Form 4: Sonoco Director Guillemot Reports Acquisition of Phantom Stock Units

Philippe Guillemot, a director at Sonoco Products Co, reported acquiring phantom stock units through a dividend reinvestment in the company's deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• On March 10, 2025, Philippe Guillemot, a director of Sonoco Products Co, acquired 257.2 phantom stock units.
• The acquisition was part of a quarterly dividend reinvestment within Sonoco's directors' deferred compensation plan.
• The price per share was $47.27.
• Following the transaction, Guillemot directly owns 23,637.2 phantom stock units.
• These units are the economic equivalent of Sonoco Products Company common stock and will be settled upon retirement or termination of service.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to positive. The director's acquisition of phantom stock units through dividend reinvestment indicates confidence in the company's performance.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director signals confidence in the company's future performance.
• Dividend reinvestment demonstrates a long-term commitment to Sonoco.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units will be settled upon the reporting person's retirement or other termination of service.

Industry Context

Directors often receive stock options or restricted stock as part of their compensation packages, aligning their interests with those of shareholders. Phantom stock units are a variation of this, offering similar economic benefits without the actual transfer of stock until a future date.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages vary widely across industries and company sizes.
• Stock-based compensation is a common practice to incentivize long-term performance.
• Comparing Sonoco's director compensation structure to that of its peers (e.g., packaging companies like Amcor or WestRock) would provide a more comprehensive understanding of its competitiveness.

Stakeholder Impact

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director can positively influence shareholder sentiment, as it aligns management's interests with those of the shareholders.

Key Dates