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

Scotts Miracle-Gro Chairman and CEO James Hagedorn acquired 2,109.81 shares of phantom stock on June 6, 2025, increasing his total beneficial ownership to 217,849.189 shares.

Summary

• James Hagedorn, identified as the Chairman & CEO, Director, and 10% Owner of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG), reported a transaction.
• On June 6, 2025, Mr. Hagedorn acquired 2,109.81 shares of phantom stock.
• Each share of phantom stock represents the right to receive one common share of the Issuer or the cash value thereof.
• The acquisition price for the phantom stock was $67.024 per share.
• Following this transaction, James Hagedorn beneficially owns a total of 217,849.189 shares of phantom stock.
• These phantom stock shares are payable in cash upon the termination of Mr. Hagedorn's employment with the Issuer.
• The reporting person retains the ability to transfer his phantom stock into an alternative investment at any time.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of additional phantom stock by the Chairman & CEO is generally viewed positively as it signifies continued commitment and aligns management's financial interests with the company's performance, which can be beneficial for shareholders.

Positives

• The acquisition of additional phantom stock by the Chairman & CEO, James Hagedorn, indicates continued alignment of management's interests with the company's performance and shareholder value.
• Phantom stock, while not direct equity, ties executive compensation to the company's share price performance, incentivizing long-term growth.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details an insider transaction, specifically the acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive. Such transactions are common mechanisms for executive compensation and alignment of interests within publicly traded companies, particularly in the consumer lawn and garden products industry where long-term strategic planning is crucial.

Related Party Transactions

• The reported transaction involves James Hagedorn, the Chairman & CEO, Director, and 10% Owner, acquiring phantom stock from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, which constitutes a related party transaction as it is between an insider and the issuer.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction suggests continued alignment of the CEO's interests with shareholder value, potentially fostering confidence in long-term company performance.
• Employees: No direct impact on general employees is indicated by this specific filing.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Scotts Miracle-Gro, SMG, James Hagedorn, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Phantom Stock, Beneficial Ownership, Executive Compensation, Corporate Governance