Form 4: Quest Diagnostics Director Reports Phantom Stock Unit Grant

Timothy C. Wentworth, a Director at Quest Diagnostics Inc., reported the acquisition of 198 phantom stock units on April 1, 2026, as part of his director compensation.

Summary

• Timothy C. Wentworth, a Director of Quest Diagnostics Inc., has reported the acquisition of 198 phantom stock units.
• These units were acquired on April 1, 2026, with a transaction code 'A' indicating acquisition.
• The phantom stock units are a result of elective deferrals of a director's cash compensation.
• They are part of the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.
• These units will become payable in cash upon the reporting person's termination of service as a director.
• The reporting person's beneficial ownership of common stock is 198 units, held directly.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral filing, as it represents a routine disclosure of director compensation and does not contain new financial performance data or strategic shifts.

Positives

• Director compensation structure includes deferred compensation plans, indicating a commitment to long-term director engagement.
• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director suggests continued participation and commitment to the company.

Risks

• The value of the phantom stock units is tied to the company's common stock performance, thus subject to market volatility.
• Payment of these units is contingent upon the reporting person's termination of service, introducing a potential timing risk for cash realization.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units are expected to be paid in cash upon the reporting person's termination of service as a director.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the use of phantom stock units and deferred compensation plans is a common practice among publicly traded companies, particularly in the healthcare and diagnostics sector, to attract and retain experienced directors by aligning their interests with long-term shareholder value.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The filing provides transparency into director compensation, which is a component of corporate governance and can indirectly affect shareholder value through director retention and alignment.
• Directors: The phantom stock units represent a form of deferred compensation, impacting the financial remuneration of directors.

Next Steps

• Payment of phantom stock units in cash upon Timothy C. Wentworth's termination of service as a director.

Key Dates

Keywords

Quest Diagnostics, DGX, Form 4, Director Compensation, Phantom Stock Units, Deferred Compensation, Beneficial Ownership, SEC Filing