Form 4: Scotts Miracle-Gro CFO Acquires Phantom Stock

Mark J. Scheiwer, EVP, CFO & CAO of Scotts Miracle-Gro, acquired 124.104 shares of phantom stock at $65.11 per share.

Summary

• Mark J. Scheiwer, the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG), acquired 124.104 shares of phantom stock.
• The transaction occurred on March 26, 2026, at a price of $65.11 per phantom stock.
• Each share of phantom stock represents the right to receive one common share of the Issuer or its equivalent cash value.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Scheiwer beneficially owns 1,354.803 derivative securities (phantom stock).
• The phantom stock is payable in cash upon the termination of Mr. Scheiwer's employment with the Issuer.
• Mr. Scheiwer retains the ability to transfer his phantom stock into an alternative investment at any time.
• The transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, as it represents an executive's acquisition of company equity, aligning their interests with shareholders, albeit through a pre-planned compensation mechanism.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive like the CFO can signal confidence in the company's future performance and alignment of executive interests with shareholder value.
• The transaction was executed under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, indicating a pre-scheduled and transparent acquisition.

Negatives

• No direct negatives are apparent from this specific Form 4 filing, which reports a routine executive compensation-related transaction.

Risks

• No specific risks are detailed within this Form 4 filing, which primarily reports an insider transaction.

Future Outlook

This filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance, as it is a report of an insider transaction.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider acquisitions, particularly by a CFO, can be viewed positively by the market as they suggest management's belief in the company's valuation and future prospects. This transaction is a routine compensation-related event within the consumer lawn and garden products industry.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive may be viewed as a positive signal, potentially increasing investor confidence due to alignment of interests.
• Employees: No direct impact on general employees is indicated by this filing.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing reports a routine, pre-planned acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive. While it signals management's continued alignment with the company's performance, it does not provide new fundamental information that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. It is an expected event within executive compensation structures.

Keywords

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