---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0000825542-26-000032"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "SMG"
cik: "0000825542"
company_name: "SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO CO"
filed_at: "2026-07-01T20:05:14+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-07-01T20:07:56.803881+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.85
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Nate Baxter named CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro, succeeding Jim Hagedorn; FY2026 guidance reaffirmed

## Summary
- Nathan E. Baxter appointed President & CEO effective June 26, 2026; also elected to Board.
- Jim Hagedorn steps down as CEO (since 2001) and Chairman; Peter Shumlin elected Chairman.
- Baxter receives $1.1M base salary, 150% target incentive, $5.25M LTIP target, and $2M RSU grant.
- Hagedorn to receive $17.4M separation payment (over 12 months), plus $500K for aircraft support and $150K admin.
- Company reaffirms FY2026 guidance: adj. EPS $4.15-$4.35, adj. gross margin ≥32%, free cash flow ~$275M.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0000825542-26-000032
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: SMG
- cik: 0000825542
- company_name: SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO CO
- filed_at: 2026-07-01T20:05:14+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.85
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.85
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/825542/000082554226000032/0000825542-26-000032-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/825542/000082554226000032/smg-20260701.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000825542-26-000032
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000825542-26-000032.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000825542-26-000032.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.