Form 4: Scotts Miracle-Gro CEO Acquires Phantom Stock

James Hagedorn, CEO and Chairman of Scotts Miracle-Gro, acquired 1,339.542 shares of phantom stock on December 26, 2024.

Summary

• James Hagedorn, the CEO and Chairman of Scotts Miracle-Gro, acquired 1,339.542 shares of phantom stock on December 26, 2024.
• Each share of phantom stock represents the right to receive one common share of Scotts Miracle-Gro or the cash value thereof.
• The phantom stock is payable in cash following the termination of Hagedorn's employment with the company.
• Hagedorn has the option to transfer his phantom stock into an alternative investment at any time.
• Following the transaction, Hagedorn directly owns 207,382.006 shares of phantom stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document is a routine filing of an executive stock transaction, which is neither positive nor negative. It is a normal part of executive compensation.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock will be payable in cash upon termination of employment, or can be transferred to an alternative investment at any time.

Industry Context

This is a routine filing related to executive compensation and is common for publicly traded companies.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Phantom stock grants are a common form of executive compensation, particularly for senior management in publicly traded companies.
• The structure of this phantom stock grant, with cash payout upon termination and the option to transfer to alternative investments, is consistent with industry practices.
• Companies like Home Depot (HD) and Lowe's (LOW) also use similar equity-based compensation plans for their executives.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minimal direct impact on shareholders, as it is related to executive compensation.
• The phantom stock grant aligns the CEO's interests with those of the shareholders.

Key Dates

Keywords

phantom stock, insider trading, executive compensation, stock ownership, Scotts Miracle-Gro, SMG, James Hagedorn