Form 4: James Hagedorn Reports SMG Stock and Phantom Stock Changes

Chairman and CEO James Hagedorn disclosed the acquisition of common shares and phantom stock units in The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

Summary

• James Hagedorn, Chairman and CEO, acquired 39.185 common shares at $51.04 per share on April 30, 2026.
• The reporting person acquired 1,507.024 units of phantom stock at a price of $59.94 per unit on May 26, 2026.
• Following these transactions, the reporting person holds 88,630.7508 common shares directly, 31,533.64 shares via 401(k), and 997,910 shares through Hagedorn Partnership, L.P.
• The total phantom stock holdings following the transaction amount to 241,406.428 units.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral, routine regulatory disclosure of insider activity that does not indicate a change in company strategy or financial health.

Positives

• Continued alignment of executive interests with shareholders through direct equity and phantom stock accumulation.

Negatives

• None identified.

Risks

• Concentration of ownership and potential influence of the Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. on corporate governance.

Future Outlook

The filing does not provide forward-looking financial guidance, as it is a standard disclosure of insider transactions.

Management Comments

• The reporting person is a general partner of Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., and may be deemed a beneficial owner of shares held by the partnership.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that routine insider acquisitions by high-level executives like James Hagedorn are generally viewed as a signal of confidence in the long-term stability and value of the company, consistent with standard corporate governance practices in the consumer goods sector.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The reporting of phantom stock and direct share acquisitions is standard practice for S&P 500 and mid-cap executives.
• The use of a 401(k) plan and a family limited partnership for holding shares is common among long-tenured executives in the lawn and garden industry.

Related Party Transactions

• The reporting person is a general partner of Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., which holds 997,910 common shares of the issuer.

Stakeholder Impact

• Minimal impact on stakeholders as this is a routine disclosure of executive share ownership.

Next Steps

• No future actions or milestones were disclosed in this filing.

Key Dates

Keywords

Scotts Miracle-Gro, SMG, Insider Trading, Form 4, James Hagedorn, Executive Compensation