Form 4: Scotts Miracle-Gro CFO Acquires Phantom Stock

Scotts Miracle-Gro's EVP, CFO & CAO, Mark J. Scheiwer, acquired 10.748 shares of phantom stock on February 26, 2026.

Summary

• Mark J. Scheiwer, EVP, CFO & CAO of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG), acquired 10.748 shares of phantom stock.
• The transaction occurred on February 26, 2026, at a price of $69.78 per phantom stock.
• Each phantom stock represents the right to receive one common share of SMG or its cash equivalent.
• These phantom shares are payable in cash upon termination of Scheiwer's employment.
• Following this acquisition, Scheiwer beneficially owns 1,218.321 shares of phantom stock.
• Scheiwer retains the ability to transfer his phantom stock into an alternative investment at any time.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, as an insider's acquisition of phantom stock, even as part of compensation, generally indicates confidence in the company's future.

Positives

• An insider, the EVP, CFO & CAO, acquired additional phantom stock, which can be seen as a sign of confidence in the company's future performance.
• The acquisition increases the insider's beneficial ownership, further aligning management's interests with shareholders.

Future Outlook

This filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance, as it is a report of a historical transaction.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider acquisitions, even of phantom stock as part of compensation, can sometimes signal management's positive outlook on the company's prospects, potentially indicating a belief that the stock is undervalued or that future performance will drive value. This is a routine compensation-related transaction for an executive.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This is a standard insider transaction report for executive compensation.
• The acquisition of phantom stock is a common form of executive incentive compensation across various industries.

Related Party Transactions

• Acquisition of 10.748 shares of phantom stock by EVP, CFO & CAO Mark J. Scheiwer from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company as part of executive compensation.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of executive interests with shareholder value due to increased beneficial ownership.
• Employees: No direct impact on general employees.

Key Dates

Recommendation

A seasoned investor would view this Form 4 as a routine disclosure of executive compensation. While an insider acquisition of phantom stock can be a minor positive signal of management confidence, the relatively small number of shares acquired in this context does not provide sufficient new information to alter an existing investment thesis or warrant a strong buy or sell recommendation. It primarily serves to align executive incentives.

Keywords

Scotts Miracle-Gro, SMG, Insider Trading, Form 4, Phantom Stock, Executive Compensation, Mark J. Scheiwer, CFO, Stock Acquisition