SCHEDULE: Neuberger Berman Discloses 5.1% Stake in Hain Celestial

Neuberger Berman Group LLC and its affiliates have reported a beneficial ownership of 5.1% in Hain Celestial Group Inc., held in the ordinary course of business.

Summary

• Neuberger Berman Group LLC and its affiliates collectively beneficially own 4,581,074 shares of Hain Celestial Group Inc. common stock.
• This aggregate ownership represents 5.1% of the class of securities.
• Neuberger Berman Group LLC holds shared voting power over 3,621,706 shares and shared dispositive power over 4,581,074 shares.
• Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, a subsidiary, beneficially owns 4,019,280 shares, representing 4.5% of the class.
• Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC holds shared voting power over 3,059,912 shares and shared dispositive power over 4,019,280 shares.
• The securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of the issuer.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing indicates a significant, passive institutional investment, which is generally a neutral to positive signal for a company. It doesn't contain any negative news or performance data, but also no explicit positive operational updates.

Positives

• Increased institutional ownership by a prominent investment firm like Neuberger Berman can signal confidence in the company's long-term prospects.
• The passive nature of the investment, as certified by Neuberger Berman, indicates a focus on investment returns rather than activist intervention, which can provide stability.

Negatives

• The filing itself does not contain any negative information regarding Hain Celestial Group Inc. or the reporting persons' investment strategy beyond the standard disclaimers.

Risks

• The reporting persons disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities covered by this statement pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13d-4, indicating that while they may be deemed beneficial owners for reporting purposes, they do not claim economic interest in all reported shares.
• The investment is held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing control, meaning there is no immediate risk of activist pressure from this stake.

Future Outlook

This filing is a disclosure of beneficial ownership and does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Hain Celestial Group Inc.'s future performance or outlook.

Management Comments

• "By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §§ 240.14a-11."

Industry Context

The disclosure of a significant passive stake by a major investment firm like Neuberger Berman is a routine event in the consumer goods industry, reflecting ongoing portfolio management and investment in established companies like Hain Celestial, which operates in the natural and organic products sector.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The disclosure of a significant institutional stake may provide a degree of confidence and stability, as it indicates a major investor sees value in the company.
• Management: The passive nature of the investment, as certified, suggests no immediate pressure for strategic changes from this particular shareholder.

Key Dates

Keywords

Hain Celestial Group, Neuberger Berman, SEC Filing, Beneficial Ownership, Institutional Investor, Common Stock, Consumer Goods, Natural & Organic Products