Form 4: Scotts Miracle-Gro CEO Boosts Phantom Stock Holdings

Scotts Miracle-Gro Chairman & CEO James Hagedorn acquired 1,329.114 shares of phantom stock, increasing his beneficial ownership to 233,802.271 shares.

Summary

• James Hagedorn, Chairman & CEO, Director, and 10% Owner of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG), reported an acquisition of derivative securities.
• On January 26, 2026, Hagedorn acquired 1,329.114 shares of phantom stock.
• Each share of phantom stock represents the right to receive one common share of the Issuer or its cash value.
• The phantom stock is payable in cash following the termination of Hagedorn's employment with the Issuer.
• Hagedorn's beneficial ownership of phantom stock following this transaction is 233,802.271 shares.
• The underlying common shares for this transaction were valued at $62.7 per share.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock by the CEO is generally a positive signal, indicating management's alignment with shareholder interests and confidence in the company's future. However, it's not a direct open-market purchase of common stock.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock by the Chairman & CEO may signal management's confidence in the company's future performance.
• Phantom stock aligns management's interests with shareholder value, as its value is tied to the common shares.

Negatives

• The transaction involves phantom stock, which is not a direct purchase of common shares on the open market.
• The phantom stock is payable in cash upon termination, rather than immediately convertible to equity, which could be seen as less direct equity exposure.

Future Outlook

No forward-looking statements or guidance are provided in this Form 4 filing.

Industry Context

This Form 4 reports an individual insider transaction and does not provide broader industry context or trends.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the CEO's increased phantom stock holdings as a positive sign of management's commitment and belief in the company's long-term value.

Key Dates

Keywords

Scotts Miracle-Gro, SMG, James Hagedorn, Insider Trading, Form 4, Phantom Stock, CEO, Director, 10% Owner, Equity Compensation