, as of September 30, 2014, each Named Executive Officer would realize the following gains from the acceleration of unvested stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, measured based on a stock price of $5.69, which was the closing price of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on September 30, 2014:

If a Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated for cause or he terminates his employment without good reason, the Company will pay the Named Executive Officer’s base salary through the effective date of his termination and will not have any additional obligations to the Named Executive Officer.  If a Named Executive Officer’s employment terminates as a result of his death, the Company will pay the Named Executive Officer’s base salary through the effective date of his termination and provide his spouse and children health insurance coverage as in effect on the date of termination for a period of twelve months thereafter.

On November 15, 2013, Mr. Larocca informed the Company that he would resign from his position as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer effective November 30, 2013 to pursue other business endeavors.  In connection with his resignation, the Company entered into the Larocca Separation Agreement, which provides Mr. Larocca with payments and benefits that are consistent with the payments and benefits to which he was entitled pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.  These payments and benefits are as follows:

In addition, the Larocca Separation Agreement includes releases by Mr. Larocca of all claims related to Mr. Larocca’s employment and service relationship with, and termination of employment and service from, the Company.

28

Table of Contents

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The information contained under this “Compensation Committee Report” shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Exchange Act, or be subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference into any such filing.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of the Chairmen, the Chief Executive Officer and other officers of the Company, as well as reviewing and approving their compensation. The Committee also establishes and monitors overall compensation programs and policies for the Company, including administering its incentive compensation plans. The Committee’s processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of executive compensation are explained in greater detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on this review and discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement in accordance with Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K.

This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee.

January 22, 2015

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

During fiscal 2014, the Company’s Compensation Committee was comprised of Messrs. Scott (chairman), Domenik, Fine and McCorkle.  No member of the Compensation Committee served as one of the Company’s officers or employees during fiscal 2014 or was formerly an officer or employee of the Company at any time.  None of the Company’s executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors or Compensation Committee during fiscal 2014.  None of the Company’s executive officers served as a member of the board of directors of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee during fiscal 2014.

COMPENSATION RISK

The Compensation Committee has reviewed the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive and non-executive officers, and determined that the Company’s compensation programs do not give rise to risks reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The Committee noted several design features of the Company’s cash and equity incentive programs for all executive officers in particular that reduce the likelihood of excessive risk-taking and instead encourage behaviors that support sustainable value creation by rewarding employees for achieving long-term financial and strategic objectives through prudent business judgment and appropriate risk taking.  Some of these elements include:

29

Table of Contents

OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth as of January 13, 2015 certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of the Company by: (i) each Named Executive Officer of the Company, (ii) each director and nominee, (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons), and (iv) each person or “group” (as that term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock of the Company.  Except as otherwise indicated, the Company believes, based on information furnished by such persons, that each person listed below has the sole voting and investment power over the shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned, subject to common property laws, where applicable.  Shares beneficially owned include shares of Common Stock and warrants and options to acquire shares of Common Stock that are exercisable within sixty (60) days of January 13, 2015 and phantom share credits representing shares of Common Stock earned by directors for services on the Board that such directors have elected to defer and which will be settled in Common Stock upon a change of control or after such directors’ termination of service as a director of the Company. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the beneficial owners is c/o EMCORE Corporation, 2015 W. Chestnut Street, Alhambra, CA, 91803.

30

Table of Contents