Form 4: Sonoco Director Kyle Acquires Phantom Stock Units

Sonoco Products Company Director Richard G. Kyle acquired 306.6 phantom stock units through a quarterly dividend on the company's deferred compensation plan, increasing his beneficial ownership to 26,950.3 units.

Summary

• Richard G. Kyle, a Director of Sonoco Products Company (SON), acquired 306.6 phantom stock units.
• The acquisition occurred on September 10, 2025, as a quarterly dividend from the company's directors' deferred compensation plan.
• Each phantom stock unit is economically equivalent to one share of Sonoco Products Company common stock.
• These units will be settled upon Mr. Kyle's retirement or other termination of service.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Kyle beneficially owns 26,950.3 phantom stock units.
• The phantom stock units were valued at $46.06 each at the time of acquisition.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director, even through a deferred compensation plan, generally indicates continued alignment of the director's interests with the company's long-term performance. It's a routine compensation event rather than a discretionary investment decision.

Positives

• Director Richard G. Kyle increased his beneficial ownership in Sonoco Products Company by 306.6 phantom stock units, demonstrating continued alignment with shareholder interests.
• The acquisition through a deferred compensation plan indicates a long-term commitment by the director, as units are settled upon retirement or termination.

Negatives

• The acquisition was not a direct open-market purchase, but rather an accrual through a deferred compensation plan, which does not represent new capital invested by the director.

Future Outlook

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

Management Comments

• No direct quotes from management were provided. The transaction itself reflects a standard component of director compensation.

Industry Context

Deferred compensation plans, including those involving phantom stock, are common mechanisms for executive and director remuneration in publicly traded companies across various industries, designed to align long-term interests.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This type of transaction, involving the accrual of phantom stock units through a deferred compensation plan, is a standard practice for director compensation in many large public companies, including those in the packaging and industrial products sector like Sonoco. Specific comparable companies or projects are not relevant for this type of filing.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director through a company-sponsored deferred compensation plan is an insider transaction, which is a form of related party dealing, though it is a standard and disclosed compensation mechanism.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction demonstrates continued director alignment with shareholder interests through long-term equity participation.
• Employees: No direct impact on employees.
• Customers/Suppliers/Creditors: No direct impact on these stakeholders.

Next Steps

• The acquired phantom stock units will be settled upon Richard G. Kyle's retirement or other termination of service from Sonoco Products Company.

Key Dates

Keywords

Sonoco Products Company, SON, Richard G. Kyle, Director, Phantom Stock, Insider Transaction, SEC Form 4, Deferred Compensation, Beneficial Ownership