Form 4: Scotts Miracle-Gro Exec Acquires Phantom Stock

James Hagedorn, CEO and Director of Scotts Miracle-Gro, acquired 1,272.152 phantom shares on June 26, 2026, valued at $71.01 each.

Summary

• James Hagedorn, CEO, Director, and a 10% owner of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG), acquired 1,272.152 phantom shares on June 26, 2026.
• The phantom stock is valued at $71.01 per share, totaling $90,349.926.
• These phantom shares represent the right to receive one common share of the issuer or its cash equivalent.
• The phantom stock is payable in cash upon termination of employment and can be transferred to an alternative investment at any time by the reporting person.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral filing, as it represents a routine insider transaction related to executive compensation rather than a significant strategic event or financial performance indicator.

Positives

• Acquisition of phantom stock by CEO indicates continued commitment and belief in the company's future value.
• The value of the phantom stock ($71.01 per share) suggests a stable or positive valuation at the time of the transaction.

Negatives

• The transaction involves phantom stock, which is a form of deferred compensation and not a direct purchase of common shares by management, potentially indicating a lack of direct investment from personal capital.
• The value of phantom stock is tied to the company's share price, and its payout is contingent on employment termination.

Risks

• The value of the phantom stock is subject to market fluctuations and the company's performance.
• The payout of phantom stock is contingent on the termination of employment, which introduces an element of uncertainty for the reporting person.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain specific forward-looking statements or guidance. The nature of phantom stock implies a future payout based on employment status and company valuation.

Management Comments

• "Each share of phantom stock represents the right to receive one common share of Issuer or the cash value thereof."
• "Shares of phantom stock are payable in cash following termination of the reporting person's employment with Issuer."
• "The reporting person may transfer his/her phantom stock into an alternative investment at any time."

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, particularly involving executive compensation like phantom stock, are common in the consumer staples and gardening sectors. These filings provide transparency into management's alignment with shareholder interests.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The acquisition of phantom stock by management can be seen as a sign of confidence, but it does not represent a direct purchase of company stock with personal funds.
• Employees: The structure of phantom stock payout upon termination may influence executive retention strategies.
• Management: The transaction directly impacts James Hagedorn's compensation and future financial benefits from the company.

Next Steps

• The phantom stock will be paid out in cash upon termination of James Hagedorn's employment.
• James Hagedorn has the option to transfer his phantom stock into an alternative investment at any time.

Key Dates

Keywords

Scotts Miracle-Gro, SMG, Form 4, Insider Trading, Phantom Stock, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership, James Hagedorn, SEC Filing