Form 4: Sonoco Products Director Increases Stake Through Phantom Stock Unit Acquisition

Sonoco Products Company Director Thomas E. Whiddon acquired 792.5 phantom stock units as part of a deferred compensation plan, increasing his total beneficial ownership to 63,760.9 units.

Summary

• Thomas E. Whiddon, a Director of Sonoco Products Co (SON), acquired 792.5 phantom stock units.
• The transaction occurred on July 1, 2025.
• Each phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of one share of Sonoco Products Company common stock.
• The units were acquired at a price of $45.74 per unit.
• Following this acquisition, Thomas E. Whiddon's total beneficial ownership of phantom stock units stands at 63,760.9 units.
• These phantom stock units were accrued under the Sonoco Products Company directors deferred compensation plan.
• The units are scheduled to be settled in Sonoco Products Company common stock six months after the reporting person's retirement.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director, as part of a deferred compensation plan, indicates continued alignment of interests with shareholders and is generally viewed positively, though it is a routine compensation accrual rather than an open market purchase.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director, even as part of a compensation plan, indicates continued alignment of management's interests with those of shareholders.
• The increase in beneficial ownership by a director can be viewed as a sign of confidence in the company's future performance.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units are structured to be settled in Sonoco Products Company common stock six months after the reporting person's retirement.

Industry Context

This filing details a specific insider transaction related to director compensation and does not provide broader insights into industry trends or competitive landscape.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by Thomas E. Whiddon, a Director of Sonoco Products Co, from the company's deferred compensation plan constitutes a related party transaction.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction increases the director's beneficial ownership, potentially aligning his interests more closely with long-term shareholder value.

Next Steps

• Settlement of phantom stock units into Sonoco Products Company common stock six months after the reporting person's retirement.

Key Dates

Keywords

Sonoco Products, SON, SEC Form 4, insider transaction, phantom stock, deferred compensation, director, beneficial ownership, stock acquisition