Form 4: Verizon CEO Acquires Phantom Stock via Deferred Plan

Verizon CEO Daniel H. Schulman acquired 362.97 units of phantom stock through a deferred compensation plan, increasing his indirect beneficial ownership.

Summary

• Daniel H. Schulman, CEO and Director of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), acquired 362.97 units of phantom stock.
• The transaction occurred on October 23, 2025.
• The phantom stock units were acquired indirectly through a deferred compensation plan.
• Each phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and is settled in cash.
• The phantom stock becomes payable upon events established by Schulman in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.
• The acquisition includes phantom stock obtained through dividend reinvestment.
• Following this transaction, Schulman beneficially owns 362.97 phantom stock units.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock by the CEO, especially through a deferred compensation plan and dividend reinvestment, is a routine and generally positive sign of executive alignment with long-term company performance. It doesn't indicate any immediate negative or overwhelmingly positive operational news, but rather a standard compensation event.

Positives

• Acquisition of phantom stock by the CEO indicates continued alignment of executive interests with shareholder value.
• Participation in a deferred compensation plan suggests long-term commitment and strategic financial planning by the executive.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Management Comments

• The phantom stock becomes payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Industry Context

This is a routine insider transaction related to executive compensation, which is a common practice across various industries for aligning executive interests with company performance.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of phantom stock as part of executive compensation and deferred compensation plans is a standard practice within large publicly traded companies, including those in the telecommunications sector.

Related Party Transactions

• Acquisition of phantom stock by CEO Daniel H. Schulman from Verizon Communications Inc. as part of a deferred compensation plan.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The CEO's increased indirect beneficial ownership aligns his interests with long-term shareholder value.
• Management: Reinforces the CEO's commitment to the company through a long-term compensation structure.

Next Steps

• The phantom stock units will become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 reports a routine acquisition of phantom stock by the CEO as part of a deferred compensation plan, including dividend reinvestment. While it signals continued executive alignment, it does not provide new operational or financial information that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. It's a standard compensation event, not a strong indicator for immediate stock price movement.

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, Daniel H. Schulman, CEO, Director, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, Insider Transaction, SEC Form 4, Equity Acquisition